Author: alohawild

I was home late on Friday, around 11, and in bed before midnight. I read some rules for an 18XX game and soon turned off the light, closed my eyes, rolled over twice, and then found myself in forgotten dreams, likely having found my dream silver key and entered the lands of my imagination and magic. I did not wake until just before my alarm set at 7:30, and still did not rise until later on Saturday.

Kathleen had met me earlier at the Clackamas Town Center for the new movie, Naked Gun. The movie, like previous ones, continued with the jokes and silliness of the previous ones. The new crew was funny and played it straight, and kept with all the jokes and overly precise language. I laughed through it, and you had to be fast to check all the jokes. For example, the police cars were not tagged as the LAPD but “The Police.” They let jokes like this go by with no comment. Recommended, but it is not intellectual stuff.

After that, Kathleen and I headed to the Cheesecake Factory at the mall. We sat in the bar; there was a twenty-minute wait for a regular table. We closed the place, leaving at 10; we ate and talked about writing, travel, and games. We have not caught up in months.

Earlier, Kathleen found me at a table in the food court, still writing. I read her a few words and showed her Scribner. We later agreed to meet in Portland on a few Fridays for a writing session. Kathleen wants to get back to writing.

Before this, I was at the Lucky Labadore with a beer and peanuts on their outdoor porch. The shade and a cool breeze made it quite pleasant (the sun baked you if you left the shade). I added more to my novel and finished the basic story for chapter 3, but I would revise the story to hint at later moments in the text. I wanted to have two themes, one hidden, running through this third chapter.

I am using Grammarly to help edit, but I am meticulous about just fixing mistakes or replacing better words. The AI tool still wants to simplify and remove content that it does not understand. I find I have to re-read everything if I expose my text to its changes. It always seems to replace a word I thought I had kept.

I received a memo from the church committe SPR/C. I will edit that on Saturday. This is more homework from our meeting on Thursday. I read it, thought about it, and then returned to my beer and story. I want to have some uninterrupted time for that — I am time-boxed this Friday.

Before reaching Portland, the traffic was near rush-hour level at 3ish, from US Bank. I met Sam, my banker, at a bank branch, and we discussed various financial topics, including money and investments. I brought a check for the residual earnings from my 401K to be added to my IRA managed by Sam and the Wealth Management team at the bank, just under $550. We reviewed the finances of selling the house and investing the profits to cover my rent, which would likely be a break-even point. Hmmm.

I have no plans to sell soon. Deborah also pointed out that updates to the house, making it a “turn-key” sale, would increase the price and speed of a sale. Additionally, I would get to enjoy those updates. All good thoughts.

Sam and I also reviewed the bond market. Given that 20-year bonds are currently priced at 5% rates and Trump has promised to lower rates with Powell’s replacement, it’s likely that bonds purchased now will be at the top rate. That makes them valued at a premium once Trump dumps the rates (an easy sale). A no-risk investment that makes 5% (that is not taxed by the state) and can be sold at a profit; yes, good times! Bonds may beat equities!

Being a liberal and making a killing from Trump’s strange monetary policies seems the best revenge. It is a pleasure to work with the professionals at US Bank. The bank manager even loaned us her office for our discussion. Here is my usual comment on cash (it is a repeat, but still true): here. I am currently at an annualized return of 16%.

Go ahead, Trump, make my day (and return)!

Before this money love-fest, I was at the house writing the blog, drinking liberal coffee, and having a light breakfast. I had a banana and peanut butter toast. I rose early and talked to Deborah for part of the morning. We spoke often during the day as I traveled here and there.

I was not sad for most of the day. Talking about selling the house made me very sad. I will avoid that topic for the next couple of weeks.

Thanks for reading.

 

I rose again late on Thursday, around 8, and spent some time on FaceTime with Deborah. We find that seeing each other makes the distances seem shorter. I did my usual morning routine, which included reading, deleting emails, and downloading transactions to Quicken. I had to switch the TreasuryDirect to manual mode and display only the case balance. I did the usual doom scrolling and watched Colbert to get my update on US politics. I read the online version of the NY Times, and that was depressing.

I contacted US Bank and rescheduled my meeting for Friday, as I had initially spaced the SPR/C monthly meeting on the First Thursday and inadvertently double-booked. I put the next meeting in my calendar to prevent a repeat. I try not to make these kinds of mistakes, but my untethered-to-work retirement makes these dates hard to remember (often, I am unsure of the day of the week without looking).

The morning got away from me, and I managed to get only a few things done, like sending a card to Mom Wild and publishing the blog. I drank all the liberal coffee. With Colbert cancelled, billionaires getting away with anything, and strange news from the Middle East, I needed extra liberalness, and I drink deep of my Fair Trade coffee. And, painful as it is to admit, I updated the value of my IRA, and I have never made so much money so fast in the market. Ugh! TreasuryDirect canceled one of my purchases (good), and the books now match what I have booked. That SNAFU is now resolved.

I boarded Air VW the Gray and headed to McMenamins Cedar Hills to have lunch and to get a reservation for Theology Pub for the following Thursday (I will be in Queens, NY). The summer special was a Sloppy Jerry’s (extra spicy version), and I had that with a Hammerhead beer. With the reservation made and reading more news on my laptop, I headed home.

I stopped by the local gaming store, Aloha Guardian Games, and found a small item for the horror/SciFi role-playing game Mothership. I did not see anything else that got my attention. I try to buy at least something when I visit, remembering how my dad would be unhappy when folks came and went from his store in Laingsburg, Michigan.

The church HR committee, SPR/C, met. The contents of the meeting cannot be shared. I was frustrated by the end of the meeting, but we managed to complete a significant amount of work. I watched more of The Day of the Jackel. I finished the series and was surprised by the ending. While I liked it, without details, it is now only sort of recommended. The acting, camera work, and story were excellent.

Nomma Emela’s is the local family Italian place. The food is a mix of excellent recipes from the original family and industrial American cooking. The lettuce, for example, is torn in the salad, but store-bought croutons miss the point, as does the restaurant’s supply of shredded cheese, which could be avoided with just a few moments of extra work. The garlic bread is excellent, and the pasta is overcooked for my taste (but usual for more folks), but I ordered the gnocchi, and that was wonderful (as are their baked items when I order them). I took half of it home.

I met Rev. Anne and Rev. Dr. Wayne for dinner there. They were late, but I am retired. While I waited, I met the new owner. The place was sold, and the owner told me they were looking at making some positive changes. This includes reducing some of the prices (Veal is $40+ a plate) and may bring back some old favorites. The previous owners (the family that started the place in 1978) are sharing the recipes and old menus, I learned. The new owner, whose name I have forgotten, told me that she wanted to be her own boss and had not run a restaurant before, but was thrilled to have a new business; having been there with my family, I truly wished her well.

We had a great meal, and Rev. Anne was happy to get eggplant parmesan. We finished the meal with some excellent and fresh spumoni ice cream. We said good nights, with me taking gnocchi home for lunch on Friday.

I returned home, watched cable, and wrote a few more words, a few hundred, of my current chapter, and stared at the finish. I am hopeful to start the next chapter soon. The Chapter is a transition and has been hard for me to compose.

I found my PJs, dressed for bed, and just turned off the light. I blinked maybe once or twice and slept. I wake early now, with the sunrise, as I no longer spend any time waiting to sleep. I just close my eyes, my thinking turns mushy, and then I am asleep.

Thanks for reading!

I slept in (and again this morning) on Tuesday until after 8. I had plans on Wednesday to play board games with Z while at Choir Practice (in this case, the Praise Band rehearsal). I confirmed with Dondrea that there would be a Choir Practice, and Z would be there. I also expected the return of Air VW the Gray from the mothership. A safety recall required two days to rebuild the charging system on the EV; the danger was that the car would stop charging and brick.

I wrote the blog. I also had to untangle the Treasury Direct hit, not on my savings as I planned, but on my checking. Yikes! Automatic reserve transfers took over. I transferred money to cover everything. I called the Treasury and US Bank. One transaction, using an older routing number, would fail on Thursday. Fees were refunded because my balance at US Bank includes my IRA, and thus, I receive exceptional Wealth Management handling at the bank. I later learned from my investor advisor, Sam, that I could have called him, and they would have paid the amount for me even on a closed account routing number. I paid $1.74 in interest for the short time I borrowed money.

Deborah was back to work, and she was having a trying day. I heard from her occasionally as she navigated challenging issues at work. I wrote the blog and rebuilt my Quicken representation of the mess twice. I also reviewed the year for poorly recorded transactions and made a few corrections (I was still correcting it on Thursday!).

I heard from the VW Mothership that my vehicle would soon be ready. I shower and all that, and in my Disneyland Darth Vader T-shirt, head to the dealership. I take the TriMet 57 bus to Murray Road for $2.80. While sitting there, I reflected that the price was not much compared to the Uber price for a quick trip for me.  But it’s much more expensive for hourly folks, who I see mostly take the buses; for them, the price consumes 10% of their pay if working for four hours at basic wages.

My car is ready and waiting for me. They washed and vacuumed it, and it looks great, though I will never believe that a color called Cement is something to be proud of. Surprisingly, I get lots of compliments on the color. The internal timer has been reset, and the machine will no longer demand a return. They plan a visit in late January for Air VW the Gray for its annual check (it is leased).

I head to the Cedar Hills Mall and have lunch at Pastini, where I pay too much for a glass of wine. However, I do get their inexpensive lunch special, and I add garlic bread. I opt for the veggie version of pasta with a side salad, but I ruin my dietary positivity with their excellent garlic bread (just two pieces). The food was excellent, not the usual industrial American version of Italian food.

I finished the blog as they have open tables and they do not care, as my bill was worthy of my table (likely more than two folks just drinking water). I found nothing I was looking for at Powell’s next door, except for a gift. Details will be kept quiet as they often read the blog. A chocolate bar, Ritter’s, found at Powell’s further ruins my dietary neatness. Having hazelnuts and dark chocolate made me very happy.

I return home and manage to not get anything useful done, but depression is staying away. I am considering selling the house and looking at housing options in Portland. One of the issues I was concerned about was my ability to live in the house that Susie and I shared. I am thinking that I am not making this work, thus the depression. It would be a financial loss in the long term, but I will continue to think about it. No settled plans, and identifying the issue may have other options (remodel, removing clutter, and so on). Or even just headed to a museum if I am feeling lost. There are so many things yet to see locally, too.

Aside: I just let you, dear reader (today I learned that this is not capitalized unless in a formal letter), these are my thoughts and feelings. I try to include them here to help others who might have the same issues (grief, retirement, etc). The trouble and chaos of moving sends me into a tizzy. I will likely remain here at the VW Cave.

I meet Z and Dondrea at the church, and Z and I take on a new special map in the board game Concordia, Roma. This uses special rules and is a variation of the game. Z is sharp today, and we chase each other to the end of the game, and I lose by one point, making up for my three-point victory last time. We enjoyed the variation and included the Forum add-on because it enhances the game, in my opinion (Z likes it, too). This special version uses ships to gain various opportunities. She gains a game-winning advantage there.

I return home and watch more of The Year of the Jackle series. I find myself unable to stop watching it and end up watching it until late. I take a break and do some more writing and editing of my Fantasy novel, and add a few hundred words to the third chapter. I plan ten chapters.

I read for a few minutes before Assyria starts me dreaming while I am holding the book. I put it away before I drop it and soon sleep. And while I had no memory of my dreams, they seemed to have been pleasant.

Thanks for reading!

 

 

I woke before 7 and had some coffee. I had assembled the coffee the night before. I had only time for half a cup. I had written the blog the night before. I showered, dressed, and all that. It was a cool morning and I was out of the house with my hat and my book on Assyria. I walked to the end of Clarion Street, then headed south-ish on 209th, crossing four lanes (including a turning lane) on TV Highway, and finally stood at the TriMet 57 bus stop.

Only a few minutes passed before the busy rush-hour schedule of the buses brought a bus. It was not full, meaning I grabbed a seat by myself. This was still a new experience for me and was still exciting. I watched and only read a few words and texts on my phone. Within fifteen minutes, I arrived at the Transit Center Beaverton MAX station. I remembered to scan my phone (I had done that on the bus) to get a transfer (at zero cost) to the MAX. The MAX was not busy, and I sat and tried to read. I arrived at the Lloyd Center Mall and Park MAX Station (Lloyd Center is one of the Portland Zombie malls; it is trying to become an event center). Richard, after some dodging of construction, found me, and soon we were at his house.

We started to set up Tainted Grail, a cooperative role-playing board game. It is James’s copy, and he found a painted copy (there are lots of miniatures), and we have slowly learned the system and the story. The game designers use Aurthian, SciFi, and the creepiness of Lovecraft to create a unique board game. Richard, being a gamer, focused on building up his character and getting items. As a Druid, I was initially more interested in the story, but I have come to realize I need to improve my character’s combat abilities. I received some help from Richard during our play by joining his character in some battles, gaining rewards, and sharing loot. Richard’s character can craft items, and I managed to get some helpful items (though it is a bit random).

Overall, the game is becoming repetitive, and we are unsure what to do next. In many video games, players mine, farm, or fight minor creatures to gather enough power and resources to win tougher challenges. That does not interest me, but maybe that is not what is happening. James is on vacation, and I am traveling next week, meaning we will be taking a long break. We packed up around 1, and Richard dropped me off at the MAX.

Instead of returning to Bearveton, I stopped at the mostly gone Chinatown and walked up a block. There, I found that the Moroccan joint, Kasbah Moroccan Cafe, was open. I went in, and it was late for lunch; they had only two people eating now. This was a scan the menu and order at the bar place; much like Iceland and other areas. You bus your own table, too. I ordered their tea service (mint tea with caffeine and sugar) and their meatballs. This was served with an excellent but plain soup and in a roll filled with meatballs and sauce, similar to a meatball sub. But the food was outstanding (not a thrown-together fast food item), and reminded me of the best food I had in Casablanca a few years ago. Even the bread was special, freshly made, and toasted before being filled. I at first lifted it and bit, then, getting more silverware from the do-it-yourself, I cut the meatballs and bread into lovely bites. It was wonderful.

I cleared my table and walked out — I had already paid when I ordered. The man who took my money, and likely the cook too, said to me after I thanked him for the meal, “We make food that someone from Morocco would know; we don’t make shit like others,” he explained. He was standing outside vaping. I agreed, no shit served here.

There was a sign outside that said that sidewalks are for walking. Implying no camping in the restaurant’s entrance. These are new since Mayor Wheeler, who is remembered for being tear-gassed by the Feds in 2021 and ordering police to use so much tear gas that it became detectable in Portland’s moss (called “Tear-gas Wheeler”), retired. The new mayor has taken an intolerant view toward street and sidewalk camping, but has not started the tear-gassing; we have had mostly peaceful protests so far for Trump2.

Next, I headed to Ground Kontrol and went to flash my ID, but was told I did not need to be cleared if I was not drinking; I was not. Beer and other drinks do NOT improve my video game and pinball playing. I managed to play a few pinball machines. The Doctor Who machine was gone, but a stage magic one was a hoot to play. I played many games on it, but never scored enough for an extra play. A goal that I might someday reach, but so far quite distant. I also played some old-school games like Joust and a reworking of Asteroids in the more modern (and thus more expensive) game machine room. It was excellent to enjoy some old and new games.

After that, I walked to the MAX to get my steps (and I just missed the Green Line MAX) to Pioneer Square, which was fenced off for a concert. I soon found myself in a seat, reading and waiting to reach Beaverton. I left the MAX at the Transit Center and then tried to find my bus. I crossed the same street three times, only to see that the 57’s starting place was right in front of me. The 20 was first, and I helped folks read the sign. I boarded the 57 when it showed up and took it to 198th, then walked through the neighborhoods under a hot sun to get home.

I finished off some of the hummus, dolmades, and falafel from my previous order at Gyro House for a late snack. I decided to give up on Daredevil Reborn and instead watch The Day of the Jackel series. This is a reworking of the novel and movie by the same name, a favorite of mine. It is reset and effectively rewritten. The actors are excellent, with Eddie Redmayne and Lashana Lynch in the lead. I had trouble stopping and not binge-watching it all night. I like the story changes and the setting; it is a more modern story now with echoes to current politics and the usual billionaire villains or saviors.

I did the dishes, nothing for ants to find, and went to bed and quickly slept as I reached a new chapter in my Assyrian book.

Thanks for reading!

 

 

 

 

 

It is about 10 at night, and I am writing this blog post because I have a complex Tuesday ahead, and I am not sure when I will get it done. I have finished two full loads of laundry and one small test load of towels. The Machine was repaired and reassembled by the early afternoon. I watched the whole run for the first load and closely followed the other runs. All was good. I have to make the bed tonight, and I have laundry to fold and put together.

I spent the mid-evening watching videos on YouTube, including the latest history of USS Enterprise CV-6 from Drachinifel. I also watched Liner Design’s story when the Lustania was hit by a giant wave. Before this, I walked the neighborhood again, getting my steps count above 6,700, and closed my ring on the Apple Fitness App on my iPhone. I am feeling better, and the depression stays away if I get some exercise, so far.

Moving to early evening, I cooked dinner and had a video call with Debroah. We had not realized how much we missed seeing each other until we tried this. I was thrilled. Deborah and I talked and did not want to stop. Deborah watched me fry a pork chop with teriyaki sauce, steamed asparagus, and microwave a potato. I ate most of this while we chatted. It was late for Deborah, and she went to sleep as we ended the call. Next, I finished season two of Poker Face and loved what they did. No spoilers here. But I think I liked season two better than season one. Recommended.

Before making dinner, Richard sent me a text and agreed to pick me up near the mall in Portland for the 9:30 game, Tainted Grail with James. I walked to get more steps in, walked the neighborhood, and then to the bus stop on TV Highway. As I was walking, I heard a dog bark, but could not find the dog. On my way back, the dog changed sides of the street. My hearing is gone on the left side, and sometimes I am fooled into thinking a sound comes from my right. Trying to find a ringing iPhone is comical for me as I spin trying to find the true location.

Another dog was in the backseat of a car and barking from the car’s window. Instead of walking the dog, the owner was driving it around. Strange, but quite funny to be barked at by a chauffeur dog! I waved and laughed at the happy but intense doggie.

The repair person arrived around 11 and handed me the replaced hose, which had been pierced. There was no charge for the fix.

My CD matured, and I closed out the account and moved the cash into my savings. It will make 3.5% there. I then purchased $10K of the ETF SGOV, as it does not require locking in your cash into a CD. ScottW recommended this setup, and I am trying it out. I used my old eTrade investment account. I had to manually update Quicken to ensure everything matched my actions.

I wrote a letter to the Trump Turnberry Scotland Golf Disciplinary Committee asking them to investigate the President’s cheating at golf. I am tired of folks just saying he cheats and watching videos of him cheating. I wrote to the club, after looking at the rules for Scottish Golf. I did not ask for punishment, but to stop the cheating. I think it is time to stop letting billionaires do whatever they want. There are real processes that we should follow, like the Scotts having rules and regulations for these kinds of shenanigans. Golf has rules, conventions, traditions, and enforcement practices in Scotland. Time to ask for action.

I also wrote a letter describing my plans for New Members classes I am hosting at the church in September. I revised it today and sent it on. I plan to teach every Sunday, four times in September for about an hour after church.

Thanks for reading. As for the letter on golf cheating, it just seems like the time to start following up. I have some other thoughts about other things, too. More to come.

Though it was not a busy day but still I felt mostly like this here.