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I rose with clouds and sun, weather more usual for the Pacific Northwest. The new coffee Machine with a timer and an automatic shut-off had already summoned coffee, liberal Fair Trade. With coffee, I started the blog and quickly wrote a physical card to Mom Wild. I try to get a card to her every day and need to get it out to the box before the mail person arrives, they run early now.

With coffee, muffins I made a few days ago (they are aging poorly), and a banana, I continued with my quest to complete the blog. Texts and calls, mostly with Deborah, slow the process, an excellent distraction, and soon, I am running late. However, I seldom have plans on Friday, and today, I am mostly at loose ends.

The laundry that has accumulated since Monday is soon in The Machine. Later, I strip the bed and wash the sheets. I try to redo the bed every week, especially now that pollen is starting to build. The pine trees are ‘smoking’ with pollen. I will soon begin showering in the evening to ensure I don’t carry pollen into my pillows and sheets.

I walked outside in the backyard and noticed that the neem oil I sprayed on the two roses affected by rust appears to halt the spread, as I can see it was not getting worse, and I take that as a victory. According to what I read on the always-true Internet, the oil drowns the fungus and has some antifungal function. The Internet suggested various other products may work, but you may have to rotate various products (almost like written by someone who sells multiple products). But when I read the warning labels on those products at Ace Hardware, I was scared to hold the bottle at the store! I put the bottle back with care, noticing it cost more than neem oil in a lovely spray bottle mixed with water and ready to use. Done!

For a cold lunch, I sliced some ham, peeled some hard-boiled eggs, and added some blue cheese-stuffed olives from the Olive Pit. Finishing the laundry, I threw in the sheets (they don’t need attention), showered, and was finally dressed by 2.

I was thinking of cleaning the house, but the sunshine was tempting and I instead boarded Air VW the Gray and headed to Hillsboro for a walk. There, with more traffic than I would expect, I found a parking spot on Main Street and began my shopping.

I stopped by the usual shops and got coffee and pasta. I also found an 1883 pre-stamped envelope in Le Stuff Antiques and paid $1 for it (it was worth about that, but I still found it, and that was worth it). I do not usually look through a pile of postcards, as the good ones are usually already found, and most of the stamps were lifted from these, but today I thought these might have something. I was awarded one envelope; I was happy to pay my $1 and later look it up. It is not valuable, and I overpaid, but there is a version worth more, so I can compare it to others. It was fun to be a stamp collector on the hunt again. They asked me about unused postcards priced at $1 each in packs of eight, but I know most modern stuff is worth less. I smiled and said I would have to check at home. When I checked later, I was surprised that these are international postcards and are worth little, unused, but oddly, a postally used one (one that was used at the time for international post) is rare and conditionally valued at $10 (it seems that few used ones found their way to collectors). American postage is seldom rated more for used copies, making this postcard an exception.

I stopped by the gaming store and saw the owner, and we arranged to meet at his shop, Rune and Bone, next Thursday afternoon to play the board game Unsettled. We talked about his Dungeons and Dragons playing and that he is using the new books. I failed to resist the Monty Python role-playing game (RPG) book. I took their only copy home, $50 (unlike the cheaper D&D, $49.99, but there are three books); Nick tried not to look relieved that someone bought it.

Aside: I like the Monty Python RPG. It is silly, but an interesting system that mixes silliness with actual, meaningful rules and some interesting ideas of abstracting skills and abilities. I might have to try some silliness.

At home, I heated up some chili I made a few weeks ago from the freezer and finished the first season of Severance on Apple+. Deborah called and we talked until she needed to sleep. I then started to order my table and start on the cleaning I had put off.

Rev. Anne called and needed help with a computer issue. I drove to their house and helped with some digital paperwork. I learned that a copy of your registration should be kept at home, as the control number is essential to the Oregon DMV online access. My friends keep photos of this stuff in a folder on their phones. I will have to do that, too. We finished what we could do and returned home in the EV.

It was late, and I made the bed and soon used it. I read more about the Battleship Battle of Jutland in 1916. I am comparing some books from the 1920s-30s on the battle. Soon, I was too tired to read more; I curled up and went to sleep. Unremembered pleasant dreams came and were interrupted by two chances to prove hydration.

Thanks for reading!

 

No coffee! I slept until 7:30, put on my slippers, found the kitchen (it has not moved), and discovered I forgot to assemble the coffee the night before. Ugh! I made the coffee and retreated to the office while the process ran.

I started on the blog, but Wednesday was a quiet day, and the blog was short. I had appointments on Thursday, but they were later, so I was not rushed. I write the blog with my experiences of the day and some thoughts, musing if you like, but it is not a contest with myself to reach a word count. I try to get to 500, as anything below that is more a text than a blog entry.

Having finished the Canadian mystery/crime novel, switched to history for a while. I picked up the 1940s reprint of the 1930 updated version of Office History of the War: Naval Operations III (Text). I have the original 1923 version with the maps, which were not included in my newer copy. I read more about this version of the history of Jutland 1916 and compared it to my memory of all the other accounts I have read. I now see that this version fits the truths we know and the fiction created by human storytelling.

With my mind swirling about events over 100 years ago, I showered, dressed, and boarded Air VW the Gray. I met Scott at McMenamins  Cedar Hills for lunch. Today we both went with the non-meat Mystic Burger with a salad. We did get two beers. We chatted about travel, finances, and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Scott has asked me to consider how to explain and use AI with our knowledge of computer systems and software design. As a pair of gray-beards (a term used for folks who built the existing systems, I take it to mean wise ones and not pejorative), could we be of value by adding AI to what we already know? A mix of the overwhelming practicality of Gray-beards and new capabilities. It is an interesting thought, and I am following it up.

I returned to the house in the EV and took the Zoom meeting for a brief church meeting. For those who speak Methodist, it was the S/PRC meeting, and it was blessedly short. This committee deals with people issues at a Methodist church and comes with all the obvious horrid problems, but today, it was perfunctory. Excellent.

Early, Scott reminded me it was May Day and First Thursday in the Pearl. This means the art galleries stay open late and serve wine and finger foods. Protests were also planned. I decided to try both, reboarded Air VW the Gray, and soon was at the MAX station and boarded a train. But I noticed my ‘touch’ did not go through on my phone. I had not paid for the trip! Yikes. I disembarked at the next station, touched again, and this time the iHop (sounding like breakfast) app billed me. I was legal now. Call me old-fashioned, but I hate to trust an app for this stuff. I believe my reloading of the virtual card, which was low, had overwritten the fare purchase. Hmmm. I miss NYC’s pay and go using Apple Pay and like phone pay products instead of a virtual card and an app.

With that excitement over, I met folks with signs headed to Pioneer Square for a May Day protest against the Trump Administration. I did not see any counter-protestors on the MAX, a problem we had a few years ago. I also met Michael R from church, visiting others across town. We chatted until I hit my stop, Pioneer Square. I decided that I prefer Art to potential tear-gassing today and took the transfer to the Green Line.

On the new train, a person of color pointed out that I looked Aryan and thus would never be questioned, while they would always be assumed to be suspicious. The person then explained why they are a CIA agent and that I would make a poor agent. Their friend agreed that this double-blind worked. I smiled and was off two stops later. I never felt threatened, and it was not hard to agree with their conclusion.

I walked to the Pearl District, and it was too early for First Thursday (starting at 5ish). I stopped at Deschutes Brewery Portland Public House in the Pearl and had a brew and an appetizer. When folks left, I got a seat at the bar and had one of the Black Butte Porter, their best item. I chatted with some folks trying not to talk politics on May Day with sign-waving folks everywhere. I tried to speak above the noise about travel and got quizzed on my favorite places (Istanbul and New Orleans). It was a pleasant snack and drink.

Next, I found about five galleries and liked some of the stuff. I did not get any wine (the beer was enough). The Armory had tables and someone singing jazz for the evening (5-9). I stayed for a bit. I met one artist at one gallery I had read about, and was happy to visit. They had recently moved; the space was the usual white walls with strong light. I like the story the art told and the colors (here if you want a peek).

The SMG Collective was a furniture/art store with prices that were the same as flights to Europe and a hotel! But there, they had a collection of wood and wax to light as a smudge for $12, and it was the first thing I could afford at any of these shows (being retired). I took that home and even bought a bag, and they wrapped it in tissue. It was all grand.

Clive Knight’s pieces, which are collage art created with recycled paper, were shown at Laura Vincent Design and Gallery, a gallery I have walked by many times. The space had tall white walls, and wine and food were offered, but I demurred. I liked the art, but cannot understand how the artist can tear, paint, and glue things to create an emotion; I would just make a mess. Art is a mystery to me. I like to visit it.

With a few galleries not listed here (some not mentioned as they did not interest me, and/or I did not look like a customer and was ignored), I walked to Ground Kontrol (making a detour when I remembered I wanted to do that). I played video games and pinball for about thirty minutes. I managed to burn 1/3 of the value of my card, which I used to pay. One of my pinball plays was so poor that the machine kept giving me a second try. Yes, that bad the machine was forgiving me and letting me try again–I counted six plays for the usual three. I recommend the “Game of Thrones” pinball as it is more forgiving with a constant note, “Winter is Coming!” I enjoyed the new and more expensive version of Asteroids, but my score was also embarrassingly low. Somewhere, I could hear “Elric” laughing and razzing me. More practice!

Next, I took the Green Line back to an emptying Pioneer Square. I spotted the folks I talked to on the train, and they said it was a pleasant protest. The most significant issue was finding an open bar to get drinks when they were done. Yes, liberals in Portland! They took the MAX back. I decided to look for that bar.

Swine is one of Dondera’s favorite places. I stopped there and tried to enjoy the outside, but I was swarmed by tiny bugs (it is just May, after all). I had their steak and fries (more protein after my nearly all-carb snack). This with an Old Fashioned was an excellent mix. It’s a nice place.

With some food and a relaxing boozy drink (all at Portland prices) consumed, I paid, thanked the staff (who were bored as the customer count was low, likely due to the activities), and soon found a MAX train back, remembering to get a proper scan.

I took an older train and forgot how tall and uneven the steps are. I did not fall, but I did have to hold on. I will look for the new kinder and gentler versions.

I returned home without issue and plugged in the now-about-40-charged EV. I have been avoiding charging it when it is above a 50% charge (100+ miles of travel), as there is no need (like a gas car, I don’t fuel it daily). I read more about Jutland and am returning to another book to read more versions. This other book, written by an American Naval Officer, is strongly opinionated and highly critical of the British. While he quotes and refers to different sources, there are no footnotes. However, as the sources are limited during the writing, I can connect his quotes and sources–I have most of it (missing only one book that is so often quoted, I feel I have already read it too). With dreams of WW1 ships flying across the Gray Reaches, I fell alseep.

Sadly, I did not keep hydrated, and at 4ish, my legs were stiff and painful. I had to wake and get some painkillers and water. I managed to sleep again.

Thanks for reading.

 

 

 

Wednesday, I was home most of the day and suffered from a mixed-up tummy and colon issues. While I was not depressed (the colors did not run out of the day), it was a less-than-stellar day.

I had trouble sleeping and luxuriated in my comfy bed until 9, which is unusual for me. It was a cold but clear morning. We are having a sunglass-needed California morning rather than a Pacific Northwest gray. My climbing roses are reaching the top of my fence already. I got out the Neem Oil to treat two bushes for rust, which is new this year. When applied, the roses need to be dry, and I soak the leaves, hoping to drown the fungus. I should have blooms everywhere next week!

I found the coffee pot still hot when I finally reached the kitchen. It was not a long quest for the kitchen, but a long wait to get out of bed, put on slippers, and walk to the kitchen. There, I later acquired more coffee, a banana ($2.49 @ Costco for a larger bunch greener than I like), and more muffins starting to age. I brought these back to the office, continued to doom scroll (reading the news), update transactions on Quicken, and started on the blog.

Aside: At Costco, I watched some people reach deep into a box of bananas. Not something I would do. I still remember the horror movie about Banana Spiders. I know the box was repacked, and the yellow is from gassing the banana with sulfur (we eat unripe bananas in the USA, dyed to look ready), likely ending any hiding spiders. Still, I am not reaching into the box!

I wrote the blog until 11ish and published. I had my leftover half of a tuna fish sandwich from Subway for lunch. Then, I took a long shower and dressed.

I took my laptop with me to Wildwood using Air VW the Gray to get there. JR was there and we chatted a few times. I found a beer and sat outside in the sun to read Pastor Ken’s newest update on his book. I read the following two chapters and sent him some thoughts. Previously, Ken asked me not to be an editor but to look for flow and clarity.

I moved inside when some folks chatted loudly, and I could not focus. I tried a small glass of an IPA that, to me, tasted like a cleaning supply. I am not an IPA person, but I try them once and a while. The beer made me tired, and my tummy was upset again; I headed home.

I rested and read. I nodded off a few times (these little naps are not great for a good night’s sleep), but read more Canadian crime/mystery, set in Paris. Gaming was out tonight as Z was at play practice. Z is the title character and has lots to learn and do for the musical Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory.

I made a NYC bagel (thanks, Joyce, for the new ones from Zabar’s) with cream cheese for dinner. I had to unwrap the block, cut it, and spread it old-school style. It brought back memories. I used to get a bagel sandwich in Washington DC when I worked there in the 1980s, and it had a block of cream cheese between the bread; I had to ask for less and have them spread some on.

I read more and said good night to Deborah as she ended her day. The book made me cry, and I reacted more than I expected. I walked around the backyard and was calm. I recommend these books, even with the tears, the Chief Inspector Gamache novels. I am on the 17th one.

I started on the revised book (1930s) on Jutland 1916 (the greatest battleship battle). I have an original copy from 1923. I am surprised that this book is the source of most of the stories I have read. The revised version has added pages with letters and the original page. There are also texts referring to German sources that the 1920s version did not include (it had not been published yet). The revised version I have does not include the maps.

I forgot to assemble coffee, but I did the dishes and tried to sleep. I was waking up often and tossing and turning. I think I need more exercise and fewer naps!

Thanks for reading!

I was up at 7 for another gray morning. I was rushed as I had a board game 9:30 in Portland at Richard’s house. I was bringing Unsettled, a cooperative board game with a SciFi theme. We play cooperative games on Tuesday morning. I started the blog, got coffee (assembled the night before), and a muffin. But I did not get more than a few words down before I had to head out.

After a quick shower, dress, and all that, I was in Air VW the Gray headed to Portland. The traffic was thick and slow. While my syrup for my pancakes or jam for my toast is good this way, traffic is just frustrating. While in Beaverton, there was no chance of risking a speeding ticket! Highway 26, the Sunset Highway, was slow.

The signs on 26 went from ‘SLOW’ to ’35 MPH’, and suddenly, the traffic started to move. I wondered about the cause of the improvement (did the sign change give folks permission to go faster?). The driving, now at the end of rush hour, was chaotic, with folks, including myself, putting on blinkers and then sitting until someone let them in. It was very polite and very PDX. I was ten minutes late.

We decided on Unsettled; James was there and told us he has an unpunched copy. He was happy to learn the game. I picked the ‘B’ scenario for the ice planet Gniir, but we soon returned to ‘A’ as it was a continuation of the previous scenario and could not remember. Reset, we played and failed, and had time to start again. This time, we were more efficient, and by 1:30, we were on target to win. James had to leave, but we declared it a success as we knew how to win and had enough resources and health to finish. Next time, we will either try ‘B’ or another planet.

I drove home and stopped at Subway off of TV Highway for a veggie and tuna fish salad sub. I got the big one, as I would eat half today and then again tomorrow. I had them add all the fresh veggies and some hots. I love this sub, as the bread is fresh, the veggies are crunchy, and the tuna fish, while industrial, is fresh, too. I took my sub to the office, looked at the blog, and soon found myself sleepy. I curled up in my bed and slept a few hours, a privilege of being retired.

I rose, chatted, and then talked to Deborah a few times (her work day was over as she lives in Michigan and has a three-hour time difference), and then boarded the EV again. I was off to Costco and making some investments (I bought eggs).

There I found a few things I needed, but in sizes that make one have no doubt about the cause of the obesity issue in the US. I think I grew a pound just looking at the stuff! I got eggs (24) and a gallon of laundry detergent. I got shelf-stable milk (I don’t drink it, thus I need the small ones for baking). I got a few veggies as I was there, and the price was not terrible. I did not buy the three pound tub of cream cheese (f**k) but did get 8 packs of cream cheese (I will have to make a cheese cake I decided). Why anyone would want a tub that size (instead of a pack of smaller sizes) is beyond me. But Costco is often that way for me. It is just me at the house.

Today’s visit, just before the rush and on a Tuesday, meant the place was quieter. Many people there on weekends are angry and rushing, and my fellow shoppers sometimes push me aside. It was not a pleasant shopping experience. The pallets of $600 tall-as-me gun safes speak for our times—yes, pallets.

I took my load, somehow more than I planned, with the checking person telling me, ‘It is Costo’ when asked if I found what I needed. ‘More’ was my answer.  I got it in the VW and home. I unloaded and managed to squeeze it all in. Time was passing fast.

Andor, the Star Wars show, dropped three episodes, and my binge-watching filled my early evening with chats and texts with Deborah and Joan. I made a messy quiche with all those eggs and a frozen pie crust. I opened the ham and added that, chopped, to some slices of Swiss cheese (again from a large pack from Costco), which I also chopped. I finished it with sliced yellow bell pepper and put rings on the top.

It was OK and light (I did have two pieces). Andor was dark, moody, and complex. The rebels’ story was violent and full of emotions, desperate in a word. The Empire was cold, clean, and efficient, especially the character Dedra. It is an interesting mix, and Andor turns down a mission (he senses something is wrong, not knowing the Empire is setting up the rebels to cause the Empire to depopulate a planet).

I did the dishes, assembled liberal coffee for timed delivery on Wednesday morning, ordered more flour and mixes from King Arthur Flour (and a pan), and ordered more underwear, not from Amazon but directly from the company, one size smaller (!). I paid shipping, but got a discount. It appears to be cheaper than my last purchase on Amazon. Interesting.

Time was getting away from me, and I was not in bed reading until late. I enjoyed the Canadian murder/crime novel set in Paris, All the Devils Are Here: A Novel (Chief Inspector Gamache Novel Book 16), and read even until late. Finally, I decided to sleep instead of staying up late. It is nearing the finish, and I am still confused, but it is perfect. I woke once before sunrise to prove hydration. 

Thanks for reading.

 

Monday was another gray Pacific Northwest day, more usual for April. There was little or no rain on Monday, a disappointment as our outdoors appears magical, glittering with some water in the gray light. I rose later, past 8. Monday is my Saturday. I have no plans, and everyone is back to work. I do laundry, bills, and other chores on Monday.

I wrote the blog, which took much of the morning. Deborah and I chatted by text and on the phone all through the day. Deborah is back to work. It was beyond 11 when I finished the blog, showered, shaved, dressed, and all that. I got cards in the mail in time for the mail person to get them. My mail was mostly junk on Monday. I boarded Air VW the Gray and took it to the nearby MAX station, boarded the Portland train, and read my Canadian-based crime/mystery book on my Kindle.

The train reached Pioneer Square in Portland without issue, and then we stopped. A train was broken before us, and it would be fifteen minutes or more to wait. I decided to walk. I walk the green/orange line and wonder why I never take this train. But I walked and soon found a place still serving lunch or breakfast with their specialty being grits: Mumbo Gumbo PDX. I got a seat at the dinner’s bar and noticed the place full of New Orleans Cafe Du Monde chicory coffee cans; I liked it immediately. I got coffee and their small breakfast with buttered grits. This is two eggs, ham, toast, and grits. Perfect. I had toast with peanut butter and coffee for breakfast; lunch could be light.

The food was excellent, and I promised I would return. I paid the bill (with a big tip), which was still no more than $20. Just off the Oak stop on the Green/Orange MAX line.

I enjoyed the walk to the Chinese-style garden and soon walked through it for a few hours. I passed on the tour and just walked through the place alone. Monday was quiet, and there were only about ten visitors at any time.

I also found someone collecting the flat and smooth stones that broke loose and cementing them back into the walkways. Again, this is a good thing for a quiet Monday. I was told that the garden needs some updates and repairs. After that discussion, I noticed the paths that needed work and saw that rocks collect just off the paths. You just get them and put them back with a bit of cement. Interesting!

I learned from Quinton, our tea server, that glass tea service is unavailable in the garden (I usually have it inside). People walk in the garden barefoot, and breaking glass on the path must be avoided. I did not know and was tempted to take off my shoes. Next time, when it is warmer! Instead, Quinton walks the tea refills to us, never risking dropping the glass pot. I also learned that wine is not served in the garden as, to everyone’s surprise, it stains the rocks.

I had a moon cake with my tea (way too much sugar and carbs for me) and just enjoyed the peace in the garden by the little lake. I read my book, sipped tea, and munched on the cake. My number was 42, and I thought it a good choice.

Thanking Quinton, the guides, and other staff, I headed back, walked to the MAX, remembered I wanted to play some pinball and old video games, and headed to Ground Kontrol. I did not know they closed some of the buildings on some days until the evening, restricting what I could play. But still, I could get a few games in. I enjoyed the new Jaws version pinball with scenes playing from the first movie while you play. I did hit the shark a few times. Old school Asteroids, Galaga, and a new version of Asteroids ate more into my card. No quarters or tokens now, A card taps to pay for a game. I was not as terrible as last time. More investment is necessary.

Deciding it would be good to head home, I waited for an Orange/Green MAX train, this time to Pioneer Square. I am feeling off from the tea and moon cake. I stopped at the food carts at ordered a small cheese stake from The Block. It was a lot of food, and I ate it while watching the folks. One guy searched through the trash and retrieved the cans (worth ten cents in Oregon). And while there may be better ones, the sandwich and cheese melted into the shaved steak were excellent. It was the best I had had.

Two excellent meals and new places made for a most amazing day in Portland! Then I boarded a Blue MAX back to Beaverton/Hillsboro, read on the train, and soon took the EV home.

At the house, I saw a squirrel out exploring the backyard. I watched as he/she dug up his/her supply of filberts that he/she had hidden in the lawn. The nuts are hard to open, and I have noticed that they plant them, sprout them, and enjoy them now, aged, split open, and likely tasty, like bean sprouts for us.

The rest of the night, I finished the laundry, put it away, and read my book.

Thanks for reading and sorry for being so late.