The Hale Family Weekly Update (7/26/26
The week opened with errands, gadgets, and a few noble repair missions, then rolled toward rain, friendship, and the usual retirement mystery of why a simple task always turns into a project. It was a week of inspections, sharpened things, sharpened wits, and more than one attempt to persuade technology to behave itself.
Monday, July 20, 2026
Today was sunny, 74° at 7:50 a.m., and headed for 85°. I took Sally for its state inspection at Cliff’s Auto Repair at 9:00 and was back home by 10:15, which counts as a highly efficient start by any Monday standard.
We walked the Matteson Trail and came home for lunch, while GC Commercial continued trying to repair the irrigation lines damaged during the pavilion construction. At this point, the sprinkler system and the pavilion seem to be in a long standing disagreement.
I submitted a work order to clean our gutters, and Jerilyn submitted one through the concierge to fix our phone. I also sent out an email inviting members of the Gloucester and Smithfield cottages to bring scissors and knives to me if they needed sharpening. Retirement, as it turns out, has many possible job titles.
I practiced guitar, and Rachel came over for dinner before heading home shortly afterward. A calm ending to a pleasantly productive day.
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Sunny with thunderstorms expected later, high winds, and a high of 91°. A day with a weather forecast that sounded slightly dramatic before breakfast.
Jerilyn had a pedicure at the salon at 9:00.. Michael Eley (vacuum salesman/repairman) returned our vacuum with a new on/off switch, and now it works fine, proving that sometimes the simplest fix is the one that saves the whole day.
I called GoDaddy about comments on my website being published automatically; they agreed to fix it so I can approve them first. I also submitted a work order to include an AI chatbot on my website, because apparently, I enjoy adding more things to manage.
After yoga at 1:30, Debby came by and left us plenty of food on the front porch. I went to the gym at 3:15 and found Nancy there working out, which made the place feel more like a neighborhood than a fitness center. Later, I picked up a knife to sharpen for Nancy and scissors for Betty’s. Dinner with Mary Jane, Joy, and Betty brought good food and good conversation.
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
Cloudy, rainy, and 81° at 7:50 a.m., with a high of 92°. A classic summer day that couldn’t quite decide whether it wanted to be wet or just threatening.
We walked the Matteson Trail at 10:30, then went to Food Lion for groceries. The rain started while we were there and kept going for about 30 minutes, as if waiting until we were fully committed to the shopping trip before making its entrance.
It was one of those days where the weather did what it wanted and we simply adapted. A sensible arrangement, if not an especially convenient one.
Thursday, July 23, 2026
Cloudy and likely to rain, 69° at 7:45 a.m., with a high of 81°. Days on Wegovy (DOW): 163. My weight loss is not progressing. ☹
We had yoga at the pavilion at 1:30, our first time doing it there. It felt good to try a new setting, and the pavilion gave the class a little extra fresh-air charm. Our instructor (Rose) does all she can to make our class fun and productive.
Later I went to the gym and worked out at 3:15. Dinner with MJ, Betty Gough, Betty, and Mary Stuart rounded out the day with friendly company and another pleasant meal.
Friday, July 24, 2026
Sunny, 76° at 7:00 a.m., with a high of 81°. A more agreeable day all around.
Rachel walked the Kiln Creek Trail (KCT) with us, then we went over to Kroger for some grocery shopping, and got home around 1:00 p.m. I spent some time thinning out my C drive on my desktop, which is never as glamorous as it sounds but somehow always needs doing.
Dinner with MJ, Mary Stuart, and Peggy was followed by a fire-pit gathering at the pavilion. We enjoyed about 90 minutes of friendship, conversation, and the kind of easy company that makes the evening disappear too quickly.
Those present included Harold and Joy, Ken, Brian and Nancy Nale, Jane, Betty, Nancy Brooks, Susan Cowling and Judy, and Jack White. It was one of those gatherings that reminds you a good neighborhood can feel a lot like extended family.
Saturday, July 25, 2026
Rainy, 65° at 8:00 a.m., with a high of 76°. A cooler day that felt almost polite.
It was my friend, Alice Boring’s 95th birthday (I think she looks much younger). I started taking two 4mg Wegovy pills daily in preparation for my new 9mg prescription, just to see how my body handles the transition before I actually buy it. The cost go from $150/monthly to $300. Days on Wegovy: 164. Weight: 203.5.
I worked on improving my desktop PC’s boot time, which feels like negotiating with a sleepy mule. I also talked with Harold Byars about his PC not booting up, though he later called back to say the problem had been resolved.
I ordered a new 10-port Sargent USB hub because the setup I have now is not working very well. My hope is that it will help speed up the boot process and reduce some of the cable chaos.
We decided not to go up to Donk’s tonight since it’s a long trip and we wouldn’t get home until around midnight. Louise, Linda Carol, and Rodney arrived in town yesterday and will leave Monday, so we’re hoping to see them this weekend. I also set up my knife-sharpening equipment in the garage and plan to sharpen a knife for Nancy, a pair of scissors for Betty, and several of my own scissors. Dinner tonight was with Mary Jane, Mary Stuart, and Betty.
Sunday, July 26, 2026
We went to early church service this morning at Tabernacle UMC, enjoying it with our friend (Nancy), whom we later enjoyed brunch with in the campus dining room. Our plans for the day include taking our friends (Stephen & Margot) on a ride in Sally, our self-driving car, then visiting with our friends (Louise, Linda Carol & Rodney). They are in town for the weekend and they live in Lumberton, NC.
Closing Comment
My hope is that you’ve had a good week and are looking forward to the next one. My days seem to be filled with little adventures, and I truly look forward to each and every one. So far, I’ve had 31,223 of them, and I’m praying for a couple thousand more. 😊
I’ve attached a missive for you to read, Busy Having Fun, and I hope you enjoy it. If you have a little extra time, I’d love for you to visit my website at www.tommyhale.net and explore a few more.
And if the spirit moves you, drop me a line—I’d truly enjoy hearing from you.
And now, six quips to close things out:
- I’m at the age where “getting things done” mostly means finding the thing I set down five minutes ago.
- My computer and I have a strong relationship—it tests my patience, and I keep coming back.
- Retirement is wonderful until you realize your hobbies have become maintenance projects.
- I don’t mind rain, but it does seem to arrive with perfect timing to complicate errands.
- Sharpening knives is oddly satisfying, especially when the rest of life feels slightly dull.
- Every week has its own weather, but the best days still come with good company.