The COVID-19 and Flu vax are crushing me today. I was up at 7:30 to make my first meeting at 8:05, but I skipped the rest as I struggled to think clearly and answer questions. Not a good place to be in IT! I had an apple, some hot cereal, and oatmeal (low sugar) and made it through the first meeting without issues. Rajani took over today, and I just followed along on my phone–they did not need me.
I raided the freezer for lunch. I baked frozen clam strips, which were aging, along with potato pancakes. I have sour cream to go with them, and I cooked a whole box and saved some for tomorrow’s breakfast. I found some frozen corn on the cob (it is now in season), so I boiled this as I would prefer fresh, but I should finish my frozen stuff.
So, clam strips potato pancakes with sour cream and corn on the cob for lunch. Not bad.
I struggled with pain in my arm, joint pain, nausea, and exhaustion. I pushed through, got into Air Volvo, and managed to cross Beaverton without issue. The traffic was kind today–no amazing driving today. The weather was a perfect sunny fall day, and I think it cheered everyone. I soon arrived at Susie’s place at Allegiance Senior Care LLC, 9925 SW 82nd. Ave. Portland (Tigard), OR 97223; phone (503) 246-4116.
Anassa, the weekend nursing aide, said Susie was waiting for me and finished 1/2 an Ensure as I waited. Next, we went outside on the glorious fall day. Clear skies and hot sun made it pure joy. A Steller’s Jay was calling out excitedly at me, and I assume the lack of crows now resulted from these intense birds coming down from the mountains as we leave the hot 100+ days of August.
The park was busy, with little people getting a chance to use it on a perfect day, escorted by their parents. Dogs were out walking their humans while the sun could be enjoyed. Susie and I found a nice bench in the sun and soon made a three-way FaceTime video call with Susie’s sister, Barb, and her mother, Leta. We had a pleasant visit while Barb drove to take their dog, Sophia, to a lovely park. Leta was enjoying her birds in her new bird feeders. I had to bring the call to an end as I was fading from the side-effect of the vax again.
Susie with new socks of Portland Bridges from Powell’s.
Next, Susie and I tried to watch The Accountant, a favorite movie featuring Ben Affleck. Michelle and David Smith called, and we briefly chatted with them. They were on the coast working on their beach house. David was under the house working on some hot water pipes. I quoted Gandalf and suggested that there are many ancient things in the deep places. I also said if she heard David say, “You Shall Not Pass,” she should run for it. David laughed. David’s Bane was not likely under the beach house. It was good to catch up, and they got to say hello to Susie!
We returned to the movie, and Susie nodded off. I tried to be quiet, follow along on some work things, and watch the show (I like it). At 4PM, I left with a kiss. I know Susie felt it was a short visit as she slept through much of it, but I had to get some food and get moving (I was falling asleep and also feeling ill). Anassa took over, and Susie got some rest and later dinner.
I headed Air Volvo to the Oak Hills Brewery, part of McMcmenamins (a local chain), for an early light dinner. I had clam chowder with crackers and an iced tea. I tried to get focused on Dungeons and Dragons while eating. I also checked in, and was not needed at the shoe company.
Next, I drove only a few minutes to Cory’s house to play our Dungeons and Dragons game. The group has been meeting for over twenty years. We play for the Sunday Group, D&D, or Call of Cthulhu (CoC) Role Playing Game. We like both, and CoC provides interesting options to create or find props to play. Today, we are continuing with a long-term campaign on Spell Jammers (D&D in space on magical space flying sailing and other types of ships), which will have us increase to the maximum level in D&D, Twentieth.
In today’s game, we nearly were whipped out by one battle with slavers and hideous mind flayers. My character, War, an evil but lawful worshiper of War, almost had his brain eaten! We finally managed to drive that off. Before that, we barely escaped living and hungry asteroids. My character was swallowed multiple times. It was a close call.
We had a good time, and it is always better when it is a close call. I was struggling, as I said. The drive home was hard. When I am sick, I start to see things in the dark–I have to sometimes sleep with a light on.
I made it home safe, made a ham and cheese sandwich, and struggled through this blog. I hope to work on Monday.
Thanks for reading!
Alohawild (Michael Wild's) Website 