Author: alohawild

I did not take pictures today, sorry. However, Dondrea sent me one of Zophia (see below).

Going backward, I finally went to bed after midnight. I was coding in Python (I am not sure Python thought my code was Pythonic), but I was having issues with Pandas syntax and was not doing something right. I am coding on the site Kaggle which has contests (for real money) to solve computer problems using various Artificial Intelligence techniques. My program, running on the environments supplied by Kaggle, could read the enormous amount of data and progress through the directory of multiple files. Still, I was trying to reduce data into a summary using cool Pandas GroupBy and seemed to have created a time series, not a data frame of the reduction. Finally, at about midnight, I understood I needed to change an index to get the helpful data frame. I still do not know how to fix it–soon!

The contest has a bonus for supplying test results by 6 Feb 2023, so I am motivated to get something working that just at least sends in a syntactically correct answer. I am taking on the Ice Cube contest. My Python skills have faded over the last five years, and the tools have improved. My math goes back to college in the 1980s. I will try and see if I can re-ignite my passion for coding and math–should not take more than a spark–I love this stuff.

Before disappearing into my own mind and Python coding, I worked on my next spelljammer model. This is the second one. I have the deck planked, shaped, and sanded. The Turb Dork metallic paint has made the SciFi ring look not like laser-cut plywood. It takes four coats over white (some darker metallic paints want a black undercoat) to get the look. The plywood has stigels cut into it with the laser that the light coats of primer and paint have left (but no longer black from the burning). I will paint them by hand later to stand out. I have primed all the wood underneath with three coats of primer. I also coated the SciFi Ring holding stuff and did not deck that section. I will paint the areas in Star Wars colors of grays, blacks, and red–the usual color for equipment in that universe. Only the decking will look like wood.

Moving back in time, I was at Zophia’s play at Whitford Middle School. She was Suiter #3 and part of Scylia (the monster that munches on Odysseus’ crew) in The SoussOdyssey. They had the usual problems with sound, both from equipment and the younger cast, but the forty-five-minute work was well done. Replacing the translations of the Greek (seldom lyrical), the story is told in Doctor Souss’s style, and they “dropped the boring parts.” While I missed the trip to the underworld (the dropping of it wisely avoiding some controversy and boring bits there) and Kirk Douglass (1954 version), having it back in some rhyme seemed to bring it back to life for me. I would recommend it even for classic lovers.

(Zophia as Suiter #3)

Zophia is shot in the eye (somewhat comedically) when Odysseus is revealed, making her the worst of the suiters, as in the story, Odysseus kills the worst first. It was also fun that all the crew members were numbered (they all die in the story), and there was a countdown through the play as crew members fell. It was great fun, and there were various allusions to the 1990s and other things that I sometimes understood.

Before this, I was at dinner with Mariah at Golden Valley Brewery; I was supposed to be at BJ’s. Unfortunately, I went to the wrong place, but Mariah made it work. There I had a beer, some Moroccan-styled sweet potato fries that were quite nice, a small salad, and an appetizer version of their fried oysters. Mariah and I caught up and talked some about plans and things. Mariah is reworking her ride as she is less pleased with her current vehicle. The place was loud, so we moved to a booth on the restaurant side.

Before this, I had finished working from home today (Mondays and Fridays are working-from-home days). The day ended after a lot of frustrating discussions about some mistakes made. Elementary mistakes were made, and that requires, it seems, more emails and meetings. Details do not belong here.

I called Rev. Anne Weld-Martin and asked her if January was a month of stress or stupidity or where folks just do crazy things. With the pandemic and all the months seeming to be the same, I was unsure about my previous experiences. Yes, was the answer that January-February is the high point for deaths in the USA in her experience (she is also a local Chaplain for the EMT services in the area). So it is a month of abnormal stress, and this January is following the trend, if not setting a new high (low).

I will not describe much about work, I was swamped in the morning and had a few crises of the moment to resolve and some to continue to work on. It was quieter in the afternoon, as usual for Fridays (I do not support production, so I don’t get the notorious 4PM Friday SL1/SL2 production issues; service level 1 is for a total loss of functionality, and 2 is for a critical loss of service–both are 7/24 fire fighting at Nike). I took a few questions in the later afternoon and closed my Nike laptop for the weekend (I hope).

Lunch was two hot dogs, trying to use up the Olympic Provisions’ local meat products, with sour kraut. Always good, and the dessert was a Girl Scout cookie (peanut butter–I got two of those boxes and gave one to Susie). I try to avoid cookies, but I make an exception for these cookies. So good!

I started the day at 7:15, having started before my alarm. I made a breakfast of a banana with yogurt and liberal coffee, Equal Trade brand, made in my French Press. I skipped my exercises and dressed in the late morning, as is my habit on Friday.

Bouncing back–in the middle of the day, I visited Susie at the hummingbird house. There was no traffic, and I had a momentary break in the chaos that was January-stressed-out-stupid-crazy-s***t work today. Susie was delighted to see me; she was in her recliner in the shared living room. Susie was comfy in her new blanket. We held hands for a bit; Susie looked like she was a bit confused today and was happy to see me, and just holding her hand helped ground her. I am sure that waking in a new bed and a new place every morning is disconcerting–we lived twenty-five years at the Volvo Cave.

We called her mother, Leta, and talked for a while. Leta and Susie use my iPhone and FaceTime to see each other. This visual connection is essential to the two of them. It is important to me to visit, even for short workday trips, to see Susie. I can also provide the connection for Susie and Leta (Leta will call Susie on the phone if I am delayed or prevented from visiting).

Susie seemed alert and more responsive today. Someday I can see her struggle with falling asleep while taking or understanding (her eyes show her confusion). Today was a better day–it is good to have another good day.

That is a wrap for Friday; thank you for reading. I will try to remember to take more pictures.

The day started out with me waking at 6:07 without an alarm. No alarm set. I managed to rise and get started only a few minutes late. I started the water to heat and set out a breakfast of a banana and yogurt. Then, I went to the living room and did my stretches and exercises for twenty minutes. It was Thursday, so I only did some of the exercises, which worked with the slightly reduced time.

I soon was reading emails (both mine and work) and reviewing slack messages. I ate my breakfast as I tried to catch up on emails, messages, and the news. Soon it was 7ish, and I was in the shower, and by 7:35, I was in Air Volvo headed to the office, the Clubhouse building, not on Nike WHQ. Rumors are that we will (will not) move to the WHQ campus.

My lunch was canceled at WHQ today. I started my ninety minutes of Zoom meetings at 8:00 in a small conference room. My hearing issues make head phone uncomfortable, so I get a room. I also don’t want to be that guy talking loudly to my laptop while other people in the room try to ignore it. It is rude, but many folks do it.

I find coffee with my team and try the stairs. I try them once a day. I am getting better at them. My legs are moving with the same timing, which is an improvement. I still have to pull myself up with my arm on the way up, but it is less needed now. My legs are lifting enough now to not hit my toe on the step and fall forward/backward, which is why I still use the elevator. It is getting better.

Around 11AM, I headed in Air Volvo to the hummingbird house. I arrived twenty minutes later using 26 to 217 without traffic or events. Susie was using her new blanket in her recliner in the shared living room. I brought cookies from her nieces–Girl Scout cookies mailed to the house. Jennifer will find a way for Susie to enjoy her favorite peanut butter cookies. Next, we called Leta, Susie’s mother, and she showed us her partially removed porch. She is replacing it with a deck, which will allow some repairs. Squirrels are enjoying her attic! We learned Barb, Susie’s sister, was on another snow day (she works as the school secretary in Grand Ledge, Michigan) from Leta. We called Barb next. We chatted for a while.

Already I was out of time. I left with a kiss and a promise to return on Friday. I then headed around Tigard, trying to find a bell. We wanted a front desk like a bell for work. None at Target. I headed back towards the office, stopped by Michael’s, and found one. I was also able to pick up a few craft items I needed. Perfect.

I stopped next at Burger King and had a good burger and average fries. I rushed my lunch and headed back to work. My boss, Brad, was enchanted with the bell, and we have a new thing when you solve a software issue (a defect), ring the bell. Rajani got the first ring. At the end of the day, I put the bell in the cupboard with appropriate solemnity.

I finished the day working on a few issues and waiting for more test results. I was not happy, as usual, with our decisions on important issues. But, again, details do not belong here, and also, I know that over longer horizons, we will get this fixed. So I am not very upset.

My return home was after 5PM, and while dark, there was no rain or traffic and, happily, no imaginative application of driving traditions tonight from my fellow drivers. Thus, I arrived with all the paint still on the Volvo. I found my Olympic Provision order at the front door (it was cold enough to not be an issue) and was happy to get some of their small hams and other meat goodies. They deliver here as if it was Portland (I called during the pandemic, and they agreed that 97003 is in Portland). I put that away (resisting making a sandwich with that perfect ham), but instead boiled water with some hot dogs from my previous grill selection–delivered last week with buns and sour kraut. I made hot dogs dressed with sour kraut for dinner. Nothing like this locally-made meat and fermented products!

I watched a few episodes of Vox Machina while eating. I am into the second season, and there is a change in the writing and characters that I am not sure I enjoy as much as the first season. More watching is required.

I then started back on my boat model, the second one, and drove back to Rainy Day Games and bought a bottle of Dork Paint–metallic paints. I glued down the second half of the main deck decking. I will finish the decking on Friday. I will make a junk-styled sail for this model from red felt. Going for a different look than the first model. I am inspired by some work I saw online that I liked. I will keep the rigging minimum for the second one. More SciFi and Fantasy than the more practical rigging in the first model.

I am writing the blog while the paint and glue dry on the model. Zophia is in a play this week, so there was no game yesterday. I hope to see her and the play on Friday.

Thank you for reading.

‘How are you?’ is a question I am getting. Let me spend some time on it. Again, I write here to remember this and my answer.

Regarding my health, I had to put off the colonoscopy until March due to a respiratory infection, which is now gone. That is the test to prove that there is nothing they missed. All the scans and other tests show that the cancer is gone. It is more of a medical formality. My physical therapy is from damage from the chemotherapy, the pandemic, and the stress of everything. The folks at Bethany have solved the pain in my legs and have me working on strength exercises to even the strength in my legs. I am getting better and will increase my exercise and start working on weight loss.

While I am deeply concerned about layoffs, debt limits, the war in Europe, and covering all the expenses for Susie and myself, I am OK. I like to list my fears and concerns in the blog because they are on my mind, and I want to record my thoughts and feelings. I don’t wish to draw conclusions, and I am sorry if I am whining a bit.

Regarding finances, I have done everything I can to secure enough funds without again taking on enormous tax consequences (like 2022) by selling assets. I am borrowing against my 401K, and should I need suddenly to pay it back, it would just mean selling stock (and taking that tax consequence). Thus, I have hired a CPA and am making adjustments to be more tax efficient this year. My CPA agrees with my plan, and I hope to get something back for last year’s blockbuster expense year. Selling of assets and withdrawals are put off until needed, likely in 2025 (if I retire).

Susie is safe and well cared for at the hummingbird house, Michelle Nixon and her staff make Susie feel loved, and she likes it there. Jennifer, the live-in nurse aide, has a friendly relationship with Susie. Bringing Susie her rocking chair a few weeks ago really made her happy. She loves to watch a show with me sitting next to her in her rocking chair as she nods off safely and wakes to sing some more Disney music. I can only be there for twenty and sometimes a few minutes longer on work days. I try to spend three hours on Saturday, and depending on how Susie is feeling, I may stay longer on Sundays (if she is worn out, which happens some days, I will leave as Susie is headed to sleep for the afternoon).

Susie is still on anti-stroke drugs and some other helpful items. Susie seems to be getting more sleepy as the months go by, which hurts a bit to witness, but that is part of the process. There is still a chance that Susie will rally, she has many times, but she and I are happy for every day we get together.

Like a man on a boat in a river and no oars, I must accept that I cannot control the boat and must endure the good and the bad on this unplanned trip. It is a journey I would not have agreed to take but must take. My boat is not coming near the shore for some time; there is no getting off.

‘What can I do to help?’ is also something I hear often.

Just be there. I know you are there. The true challenge to this journey is to never plan more than a few days and live with uncertainty. I will ask for help as I need it. I enjoy the board games I play with friends, I play Dungeons and Dragons, and I work with my hands. I build models and paint figures. I learn how to improve my craft and share my learnings sometimes. It is a privilege to use such good products to produce beautiful work–I could never, when I was small, believe I could paint a figure and look actually like Gandalf from a movie. I am also sliding back into writing. I was published in 2600 next issue, and my AI programming and electronics are all starting back as my ability to work for hours and hours is returning (anemia sucks, and I had that for a year from cancer). I know you are there, and you can keep asking. I keep busy, and there are some much exciting things to do.

Thank you all for the love you have given Susie and me and the help you have offered and given. It matters, and I thank you. Excellent!

And now, back to the blog, a bit short during work days. I do not detail my work for Nike for all the obvious reasons (i.e., my work is owned by Nike, and most folks would find it arcane at best–boring at worst).

The morning started again with me waking a few times and finally being awoken by my alarm from a deep sleep. I moved to the kitchen in my robe and my slippers that my sister got me for the cold sensitivity from the chemotherapy (I have a small hole worn in the bottom). The house is 66F (19C), as I have the heat set low in the evening and on days when I am not working from home (a programmable thermostat but not a smart one). I start the water heating and organize a breakfast of a banana and yogurt.

I lay down in the living room with Alexa playing some motivating Rock and Roll. I then do the whole set of stretches and exercises. This includes sliding my feet with a rubber strap tied around my ankles to provide resistance (so many jokes), holding on to the sink, and doing squats (more jokes). On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, I do the complete set.

Next, I pour the hot water over the coffee grounds in the glass and metal French Press to make coffee. Liberal coffee is all I drink at home.

I am delighted that Fidelity has released my tax records (I received an email), and I print them and add them to the envelope of tax information for the CPA. W-2 has arrived. Yearend statements arrived for Susie’s IRA (Pax Fund). I update Quicken with all the transactions and update any that are not automatically assigned categories. At month end, I manually revise the 401K balance to avoid any wishes to time the market (an unwise plan with retirement.

After reading emails (both Nike and mine), reviewing updates on Slack channels, and catching up on the news (more mass shootings), I shower and dress. I am out the door by 7:35 and just early enough to avoid the school buses. I arrive before 8 and start my Zoom meetings and spend ninety minutes on a stand-up (we use the Agile software development process using a ‘Train’ and includes the ceremony of a stand-up) and various update and status meetings.

I am also helping to design some performant software processes. I spent much of the day discussing the details. Many are the same items I worked on before at Nike in SAP software. I also help with a few familiar crises of the moment. I closed the day applying vendor fixes (SAP notes to those who speak SAP) after my previous patches failed, and the software is now dumping (not very nice).

In the middle of the day (sort of going backward), I headed to Susie. I was late and decided first to have lunch. I saw Chipotle on the way, I have not tried that since they had been called out for poisoning customers, and I decided to try them. I had the steak rice bowl, chips, a coke, and guacamole on the side. Itprettyquite good, better than an unnamed Mexican place nearby, and costs $19. Interesting. I think I like the $22 at Red Robin burger better–and it seems a better deal, but it was an excellent meal, and I will return now to Chipotle.

Susie was delighted when I finally arrived, nearing 2PM. Susie had a package. Susie had just finished lunch and was still in her wheelchair, so we headed to the social activity. Jennifer was happy with Susie’s eating today–I think Susie had more breakfast than I did!

Susie’s sister sent Susie a new blanket. Barb thought Susie could use another colorful, warm blanket. Susie was thrilled with the color and another blanket. We called Susie’s mother, Leta, on the iPhone. Leta and Susie chat for a while. Next, I called Barb, and Susie showed her the blanket and thanked her. Barb was making dinner of chicken chili with pumpkin and curry spices. I manage to spend 30 minutes with Susie.

I got an item from work at Susie’s that I could handle when I got back. Susie let me leave with a kiss after I promised to return on Thursday. Traffic was light, and I noticed that the police were not out with radar guns in the winter. It was not raining, but I guess Beaveton’s Finest likes warm weather.

I left work after 6PM, and the traffic was not light, but folks followed more normal traffic processes. I arrived at the Volvo Cave without incident. I got out the bourbon chicken and cheezy grits leftovers and reheated it on a plate in the microwave. It was great, and the grits were good (even reheated) and extra creamy–excellent. I watched five Vox Machina episodes, liking the show even more. It is animated series that is profane and based on Dungeons and Dragons, and it does remind me of some gaming sessions I have played.

Finally, a bit later than I should have, I started on the blog and decided to cover a few extra items at the beginning.

Thanks for reading this extra-long version.

The morning started at 6:00, with the alarm waking me. I had woken every hour since 2ish, but I did manage to be deeply asleep when the alarm startled me out of bed. Not very nice.

I found the kitchen–it was where I had left it. I started the coffee and then identified the new printout of my exercises and stretches from PT in Bethany, limiting myself to those specified daily. I did not want to cause any pain or stiffness. So I completed those, made coffee, and had the last muffin with a banana. The coffee, liberal, is the Equal Exchange brand.

The next moments were spent reading emails (work and personal), reading Slack messages, and catching up with the news. More murders. So many mass shootings I can’t keep up. I have Susie’s guns, and none are loaded. Actually, I don’t know how to load the flintlock. The ammo for the 1898 design rifle is nowhere near the gun. So while I am moderate towards control, I ensure I am not part of the problem.

I boarded Air Volvo after dressing. I then headed to Humminbird house, and then, realizing what I had done, I turned on 185, now headed to work at the office building called Clubhouse. I had instinctively headed to see Susie.

I arrived at work in time for the status meetings at 8:00, despite the detour, and did ninety minutes of meetings. I was also still working on some leftover crises of the moment from yesterday. I managed to head out at 11ish to see Susie. I was time boxed at 1PM. I also had some chores, which made everything very busy. I reached Susie’s place, the hummingbird house, in Tigard without incident.

I forgot to take a picture today. Susie was cute in her penguin sweater and sitting in her recliner in the shared living room. Jennifer, the live-in nursing aide, said Susie had eaten her breakfast but had refused dinner last night. Jenniffer wants Susie to eat dinner as Susie needs the food. Susie promised to eat dinner tonight.

We called Susie’s mother, Leta, on my iPhone using FaceTime. Leta and Susie chatted for a while, but Susie started to fall asleep. This is a new thing, and I try to accept that Susie has trouble staying focused and awake for more than a short time. She remains awake. However, she stays awake if she is engaged, like singing the songs in Sleeping Beauty from Disney.

I stayed for thirty minutes, the most I could while working, and headed out. I had some chores to do that got done, and I found a Western Burger at Carl Jrs. for lunch, a guilty pleasure.

I was back to work and had hours of meetings and more crisis management. I also discussed options for a new issue at the shoe company (sorry, no details can be in the blog) and then had a 5ish call for another set of issues and solution discussions.

We had an all-project meeting, and two HR folks talked about their experiences at Nike and gave career advice. Their focus was that you are responsible for your career at Nike and that it is essential to expand your friends and supporters at the shoe company, expect change, and get feedback from your allies. Folks ask me how to be successful, I am still going after 26 years, and I tell, primarily young folks (they ask), to find allies, strong allies. That is the secret–you need to cheer for folks, and they will cheer for you.

Air Volvo left at 6PM, and I arrived at the Volvo Cave after 6:20, with me experiencing light traffic without the usual creative and extra-legal driving often seen on our streets in the greater Beaverton-Area. At home, I decided to heat up the jambalaya (no seafood) I made a few nights ago. I watched the Dungeons and Dragon based animation series VoX Machina on Prime. I like it more on the second viewing. The food was good a second time.

I then headed to Wildwood to write the blog and enjoy brewed products. A friend from Nike was at Wildwood and was happy to see me. We worked at Nike together for years until he retired. He has had some recent health issues, and we were thrilled to see each other. Still going!

I paid $3 for a bowl of cheese crackers and started writing the blog.

Thank you for reading!

Going backward, I just finished the dishes and realized I had forgotten the laundry. I will have to rewash my dress shirt as it is a wrinkled mess. The permanent press works if you can get the garment out of the dryer while it is still warm. A rewash will do that.

I had a few servings of dinner. I broiled bourbon chicken that had marinated for five hours, my oven was hotter than I expected, and the chicken had some blackened bits. Still good and certainly cooked. I stirred up cheezy grits (Alton Brown’s recipe on the Food Network website) on the stovetop at the same time. All this was practice for the church; I am cooking for Mardi Gras in February. So earlier at noonish, I put together the marinade and two pounds of split uncooked chicken breasts in a bag (the first bag leaked!)–the chicken needs to marinate for four to six hours- not longer. You dump the marinade and broil the chicken. Then, I slice it up and throw it in a pan to rest. Two reasons, the chicken disappears slower when cut up, and you can check that it is cooked.

Dinner was great tonight. The house does smell like burned bourbon, but it was fun, and I managed not to burn myself or undercook anything. Excellent!

I sat and watched Nova’s series on the geology of North America from 2015 while I ate–it is excellent. Science! I watched the first two episodes (there are three). I watched it when it was new and forgot about it. Recommended.

Going further back, I had a crisis of the moment that I was dealing with for most of the day. I managed, I hope, to settle it at 5:15. I was home from Physical Therapy (PT) in Bethany, and that did not finish until after 4:30. My PT folks decided to have every other week meetings and move to strength building now that they think the back issues are resolving. My right leg is weak, and this has unbalanced me. I also paid the bill, after insurance, of just under $300. We are in a new year, and I have not met my out-of-pocket maximum–I am, as you can see, working on finding that maximum again. I requested a paper invoice for next year’s taxes (I have to have paper for the taxman). I plan to write all this off (minus 10% of my income per IRS rules). The PT folks were happy to see I know my stretches and excises (which we did again there), and two stretches/exercises were added (strength building). I was there at 3:45 for my appointment.

Before this, I was at the house for a short time. My package came, finally. I had time to work on a few items at work before heading to PT. Soon I was on my way to PT, and the Air Volvo flight involved multiple chances for defensive flying. A car tried to change lanes into Air Volvo, and another pulled out without looking. I managed to go slow enough in the parking lot to avoid an unplanned connection. Traffic was slow, with me running about 5 miles under the speed limit in the left lane.

Before this, I visited Susie, having given up waiting for a delivery (mentioned above) from the Czech Republic, more ship model parts from HIS Models. FedEx missed their delivery time, and I needed to see Susie in the early afternoon to make my PT appointment. Air Volvo got me there without issue. The weather is clear today, with some blue appearing in the skies and the sun appearing here and there. It is still cold for us in the low 40Fs (4.4C).

Later, the mail contained two ship model kits from China. I was going to use the two harvest parts for the spelljamers, but upon receiving the kits, these were too small for my use. However, I may build them for fun as they are 1:50 scale which fits Dungeons and Dragons. They don’t come with blocks for the rigging which disappointed me (I do have some spare), but they look like fun kits. More to follow.

Arriving safe, Susie was watching M.A.S.H. on the large TV resting in her recliner in the living room, a shared space. Jenifer, the live-in nurse aide, was cleaning, and everything looked normal. Jennifer reported that Susie had been well and eaten well. No coughing or choking. Susie was delighted to see me. We called Leta, Susie’s mother, with Susie still in the recliner and M.A.S.H. as loud and distracting. We did manage to chat with Leta and had a pleasant chat. Soon, to Susie’s disappointment, I had to leave as it was a work day. Susie promised me she would be fine and kissed me goodbye.

Previously, I stopped by Safeway. On Sunday, they had no bananas, eggs, or cut flowers. So I got some bananas and flowers for Susie; Safeway apparently restocked this Monday. Susie loved the brocade.

Before this, I worked from home (WFO) and waited for my package from HIS Model. It contains some hard-to-find ship parts, including an all-brass ship wheel that you assemble (it is not cast but machined). I also ordered additional expensive, laser-etched decking 1:100 scale. They also sell a grating I may find a use for. I am working on my second spelljammer. I have glued on some decking and am painting the SciFi-style ring.

I reheated the pizza from a few nights ago for lunch. Still working on crises of the moment and listening to status reports.

I started the day, as it was a WFO day, by sleeping until 7:15 and then dressing later. I managed my stretches and exercises between meetings. I had yogurt and a cornbread muffin for breakfast. I slept well.

Thanks for reading.