davidd's A DOLL A DAY 2026

[davidd]

It's quite appalling to think how much time has passed since this, or that.  I just noted on my calendar the other night that it has been 7 years since I headed off to Hawai'i for the 2nd time.  

Was that the trip where you stayed at a retreat center sort of place? That was on the Big Island, right? I would have thought that was maybe three or four years ago at most.

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9 February - A Doll A Day 2026:

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Bratz Action Heroez Roxxi thinks organizing the storage shed is a job for a super hero.

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Or  maybe a flame-thrower.

[Alliecat]

Yep, that was the spectacular retreat centre I never wanted to leave. It was 2019.

The stack of vehicles here is amusing. It is indeed a bit of a pile.
Hey though, I see a bike wheel... you still hoping to get in better shape? Off you go -- no snow to ride through!

[davidd]

Yep, that was the spectacular retreat centre I never wanted to leave.  It was 2019. 

Hey though, I see a bike wheel... you still hoping to get in better shape? 

Even I cannot believe your retreat centre getaway was seven years ago.

Yes, I unearthed the bicycle recently. I need to put air in the tires and adjust the handlebars. I've started walking -- it feels so pathetic because I used to be able to run -- and I'm up to two miles per day most days. Near-term goal is to be able to "slow jog" 5k by the end of March. That's only a little over six weeks away, so I'm already not sure I'll make it.

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10 February - A Doll A Day 2026:

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Bratz Action Heroez: Phoebe & Roxxi

[Alliecat]

Those two look like they know something...

Yay for walking! "They say" it's the best exercise for you. 2 miles a day is pretty good given that it sounded like you hadn't done any walking for some time. Maybe make the goal "brisk walking" or even interval training, run a bit, walk a bit... something you feel you can achieve, and then you'll feel better about yourself accomplishing it and have some momentum, rather than being discouraged if you don't. Set an easy first goal!

[davidd]

Yay for walking!  "They say" it's the best exercise for you.  2 miles a day is pretty good given that it sounded like you hadn't done any walking for some time. 

Yeah, I'm pathetically out of shape. I was in poor shape before I got sick. Now I'm even more pathetic. But I'm up to two miles -- not yet as "brisk" as I'd like to be, but improving.

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11 February - A Doll A Day 2026:

Janie finishes up installing a new propane space heater

Although replacing the pilot light jet a couple of weeks ago resulted in a brighter, cleaner, stronger pilot light, the heater continued to go out when the thermostat triggered the burners. The ceramic infrared panels were failing to ignite. Brushing the panels with a soft brush, vacuuming them, and trying to clear them with pressurized air didn't make a difference, the heater kept going out.

Since the heater was ten years old, the issue could have been one or more of a number of things: the infrared panels, the oxygen sensor, or the control valve.

A control valve costs nearly as much as an entire heater. I did not even look at the prices on the ceramic panels. I could not find an oxygen sensor for that model.

Thus: new heater. We're trying a "blue flame" as opposed to an "infrared" this time.

As usual, Janie (Smart Doll Harmony) made short work of the installation process.

Now to see if it works.

[Alliecat]

Oh no! Back to work for the girls!

I'm up to two miles -- not yet as "brisk" as I'd like to be, but improving.

One of the motivational cards I turn over each day says something like "Progress is progress, no matter how small."

[TrueFan]

I'm working on getting back to doing 3 miles on the treadmill too. We have to start somewhere! I make sure I bike every summer. Biking really helps your balance - which matters a lot as we age!

[davidd]

I'm working on getting back to doing 3 miles on the treadmill too. We have to start somewhere! I make sure I bike every summer. 

My initial target is to reach a brisk walk-jog 5k (3 miles) by the end of March.
I hope to get my bicycle out of the storage shed soon.

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12 February - A Doll A Day 2026:

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LEGO Friends Liann and Paisley mini-dolls

[Alliecat]

They are cute. Are the Pinkys going to teach them to surf?
...oh wait, there's no surf.

You are a bit more ambitious than me... although winter isn't conducive to much jogging. The sand beach is bare but often the wind is too cold for it to be enjoyable. I do a few miles on the bike desk more days than not though.

Are you getting Bad Gateways? I wonder how long refreshing the page will work till things go kaput again.

[davidd]

Are you getting Bad Gateways?  I wonder how long refreshing the page will work till things go kaput again. 

Yes. I keep refreshing until it works.

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13 February - A Doll A Day 2026:

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LEGO Mini-Dude in the Snow

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LEGO Friends isn't just girls; there are boy mini-dolls, too!

LEGO gives the mini-dolls names. This one is called Leo. He's part of the 42699 Beach House set.

[Alliecat]

Cute. “Dude, where’s my surfboard?”

[TrueFan]

I get them occasionally but not a lot.

[davidd]

14 February - A Doll A Day 2026:

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Bratz Action Heroez: Roxxi, Phoebe, and Cloë

[Alliecat]

A very colourful trio!

[davidd]

15 February - A Doll A Day 2026:

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Shyn'E, one of the Flairies from the Barbie: A Fashion Fairytale (2010) animated movie.

She deserves a better photographic treatment than this. I'll brush her hair and try again soon... ish.

Maybe.