Daily Update, April 25, 2024

    Thursday was a mostly quiet day. I did get more of the story written. It's moving again, if not quickly. {Smile}

   I ate dinner with Mom and read to her before that. I got there at a typical time these days. Mom was resting, and continued to rest while I read, opening her eyes when prompted to look at the pictures. First, I started my reading with scripture and thoughts about it. then I continued reading her niece's long family Christmas letter from 2021. After that, I read the last few pages from _1960s Fashion in Pictures_, along with the back cover. Next, I read "Little Red Riding Hood" from _Five Minute Fairy Tales_. I finished with the 25th of April's story from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "Primroses." {Smile}

   I did my leg exercises between reading to Mom and dinner, and my arm resistance exercises after dinner. The I did my arm swinging exercises after teaming for the evening, and a bit of paperwork, besides. then I did my walking exercises. I found I could do a repetition and a half of the exercise I was only doing one repetition of with my eyes open. with my eyes closed, I added an intermediate exercise along one railing that I was doing between railings. Then I did the other one on one railing for one full repetition - which is much longer than using two railings because they don't overlap far. I ended my walking exercises with the one I still can't do on one railing between two railings. Then I did my head exercises around some writing and a little paperwork

   After breakfast, I read articles and played Cross Stitch World. I also texted with Carol, the cousin who visited yesterday. That was fun. I tried to write, too, but I just couldn't concentrate on that enough. that took me up to lunch time. Then I read the web novel some more. It's _Demon World Boba Shop: A Nice Slice of Life Story_ on the web fiction host site Royal Road. Then I wrote up Wednesday's daily update. Next, I quickly cleaned myself up before I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming. I thought I was arriving in time to join the later long, large group event, but I couldn't find it. Instead, I found Dennis. We talked a bit. Apparently the later long, large-group event was done a different way that can't be joined late or be joined by low-level characters. So, Dennis and I ran a couple of missions. Pierogies joined us when the later long, large group event finished. He'd gotten in properly, I guess. {Smile}

   After dinner, my exercises, and beginning to write this up, I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming later than I hoped or expected. I talked to Ulty until I realized they were busy in a roleplay with friends. I also talked with Nox on the chat world. We had a good talk, I'm happy to say. I also talked to Owl Girl. Just as I actually ran into Owl Girl after we'd been chatting for a while, Dennis came on. I talked with both, then teamed up with Dennis. I showed him a few characters. He picked a story arc the last one I showed him had, and we finished it. Then we said goodnight. Then I did some paperwork and my exercises. I also wrote a bit of my story. then I wrote a little of this and made a lot of notes, interspersed with writing the story and with some research. {Smile}

Daily Update, April 24, 2024

    A while after breakfast, I contacted Uber, and a guy came and took me to physical therapy. That went quite well. I showed him the exercises, and he gave me some good suggestions for improving some, especially the tricky ones... primarily by working on by doing less-extreme versions, and gradually making them more challenging. 

   After physical therapy, I contacted Uber again, and Alan got the ride. He came and took me home, and we had quite a lively conversation all the way home. {Smile}

   Late that afternoon, my cousin, Carol and her husband, Roger, dropped by our house for a very quick visit. It was all too quick - a little over half an hour of talking, pictures, visiting with Mom, who sang a song, "Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition," and getting contact information straightened out. {SMILE}

   I ate dinner with Mom and read to her before that. I got there I got there earlier than sometimes, but not really early she was awake when I got there but rested in the middle. She did need prompting to look at some of the pictures, but she did look with reminders. First, I began my reading with scripture and thoughts about it. After that, I continued reading her niece's long family Christmas letter from 2021. Next, I read the next several pages from _1960s Fashion in Pictures_. Then I read "the Wild Swans" from _Five Minute Fairy Tales_. I finished with the 24th of April's story from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "Happy Birthday." {Smile}

   My exercise today was my physical therapy. They work me quite hard enough for one day. {Smile}

   I read articles and played Cross Stitch World before contacting Uber to go to physical therapy. Then I started reading a web novel while waiting for Uber and physical therapy. I read more articles and more of the web novel when I got home, over and after lunch. Then I wrote up Tuesday's daily update before I cleaned myself up. Then I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming, and started to join the later long, large-group event. Pierogies had just greeted me as I was settling in when our nurse came and said someone was at the door. It was my cousin, Carol, and her husband Roger, dropping by on a family trip. We had a lovely visit. We talked, took pictures and visited with Mom. We all agreed the only problem was it was too short, but this was the time they had to drop by. We're just so lucky I was home; they'd tried calling, but she called the house when I was at physical therapy, or on the way there or back. She now has my cell number, and we've confirmed it by starting a text conversation. She also has our correct address hopefully packages won't be lost. By the time I got back, the later long, large-group event was over, and Pierogies had gone to bed. It was almost time to read to Mom anyway. {Smile}

   After dinner, I began writing this up. Then I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming and looked around for folks. Not seeing anyone, I read more of the web novel. Then I went back to City of Heroes: Homecoming, and started chatting with Ulty, who was winding down, and Dennis, who was in a taskforce. I also chatted with Nox on the chat server. Ulty left. Dennis finished his taskforce and promised to come back after a break. I worked on paperwork and a little solo play. Then Dennis came back, and we teamed up. We did a few missions and ended up saying goodnight later than he meant to. then I did some paperwork and made notes in this to write from on Thursday. {Smile}

Daily Update, April 23, 2024

    On Tuesday, my ride to my meeting arrived before I was quite finished with breakfast.  I quickly finished eating, grabbed my things, and left. I had a nice talk with the driver on the way down to the meeting. {Smile}

   The folks assembled, and meeting began. It almost immediately adjourned to lunch.  We had a leisurely lunch with much talking. Then we went back to the meeting room, to talk a bit about sympathy, empathy, and compassion. We talked at least as much about the problems of finding a better place to meet, and the struggle to do just that. That was our leader's way of asking us for help in finding something better. {smile}

   The ride home wasn't solo like the way down. Another guy from the meeting was in there, too. He got dropped off first, and we talked a fair bit on the way to his destination. Then it was pretty quiet. The driver was the same as on the way down, and as nice as our conversation was, we covered the main topics I could think of well on the way down. {Smile}

   I ate dinner with Mom and read to her before that. I got there late, and she was awake when I got there, but got to resting after a while. She did need prompting to look at some of the pictures again, but she did look with reminders. I began my reading with scripture and thoughts about it first. Then I continued reading her niece's long family Christmas letter from 2021. After that, I read the next several pages from _1960s Fashion in Pictures_. Next, I read "Cinderella" from _Five Minute Fairy Tales_. I finished with the 23rd of April's poem from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "A Rain Storm." {Smile}

   I did my head exercises and my leg exercises between reading to Mom and dinner. Then I did my arm resistance exercises and my walking exercises after dinner, all 12 long ones and 2 short ones, including one of each being half the repetitions. After teaming I did my salsa dancing warm-up set, and later, after a break, a much less structured salsa set than I have been recently; I've been frustrated with a rut. {Smile}

    When I got home from the meeting, I read articles, played Cross Stitch World, and read a comic I've been following. Then I wrote up Monday's daily update. Next, I tried to rush cleaning myself up. After that, I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming and found Kitten. We teamed up and ran a couple of missions together. Dennis joined us over halfway through the second mission. The three of us finished with a hunt before I left to read to Mom. {Smile}

   After dinner and my exercises, I hopped back into City of Heroes: Homecoming. I found Kitten and Pierogies, and the three of us teamed up. Pierogies and I got our low-level characters, since Pierogies insisted Kitten wanted to see mine, sine they'd designed them. We ran several of my missions, running out some low-level contacts one by one. Dr. Faustus joined us part was through It involved a few missions, since low-level missions often are small enough to go quickly. Then Pierogies left, and I finished my lowest contacts with Kitten's and Dr. Faustus's help. I also said goodnight to Nox on the chat server. We missed talking again. Anyway, when I finished the lowest contacts, Dr. Faustus left for the night. Then Kitten and I did a few missions, starting up the next round of contacts. When it was definitely time, I left to do my salsa dancing and other exercises, not that I got them all done. Around them, I watched a video and researched some stuff on the net. I ended the night by writing a little of this update and making notes to finish writing it from the next day. {Smile}

Daily Update, April 22, 2024

    On Monday, a while after breakfast, I contacted Uber. they came and a guy came and took me to the appointment to get new hearing aids. They didn't call me quickly, so I checked the time. Turns out the appointment was for 11:30 am, not 11 am like I thought. They took me at 11:10 pm and took over half an hour to fix up the new hearing aids. 

   When I was done, I contacted Uber again, and they came and a different guy came and took me to Longs Drugs, where I picked up some ginger capsules, since Amazon is running late delivering what I ordered, and I was almost out. Then I contacted Ube, and yet another fellow came and took me home. {Smile}

   I ate dinner with Mom and read to her before that. I got there late, and she was sitting up when I go there, but rested during the longer story. She did need prompting to look at some of the pictures, but she did look with reminders. I started my reading with scripture and thoughts about it first. Next, I continued reading her niece's long family Christmas letter from 2021. Then I read her the front and back covers and first few pages of _1960s Fashion in Pictures_. Then I read "The Musicians of Bremen" from _Five Minute Fairy Tales_. My last reading was the 22nd of April's story from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "A Strange Dream." {Smile}

   I did my head exercises and my arm swinging exercises while I waited for Uber. Then I did my walking exercises, all 12 long exercises and 2 short exercises, but only half of the long exercise and the short exercise that tired me so much yesterday. This left me enough energy to do my arm resistance exercises right after that. Then, after teaming for the evening, I did my salsa dancing warmup set. After a break, I did my less structured salsa dancing set for around 20 minutes of salsa dancing. 

   After breakfast, I read articles and played Cross Stitch World until I left to get my new hearing aids. When I got back, I had lunch, during which I started reading more articles, playing more Cross Stitch World, and reading some comics. Then I wrote up Sunday's daily update before cleaning myself up. After that, I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming later than I usually like to. the later long, large-group event was over half-finished and didn't have space to add me to the group. I felt my character was too low to join them separately, so I waited. It finished before space cleared for me, and I got together with Pierogies. We ran 3 quick missions on our little ones before I left to read to Mom. 

   After dinner and my exercise, I hopped back into City of Heroes: Homecoming. I said hi to Ulty, and she was delighted to chat a bit before saying goodnight, since she was leaving soon. Then I said hi to Mysty, but she was busy with friends, so we only chatted a little. I also said hi to Dr. Faustus, who was working through a quick taskforce (A few taskforces are quick; most are longer, and a few are quite long.) So, I soloed a bit. I also began to chat with Nox a little on the chat server. I said hi to Dr. Faustus again when I noticed he was solo. He was happy to team up now that he was free. We started working on catching me up in the story arc we've been working on, since I'd fallen behind. Dennis joined us, and Kitten said hi, but decided they were too tired to play with us. Dr. Faustus, Dennis, and I finished the story arc. Then Dr. Faustus left, and Dennis changed characters so we could start catching one of his up with mine with an unrelated contact. Then I paused for paperwork, and Pierogies said hi. We squeezed in a mission before my exercises. Then I read articles and watches videos around the exercises. Afterwards, I wrote a little of this, and made notes to write from the next day. {Smile}

Journal Blog (with links on the page in case you'd like to leave a tip for my writing): https://aeb-anne.blogspot.com/

Daily Update, April 21, 2024

    On Sunday, I got up normally late for me. I contacted Uber after breakfast. They were fast; my driver was just a minute away. So, I did get there slightly before the service, which was wonderful. I touched bases with Auntie Barbara. then enjoyed the service. After that, we had lunch. I enjoyed listening to and talking with the folks around me, and the lunch, of course. {Smile}

   After that, I went home with Auntie Barbara. We sang around ten songs with Mom. Since we're only sure of six or seven she knows, this involved singing some of them twice. {Smile}

   Later I called my Aunt Valerie. We had a nice talk. I tried to let her talk to Mom, too, but there was no reception in in Mom's room by her bed. I had trouble by my computer, too, so we talked elsewhere in the house, primarily in the living room, where I could sit on one of the couches. {Smile}

   I ate dinner with Mom and read to her before that. I got there late, and she was resting, but she roused some when said I'd read with her. She did need prompting to look at some of the pictures, but she did look with reminders. She also responded more than I expected. I began my reading with scripture and thoughts about it first. After that, I continued reading her niece's long family Christmas letter from 2021. Next, I read her the last several pages of _Memories 1950's_. Then I skipped over "The Flying Trunk" because she's didn't like the Merchant's Son and the Princess never seeing each other after their wedding. Instead, I read "Tom Thumb," which was next in _Five Minute Fairy Tales_. It has a happier ending that Mom likes. My last reading was the 21st of April's story from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "The Reward." {Smile}

   I did my arm resistance exercises between reading to Mom and dinner. Then I did my walking exercises, including two new ones that took me down the hallway and back as much of the hallway as similar ones, and two which only went the few feet I can go while hanging onto a railing on each side of me. Those last two were walking backwards in challenging ways with my eyes closed, and we only have a couple of feet where railings are on both sides at once. The walking exercises wore me out. I think that was primarily walking backwards while raising my knees high in the air, both the length of the longest railing with my eyes open, and that short stretch with my eyes closed. I think that uses more muscles that don't get used much than anything else. After I was done with teaming for the evening and had done my main paperwork and soloing, I did my salsa dancing warmup set. After a break, I did my leg exercises and my arm swinging exercises. After another break, I did my less structured salsa dancing. I didn't get any arm weight training exercises done, sitting or standing, but I hope I'll keep working on that. {smile}

   I read articles and played Cross Stitch World between Auntie Barbara leaving and calling Aunt Valerie. After the phone call, I cleaned myself up, then hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming late. Pierogies was struggling to respond because he was in the later long, large-group event already. I joined them, and joined him in doing that tricky move, trying to learn it by helping him. After the later long, large-group event, we switched to our little characters, and ran a few short missions, since they're so little most missions are short. That took me to high time to read to Mom. {Smile}

   After dinner and my walking exercises, I began writing this up and making notes to write from later. Then I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming. I looked around and checked who was on but didn't see anyone. So, I got caught up in research elsewhere. Then I got back into City of Heroes: Homecoming and looked around again. Still not seeing anyone, I left a note for Dr. Faustus on the chat server and started soloing some low-level characters who had talks and hunts. Then Dr. Faustus came on, and we started to team up. While we were doing our first mission, Dennis, one of the mutual friends Kitten and I share, came on and said hi. Turns out he knows Dr. Faustus pretty well, too. I said goodnight to Nox on the chat server, having missed chatting with them again. Dr. Faustus and Dennis left at the same time. After that, I did a little paperwork, then started my exercises, with articles, research, and Cross Stitch World between and after that, as well as writing this up, mostly making notes to write from the next day. {Smile}

Daily Update, April 20, 2024

    On Saturday, I got up while was still sleepy, because of how late I got to bed the previous night. So, I lay down and rested for the better part on an hour after breakfast. I did feel better rested when I got up. {Smile}

   I worked on my story a little after dinner and exercise. It's coming along, very slowly, but it's coming along. {Smile}

   I ate breakfast and dinner with Mom and read to her before dinner. I got there later than sometimes, earlier than others. Mom was alert, interested in the pictures, and responsive today. First, I began my reading with scripture and thoughts about it. Then I continued reading her niece's long family Christmas letter from 2021. After that, I read her the next few pages of _Memories 1950's_. Next, I read "Sleeping Beauty," from _Five Minute Fairy Tales_. My last reading was the 20th of April's story from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "Impatient Colin." {Smile}

   I did my leg exercises between reading to Mom and dinner, and my arm resistance exercises and walking exercises right after dinner. Then I did my salsa dancing warmup set after teaming for the evening. Then after a break, I did my head exercises and my standing arm weight training exercises. Then I did my less structured salsa dancing set, for over 20 minutes of salsa dancing. After a very short break, I did my arm swinging exercises. I was tired after that, but I only missed the sitting arm weight training exercises today. {Smile}

   After my nap, I read some articles and played Cross Stitch World right through lunch. Then after lunch, I read more articles and wrote up my daily update. Then I cleaned myself up before I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming. There, I found Pierogies. We teamed up on low-level characters, and played through a hunt, then did a story arc, and ended with two or three unrelated missions. That took me to time to read to Mom.

   After dinner and my exercises, I hopped into city of Heroes: Homecoming. I chatted with Ulty, but she was busy roleplaying. So, I soloed some talks the character I'd played before dinner had. Then Dr. Faustus came on, so I said hi. We teamed up, and he invited a friend of his, too. We finished a story arc my character had started and moving on to the next story arc. I also talked with Nox on the chat server more than usual recently. Dr. Faustus had to leave at the end of the full story arc. He told us to continue without him, though my character had just caught up to his; we'd done just one mission he also had, so both of us got credit. We continued after he left, but the first mission of the next story arc was so long, by the time we finished, it was time to start salsa dancing. I did a little bit of paperwork and started my exercises. While resting, I used the chat server to tell Dr. Faustus that my character can still do most of that story arc with him. I also played Cross Stitch World, read articles, and watched a video. I wrote a bit of this and made notes to write from for the next day, too. {Smile}

Daily Update, April 19, 2024

    On Friday, I had all kinds of plans to get Thursday's daily update written right after breakfast, then hammer out the last couple of scenes of the story, or rather the first couple since they will make a new beginning. Somehow, I didn't do any of that. I barely got the daily update finished before lunch. {smile}

   I ate breakfast, lunch and dinner with Mom and read to her before dinner. I got there at a fairly reasonable time, i think. Mom was reasonably alert and seemed to stay alert. I think she enjoyed most of the pictures, thought she responded rarely. First, I started my reading with scripture and thoughts about it. After that, I continued reading her niece's long family Christmas letter from 2021. Next, I read her the cover and the first few pages of _Memories 1950's_ Then I read "The Nightingale," from _Five Minute Fairy Tales_. My last reading was the 19th of April's story from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "the Timid Chick." {Smile}

   I did my arm resistance exercises and my walking exercises after dinner Then I did my arm swinging exercises, my leg exercises, and my head exercises a while after I stopped teaming in City of heroes: Homecoming and had started soloing. After a break, I did my salsa dancing warmup set, and after another break, I did my less structured salsa dancing set. I expected to do more, but I was too tired for my arm weight training exercises, either sitting or standing. {smile}

   After breakfast, I read articles, and played a tiny bit of Cross Stitch World. Then I finished writing Thursday's daily update up before lunch. While I was writing, I got a note from Doctor Faustus on the chat server, saying the villain themed supergroup he got me into planned to meet in 3 hours. So, I finished my daily update, and ate lunch. Then I cleaned myself up right after lunch and hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming after that. Dr. Faustus wasn't around, so I messaged him in the chat server. Turned out I was a little early. He came in, and he and I were the first at the meeting. Others came and we talked, first generally, then about what content we wanted to run. I was too low for the main suggestion. I tried to suggest I get a higher-level character, but someone suggested helping me with my content. I told them what I had, and they picked a story arc for us to run. We ran it in character and adjourned when it was done. After they left, I set up a new character, ensconcing them in the tutorial before dinner. {Smile}

   After dinner, I started my exercises, and started writing this up. Then I hopped into City of Heroes; Homecoming and looked around. Not seeing anyone, I started to solo on the character I'd barely started before dinner. Then Ulty and another friend (who I keep forgetting to ask what to call them when we're together) came on. I said hi to Ulty, but our conversation petered out. I said hi to the other friend, and our conversation took off. It was the friend I was hunting critters with a couple night ago. They were doing that again. We chatted for a while, then I joined them in hunting. We hunted most of the evening, changing zones and critters a couple of times. I even changed characters once, when we changed to a critter the character was on didn't need, but another character of mine very much does. I also talked to Nox a little on the chat server, but not much. When the friend I was hunting with got tired, we chatted a bit, then said goodnight. Then I soloed on the new character I made earlier, playing until I got her out of the tutorial, and into the regular game. Then I read some articles and some comics, played Cross Stitch World, and wrote some of this around my exercises. I switched to going back and forth between paperwork in City of Heroes, making notes in this, and beginning to make the next revisions in my story. I got so caught up in that, especially the paperwork, that I ended up going to bed later than I have been by a margin. it was bad enough, I set my alarm to get up at a late-normal time with plans to nap after breakfast. {smile}

Daily Update, April 18, 2024

    When I was starting my day Thursday, I found a note from The Fire Ant Guy saying he'd come later that morning. Then I discovered he'd come even earlier. Yes, he was already here. I happily paid him as part of starting my day. {Smile}

   After breakfast, I had my video counselling appointment. That went quite well, I think. We had a good talk. {Smile}

   Then the housekeeper came, and I got caught up in getting things ready for her. We spent a particularly long time getting the sewing machines set up. The Old Lady, who's been immobile due to a thread snark for years is finally out of the treadle box and waiting by the front door to go to a repair shop. The Young Lady is pulled out of the pile she was in and set up in the treadle box. I also ordered replacements for the shower curtain hooks I was sure I had but couldn't find.

   Then Auntie Barbara called and arranged to come up and visit with Michelle. I tried to say I hadn't had lunch, but somehow Auntie Barbara heard it as I had. I squeezed in eating about half of it before she arrived, but she complained about me eating slowly, which I usually do, but I ate more quickly than usual; I just got started late. Anyway, Auntie Barbara and I visited with Mom, singing several songs. Then we sat outside and talked while Michelle picked lemons, including three she gave to us. I very much appreciate that, since my balance makes walking on grass to pick lemons myself difficult. 

   I ate lunch and dinner with Mom and read to her before dinner. Despite arriving late, Mom was reasonably alert when I got there, back to my later time again, because I got on later than I wanted, and wanted at least a little time with my friends. Mom was still more awake and interested, looking at the pictures, and even responded a few times. I started my reading with scripture and thoughts about it first. Then I continued reading her niece's long family Christmas letter from 2021. After that, I finished showing her pictures in _'The Flower Garden'_. Next, I read "Rapunzel," from _Five Minute Fairy Tales_. My last reading was the 18th of April's story from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "Gone Fishing." {Smile}

   I did my head exercises during a lull in the game. then I did my walking exercises, my standing arm weight training exercises, my leg exercises, my arm resistance exercises, my sitting arm weight training exercises, and my arm swinging exercises after I got done teaming in the evening. That's every exercise except the salsa dancing, which is my goal the day after physical therapy. {SMILE}

   Over breakfast, until my counselling appointment, I read an article or two. Then I read more articles and played some Cross Stitch World after my counselling, until the housekeeper came. I finished my lunch after Auntie Barbara and Michelle left. After lunch, I wrote up my daily update. While I was writing, Pierogies messaged me, asking if I was coming into City of Heroes: Homecoming soon. We arranged that I'd finish a tutorial so I could show him a new character. I did that when I finished writing and sharing my daily update.  (I know what the tutorial teaches by now, but it is the safest place I know for a first level character; when they come out, they can immediately train to 2nd level, which I think is safer in the full game.) Anyway, Pierogies and I found each other and admired our new characters. Then we ran a trial. Kitten joined us afterwards, and the three of us ran two quick missions before I read to Mom. {Smile}

   After dinner, I quickly cleaned myself up, since it just hadn't fit into my afternoon at all. Then I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming again. I said goodnight to Ulty, because I came in so late, she was just leaving. Then I looked around for someone else to talk to. I didn't find anyone, so I looked around for something to do, and spotted a pickup team I could join. I said goodnight to Nox after we'd neglected to talk again. Then Kitten said hi, and joined the team I was on. My character barely got any of the special things I hoped for, but she did get a badge I needed for a particular statistic-improving badge. Then I switched characters, and a character who needed it even more got it, getting the statistic improving badge, since she had everything else for it. I switched back to the other character, and we ran another couple of missions. Then the team broke up, and Kitten and I ran two quick missions before I broke, winding down with a bit of paperwork before doing my exercises. I ended the evening with a little browsing of comics while I wrote a little of this and made a lot of notes to write from the next day. {Smile}

Daily Update, April 17, 2024

   On Wednesday, a little while after breakfast, I looked at some web fiction, and found a story I'm really enjoying, it's Demon World Boba Shop: A Nice Slice of Life Story by R. C. Joshua. I read it while waiting for Uber both over and back, as well as a bit after I got home. {Smile}

   I contacted Uber. A gal came and took me to Life Care Center, where I had physical therapy. Since I arrived early, we started early, and I got a good, full session in. When it was over, I contacted Uber, and they took me home. {Smile}

   I phoned the Fire Ant Guy after lunch, when he hadn't appeared when expected. He said it looked so dark and gray, he assumed it was raining heavily. It wasn't, but yes, it looked like it could any time. He promised to come the next day. {Smile}

   I also had a nice text conversation with our former nurse. It was great getting to chat and catch up. {Smile}

   I ate dinner with Mom and read to her before that. Mom was reasonably alert when I got there, back to my later time, but only because the game ran really late. Missions often last around half an hour... this went an hour and a half. Mom was still more awake and interested, looking at the pictures, and even responding a couple of times. I began my reading with scripture and thoughts about it first. Next, I started reading her niece's long family Christmas letter from 2021.  Then I continued showing her pictures in _'The Flower Garden'_ I started it yesterday, even though I claimed I finished a different book; that was the day before. After that, I read "Hansel and Gretel," from _Five Minute Fairy Tales_. My last reading was the 17th of April's story from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "Anna Learns a Lesson." {Smile}

   I had no exercise beyond physical therapy. They worked me hard enough for one day! {Grin}

   After breakfast, I read an article or two, and played Cross Stitch World. Then I wrote up Tuesday's daily update before I cleaned myself up. After that, I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming. I found Pierogies and we teamed up, running a few missions. We expected to end early; he said last one a little over an hour before I hoped to read to Mom. It wouldn't complete after an hour and a half, and apparently getting every enemy in the mission. I "autocompleted" it, an option they recommend saving for when you have to, like when it jams like this. {smile}

   After dinner, I started writing this daily update. Then I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming and tried to find someone to join. I talked with Ulty, but she was busy in a roleplay where another character wouldn't fit. I talked to Mysty, but she was busy base building. I talked to Rosy - she's a friend Kitten introduced me to - but our conversation petered out. Then another friend came in and said hi. So did Dr. Faustus. I got the three of us together, and Kitten said hi just as we were starting to do something. I got them to join us, and we started the last story arc Dr. Faustus wanted to do. I also said hi to Nox, but got distracted, so we barely talked before they left for bed. The four of us ran the story arc, and the other friend left. Kitten pointed out a friend of theirs wanted to team with a little character. I got a slightly bigger character, and Kitten's friend joined us. I ran a couple of story arcs my character had. Dr. Faustus left partway through. Then the three left finished the big, penultimate mission, and Kitten's friend left. Kitten and I did the last mission, and the talk-mission that followed. Then Kitten and I talked a bit on Discord, and I made notes in this to write from the next day. {Smile}

Daily Update, April 16, 2024

    On Tuesday, I expected a ride to come get me and take me to a meeting... well, the monthly picnic indoors in a regular building, so it feels more like a meeting and lunch than a picnic. They didn't come, so I called the driver. I got their answering machine, so I left a message. then I called the leader. I did get her, and learned it's next week, not this week, because that's when the room was free. I suspect things are tighter in general since one of the County meeting buildings got damaged by a fire. they plan to fix it, but the way these things work, I'd be surprised if they've got it out to bid yet. {smile}

   Later, I got a phone call from the driver confirming when she'll pick me up next week. So, we're settled there now. {Smile}

   After that, I got a phone call from the Fire Ant Guy. He apologized for not coming for a few months and arranged to come the next day. {Smile}

   I ate dinner with Mom and read to her before that. Mom was reasonably alert when I got there, deliberately earlier than I've been doing recently, after the nurse mentioned it had slipped later by about an hour. I went back halfway... we'll see how it goes. Mom was more interested in the pictures, which I'm hoping will be a pattern if I keep with the earlier time. First, I began my reading with scripture and thoughts about it. After that, I read a Christmas card from her nice, and another Christmas card from a friend.  Next, I finished _The Happy Book: Babies_ She does like the pictures of the happy babies; they got her more interested in looking at pictures today. Next, I read "The Elves and the Shoemaker," from _Five Minute Fairy Tales_. My last reading was the 16th of April's story from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "Forgetful Kanga." {Smile}

   I did my arm resistance exercises, my head exercises, and my arm swinging exercises while waiting for the ride to the meeting. Then I did three of my four sitting arm weight training exercises during lulls in the game while teaming in the evening. Next, I did my salsa dancing warmup set. After that, I did the last of my sitting arm weight training exercises, and my standing arm weight training exercises. then I did my less structured salsa dancing set for a little over 21 minutes of salsa dancing. Then I did my leg exercises, including enough more than usual with the last one, I needed a rest. After that, it was too late to do my walking exercises too. {smile}

   When the morning mix-up was sorted out, I came inside and read articles, played CSW, and read a comic right through lunch. Then I wrote up yesterday's daily update and cleaned myself up before hopping into City of Heroes: Homecoming. I found Pierogies; I think he was in the later short, large-group event. We chatted, then got together, and decide to run the later long, large-group event together. Afterwards, we chatted a little, and fit in a mission, since the event ended earlier than usual. I still broke to read to Mom earlier than I have been recently. I think Mom was more attentive, so I'm going to try to make this a habit. {Smile}

   After dinner, I began writing this up. Then I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming. I checked who was on and started talking with Ulty. She was role-playing with friends and had time to talk on the side. Then Dr. Faustus came on and said hi. We got together and ran the next in the series of story arcs we're doing. I also said goodnight to Nox on the chat server. We missed talking again. Later, another friend came on and wanted to join us, but the game wouldn't let us invite him while we were doing that story arc. So, Dr. Faustus and I finished and said goodnight. Then Dr. Faustus left, and I joined my other friend. We hunted for a couple of badges, though we had trouble finding some of what we were looking for. We plan to get together again to hunt for more of them. Then I did my exercises, played Cross Stitch World, and watched some videos or parts of some. I finished my day writing a little of this and making notes to write from the next day. {Smile}

Daily Update, April 15, 2024

    After breakfast Monday, I called my financial adviser after breakfast and got the secretary. We arranged that I would mail some things that I found since sending the main batch last week. {smile}

   Then I contacted Uber. A guy came and took me down to my hearing aids' appointment. That went well... the guy talked me into getting new hearing aids when he said the new ones should have better fidelity, as well as being rechargeable. So, I made an appointment for next week. {Smile}

   Next, I contacted Uber again, and a gal came and took me to the post office. There, I mailed the stuff mentioned earlier, and picked up two rolls of stamps, one of each of two kinds we could use more of. Then I contacted Uber again, and a fellow came and took me home. {Smile}

   I ate dinner with Mom and read to her before that. Mom was reasonably alert when I got there, but definitely needed prompting to look at some of the pictures. First, I started my reading with scripture and thoughts about it. Then I read a Christmas card from a friend we met through one of her sisters. After that, I finished _The Happy Book: Babies_ She does like the pictures of the happy babies; they got her more interested in looking at pictures today. After that, I read "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," from _Five Minute Fairy Tales_. My last reading was the 15th of April's story from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "Little Green Dragon." At the very end, I showed her _'the Flower Garden'_ and promised to start reading it the next day. {Smile}

   I did my head exercises while waiting for Uber at home. they were all I had time for then, and the next two Ubers were very quick, as it usually is downtown. Then I did my standing arm weight training exercises, and my arm resistance exercises, after dinner. I dd my arm swinging exercises when getting ready to play was stretching out. After teaming for the evening, I did my salsa dancing warmup set. I was so tired, I thought I wouldn't do any more, but then I washed my hands, forearms, and face with cold water, and had enough energy, I did my sitting arm weight training exercises after all.  I'd hoped to do my walking exercises, too, since I got started in good time, and didn't have too many others to do, but I was just too tired. {rueful smile}

   After breakfast I read articles before heading out. Then over lunch I read comics and more articles and played Cross Stitch World. Then I wrote up Sunday's daily update and played more Cross Stitch World and read more articles before I cleaned myself up. Only then did I hop into city of Heroes: Homecoming. I quickly spotted a taskforce and joined it just before Pierogies said hi. They filled before he could join too, but it was surprisingly quick. Pierogies had joined the later long, large group event by the time I finished, so I joined it too. It was still recruiting, since the taskforce was so quick. Pierogies and I ran the later long, large group event, and he encouraged me to try a tough move that really helps the group. I did. I don't know how effective I was, but I didn't lose consciousness or anything. Pierogies and I talked after the later long, large-group event, until I left to read to Mom. {Smile}

   After dinner and some exercises, I began writing this up. Then I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming. I had trouble finding folks at first; a lot I'd seen before dinner had left. I said hi to Divi, and we chatted a little. Then I spotted Dr. Faustus on, alone in a mission. We talked while he finished his mission. Then we got together, and he advertised for more to join, specifying it was one you couldn't join after it started. No one responded, so we started it. Then someone responded, wanting to join. We were so close to the beginning, we restarted with three, including the volunteer. All of us enjoyed light role-playing, so we did that for the whole arc. Nox said hi on the chat server partway through, and we had a nice chat before saying goodnight. When Dr. Faustus, the volunteer and I finished, we said goodnight. Then I did a little paperwork and started my exercises. I played Cross Stitch World between exercises, and wrote this up between exercises and afterwards, including a lot of notes to write from the next day. {Smile}

Daily Update, April 14, 2024

    I made a mistake in reporting my exercises for Saturday: after the second salsa dancing set, I did my walking exercises, not more leg exercises. It's my most intensive exercise set after the salsa dancing sets, so I'm kind of proud I got them done. {Smile}

   On Sunday, after breakfast, I contacted Uber, and they came and took me to church, interrupting the exercises I was doing while waiting for them. I arrived a little before they began, which delighted Auntie Barbara. It was a nice if unexceptional service Our priest was back celebrating but the gal who took over last week preached the sermon again. {Smile}

   After church, we had lunch on the lanai, as usual. I sat with Auntie Barbara. Home communion offered to take me home, with a stop on the way. Auntie Barbara liked that idea; she'd been here since the early service began, so she was ready to go home and take a rest. At the stop, I finished the exercises that got interrupted earlier, and read a couple of web fiction chapters. Then they took me home, and we had home communion with Mom. {Smile}

   I ate dinner with Mom and read to her before that. Mom was reasonably alert when I got there, and looked at the pictures I showed her with some prompting. I started my reading with scripture and thoughts about it first. Next, I read two Christmas cards, one from each of her sisters, and a Valentine's Day card from me. Next, I continued _The Happy Book: Babies_ She does like the pictures of the happy babies.  Then I read from _Five Minute Fairy Tales_ with "Rumpelstiltskin." My last reading was the 14th of April's story from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "The Baby Fairy."  {Smile}

   I did my head exercises and 8 of my 12 arm swinging exercises while waiting for Uber to come take me to church. I did my other 4 arm swinging exercises when home communion stopped on their way to my home. Then I did my arm resistance exercises between reading to Mom and dinner. Then, after teaming for the evening, I did the salsa dancing warm up set, then my sitting arm weight training exercises, all four of them. Next, I did my less structured salsa dancing set, for 20 2/3rds minutes all together. I followed that with my walking exercises and my standing arm weight training exercises. Then I badly needed a break, and I really didn't have time to do my leg exercises, too, even without a break. Still, that's most of what I'm supposed to get done. I'm getting better! {Grin}

   After home communion left, I read some more of the web fiction, reaching a better place to stop. Then I played some Cross Stitch world and wrote up Saturday's daily update. I also had a short computer chat with Nox on the chat server. Then I cleaned myself up. Next, I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming in time to join the later long, large group event. So, I ran that and followed it with some paperwork before stopping to read to Mom. 

   Around dinner time, began writing this up. Then I hopped back into City of Heroes: Homecoming and looked around to see who was on. Kitten seemed to be, so I really tried to get their attention, but they didn't respond. So, I tried others. I did have a talk with Rosy, but she wasn't in a mood to team up. Then Dr. Faustus said hi. He offered to let me tag along in a mission that gives a badge and a power. I found a character who didn't have them, and got the badge by tagging along, but somehow not the power. I shall have to look into that sometime. Then he wanted to do some story arcs. While I was finding the character I wanted to do them on, Kitten woke up and said "Mew." They joined us, and the three of us ran the first arc that Dr. Faustus wants to do. I said goodnight to Nox sometime during it, having missed much chance to talk, especially in the evening. When the story arc finished, Dr. Faustus left, and I did a couple more missions with kitten. Then I stopped playing to do my exercises, and talked with Kitten between exercises, Including watching a video about a dinosaur exhibit they went to Saturday. I spent more time than I realized looking around for more videos about it later. I also wrote this up, mostly making notes for the next day. {Smile}

Daily Update, April 13, 2024

    On Saturday, I tried to write more of my story, but instead found myself playing Cross Stitch World for decidedly longer than I meant. I couldn't concentrate on the story all morning. I guess it was a pretty intense writing session Friday, when I hadn't been doing much of that type of writing recently, so I need to recharge. {smile}

   I ate breakfast and dinner with Mom and read to her before dinner. Mom was reasonably alert when I got there, and paid attention to the pictures I showed her. I began my reading with scripture and thoughts about it first. After that, I read two Christmas cards, one from her niece, and the other from a friend. Then I started _The Happy Book: Babies_ She does like the pictures of the babies, who are all either happy, or contently resting.  Next, I started _Five Minute Fairy Tales_ with "Puss in Boots," their first story. That's the book I gave to her for Easter because I misplaced it for a few months. My last reading was the 13th of April's story from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "The Rescue."  {Smile}

   I did my arm resistance exercises between reading to Mom and dinner, and my head exercises after dinner. Later, I did my arm swinging exercises and my leg exercises after folks got done teaming for the evening. Then I did my salsa dancing warmup, and after a break, my less structured salsa dancing. After another break, I did my leg exercises. Then I was tired, and it was late to do the sitting and standing arm weight training, but at least the leg exercises and walking exercises are more strenuous, so I'm getting more exercise. {Smile}

   After breakfast, I read articles, then tried to work on the story without success. I finally gave up and finished Friday's daily update. Then after lunch, I played some more Cross Stitch World and did some paperwork in City of Heroes: Homecoming before cleaning myself up. Then I hopped back into City of Heroes: Homecoming just as the later long, large-group event started to recruit. While waiting for it to start, Pierogies said hi, and joined the group. We ran the event together and talked afterwards, until it was time to read to Mom.  {Smile}

   After dinner, I started writing this, exercised, and read some comics. Then I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming, where I found Kitten's and my mutual friend in a mission. We chatted while they finished. I also left a note for Dr. Faustus on the chat server, and he came in while they were finishing up. We teamed up and ran a different story arc of missions for a few hours, until the mutual friend talked of leaving. Somewhere in there, I said goodnight to Nox on the chat server; we missed talking again. Anyway, Dr. Faustus did leave, and the mutual friend and I chatted while I did paperwork, and I suspect he did, too. Then we really said goodnight. After that, I did my exercises, watched a video or two, and read a little web fiction and a comic. Then I wrote a little of this and made a lot of notes to write from the next day. {Smile}

Daily Update, April 12, 2024

    Friday, I stayed home and worked on my story through most of the afternoon. I got a scene that's been bugging me most of this week down in rough form. Now that one and a previous one just needs polishing, and first scene replaced with two scenes covering the same stuff in hopes that makes it easier to keep track of the characters. Well, the whole thing needs some polishing, I suspect, but the new parts will need more than the rest, I suspect. {Smile}

The housekeeper came, and our house is very much better for her attention. She even helped me move a collection of boxes to a more out-of-the-way spot where they shouldn't fall as much, and moved a floor pad back, though I had to turn it around because a damaged part bothered my dancing. 

   I ate breakfast, lunch and dinner with Mom and read to her before dinner, and I'm back to usual amounts. Mom was resting when I got there, but partially roused when I started talking to her. First, I began my reading with scripture and thoughts about it. Next, I continued her niece's long family Christmas letter from 2022. After that, I finished _The Picture Book of Vintage Vogue_. Then I finished _Disney Princess 5-minute Princess Stories_ with "Opening Night," about Cinderella. My last reading was the 12th of April's story from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "Lucky Flowers." Then I showed her two books I plan to start reading from tomorrow, since we finished two books today. One is _The Happy Book: Babies_, which she seemed to like particularly, and the other is _Five Minute Fairy Tales_, which I gave her for Easter. It's the one I found late last year, and hoped to give her for her birthday, but I misplaced it, and only found it again recently. {Smile}

   I did my walking exercises after dinner. When the team was down to Kitten, I snuck in my head exercises, then did my salsa dancing warmup with Kitten's approval. Next, I did my head exercises, and my standing arm weight training exercises and one of my four sitting arm weight training exercises. Then I did my less structured salsa dancing set followed by my arm resistance exercises and my arm swinging exercises. I was too tired to do the rest of my sitting arm weight training exercises before it got too late, but that's more exercise than I've done before, especially if you add in helping the housekeeper move the boxes and turning around the floor pad. {Smile}

   After breakfast, I read articles and played Cross Stitch World. Then I finished writing Thursday's daily update. then, after lunch, I started writing more of my story. Then the housekeeper showed up, and I got into helping the housekeeper, and chatting. Eventually, I got back to writing more of my story. Only after I reached the end of what I was adding did I clean myself up. After that, I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming so late, the later long, large-group event was a little over halfway through. I still tried to join. They were full, but I was on a top-level character, so I hopped in and did what I could.  I hoped they'd add me when a space opened up, but space didn't open up. I still got what I could. Then I talked with Pierogies afterwards, catching up with each other until it was time to read to Mom. {Smile}

   After dinner, I started writing this up, and did a few exercises before hopping into City of Heroes: Homecoming. there, I found Kitten with a mutual friend of ours who wanted to work on a particular part of a particular badge that improves a character. I found a character of mine who needs it too and was ready to work on a story arc that helps it but is easy to out-level. The mutual friend found another friend who needed it, while I checked with a few friends. I found Dr. Faustus happy to team up, though he didn't need what we were working on. We worked on that story arc all evening and got maybe halfway. We made plans to continue the next day. Kitten can't play then, but they don't need the badge, and says go on without them. Then all left except Kitten. They helped me get a badge I needed for another self-improving badge while I started my exercises. After my exercises I did paperwork, wrote some of this, and made notes for the rest, finishing too late, but by the time I realized, I was almost done, so finished anyway. {Smile}

Daily Update, April 11, 2024

    I got a call from my dentist just before lunch. They reminded me of my one o'clock appointment, and suggested I come early - the earlier the better. So, I ate lunch... fairly promptly, though I could have eaten more quickly, and contacted Uber. the driver was 8 minutes away for at least 5 minutes before starting to move. He'd just had too many passengers and a bunch of groceries, which all took a while to unload. He took me down to my dentist promptly once he got to me. {Smile}

   They ushered me right in when they got to me, and the dentist came pretty promptly, too. They worked a fair while prepping for my crown, then had me sit in the waiting room for long enough they felt a need to apologize for the wait when they finally had me come back. Fortunately, I had my phone and its charger, and had managed to charge it up enough I felt comfortable reading web fiction while I waited. They took long enough that I got through a few chapters. Eventually they did call me back. They put in the new crown, told me not to eat for about an hour, and translated that to 5 pm when I asked.  {Smile}

   I finally contacted uber, and a gal came and took me home. {Smile}

   I ate lunch and dinner with Mom and read to her before dinner, but less than usual. Mom was resting when I got there and seemed wasn't paying as much attention to the pictures. First, I started reading with scripture and thoughts about it. then I continued her niece's long family Christmas letter from 2022. Next, I skipped _The Picture Book of Vintage Vogue_, and _Disney Princess 5-minute Princess Stories_ because she was reluctant to look at the pictures. I just ended with the 11th of April's story from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "Richard's Garden." I hope she enjoyed the story, though she said she couldn't' see the picture when I tried to show it to her. Maybe I should try again tomorrow. {Smile}

   I did my head exercises, arm resistance exercises, and arm swinging exercises while waiting for Uber to come take me to my dentist. Then I did my standing arm weight training exercises, my sitting arm weight training exercises, my leg exercises, and my walking exercises, including two new walking exercises inspired by my physical therapy, though I did only half the repetitions for the last one, because it tired me that fast. {Smile}

   Between breakfast and lunch, I read articles, played a little Cross Stitch World, and finished writing my daily update. When I finally got home from the dentist, I went right into City of Heroes: Homecoming. I discovered the later long, large-group event was still recruiting, and I joined it. There, I discovered a friend I hadn't seen in a couple of months was there and said hi. He's been very busy working "two jobs, really, though one is fun." That will keep you busy. The event had just started when Pierogies said hi. I told him how much we had to go, and he happily rushed to join it. We talked afterwards, and we both agreed we enjoy it more when we know a friend or two are playing in it, too. Then I broke to read to Mom. {Smile}

   I started writing this after dinner. Then I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming. Dr. Faustus said hi and offered to help me with something for up to three hours. I picked a character I hope will be the next to reach the end game. He was only a few missions into a long story arc. We started doing his missions. I also talked to Nox on the chat server for a fair while. Dr. Faustus stayed with me for more than three hours, until the end of the story arc. He said he wanted to see that done with me. Then he said goodnight. After he left, I did paperwork on City of Heroes: Homecoming. I also played a little Cross Stitch World, did my exercises, and wrote a little of this and made lots of notes to finish writing up the next day. {Smile}

Daily Update, April 10, 2024

    I contacted Uber after breakfast. They came and too me to the downtown post office. There, I mailed a collection of papers my financial adviser wanted. She promised to share them with the accountants they found for me. Then I contacted Uber again. They came and took me to physical therapy, where they wore me out, just like they're supposed to. Then I contacted Uber again, and they came and took me home. It was a busy and productive morning. {Smile}

   I ate dinner with Mom and read to her before that. Mom was awake enough when I got there and seemed to enjoy the pictures. I started reading with scripture and thoughts about it first. Next, I continued her niece's long family Christmas letter from 2022. After that, I continued _The Picture Book of Vintage Vogue_, showing her the next several pages, and reading the date and issue's title, since most had titles. A couple of the covers didn't seem to have that information. Next, I continued _Disney Princess 5-minute Princess Stories_ with "Snow White and the Three Giants." Lastly, I ended with the 10th of April's poem from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "What Can You See," a counting rhyme. {Smile}

   Oh, I should mention that yesterday's "Billy the Kid," was about a young Billy goat by that name, not the outlaw. {Smile}

   My exercise was physical therapy; it left me even more tired than usual. I think maybe I should concentrate on my non-dancing exercises Thursday. {Smile}

   After coming home from physical therapy, I read web fiction and played Cross Stitch World over lunch. Then I finished writing up Tuesday's daily update before I cleaned myself up. After that, I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming. I found Pierogies, and we got together. He asked about the later long, large-group event later, but I felt like getting one of my characters through more missions. After a little confusion, we started working on them. We got a few done, playing right up to time to read to Mom. No, we didn't stop for the later long large group event. {Smile}

   After dinner, I started writing this up. Then I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming. I said hi to Pierogies, but he didn't respond. He's probably left a character farming while he slept. I got into paperwork while waiting for a response, then started playing by myself for a bit. I also talked to Nox on the chat server more than I have been recently. That was really nice. I did some more paperwork and soloing after they left. I even started a new character and started planning out another new character. I also read a little more web fiction. {Smile}

   Part of me likes the freshness of web fiction, but I'm all too aware that I don't write fast enough to pull it off myself. They want at least a chapter a week. I've been working on one short story that's barely longer than a chapter so far for weeks... and I started with one that was already in rough draft form. I never want to share it until I've found a satisfying end anyway. {smile}

Daily Update, April 10, 2024

    Tuesday, I called my financial adviser. On the third try, I got her, and we discussed a few things, including me finishing a project for her. that is going nicely and should continue to. {Smile}

   I ate dinner with Mom and read to her before that. Mom was resting, but roused when I said hello, and mostly looked at the pictures I showed her while reading. First, I started reading with scripture and thoughts about it. After that, I continued her niece's long family Christmas letter from 2022. Next, I started _The Picture Book of Vintage Vogue_, showing her the first several pages, and reading the date and issue's title, since most had titles. I had to look around for them a bit, but I know this trick now. Then I continued _Disney Princess 5-minute Princess Stories_ with "Merida's Challenge," which was about Princess Merida from _Brave_. Lastly, I ended with the 9th of April's story from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "Billy the Kid." {Smile}

   I did my arm swinging exercises between reading to Mom and dinner, and my arm resistance exercises right after dinner. Then I did my salsa dancing warmup set after teaming for the evening. Next, I did my sitting arm weight training exercises in a break, sharing it with some paperwork to make it more restful. Next, I did my less structured salsa dancing set, my head exercises, and my standing arm weight training exercises. I did a little under 20 minutes of salsa dancing because I included the extra fast piece. I'm sure I did as many steps as usual, just in slightly less time. I really wanted to do at least my leg exercises too, but I was too tired to do it immediately, and it was too late to do it after a rest. {rueful smile}

   After breakfast, I read an article, played Cross Stitch World, and read some comics. Then I finished writing Monday's daily update before lunch. Then I read more comics. and finished catching up in one. Then I cleaned myself up and hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming. I started with paperwork, and found Pierogies in the later long, large-group event. We both ran it, then chatted afterwards, until I left to read to Mom. {Smile}

   After dinner and a little exercise, I started to write this up. Then I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming, and did a little paperwork, while I worked on getting Kitten's attention. It took a bit more than hi this time. While we were teaming up, Kitten got in touch with a friend, and we added them to our group. They were just starting a character, so I got my lowest level hero, who they invited to their supergroup. They were happy to do my missions for a few levels, until they reached a level that could start a story arc that they liked in another zone. I switched characters for that. They invited this character to the same supergroup. Then we did their missions, catching them up to me. At the last mission, they wanted to do mine, and said they wouldn't finish it without me, but they had me invite a friend, who established long-term contact. I do a bunch of paperwork when that happens, and they finished the mission while I did that, but nothing could be done after the fact. I've done this story arc plenty of times, so I didn't miss anything new or unfamiliar. Then they had me invite another friend, and they established contact, so I did the same thing for them. I ended up saying goodnight twice trying to get them to acknowledge that I was leaving. Then I did my exercises, and a bit of paperwork. Next, I watched a short video before writing this up and reading a little web-fiction. {Smile}

Daily Update, April 8, 2024

    Monday, I tried to call my financial advisers. I left a message on one of their answering machines; I'll have to do more soon. {Smile}

   I ate breakfast and dinner with Mom and read to her before dinner. Mom was already alert when I said hello, and mostly looked at the pictures I showed her while reading. First, I began reading with scripture and thoughts about it. Next, I continued her niece's long family Christmas letter from 2022. Then I finished _Memories 1950's_, reading her the next several pages. Next, I picked out _The Picture Book of Vintage Vogue, showing her the covers, and random samples. I promised to start it properly tomorrow. After that, I continued _Disney Princess 5-minute Princess Stories_ with "Tiana's Growing Experiment," which was about Tiana from _The Princess and the Frog_. Lastly, I ended with the 8th of April's poem from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "Friendly Slow-Worm." {Smile}

   I did my arm swinging exercises and my arm resistance exercises between reading to Mom and dinner. then I did my salsa dancing warmup after I was done teaming. I did my sitting arm weight training after that, in a sort of break before doing my less structured salsa dancing set. then I finished off with my standing arm weight training exercises. I finally came up with a new way of counting the weight training, with letter instead of numbers without each repetition. I was getting lost with numbers for both the repetitions and within each repetition. 

   I read articles and comics and played Cross Stitch World after breakfast. Then I finished Sunday's daily update before and into lunch, then played more Cross Stitch World and read more comics. Next, I cleaned myself up before hopping into City of Heroes: Homecoming. I looked around, and found the later long, large-group event most of the way through the introduction. I joined quickly, catching the tail end of the introduction, and all the rest that followed, which is where the best rewards are. Afterwards, I did a little paperwork, then left to read to Mom. {Smile}

   After dinner, I started writing this up before I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming. There, I found Kitten, and tried to get their attention. Then I fell asleep right in my chair for a bit, an accidental nap. I woke and got kitten's attention this time. They invited me to the April Fools large-group event that they were using to get a few more levels on a character. Yes, that's still going on, despite folks expecting it to end a week ago. Now some think it will end Monday (meaning today). I also talked with Nox on the chat server. Kitten and I played it until Kitten reached the level he wanted to. Then we left. I suggested starting with high-level individual missions. Kitten suggested inviting a particular friend. It took a little to get them to join us, but we ran two of those missions. Then Pierogies joined us, claiming insomnia, and the friend we'd been playing with left for bed. Next, I picked a story arc I had. Pierogies had a lot of trouble getting to the area, but we persevered. He got there eventually, and we did a couple of missions, finishing the story arc just when I wanted to start my salsa dancing. We chatted in between the salsa dancing sets, while I was doing my sitting arm weight training exercises. We also chatted a little more later, but not much. I also wrote more of this and made notes to write from the next day. {Smile}

Daily Update, April 7, 2024

    On Sunday, I contacted Uber, and they came and took me to church. I arrived slightly before the service, thanks to getting to bed slightly earlier the previous night, to Auntie Barbara's delight. It was a nice service, with a surprise guest preacher. Unfortunately, our priest had family trouble which drew her away, but he found a substitute. {smile}

   Lunch was nice afterwards, though the spread was much smaller than the previous Sunday, but that's to be suspected the week after Easter, after all. Auntie Barbara took me how and visited with Mom for a bit. Mom seemed a bit more tired than usual, but still sang six songs with us. 

   I'm beginning to learn about thick fog, especially the fog that's actually a cloud touching land. that's what I'm really looking for, if anyone has something to share about that. {Smile}

   I ate breakfast and dinner with Mom and read to her before dinner, right after watching our nurse's family members in the parade. Mom roused from her rest when I said hello, and mostly looked at the pictures I showed her while reading. First, we watched a bit of the Merrie Monarch Parade with the nurse. Two of his family members were in one of their marching bands, and I got there right before they were on. So, we just had to watch them, of course. After that, I began reading with scripture and thoughts about it. Then I continued her niece's long family Christmas letter from 2022. After that, I continued _Memories 1950's_, reading her the next several pages. Next, I continued _Disney Princess 5-minute Princess Stories_ with "Aurora Plays the Part," which was about Sleeping Beauty. Lastly, I ended with the 7th of April's poem from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "Snowball's Sweet Tooth." {Smile}

   I did my head exercises while waiting for Uber before church. Then I did my arm swinging exercises and my arm resistance exercises between reading to Mom and dinner. Then a while after teaming, I did my salsa dancing warmup, followed quickly by my sitting arm weight training. 

   After Auntie Barbara left, I finished Saturday's daily update. Then I played some Cross Stitch World and got a bill paid before I cleaned myself up. Next, I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming, where I found Pierogies. He was wondering if the later long, large-group event was going. It soon started recruiting and may have started a little later than usual these days. We both ran it, and talked for a little while afterwards, until time to read to Mom. {Smile}

   After dinner, I began to write this up. Then I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming. I found Dr. Faustus and said hi. He wasn't doing anything, so we teamed up. I picked a character. We finished the story arc she was on. I also started to chat with Nox on the chat server. We kept at it until they went to bed. Meanwhile, Dr. Faustus and I continued with the next story arc in the series and started a third before he needed to go. Then I did my exercises, read some comics, watched a video, and played a very little Cross Stitch World around my exercises. I also wrote a bit more of this and made notes to write from the next day. 

Daily Update, April 6, 2024

    I thought about writing my story, and tried writing more, but it really wasn't working. I realize I want to know more about what it's like to be in a thick fog, so I can describe it in the story. Does anyone know much about that? I'm figuring out other places to ask, too, but might as well as here. {Hopeful Smile}

   I ate breakfast, lunch and dinner with Mom and read to her before dinner. Mom roused from her rest when I said hello, and mostly looked at the pictures I showed her while reading. I began with scripture and thoughts about it first. After that, I continued her niece's long family Christmas letter from 2022. Next, I started _Memories 1950's_, showed her the front cover, reading her the back cover, then showing a reading the first few pages. Then I continued _Disney Princess 5-minute Princess Stories_ with "The Dragon Boat Race," which was about Princess Mulan. Lastly, I ended with the 6th of April's poem from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "Bunny Rabbit." {Smile}

   I started my head exercises in a short lull while teaming with Pierogies, then finished them after I left to exercise. Next, I did my salsa dancing warmup. Then I did my sitting arm weight training exercises, and my arm resistance exercises during my break. Then I did my less structured salsa dancing sets, I estimate that thanks to restarting the second piece due to an alarm, I got in about 21 minutes of salsa dancing between the two sets. Then I did my arm swinging exercises and my standing arm weight training exercises before it got quite too late to do more, especially since I did need another rest. This is the most I've done yet since the finished correcting my root canal. {SMILE}

   In the morning, I read comics, played Cross Stitch World, and maybe an article or two. I also tried what writing I managed on my story, which wasn't much. After lunch, I cleaned myself up. then I hopped into Coty of Heroes: Homecoming and worked on some paperwork I wanted to start. I didn't find anyone on who was available before I noticed folks asking about the later long, large-group event. So, I joined that, followed by a little more paperwork before reading to Mom and dinner. {Smile}

   After dinner, I started writing this up. Then I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming. I tried talking to Ulty, but she was busy. I did talk to Dr. Faustus, and we teamed up. He thought of a story arc unique to Homecoming that the character I picked was the top level for, and we ran it. I also chatted with Nox for a while. Near the end of the story arc, Pierogies came in and we started chatting. He joined Dr. Faustus and me for the last mission and the talk-mission that finished it. Then Dr. Faustus left, and Pierogies wanted to do a mission. That failed, and he suggested working on a badge by running a couple of missions. I tried, but the first time, it didn't work right for me. The second try did work, but I realized it was time to exercise before we even finished the first mission Pierogies said go, so I did my exercises, fitting in more than I have since they completed my root canal. I also wrote this up and squeezed in a little more paperwork. {Smile}

Daily Update, April 5, 2024

 On Friday, I tried to write more of my story. I got a little more done, but not as much as I hoped. I think I need to work out the scene before I write it this time. Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't, but this time I seem to need to. {smile}

I got a lovely call from Auntie Barbara in the evening. It was wonderful getting to chat and catch up with each other. {SMILE}

I ate lunch and dinner with Mom and read to her before dinner. Mom was resting when I got there. She roused when I said hello, and mostly looked at the pictures I showed her while reading. I started with scripture and thoughts about it first. Then I started her niece's long family Christmas letter from 2022. After that I finished _Cats Galore: A Compendium of Cultured Cats_. Then I picked out Memories 1950's, showed her the front cover, and read her the back cover. I promised to start actually reading it to her tomorrow. Next, I continued _Disney Princess 5-minute Princess Stories_ with "The Beauty of Mistakes," which was about Princess Rapunzel. Lastly, I ended with the 5th of April's story from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "A Ladybird's Job." {Smile}

I did my head exercises, my arm resistance exercises, and my arm swinging exercises after teaming for the evening. Then I did my salsa dancing warmup set. After a rest, I did my less structured salsa dancing set. It was around 21 minutes; due to backing up in one piece, I'm not exactly sure how much. I finished with my standing arm weight training exercises, and two of my four sitting arm weight training exercises. That is the most I've done yet since completing the root canal, though only by one weight training exercise. {Smile}

After breakfast, I read a few articles and comics, played CSW, as well as what I could write of my story. After lunch, I tried more writing and Cross Stitch World, then cleaned myself up. only then did I hop into City of Heroes: Homecoming. I started with a bit of paperwork and tried talking to friends. I did chat with Ulty, but she was busy, So I joined the later long, large-group event, and did a little more paperwork before reading to Mom. {Smile}

After dinner, I started writing this up. Then I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming. There I did some paperwork and looked around for folks to talk to. I found a new friend in an open role-play with one other person, but I had trouble getting into it. I realized that character isn't well-developed yet. I really should get characters who are reasonably fleshed out first. Then Dr. Faustus said hello, and we started to talk. The others left for bed, and I went to join Dr. Faustus in a taskforce. I also chatted with Nox. We actually had a fair conversation before they went to bed. The taskforce was the longest in the game, but we finished just slightly later than I hoped, though I was overly optimistic. We actually finished in good time for the longest taskforce in the game. Then I did my exercises and read more comics. I wrote a little more of this and made notes to write from the next day. I also fit a Cross Stitch World break in there, too. {Smile}

Daily Update, April 4, 2024

    Thursday, I stayed home, thought about stuff, and then started revising my story. I started wit. the least major of the major revisions, and I'm working my way up to the tougher stuff. It is good to make progress in writing it again. {SMILE}

   I ate dinner with Mom and read to her before that. Mom was resting when I got there. She roused when I said hello, and looked at the pictures I showed her while reading. First, I started with scripture and thoughts about it. Next, I read a card from church, and a long card from her sister's friend. Then I read more from _Cats Galore: A Compendium of Cultured Cats_. Then I continued _Disney Princess 5-minute Princess Stories_ with "A Proper Princess," which was about Princess Jasmine taking an interest in the complaints in some letters from her father's subjects. Lastly, I ended with the 4th of April's story from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "The New Baby!" {Smile}

   I did my standing arm weight training exercises, and my arm resistance exercises between reading to Mom and dinner today. Then I did my arm swinging exercises after I finished teaming for the evening, while my character sat in one of Pierogies' farms. However, I was unsteady, and stopped after around 4 minutes because I didn't feel safe. I don't have a harness like they do at physical therapy. I did do my head exercises after that, but that's all I managed before it got too late, I'm afraid. {smile}

   I read articles and comics in the morning and over lunch. Then I started writing my story and Wednesday's daily update, going back and forth between them. Next, I played Cross Stitch World. Then I cleaned myself up before I went into City of Heroes: Homecoming. Kitten was quiet, but Pierogies was talkative. He wanted to do the later long, large-group event, so we did. That gave us a bit more time to talk before reading to Mom. {Smile}

   After dinner, I started writing this up, then hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming. This time Kitten was talkative. I debated which character to play, changing just before we started to team up. We ran a few of my missions. Nox tried to talk just before heading to bed, but I noticed too late. Kitten asked for first one friend then another to join. I added each. We switched to doing the missions of one of the friends. The one whose missions weren't being run left, and the three of us continued the mission of the one who stayed, with a bit of time in an April Fools event. Yes, that's still going on. I'm slightly surprised, but okay. Back to the missions. they ran several quickly, to reach the end of the arc before I started exercising. We succeeded. Then I met Pierogies. We talked a little, and I joined him in a farm. Then I started the exercises, until trouble with salsa dancing stopped that. So, I talked more with Pierogies, and shared something with a few friends in chat and instant messaging. I finished by writing this up, well, mostly making notes to write from the next day. {Smile}

Daily Update, April 3, 2024

    On Wednesday, a while after breakfast, I contacted Uber. A fellow came and took me to Life Care Center, where I had physical therapy. They took me after a short wait, and physical therapy went well, with a decent time on the exercise machine to start, and a session with the harness following. For salsa dancing, I tried some fast double turns. The harness really helps me with those; I'm not steady then, but I'm already getting better, between the little practice I got, and some tips the therapist gave me. Afterwards, I contacted Uber, and a different fellow came and took me home. {Smile}

   I ate dinner with Mom and read to her before that. Mom was resting when I got there. She roused when I said hello, and looked at the pictures I showed her while reading. First, I began with scripture and thoughts about it. After that, I read a card from the nursing card, one from church, and one from each of her sisters. Next, I finished _Memories 1970's_. I followed that with a few pages from _Cats Galore: A Compendium of Cultured Cats_, picking up where I'd left off to read the book about the 1970's that I'd given her for Easter. Then I continued _Disney Princess 5-minute Princess Stories_ with "Ariel Makes Waves," which was about the princess in The Little Mermaid while she was still a mermaid. Lastly, I ended with the 3rd of April's story from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "Hoppity's Friends." {Smile}

   Wednesday, my exercise was my physical therapy. They made sure I got a good workout, so I don't need another. {Smile}

   I read some articles over breakfast until it was time to go to physical therapy. Then I read more articles and played Cross Stitch World over lunch. Next, I finished writing Tuesday's daily update before cleaning myself up. After that, I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming. There, I found Kitten, who was unresponsive, and Pierogies, who chatted with me. Then Pierogies encouraged me to join the later long, large-group event, which was just beginning to recruit. We did and ran it when they'd recruited enough. After that, we chatted for a little until it was time to read to Mom. {Smile}

   After dinner, I started to write this up. Next, I hopped back into City of Heroes: Homecoming, where I found Kitten. We teamed up, and they pointed out another good friend of theirs who recently befriended me. She was on a low-level character. We joined her, and I got a low-level character who had some overlap of missions with her. We ran some missions until she got tired and left for bed. Then she left, and Kitten and I ran several of my character's missions, since they're low enough, most were short. I said goodnight to Nox on the chat server; we again missed chatting earlier. Then Kitten got thoroughly distracted talking with a friend on another character. Kitten asked about working on a self-improvement badge, and I found a character who needed it. We ran that, then I led the first part of a similar badge before leaving to write this. After leaving, I played some Cross Stitch World and read a comic before settling into making notes to rite from the next day. {Smile}

Daily Update, April 2, 2024

I had all kinds of plans for working on my story and getting exercise done earlier. Instead, I spent most of the morning playing Cross Stitch World while thinking about that video I watched the previous night. There was a woman who posed as a man to learn about "life on the other side." When it came to dating, she expected to have a lot of fun, since she was attracted to women, and she expected more would be interested in her as a guy. But she met up with so much rejection from women she approached - and as a guy, she had to approach them; they wouldn't approach her. {pause} Its food for thought, which I have certainly been doing a lot of today. {smile}

I ate dinner with Mom and read to her before that. Mom was resting when I got there. She roused when I said hello, and looked at the pictures I showed her while reading. At the end, she said she'd liked what I read to her, with a little prompting from me. I began with scripture and thoughts about it first. Next, I read two cards, one from each of her sisters. Then I continued _Memories 1970's_. I thought I might go to the end, but it was longer than I thought. One more day, and back to the cat book. After that, I continued _Disney Princess 5-minute Princess Stories_ with "the Winter Journey," which was about Pocahontas. Lastly, I ended with the 2nd of April's story from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "Good Old Ceasar." {Smile}

I did my arm swinging exercises and my arm resistance exercises after dinner. Then I did 3 of my sitting arm weight training exercises after I finished teaming for the evening. Next, I did my salsa dancing warmup. I did my head exercises next, during the break between the salsa dancing warmup and the less structured salsa dancing set. I got just over 19 3/4ers minutes of salsa dancing, but it was the extra fast piece. I bet I got as many steps in as some of the longer pieces, just in less time. It's fast enough, it left me slightly winded. {Smile}

I finished Monday's daily update over lunch and read a few comics. Then I cleaned myself and hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming later than I like, but earlier than sometimes. I found Pierogies already in the later long, large-group event. He urged me to grab one of the three spots left, so I did. We both ran it and talked a while after that until it was time to read to Mom. {Smile}

After dinner, I did a couple of exercises and started writing this up. I also checked out City of Heroes: Homecoming. Misty didn't respond when I said hi, but Michiel chatted a bit. We didn't team up because he was just finishing up and leaving. Then I looked around. The April Fools raids were still going on, so I joined one after another. I paused mainly when they did, fitting in a little paperwork. I also said goodnight to Nox when they announced they were heading to bed. Yes, we missed talking again. I stopped a little earlier to do my exercises and dancing, but somehow didn't fit in the few more exercises I hoped for. I also watched videos and read comics, as well as writing more of this, and taking notes to write from the next day, too. {Smile}

Daily Update, April 1, 2024

   Monday's April Fool's Day trick was pulled on me by my own memory. {rueful look}

   I contacted Uber, and a fellow came and took me down to Dr. Sugiyama, my dentist. The receptionist came out to tell me I didn't have an appointment that day; my next appointment is in a couple of weeks. I replied that they'd called to remind me on Friday, but she said no, they hadn't; they aren't even open on Friday. I checked the calendar on my phone, and it said Dr. Sugai, my podiatrist. this is the second time now that I've gotten two Japanese names with the same first three letters mixed up. {blush}

   So, I called Dr. Sugai's office, telling them what had happened, and assuring them I was nearby. (They are maybe a handful of blocks apart.) To my great relief, they said no problem, come right over. If this had happened the other way around, I'm pretty sure Doctor Sugiyama would have rescheduled rather than squeeze in a patient 15+ minutes late. So, I contacted Uber, and a gal came and took me to Dr. Sugai's. There, they sent me straight to a room, where the doctor soon came in. He said the big right toenail is healing nicely. It's notably damaged, with discoloration and even an odd bend in it. Then he trimmed all my nails, which had gotten long, and told me come back in a couple of months. I made the appointment with the receptionist. then I called Uber, and a fellow came and took me home.

   I ate dinner with Mom and read to her before that. Mom was sitting when I got there. She looked at the pictures I showed her while reading. At the end, she said she'd liked what I read to her, with a little prompting from me. I started with scripture and thoughts about it first. Then I read a few cards: one from church, one from the nursing company, and one from her cousin's granddaughter.  After that, I continued _Memories 1970's. Then I continued _Disney Princess 5-minute Princess Stories_ with "Belle's Flights," which was about Belle from Beauty and the Beast. Lastly, I ended with the 1st of April's story from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "April Fool!" {Smile}

   I did my arm resistance exercises and my head exercises while waiting for Uber. I realized I had enough time to do the arm resistance exercises before leaving the house, so I had the stretchy band it uses. Then I did 10 of my arm-swinging exercises while waiting for Uber after seeing Dr. Sugai. I did the last two arm swinging exercises not long after I got home. Then I did my two salsa dancing sets after teaming, for 20 3/4ths minutes of salsa dancing. After a break, I did three of my four sitting arm weight training exercises. {Smile}

   Monday morning, I did a little Cross Stitch World, then finished Sunday's daily update and cleaned myself up, skipping a couple of steps in cleaning myself up to make sure I got there on time. Good thing I did. I barely finished lunch in time. After I came home, I finished cleaning myself up, then Hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming. I found Pierogies, and we teamed up and did a couple of missions. Then he noticed the later long, large-group event was recruiting, and we joined that and ran it. It did get me a kind of game cash the character had to earn and was getting frustratingly slowly without one. I bought what I wanted and have more to spare now. It ran right up to time to read to Mom, so pierogies and I said goodnight, and I left. {Smile}

   After dinner, I started writing this up. Then I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming. I didn't find anyone I usually team with who'd respond. I did notice conversation saying the April Fool's raids are going away in a couple days. They do drop particularly nice amounts of experience and game money. So, I joined one, and then another, doing them for most of the evening, with paperwork when none was going on until I started salsa dancing. I watched part of a video between the sets that really got me thinking. That made me slow to bed again, which I did when I was done writing more of this and making notes to write from, too. {rueful smile}