Back to work today. So my morning was the usual wake at 6AM, rush to be in the office and start the first two hours of Zoom meetings. I managed to do my basic stretches and exercises this morning and then have instant oatmeal (adding dried cranberries and walnuts) and liberal coffee from my French Press.
Somehow going (and returning at 5ish), I find a school bus that slows me. The traffic was not heavy, and I had no issues in the morning. I spent hours in a conference room and even did some stretches while listening to defects, progress reports, and general status. I head out, stopping by to see some of my co-workers, now in the office as we start 7/24 data conversions, to see Susie at 5:15 at the hummingbird house in Portland (Tigard) at Allegiance Senior Care LLC, 9925 SW 82nd. Ave. Portland (Tigard), OR 97223; phone (503) 246-4116.
On the way, the traffic suddenly brakes on Highway 26, and I calmly slide into the shoulder instead of trying to slam my breaks on rain-soaked roads (it was even hailing again today). I am safe, but I am surprised that a commercial-painted pickup takes my place as I pull back into my lane. I am not sure the driver would have plunged into Air Volvo had I not immediately pulled back onto the main road, but the streets were slick with excess dampness. Yikes!
Susie was happy, I might even say delighted, to see me. The tummy and other issues are gone, and Susie is smiling and talkative. So much better than the weekend! Susie is happy to use my iPhone to call Leta, her mother, and see her using FaceTime. Susie is happy and awake, so the call lasts about twenty-five minutes. As it is a work day, I can only stay a short time, and there is no misery or sadness this time–she understands I have to return to work today. So I left with a kiss and no tears today.
I stop for a salad. Lunch is at Panera Bread and an excellent chicken berry salad with poppy dressing. I enjoy the salad while reading the news on my iPhone. Then, I return to work without new sudden stops via Highways 26 and 217, my usual way. There I have more Zoom meetings and follow along and help with a crisis of the moment.
I finish my 8-4 shift and return home enjoying, as I said, one school bus to slow me. Z has play practice, and her mother is in Seattle (Z is with Grandma), so there are no board games today. Instead, I cooked Tegine-style chicken with potatoes and carrots (instead of rice or couscous), adding preserved lemon, tagine spices (from a bottle), and green olives. Onions and garlic are cooked first on the stovetop, and then the rest is added. I then bake it for about an hour in a pot. While OK, the spices are a bit bright still, and there is not enough salt, but I will not add any (it is not good for me). Still good, and I had a few bowls while watching a 2001 science show on cable: Shock and Awe: The Story of Electricity. I would recommend the show, but Dr. Jim Al-Khalili’s best show (also on cable) is The Secrets of Quantum Mechanics. His other show Atom is an excellent history of physics. Again, I would recommend anything by Dr. Jim Al-Khalili.
I then took a nap, the Duvel beer I found in the frig being the leading cause of the nap. The Belgium beer, which translates as Devil, always affects me like two beers or a beer and a shot. Recommended only if you are not driving for a few hours!
I got back up and wrote this blog. I may head out to see a movie tonight.
Thanks for reading!
Alohawild (Michael Wild's) Website 