Catch-up...

So I went and had yet another echocardiogram yesterday, intended to check the function of my left ventricle. The deed was carried out by a trainer–trainee team, so it took a bit longer than usual (listen to me, as if I now know how long it usually takes to perform an echocardiogram!). I have heard nothing back today, and while I'd be happy to assume that means no adverse findings came about as a result, I think I'll wait one more day before I start getting comfortable with the idea.

(That said, I really have no good basis for thinking anything other than a positive outcome might be expected. Then again, 2015 has been one heck of a year so far.)

After I was through with the technicians, I found something pleasant to pass almost a couple of hours until it was time for the bimonthly meeting of the Lone Star Pen Club, a group of fountain pen aficionados here in the Houston area.

The main takeaway I got from the meeting was that apparently, few school districts have sufficient budget these days to teach students how to write in cursive, particularly since countless bureaucrats have been working overtime to make sure their own, personal favorite wrinkle is included in what passes for curricula these days.

I walked away with a door prize last night, but when you consider there were five such prizes (4 donated by our local pen and writing emporium, Dromgoole's) and about 20 people in attendance, the odds really weren't all that bad. My prize was the fifth door prize, a pen that was manufactured by hand by one of the members whose hobby it is to create such items. I've inked the pen and it writes very well (the nib is inscribed "Iridium point / Germany").

Translation continues. Tai chi continues.

Time to hit the rack.

Cheers...