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It is already late, and I wrote a blog this morning. I will just cover the good bits.

I managed to find my way to Susie in Air Volvo before 1PM. This time we stayed in for the early afternoon. We called Leta (Susie’s mother) and Barb (Susie’s sister) after Susie was comfortably in bed to watch a movie with me. We did a three-way call on FaceTime with my iPhone. We hooked up with Emma (Barb’s daughter) as Barb was driving Emma back to her place. Barb and family (plus Emma’s new man in her life) had taken Leta out to lunch after church for Leta’s 95th birthday. Leta also had a cake after church in Lansing, Michigan–Grace United Methodist.

Next, we selected The Transporter with Jason Statham for the afternoon entertainment. Susie managed to stay awake for most of it. Anassa, the weekend nursing aide, said Susie ate most she had seen her eat. Excellent. Susie had some coffee as a treat during the movie.

Next, Anassa popped Susie into her wheelchair so we could visit the park. The park was still excellent, under 80F (27C), and we parked at a bench and just watched the folks for a while. The yellow jackets were willing to be waved off today. We enjoyed just relaxing in the park. We did tour the roads and looked at the roses, fruit trees (now loaded with fruit), and the magnolia tree (one big white flower near the base). After that, it was time for me to go. Susie was happy to be placed in the recliner (Louis, the evening nursing aide, did pinch his hand in the recliner–I did not warn him in time; it is tricky).

I found a burger and headed to Cory’s house to play Dungeons and Dragons. My paladin died in the game, sacrificing himself to save a world by blowing up a sun. I brought my replacement character and started to play my Lawful Effective (evil) cleric of war called War. My character War helped rally the people when the shockwave from the blast hit our spaceship and tried to keep them safe. More details cannot be added here, but I started to find my way with the new character. For D&D 5E folks, I enjoyed playing a good paladin and recommend the class. I have not played a cleric in years, so it is something new to try out.

Lunch was sushi at Sushi Hanna in Beaverton. It is a track place, and I had a great lunch there.

Well, I am already getting tired. Please forgive me if I just stop here under 500 words.

 

 

I was relieved at 10:45PM last night by the India-based folks–so I am not as tired as last Sunday morning. I am trying to remember what happened on Saturday. That is the problem with waiting until the following day to write the blog. Yesterday is already fading as if Somnus claimed the memories.

Let me try to remember…

The morning started with me waking at 7 from my alarm on my iPhone, surprising me to have actually slept the night. I did not have to prove hydration that night. I rose and made liberal coffee in my French Press and marveled at another bright morning with clear skies (i.e., no smoke or clouds). I located yogurt, blueberry marked Organic, and an NYC bagel (frozen to keep them over time). I used the microwave, toaster, and whipped cream cheese to produce an excellent Saturday morning repast. I took this to the office.

I wrote Friday’s story and consumed my consumables. Friday being a work day, the blog was short. I exclude the details of work as that would be, first, boring, and second, the non-boring parts would require clearance that is not likely coming. I focus on my emotions, if any, for the workday. I would say that the number of face-palm emoji per hour would be a good measure of how work is going (as poo-based icons are considered unhelpfully critical, and we resist them, especially the flaming poo ones; the face-palm cover a lot of emotional territory). Friday was a three-plus face-palm day.

I finished 10ish with the blog and breakfast and soon was cleaned and dressed. I almost forgot my prescriptions (Metformin for low-level diabetes, a daily inhaler for asthma, and blood pressure meds). I took them just a few hours late and then watered the roses, tiny new redwood, and other flowering plants. I managed to not get soaked or muddy in the process. I also knocked on the window when a local cat, doing its cat patrol through my backyard, found a mouse or shrew in my backyard, and I scared the cat–I like my shrews–the bite of a shrew is toxic too. After rodent rescue, watering, and pill-taking, I boarded Air Volvo.

But, I forgot, going backward, that I also spent ninety minutes on Saturday creating my new cleric for Dungeons and Dragons 5E. We were warned by the DM, Matt, that the finish of the adventure would require sacrifice. My current character on the Sunday game is a paladin named Rath, a good guy and a follower of Death, the Egyptian concept, not some evil scary death. My character is not afraid of death; he knows where he is going (living forever on the true Nile in the lands of the dead with his late family members) and is thrilled to be going out in some huge D&D moment. Thus, I had to spend time creating his brother, War, a lawful evil follower not of death but of war. War believes that the means justify the ends, unlike his good brother, if applied brutally and quickly. It took me a while to remake Rath into his brother War. This took a lot of the morning. I am ready for Sunday now–huzzah!

Next, I stopped at McDonald’s and tried their 1/4 pound burger with cheese again. Not that good this time. I am rushing with all the weekend work and am not eating right–I will stop that, I hope. I eat when I am stressed–a family trait. I have no snack foods or cookies in the house to help me resist this bad habit.

The traffic was light on Saturday, which is not always true, and soon Air Volvo reached Susie’s place at the hummingbird house in Portland (Tigard) at Allegiance Senior Care LLC, 9925 SW 82nd. Ave. Portland (Tigard), OR 97223; phone (503) 246-4116. Susie was asleep in her recliner in the shared living room. Anassa was making breakfast and was quite busy–Anassa is the weekend nursing aide. Soon, Susie was awake, and we agreed to head to the park; Anassa found a break and popped Susie in her wheelchair.

The park was busy with dogs walking their human, and the dress was for a hot summer day. While nobody was naked, some folks, it being the Pacific Northwest, were nearly undressed and sporting various body art. We, mostly covered by clothing and ignoring local customs, were not burnt from the sun (Susie is allergic to the sun, and I take meds that make sun exposure unwise), but we did forget the sun blocker lotion for Susie’s hands–We limited our time in the sun.

Sitting in the sun, we called Barb and Leta, Susie’s sister and mother, respectively. We soon reached them in a 3-way call on my iPhone using FaceTime. We had a short chat, with Susie nodding off in the hot sun. Susie enjoyed the warmth and needed a hammock to finish the summer experience. We soon rang off, and I took Susie to the end of the paved path in the park and then reversed back. We passed dogs with humans, little humans crying in their trams, and kids playing in the park. One dad and mom found a new way to swing. There, a little girl was pushed by mom, and dad would lightly throw a soccer ball at the little swinger, who would then kick the ball. There were lots of giggles.

We then sat on the porch at hummingbird house to enjoy the warm day. I was not ready to sit in Susie’s room yet. Evan showed up while we were on the porch. Susie was sleepy, and I was getting there. I rallied, and Susie was set up in her bed by Anassa, and we watched the new Elron John-based movie Rocketman in Susie’s room.

The movie was longer than the time I had, and Evan left early, and I had to say goodbye before the film was finished. Susie was surprised I had to go so soon but understood that my shift started at 4PM. I left with a kiss and left the movie running for her, and Louis, the weekend evening nursing aide and cook, promised to visit Susie and see what she wanted to do once the film finished.

I headed home in surprisingly heavy Saturday late afternoon traffic. I arrived before my shift started and found my new board game had come, Expeditions. This is from the same game company that created the board games Scythe and Wingspan (both amazingly good games) and was available as a pre-order, and I was thrilled to get my copy with metal mechs (Richard already had his copy and told me he lost his first game). During breaks on my shift, I punched the game (meaning I punched out all the cardboard, unwrapped the decks of cards, and organized the content to be ready to play).

Focusing on work, my shift got one face-plam emoji from me as there were a few crises and late running processes. I am forward-movement driven after working for the shoe company in information technology for over twenty-five years. I am just hard-wired for Just Do It. While it was a weekend, it seemed the processes were running strangely slow, and I often asked for status and wondered what was happening. I was happy at 10:45PM when India-based colleagues offered to relieve me.

Next, I read the rules for the new game. I watched the how-to video last week to understand the rulebook. While the game looks fun and plays in less than two hours, the publisher’s first printings often have some balancing issues (Scythe rules ban certain starting conditions now, and Wingspan early editions had some corrections too). I expect the game will have some issues when we learn it. My copy of the game is number 6158/7500 of the First Printing of the IronClad Edition.

I read to 11ish, moving to my new book on my Kindle after reading the rules, looking at most of the cards, and playing tiles in Expeditions. There is a solo mode that I might try on Monday night. I did mix up some epoxy to reattach the bottom to a mech; it looked like the base was just not glued on. Fixed.

I read, next, Silesian Station (John Russell series Book 2) and enjoyed the WW2 fictional account of a journalist/spy on my Kindle. I like the nasty names he calls that bad guys and observations–recommended.

After that, I managed to sleep and stayed sleeping until the morning.

Sorry, I missed taking a picture today.

Friday started with me sleeping into 7AM, and then numb I located the kitchen (it has not moved). I made liberal coffee and moved to the blueberry Organic yogurt, having finished all the strawberry versions. Next, I did the usual exploration of emails, Slack channel updates, and online news (CNN, BBC, and New York Times being the three I read to get a balanced account with a slight left lean but with strong fact-checking). At 8AM, I started my first meetings, Zoom, and fortified with food and liberal coffee, I was ready for the questions and issues.

The morning went on with hours of status meetings on Zoom, and a few crises of the moment surfaced. I also reviewed and approved some design fixes; I did the easy ones for our team. This filled the early morning, and I popped out to shower and dress. I was ready to present at the engineer and architect briefing meeting I run every Friday at 11AM. Still, there was a request to cancel Friday’s meeting and postpone my presentation–I was already preparing but accepted the postponement.

With 11AM suddenly free, I headed out with my Nike and Apple laptops and took Air Volvo to Beaverton. I stopped by Paris Baguette for lunch, having a fantastic turkey club with avocado. I then found a small cheesecake, a strawberry soft cake (something new), and some breakfast items to take to the hummingbird house. Air Volvo took me into some slow-moving traffic; folks were starting their weekend early on Highway 217. I finally arrived at Susie’s place at the hummingbird house in Portland (Tigard) at Allegiance Senior Care LLC, 9925 SW 82nd. Ave. Portland (Tigard), OR 97223; phone (503) 246-4116.

Moving backward, I interrupted my return to the hummingbird house and stopped at a Credit Union. As part of my retirement planning, I wish to move to a Credit Union to be insulated from the bank mergers and corporate shenanigans we now see with too large-to-fail banks. Time to run for cover and get local–not that I am afraid of bank failures or currency issues, but I do not want to find that I have accounts I did not agree to or to see that there are no services now unless I have super premium something. I need something local and safe.

Rivermark Credit Union’s office was strange. There were two humans there. A gentleman asked me why I was there, an odd question, and I asked about their services. He then created an appointment with someone (who was the other person, I soon realized) and had me wait until she was ready. I was then taken into a generic office and discussed their services. The gal then printed out their information (available online, I was told). Also, the gal shared that their tellers are working from home, and you stand at a video screen to do banking, and I was told they are proud that soon all their locations with be using tellers working from home. Yes, I found a Credit Union with all the personality of a vast bank and almost no services (except for some high minimum balance accounts)–not what I expected. When I left, like a volleyball team, the two people changed positions; the gal that helped me now was the greeter. I was not expecting a CU so over-the-top corporate. I am tempted to join because it is so cutting-edge and West Coast.

Back to hummingbird house, I still had to work Friday afternoon; Nike summer hours do not apply to our project (growl), so Jennifer moved Susie from the recliner in the shared living room to Susie’s bed. I connected my two laptops and continued to work, sitting next to Susie at a little table. I put a movie on so Susie would have something to watch while I worked (and I would sometimes watch): Ratatouille by Pixar. This is one of my favorite animated movies; a modern fairytale about discrimination with cooking representing making correct choices–recommended.

Susie tolerated my meetings and my having to read and review some documents. Susie has gained two pounds reaching 70 pounds now. Today she was uncomfortable with some gut issues and showed some signs of confusion. She asked to go home today, but I could tell her she was safe at the hummingbird house, and she agreed that they take good care of her. Susie was unhappy when I left at 4PM but accepted it. It is heartbreaking for me.

I do not remember the drive home as I was upset, which is not unusual for me. Air Volvo found its way, and I was soon home. I explored the freezer and discovered a package of ground beef from 2020! It was pushed against the back of the wall. I also identified another that was two years old. Both were taken out to the trash. Finding more current versions, I made tacos for dinner. I had a box of shells that was opened before and a packet of taco spices also open (I made something that needed just a few bits, and I have been meaning to finish these open ones). I watched some old The Avengers (1966) episodes for fun while cooking and eating.

Done with dinner, I decided to see Oppenheimer at 7:10 at Regal’s Movies on TV theater (just a few minutes away). The manager was happy to see me when I arrived and helped me get some popcorn (free as I used my Regal Card) and a small drink. The manager was visibly relieved to see many folks attending the movies.

The movie. three hours long, seemed to me to be a new way to tell a story with film. The storyline bounces around a bit, but I liked how they did it. The film managed to get across how many people were involved in making the atomic bomb and personality conflicts, and how war makes you align with the war goals. I would recommend it–get a small drink (kids sized).

After that, affected by the movie, my mind was spinning. One of my fears is that the work at the shoe company and the demands (weekend work and covering 7/24 for weeks on end and over holidays) are wrong for me. The movie brought this back to my mind. More to think about.

I went to bed and soon slept. I slept until 3AM, when my arm hurt and woke me. I have injured my right arm, it hurts when I stretch to reach. I might have damaged it when lifting Susie a few weeks ago. It started the next day. I did lots of lifts. I slept, after some ibuprofen, until the morning.

Aside: I have The Describer’s Dictionary by David Grambs on my desk. I recommend it when you are tired of using the exact words. Recommended. It is my few old-school tools. I also have manuals of style and American usage, but I seldom open those books. I find that dictionaries are no longer needed with Google. I also read the NYT, as it is the best writing I have discovered from a daily source, and they don’t use the Oxford comma.

Thanks for reading.

The day has been a challenge as my colon decided to empty with little warning multiple times. This left me feeling a bit tired and likely dehydrated. I finally seemed better and headed to Wildwood Taphouse after reheating the tagine-style chicken with potatoes and carrots for dinner. I ate it while watching ShipHappen’s latest update (repair) on their ship. I also enjoyed Drachinifel’s new video on the design of the HMS Hood while eating. I also consumed many glasses of water.

I collected the recycling and the trash and put them out for Friday (garage day for our street). After that, as I said, I headed to Wildwood.

Before this, I was rushing all day, sometimes to the restroom! Susie was napping when I reached her at the hummingbird house in Portland (Tigard) at Allegiance Senior Care LLC, 9925 SW 82nd. Ave. Portland (Tigard), OR 97223; phone (503) 246-4116. I was there about 1:20, running late, and bookended with a meeting at 2:00. I also had to rush to use Susie’s room’s toilet, ugh! Before reaching Susie’s place, I decided to have a small lunch pizza and salad at Old Chicago Pizza–the thick crust I miss from the USA Midwest. That was not settled well–I had hoped some food would improve my condition. Susie saw me stagger a few times–she was looking worried.

I managed to get Susie to Metzger Park and found that the picnic tables were not in use today. There was a wonderful breeze and shade there. Despite the burning heat (83F with a desert-like 45% humidity–28C), we were almost cold in the shade. I did have to wave away a yellow jacket that nearly spoiled our visit to the park. We called Leta, Susie’s mother, who was hanging out with Barb (Susie’s sister). Leta is buying her leased car to the great disappointment of the dealership, who likely could sell the vehicle at 2x the buyout (perfect condition and very low mileage). Also, the car could go to the grandchildren if Leta stops driving. Perfect.

I could not stay long as I was already late for my meeting. I gave Susie a quick kiss goodbye after I returned Susie to the hummingbird house. I promised Friday would be a more extended visit (I work from Susie’s room on Friday afternoons). I did my call while Air Volvo took me home. I then did another meeting and helped with some more crises of the moment after arriving at the Volvo Cave.

I am working the weekend as our project requires 7/24 coverage for six weeks (puke). I will miss out on gaming on Saturday night again with Richard, and my afternoon will be truncated, so I will not get much chance to play with Evan either. I am also looking at working Sunday afternoon. It seems like Dungeons and Dragons on Sunday night is still possible.

The day started with me simulating Dracula facing the sun when the alarm went off. Yes, I think I actually turned to dust. Returning from the dead, I found the kitchen (it had not moved) and decided on just yogurt for dinner, as my colon was already sending warning signals. Liberal coffee was assembled and consumed (extra put in the thermal cup and taken to work). I read all the emails, Slack channel updates, and some news before popping in the shower, dressing, and boarding Air Volvo.

School buses have reappeared, suggesting that summer school or summer camps are in progress. I still arrived early and attended the usual hours of status meetings while reading and approving various documents. As the project is heating up, I got many requests for approvals, and my time on the change control board no longer has me fighting to stay awake. I have stuff to approve and to think about.

And that takes me full circle. I did talk to some directors and engineers about my new project. I have plenty to keep me busy now–it is always good to find and solve an impossible problem.

Aside: Leadership is passing around the copy of the 2600 magazine I supplied with the article I wrote. So far, I have not been invited to a meeting with HR or, far worse, Corporate Communications. HR confirmed one of my retirement questions. Plans are starting to become apparent. No details here, sorry.

Thanks for reading.

Today I am running very late; it is already 10:40PM, so I will just cover the interesting stuff, skipping my usual boilerplates, and cover the good stuff. Think of tonight’s blog as a chocolate chip cookie without the cookie–just the chocolate.

Susie was having a good day when I saw her after leaving work near noon. Her eyes were full of light, and she was fully present–not true of all days. Susie was happy to travel to Metzger Park, and I only had to wave away one yellow jacket. The park was busy and loud, and we had to use the shady bench again. We called Leta, Susan’s mother, and Barb, Susie’s sister, on my iPhone using a 3-way FaceTime call. Everyone was happy to see each other; Thunder storms were passing thru the area in Michigan, with Leta finishing the storm that Barb was starting. Susie was more responsive on the call, but the strokes greatly affected her speech, and it was hard for her to get the words out.

We will check Susie’s weight every Friday and hope it is stable at 68 pounds and maybe increasing. Susie had a great short meeting with me.

Moving to the next bit of goodness, Dondrea and Z met me at Powell’s in Beaverton, and from there, we had dinner at Panera Bread for dinner. After we all had soup and some got sandwiches, we headed to the Cinemark Theater for Akhnaten, a Philip Glass Opera, an encore Live HD Met event. This is the 2019 recording I saw live with Susie, and it is great to see it again with Dondrea and Z, who have never done an opera before, let alone one at a movie theater. The Met’s version of Akhnaten is a fantasy and spectacle, and they have found the perfect match to the highly repetitive Glass music, juggling. This is a modern work, but I think approachable. We all loved it.

I rushed home and did a Zoom with Archana in India. I am starting up a new work set for the shoe company, and she and her team may get involved. It was great to see her and start to start new work.

I paid the August bill for Susie’s care. Her total care runs over $8000 a month after insurance (OTC items are not covered by insurance or included in IRS write-offs). I can still cover this with the money I borrowed from my 401K. I am thrilled with the care Susie is getting and honored to work with such good people. I only report it here so folks understand what the actual costs are.

The Beaverton anthology organizer finally contacted me. I sent him my Howard story, but he said I was the only person to reply to the note. I have sent the connection information to others (Here it is hackett.notonicpress@gmail.com).

Well, that was all the good chucks I can share. I hope you enjoyed these good bits!