Daily Update, December 31, 2023

 Happy New Year! If you celebrate it of course. Most do, but I know at least one who adamantly rejects all holidays, so if you don't, I hope you had a nice day. {Smile}

On Sunday, I called uber after breakfast. A nice driver came and took me to church. I arrived when they were still getting going and sat with auntie Barbara and her friend. It was a nice service. I ate near Auntie Barbara and her friend, too, but we were largely in different conversations. I took Uber home with a nice, chatty driver. {Smile}

I ate dinner with Mom and read to her before that. She was awake and enjoyed the pictures. She even responded a few times. First, I started with scripture and thoughts about it. Then I continued with more from her niece's long family Christmas letter from 2019. Next, I continued _Mele Kalikimaka: Christmas in Hawai'i_. I showed her the pictures and read the captions, finishing the first chapter. Next, I read a story from _Disney 3-Minute Bedtime Stories_. I made sure to read all the pages the first time through, and there were eight of them this time. I finished with the 31st of December's story from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "The Mistletoe." Paddy, the dog, was not happy. For over a week, the house had been full of decorations, including holly, paper chains, and streamers. Also, Christmas cards and the Christmas tree... but his kennel wasn't decorated. Then, on the last day of the year, Paddy's young masters collected mistletoe from the woods. They hung a sprig over Paddy's kennel. At midnight, they rushed out, woke up Paddy calling "Happy New Year," and gave him big hugs under his own mistletoe. {Smile}

I did my head exercises while waiting for Uber to come take me to church. Then I did my arm resistance exercises in the evening. I tried to do my salsa dancing, but around 40 or 45 second in, my balance went quite unsteady enough to make it clear I wasn't doing that today. Worse it left me unsteady enough, most of the other exercises didn't look like good ideas, either. Since it was a holiday, I'll just get back to it soon. {rueful look}

When I got home from church, I cleaned myself up, then hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming. I looked around. I said hi to Kitten and Pierogies. Pierogies responded, so we chatted. Then we joined the early short, large-group event together. When that was done, Pierogies left because they were tired. So, I looked around. I spotted a task force that some of my characters need. I picked one who'd benefit particularly quickly, joined it and ran it. Then we tried to do it again, but most of the team left, and no one else joined before the leader gave up. About that time, Pierogies came back in, and we teamed up for a couple of high-level individual missions. I'm not sure if Kitten joined us or not, but this took us to time to read to Mom. {Smile}

I got back too late to join the late-night short, large-group event, but Kitten was on, and eager to team. We did a couple of high-level individual missions. Then we picked a My Little Pony show and parked our characters in a farm while we watched. We followed that with a second show. Then we chatted a bit. I tried the salsa dancing, but I got too dizzy. Worse, the dizziness stayed on long enough, I was in poor condition for more exercises. So, Kitten and I chatted and farmed some more. Then I made notes to write this up from the next day.

Daily Update, December 30, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

Daily Update, December 29, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

Daily Update, December 28, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Daily Update, December 27, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Daily Update, December 26, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

Daily Update, December 25, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

Daily Update, December 24, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

Daily Update, December 23, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

Daily Update, December 22, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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