Author: alohawild

It was a frustrating day at work, and those happened. Had I not needed the pay and health insurance, I would have been out of there–but it is not possible to retire immediately, no matter how tempting (or driven to madness) I am. Thus I will remove all mention of the shoe company today; otherwise, my jaw will be sore from clenching while writing. The games helped me refocus on important things (fun with friends).

So moving backward, I just finished the season’s newest season of Vox Machina. I liked the ending, and the action was well done. This animated series was created using Kickstarter to fund the first season and is based on Dungeons and Dragons. It is profane and funny. I liked this season as it reminds me when our player characters move to a higher level, there are lots of changes and new powers.

For a snack, I sliced the ham from Olympic Provisions and some cheese I had with Triscuit crackers. I had a bagel-like product for a light dinner while I did not enjoy a meeting at work. The product is locally made; I thoroughly enjoyed and finished my NYC bagels–thanks, Joyce and Smiths (plus Jason).

Between these meals, I met Zophia (Z) at First United Methodist Church to play games while Z’s mother, Dondrea, and the choir practiced. Z picked out the board game Wingspan as our first game for today. Z has a birthday coming up, and I will let Z pick a game for the upcoming event as a gift. Z managed to play very well and win by three points. Unfortunately, I made the mistake of adding some low-point birds to my sanctuary, and I gave away one of the goals by not paying attention. Z was on top of it the whole time and thus scored the win. Next time!

WIndspan is a resource management game where you build and manage a bird sanctuary. Birds are cards you play, and then you run a habitat and get special abilities from the bird cards. For example, there are little eggs to put on bird cards. It is an elegant game with the only flaw of being a bit random.

Next, Z and I managed 3/4 of a Vindication game. I received my upgrade yesterday, applied all the changes, and even reviewed the rules in the new, better rule book. The game is now in a giant box about twice the size of the original swanky version. The new box fits all the parts and expansions and comes with new trays for each player that really improve the setup and put-away. The game is primarily unchanged by these upgrades, and Z can soon remember how to play and was soon fighting monsters and earning superpowers called traits. I was teleporting all over the board using a relic and collecting help from many companions. I also vindicated myself (no longer a wretched scumbag), gaining more abilities. We had about thirty more minutes (or maybe a bit less) to finish, but at least we got to try it out.

Vindication is an elegant game where you try to vindicate yourself and stop being a scumbag. You find helpful companions, explore, discover great powers, and overcome monsters. The resource management system is particular to the game and brilliant. It was fun to try it out again with all the new trays; I will finally paint the guild items and maybe even use them. Since acquiring the game in 2018, I have only played the basic game with only a few add-ons. Time to finally play all this cool stuff.

Moving back to the morning, I had a bad cough, and when learning a fellow employee tested positive for Covid-19, I was worried. I returned home and tested. Negative. Just asthma, again. I got a text from a friend, and she, too, had to use her inhaler. The valley was full of fog and stagnant air, which was my real issue.

As I did not have Covid-19, I visited Susie but kept my distance again (no kisses today) like it was 2022 again. We sat in the social activity room, called Susie’s mother, Leta, and connected. Susie and Leta talked for a while about Leta’s battle with mice. Her porch was removed from her house, and now they can block the place where the mice are getting in. Leta plans to have a nice deck and stairs built later.

After we said goodbye to Leta, I talked to Susie about our finances, saying we were doing fine and how I was getting ready for taxes. I told her we were good for 2023, and I think I can handle 2024 too. She was happy to chat a bit; it was a one-sided conversation, but it was still lovely. I left with just a wave–Susie was happy I made it and tested negative.

Before this, I was up at 6AM and did my exercises and stretches.

Well, I am tired, and it is approaching 11PM. Thank you for reading!

Going backward, I am working on the blog at the house in my office. I spent the evening assembling my update for my original copy of the board game Vindication (2018). The changes are interesting, as Vindication was the first Kickstarter game that used special trays to hold the game components. Now, as this is the standard, the new trays stack better, and there is a picture in the rulebook that suggests how to assemble the game. Also, there are now manyoptions to play in the game, and the number of cards is no longer forced by the size of the trays–there is plenty of room. The original game came with a piece of foam to protect the oddly shaped board, no more as it fits in the trays. Overall it is an impressive improvement. With all the additions, the game sells now for $349 at Gamestewards.com! I remember paying $100 for my original copy. I have slowly added to it over two Kickstarters and a few promo packs.

Aside: I put pictures of the game on FaceBook for Vindication. There is a tradition to show when you received the game and the size by comparing it to a banana. The supporters of the game are a crazy happy bunch.

Before this, I assembled orecchiette pasta, a spicy sauce from a jar, and premade meatballs from Safeway. I just heated the sauce and then fried and baked the meatballs (in the frypan). I find meatballs fried and baked in their frypan are better–A trick from Corwin’s grandmother. It was too good, and I had too much. I watched a few more Vox Machina episodes, but once I was done eating–I immediately started on Vindication. It made me very happy to rework my board game.

Before arriving at the Volvo Cave in Air Volvo to find an unexpected huge box at the house, I was at work. The afternoon was quiet as we hit a bit of a boring stretch in the enormous data conversion. There were cookies, cakes, and hot chocolate for St. Valentine’s Day at our building, and I had some and chatted with some folks. It is funny how the pandemic has made it still exciting to see someone for the first time in a year or so.

I will move to lunch by skipping the various crises of the moment and some process items. I went to Red Robin near Washinton Square Mall after visiting Susie for lunch. My bartender was the cook. I always sit at the bar (the surface was freezing), and the chairs are too close, so it is difficult to get by folks at the bar next to folks at a table–a terrible setup, but I like the better service you get in the bar. Apparently, they were short-staffed, like everywhere, and the cook was the bartender. I ordered my usual chicken breast and salad platter and a Diet Coke. The bartender brought me some french fries; she reported that my lunch was burned and they were trying again. I just laughed and thought it crazy that the cook, my bartender, was explaining to the backup cook how to make my lunch. It was perfect when I got my lunch ten minutes later with even more fries. What a strange place, so Portland.

As I said, I was visiting Susie at the hummingbird house before this. I brought her two sets of flowers (red roses plus a mixed group) and a heart-shaped box of candies. Susie, apparently the hummingbird house folks ensured that Susie was not empty-handed, gave me a small box of sweets in a heart-shaped box for St. Valentine’s Day. I was impressed that the folks at the facility understand that their residents need to be able to provide hospitality to guests. It is a human need to provide for your guests and families and is often forgotten in healthcare-based settings. So it was excellent to receive a gift from Susie! Excellent Allegiance Senior Care!

With all the loot, Susie got a collection of balloons from her mother and warm heart-covered socks from her sister; we headed to the social room to call Susie’s mother. We had a friendly chat (and called back when we found the balloons in Susie’s room) about St. Valentine’s Day and various other issues. Susie was happy and following along. I could not stay long as I was expecting trouble (it never happened) in the afternoon and soon left with a kiss.

Later on, they frosted cookies and did some other crafts.

Before this, I was at work at 8 after raising at 6AM and doing all my exercises. I had a banana and liberal coffee for breakfast. I tried not to overdo my stretches today. Air Volvo and I had no trouble getting in with the weather; we had only some half-melted snow instead of the snow-magaddon some expected.

I was tired most of the day, and the alarm at 6AM was not welcomed by anyone. I had, as usual, woken at 5-something and then fell asleep just in time to be woken. I saw no white outside and got ready to take Air Volvo to work.

Well, I am getting tired. Time to stop. Thanks for reading.

Monday the 13th started with me sleeping into 7:15ish. I started the day with coffee and made steel-cut oats for breakfast. You just boil some water and stir once in a while for twenty minutes. I then add brown sugar, dried cranberries, and walnut pieces when I pour the porage out of the pan.

I have about ninety minutes of meetings on Monday with some overlapping. The defect meeting finishes early so I can make the standup that overlaps. I had quite a few emails and Slack messages to work on. I spent the morning trying to approve designs, changes, and emergencies. It was non-stop until it all seemed to stop at about 11ish.

Thus I could head to see Susie at that time, 11 or so. The travel was in light traffic with rain, not the usual Oregon mist, but no local flooding so far. I did see many police cars painted in Beaverton’s livery. I had not noticed until I was looking at a police car next to me how the doors are painted in a blue that gets darker as it descends the door. Without interacting with any police or avoiding my fellow driver’s interpretation of Oregon driving rules, I reached the hummingbird house without incident.

Susie was in bed and on her side to help her body function; she was uncomfortable. Details will not be shared but are likely obvious and not severe. With me holding the phone, we managed to call Leta (Susan’s mother), and they chatted for a while. Leta likes to see Susie, so she waits for me to call daily with FaceTime on my iPhone. I did not stay long as Susie fell asleep and needed rest.

Next, I retraced my path across Beaverton and stopped at Safeway, not far from the Volvo Cave. I was on a replenishment run, filled five bags, and acquired some flowers for Susie and a box of chocolates in a heart shape–Susie’s only and every year request for St. Valentine’s day. She cannot safely eat the candy, but we will work something out at the hummingbird house (we may chop up a chocolate and put it on ice cream).

Now that I had bread and sliced swiss cheese, I made a ham sandwich for lunch using the Olympic Provision ham. This included a pickle (freshly replenished) and potato chips (freshly reacquired). Worked slowed as the data conversions are now all long-running ones. I started on dinner while following along. I made a tagine-styled chicken with preserved lemons, olives, carrots, potatoes, onions, and plenty of tagine spices. I had bought some skinless and boneless chicken thighs for the tagine dinner. I had too much, so good, three bowls.

Cable was working; I use Amazon Fire over my Wifi. So I watched more of Vox Machina, the animated series based on Dungeons and Dragons. Still very profane but fun for us D&D folks. I like this new season.

I checked in a few times for work, and there were a few crises of the moment, but nothing to worry about. However, I did send out a note that folks can decide to work from home if the weather (snow) is a concern.

I then headed to Wildwood Taphouse to see folks and write the blog.

The final tax document, delivered four days early, was released today. I will get a summary of medical expenses created and a list of our charitable giving and take the paperwork to my new CPA. Here we go!

Susie received a bag of comfy Valentine’s socks today. Unfortunately, there was no name or card. Thanks for the gift!

Thanks for reading.

This is just a brief 700+ words on the highlights of Sunday. It is what I can manage.

Sunday was a crazy day, with the morning and afternoon full of shoe company items. I was working all morning and the evening and just missed doing the blog.

So focusing on what matters, Susie was happy to see me around noon on Sunday. We had skipped church, I was working through the morning, and had found a break and headed out. Sunday traffic was light as everyone seemed to be at a Superbowl party this year or preparing for one. It was warmish, 50F (10C), sunny, with a very light breeze, and dry (for Oregon). Anassa helped me dress Susie for going out, Susie had already had lunch, and thus Susie and I visited the park next door.

Metzger Park was full of folks, mostly kids, playing on the play equipment with parents watching and helping. I pushed Susie after helping her put on her gloves. Susie’s right hand could not get into the glove without help (the stroke-damaged side), and I had to put her gloves on as Susie could not manage the dexterity to put on gloves. With Susie once more comfortable, I stopped at a bench in the sun and called Leta, Susie’s mother. Leta and Susie had a friendly chat and were happy seeing each other on FaceTime on my iPhone. The park was loud with kids and even a motorcycle starting–apparently, the dry streets and sun meant it was time to get out your hog.

After a short chat with Susie getting cold, we returned to the hummingbird house’s warmth. There I put on the rest of the episode of Poker Face we watched before, episode 3, and Susie stayed awake and was interested the whole time. Again, you could see the old 1970s show format with the hero asking questions that sounded like direct quotes from the old show Columbo. Furthermore, as the hero is on the run, she has to construct a solution that prevents her from being involved. The cast was incredible, and the revelations about the disc jockey were great. Recommended.

After that, I headed to lunch while Susie rested. The Washington Square Mall Red Robin was my target. As usual, it seemed like the place was closed as nobody was at the front (one of the door handles is even missing), and the bar was empty. I sat down anyway, knowing it was just one of their things at this place. The staff found me, and I got a waiter working on being a nurse and new to the area; he is originally from Eugene, Oregon. It was halftime for the Superbowl, and I was informed I missed the big finish of the Puppy Bowl. I had an Ensalda Chicken Plater and a Diet Coke (no beers, usually when visiting Susie).

I returned, and Susie was lying down and agreed to watch some Disney+. I raised her head and found the original Mary Poppins for today. Susie knows every word and song. She stayed awake and watched the whole thing. I might have nodded off somewhere around the horse race.

I had to take the 4:30 call for work, which I did in Air Volvo. I returned to the last great songs and the saving of Mr. Banks–the focus. Always excellent.

Louis was now on and had pizza for everyone. I left with a kiss, and Susie seemed OK with that.

I stopped by Olive Garden and got a great salad and terrible food (sorry–I don’t usually comment), and I should know better than to stick to what I like there. There is a Tour of Italy platter–don’t go on that tour! Just pasta and sauces (and meatballs) and wonderful salads with breadsticks (only two now).

My Internet was up and responsive, but the cable was not connecting while I ate my salad. My phone started to beep often, and I spent the evening online with the folks at work. The network outage was in the cloud again, and our jobs and connections failed. We had trouble, for Comcast users, even connecting to the systems. ZippyFly was up and 1G the whole time. The outage stopped and we got everything going.

It was late-ish (10), and I started some more laundry and dishes. I also started to clean up the long table as I promised myself I would this weekend. Finally, I went to bed, spacing writing Sunday’s blog, and quickly slept.

These are just a few highlights from Sunday.

Thanks for reading!

Going backward, I had a late dinner of Poppies fried chicken around 11PM. I hate eating late, but my medications are less fun without food. I still have not found the right balance of nutrition, health, and exercise, but I am still working on it. I also read all the emails, texts, and Slack messages for a while to keep focused on the project at the shoe company. I watched my emails and Slack messages all day and responded here and there. We are running 7/24, and I am covering the shift 8-4, but I also (as all of us do) help the other shifts.

Returning to the narrative, before reaching home in Air Volvo, I had played games at Richard’s house in Portland with Kathleen and Caroline (I only heard her name once or twice, so I think I got it). Caroline was a new guest and German like Kathleen, both living in the USA. Caroline was delighted to hook up with another gamer group; she loved some of the older board games. Agricola was her request, and I do not remember playing it before.

Agricola is an older (2007) but recently updated (2016) Euro resource management and worker placement game. It has complex turns and many options that grow every turn. Caverna, another board game, is a re-skinning of the game, leaving most of the mechanics in place. I watched 1/2 of a long video while Susie slept in the afternoon, so I was not lost when trying to play.

This one is a brain burner as you have to make your workers you get two to start, get resources, use resources, and some resources are competitive. Your worker is placed on an action, and nobody else can do that action. So sequencing and turn order (you can buy the first player marker) are essential. You must feed your workers at harvest time, with game-losing penalties if you fail to do this, and harvest resources and add more animals to your herds. Agricola was an exciting and fun game with four players, and the 2016 base version seems complete and complex. It played like a newish-styled board game–I think I might need a copy in my collection–an excellent game in a revised format.

We also played the tile board game. Azul and Richard had to help me with the correct point counting as Zophia, and I counted everything every round, ignored single tiles and counted only once for a value. We played a four-person game which I have not done very often, and found that the four-person play was still excellent. I managed to score second as Kathleen broke sixty and ended the game.

I drove Kathleen home, and we talked about roses. She adopted some of the roses that came with her house, and we spoke about possible names. The large white tea rose bush might be JFK as they are older roses. The pink roses bloom first and last and match Old Blush (a well-loved old rose, one of the oldest). Some of Kathleen’s plants might be English roses (hard to look at the pictures while driving), but Kathleen said they had the shape of a tea rose but with great perfume–modern tea roses, then.

I am looking forward to seeing the roses in the spring/summer to get a better guess.

Before this, I was hanging out with Susie. She was sleeping when I returned to the hummingbird house after lunch with Mariah at Ancestry Brewing (about twenty minutes from Susie’s place). When I went to leave, Susie moved to her chair, and there were tears in her eye when I headed out. Susie felt left out and worried it was her fault that she was being left for dinner. It is heartbreaking to see.

A year ago Susie was in hospice and the little green frog was an early St. Valentine’s gift, attached to a heart box filled with chocolates, that Leta had me get for Susie. We did not believe, Susie had stopped eating and drinking water, that Susie would make it to 14Feb2022. So I got out the one-year-old frog stuffed animal today. Here is a post from last year: Feb 08, 2022

Before this, I had a beer and fish and chips for lunch with Mariah. Ancestry Brewery‘s food (and beer) was excellent. Unfortunately, the location in Tualatin was with the usual ugly traffic in that area. I had not been in this area since the pandemic started, and when Susie was judging, the Sherwood Ice Rink was not far away. Also, the Ancient Wonder store there closed, it was an excellent gaming store focused on used role-playing material, so I have had no reason to visit the traffic-choked area in the last few years.

Before this, I was with Susie from the morning to a late lunch. When I got there, Susie was delighted to see me; she was sitting in her recliner in the shared living room. The network connection and cable were working again. Anassa, the nurse aide for the weekend, lifted Susie to her wheelchair and then into her rocking chair in her room. We watched some episodes of Poker Face on the Peacock cable network.

Poker Face is a rework of the same processes of Columbo and the Rockford Files from the 1970s, where the audience is aware of the identity of the murder and watches as the star, an on-the-run gal who knows when you are lying, solves the murder and finds a way, as she is on-the-run, to get the murder punished without involving her. The guest stars are good B-level actors you see in secondary roles in movies now getting the spotlight to be the murderer, victim, or bystander. The first episode is set in Las Vegas with all the glints and setting up the stage for more episodes. The second one is a minimalist episode set at a Route 66 truck stop, and I liked it too. So far, I would recommend it if you want a show with a slow burn with character development and good acting taking an hour and five minutes, without commercials (in my case, I paid the $5 a month to not have them).

Susie nodded off a few times during Poker Face. We called Leta, Susie’s mother, before watching the show, and Leta and Susie used my iPhone to do FaceTime. They had a friendly, quick chat.

Before this, I started about 7ish and was online working for the shoe company with Zoom meetings starting on Saturday at 8AM and going on for an hour. I also had Slack messages and emails from work I had to review and understand before the status meetings. So far, no important crises on the weekend have surfaced. Finally, I managed to get dressed and get some coffee, liberal style, and a banana. Once dressed, I traveled in light traffic to Susie’s place in Tigard.

Thank you for reading.