Today 17May2023

My worst loss in the board game Scythe was today; Z (twelve years old) beat me 93 to 29 in the second episode of the Fenris campaign. She hit all of the popularity increases on the encounter cards and spread out, claiming a pile of hexes. Even with me holding the Factory, I still could not break above thirty, ugh! Next time! Z enjoyed the win, and, with no AC in the church, we play board games on Wednesday while Dondrea, her mother, and others rehearse for Sunday. Unfortunately, it was too hot to play another game–we just made it through the first one. Z and I then walked in the park adjoining the church and talked about math, disasters, and theology while we enjoyed the cool breeze of the setting sun in Beaverton.

Before this, I was hanging out with Corwin, he needed a lift to the bank, and then we got some Sushi at Zen Sushi near the Volvo Cave at the Aloha strip mall. We ordered a Philadelphia Roll (too much food for one, so I was happy to get one with Corwin–excellent to match avocado, cream cheese, and salmon). We got some raw items from the track and ordered miso soup and hot tea. Corwin knows the place and ordered an excellent small calamari dish I had not had before. Excellent.

Corwin will plant Z and Dondrea’s gift, a rose, for me on Saturday. I also found some spare good unmatching towels for Corwin (I had meant to get them to him as I have too many) and a leftover ham (I accidentally ordered two hams from Olympic Provisions, and I cannot eat two before they go bad). So Corwin got to collect a bounty of house stuff today.

Before this, I visited Susie at the hummingbird house in Portland (Tigard) at Allegiance Senior Care LLC, 9925 SW 82nd. Ave. Portland (Tigard), OR 97223; phone (503) 246-4116. Jennifer said Susie had a rough night, calling out a lot in her sleep–I remember those nights, and she was exhausted. However, when I arrived, she was fighting to stay awake in her chair, and she wanted to go to Metzger Park. She can be stubborn. So despite being exhausted, she wanted a spin through the park.

It was at least 90F (32C) in the shade and more in the sun. We found a bench in the shade, not in use, and called Susie’s mother, Leta. Leta was happy to see Susie via FaceTime and was envious of our warm spring; it was cold in Lansing, Michigan. We had a friendly chat.

Susie wanted to spend extra time in the park–she was fighting to not fall asleep in her wheelchair. I did the whole park and stopped a few more times so Susie could get a more extended visit, but soon she admitted it was time to return to the hummingbird house. I told Susie I would be back in the afternoon on Thursday (I have physical therapy on Thursday) and kissed her goodbye. Susie was not going to bed for a nap but back to her recliner to start with folks. I know how that goes; surrounded by people, it is hard to have a nightmare. I used to fall asleep in the living room sitting next to Susie and not be scared when I dreamed.

Before this, I had lunch with Scott and discussed work things at the “Seb” on Nike WHQ. I had driven to WHQ from my office building, Clubhouse, parked in the NYC garage, and walked across the impressive Nike campus (it is hard to describe how beautiful it is–forget Microsoft or Apple–it is the best). Scott gave me the short story on the building; besides working in the biz, Scott is an official tour guide and does executive (C Level) tours. So it is always fun when we have lunch, and he explains the buildings to me. The salad bar was excellent, and we found a table and chatted. We have been working together for years and keep connected by meeting for lunch every week (but usually less as we both get conflicts with the timing).

Before the excellent lunch and walk and Scott’s spiel on the building, I was at Clubhouse approving updates to technical designs (mostly recording bug fixes) and attending status meetings. I started at 6AM and managed twenty minutes of stretches and exercises. I time-box it as I have too many exercises, and I am not supposed to do them all daily. I was at the office before 8AM for the first Zoom meetings.

I slept until my alarm woke me, waking a few times to vivid dreams. I still cannot sleep the night through.

Sorry for the brief blog, but it was a routine and lovely day. No tears. No pain. And pleasant meals and great weather. Thanks for reading.