The day started with me waking at 6AM to my iPhone alarm. It was hard to wake up, and I thought first to rest more, but I got up and did most of my stretches and exercises. It is essential to eat after, not before! I finished at about 6:40 and made a breakfast of liberal coffee, corn muffins, and a banana. After the usual prep, I rushed out the door and into Air Volvo in time to beat the school buses and reached the project’s Clubhouse building before 8AM.
Recalling Monday night, after writing the blog, I picked up my soldering iron and assembled the basic power and microprocessor for the next radio I am building. I attached everything to a small board and set the electronic in standoffs. The test passed–good. I then stayed up late reading. Grey Mouser and Fafhrd kept my interest until after midnight. This made the morning harder, of course.
Returning to the narrative, I reached the office and was treated kindly, as I had been out for a week with Susie’s illness and my colonoscopy. My co-workers asked me to let them drive me or help in any way. They are concerned–most kind.
The day went on with a few Zoom meetings and a few crises of the moment. I had to send some heads-up-styled messaging on a few issues. Soon it was getting late in the morning. I headed out.
I had my physical therapy (PT) appointment, and the stress and lack of keeping to a schedule had made a hash of all the good work for months. Conor did some pressure to unlock my back and suggested we keep the same plan at a slow build for a few weeks. I agreed. Leo finished up with me doing some basic stretches. Leo plays Dungeons and Dragons and board games, so, during stretches, we talked about gaming.
Next, I headed to Bethany Public House bar and had a Diet Coke and their chili. The bartender was happy to see me and asked me if I wanted my usual lunch, and I answered “Yes.” I ate quickly, as usual, and then headed to Susie’s place in Portland (Tigard) at 9925 SW 82nd. Ave. Portland (Tigard), OR 97223; phone (503) 246-4116.
It is another perfect spring day with blue skies and dry streets. Thus, I was unsurprised to see Beaverton’s Finest on Highway 26 giving grief to various overly imaginative drivers. The police do not seem to come out except on lovely days. Air Volvo stayed to the limits recommended to avoid expensive notes payable to the City of Beaverton Court. I did see rushed driving with folks making sudden lane changes at speeds over 55. With a few more nice days, I imagine the court’s treasury will soon be replenished!
Linda, my sister, texted me, and then I called her. Our mother, Barb Wild, was not answering her phone (again). Linda had to leave work and drive to check on her. Everything was fine, but it is easy to imagine something else when traveling; I know from experience! I talked to Linda and was able to cheer her up on the way to mom’s place, Cheatu Wild, East. Again, everything was fine.
I arrived without legal entanglements at the hummingbird house. Susie was getting her fingernails trimmed and painted by Jennifer (Jennifer is the live-in nursing aide). Once that was completed, I took Susie out on the porch and called her mother. Leta was at her house waiting for the call (I had called Leta earlier, letting her know I was running later), and Susie and Leta enjoyed FaceTime (they could see each other) on my iPhone until Susie was getting cold. Finally, I returned Susie to the warmth of the living room, kissed her goodbye, and headed back to work at the Clubhouse.
I was back late in the afternoon, and there were still more meetings and a few crises of the moment to work on. We also got a team lunch planned for Wednesday. I was out after 5 and home before 6PM. Dinner was reheated corned beef and cabbage. I also had a few snacks as I was still hungry.
I read a bit and rested a bit. I am filled with nervous energy today. I do not feel that well; something left from the stress of last week.
I got a package from SparkFun, including some excellent 3″ speakers that will fit in my radio project and a new LCD display. I purchased another dead tube radio for about $100 on eBay. This will handle the larger speakers. I plan to build two projects. It will be here in a week.
I have stripped a 3V needle meter of its face and back plate. I plan to install a copy of the face plate of the 1940 Philco radio (I bought this one last month) over it and paint it red. Not quite a match to what was there, but it should look steampunk. The needle will move with the sound volume (AdaFruit in NYC has the mic I need, and I have three on the way). I hope to cast the push buttons in clear acrylic and put neoPixel lights (also from AdaFruit) behind the buttons changing colors with the frequency or like light show (new ideas for me), turning them into something new.
Thanks for reading. I am trying to relax; it is hard.
Alohawild (Michael Wild's) Website 