Author: alohawild

The morning started with me waking at 6ish, then rolling over, and then getting up. I wrote for a while, getting most of the blog done. I finished it after cleaning up and getting dressed. Today, my French blue dress shirt and my blue vest. Deborah and I later agreed I should have brought the green one to put over a white shirt in East Lansing!

I also edited “Howard 2016,” my first Howard story. I completed the updates (the previous editing covered most of the issues), and the 4,000-word document was ready. I have two more stories to edit. I may complete Howard in NYC during the pandemic and maybe another story post-pandemic. We will see where this goes, as I want to start up my Sherlock Holmes and Watson stories, and some Dungeons and Dragons adventures need to be polished and published. I also want to set up a Discord server to support the D&D adventures. Busy-busy. So much fun to do!

Returning to the narrative, I had a breakfast burrito, and I did not feel ready to eat more until evening. Sausage sometimes does that to me. I walked the length of the Grand River from the hotel to the end of the shops, about half of Michigan State University’s width. I then walked back, getting myself up to 5,000 steps today, but not near my “what would Dondrea do” step count (starting at 10K) like a few weeks ago in Casablanca. I stopped by the Curious Book Store and purchased a book on sailing ships, Queens Of The Western Ocean, The Story Of American’s Mail And Passenger Sailing Lines, which I had noticed on my previous visit. They ship books, so it is now on its way to me. The book lists sailing ships and the lines to which they belong. I have never seen that before.

I walked back to the Graduate East Lansing, washed up a bit, and soon headed out. I drove to Sumit Comics near the capital building and found an item, an adventure with 28 mm scale furniture and maps I had not seen before. It would easily fit in my luggage, so I picked that up, too. The store is a gaming and comic book store in Old Town Lansing, and I always try to stop by. I usually find something I have not seen before.

The Peanut Store is not far from the gaming store. There, I get half a pound of their in-store roasted unsalted peanuts in their shells and some cashews. I then drive to Grace United Methodist across town, not using the highways. I get a peanut for each red light. I get a lot of peanuts. The shells go in the spare bag they give you. I arrive twenty minutes early and have more peanuts.

At 1, Barb (Susie’s sister), Leta (mother), Joyce (aunt), Glenda (aunt), and Gene (uncle) showed up, and we unloaded all of the containers and some crafty items. We met the pastor and folks from Grace United Methodist Church, adjusted to the logistics, and soon were decorating and putting out all the items I sent to Barb and those she found here in Michigan. We set up special items on a small table in front of the altar, including Susie’s skates, hat, and glasses to represent her (her ashes are still in Oregon). We put the rest on tables in Wesley Hall, where cookies, punch, and grilled sandwiches will be served after the concert.

Barb had vases and a tall card holder, and we put pictures in the holder. Barb will put flowers in the vases on Saturday just before the concert. We also scattered many pictures at each table. We put out various unusual items like Susie’s passports, her school report cards, items from her travels, and her favorite shoes.

This took about ninety minutes, and soon, I was taking Leta’s car, which I borrowed for this trip (my rental reservations were lost) back to the Graduate East Lansing. I set the alarm for 5, just in case, read some more, and even fell asleep for a short time. I was refreshed and headed to the Beggar’s Banquet, a block away. They had the table for 12 ready and also had other tables ready if we needed them. We were 14 in the end, and as one area was too crowded for older folks, we used up another table.

Deborah and Eric were friends from high school, and they came early. Linda brought Mom Wild and her family, plus a friend, Jene. Barb and Gordon (Barb’s husband) came. Leta and Joyce sat with us at the main table. Glenda and Gene joined Barb and Gordon at the kids’ table, as we called it. I spent most of my time catching up with my high school friends, but I did wander a few times and talk to folks at the kids’ table and saw Mom Wild a few times, too.

I paid for appetizers from the tables and the first round. Noah, our waiter then, was able to handle orders from folks for mains and more drinks. He was able to split up the bill to many without too much confusion. I got my bill, and it was high, but not Portland high, and I paid (having added a tip as they did not do that automatically) without much concern. Everyone had a great time, and Eric and Deborah stayed with me until 9.

I walked one block to the Graduate East Lansing. I tried to write this blog last night in the lobby (I checked out the bar, but it was loud and packed), but I was too tired, and it was at 11 when I stopped writing, returned to my, and soon was ready for bed.

I have to use a special surgery soap and process for four days before surgery to reduce the chance of infection. I brought two pairs of PJs so that I can wear clean clothing each night. I often pack my luggage the night before checking out, but I was tired. I have also been running Quicken and following my accounts and monies, as it is my habit and my protection. All is good and ready should there be a longer recovery in the hospital after Monday’s surgery.

I read more Lovecraft and soon was asleep, having weird dreams not connected to time and space. I woke on Saturday morning to my alarm at 6:30 and started writing this then.

Thanks for reading.

Thursday was without sleep on Wednesday night as I traveled the whole night. The flights were short (for me), and the turbulence was harsh on the longer flights. The second flight was only an hour on a tiny plane, and it was filled with VFW people coming to Lansing, Michigan, for a sort of convention (it seemed to be a mix of biz meetings and a chance to meet). The AC on the plane was not ready for a full plane.

I arrived intact, and all my luggage and carry-on were also intact, but my car reservation was lost. According to Hertz, they had no reservation, and my reservation started yesterday (!) and was thus lost. They had no cars. Enterprise, the next desk, also had no cars. Leta called me and offered me her car, as Gene, Joyce, and Glenda had a car, and thus, her car was spare. I was going to just use Uber to my hotel (which still had my reservations, but I agreed, and soon, within twenty minutes, Leta and her family came and gave me her car.

They had to go to a meeting with the clergy at Susie’s Concert and then left. I had to adjust my seat as I hit my head on the roof. I also used my iPhone maps to get me to the hotel, and one intersection I thought was a four-way stop was not. I managed to scare some folks, but no paint was lost. I drove slowly in a new (or forgotten) city and soon arrived safely as a Graduate of East Lansing. I used their valet at $35 a day, which was about the same cost as parking in New Orleans, I observed. My room was available, and they let me have it early.

Safe and soon snug, I found my over-the-top decorated pro-MSU team room. I soon was unpacked, washed, and dressed in clean clothing. I love this chain after staying at one in NYC and visiting Cat with her mother, Michelle S. I suspect I will stay at one more soon. While not cheap, everything works, and they are comfortable.

I hit the streets to move some as my step count was low again. The cold and travel in planes reduced me to tiny numbers. Yesterday was my guess (the number was not recorded!), with the extra walks still not breaking 5,000, and I can feel it–I am sluggish. I found the Curious Book Store, as usual, and purchased an H.P. Lovecraft book, The Dream-quest of Unknown Kadath, which I had not seen before. It is a yellowing paperback from 1971, with its back not broken, and it appears unread. I walked next to the Michigan State University (which is across the street) bookstore and looked at the current textbooks for computers and mathematics. I was tempted by a book on combinatorics but remembered the book on codes I got on my last visit was still mostly unread. I resisted that and a book on game design, both computer and physical board games,  in the art section. That one looked interesting, but I resisted it, too.

I walked the long way back to my hotel, enjoying moving and the hot sun. My coughing was back from the lack of sleep, exposure to too much poor AC air, and pollen in Michigan (which I remember was none too kind to me). I returned to Graduate East Lansing, thinking of the movie hotel in John Wick movies. The staff used less formal greetings, which disappointed me. “Mr. Wild, enjoy your stay at the Graduate Hotel,” was not heard.

I crashed for a few hours after reading more of my new book. I dreamed strange dreams, and with the jet lag and changes in time (minus three hours), I felt untethered to the local time and space. I arrange to meet Leta (Susie’s mother), Gene (Uncle), Glenda (Aunt), and Joyce (Aunt) for tacos in East Lansing at one of the older places. The food was not as good as I remembered, but was as good as most places. I had the mole chicken enchiladas buried in shredded lettuce (for reasons hard to understand), and it was fine but could have been great.

The chips were baked until hard. Strange. Linda (my sister) and her husband, Jesse, showed up later. A rain storm doused the area, and a band, silent in the taco joint, played outside under a pavilion. Electric guitars and rain usually mix poorly, if not risking shocks. Between storms, Leta and her family headed out, and I stayed with Linda and Jesse for a bit. I was fading fast. Soon, I walked back to my hotel feeling I should have done laps around the blocks, but with the rain, it was best to rest.

Dondrea sent me a capital-letter text telling me to get some rest. Mariah was also sending notes. Yes, it’s time to slow down. I read Lovecraft until I could not read the words (I have trouble with small text now). I showered and then applied my surgery special wash, following instructions. I brought two pairs of pajamas so I could follow directions to wear clean clothing each night. I had to actually acquire three sets to cover this.

I managed to sleep and only wake once, around 1ish (not the usual 4), to prove hydration. Sunrise wakes me.

Thanks for reading.

 

This morning was chaotic, with more chaos for lunch and then in the early evening. I rose later, around 7, and started working on getting an upgrade to first class for my Chicago flight. For about the cost of picking a seat and having a checked bag, I could do first class. So I paid it and then tried to figure out how to get my bag counted. I gave up (you do it at the airport). The phone then rang, and I remembered I had an 8-ish phone interview for the hospital where I was having my surgery. The RN reviewed my history and meds and updated Providence My Chart to match the Legacy and OHSU versions. Ugh. I was unimpressed as I had waited three months for this process. These questions could have been asked months ago and not at the last minute.

I learned that they needed to validate my blood type (which has not changed recently), check my A1C, and check if I had an infection in my nose. I was flying tonight to Michigan, and they were able to find a 5PM (17:00) appointment for me. So, I had to drive and get this done this late afternoon. This took an hour plus for the call with the RN, and it left me a bit disconcerted. I let the RN know I thought this was more comedy than medical, as they had three months to plan this. They seemed to be doing everything at the last minute. This is f**king brain surgery–they need to step up their game. I called the doctor’s office and let them know I was losing faith; they said it was a process. I was unhappy. There was nothing to do but rush and get it done.

I made a half-sandwich and then got a note that Scott W was looking for me. Puke, I had lunch plans, and the sudden medical items had me forget. I dressed (I managed to finish the blog and all the calls, but not to get dressed), shaved fast, and was only twenty minutes late. I had soup as I had already had half a sandwich at the house—my usual beef, cheese, and coleslaw. Scott and I talked, no longer about work, as we both were now retired from Nike–both of us getting the package. We talked about trying to spend the next six months trying to get refocused.

I received my official severance package letter, which I electronically signed and returned to Nike, Inc. This includes 48 weeks of pay and Cobra coverage. I was hoping to get this done before leaving. Excellent. I printed out a copy, and the payout will be on 28 June 2024, which is my last paycheck from the shoe company. Yes, I get paid for May and June, too.

I finished packing and took a load of Susie’s items and clothing to Goodwill. It makes me sad to do this, but it is time to let some things go. The house is slowly emptying of many of the items from our years together.

Finally, it was near time to leave for the tests. I took Air Volvo across Beaverton and into the edges of Portland. I parked and then found the pre-surgery test folks, and they soon had me out. No time at all, and they were happy I was early and had the work done before my actual appointment time.

I forgot my hat and a couple of other items. It was a lovely day, so I used Air Volvo on the backroads and headed back to The Volvo Cave. While the traffic was heavy, it moved, and soon, I had my hat and other things and headed to the church. More driving.

I planned on playing a game of Concordia with Z for our usual Wednesday gaming, but a second game (often including Andrew) was unlikely and did not happen. Z played a hard game and soon had me on the run. I managed to recover and bought lots of cards after losing the Farmer and Weaver cards to her. I finished my trading houses just a turn before her and thus ended the game and got 7 points for that. As I won by only 15, this was a close game and had Z pulled a few more cards, I would have lost. Z is a tough opponent in this game–we both love it!

After that, we packed the game, and I said my goodbyes. I then reached PDX without issue, checked a bag (now able to add it), and printed the label. Security was the same, and I managed not to be exposed without my belt.

I had only light food. I stopped at Henry’s Tavern in the C gates and had a BLTA and a nice large beer. It is now hard to write as I am falling asleep. Perfect. I have to run and will finish this in Michigan or Chicago. Thanks for reading so far.

The plane showed up, and we boarded about on time. This is the usual uncomfortable 737 cattle car MAX for inside USA flights, but I have a comfortable seat in first class. That means drinks—just Ginger Ale for me. Overnight, for four hours, I do not get food.

I could not get comfortable, and then we had a bouncy ride for the last hour. Compared to the flights I have been doing, it was easy and short. The gate broke after we landed, and we waited ten minutes for someone to make the gate work.

After that, it was a trial run on our short connection on Saturday. Both flights are in Terminal 3, and I was able to reach G17 (the f**king last gate and take escalators down to make it even further) in fifteen minutes. I switched out the red carry-on to a wheeled Nike bag for this trip.

I am at Chili’s Too near gate G9, which opened at 5:30, and happy to have a customer. My waiter loves my laptop cover (it looks like a book) and decided she would get one for Christmas.

I had spicy breakfast tacos with bacon and potatoes. Excellent. Flight boards in three hours.

This morning, I am writing about Tuesday morning; it has been a cluster-filled morning. The RN from the hospital discovered that I needed more medical tests, and I had to make that work before getting on a plane. This is to make the requirements for surgery at the hospital. Not expected. But, at the last minute, American Airlines (AA) offered a $125 upgrade to first class on my red-eye to Chicago tonight, which would cover the same cost for checking a bag and seat (yes, you often have to buy a seat or get something interestingly assigned). So, yes, I paid the same price for a First Class seat this morning.

The distractions did not stop, and even a flicker (a local bird) appeared in my backyard, showing off; it was not a good day for writing today. It was just an experiential morning!

I slept with some interruptions and started again at 7ish to write the blog. I had pain in my legs and had to get some Tylenol to sleep as the pain was enough to stop me from sleeping. So no sunrise for me as I slept the early morning away. For breakfast, I made steel-cut oats, a banana, and Columbia coffee.

Corwin was trying to wash a pillow-like thing, which stopped because of an imbalance in The Machine. I restarted it, and it went for as long as thirty minutes before stopping because of an unbalanced load. I put The Machine on Dry, which lasted longer, but the pillow-like thing was not dry after two hours and three restarts. I put it outside to dry.

I then collected all my laundry, including my swimming suit, which I found (and more clothing from Susie to give away) in a drawer. I decided to stay inside and do more housework. I took the old computer desk and tried to clean it and move it to the soon ad hoc office for Linda, but it came apart when I pushed it. The sudden explosive, unplanned disassembly missed smashing the sliding glass door. I got to experience the sudden loss of resistance; Physics still works, and I flew over the wreck and crashed into the hunter’s cabinet as an alternative to reaching the deck through the sliding glass door! The door was closed, of course. Shocked as I got to experience all of this in slow motion in my mind, I then cleared the mess, stacked the pieces outside, and later recommended Corwin take the desk remains to his next beach burn. F**k, I nearly avoided brain surgery by bleeding out on my deck.

Lunch was reheated Chinese-style food from a previous delivery. I ate that in Susie’s usual seat. I then removed all the board games (all recent Kickstarters) and put them in the garage. I then went through the last bits that have been sitting there since Susie left for a physical therapy appointment (she never returned from that–that was the day we were walked to the ER for stroke). Her purse, glasses, and other items. All gone now. One more change. I managed to cry only a little.

Aside: I was unsure I could live here in The Volvo Cave with so many memories of Susie and our life together. So far, I can, but I often think I should sell it and get an apartment with access to a pool and exercise stuff. However, I think that I would be more lonely in an apartment and feel more like I was rootless in a hotel (renting the house and living elsewhere would cause negative tax consequences later, except if I held the rental for my estate). If I do go that way, I would likely become a gypsy and rent furnished apartments across the world and just travel forever.

Things got to be too much, and I said, f**k and got in Air Volvo and ran away. I found myself delivered to Salt and Straw ice cream, folks could not get in a line properly, but soon the folks who must have order sorted it out. I was willing to go with Chaos or Law at that time as I still suffered from churning emotions. But once the ice cream was acquired, I was calm enough to return to The Volvo Cave.

I started packing, doing more laundry, and doing the dishes. I rested a bit, as I had been going nonstop all morning. This was followed by meeting Dondrea and Z at Swagats at Orenco Station for dinner. We ordered two full plates with two mains. The lamb was spicy, and the chicken was flavorful. We chatted about upcoming events and had a great dinner. It was one quiet and easy dinner before the travel, tears, and medical stuff started. Thanks, Dondrea and Z!

I returned home, packed some more, and finally went to bed, dragging and tired.

Thanks for reading.

I managed to sleep well and only woke once to prove hydration. I rose after the sunrise, slipping back to rising at 7ish instead of 4ish. Better. The cough is fading and appears to be more allergies than a cold. Good! It is still hard to be organized as my life has changed from an uncompromising multinational corporate IT warrior to well a duffer. I am also on the short side of the countdown for travel and surgery, so I will not start building some model or painting project.

The weather is visiting from California, Another Day of Sun comes to mind. We will not have rain until next week, and it ranges from cool mornings to hot afternoons, 50s to 75F (10C to 24C). There are a few days with a 50% chance of rain, but I suspect I will have to start watering soon!

I refused to get dressed until the afternoon to make me slow down. I wrote the blog and did more of Cowin’s camping laundry (and rewashed my permanent press shirts and pants that Corwin ran for me but left to wrinkle). If you remove the permanent press clothing while warm from the dryer, then it will remain mostly unwrinkled. If it cools wrinkled, it stays that way. When I want perfect shirts, I have them done at a dry cleaner, usually asking for them to be boxed to enable easy travel. Light starch.

I had the last poppy muffin (purchased) with Columbia coffee (thanks, Kramers) and a banana. My potassium is again low in my blood work. For lunch, I found the beef, cheddar, and coleslaw sandwich I made a few days ago (somehow going unnoticed by Corwin) and put it on a plate with dill pickle and some local potato salad. I enjoyed being outside now that it was warm and sunny with the deck furniture in the grass. The sandwich includes my trick of Thousand Island dressing on the bread and then spread out a layer of coleslaw over it. It makes it so good.

I kept forgetting about heading to a church book study on Monday at noon, so I headed instead to Hillsboro, went to the antique stores, and enjoyed a long walk around the town. I also wanted to check if the chest cold was really gone. Yup! Air Volvo had to circle until finding a parking spot, but other than that, it was a pleasant trip.

I was looking for a small working desk that Linda could use while she was here, but there was only one tiny rolltop that would not be suitable for a laptop and monitor. I will instead dust the one I have from the 1990s (!) and move it to the dining room, Linda’s new ad hoc office. I need to get a power strip (ordered).

I also recreated all the pictures I had for Susie’s Concert and will see if Shawn here still has what he used for the service and bring that too, Dondrea’s suggestion. I put the thumb drives in my carry-on. I always have it ready to use. Air Volvo had become an art piece, modern, from the crows and other flying artists. I purchased, using an app, unlimited ultimate washes for Air Volvo and took Air Volvo to be washed. After two runs, most of the art was removed. One bit remains, which I will get with a paper towel later. I decided I was washing Air Volvo more than four times a month, which is the break-even on their Wash Club. I might lose in the dark winter, but the extra trips in the summer should cover that. It seems like what a retired person would do (unless I washed it myself, which is not happening in the winter for sure).

With gas still at $4.59, I still gassed up Air Volvo (remember, we don’t have a sales tax, so please consider increasing your comparison by including your sales tax, but still, gas is high out here in the West). I am driving a Tesla for my next rental trip; it is my first electric car. I still hope that the new VW Van will be something I want. I have doubts as they are taking forever to deliver any.

We met Mariah for dinner at Nudi, a Japanese-style noodle house that serves exotic drinks. Traffic was slow, and we were there after a forty-minute round-about trip, avoiding I-84. The waiter was excited that they had some Dungeness crab and offered, among other dishes, pad thai. I made the mistake of ordering the special and soon had a crab sitting on top of noodles (I was expecting crab meat in my noodles). I had a cracker and discovered the disassembly process to access the crab meat inside the shell. It was a seasoned, cleaned crab with a side of pad thai. I gave away a set of legs to Corwin, who, while still eating endlessly, added the legs to his meal.

We had a long, fun chat with Mariah, suggesting I buy three fast but older model cars and see who could reach Susie’s Concert first in Michigan. I demurred. There were other suggestions for cars I could use now that I was retired. I am considering visiting Chicago (Deborah H, you are invited for that adventure if you can swing it–it was your college town, I believe) to visit the museums and maybe a concert in July. Next, Detroit for its incredible museum and maybe some excellent food. Finally, Laingsburg remember that my sister is turning 60. She plans to be out of town for her birthday, but we will make something work.

It is important to have plans, and Mariah might join this one. However, that did take us back to getting older model cars and seeing who could reach the Palmer House first. Hmmm. More to follow.

With cheesecake added to the dietary crimes, we broke up, and Air Volvo, in much lighter traffic, returned us to the Volvo Cave. There, I collected print copies of the instructions on how to learn about my condition during surgery. I took the papers to The 649, and there I edited more Howard stories while Avery and Natalia were happy to get the instructions, and Avery made me a drink and then coffee. I stayed until I finished the coffee at about 9:45 (just one cup so I wouldn’t be awake all night). Avery wished me well on my surgery (I won’t return until after all the adventures are done).

I reread my surgery directions and will use special soap in Michigan on Thursday. I am also bringing extra pajamas, as I need to wear clean clothing each night.

This morning, I arranged for 12 folks at The Beggar’s Baquant on Friday at 6PM in East Lansing. They will have us in the regular restaurant.

Running out of steam, I showered and was in bed around 11. I tried to read, but I soon slept. I am starting to feel better. I did have some breathing issues, so I took my inhaler and was fine. That was allergies messing with me.

The Cardinal Richelieu rose is blooming just before I leave. It is an old rose that only once bloomed. It is a favorite but is poor when cut; you have to enjoy the plant. Notice the shade is close to a cardinal’s purple-red.

Thanks for reading.