Disgruntled

Not sure who this is meant to represent - from it's position in Ipanema, would think it might be Tom Jobim (Girl from Ipanema), but I've never seen a picture of him looking so grumpy). I liked the bird and the fact that someone had taken to stones from (yet another) hole in the pavement, painted them, and piled them at his feet.

Very Productive Day - what a change! Out to beat the queues and do a blood test at 6.30 am (every time you go near a health plan doctor here, they pack you off to do a load of tests - this is for a checkup with the cardiologist next week). Grabbed a quick breakfast before going to the orthopod (sounds as if I spend my life visiting doctors, it's just that this is check-up time). News on knee not good, osteoarthritis and will have to operate sooner or later. Am thinking the laterer the betterer. From there, took the Metro downtown and at the third address, found a delightful old guy (probably younger than me) who I trust will sort out my macro lens. It's a relic of the original analogue Minolta, which died - though I think this man might have been able to resurrect it, wonder if I can get it back from the shop I left it at.

Also at another third address, found someone to engrave the plaque for the base of The Quaich, a beautiful silver bowl that has been played for by Scots in Rio (and now a much wider community, as there aren't so many golfing Scots here any more) since 1928. Finally, on blipper Leonine's advice, bought what passes for black velvet as a backing for my photos.

By this time, I was reminded of The Loving Spoonful's "Summer in The City" (here http://www.oldielyrics.com/lyrics/the_lovin_spoonful/summer_in_the_city.html), so headed home for a late lunch and to commune with our little white foster cat. More health care in the afternoon - think I'm becoming high maintenance. Global Postural Reeducation (i.e. fancy physio), followed by the dermatologist with HH. Too much sun for both of us over the years, so there's always something to burn off - except I opted to go back another time, as we had a party to go to on Saturday night.