Bosch is back on Prime with new episodes. My excitement is a product of retirement boredom. My wife is busy substitute teaching, so we’re not getting our weekly movie fix, a waste of our Regal Theater subscription that allows us to see unlimited shows or none at all. We were planning to see Killers of the Flower Moon, but that will be on Apple TV soon. Napoleon is the next big release on Thanksgiving. We also just watched All the Light We Cannot See, an excellent made-for-television production. Bosch, however, is one of my favorite books and now TV series. I also just bought the latest Michael Connelly thriller, Resurrection Walk about the Lincoln Lawyer, another favorite video series on Prime. 

I pay too much for TV, especially considering that portions of my career were spent selling advertising that once made free TV possible. Now, in many cases you pay for cable and a streaming service plus still have to endure the commercials. The good old days are gone! A show like Yellowstone that gained popularity through Paramount streaming is now available on CBS, but without the foul language and nude scenes that made Beth’s role thanks to the FCC. If I wanted, I could get this censured version for free on my guest room TV that uses an antenna, but instead I watch it through Xfinity that the HOA provides. TV is much more complicated than just turning it on and choosing between the three available networks, as it was in the beginning. 

I was so bored the other afternoon that I had Yellowstone running in background while spending hours sorting baseball cards. It was actually reminiscent of childhood. However, there is no bubblegum smell with the cards I buy these days. I am preparing to sell several player collections along with my coins, both lifelong pursuits. It’s time to pass these along to future generations. As my running streak inevitably comes to an end, I’ll need to find new ways to occupy my mind. 

I’m bored though crazy busy, craving something that’s more constructive. I’m not yet sure what it is but recovery time after open heart surgery will give me plenty of time to think. In addition to sedentary sports and movie viewing, over just the span of just two weeks, we will have had house guests, gone to a granddaughter’s dance recital, taken two boat rides, and sat through a mediocre Carole King tribute. We’re off to a NAM musical tonight, a Duke’s of Brinkley concert tomorrow, and giving three dinner parties next week. I’ve added a Borrego Boyz pub night while my wife has her book club meeting. Once again, there won’t be time for a trip to the movie theater or even to watch Hieronymus Bosch.