Thursday Walking

I was tired from all the driving and walking the day before, and I had no plans for the morning, so I rose late. I made liberal coffee from Equal Exchange and reheated a slice of pizza (olive and meatballs) from last night. I tried to get started, but I kept finding something else more interesting until after nine. I at least downloaded all the Quicken updates. The stock market has bounced back from the near crash. My Ford stock (F) was now higher.

I finally found the focus to write and even did multiple asides while telling the story of Wednesday’s trip to the coast and back. Misha and their family were at the Evergreen Water Park and Air History Museum today. I had decided not to overdo it and took the day slower at home.

The lights for my new orchids arrived today. The orchids are on their way to arrive on Monday. I assembled one set of LED lights, plugged them in, and tested them; they are bright and easy to use. The shelves should arrive tomorrow. Susie wanted me to return to growing orchids, but something always got in the way. Now that I have the time to care for the orchids, I invested some of my bonus money in supplies and flowers.

I reheated the pasta for lunch in the microwave. I watched episode 5 of Sandman. This is a disturbing and violent episode about crushing people’s dreams by making them only act on what is true. I still think it was well done, but it is hard to see a group of characters, some sympathetic, be destroyed with their dreams. It is a well-done episode.

After all that darkness, and knowing that Misha, Hope, Anneliese, and Lorelei would meet me at Sushi Mazi off of SE Division Street in Portland at about 6:30, I could do some shopping and walking. I headed to the Cedar Hills Crossing Mall to walk. It is primarily outdoor walking. It was overcast and about 70F (21C). I walked all over the new parts and stopped in a few shops. I also crossed Cedar Hills Street to the Walker strip mall and walked that, too, collecting just under 4,000 steps. I picked up breakfast for the next two days at Paris Baguette Bakery.

I drove to the older mall and Powell’s and looked for older Orchid books. I also found a cheap soap dish that matched the cheap toothbrush holder I got last time—perfect. I found a lovely, larger coffee table-sized orchid book that was used and under $20. Lastly, I found a used copy of The Orchid Thief that I meant to read, and it was also cheap. This got me over 4,000 steps.

I headed back to The Volvo Cave but then drove by, refueled, and stopped at the car wash. The Oregon Mist finally reappeared early this year, and I got Air Volvo washed in the rain. It is an Oregonian thing.

Back at the house, I did the dishes, read The Orchid Thief until 5:20, and then boarded an Air Volvo. Thursday is usually heavy traffic, and I did not reach the Sushi Mazi until 6 and then parked three blocks away. At least the rain had not reached Portland yet. I got a table for five just before the rush hit and filled the place. Only a few minutes later, Misha and family walked in. Misha ordered various rolls and sushi items. After checking with the waiter (she thought it was excellent), I had the sashimi salad with Miso Soup, a less carbohydrate meal that I ruined with a Kirin beer (from the smaller bottle). The meal was excellent.

We discussed it, and I ordered tickets for the Haunted Underground Shanghai Tunnel Tour at 2 on Friday (there is a beer tasting that we will likely skip). We were less sure about the ghost tour at 8 p.m. After that, Misha and I headed to the non-tourist Voodoo Donut location in SE. Misha will get some gluten-free donuts from a well-reviewed donut place in the morning. We will meet at Powel’s City of Books at about 10. I have an early doc meeting on Friday morning in NW Portland.

Air Volvo reached the Volvo Cave without issue, retracing its steps across the Ross Island Bridge. There, I unloaded, put out the trash (only one bag), invited the neighbors to use my trash container for any excess, and headed inside. I had some leftover chicken, as raw fish is not that filling. I watched another episode of Sandman but stopped it 1/2 way as I had to write the blog. I spent the rest of the evening writing.

And that takes me full circle. Thanks for reading. I reached just under 6,000 steps today.