Daily Update, August 26, 2024

     On Monday, our main nurse told me the washing machine doesn't work anymore. He'd been trying all weekend, and he could not get it to work, so he was sorry, but we needed another. He gave me some specs, to make sure I got a satisfactory one. {smile}

   I called Auntie Barbara, and we arranged for her to take me shopping for one the next day. Yes, Tuesday morning, she and Michelle would take me to get it, then drop me off at my hearing aid appointment at 11am. I am so glad they can help me. {Smile}

   During lunch, the nursing company secretary dropped by during lunch to chat and catch up with us. It was nice to visit with her again. {Smile}

   I contacted Uber after lunch, and a driver came, and picked me up. He proceeded to make at least one wrong turn and went most of the way around one of the longest blocks in Hilo because that's what the satellite told him to do. It was around a dozen miles out of our way, and over $8 more than initially estimated, so for once, I didn't tip. He'd gotten a far better tip from the extra mileage, and I wasn't as early to my podiatrist as they'd asked me to be, and I'd tried to be. {sigh}

   Anyway, after a fairly long wait, I saw the podiatrist. I asked, and now know what exercises I can and can't do. Head, arm, and walking exercises are okay, but leg exercises and salsa dancing aren't okay yet. Afterwards, I went home by Uber. I'm relieved to say the gal who got me this time followed directions reasonably well. {smile}

   I ate dinner with Mom and read to her before that. I came in on the early side. Mom was awake, and even responded a couple of times. I started my reading with scripture and thoughts about it first. Next, I read two cards, one from her cousin and the other from me. Then I finished reading _Calm Babies Picture Book_. After that, I read a medium-length story and two longer poems from _365 Animal Stories and Rhymes_. I finished with reading the 26th of August's story, "The Hunting Trip," from _366 Stories for Bedtime_. {Smile}

   Well, I finally did my head exercise after teaming for part of the evening. After a short break, I did my arm resistance exercises, and discovered my stamina is really bad, because I needed another break after them. I did manage to get my arm swinging exercises in, too, before it got entirely too late. I hope that's an okay start... at least I did some. {Smile}

   Over breakfast, I read articles. Then I learned about the washing machine and called Auntie Barbara. Then I played Cross Stitch World almost until lunch. After lunch and the visit with the nursing company secretary came my trip to my podiatrist. When I got back, I wrote up Sunday's daily update. Then I read some comics before I hopped into City of heroes: Homecoming. I talked with Ulty and Jenny's player while I worked on some paperwork. Then I broke to read to Mom. {Smile}

   After dinner, I chatted with Pierogies on chat server. We watched the first episode of "A Discovery of Witches" together, then went into City of heroes: Homecoming to team up. We ran a couple of villain missions before he left, tired. Then I did paperwork followed by hunting on my own with little success. Then I took a break to read a comic and play Cross Stitch World before hopping back into City of Heroes: Homecoming. I worked on some paperwork and bumped into an old friend, who I chatted with as we caught up with each other a bit. Then I did some more solo hunting with limited success. I finished the night by writing more of this and making notes in it. {Smile}

Daily Update, August 25, 2024

    Sunday didn't feel like Sunday this week. I didn't call Uber after breakfast, I didn't go to church, let alone have lunch there afterwards. Instead, I had a nap in the late morning, before lunch. That's what Sunday looked like when our priest cancelled services because of "an abundance of caution" concerning Storm Hune. {Smile}

   I ate dinner with Mom and read to her before that. I came in at a typical time again. Mom was awake, and even said a few times she liked the readings. First, I started my reading with scripture and thoughts about it. After that, I read two cards, one from each of her sisters. Next, I continued reading _Calm Babies Picture Book_. Then I read six short poems and a longer story from _365 Animal Stories and Rhymes_. I ended with reading the 25th of August's story, "Pumpkin Soup," from _366 Stories for Bedtime_. {Smile}

   I didn't exercise again. I hope to resume at least some of my exercises after seeing the Podiatrist for a follow-up this Monday (today). {Smile}

   Over breakfast, I checked my computer, reading articles and playing Cross Stitch World Until I went to take a nap. Then I wrote up Saturday's daily update over lunch and hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming after lunch. There, I found Div. He was almost ready to leave but ran one mission with me. We made so much progress on a hunt badge we both want, that we technically didn't finish so we could run that mission again and finish the badge. After that, we said goodnight. I did some paperwork and started solo badge hunting on my 4th best badge collector. Then I cleaned myself up and checked my computer again before reading to Mom. {Smile}

   After dinner, I began writing this up and making notes in it. Then I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming, where I chatted with Jenny's player, who was winding down already. I ended up solo badge hunting on my fourth best badge collector all evening. I hope she will soon be my third best badge collector. I said goodnight to Nox, but we didn't really chat. I stopped to do paperwork, then soloed some more before finishing with more paperwork. I also read one short comic and took notes in this to write from the next day. {Smile}

Daily Update, August 24, 2024

    On Saturday, I learned that Sunday's church services are cancelled due to Storm Hune "out of an abundance of caution," as our priest likes to say. first, our main nurse told me, saying Auntie Barbara had texted him about it. I checked my phone and found a few texts and a voicemail message about it, some from Auntie Barbara and at least one from our priest. So, I called Auntie Barbara after dinner, and we talked about it a little. It was nice to talk with her, even under these circumstances. {Smile}

   I ate breakfast and dinner with Mom and read to her before dinner. I came in at a typical time again. Mom was drowsy at first, but she seemed to enjoy the reading. First, I began my reading with scripture and thoughts about it. Then I read three cards, one each from her cousin, another cousin's granddaughter, and me. After that, I started reading _Calm Babies Picture Book_. Hext, I read two short stories and a slightly longer story from _365 Animal Stories and Rhymes_. I ended with reading the 24th of August's story, "Kind Ophelia," from _366 Stories for Bedtime_. {Smile}

   I still didn't do any exercise today. I'm supposed to see the podiatrist again on Monday; I figure exercise can wait that long. {Smile}

   I lingered over breakfast with Mom. I eventually moved out to give our relief nurse room to prepare for handing us off to our main nurse. On my computer, I read a comic, the played Cross stitch World before I wrote up Friday's daily update. I started playing City of Heroes: Homecoming during lunch. First, I did some paperwork. Then I found Div, and we teamed up. I helped them with one mission, then they helped me get that character further along. Next, they left, and I did some paperwork before I cleaned myself up. After that, I did more paperwork and played some Cross Stitch World before I read to Mom. {Smile}

   After dinner, I started writing this up and making notes in it. Then I played a little Cross Stitch World before hopping back into City of Heroes: Homecoming. I chatted with Ulty and Jenny's Player, then said hi to Michiel. We teamed up, and he helped me with another mission for that character. I talked with Dr. Faustus about getting together, but he was joining a task force. Michiel left after that mission, so we said goodnight. It was too late to join Dr. Faustus, so I did some paperwork. Then an acquaintance invited me to a team that filled before I could invite Dr. Faustus to it. I left after one mission and joined Dr. Faustus for a mission that got one of my littles a badge they need. After that, he left, and I did more paperwork. Next, I played Cross Stitch World and read some comics. I finished the evening later than I meant to by hopping into City of Heroes: Homecoming to play a little by myself and making notes in this. 

Daily Update, August 23, 2024

    Friday, the housekeeper came. The house is, as always, much better for her attentions. I'm no housekeeper, especially with my severe permanent vertigo's help {Smile}

   Also, I had a nap right after breakfast with Mom. I'd gone to bed a little late, but that doesn't explain the length of that nap. Healing the toe must be taking something out of me. {smile}

   I got a nice phone call from Auntie Barbara after dinner, checking how I was doing, and just catching up with each other. It was great to hear from her. {Smile}

   I ate breakfast, lunch and dinner with Mom and read to her before dinner. I came in at a typical time again. That's when I happened to finish cleaning myself up today, too. Mom was drowsy and rested a lot, but she seemed to enjoy the reading. I began my reading with scripture and thoughts about it first. Next, I read four cards, one each from her cousin, a friend, and one from each of her sisters. Then I considered another baby picture book, but she seemed a bit tired for that. So, I read three short stories from _365 Animal Stories and Rhymes_. I finished with reading the 23rd of August's story, "The Space Fairy" from _366 Stories for Bedtime_. {Smile}

   I didn't exercise again. I'm still trying to follow the doctor's instructions about taking it easy. {Smile}

   After my nap, I checked online and began writing more of Thursday's daily update. Next, I had lunch with Mom. Afterwards, I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming and did some paperwork. Then I found Div and we teamed up. He wanted to help a character of mine get through the stories and missions I want him to do before he gains level. We did quite a few over the afternoon. Pierogies joined us partway through, doing several missions with us. Then I said goodnight to them and cleaned myself up before I read to Mom. {Smile}

   After dinner, I started writing this daily update up. Then I finished writing up Thursday's daily update. After that, I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming, where I started with paperwork. I talked with Ulty and Jenny's Player when winding down with that paperwork. I also began chatting with Nox on the chat server. Then Dennis said hi. He was struggling with the laptop he's using this week. I told him I'd had trouble with some lag this afternoon and earlier this week, which is really unusual for me. about the time I said goodnight to Dennis, Michiel said hi, and asked to team. I got the character I was trying to run through content on, and we ran a few missions, talking while we did, on and off. After he left, I ran a hunt by myself and did some paperwork. I also finished making notes in this update. {Smile}

Daily Update, August 22, 2024

    Thursday morning, right after breakfast I had my video counselling. It was a good session. We talked mostly about how I need a better support system, since the one I had is largely lost, and more is going. She suggested looking into the Office of Aging, where the county helps seniors My first forays suggest that what she was thinking of is actually handled by a division of Parks and Recreation. {smile}

   I ate lunch and dinner with Mom and read to her before that. I came in at a typical time, because that's when I happened to finish cleaning myself up. Mom was awake and seemed to enjoy the reading. I started my reading with scripture and thoughts about it first. After that, I read three cards, one each from her cousin's granddaughter, and one from each of her sisters. Next, I finished _The Picture Book of Kids and Animals_. She does like pictures of kids as much as of babies. Then I read three stories from _365 Animal Stories and Rhymes_, two short and one medium length for that book. I ended with reading the 22nd of August's story, "A Trip to the Sea" from _366 Stories for Bedtime_. {Smile}

   I didn't exercise on Thursday. A friend pointed out I really should consult with my doctor before I do that, and I have to admit they have a point. The podiatrist did say to take it easy. {rueful smile}

   After my counselling, I played Cross Stitch World while I thought about what we'd talked about. Then I had lunch with Mom. After that, I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming, where I found Div. We talked, and then teamed up to run several missions through the afternoon. Then we said goodnight, and I cleaned myself up before I read to Mom. {Smile}

   After dinner, I wrote up Wednesday's daily update. Then I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming, where I started with paperwork. Somehow, I missed talking to Ulty and Jenny's player, so I did a little solo play, and started talking with Nox on the chat server. I also talked to Azurette. We teamed up to do the type of individual mission a character is getting a badge for; the type of mission Div helped me get the first badge for a few days ago. I got the middle badge Thursday night, and then did a mission with a particularly nice reward at the end. I have one more like it ready to be done. Then I said goodnight to Azurette, and did a little paperwork. Next, I wrote a little of this and made all the notes I needed to write it up from the next day, since I forgot to do any of that earlier. I also did a tiny bit of research related to City of Heroes. {Smile}

Daily Update, August 21, 2024

    Wednesday, I took things easy. I didn't need to keep my foot as high as yesterday, so I went back to my computer, where I could prop my foot up and still use the computer. {Smile}

   I ate dinner with Mom and read to her before that. I actually came in slightly earlier than usual, because I'd just finished cleaning myself up, and didn't really have time to sit at the computer before reading.  Mom was resting, but roused when I greeted her, and seemed to enjoy the reading. First, I started my reading with scripture and thoughts about it. Then I read three cards, one each from her cousin, her nephew, and me. After that, I continued _The Picture Book of Kids and Animals_. Next, I read two stories from _365 Animal Stories and Rhymes_. I finished with reading the 21st of August's story, "Cakes of Soap!" from _366 Stories for Bedtime_. {Smile}

   I did my head exercises late in the evening. I figured that nodding and shaking my head, even while holding up or moving my arms shouldn't be too strenuous, and my foot was up for them all. Then I did my arm resistance exercises. One could be done sitting, too, so I did it that way. The other does need me to stand in the hall, but I'm not doing anything with my foot, and it didn't take all that long. {Smile}

   During breakfast, I started playing Cross Stitch World, and just kept playing it right through the morning into lunch. then I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming during lunch. There, I found Div, who helped me move one more character into their new supergroup - one of my main ones, who is cousin/niece to the ones moved in yesterday, or already were in there. Then we teamed up and ran some of Div's missions. We also ran one for me to get a badge, since I was one mission from getting a particular badge. I slipped in writing some of yesterday's daily update over the afternoon. After playing, I picked out storage in the supergroup. Then I cleaned myself up before reading to Mom. {Smile}

   After dinner, I finished writing yesterday's daily update and shared it. Then I started writing this update. Next, I played a tiny bit of Cross Stitch World before I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming. There, I talked a little with Jenny's player, and with Azurette. The latter mentioned a story arc she needed to do. I offered to help with it. Azurette found another friend who wanted to bring their new character along little to earn experience. We three ran the story arc over the course of the evening. I also talked with Nox on the chat server a fair while. After the story arc was done, Azurette and her friend both left. So, I did some paperwork and talked with Divi. Afterwards, I played Cross Stitch World. then I tried a little exercise and read some comics. I finished out the evening writing more of this, and making notes in it, too. {Smile}

Daily Update, August 20, 2024

    On Tuesday, the driver who takes me to the monthly picnic called when I first got up that morning. I explained that I felt going the day after my toenail was removed seemed a bit too ambitious, but I should be fine for next month. She thanked me and hoped my toe gets better. {Smile}

   Then I called the picnic's group leader and explained the same thing. She also thanked me and hopes my toe gets better. So that went well. {Smile}

   I ate dinner with Mom and read to her before that. i was back to a mostly full reading today, in spite of starting late because I lost track of time. Mom was sitting up when I went in. I started my reading with scripture and thoughts about it first. Next, I read two cards, one from church, and the other from a friend. Then I continued _The Picture Book of Kids and Animals_. After that, I read six short poems from _365 Animal Stories and Rhymes_. I ended with reading the 20th of August's story, "The Shelter," from _366 Stories for Bedtime_. {Smile}

   No exercise today - the podiatrist specifically said I should stay off my feet for a week, though I only had to lie flat for the rest of the day, so I'm back up at my computer more. {Smile}

   Over breakfast, I read articles and switched to Cross Stitch World some time afterwards. Then I cleaned myself up before lunch. During lunch, I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming, where I found Div. We teamed up and ran several missions. Div added my character to a SG he's developing. Then Div left, so I did some paperwork. Then I played cross Stitch World before I wrote up Monday's daily update. I began sharing it when I realized it was past time to read to Mom, and dashed off, leaving it incompletely shared. {Smile}

   After dinner, I finished sharing Monday's daily update. Then I started writing this daily update. After that I played some Cross Stitch World before hopping back into City of Heroes: Homecoming. I talked with Ulty and Jenny's player, who were both winding down. Then I noticed a taskforce and joined it. The group then went on to a sequel taskforce this particular one has. My character needed it, too, so I stayed for that. Afterwards, I did some paperwork. Then Div came in, and we teamed up. We did two timed missions I had. We would have done more, but the first was long. The second was shorter, and we turned down the difficulty because we both had to leave before too much longer. Div added the character I was on to the same supergroup as the earlier one - they were relatives anyway - grandson in the morning, Grandpa at night. Their daughter/mother was already in it. Then we added Grandma and picked out storage. I said have a good day to Div, and he wished me good night. Then I made notes in this. {Smile}

Daily Update, August 19, 2024

    Right after breakfast Monday, Auntie Barbara and Michelle came to house. Auntie Barbara came in in for a quick visit with Mom. I was going to try to sing with them, but I got a call from the driver who takes me to the monthly picnic asking if I was going. I told her I didn't know, because I was having a toenail removed this morning, and really didn't know how I'd feel the next day. I promised to call early, when I knew. {Smile}

   Anyway, Michelle and Auntie Barbara took me down to the podiatrist. Michelle waited in the car while Auntie Barbara came in with me. She signed up to get hers seen to and was delighted that they'd take her that very day. The doctor's folks warned me the numbing up would be the worst part, and they were right. The actual removal was quick and simple. I checked out, then waited while Auntie Barbara saw the podiatrist. {Smile}

   Next, we went to Longs Drugs to pick up the painkiller the doctor prescribed. However, they were backordered. We tried calling Safeway to see if they had it before making the trip, but it seems it's controlled. They aren't supposed to tell folks if they have it until the pharmacist has studied the written prescription and determined it's legitimate. Longs had suggested the hospital pharmacy as the most likely pharmacy in town not to be out, so we went there. They did have it, so we got it. Then Auntie Barbara and Michelle took me home. {Smile}

   Later. I straightened out a misunderstanding on my part. I'll be taking care of this wound myself. I can, so I should. {Smile}

   Today, I still ate dinner with Mom, and still read to her before that, but I kept the reading to a minimum. I stuck to the two dated ones, meaning I started with Monday's scripture and thoughts about it. Then I went straight to the 19th of August's entry in _366 Stories for Bedtime_, "Billy's Picture." Mom seemed to enjoy being read to, even if it wasn't as long, and only had one picture. {Smile}

   I didn't even try to do any exercise today. Actually, I have strict orders to stay off my feet for a week starting tomorrow, so I won't be doing much for a while. {Smile}

   When I got home, I had lunch and wrote a bit of Sunday's daily update up. Then I lay down and put my feet up. I read, texted by phone and drowsed most of the afternoon, trying and completely failing to keep cook when my room has no fan, and my bed is a heat sink when I'm on it. I got up once or twice for drinks and such, then lay back down and read and texted by phone. Then I got up to read to Mom and eat dinner with her. {smile}

   After dinner, I finished Sunday's daily update and City of Heroes: Homecoming as I ate. Then I lay back down, texting and playing games on my phone. Yes, that included talking with Nox on the chat server for a while. I got up for one more snack and made more notes in this before going to bed. {Smile}

Daily Update, August 18, 2021

    On Sunday, after breakfast, I contacted Uber. A fellow came and took me to church. For once I'd gotten up early enough, and Uber arrived promptly enough, I got to church slightly early. Our priest even noticed and commented. I'll have to try to move my mornings at early enough, this happens even on Uber's late days. {Smile}

   The service was nice. After wards, I had lunch on the lanai with Auntie Barbara and a few of the other regulars. I did enjoy that, though Michelle didn't come. Auntie Barbara came for both services so she could do Sunday School at the later, though no kids came. Two services were too much for Michelle. Auntie Barbara had someone else to take home, and had plans to help me get my toenail off the next day. So, we parted after lunch, and the Pennys took me home. {Smile}

   I ate dinner with Mom and read to her before that. Mom was awake but quiet when I went in. I began my reading with scripture and thoughts about it first. After that, I finished her niece's long family Christmas letter from 2020. Next, I started _The Picture Book of Kids and Animals_. then I read a log story from _365 Animal Stories and Rhymes_. I ended with reading the 18th of August's story, "A Sunshine Song," from _366 Stories for Bedtime_. {Smile}

   I did my arm swinging exercises and my arm resistance exercises between reading to Mom and dinner Then, after playing City of heroes: Homecoming much of the evening, I did my salsa dancing warmup. After only a short break, I did my less structured salsa dancing. Then I was too dizzy to do more immediately, and it was too late to do more later. {Smile}

   When I got home after church, I hopped right into City of Heroes: Homecoming, where I found Div. We teamed up and started doing my missions. Austin joined us after the first mission, and switched characters after the second. We continued, running a few more missions, and almost finishing a story arc. They both left one mission before the end. Then I broke to clean myself up. After that, I hopped back into City of Heroes: Homecoming, where I found Kitten. We tried to team up, but they went quiet at the beginning of the first mission. Unfortunately, it was timed, so I'd lose it if I just left it. I tried to do it anyway, but it was set harder from when Div and Austin were teaming with me. Then Dennis came in. I quickly invited him, and he started helping. Then Kitten finally joined us. We got it done, but we ended so close to time to read to Mom that we just talked a bit until I left to read to her. {Smile}

   After dinner, I played Cross Stitch World, then wrote up Saturday's daily update before I played more Cross Stitch World. Next, I began writing and making notes for Sunday's update. Then I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming. I talked with Dr. Faustus, Jenny's Player, and Ulty, all of whom were just leaving. So, I badge hunted by myself while talking with Nox on the chat server. Then I joined a team doing individual high-level missions. When they were done, the same team did a high-level story arc. The others left after it was done. Shortly after that, Kitten said hi. I switched to a mid-level character, and we teamed up and did a mission. I debated and did another. Div joined us part way through, helping us finish. Then we said goodnight, talking a little, before I left to start my dancing. I played Cross Stitch World in the break. Afterwards, I watched a couple of videos, played some more Cross Stitch World, and read some webcomics. I finished the evening with writing a little more of this and making notes to write from the next day. {Smile}

Daily Update, August 17, 2024

    Saturday was pretty quiet. I stayed home, and didn't even use the phone much. {Smile}

   I ate breakfast and dinner with Mom and read to her before dinner. I left the game late again. Mom was awake but quiet when I went in. She did rouse when we got to the baby pictures and stayed awake after that. I started my reading with scripture and thoughts about it first. Then I continued her niece's long family Christmas letter from 2020. After that, I finished _The Happy Book Babies_. Next, I read two poems from _365 Animal Stories and Rhymes_. The story after that was long, so I just finished with reading the 17th of August's story, "The Lonely Spring," from _366 Stories for Bedtime_. {Smile}

   I did my head exercises between reading to Mom and eating dinner. Then I did my arm resistance exercises and arm swinging exercises after dinner and some Cross Stitch World. After teaming for much of the evening, I did my salsa dancing warmup set. Then, after a longer break than I meant to take, I did one less structured piece for 14 3/4 minutes of salsa dancing {Smile}

   After breakfast, I read articles and comics and played Cross Stitch World most of the morning. Then I finished writing Friday's daily update into lunch. then I hopped into City of Heroes Homecoming, where I did a little paperwork before I teamed with Div. After some talks and a mission, he left, and I did more paperwork. Then I cleaned myself up before I hopped back into City of Heroes: Homecoming, where I worked on paperwork and ran through a bunch of talks left from playing with Div. Then Austin invited me to a light role-playing mission team with him and someone I don't know. Kitten meowed at me but was too tired to join, I think. Dennis said hi, and did join us. The four of us finished the story arc. Austin actually told a different story centered on his character while we played, which I thought was neat, giving himself unique motivations for what he did, and adding a few things, too. Austin and the one I don't know left after the story arc was done. Then Dennis got a different character who'd outlevelled a mission I had, though they still had it. We did mine, and both got credit for completing ours while fighting folks of a reasonable level for us. After that, I left to read to Mom, after promising to continue the arc with them so we can continue to both get credit for stuff that counts. {Smile}

   After dinner, I played Cross Stitch World and began writing and taking notes in this, pausing to do a few exercises before continuing. After that, I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming. I said hi to Dr. Faustus, Ulty, and Jenny's Player. They all responded, and we started to talk. Dr. Faustus was in a task force. They were reforming, but I checked for characters who needed it, and didn't get back to them in time. He promised to team and badge hunt afterwards, having a couple of good missions for that. I searched my characters for ones to do it at leisure. My top three badgers all had them, and they were villain missions, so I checked my villains. My top villain had one and got the other easily on her own while I waited for the taskforce to finish. My second villain got both. My third villain got one that Doctor Faustus farms. That meant we went in, got what we wanted, and come out without properly finishing, so he can do that again. We also farmed something else for my second villain, but we didn't get enough. During this, I tried to talk with Nox, but they were tired and left before I noticed they'd responded. I was seriously distracted by teaming with Dr. Faustus. Then Dr. Faustus had to leave.  I tried to get more but ended up just doing paperwork. Then i did my dancing, with Cross Stitch World in the break. Afterwards, I did more Cross Stitch World, some City of heroes: Homecoming paperwork, and took notes and wrote in this. {Smile}