Wednesday Mixed

Tuesday was sunny but cloudless. It started at 48F (9C) as the clear skies froze us. Our summer and early fall climate is more desert than Pacific Northwest clouds and rain. I rose late to 63F (17C) in the house and had to open the doors to get above 70F. I hope the orchids are happy!

Breakfast is forgotten, but it did involve making locally ground and roasted coffee and the other half of the banana I used to add to my oatmeal on Monday. I think I made an NYC bagel (thanks, Joyce), toasted it, and smeared it with cream cheese. It is a bit blurry. I spent the remainder of the morning writing. I finished after 10, and I cleaned up and dressed. The shower rod fell again, and I was so used to it that I caught it. I finally ordered a replacement on Wednesday morning after it fell again; Corwin called this effort to get the last dollar out of the shower rod by constantly putting the failing item back up, pole dancing.

I reheated the chili I made a few days ago. It was still excellent (there is a bag frozen in the freezer for more chili later). I had that while editing my 500-word horror story. I had thought about it and was trying to get the right mix of story and horror with the horror escaping me. After the chili, some writing and editing, and while it was still cool, I did my long 4,500-step walk in the neighborhood. I saw other walkers who smiled, and we often exchanged encouraging words. I walked as fast as I could without running and was done in less than an hour.

I’m off to Big River Coffee to get more serious about writing (and have more coffee and a cookie). There, often distracted by texting, the Internet, and travel planning, I managed to get the story to work. I also vacuum up extra words and build in transitions, avoiding more wastage in the writing. I manage 496 words for a decent story, with most words all worthy of being included. I then searched for the posting option and learned, deeply disappointed, that the deadline was last week, not next week. Still, it is not a wasted effort, and I am prepared for 2025’s contest.

Deborah and I chatted, arranging the last details of her trip to Chicago, which overlaps with my trip. Deborah will be there on Friday, and I am flying all night to arrive early Friday morning. We will both stay at the Palmer House, just a few blocks from the Art Institute and five blocks from the Theater.

Returning to the story, I was still feeling odd, so I decided to head to BJ’s Brewhouse, and there, just after 5, I sat at a tall table in the bar area, which was my usual choice. I have a new, unmemorable waiter who only becomes interested in me when I order the most expensive item, ribeye steak, on the menu. They had raised their prices, and their steaks now were close to steakhouse prices (of a few years ago). I suspect fewer were ordered now, as I could see my waiter’s surprise when I ordered it. Theirs is my favorite beer. I did have trouble finishing the beer and the steak. Also, my tastes have changed from the brain surgery and thrush infection, and while I can now taste the steak, it needed salt (something I never needed to do before). Sadly, I could make a better steak at home (their steak was slightly tough) and have. Still, I enjoyed the place with the other staff waving and saying ‘hello.’ Still one of my favs.

Air Volvo soon had me home, and I checked all my investments. The stock market has pushed my 401K to heights I have not seen in a few years. The highs of 2021 have yet to be reached but are now within sight. I do not plan to start withdrawing from the 401K for a few years. I want to roll it over to IMPAX (the new name for the old PAX fund) or something from eTrade. I am not in a rush. My IRA (inherited from Susie) is in IMPAX and has done well. I want something I can easily withdraw from.

I am full of nervous energy and cannot seem to relax. I decided to try to distract myself by returning to the new season (it is new season week!) of “Murders Only in the Building.” I love this show, but I warn you, dear reader, that it is terrible for the first episodes of season one. While messy, the new season started with another murder, with the episode refusing to begin like any other season; fun!

Next, unable to relax, I watch “Lord of the Rings, Rings of Power” and enjoy some of their best episodes and acting in season one. Near its season closing, the show finally starts to feel Tolkien and worthy of LOTR. I leave the season close for the next day.

I shower, put back the falling shower rod again (‘poll dancing’), find my PJs, and read the last chapter of The Orchid Thief. I like the book’s ending and recommend it, but be warned: After reading it, you might want to try orchid growing, and orchid madness is a real thing.

As I said, I could not sleep until after 1. The books did not help me sleep. After some painkillers (just light stuff), I stopped having foot cramps, fell asleep, and did not wake until after 8.

Thanks for reading.