Daily Update, December 30, 2023

    Saturday, I stayed home. I did search both Dad's security box and my security box for my second safe deposit box key. I have one, but the bank gave out two. I found some keys in Dad's box, but not that one. I'll have to look in Mom's things, though I was in the habit of using Dad's box for backup, not Mom's storage places. If it's not there either, I'll keep thinking about places to look, but I might go ahead with straightening out Mom's and my safe deposit boxes. They're both at the same credit union, where only I still have an account. It's supposed to be one safe deposit box per account, so one needs to be closed, and the one I keep needs to be attached to my account. {Smile}

   I ate breakfast and dinner with Mom and read to her before dinner. She was awake and enjoyed the pictures. I started with scripture and thoughts about it. Next, I continued with more from her niece's long family Christmas letter from 2019. After that, I restarted _Mele Kalikimaka: Christmas in Hawai'i_. I showed her the pictures and read the captions, as well as a one-page introduction, which meant skipping a bunch of text-heavy pages before that. After that, I read a story from _Disney 3-Minute Bedtime Stories_. I made sure to describe each picture as I went along. Except I kind of read it twice. I read and showed pictures for four pages, and discovered I was already at the end because I'd missed the middle two pages. So, I went back and read all six pages, with the middle right they ought to be. I thought that would be less confusing than reading out of order, and more satisfying than leaving the full version to another day. I finished with the 30th of December's story from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "The Wood Gnome." A little old man lives in the woods who's as old as the hills, as quick and nimble as a squirrel, and as mischievous as a monkey. He wears a pinecone hat, a moss waistcoat, and toadstool skin boots. His cloak is a leaf that changes color with the seasons. He tries to protect the woodlands from thoughtless people. If he sees folks littering, he leaves ants in their sandwiches. If ladies pick flowers, or worse, take whole branches of flowering shrubs, or even dig up plants, he hides their handbags and tears their tights on thorns. but he likes children! If they're good, he might show them paths to hidden places. {Smile}

   I did two of my head exercises in a couple of lulls in City of Heroes: Homecoming. Then I did 6 1/2 minutes of salsa dancing longer after stopping teaming than I meant to take to get around to it. Then with short breaks for writing this up and such, I did my walking exercises, the rest of my head exercises, my arm resistance exercises, my standing arm weight training exercises, my leg exercises, and my sitting arm weight training exercises. I only did 10 repetitions of the last sitting arm weight training exercise. That's not the 15 I'm hoping to work up to, but it's better than the 6 I did last night. {Smile}

   I finished writing yesterday's daily update after breakfast. Then, after searching for the key, and continuing over and after lunch, I read some comics and articles, and played more of that cross-stitch game than I quite meant to. Then I cleaned myself up and did a bit more of the cross-stitch game before hopping into City of Heroes: Homecoming. I got in too late for the early short, large group event. I looked around, and spotted Pierogies, looking like they were in a farm. We chatted, then teamed up to do some missions. We switched characters to do an individual high-level mission, and ended early enough, we tried a second. However, that didn't go so well. We quit when it started eating into time to read to Mom. I started writing up this daily update between reading to Mom and eating with Mom.  {Smile}

   Then after dinner, I got back to City of Heroes: Homecoming too late for the late-night short, large group event. So, I continued writing this up a bit, then got back into City of Heroes: Homecoming, where I caught up on paperwork. Next, I looked around for something to join that a couple of my characters really need, but I didn't spot what I really wanted. I debated starting one myself, but realized I really wanted to hang out with a friend. Michiel was on, so I said hi. We chatted, then teamed up. I helped him finish his mission, which he was having trouble with. I also chatted with Nox on the chat server. Then we did a few of my missions until he was ready to leave, and I need to start my exercises. Somehow, I did more paperwork than I meant to first. Then I did the exercises, interspersed with short breaks, mainly writing up the part about them, and part of the beginning of this update. After the exercises, I finished this, switching to notes to write from the next day as it got late. I got offline later than I like, especially on Saturday, with church the next morning, but I was still slightly better than I have been. {Smile}

Daily Update, December 29, 2023

    After Thursday, it was a relief to have a quiet day at home Friday. I did get a phone call from Auntie Barbara. We hope to meet up at church next Sunday, but I should expect to make my own way home due to her having house guests. {Smile}

   I ate breakfast lunch and dinner with Mom and read to her before dinner. She was awake and seemed to enjoy the pictures, though she rested when I was reading the first two, which have no pictures most days. First, I began with scripture and thoughts about it. Then I continued with more from her niece's long family Christmas letter from 2019. Next, I finished _Classic Christmas: Vintage Fine Art Picture Book Volume 2_ next, describing each picture, since there are particularly few words in this series. After that, I read a story from _Disney 3-Minute Bedtime Stories_. I made sure to describe each picture as I went along. I finished with the 29th of December's story from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "The Old Trunk." Bridget and Tony crept into their grandmother's attic while she was resting. Tony suggested they try opening an old trunk. They fiddled and twiddled with the knobs and catches until a lock flew open with a snap. They heaved up the lid, and found old-fashioned clothes to dress up in. Then Bridget heard a thin voice say "Momma," and asked Tony if it was a ghost He went to the chest and pulled out a talking doll. Then their grandma came in, thanking them for finding Emily, who she'd lost. {Smile}

   I did my head exercises during lulls while teaming with Dr. Faustus. Then I did 3 minutes and 15 second of salsa dance. That left me a bit winded, so I thought a rest was in order, and it was too late to try more of that later. Still, I'm back to my salsa dancing, which feels great! Next, I did my arm resistance exercises and my standing arm weight training exercises with the lower weight I dropped to for the sitting exercises that didn't bother my shoulder anyway, and they didn't bother my shoulder either. After a short break, I did my walking exercises. After another short break, I did my leg exercises and my sitting arm weight training exercises with the power weights, including 6 repetitions of the one that can bother my shoulder. Then my arm said it was a good time to stop, so I did, but I'm hoping to work up to the full 15 repetitions with that one, too. {Smile}

   I read articles and comics and played the cross-stitch game between breakfast and lunch. Then I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming after cleaning myself up. There I found Pierogies, who greeted me with a request for help with a mission. I told him a tip a friend gave me for that mission, and with it firmly in mind, we managed much better than he did alone without the tip. Next. Pierogies offered to help me with something. I wanted to test a power, so we ran a couple of my missions. However, they weren't a good test. The power is an infrequent but powerful team heal, and he had a healer who was good enough, I didn't really get a chance to test it in those missions. When I managed to explain the problem, he suggested a farm. He had to hold back sometimes, but we finally got an idea of how that power works, and it looks good. By the time we decided that the heal was good, it was time to read to Mom. {Smile}

   After dinner, I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming in time to sort of join the late-night short, large-group event. The group was full, but I could tag along, attack things, and get the rewards, so I did. Then I started to write this up and read some comics. After that, I let friends know I was in City of Heroes: Homecoming and did some paperwork. Then I spotted a giant monster hunting team, so I joined it. The leader did two regular giant monsters, then left, along with a couple of members, but I spoke up about doing more, and the rest stayed. I did three more regular giant monsters who can be summoned by attacking enough related regular enemies. Some characters switched because two were in villain territory when we'd started out in hero territory. I also chatted with Paradox, Kitten and Owl Girl in our small group conversation (just us four). Back in the game, I suggested going after one more critter who's, larger than most giant monster critters. It took a long time to get, but we got it. Then half the team left, one went quiet, and the other three of us chatted. I also chatted with Nox on the chat server. After Nox said goodnight, and about the time the others left, Dr Faustus said hi, and invited me to a story arc with a nice badge at the end. I ran it, and just had time for the salsa dancing I was able to do afterwards. Then I did the rest of my exercises, and wrote this up, making a fair number of notes to write from properly the next day. {Smile}

Daily Update, December 28, 2023

 Thursday morning, right around breakfast time, I called my endodontist, and got them on the second try. they sounded happy to hear from me and told me to come in at 2:30pm that day. I took Uber down a bit early to be sure I didn't get there late. I had a nice chat with the driver, who knew me. We caught up with each other since we hadn't seen each other recently. {Smile}

While I waited for my appointment, I got back to one of the web novels I'd been reading and read two more chapters. They're not long, but he was that quick getting to me. He came, and checked all chewing teeth on that side, since I had noticed stuff both top and bottom. He thought it had just gotten bruised, most likely while grinding or clenching my teeth overnight. I told him I wear a mouth guard nightly for just that problem. He said it can still happen, even with a mouth guard. I must agree this seems likely. And it's such a relief not to need more dental work! They didn't even charge me for this visit. {Smile}

Ready to go home, I checked Uber. They wanted almost $50 to take me home, because they were so busy! I checked my ride down; it was slightly under $15 with a $1 tip included. I decided to wait and see if the price went down. Then I remembered Lyft, which I used before I switched to Uber because they tend to be slightly cheaper, and a LOT better at knowing where places are. Lyft wanted not much more than I'd paid to get down there to take me home, with the Lyft Pink discount. I thought it was much more reasonable and took Lyft home. I had a nice chat with the driver on the way, and learned there was a tour ship in. That's always a busy day for Uber and Lyft here. {Smile}

I ate lunch and dinner with Mom and read to her before dinner. She was awake and seemed to enjoy the pictures. I began with scripture and thoughts about it. Next, I read from her niece's long family Christmas letter from 2019. After that, I continued _Classic Christmas: Vintage Fine Art Picture Book Volume 2_ next, describing each picture, since there were particularly few words. Then I read a story from _Disney 3-Minute Bedtime Stories_. I made sure to describe each picture as I went along. I finished with the 28th of December's story from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "A Winter Coat." In spring, summer and autumn, Mrs. Stoat was seen wearing her smart, reddish-brown coat. Both Ollie Owl and Rollo Rabbit had seen her, though Rollo preferred to keep his distance. One day, they saw a lady in an elegant white coat. Ollie asked who she was. She replied that she was Mrs. Stoat and asked if he didn't recognize her in her ermine white coat. She said the best people have two coats. {Smile}

I did my head exercises while I was waiting for Uber to take me to the endodontist. Then I decide to try the weight training exercises that bother my shoulders with neither weights nor counted speed and pauses and did all three with no shoulder trouble. If I have little to no trouble overnight, I'll try to work up from there. Then after teaming on City of Heroes: Homecoming for the evening, I did my walking exercises, my arm resistance exercises, my leg exercises, and my three weighted arm weight training exercises, all three with reduced weights. This was interspersed with writing this and reading something on the chat server for breaks. {Smile}

I read comics and several articles in the morning. Then I I peeked into City of Heroes: Homecoming between lunch and going to the appointment. There, I had a nice chat with Pierogies. After my appointment, I wrote up and shared yesterday's daily update. Then I went back into City of Heroes: Homecoming and did paperwork until Pierogies came on. We teamed up for some missions on our not-quite-so-low-anymore characters. This took us up to time to read to Mom. {Smile}

After dinner, I joined the late-night short, large-group event. Then I began writing this up and checked comics before getting back into City of Heroes: Homecoming. I let some folks on the chat server who I often play with know I was in City of Heroes: Homecoming. Then I did paperwork and such until Dr. Faustus said on the chat server that he'd come join me with our little characters, including the one I started a couple of nights ago. While I was getting ready, Kitten spoke up, complaining about falling asleep. The three of us teamed up to do the next story arc. Owl Girl joined us near the end of Dr. Faustus's last mission. Then we ran my last mission; the game makes us do that particular mission separately, I think because we make a choice. Usually, if two have a mission, they only have to run it once for both of them to get credit, but not that mission. Then Dr. Faustus and Owl Girl left, and Kitten and I ran through the missions of another contact I had and helped me start yet another contact's missions. This ran late enough that I didn't try to do my salsa dancing. I really didn't realize until it was too late in the evening that I probably could do my salsa dancing if the tooth trouble was all bruising. I'll restart that soon. Between and after the exercise, I wrote a little of this, and took notes to write from for a lot more, and actually got to bed a bit earlier, thanks to getting only a little distracted with checking the game, reading articles, and chatting with folks on the chat server. I need to make this a habit. {Smile}

Daily Update, December 27, 2023

    Well, I called the Endodontist, and got the answering machine, so I left a message. Then I waited, and called, and waited and called again, and left another message. Then I decided I'd better be patient and wait for them to call, which they didn't... except I found a message left at 1:30pm from them asking me to call, but unfortunately, I discovered it after 7pm. I don't know why my phone didn't ring, but reception is often spotty in this house. So, I'll have to call them tomorrow and be more stubborn now that I know they want me to call them again. {Smile}

   I'd also called the other dentist, and they put me on a list "in case something opens up." That may have discouraged me from looking into the other doctor, too, but I need to get better at checking, even if I don't hear it ring, especially when I live in a house with spotty reception. {resigned smile}

   I ate dinner with Mom and read to her before that. She was awake and seemed to wnjoy all the pictures. I began with scripture and thoughts about it first. Then I continued with her niece's long family Christmas letter from 2019. Next, I finished _Classic Christmas: Vintage Fine Art Picture Book Volume 1_. I think she likes the old pictures. I hope so, because I started _Classic Christmas: Vintage Fine Art Picture Book Volume 2_ next. After that, I read a story from _Disney 3-Minute Bedtime Stories_. I made sure to describe each picture. I finished with the 27th of December's story from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "Red Indians." Malcolm got a native American outfit for Christmas. He liked it so much, he wore it everywhere, even to meals. In fact, his mother had trouble getting him to take it off when he went to bed. Now there was silence: no war cries or bounding figure wearing a feathered hat while brandishing a rubber tomahawk. Grandfather asked if anyone had seen his pipe. It wasn't where he thought he left it. Mandy piped up, saying Malcolm was using it as a pipe of peace, and that he was under the dining-room table. Big Chief Sitting Bull roared in rage, crawling out to chase Mandy upstairs, where he tried to tie her up with a dressing-gown cord. She cried so loudly, Mother came, and said it time for Indians and squaws to have their baths. But they wash in streams! {Smile}

   I did my walking exercises, head exercises, arm resistance exercises, and the three arm weight training exercises that don't bother my shoulder as much after Kitten and I finished teaming for the evening. I cut down the weight on the second and third, when my shoulder began considering twinging. I think the lower weight helped; I'll try all at lower weight, and see about adding exercises at the lower weight, as well as working on increasing the weight.  Also, I didn't run them all together this time but interspersed them with writing this a bit. I think that helped me get more done. And I did my head exercises later, when I realized I'd forgotten them. {Smile}

   I read comics and a few articles around the phone calls and over lunch. Then I cleaned myself up before hopping into City of Heroes: Homecoming. I found Pierogies and an unresponsive Kitten. We'd missed the early short, large group event but caught the early long large group event. Then we ran a couple individual high-level missions. Next, we switched to our lower-level characters, and started a new story arc. Kitten joined us, and we continued until it was time to read to Mom. {Smile}

   I got back too late for the late-night short, large group event, so I did a little paperwork.  I tried to find someone to talk to in the game, but the only ones who answered sounded far too busy for me to join them. Then I started writing this up. I tried finding folks to chat with on the chat server and worked on paperwork. Kitten came on complaining about falling asleep. We chatted, then teamed up, doing a couple individual high-level missions. Next, we got into a farm so we could get stuff and stay in the game while we watched a 2-part My Little Pony story I've been wanting to watch. Next, we talked a bit, and I showed Kitten the character I'd made last night. After that, I worked on a little paperwork before doing my exercises and writing this up, mostly making notes for the next day. I still managed to read enough in addition to go to bed too late. {rueful Smile}

--

Personal Blog: https://aeb-anne.blogspot.com/

Daily Update, December 26, 2023

    When I woke up Tuesday morning, one of my teeth was hurting. It seems to be on the right side, which is the side the tooth that got its root canal redone is on, but it might be on the top when that was on the bottom. Then again, the bottom is giving trouble too, and teeth are notorious for having referred pain, meaning the pain feels like its somewhere other than the bad tooth. It calmed down over breakfast, but I still called my dentist after breakfast. I learned he's on vacation until sometime next week, early in the new year. He has two doctors covering his patients for some emergencies during the holidays. So, I got their numbers written down, which took more calls. Then I called both numbers, and learned they're both out Tuesday, but should be back Wednesday. {sigh}

   I thought about it and called Auntie Barbara. We chatted about her holidays, and I told her about my latest tooth trouble. She thought it could wait one day if it wasn't unbearable. I agreed, especially since if I did get them, and they said they couldn't see me until the next day, I felt I could wait that long. {smile}

   I ate dinner with Mom and read to her before that. She was awake and responded a couple of times. First, I started with scripture and thoughts about it. Next, I continued her niece's long family Christmas letter from 2019. After that, I continued _Classic Christmas: Vintage Fine Art Picture Book_. I think she likes the old pictures. I hope so. Next, I read a story from _Disney 3-Minute Bedtime Stories_. It's a really nice length of story to read to Mom, and she does seem to like the pictures, too. I finished with the 26th of December's story from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "Suzy's New Doll." Santa had put a darling golden-haired doll in Suzy's stocking. She even looked somewhat like Suzy, and she called her Suzanna. In the toybox, Teddy and Soldier Boy both looked at her admiringly, and introduced themselves. Teddy smoothed his worn fur and tried to hide the patch on his waistcoat. Soldier boy was wooden and looked smart in his painted uniform with its red jacket, black hat and boots, and gold braid and buttons. He stood up straight and offered his arm to Suzanna. They took a stiff stroll. When they came back, Suzanna sat down next to Teddy. She thought he must be very friendly to get so worn.  {Smile}

   I did my head exercises as Dr. Faustus and I finished teaming for the night. Then I started my arm weight training as we were saying goodnight. I didn't get far before I switched to my walking exercises, followed by my leg exercises and arm resistance exercises. I meant to get back to my arm weight training, but by then I was tired enough, and it was late enough, i just stopped. I wonder if the tooth trouble is reducing my stamina, or if I just don't realize how much stamina it takes to do them back-to-back like that. {rueful smile}

   I read comics and a few articles after the phone calls and over lunch. Then I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming briefly and chatted with Pierogies. I told him about my tooth, and we planned to get together after I cleaned myself up. Our plan worked. We got together, and ran a couple of individual high-level missions, followed by a mission in a high-level story arc that turned out to be harder than I realized it would be at the settings I had. He said he needed a break after that. I pointed out we'd get a short break if we joined the later short, large-group event, which was recruiting. He thought that should be okay, so we joined it.  When it was over, we talked until I left to read to Mom. {Smile}

   After dinner, I got back in good time to join the late-night short, large-group event. Then I got a character started that I've been thinking about for a holiday story. I will share it with you sooner or later and acknowledge it's already late. Next, I began writing this up, and looked at a few articles and comics. Then Owl Girl said they'd like to get together in the game, so I got back on my new character. It took a little while, but we teamed up, and started doing missions together. I also chatted with Nox on the chat server. Dr. Faustus joined Owl Girl and me. We finished the contact and started a proper story arc. Owl Girl left after we finished that story arc. Dr. Faustus and I did a second story arc, then parted so I could do a few exercises before bed. After the exercises, I wrote this up, mainly doing notes. I also did some paperwork and talked with owl girl. I am getting to bed too late too often these days. I really need to figure out better time management. {rueful Smile}

Daily Update, December 25, 2023

    Merry Christmas if you celebrate it. If not, I hope you had a nice day. {SMILE}

   I opened presents with Mom after breakfast. Then I took the rest of the day off. I didn't even make the phone calls I meant to with family, but... I think they might be easier for them on a day when they aren't either having folks over or going over to someone else's. {Smile}

   I ate dinner with Mom and read to her before that. She was awake but quiet today. She did respond a couple of times. I started with scripture and thoughts about it. Then I started her niece's long family Christmas letter from 2019. Next, I started one of her Christmas presents I gave her, _Classic Christmas: Vintage Fine Art Picture Book_. It's old paintings of decorations, Santa, and other people in the snow. After that, I started the Christmas present Auntie Barbara gave her, _Disney 3-Minute Bedtime Stories_. As I hoped when I helped her pick it out, it's an eight-page story with a lot of pictures; a nice length to read to Mom, and she gets a nice number of pictures to look at too. I finished with the 25th of December's story from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "John's Surprise." John had gotten many nice presents, but not the sleigh he'd hoped for the most. he decided he'd just have to wait for another Christmas. He took his dog, Rex, for a walk in the woods. Rex plunged bravely through the show to fetch sticks. Then John stopped, blinking hard. It was hard to believe he saw a little pine tree decorated with balls and tinsel in the woods. Beside it was a fine sleigh with a reindeer. A label wished John Merry Christmas from all the animals. John harnessed the deer to the sleigh, and they drove off through the woods. {Smile}

   I did my head exercises around and after teaming for the evening. Then I did 6 1/2 minutes of salsa dancing. Yes, twice as much as the last two nights. I was winded after the second piece, but not after the first and I wasn't as winded even after the second piece. I guess I am beginning to recover my stamina, though I have a way to go still. Then after a break, I did my arm resistance exercises and my arm weight training exercises. At that point, I hit tired as the clock hit late, so i didn't get my walking exercises or leg exercises, but I hope that twice as much salsa dancing makes up for missing those. I also hope I can get them all done soon. {SMILE}

   I wrote up the day before's daily update after opening my presents. Then I read comics over lunch. Next, I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming briefly, and found Kitten and Pierogies. I just let them know I need to clean myself up, but I would return. I did, later than I meant to, but I did return. Kitten was there, and we talked. Then Pierogies came in, and we teamed up. We ran a couple of high level, individual missions. Next, we hopped into a farm to leave our characters in while we watched Kitten's favorite Christmas episode of My Little Pony. We got done just in time for the later short, large-group event, which we joined when it was less than half done. Then we talked a little bit while I did paperwork and they joined the later long, large group event, which always takes some time to get going. It was soon time to read to Mom.

   I got back from dinner later than i expected, but I found Kitten, Jag, and TheCyberChill teaming for a winter mission. I joined them, and we ran it. Then they split up. Jag and TheCyberChill left. Kitten went quiet and disconnected. So, I wrote this up and did some badge hunting on the character I'd been using. When I got bored, I read some more comics, until I started talking with Nox on the chat server. Then The Owl Girl spoke up on the chat server, and said they'd join me in City of Heroes: Homecoming. They didn't - turned out they had internet trouble that kept them out of the game. However, Pierogies turned up in the game. We talked, and I worked up a costume, then we ran a mission together. Then he left, and I did some more costume work, along with some paperwork. I also read some more comics and wrote a little of this and made notes for the next day.

Daily Update, December 24, 2023

    I headed to church after breakfast and got there to the news that I'd missed the service but arrived in time for coffee afterwards. Taht was actually more like a full brunch, and yes, I stayed for it, especially since AJ, the Filipino guy who took me home a few times and his mother were eager in offering me a ride home afterwards. They always stay to the end, helping to clean up. He said that's part of their culture. I sat with them, and some other folks there, and we had a nice visit over lunch. I also chatted with the gals who came for the last home communion a bit. {Smile}

   AJ asked if I'd like to ride along while he took his mom home, and I said yes. She lives quite a way up the hill. I remember riding up there and all around town and even a way into the country with Dad when I was a teenager, as I told them when they asked if I'd ever been up there. Then he took me home, dropping me off on the way down the hill. {Smile}

   I ate dinner with Mom and read to her before that. She was sort of awake when I started but got sleepier as time went on. I began with scripture and thoughts about it first. Next, I read a card from her niece, and a card from her sister, too. After that I continued reading _Mele Kalikimaka: Christmas in Hawai'i_. I showed her the pictures and read the captions. Then I read a few poems from _The Mother Goose Treasury_, reading and showing the pictures that went with each. I didn't read many, though, because she was getting tired. I went on to the 24th of December's story from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "Christmas Eve." Angela hung her stocking at the end of her bed on Christmas Eve. Seh told her mother it was a shame she never got to thank Santa for her presents, but she was always asleep when he came. Her mother told her she was sure he understood and left her a candle. Angela decided to stay up this time and sat up very straight in bed. but her eyelids started to droop, so she went to sit on the floor by the fire. Still, the excitement of the day, plus the late hour got to Angela, and fell asleep on the floor. She sensed quiet footsteps and strong arms putting her to bed later, but she was too sleepy to open her eyes. {Smile}

   I did my head exercises while waiting for Uber to come take me to church. then I did two of my sitting arm weight training exercises while waiting for one or another task force in the evening. Then I did 3 1/4er minutes of salsa dancing, followed by the third sitting arm weight training exercise that didn't bother me last night. Next, I did my arm resistance exercises, my leg exercises, and my walking exercises. I was winded after the salsa dancing again, but I was distinctly steadier than I was last night. I'm not sure if that's from having done it last night, or from switching back to cough drops I know upset my blood sugar less than a new flavor I tried. {Smile}

   I did a very little bit of cross stitch after getting home. Then I cleaned myself up before going into City of Heroes: Homecoming just in time for the early short, large group event. When that was done, I teamed up with Pierogies and Kitten, and we did a few missions together. This took us to time to read to Mom. I squeezed in starting to write this between reading to Mom and dinner. {Smile}

   After dinner, I got back in ample time for the late night short, large-group event. I even wrote a little more of this before I joined. To my surprise, the event was almost full already when I joined, even around midnight Eastern US time on Christmas Eve. It went well. Then I teamed up with Kitten, well, sort of. We decided to watch a My Little Pony Christmas Special together. After that, we almost watched more My Little Pony, but tried to team up with Dr. Faustus in the game instead. Dr. Faustus got a friend and talked about task forces. Pierogies came in in time to join, and just before Kitten disconnected after falling silent. We ran the task force, and got ready to run another task force, but there were one too many people. So, Dr. Faustus left to make room for Sacred Prostitute. I ran that, then did my exercises, wrote and took notes for this. Yes, I had to finish next day again. I also did some paperwork, a little cross-stitch, read more comics, and chatted briefly with Owl Girl, Paradox, Dr. Faustus and Kitten on the chat server. {Smile}

Daily Update, December 23, 2023

 Friday night, I slept better than I have in a while. I hope it's because I got more exercises done. I haven't been sleeping that well. I also stayed awake better Saturday, which I suspect is because of the better sleep, though I still had some trouble dozing off. hopefully as I get back to more exercises and more exercise in general, I'll both sleep better and stay awake better. {Smile}

I ate breakfast and dinner with Mom and read to her before that. She was awake and alert when I came in, and stayed awake, too. First, I started with scripture and thoughts about it. Then I continued with a letter from a friend, and a card from her sister. Next, I finished _A Picture Book of Cute Kittens, vol. 1_, I described each kitten as I showed her the pictures. She said she didn't like it as much, though she could, so I started Mele Kalikimaka: Christmas in Hawai'i. I showed her the pictures, and read the caption, but only one other pages. There were several pages at the beginning that I didn't read because they had no picture, and I wanted to skip to the pictures she seems to like to look at. I think she enjoyed this one. After that, I read a few poems from _The Mother Goose Treasury_, reading and showing and describing the pictures that went with each. Last, I read the 22nd of December's story from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "Christmas Decorations." Cathy begged Mummy to let her help decorate the tree. Last year she was too little, but she hoped to help this year. Mummy said she could decorate the lower branches, since she was taller, and her hands were cleverer this year. First, they put cottonwool on the branches to look like snow. Then Mummy got out the glass balls and baubles, the colored fairy lights, and the tinsel and icicles, and they put them on the tree. Cathy asked Dad what he thought of the Christmas tree. Daddy said it was prettier than last year, and a cricket chirped in agreement. {Smile}

I did my head exercises while waiting for others to catch up while teaming in the game. Then I did my walking exercises when I was done teaming. then I did 3 minutes and 15 seconds of salsa dancing - just the first song in the warmup set, but considering how long I've been away, not bad. Then I did my arm resistance exercises, my leg exercises, and three of my arm weight training exercises. Yes, one more than bothered my shoulder yesterday didn't bother it today. I think I can hope to sleep well tonight. {SMILE}

I finished writing and shared yesterday's daily update after breakfast. Then I read some comics and articles and played the cross-stitch game before and after lunch. After that, I cleaned myself up before jumping into City of Heroes: Homecoming. There, I found Kitten unresponsive, but Pierogies responded well, and wanted to team up. We got together on our lowbies and finished a story arc we'd started together. Right at the end, TheCyberChill asked to team up, but I had to say I was just leaving. We ran us right up to time to read to Mom. {Smile}

After dinner, I hopped back into City of Heroes: Homecoming later than usual. I'm not sure why dinner took so long. I said hi to TheCyberChill, but they too busy making costumes to team up. So, I began to write this up. Next, Pierogies was still on to my surprise, so I said hi. Even more surprising, Pierogies was still going enough to want to team up. So, we ran a couple of missions together. Then Kitten suddenly spoke up and wanted to team. They joined us, and we ran a mission or two that helped with a badge he wanted before Pierogies left for bed. Then I gave them a tour for another badge they wanted, and we ended with a couple of missions which kind of helped... but the contact should help more later. I said goodnight to Nox; we didn't talk in the evening; just a short conversation earlier. I did my exercises, some paperwork, and wrote more of this, mainly making notes to write from the next day. {Smile}

Daily Update, December 22, 2023

    On Friday, I thought over the chores that have been piling up, and searched for a bill I thought I had to pay to Life Care Center. A quick search didn't find it. Neither did a more thorough search. I still didn't find it, so I called Life care Center, and they connected me to the gal who's keeping track of that stuff, and she said I was paid up. Next, I asked her to connect me to outpatient physical therapy. They answered, and I asked about the referral, which had first been made in October. She said they've been just too busy to add new patients. Yes, since October, but they will start clearing space for new patients next month. I need a new referral, but if I get one, and don't hear by February, call again. {smile}

   After that, of course, I called my doctor. They actually answered the phone, so I told the secretary about Life Care Outpatient Physical Therapy being busy and me needing a new referral to hopefully finally get something started. They promised to send one over. {Smile}

   I ate breakfast, lunch and dinner with Mom and read to her before that. She was awake and reasonably alert when I began. She enjoyed looking at the pictures. I started with scripture and thoughts about it. Next, I continued with cards from a friend, her cousin's granddaughter, and her sister. After that, I continued _A Picture Book of Cute Kittens, vol. 1_, I described each kitten as I showed her the pictures. Then I read more from _The Mother Goose Treasury_, reading and showing and describing the pictures that went with each. Last, I read the 22nd of December's story from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "Red and Blue." Blue Elf asked what he should do this morning when he reported for work at Father Christmas's toy factory. He was told to pain a box of tree decorations, dolls, and streamers blue. then he found Red Elf had come much earlier and was already working on his second box. Blue Elf couldn't stand red, so while Red Elf was busy, he painted over some of the things. However, the red paint was still wet, so it mixed with the blue, making purple. Father Christmas came by, said it was a splendid color, and to keep up the good work. {Smile}

   I did my walking exercises and head exercises while waiting for the late night short, large group event. Then I did my arm resistance exercises, my leg exercises, and two of my four sitting arm weight training exercises after teaming for the evening. I tried the other two sitting arm weight training exercises, and my shoulder says it's not ready for them yet. This is the most I've done since my root canal, though I really want to do more. Well, unless you count the day with Auntie Barbara and Michelle as more exercise, almost all walking. Which it was, but this is the most of my exercises I've done. {SMILE}

   I wrote most of Thursday's daily update from notes after breakfast and shared it. Then I played some of the cross-stitch game after the phone calls, until lunch. I played a little more of that game after lunch, then cleaned myself up. After that, I hopped into City of heroes: Homecoming. It was too late for the early short, large group event. I could have joined the early long, large group event, but instead, I worked on paperwork and talked with Kitten and Pierogies. We planned to get together. Pierogies and I even got ready to team with Kitten, but they went quiet after mentioning recent trouble sleeping, then went offline. So, I picked some stuff I wasn't saving to do with Kitten for us to do, and Pierogies and I did a couple of missions. that took us to the later short, large group event, which we did together. Then Pierogies headed off to the later long large-group event while I did a little paperwork before reading to Mom. {Smile}

   After dinner, I did the late night short, large group event, joining early enough, I did my walking exercises and my head exercises while waiting to get started. Then I started writing this up. I tried to find folks to talk to and did talk with Nox a little in City of Heroes: Homecoming, but mostly folks were quiet, so I caught up on comics. Then I got back into City of Heroes: Homecoming and did some badge collecting. I tried on my second-best badge collector but had more luck on my fourth-best badge collector. Then I noticed some folks asking for low level missions. I tried to start something. Kitten woke up and joined me just after I'd promised that. We ran a mission, and the ones who wanted low level left, after another joined us. I think I should have picked lower; it was really mid-level. The new one stayed for two or three more missions, until she left for bed. Then I switched to a character who'd been saving stuff for Kitten, and we did two of her missions. We didn't get to what Kitten really wanted, but we got closer. Then I stopped and did the rest of the exercises I did yesterday. I wrote a little of this up and made a bunch of notes for the next day while talking with Kitten and doing a bit more paperwork than I really had time for. {smile}

Daily Update, December 21, 2023

   On Thursday, I had online counselling after breakfast. It was a nice session. We talked mostly about what I can do with my writing. She mentioned that I'm busy with appointments and gaming, so I don't have too much time for writing. I... hadn't realized, but I guess she's right? I'm sorting through my feelings over that. I enjoy my life, but I want more time for my writing. {smile}

   I also got a call from our former nurse. We had a nice talk. {Smile}

   I ate lunch and dinner with Mom and read to her before that. She was resting, but opened her eyes for me when I began. She kept her eyes open when I read and enjoyed looking at the pictures. I began with scripture and thoughts about it. Then I continued with a recent Christmas card from her niece, and a Mother's Day card from me.  Next, I started _A Picture Book of Cute Kittens, vol. 1_, There are no words, only pictures of kittens so I described each kitten as I showed her the picture. After that, I read more from _The Mother Goose Treasury_, reading and once singing the poems and showing her the pictures that went with each. Lastly, I read the 21st of December's story from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "The Magic Carpet." Julian loved to visit Aunt Agatha. She'd travelled with world and brought back many treasures. She had beautiful shells, Chinese screens with birds and flowers painted on them, and a rug covered with tiny, mysterious designs. Julian lay on the rug one day, looking at the patterns, when he felt himself float up into the air, out the window, and over Aunt Agatha's vegetable garden. Down below was a tiny palace in the cabbages, and a tiny Indian prince riding a tiny elephant. Suddenly, a full-sized worm wriggled towards the elephant, who reared up, knocking the prince off his back. Julian laughed. The worm must have seemed like a huge snake to the tiny elephant. But now he was inside again. Was that a dream? {Smile}

   I did my head exercises while waiting for the late-night task force to start. I meant to do more, but it ran too late. {small smile}

   I read comics around the counselling appointment in the morning, and more after lunch. Then I cleaned myself up. I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming halfway through the afternoon. There, I found Pierogies, and we teamed up. We did a mission and a talk-mission that finished up a story arc one of my little characters had. Then we did a few short missions for another contact my character had. This took us to time to read to Mom. {Smile}

   After dinner, I got into the late night short, large group event. Soothing Darkness was there, too, and afterwards, we talked. She was showing two other friends her base which she has begun building, so I joined them in a tour. Then one left, and we ran the pair of high-level task forces with a group she recruited to fill out the empty spaces. I was on my 5th best badge collector. She still didn't get the last badge for that. Then the group broke up, and our other friend left, but then Dr. Faustus joined us. We talked for a while, as I started to write this up, and others did did things they had, too. I also started talking with Nox and a little with Kitten on the chat server. Then Dr. Faustus suggested a different, fairly high-level task, so we recruited for it, and we did it. After that, I did some paperwork, a teensy bit of online shopping... well, browsing, not buying yet. I also took notes for this to write from the next day, because it was really too late to do more. {smile} 

Daily Update, December 20, 2023

    Auntie Barbara came with Michelle before lunch. Michelle waited in the car while Auntie Barbara came inside, and visited with Mom, singing a few songs. Then we went out to the car and drove downtown. {Smile}

   Auntie Barbara wanted to walk to her favorite restaurant a few blocks away from where we parked, but she stopped at a different restaurant on the way. I hope it wasn't because I was walking slowly, which she commented on later. My shoes weren't as comfortable when I was walking as I hoped they would be when I put them on. {bite lips} Anyway, we had a nice lunch, then walked back to a new-and-used bookstore. There, I picked out books for Mom and me, while Auntie Barbara picked out books for herself. Then I bought her books, she bought our books, and we swapped back, saying Merry Christmas. This is the best way we've found to make sure we like our Christmas presents. We both love to read, but our taste in books is different enough, we find it hard to choose stuff the other really likes. {Grin}

   Then we went back to the car. We stopped by church because Auntie Barbara had an errand. Then they took me home. {Smile}

   I ate dinner with Mom and read to her before that. She was awake when I went in. She kept her eyes open when I just read and enjoyed looking at the pictures. First, I began with scripture and thoughts about it. Then I continued with three Christmas cards that arrived recently, from a friend, our financial adviser, and Auntie Barbara. After that, I finished _1950's Memory Lane_, showing and reading the last few pages and the back cover. Next, I read more from _The Mother Goose Treasury_, reading or sometimes singing the poems and showing her the pictures. I backed up to sing "This Old Man" with her at one point. She joined in on the last line of the first verse and got verses 2-5 pretty good. then she went back to verse 4 instead of on to verse 6, so I figured it was a good time to stop. Last, I read the 20th of December's story from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "The Messenger." One night, a lot of snow fell. The next morning, a sleepy marmot opened one eye, saw the snow, and went back to sleep. A few birds sat in the trees, puffing themselves up to keep warm. Then a strange figure came into sight, striding quickly without leaving a print in the snow. He was dressed in a smart blue uniform with white gloves. A fawn whispered who was that. His mother, a doe, whispered back that it was Father Christmas's messenger. {Smile}

   I did my head exercises arm resistance exercises, and leg exercises but found myself tired for my walking exercises. I think my walking exercise today was the walking downtown, despite the uncomfortable shoes. {Smile}

   I read articles and comics in the morning, and researched three sites that help creative types earn some money from their creativity -- Patreon, Buy Me a Coffee, and Ko-Fi -- after I came home from the trip out. Does anyone know anything about any of them that they could share? {Smile}

   I actually got into City of Heroes: Homecoming quite late because of the research. I found Pierogies, and we talked, with the first subject why I was late. Then we teamed up in time to do two seasonal missions (only available to be picked up during the Winter Event, which is running now). That took us to time to read to Mom. {Smile}

   I got back from dinner too late for the late night short, large group event, so I started writing this up, getting not just the reading to Mom part but also the trip out written out. Then I hopped back into City of Heroes: Homecoming, and spotted Ulty, Pierogies, and bowlofdro. I said hi to all three. Bowlofdro didn't answer, but Ulty and I chatted a little, and Pierogies answered, too. I chatted with Owl Girl on the chat server, too. Pierogies was tired, but not tired enough for bed yet, so he wanted to watch RWBY. We watched around half an episode when I mis-clicked and skipped ahead, into the next episode. I tried to find out where he was so we could go back aways farther, but he was tired, and just wanted to try again another day. So, we said goodnight and I looked around. I chatted with bowlofdro, who was finishing up after a particular task force. He pointed out another getting started, so I switched to my third best badge collector who could use it to get a badge. We ran it, and I did get the badge, with little to spare. I also chatted with Nox on the chat server for a while. After the task force, I switched to my fourth best badge collector, and hunted mostly easy badges until I got her the badge for getting 1000 badges. then I did a few more. I also wrote up more of this, shifting to notes when it got too late, and finishing it the next day. I really need to do both notes and writing earlier, so my whole day can be earlier again. {Smile}

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Personal Blog: https://aeb-anne.blogspot.com/

Daily Update, December 19, 2023

 Tuesday, two gals from church came to visit with Mom and give her home communion. They called to warn me they were running late, and I still managed to miss most of their visit. I walked in as they were getting ready to leave. We did talk a bit, which was nice, and they had a nice visit with Mom, which was the important thing. {Smile}

I ate dinner with Mom and read to her before that. She was awake when I went in/ She closed her eyes when I just read, but opened when I mentioned looking at pictures. I started with scripture and thoughts about it first. Next, I continued _1950's Memory Lane_, showing and reading the next few pages. Then I remembered the mail I usually read and finished her niece's long family Christmas letter from this year, including the family picture from an early Thanksgiving celebration. After that, I read more from _The Mother Goose Treasury_, reading or sometimes singing the poems and showing her the pictures. Last, I read the 19th of December's story from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "Waiting for Snow." On the last day of school before the Christmas holidays, Judy was very excited. Her uncle, aunt, and cousin Bobby were coming from Australia to spend Christmas with them. She'd never met bobby, but he sent a postcard anticipating the trip. Judy ran home and asked her mother if it was going to snow. She wanted to take him to the hill to ride toboggans and play in the snow, then come back inside for roast chestnuts. Mummy said she hoped it wasn't snowing when the plane came in, because planes have trouble with too much snow on the runways. Judy said she might spend next Christmas in Australia, on the beach. Her mother said, "If you're invited!" {Smile}

I did my walking exercises and two of my head exercises, but between time and dizziness, I didn't manage more. I shall have to work harder at this. {smile}

I finished writing and sharing yesterday's daily update after breakfast. Then I read some comics later in the morning, and over lunch. Then, after cleaning myself up, I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming. It was enough before the early short, large group event, I tried to get in, but the zone was full. So, I went over to the early long, large-group event, and joined it. I met Pierogies there. We teamed up afterwards. We hoped to get Kitten to join us, but they were busy farming. They'd found a stranger and wanted to get them from 1 to 50 to see how long it takes. So Pierogies and I were slow starting but got two seasonal missions done around the phone call and home communion visit. I really enjoyed that. That took us to time to read to Mom.

After dinner, I caught the late-night short, large group event. Then I started writing this up. Next, I started talking with Kitten, who was still farming, but so close to finally getting the character to 50, they didn't want to stop. Thinking it would take a while, I joined Michiel in a mission he was doing. Kitten was slow to leave the team with the person they'd been farming for when they finished. When they did leave the team, we joined up. Kitten wanted to help the player they'd been farming for get a story arc that opens access to other abilities. So, we invited the other player, who promptly switched to their favorite character, who needed that, too, and they wanted it more for. Michiel and I switched to characters who'd benefit, too, and we ran that story arc. I also chatted with Nox, Paradox, Dr. Faustus, and Kitten on the chat server. Then Michiel and the other player left because it was late, and Kitten and I ran two missions kitten wanted badges and stuff from, including one that took too long because I didn't check the difficulty, and it was too high. We eventually got the difficulty lower, and got the mission done fairly quickly then. {Smile}

Daily Update, December 18, 2023

    I am seriously considering starting a blog where I could share stories, and maybe write about stories, either mine or not. I hope this will give me the maximum flexibility while I work out writing and posting regularly. I wondered if anyone had any suggestions? I'm wondering about best days to post, what folks might like to see and such. {Smile}

   Monday was a day of phone calls. I made a phone call to my doctor, and two to my cardiologist to clarify things about medicine I'm to take. I tried to call my gynecologist about medicine too, but somehow the phone didn't connect properly the two or so times I tried. I guess I'll try again some other day. {Smile}

   I also got two phone calls from Auntie Barbara, arranging to get together on Wednesday, along with Michelle. That sounds much more fun! {SMILE} 

   I ate dinner with Mom and read to her before that. She was resting when I went in, but opened her eyes when I I said hello, and each time I mentioned looking at pictures. She answered a few times, too. First, I started with scripture and thoughts about it. Next, I continued with her niece's long family Christmas letter from this year. Then I continued _1950's Memory Lane_, showing and reading the next few pages. After that, I read more from _The Mother Goose Treasury_, reading the poems and showing her the pictures. I finished with the 18th of December's story from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "The Early Lamb." A few days before Christmas, a lamb was born in the stable. Mary, the farmer's daughter, was worried, since it was born in the middle of winter, instead of early spring. Its mother didn't have enough milk, so the lamb got weaker. Mary's mother helped her line a box with an old blanket and put it in the kitchen to make a warm bed. Mary fed it cow's milk with a bottle, and it grew stronger. It followed Mary around, and she took it out for exercise and grass to eat. In the early spring the other lambs were born. May's lamb joined them in the field and taught them skipping. {Smile}

   I did my head exercises and walking exercises after we finished teaming, and I'd been talking in a farm with Kitten for a while. Then it got too late, but I did more than last night. {Smile}

   I read articles and caught up on comics in the morning and over lunch when I wasn't on the phone. Oh, and I set up a signature file in my email which should help me provide the link to my blog if anyone's interested. I can add another link if I start that fiction blog. Then I cleaned myself up before hoping into City of Heroes: Homecoming too late to join the early short, large group event. I looked around, and did some badge collecting, but didn't really settle until it was late for the early long, large-group event, too. Then I started talking with Kitten. They wanted to work on statistic improving badges. Pierogies said hi and joined us, first showing interest in seasonally available badges. Kitten thought that ought to take priority because they aren't readily available most of the year, but Pierogies chose the stat-improving stuff because it would be useful in getting the other later. they told me to lead the way, trusting me to organize things well. I lead them around to the badges you just have to visit, then told and showed them what critters we needed to get. Pierogies wanted to get the toughest critter while I read to Mom. So I helped him until I left for that. {Smile}

 

I checked back briefly between reading and dinner, and again after dinner. He was still going both times. We chatted and I helped he finished up, determined not to leave until my character - who had to be as low as anyone - had the badge we were looking for. then he left to set up a farm to run overnight while he went to bed. Then I started writing this up, getting more than I had been, though not as much as yesterday. Next, I came back and started badging. I also started and talking with Dr. Faustus on the chat server. Kitten came back to City of Heroes: Homecoming, and we teamed up. We settled on a task force, and I arranged it, advertising, and inviting Mysty to join us, which she did. I started talking with Nox on the chat server around this time. After that short task force, Kitten and I started another, much longer task force four times before getting it set up right. Then we got what we most wanted from it in the first mission. So we quit, and Kitten did a farm where we chatted. I got so into the chatting, I started my exercises late, but I did get some done. After that, I wrote more of this up, making notes to write from the next day when it got late. {Smile}

 

Daily Update, December 17, 2023

    After breakfast, I called Uber, and they came and took me to church. I got there early again, which was a bit of a surprise, since I went to be late last night, and got up almost as let this morning, but I guess everything went pretty much right. We had a nice service. {Smile}

   I sat at a different table for lunch. Auntie Barbara sat with me, but the other seatmates were different than usual. Then I went home with Auntie Barbara and BJ, who lives near her, and doesn't drive, so she rode with Auntie Barbara today. Auntie Barbara came in to visit with Mom before going home with BJ. *Smile} 

   I ate dinner with Mom and read to her before that. She was resting when I went in, but opened her eyes when I tapped her shoulder when we got to the pictures and kept them open. She answered at the end. I started with scripture and thoughts about it. Then I continued with her niece's long family Christmas letter from this year. After that, I continued _1950's Memory Lane_, showing and reading the next few pages. She enjoyed the old pictures. Next, I read more from _The Mother Goose Treasury_, reading the poems, singing a couple where I know the tune, and showing her the pictures again.I was surprised when Mom joined in on "This Old Man." it's not one of our regular songs. I wonder if we should try it more often. I finished with the 17th of December's story from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "The Legend of the Polar Bears." Once upon a time, long ago, all bears were brown. A wicked magician was travelling and didn't like seeing dark brown bears against the white ice at the north pole. He told them they couldn't' stay because they didn't match the background. Then he turned them into ice bergs. Some of the bears he hadn't seen covered themselves with snow, hoping he wouldn't notice them, and go away. He did see them, but he chuckled. He said if they wanted to be white bears, they could stay that way, and scattered magic powder on them, turning them into polar bears, which have been white ever since. {Smile}

    I did my head exercises later than I meant. Somehow, I was tired to do more... well, tried to do leg and walking, and my arm and shoulder have been uncomfortable, so I'd rather not upset them. {small smile}

   After Auntie Barbara left, I cleaned myself up and finish yesterday's daily update. Then I hopped into the game. Pierogies was around, the early long, large-group event was on, or so I thought. So, I joined it and ran it. I hoped to get together with Pierogies, but he left. By then I realized that someone was running a marathon. All I had to do to join the next was go out and join the group, since they didn't break up the group. I did two more, and that was the end of the marathon. They'd done 9 before i got there, for a total of 12. I don't know how the leader did that many. Then they broke up, and I had enough time to catch the later short, large-group event before sorting through the paperwork that had piled up before I read to Mom and made a few notes for this, too. {Smile}

   I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming after dinner, and got in on the late-night short, large group event when it was in progress. I still got credit f or two runs, which was nice. Then I wrote some of this - a lot more than I usually do. writing up the notes I'd made earlier, and a bit more. Then I said hi to the friends I sometimes talk to on the chat server, letting those who seem interested in teaming that I was going to go into City of Heroes: Homecoming again. Dr. Faustus said he was just going in there, himself. I quickly hopped in and checked paperwork a little. Soon he showed up, and we got together. We ran a couple of individual missions on the character I recently got to the "endgame". I also started chatting with Nox on the chat server. Back on City of heroes: Homecoming, I was wondering about starting a story arc which I'd just done on another character when Dr. Faustus warned me that he had one more mission, and it couldn't be too long. I switched to my highest villain so he could see her, and we ran one of her missions. It was longer than he asked for, but he stuck with me to the end, then left. Then I caught up on the comics I didn't read yesterday or earlier today and did a little badge collecting on my fourth best badge collector. I finished writing this up but think I should wait to share it until tomorrow because it's late again. {Smile}

Daily Update, December 16, 2023

    I had some aches and pains in the night in my right upper arm and shoulder.

   The housekeeper came this morning and worked through my lunch. It was good to see her, and the house is definitely better for her attentions. {Smile}

   I ate breakfast and dinner with Mom and read to her before dinner. She was awake when I went in and opened her eyes for the pictures, though at first I had to remind her. She answered once or twice. First, I began with scripture and thoughts about it. Next, I continued this year's long family Christmas letter from her niece. Then I started _1950's Memory Lane_. I showed the front and back covers, read her the back cover, and showed and read the first few pages. She does like the old pictures. After that, I read more from _The Mother Goose Treasury_, reading the poems, singing a couple where I know the tune, and showing her the pictures again. I finished with the 16th of December's story from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "A Wet Day." Puddy the tabby cat looked at the rain outside. He hated getting wet! So, he started looking for something interesting inside, where it's dry. He found the goldfish in their bowl, blowing bubbles, he meowed that they were poor things, being wet all the time, and wouldn't they like to come out? We won't know if he really felt sorry for them, or if he meant mischief, for in trying to tip the bowl, he tipped the flower vase over instead, so Puddy got wet after all. {Smile}

   I did my head exercises, arm resistance exercises, leg exercises, and walking exercises before it got entirely too late after we finished teaming for the night. My arm resistance exercises had just enough discomfort, I didn't even try my arm weight training, and I wasn't going to try the arm swinging again after sleeping had some aches and pains last night. {Smile}

   I cleaned myself up after breakfast, then had lunch. After that, I did some more Christmas shopping online; I'd done some the night before. That might be most of my Christmas shopping. Next, I wrote up my daily update, and read some articles. Then I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming too late to join the early short or long large-group events. Instead, I did some paperwork and collected some badges. I chatted with Ulty, and with Dr. Faustus, but they were both busy. Then I teamed up with Pierogies, and we started the next story arc on my newly high-level character. Soothing Darkness joined us, and we finished it a little before I like to read to Mom. I squeezed in some paperwork, then left quickly. {Smile}

   After dinner, I joined the late night short, large group event. It went to the worst condition it can. That's the first time I've seen it that bad. We regrouped, and I and a few other players got better characters for that mess (though I soon thought of an even better one for the future). Then we got ready and started cleaning up the mess. We pushed right through the hard parts, and actually won. We didn't try a second time. I'm not sure if they started early, so I only caught the second run, or if everyone just felt this was the right ending. Some folks mentioned being a bit tired after that. Then I wrote a bit of this and hopped back online. I spotted the pair of high-level TFs, and grabbed a character who needed it. I joined it and got up to do a bit while I waited, returning close to our starting time. Dr. Faustus came in while I was running the first TF. One person left at the end of it, and I got Dr. Faustus included for the second half. Then we chatted a bit. I began chatting on and off with Nox and Kitten on the chat server, too. Dr. Faustus and I started a high-level story arc my character had. Soothing Darkness joined us near the end. Then we ran the next high-level story arc. The second didn't have the nice reward most of those have, but we finished it just about when I needed to start my exercises. After that, I did some paperwork. Then I did my exercises. Next, I started writing and taking notes for this, and slipped in some more paperwork. I finished this the next day, after church. {Smile}

Daily Update, December 14, 2023

   Thursday, I had video counselling after breakfast. It went pretty well, I think. She's really encouraging me to put my writing out there, even if it's not as polished as I like. {Smile}

   A while after lunch, I called Uber, and a chatty driver I hadn't seen in a while took me to an appointment with a dietician to talk about how to eat better for my diabetes. I didn't like all her suggestions, but that's par for the course, I think. I'll still try to follow most of them. A different, chatty Uber driver took me home afterwards. {smile}

   I ate lunch and dinner with Mom and read to her before dinner. She woke up for me and looked at all the pictures again. She even answered me once. I began with scripture and thoughts about it first. Then I read more from this year's long family Christmas letter from her niece. Next, I continued _1940's Memory Lane. I think she likes the old pictures in that book. After that, I read more from _The Mother Goose Treasury_, reading some poems, and showing her the pictures again. I finished with the 14th of December's story from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "Little Angel." A little angel lived in a picture frame above a particular fireplace. She looked sweet and innocent, but often plotted mischief for her next birthday. Once a year, on her birthday, she could fly out of the picture frame and amuse herself. If the family she lived with forgot her birthday, she reminded them with mischief. She blew out the match when grandfather tried to light his pipe and hid one of the marbles Camilla was playing with under the chair. She snatched one of the biscuits Mummy made, too. Only Tibby the cat could see her. Mummy sighed, saying it must be the little angel's birthday, and that she'd bake her a cake. The tricks stopped, and peace returned. {Smile}

   No exercise Thursday, but I'll start again soon. {Smile}

   I read articles and played the cross-stitch game around lunch and before my appointment. I did some more cross-stitch when I got home, then finished and shared yesterday's daily update before I went into CoH: Homecoming. I was too late for the early events, but I checked who was around, and took up an offer Dr. Faustus made on the chat server to come in and team up. We started a high-level story arc. Pierogies joined us partway through. Dr. Faustus realized a villain group one of his characters belongs to was meeting, so he left after that first mission. Pierogies and I did the next mission, getting it done about time for me to read to Mom, so we said goodnight. {Smile}

   After dinner, I caught the late-night short, large-group event. Then I started writing this up. Then Kitten wanted to get together. I finished the writing I most like to do early, along with some personal chores while talking with Kitten. Then they showed me a farm they love, and Pierogies very much doesn't. Next, Dr. Faustus joined us, and we finished the story arc we'd begun before I read to Mom, getting a particularly nice reward. Then we started the next story arc, since that one was the start of a series. I talked with Nox very briefly on the chat server, mainly wishing them goodnight. Part way through the second story arc, Dr. Faustus asked me to add a friend of theirs. I did, and the four of us finished that story arc, getting another particularly nice reward. I did some paperwork before writing this up, mainly doing notes to complete the next day, which I did after lunch out. {Smile}

Daily Update, December 13, 2023

    Today, I stayed home, and took things easy. Only the yardman dropped by for his check. We did have a nice talk. {Smile}

   I ate dinner with Mom and read to her before that. She woke up for me and looked at all the pictures. She answered, but not often. First, I started with scripture and thoughts about it. Next, I read more from this year's long family Christmas letter from her niece. After that, I continued _1940's Memory Lane, showing her the pictures, and reading the text and captions. Then I read more from _The Mother Goose Treasury_, reading some poems, and showing her the pictures, pointing out how they went with the poems. Lastly, I finished with the 13th of December's story from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "Marina's Find." Marian hadn't arrived at school yet, so the teacher said they'd have to start without her.  That's when they heard someone scraping the snow off their boots outside the door. then there was a knock, and the teacher called out, "Come in, Marina!" The girl walked in holding something small in her scarf. Blushing, she apologized for being late, but said she couldn't leave the poor thing in the snow when he was half frozen. She had a small sparrow in her scarf. They made it a nest in the box by the radiator, and it was well by midday. {Smile}

   I didn't do any exercise again, but I'm thinking if I stay this good, I'll try a little soon. {Smile}

   I finished yesterday's daily update and shared it after breakfast. Then I read articles, and some comics, and played the cross-stitch game until after lunch. I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming too late for the early short, large group event, but in plenty of time for the early long, large group event. Pierogies and Kitten seemed to be ready to do that, so I joined, too. Then Kitten, Pierogies and I teamed up. I asked them to run the story arc that introduces the "end game" content with me. That's where the characters get a whole new approach to more powerful powers, at least in this game. We ran it together, and got it done with enough time to spare before reading to Mom for Pierogies and Kitten to start on resting, and me to do a short story arc that follows the one we'd just done, and is part solo, so easiest done alone.  I got that done before I read to Mom. {Smile}

   After dinner, I played some of the cross-stitch game. That made me distinctly too late to join the late-night short, large group event, so I started writing this up. When I was done, I looked around to see who was on, and tried talking to some. Mysty talked back, and we got together. We chatted a long time, and a friend of hers joined us. The three of us chatted some more. A lot of mainly visiting happened, in other words. {Smile} Then kitten came on, and I left to join them. I helped them get a badge that improves the character. Just as we were finishing up one character, Pierogies came in, and joined us for a second run for the same badge on a different character of Kitten's. Then I upgraded my character. I wanted to test it, so we joined something Kitten spotted, but it was too low-level for a good test. We still ran three missions, then ducked out, and ran one mission that was high enough to be a better test. After that, I left City of Heroes: Homecoming, but we continued talking on the chat server while I wrote this up, switching to notes to write from the next day. {Smile}

Daily Update, December 12, 2023

    On Tuesday, after lunch, our priest came to visit Mom, and called me over to join them, which was nice. I didn't realize she'd arrived. We sang some songs, but it was mainly the priest and me; Mom only sang along a little. Then she gave Mom (and me) home communion. Not that I'd get it by myself when I go into church every Sunday. It's for people like Mom, who can't go into church. But anyone who's also around at the time may take it too. And Mom was happy to eat the communion. {Smile}

   Later, I headed out to my cardiologist's appointment. I called ahead because I accidentally started late, and Uber couldn't get there quite at the check-in time. they thanked me for calling ahead and checked me in normally. after a short wait they had me go to the exam room. then the doctor came and asked me several questions about how things are going. Then she told me a bit about the tests, particularly why one made her want to raise one medication. She also wants to put me on something for dizziness. I told her it might help, but it wasn't going to fix my vertigo, and agreed to try it. We'll see how it goes. Past attempts have been less than great, but I can always stop if it's not effective. Afterwards, I contacted Uber, and they took me home. {Smile}

   I ate dinner with Mom and read to her before that. She was sleepy, but opened her eyes for me, and kept them open for the pictures. she didn't really respond other than looking at me, though. I started with scripture and thoughts about it. Then I read more from this year's long family Christmas letter from her niece. Next, I started _1940's Memory Lane, showing her the pictures, and reading the text and captions. After that, I read more from _The Mother Goose Treasury_, reading some poems, and pointing out the pictures, relating them to the poems. Last, I finished with the 12th of December's story from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "Granny's Knitting." When Betty and Paul were invited to tea with their grandmother, each asked her to knit them something. Betty asked for a red jersey, while Paul asked for a pair of purple socks. Grandma laughed, and said she couldn't manage both by Christmas, but she might manage the socks. The next day, she invited two friends over for tea. She planned to knit the first sock while they talked. They thanked her for the tea as they left at the end of their visit. After they left, Grandma noticed the sock was at least three times longer than Paul's leg. Then she had an idea. When the kids came, they found a long purple sausage dog lying at the base of the door, keeping out drafts. {Smile}

   Still no exercise. My teeth are feeling better, and I fervently want them to continue to feel better, so I don't want to upset them by exercising this soon after the root canal. It was just yesterday. {Smile}

   I finished writing yesterday's daily update and shared it after breakfast. Then I cleaned myself up and read articles and played the cross-stitch game through lunch. That stopped when our priest came to visit Mom. After she left, I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming and caught the early short, large group event. Then I talked with some friends in a semi-private conversation, since I knew I wouldn't have much more time before the cardiologist for getting into things. Somehow, I was still late to my cardiologist. After my cardiologist, I read comics, and played the cross-stich game, which frustratingly reset despite me saving along the way.  Then I hopped back into City of Heroes: Homecoming too late to join anything. However, I caught Pierogies, who admitted he'd also come in late. We couldn't get together for anything, but we had time to talk, and we sure did. {Smile}

   After dinner, I checked some comics. Then I tried to get into the late night short, large group event, but the zone was full. So, I started to write this up instead. I checked City of Heroes: Homecoming and found that Dr. Faustus was on. We got together while I finished up the bit of my daily update I did want to write then. He found a friend he wanted to help, and we finished a story arc they were working on. Then we ran another story arc that got us a badge. I also started talking with Nox on the chat server. After the story arc, Dr. Faustus's friend established contact with me and left for bed. Dr. Faustus apologized for leaving then, but he'd disconnected, and thought a break from the game would help that. He and I talked on the chat server, as Nox and I continued to for a while. Later, I concentrated on collecting badges on my second-best badge collector. Then I worked on writing this up and making notes but went far too late. I need to manage my time better. {rueful smile}