July 11, 2022

 Monday July 11, 2022

Blog time 1130 at Panera

The sun woke me at 0630.  Got up, opened shades, unlocked garage and then headed back to bed until 0730.

Nancy has a busy medical day today.  She has a morning appointment with an endocrinologist doctor for her foot pain and an afternoon appointment with Endoclontic Dentist.  I hope the Dentist can help with her pain from recent tooth extraction.

Today after my morning calisthenics and breakfast I  pedaled to the Y.  I took the short 2 mile route.  First time at Y in almost 2 months.  Several folks wanted to know where I had been.

I did my normal routine except at 60%.  It really felt good.  After my routine I headed to Panera.  Ordered coffee and a blueberry bagel.  Finished yesterday’s blog and the Alpena News.

Left Panera at noon and pedaled home.  Total bike miles today 6.2.  

Showered and then headed to Macatawa Bank to check on a possible deposit from Nancy’s Credit Union Account.  No deposit.   

This morning Nancy visited Dr Batman an endocrinologist.  Everything ok.  No need to return.

Nancy also visited the Dentist and they found two abscessed teeth.  Stay tuned.

As soon as Nancy returned from her Doctor visits we headed to Lake Mi CU.  Finally a nice lady was able to locate the missing $1685.33 from Nancy’ second account.  The money has been combined with other funds into a CD.  Great news.

This and that:

Why don’t the EU and NATO provide a naval escort to get Ukraine grain out of the Black Sea.  Very timid.

Recent polls show that the Florida Governor is favored over Trump for President.  Surely the GOP could do better.

What is wrong with a Voter showing ID.  Good grief I am always asked for my driver’s license for many transactions.

I like the sensible comments of ex GOP Senator Gregg and ex Dem Senator Joe Lieberman.  Our current group of Senators do not want to compromise.

Tonight we had a light dinner.  Watched some news before switching to Acorn and BritBox.  Tonight we watched Crownies on Acorn and Murder in Suburbia on BritBox.  Both good shows.

We had reports of bobcats in our neighborhood.  I have never seen a bobcat in the wild.

The moon was shining bright when checked Courtyard before turning in.  The temp was in mid 70s.  Tomorrow will be another sunny day.

July 10, 2022

 Sunday July 10, 2022

Weekend update for July 9 and 10.

Saturday July 9, 2022

Up at 0645.  Quickly dressed and headed to Gathering Place for our breakfast.  Arrived at 0750 and were able to get our favorite table.

Nancy had a Western Omelette and I had oatmeal with scrambled egg.  We both had raisin toast.

It was a beautiful morning.  Bright sun with temps in high 60s.  We sat by the window and watched the world go by.  Gathering Place allows patrons to sit and relax.

After breakfast we took a short ride and stopped at Panera for our free coffee.  At home Nancy started the laundry.

I ran a few errands using the Focus.  First stop was Macatawa to put some documents in our lock box.  Next stop was D&W for milk, naan and coleslaw for dinner.

Also stopped at Total Wines.  Bought two bottles of dry Riesling.  This wine is made in the Traverse City area.  I like it as a summer drink.

At home I put on bike clothes and took a 5 mile ride around the neighborhood.  Great day for a ride.  Showered and shaved after the ride.  

Spent the rest of the day at home.  For dinner we had pinwheel sandwiches left over from book club.  

At 1930 we started watching Crownies on Acorn.  We watched what I thought was the final two episodes.  Boy was I wrong.  12 episode left.

Debbie FaceTime this evening and we had a nice long talk.  Veronica also called and thanked us for her birthday presents.  She gave an update on the Scott Team.

When checked the Courtyard before bed noted several rabbits feasting on our flowers.  Noted also a bright half moon.  Sunset yesterday was at 2121.  

Sunday July 10, 2022.

I got up at 0645 this morning.  Once again a bright sun woke us.  The temperature was in high 50s.

I dressed and headed to Panera.  I was the first customer.  Order coffee for Nancy and a coffee and bagel for me.

At home fixed an oatmeal breakfast with blueberries to go with my coffee and bagel.  Read the GRP’s funnies and obits before heading to Trinity Lutheran.  Small turnout today.  Most folks are probably vacationing.

After church we took an hour drive.  Drove through rural areas east of our Condo.  The corn is getting high and wheat is turning golden.

At home I read some of the GRP before heading down to office.  Paid several bills and then walked to post box. Continued the walk so I had a mile.  The mile walk was my exercise for the day.

Lunch and then helped Nancy solving some problems associated with her Lake Michigan CU accounts on her iPad.  Not much luck, will visit CU tomorrow.

Made a quick trip to Meijer’s for supplies.  The store was jammed.  Later, found time for a short nap.  

For dinner we finished the pin wheel sandwiches.  Also had coleslaw and the last of the veggie tray from book club.

Watched the news while having dinner.  I like the national news on ABC.  

Tonight we watched “Murder In Suburbia” on BritBox.  We both liked it.

Nearly full bright moon shining bright when checked Courtyard before bed.  The rabbits were busy feeding on our flowers.

Debbie FaceTimed this evening.  She wanted an update on our health.  We were positive.

July 8, 2022

 Friday July 8, 2022

Blog time 1415 sitting at Panera

Slept in until 0730 this morning.  First thing, I headed downstairs for some mild calisthenics followed by an oatmeal breakfast.

Nancy has a busy day today so no MVP.  She has book club at our house today.  BC starts at noon.  Nancy is well prepared.  She has the food and wine for today’s meeting.  Later today we are going the Trinity’s seniors outing.  It starts at 1800.

After breakfast I biked to Panera.  I had my morning coffee and a bagel.  Finished yesterday’s blog.  At 1100 I pedaled home.  Turned on the AC before showering.  Before heading out at 1145 I checked with Nancy to see if she needed any last minute assistance.  She did not everything was under control.

First chore was to drive to Home Depot.  With summer’s high humidity I needed a humidity gage to determine when to turn on the dehumidifier.  Our basement during hot summer days gets very humid.  When the humidity gets above 50% I turn on the dehumidifier.

My next stop was the Cascade Twp library.  I found a comfortable chair and continued reading today’s papers.  Left at 1400, drove by Condo to see if  BC was still in session.  It was.  Drove back to Panera to kill some time.  I bought a bagel.  I enough points so no charge.

Started today’s blog.  Left at 1435 and headed home.

Nancy said BC was a success.  The pin wheel sandwiches were a big hit.  Luckily we bought enough so we can take some to our Senior’s church get together tonight.

Left at 1730 for the Church gathering.  Tonight’s events is in a member’s driveway.  We brought chairs and a picnic basket.  About 30 members were in attendance.  The event took place in a gated community in remote Cascade Twp.  It was a beautiful summer’s evening.  

Nancy and I had an opportunity to move around and talk to most attendees.  The host surprised us with big cupcakes for dessert.  Great evening.  Got home at 2015.

No TV tonight.  Debbie did FaceTime us.  We had a good conversation.

Bright half moon when checked courtyard before bed.  Temperature will drop to mid 50s tonight. But sunny and 80s tomorrow.

July 7, 2022

 Thursday July 7, 2022

We both slept in until 0720.  The bright sun finally got us out of bed.

At home calisthenics before breakfast.  Got on bike and pedaled to Panera for coffee and some reading.  Nancy headed to MVP for treadmill and stationary bike.

Another nice day.  We have had a great summer.  Sun with temps in 80s.  Water temperature in Lake Mi is in 70s.

Left Panera early today and headed home.  Nancy is having Book Club tomorrow and she wants to serve Pin Wheel sandwiches.  Costco has the best.  Friday we are also going to the Church’s Seniors monthly get together.  We bought enough pin wheels for Book Club and Church Seniors.

After unloaded car I took the Escape for gas.  I try to fill up the cars when they are half full.  Recently fill ups have been $50 vs $35 several months ago.

1230 Nancy had a Dentist appointment.  They removed a tooth.  She is having some pain.

After a shower found time for a nap.  Spent rest of afternoon sprucing up for Book Club.

Light dinner followed by News.  I have lost interest in TV news coverage.  The WSJ is my go to source for news.

Tonight we watched another episode of Crownies on Acorn.

Noted a bright half moon when checked Courtyard just before bed.

July 6, 2022

 Wednesday July 6, 2022

Blog time 1730, sitting in living room

Breakfast Club Wednesday 

Up with the 0530 alarm.

Did a few calisthenics before getting dressed.

Stopped at Panera for a quick coffee to take with me downtown.

Traffic was light on freeway.  

It was 0700 when I walked into the University Club, not a minute to spare.

Small turnout today, 14.  Today’s speaker gave a good talk on the upcoming season for GR Opera.  He even sang some tunes from Gilbert and Sullivan’s Pirates of Penanze. 

Rest of day’s activities after BC.

Stopped at Woodland Mall’s Starbucks.  It was pouring rain when arrived.  Finished yesterday’s blog.

On way home stopped at Meijer’s to mail a package to CA.  Also purchased supplies.

At home Nancy and I finished our absentee ballot.  Also paid our summer Cascade Twp taxes.  Walked to Township office to deliver the ballots and taxes.  The office is on Tahoe Drive just west of our condo.

Nancy left home at 1300 for a Dentist appointment.

1400 I had a quick lunch and then put on bike clothes and took a short 2.5 mile ride.  Felt good.

Did a load of laundry this afternoon.

Showered and took a short nap.

Dinner tonight was chicken noodle soup with blueberries.

Stories on the news:  shooting in Highland Park, attempted release of WNBA star held in Russia and Senators Sanders and Warrens attempt the blame the high gas prices on oil companies.  Of course the Dems reckless spending did not impact prices.

Missy FaceTimed tonight.  She mentioned possible trips to San Jose and GR.

Tonight we watched another episode of Crownies on Acorn.

Checked Courtyard before bed.  Looks like the family of skunks living in the courtyard have left.  I think the painters scared them off.  

July 5, 2022

Tuesday July 5, 2022

Blog time 1030 at Panera.

Up this morning at 0700.  Checked outside and noted no damage from last night’s heavy rain.  My iPhone said we got 1.25 inches of rain.

Today Nancy is going to MVP to walk the tread mill.  She has an afternoon appointment with her ENT doctor.

I do some calisthenics before breakfast.  I have not gained full strength yet.  I was able only to do the push-ups and pull-ups at 50%.  It will take time.

I had my normal oatmeal breakfast.  I stopped putting a banana on the oatmeal.  I have switched to blueberries.  Much better.

I have a 1330 appointment with the hip surgeon.  I am hoping for a positive report.

This morning I drove to Panera for coffee and reading of the news.  Panera was not crowded.  If not for the cheap coffee I would not go to Panera.  The place is too cold in summer or winter.

Nancy stopped at Panera on her way home from MVP.  She said her ENT appointment was cancelled.

This and that:

The mass shootings my young men is deplorable.  It defies logic.  

Every evening on the news there is a story on a shooting in GR.  Most are gang related.

The bad mouthing of the USA by semi retarded celebrities is sad.  Yet the news media keeps reporting and supporting these folks.  No wonder the news organizations are held in low esteem.

Reporting on the war in Ukraine has been relegated to the back pages.  Sad because Putin is destroying the Ukraine cities.

Nancy and I just received our absentee ballots for the primaries.  We will complete tomorrow.

Got home from Panera at 1230.  Quick lunch and then headed to my appointment with hip Surgeon.

X-rays were taken and they showed the hip is healing well.  The PA checked the scar and said I should resume normal activities.  Good news.

For dinner tonight Nancy fixed chicken noodle soup with blueberries.  Very good.

Watched the news followed by an episode of the Crownies on Acorn.  Checked Courtyard before and everything ok.  Rain later tonight. 

July 4, 2022

 Monday July 4, 2022

Blog time 1800 sitting in living room

I am back with the blog.  My last blog was May 24.  I took time off while recovering from left hip surgery.  I had a total left hip replacement on May 26.  The surgeon put in a new titanium hip.  The operation was a success.  

Comments on hip surgery:

We were told that I would be immobile for the first several weeks.  No stair climbing.  We bought a walker and a cane for me.  I moved most of my office upstairs to the living room.

On the day of the surgery, Thursday May 26, Nancy drove me to UM surgical center in Grand Rapids.  The surgery was scheduled for 1000.  Every thing went on time.  Total time for the operation was 45 minutes.  Of course recovery was longer but we were home by late afternoon.  I was heavily sedated.  

The first 10 days I was confined to home.  The pain killing drugs gave me some brain fog.  Within two week things were getting better.  Each day I took a 0.25 mile walk.  I was even able to climb stairs slowly.  June 9 I had my three week checkup and was told I was making great progress.  I even started driving my car to Panera’s.  

After a month I started resuming calisthenics and some short bike rides.  My biggest problem was sleeping.   I had bad hip pain no matter what position I selected.  The Surgeon’s office said that the sleeping hip pain was common and would eventually end.  

I now think I am nearly fully recovered except for sleeping.  Tomorrow July 5 I have an appointment with the Surgeon.  Stay tuned.

My hero throughout the recovery was Nancy.  She helped me getting dressed especially with putting on my shoes and socks, brought me things when I was confined to chair, and drove me everywhere.  She provided support and love.  Love you Nancy.

Today July 4, Nancy and I got up at 0700, dressed and headed to Panera for our morning coffee.  We then drove to our old neighborhood to see the Hollyhock Lane 4th of July parade.  Hollyhock Lane is in our old Ottawa Hills neighborhood.  The parade is the longest continuous parade in Mi, over 50 years.  All our children were participants in the Parade.  We had a great time and saw a lot of old neighbors.

This and that:

We have had a great string of weather.  Sunny days with temps in 80.

Yesterday we drove to Saugatuck for breakfast.  We were surprised that for a holiday Saugatuck was not crowded.

The political climate has not changed:

President Biden still seem confused.

Trump is a cancer on the GOP.

Our Condo is being painted.  They should be done by 9th.

The citizens are in a bad mood.  Will niceness ever come back?

NATO has made timid response to Putin.  Some firmness would probably make him back off.

The mid term elections are in full swing.  We just got our absentee ballots.

THE DUMBEST SPORTS MOVE WAS ALLOWING UCLA AND USC INTO THE BIG TEN.  IT IS ALL ABOUT MONEY.  SHAME ON UM AND THE OTHERS.

Nancy and I are getting close to moving to a senior living community.  It might happen in several months.

After the Hollyhock Lane parade we took a long ride home.  At home we spent most of the day inside.  The temperature reached the high 80s.  We did take a short 0.8 mile walk.

For dinner tonight Nancy fixed me two fried eggs on a waffle.  It was great.

Tonight we watch an Australian show on Acorn.  It was called Crownies.  We gave it a solid B.  

It was raining when checked Courtyard before bed.  Temperature was 72.  Heavy rain predicted for tonight.