Summer Check-In, '26

 

Good day, invisible audient! Well, I know there are a few of you reading this.  I do appreciate it.

This is your mid-year life update for those who care.  2026 has had a few developments, mostly not great.  This does not include my job, which I have now been at for one year.  Unbelievable.  It has gone quickly in part because I am doing everything.  In the old place I had two assistants and a fellow audiologist.  In the new place it's all me.  I am working on getting help.  Remember the front desk guy who followed me from the other place? He is very interested in becoming an audio assistant, and of late has been intercepting technical issues.  Mainly those erratic Bluetooth connections between hearing aids and smartphones.  It seems that is what most appointments are about these days, so that's a big help.  But for now he is needed at check in, so we'll see.

Still reeling and heartbroken following the passing of our kitty last February.  Lots of difficult moments.  Assuaging this somewhat are the presence of several felines around our condo complex.  My wife and I have taken regular walks on which we have seen about a half dozen fur babies. We always have a bag of dry food ready, which they really appreciate.  One was a little guy we named Inky, as he has a black nose and a black patch just over his right eye and ear.  Oh, and a black tail.  The rest of him is snowy white.  He was the roamer of his gang, sometimes even venturing far from where and he his buddies usually hang.  We saw him in front of our building a few times.   He has not been seen over the last month, a cause for concern.  Did someone pick him up? We had entertained the idea of somehow capturing him so he could get neutered.  Then we would release him back to his feral life, which he seemed to enjoy.  We also thought we could adopt him, but I get the vibe that he would miss his outdoor freedom, and try to bolt any time we opened our door.  I hope he is O.K.

You may know that James Burrows passed away last month.  The veteran television director/producer/writer behind the shows Taxi, Cheers, Will & Grace, and many others.  I got to meet him about seven years ago.  Very personable and gracious when I told him what a big fan I was of his work, particularly that show about the bar in Boston.  I did not mention his lone theatrical film from 1982, PARTNERS, a mercifully forgotten comedy starring Ryan O'Neal and John Hurt.  My father took me (aged 13) to see it.  I guess he thought it would be worthwhile; we learned otherwise.  I don't think Jim was particularly proud of it either.  We had a great chat, and I feel privileged that I can join all those famous folks in offering fond recollections.

Some months back I began having discomfort in my left heel.  I ignored it for awhile, hoping it would go away.  I finally dragged myself to a podiatrist.  The X-rays suggested something was abnormal regarding my Achilles tendon.  The MRI revealed it was tendinopathy and enthesopathy, thankfully not a high grade tear.  Whew.  No surgery will be necessary.  Not sure how this all happened.  I haven't gone running in some time.  I must've stepped wrong at some point?

I was given an orthopedic boot to wear for four weeks.  I adapted quickly.  The worst thing about it is how hot it can get after several hours' wear.

Did you get swept up in World Cup fever? This go round, I watched several games.  I was really impressed with Cape Verde, their solid matchup against Argentina, especially for such an underdog club.  I've historically been a casual soccer, er, futbol fan.  Seems the entire world other than the United States is obsessed.  Maybe as we were one of the North American host countries this time that will change. Lots of excitement coast to coast.  FIFA certainly makes a mint.  I'm sure that it's expensive to host, but I'm likewise sure the revenue brought in was significant.

Too bad about that match between the U.S. and Belgium.  And the one between Norway and England. Being part Norwegian I was rooting for striker Erling Haaland and company.  One Friday afternoon I joined some co-workers at a German beer garden for their match against France, which likewise didn't go well. But Norway kept rolling, er rowing.  Their defeat against England was a disappointment (furthered by Haaland's substitution late in the game), but it was still exciting to see this team in their first quarterfinals.  Miami certainly got their dose of Haaland mania. Who will emerge the victor this Sunday? Will Lionel Messi and company lead Argentina to another Cup championship? Will Rodri lead an upset?

Hope your summer is grand! More later.