Today 21Sept2023

I took the day off from work as I was feeling strange and tired all the time. I managed to sleep in just an hour to 8something. I had just a banana for breakfast with liberal coffee made in my French Press. I was still out of sorts and could not decide what to do. I read a lot of news and looked at polls for the next presidential election. This is a non-political blog, so I will comment only on a few things. First, someone ran a poll on VP Harris as a replacement for Biden, which got some interesting results (but not happy for us liberals). I also saw that Biden still seems to have Michigan locked in–someone ran a Michigan-only poll, which I am sure will not be believed by my friends in Michigan, but it was interesting. It is too early to look at these except to see how things change as we get closer to the election.

After reading, getting my Quicken updated (I track every buck), and not logging on to work, I showered, dressed, and headed out. I took Air Volvo to the dry cleaners and picked up my suit. I planned to wear my new suits for the H.P. Lovecraft Film Festival and had the one I took to Michigan cleaned. I am also having some of my dress shirts pressed, and I have a new Homburg hat.

But, before I could head out, the Volvo fob was failing. Thus, I have to take it apart and replace the battery. I do one at a time and ensure that the fixed one works before taking the second one apart. I have two, and they fail at about the same time.

Next, which is unusual for me, I stopped by Beaverton’s Stranger Things comic book store and bought two issues. I got one Sandman special issue–which looked interesting. I enjoyed it and might get the next one. I also got Murder by Mail, which looks like a solve the murder file presented in comic book form. I will get to that soon.

I was going to get Teriyaki to go, but Aloha Teriyaki was gone. I hope they retired, and it was a happy ending as they were here as long as we have been. It was one of Susie’s favs. Instead, I stopped by the Chinese place and had Almond Chicken (average–but I saw everyone else was eating the noodles–hmmm) and read my Sandman comic (it was really good, as I said). I got a text that Susie was ready, and I paid and rushed home.

I got to the office and called Susie on Alexa using the video device. This is plan ‘B’ when I shouldn’t or could not visit. The hummingbird house is partially locked down for flu and colds. As I was not feeling myself, it was best to respect the lockdown today. Thus, Susie and I saw each other on a video call that Jennifer, the nurse aide for the weekdays, arranged. We had a lovely short chat. Later, Leta, Susie’s mother, could also do a video call. I carried an Alexa to Michigan, and Barb (her daughter) and I got it working. I used it to call Leta later on Thursday. Leta likes it as it shows Oregon time and weather.

After that, I read the rest of The Shortest History of the Soviet Union, concluding with a description of Putin with some of Putin’s interesting quotes and the author’s thoughts on Putin. An excellent book.

Next, I cleaned up the deck and recycled metal items from Corwin’s metalworking. They were rusted and abandoned, and I was tired of the mess. I found a few things, not ruined; I put them back in the garage and emptied a huge glass jug. I will put that in the garage when it dries out. I was happy to see things back to usable again.

Aside: That feeling of being out of control or trying to find my way in my nightmares is related to these messes. I feel much better now. One more thing is done.

I made tacos for dinner and watched more LOTR extended version, The Return of the King. There are a few good lines in this movie and book. The hobbits eating and drinking after the cleansing of Saruman’s fortress is one of my favorite in the book and the movie. The book version is better, but it is still great in the film.

I try to fix a mason jar with blinking lights–like fireflies at night, but it is gone. I ordered replacements.

I did some more junk tossing and then headed to Wildwood Taphouse to write. It was almost too loud tonight, and I could only find a spot on the bar to write, but it was the break I wanted. I wrote there.

Violet Blue, an Intenet personality and a friend, sent me back thanks for the birthday gift.

I ordered my stuff from the H.P. Lovecraft Film Festival and hope my 500 words made it to at least the publication this year. I won two years ago and hoped this one was good. We will not remember last year’s failures.

I plan to work from home tomorrow, as usual, for a Friday; I will visit Susie in the afternoon, visit the park, and then return to the Volvo Cave (I will not stay as they are still locked down). BYW, Linda, and Jessi are back in Michigan after an enjoyable visit to the Pacific Northwest.

Thanks for reading.