Today 4June2023

The morning was bright, with clear skies, and dry. Not Oregon’s typical summer weather, and the temperature change from 46F (8c) to 71F (22C) is more like a desert; there has been no significant rain for weeks. The temperatures will head into the 80s (27C) and 90s (32C) on Monday and Tuesday. I made liberal coffee using a French Press, had a slice of Whole Foods’ Cream Cheese Brioche, and a banana. I spent the morning writing the blog. I was finally published by 9:30ish, having risen at 7ish to write.

I watered all the roses. I had skipped yesterday, and the roses were not happy about that. I will bring some more for Susie on Monday–there is plenty to cut, and I will take some pictures of some of the newest blooms on Monday.

Next, I turned to my radio project. I cleaned up my work area as it was cluttered, and the radio project was approaching completion. I located the off/on switch and then found a spade bit to cut the large hole in the wooden box. The box is covered in veneer, and it is loose in spots. I taped the area, and the first bit, a sharp, never used bit, spun into the wood without issue and cut a neat circle. Unfortunately, the switch was a pass-through, and the wood was too thick. Puke! I then had to widen the hole with a spade bit set in the air. That caused issues and failed to make a neat whole, and I had to reglue veneer and lost some by the switch edge–It will be covered by the push-in switch plastic edge, but I will have to stain some of the wood to hide the missing veneer.

I used white glue to repair what I could and taped it down to dry in place, which worked. I just need to wire the switch and push it into the hole; it will not come out again, so it has to be perfect. I cut a tab off the button as I would not risk notching the hole.

Lunch was leftover Popeye’s chicken. I also had some plain yogurt and added the rest of the peaches from a can I opened yesterday.

I showered, dressed, boarded Air Volvo, and saw 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. I was not there until just before noon. I arrived at about 1PM and brought Susie her Panama summer hat.

Susie was lying down watching the last episode of M.A.S.H. on her TV in her room. I have not seen it in a while, and the cable version has no commercials and seems more natural and emotional. The moment when Margaret Houlihan said goodbye and left in a jeep surprised me with how real it felt. Susie has seen it many times but watched the whole episode without falling asleep–after all the years, it still is a powerful show.

Susie asked to watch the rest of the movie. We saw Toy Story, and Susie thought it was unfinished. I agree that the ending is abrupt, but she thought there was more. I put on Toy Story 2, and both of us fell asleep. Luckily, Leta, Susan’s mother, called (I had forgotten to call her, and then M.A.S.H. was intense, so I did not stop it), and we got caught up for the day. Leta was fine and enjoying the warm weather, and she had to pick up someone for church today. Leta is 94 and still gives rides and works in a food bank–she is unstoppable! After a short call, Susie was ready to head to Metzger Park next door.

It was just breaking 70F (21C), so it was an excellent time to head out. The wind was blowing from a strange direction, coming from the North West and hot. We saw a huge branch had broken and fallen into the parking lot, someone had dragged it out of the spaces, but the spaces were still covered in small branches and pine cones. Nobody was parking there!

We found my favorite bench, shady and near the redwoods and cypress. The butterflies were out despite the wind, and two Oregon Swallowtails were performing tight circles together. Unfortunately, the wind was kicking up dust, pollen, and pine needles were raining on us. Susie suddenly had a coughing jag (almost choking) that was too much, and I took her back to the hummingbird house. There we got Susie some water (and me too). Dondrea called, and we did a speaker call so Susie could also talk to Dondrea. After getting caught up, Dondrea rang off, and I kissed Susie goodbye. Susie decided to sit in the living room in her recliner in her summer hat.

I headed back home and arrived without issue in Air Volvo. I did see some folks run a red light. It looked like they all just decided to go. There were some close calls, but everything worked out without any scratched paint. Air Volvo got me to a windy Volvo Cave. I closed the gate that the wind had blown open and was banging and then relaxed for a bit. My gum trees were moving in an awkward direction, more than ten feet, but seemed to be holding together. The redwoods nearby actually shiver and dance in the wind. The huge trunks are solid, so the branches flex and spin making the tree dance.

I then headed to The Spaghetti Factory, sat in the bar, and let them make me dinner. My bartender, a young gal named Sophia (not Z), got me a beer and dinner. Specifically, I had a small salad with creamy pesto dressing (much better than Ranch) and a loaf of warm bread. The meatball and sausage over spaghetti with meat sauce was good. Sophia was busy the whole time as the place was busy, even the bar. I had spumoni ice cream to finish. While not cutting-edge or excellent, it is always good and executed well.

I missed Susie and Corwin at dinner; we used to go there and see a movie together before the pandemic. I read my Kindle at the bar as the bartender was busy. I have been mainly eating alone for a year now and bringing something to read or my Apple laptop when alone. I read and learn now at meals.

I returned directly home via Air Volvo and decided to rest some more. I read and fell deeply asleep (pasta and beer are a nap). I woke up at 7:30ish and restarted. I checked Nike, and so far, I am just following along tonight–nothing for me (my team did the plant data conversion this weekend in production). I wrote this blog after making a cup of tea with a slice of lemon. The tea helped me stay away and helped with the coughing, which, while reduced, is more productive and less often. Ugh!

Thanks for reading.