Today 21Aug2023: Monday

I woke before my alarm at 7AM with pain in my right hand. This is a new thing, and I am unsure of the cause. I am currently using my hands more for reading and working on my radio project. My hands and toes feel odd after the chemotherapy, so this might be the next round of chemo leftovers. Every day I treat my hands and feet with Utter Smooth with Urea cream, and yes, the cow pee is helping. Recommended.

I was up at 7AM and started the water in the electric kettle to make coffee later in the French Press. Next, I mounted the non-moving Schwinn bike, rode a bit faster (two bars), and did not travel over five miles for thirty minutes. It was my first time reaching my goal of thirty-minute workouts. I then found some yogurt (with fruit) in the frig. I also opened a jar of canned peaches and had three halves with the yogurt, plus liberal coffee.

I was on time for the first status meeting at 8:05 and continued status meetings with a few breaks when they finished early until 9:45. While there were breaks, I read emails and Slack channel updates to catch up. I had powered on the Nike laptop the night before and logged in. All the updates and emails were already downloaded for the week.

I found a break at about 10AM and slipped into the shower. I quickly dressed (including the application of Utter Smooth) and was back online and texted various folks about my new work. I was ready for a break at about 11:30. I watered the roses without soaking my shoes. It has not rained in weeks, and there is no rain in the forecast for the next ten days–regular for us. I started a load of laundry after I discovered somehow I had flooded the shower, and my towels were soaked.

At 11:45ish, I started to chop carrots and celery to add to the lettuce I tore by hand. I added some cheese, olives, croutons, and a can of good tuna. Lunch. Topped with some ranch dressing. I ate that while watching some videos on YouTube (Nerd of the Rings).

Air Volvo, after I boarded, flew me to Susie’s place at Allegiance Senior Care LLC, 9925 SW 82nd. Ave. Portland (Tigard), OR 97223; phone (503) 246-4116. There were no incidents or close calls today; Monday seemed calm with school starting, and the smoke was gone. While still burning, the fires sent their smoke east and not toward us (north). Our skies are still pale blue, showing the air quality is still not great, but I no longer feel my throat burning after talking.

Susie was in her recliner in the shared living room when I arrived. Jennifer, the weekday nursing aide, popped Susie into her wheelchair. We then headed to Metzger Park with the light again clear and white (not the yellow color we see with the smoke). We sat on the shady bench by the cedars and redwoods. Using FaceTime, I called Leta and Barb (Susie’s mother and sister, respectively) on my iPhone to form a three-way call. Everyone was happy to see each other and us out in the park. The park was busy but not packed like it was on the weekend. We had a friendly chat and then, after ringing off, finished the loop through the park and back to the hummingbird house. A yellow jacket wasp did land on Susie a few times, but I managed to wave it off before it did any harm.

Once back, Jennifer sat Susie in bed, and I put on M.A.S.H. for Susie. I set up my Nike laptop and Apple and sat in the overstuffed chair doing work items. I had to stop M.A.S.H. for one call, but other than that, Susie was awake and enjoying M.A.S.H. while I worked next to her. Jennifer also brought in an Ensure, and I helped Susie finish that as a snack. We are always looking to get a few more calories into Susie. I finished at 4PM and headed home with a kiss and a promise to return on Tuesday. I always pull up the gate and set up the crash pad before I leave.

Air Volvo then steered a course for The Rock Wood Fired Pizza, and there I had a pizza, salad, and a brewed product, a red ale. I was hungry and thought an early dinner would be good as I have an 8PM meeting with India tonight.

Meg was my waiter in the bar, and soon I had my favs and was writing this blog.

And that, dear reader, is where the story ends for Monday. Thank you for reading.