Daily Update, September 29, 2024

On Sunday, after breakfast, I contacted Uber closer to the start time of church than I like. They were nominally 12 minutes away. The driver arrived at my house when church is nominally supposed to start. I blame myself for that; I should have gotten to bed earlier and started my day earlier. Anyway, we had a nice chat on the way down. Somehow, I got there during the announcements. I have no idea how they were still going 10 minutes in, but I was relieved I hadn't missed any of the service proper. {Smile}

It was a nice service, with a guest pastor who seemed like a nice fellow. He seems to speak Hawaiian, so was quite comfortable speaking the bits they have in Hawaiian and English. Like the regulars, he did both, when many guests figure the English is enough. {Smile}

After that we had a nice lunch. I sat with some folks I enjoyed talking with. then I went home with Rick again. We had a nice talk on the way. {Smile}

I ate dinner with Mom and read to her before that, Mom was awake when I went in and interested in the pictures I showed her. I started with scripture and thoughts about it first. Then I read a Christmas letter from a friend of her sister. After that, I continued _The 40 Cutest Mother & Child Photographs_. Next, I read a story from _5-Minute Mary Engelbreit Fairy Tales_. I ended with September 29th's story, "Bobby Robin" in _366 Stories for Bedtime_. {Smile}

I did my arm swinging exercises while waiting for Uber. before church and wasn't tired afterwards. I dd my head exercises and arm resistance exercises after playing for much of the evening, and wasn't tired, but I didn't get more done before it got too late. {rueful smile}

After I got back home after church, I wrote up Saturday's daily update. I accidentally left out a nap that filled much of my morning. That's why I didn't get more done then. Next, I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming and started on more paperwork. I said hi to Jenny's player and Saiyaki, since Ulty seemed to be busy with some other mutual friends of ours. I talked a fair while to Saiyaki, until they made an early night of it. Then I broke to clean myself up before reading to Mom. {Smile}

After dinner. I began writing this up and played a little Cross Stitch World before hoping into City of Heroes: Homecoming. There, I talked with Ulty until she abruptly left. She apologized for not saying goodnight before going, and did say goodnight on the chat server. Then I tried playing by myself for a while, until I spotted that pair of high-level taskforces my third best badge collector is working on. I joined them, hoping to get that last badge, and two more badges that will come along with it. I didn't get them this time either. When they ended, Dennis said hi. I switched to the gal who I've recently been working on improving. We did several of Dennis's missions before saying goodnight including one that I don't know that he meant to do, but he got it, and it was timed, so we did it while we could. After he left, I ran a mission by myself and got just enough to finish the improvement on that character. Then I did some paperwork, and planning for future Cross Stitch World before I did my exercises. I finished the evening writing and taking notes in this, and web browsing. I still went too late. {rueful smile}

Daily Update, September 28, 2024

 Saturday I just spent the day quietly at home. not even any notable phone calls to report. {Smile}

I ate breakfast and dinner with Mom and read to her before dinner, Mom was awake when I went in. She looked at the pictures with some interest. First, I started with scripture and thoughts about it. Next, I read three cards, one from church, and the other two from the nursing company that takes care of us. then, I started _The 40 Cutest Mother & Child Photographs_. After that, I read a story from _5-Minute Mary Engelbreit Fairy Tales_. I ended with September 28th's story, "" in _366 Stories for Bedtime_. {Smile}

I did my arm resistance exercises between reading to Mom and dinner. I tried with them but recovered quite enough to do my arm swinging exercises after playing City of Heroes: homecoming for much of the evening. That tired me, too, but a break let me do my head exercises as well. Then I stopped, because the rest just gets harder, and I'd already gotten tired twice. I hope to do more tomorrow, after mostly taking it easy today after physical therapy. {Smile}

After breakfast, I browsed on the web and played a little Cross Stitch World. Then I began writing Friday's daily update when I realized it was a bit close to lunch to clean myself up. After lunch, I wrote a little more of Friday's daily update before hopping into City of Heroes: Homecoming. I started with a good bit of paperwork, then went on to play by myself. Few I regularly talk to were on, and the paperwork led to individual missions and unofficial hunts that I can really do by myself. At one point, I did join in fighting a zombie apocalypse when I came out of a mission to find one going right in the zone I was in. I was concentrating on developing my top-level characters in new ways, as Pierogies finally helped me see how to do that. Eventually, I broke to clean myself up before reading to Mom. {Smile}

After dinner and a little exercise, I played some Cross Stitch World before I finished writing up Friday's daily update. Then I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming and started on more paperwork. I also chatted with Jenny's player a bit. Then I joined a taskforce, and we did it with one false start. I also talked with Nox on the chat server for a bit. Dennis said hi over half-way through the task force. After it was done, I teamed up with Dennis for a few of his missions. He had some old ones, and one good one. Then Dennis and I said goodnight and he left for bed. I ended with a bunch more paperwork, then did a few more exercises, and more web browsing than I meant to that close to bedtime, especially the night before church. I did insist on beginning to write this up and taking notes to write from the next day before bed, too. {Smile}

Daily Update, September 27, 2024

On Friday, after breakfast, I contacted Uber, and a fellow came and took me to Life Care Center for physical therapy. I got same therapist I had last spring, but he has a new assistant for now. I think it's one of those students shadowing a professional in the field arrangements. {Smile}

He asked how things have been going, and I told him about recent developments, including the diastasis recti in my abdomen, and some side effects possibly associated with it. He assured me he has exercises that can help with both. However, I need to talk with my primary care physician about a referral for them to start. Fortunately, I'm seeing him two Fridays from now. {Smile}

I ate breakfast, lunch and dinner with Mom and read to her before dinner, though breakfast was rushed by needing to get to physical therapy. Mom was awake when I went in but inclined to drowse a bit. First, I began with scripture and thoughts about it. After that, I read two cards, one from church, and the other from her cousin's granddaughter. Next, I Finished _Childhood Memories Picture Book_, overlapping with yesterday. Then I read a story from _5-Minute Mary Engelbreit Fairy Tales_. I ended with September 27th's story, "The Wild Rabbit" in _366 Stories for Bedtime_. {Smile}

After lunch with Mom, I wrote a bit of Thursday's update before I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming. Then I noticed a pair of high-level taskforces and joined them on my third best badge collector in hopes of getting the last, elusive badge. A new friend, Saiyala, joined too. We ran the pair twice., but I still didn't get the badge. The rest of the team left, but Saiyala and I talked a long time afterwards, me while I was doing paperwork. Then we teamed up and did a couple of individual missions. Kitten said hi, and Dennis, and we talked. Then we joined them, uniting two teams of two. Dennis and Kitten were watching some NPCs doing something none of us remembered seeing before, so Saiyala and I joined them. Then we were ready to team up until I noticed it was almost time to read to Mom, and excused myself, saying goodnight-in-case. {Smile}

After dinner, I read comics and played a little Cross Stitch World before I finished Thursday's daily update. Then I hopped back into City of heroes: Homecoming. I found Saiyala, and we teamed up. We started with an individual mission of mine which Kitten joined us in. Then we did another individual mission and two or three missions at the end of a story arc. Dennis joined us in time to get the special reward in the last mission of that story arc. I also talked to Nox on the chat server, Next, the four of us did a couple of Dennis's missions, getting another special reward. Then we said goodnight to Dennis. We talked a bit before we said goodnight to Saiyala. Next, I talked with Kitten before we ran two individual missions before breaking. Then I did a little paperwork before starting to write this and make notes in it. mixed with some web browsing. It was a late night again. Every time I hope I've fixed the later bedtime, it slips back. *rueful smile*

Daily Update, September 26, 2024

 On Thursday, I thought I was late to my online counselling. Then I remembered that my counselor is on a trip for the rest of the month. She'll be back next week. So, I had a morning free that I didn't expect. {Smile}

I ate lunch and dinner with Mom and read to her before that. Mom was drowsy but awake when I went in, not much earlier than Tuesday. She wasn't as interested in looking at stuff right from the start, but that's okay. There's little to look at in the beginning anyway. I began with scripture and thoughts about it first. Then I three cards, one from each of her sisters, and one from me. After that, I continued _Childhood Memories Picture Book_, continuing from where we left off yesterday. I thought maybe we'd finish the book, but then I realized she'd started closing her eyes more. So I put the bookmark back a few pages. Next, I read a story from _5-Minute Mary Engelbreit Fairy Tales_. She seemed to enjoy that, if a bit sleepily. I finished with September 26th's story, "The Wild Rabbit" in _366 Stories for Bedtime_. {Smile}

I did my head exercises and eight of my fourteen walking exercises after playing City of Heroes: Homecoming much of the evening. After a break, I did the other six walking exercises, and my arm resistance exercises. I really need to start doing more, but that should happen soon. Tomorrow, I start physical therapy at Life Car Center's outpatient physical therapy again. {SMILE}

I started browsing the web over breakfast and continued well into the morning. I also chatted with my British friend on the chat server. Eventually, I switched to Cross Stitch World, then broke for a very late lunch with Mom and _Avalanche_ by Mercedes Lackey, Cody Martin, Dennis Lee, and Veronica Giguere. Then I wrote a little of Wednesday's daily update before hopping into City of Heroes: Homecoming. I started with paperwork while I talked with Ulty, Jenny's player and Divi. When the paperwork was done, I started to play by myself. Next, Pierogies said hi, and we teamed up on two pretty low-level characters. We did several missions. A couple of them didn't complete right; I left that to work out later. Dennis joined us near the end for one or two missions. Then we said goodnight and I broke to read to Mom. {Smile}

After dinner, I played Cross Stitch World and read comics before I finished writing Wednesday's daily update. Then I got into City of Heroes: Homecoming particularly late. I chatted with Ulty, Jenny's player, and Divi again, and I fought a giant monster. Then I chatted some more with Divi. Next, I joined a giant monster team. I was delighted to see Divi first join it, then take it over, running the small giant monster league it turned into. I also chatted with Nox and my British friend on the chat server. Eventually, the team broke up. I exercised, played Cross Stitch World, and exercised some more. Then I began making notes and writing in this. I also browsed on the internet while shutting things down and finishing making notes in this. {Smile}

Daily Update, September 25, 2024

On Wednesday I was back to deciding to about graphics cards because friends were pushing that the cards were too expensive for what they were I gave up and got it when I realized they didn't think to add shipping it out to Hawai'i. That's not cheap, and it has to be done, so it jacks up the cost. Then the gal assured me that installation was already included too, not in addition. That helped a lot. {Smile}

I ate dinner with Mom and read to her before that. Mom was awake when I went in, even though I was late. She was interested in looking at stuff right from the start. I started with scripture and thoughts about it first. Then I finished her niece's long family Christmas letter from last year. Next, I continued _Childhood Memories Picture Book_, first repeating wheat she was too tired to look at as much yesterday, then continuing with new pictures as well. After that, I read a story from _5-Minute Mary Engelbreit Fairy Tales_. I thought Mom seemed more interested in this story than usual. I ended with September 25th's story, "Cheeky Charlie!," in _366 Stories for Bedtime_. {Smile}

I did my arm resistance exercises between reading to Mom and dinner. Then I did my head exercises and eight of my walking exercises before it got too late. That's not my best day, even just looking recently, but all I can do is try to do better the next day. {smile}

In the morning, I mostly researched graphics cards and played Cross Stitch World while thinking about graphics cards. I also talked with my British friend about them some. Then I had lunch, followed by more Cross Stitch World and thinking. Eventually I tried going into City of Heroes: Homecoming, but I kept going back to video cards until I got in contact with Dennis and Perogies that helped me settled down as we teamed up. First, we finished a story arc Dennis had. Then we did one mission from another story arc he had. Then he suggested doing someone else's, so we did a couple of my missions. That took us to time to read to Mom. {Smile}

After dinner, I took a long time thinking over stuff and playing CSW while I did. Then I finished writing Tuesday's daily update, though that was more a struggle than usual. That made me get into City of Heroes: Homecoming late. I found Dennis in a taskforce, so I worked on paperwork and played solo while I waited for him to get out. Then I joined him and his group in a second taskforce on a moderately low-level character. I really enjoyed switching characters. However, I barely talked with Nox on the chat server; we mainly said goodnight. After the taskforce and minimal paperwork, I exercised and began researching other computer stuff. Then I began writing this and making notes in it, managing to finish entirely too late. {rueful smile}

Daily Update. September 24, 2024

 On Tuesday, I sorted out the graphics card and made an order, or so I thought. Somehow, that took all morning. {smile}

I ate dinner with Mom and read to her before that. Mom was resting when I went in, but roused quickly enough, I don't think she was asleep. She didn't' rouse fully at first, though. First, I started with scripture and thoughts about it. Then I continued her niece's long family Christmas letter from last year. After that, I continued _Childhood Memories Picture Book_, but she was still walking up, so I'm planning to re-read that part the next day. Next, I read a story from _5-Minute Mary Engelbreit Fairy Tales_. That she woke up for and seemed to take more interest in it as I went along. I ended with September 24th's story, "The Rhubarb Leaves," in _366 Stories for Bedtime_. {Smile}

I did my arm resistance exercises and my arm swinging exercises between reading to om and dinner. Then I did ten of my fourteen walking exercises after playing on City of heroes: Homecoming. After a break, I did the other four walking exercises. I played Cross Stitch World while I mulled over the graphics card question. Then I played more Cross Stitch World to wind down afterwards. After that I had lunch and wrote some of Monday's daily update. Then I talked with British friend on the chat server He tried at great length to improve my graphics situation until I get the new card, but we ran into something each time. He finally gave up because of bedtime but promised to work on it again some other time. then I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming, where I talked to Kitten before they faded out, which didn't take long. So I worked on some pretty extensive paperwork. Pierogies helped me see that I could further, so I started on that project the night before, and continued with it then. Then I paused to clean myself up before I hopped back into City of Heroes: Homecoming for more paperwork before I broke to read to Mom. {Smile}

After dinner, I finished Monday's daily update, then wound down with comics. then I began writing this up and making notes before hopping into City of Heroes: Homecoming. I started talking with Azurette, a new friend, and Divi, while I did some paperwork. I found out Divi was running a strike force and joined him. I was delighted when I discovered Phonso was in the group too. Then Kitten said hi after the first mission. We were running so fast, I waited until after the group broke up to team up with Kitten. I also talked with Nox on the chat server. Kitten and I ran a couple of individual missions, then most of a high-level story arc. Then we said goodnight. I exercised and talked with kitten and my British friend on the chat server both in between the exercise sets and afterwards. I also wrote some of this and made lots of notes in this. {Smile}

Daily Update, September 23, 2024

 On Monday, four books came for Mom. One has pictures of babies and toddlers, and three have pictures of older children. The greater variety will be a relief for me. I hope she likes it, too. Maybe she does. She was staring at each picture more than usual when I started reading one to her before dinner.

I ate dinner with Mom and read to her before that. Mom was awake when I went in and stayed awake while I read. First, I began with scripture and thoughts about it. Next, I continued her niece's long family Christmas letter from last year. Then I started _Childhood Memories Picture Book_, one of the four books that came for her today. She really stared at the pictures, noticeably more than usual. I think she likes having new pictures she hasn't seen before. After that, I read a story from _5-Minute Mary Engelbreit Fairy Tales_. I finished with September 23rd's story, "Blackberry Picking," in _366 Stories for Bedtime_. {Smile}

I did my head exercises between reading to Mom and dinner. Then I did my arm resistance exercises a little while after dinner. After playing on City of Heroes: Homecoming for most of the evening, I did eight of my walking exercises. After a break, I did the other six walking exercises, finishing just as it became too late. {Smile}

Over breakfast, I found another recommendation for the fancier graphics card from the British friend I talk to on the chat server. That prompted me to look into graphics cards some more. This continued through the morning. When I needed time to think about them, I played Cross Stitch World, which does help me to focus when I'm thinking. then I worked on writing up Sunday's daily update through lunch. I wasn't quite done when I hopped into city of Heroes Homecoming to do paperwork and such. I tried to look for friends, but kept getting distracted by the video card, which can be a real puzzle. I eventually teamed up with Pierogies. We ran some missions. Then Pierogies left early, feeling tired. I did more paperwork next and checked graphics cards some more. Then, just as I was getting ready to solo a mission, Dennis said hi. After checking a giant monster, we ran the mission together. We finished at high time for me to go read to Mom. {Smile}

After dinner, I finished Sunday's Daily update. I also reached a point where I felt like I finally figured out the graphics card. Then I finally hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming. I found Dennis, and we ran a couple of missions together. Then we said goodnight. I did some paperwork until Kitten said hi. Then I switched characters. Just as we started a mission, Dr. Faustus invited us to get a Giant Monster. We joined him and stayed with him for a quick trial. Then I said goodnight so I could exercise. I added to this between sets of exercise. Then I worked on this, with a little Cross Stitch World and some web browsing. That included checking graphics card and monitors after I found a couple of notes that got me thinking again. I finally finished this up and went to bed. {Smile}

Daily Update, September 22, 2024

On Sunday, after breakfast, I contacted Uber. The driver they picked was fairly close and quite nicely chatty. I arrived a little before the announcements despite barely getting bed earlier the night before. {Smile}

It was a nice service, followed by a nice lunch with friends, with not that many desserts for once. Our parish does love to bring deserts. {Smile}

A couple of guys took me home. I really enjoyed talking with them on the way. They're fun. {Smile}

Home communion came by later, after visiting another gal nearby first. I joined Mom and the nurse in having communion with them. It's really for Mom. I can get to church, and our nurse isn't really a member, for all that I suspect we're the church he doesn't go to, if you understand that phrase. {Smile}

I ate dinner with Mom and read to her before dinner. I to her late, but Mom was wide awake when I went in and stayed awake while I read. I started with scripture and thoughts about it first. After that, I continued her niece's long family Christmas letter from last year. Then I continued _The Happy Book Babies_. Next, I read the last story from _My Little Pony 5-Minute Stories_, finishing the book. I ended my reading with September 21st's story, "Winter Stores," in _366 Stories for Bedtime_. {Smile}

I did my arm swinging exercises while waiting for Uber to come and take me to church. Both the driver and I were impressed with how that ended just as he arrived. After playing on City of Heroes: Homecoming when I wasn't talking with Kitten on the chat server most of the evening, I did my first 8 walking exercises, including two hard ones. Then I did my head exercises, squeezing them in a little later than I'd like. I really should get to these earlier. {smile}

After I got home from church, I played Cross Stitch World and researched video cards until home communion came. After home communion, I wrote more of Saturday's daily update. Then I hopped into City of Heroes Homecoming and started on paperwork. I didn't find anyone I like play with, so I started playing by myself. Then Dennis said hi, checked out a giant monster, then joined me to help me finish my mission. After the mission we said goodnight before I left to read to Mom. {Smile}

After dinner I finished writing Saturday's daily update. I also talked with Kitten on chat server at some length. Then I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming. Not seeing anyone I started on paperwork, then looked around. All I usually like to talk to had disappeared, so I played by myself on some of my characters while researching video cards. That's one way to avoid complaints about distracted play. I heard from more of my tech-oriented friends over the day, with one favoring the higher end model, and others favoring the lower end model. Which is still a lot more than I had, let alone what I have now, She put a weaker graphics card in because that's what was on hand. I said goodnight to Nox, having missed talking with them. Then I played more Cross Stitch World and did some of my exercises. Next, I did some more research, some more exercises and some more Cross Stitch World before I finished writing and making notes in this for the evening.

Daily Update, September 21, 2024

 On Saturday, I stayed home, and mostly took it easy. I found Facebook was back to normal when got onto my computer. that was quite a relief. {SMILE} I did text the gal about the video cards. I also talked about them with Kitten, who had definite opinions about what they could do. I also talked about them a little with Nox, who didn't have as many or as strong opinions on them. I left messages with a few other friends asking their opinions, mainly folks I know are far more knowledgeable about computers than I am. I heard back from Dr. Faustus before bed about them. {Smile}

I ate breakfast and dinner with Mom and read to her before dinner. Mom was awake when I went in and stayed awake while I read. First, I started with scripture and thoughts about it. Next, I continued her niece's long family Christmas letter from last year. After that, I started _The happy Book Babies_. Then I read a story from _My Little Pony 5-Minute Stories_. I finished with September 21st's story, "Bobby's Toys," in _366 Stories for Bedtime_. {Smile}

This isn't one of my usual exercises, but I did a lot of bending over after lunch I was picking up spilled dry roasted chickpeas. It was a fair-sized spill, so I was tired by the end! Then I did my head exercises, my arm resistance exercises, and eight of my walking exercises, including two of the more strenuous ones after playing on City of Heroes: Homecoming for much of the evening. Then, after a break, I did my arm swinging exercises before it got too late. {Smile}

After reading _Avalanche_ over breakfast, I read articles, did some other web browsing, and played Cross Stitch World until I wrote up my daily update before, during and after lunch. Then i played more Cross Stitch World and did some online shopping before I got into City of Heroes: Homecoming late. I started with paperwork. Then I started talking with Pierogies. We teamed up so he could farm while I sat in, as something to do in-game while we watched a couple of comic dubs. These are videos of comics where they show the pictures while one or more people read the lines. I also chatted with Dennis, since he was busy in a task force. When it was done, Dennis left. Pierogies was quiet after the second show. (He told me the next day he'd fallen asleep. I just said goodnight and left to read to Mom, since it was time. {Smile}

After dinner, I began making notes in this. I also talked at some length with Kitten about the graphics card options. Then I hopped back into City of Heroes: Homecoming a bit late. I started with paperwork. Next, I also started talking with Nox. I somehow found I wasn't in as much of a mood to chat with others who I spotted. I was still thinking about the video card, and most of my tech savvy friends who might help me sort out that graphics card were absent.  So, I soloed a few missions each on a couple of characters. After that, I did some exercises and wrote some of this. Then I did some research followed by more exercise. Next, I started making more notes in this, with a little City of Heroes: Homecoming paperwork and some Cross Stitch World. I really need to cut out playing games and reading when it's too late to exercise. That would help me tame my bedtime. {Smile}

Daily Update, September 20, 2024

I woke up on Friday to find a text waiting for me from the gal who fixed my computer. She was busy that morning but said she would work up a couple of estimates and email me them later. She got them to me the same evening I am so relieved that I got her. I noted which numbers she said should work in the future, so when I need her again, I can find her. {SMILE}

After breakfast, I sat down at my computer and realized it couldn't find the internet. I waited a bit and tried restarting some programs. I even tried restarting the computer and the modem. Nothing helped. So, I checked on my phone. My internet provider reported no internet outage in my area when I checked my provider's website. however, I spotted a way to ask for help and did so. A fellow started texting me right on the site. Between turning things off and on, unplugging the router, and him resetting the modem, we got it working. Well, except Facebook has had mostly broken and missing pictures today.  However, a cousin on a different island who has the same provider had the same problem that morning. I just left the computer on until bedtime. I didn't want to disturb it. I was concerned it might lose the internet again. {rueful smile}

I ate breakfast, lunch, and dinner with Mom and read to her before dinner. Mom was awake when I went in but rested when I started reading. I hope she finds my voice soothing. First, I began with scripture and thoughts about it. Then I continued her niece's long family Christmas letter from last year. Next, I finished _The Picture Book of Babies_. After that, I read a story from _My Little Pony 5-Minute Stories_. I ended with September 20th's story, "Winter in Africa," in _366 Stories for Bedtime_. {Smile}

I did my head exercises, arm resistance exercises, and arm swinging exercises after teaming on City of Heroes: Homecoming most of the evening, and a bit of Cross Stitch World to wind down afterwards, too. After a break, I did four of my walking exercises before it got entirely too late. That wasn't as much as the day before, but I'll just have to try harder the next day. {smile}

I had a leisurely breakfast reading _Avalanche_ by Mercedes Lackey, Cody Martine, Dennis Lee, and Veronica Giguere while sitting with mom. Then I moved to the computer, and the fuss with getting the modem to find the internet took most of the morning. after that, I just played Cross Stich World and read before lunch. Again, I read Avalanche while eating lunch. When I got back to my computer, I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming and started on paperwork. Then Pierogies and I started talking. I thought we'd team up, but he remembered this is the week the villain supergroup meets. I checked with Dr. Faustus, and the meeting was going in the base. I joined the group just as they were getting to missions together. We did a story arc someone had. After that story arc, the group split up. I did some more paperwork and hunted by myself on a character before I broke to read to Mom. {Smile}

After dinner, I wrote up Thursday's daily update and read some comics before hoping into City of Heroes: Homecoming. I spotted Dennis and said hi. He'd just checked and not seen me. We teamed up and did a couple of my missions. Then Dennis spotted a taskforce. We joined it and ran it. I also talked with Nox on the chat server. Dennis and I talked a while after the taskforce before we said goodnight. Then I did some paperwork. After that, i played some Cross Stitch World before I started my exercises. After that I played more Cross Stitch World and started making notes in this before doing a few more exercises. I wound down with even more Cross Stitch World and making notes and writing in this. {Smile}

Daily Update, September 19, 2024

 I stayed home and had a mostly quiet day. I'm trying to get in touch with the gal who fixed my computer. but the contact information is mostly for her shop, which she recently closed. I have one more recent contact I can try, though. I hope it works. I've decided I would like a better graphics card. {Smile}

I ate dinner with Mom and read to her before that. Mom was resting when I went in, and through the first part, but she woke up more as we went along. I began with scripture and thoughts about it first. After that, I continued her niece's long family Christmas letter from last year. Then I continued _The Picture Book of Babies_. Next, I read September 19th's story, "Autumn Leaves," in _366 Stories for Bedtime_. Then I realized I'd skipped a story from _My Little Pony 5-Minute Stories_, so I ended with that. {Smile}

I did my arm resistance exercises, my arm swinging exercises, and my head exercises with only short breaks after teaming for much of the evening After a longer break, I did six of my walking exercises before it got too late. {Smile}

Over and after breakfast, I read articles and comics. Then I played some Cross Stitch World. After that, I finished writing up Wednesday's daily update before lunch Over Lunch, I enjoyed _Avalanche_. Then I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming, where I started with paperwork. Then I teamed with Pierogies for a few missions. Then Kitten and Dennis joined us, I can't quite remember which order. Next, Pierogies left. Kitten, Dennis, and I did a few more missions until it was time to read to Mom. {Smile}

Over dinner, I read a little more _Avalanche_. Afterwards, I cleaned myself up. Then I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming, starting with paperwork again. Next, Kitten and I said hi and teamed up for two or three missions. Freaky invited us to the first of three trials as we were starting a mission. We left it to do the trials. I also talked with Nox on the chat server. Right after trials ended, Pierogies came in, wanting to farm with Kitten and me. We did for a bit. Then I left them to it, popping out to do my exercises before going back to their farm. Then I began writing and making notes in this. Next, more exercise, then some City of heroes: Homecoming paperwork before I finished my notes in this. {Smile}

Daily Update September 18, 2024

On Wednesday, after breakfast, I had a video appointment with the nutritionist. I think it went well. She's happy with my gradual weight loss progress and with the healthier snacks I have been switching to. She had a suggestion with the snacks, and she'll let me know if she thinks of more. {Smile}

I had a text conversation with my British friend on the chat server again. I should say that I have several British friends, but he might be the only one who's sometimes active on the chat server. {Smile}

I ate dinner with Mom and read to her before that. Mom was awake when I went in. She paid attention to the reading throughout. She seemed to enjoy it, and even said she did at least once. I started with scripture and thoughts about it first. Next, I continued her niece's long family Christmas letter from last year. After that, I continued _The Picture Book of Babies_. Then I read a story from _My Little Pony 5-Minute Stories_. I ended with September 18th's story, "Mushrooms," in _366 Stories for Bedtime_. {Smile}

I did my head exercises, and my arm resistance exercises after playing on City of Heroes: Homecoming for much of the evening. After a break, I did my arm swinging exercises even though it was slightly late for them. It's an improvement over the day before. {Smile}

After the video appointment, I played Cross Stitch World. Then I had lunch and read some comics. Then I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming and started on paperwork. Then Pierogies said hi, and we talked and teamed up. We did a few missions on my character who's going up in levels. After a few, we said goodnight. Then Dennis said hi. So did Kitten. Then three of us got together and started doing other missions with me on the same character. A friend of Kitten's that I'm acquainted with joined us. The four of us did a couple more missions before I left to read to Mom. {Smile}

After dinner, I played a lot of Cross Stitch World while thinking about things. Then I finished writing Tuesday's daily update. After that I hopped back into City of Heroes: Homecoming, where I started on paperwork while talking with Divi. Then Kitten said hi, and Kitten and I teamed up. We cleared a couple of harder hunts, then ran some regular missions that same character has. We started a story arc when I could. I also talked a little with Nox on the chat server, too. Then Kitten asked about my exercise time I thought I had time for one more mission first, but Kitten went quiet, so I did paperwork before my exercises. Next, I played a little more Cross Stitch World before I began working on this, doing a mix of notes and writing. Then I did more exercise and a tiny bit more paperwork before I finished working on this, mostly making more notes to write from the next day. {Smile}

Daily Update, September 17, 2024

After breakfast on Tuesday, the driver came and took me to the monthly meeting. We had a nice chat on the way down. {Smile}

I got a phone call from Life Care Center outpatient physical therapy just as meeting was starting. I quickly made an appointment to start physical therapy next week Friday. {Smile}

The first part of the meeting was mainly a talk and film on fall prevention. It gave me some good and very welcome ideas. As a person with vertigo, fall prevention and planning to cope with falls are both big concerns for me. {smile}

The second part was lunch. We moved to the lunchroom, where I sat with a new gal at first. We had a nice talk, with me listening often, but also taking a turn to speak. Later she left, and I joined the main table. I mainly listened there. {Smile}

I ate dinner with Mom and read to her before that. Mom was awake when I went in. She listened mostly quietly but attentively. She didn't speak much, but when she did, she said particularly clearly that she was enjoying herself. First, I started with scripture and thoughts about it, first yesterday's, then today's. Then I continued her niece's long family Christmas letter from last year. Next, I continued _The Picture Book of Babies_. After that, I read a story from _My Little Pony 5-Minute Stories_. I ended with two stories in _366 Stories for Bedtime_. First, I read September 16th's story, "Old Mr Bear." Then I read September "Baby Kiki." 17th's story, {Smile}

I did my head exercises between reading to Mom and eating dinner. I meant to do more, but it got too late. It's the day after the teeth, so I couldn't have done much more anyway; I just don't have that much energy yet. {smile}

After I got home from the meeting, I played Cross Stitch World to unwind. Then I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming. I did some paperwork, then broke for some web browsing including comics. Then I went back into City of Heroes: Homecoming, where I found Dennis, but I excused myself to go clean myself up and did so. Then I went back into City of Heroes: Homecoming, where I teamed up with Dennis, and we did a couple of Dennis's missions before it was time to read to Mom. {Smile}

After dinner I played some Cross Stitch World and wrote up Monday's daily update. Then I played some more Cross Stitch World before hopping into City of Heroes: Homecoming. I started with paperwork, then said hi to Phonso. I joined him for three trials and chatted more than usual with other teammates. Some of them were quite chatty. That often doesn't happen. I also chatted with Nox on the chat server, too. After the trials, folks left, so I did some paperwork. Then I played some more Cross Stitch World before going back to City of Heroes: Homecoming. I was going to start more paperwork when Pierogies said hi, and invited me to a farm. I didn't fight alongside him, but dipped in and out, visiting while I was in, and first playing Cross Stitch World then making notes and a tiny bit of writing in this while I was out. {Smile}

Daily Update, September 16, 2024

On Monday, my dentist's office called before lunch to remind me about my dental appointment after lunch. They stressed that I couldn't be late because they had too much to do, and it would help to be early. I called Uber after lunch and got a chatty driver. We had a nice talk most of the way down. {Smile}

I didn't get there as early as they hoped, and they didn't take me right away, thought that might be because I wasn't sure how to let them know I was here when the front desk was empty. They did take me before too long and prepped two crowns. Then they made the crowns right in the office and put them in. That took 3 1/2 hours and got done earlier than they'd feared when they called. {smile}

I made an appointment for one more crown in early January, because it can wait. There's no temporary crown involved yet, while these both had temporary crowns which only last so long. The third crown is in front, so they want to send off to the lab for a pretty crown. So, I'll need a second appointment, but we'll make that when the crown has been prepped. 

Another chatty driver took me howe. We had a nice talk that lasted over half the trip. {Smile}

Int he morning, I also got a phone call from the driver who often takes me to and from the monthly meeting... it's not quite a picnic when it's indoors, is it? We confirmed her taking me to the monthly meeting the next day, and I got the expected pickup time. {Smile}

I had a nice texting-talk with a British friend on the chat server in the evening, too. {Smile}

I didn't read to Mom. I was just too tired; it needed to start less than an hour after I got home from the dentist.  {smile}

I did my arm swinging exercises and my head exercises on the way down to the dentist. I was too drained after my tooth work to do any more that day. {smile}

After breakfast, I did some web browsing and played Cross Stitch World until lunch. After lunch, I exercised while waiting for Uber to take me to the dentist. I did enjoy the Uber trips to and from the dentists. Both drivers were chatty enough, they made the trip more interesting. When I got home, I started with reading comics. It was a nice way to relax and regroup. Then I hopped into City of heroes: Homecoming for a bit of paperwork before dinner. {Smile}

After dinner, I hopped back into City of Heroes: Homecoming. There, I teamed up with Dennis, who was finishing a mission. While we were in it, Phonso invited us to a trial. We finished the mission, then joined Phonso. He led three related trials that Dennis and I did with him. Then they both left, so I worked on the paperwork it made. I also chatted with Nox and my British friend on the chat server. first Nox said goodnight, then my British friend went quiet. After that, Paradox said on the chat server that they were going into City of Heroes: Homecoming. We met up and did a few missions on the character I'm trying to level. He finally got his first level in a long time! Then Paradox left, and I did more paperwork. I also made notes in this, not really having the time or energy to write anything up properly. {smile}

Daily Update, September 15, 2024

 On Sunday, after breakfast, I contacted Uber, and a driver came and took me to church.  I actually got to church on time. I even had time to settle in before the service, which was nice, as was the service. {Smile}

I had lunch on the lanai afterwards.  I sat with some of the parishioners and chatted with them. Auntie Barbara wasn't there. She was starting her yearly trip home to visit longtime friends and family.  {Smile}

The Pennys took me home with minimal arranging. That was wonderful. {Smile}

That evening, I discovered how to keep the corset from digging into my waist uncomfortably.  I need to ignore the manufacturers' instructions about lying down to put it on. Instead, I put it on standing upright, in good posture, but not too tightly.  {Smile}

I ate dinner with Mom and read to her before that. Mom was resting when I went in but roused easily when I said I'd read to her. She roused even better when we started the pictures. Those did start with the baby pictures. First, I started with scripture and thoughts about it. After that, I her niece's long family Christmas letter from last year. Then I started _The Picture Book of Babies_, since I'd finished _Picture Book Babies_ yesterday. Next, I read a story from _My Little Pony 5-Minute Stories_. I ended with the 15th of September's story, "The Straw Basket," in _366 Stories for Bedtime_. {Smile}

I did four of my arm-swinging exercises between reading to Mom and dinner. Then, after starting to write this up after dinner, I did my head exercises, my other eight arm-swinging exercises, and my arm resistance exercises. After that, I did eleven and a half of my walking exercises, doing the 10 less strenuous ones first, then starting on the more strenuous ones. After a break, I did the other half of the exercise I stopped in the middle of plus all of the next, and half of the last one. So that's thirteen and a half of my fourteen walking exercises, including most of the more strenuous ones. {Smile}

After I got home from church, I wrote more of Saturday's daily update. Then I checked City of Heroes: Homecoming. I did some paperwork, and said hi to Kitten, who didn't respond immediately. So, I finished writing up Saturday's daily update. Then I said hi to Kitten again. I spotted that pair of taskforces my third-best badge collector is still working on and joined them. Kitten said hi just after we'd filled. We ran it particularly quickly. I said hi to Kitten right after we finished but got no response. They just disappeared, as characters often do when they've been inactive too long. However, Pierogies said hi, so we teamed up. We ran a mission my character who's almost ready to gain a few levels needed to finish. It turned out to be the last mission I needed. Pierogies suggested the later long, large-group event, but I wanted to fit in a bath before dinner. We said goodnight-in-case. Then Dennis said hi. He offered a quick mission that gets a badge that he was doing with his best friend. It turned out my fourth best badge collector didn't have it. We ran it quickly, going straight for the main goal. I said goodbye and left while they continued to fight lesser critters in there. Next, I cleaned myself up before I read to Mom. {Smile}

After dinner, I played Cross Stitch World, then started writing part of this up and made some notes. Then I did some exercises and added more to this. Then I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming. I said hi to Kitten, and we teamed up. We ran some missions of my character, helping him gain not quite enough experience to gain a level over the course of the evening. I also chatted a little with Nox on the chat server. Then I did some exercise. Next, I wrote and took notes in this and did a bit of web browsing before doing a bit more exercise. I finished the evening with more web browsing, some comics, and a few more notes in this. {Smile}

Daily Update, September 14, 2024

Saturday was a quiet day. Nothing much out of the ordinary happened. {Smile}

 I ate breakfast and dinner with Mom and read to her before dinner. Mom was resting when I went in, and drowsed at times, but enjoyed the pictures. She woke up more for the baby pictures and stayed more awake after that. First, I began with scripture and thoughts about it. Next, I read a long card from a friend of one of her sisters. After that I continued _Picture Book Babies_, commenting on the pictures, and reading interesting facts about babies. Then I read a story from _My Little Pony 5-Minute Stories_. I ended with the 14th of September's story, "Back to School," in _366 Stories for Bedtime_. {Smile}

I did my arm swinging exercises between reading to Mom and eating dinner. then I did my arm resistance exercises after dinner. Much later, after teaming and cleaning myself up, I squeezed in my 10 less strenuous walking exercises. This is a distinctly poorer exercise day, but I was drained after dinner, for reasons I don't understand. {smile}

I had breakfast with Mom and _Avalanche_. After that came web browsing and Cross Stitch World until lunch, despite hoping to get more done. Then I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming. A new friend invited me to a task force. While waiting for it to start, Kitten said hi. We tried to get Kitten in, but the new friend didn't see my notice, and Kitten asked them just after it filled. I apologized to Kitten and promised to team with them afterwards. Then ran the taskforce with my new friend. Afterwards, I couldn't find Kitten. I did some paperwork while I looked for them. I found out later they were called in to work on an off day. They didn't come back to the game for the rest of the day. Later, Pierogies found me, and we teamed up. We ran a mission or two, then watched an episode of _Cursed Princess Club_, a comic series on Webtoon that has some "comic dub" videos where the comic is read out loud while the comic panels are shown. Dennis said hi, and I responded right after Cursed Princess Club. Dennis apologized for not coming in early enough to team. Then I broke to read to Mom. {Smile}

After dinner and what exercise that I did just after it, I played some Cross Stitch World before beginning to write this up. Then I read some comics before hopping back into City of Heroes: Homecoming late. I said hi to Ulty, Jenny's player, and Divi. They seemed busy, so I tried soloing a mission. I eventually gave up because this would be more fun with company. I also began chatting with Nox on chat server. After the aborted mission, I started on paperwork. Then Mysty said hi. I said hi back, and invited her to join me in that mission, starting over from the beginning. It turned out to be awfully long, but when Mysty was almost tired enough to leave, she checked ahead. Thankfully, she found that the end was not much further, so we finished it, and said goodnight. Then I started on paperwork again. Pierogies soon said hi we did the follow up mission, which was much shorter. It was so short, Pierogies apologized for not helping more, which kind of makes me wish they'd been opposite lengths. Both Mysty and Pierogies would probably have been happier, but that didn't happen. I assured him he'd done great, and we said goodnight. Then I squeezed in cleaning myself up before I exercised, which is a lot of why I didn't get more exercise in. After that I played a little more Cross Stitch World, but mainly wrote a little more of this and made lots of notes in it to write from the next day. {Smile}

Daily Update. September 13. 2024

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

I have been trying to do more chores and such that I really can do myself. I'm starting slow. So far, I'm increasing my self-care and doing some dishes. I plan to work up. I talked with nursing company secretary, and yes, this will help my general well-being and may even help expenses when I become the nurses' primary focus. {Smile}

I ate breakfast, lunch and dinner with Mom and read to her before dinner. Mom was resting when I went in, but definitely awake this time. She responded pretty well when spoken to right through the readings. I began with scripture and thoughts about it first. The I read four cards, repeating one from her nephew, and one from each of two different cousins from yesterday, and adding a card from me. Next, I read _Picture Book Babies_, commenting on the pictures, and reading interesting facts about babies. After that, I repeated yesterday's story from _My Little Pony 5-Minute Stories_. I ended with the 13th of September's story, "The Helper," in _366 Stories for Bedtime_. {Smile}

I did my arm resistance exercises between reading to Mom and dinner. then I did my arm swinging exercises after dinner. after playing City of Heroes: homecoming, I did two of my sitting arm weight training exercises. After a short break, I did my 10 less strenuous walking exercises. After another short break, I did my head exercises. After that, it got too late before I did more, in part because I'm trying to shut down a little earlier. {Smile}

I ate breakfast with Mom and read the book. That's _Avalanche_, by Mercedes Lackey, Cody Martin, Dennis Lee, and Veronica Giguere. It's the fifth in The Secret World Chronicles series. Then I read articles and played Cross Stitch World before I finished writing up yesterday's daily update. Next, I had lunch with Mom and the book. After that, I Hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming. There, I did paperwork and checked with Pierogies. I stopped to clean myself up while the housekeeper cleaned elsewhere and let her know when I was done. Then I went back into City of heroes: Homecoming. I again found Pierogies again, and we did a mission and a half in something that can't be joined after starting. Thats' when Dennis came in and said hi. Then I realized what we were doing wasn't as short as I thought, and we wouldn't get when Pierogies wanted his character to be free. So, we quit to join Dennis. Pierogies suggested watching a show, but Dennis wanted to play City of Heroes. Kitten joined us, and we did a mission Dennis wanted help on, followed by a few missions picked by Dennis, I think. That took me up to time to read to Mom. {Smile}

After dinner, my exercises, and beginning to write this up and making notes in it, I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming. Dennis found me when I'd barely started on paperwork. We did a couple of my villain missions. Kitten joined us at the very end of the second. Then we did a couple of Dennis's missions that he really wanted Kitten's help with. I also started talking with Nox on the chat server. Then Dennis left, and I switched to the hero I've been working on levelling. Kitten and I ran a few missions, going a little later than I hope to, since I'm trying to move my bedtime earlier. But I did that because it finished a story arc that I'm sure I want him to get before levelling. After that, I did my exercises, with a little City of Heroes: Homecoming paperwork because I'd made so many notes in this earlier, as well as finishing the writing and notes in this. {Smile}

Daily Update, September 12, 2024

On Thursday, I had my regular video counselling. It went well, which is good. it will be the last this month, because my counsellor will take a trip. We'll resume next month. {Smile}

Later, I got fed up with the corset. It straightened my lower back enough to throw my upper body forward, forcing me to hunch over. I took it off, but then my stomach was unsupported. Then I found a video of a slightly different corset that didn't have the waist strap. The video did say to lie down while putting it on. I tried putting it on lying down without the waist strap. I don't think lying down changed as much, but not having the extra strap lets my back keep a more normal position with less hunching, while still helping my stomach. I teared up in relief when I realized how much more comfortable it was this way. {smile}

I ate lunch and dinner with Mom and read to her before dinner. Mom was sleeping when I went in, and neither the nurse nor I could rouse her, but the nurse said she'd hear anyway, so I read. I started with scripture and thoughts about it first. After that, I read three cards, one from her nephew, and one from each of two different cousins. Then I skipped _Picture Book Babies_, going straight to a story from _My Little Pony 5-Minute Stories_ next. I finished with the 12th of September's story, "The Bowl of Nuts," in _366 Stories for Bedtime_. {Smile}

I did my head exercises, and my arm resistance exercises after dinner. Then later, after teaming for the evening, I did my standing arm weight training exercises, my ten less strenuous walking exercises, and two of my four sitting arm weight training exercises. I think I really need to fit some more exercises in earlier in the day. Salsa dancing and maybe walking should wait until it's cooled off, but the others could be done at warmer times, if not in the heat of the day proper. {Smile}

I had breakfast before and into counselling. After counselling, I started fussing with the corset. Then I finished writing Wednesday's daily update. Next came lunch with the book I'm slowly reading. Then I fussed with the corset some more. I hopped into City of Heroes, Homecoming, and started with some paperwork and badge collecting. Then I found Pierogies. It was while we were talking that I found the video of a slightly different corset without a strap, and discovered how much more comfortable it is without that thing. I'm not sure if that's because my back is extra curvy back-to-front, or if something else is going on, but I'm so relieved I found something more comfortable! {Smile} After that got sorted, we teamed up on villains. Dennis joined us on a villain as we were getting going. They had me pick something, and I found a short story arc with 2 missions. This ended at a good time to read to Mom. {Smile}

After dinner, I did some exercises. Then I began writing this up and making notes in it. Next, I read some comics before I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming. I said hi to Ulty and Jenny's player and talked with Ulty. Then I saw a pair of high-level taskforces my third best badge collector is still working on. I joined. I spotted Phonso while waiting for them to start and said hi. He was starting a different taskforce. I wish I could have joined, but already felt committed to the others. We had possibly the roughest run I've been on that didn't fall apart entirely. After that, I said hi to Phonso again as I worked on some paperwork. When he finished, Phonso ran a second taskforce which I joined, and got a player from the pair of taskforces to join with me, since he'd offered to help with another run. We talked while getting going. I also started talking with Nox on the chat server then too. Phonso, the new fellow, and several other volunteers ran the taskforce, which went pretty smoothly. I talked with the new fellow and Nox less during it, but I still talked with each separately. We talked much more afterwards, especially the new fellow and me. I toured his admittedly small base. Then we ran one mission I needed for a badge on my third-best badge collector and talked some more before parting. Yes, she got another badge. I'm slowly firming up her position with more badges to separate her from the fourth best badge collector. After that, I did some more exercises. Then I fit in a little paperwork on City of Heroes: Homecoming. I finished the night with writing more of this and making notes in it too. {Smile}