Author: alohawild

Yes, three inches of snow and 1/10 of an inch of ice shut down the Greater Portland Area.

I rose and looked outside at about 7 and soon had a rescheduling for Jeff, my fix-it guy who had remodeled the bathrooms and other upgrades at the house. He lives in the foothills of the Coastal Mountains, and the trip up and down was not to be trusted. Schools, governments, Nike WHQ (I still get the emails), and others were closed. We had 1 inch of snow, growing to about 2 (and another inch early Friday morning).

I rose and started the blog but forgot about it and lost all my focus. With the weather, I needed plans for Deborah, and I went to Safeway to get items before the general panic started or the weather went bad (sometimes the forecast is too optimistic; in the Pacific Northwest, you have to be ready). I got some food, flowers, and items I knew I needed. I unloaded those and sprinkled de-icer on the walkways and driveway.

One more load of laundry and dishes filled part of the morning. Cedar Hills McMenamins called asking if the church meeting was still on, and sadly, no, Dondrea and I had talked, and it was revised to a Zoom meeting for the weather. At a higher altitude than me, Scott decided it was best for him to enjoy the fire at home. I decided to try out Air VW the Gray in the snow and enjoyed a mostly easy trip. At TV Highway and 209th, the left turn signal is connected to a magnetic switch that detects a car in the lane. With the snow, we were not in the proper place (white lines with white snow is not a good combination), so we (I was not alone in the lane) turned safely to a red light turning signal.

On Thursday, Bob, often our waiter, had two customers for Lunch. The EV was the only vehicle in the parking lot when I arrived. We were both sitting near the wood fire. I had a bowl of their chili, a side of fries, and their Hammerhead beer. A few more folks appeared, and soon, all the seats near the fire were taken. We made a toast to the brave and enjoyed our lunch.

With the EV handling perfectly with anti-lock brakes, all-wheel-drive, and fine all-weather tires, I headed out across Beaverton. I headed into Hillsboro and the Target there. I parked and watched a late-model Jeep brand do ‘donuts’ in the snow. I waved and tipped my hat to them. They smiled and waved. I suspect they have waited all year to do that! Excellent!

I found what I needed, a few items for Deborah, and walked with care to Air VW the Gray. I got the EV home without much slipping or risk from other drivers. More folks were on the roads than I expected, but they tended toward the large pickup trucks and older model cars.

I talked to Deborah, who was thrilled to have a snow day before her travel day. Mom Wild had an off day, and I spoke to her four times. I realized I never finished the blog; finally, I got that written and published!

I promised myself I would sharpen the knives once I had the house better. I got out the knife sharpener and undulled my best knives. While not perfectly sharp, they were better when I was done. I recommend Global Knives (I love the incorporated handles).

I cleaned up the kitchen after making a ham and cheese omelet. I nearly burned the ham. I bought a spiral-cut ham that I will need to freeze at some point, but they are good in the frig for a while. I added no salt, but still, the omelet was good, but a three-egg omelet was too much food for me.

I watched more of season two of Babalon 5 and still find it a mixed bag. There is some terrible writing, but it is often funny. I remember season three being scary and dark; I was nearing the end of season two.

Next was the Zoom meeting. About eight folks for our Theology Pub meeting are now returning to our Zoom COVID-19 configuration due to the weather, including one person in Utah. Today’s topic was the loss of social capital in American life and the subsequent growth in loneliness. We agreed that the rise of social media, corporate marketing (i.e., ordering frozen veggies online, having the product delivered with no contact, and watching a video on cooking instead of going to a local market and getting fresh and meeting people and sharing recipes), and changes in how we live (more separate in our homes) contributed to the loss of social capital. Folks were being sold more media choices without increasing communication or interaction between people. A text message, while communication, is not social interaction, we claimed. We also agreed that there are many options available. However, the American distrust of institutions (Watergate, political tensions, level of activities to raise a family, education, and so on) makes joining suspect and the institutional resistance to new ideas and giving over authority to new people (a natural response) often causes folks to abandon organizations in a year or less.

We thought we should direct some words and maybe programs to welcome lonely people to the church. Perhaps some care facilities could send folks who wanted to join us. Bob mentioned that we should also remember to suggest other service organizations. We don’t see this as caused by folks refusing to be involved but as a pressure of American life to be isolated, something to be resisted.

After the meeting ended, I rested, did the dishes, and got the kitchen back in order. Then, growling, I noticed that my dusting needed to be repeated. F**k. But I went to bed after a shower and read more Canadian crime with many laughs as I started the next book. I slept soon after more Advil to get the coughing under control. I think it is helping with the inflammation from coughing and the cold.

I set the alarm to 3:45 to live some East Coast Time and contact Deborah as she heads out.

Thanks for reading!

 

 

 

Z had a school thing on Wednesday evening, so I won’t be gaming at First United Methodist tonight. Wednesday started with me trying to rise before 8. My nights are stretching late, and early starts are thus difficult. I got going 7ish and found liberal coffee and a banana. I added an everything bagel from Zabar’s in NYC (thanks, Joyce), toasted with cream cheese. I wrote the blog. I read the inescapably political news and updated my transactions for my accounts in Quicken.

I finished the blog and was dressing when Corwin called. The dentist had finished, but Corwin needed some help. We went to the pharmacy and got better drugs for $17. Corwin then spent the day at my home until late. The painkillers require no food for a few hours. I cleaned the bathroom and floors while he rested. I then headed to Safeway to get some cleaning items, flowers, and items for Deborah’s visit. I next stopped at the local Chinese place and ordered two bowls of soup, BBQ pork fried rice, and twice-cooked pork with cabbage (I ordered sweet and sour pork; they got that wrong, and I decided to try it; not bad).

I continued to clean and organize the house. I used the new cleaning supplies to wash the shower and floors. I put the rugs back. It is funny that I now have one from India, Turkey, and Morroco. Having them back in place and walking on them again was lovely.

I tried to make scones from a berry mix from the King Arthur Baking Company. I did not cut the mix into butter but instead mixed it like a cake mix. I also put in too much milk. I scooped the messy concoction onto a sprayed parchment paper-lined half-sheet metal pan. I backed it a little longer, and Corwin thought it was excellent. The butter melted into the cake-like structure, making it lucious. Corwin had two. I had some, too.

Corwin finished the leftover Chinese-style food. I shared the fortune cookie, and mine said, “Be prepared to modify your plan. It’ll be good for you!” Hmmm. I drove Corwin home. He was much better (and I heard from him on Thursday that he is good and has little or no pain).

(The new TARDIS update version)

I stayed up, finished a load of laundry, and made scones by cutting in the butter properly and using less milk. They were good and more familiar in form and structure. I headed to bed late. I showered and soon was in bed. I had no breathing issues, but I had taken painkillers to reduce any swelling in my lungs. Simple solution to complex issues.

I woke at 3ish. The temperature had fallen outside, and the wind was higher. The gate to the backyard was slamming into the house every few moments. It had woken me, and I proved hydration. I tried to ignore the slamming, but I put on my robe, grabbed a flashlight, added my slippers, and risked a late-night adventure. The latch was bent from the slamming, but I got it back in place with frustration and some strength (mainly of the former and various impolite words used to focus my actions). The gate was closed, and it stayed closed. I returned to bed; now I was tired and awake and cold. My mind wanders when I am exhausted and cold to horrors and scary things, and I become frightened. The solution is the same as when I was a kid, I turned on a light and read until I started to nod off. When I was a kid, it was Sword and Sorcery books; now, it is a mystery. I turned off the light and slept. “Music to Sleep By” from Alexa covered the house noises as the wind and temperature changes made the usual noises. I did not wake up until my alarm sounded. It was a rough morning.

Thanks for reading.

The blog was late yesterday as I had a game at Richard’s at 9, and the 6:30 alarm was ignored and replaced with a 7:30 wake-up. It did seem seconds later that it was 7:30. Richard sent a text that our usual 9:30 board game at his house in Portland was off. Instead, I agreed to a two-person game. I put Unsettled with some unplayed planet boxes, including Gniir, the frozen planet simulation.

I had enough time to start the blog, had some coffee, cleaned up, shaved, dressed, and got aboard Air VW the Gray and enjoyed the end of Portland’s and Beaverton’s rush hour. I arrived at 9:40ish and carried the game inside. I had to do a short teach as Ricard did not remember the game well. This is the local gaming company’s (Orange Nebula) take on making a cooperative game. This game is themed around the idea that we are a bunch of science folk traveling in their spaceship and exploring (or crashing landing on them or other SciFi disasters) alien worlds. The worlds have fantastic powers, and we science folks research and create useful breakthroughs. We search the world (or spaceship) to learn and discover. All the time, we are getting weaker. The goal is not to die and finish the objectives, which change for each planet, and the planets come with multiple scenarios.

As I suggested, we played Gniir, the ninth in the collection and a moderately complex challenge. We set it for a moderate level (Richard did not want to play in easy mode), messed up the first try, reset it, and got it right. The snow was a challenge, and soon, I reached the limit of distress for my character. Richard got lucky and was doing better. The planet components set the theme and options for the game, and this was an excellent challenge. I will avoid spoilers, but we finished the first scenario without dying. It was about two hours of play.

The base game of Unsettled costs about $90, some with two planets, and each additional planet costs about $18. Some add-ons, too, include fixes for some of the planet content. I have two sets of rules, too. I enjoy the game, but its total cost is about $400.

I thanked Richard (and enjoyed some of his treats while playing) and headed back home in the EV in light afternoon traffic. I decided to make a late lunch and early dinner. I had a steak in the frig covered in salt for a day that needed to be cooked. On returning, and the charge still high, I did not plug in the EV and left it outside as I had to arrange and sweep the garage again. I checked the propane and learned it was low, and the gas grill looked rusty. I scrapped off the rust and treated the grills with non-stick spray. Back inside!

I hammered the steak as it was tough and a lesser cut, though it resembled a NY Strip. I added, yes I know, more salt–large crystal sea salt. I got out the cast iron pan again, heated butter in it, and got a brown on the sides, but I did not get enough–next time. The steak was finished in a hot (400F) oven until it reached medium using an electronic thermometer.

I steamed fresh green beans that I broke and did not cut (I have been told the taste is better when you break them). I boiled potatoes and mashed them with the skins. I added some milk and butter, but I never got the right butter, milk, and salt flavor. Still, I liked them, and they, too, tasted fresh.

As the steak was tough, I sliced it with a kitchen knife and with the butter, salt, and heating. I ate 2/3 and put the rest away. I also had about 1/2 of the beans and potatoes left over. I packed that up, too. Lunch will be great on Wednesday!

I loaded Air VW the Gray and headed to Great Clips for a haircut and then a trip to Goodwill. I had a short wait on a Tuesday (it was a $16 cut day for seniors, but I do not qualify). The usual off-the-ears and biz cut. Next, I took the lamps, a statue of clowns, and a few other items to Goodwill. The statue has survived years but broke at Goodwill. It almost made me cry. Change is hard some days.

Working in the garage, I took the plywood and sawhorses down and put them away. There is now much more space in the garage. I finished my project, and the jewelry boxes are on their way. I swept the floor; where does all the dirt come from? I also cleaned up the mess from patching the wall. I put the EV in the now more spacious parking, plugged it in, and let it charge to 100% that evening.

The recycling was put in the proper container. Dishes were put away, and newly dirty ones were placed in the lesser LG dishwasher (not a smart appliance). I emptied the space below the main bath sink and discovered very old items; I decided to just bag it all.

I had a couple of snacks in the evening, but the one meal was good. I brought more order to the kitchen and cleaned the oven and countertops. I cleaned up some stains on the floor and dragged the box of parts that had been replaced in The Machine into the garage. I will toss them in a few weeks.

After getting ready for bed, I returned to and finished Glass Houses by Louise Penny, a crime and mystery novel. I cried for one character, but the story and poetry of the author embarrass me. I can’t write like that! This one is even more fun as the author holds back some knowledge to build the story for the reader. It was a fascinating approach to storytelling. This is twelve in the series, and I recommend the Inspector Gamache series and the lovely hard-to-find (and fictional) Three Pines Village. There is a TV version for those who want it more visual; I watched the first episode and thought it was slow-paced but enjoyable.

I could not find sleep, too tired to sleep, and my breathing was filled with coughing. I rose a few times and took some painkillers (Advil) and my emergency inhaler, and soon everything was quiet. It was inflammation. Soon, after midnight, I slept. I did not wake until my alarm and then dillydallied until 8.

Thanks for reading.

 

 

 

 

Nope, there will be no exciting trips or EV driving to interesting places. Instead, I spent the day cleaning floors, dusting, and using The Machine to catch the laundry. So please, dear reader, grab a coffee and enjoy a short blog.

I rose later; it was Monday, and I seldom had plans on Mondays. Today, I plan to clean and use the newly repaired The Machine for four loads of clothing. I found the liberal coffee, Equal Exchange brand, and certified fairly exchanged, and loaded up my French Press with liberal goodness. The dark brew reminds me that we liberals have a near-impossible task to help our fellow travelers focus on Justice, Compassion, and the love of Community, but there is Hope in my cup near the grounds. Drink deep, fellow travelers, and know we are in this together, even the crazy people.

I will pause and remember my cousin Joe Bailey, who just passed away. He was older than me but too young to leave us. Here is his story from happier days, as told by the US Olympic team. Joe’s passing was unexpected.

Returning to the story, I wrote the blog and found my focus. Despite the endless nose-blowing, I am feeling better. We could have clear skies (and diving temperatures down, and an ice storm now appears in the forecast). Again, I have been cleaning and organizing, so the blog is a bit boring. After The Machine broke and spilled water, the Volvo was destroyed by a window seal (still hard to believe) and replaced, and various repairs at the house were scheduled; boring is good!

I ate leftover Popeyes spicy chicken for lunch. I watched a few Battleship New Jersey videos while eating. I was also running laundry loads.

I got out the vacuum and ran it through the bedroom again and the bathroom floor. I also detach the suction and run it along the base of the wall and along the furniture. I clean up all the extra areas with the suction. I dust the spare bedroom, recycle some spare old envelopes, and try to bring some order to the room. With the dust flying and it being over 40F (about 5C), I open some windows and air out while I suck up the dust with the vacuum.

I notice that the cold air return is filled with dust; ugh! I get the broom (which I have been using to clear cobwebs) and create a mess of dust by brushing it clean. I redo the hallway, maybe the fourth time, and soon have the carpet cleaned again.

Deborah and I talked for a while about her June trip, and we agreed to spend an extra week together after her conference (I get to be a +1) and then find something to do in California for a week. We have plans for me to join Deborah in CA for biz trips in March and June. I hope to visit in April for my birthday and a enjoy a long weekend in Canada with Deborah.

The living room and adjoining room are next, and soon, that carpet was cleaned, too. The laundry is folded and put away. Corwin drops by, and I agree to help him with an issue. We head to the local Mexican place. Corwin has the seafood soup while I have my usual and a house margarita with salt and on the rocks. We feel very comfortable there, and the staff knows us.

After dinner, everything hurts from all the housework, so I stop and read and take the evening off. I don’t do late-night cleaning. I did try to order a replacement for the gunked-up Garage Disposal cover.

I read, showered, and enjoyed the new plush bed. I soon fell asleep and slept all night.

Thanks for reading.

 

I enjoyed the company of Repair person Zee (not the gaming partner Z, but Zee, the repair person from Sharper Service Solutions), who was here at about 10:45 to take apart and repair the LG Washer and Dryer (ductless) and make it stop running water down the front from the dispenser. About two gallons of water exit The Machine at rinse each time—enough to make a mess but not enough to be called a flood. I rose before 7 on Sunday and ate a banana with my freshly made liberal coffee. I read the news–inescapably political and Washington-focused, my emails, and updated my transactions in Quicken. I looked at my earnings over six months. My IMPAX has shown good growth, as has my 401K investments, but it showed no real change in the last quarter (election, inflation, ‘price of eggs,’ Trump, all causing no growth–not unusual for an election quarter). After that, I focused on the blog, got a call from Zee, cleaned up, shaved, and dressed.

Zee appeared at about 10:45 and was happy to see the delivered parts. He then proceeded to take apart The Machine, and I was delighted to see inside this wonder of the washer-dryer mix. The radiator and compressor were a surprise. A special type of air conditioner—a compressor and radiator—does the heat and cooling. There are no electrical heating coils, but a reverse AC generates heat and requires only a usual American outlet; excellent!

Although I was not surprised, Zee was disappointed that the repair had no impact. We ran the cycle a few times, and he pulled the dispenser draw out and could see the water was not flowing properly into the drum. I had suggested that something was stuck there before he reassembled the parts. “I will listen to you this time,” he said. He removed everything again, cleaned the water flow areas, and assembled it. No issues. Fixed.

(No water here)

I spent the morning chatting with Deborah on the phone while I ran The Machine thrice to clear all the soap (the incomplete cycles had each drawn soap) and ensure the fix held. I could also see that the software was changed, and my options and messages from The Machine were updated. Hmmm. Deborah joked that it was an exciting phone date with me talking all the time about laundry!

With the enjoyment of laundry done, I rang off, boarded Air VW the Gray fully charged in the garage (which is larger inside now), and headed to Goodwill. Just a few more items to donate, including a glass net float we purchased years ago; it was found on a Pacific Northwest beach. Next, the Dollar Store, which was quite busy and had a line to check out. I found large padded mailing envelopes and soon joined the queue to purchase five. I also stopped at Home Depot and got the center support for the shelf I added; it was sagging.

I took the wooden boxes I had stained and finished to the bedroom and filled them with piles of Susie’s jewelry. I had four piles for younger folks—all costume jewelry—and one pile of good stuff for Barb, Susie’s sister. I also put the odds and ends (primarily single earrings) in Barb’s box. The stuff barely fit. I closed the boxes, placed each in a padded envelope, and then used packing tape to make it fit the shape. After getting more tape (I had another roll in a drawer), I printed addresses out and taped that on, too. I will mail the packages on Monday. I cleaned up the dresser where all the stuff had waited about a year for this. I feel happy, not sad, to send this on. Incoming!

Susie earrings may not work for everyone, but I included necklaces, bracelets, and watches in the various piles. I looked at everything before I put it in a pile and remembered them. Christmas was a strong theme, but there were many playful items. And the Victorian stuff I bought Susie, she would never have picked it but seemed to love it, was, I think, spread evenly in piles. Again, I am glad to give them a new home, even if the collection is soon forgotten, given/traded away, or even worn. All good.

(sagging shelf)

I fixed the shelf with the extra support without too much trouble. I put away the tools. I replaced the books and found more to put on the now full extra shelf. I have put a collection of boxes on the next shelf of 28mm figures (Dungeons and Dragon sized) and paints. My bags of gaming items are under that. It is looking less messy here, finally.

I was planning to head to Astoria on Monday (my plans have changed). I took the EV out to get some Popeyes spicy chicken and then plugged it in to charge again to 100%. My app says I can do Astoria and back without a charge, but I should start at 100%. Interesting, and I would expect to have 20% left. Hmmm. I’ve got to try this!

I had the chicken—just one piece, potatoes, and a biscuit—for dinner. The other two pieces will be for Monday’s lunch.

Aunt Kathy called me with some sad news, but I will not repeat it here so family members can be told by others.

With the packages ready, the books on shelves that were not sagging, Air VW the Gray charging, and my new soft bed ready, I showered, dressed in PJs, and read for an hour. The Candian murder mystery, written in a non-linear style, is new in a Louise Penny novel. I like her writing style and am enjoying Glass Houses.

I get sleeping, nod off, wake, read more, nod off, sleep, and wake at 3. I prove hydration, but I am dizzy and nauseated, too. I managed to get back to bed, and it stopped. Hmmm. I broke a rule: light on, then get up. I suspect it was my balance issue combined with plugged ears. I get motion sick quickly.

I sleep until just before my alarm at 7:30. I fall deeply asleep in a minute and am blasted awake. Welcome Monday!

Thanks for reading.