Author: alohawild

Today we had some challenges in the data conversions in Nike production systems, so I was in war room mode all day. I was not free until 5:30ish, and Susie did not see me until the evening. So the blog will be short as most of the day was crises management and analyzing data issues–none of the details belong here.

Starting in the morning, I woke just before my alarm at 6AM and was still getting out of bed when the alarm sounded on my iPhone. It is a work-from-office day, so it is a rushed morning. I made liberal coffee in my French Press, which I enjoyed with a slice of pastry and a banana. While the electric tea kettle was heating, I watered my roses using the hose in the backyard and the new hose in the front yard. I was in my robe and slippers, and when I used my new hose rolling, the action forced the water out. The hose’s nozzle was under my robe when I pulled the last of it in, and I was treated by an intimate cold shot. My neighbors may have heard mu reaction.

I was now quite awake without coffee (by a process I would not recommend). I took my breakfast and coffee into the office and quickly read my emails, Slack updates, and some news to be prepared for my work day. Soon I was late getting in the shower and was seriously rushed. Dressed, I grabbed more coffee in a travel cup and boarded Air Volvo. I was only a few minutes late and sat through the first hour of status meetings.

My boss, Brad, pointed out an update in Slack that I missed that our data conversion was running slow. The message was sent while I was traveling, and then I was in a status meeting. After that, my day was spent working on this issue; the details are, as I said before, best left out.

I did get some free coffee and bought a sandwich from the self-service. It was a decent club sandwich. While working in an ad hoc war room, I ate that while trying to help define the issues, collect evidence, and create a narrative that fits both. I called the hummingbird house and told the folks that I would be late to see Susie. Leta, Susie’s mother, called me to see what was wrong (I usually connect with her at Susie’s in the early afternoon). I told Leta I was working on an issue and would likely connect with her later. Dondrea suggested, and I agreed to forego my gaming night with Z. Wednesday is my usual night to meet up with Z at the church to play board games.

At 5:30PM, we had some ideas and some minimal improvements. Our narrative was closely aligned with the evidence and also aligned with our software vendor’s findings–all good. I headed out to see Susie and enjoyed heavy traffic on Highway 26 and 217. I finally reached Susie after 6PM. Anassa, the usual weekend nurse aide, was filling in for tonight. Susie was eating dinner. Susie was falling out of her wheelchair and slumping over–she was exhausted. Susie got some food in her, and some Ensure but was ready for more rest. Anassa got Susie comfortable in her bed, and I got M.A.S.H. (season 3) running for her on the TV in her room. I just stayed and watched with her for about ninety minutes. I did take a call while there and had more messaging on the potential fixes to our issues. Susie was happy that I stayed for a while, and we called Leta and chatted for a bit.

Soon, I needed some food and a break. I gave Susie a kiss, and she asked for another, which I provided. I ensured Susie’s safety by putting out the crash pad next to the bed and lowering the bed onto the pad (making the distance of a fall shorter and locking the pad in place). I said good night to Anassa, who will check on Susie (we both need to know that everything is good when I leave).

I drove a short distance to Red Robin and ordered a large Stella (beer) and a Smoke and Pepper Burger with fries. Their best burger, I think. I finished with a cup of coffee. I watched the NBA playoffs and saw Denver crush Miami by fifteen points (I think). It was a good break, but I also answered more Slack messages and followed along–the issues are still being handled.

Next, I took Air Volvo home to the Volvo Cave. It was getting dark as we had not yet reached the summer solstice, and the days were long. I read for a bit and relaxed. I then hopped on another work call. I suspect I will be up to 2ish and have a 7AM meeting. Oh, the life of computers–sleep when you are dead!

The classic meme for this

Thank you for reading.

 

A complex day as I had to travel to the post office for a certified letter. I bought a stamp to add to my collection for less than its catalog price in an online auction (Hipstamp.com), but it was sent certified with a signature required, so I had to pick it up. The stamp is an older revenue stamp, 1861, from the original series. The item is type b meaning no perforation on two edges, and this stamp has a certificate of authenticity needed for these partially perforated stamps to separate them from altered lesser valued fully perforated stamps–forgeries. I found it in what I call a magic auction, where I slip and get an excellent deal on a lovely stamp. I was happy to put the stamp in my album today. Another slot filled cheaply.

So before having to travel in a large circle, I started the morning by sleeping into 6:30AM and then rushing my morning as I had to be in the office at 8 for the first meeting (I forgot it was Tuesday, and my first meeting is actually at 8:30). I managed to get to the office on time, but only had one cup of coffee and forgot to pour the rest in a travel mug. Breakfast was another slice of pastry, banana, and liberal coffee made in my French Press (only one cup).

I traveled to the office without issues and started my meetings later, but I forgot to get coffee, and I had hours of meetings and did not get a chance to get the free coffee before 10AM today. One meeting was with my boss. Nike is restructuring HR and our salary and bonus ratings (a change that is not very popular with the employees and a headache for our leader, who has to explain it and try to say why it is not yet-another-corporate-ripoff-of-employees–I feel for our leaders). Like the be-in-the-office mandate, it feels more like something being done to you than a positive. I would include more, but this is not the place for that. I am neutral to this in my emotions (for now), but I can see the effects of more stress hitting my fellow employees. I will get my new position, title, and ranking at the end of the year with my rating–my boss Brad handled the discussion well with us software architects (at least that is what we are called now).

I was busy all day with lots of little crises of the moment as we started the data conversions into production. I did head out at 11:15ish to see Susie. Air Volvo navigated the heavy traffic on 217 caused by the construction and the usual brake-for-anything driving habits of my fellow Oregonian drivers, and I soon arrived at Susie’s place at the hummingbird house in Portland (Tigard) at Allegiance Senior Care LLC, 9925 SW 82nd. Ave. Portland (Tigard), OR 97223; phone (503) 246-4116. Susie was in her recliner in the living room when I arrived and was delighted to see me. We called Leta, Susie’s mother, from the living room, a shared space, and chatted with Leta for a while. Susie was more awake and talkative today.

Next, once Jennifer, the weekday nurse aide, was finished getting the other resident’s breakfast/lunch ready, she popped Susie into a wheelchair, and we headed outside. It was already warm (and I would soon regret the black leather seats in Air Volvo–hot!), and we headed into Mezger Park. The tennis courts were not used, so I used those to avoid crushed stone and soon had Susie on a paved path. The locals and regular parkgoers (it was approaching noon) said hi to us–we are there three days a week in the morning or early afternoon, making us too regular parkgoers. Many dogs were walking their human. The three butterflies were flying here and there, and a pair twirled in the air together, bright yellow Oregon Swallowtails. The English daisies were in bloom in the grass, with yellow buttercups adding more color here and there.

The sky was blue with the pure dark blue we see when the sky is clear of smoke (which is covering NYC today) or smog. The wind was blowing lightly (I kept my mask on in the park and felt better this afternoon!) and warm. We stayed for a short visit as I had to return to work. Soon we were inside, and Susie kissed me goodbye.

I took the highways back to the post office off of Evergreen, got my certified letter, and headed to Mod Pizza–I had not been back since the pandemic. Nothing had changed except the prices were slightly higher. I sat and ate my Mad Dog (meat) pizza and a larger Ceasar salad (adding cooked red peppers–not the spicy ones). I sat there drinking a Diet Coke, reading the news, and feeling the stress lifting as I relaxed and tucked into my lunch. I think the pizza had a slight cinnamon flavor, as I suspect they make their dessert pizza on the same surfaces. But I liked my lunch and saved half of the salad for dinner.

I returned to the Volvo Cave before the mail arrived and returned to my office, working now from home. I read at 4PM and fell wholly asleep but woke in time to make the 4:30 status meeting (being only five minutes late by the time I logged on and reached the Zoom meeting). I got some questions after 4PM and tried to help. I was still checking in until 8ish at night.

I paid the medical bills for Susie in the mail (it came in later). I pay them on the day they are received as these are all local, and I don’t want any delays for her. My medical bills and Legacy are not always paid, as I have seen them double-bill me. I trust no medical company or doctor to correctly bill. I wait until I get multiple copies with the same numbers before I pay, and then I still (like a few weeks ago) get hundreds of dollars returned to me each year. I deposit the money and credit the medical account to make Quicken balance the overpayments. Nasty.

HP.com sent me more ink for the printer today. I pay a monthly fee for the printer, and they supply me with ink. If I print too many sheets, I pay for the overage. I also can carry over some of the unused pages into the next month. I have been printing many rules of late, so I am using up my pages each month. I recommend the service instead of buying your own ink.

I ate reheated leftover chicken, which was not that great (that recipe just did not work), but the Mod Pizza salad was good. I watched one of the best standalone Doctor Who episodes, highly recommended, Time Heist. while eating.  Like the award-winning and terrifying Blink!, this one is not linear and includes a few surprises. This episode is not reliant on the cannon of Doctor Who and is an excellent SciFi story. I folded the laundry and put it away while watching, too. I then did the dishes and swept the floors. Slowly getting things better.

Evan called (I was on another call when his call came in the first time) and was visiting Susie late. Susie was happy to get to a visitor, and Evan put his phone on speaker so I could chat too. We talked for a bit. Then, Evan rang me up again; Evan and I then walked through, signing into the cable for Susie to watch M.A.S.H. Evan could get this working for Susie for tonight. Excellent! Once we had Hulu (M.A.S.H.) back and Peacock (newer shows) before, I rang off.

I then continued to write the blog; I did not get to do more housework as I had to get this blog done. I will try to get the mopping on Thursday. Z is recovering from her cold, and I should play her board games on Wednesday night.

I purchased a new solo game from GMT, Mr. President. It is a modern simulation (2001-2020) of being the US chief executive. I overlooked the six-hour playtime when I purchased it. Not sure I can do this, but we will see. The game is not yet in release, and I have pre-ordered it at a lower price–so it is only $65 to try it (nothing like the $200+ for Kickstarter games).

Thanks for reading.

 

I am at Wild Wood with a small dark beer, Barrel of the Beast, by Oregon City Brewing Company. I am writing at 8:30; the sun is still up, and the longest day of the year, June 21st, is still approaching. The days are still getting longer. It was a hot, dry day with dark blue, showing no air pollution, smoke, or humidity to color the sky anything more than dark blue. The winds from the north are hot and dry, and Susie loved it when I exclaimed, “This is nice,” when I took her out at 4PM.

I made dinner of two potatoes (slightly small, so I made two) by microwaving them. I heated a can of chili on the stove. I added sour cream, green olives, and some sweat pepper to the potatoes, buried them in chili, and then sprinkled more cheese on–I am an American, after all. After eating and watching the YouTube channel, Nerd of the Rings telling the story of the Lonely Mountain in a new video, I read my book. I finished the laundry and experienced my colon deciding to empty itself (no accidents). I decided to either nap or head to Wild Wood and write–I am here.

I returned to the Volvo Cave after finishing my last work meeting in Susie’s room at the hummingbird house at 5PM and enjoyed some traffic but witnessed no extra-legal driving. On reaching the Volvo Cave, I found the front door open; the wind must have blown open a not completely closed front door. I also found a package notice and will have to find time to pick it up.

I then decided to make dinner and went through the frig momentarily and discovered a few items that needed to be removed. One giant container of yogurt 1/2 eaten during the pandemic (yikes).

Moving to 1PM, I arrived at Susie’s place at the hummingbird house in Portland (Tigard) at Allegiance Senior Care LLC, 9925 SW 82nd. Ave. Portland (Tigard), OR 97223; phone (503) 246-4116. The traffic was light, and I arrived without incident. Susie was napping in her recliner in the shared living room, I woke her and shared the flowers I had cut for her, and Jennifer moved her to her bed. I set up in her room with my work and Apple computer. Susie continued napping while I was working online. Susie had some tummy issues and was in some pain, and Jennifer turned Susie on her side and used pillows to wedge her into position. Susie is not strong enough, I believe, to move herself to her side or to stay there. Susie felt better by the later afternoon.

I forgot to call Leta, Susie’s mother; I was distracted by Susie’s pain and getting her help, but Leta did contact us. We talked for a short bit as Susie was uncomfortable at that time. Leta was happy to connect.

At 4PM, at the end of my shift and thirty minutes before the end-shift status meeting at the shoe company, Susie was ready to head to Metzger Park. Jennifer moved Susie to the wheelchair, and we popped outside. As I said, it was an excellent warm day with a warm wind. The park was busy with school out for an hour or so. Folks were out with their young kids, the basketball courts were alive, but tennis was empty, and I used that, avoiding the crushed stone in the parking lot, to get Susie to the paved trails.

I took Susie all through the park and then pushed her on the streets, and we visited the magnolia tree, which has not quite bloomed (likely the longest day’s passing will change that). Susie was pointing out the blooms and enjoying the bright colors of summer in the Greater Portland Area. Roses and flowers everywhere. Susie was quite animated today.

I brought Susie back to the hummingbird house at 4:30, and we did my last Nike meeting together. I then set up the crash pad, put up the gate, and kissed Susie goodbye.

The morning started with me sleeping until 7ish and getting started with the same breakfast for a few days, a slice of French soft-styled bread with cream cheese, liberal coffee, and a banana. I then did hours of status meetings and reading updates by email, Slack channel updates, and news reports. Lunch was Quiche Lorraine from Whole Foods; I took a piece to Susie for Tuesday’s breakfast–Susie was thrilled; she loves quiche. Finally, I watered the roses and cut flowers for Susie. Mostly Wedgwood roses that are so heavy they are falling to the ground!

The Wedgwood climber from David Austin looks great.

This rose came with the house. The rumor is that it came from the mother’s house of the previous owner and thus is very old. It is a tea rose, not a hybrid tea, attesting to its age.

The Cardinal Richelieu is at the end of its blooming. The purple is still stunning for this old, nearly unique rose.

This is one of the cheap orphaned roses (lost its tag at the nursery so it was cheap). It is quite lovely.

Thank you for reading.

The morning was bright, with clear skies, and dry. Not Oregon’s typical summer weather, and the temperature change from 46F (8c) to 71F (22C) is more like a desert; there has been no significant rain for weeks. The temperatures will head into the 80s (27C) and 90s (32C) on Monday and Tuesday. I made liberal coffee using a French Press, had a slice of Whole Foods’ Cream Cheese Brioche, and a banana. I spent the morning writing the blog. I was finally published by 9:30ish, having risen at 7ish to write.

I watered all the roses. I had skipped yesterday, and the roses were not happy about that. I will bring some more for Susie on Monday–there is plenty to cut, and I will take some pictures of some of the newest blooms on Monday.

Next, I turned to my radio project. I cleaned up my work area as it was cluttered, and the radio project was approaching completion. I located the off/on switch and then found a spade bit to cut the large hole in the wooden box. The box is covered in veneer, and it is loose in spots. I taped the area, and the first bit, a sharp, never used bit, spun into the wood without issue and cut a neat circle. Unfortunately, the switch was a pass-through, and the wood was too thick. Puke! I then had to widen the hole with a spade bit set in the air. That caused issues and failed to make a neat whole, and I had to reglue veneer and lost some by the switch edge–It will be covered by the push-in switch plastic edge, but I will have to stain some of the wood to hide the missing veneer.

I used white glue to repair what I could and taped it down to dry in place, which worked. I just need to wire the switch and push it into the hole; it will not come out again, so it has to be perfect. I cut a tab off the button as I would not risk notching the hole.

Lunch was leftover Popeye’s chicken. I also had some plain yogurt and added the rest of the peaches from a can I opened yesterday.

I showered, dressed, boarded Air Volvo, and saw Susie at the hummingbird house in Portland (Tigard) at Allegiance Senior Care LLC, 9925 SW 82nd. Ave. Portland (Tigard), OR 97223; phone (503) 246-4116. I was not there until just before noon. I arrived at about 1PM and brought Susie her Panama summer hat.

Susie was lying down watching the last episode of M.A.S.H. on her TV in her room. I have not seen it in a while, and the cable version has no commercials and seems more natural and emotional. The moment when Margaret Houlihan said goodbye and left in a jeep surprised me with how real it felt. Susie has seen it many times but watched the whole episode without falling asleep–after all the years, it still is a powerful show.

Susie asked to watch the rest of the movie. We saw Toy Story, and Susie thought it was unfinished. I agree that the ending is abrupt, but she thought there was more. I put on Toy Story 2, and both of us fell asleep. Luckily, Leta, Susan’s mother, called (I had forgotten to call her, and then M.A.S.H. was intense, so I did not stop it), and we got caught up for the day. Leta was fine and enjoying the warm weather, and she had to pick up someone for church today. Leta is 94 and still gives rides and works in a food bank–she is unstoppable! After a short call, Susie was ready to head to Metzger Park next door.

It was just breaking 70F (21C), so it was an excellent time to head out. The wind was blowing from a strange direction, coming from the North West and hot. We saw a huge branch had broken and fallen into the parking lot, someone had dragged it out of the spaces, but the spaces were still covered in small branches and pine cones. Nobody was parking there!

We found my favorite bench, shady and near the redwoods and cypress. The butterflies were out despite the wind, and two Oregon Swallowtails were performing tight circles together. Unfortunately, the wind was kicking up dust, pollen, and pine needles were raining on us. Susie suddenly had a coughing jag (almost choking) that was too much, and I took her back to the hummingbird house. There we got Susie some water (and me too). Dondrea called, and we did a speaker call so Susie could also talk to Dondrea. After getting caught up, Dondrea rang off, and I kissed Susie goodbye. Susie decided to sit in the living room in her recliner in her summer hat.

I headed back home and arrived without issue in Air Volvo. I did see some folks run a red light. It looked like they all just decided to go. There were some close calls, but everything worked out without any scratched paint. Air Volvo got me to a windy Volvo Cave. I closed the gate that the wind had blown open and was banging and then relaxed for a bit. My gum trees were moving in an awkward direction, more than ten feet, but seemed to be holding together. The redwoods nearby actually shiver and dance in the wind. The huge trunks are solid, so the branches flex and spin making the tree dance.

I then headed to The Spaghetti Factory, sat in the bar, and let them make me dinner. My bartender, a young gal named Sophia (not Z), got me a beer and dinner. Specifically, I had a small salad with creamy pesto dressing (much better than Ranch) and a loaf of warm bread. The meatball and sausage over spaghetti with meat sauce was good. Sophia was busy the whole time as the place was busy, even the bar. I had spumoni ice cream to finish. While not cutting-edge or excellent, it is always good and executed well.

I missed Susie and Corwin at dinner; we used to go there and see a movie together before the pandemic. I read my Kindle at the bar as the bartender was busy. I have been mainly eating alone for a year now and bringing something to read or my Apple laptop when alone. I read and learn now at meals.

I returned directly home via Air Volvo and decided to rest some more. I read and fell deeply asleep (pasta and beer are a nap). I woke up at 7:30ish and restarted. I checked Nike, and so far, I am just following along tonight–nothing for me (my team did the plant data conversion this weekend in production). I wrote this blog after making a cup of tea with a slice of lemon. The tea helped me stay away and helped with the coughing, which, while reduced, is more productive and less often. Ugh!

Thanks for reading.

 

I woke from dreams about work that left me a bit down this morning. Details are best left out, but it was hard to get started this Sunday; I am writing Saturday’s story on Sunday morning. But it is a bright morning here in Oregon, and I plan to hang out with Susie this afternoon; I am always happy to have an extended stay with Susie. So to translate, f**k that dream and worrying about work–I have much better things to do.

Saturday started with me waking before my alarm at 7ish and sleeping until 7:30. It was bright and clear skies. The darker blue, a desert sky, let everyone know that the humidity and air pollution was non-existent today. We see a lighter blue or even gray-blue when smog and humidity change the light.

I was busy on Friday, and the blog took the whole morning. I can write about 500 words in thirty minutes, but as the word count increases, the editing seems too slow as I have more and more to reread.

I made breakfast and ate it; I updated my Quicken books with the latest transactions, read my home emails, and checked that there were no panics at the shoe company that needed me, nope. So it took me until after 10AM to finish the mostly edited 1,900+ words.

Breakfast was Whole Foods’ Cream Cheese Brioche slice (delicious!), liberal coffee prepared with a French Press, and a banana. I also had a nectarine and some cubes of an aged Kaasaggio Robusto (also from Whole Foods). This Dutch-aged cheese reminds me of a more approachable version of a hard Italian cheese like Parmigiano Reggiano. 

Rushed now, I jumped into the shower, dressed, and left my computers in the house (it is hot out, and I hate to leave them in the car for an extended time). If there is an emergency at Nike that needs me, I will have to drive home–not worse than thirty minutes–so a small risk. I headed to Susie’s at the hummingbird house in Portland (Tigard) at Allegiance Senior Care LLC, 9925 SW 82nd. Ave. Portland (Tigard), OR 97223; phone (503) 246-4116. I was not there until just before noon.

Susie was in her recliner in the shared living room, napping. I woke her and asked her what she wanted to do. This leaves her confused, and I try to remember to pick something and see if she agrees instead of providing options. As a loved one, you do not want to recognize dementia and memory issues and wish to include granting your loved one decision rights when visiting–but it just causes them confusion. I should have said something like, let’s go to the park and then watch a movie. If that did not get a positive response, then I could try something else like the reverse. It is hard not to list a menu of possibilities (you feel like you are bossing them around), but it is the best for your loved one and yourself. I try to remember.

Anassa, the weekend nursing aide, had Susie in her wheelchair, and I headed into the park. Metzger Park was warm, sunny, and filled with families. A set of tables were covered with balloons and paper table clothes, hallmarks of a birthday party. Blankets were spread with couples enjoying a basket lunch and each other’s company. We found our shady bench near the redwoods and cypress and watched for a while. A gal had a young black cat on a leash, and it jumped up to say hello to Susie. Natalie, the cat’s human, introduced herself, and Natalie told us that she used a cat backpack to transport the cat and was getting the cat comfortable with the outdoors. Evan, who found us in the park, played with the cat.

We saw three Oregon Swallowtail butterflies, with two of the butterflies dancing in tight circles in the sky. Folks walked by or on bikes and said hi. Everyone was outside enjoying the unheard-of sunny days in early June. Usually, June is one of the dampest months and is depressing as you just want the rains to stop (after raining nearly non-stop for seven months), and the sky in June is usually a boiling gray. Not this year, as we look up and see a color we seldom see in June, blue.

Soon, we left the park and headed down the street. The guy with the van was there again, walking his ducks in the park’s grass. We waved, and he waved back (Susie and I are regulars). We also went by car, always by the park; the couple appears to be living in their car and using the park as a bathroom (a one-bedroom apartment in the area is at least $1,000 a month plus deposits).

Returning to the hummingbird house, Evan suggested Toy Story after we had issues with Disney+ showing older animated films. I had forgotten the movie and laughed often and enjoyed the film. Susie stayed awake for the movie. While we know the characters, it was almost new to me (I think I saw it only once in the theaters when it came out). Back then, I liked live-action adventure films better. With the movie over, it was time for me to find lunch and a game with Evan, so I kissed Susie goodbye, and Anassa got Susie in bed for a rest at Susie’s request.

Aside: I did discuss with Anassa that Susie seems to have lost nearly twenty pounds in a year, we just weighed her, and Anassa agreed to ensure that Susie eats. Today Assana told me that Susie was tired and had trouble feeding herself, but Anassa helped, and, according to Anassa, soon things were better for Susie.

Evan picked Beaverton Central for lunch and games. So I parked in the free lot and walked with Evan to the food carts, and after some time, I  picked a noodle bowl for lunch, shocking Evan. I usually reject noodles recommendations, but it was warm, and the soup seemed to fit the day. So we went to the local outdoor bar and got a beer with our bowls. There were no wasps, and the clear air made eating in the shade under an umbrella over our table a pleasure.

Next, we took the board game Lost Ruins of Arnak and went inside Central Taps to play. I had a lighter summer beer and set up the game. Evan crushed me by at least eight points; I did not bother to score the game. Evan was on a roll and did just about everything with perfect efficiency while for me, I was a bit lost. I went on a tear of buying tools and artifacts instead of digging sites and facing the horrors that guard the sites (the game theme being a Hollywood version of 1920s archeology) or where all the points and resources are. While I did acquire The Hat and other helpful gear, I did not dig enough (Dr. Jones would not have approved), and in the end, it was not either I would win or lose, but how bad the loss would be. I rushed at 5:15, paid the bill, and then went slowly to Richard’s house for a 6PM game.

Portland traffic was a bit heavy for Saturday, but it was the Rose Festival, and the Starlight Parade was on Saturday night. I managed to reach Richard’s without issue and on time. Claudia and Shawn joined Richard and me for a game of Arc Nova. This is a recently released game and resembles Terraforming Mars, reskinned to be about building zoos. The game focuses on engine building, resource management, and worker placement with complex interrelationships and limited card drafting. Or simply what I am bad at, and I showed that with my last place showing. I also did not remember how to play and made a mistake after a mistake. I like the game and the conflicting research themes, releasing animals and building a lovely zoo. This is also a peanut buttering game as you need to do everything but be efficient (I was not). I recommend this game over Mars and other games that build on cards. Arc Nova is complex and hard to master. My score was negative, 40+, nowhere near my best of 14.

Feeling like my head must not be working right (having lost so many games so badly–but I know that is not true), I took Air Volvo home after playing a few hands of Zero, a light card game. I arrived home before midnight but stopped by Popeye’s and got some spicy chicken (I had skipped dinner). I watched some YouTube videos while I drowned my sorrows in fried goodness. I did not eat all of it (saving some for lunch today) and headed to bed.

I read and then slept. My cough was still there all day but only worsened at the end of the evening. Cough syrup brought it under control–I kept some in the car today. It was a good day.

Thanks for reading.

Aside: Grammarly is having an issue with not replacing corrected text, often mangling the replacement. I find I have to make multiple passes now to fix the corrections. This can be prevented by saving more often. But it makes this a bit harder to complete.