Message 1501

Jason has fixed my blog problem, so this will be the first message that I have been able also to post on my blog for a long time. I will not bother though to go back and post all of those that I have had to skip. Today is the primary election day in California, but the only issue I feel strongly about is the cigarette tan initiative. The tobacco companies have spent so much money and waged such a misleading media campaign against it that it may lose. Yesterday in addition to watching all of my PBS shows, I read some more on my Kindle. I feel good today.

Message 1500

I just measured my blood pressure just now and got 142/92 with a heart rate of 65. These first numbers are a little high, but I am not worried. Yesterday I finished reading The Economist and Science. In the evening I went to dinner and a movie with the Morrills and the Ariagnos. We ate at a place in Los Altos and then went to a movie called Crooked Arrows. It was about kids on an Indian reservation playing La Cross against prep school teams. It presumably was based on a true story. It was a feel good movie with the Indians finally winning a game at the end. I give it three stars. I feel good today.

Message 1457

Yesterday I finished reading Train Dreams by Denis Johnson. The best thing about it is that it was short. Otherwise it was kind of boring. In the evening Josh came over with pizza to watch the hockey game with me. St. Louis scored in the first period and then scores again in the third period. The Sharks finally scored one too, but again it was too little and too late. The Sharks lost 1-2. The next game is Saturday afternoon in St. Louis. I feel good today.

Message 1456

I did not get up until noon today. I think my catheter change is finally catching up with me. However, it is not as bad as it has been in the past. I finished The Help yesterday. I thought it was very good. I still have not seen the movie though. Yesterday I downloaded a new book called Train Dreams which I heard about on The News Hour as one of the books that was thought not to be good enough to merit the Pulitzer Prize for fiction this year. It is a rather strange book, but I am not far enough into it yet to pass judgment on it. I feel good today.

Message 1455

So far changing my catheter has not been anywhere near as bad as usual. Maybe I am getting adjusted to it. Yesterday I read on my Kindle and watched disk 2 of Canterbury’s Law. I think it was the end. The series must have been cancelled. It was not very good, so good riddance I say. I feel good today.

Message 1454

Yesterday I went to PAMF and had my catheter changed. So far it seems to have gone a little better this time. In the evening Josh came over with fish and chips to watch the hockey game with me. St. Louis scored the first goal and the Sharks trailed 1-4 in the third period. They finally scored a couple of more goals, but it was too late, so they lost 3-4. They play again Thursday night, so we can only hope they get back on track by then. I feel good today.

Message 1453

Yesterday I mostly read on my Kindle. In the evening I watched PBS The Mystery of Edwin Drood. It is the last book that Dickens wrote but died before he finished. An ending was recently added by a woman who guessed what Dickens would have written, but in my opinion she need not have bothered. It is a strange story that is hard to make sense of. The motives of the characters are far fetched and inconsistent. When it was over I watched the news and read some more on my Kindle. I had a good sleep last night. I feel good today.

Message 1452

Yesterday afternoon I watched the hockey game. Josh had gone skiing on Mt. Shasta, so he did not join me, which was just as well because the Sharks lost to St. Louis 0-3. It was not a good game. It even started out with Vlassic putting the puck in his own net. In the evening I watched two movies on PBS, Bullitt and The French Lieutenant’s Woman, both of which I had seen in the theater years ago when they first came out. It had forgotten most of them, but I enjoyed seeing them again. I also read more on my Kindle and had a good night’s sleep. I feel good today.

Message 1451

Yesterday after the Friday PBS shows, I watched disk 2 of Body and Soul, about the nun who leaver her order to help her family cope with their problems. It thought it was pretty good. If it were a movie, I would give it four stars. I feel good today.

Message 1450

Yesterday Josh came over and watched the hockey game with me. The Sharks beat St. Louis in the second overtime period. Because the game was in St. Louis it started at 4:30 PM Pacific Time, so we planned to go out to eat after the game, but we had not planned on overtime. Especially because playoff overtimes are full 20-minute periods (although sudden death), and the second overtime was almost over before the Sharks were able to score a goal and win the game 3-2. We then went to The Dutch Goose and had burgers and fries, but we made it back by 9 PM and so were able to watch the end of the game between Phoenix and Chicago which also went to overtime, but Phoenix won. All three teams from the Sharks Conference won their first game playoff game (San Jose, Phoenix, and San Jose), so it shows that the Sharks had to play in the toughest conference, and it it no wonder they had to struggle to make the playoffs this year. I feel good today.

Message 1449

Yesterday I watched Disk 1 of a Netflix DVD called Body and Soul. It is about a girl who becomes a nun and after sixteen years begins to have second thoughts about her situation. It dose not sound like it would be very good, but I found it to be very well done and interesting to watch. In the evening I read some more on my Kindle (“The Help.”) I feel good today.

Message 1448

It has been a while since I took my blood pressure, so here are today’s readings: 143/80 with a heart rate of 60. These numbers are not too bad. Yesterday I watched Netflix DVDs of a BBC production called Portrait of a Marriage. It was a biopic about a woman named Sackville-West. I had never heard of her, but she was British aristocracy in the first half of the 20th century. She was a writer of some fame, but I never read any of her stuff. Despite all of her advantages and opportunities, her life was troubled and tedious to watch in spite of her open and bi-sexual marriage. If it were a movie, I would give it two stars. I feel good today. This morning I was reminded of something I read years ago that everyday life is putting it all together again from scratch.

Message 1447

Yesterday I watched a Netflix DVD of a BBC production called Fingersmith. It was about a gang of pickpockets and con-artists who went to great lengths to get money from people. It was interesting, but hard to follow the complex plot. I also read more on my Kindle. I feel good today. It takes me a while every day to work out what day it is. Fortunately I can check my computer and use its calendar to settle the matter.

Message 1446

Yesterday afternoon Vanessa and Julian brought Annie over to see me withy a plate of food. I will eat it for lunch today. They had been away for a week at Disneyland and up in the mountains while their new house (next door) is being worked on. Later in the afternoon I drove to Umbach’s for Easter dinner. I was shocked to realize that Jack and Audrey, Jamie and Chelsea’s twins are nearly four years old now. They had a great time sitting at the kid’s table with Ellie and Caroline and constantly giggling. Jason was good enough to fix me a plate of food so I did not have to get up. The food was good and the company was great. Walt is suffering now from an infected big toe by bacteria that is hard to kill. He has already lost the toenail, He has to go to urgent care every day for more treatments. In the evening I watched the last installment of Great Expectations, followed by a documentary about Dickens’ secret lover in the last few years of his life. I had an unusually good sleep last night. I feel good today.

Message 1445

Last night Josh came over and brought food from Boston Market and watched the hockey game with me. The Sharks beat the LA Kings in overtime, so The Sharks took seventh place in the playoff standings and LA took eighth place. LA will thus have to play Vancouver in the first round of the playoffs while the Sharks will have to play St. Louis. In previous games this season the Sharks found St. Louis to be unbeatable, but when St. Louis lost to Phoenix recently it looked like they may have lost their magic, so maybe the Sharks will have a chance. This morning I took a shower, so I will be clean to join a dozen others, including the Davidsons and their twins and Jason and Susan and their girls, for Easter dinner at Umbach’s. I am bringing four bottles of sparkling cider, so even the kids will have plenty to drink. I have also done a load of wash. I feel good today.

Messge 1444

Last night Joshua called me and told me the hockey game between St. Louis and Phoenix was on TV, so T watched the third period. I was surprised to see St Louis lose to Phoenix. I thought St Louis was practically unbeatable. Phoenix has now taken first place in our conference. Depending on how tonight’s games turn out the Sharks may have either third place or last place in the playoffs-standings. At least they are in the playoffs, and if they can not beat all the teams, they won’t make it to the Stanley cup finals anyway, so I suppose it does not really matter in what order the play the other teams. I started reading The Help on my Kindle yesterday. I have not seen the movie, but I have seen a lot of discussion of it on TV. I feel good today.

Message 1443

Last night Josh brought in burgers and fries from In and Out Burger and watched the hockey game with me. The Sharks beat LA 6-5 in an overtime shootout. They now are assured a place in the playoffs. If they win their next game, they may even win their Division. I feel good today.

Message 1442

Yesterday I finished reading Outlaw Platoon by Sean Parnell on my Kindle. I thought it was very good. I also watched Disk two of Bleak House. I feel good today.

Message 1441

Yesterday I read some more on my Kindle and watched Disk One of Bleak House. I had seen Bleak House before, but I had forgotten most of it. I have watched so many movies now that I recognize the performers from other movies. Bleak House is full of famous British actors and actresses, but when I first saw it on PBS years ago I did not know who they were. Now they are all like old friends. I feel good today.

Message 1440

Yesterday I read some more on my Kindle and watched Disk One of Bleak House. I had seen Bleak House before, but I had forgotten most of it. I have watched so many movies now that I recognize the performers from other movies. Bleak House is full of famous British actors and actresses, but when I first saw it on PBS years ago I did not know who they were. Now they are all like old friends. I feel good today.

1439

Yesterday I read more on my Kindle and finished The Economist. In the evening I watched the new Masterpiece Theater production of Great Expectations. This morning I took a shower and started a load of laundry. I feel good today.

Message 1438

Yesterday, In addition to changing my sheets and doing laundry, I read quite a bit more on my Kindle. My new book is Outlaw Platoon by Sean Parnell. It is the true story of a platoon leader’s experiences in Afghanistan. I saw him interviewed on the Tavis Smiley show a short while back, and he sounded interesting. Last night I watched the hockey game. Josh did not join me because he went to Jason’s birthday party in Los Gatos. The Sharks beat Dallas 3-0 and moved back into last place in the playoff race. They play Dallas in San Jose again on Tuesday, after which they play LA again home and away on Thursday and Saturday to end their regular season. I feel good today.

Message 1437

I just got back from having lunch at The Oasis with Julian and Annie. Julian also stopped by Wells Fargo so I could pick up some more cash. I plan to wash my sheets today too. I feel good today.

Message 1436

Yesterday Josh brought in food from Boston Market and watched the hockey game with me. The Sharks were shutout by Phoenix 0-2. Josh and I are pretty discouraged. They have four games left in the regular season. If they win all of them, they should make the playoffs. If they lose one of them, they may still have a chance, but it is not likely they will go far. I feel good today. I have laundry in the machine as I write this.

Message 1435

Yesterday Josh came over with burgers and fries and watched the hockey game with me. The Sharks played the Anaheim Ducks in another close game. Anaheim scored the first goal, but soon after Ryan Clowe tied the score. It was tied one goal apiece until the third period when Anaheim scored again (Temu Selanie, no less). The referee awarded another goal to the Ducks on a questionable call on an empty netter at the end of the game, so unless that is overturned by the NHL the Sharks ended up losing by a score of 1-3, which puts them out of the playoffs again, but they still have five games left in the season, all against their Division rivals. I feel good today.

Message 1434

Yesterday was Melanie and Amelia’ s 17th birthday, so Jason drove his whole family up to Menlo Park and we went out to dinner. Jason turns forty on Saturday, and Caroline turns twelve on the following Friday (6 April), so we had a big birthday celebration, in spite of the fact that it was raining cats and dogs. I gave out envelopes to to four birthday people, but I later learned that I accidentally shortchanged Caroline by $20, so I will have to make that up to her at my next opportunity. After dinner I read some more on my Kindle, then watched Charlie Rose. I feel good today.

Message 1433

Josh came over last night and brought fish and chips to watch the hockey game with me. The Sharks beat Colorado 5-1, including an empty netter by Ryan Clowe near the end of the game. The victory put the Sharks back into their Division lead with it associated number three playoff spot, at least for the time being. However, they will have to keep winning to hold on to it. They have six games remaining in their season, and they are all against Division rivals, so it is going to continue to be do or die for them. I feel good today.

Message 1432

This morning I cancelled my dentist appointment for teeth cleaning. I told them that it is getting difficult for me to drive, and I do not know if I will lie much longer, so I did not want to reschedule. If I need help with pain I will schedule an emergency appointment and arrange to have someone drive me. I brush and floss every day, so I have no concerns about my teeth. It is a big relief for me not to have to leave the condo. Yesterday I finished reading The Economist. In the evening There was only fundraising on PBS, so I watched the last disk of Any Human Heart. Even though I had seen it broadcast on PBS years ago, I had almost completely forgotten it. By the end, I was very impressed by what an ambitious story it was. It was the story of the 20th century told from the point of view of one person’s life. If it were a movie I would give it four stars. I am feeling much better today.

Message 1431

Josh brought in Chinese food and watched the hockey game with me last night. The Sharks beat Phoenix 4-3 in an overtime shootout. It was good to get the two points, but it was troubling to give up three goals in the process. I am feeling a little better today. Also, the rain has stopped, at least for a while.

Message 1430

I just got back from having lunch with Julian, and Beech, and Annie. I spent a good part of yesterday and this morning in bed, but I am feeling a little better now. I woke up last night in time to watch Charlie Rose. I should be well enough to watch the Sharks game tonight.

MMessage 1429

I am late sending this message today because I have not been well. I have been napping, so I am gradually improving. I received a grocery delivery from Safeway. Yesterday I watched the hockey game. Josh had to work late, so he could not join me. The Sharks beat last year’s Stanley cup winners, the Boston Bruins 2-1. I hope tomorrow will be a better day.

Message 1428

Yesterday I took a shower and went to PAMF to h have my catheter changed. In the evening I watched disk one of the Netflix DVD “Any Human Heart.” After I started watching it I realized I had seen it before years ago when it aired on PBS Masterpiece Theater, but I had forgotten most of it, so I enjoyed watching it again. If it were a movie I would give it three stars. I feel good today.

Message 1427

Yesterday Josh brought in Mexican food and watched the hockey game with me. The Sharks gave up five goals to the LA Kings, which included an empty netter at the end. The Sharks lost 2-5 and so have fallen out of the playoff standings, at least for the time being. However, they still have nine games to play before their season is over, including two more against the LA Kings, so they still have a mathematical chance. Josh and I are pretty discouraged though. I feel good today health-wise.

Message 1426

It has been a while since I took my blood pressure, so I just did and the numbers are 132/82 with a heart rate of 58, which are relatively good numbers. Yesterday Joshua brought in pizza and watched the hockey game with me. The Sharks scored the first two goals, but then lost to Anaheim 3-5, so it was a disappointing game for us. We also switched to the Warriors game from time to time to watch the Chris Mullin retirement ceremony. The Warriors ended up losing that game too at the very end, as often happens. I read some more on my Kindle too. I also watched a good interview with Isabella Allende too on PBS, before Charlie Rose.

Message 1425

Yesterday I finished reading Science and also The Economist. Then I read more on my Kindle. Because there are nothing but fundraisers on PBS I watched disk one of “The Way We Live Now.” It is a BBC dramatization of the Trollope novel, which has two disks. I find it quite good, even if it is tiresome to watch more of the British struggles with manners and how girls get married. I feel good today.

Message 1424

Yesterday I had lunch with Julian, Beech, and Annie at the Oasis. It is the first time I have been to the Oasis in many years. In the evening Joshua came over with burgers and fries and watched the hockey game with me. The Sharks beat Detroit in overtime. It was another hard-fought game. I feel good today.

Message 1423

Yesterday I drove my car for the first time in over two weeks. I had to go to the local shopping center to pick up my laundry, get some cash from Wells Fargo, and pick up a refill for my Prozac prescription. I managed it just fine, but I am glad I don’t have to do it often. After the Friday PBS shows were over last night I read some more on my Kindle, then, after the local news, I watched Charlie Rose and turned in. I feel good today.

Message 1422

Yesterday morning I watched a Netflix DVD named “Hugo.” It was a fairy tale for children set in the Paris railway station between world wars 1 and 2. It may have been OK for children, but I could not suspend disbelief. I give it 2 stars. Last night I watched the Sharks beat Nashville 2-1 in an overtime shootout. Nashville scored in the first period, then Joe Thornton tied it in the third period. Ryan Clowe scored the winning shootout goal. Josh was at the game, so I am sure he was pleased. I feel good today.

Message 1421

Yesterday I napped in the afternoon after The News Hour was finished on PBS at 4 PM. In the evening I then read on my Kindle until the 10- o’clock News. I turned in after watching Charlie Rose. I saw on the news that the Warriors lost to Boston, so I was just as glad I had not watched them. I feel good today. I decided not to RE-FI my mortgage. It turned out I could only save half a point on my interest rate.

Message 1420

Yesterday Josh brought in pizza and watched the hockey game with me. The Sharks lost 2-3 in overtime to the Calgary Flames. The Sharks scored the first goal, but then fell behind and caught up in the third period, but they could not put the game away. At least they got one point out of it. They are now in a three-way tie for the last play-off spot. I feel good today.

Message 419

Yesterday afternoon before the hockey game started, I watched a Netflix DVD called Sometimes in April. It was about the killings in Rwanda a few years ago. It was a docu-drama that showed what a horrible experience it was for both sides of the fighting, so it was not fun to watch. I give it three stars. After the movie, Josh came over and brought in fish and chips and watched the hockey game with me. It was hard-fought like all the recent games, but this time the Sharks were able to beat the Edmonton Oilers 3-2. I got a proposal in the mail yesterday to refinance my mortgage, so I am considering it. I feel good today.

Message 1418

Yesterday I watched the Golden State Warriors beat the LA Clippers in NBA basketball. The Warriors played well again, so it was fun to watch them beat another good team for the second night in a row. Afterward it was another fundraising night on PBS, so I watched the final disk of Freaks and Geeks. The series ended with the Grateful Dead’s American Beauty album being featured as part of the story, which ends with the main characters hitting the road following the Dead in a van with Dead stickers to the sound of Ripple playing. This entire week will be nothing but PBS fundraisers, so I should be able to watch Charlie Rose at 8 PM and get adjusted to Daylight Savings Time. I feel good today.

Message 1417

When I went to bed last night after setting my clocks ahead to 2 AM to get on Daylight Saving’s Time, I realized I had neglected to send out my daily message, so this is a double message, although I am numbering it as if it is one of my usual messages. On Saturday I went to lunch with Julian and Beech at El Cerrito. After lunch we stopped in Safeway next door to pick up a couple of things I had left off my previous day’s delivery. In the evening Josh came over and brought food from Boston Market and watched the hockey game with me. The Sharks lost to Phoenix 0-3. They played well, but the Phoenix goalie was just too good. They have now lost their place in the playoff standings, but they still should be able to get it back. After the hockey game, Josh and I watched the Golden State Warriors beat Dallas in NBA basketball. It was a good game and very satisfying to see our local team beat last year’s champions. I finished reading The Economist after the game. It came in Friday’s mail this week, so I have already been able to finish it. I feel good today.

Message 1416

Yesterday I watched the Sharks play Dallas in hockey. The game started early because it was played in the Central time zone, so Josh was not able to join me. Dallas scored the first goal midway in the second period and Torrey Mitchell tied it up in the last second of the second period. In the third period the Sharks went ahead and then Dallas immediately tied it up on a couple of different occasions. They went to overtime tied 3-3, then to a shootout, which in the fifth level Dallas finally scored, so the Sharks lost 3-4. All of the Sharks game seem to follow the same pattern now. They are all hard fought and close, with goals hard to come by. It is already like playoff hockey in its intensity. At least the Sharks got one point out of it last night, but it is going to be tough for them to make the playoffs if very many of the remaining games go like this. I am expecting a Safeway grocery delivery within the next four hours. I feel good today.

Message 1415

Yesterday afternoon I watched another disk of the Freaks and Geeks series. I the evening I watched Les Miz again on PBS. It is one of their favorite fundraisers. It still impresses me how emotional I get when I watch it. Afterwards I watched the news and Charlie Rose. I feel good today.

Message 1413

Yesterday I read some more on my Kindle and turned in early. This morning I paid the next installment on my property taxes. I also found the missing paper work on the credit card charges that were missing the other day. I feel good today.

Message 1414

Congratulations to Alex and his hockey team on winning their game and becoming State Champions! Yesterday I watched the Sharks Lose to the Edmonton Oilers 2-3 in and overtime shootout. At least we got one point out of it. Josh was at the game, and I’m sure he was disappointed. The Sharks are going to have to struggle to even make the playoffs now. I feel good today.

Message 1412

Yesterday I finished reading The Economist and Science. In the evening there was nothing but fundraising on PBS, so I finished reading Empire of Light by Gregory Earls. I also downloaded a new book recommended by Liz called Cutting for Stone. I am about ten percent of the way through, and it is very good. I feel good today.

Message 1411

Yesterday Jason and Josh both came over to watch the hockey game with me. Before the game Jason and I watched most of the Ray Kursweil disk, Transcendent man. I gave him the disk to watch at home. Josh brought in food from Boston Market. Jason had taken Melanie to babysit for Jamie and Chelsea’s twins. The Sharks lost to St. Louis 1-3. The Blues have gotten so good I expect they will win the Stanley cup this year. They not only play well but they get the breaks of the game going their way. Before the game I watched disk 3 of Freaks and Geeks. I feel good today.

Message 1410

After the usual Friday night PBS shows I watched disk 2 of season 1 of Freaks and Geeks. I spent the whole day thinking it was Saturday until Liz called in the afternoon and told me it was Friday.. I guess throwing up had a bigger effect on my mind than I thought. I have spent the morning paying my credit card bill and balancing my checkbook. I have several credit card receipts that I don’t seem to have been charged for. Maybe my mind is slipping after all. I do feel good today though.

Message 1409

The Sharks ended up losing their hockey game yesterday against Buffalo 0-1. I had a good sleep last night and had a good breakfast this morning. I have done laundry and washed all the vomit out of my clothes. I feel good today and hope I never throw up again.

Message 1408

I went to Heidi’s Pies this morning to have breakfast with Reggie. but after I drank my hot chocolate, I threw up all over the table and my clothes. After I recovered I drove home and went to bed. I slept for about four hours and went to PAMF for my appointment with the nephrologist. He was a nice guy and ordered a few more lab tests, but I am doubtful that he will make any improvements. He did suggest that I reduce my Labetalol from two pills a day to two half pills a day. I am now watching the hockey game between the Sharks and Buffalo. The Sharks are trailing 0-1 in the second period. I think Josh is at the game.

Message 1407

Yesterday Josh brought over burgers and fries and watched the hockey game with me. Ryan Clowe scored a goal in the second minute of the game, and after that it was all defense. The Sharks beat Philadelphia 1-0. It was a very fast and fun game to watch. It was good to see the Sharks get back to playing at a high level. I feel good today.

Message 1406

Yesterday I finished reading The Economist and started reading Science. I had to move my car out of the parking garage last night because the lateral sewer lines have to be cleaned today. I finally found a semi-legal spot to park it outside, but several cars were still in the garage yet to be moved, so I don’t know what they will do. I feel good today.

Message 1405

Yesterday afternoon I went to the Oscar dinner party at the Ariagnos with the Morrills. I was glad that I saw The Artist the night before since it won most of the big prizes. I have learned that Alex’s hockey game was yesterday, so I am going to try to watch it online today as a replay. I feel good today.

Message 1404

Yesterday I tried to watch Alex’s hockey game, but when I went to the website Ethan sent I could not get the video to play. I must have been doing something wrong. Josh came over later and brought food from Boston Market. I had the roast chicken and we watched the Sharks lose to Nashville. The Sharks got behind by two goals in the first few minutes of the game and never were able to catch up, although they came close a couple of times. They ended up losing 3-6, including a couple of empty netters at the end. In the late evening Larry and Judy called and asked if I would like to go see The Artist with them. I had seen a lot of discussion about it on Charlie Rose, but I thought it was a little boring. I liked watching the dancing at the end though. I give it three stars. I feel good today.

Message 1403

Yesterday after the usual Friday PBS shows, I read some more on my Kindle. I am getting near the end now and it will soon be time to download another. I feel good today., but I am concerned that my doctor says I need to consult with a nephrologistas indicated in the message below.

Dear Mr. Basler,
Your Blood count shows that the anemia is stable.
Your Basic Metabolic Panel (electrolytes, kidney test, glucose) shows decreased renal function, but not as severe as when you were hospitalized previously. I think a consult with a nephrologist would be good to make sure we have optimized your care. Please call for an appointment:
Nephrology Department
650-853-6795
Level 2
If you have any questions, please email or call my office 650-853-2984.
Sincerely,
Sherry Huang, M.D.
Department of Family Medicine
Palo Alto Medical Clinic

Message 1401

I had breakfast at Heidi’s Pies with Reggie this morning. Yesterday I watched the Golden State Warriors beat Phoenix in Phoenix in NBA basketball. The Warriors were never behind until the last minute or so of the game, but they ended up winning because they made their last shot and the Suns missed theirs. I feel good today.

Message 1402

I forgot to mention in yesterday’s message that I went to PAMF to have my catheter changed. Yesterday Josh came over and watched the third period of the hockey game with me. The game was played in the eastern time zone, so he was not able to make it for the start of the game. The Sharks beat the Toronto Mapleleafs 2-1. After the game we went to the Dutch Goose for burgers and fries. The place was crowded as always, but the food was good. Afterward I read some more on my Kindle and turned in after the news. I will have to watch the Charlie Rose Brain Series at noon today. I feel good today.

Message 1400

Yesterday I watched the local NBA team, the Golden State Warriors, beat the LA Clippers in another exciting game. When the Warriors are on their game they can beat even good teams, but so far they are not going to make the playoffs. Yesterday I finished reading The Economist and started reading Science. I feel good today.

Message 1399

Yesterday morning I watched the Sharks game on NBC as part of their Hockey in America program. The Sharks lost to the Detroit Redwings 2-3. They tied the game at 2-2 in the third period, but could not stop the last Detroit goal and so lost the game. Josh and I then went out to lunch at El Cerrito after I replenished my supply of $20-bills at Wells Fargo. In the evening I watched the last episode of Downton Abbey. I suppose most of you do not have a holiday today. I was surprised when Josh told me he would be working, but he said he does not get any holidays between New Years Day and Memorial Day. I have forgotten what it is like to work. Jason came over in the late afternoon and did my 2011-taxes with Turbo Tax. It was awfully nice of him and a big relief to me to get them out of the way. My urine bag came disconnected during the night so I had to wash my sheets and mattress pad this morning. If it’s not one thing it’s another. I do feel good today though.

Message 1398

Yesterday Josh came over and brought food from Boston Market and watched the Warriors game with me. Unfortunately the Warriors missed their last shot and so lost the game. Today is hockey day in America, so I am watching the Sharks play the Detroit Redwings. The first period is over and the Sharks are behind 0-1. Josh should be over soon to watch the rest of the game with me. I feel good today.

Message 1397

Yesterday afternoon I watched the Sharks lose to the Carolina Hurricanes 2-3. The Sharks gave up two goals in the first period, then they tied it up in the third period, but they eventually gave up another goal. They are losing entirely too many games lately. I wonder if they will make it very far in the playoffs. I feel good today.

Message 1396

Yesterday I had two appointments at PAMF, one with my family doctor who sent me to the lab for blood tests for things like cholesterol, and one with my dermatologist who froze a few bumps on my head and hands. In the late afternoon Joshua brought in pizza and watched the third period of the hockey game with me. The Sharks lost to Tampa Bay in overtime 5-6, so at least they got one point out of it. I started reading a new book on my Kindle. It is called Empire of Light. I am not yet far enough into it to decide whether it is very good or not. I feel good today.

Message 1395

Yesterday there were no local sports teams on TV so I finished reading my Kindle book (Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close.) I thought it got kind of tedious after about the halfway point. I also watched the last disk on season one of Big Love. I feel good today.

Message 1303

Yesterday I watched the Sharks beat to Washington Capitols 5-3 in an NHL game. Josh was up skiing, so he was not able to join me. Later I watched the NBA game between the Warriors and the Phoenix Suns. It was a close game, but the Warriors were able to pull out the victory. They are on a roll now. If they can keep this up, they might even make the playoffs. I feel good today.

Message 1302

Yesterday I finished reading The Economist and also this week’s Science. In the afternoon Josh brought in food from Boston Market and watched the hockey game with me. Unfortunately the Sharks lost to the St. Louis Blues 0-3. The Blues are playing so well now that even when the Sharks had a power play they generally could not even get a shot on goal. The Sharks never had a five on three power plays, but the Blues had three of them and were able to score on two and finally scored an empty netter at the end of the game to give them the 0-3 win. After hockey we watched NBA basketball with the Warriors playing Houston. Even though Houston is a very good team, the Warriors are playing at such a high level, especially with 3-point shooting, that they were able to win a hard-fought game. Later in the evening I watched a two-hour episode of Downton Abbey on PBS. I thought it was going to be the last of the series because just like the end of the original Upstairs Downstairs series the Spanish flu after World War One killed off one of the women characters and resolved some of the plot questions, but it turned out that the series will continue next week. I feel good today.

Message 1301

Yesterday Safeway delivered my first grocery order. Jason helped me figure out how to place the order when he was here Friday evening. The delivery man called and I buzzed him in and he brought the stuff into my condo, so I did not have to go outside at all. It will be a big relief for me not to have to go to the grocery stare every week. Yesterday I also watched disk 3 of Big Love. I also read over half of The Economist which came on Friday. I turned in at midnight and had a good sleep. I feel good today.

Message 1300

Jason, Susan, and Ellie came over last night and brought in Chinese food to join Josh and me in watching the hockey game. The Sharks beat Chicago 5-3. Ellie says she likes to watch sports. She went to the previous Sharks game against Calgary with Jason and Josh. The Sharks scored the first two goal, but the Blackhawks caught up. It was a close game, but the Sharks were able to hold on for the eventual victory. I watched Charlie Rose before I turned in. I feel good today.

Message 1299

Yesterday, in addition to my usual PBS shows, I read more on my Kindle. It has been a while since I measured my blood pressure , so it is now 129/75 with a heart rate of 70. These numbers are good, so I guess it is OK that I rarely measure it. Yesterday I also watched disk 2 of Big Love. I feel good today.

Message 1298

I just got back from having breakfast at Heidi’s Pies with Reggie and Henry. This is Henry’s last week before he has to head back to the east coast. Last night I watched the Sharks lose to Calgary 3-4. The Sharks went down two goals early and spent the rest of the game playing catch-up. They tied the score twice,but fell short in the end. They have now lost two games in a row. but they still lead their division. Josh was at the game, so I am sure he was disappointed. I fee good today.

Message 1297

Yesterday I watched disk 1 of “Big Love,” an HBO series about a Mormon polygamist family with three wives. It has a good cast and is well done, but is not very sexy. Aside from the polygamy, it reminds me of life at Fenwick Island with a large group of people with lots of kids living together, with all the normal uproar and personality clashes. Last night I watched the NBA game between the Golden State Warriors and Oklahoma City. It was a very close game with numerous lead changes, but like most NBA games, the team that made the last basket won. In this case the Warriors lost by three points, but it was a fun game to watch. Josh called me and reminded me of the game before it started, but he was not able to join me. I also read some more on my Kindle and am now about 25% of the way through my new book. I feel good today.

Message 1296

Yesterday I downloaded a couple of new books to read on my Kindle. I started reading the one called “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close.” It is about a nine-year old boy whose father dies at the World Trade Center on 9/11. I am about 16% of the way through it. It is very well written. I turned in after Charlie Rose and had a good sleep. I feel good today.

Message 1295

Yesterday I finished reading The Economist and watched the last disk of Season one of Swingtown. I also finished the Steve Jobs book on my Kindle. It was very good. In the afternoon I watched the Super Bowl and was slightly sorry to see the Giants win since Tom Brady grew up in Los Gatos where Jason and his family live. In the evening I watched the next episode of Downton Abbey on PBS. I also read the new Science. I feel good today.

Message 1294

Yesterday The Economist came in the mail and I started reading it. I called Josh and told him I was going to dinner and a movie with the Ariagnos and Morrills, so would not be able to watch the Sharks game with him. I later saw on the news that the Sharks lost to Phoenix 3-5, including an empty netter by Phoenix at the end. It was my turn to pick the movie so I picked The Artist (the famous new silent movie.) We had a good dinner, but when we went to the movie we learned it was sold out, so we drove to Sunnyvale and went to see The Grey, in which Liam Neeson plays a professional hunter who protects oil workers from wolves. A plane filled with Neeson and some oil workers crashes on the way to Anchorage, but seven of them survive the crash and the blizzard and are picked off one by one by a pack of wolves. It is a bizarre story about survival in a kill or be killed harsh environment. I cringed at all the impossible things that I knew from experience were not reasonable, but at least it kept me awake. I feel good today.

Message 1293

Yesterday after the regular PBS shows I read some more on my Kindle and watched the local news and then watched Charlie Rose. I slept in late this morning. I feel good today.

Message 1292

Yesterday I watched the Sharks beat Dallas in hockey 5-2. Josh was at the game with Kevin, but I did not see him in the stands. I also read some more on my Kindle and watched another disk of Swingtown. I feel good today.

Message 1291

I just got back from having breakfast at Heidi’s Pies with Reggie and Henry. On my way home I stopped at Safeway to do my weekly grocery shopping. Last night I watched disk 2 of Swingtown. I watched Charlie Rose at 8 PM so I could turn in early. I also read some more on my Kindle. I feel good today.

Message 1290

Yesterday I watched the Sharks beat Columbus 6-0 in an NHL game. Josh was at the game, so he was not able to join me. It was good to see the Sharks play well, but Columbus started a lot of fights, especially near the end of the game, so I guess they resented being made to look so bad. Between periods in the hockey game I switched channels to watch the Warriors play Sacramento in basketball. It was a close game with the warriors trailing slightly for the first three quarters, but in the fourth quarter the Warriors tightened up their defense and ended up winning by three points. So it was overall a good night for our local teams. I went to bed early, so I will have to watch Charlie Rose at noon today. I feel good today.

Message 1289

Yesterday I watched my usual PBS shows, including Charlie Rose at 8 PM, instead of waiting until midnight. Afterwards I watched disk one of a new series (for me) called Swingtown. It is not very good. If it were a movie I would rate it only 1.6 stars. I read quite a bit more on my Kindle too. This biography of Steve Jobs is a big book. I am now about three quarters of the way through it and he is in the last couple of years of his life. I feel good today.

Message 1288

Yesterday I went to lunch at The Dutch Goose with Julian, Beech, and Annie. The kids had a ball playing the machines, and I enjoyed the burger and fries. The Goose was not as crowded this time because the kids soccer season is over. After lunch, Julian took Annie to a birthday party and Beech spent the afternoon with me. He did some vacuuming for me and then we watched the movie Shane on DVD. I had shown it to him a couple of years ago, but He followed it a lot better this time. In the evening I watched the next episode of Downton Abbey on PBS and then read some more on my Kindle. I feel good today.

Message 1287

Yesterday I finished reading The Economist, and in the evening I watched the last disk of season 1 of Dirt. Later I read some more of the Steve Jobs book on my Kindle. Overall it was a nice quiet Saturday. I feel good today.

Message 1285

I am feeling better today after a good sleep. I am well on the way to recovering from getting the new catheter. Yesterday I watched the third disk of Dirt. I watched Charlie Rose on Channel 190 at 8 PM last night, so I was able to turn in early. I feel good today.

Message 1286

Yesterday I burned a couple of audio CDs for Annie and Vanessa. The Economist came yesterday and I read over half of it after the Friday night PBS shows were over. I watched the Charlie Rose show in bed so I would not have to wait until Monday to see it. I feel good today.

Message 1286

Yesterday I burned a couple of audio CDs for Annie and Vanessa. The Economist came yesterday and I read over half of it after the Friday night PBS shows were over. I watched the Charlie Rose show in bed so I would not have to wait until Monday to see it. I feel good today.

Message 1284

I had breakfast with Reggie and Henry at Heidi’s Pies this morning, but I was not able to finish all of my food. I just did not have much appetite. I went to PAMF yesterday and had a new catheter put in, which always gives me trouble recovering. I stopped at Vanessa’s house on the way home and picked up a music disk she wants me to copy for Annie. I will now have to remember how to rip and burn. I feel good today.

Message 1283

Yesterday I watched Obama’s State of the Union speech. Needless to say, I thought it was very good. After the speech I switched to the hockey game. I realized immediately that I had made a mistake in yesterday’s message when I said the Sharks opponent was the Calgary Flames when it was actually the Edmonton Oilers who beat them in the overtime shootout. It was last night’s game that was against Calgary and the Sharks won it 1-0. The score was 0-0 into the third period when the sharks finally scored. and then held on until the end. Josh went skiing yesterday, so he did not watch hockey with me.

I notice that my dreams every night are so realistic that when I wake up it takes me a while to realize where I am. It is a strange feeling. I feel good today.

Message 1282

I just got back from getting a haircut which was long overdue. Yesterday evening Josh came over and brought Subway sandwiches and watched the hockey game with me. The Sharks lost 1-2 in an overtime shootout to the Calgary Flames. There is another hockey game tonight, but I will miss the start of it because I want to watch Obama’s State of the Union speech. I feel good today.

Message 1281

Yesterday I watched the AFC and NFC football playoffs. I watched the 49ers game in San Mateo with Julian and his family. Both games were close, and of course I was disappointed that the 49ers lost in overtime because of two mistakes by their backup punt returner. Oh well, now I will have more time to return to more important things like resuming work on my memoirs. I feel good today.

Message 1280

Yesterday afternoon Joshua came over and watched the hockey game with me. The Sharks gave up the first goal to Vancouver and then spent the rest of the game playing catch-up. In the end the Sharks lost 3-4. I read a lot more of The Economist, but I did not finish it because Larry and Judi called and asked me to go the a movie with them. We saw “A Dangerous Method” which was about Freud and Jung when they invented the talking cure. It also featured Kierra Knightly as the first talking cure patient. She was good in a demanding role. It was interesting because these were all actual historical characters who communicated a lot by letter, so their lives were well documented. The movie dealt with sex and death and God and all of the important subjects, and so was very interesting. I give it 4 stars. After the movie it was still early enough that I was able to watch disk 1 of the series called Dirt. It was about the editor of a tabloid who makes a point of only publishing true things about the movie stars she sets up for scandalous pictures. If it were a movie, I would give it 2.5 stars. I feel good today.

Message 1279

Yesterday after the usual Friday PBS shows, I watched the last disk of season 1 of The Riches. I also read the new Science and started reading this week’s issue of The Economist. Josh just called and said he has decided not to go skiing today, because of rain in the mountains, so he is coming over to watch hockey and the AFC football playoffs with me this afternoon. I feel good today.

Message 1278actual

I just got back from having breakfast at the Ariagnos with the Morrills and the Willetts. George and Laurene are in town for a memorial service for George’s brother, and this was the only time we could get together in their tight schedule. It was nice to see them. Last night Josh came over and brought Chinese food and watched the hockey game with me. The Sharks scored the first goal, but then the Ottawa Senators scored the next four goals, so the Sharks lost 1-4. The Ottawa team is really good. I turned in early so I could get up early for the breakfast. I feel good today. I am forwarding all of you the pictures that Marilyn sent me because I thought they were nice.

Message 1277

I just got back from Heidi’s Pies and have started a load of laundry. I had breakfast with Henry. Reggie is in Mexico celebrating an anniversary with his wife. Yesterday I took a shower and read some more on my Kindle. I was glad to hear on the radio on the way home that Perry has dropped out of the race for the Republican nomination and has endorsed Newt. I still think Obama will win in the fall. I feel good today.

Message 1276

Last night Josh came over and brought fish and chips watched the Sharks game with me. They beat Calgary 2-1 in an overtime shootout. They had actually won before the shootout, but the goal was disallowed on a bad call by the ref. I also read quite a bit more on my Kindle. I feel good today.

Message 1275

Yesterday I read quite a bit more on my Kindle. The Steve Jobs book is really good. In the evening I watched another disk of The Riches. I was tired, so I turned in early, so I will have to watch Charlie Rose at noon today. I feel good today.

Message 1274

Yesterday Annie came over so we could watch The Nutcracker together. She was able to keep her focus on it for the first act, then she began to collect things to take home to her mom as presents. Josh then came over and brought Subway sandwiches and watched the Giants beat Green Bay in the NFL playoffs with me. We were glad to see Green Bay lose. We have beaten the Giants already this year and were afraid we could not beat the Packers, so now we get to have another playoff game at Candlestick Park, where we had such a good game against the Saints a couple of days ago. After the game, Josh and I went to a Mexican place for dinner. I got home in time to watch the next episode of Downton Abbey on PBS. I feel good today. I have a load of laundry in the dryer now.

Message 1273

Yesterday was a great day for our local sports teams, especially the 49ers who beat the Saints to move on to the NFC championship game next week. It was a very exciting game. Even though the Saints were favored to win, and their quarterback Drew Breese is truly exceptional, the 49ers went out to a 17-0 lead. The 49ers kept their lead until well into the fourth quarter when the Saints finally went ahead. Then in the last few minutes everything exploded and both teams started scoring touchdowns. Finally the 49ers could have kicked a field goal and sent the game into overtime but they passed for a touchdown instead. Josh had brought in burgers and fries, and he and I went crazy like everyone in the stands at the game. I hope they can win next week too, but Green Bay is going to be tough to beat. After the 49ers won, we switched to watch the Sharks beat Columbus 2-1 in hockey, so both home teams won for the Bay Area. I feel good today.

Message 1272

Yesterday I downloaded and started reading the Steve Jobs biography on my Kindle. I also started reading this week’s Economist. I just got back from doing my week’s shopping at Safeway. I tried to order from Safeway online, but I could not figure out how to find the stuff I wanted. I’ll keep working on it though. I feel good today.

Message 1271

Yesterday I finished reading the book “I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead” subtitled “The Dirty Life and Times of Warren Zevon” by Crystal Zevon. I also watched the Sharks beat the Winnipeg Jets 2-0. Josh was not able to join me for this game. After the game I watched some more episodes of “The Riches.” I feel good today.

Message 1270

I just got back from having breakfast at Heidi’s Pies with Reggie and Henry. Vanessa had surgery on her sinuses on Tuesday , so she is still at home recovering. Last night I watched disk 1 from Netflix for a new series called the Riches. It is about a family of Irish Travelers in America. It is a combination of funny and serious. So far I would give it about three stars if it were a movie. I have almost finished my book about Warren Zevon. I feel good today.

Message 1269

Yesterday I watched the Sharks play Minnesota. The Sharks were away, son the game started at 4:30 in the afternoon PST. Josh came over and brought food from Boston Market and watched the third period with me. The Sharks came back from two goals down twice, but they then lost in a overtime shootout. We then switched to watch the Warriors play the Miami Heat. Two of the warriors best players were out so we figured it was a hopeless mismatch, since the Heat with LeBron James is the best team in the NBA. However, to our delight and amazement the Warriors won in overtime. It was the first complete NBA game I have watched in years. It reminded me of the old days when Don Nelson was the coach. I feel good today.

Message 1268

Yesterday I watched the last disk of Pillars of the Earth. It was well done, but I must confess I was more impressed by the book than the miniseries. That is always the case though, so it is not a criticism. In the evening I read some more of my Warren Zevon book. I feel good today.

Message 1267

It occurred to me this morning that It has been a long time since I measured my blood pressure. It is now 134/70 with a heart rate of 68, which are good numbers. Yesterday I watched more NFL playoffs. None of the games impacted the 49ers, but I was surprised that Denver was able to beat Pittsburgh. In the evening I watched the start of season 2 of Downton Abbey. It is nice to see the story continued. I also read some more of my Warren Zevon book.

Message 1266

Yesterday I went to Starbucks with Vanessa and Annie. Then I took Annie to McDonalds in Redwood City where the have a kids play area. After that I brought her to my house where we played and tried to listen to The nutcracker, but all we had was the music, so I switched to Coppelia so we could see the dancing. She was interested, but I have now ordered The Nutcracker from Amazon so we can see the dancing and music together next time. After Vanessa picked Annie up I watched the Saints beat the Lions in the NFL playoffs. In the evening Josh came over and brought burgers and fries and watched the Sharks beat Washington 5-2. We also watched Texas beat Cincinnati in the NFL playoffs. I feel good today.

Message 1265

Yesterday I read more of my Warren Zevon book. I am about one third of the way finished with it. After the usual Friday PBS shows I watched disk two of Pillars of the Earth. This morning Vanessa and Annie are coming to pick me up to go to Starbucks. Afterward Annie will come back with me to watch The Nutcracker. She has taken quite an interest in the music so I will watch with her and discuss it. It happens to be the first classical music I myself tuned into when I was in seventh grade. I feel good today.

Message 1264

Last night Josh brought in pizza and burgers and watched the hockey game with me. The Sharks beat Columbus 2-1, Columbus scored the first goal, but the Sharks fought back and were able to preserve their lead in a hard fought game. I have started reading the paperback book the Susan gave me for Xmas titled “ I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead.” The subtitle is “The Dirty Life and Times of Warren Zevon.” It was written by his ex-wife Crystal Zevon. I had never heard of Warren Zevon, but he was apparently a talented singer songwriter. It is an interesting book. I am about a quarter of the way through it. I feel good today.

Message 1263

I just got back from having breakfast at Heidi’s Pies with Henry and Reggie. Vanessa could mot make it today. Last night Josh came over and brought in Chinese food and watched the hockey game with me. Anaheim scored the first goal, but the Sharks caught fire and scored two goals in the second period and ended up winning the game 3-1. This was a big relief because Anaheim is one of the worst teams in the NHL and they had beaten the Sharks in their three previous games. I feel good today.

Message 1262

Yesterday I watched my usual shows on PBS and read some more on my Kindle. The story is fun to read, so I am getting near the end. I forgot to mention that Beech came over to visit on Sunday. We ate breakfast at El Cerrito and he helped me do my shopping at Safeway. He is such a good kid. It is a pleasure to be with him. My sister Andrine called this morning and wished me a Happy New Year. She says she is routing for the 49ers in the playoffs. I feel good today.

Message 1261

Yesterday I read more of my new book on my Kindle. It is titled “Legend” by Marie Lu. I saw her interviewed on Tavis Smiley. She is a Chinese American girl in her twenties who said she was influenced by Enders Game and decided to write her book in the evenings while she worked for a video game company. Now that it has been published she has quit her job and is writing full time on the sequel. Yesterday in the late afternoon Jason and Josh came over to watch the Sharks beat Vancouver in an overtime shoot out. We also watched Stanford lose to Oklahoma State in their bowl game. Stanford was never behind, but their freshman kicker missed a field goal which sent the game into overtime in which Stanford missed another field goal but Oklahoma made theirs and won. Jason brought beer and Josh brought Mexican food which we shared. I was glad to see on the news that Oregon won the Rose Bowl. I feel good today.

Message 1260

Yesterday I read the new Science and watched three NFL games. I was delighted to see the 49ers beat the Rams and clinch a bye for next week. Josh came over and brought sandwiches from Boston Market and watched the Raiders lose to San Diego with me. That cost them a spot in the playoffs. In the evening I watched Dallas lose to the Giants. I was happy to see Dallas lose because they had an undeserved victory against the 49ers earlier in the season. After the games, I started reading my new book on my Kindle. It is quite good. I will tell you more about it later. I feel good today.

Message 1259

Yesterday I read The Economist. This issue did not have many pages, so I was able to finish it in one day. In the evening I watched a Netflix DVD of the the first two hours of Pillars of the Earth. I read and loved the book years ago, so I was interested to see how it was adapted to the screen. I found I had forgotten a lot of the details, so I had trouble figuring out what was going on a lot of the time. I am looking forward to watching the next six hours too. I feel good today.