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I rose at 5:20 because I wanted to talk with Deborah, which would have been more likely if I had started earlier. We did chat for a while in the morning. Eventually, I returned to writing and creating a blog about what had happened the day before. I found the IKEA coffee and combined it with hot water in my French Press to make a drinkable liquid. I also had a croissant and a banana for breakfast. I wrote all morning.

I discovered that I missed a day on my trip and called my hotel in Michigan. We added a new one-day reservation without having to change rooms to cover the missing night. I updated my trip plan in Tripit with the information. I also checked in my Hertz rental car reservation at Detroit Airport; my trip to Michigan and New Hampshire is just a week away.

Steve let me know that a second fruitcake arrived at his house. I told him to enjoy it. With two fruitcakes, he agreed with me that he and AJ are set for any disaster–a fruitcake will survive just about anything. I was worried that all the fruitcakes went to Steve, but one was reported delivered to the planned recipient, so it appears just one was a repeat.

I reheated my leftover IKEA meatballs, potatoes, and IKEA gravy for lunch. I had lingonberry jam with the meatballs. Wonderful. I watched another Battleship New Jersey video discussing another set of updates done to Battleship Wisconsin but did not get applied to NJ. I found the crane installed to move goods to the ship while at sea interesting. The crane system is still in use and can be spotted on more modern US Navy ships, but it was not added to the NJ. Also, the command center and admiral areas were rebuilt in Battleship Wisconsin with a Cold War look but not NJ; NJ was reactivated in the 1980s and served longer than the other US Fast Battleships and seemed to have gotten minimal updates to be brought back into service.

I also watched ShipHappens for more videos on repairing and rebuilding their WW2 wooden ship. While I watched the videos, I ran towels in The Machine. I made a mistake and did not set them to dry. I ran them for a few hours. The drying seems to be not working that well. I am concerned there is a lint blockage. I will have to check the instructions.

I heard about the Volvo. The news is expensive. The seal in the sunroof had failed, and the insides were flooded. F**k. The electronics are damaged, and the cable harness is failing. The computer is underwater, flooded, and failing. The interior has mold from the dampness. It is about $3000 to fix the damage, with luck that the cables can be repaired, and another $2500 to clean and dry out the Volvo. This is before we get to the 70,000-mile check, which will likely involve brakes and tires for another pile of money. F**k. I asked them to contact me if the repairs (not the whole thing) cost over $8,000 (or half of the value of the 2018 XC60).

The repairs will not be done before next year. Yes, the Volvo will be at the spa for a month! I will keep my Ford until I leave for Michigan now. If the car is not finished by my return, which is possible given the holidays and the complexity of the repairs, they will provide me with a loaner. While upsetting, I have had no major repairs on the Volvo until now. When I saw six warning lights, I knew it would be expensive (I estimated correctly at $1000 a light). Instead of buying a new car, I will fix this one.

I had traveled to Volvo to discuss the spend-a-thon on the Volvo, as it seemed to be an in-person discussion. The videos from the technician (yes, I have paid for videos) explaining the water damage were shown to me. I agreed and headed out.

I parked Air Ford (Escape) near the Beaverton Food Carts and walked a few wet blocks to Central Taps. I got a beer, a Harp–a favorite from Ireland, and set up the Decision Games’ Siege of Jerusalem 70AD wargame. I am playing this with Michael R on Monday and still trying to understand the setup and tactics. I also wanted to see if the place would work for gaming. The dark rainy sky and mood lighting meant the place was too dark for me to read the tiny print on the pieces. I used my phone light to see the pieces.

Even with the lighting issue, I sorted the rebels first (my word for the Jewish side) and soon began understanding the troop structure and some game mechanics. The rebels are divided into two sets of forces, colored green and blue, that operate independently. The setup restricts the rebels to their sections of Jerusalem, but they share the New City. I set them up first as they are less and their placement is more demanding.

The Roman forces comprised five legions, supporting troops, and allies (including Josephus, whose account survived). The setup is the classic placement near the map edge, which fits Titus’s historical camp locations. I assembled the Romans into their legions and assigned four to Titus and one to his son, fitting the original attack in 70 AD. With the Romans in place, I revised the rebel placement, who would set up second according to the rules to better defend the city against the apparent threat of Titus’s four legions. I better defended the Temple Mount as Titus’s son was on the Mount of Olives, threatening the East with one legion and powerful allied cavalry.

Aside: I remember from my tour in Israel that the Romans would have torn out all the olives for a clear view of the city, but some may have regrown from the roots and may still be there today. Unlikely, but possible.

I began understanding how to play the game with the troop makers on the board. The players, two with one representing the Romans and the other the rebel defenders, draw chits most with a number and activate leaders or stacks to that number. A count of three, for example, would allow Titus to activate all his legions and supporting troops. As in antiquity, losing a leader would be devastating, but risking them provides advantages you need to beat your enemy. Rebels, clearly stretched, are facing a considerable Roman force with a large city to defend. I suspect the New City will fall quickly, as it did in 70 AD in the first battles.

With the game ready but using my iPhone light to see the writing on the pieces, I studied the board and estimated the best tactics for the Romans and the rebel reactions. The Romans had the initiative, but siege weapons must be acquired and walls smashed. It will be hard to take the city. The rebels must snipe and waste the only resource the Romans don’t have, time. But facing five whole legions, plus supporting troops and allies, is harsh.

I put the game away, paid my bill for two beers, a second small red ale, and some peanuts, and walked in the rain to the food carts. I ordered noodles and walked around the carts to get some steps and to help my stiff legs and back work better while I waited. I was cold.

I took the spicy hot soup back to Air Ford (Escape), traveled on the wet roads with large puddles, and soon arrived home. Once in the kitchen, I assembled the soup, called Deborah, and slurped noodles while chatting with Deborah, who was headed to bed. The spiciness caused me to choke once, but I recovered and was more careful. It was delicious. Deborah said good night, and soon I was resting, too. I was freezing. The house was at a damp 66F (19C).

I adjusted the programming for the heat and will now keep the house warmer until 11PM. I wrote this blog.

Thanks for reading.

I rose again late. It seems like a new habit, but the previous night contained some disturbed sleep, and I decided to invest some of Thursday’s morning in sleep. I felt better, and the breathing and racing heart issues seemed less. I did have some breathing issues and started to use more of my inhaler, and that helped.

I started my late morning by texting Deborah, ‘Good morning,’ and connecting with her when she drove from work to her house. We often talk when we are driving. Deborah is still working.

I wrote an extra-long blog that took until the early afternoon to complete; my Wednesday was busy (as was the Thursday I am covering now). I reheated the chicken and root veggies I made a few days ago for lunch. I caught up on my YouTube channels as Battleship New Jersey had a fascinating visit to Battleship Wisconsin with a list of updates done to Wisconsin but never done to NJ, including replacing the butcher shop with a donut-making area. Less funny, but more interesting to me, was the update in Wisconsin to liquid flooring replacing the old school square cut laminate. The tiles caused rust issues to the underlying metal with water intrusion, but the update did not have that problem (I heard it was used now universally in the US Navy). One of the interesting things I noticed on WW2 ships is the lack of modern materials (let’s not even dwell on the lead paint and asbestos) and old power plants with pipes going every whichaway. There are good reasons to scrap old warships; you cannot update what they are made of.

I did dishes, showered, and dressed (colon issue and other things made it a good idea to shower again, for those wondering). I ordered more items delivered from The Swiss Colony, trying not to wince at the shipping cost to the West Coast.

I found an aged box of cake mix in the pantry and made German Chocolate Cake by mostly following the directions. Mom Wild used to make fabulous cakes from store-bought mixes by replacing the oil with melted butter, and I did that. While I started this, Corwin dropped by, and we chatted for a while I loaded him up with some Christmas items, including a set of IKEA meatball supplies (including the lingonberry sauce, gravy packet, and even a wisk from IKEA). Corwin wants a clutch for his truck for Christmas and has agreed to get him that.

Deborah and I talked for a while while I made the cake. I combined the wet ingredients, added the dry ones to my mixer, and let it mix for a few minutes. I then poured the mix into a sprayed castle cake mold. I let it bake. Sadly, the spray was ineffective (or I did not wait long enough), and the cake stuck and broke, but I could reassemble it without issue, and it looked good.

I took Air Ford (Escape) to Safeway to get some supplies. I was making a salad and needed more veggies, canned items (beets and little corn), and dressings. I brought that home, chopped and assembled a salad, and then collected everything to load into Air Ford. The castle cake was given a snow-like look with the powdered sugar. I heated the IKEA VINTERSAGA and poured the hot liquid into my new Grinch Thermal Carafe. It would be hot for our party. I put on my red vest and green Christmas Tie (from Barb, Susie’s sister, years ago–“You need a holiday tie”) with a gold-colored chain pocket watch and black shoes.

Ready, I took Air Ford (Escape) in building holiday traffic across Aloha into Old Town Beaverton to First United Methodist Church while chatting with Deborah while I drove. Soon, Dondrea and Z appeared, and we carried the items to the church. Costco makes inexpensive and excellent pizzas that Dondrea picked up. We got out tables and chairs and set out a spread. The food was good, and the Vintersaga was excellent.

(dressing at home)

The meeting was the ad hoc Christmas Party for Theology Pub; there was “no room at the inn” as the holiday parties had filled the usual location. We have reservations for January. The topic was “Following the Star” and the Three Wisemen and their decisions and how we need, like the story, to accept new ideas and focus on making moral decisions. The magi appear, give their gifts, recognize the fulfillment of prophecies, and then head home “by another road.” They don’t lead the authorities to do harm; instead, they accept the moment and do what is best, leaving. We concluded that we need to accept new ideas and events, but we need to not do harm or lead others to do harm. We must do our best with these new ideas and events, even nothing.

We cleaned up, loaded up, and I soon was headed home. Air Ford was soon home, and the rains were restarting tonight. I unloaded and soon put away everything (lots of cake and salad to eat this week). I changed out of my vest, did the dishes, and got some semblance of order in the kitchen.

Somewhere in the day, I sent a decorated tree to Mom Wild. I send them once in a while. She enjoys them.

After all the day’s events, I showered and started reading in my PJs in bed. I soon nodded off, turned off the light, and put on the music on the Echo for sleeping.

Thanks for reading!

It is Thursday morning, and I am up late trying to remember yesterday’s events. They are slowly returning to me as a disorganized virtual bag of images—a puzzle that does not quite fit together. Let me try to bring this misty memory into focus and assemble a story out of it.

I rose late as that is the habit, and I seem to be doing of last. I vowed to do more today as I fought off sleep, found my slippers, and located the kitchen. It still has not moved. There, I assembled IKEA coffee, selected a croissant for breakfast–one I acquired yesterday at the bakery in Portland, and found an expired yogurt that was fine (it is yogurt). I put this on a plate and added some orange marmalade, my favorite, for the croissant.

I turned on the light for the orchids; the timer stopped working, and I have yet to diagnose the problem or purchase a replacement. Something I need to fix or replace before next Thursday when I am away for three weeks. The orchids need to be kept damp and require 14 hours of light.

I wrote the blog after Deborah, in Michigan, with a three-hour time difference, and I texted good mornings. It took the morning to write, and I read the usual emails and news and updated my Quicken transactions. I have every credit card and bank connected to keep a watchful eye on the accounts via Quicken.

I finished the blog in the early afternoon. For lunch, I had IKEA meatballs heated in the oven with some Costco potatoes. I also had the IKEA gravy packet and made it (adding some butter and milk as I had no cream). I cooked enough to have leftovers and extra gravy. I had the lingonberry sauce from IKEA, which went well with the meatballs. It was an excellent repast.

I cleaned up and dressed. My colon was resisting, and it would take focus from my day as it required attention. It would not decide to finally empty without massive effort until 3AM Thursday morning, with multiple trips lasting until beyond 4:30AM with me sleeping between exits. But finally, the ‘cork’ was out, and things started to flow more normally. Remember, dear reader, I am missing 25cm of my colon from treatment for colon cancer (plus chemo), so things work a little differently than before. I include the descriptions for others who might be reading and facing colon cancer or similar issues. It is part of my life, and I embrace it.

I have also noticed that my balance is suddenly off. I have to catch myself at least once a day. My doctors had suggested it would get worse, and I, while not surprised, had hoped I was through most of it. Nope. I now sway when my eyes are closed or not seeing the horizon for my eyes to help me keep my balance. Also, the loss of hearing on my left side means I cannot track sounds. Having a rental car means I cannot spot it as quickly as the Volvo (it’s some grayish Ford out there), and if I use the fob to make it honk unless I see the lights, it is always on my right (my only working ear). Unhelpful. I walked up and down the rows of cars until I spotted the lights on Air Ford (Escape)!

And as I am covering challenges, the Volvo return has no estimated cost or time. I sent a text (this Thursday) that I am running out of time as I travel on 19 December to Michigan for a three-week trip. I am tempted to ask the dealership if they want to buy it. I am thinking of donating it, but I am running out of time to do that. Enterprise Car Sales will likely sell me a Ford Escape with 20K miles for $20K next year. I like it.

Returning to the narrative, I love the mall at Christmas, but it makes me miss Susie, who loved Christmas and malls. Santa in his chair and folks dressed as elves (never mind that they are too tall) seem to bring the season to reality for me. I headed to the local Washington Square Mall in Air Ford (Escape), and with a few weeks to Christmas, the rush is not on yet (the kids are still in school). Beaverton and Washington Country have relented, and the endless road construction is over, and there is no traffic. The drivers, going slow, exhibit no extra-legal driving, and Beaverton’s Finest is nowhere to be seen. I did see a car speed through a well-guarded intersection, and the lights flashed. I did not know they did speeding tickets, too! Inventive, and the Porche owner will get a portrait from the City of Beaverton without Seasons Greetings or Santa and a bill (virtual coal).

I park at Macy’s and enjoy their specials but resist walking through the cooking section. There is usually something so well discounted that I must have it. It’s best not to even look! Macy’s has a distinctive smell from all the scents sold, which I think is excellent. Ode de Macy’s makes me willing to spend, and those new sheets were at a special discount. Maybe when I return.

I am soon happy as I let the retail Christmas love fill me. The mall is in holiday mode, with public space-safe artificial greenery tastefully added everywhere. I am here to get steps, gain 4,000+ on Wednesday, and enjoy the spectacle that is American Malls in December. There are more booths with unusual items, including Middle Eastern lights, which I had nearly bought in Istanbul. I am sorely tempted to get one but manage to walk by. The Dungeons and Dragons Official Waffle Maker, really, got a laugh and was nothing I needed.

A school orchestra was loudly playing holiday favorites near Nordstrums, which was surprisingly undressed for the holidays. Not even the $2,000 Christmas trees there a few years ago. But the store was busy.

I wished Santa a Merry Christmas when I walked by his seat. He returned the wish and then complimented my wool hat. I found the Airline Crew giving table and gave them twenty bucks as gifts for the holidays for kids. Williams Sonoma was dressed out for the holidays. It is an expensive addiction of mine. Nicholas, a sales associate, no longer young and looking marvelous in an off-white sweater, saw me and offered to wrap one of everything for me. We agreed it would be costly, but yes, I would enjoy that, but I demurred. I promised him I would return to the store after I finished my look.

I saw Stanely Tucci’s image on a banner for his cookware (I did not know he had a line of cookware), and I did not even eye the price. Nicholas listened as I told him I had a dream with Stanely Tucci last night. Deborah and I were on a tour of Italy with Mr. Tucci. Stanely said, “It is only a dream but good. You should really try this,” in his famous nonchalant voice, having his hands at Italy and a fabulous array of pasta. Nicholas laughed as we both could just hear Stanley Tucci saying that.

I saw that my colossal snowman cake mold, which was about two feet tall when assembled, was still on sale at Williams Sonoma. I made it only a few times. Susie had to hold it once when delivering it to a Christmas party, and it rocked as I braked in Air Volvo. Susie did not think it was funny. I then looked at her and said that if the airbags went off in Air Volvo, she would be covered in cake. This did not make her happier with me. A funny holiday memory that made me smile. I the cake and Susie arrived safe.

I walked more, listened to the live music, and enjoyed the holiday retail spirit of the place. The mall folks were all ready, but the rush was not yet. Wednesday was more a practice for the busy days to come. I made a full circle and returned to Williams Sonoma, which was busy now (its products are needed primarily for parties and preparations, so they sell now). I collected the items I saw in a basket and got in line to purchase them. I did get help once, as I wanted an item from the display and thought it best to ask for one from the backroom, which they were happy to deliver. Who does not need a Grinch-themed hot/cold beverage dispenser? Nicholas, now at cash/wrap, checked me out and was disappointed that I picked less than one of everything and jokingly told me they had a minimum purchase (my small amount of items totaled over $100) and that I needed to try harder. Soon, paying for a bag to hold my few goods, I wished him and the staff a good holiday (meaning sales), and they said they were on a good start; I know I did my bit.

Next, I headed out and wished Santa a Merry Christmas, and that got a smile. I stopped by to purchase flowers, but the person was on break, so I found more items I needed at the Made In Oregon store and then picked flowers. Susie and I always brought flowers from the mall to the hummingbird house.

Despite the alluring spending-now scent, I left Macy’s without a purchase. The up escalator is still not working, so I had to trudge up it. I managed to do that without balance or strength issues. Better. I eventually found Air Escape hidden behind a BMW so big that I think it threw out an anchor when it parked.

Next, I drove to the nearby hummingbird house. They had a Christmas Party today. I brought the flowers and Williams Sonoma Peppermint Hot Chocolate to Jennifer, Louis, and the facility. Michelle, the owner, was there, and many hugs and photos were taken. I told them briefly about my trip to New Orleans and other events. We all remembered Susie’s love of flowers and hot chocolate.

After a short visit, I left as they continued to prepare for the party; I was not staying (too sad for me). I returned to the mall for dinner at The Cheese Cake Factory. I managed a seat at the bar at the end and enjoyed a glass of the house red for happy hour prices. I had their famous Asian-styled salad and was hungry enough to finish it and some of the bread. I passed on dessert (plenty of cookies and other goodies in December), though I could hear the Keylime Cheesecake call to me. I turned my left ear to the siren call of the creamy baked goods, paid the bill, and quickly exited the establishment, dodging food and waiters as my chair backed the main travel lane from the kitchen to the bar area. Yikes!

Z and I planned to play games this Wednesday night, and we soon met at First United Methodist Church. We were down Andrew, who was traveling. I picked a map for Concordia’s board game that we had not played before. There are Fish Market rules for the Balearica map that go on for four pages but are not required to use the map. There is an alternative setup with the ships (called colonists in the game) starting this island-based setup. We learned that land-based colonists could only reach some cities, which could only be placed with a colonist card. We played, as usual, with the Forum add-on. This gave my Senator card the same power as a Consul card, which would give me the game.

Z and I played to win, though I made a few comments when Z played something that could be in a better order, and we found a better plan for Z. I misplayed terribly at first, paying too much for the Farmer card (which would also help me win) when I could have used my Forum power. Z’s Forum ability could sell wine for 8 coins, which was a significant reason for the high-scoring game Z completed. We found the map challenging and stressful as we both pushed the limits to win. I won, but Z was charging at me throughout the game. A very immersive match; we had a blast.

Furnace was our next game, and we were only playing the base game. We managed to play a single game for two players (using the two-person rules, which include a third artificial player), and I was only four coins ahead. This is another favorite fast and small footprint game. I recommend only the base game, but the add-on can be fun. It adds many new production types, and the winner often has learned those rules the best. I upgraded my version with Scythe realistic-styled oil and metal replacement for the wooden parts, metal coins, and metal gears from Esty.com.

Choir practice finished, and I headed out. I watched some more of Doctor Who’s 1970s classic versions. This is the last episode for the original actor playing the Master (he is killed in a car accident). While embarrassingly dated, I still like the story.

Soon, I will be reading and in my PJs after showering. I managed to sleep for a while. I start Thursday late.

Thanks for reading.

A short story as yesterday had very little to share going on.

I kept my coffee intake low and somehow avoided the sleepiness and headaches that are the usual reaction to reducing caffeine. I was taking too much when two large cups of coffee were enough!

I received a text after calling the Volvo mothership, having not heard anything for days. I read that the sensor network of the car, once known as Air Volvo, is failing, but they have no solution or fix yet. The possibility of water intrusion into the cables is the guessed cause. There is no ETA. F**k! Sounds expensive.

The morning started with Deborah, who resides in Michigan, and I exchanging good mornings. Deborah still works and her Monday was a long day. She was tired on Tuesday.

I had IKEA coffee but left half of it. I finished my cream cheese on another toasted NYC bagel. I read emails, updated Quicken transactions, reviewed the news, and read about the Syrian government’s collapse. I cleaned up, dressed, and soon headed to a morning game at Richard’s.

I took Air Ford (Escape) to Portland, leaving delayed. The windshield was iced. Traffic was heavy in the foggy and stagnant air. My lungs were challenged by the lousy air. My usual 35-minute travel time was an hour. The travel through Beaverton was twenty minutes. While slow, the Portland traffic moved, and the highways cleared in a few places. The roads off the highway were fast. A foggy and icy day is not the time to try the backroads in a rental car!

Apparently, the game starts at 9:30 and not 9 (Saturday games start at 9), and I was not late after all. James joined us, and we set up the same scenario I had played before in the board game Mansion of Madness, second edition. This role-playing cooperative (sort of) board game is based on the Call of Cthulhu role-playing game (RPG) and now uses an app to control the game. I find it slow compared to the RPG, and the game is about winning, not building a story or improving characters. I forgot that as I tried to overcome the challenge. Richard won the game, as when he went insane, he would win if he had a bladed weapon and was alone with another character. James also had this form of insanity, and I did know there was an alternative way to win. I needed five items in my insanity.

While I enjoyed the game more this time—I am more familiar with it now—I did not know that the other players would win alone. Still, it was more immersive this time, though Richard was trying to power through to reach the final objective. We all took more damage in this game, and I felt my fellow players were less cooperative and trying to win. It is always interesting to play RPGs with hard-core gamers, which is more board game games than RPGs. They seek to win, not tell a story.

I have one more scheduled game with Richard this holiday, as we both have holiday events, and I am traveling. Richard will text me if there are other gaming nights and he needs another player that fits me. For example, I don’t like ‘Escape’ games with a timer.

With the game over, I head out into Portland and once again park Air Ford (Escape) on the streets, which is easier now that it is not leaf day and parking is available. This time, I walked only two blocks to The Broadway Grill. There, I see they have chili dogs (known better, I think, as Conney Islands) on the menu (three at a time, which I did not finish), and order that with their locally made beer, “Mr. Todd’s Wild Ride.” Next, I edited my Christmas 2024 letter; I have my Apple. After eating and enjoying the beer, I completed the letter and now need to print them in color, but my Epson is not that great. I decided to pay an office supply store to generate the letters and only use two sheets to get better results. My Christmas cards with the two sheets of paper weigh exactly one once and thus get the letter rate.

I walked across the street, where there was a bakery and an office supply store—perfect. At the office store, a helpful and obviously Portland-styled young gal (tattooed, with a summer-like top and jeans, Portland’s weather deny-look), with a smile and polite words, helped me send my file to the store. The gal produced twenty stapled copies of my letter, and I was happy to play for only $1.65 for four images printed on two pages, front and back. I remember the days of two bucks an image. Excellent.

Bread, donuts, and small fruit cakes are excellent additions to the croissants I came for. However, I resist the cookies, including the Hanukkah and Kwanzaa cookies. Yes, I am the guy who brings the other holiday cookies to the Christmas Party. I took my bounty to Air Ford (Escape) and passed my waiter, who was taking a smoke break and was talking on her phone. I opened my goodies and offered her a donut, which she took. She mouths, “Thank you,” as she is on the phone, and I tell her, “Happy Christmas.”

Air Ford (Escape) enjoyed some stop-and-go traffic, which I don’t like on bridges. I try not to think of earthquakes when up there! Happy thoughts! The passage to Beaverton is slowed mostly by overly polite drivers thinking that ten-under is being polite. The mess clears, and soon, I return home.

Nothing interesting arrived in the mail, and soon, I talked to Deborah on the phone. She is tired when I start writing and assembling Christmas cards. I am sending only a few locals as email works better for those folks. I wrote 18 cards. I also talk to others after Deborah heads to sleep (there is a three-hour time difference).

I purchased BritBox on Prime to try some Classic Doctor Who. I watched the Three Doctors (1972) set of episodes, which, while badly dated, manages to tell a good story. I also started another episode, Frontier In Space, which includes the original Master. The actor Roger Delgado, who stole the show with his playful yet evil portrayal of the Master, was killed in a car accident in 1973, and this is his last appearance in the show. I enjoyed his playful acting.

Dinner was reheated beef and broccoli, which I made a few days ago. However, I had couscous instead of rice, which seemed a marked improvement and avoided some of the sudden carb loadings from rice. Couscous seems better for me.

I read the rules for the newly purchased board game Burning Banners, soon showered, and was in my PJs in bed. I read more rules and nodded off. I woke at 3ish with a rash, and after some Benadryl, I returned to sleep until late.

Thanks for reading!

I slept until late morning, finally rising at 9ish to start my Monday. I started slow and was not in a hurry. Monday is like my Sunday morning for many. I have no plans for Monday. I sleep in and enjoy the morning. Since most of my friends work, I still fit a week into a weekend and am tired on Monday. I also had breathing and heart issues. I learned from Dondrea that she was having problems, too; the air in the valley was stagnating. I carefully used my inhaler when the issues restarted to avoid another spiral into a racing heart. I wanted a good day. I managed to keep it controlled.

Deborah was free to talk to me for part of the late morning and called me. I had to write the blog, and soon I rang off. I drank only half the coffee I made today. I made toast. I keep a loaf of sliced bread in the freezer. I toast it when I need it. I had some orange marmalade, but just a smear, as I cannot consume much sugar. But I love orange marmalade (and miss orange juice in the morning but cannot drink it); I risked it. I had a small cup of yogurt with fruit in it.

My new business card, “Michael R Wild, Retired,” arrived. While not inexpensive, it was hand-imprinted on fine paper. It has my new phone number, email, and blog site. Another fun purchase on Etsy.com.

I wrote and published the blog in the afternoon. Dondrea reminded me that we had Theology Pub on Thursday night, and I thought it reasonable to try for a room at Cedar Hills McMenamins. I traveled there with my copy of Seige of Jerusalem 70AD, a “Strategy and Tactics” magazine game. There, I had a seasonal turkey dip with gravy for the tip and a Hammerhead beer. They were fully booked for holiday parties. I read the rules and began to understand the mechanics the third time through. I am jumping about now, trying to understand the flow.

Dondrea and I talked and thought a pizza party at the church would work, so I reserved the church hall from Wendy at the church office. Dondrea will get pizzas from Costco, and others can bring items. It looks like an ad hoc Christmas Party.

Lunch was good, and I headed to Enterprise to extend my rental for another week. Yes, no word on the car once known as Air Volvo. It is now at the spa, spending my money with abandon. Eventually, it will have to come home when the money runs out.

At the house, I reconnected with Deborah, and we talked for a while. I did the laundry, starting with sheets, and then a few shirts, and so on. I worked on the Christmas Letter and had hoped to finish it today. But I did so much and so many trips that I found myself adding more and more. I saw pictures from the year on my phone and remembered another trip. Soon, the letter blossomed to three pages. My afternoon was editing and writing, and my hope to finish today failed. I will try editing it again tomorrow. I hope to get out Christmas cards soon.

After a search, I decided to make chicken thighs for dinner. I broke up a large pack, bagged three at a time, and frozen them. I grabbed a set, put them in water, and let them defrost for forty minutes. I finished defrosting them with the microwave. Next, I dried them, salted them, peppered them, added generic Italian-style seasoning, and sprinkled them with Italian-style bread crumbs. I then fried them in butter, using a non-stick pan. The chicken was still cold and would not cook through. I put them in the oven (having to change pans) and finished them there.

I had Costco’s frozen root veggies, and it suggested air-frying them. I put the oven on air-frying (yes, it does that too—I love this new one), but it took twenty minutes and still did not seem cooked enough. I set the oven to 350F, convection roast, and added the chicken from above. Another ten minutes and everything was good. I checked everything with a thermometer, and all was cooked.

I made green beans by steaming frozen ones. Then, I melted butter in a pan and added salt (I use unsalted butter), garlic powder, and almond slices. Once hot, I added the beans and wilted them. This makes any frozen green beans excellent. I learned this from Martin Yan, “Yan Can Cook,” when he visited Nike and I met him. Nike Cafe served Martin’s menu, and the wilted beans were excellent. I have the cookbook he signed for me.

I finished the beans; this time, I managed to get them perfect with crunchy almonds. The chicken was also good and not overcooked this time—better! The root veggies were bland. They will need more work. I had enough for leftovers.

Deborah called me, and we talked for a while. Next, I read more of the “Strategy and Tactics” magazine’s story of the siege of Jerusalem in 70AD, mostly recounting Josephus’s version (he was there) but focusing on the mechanics of the fight, but with a few notes from other sources. I wanted to learn how the Romans overthrew the city. I plan to play the game version of the battle in a week.

I did the dishes and hung up some of the laundry. With a game at 9 on Tuesday morning, I had to write the blog tonight. I started writing about 9ish and just finished.

Thanks for reading!