Blog

I rose a bit late and started around 8ish. The sunrise had woken me, and I had rolled over and slept longer. Sunrises are too early now. But I do think of Dad Wild every morning, “I watch the runrise; there are only so many left.”

Coffee is reheated as there was plenty left. Enough for three cups. Breakfast is skipped as I am not hungry. I start the blog and write until about noon. I strip the bed and wash the sheets. Monday’s laundry is still unsorted or folded, and I spent the morning writing, talking to people, and doomscrolling by reading President Chaos-Battleship’s latest insanities, including a $250 US Currency with his picture (which requires an act of Congress to allow). I can no longer eye-roll, as it is just beyond anything I expected; such a waste of time and energy.

I write and talk to Deborah and others. I was feeling better, and I managed to complete the blog and some paperwork. I got all the clothing out of the dryer and done, two loads. I then reheated some Costco pre-made Indian-style chicken and cooked 1/2 cup of basmati rice to go with it. That was an excellent lunch, and I watched The Devinci Code, now a bit dated with a young Tom Hanks, while I folded the laundry. I also swept the floor, then mopped it with a Swiffer. The new flooring cleans up so easily, and I think it was worth the investment! Yes!

I returned to the office and assembled a forged document for Dungeons & Dragons. I had found the text of a modern indulgence on a Catholic website. I removed the Christian words and reworded them to give the bearer an indulgence for the usual adventurer raiding. I added an image of a wax seal. I then formatted the new fantasy-world-based text to fit on certificate paper, green like money, I found at Office Depot, and printed them on the parchment-like paper, added a gold seal (included with the certificates), and they were ready to give away at D&D at 6 at the Rune & Board gaming store at 167 East. My interview and first job at Nike were at 167 West. I always have a warm feeling in this area; I did AS/400 programming, database work, and job design here for the Laakdal Customer Care Center (warehouse).

Good memories now, but I know it was much harder and scarier than I remember now. I had to prove myself over and over. The past is always bright and pretty in a halo of forgotten pain and fear. It was never that good. But I do miss working on the IBM AS/400s and CL, DB2/400, and RPG programming. Years later, I visited Laakdal and saw that my code was still running (with only a few minor updates) and that the tools I wrote for the warehouse were still in use.

With the documents ready and pencil updates to my character, Carter The Great, a sorcerer, for D&D, I headed to Beaverton, a 60% charge on Air VW the Gray, and no traffic, but one close call as someone challenged a bus for a lane; the bus won, and they braked rather suddenly. I stopped at the Food Carts near City Hall and had the gumbo for a quick dinner. It was spicy but good. I then headed past Nike WHQ, now called the PHK HQ, and soon reached the gaming place.

I paid my $10 fee and bought an overpriced Diet Coke (supporting my local gaming store). I handed out my indulgences, which were well received. We continued the story where we left off, exploring the ruins to find the forge. By sheer chance, we found the means to reach the forge and then did so. This resulted in a battle. We ran over, but decided to finish the battle. Folks were late due to bad traffic. I reminded everyone it was my last play for a while (I need to pack the car next Friday) and thanked everyone for the three sessions. Everyone seemed happy to have me play. It has been fun, and I try not to stay in the chorus, if you like, as others want the spotlight. I don’t need it.

I headed home, watched more Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, and enjoyed a reworking of the World Destroyer from the original series. I read and went to bed. A headache was back. I tried a protein bar to see if that would help, but nope, ibuprofen worked. I read about the American Civil War for a while, but soon I was nodding off. I dressed in my PJs and climbed under the clean sheets after making the bed.

I closed my eyes, and soon Morpheus took over and supplied pleasant dreams, now forgotten, which I imagined were with my character Carter, adventuring and forging various documents, with a smirk.

Dear reader, please consider attending if you are in the area. From the press release:

BEAVERTON, Ore. — [May 18, 2026] — A new public forum dedicated to ideas, culture, and civic dialogue is coming to Beaverton with the launch of the Beaverton Lecture Series, a community-centered initiative designed to spark thoughtful conversation and deeper connection across the region. The series opens on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 7:00 PM with the inaugural lecture, “Indigenous Place Keeping: Learning from the Land,” featuring cultural leader David Harrelson. The event will be held at The Historic Downtown Methodist Church, located next to the Beaverton City Library at 12555 SW 4th Street, Beaverton, OR 97005. Admission is free and open to the public. Harrelson, an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde and the tribe’s Cultural Resources Department Manager, will explore the Indigenous practice of “keeping place” — understanding land not merely as physical space, but as a living network of relationships connecting people, plants, history, and community. “No matter where you live, you are on Indigenous land,” Harrelson says, underscoring the continuing relevance of Indigenous knowledge and stewardship.

With more than 16 years of experience in cultural resources and heritage preservation, Harrelson’s work spans ethnobotany, Indigenous foods, contact-era Pacific Northwest history, and Western Oregon Indigenous art. In addition to his leadership with the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, he currently serves on the Oregon Arts Commission and previously served on the Oregon State Advisory Committee for Historic Preservation.

ABOUT BEAVERTON LECTURE SERIES
The Beaverton Lecture Series was created to provide an accessible and welcoming gathering space where residents can engage with important ideas shaping culture, history, identity, and civic life. Our hope is that this series becomes a trusted gathering point in Beaverton for learning, dialogue, and shared reflection.

HERE
What: Indigenous Place Keeping: Learning from the Land
Speaker: David Harrelson Date: Thursday, June 4, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Historic Downtown Methodist Church 12555 SW 4th Street, Beaverton, OR 97005
Admission: Free and open to the public

Here is more information: David Harrelson Press Release.docx – Google Docs

Thanks for reading and considering attending (if you are in the local area).

 

Thursday, I slept until about 7:30 in the morning. I had woken up multiple times again at night and felt I could stay in bed all morning, but there are things to do and blogs to write. Coffee had to be made, and the sink was full of dishes I had ignored for days. I did the dishes (mostly unloading the clean dishes from the dishwasher and reloading it), washed one pan, and then I felt confident about making the universe slightly better with a clean sink to make coffee. I used Equal Exchange Coffee, Fair Trade Certified, or what I call liberal coffee.

With a fresh cup and my laptop, I started to write the blog, and it took all morning and into the afternoon. Wednesday, what I wrote about Thursday morning, while looking out the window and watching the scrub jays and hummingbirds fly around, and a local squirrel searching the backyard for treasures hidden or lost. I took and made many calls, including rescheduling a dentist visit (my first under the new insurance). Deborah was busy today, and we connected often while driving from one event to the next. Others called, and even Emily, my nurse for Skyrizi, checked in (she shared that it takes annual treatment—four shots—before skin clearing begins in earnest). I put on my calendar when I need to call the pharmacy and when I take my next shot, July 4th. I shared that I was back to using creams because the flaking had returned, and she asked me to check in with my doctor. That is still on my list (Thursday).

Deborah reminded me that we have not set the dates for July yet, meaning a word was missing in my blog, “possible,” and the next week is more likely after being reminded of some dates. So maybe I will be in Michigan on the week of the 20th, more to come. The NYC trip is set in August.

I remembered to write a card for Mom Wild, walked it to the mail box, and there, in my robe and still unkempt hair, met the mailman. I said I was retired and that I was writing every morning and then dressing. I could see his judgmental American work ethic rising when he saw me, but we were smiling and happy by the end. “There is hope for all of us for an early and good retirement,” I told him, and that seemed to make him think and smile.

I skipped lunch, for now, and showered, remembered to apply the creams, and then boarded Air VW the Gray at 70% charge, I think, and headed out. The traffic was still slow-moving but not at rush hour levels. I did not see any extra-legal lane changes, but a few folks did dive into the turning lane when making a left turn on TV Highway. One person was too scared to pull out, even though all the cars waited for the driver, and I waved the driver out. That happens once in a while.

I had some tasks to do, one of which was finding some paper for my forger of Dungeons & Dragons documents. I make fun handouts at our game, and this is my last one for a month or more. I wanted something more than just white cardstock. I could not find a stationery shop on the Internet in the area, so I headed to Blicks for art supplies in Beaverton. I had to turn around as my colon decided it was time to remind me that it needed attention. With that under control, I returned and soon reached the art supply store.

They had a limited selection, and I needed something like Michael’s for what I was looking for. I did find some handmade 8.5×11 paper that would work. Next, I headed to Office Depot to see if they had a better fit, and I got a pack of certificate paper with seals. I tried New Seasons Market for shelf stable 1% or low-fat milk, but they do not carry it. After that, I tried Whole Foods, called them, and learned they no longer carry it.

Somewhere in this narrative, I visited our local Paris Baguette, a favorite of mine when I was stranded in NYC for a month during the pandemic, and had a baguette sandwich with turkey, cheese, veggies, and avocado (we are on the West Coast). It was an excellent sandwich, and I always remember the good one I had on the one day when I was in Paris back in the 90s. I always expected to be back, but so far, no.

I read my American Civil War (ACW) book while enjoying my sandwich. I do disagree with the author and think that, while Confederate General Hood was clearly batty, he had to win, and the text tells the story of Union officers considering surrender after they had mangled their march to Franklin. The army had fallen into a trap (that Hood unknowingly set), but it was at night, and the Confederates missed their chance as the Union quietly slipped by. But with this kind of bungling on the Union side, I think Hood was just pushing the Union everywhere and hoping for another error that he could just pounce on. To win, he needed another massive break, to exploit it, and to then crush the Union. I do agree with the author that General Hood’s lack of a clear plan and focus made it difficult to exploit any Union weakness, and that he, like Lee at Gettysburg, seemed to believe that just Rebel Spirit would carry the day. Instead, it was a disaster.

Putting aside the ACW, I returned home and saw that the day had mostly disappeared, and remembered that the new WW2 movie, Pressure, starring Brendon Fraser, was out today. I soon found tickets for the movie at the Cinemark theater and was retracing my previous drive back to Beaverton. I parked and rushed in; I was on time for my show. I had ordered popcorn, small with no butter, but my popcorn was not in the location I was told, and I, thinking I must have just ordered tickets (the paper they gave me after scanning my QR code had only the ticket on it), ordered another one and then went to find my seat. There in my chair was a carryout bag for my popcorn. I was surprised and disappointed to have purchased two small popcorns, but now I know this.

The movie was good and is about the week of the D-Day invasion and the weather problems. Yup, a movie on weather. Andrew Scott, a favorite actor since he played the villain on Sherlock, playing against Benedict Cumberbatch, is the focus of the movie, with Brent playing the American General Eisenhour. Kerry Condon plays a supporting role and the “Spock” role (i.e., explaining and advancing the story). The acting, special effects, and camera work all created an immersive feeling that you were there. I liked it.

I thought about getting dinner out, but instead stopped at Juan Carlos’s and got some tacos and other items to go. I was disappointed in my items and will not order them again, but the tacos were good. I ordered from them during the pandemic and had it delivered. It was not good this time. I might try again someday, but I was hungry and ate it anyway.

I watched more Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, and they did a zombie-movie-style episode, reminding me of other shows and movies. It was interesting, and they suggested that a certain flowering plant could cause this. This appears in many mind control and zombie stories. Nice to see it reused here, and especially the collecting of special flowering plants for a cure, which fits the pulp novel format.

It was still light out, and I headed out for a walk. I walked to the bench and back just to get some more steps in. My neighbors had a plumbing truck at their house, never a good sign, and I learned that their sewer line was blocked again (they have had multiple problems of late, including tearing up their yard and reconnecting). The problem seemed to be with the street, and this means getting the local water company involved. I wished them well and was once again happy that my sewer lines have not failed.

Now in my Ps, I read more, grew tired, and soon went to sleep.

Dear reader, please consider attending if you are in the area. From the press release:

BEAVERTON, Ore. — [May 18, 2026] — A new public forum dedicated to ideas, culture, and civic dialogue is coming to Beaverton with the launch of the Beaverton Lecture Series, a community-centered initiative designed to spark thoughtful conversation and deeper connection across the region. The series opens on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 7:00 PM with the inaugural lecture, “Indigenous Place Keeping: Learning from the Land,” featuring cultural leader David Harrelson. The event will be held at The Historic Downtown Methodist Church, located next to the Beaverton City Library at 12555 SW 4th Street, Beaverton, OR 97005. Admission is free and open to the public. Harrelson, an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde and the tribe’s Cultural Resources Department Manager, will explore the Indigenous practice of “keeping place” — understanding land not merely as physical space, but as a living network of relationships connecting people, plants, history, and community. “No matter where you live, you are on Indigenous land,” Harrelson says, underscoring the continuing relevance of Indigenous knowledge and stewardship.

With more than 16 years of experience in cultural resources and heritage preservation, Harrelson’s work spans ethnobotany, Indigenous foods, contact-era Pacific Northwest history, and Western Oregon Indigenous art. In addition to his leadership with the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, he currently serves on the Oregon Arts Commission and previously served on the Oregon State Advisory Committee for Historic Preservation.

ABOUT BEAVERTON LECTURE SERIES
The Beaverton Lecture Series was created to provide an accessible and welcoming gathering space where residents can engage with important ideas shaping culture, history, identity, and civic life. Our hope is that this series becomes a trusted gathering point in Beaverton for learning, dialogue, and shared reflection.

HERE
What: Indigenous Place Keeping: Learning from the Land
Speaker: David Harrelson Date: Thursday, June 4, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Historic Downtown Methodist Church 12555 SW 4th Street, Beaverton, OR 97005
Admission: Free and open to the public

Here is more information: David Harrelson Press Release.docx – Google Docs

Thanks for reading and considering attending (if you are in the local area).

With all the headaches and darkness, it was time to get out more. I was also not sleeping well, and I attributed it to a lack of steps. It may be time to bring some rigor back to exercise and food via an app on my phone.

As I start to execute my trip plan for about three weeks in California, I am also watching as the 2600: Hacker Quarterly conference, Hope 2026, approaches in August. I did not try for a speaker slot, as I learned last time, I am more of a practitioner than a hacker. I write cool stuff, not break cool systems. Before that, I will be in Michigan from July 11-16, 2026.

The American Civil War (ACW) battle at Franklin has my attention, and I am thinking I need a short trip to the South to see these places in Tennessee. I am tempted to buy the newish simulation from the same people who made my copy of Gettysburg: July 1-3, 1863. I would start in Nashville, head south to trace the battle in reverse, then go to Montgomery and Columbus, Georgia, for the Civil War Naval Museum. After that, I would either head south to New Orleans or North to Atlanta. Just in the thinking stage.

Aside: The ACW is opposed to ECW, the English Civil War, and both are now settings for various wargames and figure-level games. Thus, in the UK, the Civil War is between Cromwell and the Loyalists, and the ACW is the Battle Between the States in the US. My 28mm figures of General Lee and Grant are from a UK company: Perry. There they are, coded ACW, and my unfinished army of ACW figures is from Perry (not an American company; Perry’s are 28MM, D&D scale, hard plastic, and historically accurate; they are significantly cheaper, too).

Returning to the story of Wednesday, I wrote the blog, talked to Deborah and others, and finished it around 11. I passed on Breakfast and had only two cups of coffee. I showered, dressed, did not do the dishes or fold the laundry, and got in the Air VW the Gray and headed to the local MAX station, Quatama. It was nearly fully charged as I had finally remembered to plug it in on Tuesday and set it to charge to 100%.

I had my ACW book with me, and was reading the aftermath of the Battle of Franklin in 1864, The Confederacy’s Last Hurrah. The author, Wiley Sword, is brutal in his comments on Confederate General Hood’s decision to sacrifice the Army of Tennessee against the unbreakable, reinforced position of the Union army, conservatively managed by General Scoldfield (who also receives strong criticism for seemingly winning a battle by default).

The comparison to the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863 is unavoidable. The story of the all-in attack reminds me of Shelby Foote’s account in The Stars in Their Courses of Lee’s ordering Picket’s Charge. It seems that everything was moving against Lee that day, though again, it was attacking a reinforced position with strong internal lines.

I reached Portland’s Pioneer Square at it was approaching 2, and then switched to the Green Line for a short one-stop ride to Grits & Gravy for a late lunch and an overdue breakfast. It was marvelous with grits, biscuit (still warm), bacon, and over-easy eggs. I had more coffee and lots of water. The staff was friendly, and an artist was on hand showing his work; I shook his hand and admired his sketches in particular.

From there, I walked back to Pioneer Square and then to the Portland Art Museum (PAM). I missed the Farmer’s Market in the Park across from PAM. Next time, I will get lunch there. The statue of Lincoln is still missing, but the granite base is still in place, and folks were using it as a table for lunch. According to Portland’s government website, the statue was toppled and damaged in October 2020 during the “Indigenous Peoples Day of Rage.” The statue has been repaired, and the city expects it to return to the park this year.

 

I walked into PAM, showed my membership card, and asked what was interesting. I headed downstairs for the local kids’ art display. It was wonderful, and much of it was on transparent film that was mounted on glass. I enjoyed looking at all the different styles and imagination. I was terrible at art (still am) and can’t draw a straight line or a decent curved line either. It was nice to see art still happen with kids.

Next, by accident, I found another display of the printer’s art in the form of the Inkling Studio work, a collaborative space back in 1981-2009, which I vaguely remember. One of the members was a retired machinist, and he made custom printing presses for the group after his wife asked him to make her one. I was interested in reading about Ray Trayle’s machines and saw his only print (he would rather make machines than art), as well as a portrait of him. He made sixty presses, and here is one of them. The prints were colorful and interesting, and I was disappointed that the Inkling Studio is still not running, but I was happy to see that the presses are still in use.

After that lesson in printing and local recent history, I headed upstairs to the French Impressionists and enjoyed the usual pieces and the strange, dark Van Gogh. The two Monets always bring me peace. I did wander into later American art; a piece done for the WPA was strongly Art Deco but reminded me of the O’Keeffe show I saw last year with her city images.

With that done and skipping the modern art and finding nothing in the shop, I headed out to South Park for a glass of wine and a snack. I had the salmon tartar with roe on the top and crackers in a sun-like display. The wine was a red from Europe that the two bartenders (names, I am sorry, forgotten) recommended. It was excellent.

I read more ACW while eating and drinking. The bread, served gratis, was also great with the garlic butter, but the check included a 2% credit card fee and a 20% tip. This is the new payment style that many places have adopted. I was glad the bread was free (it is not at many places now).

I headed back to the MAX and took it back without incident, with someone giving me their seat. I must look the part of a senior citizen, though I don’t feel that old. I have noticed I am getting the senior discount even when I don’t ask for it (I seldom do, as it is usually defined as someone 65+).

I find the EV where I left it and head home. I am not hungry, but there is a slight headache (sulfides in the wine, I am sure), and I rest and surprise when I awaken thirty minutes. I meant to read, not sleep. Later, I see I missed a goodnight call with Deborah, but we texted, and so still ended her day together.

I watch more Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, and enjoy more of season 2. Another superpowered, reality-distorting being takes over (one matching someone Kirk meets in the original series). The story and the acting are good, but it is getting hard to believe—yet it is consistent with canonical episodes.

Corwin came by to get his mail, but was delayed, and I went to the local Salt & Straw and had a vegan-style (using coconut milk instead of animal products) Flecked Mint Chocolate Chip. It was my second time for this one, and the mint is overwhelmed by the chocolate, but that is not a bad thing.

Corwin stopped by, finished some of my leftovers, and picked up his mail. We chatted for a while, and he then headed out. He had worked a 27-hour day as a driver and was tired.

I finished more Star Trek, read more ACW, and still did not do the dishes. I soon tried to sleep. I had to rise again, get some ibuprofen as my legs hurt (should not go from almost no steps to 4,000+ in a day), and then sleep came.

Thanks for reading.

 

 

 

The day was colored with a painful sinus headache, but I pushed through the pain and kept busy on Tuesday. I have suffered from headaches all my life, and this one did not have a classic migraine with the colors dancing, even when my eyes are closed; this was just pressure. An allergic reaction.  A mix of ibuprofen and Tylenol made it bearable. Also, Deborah suggested before a fix, and I had some protein (some leftover fried chicken) at night (not good for the calorie count so late), which seemed to help. I will try to cut back on carbs.

Also, I had Mr. Toad’s Wild Red beer at Broadway Grill, and last week I also had a matching headache. I have heard over the years that some beers come with a headache, and I am thinking that is the cause.  Beer is out for now, and I don’t need the calories anyway.

I rose feeling better at 6. I could not sleep again after the sun rose, and I had an early 9:30 board game at Richard’s. I started writing and had trouble arranging my thoughts into a narrative. It was a gray morning, with marine clouds that would burn off, and I watched the scrub jays and hummingbirds while I tried to find a focus.

Deborah called, and we had a lovely morning chat.

In the blog, I had written about my dreams and started retelling Monday’s events, but had to stop because I had to shower and all that. I had about 300 words. I remembered to apply all the creams and was five minutes late for my start time, 8:45, to make it to Richard’s house, only 15 miles away, with most of the travel on highways. The traffic was reduced as we started into the no-school pattern of the summer. Rush hour traffic is faster, and I usually see fewer accidents. In the last month, I have seen quite a few smashed cars, mostly at intersections at slower speeds. I have seen quite a few folks running lights of late. I have traveled for half of May in the previous few years.

I arrived at Richard’s only a few minutes late, and James appeared at the same time. We are still learning the massive role-playing cooperative board game ISS Vanguard. James was all in on the Kickstarter from a couple of years ago (even painted miniatures!); this is his chance to play his investment. There is no Game Master, and that means the rules are deep and processes must be strictly followed to make the game work. There is an app that drives much of the game. We spent some hours on the process and working through the restore and selecting our options. And while not that interesting, the choices mattered at each level, and we discussed all the options in detail. In the story, we headed to the next planet and learned from our research that we have new goals and directions on what we are searching for. It was interesting to me that our research, one of those processes, produced this revelation. We soon have characters to use, and we head to, using Star Trek terms, an away mission. Crew of four (with James playing the extra character), and soon we are picking equipment to carry and upgrading our landing ship. Our trip to the exploded planet did not happen without loss, and we regretted not getting the guidance system updated!

We arrive bruised and soon explore the planet. And while the game still feels more procedural and meta-gaming than immersive, the mission (It is copyrighted material, and I will provide no spoilers) was exciting. My character was injured, as was Richard’s, when I rolled in an accident. We learned that the blowing of a test brings more stories and consequences. Actually, fun. We learned more and started playing better. I look forward to our next mission. It was after 2 when we finished the scenario and ran through the procedures for unloading and sending the injured to medbay. This was then followed by the save process.

I was hungry and reached the Broadway Grill, only a few minutes from Richard’s place. It was Happy Hour, so I ordered a chili dog and some cheese dip with chips. I also had the dreaded beer, and the headache soon started. I managed to finish and publish the blog. I was having trouble with concentration.

I also heard from a friend who was going through something, and that, too, distracted me. That is their story to tell.

I fit the late afternoon traffic on the Fremont Bridge using the, for me, scary on-ramp that is higher than the roadbed of the bridge. Stalled for an extra five minutes at 175 feet above the river is not a pleasure, though the view is nice. I reach home and try to rest to see if that will make the pain less. Nope.

I turn to Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and watch three episodes, and wish Deborah good night as her day ends. I finished the season and, since it splits a story, watched the first one of the next season. I laughed through the crazy episode where everyone sings and ends with a big finale, “Subspace Rhapsody” (Season 2, Episode 9). I was feeling a bit better (here if you don’t know this with the Klingons at 3:06).

I ate some leftover cold chicken and had it for a late dinner with some coleslaw. And the headache faded. Wow!

I got tickets, only $4.99 plus another $4 for handling and a donation, to Rocketman on Elton John. Time for a musical! It was late, and I was in an empty theater, but still it was great with a small bag of popcorn. I might have closed my eyes and started dreaming, but I woke up each time and enjoyed the show.

The theater was empty when I left, though I heard some huge explosions behind a door; folks were likely getting the late-night Star Wars movie. I drove home without issue and was asleep in bed before 1. I did wake at 5 and had trouble sleeping for a while, but managed to sleep until 7:15.

Thanks for reading.

 

I woke from terrible dreams, a stuffed head, and a headache. My muscles were tight from stressful dreams. The dream restarted three or four times. I dreamed I was back at work as a consultant, working for a woman, installing new hardware, and it wasn’t going well. The components were already in place, and we had to recable instead. I was worried that I had not done my timesheet and had to find a break in the work to get online and enter my hours, apparently, for three weeks. The building or home (it was unclear which, and might have changed, as dreams are not always logical) was full of folks I did not know but who reminded me of folks at Nike. Outside was the Florida Coast with the dark waters. In the dream, I learned that a hurricane was coming, and I was worried about power outages, but I was reassured that we were safe and that the storm would be minor. The waves built and flooded the house, and everyone was talking as if nothing was happening, as the water got deeper and deeper, dark black waters. The power is still on, and I am still trying to work and make the required changes. The waters are so deep that it is hard to stand. I wake.

Not an easy start to the morning! My problems with uncertainty (which seem like an obvious callout from the dream) would haunt me all Monday. I would also say I have stayed in the house too much and I have done less exploring than I should have; I will try to get out more over the couple of weeks left in May, and when I get back in late June, I will take some local trips. Midsummer Night’s Dream is down at the Oregon Shakspear Festival, for example. I have also never been to Crater Lake.

I wrote the blog and finished it about 10:30, and published it. I always forget what I had for lunch and dinner. It takes me a while to find those memory threads. I contacted Joan S, and she would meet me after 4 for the movie The Devil Wears Prada 2. It shocked me that it had been twenty years since the first movie. I loved the book. They deleted the opening scene in the book, which was a riot, and I think it got the book published. The book is recommended!

I was on the phone with Deborah while I made lunch. I grilled a pork chop, steamed some fresh broccoli, and made my usual couscous with Indian-style spices, raisins, and pecans. I resisted making a pan gravy as I did need the extra calories, and the chop was excellent. I cooked it in a pan, added some water to steam it, then finished it in the pan. I used a digital thermometer to ensure it was cooked.

I tried to relax and enjoy, but the depression rose; the food helped to chase away some of that darkness. The food and the fact that I did something that I enjoy, cooking, helped to alleviate the pain. I was missing Susie and Dad today and should have headed out earlier. Grief sneaks up on you when you are alone, I find.

It had clouded up and started to rain; no walk, I think, a walk would have helped.

But meeting Joan S and getting out improved my mood, and we got a bag of popcorn (no butter) that I shared with Joan S, and that added to the long previews that went on for thirty minutes, I think. The movie was fun, and the insults had you catch your breath before you laughed. The story, no spoilers, was not that predictable and kept my attention. I was thinking of Cruella a few times, but this is a different story. Recommended.

The movie, popcorn, and getting out of the house helped.

With that done, Joan headed home, and I headed to BJ’s Brewhouse for an Old Fashioned and to do some writing. I managed to up the current chapter in my book to 1,000 words and find my way out of a problem in the story. I talked to another person at the bar, whose name, sadly, I have forgotten, about drinks, and I suggested finding a Sazerac in NOLA as an alternative to an Old Fashioned. I had the California Flat Bread for dinner. It is wonderful and, I think, one of the best items on their menu. I sat at the bar as all the tables were taken, and Annalisa was my bartender. I did see Eric, my usual waiter, but he was full and running crazy. I talked to him, and he expected a light crowd, but the place filled up. I suggested to him that the movies were getting out, and he thought that a good idea, especially with the Star Wars movie (thought it had only average ratings; I liked it, but agree with the ratings). Eric and I agreed it was good to see folks getting out again.

I returned home, read more about the American Civil War, but went to bed early as I had slept soon. I had, as I said above, slept poorly.

Thanks for reading!