Daily Update, January 22, 2024

    I started to take it easy on Monday, but that changed late in the morning, when I finally started to set up both PayPal and Ko-fi. PayPal, of course, facilitates financial transactions. Kofi connects creative type with their followers and enable the followers to make small donations and small payments to creatives as they choose. I'm starting with one-off donations and connecting my credit card to PayPal. There's more to do, but some other day. {Smile}

   I ate dinner with Mom and read to her before that. She was awake when I went in, and enjoyed looking at the pictures I showed her. First, I began with scripture and thoughts about it. Next, I read her more from her niece's long family Christmas letter from 2022. After that, I accidentally restarted "Memories 1940s" It seemed awfully familiar partway through, but I wasn't sure what to do, so I just finished out the day. Then I read the next story in _5 Minute Disney Junior Stories_, "Home, Scream Home." Following that, I admitted my mistake with "Memories 1940s," put it away, and brought out the next book: "The Picture Book of Vintage Vogue," showing it to her, and explaining my mistake, and telling her I'd start it the next day. Last, I read the 22nd of January's story from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "The Oak Tree." Amanda asked her father if she could take her teddy bears to play under the oak tree at the bottom of the garden. It was her favorite place for teddy bear picnics in summer. Her father helped her dress up warmly, and she headed off. She was soon back, crying because the tree was dead. Her father explained it was just sleeping and would get new leaves in spring. She said she wished it was spring, but she was smiling again as she told her teddies they'd have tea inside today, instead. {Smile}

   It was very late after Phonso's taskforce, but I did my salsa dancing warmup when that finished breaking up, then my walking exercises immediately after that. Then after a short break, I walked around the house 7 times. I'm going to guess that's roughly equivalent to one salsa dancing piece. I'd like to walk more, but it's getting late - that's why I walked rather than tried more dancing after a little longer break. I need to get started earlier, or even do some much earlier in the day, like I tried for a while. {Smile}

   I read articles and comics and played the cross-stitch game in the morning, until I got started setting up Ko-fi and PayPal. Then I cleaned myself up before hopping into City of Heroes: Homecoming. I was soon talking with Nox (Yes, they're on Homecoming sometimes again), Dr. Faustus, and Pierogies. Pierogies and I teamed up, and joined Dr. Faustus, who was helping a new player with some mid-level story arcs. This took me up tot time to read to Mom. {Smile}

   After dinner, I hopped on, and found Darkthough1 on. We chatted, and teamed up, working to finish one of my story-arcs which had a particularly long mission followed by a shorter one and some talking. When we were nearing the end of the last real mission, Phonso invited us to a taskforce. It was far too late for DarkThough1, who helped me finish the story arc, then said goodnight. When we'd parted, I joined Phonso. I said goodnight to Nox, but we really didn't get to chat then. Phonso, the rest of the folks he recruited, and I ran that taskforce. It ran later than I hoped, which is why I didn't squeeze in more exercise. {rueful smile} I read comics, briefly played the cross-stitch game again, checked paperwork, and wrote this up, mostly making notes to write from the next day. {Smile}

Daily Update, January 21, 2024

    Happy birthday to Mom! we definitely celebrated it today. {SMILE}

   After breakfast, I contacted Uber. They took me to church. I got there slightly before the service. I was surprised; I expected it to be mostly if not entirely over because of starting at 9 because of the annual meeting, but that's next Sunday, not this Sunday. 

   I celebrated Mom's and my birthdays when we can share personal news both good and bad. I sat with a gal who was already in Grandfather's pew when I got there during the service. I also sat with her for lunch, and enjoyed chatting, but then she left. A guy who had his birthday Saturday sat down a little way away. I moved closer to him so we could chat. too. We talked a fair while. I actually had two kindly older men offer to take me home. They worked out between themselves who'd actually do it. 

   I ate dinner with Mom and read to her before that. She was awake when I went in. I wished her a Happy Birthday, then went in to get her present, and couldn't find the main one. I found three books that did and got the bread the church brought by this afternoon for her, too. After the reading, I found a better book, and gave it to her too, but it still wasn't the one I really wanted to give her. Well, I can give it to her some other time if it turns up and order a new one if I can't find it long enough. {smile}

   Anyway, for her reading, I began with scripture and thoughts about it first. Then I read her three birthday cards: this year's from church, then an old one from each sister. Next, I finished "Memories 1940s." After that, I read the next story in _5 Minute Disney Junior Stories_, "Blooming Bows." Last, I ended with the 21st of January's story from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "The Forgetful Squirrel." Caspar the squirrel was puzzled. He'd spent a lot of time in autumn collecting and hiding seeds and nuts, but he couldn't remember where. He watched Woody Woodpecker tapping at a rotten tree trunk with his beak, and thought he'd hidden them too well; they'd never be found. He didn't know that Woody had already spotted several and gobbled them up greedily. Caspar searched again but didn't find them. He decided to go raid the bird table. He was lucky and found a large crust there. {Smile}

   I did my head exercises while I was waiting for Uber to come take me to church. Then I did my arm resistance exercises and my walking exercises. I meant to do more, but I was too tired. Not that I'm completely upset about hat; I took a shower this afternoon. I'm usually too tired for that after church. So maybe that's what made me tired today. {Smile}

   I rested a bit then wrote up my daily update when I got home. Then I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming after the shower. There, I found Kitten busy with friends, but Pierogies was eager to team up. We ran a few low-level missions together along with some other friends. Then they left, and I joined Kitten and their friends for a mission or two before I broke to read to Mom. {Smile}

   After dinner, I got on, and Pierogies, Kitten, and Darkthough1 were on. I haven't seen Darkthough1 in several months! I got together with all three of them. Pierogies wanted to do a low-level trial badly enough, he recruited a team when non was forming. We ran it, and Azurette joined us. She informally took over the group, which is great. She is a competent leader, and a good follower, too. Under her guidance, we ran that trial two more times, with the group mostly breaking up and reforming after each run. Then Azurette and Pierogies left for bed, and all the strangers moved on. Kitten, Darkthough1, and I started running some low-level missions, starting with a big finale to one story arc. Then we did the entire next story arc in that set, and most of the story arc after that. I also chatted with Nox a bit on the chat server. Darkthough1, Kitten and I broke up after that so I could do some exercises. I did them and paperwork in City of Heroes: Homecoming. Then I made notes to write this from the next day. {Smile}

Daily Update, January 20, 2024

    I had an epiphany after dinner. I have found short stories for seniors, and picture books for seniors, but I haven't found any books with illustrated stories for seniors. I'm reading her children's books, mostly ones for younger readers at that, because she and I do like stories, and she really likes looking at pictures, and that's what's available that's a good length to read to her. Older children's pictures books run longer -- a few thousand words, as opposed to a several hundred words for younger children. {pause}

   I see a real need. I don't know how big the market is. I don't know how I'll get pictures for the stories yet, either... but I can write stories about the right length, and hopefully more adult, yet not sad. Mom and other dementia patients have trouble processing death and similarly sad things. {smile}

   I ate breakfast and dinner with Mom and read to her before dinner. She was awake when I went in and interested in pictures today. I started with scripture and thoughts about it first. After that, I continued her niece's long family Christmas letter from 2022. Then I continued "Memories 1940s." Next, I read the next story in _5 Minute Disney Junior Stories_, "Father's Day Countdown." Last, I ended with the 20th of January's story from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "the New Baby-Sitter." Miss Owl lived in a beautiful treehouse in the forest. She lived alone and often felt lonely and sad. Mrs. Squirrel, her neighbor, invited her to tea one day, along with her other friends, Mrs. Rabbit and Mrs. Mouse. The baby rabbits and mice came along, and all the babies enjoyed playing hide and seek. the mothers chatted happily, swapping recipes and telling stories about their children. Miss Owl had no such stories and started looking sad. then Mrs. Squirrel said the three mothers needed to find food for their families, and asked miss Owl if she'd watch their children. Miss Owl said "of course," being happy to help, and came often after that to babysit. {Smile}

   I did my head exercises while waiting for the trial Dr. Faustus ran for me to fill. but when I tried to do my salsa dancing, I had to quit not quite a minute in. I was just too dizzy to continue. I did do my arm resistance exercises after that; they don't require balance. I meant to do my other arm exercises, and maybe more, but it got too late before I could.

   I read comics and articles in the morning and over lunch. Then I checked some things in City of heroes? Homecoming. I talked briefly with Kitten, Pierogies, and Div. Then I cleaned myself up. Div was gone when I got back, but Pierogies was eager to team up. Kitten was torn, because they were already teaming with other friends. They ended up staying with them. Pierogies and I finished a story arc he was working on, which another friend joined us for at the end. Then the other left, but we started the next arc before Pierogies got tired and left. I joined Kitten, who was still with a couple of other friends, and we teamed for two or three missions before I broke to read to Mom. {Smile}

   After dinner, I got together with Kitten and one of the friends, who helped me get two battles I needed for one of those badges that improve the character. Then the friend left, and Kitten and I did a mission or two. Then Dr. Faustus came in, and I asked him to lead a trial my best badge collector needed for three badges. We ended up running it four items, with different people joining or leaving, and one staying but changing characters, because one badge was fussier than it sounds. It took us four tries before my character got it. Then Dr. Faustus left for work, and Kitten, I, and the fellow who'd stuck with us for all four runs ran a couple more missions or tried to. The last one ran too far into my salsa dancing time, so we ended up giving up on it until another day. I think I'll try it with lower settings next time. I also chatted with Nox on the chat server, and with Kitten on the chat server too. Paradox even chimed once in a conversation we share with Kitten, and owl Girl. Then I checked my character, chatted with Mysty, and wrote this up, making notes for the next day when it got late. {Smile}

Daily Update, January 19, 2024

   Friday, I just had a quiet day, staying home and taking it easy. Not even any notable visitors or phone calls. {Smile}

   I ate breakfast, lunch, and dinner with Mom and read to her before dinner. She was awake when I went in and interested in pictures today. She made some odd noises, but the relief nurse assured me they're good for Mom's vocal cords. First, I started with scripture and thoughts about it. Next, I continued her niece's long family Christmas letter from 2022. After that, I continued "Memories 1940s." Then I read the next story in _5 Minute Disney Junior Stories_, "A Rainy-Day Adventure." Last, I ended with the 19th of January's poem from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "the King's Horse." It was about a king who wanted his horse to be special. He got one made out of wood, but on his first ride, he slid off. {Smile}

   I did my head exercises and my arm resistance exercises after the task force, while Kitten and another from the task force were talking with occasional contributions from me. Then I did my salsa dancing warmup set, and after a break, my less structured set - two whole pieces. It was one of the shortest second pieces I normally do, for a total of 19 minutes and 50 seconds: almost 20 minutes. I'm not even going to try more after this. I'm sure that when this sinks in, I'll be tired. but hey, this is the best night for exercise I've had since my tooth told me I needed a root canal last month! {SMILE}

   I read articles and comics int he morning and checked out paperwork. Kitten saw me, but we only talked briefly. After cleaning myself up and lunch, I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming. I was early enough to easily get into the early short, large-group event. After that, I found Kitten again. We talked and teamed up. Pierogies joined us, and we ran a mission together. I'd tried to pick one to test a character newly improved, but Kitten said it wasn't challenging enough to really test them. So, we found some giant monsters and took several down. They're tough enough, we aren't sure anyone can take them down alone. Doing it with just three was enough of a feat we were pretty happy with ourselves. Then Pierogies left, and I changed characters. Kitten wanted something less challenging, so we ran some regular missions on a less optimized character of mine. Then it was time to read to Mom. {Smile}

   I got back from dinner earlier than usual. I thought I'd join the late-night short, large-group event in plenty of time, but they'd just filled, and were starting immediately. I and one other player had to tag along for credit. Then I found kitten. I switched to the character I was on before dinner, and we did a mission that offered a few different ways to finish. Kitten got it done one way by accident, but we still wanted to rescue the hostages. There were five, and we'd only rescued one. We found three more fairly easily, but the fourth was well hidden. We searched a long time before we found them. After that, I started talking with Dr. Faustus. He was finishing a taskforce and invited us to join the follow-up to it. I found a character who needed it and joined. Kitten just went on the character they were on. We ran the taskforce, and the group that ran it split up afterwards. One stuck around, and Kitten and I talked with them a long time. Then the other left as I was finishing my salsa dancing, after establishing a way to keep in touch. When I got back, Kitten and I watched a My Little Pony episode together. {Smile}

Daily Update, January 18, 2024

   Thursday, I stayed home. I had my video counselling appointment online in the morning. that went pretty well. I think I'm calmer as I get stuff that had piled up done, like the bank yesterday. {Smile}

   The housekeeper came after lunch. She took down the Christmas tree and other decorations in the living room with a little help from me. the rest of the house is better for her attentions, too. {Smile}

   I ate lunch and dinner with Mom and read to her before dinner. She was resting when I went in, and slow to look at pictures, but she did look. I began with scripture and thoughts about it first. Then I continued her niece's long family Christmas letter from 2022. Next, I started "Memories 1940s." After that, I read the next story in _5 Minute Disney Junior Stories_, "Toy Hospital." Last, I ended with the 18th of January's story from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "Nino Has Toothache." Nino, a little elf, woke up with a toothache. A rose bush asked him what was wrong. Nino said he had a toothache but was too scared to go to the dentist. Then he told rosebush that it was lucky not to have teeth. Teh rosebush told how its roots get uncomfortably dry, making its leaves droop. The gardener waters it, and it feels better. Also, the gardener trims off his dead flowers to help new buds grow. Nino was impressed. He hoped the dentist could help his teeth like that. he hurried off to get his tooth seen to. {Smile}

   I did my head exercises, walking exercises, and my arm resistance exercises while waiting for Freaky's taskforce to start. Then I did my salsa dancing warmup when I was done teaming for the evening. Then I did another piece od salsa dancing later. Between them, I did 14 3/4ers minutes of salsa dancing. After that I got too tired to do more, though I was hoping I would. Still, I'm so relieved I was able to do that much! I was kind of scared by how tired I was after all the times I went out recently. I didn't think that was taking that much out of me. Maybe it was, after all. {Relieved smile}

   I read articles before my counselling appointment, and comics afterwards. I also finished my daily update after my counselling appointment. I undecorated the Christmas tree a little them cleaned myself up after lunch/ then I read a little more before hopping into City of Heroes: Homecoming. I found Sapien, and we started working on the character I'm fixing up for his game. I also found Pierogies and Kitten and teamed up with them. fortunately, they were doing some badge collecting that didn't conflict as badly as most missions do in City of Heroes, though Kitten and Pierogies noticed enough to comment. Sapien and I tied up just in time for me to lead Pierogies in getting a badge. well, until the housekeeper needed to be paid. I broke for that, and she gave me a present, too. I opened it after she left and showed our nurse and mom the tale runner. Then I put it away and came back to find Pierogies gone. Kitten and I talked somewhat before I left to read to Mom. {Smile}

   After dinner, I fund Kitten still active, and we teamed up. We started doing missions and ran into a mutual friend they see more than I do. They joined our team, and the three of us ran some missions, testing my character, who'd gotten some recent improvements. We were just starting a mission with harder settings when Phonso came and invited us to a taskforce. We took so long to finish, Phonso offered to help us. He was surprised how high the settings were, but the four of us got it done. Then we picked a taskforce, and Phonso recruited four more, which is where I had so much time for exercise. After that, the taskforce group broke up. Even Phonso left, saying he needed to go eat. Kitten and our mutual friend stayed and helped me with a mission on yet another character who needed testing. It was hard and long, but we got it done. Then I did my salsa dancing. Next, I did some paperwork, and wrote up more of this than usual, but I still made some notes to write from the next day. I also ran into Pierogies in City of Heroes: Homecoming while working on paperwork there. He asked why I'd left before dinner and was very happy to hear it was something as joyful as a present that took me away. I think he's right. I need to just enjoy the good moments like that when they happen. {SMILE}

Daily Update, January 17, 2024

   On Wednesday, after breakfast, I contacted Uber, and they came and took me to HFS Federal Credit Union. I found a clerk who directed me to a desk. The fellow there told me they'd arrange for someone to help me. I checked the rates, looked around, and noticed the front desk was finally empty, so I went to deposit a check and some money I had. Then I checked with the first desk about changing a payment, but he said they'd deal with it after my appointment, which was soon. it actually was soon. I got my safe deposit box closed, and Mom's box closed and opened under my name. In the process, we got the automatic payment moved to where I want it. Then I called Uber, and a different diver took me home. {Smile}

   I ate dinner with Mom and read to her before that. She was resting when i went in, but woke up quickly when I started talking, and looked at all the pictures with few reminders. We started with scripture and thoughts about it first. After that, I started her niece's long family Christmas letter from 2022. Then I finished "Memories Space Race." Next, I read the next story in _5 Minute Disney Junior Stories_. I ended with the 17th of January's story from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "The Little Rabbit." Peter's father gave him a pet rabbit for doing well in school. Peter named him Twitchet, and told him he'd hop around wherever he wanted, and sleep on his bed at night. Peter's mother looked worried, and pointed out that rabbits aren't clean, and chew things. peter begged her to give Twitchet a chance, so they did. The next morning, they found Twitchet had left Peter's bedroom. he'd chewed on an electric light flew and on Peter's book, too. After that, Twitchet lived in a comfortable hutch, and only came out on special occasions. {Smile}

   I did my head exercises and walked around the driveway once while I waited for Uber to come take me to the credit union. Then I did my arm resistance exercises a little while after dinner. I tried to do more later, but I was just too tired. {Smile}

   I read articles in the morning, before going to HFS Federal Credit Union. Then I finished yesterday's daily update after lunch. Next, I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming to catch the early short, large-group event before cleaning myself up. Next, I went back into City of Heroes: Homecoming, where I tried to join the later short, large-group event over an hour early by accident. I looked around and found a pop-up raid to join. When it was done, I headed to another pop-up raid that was in progress. Then it was just time to join the later short, large-group event, so I did. They were full at first, but I tagged along for what I could do. After that, I did some paperwork until it was time to read to Mom. {Smile}

   After dinner, I went to the late-night short, large-group event. It was late, and the group was full, but they added me when a spot opened up. At this point, I'd gotten most of an item I wanted. I started writing this, then found a group running a special story arc. I joined them, running that story arc and the next in the series. Partway through the second, Phonso invited me to a taskforce. I explained I could when this story arc was done. I left them when it was done. Phonso was busy, so I fixed up the character I'd been playing all day, since she'd finally gotten the last two of the items that she really wanted in the story arcs. Then I joined Phonso, and we ran the taskforce. I also chatted with Nox on the chat server a bit. Then I read comics, catching up, and made notes on this to write from the next day. {Smile}

Daily Update, January 16, 2024

   During breakfast, the nurse asked me if I was expecting someone. I said no. She said there was a car in the driveway. I looked out. It was the handicapped van from the agency with the monthly picnic. That picnic was marked on my calendar, but with nothing confirming it was on, I'd convinced myself it wasn't on this month. I swiftly got ready, doing some steps sketchily, and skipping a couple entirely, and dashed off. {Smile}

   I found a few others at the meetings. Another arrived with his caregiver. Yet another attended online from home. It was a nice, congenial group. Afterwards, the van took me and another member to our drop-off points, him downtown, where he was to wait for a friend who lives near him in the country, and me to my house in town. {Smile}

   I ate breakfast and dinner with Mom and read to her before dinner. She was more alert today and looking at the pictures with interest. First, we started with scripture and thoughts about it. then I read a few cards from church, the nursing company, and her sister. Next, I continued "Memories Space Race." After that, I read the next story in _5 Minute Disney Junior Stories_. I ended with the 16th of January's story from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "The Dolls' Dresses." Genevieve and Annabel were bored. Then their grandmother declared a competition. she gave each of them a pretty piece of material, along with scissors, needles, and thread. She said the first to make their doll a dress would get a prize. Genevieve asked what prize, but Anabel just started sewing, so she did, too. They snipped, pinned and sewed, thinking of the dresses they were making and the prize. Anabel finished first, but Genevieve finished so soon after, Grandma gave them each a prize: a red sewing bag, and a blue sewing bag. {Smile}

   I was too tired after my busy morning to do much exercise. It did involve walking I wouldn't have done otherwise, but it wasn't enough to compare to nine times around the driveway or anything.  I did get my head exercises done while waiting for Phonso's taskforce to start. I also got my arm resistance exercises and one of my sitting arm weight training exercises done during and after that taskforce. {Smile}

   When I got home, I finished yesterday's daily update. Then I cleaned myself up before settling in online. I found Pierogies and Kitten, and we teamed up and did a couple of missions together. Kitten was definitely lagging. Turned out they were trying to explain things to a new player, too. We have quite a few new and long gone/just returned players these days, thanks to Homecoming getting into the news with their new license with City of Heroes' parent company, NCSoft. Kitten declined to join us in the later short, large-group event. Pierogies and I did join that, then talked a bit before I left to read to Mom. {Smile}

   After dinner, I slipped into late-night short, large-group event just in time. After that, I teamed up with Kitten. We ran a couple of missions, then joined Dr. Faustus, who was helping a new player. Dr. Faustus left first, citing work demands. The new player left shortly after. Kitten and I were discussing what to do next when Phonso said hi and invited us to a taskforce. I wouldn't have joined it if I'd felt up to salsa dancing or much exercise, but I didn't feel up to those, so I did join it. It did run late, but we did finish, getting full rewards. I said goodnight to Nox; we missed a chance to talk again. I did paperwork and wrote this up after the taskforce, with just a little exercise because it was pretty late. {Smile}

Daily Update, January 15, 2024

   Monday, my hearing aids had appointment in the late morning. I tried to get Uber to take me. They insisted I had to mean a place on O'ahu. It was the only address I could get for the company. Finally, I called the place, and got their address, 282 Ululani Street. I contacted Uber, they came and took me down, and the appointment went well. Afterwards, I contacted Uber and asked them to take me to Ace Hardware, pretty close by. Then I scheduled the next visit for the hearing aids and bought batteries for that time. Uber arrived while I was still doing that, but I let them know, and went out when I was done. {Smile}

   They took me to Ace Hardware. I found the plumbing section. Then I found a clerk nearby. They were less helpful than I hoped but did recommend a drain cleaner. I also got a "hair clog snake." Then I contacted Uber and they took me home. {Smile}

   I tried the snake on several drains. It got stuck a few times, but I'm getting better at getting it back out. The pipes in the kitchen got put back together; they probably need a plumber soon. {smile}

   I ate lunch and dinner with Mom and read to her before dinner. We started a little late again. She was tired but kept opening her eyes for the pictures. First, I started with scripture and thoughts about it. After that, I read a few cards from church, the nursing company, her cousin's granddaughter, and her sister. Then I continued "Memories Space Race." Then I read the next story in _5 Minute Disney Junior Stories_. I ended with the 15th of January's story from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "Jake's Surprise." Jake the duck had not been able to leave his home at the farm for several days to visit his friends at a nearby farm. The weather was too cool and gray. One morning the sun came out, pale but enough to inspire Jake to go down to the pond to swim with his friends. Only an owl was there in a willow tree. the pond was still, and looked strange, but Jake didn't know why. The owl said Jack Frost had come and left his looking glass behind. Jake thought the owl was being silly, talking in riddles like usual. he tried to get in for a swim, but just slipped, landing on his tail and sliding across the pond with his feet waving in the air. {Smile}

   I did my head exercises while waiting for Uber to come take me to Hilo Hearing Aid Company. Then I did one of my sitting arm weight training exercises while teaming for the evening. Next, I did 14 3/4 minutes of salsa dancing in the warmup set and one more piece later. I also did my arm resistance exercises. I know I'm not getting much done, but some days have been busy, including Sunday and Monday, and those days it's hard to do as much exercise. {sigh}

   I cleaned myself up after lunch. Then I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming. There, I found Pierogies. We missed the later short, large-group event, so we teamed up and ran a couple of missions. Kitten joined us partway through the first, and stayed for the second, too. Then we broke so I could read to Mom. 

   After dinner, I missed the late-night short, large-group event. So, I worked on paperwork, and began writing this up. Then I contacted Dr. Faustus and joined him in helping a new player through a story arc. Kitten joined us, too. Then the new player left, and Dr. Faustus and Kitten helped me finish a high-level story arc of my own. I also talked with Nox a bit. The story arc ended just in time for me to start my salsa dancing. I read comics and article sand watched videos between and after, and slipped in a tiny bit of paperwork, as well as writing a bit more of this and making notes to write from the next day. {Smile}

Daily Update, January 14, 2024

   Sunday, I contacted uber before breakfast, and they came and took me to church. The driver knows me and was particularly chatty today. Thankfully he mentioned that tomorrow is a holiday - Martin Luther King JR. Day, I believe - so I won't try to do any banking that day. {Smile}

   The church service went well. So did lunch afterwards. I found a few folks to talk with. One of them took me home, saying I was right on her way. I certainly can be, though I suspect she often takes a different route home, though the route my house is on works too. {Smile}

   Sunday evening, I got a phone call from Auntie Barbara. We had a nice talk, and I learned how well she's settling in and getting better. {Smile}

   I ate dinner with Mom and read to her before that. We started a little late because we were both getting cleaned up, but that ensured she was awake. I started with scripture and thoughts about it. Then I finished her niece's long family Christmas letter from last year. Next, I started "Memories Space Race." Then I started _5 Minute Disney Junior Stories_ reading the first story. I ended with the 14th of January's story from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "The Red Umbrella." Lucy's red silk umbrella spent most of its time in the hall in a blue china umbrella stand. A walking stick stood next to it. the umbrella told the walking stick it was lucky because it had gone out every day this week, which the umbrella hadn't been out once.  The walking stick pointed out that his master only went out when the weather was fine. Recently the sun had been shining. The umbrella remembered Lucy taking the umbrella on a shopping trip last week, but it had stayed int eh shopping bag the whole it. It wanted to stretch out its arm and feel the rain. Just then, Lucy came in rain gear, and got the umbrella, saying they were going out. {Smile}

   I did my head exercises while waiting for Uber to come take me to church after breakfast. Then after the TF, I did my salsa dancing warmup, and after a break, one more salsa dance piece, for 14 minutes and 45 seconds of salsa dancing. Then I did my arm resistance exercises. I wish I'd done more, but it got too late before I got around to it. {resigned smile}

   After I got home from church, I hopped right online. I went into City of Heroes: homecoming pretty quickly and found Pierogies. So, we teamed up and did a couple of individual high-level missions. Then he really wanted to watch a show. We debated which one and settled on the Guild. We watched 5 short episodes while our characters sat in a farm on City of Heroes: Homecoming.  I was reaching the point of needing a change, but Pierogies needed to rest, so we just stopped. He left, inviting me to stay in the farm. I left, too, because I needed to clean myself up before dinner. {Smile}

   After dinner, I wrote a little of this. Then I hopped back into City of Heroes: Homecoming, hoping to get into the late-night short, large-group event, but the zone was full. I was just starting to work on paperwork when Misty said hi. I joined her and a friend of hers in a base she was checking out. Then she left because she was tired. The friend was going to join a task force. I thought it was public, and asked if I could come. They said okay, though it turned out it wasn't public. It took over two hours, in part because we were half full after Misty's friend left after one mission, and the leader kept it set at the highest level the whole time. When it was done, it was time for me to start my salsa dancing. I chatted with Nox and Radio a little on the chat server between and after salsa dancing and my exercises and such. Then I read some articles, and finally worked on the paperwork which had piled up badly. I also made notes to write from the next day.

Daily Update, January 13, 2024

    I've been much better about sleeping on the other shoulder for several days now. It's feeling better, too, but whenever I wonder about sleeping on the side I'm used to sleeping on, the shoulder feels not quite well yet. I guess it needs a while longer. {resigned smile}

   Saturday morning, I called to follow up on the email that's not working. The phone tree offered to call me back because of a wait time of around an hour. I took them up on it. When they did call me back, I got such poor reception, I had to move to the front door, and they hung up on me before I could get a response. I called back, navigated the phone tree, and got a person who insisted she couldn't help me with the email because I wasn't the account holder. She wanted to email me what I need to covert the account to my name, but kept insisting my working email is invalid, even when she finally seemed to have it right, so she arranged to send me stuff by U.S. mail instead. {SIGH}

   Our former nurse called while I was starting to get ready for bed. It wasn't quite too late, so we had a nice chat. it was good to hear from him. He's been pretty busy recently, so it's been a while. {Smile}

   I ate breakfast and dinner with Mom and read to her before dinner. She was awake when i went to read to her, and looked at all the pictures. First, I began with scripture and thoughts about it. Next, I continued her niece's long family Christmas letter from last year. After that, I finished "'Classic Christmas' Vintage Fine Art Picture Book Volume 2." Then I read the last story from _Disney 3-Minute Bedtime Stories_, finishing it, too. I ended with the 13th of January's story from _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "The Nutcrackers." Simon loved to play with a pair of old nutcrackers when he went to visit his grandmother. They were beautifully carved and painted. His grandmother asked him to be careful with them, because they'd belonged to her grandfather, and were very precious. One day, when he went to play with the nutcrackers, one of the handles fell off. Simon was very upset. He didn't dare tell anyone, so he hid them behind a book. The next day his grandmother came to him, and explained she'd broken the nutcrackers, not Simon. She added that he should always tell a grownup if he thought he'd done something wrong.  {Smile}

   I did my salsa dancing warmup set before lunch for 8 1/2 minutes, and another piece after lunch for 5 3/4 minutes. That evening, while sitting in Pierogies' farm, I did my head exercises and arm resistance exercises. Then after the task force, while visiting with Mysty, I slipped in my leg exercises. After the visit, I did my standing and sitting arm weight training exercises. I only missed my walking exercises and one more salsa dancing song. When I get those, too, I'll be doing as much as my physical therapist recommends. {Smile}

I read articles before the phone call with my internet provider and watched videos and read comics after that phone call, before, over and after lunch. Then, after cleaning myself up, I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming, and found Div and Pierogies. We teamed up to talk, but when Pierogies and I started asking about things to do together, Div said to go on, so we caught two "casual" high-level trials. That meant not getting badges beyond the basic, and maybe something else if we got lucky, because we weren't really trying. Pierogies ran a couple, then left to rest. I continued with a regular trial lead by the same person next. Then the leader left, and I worked on paperwork a bit. Pierogies came back, and we parked our characters in a farm while we watched another episode of RWBY. It was the grand finale of the 7th season. We didn't have quite enough time to start the next episode, so we chatted and farmed until it was time to read to Mom. {Smile}

   After dinner, I found Pierogies on, but getting ready to go to bed. We chatted a little and started another farm. I started writing this up, then played with the farm until I got bored. Then I did some paperwork while I looked around. Soon I spotted a task force starting that I've been wanting one more of this week. I grabbed the character who needed it most and joined it. I also chatted with Nox on the chat server a bit. After the task force, I started badging on another character, with time out for some of my exercises. Then Mysty said hi, and we got together to visit for a while until she had to lie down. I did a few more exercises and read some comics. Then I wrote a little of this, got out former nurse's phone call, and made notes in this to write from the next day. {Smile}