Day 1903

Friday, March 30, 2018

Another busy day to conclude a very busy and strange week.  Came home, took care of a few things, will pick up my car tomorrow and spend the weekend at Alice's.  

Day 1902

Thursday, March 29, 2018

Still thinking about what happened yesterday.  Good thing work was extremely busy.  It gave me something to do and not think too much.  

Day 1901

Wednesday, March 28, 2018

I'd never seen someone die before my eyes until today.  What an unbelievable day. 

I went to work a little early, dressed in a suit for Cliff's funeral at 11.  About 20 racquetball players showed up at Beth Eden Baptist Church for Cliff's funeral.  I showed up around 10:30.  I'd written the short speech I was asked to give on behalf of the players earlier this morning and had rehearsed it a few times in my head so I was ready.  Dorian, Robbie, Tiger and Jack were already there.  The casket was open and we viewed Cliff's body.  We collected funds for a racquetball wreath and it looked very nice.  Cliff's ex-wife made the decision to put Cliff's racquet inside the casket before it was closed.  We all liked that idea.

The service began at 11.  It was almost a full-house.  Cliff had a lot friends and family who loved him.  He was a great guy. 


The funeral went 90 minutes.  The last song was performed by Doyal Jones.  He was a big man, 50, with a clear, powerful voice.  He sang "For God So Loved the World," and sang it with all his heart.  Literally.  A few seconds after he finished, and minutes before the conclusion of the funeral, Doyal left the altar and collapsed on the ground right in front of us.  We were all stunned.  The pastor asked for a doctor in the house while wrapping up the service.  Folks from the church gathered around Doyal on the ground.  Someone administered CPR.  The paramedics came 5-7 minutes later.  They were able to get a pulse, but later we learned they lost him at the hospital.  It was surreal.  Dorian and I went to the burial at Chapel of the Chimes, then to the Repast, where we learned Doyal had also prepared all the food.  So I heard the man's last song and ate the man's last meal. 

I think a few of the racquetball guys plan to attend Doyal's funeral next week.  We need closure from what happened.  Cliff's funeral never really ended, and the tragic event that occurred left us all dazed and shocked.  It was very sad and traumatizing.  Doyal's mother was in the audience.  It was heartbreaking. 


Day 1900

Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Today was so busy at work, but I couldn't do much work because I had games to play...more specifically, two rounds of Trivial Pursuit at noon and 4.  It was well.  It was a lot of fun.  I think we'll do it again in the summer.  The PowerPoint slideshow looked good!



It was exhausting though.  I was glad it was over, but happy everyone had fun.

I came home and crashed.  So glad I don't have to practice tonight!

Day 1899

Monday, March 26, 2018

With yesterday's concert behind me, I spent most of the day preparing for tomorrow's Trivial Pursuit game, along with doing my regular duties.  It was a very busy day.  During my lunch break, I went with Alice to Kaiser for a Dr. visit.  It took a lot longer than expected.  Alice's doctor was an hour behind schedule, but it was worth it to hear what she had to say.  Alice's hip is a special case that is complicated and not open to a clear diagnosis.  We'll see what happens with the appeal. 

I worked late and came home around 9:30, then put in another hour or so of prep time.  I should be ready for tomorrow.

Day 1898

Sunday, March 25, 2018

Concert day.  I practiced most of the day before the concert at 4.  I could have used another month to practice the Strauss.  I arrived at the concert at 2:50, taking Lyft.  We warmed up and hit some spots from 3 to 3:40, then relaxed until the concert at 4. 

The Weber Overture der Freischutz began the program. I thought we did a good job, strong tempo, and I was able to hit most of the notes. 

The d'Albert Cello Concerto was next.  It sounded great and the soloist Isaac Pastor-Chermak did a fabulous job.  Unfortunately, in the second movement, the woodwinds were off a quarter step.  The audience wouldn't have noticed, but we did.

The Listz was fine, and the Strauss was a good as we'd played.  There were a couple spots I still didn't quite get.  It's such a tough piece.  I hope I'm able to play it again one day.





The concert ended at 5:30. We drove back to Richard & Lisa's, ordered Star Pizza and some salads, and watched Stormy Daniels on 60 Minutes.  It was underwhelming.  A lot of hype for not much substance, but we'll see how it plays out.  I stayed in Oakland tonight and Alice left around 9.  This coming week is going to be very busy.

Day 1897

Saturday, March 24, 2018

I took my MINI into the shop today to take care of a power issue and buzzing sounds in the dashboard.  The clutch needs to be replaced, which will cost a few thousand in labor.  The buzzing sound is still a mystery.  I came home and spent the day practicing for tomorrow's concert.  I wasn't feeling well again...nothing like a few weeks ago, but I felt the flu bug revisit.  I went to be early.

Day 1896

Friday, March 23, 2018

I didn't go into the gym today.  I'm feeling a little sluggish.  I worked on next week's Trivial Pursuit game.  Work was reasonable.

Afterward, I practiced for an hour, then went with Rossana to see Black Panther...finally!  I enjoyed every aspect of this film.


Great story, stunning visuals, a compelling cast of characters, and an engaging and necessary mythology to fall back on.  Really outstanding, and it begins in Oakland.  I like that!

Day 1895

Thursday, March 22, 2018

Work, practice, sleep.

Day 1894

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

First day of Spring.  Racquetball in the a.m., then work, then home, then our last rehearsal before Sunday's concert.  I still have a ways to go with the Strauss.  I hope I can play it by Sunday.


Day 1893

Tuesday, March 20, 2018

Busy at work.  I sent an email requesting trivia questions for the Special Edition Hanson Bridgett Trivial Pursuit cards that will be mixed in with 12 other cards.  Between all the filings and merges and formatting issues that came up today, I was able to put this together:


Day 1892

Monday, March 19, 2018

Racquetball from 5-7 with Glenn, Steve and Kirk.  Good games.  At work, I helped put together details for our Ultimate Trivial Pursuit game next Tuesday.  This should be a fun event and a good test for one of the cruise mixers I plan to throw our first night about the Golden Princess.

Came home and practiced for a few hours before going to bed.

Day 1891

Sunday, March 18, 2018

Spent the day practicing.  Slowly getting better on the Strauss.  Also made calls to Laura, Kevin, Nicole, and sent many texts.  The day flew by.

Day 1890

Saturday, March 17, 2018

Happy St. Paddy's Day.  I wasn't thinking earlier in the morning and didn't wear any green, which is shameful for one named Michael Kelly O'Hagan.  Luckily, I have a green t-shirt and sweat shirt at Alice's, so I'm wearing those now.

We went to a 100 Day Baby Party for Kathy and Jeremy, who had twins 100 days ago.  We sat at a table with Sorn and Patrick and ate ourselves silly.  It was a very enjoyable party and Kathy and Jeremy, and their parents, looked so happy.  The kiddies are so cute!

With proud parents Kathy & Jeremy - twins Kaia and Taryn

with Patrick & Sorn

with Alice

Day 1889

Friday, March 16, 2018


Day 1888

Thursday, March 15, 2018


Day 1887

Wednesday, March 14, 2018


Day 1886

Tuesday, March 13, 2018


Day 1885

Monday, March 12, 2018


Day 1884

Sunday, March 11, 2018


Day 1883

Saturday, March 10, 2018


Day 1882

Friday, March 9, 2018


Day 1881

Thursday, March 8, 2018



Took it easy today at work.  I brought my MINI in for repairs and picked it up in the afternoon.

Day 1880


Wednesday, March 7, 2018

Back to work after a few days of being sick.  I mailed Alice’s Unum Appeal.  It’s all finished, thank goodness.  We’ll see what happens with it.

Day 1879


Tuesday, March 6, 2018
Sick all day.

Day 1878


Monday, March 5, 2018
Sick all day.

Day 1877


Sunday, March 4, 2018
Sick all day.

Day 1876

Saturday, March 3, 2018


Sick all day.

Day 1875

Friday, March 2, 2018


I didn’t go into the gym today.  I feel awful.  Work was quiet again, which was a relief.  I worked on Alice’s Appeal all morning.  By the afternoon, I had little energy to do anything.

Day 1874

Thursday, March 1, 2018



Oh no, I felt a bug in my throat this morning.  Sure enough, by the afternoon I felt worn down.  I think I may be coming down with something.

Day 1873

Wednesday, February 28, 2018



Picked up today at work, but afterward I spent another few hours on Alice’s Appeal.

Day 1872

Tuesday, February 27, 2018

Another quiet day, another day spent on Alice’s Unum Appeal.

Day 1871

Monday, February 26, 2018



Quiet at work, which was nice because I had time to draft Alice’s Unum Appeal.  It’s due next week.  I went over the section I had and created a new medical research section.

Day 1870

Sunday, February 25, 2018

Went to Robbie’s house for a gathering for Cliff.  He has maybe a month left to live.  It was a special evening hanging out with all the racquetball guys, showing our love for Cliff and supporting each other.  Cliff really appreciated it.  Robbie and Jay live in the Oakland hills and have a spectacular view of the city.  

Day 1869

Saturday, February 24, 2018