My last entry finished with a line about short term memory. It would have been nice to have had some this last week. The other night I set off for my local self-check market about two miles away for a few impulse buys. Well, primarily, for that not so healthy block of jack cheese will make for some snacks with beverages and hang on for scrambled eggs and other concoctions. The trip over was uncomplicated, just get out to shut the gate to our building.

Heading out of the store---where was my cell phone? I took a quick look through the aisles, along the path from the car, the car itself and the immediate parking area. At home I checked around the gates, the carport, then dialed the cell's number on the "obsolete" phone. Not long afterward, the number answered with a "forward, service unavailable."

The next morning I got a newer phone up and running and kept the number but not the units purchased, long phone list and many pretty pictures I'd snapped. I shake my head at this sudden disappearance and it makes me paranoid about any and all personal property, that those things could vanish for a mystical reason when all one wants is the rational. Probably it was dropped and then picked up; as the song from "Hello, Dolly" goes, it only takes a moment.

I have purchased three watches in the last few years that get their time from a satellite. One hot day on my way to play with a band at the County Fair the first one just zeroed out. I figured sweat and dirt at work. It recovered but when worn would act up. Okay, now it's an elder statesman on the dresser. My second one did likewise but never did make the handshake again. It's in November of 2005 now, useless.

My third one is a solar watch like the first one and you so hope this is a gold standard: always basically right and run the illuminator at night and all the bells and whistles one wants. But it hasn't made the handshake in days, though aside from a few seconds fast and gaining it has things right. Retirement has divested me of the work factor, must be the sweaty fitness classes.

I was in one today of the step variety which I haven't taken many for quite a while. I forgot my wallet (accounted for, pixies attack another day) and the teacher told us as she started we were going to end a little early, something had come up at home. I can relate to that! I felt a bit awkward at this particular style but after class a lady hailed me. "Do you take this class a lot?" I know this one but only from a few times. "Well, you knew what you were doing!"

Well, blessings on her! When our alleged modern helpers up, it's great when the muscles and nerves carry you through.