I am sitting in the Deschutes Brewery Bar in PDX (PDX is the call letters for Portland International Airport and the name we call it) next to my gate. I am all checked in, and the bags are on their way. Security is done, and they somehow discovered that you can put all your stuff in one bin now. No more sorting computers from the rest. I used my Real ID today–I disagree with the politics associated with this card, but it works.
The drive to PDX from the Volvo Cave was the usual slow Thursday traffic, but as I left late, at 6:20PM, the heavy traffic was already gone. I was impressed by the tires in the tunnel neatly stacked on the side. The newish tires, still with chalk writing for various sizes, were along the walls, and I counted more than six. That must have been a bad day when those fell onto the road.
Portland has a graffiti problem again; I thought it was under control, but I could see that the artists must be bringing ladders. While pretty and interesting, it does not belong on our traffic signs. A few months ago, the city was cleaning it up, but it is new and bright and everywhere.
Before this, I was at the house preparing for the trip. I showered, shaved, and wore more formal clothing to match the First Class ticket. A dress shirt with clean dark blue pants, a sweater cover shirt, and Air Force One. The persona of a biz traveler, but friendly. I am ready for the all-nighter.
I finished the packing and discovered my Apple was not fully charged (!) and had not backed up the latest changes. So I rested while it spent all of that. I stopped the AC/Heat to the house–it will be a warmish weekend without me. I had my old (twenty-plus) luggage for suits loaded with my case and shirts for the wedding and a regular bag for the rest. It is red and carbon fiber and really indestructible, and once was hit by a truck–it is excellent.
Before this, I worked and did Zoom meetings from the home office. Nike WHQ had an all-day party today, so I had only a few things to do. I approved some more code and reviewed a few changes. I had come to the Volvo Cave from Susie’s place at Allegiance Senior Care LLC, 9925 SW 82nd. Ave. Portland (Tigard), OR 97223; phone (503) 246-4116. I went to visit her and then found lunch after. Susie was happy to see me when I arrived before noon.
Jennifer, who was very busy today, got Susie into her wheelchair, and we headed to Metzger Park. It was an excellent day with many clouds, but we could see some dark blue here and there. The dark blue means no smoke or smog, which is fantastic. We called Leta, Susie’s mother, and chatted for a while. Susie, while she was quiet, stayed awake and followed the conversation. Susie was sad when I had to leave, and she seems to understand I will be away for a few days. I did bring a paper copy of the email I sent for the folks scheduled to see Susie while I am away. Everything is set for me to be away for a few days.
Before this, I was at Nike WHQ in the Swift building doing various status and alignment meetings, all on Zoom. I was working a regular day even though it was a Nike party day as I was leaving for a few days.
Moving to the start of the day was hard, and I was tired all day. I did manage to ride the Immobile Scwhinn for thirty minutes and not travel 6.4 miles. Breakfast was at McDonald’s drive-thru, and sadly, I made no liberal coffee today. I unloaded the dishwasher, dried and put away the clothing, and cleaned the stovetop. I wanted no mess when I returned on Wednesday. The Egg McMuffin was good, but the hashbrowns should be skipped as it resemble oil-drenched cardboard.
They are calling the plane, and 1st class gets no meal. Interesting. Sorry for rushing!
Thanks for reading.
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