Daily Update, November 11, 2023

    Saturday, I finished writing up Friday's daily update and shared it. {Smile}

   I also got a note from Aunt Valerie saying what address to send a box to. The contents are for both her and her daughter, my cousin Kim, but I'm hoping they won't mind splitting or sharing them. It's mostly some books by Mom's favorite author, which I thought they might enjoy because Mom loves them so, or did as long as she could. {Smile}

   Then Auntie Barbara came to the house. She visited Mom, and Mom sang three songs and part of a fourth with Auntie Barbara, our main nurse, and I. We're excited. This is so much better than she was for a while there, it's quite heartening. {SMILE}

   She took me down to the vet, where I dropped off the needles I'd used on Valentine, as well as the needles I hadn't, and two unused oral syringes they'd given me, too. I'm just donating them so someone else can use them. Next, we went to the post office she was afraid it would be closed because it was too late. No, it was closed because it's Veteran's Day, which is a federal holiday in the USA. It would have been open another half hour on most Saturdays. I think the downtown post office across town would have been open in the afternoon, but not on Veteran's Day. {Smile}

   Then we planned to go to church, and pick up our friend BJ, who was learning to make a style of ribbon lei there and take her to church. However, another BJ, who lives alone, and loves to cook, but not just for herself had fixed more than enough lunch for everyone who'd made leis, and Auntie Barbara and I, who hadn't. So, we stayed and ate lunch at church. We had soba salad, little sausages, stuffed eggs. grapes, and clementines. It was really good. {Smile}

   After that, Auntie Barbara, BJ and I went to Safeway. BJ hit their craft supplies. Auntie Barbara did some regular grocery shopping she needed. I went to the pharmacy and asked about shots. I'd had a pneumonia shot as recently as August, but my last covid shot was early this year. they didn't bother with the card we used to have; they said just consider this a yearly shot like the flu shot. After that, i walked around the store until I found BJ. auntie Barbara was out looking for me. We both texted her to say I was with BJ, but she had given up looking for me when she headed back. We ended up saying goodbye, and I called uber and had them take me home, because my house is 40-50 minutes round trip the wrong way for Auntie Barbara and BJ, who live a fair way out of town. It was a new driver, a woman I couldn't quite figure out how to talk with much, but I didn't mind watching the scenery. {Smile}

   I ate breakfast and dinner with Mom and read to her before dinner. She not only kept her eyes open the whole time, she spoke pretty often, especially her favorite phrase: "and that was that." As for me, I started with scripture and thoughts about. Next came more from her niece's long family Christmas letter from 2021. After that, I started _Music Stars 1940-1960 Memory Lane_. Mom looked with interest, and often spoke. Then, I read two stories from _365 Bedtime Stories and Rhymes_. I finished with the 11th of November's story from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "Carlo the Barber." One afternoon at the zoo, Carlo the Coyote took a stroll, looking for someone to talk to or something to do. he noticed some shears let by a gardener and hoped to have some fun. He looked around, and spotted Brutus, the lion, sleeping nearby. Carlo cut all around Brutus's mane. Then, worried he'd gotten himself into trouble, he ran and hid. Brutus was surprised to find his mane short when he woke. He soon found Carlo, and thanked him, saying he was much more comfortable. Carlo was quite relieved. {Smile}

   I did my walking exercises, my leg exercises, and 3 of my sitting arm weight training exercises after I finished teaming with Kitten and Paradox in the evening. Then I did my warmup salsa dancing set. After a break, I did my less structured salsa dancing set, trying to make sure to mix things up. Then I did the last sitting arm weight training exercise. Then after another break, I did my arm resistance exercises and my arm swinging exercises before I got tired. Then I did my head exercises despite being tired. I just skipped the standing arm weight training exercises. I'm sure I got more exercise walking around Safeway than I usually do with those, anyway. {Smile}

   The mail and writing kept me busy in the morning, so I didn't read comics or articles until I came back from going out. Then I did read comics and articles to wind down before hopping into City of Heroes: Homecoming. There, I found Paradox and Kitten already teamed up, running some of Paradox's villain's missions. Pierogies was separate. I joined them, and so did Pierogies, and the four of us did several missions. I think we ran right up to time to read to Mom before saying goodbye-for-now, though Pierogies might have left sooner, heading for bed, since he's several hours ahead of me. {Smile}

   After dinner, I started writing this up. I also read a few more comics before hopping into City of Heroes, Homecoming. Paradox and Kitten were still teaming, so I joined them again. I also chatted a little with Paradox and Owl girl on the chat server. Paradox, Kitten, and I did a few missions, then Paradox said they needed a break, and left. Then I switched characters, and encouraged Kitten to get a contact who could help both of us sooner or later with something we need for another character improving badge. We ran two more missions, with Paradox coming back in near the official end of the second. We waited and finished it with them. Then we worked on the other half of the map. We hadn't quite finished when I realized I'd better quit and start my exercises, so I said goodnight and did start my exercises. While I was still teaming, I tried talking to Nox on the chat server, but Radio answered instead. This was great, since I don't get as many chances to talk to them. After the salsa dancing, I also got a chance to talk with Paradox, Kitten, and Owl Girl on the chat server, too. I also worked on writing this up and should get it done in time to share it at least where it's quick, and maybe everywhere tonight. {Smile}

 

Daily Update, November 10, 2023

    Friday, I figured out what made it look like I couldn't order checks and got them ordered. Then I got some other stuff in the mail sorted out, with one sent off, one filed, and more waiting for the checks to arrive, just in case they're slow. {Smile}

   Our housekeeper came. I loved seeing and talking to her, and our house is definitely in better shape than before her attentions. {Smile}

   I didn't remember to call my aunt or cousin before it was too late to call their time zone. I did call Auntie Barbara, and we briefly confirmed plans for tomorrow. {Smile}

   I ate breakfast, lunch, and dinner with Mom and read to her before dinner. She kept her eyes open the whole time and even spoke a few times again. I read scripture and thoughts about it first. Then I followed that with her niece's long family Christmas letter from 2021. Next, I finished _1960's Fashion in Pictures_. Mom looked interested in the pictures today, as I read each caption, then the back cover. After that, I read several poems from _365 Bedtime Stories and Rhymes_. I finished with the 10th of November's story from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "Grumpy Rabbit." A difficult young rabbit was always discontented. He was bored at home. When his mother took him into the field, he pricked his paws on the thistles. When lunch was carrots, he didn't feel like carrots, but when the table was cleared, he was still hungry. At bedtime he wanted to stay up, but in the morning, he wanted to stay in bed. Mother and father rabbit didn't know what to do with their difficult son. Then Mr. Hedgehog gave the rabbit an accordion and taught him to play some tunes. He told the rabbit to play the accordion if he felt like complaining. The rabbit never grumbled again, and now plays the accordion very well. {Smile}

   After I finished teaming for the evening, I did my walking exercises, leg exercises, and arm resistance exercises. Then I did my salsa dancing warmup set. After a break, I did my less structured salsa dancing set. Then, after another break, I did my arm swinging exercises, my standing arm weight training exercises. two of my four sitting arm weight training exercises, and my head exercises before it got entirely too late. {Smile}

   I read articles and comics in the morning. Then I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming and teamed up with Paradox. We worked on one of my story arcs. Kitten, Pierogies, and eventually Azurette joined us. I think Pierogies left when he got tired. The rest of us went right up to my time to read to Mom. {Smile}

   After dinner, I started writing this up. Then I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming. I found Kitten, and we got together. I spotted Ulty, and asked if she needed help. We joined her for a few missions, with Paradox joining for the last one. Then Paradox took over, and we did a few of their missions. I also started chatting with Nox on the chat server. Then Azurette messaged me, saying she needed help with a mission. We finished the mission that we were in the middle of, then went to help her. After that mission, I left to do my exercises. I continued chatting with Nox, and also chatted with Paradox, Owl Girl, and Kitten in a joint conversation on the chat server. Radio spoke up in a joint conversation with him, Nox, and Radio's SO, and we talked there, too. I ended up making notes and finishing writing this up the next morning. I'm not sure how I got to bed as early as I did. I usually don't when I get off my computer as late as I did. {Smile}

Daily Update, November 9, 2023

    I texted Aunt Valerie and my cousin Kim, but neither has texted back yet. If they don't soon, I'll try a call to one. I have a question for her. Maybe I should even try a video call. It would be nice to before Thanksgiving, which isn't too far away. Then we could see if we want to do that on Thanksgiving, maybe. {Smile}

   I ate lunch and dinner with Mom and read to her before dinner. She kept her eyes open the whole time again, and even spoke a few times. It was a good day. {Smile} First, I read scripture and thoughts about it. Next, I continued her niece's long family Christmas letter from 2021. After that, I read from _1960's Fashion in Pictures_. Mom looked interested in the pictures today, as I read each caption. Then I read three stories from _365 Bedtime Stories and Rhymes_. I finished with the 9th of November's story from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "The Lonely Owl." Olive, the owl, was unhappy. Her job of perching on a branch each night, standing guard for the birds who slept in the tree was important, but it was boring. She hardly ever saw anyone to chat to, just the occasional fox or badger, or another owl to exchange hoots with. She couldn't stand bright light, so when the sun rose, she slept in her nest in a hollow tree. One night, she thought of a good idea. She'd wear sunglasses! The next morning, the birds were amazed to be greeted by a friendly lady owl wearing dark glasses. {Smile}

   I did my walking exercises, sitting arm weight training exercises, and leg exercises after I stopped teaming with TheCyberChill. Then I did my salsa dancing warmup set. Then, after a break, I did my less structured salsa dancing set, trying to mix it up more than usual. Then after another break, I did my standing arm weight training exercises, my arm resistance exercises, my arm swinging exercises, and my head exercises. That's all of them, despite starting significantly later than I did last night, or other recent nights when I did them all. {SMILE}

   I read articles and comics in the morning, and a little more after lunch. Then I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming. Pierogies wasn't around, but Paradox was waiting for a high-level trial. I tried to find out what it was, and did find a list, but somehow the trial that came eventually was a different one. The character I was on - my fifth best badge collector - needed two more badges from it, and they were leaving soon, so I just got it on her. Turned out my third best badge collector could have gotten as many as six badges from it, but maybe next time I catch it. paradox had to work after that, so I worked on paperwork, then joined a task force when I spotted one being advertised. At some point, I messaged Pierogies that I was in the game, in case he wanted to know before coming in. It went faster than expected - enough faster, I was able to switch characters, and run the later short, large group event with a little time to spare. Pierogies finally came in while we were running it. I hoped he'd be able to join, but the zone was full when he tried. So, he went to wait in a high-level zone where I joined him when the event finished. We teamed up, and squeezed in two individual missions before I went to read to Mom. It was so great getting to team with him! {SMILE}

   After dinner, I started writing this. Then I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming, letting Paradox, Owl Girl, and Kitten know I was in the game through the chat server. but Kitten was working, Owl girl wasn't around today, and Paradox said they'd come, then didn't. I think I tried contacting a friend or two in the game, but no one responded. So, I worked on more paperwork until I spotted an "emergency" short, large group event. This was not a regularly scheduled one, so it was just one, instead of the usual pair. Also, it was a long time recruiting. I ended up letting every friend and acquaintance I could who wasn't on a team know about it. Two or three came to join, including one who'd never done one before. The group did it more slowly, not pushing to the end halfway through or even earlier, like the regularly scheduled ones, having more members to help. That was fun. Near the end, TheCyberChill invited me to a story arc with a particularly good reward for those who do the last mission. Unfortunately, I had to quit after the second mission to do my exercises. Still, I enjoyed it, and the character I did it on has time to do it again before she can really benefit from that good reward at the end anyway. I chatted with Nox, and with Kitten and Paradox on the chat server, starting while getting ready to help TheCyberChill. I learned that Paradox had fallen asleep when they meant to come into the game and woke up too late to come in. Then I wrote this, watched some videos, and did a little light paperwork in the game between and after my dancing and exercises, that is when I stopped talking with Nox and Kitten in between them. {Smile}

Daily Update, November 8, 2023

    I called out financial adviser today when I found one of our banks needs some stuff straightened out. It was nice talking to her. She will work on it. {Smile}

   Then I found that Auntie Barbara had texted me a while back, asking me to call. I did but got her answering machine. I left a message. She called back. She'd been in town earlier, but she was already on the way home when I called her, and not in good cell phone reception just then. We hope to get together on Saturday, instead. {Smile}

   I got a quick call from our former nurse after dinner, and another a while later int the evening. both were short because he was tired, but we hope to talk longer soon. {Smile}

   I ate dinner with Mom and read to her before that. She kept her eyes open the whole time, which she often doesn't. I started with scripture and thoughts about it. Then I continued her niece's long family Christmas letter from 2021. Next, I read some more from _1960's Fashion in Pictures_. Mom was definitely looking at the pictures today, as I read each caption. After that I read two stories from _365 Bedtime Stories and Rhymes_. I finished with the 8th of November's story from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "Goldie." Goldie was a marmalade cat with a white front and green eyes. He'd been born int eh spring, and this was his first autumn. He couldn't understand why the trees were losing their leaves. All summer he'd spent many hours hiding in the willow tree behind the leaves, watching the birds he never caught. The tall grasses where he'd stalked field mice had died down or been cut and tidied away. He was lazy and didn't have to hunt for his food. He just ran inside for his usual bowl of cat food when his mistress, Kathy, called. {Smile}

   After we finished teaming, I did my head exercises, arm swinging exercises, walking exercises, leg exercises, and my arm resistance exercises. Then I did my salsa dancing warmup. Then, after a break, I did my less structured salsa dancing set. After a shorter break, I did my sitting arm weight training exercises and my standing arm weight training exercises. That's all of them, I believe, so I actually got them all done today. {SMILE}

   I read articles and comics in the morning and over lunch, and I came to a realization. I have been reading a book I got, _How to Write Light Novels and Web Novels_. It takes the stance that writers should write as much as they can to fulfill a particular audience's already expressed desires in reading material.  I can see advantages to writing this way when you are specifically money and/or popularity. Unfortunately, I find it a bit stifling to my creativity. I think, for me personally, I'd be better off writing the stories that come to me, then figuring out what audience would like them, and how to get it to them. {smile}

   After lunch, I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming in time to join the early long, large group event, along with Pierogies and Paradox. We ran it, and it went pretty nicely. I hoped to team up with them afterwards, but Pierogies felt like lying down instead of playing more, and Paradox had other things to do for a few hours. I considered joining a public group, but didn't spot one, and got thoroughly caught up in paperwork, including a project I've been putting off because it's more than a little time consuming. I got into it so much, I missed the start of the later short, large group event, so I just continued the paperwork until it was time to read to Mom. {Smile}

   After dinner, I started writing this up. Then I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming, and quickly checked a little of the paperwork I'd done earlier before teaming up with Paradox. We started teaming. I got concerned about how difficult it was for them, but then TheCyberChill said hi, and I invited them to join us. The mission we were in was still tough for us; they were both struggling. TheCyberChill suggested inviting someone else. I checked my friends first and discovered that Azurette was on. She finished what she was doing, and joined us, and it went a lot better after that. We ran several missions, with Paradox dropping out after a few more missions. I also chatted with nox on the chat server for a while, off and on. Azurette and TheCyberChill stayed up until I wanted to start my exercises. Then I remembered that TheCyberChill had invited me to tour a base a while back. I know Azurette enjoys touring bases, whether it's seeing what others did, or showing them what she's done, so I asked, and we ended up touring it, with me going in and out for exercises. They left while I was salsa dancing which was a longer break. I wrote this up and watched a few videos between and after the salsa dancing and the last couple of exercises. I'll have to share this tomorrow, though. It's too late now. {Smile}

Daily Update, November 7, 2023

    Tuesday, the housekeeper came a while after lunch. She texted before to let me know she was coming, but I didn't notice until I checked when she told me about it. The house is definitely better for her attentions. {Smile}

   I called Aunt Valerie and got her answering service. I left a message, then sent her a text message, too. then I sent a text to a conversation with both her and her daughter. I think the last convinced her to call me; it sounded like her daughter had told her about it. We had a really nice chat, and even discussed trying a video call sometime, thought that seems to be my project. {Smile}

   Later, I texted Auntie Barbara, and we had a nice text-chat. {Smile}

   I also had a nice chat on the chat server with a friend I don't hear from as much these days. I really enjoyed that. {Smile}

   In the evening, I got a call from our former nurse. We really enjoyed talking. {Smile}

   I ate dinner with Mom and read to her before that. I read scripture and thoughts about it first. Then I continued her niece's long family Christmas letter from 2021 next. After that I read some more from _1960's Fashion in Pictures_, Mom didn't respond when spoke to her today, but she was clearly looking at those pictures I showed her. I read the captions, too. Next, I read a longish poem from _365 Bedtime Stories and Rhymes_. I finished with the 7th of November's story from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "Grandfather." Grandfather lived at the top of the house where Marion and her parents lived. He was old, didn't talk much, and spent a lot of time reading books. One day, Marion heard that Grandfather had a sore foot. Feeling sorry for him, she took him a rose from the garden. He tapped nervously, and he told her to come in. She gave him the rose, which he thanked her for. Then he offered her a biscuit and chocolate mousse, which she ate. She told him about school, and he offered to help her with her reading the next day. Then he gave her a snow globe with a castle inside it. She thanked him, and said she'd come tomorrow before running downstairs. {Smile}

   City of Heroes: Homecoming ran late enough, I started with my salsa dancing warmup set. After a break, I did my less structured set of salsa dancing. Then I did my walking exercises and my arm swinging exercises. Yes, that's it. That's nowhere near as much as usual, but the walking exercises are by far the most exercises of all my exercises, so this is the most I've done after my salsa dancing since I got sick. {Smile}

   I read articles and comics in the morning and over lunch, then hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming. Thanks to others changing their clocks when my state doesn't, I got in in plenty of time to join the early short, large-group event. When that was done, Kitten, Pierogies, and I started to team up when Aunt Valerie called. By the time we finished, Pierogies had picked popular individual missions for levelling. We did a few, then Pierogies left. We continued, with Kitten leading because Paradox and I were so much lower level. We kept with them, and eventually P8ierogies came back, and did a few more with us. that took us right up to time to read to Mom. {Smile}

   I began writing, this, and after dinner, I read some comics. too. then I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming. I teamed up with Kitten and Paradox after telling them on the chat server that I was back in the game. We hunted some enemies I needed for a badge that improved my character. We got enough for all three of us to get that badge, though only I got the badge that improves the character, because they need other badges for that, too. They didn't want to work on that, so we started a story arc I could get. I saw a stranger asking to join a group, any level, and invited them along. I also started chatting with Nox on the chat server. We ran the first few missions in the story arc. The stranger left before the last, which lasted almost an hour - far longer than I hoped, so it really cut into my exercise time. I watched videos and checked the game around and between the dancing and exercises and checked a comic and web novel service I use. They changed their system, and it's harder to unlock their comics permanently, like I prefer to. It looks like that's just their new way. {smile}

Daily Update, November 6, 2023

    Today, I called my doctor in the morning. They called back just as I was starting a bath after lunch, so I didn't get to the phone in time, but I called after lunch and got them. I told them I still have an intermittent itch. They said to continue the medicine, and add an over-the-counter cream, too. I'll have to get some. {Smile}

   I also got a call from a place that does diabetes education. My doctor referred me when I said I wanted to learn to eat better for my diabetes. I made an appointment with them for mid-December. {Smile}

   I ate dinner with Mom and read to her before that. First, I read scripture and thoughts about it. After that, I continued her niece's long family Christmas letter from 2021. Then I started _1960's Fashion in Pictures_, reading the captions and showing her the pictures. Next, I read a story from _365 Bedtime Stories and Rhymes_. I finished with the 6th of November's story from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "Cold Feet!" The sun had shown brightly, but a mist turned the air chilly and damp after sundown. Nancy was curled up in bed, where a sheet, three blankets and a thick quilt didn't keep her feet from being cold, nor did rubbing and exercising them. She told Mummy that her feet were freezing. Mummy brought an odd copper pan with a long handle and a hinged lid. Nancy asked what it was, and mommy said it was Granny's warming pan, which she used to fill with charcoal to warm her bed. Since she was cooking using charcoal, she thought they could use the warming pan to warm Nancy's bed. Nancy thought that would be great any time mummy used charcoal. {Smile}

   I did my head exercises while waiting to team with Paradox near the end of my evening. Then I did my walking exercises and my standing arm weight training exercises before I did my salsa dancing warmup set. Then after a short break, I did my arm resistance exercises and my arm swinging exercises, and my sitting arm eight training exercises. The only one I didn't do was my leg exercises. That's a bigger set of exercises to miss than the standing arm weight training exercises I missed last night, but at least it's only one set. {Smile}

   I read articles, comics, and the web novel I'm most interested in the morning and hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming a while after lunch. I started checking some paperwork and realized that Paradox was on another part of the Homecoming server, which makes it harder to play together. One of us would have had to switch. Instead, I joined a high-level trial I saw advertised after figuring out that my fifth best badge collector needed it. I got seven badges all together; the six that you can get from the trial, plus a badge for getting 750 badges, since that trial pushed me over that. Part way through, Kitten came on. I explained about being in the trial and promised to join after. About the time I got out, Pierogies came on, too. The three of us got together. I thought my warshade was ready for the next warshade story arc, but she needs a few more levels. So, we ran a few missions on our warshades to get her more experience. She didn't gain a level; we started too late to do as much as usual, but she made progress, and we went right up to time to read to Mom. {Smile}

   After dinner, I started writing this, then hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming. I started with paperwork. Paradox was on another part of Homecoming again and encouraged me to join him. However, I really felt like playing a character which is harder to move than most because she'd lose her supergroup, and she's the only one in it. (Mot characters are in supergroups with multiple members, though a few are the only one I have in that group; those are hard to move, too.) Anyway, I tried to talk to Ulty, Mysty, and Paradox, but they were all busy, so our conversations didn't keep going. Instead, I worked on badge hunting on my warshade, and eventually joined a group that was taking down a giant monster. That got her a badge for the monster, as well as other rewards. I did start talking to Nox on the chat server, but they were distracted by the game they were playing, so it was an on again, off again conversation. Eventually, Paradox came back to my part of Homecoming in time to run a mission they had before I started exercising. Between and after my exercise and salsa dancing, I read the web novel and watched some videos as well as wrote more of this. I eventually switched to making notes here to finish writing it up the next day. I got to bed not quite as much earlier as I'd like, but I have ideas meeting my new goal better in the future. {Smile}

Daily Update, November 5, 2023

    I got to bed almost 15 minutes earlier than my earlier times for getting up, so I set the alarm that much earlier for this morning. I called Uber after breakfast, and they came and took me to church. I had a nice talk with the driver, a man who lives out in Puna, but wants to move to town to be closer to his wife's work. Since she works not too far away from me, I tried to suggest places that might be cheaper and not too far from her job. {Smile}

   I got to church, spotted Auntie Barbara, and sat down beside her. The service had begun at 9 am, but I was just in time to hear the entire Gospel reading. That meant I got the full sermon, offertory, and communion, too. I was glad I got that much, considering they started a whole hour earlier than the usual 10 am, and I often have trouble getting there by 10. {Smile}

   The early start was because the bishop had come to help us celebrate our 120th anniversary of becoming a parish. They had some musicians playing nice Hawaiian music -- yes, that's a specific style even here, not just any music. They also had a huge spread. I couldn't try everything; I didn't have room. I particularly tried to go light on the desserts, trying to take small piece, and avoiding anything with much frosting completely. Tomorrow's blood sugar reading will tell me if that plus avoiding snacking both in the afternoon and evening were enough. {Smile} 

   Auntie Barbara took me home afterwards and visited with Mom. She, I, and our main nurse sang a few songs, but Mom didn't sing along on any of them, not even Happy birthday, which she seems most likely to pick if she'll choose. Then I said goodbye to Auntie Barbara. {Smile} 

   I ate dinner with Mom and read to her before that. I started with scripture and thoughts about it. Next, I continued her niece's long family Christmas letter from 2021. After that, I finished 'The Flower Garden," showing her the rest of pictures, and saying a little about each one. Then I read a couple of short stories from _365 Bedtime Stories and Rhymes_. I finished with the 5th of November's story from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "Hungry Bluetits." In the abandoned garden, things had been left untouched all summer, and the grass and weeds were waist high, making it a perfect place for birds and little animals to make nests. The bluetits mad made a nest in an old apple tree, and even had a second family later in the summer there. They still had a young bird in the nest when the frosts came and killed the insects they like to eat. What could the parents feed their young one? A neighbor lady saw the young one with its hungry, open beak, and fetched some scraps she left nearby. Soon the little bird learned to fly and find its own food. {Smile}

   I did my arm swinging exercises and my head exercises while waiting for Uber to come take me to church. Then I did my walking exercises, my leg exercises, and one of my sitting arm weight training exercises after I was done teaming for the evening. Next, I did my warmup salsa dance set. Then after a break, I did my less structured salsa dance set, followed pretty quickly by my arm resistance exercises. I did my other three sitting arm eight training exercises after a break. I just didn't get to my standing arm weight training exercises today. {Smile}

   I read comics and an article or two to wind down after coming home from church. Then I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming. Paradox greeted me with the news that they were waiting for the early long large-group event, so I went ot wait too. I discovered Pierogies there, as well. We chatted as we waited, and then ran the event. After that, the three of us teamed up. I suggested running a couple of early high level story arcs. We did the first pretty quickly and got into the second. We did most of it. Pierogies hoped to get credit for most of it, but he forgot to do something with the second, so auto completed it, as they say for getting credit without actually doing it. Then he was late enough getting into the third, so we ran it a second time, since you can't auto complete two so close together. Then we ran the last one. Pierogies and I got particularly nice rewards. Paradox chose another reward that's by no means bad before he saw my instructions about which is best. but now he knows. They needed to run it again for Pierogies, but he was too tired to do it right then, and I had to dahs off to read to Mom, starting slightly later than I like, but not too bad. {Smile}

   After dinner, I started writing this, then hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming. Paradox said they had their character parked where they could accumulate stuff while they worked on something else, so I joined a task force that was being advertised. I was over halfway through when Azurette invited me to different task force. I said let me do this one first; I was two and a half missions from the end, but I wasn't sure if it was two and a half, or three and a half, because of some missions having the same name. To my delight, she was still recruiting when I finished, though she filled the last couple of spots as I switched characters and joined, so we started fast. That one went well. She wanted to do another, but one teammate wanted to tour her base first, and she loves to give tours, so we did that. Then we did the other task force she wanted to. That took me right up to exercise time. {Smile}

Daily Update, November 4, 2023

    Today, I got the stuff I talked about with my financial adviser done, and out to the mail. That was a nice feeling of accomplishment. {Smile}

   I also got a call from our former nurse in the evening. He'd tried earlier, but I didn't answer. I don't think I heard the phone; I won't if I'm a few rooms away, not with my hearing loss. We kept it on the short side because it was late for him, but we enjoyed talking, as usual. {Smile}

   I ate breakfast and dinner with Mom and read to her before dinner. First, I read scripture and thoughts about it. Then I continued her niece's long family Christmas letter from 2021. Next, I skipped 'The Flower Garden," and read several short poems and a story from _365 Bedtime Stories and Rhymes_. I finished with the 4th of November's story from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "Up in the Attic." On Sunday afternoon, it was raining, and the twins were bored. Their mother announced that she was going into the attic to do some tidying and asked who'd like to help. Tina said she did, and Tanya agreed, not wanting to be left out. Their mother told them to get their aprons, and they'd get started. They ran up the stairs and forgot about tidying the attic. Tina found her doll that had lost an eye, and wanted to give her bath, since she'd gotten dirty. Tina found a beautiful silk dress that that their mother said she'd worn as a bridesmaid when she was their age. Their mother didn't mention the work that had brought them up there, and they played up there happily the rest of the afternoon. {Smile}

   After I finished teaming on City of Heroes for the evening, I did my walking exercises, my sitting arm weight training exercises, my leg exercises, my standing arm weight training exercises, and my arm swinging exercises. I did start earlier than usual, which is probably why I got so many done before my salsa dancing warmup set. Yes, I did my salsa dancing warmup set next; all that was before it. After a break, I did my less structured salsa dancing set. Then, after another break, I did my arm resistance exercises and my head exercises. So, I actually got everything done. I think that's because I started a little before 10:30 PM, instead of closer to 11 pm, but I got everything done. {SMILE}

   I read articles in the morning, around the mail, sharing yesterday's daily update, and another personal chore. I also read comics and maybe another article or two over lunch. A while after lunch, I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming, and teamed up with Paradox. We tested out the character I'd gotten the badge that improves an ability on. They were better, but still have to watch it. When that was over, Paradox wanted to do some higher-level content. I switched - twice actually, because my first pick before they reminded me was higher, but not high enough. I asked if they'd done the introductory story arc to the high-level content, and they hadn't, so we got ready to do it. When we were almost ready, Pierogies showed up and joined us. We ran most of the story arc before I had to leave to read to Mom. they had at least one more mission, but I think that might have been it, but I didn't want to miss or be late to reading to Mom. {Smile}

   After dinner, I started writing this daily update, and chatted with Kitten and Paradox on the chat server. I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming and started working on paperwork. After a while, I said hi to Mysty, and started chatting with Ulty. Then Paradox came in. We teamed up, and I invited Ulty to join us. She did for one mission, then left for the evening. Paradox and I teamed for a few more missions. They left a little early, which is why I started my exercises early enough to get them all done. I read a web novel, watched videos, and wrote some of this around and between salsa dancing and exercises and started writing this up. I continued doing that afterwards, as well as slipping in a bit of paperwork in City of Heroes: Homecoming. Looks like I'm getting this done a lot earlier, too. Maybe I'll actually get to bed a bit earlier, which would be nice. They're having one service at 9 am tomorrow instead of two at 8 am and 10 am because the bishop is coming. Auntie Barbara tried to encourage me to get up half an hour earlier, and take a nap later, but I'd like a full night's sleep so I won't risk being sleepy at church... but maybe I can go to be earlier, and get up that much earlier, if it's not over half an hour. I've made myself sick moving my bedtime a whole hour earlier, though most humans can manage that much without trouble. I'm one of the rare ones who can't, I guess. {Smile}

Daily Update, November 3, 2023

    After breakfast on Friday, I called Alan and arranged for him to take me down to an appointment with the only podiatrist in town after lunch. He came and got me at the arranged time, and we had a nice chat on the way down. {Smile}

   I have seen the podiatrist before, but it had been enough years, they'd tossed all the paper files, and had a new computer system with new records, so I filled out a new patient form. Then I saw the podiatrist. He asked me how I'd been, and how my diabetes was. I told him it had gotten bad but was getting better again as I ate better. He inspected my feet and toes, trimmed the nails, told me what to expect with a healing injury, and asked me to come back in a month. {Smile}

   I called Alan when I was done, and he came and took me home. We had another nice chat on the way. {Smile}

   I ate breakfast, lunch, and dinner with Mom and read to her before dinner. I started with scripture and thoughts about it. Then I started her niece's long family Christmas letter from 2021. Next, I showed her some pictures in 'The Flower Garden,' a picture book of vintage fine art, saying a bit about each picture. After that, I read a story from _365 Bedtime Stories and Rhymes_. I finished with the 3rd of November's story from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "Little Fox Cub." Little Fox Cub was daydreaming as he watched a plane flying in the distance. He decided he wanted to be an airline pilot, with lots of buttons to press, knobs to turn, and levers to pull. He asked his father if he could train to be a pilot. Mr. Fox talked about it with the other woodland animals, and they decided it was impossible. Mr. Owl warned him to give his son a good reason, or he might run off to try. So, Mr. Fox told his son that if he went to train as a pilot, the men might never let him go. Besides, Little Fox Cub was too short to see out the windscreen, and planes are noisy and smelly. Little Fox Cub sighed, saying he'd better stay, while watching another airplane. {Smile}

   I did three of my head exercises while waiting for Alan to pick me up at the house, and the other two after dinner. Then I did my walking exercises and my leg exercises after Paradox and I finished teaming for the night. After that, I did my salsa dancing warmup set. After a break, I did my less structured salsa dancing set, again mixing it up more, especially int he second piece, which was shorter but faster, so I think did about as many steps as usual. After another break, I did my arm resistance exercises and my arm swinging exercises. {Smile}

   I read articles and comics in the morning and around lunch time. I didn't hop into City of Heroes: Homecoming until after I came back from the podiatrist and had shared yesterday's daily update in most of the places I usually do. In the game, I teamed up with Pierogies on the characters who were working on the rewards, and we started to work on the last badge we needed. Paradox joined us. Their character had the rewards we were working on, but lacked two other rewards for the reward that improves the character. So, when Pierogies and I got the reward we needed, I offered to take them around to get the ones they needed. Then the nurse came in and told me I could come read to Mom. It was later than I thought, probably because I started late because of the podiatrist. I finished the reward I was helping them with, because I couldn't just give them directions. The next reward, though, I could and did give directions, then left to read to Mom. {Smile}

   After dinner, I started writing this up while chatting with Paradox, Kitten, and Owl girl on the chat server. Then I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming and did some paperwork while waiting for Paradox to join me. They took long enough, I started chatting with Ulty in the game, and Nox on the chat server. Then Paradox came in, and we teamed up for a few missions until I was ready to exercise, and they were ready to head out, too. I watched videos and read a web novel and a new web comic as well as writing this between and after my exercises. I also peeked at City of Heroes: Homecoming, despite not meaning to. I'm trying to get to bed earlier. Well, maybe tomorrow. I'll have to share this tomorrow as it is. {Smile}

Daily Update, November 2, 2023

 Thursday, I had a Zoom appointment with my counselor after breakfast. I think it went pretty well. I was slightly late starting because I tried to set up the camera and a separate microphone. She did think it sounded a bit clearer, so it think it was worth it. {Smile}

I also got a call from Auntie Barbara later in the evening than I expect a call from her, though plenty early enough for me. i suspect because she's still adjusting to Hawai'i time from East Coast USA time, since she came back from her trip late last Sunday. I loved getting to talk with her. {Smile}

I ate lunch and dinner with Mom and read to her before dinner. I first read scripture and thoughts about it. Then I read a Christmas card from a different friend from yesterday and showed Mom the pictures with it. Next, I started reading - or rather showing her the pictures in and describing them a little - 'the Flower Garden,' a picture book of vintage fine art. I read a story and some short poems from _365 Bedtime Stories and Rhymes_ after that. I finished with the 2nd of November's story from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "The New Lodger." A tiny flea out in the road noticed it was getting cold and thought she needed to find a safe home for winter. Just then a big dog with a thick coat came by. The flea jumped on the dog, but Spot, the dog, felt her and shook her off. The flea, not being put off so easily, hopped on his nose and spoke politely, asking to shelter from the cold wind in his warm fur, since she had no fur and felt the cold. Spot was kind and told her she could stay as long as she didn't tickle him. If he scratched, his master would put powder all over him that would be the end of the flea. The flea thanked Spot and promised to be good. The narrator wondered if she kept that promise. {Smile}

I did my walking exercises, my standing arm weight training exercises, and two of my sitting arm weight training exercises after I finished teaming on City of heroes: Homecoming. Then I did my salsa dancing warmup set. Then, after a break, I did my less structured salsa dancing set, making sure to mix things up a bit, especially in the first piece, where I've fallen into a rut. Then after another break, I did my other two sitting arm weight training exercises, my arm resistance exercises, my head exercises, and my arm swinging exercises. I did everything except the leg exercises today. I really want to do them too, but I did better. I think I can do this on my own eventually, though I hope to go back to physical therapy. They'll help me get back more quickly. {Smile}

I read articles and comics before counselling and after lunch. Then I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming. I started getting my new character further along in the tutorial when Paradox came on. We started chatting, and they encouraged me to get that character out of the tutorial, even when I wanted a hunt badge that takes a while. When I got out, we teamed up, and I started a contact's missions. We did them, and Pierogies joined us partway through, then Kitten, I think. Then I did one of my favorite story arcs... or the first part. There's officially three or four parts to the story, with two possible middles, but the first arc and the last arc complete a bigger story. In this part, a normal man discovers his wife is captive, not dead like he thought. We finished just in time to read to Mom. {Smile}

After dinner, I started writing this up, then read some comics, and hopped back into City of Heroes: Homecoming. I found Ulty, and teamed up with her, but she only had one more mission in her before she got tired enough to head to bed. It finished her story arc, too, which was nice. Then I talked to a friend from the chat world. She wasn't in the mood to team but was happy to talk. Then Paradox came on, and we teamed up. I also started talking to Nox on the Chat server. Paradox and I did the next two story-arcs - one of the middles, and the end, where the fellow who found out his wife is being held captive rescues her, despite just being a normal person, not a superhero. That took me into my exercise time, but I somehow still got more done than usual. I also read a couple of articles, did a little paperwork in City of Heroes: Homecoming, wrote this up, and chatted with Paradox, Kitten, and Owl Girl on the web server. I did finish writing this before bed but didn't share it until the next morning and afternoon. {Smile}