Day 7: Wednesday

I will skip work as it was busy and unpleasant, and I cannot share any of that here.

I started with the alarm waking me at 6AM, and I knew that was wrong, so I reset it to 6:30. As usual, just as I was nodding off and feeling comfortable, it was time to get out of bed. I had a 7:30AM Zoom meeting at the office (I know that sounds bizarre to you working permanently from home, but f**k, it is so corporate), and I then rush to read emails, Slack channel updates, and the news. I make coffee. I forgot the coffee (made in the French Press but never tasted today) and forgot to take my pills. It was not a good start, and it was going to get worse.

Breakfast, for the last time for a while, was served with coffee. I was happy to get something when I was so rushed. I had a lot of coffee!

I got to work and did various Zoom meetings, and again, I cannot cover more. Later in the morning, Mariah was in the area, and she suggested lunch in text. I was late to meet her, more work stuff, but we had a nice lunch at the Golden Valley Brewery. I had the Avocado BLT sandwich served in a non-sleep-causing 1/2 sandwich with just a few fries. That I had with water–better for me. A Cobb Salad was perfect for Mariah. We had a nice chat that I cannot share–we both were having painful work days.

It was a tough afternoon, and I was happy to leave around 5PM. I grabbed some chocolate kisses on the way out, and that made it a bit better in Air Volvo. It appears that we have next week free; I am glad for the break. I have been working every day since 27 Nov.

I don’t usually enjoy driving home in Air Volvo, but the rains have stopped, and we have clear blue skies. I tried to leave the problems at work, but the emotions burned. With Susie’s death, I overreact and am always a moment from tears. So the driving and other distractions helped–keep busy.

At the house, I found the gifts for The Smiths and wrapped them. I found the Alamo (not the car company, but the one in Texas) shopping bag to hold everything. It was fun to get things organized and Christmas-ready. After taking the pill (I forgot in the morning), I read until 7ish as we were to meet at 7:30. I boarded Air Volvo and went slowly to our usual Indian place, Swagat Indian Cuisine, at Orenco Station. I got a note from Cat Smith that they were late, so I drove across the parking lot to Four Seasons Grocery and went shopping. I got some veggies and other items I needed. I got some sausage and some fire-roasted tomatoes in a can for Jamablaya.

I was still waiting after that was done and loaded into the bags in the cargo hold. I then accessed my Kindle on my iPhone and started to reread one of my favorite Star Trek books, Wounded Sky. This is set in the original show, but using Diane Duane’s, the author, updated version of Star Trek, which I find more logical and exotic. If you like Star Trek, her version takes it to a new level. The latest DC movies are just reaching the vision of the exotic universe and creatures you find in her books. She also did a few Spiderman books, including Venom, which were a kick. Diane Duane’s books are recommended.

The Smiths arrived as I had just read a few pages, learning that Kirk’s desk was usually a mess, but when he cleaned it up, the crew cleaned everything as the Captain was in a mood. Putting away Star Trek, the Smith and I walked to Swagat. There, we had two platters of grilled meats and all the sides, plus plenty of naan. The Smith got me The HP Lovecraft Cookbook and NYC Zabar’s Coffee.

I got Michelle animal drier balls (very liberal). Cat received the newest items from the Kickstarter from Lamp Black, a lovely new comic. David got playing cards with drawings of the Oregon Coast and a diagram of the Battle of the Alamo. David’s small gift was in one of Susie’s Christmas Snoopy bags (I still have some), so Susie’s was included.

We had a nice dinner, and it was wonderful to exchange gifts. I may meet them at their coast house later next week as I am free, so far, next week.

Thanks for reading.