Daily update, July 14, 2024

    After Breakfast, I contacted Uber, and they took me to church. I got there before the announcements, which was earlier than Auntie Barbara and Michelle got there. Yes, Michelle was there again. Her Sunday job stopped, so she is free to drive for Auntie Barbara on Sundays again. That means coming to church, among other things. {Smile}

   We had a big lunch on the lanai afterwards. I sat with Auntie Barbara and Michelle and enjoyed talking with both. However, Auntie Barbara arranged for me to go home with Home Communion, since it was Mom's week with them, and she wanted to stop at Island Naturals, then go straight home. I really didn't need to shop there, since I'm trying to get away from the higher-energy snacks I've been picking up when we stop there. So, I went home with home communion. We were their first stop because it was hot, and the gal who was driving didn't want me sitting in a hot car waiting while they saw someone else. {Smile}

   I ate breakfast and dinner with Mom and read to her before dinner. She was resting when I went in, and often kind of drowsed while reading, but opened her eyes to enjoy the pictures, especially the pictures of children. I started my reading with scripture and thoughts about it first. Then I read Christmas cards from her niece and a friend, and a birthday card from church. After that, I discovered I hadn't quite finished _The Picture Book of Kids and Animals_, so I finished it, redoing enough pages to get a decent session. Next, I read seven short poems and a story from _365 Animal Stories and Rhymes_. I finished with the 14th of July's story, "the Happy Gnomes," from _366 Stories for Bedtime_. {Smile}

   I did my arm resistance exercises and my arm swinging exercises after dinner. Then I did my head exercises a while after I mostly finished playing City of Heroes: Homecoming for the evening. I swiftly followed that with my salsa dancing warmup set. After a break, I did my less structured set - yes, two pieces back-to-back. It was slightly over 20 1/4 minutes, but I'm particularly proud I did it without a break between the last two pieces. That does require more stamina.  

   After church, I played Cross Stitch World, but I kept dosing off. Eventually I tried eating some protein, which seemed to help. Maybe too much sugar and not enough protein at lunch. Then I wrote up Saturday's daily update. After that, I cleaned myself up. Then I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming and worked on some paperwork. then Dennis came in and said hi, and we teamed up for a mission and a hunt, taking us right up to time to read to Mom. {Smile}

   After dinner, I exercised, and started writing my daily update. Then I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming, where I teamed up with Dennis for a few missions. After he left, I did paperwork, then played Cross stitch World until I started my exercise and salsa dancing. After the first round, I wrote a little more of this up, watched a video, and played Cross Stitch World. Then I did more salsa dancing. After that, I wrote a little more of this up, played some more Cross Stitch World, and made notes in this to write from the next day. {Smile}

Daily Update, July 13, 2024

   On Saturday, I texted our former nurse. He was busy but had a short chat. We also arranged to have a longer talk soon. {Smile}

   I also texted Auntie Barbara, and she called me back. We had a nice talk. {smile}

   I ate breakfast, lunch and dinner with Mom and read to her before dinner. She was sitting up when I went in, and enjoyed looking at the pictures, especially the pictures of children. I began my reading with scripture and thoughts about it first. Next, I read a long Christmas card from a friend. Then I finished _The Picture Book of Kids and Animals_. After that, I read Red Riding Hood and another story from _365 Animal Stories and Rhymes_. I ended with the 13th of July's story, "the Sea Urchin," from _366 Stories for Bedtime_. {Smile}

   I did my head exercises while waiting for Pierogies to finish the later long, large-group event. Then I did my arm resistance exercises between reading to Mom and dinner. I did my leg exercises after dinner. then I did my salsa dancing warmup set. After a break, I did a less structured salsa dancing piece, and after another break, I did another less structured salsa dancing piece, though when I started, I realized I was tired enough, I was glad I'd picked the slightly shorter, still slow piece. I got around 19 minutes and 50 seconds of salsa dancing, not quite 20 minutes... but I think I was tired enough, it was still a good showing. 

   I had breakfast with Mom. Then I read articles and played Cross Stitch World until I had lunch with Mom. Next, I played Cross Stitch World, read articles, and chatted with friends on chat server until I wrote up Friday's daily update. After that, I cleaned myself up. Then I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming, where I said hi to Pierogies, who was finishing up the later long, large-group event. I talked with Jenny's player, too, and did paperwork and a little exercise while I waited. Pierogies and I did get together and do a mission when he was done, taking us right up to time to read to Mom. {Smile}

   After dinner, I exercised, and began writing this up and making notes. Then I read some web fiction before hopping into City of Heroes: Homecoming. I did some paperwork and had my phone call with Auntie Barbara. Then back to City of Heroes: Homecoming, where I talked with Jenny's player and Direct X. I also did a little more paperwork before I joined a pair of high-level taskforces. After that, I did more paperwork, and read comics, articles, and web fiction before salsa dancing. Next, I wrote more of this, and watched videos before more salsa dancing. Next, I read more comics, and played some Cross Stitch World before the last of my salsa dancing for the evening. I made notes in this and hopped back into City of Heroes: Homecoming to do some paperwork. Before I finished making notes in this. {Smile}

Daily Update, July 12, 2024

    Friday was pretty quiet. {Smile}

   I ate lunch and dinner with Mom and read to her before dinner. I wasn't late. She was sitting up when I went in. She rested, but looked at most of the pictures, especially the baby pictures. First, I began my reading with scripture and thoughts about it. After that, I read a card from each of her sisters, and one from me. Next, I started _The Picture Book of Kids and Animals_. Then I read The Tortoise and the Hare and two poems from _365 Animal Stories and Rhymes_. I ended with the 12th of July's story, "The Legend of the Dragonfly," from _366 Stories for Bedtime_. {Smile}

   I did my arm resistance exercises, my leg exercises, and 8 of my 14 walking exercises part-way through the evening. Then I did my warmup salsa dancing, and then after a longer rest than I meant, another salsa dancing piece, for 14 3/4ths minutes of salsa dancing. Then I did my arm swinging exercises. After a break, I slipped in my head exercises, even though it was far too late, but I hope that's a good evening's exercise when I'm still recovering from the root canals. {Smile}

   After breakfast, I played Cross Stitch World and read articles Then I wrote up Thursday's daily update. After lunch, I played more Cross Stitch World and read comics. Then I cleaned myself up. Next, I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming. I teamed up with Pierogies for two or three missions, which took us up to time to read to Mom. {Smile}

   After dinner, I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming, where I found Pierogies just finishing a mission and ready to wind down. So, we watched a video together. After that, I did some paperwork, some exercise, and started writing this up. Next, I did a little hunting by myself back in City of Heroes: Homecoming. Next, I decided to check out the roleplaying scene. I ran into my new friend, who I can't just keep calling my new friend... I checked, and I'll call her Jenny's player, since the character of hers that I know best is Jenny. Anyway, she recognized me because I was on the character my account is named after, though she'd never met the character before. We teamed up, with me switching characters. My even newer friend who I roleplayed and teamed with a couple of nights ago -- Direct X is his account name -- joined us. Jenny's player left after one mission, more tired than she thought. Direct X stayed, and we did two or three more missions. Then I did some salsa dancing, then watched videos during my break. Next, I did more salsa dancing, followed by other exercises, and writing my daily update, including making notes to write from the next day. {Smile}

Daily Update, July 11, 2024

    On Thursday, our housekeeper came in the afternoon for a regular length work session. It was great seeing her, and our house is definitely better for her attentions. {Smile}

   I ate dinner with Mom and read to her before that. I wasn't as late. She was sitting up and alert when I went in. She rested at times, but looked at most of the pictures, especially the baby pictures. First, I started my reading with scripture and thoughts about it. Then I read two Christmas cards, one from her friend, and the other from her niece. After that, I finished _The Happy Book: Babies_. Next, I read a long story from _365 Animal Stories and Rhymes_. I ended with the 11th of July's story, "Good Neighbors," from _366 Stories for Bedtime_. {Smile}

   I did one of my four sitting arm weight training exercises between reading to Mom and dinner. then I did my head exercises after dinner After a break, I did my arm swinging exercises too. After teaming, I did my salsa dancing warmup set, all 8 1/2 minutes of it in one go. Then I did my arm resistance exercises after a break. After another break, I realized it was getting late, and I wasn't ready to do more salsa dancing, so I did 8 of my 14 walking exercises in one go. By the end, I was tired enough, I figured that was enough for one evening. {Smile}

   After breakfast, I spent most of the morning explaining a lot of the paperwork I do in City of Heroes: Homecoming. They're ready to get into that part of the game. Then I had lunch. After that, I wrote up Wednesday's daily update. Then I read comics. The housekeeper came, and I cleaned myself up with her assurances she'd work elsewhere until I was done. I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming later than I like, but earlier than the day before. There, I found Kitten. We teamed up and did a couple of missions before it was time to read to Mom. {Smile}

   After dinner, I began writing this up, and did a little exercise. then I hopped into City of Heroes: homecoming. I found Pierogies, who invited me to join him in a farm, and even help with it. We talked and farmed until he said he was tired. then he went to bed, and I worked on the paperwork the farming produced. then I talked with Divi a bit in the game, and Nox on the chat server. I was just considering playing alone when Dennis said hi. So, we teamed up, which I far prefer to solo play. We did a couple of my missions. Kitten joined us in the first one and stayed with us. then Dennis said goodbye and left. Kitten and I did another mission. Then I stopped to exercise, I chatted with Kitten on the chat server and researched stuff between exercises. After that I wrote a little more of this and made notes, interrupted with more research and a little Cross Stitch World. {Smile}

Daily Update, July 10, 2024

    On Wednesday, I called the nursing company's secretary to check about something. It's good to know how to proceed. {Smile}

   I ate dinner with Mom and read to her before that. I was late again; the mission took a while. She was sitting up and alert when I went in. She stayed alert, looking at all the pictures with apparent interest, especially the baby pictures. I started my reading with scripture and thoughts about it first. After that, I finished her niece's long family Christmas letter from 2022. Next, I continued _The Happy Book: Babies_. Then I read a story and seven poems from _365 Animal Stories and Rhymes_, leaving a long story in between them for a different day. I ended with the 10th of July's story, "The Shy Ostrich," from _366 Stories for Bedtime_. {Smile}

   I did my head exercises between reading to Mom and dinner. Then I did my arm resistance exercises and my leg exercises after dinner. Then I did my arm swinging exercises during a lull in the game while I was playing with Kitten in the evening. After we finished, I did 6 1/2 minutes of salsa dancing with only a pretty short break in the middle. I didn't feel up to more salsa dancing, so I did my standing arm weight training next. 

   After breakfast, I played Cross Stitch World and read articles. Then I had lunch, with more Cross stich world and reading a comic over and after lunch. After that, I finished writing up Tuesday's daily update. Then I cleaned myself up. Then I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming. I found Pierogies, who was finishing up the later long, large-group event. We teamed up when it was done. Dennis came into the game and said hi just as we were getting together. He joined u, and we three ran one mission of mine which ran a little late, but we were all happy to have had the chance to team up and play together. {Smile}

   After dinner and exercise, I started writing this up. Then I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming. Kitten responded! They hadn't before dinner. We got together and started a mission of mine. After the first battle, we paused for a long talk that I needed. Then we resumed the mission and did a few to several more missions. I also said goodnight to Nox. We didn't get to talk except to say goodnight, but we talked a little then. After Kitten and I parted, I exercised. After the exercise, I went back and forth between writing this up and making notes in it and doing paperwork in City of Heroes: Homecoming until I left for bed. {Smile}

Daily Update, July 9, 2024

    On Tuesday, things were pretty quiet. After some of my recent medical appointments, I'll take quiet happily. {Smile}

   I did wake up feeling more rested than I have been for at least a couple of days. Sleeping in the corset must have been more comfortable than sleeping without it. I'm so relived, because I have been tired. I would like more rest. {Smile}

   I ate dinner with Mom and read to her before that. I was pretty much on time for me. Shew as resting but roused when i spoke with her. She kept going back to resting but opened her eyes and looked at the pictures when prompted to, even when they didn't have babies in them. She particularly fond of the baby pictures. She answered me at times, too. I began my reading with scripture and thoughts about it first. Then I continued her niece's long family Christmas letter from 2022. After that, I started _The Happy Book: Babies_. Next, I read four poems from _365 Animal Stories and Rhymes_. I finished off with the 8th of July's story, "The Circus Clown," and the 9th of July's Story, "The Enchanted Mill," both from _366 Stories for Bedtime_. {Smile}

   I did my head exercises between reading to Mom and dinner, and my arm swinging exercises and arm resistance exercises after dinner. then I did one of my standing arm weight training exercises during a lull in the role-playing. After I was done with City of Heroes: Homecoming, I did 13 1/2 of my fourteen walking exercises in two sets. I just could not do a second repetition of the last one. I was too tired, and it was too late to rest first. I think this is my best exercise day since the root canal and a half. {Smile}

   After breakfast I read articles and played Cross Stitch World until lunch. Then I played more Cross Stitch World before writing up my daily update. Then I played more Cross Stitch World and read some comics before I cleaned myself up. After that, I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming. I started chatting with Pierogies, who wanted to learn how to do a pair of high-level taskforces that are often done together. I recruited for them, and we ran the first one. By then it was time to read to Mom. Somehow enough of the rest needed to leave, too, the team just broke up. {Smile}

   After dinner, I exercised, and began writing this up. Then I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming, where I chatted with Ulty and my new friend. I joined them in casual role-playing that lasted most of the evening. Even after they and most of the others left, one other and I kept talking. I said goodnight to Nox; we missed talking again. I also read comics when the roleplaying got slow enough eventually the last one and I teamed up for a couple of missions. When that and a little paperwork was done, I did my exercises/ Then I wrote a little more of this and made notes to write from the next day. {Smile}

Daily Update, July 8, 2024

    On Monday, I phoned Safeway pharmacy to order a refill. {Smile}

   Then I phoned my podiatrist. The gal suggested an appointment to get the nail looked at, and probably removed. I'd rather not remove the nail, but it's got a fungus that's still under it, so... we'll see what can be done. {smile}

   I also phoned the surgery's nurse. The first time, I left a message. The second time, I got her. We learned that the hospital will call me about scheduling a CT scan when they have confirmed things with my insurance, which hasn't called them back about this yet. I also asked about a binder for sleeping at night. She recommended trying the same one I'm using in the daytime first. If it really doesn't work, I can get another then. {Smile}

   I ate dinner with Mom and read to her before that, but not much. I was a little late because of the game again. She seemed to be asleep when I went in, but opened her eyes when the nurse spoke to her and kept them open looking around at things even when there weren't many pictures. First, I started my reading with scripture and thoughts about it. Next, I continued her niece's long family Christmas letter from 2022. but I wasn't very far when the nurse interrupted me, saying he was sorry, but he needed to take care of Mom, and no, it couldn't wait. I asked about continuing later, but he thought it would be best to read more the next day. {smile}

   I did my arm resistance exercises, my standing arm weight training exercises, and my leg exercises between reading to Mom and dinner. Then late in the night, after I cleaned myself up after everything else that I did in the evening, I did my arm swinging exercises and my sitting arm weight training exercises, with a small break int eh middle of the sitting arm weight training exercises. {Smile}

   After breakfast, around the phone calls, I played Cross Stitch World and read articles. After lunch, I read some comics and web fiction. Then I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming. I did a little paperwork, but mainly I found Dennis. We teamed up, and Azurette and Michiel joined us to do a story arc Dennis had. Pierogies joined us for in the first mission or two. It ran a little into time to read to Mom, but the last mission was short, so I stuck it out. I didn't get the hoped-for badge, though Dennis did; it was his story arc, so he should. He said we could try again a different way some other time. {Smile}

   Between reading to Mom and dinner, I began writing this up, as well as doing the exercises, because it took the nurse a while to help Mom. then after dinner, I played Cross Stitch World and read articles before I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming. There, I found Pierogies, who invited me to do a mission with him. We ran it. Then he left for bed, happily tired. Next, I did some paperwork Then I played on a character who's been stuck in the tutorial, waiting for me to get her out of it. That night I got her out of it. I also chatted with Nox and Kitten on the chat server. Then I cleaned myself up. After that, I did more exercises. I also wrote a little of this and made more notes to write from the next day. {Smile}

Daily Update, July 7, 2024

    After breakfast, I contacted Uber, and a fellow who lives around here came and got me, as he often does, especially on Sunday. Church was nice. I even arrived during the announcements before the service proper, despite calling Uber later than I like to. We had lunch on the lanai in back of the church, as usual. I did enjoy the conversations. {Smile}

   Auntie Barbara took me home and came in to visit with Mom. We sang over ten songs, including three verses of This Old man at the end, and sure enough, Mom sang right along with us, and Auntie Barbara was the one who stopped there, not Mom. I think adding a song to our regulars is huge this late in dementia. I'd discovered she still knew it because a couple of the books I read to her includes it, and I usually sing it, not just say it. She tends to join in. {SMILE}

   I ate breakfast and dinner with Mom and read to her before that. I was a little late because of the game, but she was up when I went in again today and looked on with interest the whole time, even when I didn't have pictures. She looked at all the pictures I showed her, too, especially the ones of babies.  She usually said she liked it when I asked. First, I began my reading with scripture and thoughts about it. Next, I continued her niece's long family Christmas letter from 2022. Then I finished _The Picture Book of Babies_. Mom looked steadily at each baby today again. After that, I read two stories from _365 Animal Stories and Rhymes_. I finished off with the 7th of July's poem, "Breakfast Time!" from _366 Stories for Bedtime_. {Smile}

   I did my head exercises while waiting for Uber to come pick me up. then I did my arm swinging exercises after dinner. I did my arm resistance exercises and my arm weight training exercises - both sitting and standing - with only a fairly short break after my bath. I don't think I'm ready to do more, and it's getting late anyway. {Smile}

   After Auntie Barbara left, I ordered another binder/corset. then I played Cross stitch World and read a web novel. Eventually I got around to writing up Saturday's daily update. After that, I hopped into city of Heroes: Homecoming. I chatted with Ulty, Pierogies and Michiel, and Dennis. I eventually teamed up with Michiel and helped him with a mission. Pierogies joined us. We rushed the end because it was time to read to Mom. {Smile}

   After dinner, I played Cross Stitch World, read web comics, and exercised. Then I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming. I teamed up with Dennis and Kitten. We did a mission of Dennis's. Then we fought a giant monster. Pierogies and someone else tried to join us, but I didn't realize I was leading the team, so I didn't invite them until afterwards. They didn't get credit for getting the giant monster, though we really looked for another. The person I don't know ended up leaving for bed. Then the four of us did one mission of mine before Dennis and Pierogies left for bed. I also talked with Nox on the chat world. When Dennis and Pierogies left, I switched to a new story arc, and Kitten and I did three of the four missions. Then I talked with Kitten before I cleaned myself up. After that I exercised. Then I cancelled the binder/corset order I made this afternoon, and ordered the one the surgeon recommended in hopes it would be more comfortable for longtime wear. Afterwards, I wrote a little more of this and made notes in it for the next day. {Smile}

Daily Update, July 6, 2024

    On Saturday, the binder came - that's the medically approved corset. I tried it on. It was a bit fussy fitting at first, but I'm already getting better. It helps if I hold things in - as I'm getting better at - and if I don't have as much agas as I did. {rueful look}

   I'm surprised how comfortable it is, and it's really helping my posture... so much, I had to raise my computer screen over an inch. Even when I take it off, my muscles want to stand/sit up straighter, and pull that tummy in more. I've been wearing it since I got it, except at night. Our nurse agrees I'm not supposed to sleep in it. {Smile} 

   I ate breakfast, lunch and dinner with Mom and read to her before dinner. She was up when I went in today and looked on with interest the whole time. She looked at all the pictures, especially the ones of babies.  She usually said she liked it when I asked. I began my reading with scripture and thoughts about it first. After that, I continued her niece's long family Christmas letter from 2022. Next, I continued _The Picture Book of Babies_. Mom looked steadily at each baby today. Then I read a story and two longer poems from _365 Animal Stories and Rhymes_. I finished off with the 6th of July's story, "On the Beach," from _366 Stories for Bedtime_. {Smile}

   I did my arm swinging exercises after dinner. then I did my arm resistance exercises when I thought I was having a lull in the game while teaming with Kitten. When I found out a short power failure and longer internet failure were the culprit, I did my head exercises. Then, after a longer break than I meant to take, I did my standing arm weight training exercises. that left me a bit tired, but I managed to fit in one of my four sitting arm weight training exercises after a short break. No more, since I was more tired, and it was late. {Smile}

   After breakfast, I read several articles and played some Cross stitch World before I finished my daily update before a late lunch. Then I played more Cross stitch world before the package came in the mail. After trying it on, I cleaned myself up. Then I hopped into City of Heroes: homecoming late. I said hi to Michiel, and we talked a lot, catching up with each other since we hadn't seen each other for a while. Then we teamed up and started a mission. Pierogies joined us and we finished that mission. We were getting ready to start another when I realized that it was time to read to mom. {Smile}

   After dinner and exercise, I began writing this up. Then I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming. I chatted with Ulty. Then Dennis said hi, and we got into a taskforce led by Azurette, who was having trouble getting enough folks to join. We ran it, and Azurette left afterwards. Dennis and I did a couple of missions with me on a different character. I also chatted with Nox on the chat server a little. Then Dennis left, and I said hi to my new friend, who was just finishing up a role-playing session with Ulty. We teamed up after Ulty left and did a mission, and Kitten joined us. Then my new friend left, being more tired than she realized. Kitten and I did another couple of missions. Then Kitten went quiet. That turned out to be a short power failure, and a longer internet outage. So, I did some hunts by myself, and exercised. Afterwards, I wrote more of this, and made notes to write from the next day. {Smile}

Daily Update, July 5, 2024

    On Friday, the housekeeper came, and our house is much better for her attentions. {Smile}

   I ate lunch and dinner with Mom and read to her before dinner. She was up when I went in today but rested while I read. She did open her eyes to look at pictures, though sometimes she needed a reminder.  However, she was quick to answer when I asked if she was liking it. I started my reading with scripture and thoughts about it first. Then I continued her niece's long family Christmas letter from 2022. After that, I started _The Picture Book of Babies_. Mom enjoyed that so much, she kept her eyes open for the first few pages. then I read a story and two longer poems from _365 Animal Stories and Rhymes_. I ended with the 5th of July's story, "My Fish," from _366 Stories for Bedtime_. {Smile}

   I did my head exercises between reading to Mom and dinner. Then I did my arm resistance exercises after dinner. Later I slipped in my arm swinging exercises while teaming with kitten, between missions. I hoped to do one more, but it got too late before I could. {resigned smile}

   I watched videos on YouTube from breakfast to just before lunch with Mom. Then I watched more videos and played Cross Stitch World after lunch. Eventually I got around to finishing writing Thursday's daily update. then I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming. There, I joined Kitten and Pierogies in the mission we failed to finish twice. With a yet-lower difficulty and none of us dropping out this time, we actually finished a while before I like to read to Mom. So, the three of us talked until I left to read to Mom. {Smile}

   After dinner and a little exercise, I checked a video and read a few comics. Then I started writing this up and making notes in it. Next, I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming. I started with paperwork and talked at length with Ulty and my new friend while doing it. I asked about getting together when the paperwork was done, but they were doing private role-playing that my characters wouldn't fit into again. So instead, I joined a high-level trial. I chatted with Nox on the chat server a little. Then Dennis said hi near the end of the trial. When the t4rial was properly done, Dennis and I teamed up, and finished a story arc of his that we've been working on. While Dennis was settling down for the night, Kitten said hi. We teamed up and I settled on doing a few missions one of my characters had. It was near the end of those missions that I took a little break for another set of exercises. When we were done, I wrote a little more of this, and made notes in it, too. {Smile}