Day 24
Went to Kaiser again today. Another new doctor, this one from Iran. That makes a Swede, a Chinese and an Iranian. Three nations, not one decent idea whats going on.
Sunday night we came home from the day, and my voice just went away–at 7:oo I could talk, at 8:30 I could only whisper. Most people think that’s an improvement.
So todays medical marvel gave me antibiotics, after noting that this is most likely viral and they won’t help. A different inhaler, which feels like it does something.
Kaiser service continues to be incredible–I called at 11:40 Sunday night, had a 9:45 appointment Monday. The doctor was on time. No line in the pharmacy–I was back in my car by 10:30. They may not cure anything, but at least they do nothing quickly.
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It’s STAC week. Sectional Tournament at Clubs. People are supposed to turn out in droves to earn silver points. Monday night at the Bridge Center, there were 8 tables, about normal, I think. I was playing because Mike called–he never misses a chance to stock up on the silver points, for some reason. I thought once you had 10000 points the colors didn’t matter, but what do I know?
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Years ago Mike B and Mike Katz and Manfred Michlmayr and I went to Montreal to play in the Rosenblum Cup, an open World Championship. After we got beaten by everyone but the French, Manfred critiqued my defense with the immortal {imagine Austrian accent her} “Chris, you don’t lead trumps enough.” If only that was my only failing on defense…..
But the point of this reminiscence is that today Billy Miller offered an online class on the subject of opening leads. Students logged into a chat room Billy set up on Bridge Base, then listened and responded to him on a Skype conference call. Gail took the class, and darned if Manfred wasn’t right–I don’t lead trumps enough. Billy’s classes are only $25 for 90 minutes of wisdom and a little wit. Gail has taken 2 of them, and they are a great deal for the money.
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Ally’s BridgePartner499 group as taken off like a shot–50 members in the first day alone. I put a button on the side so you can join easily, since I assume that everyone will want to be a member. It may well start to include discussions of what to bid with different hands, too.
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Totally Unauthorized 
Wow, Chris — 24 days and no relief in sight! You have my sympathy. I’d be really grumpy by now if it were I. I hope the inhaler does good things for your throat and helps to regain your voice. Seeya’ 🙂
I have known two different people with the same symtoms..and they had acid reflux.. The acid would back up in the throat while sleeping and burn the esophagus. One guy, a big burrly guy, couldn’t even talk until they figured out what was wrong. At first they thought the Dr. was crazy but when they were better, it proved the dr. right. Antibiotic didn’t do a thing for the other friend either….. Hope you get better soon!