Seeing the optometrist

Monday

I woke up early and could not go back to sleep. My mind kept coming up for more things to put on the to-do list. Sigh.

So I brushed my teeth and took the morning supplements. Then I sat by the red light and read the rest of The Hunger Games. I can't believe I spent all morning doing that. Then I made the fiber gel and ingested half. I washed up and got dressed. I checked messages and had to call Jamie to find the wheelbarrow that Jeannie was looking for.

I made and ate breakfast. I took the Dugway ornament for Kim and headed for the gym. I stopped at the post office to get the package associated with the yellow slip in our box. It was a heavy box of nuts. I barely made it to the car. Then, as I was about to head to the gym, I realized I did not have the ornament. I searched my purse. I went back into the post office. Finally I went home to search.

Michelle came over to get me for our eye doctor appointment. She called Kim to say we were not coming to the gym. Then we went to the Cosco near Salt Lake City. We walked around a bit, then she went into the optomitrists office for her appointment. I went to the bathroom, then sat in the waiting area. The secretary gave me an electronic pad to fill out. Then a lady took me back to have pictures taken of my eye balls, then put me in an exam room.

Later the doctor came in and asked some questions. I indicated flashing lights on the right side of my visual field. She said she wanted to dilate my eyes. But first we went through a series of lenses and I had to choose A or B. So hard to choose. Especially since none of them made the letters in question clearly visible.

And then she dilated my eyes with drops. They needed 15 minutes to take full effect, so I went with Michelle and we walked around Cosco and looked at produce, choosing 4-packs of very large pomegranates. She got some other stuff.

I went back to the office and waited. The assistant took more pictures and put me in another exam room. The doctor came in to look in my eyes and at the pictures. She said the vitreous fluid was separating from the optic nerve and this commonly happens as one gets blessed by birthdays.

Afterward, I paid and we went out. I went to the bathroom and when I came out, I could not find her because my sight was compromised. So I texted that I lost my big blond blur. And she responded to guide me to the register where she was checking out. My pomegranates were there, too, so I paid for them and we walked to her car and headed home.

As we were driving, Jenni called. She sounded terrible but insisted that she was feeling better after all the vitamin C. I promised to bring her more. When we got back on base, Michelle drove by her house to pick up a jar of kimchi fried rice for me and then took me home. She had to use my bathroom but her dog would not come in. When she came out, I gave her some C and asked her to give it to Jenni. But after she left, Jenni texted that she didn't want any more.

I ate the kimchi fried rice and some bean soup. I chose two hymns, then headed to the chapel with my trombone. But no one came, so I sat quietly with the tree. Then Michelle called to say she was offered an emergency job driving someone from Miami to Kentucky and she had to fly out immediately. So unexpected but I wished her well. I stayed awhile longer, then unplugged the tree. I left the music and trombone there. I went by her house to get the pomegranates.

When I got home, I read messages and e-mail. I compared prices between two supplement sites and made two orders. I gathered items for the gopher project. I had to search my sewing room high and low to find the jump rings I knew I had. I took the evening supplements.  I read some more, then got ready for bed.

Dark chocolate tastes like coffee?

Sunday

I got up at 8:30, having woken once during the night to pee. Not bad, but I did go to bed after midnight because I was up reading a book. I took supplements and prepared the quart of water with amendments. Jenni texted me that she needed my vitamin C protocol and vitamin C. So I looked it up to print it out and could not find it in print, only as part of videos. The vitamin C was easy to find. But all the searching threw my morning off.

I took a shower. I parsed out supplements for a week. I made breakfast and ate it while reading e-mail. I got dressed for church. I had trouble putting in my earrings. Its like they were closing up. I put cheese squares and chocolate-covered sweet potatoes and bananas in two containers. I also had a container of vitamin C for Jenni.

I went to the chapel. I put the snacks on the back table and gave the bag of peppers to the Popkens. I went up front to assemble my trombone. Keli and I played through the hymns I chose because we hadn't practiced them together. Of course it went well.

Pastor Chris gave me a hug. I sat in the front row. Leilani came and sat with me. Keli went up for the opening songs. Bryce went with her. They led us in singing songs of wise men.

Then Pastor Chris gave a Christmas/New Years message. I underestimated him. The last several times he was here, he went into great detail about how Jesus suffered on the cross and how painful crucifixion is. I figured he couldn't do it with a Christmas message but I was wrong. Michelle heard him start in and came and sat on the other side of me. She asked in a whisper if I wanted her to stop him. I said I was considering it. But then he wrapped up and went on with the Christmas part. But I really appreciated her having my back.

After the sermon, Keli and I went up front to play our hymns. Then people hung out and visited and tried the snack. The kids didn't like the dark chocolate and said it tasted like coffee. I gave Rick some vitamin C for Jenni. I packed up my trombone and the snacks. I asked Michelle if she would walk with me to fill up a water jug and she said she would come by later.

I went home, changed clothes, and read messages and articles. I ate the last few tiny tomatoes on the dying plant. Michelle came over, wanting me to go with her to 2^nd street and see what was out on the curb. So we went. There was a table with seating, a night stand, a hose winder, a bike, a small fridge, a couch, a dresser. Michelle was interested in the table set and nightstand, thinking she could refinish them for the new guy. She asked the owner if he was moving and he said yes. He asked me what I would charge to clean it and I said these houses start at $300. But as I looked through it, I realized it had two bathrooms instead of one. Plus it was full of dog hair. And maybe extra bedrooms. Michelle called her kids to help move the furniture to her house down the street. We moved one piece with the car.

We went back for the hose winder and then on to my house. I put the hose winder by the house. Then we walked to the post office where the Primo water machine is now located. I dragged my luggage carrier with an empty water jug on it. I filled it up in the machine, then we walked back with me dragging the heavy jug. She would have helped, but the whole point was to see if I could do it all myself. I was able to get it in the house and next to the counter. There was already a jug on the counter so we just left it there.

Then we stood in the driveway and talked. She had gossip I hadn't heard about a previous resident. Then I realized it was after 5. So she went home and I went in to got on Discord. Chris had left a message on my phone about it.

After a few moments of trying to get all the sound and microphones working, someone did a recap of last week and we started the game. Chris was at Michele and John's house. So there was no one to point to a special spot on my game sheet and say 'there is the number you are looking for'. But I did okay on my own.

During the game, I made supper: carrot salad and bean soup. Saronna came by for the xylitol mints to see if they would help with stomach flu. We finished the game. Then I made up fiber capsules for morning supplements. I worked on my blog, posting for yesterday and jotting notes for today. I dealt with the spices from 638.  I read e-mail and messages, answered texts, then got ready for bed.

Reading into the night

Saturday

I got up around 8:30. I got ready for the day and took supplements. I read some messages and e-mail. Finally I decided to head out to cleaning, but it was 11, so I decided to have an early breakfast, then go. I started the laundry by throwing the dark clothes in the washer. I ate, then threw the dark clothes in the dryer. There weren't enough whites to be a load.

I went to 638 to finish the floors. I found a few other spots too. There was an old tote out by the shed and I cleaned it up to carry stuff to the swap shop. The floors took longer than I expected because of scrubbing off the old mop-n-glo. Finally I gave up. I packed up my stuff and moved it to my car. I also took the heap of laundry home to wash.

I posted to Facebook for the two sets of tires and the Ninja. I threw the load of 2x shirts in with the whites and washed them. I started a bread dough in the machine. I read the latest messages. Then I drank the last of the fiber gel and made supper.

I ate the carrot salad first, and then the bean soup. I also had some chocolate-covered chunks of banana. I washed the gopher heads that have been in a pot on the back porch for months. I folded the shirts. Then I made rolls from the dough and ate two. It made me feel good and a little sleepy.

I looked at resin videos for too long in preparation for making gopher head pendants. Finally I minimized that tab and worked on my blog. I did the zinc taste test. It was a little bitter but never metallic. I picked the little hot peppers for the Popkens. I turned on the red light and sat by it while reading The Hunger Games for far too long. Then I went to bed.

The healthy hike

Friday

I woke up before 6 to pee, then couldn't go back to sleep until 7. It was like someone flicked a switch. All of a sudden my body relaxed and I was out. It was after 9 when I got up.

I washed up and took supplements. I got dressed for hiking. I made solé water and put it in the bladder that Michelle gave me. I ate two eggs and a banana. I put on my coat and the special back pack that held the water bladder. I went outside and started stretching my legs.

Jack came by with his truck. I got in the passenger side. He called Dispatch to tell them we were going to the 5K track. Then we drove there and parked. The ground was wet but it wasn't raining. We hiked it backward from the way the hike usually goes. He was a delightful conversationalist. We talked the whole way up and across and down and back to the parking lot. By then it was raining. I had brought an extra pair of shoes but they got wet too.

He dropped me off at my house. As soon as I got in the door, I took the muddy shoes off and left them to dry. I messaged Michelle and drank some of the remaining water, then drained the rest into a cup. I did some Sudoku as we talked.

I made the pre-meal fiber drink and it was awful with chlorella in it. I made breakfast and ate it while reading messages. I went to the post office, and then to 638. I scrubbed in bathrooms, to little avail. I cleaned the floors upstairs and part of downstairs. I had to scrub stickiness off of the stairs because they had sticky strips on them which I had to pull up and throw away.

I contacted the man who works at the gym. He came over to get the ottoman. A large mouse ran out of it and into the roll of carpet. He also took the gas cans and a bike from the shed. I talked to Jamie and we made a plan to finish the house and contents soon.

I left around 7 and went home for supper. I heated bean soup in the toaster oven and looked up hints for Game Night. I also worked on my blog. Then I made tea and added the usual. I put some cabbage leaves and cheese squares in a baggie for Michelle.

Then I went to Game Night. She wasn't there so I enjoyed playing while Casey and the kids watched. But when Michelle got home from the gym, she sent the kids to bed. Then she ate the snack and we talked while I played the game. I did everything I knew to do. I finished the Path of the Shell. But I wasn't sure if there was more to do for The Great Zero.

The game seemed to be over, so Casey loaded something called Portal. I played the game not knowing exactly what I was doing. Then all of a sudden, it was after 11. We talked for a bit more, then I went home. I got ready for bed and hit the hay.

The tree and me

Thursday

I got up soon after 7:30. Because I didn't get meditation morning yesterday, I did it today. And since I cleaned yesterday, I didn't have to do that part afterward.

At quarter of 1, I went to 638B and cleaned for 3 hours and 15 minutes. The house inside is almost finished, but the outside and the stuff left behind is going to take some time. On the way home, I stopped at the gas station to fill up.

When I got home, I looked up the Ninja cooker that was left in the kitchen. It looks like the FD401. It has none of the accouterments, so someone would have to buy at least the inner pot in order to use it for anything, and the pressure cooker lid for full functioning.

I made the pre-meal fiber drink. I read messages for while, then heated up some bean soup in the toaster oven. When it was hot, I added some rice. I also ate a small carrot salad and two pickled eggs.

I texted to Michelle that I was going hiking with Mr. Pennington tomorrow. I just wanted someone to know where I was in case anything happened out there. She got worried that I didn't have the right kind of shoes for the weather and terrain so she invited me over to try her daughter's shoes.

When I finished supper, I headed over. But I drove by her house and saw her car was not there. I went to the gym and saw Dispatch letting her in. So I parked and went in as well. We walked the track and talked. Then she decided to lift weights. I talked to the gentleman in the lobby, then I walked to the chapel next door.

I let myself in and did not turn on the lights. I plugged in the tree and admired it shining in the dark. Then I sang Christmas hymns, enjoying the peace of the moment. At least until I heard a text come in.

Michelle said she was heading home. So I drove over there to meet her. She showed me the shoes she had in mind. They weren't cute at all. Kinda rugged. But she insisted. She also insisted that I have a water bladder that fits in a backpack with a tube that hangs in the front for easy drinking. Sounded good to me. We talked till after 10.

I went home and checked messages. I worked on my blog. I looked for an image that would convey the message that I can't handle one more thing, but couldn't find a good one. I got ready and went to bed.

Christmas Day

Wednesday

I woke up at 4am and couldn't go back to sleep. I stayed in bed trying until the phone rang between 7:30 and 8. I didn't catch it in time, but it was Michele, so I called her back. John was with her and we had a nice chat about them moving here. Perfect Christmas present for me. Then the nieces and nephews called them for opening presents so they hung up.

I took my morning supplements, then started cleaning in the kitchen. I was kind of waiting for Michelle to contact me about when to come over. I washed up all the stuff I used yesterday. I put some rescued shower curtains through the wash. I put away fabric from several projects ago. And lace and ribbon. I vacuumed floors and watered the plants. I texted Michelle and she said they were all sick. So then I considered the ramifications of accepting one of the other offers. I settled on the Popkins. Then Michelle texted me about going to the sauna this afternoon. I questioned her fitness for that and she said she'd get back to me.

I checked e-mail. The online practitioner had questions for me to answer. On Christmas Day! Geez. I answered what I could. I made fiber gel and ingested it. Then texts came in. Finally I made breakfast and ate it. That included the last two hardboiled eggs. So I put a bunch of eggs in the steamer. I made a tiny pinhole in each one as Keli instructed. I meant to leave a few unpricked so I could test the Negg, which came in yesterday.

Michelle accepted my offer of vitamin C. So I showered and dressed. I put the eggs in an ice bath. I went to her house. They all looked sick. We reviewed the directions: 1 gram of C every 6 minutes until symptoms resolve. I gave her the Christmas crackers with their names on them. She gave me a box with a egg steamer chicken in it.

Faye called as I walked away. I put her on speakerphone so I could talk while driving. She was putting cow tongue in the instapot and didn't know how to use it. I looked up the directions and read them to her. She got it going. We continued to talk. Then I got text messages so I had to go. It was Michelle working on the C protocol.

I finished a game of Sudoku. I peeled 4 eggs with the Negg. I was not impressed. I called the Popkens to see if now was a good time to come over and they said it was. So I got in the car and drove over there. It was difficult to find parking but I didn't mind walking a bit.

Their house was very nice. She has an eye for decorating. The kids visited with me until they all went upstairs to see a movie. Then we adults conversed. She checked on the special soup until it was ready. I can't remember what she called it. It sounded Mexican.

Finally around 8 we sat down to eat. The kids came down. She handed out bowls of soup and there was a plate of chopped veggies as a topping. It was really good. I had two bowls of soup. William called and I talked to him before finishing the second bowl.

There was more conversation as we listened to Christmas music playing in the background. She walked me out to my car. Taps began to play so we stood and faced the music. (I forgot to mention that the kids all got recorders for Christmas and they think I will teach them to play. I'd better figure it out soon. Also the little girl drew a bunch of pictures for me. So cute!)

Then I sat in the car while the windshield defrosted a bit, then slowly drove home. I covered the windshield for tomorrow. I read some messages and worked on my blog. Michelle started texting me. She followed the C protocol and her symptoms are mostly gone (but she was tied to the bathroom for awhile).

After posting to my blog, I got ready for bed. I fell asleep sooner than I expected and did not wake at 4.

Christmas Eve

Tuesday

I got up at 7:30. I got dressed and brushed my teeth. I put the beans in the crock pot. I called Chris to ask what else to put in. Then I added spices and leftovers. I chose some ribbons for the Christmas crackers. I tied one end, stuffed it with potpourri, then tied off the other end. There were 12 so it took a while.

I went to 638 to clean. I only stayed an hour because there were other things to do. I took the Christmas crackers for the colonel up the hill to his house. I delivered them and stayed to chat a bit with him and his wife. He gave me a mug from Polar Express night. When I got home, I ingested half of the fiber gel. I read a few messages, then made more breakfast mix, and finally breakfast. Keli texted wanting to get into the swap shop. So I ran down there and unlocked it. I also picked up a package of bone broth.

When I got home, I had breakfast and listened to Christmas music. I walked down to the swap shop to lock it. I whipped up a batch of seed crackers and threw in some leftovers. I melted two chocolate bars, then made a banana/coconut paste and rolled it into bite sizes. I dipped them in the chocolate. I also rescued the dried sweet potatoes from the dehydrator and dipped some of them in chocolate. Then I sliced up two bananas and drizzled the remaining chocolate over them. I had to put all the chocolate items outside to harden.

I laid down for a bit and tried screaming to relax. Then I remembered my blog and got up to jot down what I did all day. I also got an invitation from MeryAnn to dinner tomorrow. I warmed up the trombone. Do I bring snacks or not? Might not have enough and I didn't promise snacks.

I played through Sleigh Ride and decided it wasn't ready for prime time. I put on my green dress and was gratified to find out that it fits. I hunted for my red light bulb earrings to go with it. And my red embroidered jacket.

Just as I was leaving for the church, Jenni started texting me. So I had to text her back when I got to the church. I unlocked the doors and went in. I turned on all the lights, including the tree! What a treat! Then the Popken family came in, probably thinking they would have to turn on the lights and all that. Saronna and family came next. Then Jenni came and handed out Christmas cards. So I handed out three Christmas crackers: Saronna, Keli and Jenni. Then we talked about the order of service

People came in and settled down. Cpl Popken welcomed everyone and said a prayer. Then he read passages from the Christmas story and asked us to look inside and see if there is room in our hearts for Jesus. He invited me up and we began our hymn sing.

I started with 249 and selected the the others in order till we got to 285. My lip was shot and I had trouble reading the music. Also, when I needed to empty the spit valve, I realized it was on top of the crook, not on the bottom. I couldn't figure that out till after the next song. When I soaked my slides, I had put the outer one on in reverse. So I had to fix that right in front of every one. My lip was thankful for the break.

We played We Wish You a Merry Christmas to end the service. Cpl Popken said a few words. Then while we packed up, Keli played some more modern pieces on the piano. People came up to say they appreciated it and they sang with the piano. Leilani asked me for fabric scraps so I gave her what happened to be in my music bag: a bunch of small pinwheel blocks. Her dad invited me to supper tomorrow but I had a previous invitation. It's my 4^th invitation for Christmas.

We turned off all the lights and locked the doors and went home. I changed into my night gown. I put some bean soup in a bowl and ate while I jotted notes for my blog. I investigated some invoices that were sent to me, then paid them. I was shocked that one was charging me $16 extra for using a credit card as opposed to ACH or something called SplitIt.

I read message for awhile.  Then I went to bed early and used the headphones.  I slept at first, then woke at 4 and couldn't go back to sleep.

Planning the candlelight service

Sunday

I got up after 8. I took supplements and brushed my teeth. I looked online for the recipe for a snack made with coconut, banana and chocolate. But I could not find it. I checked e-mail. I called the credit card company to see about getting a new card since mine expires this month. They said they sent it in October. I looked all over but could not find it.

I ordered a set of tires and a set of tubes. Michelle texted me about the hairdresser coming tomorrow to check things out. I passed the information to Chris and he found someone who could come talk to her. I started the laundry.

I took the fiber gel, then started preparing breakfast. I ate as I read messages. Then I got dressed for church. I took the cheese squares and my trombone and went to the chapel.

I set the cheese squares in the back. Mrs. Popken talked to me until I had to go up front for something. The chaplain talked to me as did Keli. He didn't make the Drummer Boy slides. There were electric candles laid on a table in the center front. Liliani wanted to sit with me and I said sure.

We opened with three hymns played through the computer. Then the chaplain talked about light in the darkness. He asked Liliani to pass out the communion packets. I had trouble getting the wafer part open. I think others did as well. He said the words o Jesus and we took the wafer and drank the tiny bit of apple juice.

Then he explained that people should come up and take a candle and give their testimony or read a scripture. He started and told quite a story about all the troubles he and his wife went through to get here. Then I went up and got a candle and just said Praise God. Others came up and read or said a few words. Finally he concluded the service. The band people went up to play. My slide was sticky so I had trouble. Afterward, I said a few words about Christmas Eve. Then the service was over.

I put my trombone away. I talked to Rick about looking for Christmas lyric sheets. He looked around but didn't find any. I couldn't find any either and started thinking that maybe we should have some even if I had to print them myself.

I took the remaining cheese squares and went home. I listened to a podcast. Saronna came over to give me a present from Karen. Her husband invited me to Christmas Eve dinner.

I changed my clothes. I worked on the Christmas crackers as the podcast continued. Michelle and Isadora came over to get the swap shop key so Isie could get old clothes to stuff a pillow. I hid their crackers. They left and came back with the keys.

I went back to stitching and listening. I went through 4 podcasts. Then I took the last of the fiber gel and heated some beef for supper. I threw in an egg to make it stretch further. I took a break from handstitching to eat.

One of the speakers talked about the benefits of eating beans. So I got out a package of 15 bean soup and put some in a bowl to soak overnight. I went back to listening and stitching. Faye called. She and I talked for some time. It really bothered her that I did not come visit. After she hung up, I realized that the inspection is at 8am tomorrow. I tried to reach Jamie to confirm that she finished it. But she didn't answer.

I worked on my blog. I wondered if I should go to 620 to check it for myself. She didn't call back, so I drove over there to check it out. It looked finished except for the garage. There were two bags of garbage and her cleaning supplies. I hoped she planned to come back in the morning. When I got home, I watered the plants, went through my bedtime routine and hit the hay.

I tried the wedge pillow again, as Faye suggested. It was comfortable but I still needed a pillow for my head. And then I could not flip on my side. So eventually I pushed it out of bed and slept in the normal position.

Monday

I put my old phone in the bedroom last night so I would be sure to hear it in the morning. So I got up at 7:30, brushed my teeth and got dressed. I made a quart of sole water and drank some. Then I hurried to 620 for inspection. Jamie was already there, taking out her cleaning supplies. We chatted briefly, then I went in to sign the papers. I tried to remember what was wrong so I could tell Housing to look out for it, but couldn't remember.

I went home and on the way, remembered the drains upstairs were slow. So I called her and relayed the information. I entered Jamie's hours into an equation and worked it several ways to come up with a whole number. Then I put her portion of cash in a marked envelop.

I made fiber gel and chia water. I mixed a tsp of melatonin with 63 tsp of magnesium and put the mixture in a labeled container. I checked messages online.

I put on a long-sleeved shirt. I headed to 638 and stopped by the post office along the way. When I got to 638, I took off my coat and cleaned the utility room which was cold because the door to the garage won't close. I worked for two hours.

I got a call from Cecelia about the hairdresser. I asked her to meet us at 1:15. Then I let Michelle know. I went home for breakfast. First I ingested half of the fiber gel and other pre-meal supplements. Then I worked on making breakfast. Someone called and that took time. Then I prayed and sat down to eat. I read e-mail as I ate.

At 1:10 I drove over to the swap shop which is right next door to the beauty shop. No one was there so I let myself into the furniture room to sit down. Cecilia came with another lady. I came out and we all went into the beauty shop. It had been repainted and was nice except for all the dead bugs. I got a broom from the swap shop and swept up. Michelle arrived with the beautician and her husband. She looked around. Michelle brought up all kinds of good questions like does she have ATT, the only service that works well out here. Is there wi-fi, and how will she take payments? What's in the contract? What day works best? What is the next step, etc. Cecelia took her info and said she would be in touch after the first of the year.

Michelle and I took the couple on a tour of English village, including the gym and commissary. Because of Kurt, I asked about the Asylum, which is a haunted hospital. She said she had been there and felt the presence of spirits. Michelle was surprised because she hadn't ever heard about it.

Michelle dropped us off at the post office. They left. She followed me to 638. She wanted to see the upgrades that the former resident put in. She pulled down the shower curtain so I could wash it. Then we chatted for a long time.

We left just before 5. I went directly to Housing to turn in the key to 620. I wished them a Merry Christmas since they won't be open tomorrow. I went home to take the rest of the fiber gel and heat up the last of the beef for supper. I rinsed the beans again. I ate supper while listening to a podcast. I boiled two sweet potatoes for dehydrating later. I worked on more Christmas crackers.

Finally it was time (or past time) to work on my blog. I put aside the last one, and wrote up the events of today. I ate the second to last tomato. I am afraid that when the last tomato is picked, the plant will give up and die.

I ran hot water in the tub and laid the pieces of my trombone slide in to soak. I finished hand-stitching the last Christmas cracker. I dimmed the LED kitchen lights a little at a time to simulate sunset. I went through my bedtime routine. I tried my old headphone which had been charging all day. Finally I got them to come on. Only the left ear had sound, but it might have helped me get to sleep anyway.

Embroidery

Saturday

I got up around 8:30, not having slept well at all. My stomach seemed to be full all night long. I blamed the fiber gel. So I only made half as much today. I took supplements and worked on gifts for the colonel's family and Michelle's family. I selected and cut squares of fabric for each person. I went through my lace collection to see what will go and decided to do them all the same.

I took a break to shower and to get my bicycle out of the garage. I worked a little longer, then rolled the bike over to Geode Circle. A man there had posted that he wanted to help people with their bikes for free. He looked over my bike and made some comments. He promised to text me what kind of tires and tubes to get. I met his wife and we talked about all the things to do at the chapel.

When I got home, I was ready for breakfast. But it wasn't ready for me. I had to parse out supplements for the week first. Then I made and ate breakfast. Someone texted me about the swap shop. So after breakfast I walked down there and unlocked it, then got the mail.

When I got home, I resumed working on the gifts. I laid a piece of stabilizer in the hoop and did a test run with Jamie's name. It worked out ok. So I did another piece and was able to get 5 names in the hoop, each one on a different fabric. I did a second piece, too and got 6 names on. I was really tired but I pressed on. I serged the edges. Then I heated some beef and rice for a quick supper. My stomach didn't feel right so that's all I ate.

I grabbed a craft project and my sewing project and ran to the chapel to open it for Craft Night. I was alone so I got out a sewing machine and sewed lace on the sides of each of the squares. Then Saronna's family came and Karen came. I hid the square with Saronna's name on it. They had their own crafts and dug in. Saronna's husband was back finally from Cuba. It was good to see him and I am sure she was happier still.

I finished sewing on lace and did some ironing. They finished their projects and packed up so I did as well. There wasn't more I could do until I get more toilet paper cores. We all headed home. I stopped to lock the swap shop.

I started working on my blog but got sidetracked with Telegram messages and then Sudoku. Kurt started texting me which was strange because its two hours later there. I finished my blog and went through my bedtime routine. For the shortest day of the year, it felt like a really long day.

Game Night

Friday

I got up after 8. I brushed my teeth and got dressed. I took supplements. I got online but the power blinked and the internet went out. I texted Chris. Then I printed out a page of Christmas math. I sprayed my car windshield with alcohol. I did a few last errands, then drove to the chapel.

Karen pulled up beside me with Saronna's kids. I unlocked the door and we all went in. Only Moira had math so Karen brought crafts for the other kids. When they were done, they went to the nursery to play. Moira worked as fast as she could. They stayed late and I had plans to go cleaning at 10 so I shooed them out at 10:20.

I went to 638 and worked on the front door and baseboards. At noon, I went home and started the breakfast procedure. I ate while catching up on e-mail. Then Michelle called to see if I was ready to go. She came over and checked on her dehydrated sweet potatoes. She brought the snack she was trying to emulate. I thought it was close.

Then we left them there, and I got in her car and we went to Tooele. She dropped me off at Melanie's while she went to Great Clips to get my name on the list. As I was checking out, she came back. She used their restroom and brought me back the toilet paper tube. We went to Great Clips and they called my name in less than a minutes. As I was getting my hair cut, I said Dugway needed a hairdresser once a week. A lady spoke up to say that would be perfect for her. She gave her card to Michelle. If it works out, that's my gift to Chris.

After the haircut we went to Macey's. I got some groceries but they didn't have everything. So then we went to WalMart. I got a watch and some bananas. But they didn't have much in the way of black earrings.

We headed back to base, chatting the whole way. We stopped at her house to let the dog out. Electra was happy to be home. Then we went to my house. I brought in my groceries and she collected up her sweet potato chunks. Then she left.

I ingested the last of the fiber gel. I heated the last of the chili. I made a carrot salad and ate while listening to something and checking e-mail. Chris called and we talked. Then I worked on my blog. I was still hungry but so full of fiber that I couldn't eat.

At 8:25 I pushed myself away from the computer. I made tea, then watered the plants. Then I went to Game Night. Michelle was all excited over planning a trip to France. She wants to stay in a castle and is inviting people to go along. She'd like me to come. I played the game, finishing the original version and turning my attention to the first expansion pack. I tried to use the toran, distance and elevation figures to find the last markers, but none of the places I went seemed to be close, although the library did give me a red blinker. But no marker.

It was after 11 when I left. I was in a hurry to get home and did not stop at the stop sign. I got pulled over for it and did not have my license on me. But I did have registration and insurance. Finally he let me go and I went home, jotted notes for my blog, and went to bed.

Dehydrating sweet potatoez

Thursday

I got up at 7:30. I brushed my teeth and took the first supplements. I made solé water. Then I showered and got dressed. I put away all the dry dishes and took out the garbage.

I took the large print Bible and went to Bible study. No one else came, so the Chaplain went over the study sheet with me. Towards the end, Cpl Popkin came. When I told him about the Christmas Eve service I was planning, he offered to give a short message.

After the study, I went to 638 to clean for 90 minutes. I did the sliding glass doors and some baseboards. Then I went home for breakfast. I ate the fiber gel, then prepared the usual breakfast. I put on The Highwire to watch as I ate. The program was about the politics of polio vaccines. How they are credited with a reduction in the levels of polio, but actually it was changing the definition of what constituted polio that made the numbers go down. The photo of a gym full of iron lung machines was actually taken on a movie set. I also wrote an announcement for Christmas Eve service and sent it to Chris to forward to the people who send e-mail messages to residents. And I posted it to the Community page.

When it was over, I went back to 638 to clean the outside of the windows since it was the warmest part of the day. Because he (the former occupant) had dug out 6 to 12 inches of his back yard, I had trouble reaching the tops of the windows. I used the step ladder but it wasn't very stable. I also cleaned baseboards and walls and the inside of the front door.

I read messages for awhile, then ate the rest of the fiber goop. I heated up some chili and beef. I also made a carrot salad. After eating the salad, Michelle came over to use the dehydrator for slices of sweet potato. I ate the beef and chili as we talked. We talked more than I thought because I was surprised when she told me it was 10:30. I had to kick her out after that.

Then I took my evening supplements and answered some e-mail. Then I worked on my blog. It was after 11 when I went to bed.

Planning a service

Wednesday

I got up soon after 7:30. I prepared for coffee morning. I had to make more dosages. I exercised, meditated and tapped. I kept checking my phone and Facebook for messages from Chris or the community. Chris kept me up to date on his flights to Virginia. Nothing from the community.

When I finished coffee morning, I started cleaning. But I guess I was distracted because I started washing dishes before the bathrooms were done. I vacuumed the den and mopped the kitchen. I went to 620 at 1 to open the door so Kyle could get the vanity. I went home and did the C cleanse again, for two hours with no result.

At 3:30 I went to 638 to start cleaning the kitchen cabinets. Jamie came by right after 5 to run the trash out to the street. We talked for 20 minutes and she went over to 620 to finish cleaning. I cleaned until 6:30, then went home.

I talked to Michelle about having a singing service for Christmas Eve since neither of the churches had any plans. She seemed to like it. She said she would ask around. I put on an interview to listen to while peeling eggs. But I only did two and then ended up reading e-mail and Telegram messages.

Finally I worked on my blog. Jamie called to let me know Samantha had picked up the table and chairs. I ordered an egg-peeling device. I posted about the craft night. I put on another URU video and paused it. I watered the plants, then played it while I peeled the remaining eggs.  Soon it was 11 and time to get ready for bed.

Fern

Only put off until tomorrow what you are willing to die leaving undone.

Pablo Picasso

Let the shenanigans begin

Tuesday

I got up before 8. I took supplements and steamed over a dozen eggs. I checked e-mail. I prepared an ice bath, then put the eggs in when the timer rang. Mikeala called to ask me to unlock the chapel. So I threw on some clothes and drove over to open the door.

When I got back, I prepared for cleaning. I went to 638 to see what condition he had left it in. The door to the garage was open and would not close. I started to clean and Jamie came over. We discussed what to do with stuff left behind. We went through some of the food.

I went to 620 for an hour. When Jamie arrived, we changed the garage code because someone had left a window open since I left last night. At noon I went home for breakfast. Someone posted on Facebook that they wanted to get into the swap shop, so I went and opened it. I proceeded to the library. We talked about the craft kits they were handing out and if it would be ok for me to schedule a craft night for that.

Then I went to 620. Jamie and I talked for a bit, then I cleaned for 2 hrs. A man came to fix the toilet. Jamie moved the leftbehind stuff to the laundry room. She wanted to finish up so I gathered my cleaning stuff and went home.

Chris arrived seconds after I did. He changed his clothes and we filled the water jugs at the Primo machine. When we got back, I made supper. He packed the car, kissed me and left for Salt Lake City. I ate supper and worked on my blog. I wanted to watch an episode of Call the Midwife, but I could not find the open tab. So I watched a bunch of URU videos.  It was very soothing.  At 11, I quit and went to bed.

A house with hay

Monday

I got up around 8. I watered the plants. I checked e-mail. I made more breakfast mix, and chia water and fiber gel. I went cleaning at 10, then stopped at 11 to go to a signover. But when I got there, he said it was rescheduled for 3. I went back to cleaning. At noon I went home for breakfast. Saronna wanted to get in the swap shop so I walked down there to unlock it. When I got back, I worked on scanning and printing hymns for this coming Sunday and the next.

I was going to go to the library but there wasn't time. In a few minutes, I went to the signover. Along the way I got a text from Keli that she had to work till 7 (which means either she would miss band or I would have to reschedule everybody). But I didn't have time to deal with that. I found the occupant talking to the ladies from Housing. He said he had to go get more cash so he left.

We looked around and commented on the yard which he had dug out and filled with hay. She called Gary to come look at it. He said they would have to charge the resident to remove the hay and fill in the dirt. I called Jamie to see how much she would charge to remove the hay. The resident paid me for cleaning and we all signed the contract. Jamie came over and quoted a price. Then she went to talk to Carrey about the hay.

I went to 620 to clean. Housing wanted it back sooner than usual, so I finished the downstairs and worked on the tub upstairs. Someone had flicked ashes in the toilet so I flushed it. I kept cleaning and eventually realized that the toilet tank was not filling. I tried to settle the circular thing in the middle but with no luck. So I called Chris and he said to call Maintenance. So I did and they said I had to stay there until someone came out. So I continued to clean. And a man arrived to assess the situation and jury-rig it to stop running.

After he left, I turned out the lights and went home. I ate the last of the fiber goop and put some chili in the toaster oven. I made a carrot salad and ate that. Then I ate the chili. Chris came home from work and set up the rice cooker.

And it was time to go to band. I took my trombone and the music and headed to the chapel. Saronna was there with Sophia. I unlocked the door and we all went in. We turned on the lights and got set up. Janet and Liliani came. We went through 4 carols and a few tunes for the possible talent show in January, all without piano.  But I was very happy to have Saronna back.  Afterward we packed up and went home.

I walked to the swap shop to lock it up. Then I started working on my blog. But Faye called, so I talked to her till 9pm. Sounds like she has been working on the house. Then I made tea and we watched two episodes of Taxi.

Chris went to bed and I worked on my blog and read some e-mail. Then I went through the bedtime routine and joined him as he slept. However I could not sleep, as usual.

Christmas readings

Sunday

I got up after 8 and brushed and took supplements. Chris cut up the bacon from yesterday. I made cheese squares using the bacon. I read some e-mail, and asked for a massage, then took a shower. I ate some fiber gel, read a little e-mail, then worked on breakfast. After eating, I got dressed for church. I put the cheese squares in a container and went to the chapel.

Having arrived, I put the cheese squares in the back. I came up front to greet Keli. She paid me for cleaning. I talked to the chaplain about putting up the lyrics to Little Drummer Boy next week. There was a chair and stand set up by the Christmas tree for readings and I suddenly remembered I had agreed to do one. It was still in my music bag so I looked over it hurriedly while placing hymns on the stand by the piano.

We sang all the verses of two hymns. Then the chaplain explained the order of the readings. He read first, then I went up to read, followed by Janet, followed by Keli, followed by Rick, then Jenni, then Bryce, then Summer. The chaplain said his closing prayer and I indicated our playing. So he invited us up to play. We did our two hymns and he prayed again. Then Mikeala came up to entreat people to stay after the service and help with Project Poinsettia.

After the service, no one had opened the cheese squares, so I did and I walked around offering them to whomever would take one. One little boy followed me and he ended up getting three. Then I said goodbye and went home.

I changed my clothes and contacted John who needed another 15 minutes. I read some e-mail and then he and I got on Discord. We talked about all the numbers that needed updating since our group is now at level 4. He sent me a large print game sheet. I printed it off but the gray parts did not print and so there were no lines or boxes to write in. I started writing in the new numbers as best I could understand them.

I ate the last of the fiber gel. Chris started the game: We met clandestinely with an older fellow for information but he got shot in the eye by an arrow. We caught the culprit and questioned him. He agreed to talk if we agreed to let him go. He was more helpful than his life was probably worth, but we let him go anyway.

It got late so we ended the game there and promised to meet back up in January. I worked on my blog. I made tea and we watched three episodes of Taxi.  Later Chris went to bed, but I stayed up to read.

Cousin Gwenda comes to Dugway

Saturday

We got up around 8, after hearing the alarm. I brushed my teeth and prepared solé water. While drinking it, I checked my phone and saw a text from a man asking for house cleaning. I texted him back and 15 minutes later was on my way to his house. He had added upgrades and all his own appliances, which he was taking with him. I looked around and admired what he had done. There were no holes in the walls. He said he had covered and painted them. A truly excellent job! The fronts of the cabinets were really covered in drips so I figured it all canceled out. I charged him the starting price of $600 for a 3 bedroom.

I went home. I checked my phone again and saw a text from my cousin saying they would be here in about an hour. Oh! You never realize what state your house is in until company is coming. So, I started working on the dining room table. I also cleaned clutter from the vanities. I dusted in the livingroom and moved clutter around.

She texted that they were at the front gate. Chris went to meet them while I continued to clean and then set the table. When they arrived, we greeted each other warmly. We had lots to talk about so we all sat in the livingroom. Then we went around the housing area for a tour. Afterward, I took them to the swap shop. Dale wasn't thrilled, but Gwenda and her two daughters loved it. They all got stuff. Gwenda got things for her new granddaughter. They even left two bags of stuff. Then we went to the house I am cleaning so they could see that kind of housing. They seemed to like it. Chris was hoping to talk the daughters into getting jobs at Dugway.

When we got back, we sat down to lunch. We had leftover chili from last night and some shredded beef. Chris found some rice. We chatted as we dined. I gave them the rest of the cheese squares to snack on their trip. While I cleaned up, Chris took them to the commissary to check it out, and then they were on their way.

We read e-mail for a bit, then I put together a cleaning kit and went to Keli's RV at 3. They weren't quite ready for me. So I waited as they unloaded their truck and put the dogs in and drove off. Then I did the usual cleaning. I texted her when I was done, emptied the vacuum cup and threw the contents out. She was waiting in her truck outside as I drove off.

When I got home, I read e-mail and Telegram messages. I ate half of the fiber I had mixed with water this morning. It was kind of like a thick jello. There were other supplements to take with it. Then I prepared my usual breakfast. I ate that plus some pickled eggs. I worked on my blog and got ready for another Game Night. They offered me an extra one since the game kept quitting on me yesterday.

I went over at 8:30. The kids were still up. They chatted as I played the game. There was a difficult jump to make and they interrupted me each time till finally it quit being fun. I was able to return all 4 pillars and collect the symbols associated with each one. I went to the cave to enter them on the obelisk. Something started to happen and then it quit so maybe I had them in the wrong order?

I went through the different worlds looking for more markers but didn't find any. It got to be 11 but Michelle asked me to stay until she finished whatever she was doing on her phone. Then I thanked her and went home. Chris was still up. I went through my bedtime routine and hit the hay. Chris came in afterwards and was soon asleep.

A cracked filling

Friday

I got up at 8. I got dressed, took supplements and read some e-mail. I went out to brush the snow off of my car. It was light and dry so easily brushed off. I read a little more, then grabbed some paper and went to the chapel for Math Morning.

I saw footprints going up the walk then around the side to the back. I walked up to the front door and unlocked it. I got set up. No one had come yet, so I got one of the Catholic hymnals and perused it for lines with simple rhythms.

Saronna and her kids arrived, covered in snow. Moira sat with me and we worked on decimals. Then Jedediah came over to work on counting. At 10 they started packing up. After they left, I locked up and went home. I texted the chaplain that there was mice dirt on the tables and surfaces needed to be wiped down before the food was laid out. He apparently didn't know that the Polar Express event was having food.

Chris said the Pass was not safe to drive so I called and rescheduled my dentist appointment. But then he said we could go the long way around. So I called back. Then I spent an hour parsing out supplements. I made and ate breakfast. Chris was swearing at his computer or his phone or maybe both. I kept to myself.

We left at 12:30 for Tooele, listening to a book on CD. He dropped me off at the dentist and went shopping. He was back before I got called. Presently the call came. I was shown to a booth. We chatted about dental injectables. I had a short list of ones that were claimed not to have graphene oxide, nanoparticles, etc. She had one of them so I was relieved. The dentist came over to give me the numbing shot. He left for a few minutes, then came back to drill out the cracked filling. But it hurt. So he injected me again and left. Meanwhile the assistant had nitrous oxide on me (with my permission). But I felt like I couldn't breathe. She adjusted the air flow and turned down the nitrous. I enjoyed the feeling, kind of. But my body needed more oxygen.

The dentist came back and completed the replacement filling. Again, the feeling of suffocation. I had to remove the nasal canula to breathe. She hardened the filling, and I was free to go. I went up front to pay. It occurred to me later that I should have asked for nitrous-to-go. Might be helpful at bedtime.

We went to Melanies and Chris helped me get bags of flax and coconut. I also got berberine. Then we headed back to base. We stopped at the commissary and I let Chris go in by himself. I rested until I remembered fruit. So I called him and he picked some up. Then we went to the post office and I let him go in and get it. No packages.

When we got home, he put the food away while I laid down to rest. But I couldn't sleep. I wished I had some of the nitrous. I got up and checked my messages. Chris made chili and took it to the chapel for Polar Express night. I said I might come, but I never felt like eating chili. I stayed home and ate the rest of the turkey soup, which made room in the fridge for leftover chili.

I watched some URU videos to remind myself of what I needed to do for Game Night. I read e-mail too. Chris came home after 8, while I was working on my blog.  I prepared a bottle of tea and went to Michelle's house.  She wasn't home, but Casey got the game up and running. 

 Then, at a critical juncture, the whole thing shut down. He had to restart the computer and the TV.  Steam insisted on updating (as it always does).  It's a long process.  And this happened several times, much to his perplexion.  Michelle came back from the gym and we talked.  I got to play some more and it didn't happen again.  He said it must be from the dryer.  On the same circuit?  Anyway, I played till 11.  They said I could stay longer or come back tomorrow night.  I said I would, then thanked them and went home.  

Chris was still up.  I did a quick check for new e-mail, then went to bed. I finished my routine, then got under the covers.  That's when Chris came in and got ready for bed.  

LDS Christmas party

Thursday

I got up before 8, having been awake for while and not able to go back to sleep. I made solé water and drank it. I read messages. Then I got dressed up. Michelle started texting me. Chris came home to get me. We went to the school for the Assumption of Responsibility for our new CSM. I spoke with CSM Cho's mother who is Korean. Then we took our places for the ceremony. It took about 15 minutes. Afterward, Shannon talked to me about her daughter's science fair project.

We all went to the Club for a reception. I stayed in the adjacent room, chatting with various people. Jack invited me to go hiking with him after Christmas. Considering how tall he is and how short I am, I don't think we would be moving at the same speed.

I wandered into the main room and found Chris. He was getting a plate of fruit and wanted to finish before we left. I wanted to be introduced to CSM Cho. So he introduced me and then finished his fruit while I chatted with her.

We left the Club and went home. I consumed the fiber drink, then read some e-mail and made breakfast. I ate it while watching The Highwire. Chris went back to work. I finished the Highwire and read some messages.

Then I went to 620 to clean. I spent two hours. It got dark and I couldn't see well enough to clean walls. I went up to the chaplain's house to leave him a jar of solé water. Then I went home and had another fiber drink and the other stuff that goes with it.

Chris came home from work. As he started to make supper, he talked about going to Polar Express tomorrow instead of game night. So I asked him if he was going to the LDS party tonight. Well, he had forgotten, but since I reminded him, he said he was going. I didn't want to go, just wanted to have my supper in peace. But he insisted it was part of his job to go so he went. I stayed home long enough to eat a bowl of turkey soup and the cup of soaked chia.

Then I changed into a red and green outfit and drove to the church. Michelle had saved a seat for me. So we talked as others were eating. She made up a plate of food and took it to the new guy at the gym. When she got back, the play was starting. It was pretty simple. The kids were dressed up and approached the stage one group at a time. We sang carols after each group. Michelle took pics.

When it was over, Chris and I headed back to base. I got the extra door mat and went to the water machine to place it, but someone already had. So I just drove home. I ate some cheese squares while I worked on my blog. I made tea and played my trombone. Then we watched three episodes of Taxi. We both stayed up till 11 on our laptops.

The vitamin C cleanse

Wednesday

I got up around 8, not having slept well. I brushed and swished. I put on coffee. I checked Facebook for messages. Then I looked at settings for Edge and saw that Yahoo Mail was set at 50% zoom. I deleted the entry (the only option it gave me) and then it displayed my inbox at the usual size. Whew! I did my special exercises, then spent time tapping and meditating. I watered the plants, at least the ones that seemed dry.

I cleaned the bathrooms and washed dishes, including all the utensils used in making cheese. Chris came home for lunch. I vacuumed and mopped. I took a shower and got dressed. I read some e-mail, then put away the drying dishes and cleaned the stove. I started a vitamin C cleanse. I dealt with some mail, then other stuff piling up on my computer table. 14 doses by 6:58.

Michelle stopped by to get the jar of cheese that I made for her. Gwenda messaged me on Facebook asking if they could come over on Saturday morning.

I watched a presentation on microgreens. Chris came home from work and changed clothes. No Mass tonight. Chris asked for their info to do the background check. I went through a holiday tapping video. I gave up on the vitamin C cleanse. It wasn't having any effect.

I watched part of a video on Syria, then worked on my blog, made tea, and played trombone. We watched three episodes of Taxi. Chris went to bed, but I stayed up to catch up on e-mail.

Good start on cleaning

Tuesday

I got up before 8. I brushed and dressed. I read messages and checked e-mail. Before 10 I went to the post office to mail the blocks I made. I got into a conversation with the clerk, and then she got a phone call, so I left.

I went to 620 to clean. I was surprised to find the front door open. Did I leave it like that? I closed it. I parked in the garage. I started cleaning the kitchen cabinets. I turned on the self-clean cycle.

At noon I went home for breakfast. But first I had to mix a tsp of fiber in water. I tried using just a small amount of water to make a paste, but all that did was give me all clumps. I ingested about half, then set the timer for 30 minutes. Surprisingly it took 30 minutes to make breakfast what with all the additions.

I ate while reading e-mail and Telegram messages. I called Saronna to see if I could come over and show her my method for using the magnifier sheet. I jotted notes for my blog.

I took my contraption over to Saronna's house. All her kids were there because today was a short school day for teachers. Anyway, I showed her my set-up for attaching the magnifier sheet to the stand. We discussed it and the kids put in their 2 cents.

At 3:30 I went to 620 to clean. I cleaned the stove and fridge for 2 hours. Then I locked up and got in my car, noticing that my car sign was gone. It was not on the ground.  So I drove home, retracing my route, but I never saw the sign. I wondered if someone took it.

When I got home, I ate the rest of the fiber drink. I set the timer for 30 minutes. I took the other pre-meal supplements. Then I put turkey soup in the toaster oven. I read the latest messages and looked for another magnetic car sign online. Amazon had lots of the wrong thing but none of the right thing. Wrong search terms?

Around 8, I posted to my blog and made tea. I made a pre-meal box of supplements/powders. But there was no room in the pantry closet to put it. I practiced a little till Chris was ready. Then I turned on the red lights to shine on my head while we watched three episodes of Taxi. Afterward, Chris went to bed and I stayed up to look up some of the characters we saw that looked familiar. I took two swigs of silica before going to bed.

Last minute blocks

Monday

I got up before 8. I brushed and took supplements.

I worked on my supplement sheet, trying to integrate the new ones with their recommended timing, like 30m before a meal, or midafternoon, or after supper, etc.

I got dressed and went to a signover on Coyote. It was kind of sad because I like her. After she left, I took a pic of the remaining table. I put hot water in the tubs with ammonnia. I soaked paper towels in vinegar and lined the toilets. I also put the stove filters in hot ammonia water to soak in the oven.

I found a box on the front porch. I brought it in and unpacked it. It was the felt and tissue paper from Blicks. I consumed some fiber water. It was more like gravy. I looked at music clips online, then went to make breakfast and realized I needed more breakfast mix. So I had to use the old version of the supplement sheet to do that. Then I could make breakfast and eat it.

I continued looking at clips, changing my search term to adjustable lyres. I didn't find anything that would quite fit the bill. But I looked in my trombone stuff and found some marching music lyres there. I was able to put some pieces together to get the effect I wanted: clipping the magnifying panel to the music stand several inches from the music.

I typed in a few more things on my supplement sheet and printed it out. Then I found more things to type and ways to tweak it. I steamed a dozen eggs. I sent a pic of the table to the new guy from last week. Yes, he wanted the table. So I met him over on Coyote and open it so he could get in. He had tools to take the top off and he put it in his car. I went to the post office to get mail on my way home. Soon after he arrived with my table and table cloth.

When I got home, I picked two Christmas hymns, scanned them into the computer and cleaned up the copy. Then I printed them out as large as possible. Then I remembered I had forgotten to make the 5 quilt guild blocks that are due tomorrow. I had to e-mail the lady in charge for the directions. She responded pretty quickly. Then I sewed all the strips together and pressed the seams as instructed. It only took half an hour.

I peeled the dozen eggs, messaged the egg lady for more, then went to the chapel for band. The lights were all on, but no one was there. I unlocked the door and we went in. Keli and I played through the hymns, then a number of Broadway tunes including some we had never played before. It took almost an hour. Then I tried the stand clip. It seemed to work. I wanted to take a pic to show Saronna, but I didn't have my phone. So we locked up and left.

When I got home, I drank the rest of the psylium husk water. Then I read some e-mail and put turkey soup in the toaster oven. I took the supper supplements and ate some sweet potato casserole. Then I ate the turkey soup. I wasn't really hungry after the fiber water.

I made tea and we watched three episodes of Taxi. I had the infrared light on. But I didn't notice anything from it. Then Chris went to bed.

Making cheese

Sunday

I got up after 8. I took supplements and checked e-mail and other messages. I asked Chris for a massage (that I didn't get yesterday) and he complied. Then I took a shower and got dressed. Jamie texted me looking for a gravy boat. I unpacked it and left it by the door. Then I went to the chapel.

Mikaela and her sister and Summer were working on Project Poinsettia. Mikaela was baking and the others were setting up stuff in the fellowship hall. I suggested we wash the tables first. Then we put out two sets of 62 gift bags. In the first set we put a coffee cup with a candy cane and a packet of hot chocolate. Then we tied them shut. The other set was for cookies which she was still baking. We were instructed to sign all 62 cards. So we did. As we were signing, Jenni asked me to be her helper in the nursery during church services. I was not inclined to say yes, valuing my calm service time.

I went home to eat breakfast and get ready for church. I also warmed milk to make cheese since Michelle gave me 4 quart jugs of goat milk. I got dressed, put cheese squares in a container and took my trombone to the chapel.

I arrived, and put the snacks in the back then took my trombone up front and assembled it. I chatted with John till the service started. Then we sang three songs, two of which were Christmas hymns and one of those two was one the band planned to play after service. So I turned around and mentioned it to Keli. She went to get her Christmas book and I picked a hymn from Winterfest.

We enjoyed the service. Then the chaplain invited us up to play. I saw Mikaela sit in the front row. I assumed she was listening to us play, but when we were done, she came up to the podium to ask for volunteers to stay after church and help her bake. With such a tiny kitchen, I wondered how many people it could handle.

Keli told me about the washing machines not working at the laundry room. And about a pitbull at the dog park. Then she left to change clothes and help Mikaela. I talked to John about a number of things, including my shrinking inbox. He suggested looking at Edge settings.

I went home. I put rennet in the fermented cheese. I scooped curds from the vinegar cheese on the stove. Then I read some e-mail before cutting the curd on the fermented cheese and straining the whey out.

Chris heated up turkey soup. The game started a little late. I ate while we played. Immediately we were attacked by orcs. We eventually won the fight as we always do. We tracked them back to a larger group and decided not to engage. We continued on our way. We ran into a BisonRider with his Bison. Kiki and Gravewarden went nuts petting and feeding the bison. The rest of us asked him questions about Entropy and the Vessel of Light. After he left, we were visited by the avatar of Entropy. We fought him and he disappeared.

After the game, Chris and I talked. I told him what Keli had told me. He asked me to put it in an e-mail, so I did. We dressed the bed. Then I worked on my blog. It was 10 till I finished. We watched one episode of Taxi, and it was a to-be-continued episode. Chris went to bed. I stayed up to put in a Swanson's order before the current code expired. Then I went through my bedtime routine and climbed in bed.