Author: alohawild

The day started with me waking with my alarm at 6AM on Thursday; Thursdays are work-from-office, and so it means rushed. I struggled with my decisions and finally rose. I found my slippers and headed out to explore Thursday–I did not have a machete, but I did find it a bit of a jungle as I tripped over laundry yet-to-be-washed and a sweater that somehow was on the floor. Ugh!

I managed to handle creating liberal coffee and finding yogurt, leaving both to contemplate being consumed. Next, I recovered a plain NYC bagel from the freezer, lightly serviced it (15 seconds) in the microwave, and left it to finish defrosting. Next, I climbed down on the floor (it seemed further away today) and had Alexa play the best of Imagine Dragons. I then performed all of my stretches and exercises for twenty-five minutes. I know I will feel better in a few days, but it is always hard to start this again. I have only done two days this week.

A bit breathless and various things now hurting, I reach the home office with coffee. My breakfast (the bagel is now toasted and wearing a coating of cream cheese) without incident, I quickly ate everything, read emails, Slack channel updates, and new feeds (CNN, BBC, New York Times) to be prepared for the day. The news is not terrible, with no mass shootings or another bank failure (Republic Bank is holding on by just its fingernails, from what I have read). But today, the USA Central bank, The Fed, raised interest rates by a quarter point–I could hear the sound of bonds losing value (pop, pop, pop).

I boarded Air Volov after rushing into the shower, dressed in the last clean work-acceptable t-shirt (the H.P. Lovecraft-centric ones are not really shoe company ready), and grabbed the Nike laptop. I pushed through and managed to avoid all of the school buses and arrived before 8 at my table in my project’s building known as Clubhouse. We don’t have assigned workspaces, desks, or even lockers. When you arrive, you just sit in a chair at a table and use it. We have team areas, and folks settle into a location after a while. I always sit in the same place. It is strange to be homeless, but I am where my laptop is. Most meetings are Zoom anyway (I have one meeting a week with a conference room which we then sign in to the Zoom meeting with the AV equipment). I am a corporate gypsy.

Sitting with my colleagues (all having picked and settled into their usual place), I spend the morning in some meetings (there is a tiny room nearby where I do sessions–I am not that guy talking to a screen next to everyone) and then try to help with a few crises of the moment and a data issue. Morning disappears fast.

I travel next to see Susie in Portland (Tigard) at 9925 SW 82nd. Ave. Portland (Tigard), OR 97223; phone (503) 246-4116. I see, despite the light misty rain, that the Beaverton motorcycle cop is out shooting his radar gun at Highway 26. All of us send up prayers for a sudden downpour. Without more adventures other than improper prayers to God, I reach the hummingbird house and soon see Susie. She is napping in her recliner in the living room with a blanket, and some 1990s movie with supermodels is on the screen.

Ignoring the TV, we call Susie’s mother, Leta, and quickly reach her. Susie and Leta chat for twenty minutes until Susie starts nodding off. Susie looks good, and her arm seems better, but she is sleepy today. For her, because she nods off a few times, it seems like only a few minutes before I have to leave. She does not want me to go but relents, a bit confused (but not crying), and I manage to kiss her goodbye without crying (where she can see). Jennifer tells me that despite the healing, Susie no longer uses her right arm to feed herself. Susie has stopped using it–we would hate to lose the functionality and will keep working at it.

I return to the shoe company, and there are some questions about how our data works and why I answer. I also work on a presentation about GitHub I am giving the team, just three slides. I also update the example repository for our group Read.me file with example code (Read.me has its own mini-programming language).

It is a bit frustrating at work, but it is the last in-the-office day, so I am happy to leave at 4:45 and arrive at the Volvo cave in heavy Oregon mist. I rest briefly, offer Mariah dinner (she turns me down), and nap. I am back up after 6PM and make dinner by reheating the no-seafood jambalaya, having had my offer rejected once more.

I rewatched the last episode in Season 3 of The Mandalorian and still liked it. I then caught up on Quicken and paid Susie’s monthly bill. Susie’s monthly expenses are about $8,000, including Rx, OTC, supplies, care, and room and board. A lot of money, but nothing compared to nursing home costs, and I think I can manage it. I will request that the IRS and Oregon return much of my taxes to help cover this (all medical expenses over 10% are deductible) in 2024.

I then drove to the Wildwood Taphouse, where JR paid my bill ahead of time using the Pay It Forward program. Thank you, JR! I had a small dark beer and wrote this.

Thanks for reading. I will likely play a game of Captain Nemo (solo game) tonight.

Today I played board games with Z at First United Methodist Church in Beaverton for the first time in a few weeks. We twice played the locally created board game, Vindication, each winning a game with a large point spread. Z had not remembered how to play, so the first game was a learning game. The first game-ending conditions, randomly assigned, were harder to reach, and so the game played longer. This allowed me to gain quite a lead on Z and hold it. Then, in the second came, she took the lead and stayed with it.

Vindication is a resource and worker placement game with some discovery features. It is also quite elegant, and I think fun to play. Once you know how it works, the game seems to just play for you.

We ate our dinners first, soup for the recovering Z and a Five Guys burger for me (my first one since before the pandemic) with fries and a Diet Ginger Soda. After food, we got out Vindication and played it for the rest of our time together. After that, Z and Dondrea, Z’s mother, headed home, and I took Air Volvo to the Volvo Cave. I then wrote this blog and watched the next episode of The Mandalorian.

Before this, I was at work and dealing with various crises of the moment and a data issue. My boss, happy to have me back at work, asked after my health and Susie. Brad had been very supportive over the years of dealing with stroke, cancer, and family leave. Most kind.

Moving backward in the day, I visited Susie from work for a short visit. It is a work day, and my visits are usually only twenty minutes or a bit longer if Susie wants to visit Metzger Park, next door. As with most days, I call Leta, Susie’s mother, so they can talk briefly and, using FaceTime, see each other. I stayed a bit longer after the call, but Susei was surprised by my leaving, said it was alright, and kissed me goodbye.

Before visiting Susie in Portland (Tigard) at 9925 SW 82nd. Ave. Portland (Tigard), OR 97223; phone (503) 246-4116; I was at a team lunch. We ate Thai food at a local place, and six of us ate together. Our scrum master was moving to a new team, so we had a good luck send-off lunch for her. It was a sunny and warm spring day, perfect for lunch.

Before this, I did my usual meetings in the morning, arriving around 8AM. The meetings went on for hours. I did get coffee at work; I get a regular coffee with cream (coffee is paid for by our leadership until 10AM), But I did have liberal coffee to start the day with the last of the corn muffins and yogurt at the house.

I woke with my alarm, decided “no,” and rested for 45 minutes. No exercises and stretching. A rushed morning once I started.

Tuesday night, after soldering the FM radio Si47xx breakout board into my power and microcontroller framework, I stayed up until midnight again and got my radio to play. I ordered more screw wire posts on Amazon (they were cheaper there). I also purchased another wrecked tube radio on eBay for another summer project.

I am tired, and it is late. Thanks for reading.

The day started with me waking at 6AM to my iPhone alarm. It was hard to wake up, and I thought first to rest more, but I got up and did most of my stretches and exercises. It is essential to eat after, not before! I finished at about 6:40 and made a breakfast of liberal coffee, corn muffins, and a banana. After the usual prep, I rushed out the door and into Air Volvo in time to beat the school buses and reached the project’s Clubhouse building before 8AM.

Recalling Monday night, after writing the blog, I picked up my soldering iron and assembled the basic power and microprocessor for the next radio I am building. I attached everything to a small board and set the electronic in standoffs. The test passed–good. I then stayed up late reading. Grey Mouser and Fafhrd kept my interest until after midnight. This made the morning harder, of course.

Returning to the narrative, I reached the office and was treated kindly, as I had been out for a week with Susie’s illness and my colonoscopy. My co-workers asked me to let them drive me or help in any way. They are concerned–most kind.

The day went on with a few Zoom meetings and a few crises of the moment. I had to send some heads-up-styled messaging on a few issues. Soon it was getting late in the morning. I headed out.

I had my physical therapy (PT) appointment, and the stress and lack of keeping to a schedule had made a hash of all the good work for months. Conor did some pressure to unlock my back and suggested we keep the same plan at a slow build for a few weeks. I agreed. Leo finished up with me doing some basic stretches. Leo plays Dungeons and Dragons and board games, so, during stretches, we talked about gaming.

Next, I headed to Bethany Public House bar and had a Diet Coke and their chili. The bartender was happy to see me and asked me if I wanted my usual lunch, and I answered “Yes.” I ate quickly, as usual, and then headed to Susie’s place in Portland (Tigard) at 9925 SW 82nd. Ave. Portland (Tigard), OR 97223; phone (503) 246-4116.

It is another perfect spring day with blue skies and dry streets. Thus, I was unsurprised to see Beaverton’s Finest on Highway 26 giving grief to various overly imaginative drivers. The police do not seem to come out except on lovely days. Air Volvo stayed to the limits recommended to avoid expensive notes payable to the City of Beaverton Court. I did see rushed driving with folks making sudden lane changes at speeds over 55. With a few more nice days, I imagine the court’s treasury will soon be replenished!

Linda, my sister, texted me, and then I called her. Our mother, Barb Wild, was not answering her phone (again). Linda had to leave work and drive to check on her. Everything was fine, but it is easy to imagine something else when traveling; I know from experience! I talked to Linda and was able to cheer her up on the way to mom’s place, Cheatu Wild, East. Again, everything was fine.

I arrived without legal entanglements at the hummingbird house. Susie was getting her fingernails trimmed and painted by Jennifer (Jennifer is the live-in nursing aide). Once that was completed, I took Susie out on the porch and called her mother. Leta was at her house waiting for the call (I had called Leta earlier, letting her know I was running later), and Susie and Leta enjoyed FaceTime (they could see each other) on my iPhone until Susie was getting cold. Finally, I returned Susie to the warmth of the living room, kissed her goodbye, and headed back to work at the Clubhouse.

I was back late in the afternoon, and there were still more meetings and a few crises of the moment to work on. We also got a team lunch planned for Wednesday. I was out after 5 and home before 6PM. Dinner was reheated corned beef and cabbage. I also had a few snacks as I was still hungry.

I read a bit and rested a bit. I am filled with nervous energy today. I do not feel that well; something left from the stress of last week.

I got a package from SparkFun, including some excellent 3″ speakers that will fit in my radio project and a new LCD display. I purchased another dead tube radio for about $100 on eBay. This will handle the larger speakers. I plan to build two projects. It will be here in a week.

I have stripped a 3V needle meter of its face and back plate. I plan to install a copy of the face plate of the 1940 Philco radio (I bought this one last month) over it and paint it red. Not quite a match to what was there, but it should look steampunk. The needle will move with the sound volume (AdaFruit in NYC has the mic I need, and I have three on the way). I hope to cast the push buttons in clear acrylic and put neoPixel lights (also from AdaFruit) behind the buttons changing colors with the frequency or like light show (new ideas for me), turning them into something new.

Thanks for reading. I am trying to relax; it is hard.

When did I miss March? How can it be more than half over? With Susie’s sudden bleeding, ER trip, and my colonoscopy, I feel like I missed March. Yet, I seem to have advanced to Sweet-16 for college basketball.

Today the light Oregon mist returns, not rain, just endless sprinkles. The frogs and toads are singing loudly and likely making more. Last night, I had no vehicle behind Air Volvo, so I stopped for a tiny frog crossing our street and made a wide turn to get into the driveway to avoid yet another hopping diminutive amphibian. Nice to see the season move to Spring today.

The day started with me waking at 4 and then 5 and then 6 and finally getting up and starting my Monday early. Mondays are work-from-home work days at the shoe company. I had a Zoom stand-up, an Agile methodology ceremony, that we did remotely and all on Zoom (sitting). I spent the morning reading emails, reviewing Slack Channel updates, and reading the news on CNN, BBC, and the New York Times (I have a subscription). This caught me up on what was happening at work and in the world.

Banks are still coming unglues, and folks are wondering if they should panic. No. This is the usual story of less-than-talented wealthy people taking risks that they do not completely understand and complaining when they lose money. FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) also seems to have been some of the causes. The last resort bonds of the now defunct Credit Suisse bank, a new property for UBS now, AT1, were not paid in the settlement. Apparently, folks (hedge funds) were buying the bonds up at a deep discount expecting to get a payoff when the bank collapsed, but no money this time. Many rich folks are yelling about SVB and now Credit Suisse and how the bondholders of AT1 should be paid. The central banks are not paying the carpet baggers. Makes me smile.

I saw the Fed Ex truck turn around and got a message I had a delivery. Nothing. I checked the photo. My package was delivered next door–growl. I went next door and got my package from their porch. The box, with my name and correct address, was my new electronic parts. I was hoping the 4″ speakers would work for my next project, but luckily I have 3″ speakers on the way.

Now that I had my delivery. I headed to Susie’s place in Air Volvo after having a breakfast of liberal coffee (it tastes better today–defaulting bank bonds go with Equal Exchange coffee), some leftover Irish soda bread, and a banana. Susie had finished her breakfast and napped in her assigned recliner in the shared space in the living room. Judge Judy was on the TV. We called Leta, but she was driving, so we waited ten minutes for her to call us back. We watched a 2017 episode of the show. Leta called, now home, and she and Susie had a pleasant chat. They can see each other as we use FaceTime on my iPhone. It was cold and clear in Michigan, she told us. We covered our gray-on-gray wet weather. But, as always happens on a workday, I could only stay a short while and left with a kiss and a promise to return on Tuesday.

The trip back to the house was uneventful. Once at the Volvo Cave, I reheated my boiled dinner; I still had corned beef left with the fixings. So I ate that while at my office in the house. Work went on slowly, and I had a meeting at 3PM that went over. The day finally ended at 4-5.

I decided to make no-seafood jambalaya from a box. First, I chopped up my nearly expired kielbasa from Olympic Provisions, some of their ham, and some corned beef (I made a large brisket on St. Patrick’s Day). I fry this in some oil in the big pan until brown and starting to stick a bit. I then added some garlic (the Pope), and after that cooked a bit, I added a can of fire-toasted stewed tomatoes. I prefer the Mexican-style strewed tomato with green peppers and spices, but these are good too. Next, I stir in the seasoned rice from the box. Next, I add two cups of boiling water from the kettle. I bring that to a boil (that takes no time) and then cook for twenty minutes on low.

It was great, not missing the shrimp, and I watched the latest Mandalorian episode while overeating. The next episode had two parts, and I was surprised and unhappy with it–no spoilers. This new season is strange.

After that, I headed to Wildwood Taphouse. I went the way of the gas station, filling the empty tank (over 17.3 gallons–fumes) as I was holding out for gas under $4 here ($4.09, remember no sales tax). There I bought the gas and then realized I had forgotten my phone, and returned home for it. I still decided to head to Wildwood Taphouse and discovered the excellent people paid $50 ahead on my tab. Thus I am drinking for free.

I am writing the blog and just finished my first small glass of something dark and bitter, like my previous week.

The morning started with me moaning as the alarm on my phone rang at 7:00; ugh. I was finally moving around 8ish–enjoying my covers until then. I was up and writing and having breakfast after unloading and loading the dishwasher. And despite the good efforts of bug-man, the ants were back in the kitchen–the invaders were executed without delay. Breakfast was leftover boiled dinner and a slice of corned beef. A bit heavy, but so good. The Saturday blog is always long, and I hate to rush it (over 1,400 words), so I wrote for hours. I finally showered, dressed, and made a ham and cheese sandwich for lunch. Which was a bit much with breakfast. Next, I boarded Air Volvo and made the trip to Susie’s place in Portland (Tigard) at 9925 SW 82nd. Ave. Portland (Tigard), OR 97223; phone (503) 246-4116.

Susie was long finished with a late breakfast, skipping lunch as usual and resting in her recliner in the shared space that is the living room. There was a Hallmark movie on. Susie and I called Leta, Susie’s mother, from the recliner using my iPhone and FaceTime to see each other. Leta had just made cookies for a church event, a concert for an Opera Ph.D. student at Grace UMC in Lansing, Michigan, giving her final event for her Ph.D. Grace UMC uses MSU students for its music program and often supports students in various points of their process–such as the final concert for a degree. Leta said her cookies were perfect but would have to be delivered while MSU played in the finals today. Leta loves basketball and March Madness (MSU won tonight).

After the call, with hopefulness for an MSU victory, Anassa, the nursing aide for the weekends, took Susie to her room and arranged Susie in her bed. Susie listened with me sitting next to her to Peter, Paul, and Mary on Alexa (we have the music, everything). Susie listened and sang along, with me singing a bit here and there (though I would suspect many would call it more controlled croaking–I am terrible). I also bought some electronic components on AdaFruit’s website (I need their excellent low-voltage mics) while sitting beside Susie using my Apple laptop. I also bid on a ruined tube radio on eBay for another project (others want a radio, and I can continue to improve my design and software).

Susie was uncomfortable and was rolled on her side, and she napped now. I continued to read stuff on my laptop and stayed busy. By 3:30, I was getting sleepy, so I kissed Susie goodbye and left her in Louis’, the early evening nursing aide–he lives there too, hands.

I heard a friend was in the ER (no details here) and was concerned. I thus missed David and Michelle’s text that they were headed to see Susie. I spotted it and turned around.

Susie was surprised to have guests again, and Jennifer (helping her husband Louis) got Susie in her wheelchair. David and Michelle visited and brought a nice happy flower. We had a wonderful visit and chatted about many things. Susie was thrilled to have guests. We talked, by iPhone, with Cat, their daughter living in NYC. The Smiths and Natash and Jason will be in NYC in the first week of April.

After that, we headed out, and I drove across Beaverton, without incident, to Nonna Emilia for dinner. I waited thirty minutes for a seat in the bar (lucky I checked in as they apparently called my name instead of calling me) and had a great dinner of homemade sausages with green peppers and onions–going old school. A salad and pasta made it all great. I had coffee with dinner after having Lambrusco wine (extra sweet and cheap, so 1980s) and a shot of amaretto for dessert.

I wrote the blog after dinner.

Thanks for reading.