Daily Update, September 30, 2024

On Monday, I just took things easy. That did include a morning nap, but a short one that let me do other things too. {Smile}

I ate dinner with Mom and read to her before that. Mom was awake when I went in and interested in the pictures I showed her, despite me being late because I totally lost track of time. I began with scripture and thoughts about it first. After that, I read a card from church, and a card from each of her sisters. Then I finished _The 40 Cutest Mother & Child Photographs_. Next, I read a story from _5-Minute Mary Engelbreit Fairy Tales_. I ended with September 30th's story, "The Visitor" in _366 Stories for Bedtime_. {Smile}

I did my arm resistance exercises between reading to Mom and dinner. I did my arm swinging exercises right after dinner. After playing on City of Heroes: Homecoming for much of the evening, I tried salsa dancing at home for the first time since the toenail removal. I did the first piece of my warmup, but remembered the choreography at the end, after realizing I must have missed quite a few steps, and improvising steps at the end. So, I did it again with the usual choreography. I made it the end both times, but the second time I was really puffing. So, I stopped exercising. That's 6 1/2 minutes of salsa dancing. I think that's good for a first time in a few weeks. {SMILE}

Over and after breakfast, I did some web browsing Then I took that short nap and still had time to clean myself up before lunch. Then I played a little Cros Stitch World. next, I wrote some more of Sunday's daily update before I hopped back into City of Heroes: Homecoming. I talked with Jenny's Player some, and tried solo play again, but I got distracted looking at monitors. I talked with Kitten about them until I realized it was past time to read to Mom and dashed off to do so. {Smile}

After dinner and some exercises, I ordered monitor to stop the distraction from it. Then I did some web browsing and finished Sunday's daily update. Next, I began writing and making notes in this before hopping into City of Heroes: Homecoming. I did a little paperwork, then got distracted by talking with Kitten on the chat server. I came back to City of Heroes: Homecoming to find Dennis and Phonso trying to invite me to the longest taskforce in the game. I joined them, and Phonso recruited some more players. Then we ran it. I missed talking to Nox, who had an early night. I said goodnight when we finished, knowing they'd find that I'd remembered them the next day. After that I did some paperwork. Then I danced! It's the first time in weeks, and it feels so good to have gotten back to it! After the dancing, I watched some pieces of videos too long to watch all the way through that late. Then I did some paperwork both in City of Heroes: Homecoming, and outside of it. Then I finished writing and notes in this before going to bed. {Smile}

Daily Update, September 29, 2024

On Sunday, after breakfast, I contacted Uber closer to the start time of church than I like. They were nominally 12 minutes away. The driver arrived at my house when church is nominally supposed to start. I blame myself for that; I should have gotten to bed earlier and started my day earlier. Anyway, we had a nice chat on the way down. Somehow, I got there during the announcements. I have no idea how they were still going 10 minutes in, but I was relieved I hadn't missed any of the service proper. {Smile}

It was a nice service, with a guest pastor who seemed like a nice fellow. He seems to speak Hawaiian, so was quite comfortable speaking the bits they have in Hawaiian and English. Like the regulars, he did both, when many guests figure the English is enough. {Smile}

After that we had a nice lunch. I sat with some folks I enjoyed talking with. then I went home with Rick again. We had a nice talk on the way. {Smile}

I ate dinner with Mom and read to her before that, Mom was awake when I went in and interested in the pictures I showed her. I started with scripture and thoughts about it first. Then I read a Christmas letter from a friend of her sister. After that, I continued _The 40 Cutest Mother & Child Photographs_. Next, I read a story from _5-Minute Mary Engelbreit Fairy Tales_. I ended with September 29th's story, "Bobby Robin" in _366 Stories for Bedtime_. {Smile}

I did my arm swinging exercises while waiting for Uber. before church and wasn't tired afterwards. I dd my head exercises and arm resistance exercises after playing for much of the evening, and wasn't tired, but I didn't get more done before it got too late. {rueful smile}

After I got back home after church, I wrote up Saturday's daily update. I accidentally left out a nap that filled much of my morning. That's why I didn't get more done then. Next, I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming and started on more paperwork. I said hi to Jenny's player and Saiyaki, since Ulty seemed to be busy with some other mutual friends of ours. I talked a fair while to Saiyaki, until they made an early night of it. Then I broke to clean myself up before reading to Mom. {Smile}

After dinner. I began writing this up and played a little Cross Stitch World before hoping into City of Heroes: Homecoming. There, I talked with Ulty until she abruptly left. She apologized for not saying goodnight before going, and did say goodnight on the chat server. Then I tried playing by myself for a while, until I spotted that pair of high-level taskforces my third best badge collector is working on. I joined them, hoping to get that last badge, and two more badges that will come along with it. I didn't get them this time either. When they ended, Dennis said hi. I switched to the gal who I've recently been working on improving. We did several of Dennis's missions before saying goodnight including one that I don't know that he meant to do, but he got it, and it was timed, so we did it while we could. After he left, I ran a mission by myself and got just enough to finish the improvement on that character. Then I did some paperwork, and planning for future Cross Stitch World before I did my exercises. I finished the evening writing and taking notes in this, and web browsing. I still went too late. {rueful smile}

Daily Update, September 28, 2024

 Saturday I just spent the day quietly at home. not even any notable phone calls to report. {Smile}

I ate breakfast and dinner with Mom and read to her before dinner, Mom was awake when I went in. She looked at the pictures with some interest. First, I started with scripture and thoughts about it. Next, I read three cards, one from church, and the other two from the nursing company that takes care of us. then, I started _The 40 Cutest Mother & Child Photographs_. After that, I read a story from _5-Minute Mary Engelbreit Fairy Tales_. I ended with September 28th's story, "" in _366 Stories for Bedtime_. {Smile}

I did my arm resistance exercises between reading to Mom and dinner. I tried with them but recovered quite enough to do my arm swinging exercises after playing City of Heroes: homecoming for much of the evening. That tired me, too, but a break let me do my head exercises as well. Then I stopped, because the rest just gets harder, and I'd already gotten tired twice. I hope to do more tomorrow, after mostly taking it easy today after physical therapy. {Smile}

After breakfast, I browsed on the web and played a little Cross Stitch World. Then I began writing Friday's daily update when I realized it was a bit close to lunch to clean myself up. After lunch, I wrote a little more of Friday's daily update before hopping into City of Heroes: Homecoming. I started with a good bit of paperwork, then went on to play by myself. Few I regularly talk to were on, and the paperwork led to individual missions and unofficial hunts that I can really do by myself. At one point, I did join in fighting a zombie apocalypse when I came out of a mission to find one going right in the zone I was in. I was concentrating on developing my top-level characters in new ways, as Pierogies finally helped me see how to do that. Eventually, I broke to clean myself up before reading to Mom. {Smile}

After dinner and a little exercise, I played some Cross Stitch World before I finished writing up Friday's daily update. Then I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming and started on more paperwork. I also chatted with Jenny's player a bit. Then I joined a taskforce, and we did it with one false start. I also talked with Nox on the chat server for a bit. Dennis said hi over half-way through the task force. After it was done, I teamed up with Dennis for a few of his missions. He had some old ones, and one good one. Then Dennis and I said goodnight and he left for bed. I ended with a bunch more paperwork, then did a few more exercises, and more web browsing than I meant to that close to bedtime, especially the night before church. I did insist on beginning to write this up and taking notes to write from the next day before bed, too. {Smile}

Daily Update, September 27, 2024

On Friday, after breakfast, I contacted Uber, and a fellow came and took me to Life Care Center for physical therapy. I got same therapist I had last spring, but he has a new assistant for now. I think it's one of those students shadowing a professional in the field arrangements. {Smile}

He asked how things have been going, and I told him about recent developments, including the diastasis recti in my abdomen, and some side effects possibly associated with it. He assured me he has exercises that can help with both. However, I need to talk with my primary care physician about a referral for them to start. Fortunately, I'm seeing him two Fridays from now. {Smile}

I ate breakfast, lunch and dinner with Mom and read to her before dinner, though breakfast was rushed by needing to get to physical therapy. Mom was awake when I went in but inclined to drowse a bit. First, I began with scripture and thoughts about it. After that, I read two cards, one from church, and the other from her cousin's granddaughter. Next, I Finished _Childhood Memories Picture Book_, overlapping with yesterday. Then I read a story from _5-Minute Mary Engelbreit Fairy Tales_. I ended with September 27th's story, "The Wild Rabbit" in _366 Stories for Bedtime_. {Smile}

After lunch with Mom, I wrote a bit of Thursday's update before I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming. Then I noticed a pair of high-level taskforces and joined them on my third best badge collector in hopes of getting the last, elusive badge. A new friend, Saiyala, joined too. We ran the pair twice., but I still didn't get the badge. The rest of the team left, but Saiyala and I talked a long time afterwards, me while I was doing paperwork. Then we teamed up and did a couple of individual missions. Kitten said hi, and Dennis, and we talked. Then we joined them, uniting two teams of two. Dennis and Kitten were watching some NPCs doing something none of us remembered seeing before, so Saiyala and I joined them. Then we were ready to team up until I noticed it was almost time to read to Mom, and excused myself, saying goodnight-in-case. {Smile}

After dinner, I read comics and played a little Cross Stitch World before I finished Thursday's daily update. Then I hopped back into City of heroes: Homecoming. I found Saiyala, and we teamed up. We started with an individual mission of mine which Kitten joined us in. Then we did another individual mission and two or three missions at the end of a story arc. Dennis joined us in time to get the special reward in the last mission of that story arc. I also talked to Nox on the chat server, Next, the four of us did a couple of Dennis's missions, getting another special reward. Then we said goodnight to Dennis. We talked a bit before we said goodnight to Saiyala. Next, I talked with Kitten before we ran two individual missions before breaking. Then I did a little paperwork before starting to write this and make notes in it. mixed with some web browsing. It was a late night again. Every time I hope I've fixed the later bedtime, it slips back. *rueful smile*

Daily Update, September 26, 2024

 On Thursday, I thought I was late to my online counselling. Then I remembered that my counselor is on a trip for the rest of the month. She'll be back next week. So, I had a morning free that I didn't expect. {Smile}

I ate lunch and dinner with Mom and read to her before that. Mom was drowsy but awake when I went in, not much earlier than Tuesday. She wasn't as interested in looking at stuff right from the start, but that's okay. There's little to look at in the beginning anyway. I began with scripture and thoughts about it first. Then I three cards, one from each of her sisters, and one from me. After that, I continued _Childhood Memories Picture Book_, continuing from where we left off yesterday. I thought maybe we'd finish the book, but then I realized she'd started closing her eyes more. So I put the bookmark back a few pages. Next, I read a story from _5-Minute Mary Engelbreit Fairy Tales_. She seemed to enjoy that, if a bit sleepily. I finished with September 26th's story, "The Wild Rabbit" in _366 Stories for Bedtime_. {Smile}

I did my head exercises and eight of my fourteen walking exercises after playing City of Heroes: Homecoming much of the evening. After a break, I did the other six walking exercises, and my arm resistance exercises. I really need to start doing more, but that should happen soon. Tomorrow, I start physical therapy at Life Car Center's outpatient physical therapy again. {SMILE}

I started browsing the web over breakfast and continued well into the morning. I also chatted with my British friend on the chat server. Eventually, I switched to Cross Stitch World, then broke for a very late lunch with Mom and _Avalanche_ by Mercedes Lackey, Cody Martin, Dennis Lee, and Veronica Giguere. Then I wrote a little of Wednesday's daily update before hopping into City of Heroes: Homecoming. I started with paperwork while I talked with Ulty, Jenny's player and Divi. When the paperwork was done, I started to play by myself. Next, Pierogies said hi, and we teamed up on two pretty low-level characters. We did several missions. A couple of them didn't complete right; I left that to work out later. Dennis joined us near the end for one or two missions. Then we said goodnight and I broke to read to Mom. {Smile}

After dinner, I played Cross Stitch World and read comics before I finished writing Wednesday's daily update. Then I got into City of Heroes: Homecoming particularly late. I chatted with Ulty, Jenny's player, and Divi again, and I fought a giant monster. Then I chatted some more with Divi. Next, I joined a giant monster team. I was delighted to see Divi first join it, then take it over, running the small giant monster league it turned into. I also chatted with Nox and my British friend on the chat server. Eventually, the team broke up. I exercised, played Cross Stitch World, and exercised some more. Then I began making notes and writing in this. I also browsed on the internet while shutting things down and finishing making notes in this. {Smile}

Daily Update, September 25, 2024

On Wednesday I was back to deciding to about graphics cards because friends were pushing that the cards were too expensive for what they were I gave up and got it when I realized they didn't think to add shipping it out to Hawai'i. That's not cheap, and it has to be done, so it jacks up the cost. Then the gal assured me that installation was already included too, not in addition. That helped a lot. {Smile}

I ate dinner with Mom and read to her before that. Mom was awake when I went in, even though I was late. She was interested in looking at stuff right from the start. I started with scripture and thoughts about it first. Then I finished her niece's long family Christmas letter from last year. Next, I continued _Childhood Memories Picture Book_, first repeating wheat she was too tired to look at as much yesterday, then continuing with new pictures as well. After that, I read a story from _5-Minute Mary Engelbreit Fairy Tales_. I thought Mom seemed more interested in this story than usual. I ended with September 25th's story, "Cheeky Charlie!," in _366 Stories for Bedtime_. {Smile}

I did my arm resistance exercises between reading to Mom and dinner. Then I did my head exercises and eight of my walking exercises before it got too late. That's not my best day, even just looking recently, but all I can do is try to do better the next day. {smile}

In the morning, I mostly researched graphics cards and played Cross Stitch World while thinking about graphics cards. I also talked with my British friend about them some. Then I had lunch, followed by more Cross Stitch World and thinking. Eventually I tried going into City of Heroes: Homecoming, but I kept going back to video cards until I got in contact with Dennis and Perogies that helped me settled down as we teamed up. First, we finished a story arc Dennis had. Then we did one mission from another story arc he had. Then he suggested doing someone else's, so we did a couple of my missions. That took us to time to read to Mom. {Smile}

After dinner, I took a long time thinking over stuff and playing CSW while I did. Then I finished writing Tuesday's daily update, though that was more a struggle than usual. That made me get into City of Heroes: Homecoming late. I found Dennis in a taskforce, so I worked on paperwork and played solo while I waited for him to get out. Then I joined him and his group in a second taskforce on a moderately low-level character. I really enjoyed switching characters. However, I barely talked with Nox on the chat server; we mainly said goodnight. After the taskforce and minimal paperwork, I exercised and began researching other computer stuff. Then I began writing this and making notes in it, managing to finish entirely too late. {rueful smile}

Daily Update. September 24, 2024

 On Tuesday, I sorted out the graphics card and made an order, or so I thought. Somehow, that took all morning. {smile}

I ate dinner with Mom and read to her before that. Mom was resting when I went in, but roused quickly enough, I don't think she was asleep. She didn't' rouse fully at first, though. First, I started with scripture and thoughts about it. Then I continued her niece's long family Christmas letter from last year. After that, I continued _Childhood Memories Picture Book_, but she was still walking up, so I'm planning to re-read that part the next day. Next, I read a story from _5-Minute Mary Engelbreit Fairy Tales_. That she woke up for and seemed to take more interest in it as I went along. I ended with September 24th's story, "The Rhubarb Leaves," in _366 Stories for Bedtime_. {Smile}

I did my arm resistance exercises and my arm swinging exercises between reading to om and dinner. Then I did ten of my fourteen walking exercises after playing on City of heroes: Homecoming. After a break, I did the other four walking exercises. I played Cross Stitch World while I mulled over the graphics card question. Then I played more Cross Stitch World to wind down afterwards. After that I had lunch and wrote some of Monday's daily update. Then I talked with British friend on the chat server He tried at great length to improve my graphics situation until I get the new card, but we ran into something each time. He finally gave up because of bedtime but promised to work on it again some other time. then I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming, where I talked to Kitten before they faded out, which didn't take long. So I worked on some pretty extensive paperwork. Pierogies helped me see that I could further, so I started on that project the night before, and continued with it then. Then I paused to clean myself up before I hopped back into City of Heroes: Homecoming for more paperwork before I broke to read to Mom. {Smile}

After dinner, I finished Monday's daily update, then wound down with comics. then I began writing this up and making notes before hopping into City of Heroes: Homecoming. I started talking with Azurette, a new friend, and Divi, while I did some paperwork. I found out Divi was running a strike force and joined him. I was delighted when I discovered Phonso was in the group too. Then Kitten said hi after the first mission. We were running so fast, I waited until after the group broke up to team up with Kitten. I also talked with Nox on the chat server. Kitten and I ran a couple of individual missions, then most of a high-level story arc. Then we said goodnight. I exercised and talked with kitten and my British friend on the chat server both in between the exercise sets and afterwards. I also wrote some of this and made lots of notes in this. {Smile}

Daily Update, September 23, 2024

 On Monday, four books came for Mom. One has pictures of babies and toddlers, and three have pictures of older children. The greater variety will be a relief for me. I hope she likes it, too. Maybe she does. She was staring at each picture more than usual when I started reading one to her before dinner.

I ate dinner with Mom and read to her before that. Mom was awake when I went in and stayed awake while I read. First, I began with scripture and thoughts about it. Next, I continued her niece's long family Christmas letter from last year. Then I started _Childhood Memories Picture Book_, one of the four books that came for her today. She really stared at the pictures, noticeably more than usual. I think she likes having new pictures she hasn't seen before. After that, I read a story from _5-Minute Mary Engelbreit Fairy Tales_. I finished with September 23rd's story, "Blackberry Picking," in _366 Stories for Bedtime_. {Smile}

I did my head exercises between reading to Mom and dinner. Then I did my arm resistance exercises a little while after dinner. After playing on City of Heroes: Homecoming for most of the evening, I did eight of my walking exercises. After a break, I did the other six walking exercises, finishing just as it became too late. {Smile}

Over breakfast, I found another recommendation for the fancier graphics card from the British friend I talk to on the chat server. That prompted me to look into graphics cards some more. This continued through the morning. When I needed time to think about them, I played Cross Stitch World, which does help me to focus when I'm thinking. then I worked on writing up Sunday's daily update through lunch. I wasn't quite done when I hopped into city of Heroes Homecoming to do paperwork and such. I tried to look for friends, but kept getting distracted by the video card, which can be a real puzzle. I eventually teamed up with Pierogies. We ran some missions. Then Pierogies left early, feeling tired. I did more paperwork next and checked graphics cards some more. Then, just as I was getting ready to solo a mission, Dennis said hi. After checking a giant monster, we ran the mission together. We finished at high time for me to go read to Mom. {Smile}

After dinner, I finished Sunday's Daily update. I also reached a point where I felt like I finally figured out the graphics card. Then I finally hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming. I found Dennis, and we ran a couple of missions together. Then we said goodnight. I did some paperwork until Kitten said hi. Then I switched characters. Just as we started a mission, Dr. Faustus invited us to get a Giant Monster. We joined him and stayed with him for a quick trial. Then I said goodnight so I could exercise. I added to this between sets of exercise. Then I worked on this, with a little Cross Stitch World and some web browsing. That included checking graphics card and monitors after I found a couple of notes that got me thinking again. I finally finished this up and went to bed. {Smile}

Daily Update, September 22, 2024

On Sunday, after breakfast, I contacted Uber. The driver they picked was fairly close and quite nicely chatty. I arrived a little before the announcements despite barely getting bed earlier the night before. {Smile}

It was a nice service, followed by a nice lunch with friends, with not that many desserts for once. Our parish does love to bring deserts. {Smile}

A couple of guys took me home. I really enjoyed talking with them on the way. They're fun. {Smile}

Home communion came by later, after visiting another gal nearby first. I joined Mom and the nurse in having communion with them. It's really for Mom. I can get to church, and our nurse isn't really a member, for all that I suspect we're the church he doesn't go to, if you understand that phrase. {Smile}

I ate dinner with Mom and read to her before dinner. I to her late, but Mom was wide awake when I went in and stayed awake while I read. I started with scripture and thoughts about it first. After that, I continued her niece's long family Christmas letter from last year. Then I continued _The Happy Book Babies_. Next, I read the last story from _My Little Pony 5-Minute Stories_, finishing the book. I ended my reading with September 21st's story, "Winter Stores," in _366 Stories for Bedtime_. {Smile}

I did my arm swinging exercises while waiting for Uber to come and take me to church. Both the driver and I were impressed with how that ended just as he arrived. After playing on City of Heroes: Homecoming when I wasn't talking with Kitten on the chat server most of the evening, I did my first 8 walking exercises, including two hard ones. Then I did my head exercises, squeezing them in a little later than I'd like. I really should get to these earlier. {smile}

After I got home from church, I played Cross Stitch World and researched video cards until home communion came. After home communion, I wrote more of Saturday's daily update. Then I hopped into City of Heroes Homecoming and started on paperwork. I didn't find anyone I like play with, so I started playing by myself. Then Dennis said hi, checked out a giant monster, then joined me to help me finish my mission. After the mission we said goodnight before I left to read to Mom. {Smile}

After dinner I finished writing Saturday's daily update. I also talked with Kitten on chat server at some length. Then I hopped into City of Heroes: Homecoming. Not seeing anyone I started on paperwork, then looked around. All I usually like to talk to had disappeared, so I played by myself on some of my characters while researching video cards. That's one way to avoid complaints about distracted play. I heard from more of my tech-oriented friends over the day, with one favoring the higher end model, and others favoring the lower end model. Which is still a lot more than I had, let alone what I have now, She put a weaker graphics card in because that's what was on hand. I said goodnight to Nox, having missed talking with them. Then I played more Cross Stitch World and did some of my exercises. Next, I did some more research, some more exercises and some more Cross Stitch World before I finished writing and making notes in this for the evening.

Daily Update, September 21, 2024

 On Saturday, I stayed home, and mostly took it easy. I found Facebook was back to normal when got onto my computer. that was quite a relief. {SMILE} I did text the gal about the video cards. I also talked about them with Kitten, who had definite opinions about what they could do. I also talked about them a little with Nox, who didn't have as many or as strong opinions on them. I left messages with a few other friends asking their opinions, mainly folks I know are far more knowledgeable about computers than I am. I heard back from Dr. Faustus before bed about them. {Smile}

I ate breakfast and dinner with Mom and read to her before dinner. Mom was awake when I went in and stayed awake while I read. First, I started with scripture and thoughts about it. Next, I continued her niece's long family Christmas letter from last year. After that, I started _The happy Book Babies_. Then I read a story from _My Little Pony 5-Minute Stories_. I finished with September 21st's story, "Bobby's Toys," in _366 Stories for Bedtime_. {Smile}

This isn't one of my usual exercises, but I did a lot of bending over after lunch I was picking up spilled dry roasted chickpeas. It was a fair-sized spill, so I was tired by the end! Then I did my head exercises, my arm resistance exercises, and eight of my walking exercises, including two of the more strenuous ones after playing on City of Heroes: Homecoming for much of the evening. Then, after a break, I did my arm swinging exercises before it got too late. {Smile}

After reading _Avalanche_ over breakfast, I read articles, did some other web browsing, and played Cross Stitch World until I wrote up my daily update before, during and after lunch. Then i played more Cross Stitch World and did some online shopping before I got into City of Heroes: Homecoming late. I started with paperwork. Then I started talking with Pierogies. We teamed up so he could farm while I sat in, as something to do in-game while we watched a couple of comic dubs. These are videos of comics where they show the pictures while one or more people read the lines. I also chatted with Dennis, since he was busy in a task force. When it was done, Dennis left. Pierogies was quiet after the second show. (He told me the next day he'd fallen asleep. I just said goodnight and left to read to Mom, since it was time. {Smile}

After dinner, I began making notes in this. I also talked at some length with Kitten about the graphics card options. Then I hopped back into City of Heroes: Homecoming a bit late. I started with paperwork. Next, I also started talking with Nox. I somehow found I wasn't in as much of a mood to chat with others who I spotted. I was still thinking about the video card, and most of my tech savvy friends who might help me sort out that graphics card were absent.  So, I soloed a few missions each on a couple of characters. After that, I did some exercises and wrote some of this. Then I did some research followed by more exercise. Next, I started making more notes in this, with a little City of Heroes: Homecoming paperwork and some Cross Stitch World. I really need to cut out playing games and reading when it's too late to exercise. That would help me tame my bedtime. {Smile}