Daily Update, November 18, 2023

    I got a bunch of mail sorted before lunch. It had piled up while I waited for supplies, which arrived recently. It felt good to get them out of the way. {Smile}

   I started checking out stories on the main site that Paradox recommended and found one I liked as a comic on a site I'm becoming less comfortable using. I looked for more form that site, or stories linked to comics on both that site and the totally comic site but found little. Still, I have two authors to check out, and when I've figured them out, hopefully the site will start making better recommendations to help me find more. Part of me wishes it was easier to pay for stuff there, but I really appreciate not having to pay for something I won't really own. You can resell a bound book, but not an eBook... unless you made a hard copy of an eBook and bound that, like I did a couple of times. Then you really aren't supposed to sell the hardcopy. Somehow, I'm more comfortable buying books I could sell to a used bookshop if I wanted to. {Smile}

   I ate breakfast and dinner with Mom and read to her before dinner. Her eyes were mostly open today, and she talked a few times, mainly to answer that yes, she was enjoying what I read. I started with scripture and thoughts about it first. After that, I continued with a Christmas card from her sister's friend. Then I read the next few pages from _1960's Memory Lane_. Next, I read some poems from _365 Bedtime Stories and Rhymes_, including a longer poem that I ended with. I finished with the 18th of November's story from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "The Fire Chief." Sebastian had been given a big, shiny toy fire engine, with a key to make it go, extending ladders, and a hose that really worked. Sebastian was the Chief Fire Officer, called out to fight fires in every room of the house over the afternoon. he rushed into the kitchen to put out another raging fire. Mummy asked if he could take time off for tea. He did but kept the fire engine close by -- just in case. {Smile}

   I did my walking exercises, leg exercises, and standing arm weight training exercises after I finished teaming in City of Heroes: Homecoming for the night. Then I did my salsa dancing warmup set. After a break, I did one of the pieces for my less structured salsa dancing set. Then I took a break without really meaning to. When I realized what I did, I did another piece of less structured salsa dancing. So, I did get the usual amount done, just with an extra break. Next, I did my arm resistance exercises, my arm swinging exercises, my head exercises, and one of my sitting arm weight training exercises. My shoulder started intermittent aching just before, so I only tried the exercise that uses the shoulder the least. I don't think it made it worse, but I thought I'd better stop there. {smile}

   I read comics in the morning, as well as checking out that site like I said earlier. Then I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming a while after lunch. There, I chatted with Pierogies and started working on paperwork. He was busy, so I found a character who needed some work on badges. I got a couple and set to work collecting more, including two that contributed to a badge that improves the character. When Perogies finished what he was doing, I asked for help getting more for the badge that helps the character. We got one by doing a particular mission. Then Paradox joined us on a new character, and we got another badge, and made progress on the last badge needed for that. That took us up to time to read to Mom. {Smile}

   After dinner, I started writing this up. I also read a bit more of the web novel Paradox got me into. Then I got into the game, and let Paradox know I was going in.    They came in, and we teamed up for a while before left again. I tried to find folks to team with, but it was a quiet night. I finally advertised, and got invited to a group that a fellow whose advertisement had inspired me to try was in. The leader disconnected, but we tried to run a mission of mine. Then Azurette invited me to a task force. The other fellow liked that idea, so we stopped my mission, and both joined. We actually ran a related task force, rather than the one Azurette mentioned. I also began talking to Nox on the chat server. I think the rest of the group who ran the task force ran the other one Azurette mentioned just after, but it ended right when I needed to start my exercises, so I ducked out. I talked a bit with Paradox and Kitten on the chat server, too, around my exercises and salsa dancing, as well as continuing to talk with Nox. After Nox left, I read more of the web novel. I really like it. {Smile}

Daily Update, November 17, 2023

    I'm feeling less concerned about needing more care as I get older. I've talked to a few folks who feel that's not assured by any means. That's a real relief. {Smile}

   Today, I tried calling my doctor two or three times, but didn't get past their answering machine. I tried to leave a message, but no one called back. {small smile}

   Auntie Barbara called after dinner, and we had a nice talk. We even made tentative Thanksgiving plans, or after-Thanksgiving plans. It won't be on the day, but we're planning a picnic lunch for the following Saturday. {Smile}

   I ate breakfast, lunch, dinner with Mom and read to her before dinner. (I ate lunch as well as dinner with her yesterday; I think I forgot to say that.) Her eyes were mostly open today, though she barely talked. First, I started with scripture and thoughts about it. Next, I continued with a birthday card from her sister, and Christmas cards from her cousin's granddaughter and her niece. After that, I read the back cover and the first few pages from _1960's Memory Lane_. Next, I read some poems and a story from _365 Bedtime Stories and Rhymes_. I finished with the 17th of November's story from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "A Secret Lodger." The narrator says a lodger has come to live at their house, and only they know about him. A few nights ago, they crept into the kitchen for a glass of milk and saw a little brown mouse on the floor by the fridge. The mouse ran off, wriggling through a small hole in the wall. The narrator saw the mouse was thin. So, they put a small piece of cheese on the floor by the hole. Soon the mouse came out nose first and ate up the cheese before running back into his hole. The narrator now comes down every evening to feed the mouse and asks the reader not to tell. {Smile}

   I did my walking exercises and my leg exercises after teaming and such. Then I did my warmup salsa dancing set. After a break, I did my full less structured salsa dancing set. After a longer break than I meant to take, I did my arm resistance exercises, my arm swinging exercises, and my head exercises. Not one of my better nights these days, but better than last night. {Smile}

   I read articles and comics in the morning and hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming a while after lunch. I got into the second half of the early short, large-group event. Then teamed up with Paradox. I said hi to Pierogies, too, and invited them to come, but they wanted to catch the early long, large group event, while Paradox and I wanted to run missions. I picked one of my higher but not really high characters, and we ran a few missions. Then Pierogies joined us, and we ran some more missions until it was time to read to Mom.

   After dinner, Paradox wanted to start a series of story arcs they had. We did two or three missions before Paradox decided he'd played this game enough for one day. Paradox does want to continue at another time. I tried to find someone else to team with, and even tried to join a pickup group before I realized it was time to start my exercises, but I ended up talking to Ulty in the game, Nox and Radio in one conversation on the chat server, and Paradox and Kitten another conversation on the chat server, even after I started my exercises and salsa dancing. I also checked out a web novel Paradox recommended. After they left, I checked out comics, and did some paperwork on City of Heroes: Homecoming. {Smile}

Daily Update, November 16, 2023

    Thursday, I called our priest right after breakfast. It took a few tried to get through - we missed each other 3 or 4 times before connecting - but I did get through. I told her about the spelling of both grandparents' names whose plaques are missing. While Grandfather Baldwin had pretty standard spelling - Robert Irving Baldwin - Grandma Mae did not. Yes, Mae, with a E, pronounced like the month of May. Her last name was Marcallino, too, when other families - both Portuguese and Filipino - spell it with an E where the second a is. She thanked me, and told me they probably need to be replaced, since they are not turning up. {smile}

   Next, was my online counselling appointment I have every other week or so. I thought our appointment went quite well. I tried to explain my continued discomfort about my future, and ended up explaining something not just to her, but to myself that I hadn't fully realized: I am uncomfortable with the plan my financial adviser presented for my future, because it shows my money stretching to cover my needs for the rest of my life with little to spare... as long as I don't get worse and need more care. Yet medical science has shown itself in recent decades to be better at extending our life than preserving our health till the end of those newly longer lives. {bite lips}

   Then I tried calling Aunt Valerie and my cousin Kim. When I tried a video call, Aunt Valerie's phone didn't even ring. Kim's rang but didn't get answered. Then I tried a regular call with Aunt Valerie and had a nice talk. We tried to include having her talk with Mom, but the phone cut out in her room. However, we had a nice talk. {Smile}

   I ate dinner with Mom and read to her before that. Her eyes were sometimes open, and even if they were closed, she'd open them to look at the pictures. She spoke some. Anyway, I started with scripture and thoughts about it. Then I continued with a birthday card from her sister, and a Christmas card from her niece. After that, I read the last few pages from _Music Stars 1940-1960 Memory Lane_. Next, I read some poems and a story from _365 Bedtime Stories and Rhymes_. I finished with the 16th of November's story from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "The New Red Slippers." A pair of beautiful red slippers lay in a box at the back of the wardrobe. They were proud of how smart they were with their red pompoms. The slippers often had visits from other shoes, since the wardrobe belonged to a boy who often changed his shoes, but they were too grand to talk to the others. One day, an old gray slipper was thrown in next to them. It was worn out and full of holes. They told it to stay away because it was so dirty and ugly. It just laughed, and said it was their turn, and they'd look like it in a year. {Smile}

   I did my walking exercises, leg exercises, one of my arm weight training exercises, and my arm resistance exercises after teaming for the evening. Then I did my salsa dancing warmup set. Unfortunately, when my less structured salsa dancing set, I stumbled too much I pushed myself to do a little more than three minutes, but then I had to stop. I was just too dizzy to continue. The treatment for hypoglycemia helped, but not quite enough to get back to dancing, or even my other exercises in time. {rueful look}

   I looked at some articles in the morning, but I was busier than usual, so didn't see much. I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming too late to join the early short, large group event. Instead, I found Perogies, who was doing the early long, large-group event, so I got a character, and joined it partway through. Then Perogies and I teamed up. They picked some high-level missions, so that's what we did. Kitten joined us for several missions, and the three of us went right up to time to read to mom together.

   After supper, I caught up on reading comics, then started writing this up before I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming. There, I teamed up with Paradox on mid-level characters. I tried to find some other friends, but the ones I tried were busy. We ran a mission or two, and Kitten joined us. Then after a mission or two more, I found a friend who was free, and they joined us. Azurette became free and joined us at about the same time. Another mission or two, and TheCyberChill messaged me, then joined us for the last few missions. I began talking with Nox on the chat server as I left the game to start my exercises. I also chatted with Paradox, Kitten, and Owl girl on the chat server. I checked the game, and a couple of sites paradox mentioned. I also made notes to finish from the next day with this. {Smile}

Daily Update, November 15, 2023

    The secretary from the nurse's company came to talk with me briefly. This included a heads-up about a future meeting which will include her boss and talking more at length. {Smile}

   I checked out a service which advertises how you can earn money through them. So far, they promise much, and give very little. I can't quite rule out beginner's bad luck, but I think there are better uses of my time. At least not on my own. I mentioned this to Nox and Radio's significant other, as well as to Paradox and Kitten. none thought it sounded great, and Radio's significant other had had similar enough experiences with similar places to ask me not to waste any more time with that site. I'll be happy to. {rueful look}

   I ate dinner with Mom and read to her before that. Her eyes mostly stayed open, and she even looked at the pictures I showed her, but she rarely spoke. First, I read scripture and thoughts about it. Next, I read a birthday card from church, a Christmas card from a friend, a birthday card from her sister, and a Christmas card from her nephew. Then I read a few pages from _Music Stars 1940-1960 Memory Lane_. After that, I read a few poems and a story from _365 Bedtime Stories and Rhymes_. I finished with the 15th of November's story from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "A Winter Legend." Many years ago, a fairy wanted to make a white dress for a moonlit ball, but it was late autumn, and the earth was covered with shades of gold, russet, and brown. Then she had an idea. She took the feathers out of some eiderdown from the fairy queen's palace. Then she summoned the cold north wind with her magic whistle. It blew them onto the earth, where they became pure white snowflakes. Then she emptied a sack of diamond dust, and summoned the east wind, who came and blew it over the snow, turning it to sparkling frost. The fairy made her dress from these, and every winter the cold winds bring snow and glittering frost. {Smile}

   After I finished teaming with Kitten, I did my walking exercises, my leg exercises, and three of my sitting arm weight training exercises. Then I did my salsa dancing warmup set. Then after a break, I did my less structured salsa dancing set. It wasn't quite as long, but the last piece was faster. I think it's about as many steps, just in a shorter time. Then after another break I did my arm resistance exercises, my arm swinging exercises, the last sitting arm weight training exercise, my head exercises, and the standing arm weight training exercise that didn't cause the twinge. I tried the other exercise but stopped after just a few repetitions because I didn't like the way the shoulder that twinged a couple of days ago was starting to tense up. {smile}

   I read articles and comics in the morning when I wasn't trying that service.  Then I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming after lunch. There, I promptly got sidetracked by the nursing company's secretary's visit. When that was done, Pierogies had joined the early long, large-group event. I joined it, too, part way through, and we finished together. Kitten came in towards the end and found a new friend. Pierogies and I joined them on mid-level characters, and we helped the new fellow with their missions until they left for the day. Then we did a mission or two of mine, right up to time to read to Mom.

   After dinner, I came online to find Pierogies still on. We talked a fair bit. Then Kitten came on, too, and the three of us teamed up, with Pierogies and I on low-level characters. We started a story arc, and Pierogies left for bed after a couple of hunts and a regular mission. Kitten and I finished that story arc and did most of the next story arc before it was time to start my exercises. I also chatted on the chat server with Nox and Radio's significant other, and separately with Paradox. Kitten and Owl Girl in two small-group channels. I also checked City of Heroes: Homecoming briefly and signed up with two web fiction hosts that Paradox recommended as inexpensive, including one they like the stories on. 

Daily Update, November 14, 2023

    I called our priest and got her today. I told her about two plaques I remembered being on pews, but couldn't find: one for Mom's mother, and the other for Dad's father. She took down their names carefully. I told her I'd be willing to give a donation if it came to replacing them, but I also admitted that I hoped it wouldn't be expensive as the first donation, since they are replacements. {smile}

   Our deacon came to visit. We chatted, and prayed, and she gave us home communion. That's a service for the shut-ins who can't get to church, which includes Mom. They're trying to do it every two weeks now. She and another gal who does this will switch off next month, so everyone can see different faces. Training might bring more people into this program after that. {Smile}

   I got a brief call from Auntie Barbara, and another brief call from our former nurse. It was nice hearing from each of them. {Smile}

   I ate dinner with Mom and read to her before that. I think her eyes were open a bit more than yesterday, though she did close them at times. I began with scripture and thoughts about it first. Then I finished her niece's long family Christmas letter from 2021, followed by a brief birthday car from her other sister that I found last night. Mom does enjoy hearing her cards. Next, I read a couple of pages from _Music Stars 1940-1960 Memory Lane_. Then I read a few poems and a story from _365 Bedtime Stories and Rhymes_. Then I finished with the 14th of November's story from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "The Flying Dog." Patch's master had his own small plane which he flew most weekends. If he was only going for a short flight, he took Patch along, and let him run around while. Patch was well-behaved, and other pilots let him jump in their planes and pretend to fly. Patch really wanted to fly in his mater's plane, but his master thought that was too dangerous for a dog. One day, while his master was talking to the man in the tower, Patch saw his chance. He hopped into the plane and hid. Soon the engine started up. They took off down the runway and took flight. Patch was excited to be up in the air at last. He tried sitting up, but the wind was too strong, so he got back under the seat and stayed there. Patch's master was surprised when he saw Patch jump out. "Brave dog!" he patted Patch. {Smile}

   I did my walking exercises, my leg exercises, and my arm swinging exercises after I finished teaming for the evening. Then I did my salsa dancing warmup set. Next, I took a break. After that, I did my les structured salsa dancing set. I found new ways to mix it up a bit, too. then after a shorter break, I did my arm resistance exercises, my two standing arm weight training exercises, my head exercises, and one of my four sitting arm weight training exercises. My shoulder didn't twinge again, but it didn't feel quite right during the standing arm weight training, so I thought giving it a longer break from the three sitting arm weight training exercises that use the shoulder would be a good idea. Thankfully, one exercise uses the shoulder minimally, so I only felt I needed to skip that last night, after the twinge. {Smile}

   I shared yesterday's daily update, then read comics, articles, and a web novel in the morning and over lunch. then I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming. There, I found Pierogies. We chatted and briefly teamed up on low-level characters just long enough to start a hunt before he was called away. I started to solo a little on the low-level character I was on but got invited to team up with the new fellow who helped a different character get a badge a couple of days ago and joined him. Perogies joined us after a few missions. Then the team broke up too close to time to read to Mom for Perogies and I to team by ourselves, so we chatted until I left to read.

   After dinner, I started writing this up and read some comics and a web novel. I chatted with Paradox on the chat server. They were too busy to play tonight. Then I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming. I saw few on who I usually team with and did some paperwork. Then I got the low-level character, and started soloing, since they had one of the few story arcs that can be less fun to share with others. I started chatting with Owl Girl and Nox on the chat server. Owl Girl offered to come in and play. I took them up on it, and invited Mysty and another friend, too. They helped me with the end of the arc, which is more fun to team with than most of that arc. Mysty asked me to add a friend which I did. After that mission, Mysty's friend disappeared. We finished the hunt Pierogies, and I started earlier. Then we started the next mission about the time Mysty's friend came back, saying their internet had disconnected. I added him, and we finished the mission.  Then I broke to start my exercises. I said goodnight to Nox and read articles and the web novel. I did a little paperwork in the game, but not much. I also worked on writing this up but took a lot of notes to write from the next day because it was getting late. {Smile}

Daily Update, November 13, 2023

    Monday was mostly quiet. I called church but got the answering machine and left a message. I did find a message later. I'll have to follow up on that. {Smile}

I did get a short but nice call from our former nurse. I enjoyed talking with him, as I usually do. I'd been wondering how he was doing, so it was particularly nice to hear from him. {Smile}

   I ate dinner with Mom and read to her before that. Her eyes opened and shut a lot, but they did keep opening again. First, I began with scripture and thoughts about it. Next, I read more from her niece's long family Christmas letter from 2021, followed by a brief Christmas card from her other sister. She died a couple of years ago, but I realized Mom would enjoy hearing her cards still. Next, I read a few pages from _Music Stars 1940-1960 Memory Lane_. Mom paid more attention to that than yesterday. Then I read two stories from _365 Bedtime Stories and Rhymes_. She said she didn't liek the first story, but I hope she liked the second one better. She didn't say anything about it. Then I finished with the 13th of November's story from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "A Narrow Squeak," Margot the magpie crossed the garden cautiously. Fluff, the rabbit was busy nibbling a carrot, but he was a friend, so she didn't mind him. She was careful of Lucifer, the Dog, but quiet snoring came from his kennel. She'd just seen Kooky, the cat, her worst enemy, hunting fieldmice in the long grass. She hopped over to the three pets' food bowls and took a bite of each. The cat food tasted the best, so Margot dug into Kooky's dinner. Squawk, flutter and pounce! Kooky came back and almost caught Margot before she flew into a tree. What a narrow squeak! {Smile}

   I did my walking exercises, my leg exercises, and my arm resistance exercises after teaming for the evening. Then I did my salsa dancing warmup set. Then after a rest I did my less structured salsa dancing set. then after a break, I did my arm swinging exercises, and started my standing arm resistance exercises. I got one exercise done and was a few repetitions into the other when a twinge in my right shoulder strongly suggested a partial night off, so I quit, and just did my head exercises. {resigned smile}

   I read articles and comics in the morning and over lunch. Then I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming a bit after lunch. I found Paradox responsive and interested in teaming on new characters in one of the less used parts of the game. I ended up taking enough time getting started, they started without me, but I soon caught up, and we teamed up for most of the afternoon. Pierogies eventually came on but didn't seem interested in that part of the game. He was interested in talking, so we had a nice discussion. Then paradox left, and I switch so Pierogies and I could team up. We did until it was time to read to Mom. {Smile}

   After dinner, I started writing this up, and read some more comics, and even a bit of a web novel. I also chatted a little with paradox and Kitten on the web server. Then I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming again. I started chatting with Ulty. They were too close to leaving for the night to want to team, but Paradox and Owl Girl came in, and they did want to team. We ran a few missions before Paradox got too tried and had to leave. Then I started checking with folks on a list the game lets me keep, and found first one, then another who were happy to join us. The four of us teamed for most of the rest of the evening. I also chatted with Radio, Nox, and Radio's significant other on the chat world. One of the new folks left near the end. Then I looked at articles and the game around and after my exercises and dancing, as well as writing this up. Once again, though, I'll have to share it the next day because it's late. {Smile}

Daily Update, November 12, 2023

    Today was Sunday, so I called Uber, and a fellow who knew I was going to church as soon as he saw my name picked me up and took me right down to church. I arrived a bit early, so I tried to say hi to a few folks before the service. {Smile}

   It was a nice service. We had a guest who was a Rabbi - the youngest Rabbi in the country, and maybe the world, they said. She had a lot to say about the Middle East, and the atmosphere it produces for Jews. I went to talk to her afterwards, asking how to help. She said the biggest thing is speak up when you hear people talking against Jews. I tend to already, I hope, but I'll try to be more mindful of that, with any minority that gets blamed for stuff. She also said to look for her on the web and get on her mailing list. She is Rabbi Rachel Short, and yes, that's easy to find. {Smile}

   Then I ate lunch. While I did, Auntie Barbara found me, and said she couldn't find me earlier, so I explained where I was. I also talked to Ed, who often takes me how when Auntie Barbara can't. He's leaving soon, so this seems like a good time to make him a lei like I've been meaning to "someday." He said he likes blue. I just found a few shades of blue ribbon of the right type and picked two I hope he'll like. {Smile}

   Auntie Barbara drove me home by way of the natural food store. She wanted to take advantage of the second Sunday's sale, but I only needed almonds, and the ones I found were beyond my price range, so I found a package online later. Then she took me home and came in to say hi to Mom, who sang two songs and a partial song with us and our main nurse. A fourth song, she just looked at us. Still, that's better than often while Auntie Barbara was away. {Smile}

   I ate dinner with Mom and read to her before that. Her eyes were wide open at first, but later closed more, so I tried not ot make it too long. I began with scripture and thoughts about it. Then I read more from her niece's long family Christmas letter from 2021. Next, I tried more from _Music Stars 1940-1960 Memory Lane_. Mom's eyes closed, and didn't open much for that, so I switched to reading some poems from _365 Bedtime Stories and Rhymes_. She wanted a story, too, so I read one from there, but she didn't seem as interested in a second story. So I finished with the 12th of November's story from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "Going Sliding," since the stories from that book are always pretty short. Two rabbit brothers encouraged their friend, Dandy the fawn, to come slide on the ice with them. Dandy wanted to watch them do it first. The rabbits ran down the snowy bank of the lake, jumped on the ice, crouching low, and slid right across. Dandy tried it, running down the bank and springing high into the air. But his legs shot out from under him when he landed, and he arrived at the other bank with his legs waving in the air. He laughed and said that he seemed to be better at jumping and sliding before asking them to show him again. {Smile}

   I did my arm swinging exercises and my head exercises while waiting for Uber before church. Then, after teaming for the evening, I did my walking exercises and my arm resistance exercises. Then I did my warmup salsa dancing set before I took a break. After the break, I did my less structured salsa dancing set. Then I got sidetracked, and only got my standing arm weight training done before it got too late, so I missed both my leg exercises and my sitting arm weight training exercises, but there's always tomorrow to do better again, and I did walk around the natural food store a fair bit with Auntie Barbara. Taht should compensate at least somewhat. {Smile}

   I looked at some articles before hopping into City of Heroes: Homecoming after I got home. There, I found Pierogies and Paradox unresponsive, but Kitten was busy on a team. I found out it was a story arc one character needed, so I switched to her and joined. We got what I needed for the fourth and final statistic-improving badge that could help her, which I am delighted with. Pierogies came and joined us partway through, which was nice, too. I established contact with the leader, too, so we might become friends. Eventually the leader left after most got what they needed, and Kitten, Pierogies and I stayed on the team, and did a little more of my character's stuff, finishing off one contact, and starting to make progress with another's story arc.  {Smile}

   After dinner, I started writing this, and checked my webcomics I got excited to see that one of the webcomics I like seems to have come off hiatus. I had to read that, including a three-part section before the new one to make sure I got back into the story well. It's so good to have it back. It's "The Cursed Princess Club" on Webtoons. {SMILE}

 Then I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming. I found Paradox and Kitten teaming and joined them. We did one or two of my missions, then Paradox left. Kitten joined a pair of high level task forces I spotted, so i switched to the next character who need it. Turns out they already had five of the badges they can get from that pair, but I got one more, with four to go. Then we did a couple of missions that character had before I quit to do my exercises. I also chatted with Nox and Radio, and with Kitten and Paradox in two small-group conversations on the chat world, as well as Kitten in a private conversation there. {Smile}

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}