Today 23Aug2023: Wednesday

Going backward, I am reading Cold Welcome (Vatta’s Peace Book 1) at the Volvo Cave on my Kindle. This is a Space Opera series and the final two books. I had read the first series and left the finish for another time, or in other words, now. I recommend reading them in order, starting with Elizabeth Moon’s first book, Trading in Danger. Excellent. 

Before this, Air Volvo delivered me to the Volvo Cave from Portland. I picked up Corwin at 3ish at his house to help him make a few trips (he still is not driving) and drove him all over Beaverton. We had some spare time, so I stopped by Tammy’s Hobbies and bought some flat black spray paint (Chaos Black)–since the pandemic paint is not always available. Next, we dared the lousy traffic and went to the Pearl District in Portland. I found parking on the street a short distance from Von Eberts. We took a table outside and had a few beers and some excellent wings; the legend is that the wings are so good, smoked first, that the chicken volunteer. The staff remembered me and were helpful. Dinner was excellent outside on a picnic table set on the street.

Next, we were going to spend money on Powell’s, but we resisted and instead stopped at Screendoor for pecan pie and coffee. They make a dessert that makes you wonder if there are other real desserts in this world. The staff were happy to serve us at the counter. Our waiter had on a mask and kept her distant–excellent. The coffee was good.

Before picking up Corwin, I worked at home and attended various Zoom meetings. I had to participate in the 1:30 and 2 meetings. While they were going on, I wrote a status report on my new project at work–all good news.

Moving back towards lunch, I took Air Volvo to see Susie after reheating two pieces of leftover pizza. The travel across Beaverton was without events, but I did need to refuel Air Volvo. We are still learning how to do gas as Oregon left behind full-service this month to a mix of self and full-service. I pulled into full-service without thinking, and the attendant filed Air Volvo at $4.89 a gallon. Remember, we don’t have a sales tax, and the price is the same for full or self-service (self-service is faster).

Traffic was higher this Wednesday, and I had to be attentive to avoid unplanned stops. I soon arrived safely at Susie’s place at Allegiance Senior Care LLC, 9925 SW 82nd. Ave. Portland (Tigard), OR 97223; phone (503) 246-4116. Susie was thrilled to have me there for a short work-day visit. Soon, Susie, now in her wheelchair, we were sitting on the shady bench near the redwoods and cedars in Metzger Park. I called Susie’s mother, Leta, and Susie’s sister, Barb, on the iPhone using FaceTime to do a three-way call. We had a pleasant call, but a yellow jacket wasp did come to check Susie out. She is just too sweet, I think. I was able to wave it away. It was good to get caught up. Leta and I talked about my upcoming visit to my sister’s wedding. I will try to meet Leta for lunch or breakfast while I am in Michigan for the weekend of 10 September 2023.

I could only stay for a short while as I had Zoom work meetings in the early afternoon I could not miss and needed to be online. After the call, Susie and I finished the tour of the park. I soon delivered Susie back to the hummingbird house, left with a kiss, and took Air Volvo back to the Volvo Cave. Traffic was worse, and I took three times to get through some lights.

I started my day by waking before my alarm and finding the kitchen and heating water for my French Press-made liberal coffee. While the water heated, I climbed into Immobile Schwinn and rode for thirty minutes. Managing to not travel over six miles with some resistance and going at two bars. I watched the ABC News stream on cable while I rode. It is 50% commercials. I might have to buy Bloomberg News.

Next, I made the first Zoom status meeting at 8:05 with a NYC bagel (thanks, Joyce) and cream cheese. I added some peaches from a can to balance out my breakfast. I then did hours of meetings, sneaking a break in for twenty minutes to shower and dress. I did not get another break until after 11:30.

Aside: I wrote a letter to the People’s Republic of China Ambassador to the US about the disappearance of Naomi Wu, Sexy Cyborg. I fit that in during boring Zoom meetings. In my letter, I told Ambassador Xie Feng that Naomi was my hero, and I suggested that she was a great asset. It went out with today’s mail, and I hope it will help.

As I said, I reheated some pizza for lunch and then headed out. And that brings the story full circle…

I paid the bill for Susie’s care. Thanks to Michelle Nixon and her staff for all your good care of Susie! I put the check in a goofy or nice card each month.

Thanks for reading. Please remember Naomi Wu.