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}