Today 27July2023

The day has been a challenge as my colon decided to empty with little warning multiple times. This left me feeling a bit tired and likely dehydrated. I finally seemed better and headed to Wildwood Taphouse after reheating the tagine-style chicken with potatoes and carrots for dinner. I ate it while watching ShipHappen’s latest update (repair) on their ship. I also enjoyed Drachinifel’s new video on the design of the HMS Hood while eating. I also consumed many glasses of water.

I collected the recycling and the trash and put them out for Friday (garage day for our street). After that, as I said, I headed to Wildwood.

Before this, I was rushing all day, sometimes to the restroom! Susie was napping when I reached her 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 there about 1:20, running late, and bookended with a meeting at 2:00. I also had to rush to use Susie’s room’s toilet, ugh! Before reaching Susie’s place, I decided to have a small lunch pizza and salad at Old Chicago Pizza–the thick crust I miss from the USA Midwest. That was not settled well–I had hoped some food would improve my condition. Susie saw me stagger a few times–she was looking worried.

I managed to get Susie to Metzger Park and found that the picnic tables were not in use today. There was a wonderful breeze and shade there. Despite the burning heat (83F with a desert-like 45% humidity–28C), we were almost cold in the shade. I did have to wave away a yellow jacket that nearly spoiled our visit to the park. We called Leta, Susie’s mother, who was hanging out with Barb (Susie’s sister). Leta is buying her leased car to the great disappointment of the dealership, who likely could sell the vehicle at 2x the buyout (perfect condition and very low mileage). Also, the car could go to the grandchildren if Leta stops driving. Perfect.

I could not stay long as I was already late for my meeting. I gave Susie a quick kiss goodbye after I returned Susie to the hummingbird house. I promised Friday would be a more extended visit (I work from Susie’s room on Friday afternoons). I did my call while Air Volvo took me home. I then did another meeting and helped with some more crises of the moment after arriving at the Volvo Cave.

I am working the weekend as our project requires 7/24 coverage for six weeks (puke). I will miss out on gaming on Saturday night again with Richard, and my afternoon will be truncated, so I will not get much chance to play with Evan either. I am also looking at working Sunday afternoon. It seems like Dungeons and Dragons on Sunday night is still possible.

The day started with me simulating Dracula facing the sun when the alarm went off. Yes, I think I actually turned to dust. Returning from the dead, I found the kitchen (it had not moved) and decided on just yogurt for dinner, as my colon was already sending warning signals. Liberal coffee was assembled and consumed (extra put in the thermal cup and taken to work). I read all the emails, Slack channel updates, and some news before popping in the shower, dressing, and boarding Air Volvo.

School buses have reappeared, suggesting that summer school or summer camps are in progress. I still arrived early and attended the usual hours of status meetings while reading and approving various documents. As the project is heating up, I got many requests for approvals, and my time on the change control board no longer has me fighting to stay awake. I have stuff to approve and to think about.

And that takes me full circle. I did talk to some directors and engineers about my new project. I have plenty to keep me busy now–it is always good to find and solve an impossible problem.

Aside: Leadership is passing around the copy of the 2600 magazine I supplied with the article I wrote. So far, I have not been invited to a meeting with HR or, far worse, Corporate Communications. HR confirmed one of my retirement questions. Plans are starting to become apparent. No details here, sorry.

Thanks for reading.