2020 Diary: The Days Dwindle Down

12/22/2020: Up at 5 AM after the usual wandering in a Roman wilderness of puzzlement. Prayed, then watched a little TV (Dragnet, My 3 Sons) then was able to drop off for less than an hour of real sleep. I’m not in any pain (except in my right leg) but mostly suffer from lack of energy. Kam came in about 12:30 PM and we watched some Christmas on YT, though he did keep talking all through everything. He went in about 2 PM. At 3:30 PM I dragged myself in and made sausage and taters and fed the animals and made Kam cheese toast. Back home at 4:30 PM and laid down. Up about 6:15 PM. Caught up diary. I should read Bible. Kaitlyn and Ryan home about 5 PM. They got pizza and brought me in about 4 (big) slices; I almost couldn’t finish. Made order for HEB. Bed about 9 PM.

 

12/24/2020: Up about 6 AM. Prayers and Bible. Feeling good. About 8 AM went out to take recycling, checked porch, and no groceries, so the order I made hadn’t gone through. Oh, well. About 10:30 AM Kaitlyn came over and said she and Ryan take me to pick-up HEB pharmacy for my medicine; we went, then I waited in the truck (I certainly didn’t want to tread the store during Christmas rush) while they shopped. Home and lunch; they’d bought me a BBQ sandwich and potato salad. About 5 PM we gathered for supper. Kelsey and Ryan had arrived, and they brought Goose, so we had the whole pack with Kylo, Vader, Jade, Kia, and Goose. Had tamales with chili and cheese, hot cheese dip and chips, soda, baked cookies, etc. Afterwards it was already dark, so we gathered around the firepit and played Catchphrase. The Ryans smoked cigars and drank mightily, and the talk was fun and a good family gathering. Toasted s’mores, and I even drank a little wine. Lots of smoke and sparks flying up and dogs poking their heads everywhere and some tried to eat the toasting forks and Andy melted a part of his boot on the firepit. Kenny and the Florida Babels checked in and wished us a Merry Christmas. Everyone went in about 10:15 PM, and I spent a while unwinding (some Perry Mason) then went to bed at about 11 PM.

 

12/25/2020: Merry Christmas! Awake at 5:30 AM. Prayers and Bible (the Nativity from Luke this morning). Caught up diary. It’s now 6:36 AM, and I’m to go in at 9 AM to make the traditional pancakes and eggs and bacon.

I worked on breakfast from 9 AM until about 10:30 AM, and it was the usual fine smoky business, with much jockeying for pancakes as they came off the griddle and fried eggs as they got better and better as my hand improved. Finally, we had all eaten by 11 AM, and we started handing the presents out. I got a light jacket, a Yeti cup, a fruitcake, and a certificate from Susan and Andy for $100 services on Ebay.

During the rest of the day there was playing video games, hanging around, and Kaitlyn and Ryan left about 2 PM, as K had to go back to work this evening. Later Kelsey and Ryan went out visiting his folks and stayed overnight. I called John about 5 PM and wished his folks the happy merry. I spent part of the evening with Susan making out what I wanted to order, which she will do as soon as at the shop computer (more secure). I’m finally getting those two seasons of Venture Bros, the 2020 Unfinished Tales, Tolkien the DVD, and Monster of Frankenstein Volume One. Fiddled around until I went to bed.

 

12/26/2020: The Feast of Stephen. Woke up with many thoughts about my old liege lord, Wenceslaus, Duke of Bohemia. Prayers.

Also had a Terry-Pratchettesque dream where I was a wizard who had found a talking blue orb that everyone was suddenly investing great significance in as a celestial body grew closer in the sky. I hadn’t been a very important wizard, but the orb had started talking to me and I passed on its messages and suddenly I found myself becoming a reluctant high muckety-muck (all the more powerful wizards had gone off to a battle or something and hadn’t returned). Then there was some lackey who had been gathering power under guise of serving ‘the Luminary’ and was ready to step in and seize the Orb so he could rule, but then I stood up for myself and wouldn’t let him, because I had figured out (at least to a degree) what the Orb was for: it was a probe from a spaceship that was coming to visit. We stood eye to eye; I don’t think he thought I had spine enough to stand up to him as I had been saying all along how reluctant I was to take up power. He was kind of surprised that I was.

The day piddled along pleasantly. At about 1 PM I went in and got the rest of the chili for lunch. Susan and Andy working on cleaning and boxing up Christmas stuff. Then later Kelsey and Ryan touched on home just long enough to clear out. Ate the last 2 pieces of pizza and a couple of Jack in the Box tacos. Cleaned up house. Reading Lafcadio Hearn’s “Japan: An Interpretation.” Now 6:06 PM and evening shadows gather. About 9:10 PM read Bible.

 

12/27/2020: Up at 6 AM. Prayers and Bible. Out the door at 7 AM.

Rosary, then church at 8 AM. Fr. Stan told us the shocking truth that men were men, women were women, and that it was they that made up the family, along with children. Got a new church calendar. Went by FD on the way home and got eggnog, diet Dr. Pepper, ravioli, and chowder. Home and spent the day lollygagging while S&A worked on putting Christmas away. About 12:30 PM I offered to pay for Chicken Express; with one thing and another we ate about 3:30 PM (S&A were asked to tow a vehicle that had stalled in the line in front of them!). Finished reading Hearn and dipped into Keats’s letters. No [animated] comedies this week.

 

12/28/2020: Up at 5 AM. Prayers, Bible. Started watching “Wild Strawberries”, then drifted off near the end, then dipped in and out of “La Belle et Le Bete”. At 9 AM started wash. “The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm” on, but Lord, it needs editing to be bearable. Today Susan should send my Christmas order off. Weather overcast and dampish but warm. Changed loads at 10:15 AM, then again at 11:30 AM. Kameron called me a little after 12 and asked for eggs and bacon, and I did so. Clocked into Disney+ and watched “Candace Against the Universe” [Phineas and Ferb]. Ate some leftover Chicken Express for my lunch. Came back a little after 2 PM to make broccoli salad and by the time I was finished it was 4 PM, so I made the fish cakes and couscous and fed the pets. They finally fixed the backyard gate today. Laurel and Hardy on all evening. Washed up at 8 PM. Made an HEB order for tomorrow. Finished rosary at 10 PM. Caught up diary. Ready for bed.

 

12/29/2020: Up at 7 AM. Prayers and Bible. Medicine. Boxed up the Christmas decorations. It’s now 8 AM, and the HEB delivery should be here any time.

And so it was, at about 8:20 AM. It took me about 3 trips to get it in (mainly because of the soda), but with the gate fixed it was easier. Had chicken spread and crackers for breakfast, along with a can of peaches. Then chicken noodle for lunch, and a ramen with eggs.

About 3:30 PM started supper, of potatoes, carrots, mushrooms, cabbage, onions, and sausage (which was frozen). Fed the animals, brought in the bin. Ate some broccoli salad and took in my sausage on bread. Started my rosary, then Yen called, then finished the rosary. It’s 7 PM now and I think I’ll go in to wash up. Did so, then watched Gomer Pyle and Green Acres, then pretty much went to bed.

 

12/30/2020: Up at 7 AM. Prayers and Bible. Had Campbell’s Chicken Noodle Soup for breakfast. Spent most of the morning listening to 2 episodes of GGACP, Christmas shows. And so on and on. Reading, eating. Sent John what I had written on Koppa. About 2:30 PM started supper: chicken, rice, mushrooms, and broccoli. Weather all day had been darkly overcast and when I came in at 4:30 PM it was actually raining. This is a good thing, in view of the New Year fireworks. Went in a little after 7 PM and cleaned up. Watched Green Acres. Rosary, then bed.

 

12/31/2020: The last day of 2020. Up at 7 AM. Prayers, Bible (last two chapters of Matthew), and rosary. Ramen and crackers for breakfast; medicine. Posted on POB. Went in at 9 AM and made Kameron a grilled cheese and some scrambled eggs; had some eggs myself. Thunder and rain all morning so far, so I think fires won’t be a big deal tonight, as far as fireworks are concerned.

Susan came home at 1 PM, just when I was going to make some spaghetti for myself. I suggested we make all the spaghetti for supper, and she agreed enthusiastically. At 3 PM I prayed another rosary. At 4:30 PM I went in and made supper, and then just a little after 5 PM we all ate. Cleaned up, wished everyone a Happy New Year, and returned to the guest house. About 6:30 started another rosary (I mean to catch up the few I missed last week). Called John at 7 PM and talked a while wishing him a Happy New Year. Drew last picture of the year. Started a fourth rosary at 7:30 PM. Watched Green Acres. Now 9 PM and I’ll probably read a bit and hit the hay. Already hearing some fireworks.

 

Notes

I was watching a lot of Green Acres at the time; it had freshly started up on MeTV recently. I haven’t much since then, and probably won’t want to for the next thirty years. I’m as nervous as a dog at all firework times; not about the sound, of course, but for fear of fires. I know how reckless pyromania can make some folks. Still, I wouldn’t ban them. I’ve got more expert on HEB deliveries; now I instruct them not to come to the front door but deliver ‘to the porch/carport attached to the right side of the house.’ No stairs, cuts down on the toting time. Interesting to see how long certain items have been in the Archive; once they are there, books and DVDs become sort of timeless fixtures, only vaguely dated. I wouldn’t have guessed five years for some of those things.

Diary 2020: Cusp Times

12/15/2020: Up about 7 AM. Prayers and Bible. Cleaned kitchen. Started writing a bit. At 8 AM gave dogs what little remained of the leftover stew and brought the garbage bin in. Watched some Perry Mason, then more writing on Koppa. Went out at 10:05 AM but the recycling truck hadn’t come yet. Picked up a few blown pieces of trash in the yard. Weather rather cold gray and bleak. Caught up diary and mean to do a few more things (posting on NOT and FB) before either resuming writing or taking a nap.

Weather improved into sunniness. Did a little more writing. A little before 2 PM I looked out and saw Susan picking up some fallen branches; apparently, she had already brought in the other bin. Wrote a little more, which is unusual for me. Usually, my writing is confined to the morning when I have the most energy. About 4:30 PM I was preparing my ramen of supper when Susan called and asked if I wanted any of the chicken and rice Aunt Janet had brought them yesterday. I went to the door and got a couple of breasts that went into my soup. Watched more DQ11 on YT. About 6:30 PM Kam called and asked me to make him some corn dogs and TX toast, which I did in my house. Rosary 7 PM. Split the evening between MeTV, DQ11, and Oliver Twist, then went to bed.

 

12/16/2020: Up about 4;40 AM. Mouthwash, shave, and clean kitchen a bit. Catch up diary and wonder if I’ll go to DG this morning. Guess I’ll wait to see how I feel come 7:30. It’s hard to gauge one’s health right off the bat and I feel that I need to work my legs a bit anyway. I suppose the next things are prayers and Bible.

After that, I got dressed and did leave about 7:35 AM. Clear and cold, and I didn’t seem to have any symptoms. Got to DG at 8:02 AM, and saw someone had busted the glass out of one door and it was replaced with a board. Got block cheese, chips, Ritz chips, Tostitos spinach dip, salsa verde, Vienna sausages, Spam, and eggnog, and a big cup for cocoa and more Cinnamon Toast Crunch for the Shanafelts. Got home and found Vader outside the fence! The girls were still in. He went right back in when I opened it. I suppose he has learned the trick of squeezing out through the bungee cord. I tied it with the cord the pool guy had used and told Susan. I guess this means I’ll be walking the long way around again.

Anyway, I started drinking the eggnog and had Ritz chips with spinach dip for breakfast (healthy!), and at lunch had some Dorito chips with cheese and a can of sausages. Set up a reservation for Sunday and we’ll see how that goes. About 5 PM I finished off the cheese on Dorito chips and some salsa verde. While I was actually writing my page on Koppa John e-mailed me the second time today expressing his enthusiasm about the project. Watched some Adam-12, Flintstones. Now 6:07 PM. Since yesterday was the last day of their quarantine, I think at least Susan went out (to work?) but no-one told me if they wanted supper, so I haven’t cooked anything. About 6:30 PM I started my rosary.

About 7 PM Susan called me and asked me if I wanted any more of that chicken and rice, and that also there was a salad and some nilla pudding. I was still pretty full, so said I could probably handle the pudding and salad, but no chicken. So we met at the back door, and she said she’d been to work but Andy was still in a bad way with a temperature of 102. I ate the pudding, but the salad which was much bigger than I had thought (it must have weighed a pound) was more than I could manage. Finished my rosary, which was the last decade devoted to Andy. Read more Oliver Twist and dropped off about 8 PM.

 

12/17/2020: Woke up on and off, sometimes reading a bit more (I’m past the halfway point) till about 2 AM, when I felt I had to get up. Cleaned up the kitchen and put the Kindle on to charge. Took a look at the little round heater and thought about how it was a relic of the last years at Loop Drive and how Pop had bought it, and how here it was getting me through another December. I was a bit wheezy in the bottom of my lungs which sitting up seemed to help. It’s a bit ironic that now that I have the means to address more of my health concerns this dratted plague is keeping me and everyone who would help me tied down at home. Now a trifle past 2:30 AM, and I suppose I should try to lie down again. Did so about 3 AM at last.

Up again at 6 AM, moving mighty slow. Prayers and Bible. 28 degrees right now; guess it didn’t hurt that I was up every now and then to flush the toilet, to keep the pipes flowing.

Wrote a page of Koppa. Made myself a big mug of cocoa and ate a cookie to take my morning medicine. About 10 AM I went out to take garbage and recycling and Ryan Tovar was there, running Jade around a bit outside the fence. We talked a bit (keeping our distance) and then he left. Made a ramen with eggs and salsa verde, which wasn’t too tasty, but not bad either. After a bit my tight chest was leading to a little wheezy cough, and a growing chill and a fever, I guess. I need to get a thermometer.

Throughout the day I watched DQ11 and read Oliver Twist. Ate my other jar of spinach dip with chips. About 7 PM Susan offered me some leftovers and I took some nilla pudding again. Watched Green Acres and finished Oliver Twist, then started a rosary, which, on and off, took me to about 12:30 AM.

 

12/18/2020: In my feverish state I drowsed and woke about every hour or so, going to the restroom and then drinking some water. About 4 AM I woke up feeling better, so I went ahead and prayed today’s rosary (the beads still being by my bed). Then I washed dishes and straightened things up (which I hadn’t felt like last night) then watched an episode of Dragnet. It’s now a little after 5 AM. Prayers and Bible, then lay back to sleep some more at 5:30 AM.

Awake at 7:30 AM, and ready to start a new day. Put on water to boil for hot cocoa.

Over the morning I wrote about 3 or 4 pages of Koppa. Had one cup of noodles for breakfast. Every now and then I felt like I had a fever, and my mind seemed a little muddled, and now and then a yapping, wheezy cough then once a shuddering shaking chill that rattled my bones (this was early morning when it was coldest). I bundled up in coat and cap and gloves and that seemed to relieve it. Ate nothing for lunch, as my appetite (at least for ramen) seemed gone. Went through the day dozing for an hour or two then up for a while then back to bed. Watched my evening shows, fried a can of Spam for supper (not, perhaps, my best decision), then laid down in earnest. Still went through the night up and down every hour.

 

12/19/2020: Up at 6 AM. Prayers. Decided that I would not go to FD but order from HEB. Getting a thermometer as well. Supposed to have thunderstorms on and off through the day, but not falling below 60 degrees. Bible.

About 9:30 AM Susan calls and asks me if I want to go to the bank this morning. Of course I do, and hustle to make the deposit slip, and off we go. So we were also going to get tacos, but the first place was closed. Then we went to RBFCU, then to Aunt Janet’s to return her pudding bowl, then to Noe’s Taco Place, then to Frankies’ to get Andy some power drink, then to DG to get some medicine and soda, then home by 11:30 AM. Susan bought me 3 tacos and now I’m settling in to eat them. HEB order due soon.

The tacos were big, and a little salty, and I only managed to eat two and a half. Went out at noon and got the order and started drinking the orange juice. Laid down and napped, and so it went all day, up a little then down a little. During the morning I had felt okay, but later I felt iffy. My new thermometer seemed to show I had a slight temperature, from 99 to 100 degrees through the day. Finished watching DQ11 on YT. Late at night managed half a can of chicken noodle soup, took my medicine, then laid down.

 

12/20/2020: Up at about 4 AM after a weary night of retreading in my mind a cycle of trying to say my prayers but losing my place and having to start again. Settled down to say my prayers in earnest, then Bible, rosary, and church on YT. Then I finished the soup, took my morning medicine, and laid down again. Up at 8 AM and caught up diary.

Had another can of soup and some prunes. Reading Clement Miles book about Christmas (which, being of an elderly persuasion, has some of the wildest speculations, trying to fit everything into fertility cults). Watched some Simpsons and some Ray Bradbury Theater and some Maude. About 1 PM Kameron called, wanting to come over, but I had to tell him that for safety’s sake he’d better not just yet. Then just a few minutes later the prunes took effect and quite a cleansing purge burst forth. Took my temp at about 2 PM, and it seems down to 98.7.

Yen called and we talked for a good bit. He said I really need to watch “The Mandalorian”, then John e-mailed me the code to get on Disney Plus, which means I can. The evening limped along and I went to bed fairly early.

 

12/21/2020: Got up about 7 AM after up and down all night. Prayers and Bible. Spent most of the day watching a Duck Tales marathon. Andy went back to work today. Started my wash about 11 AM. Made cucumber salad at 2 PM; talked to Kambo. Made a couple of cheese sandwiches for lunch. The day was warm, and I felt pretty normal except for aching joints. At 4 PM went in and started fish and couscous. S&A came home about 5 PM on the dot. Took some couscous. Haven’t napped all day so maybe I’ll sleep better tonight. Probably pray rosary now and then be pretty much ready for bed. 

 

2020 Diary: Winter of Discontent

12/8/2020: Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary. Alarm went off at 6 AM, and I lay in bed for about 20 minutes, then began getting ready. Out the door at 7 AM. Rosary, then mass.

Home at 9:10 AM. Starting breakfast for Kam, and myself. Ate, prayed, and then lay down a while. Up at about 12:30 PM and made a sandwich and ate some broccoli salad for lunch. Finished reading Omoo. At about 3 PM Susan and Andy come home; they have tested positive for Covid-19 (almost inevitable with Fred waltzing around like he was), and now must quarantine until the 15^th. In the meantime, Kam and I will stay away from them as much as possible, but I think we’ll get it anyway. I ran over to FD about 4 PM to see if they had any vitamins (they say C, D, and zinc are good to take on board) but they don’t carry any. So I opened an account at HEB for delivery and ordered some for us all, including some staples (juice, soup, detergent) that Susan asked me to get. It should be delivered tomorrow between 8 and 9 AM. Made Kam corndogs and taquitos for supper in a sort of long-distance operation. Started reading Cossack Fairy Tales, watched Green Acres (a clip show), then read Bible. Now a little after 10 PM, so some more reading, then bed, I think.

 

12/9/2020: Mom’s Birthday. UP at 5 AM, and knew I was just awake. Prayers and Bible. I know that without my daily routine of fixing supper, helping Kameron, etc. (knocked out of kilter by the quarantine thing) my day will have little rhythm, so I must figure out what to do with my time. Writing and editorial work suggests itself; also a daily viewing of my DVDs. It would be prudent to stop going to the dollar stores and to church for a bit. Hopefully by Christmas I shall be good to go again.

So. A little before 8 AM I go out to put some recyclables in the bin and wait for my HEB delivery, and I am just in time to see them driving away. I put S&A’s stuff on the kitchen porch and take my vitamins in. I think I’m going to have trouble resisting the Vitamin C ones; they’re just like little orange slice gummies! Make ramen for breakfast and take my medicine. For lunch I have raviolis – eventually 4 cans! Anxiety and boredom. Trimmed my beard; my chin looks a little pointed now.  John called me about 1 PM and we talked a while. About 5:30 PM they call me for some lasagna – it’s different, made with jalapenos or salsa verde or something – and a breadstick. In the evening I finish the Cossack Fairy Tales, then break down and order soda, cookies, and pies from HEB, deliverable tomorrow. But then nothing until next week. I hope. Anxiety and boredom, although I feel fine so far. Prayed rosary; finished at 8 PM. Ready for Green Acres at 8:30 PM. Afterwards read BC comic books then settled down to sleep.

 

12/10/2020: Up at 5:30 AM after the usual intervals of waking and dozing. Spent a few minutes assessing my health, trying to figure out if it was any worse than any other waking on a cold autumn morning and finally thinking that it wasn’t. Prayers and Bible. Dressed, took aspirin and vitamins. Now almost 6 AM.

Went out at 8 AM to wait for my delivery. Started my rosary while waiting. About 8:20 AM the delivery woman came. No Just Peachy HEB soda, but everything else, including Very Cherry Fruit Cocktail. It was delicious, and I gave a can to S&A later. Started reading lots more BC. At 10 AM I went and got the stuff for stew out of the garage, where Andy had set it ready, and started stewing. Watched a bit of Patton. At 12:51 PM John came over and dropped off a fruitcake (not the little bar fruitcakes, but a whole big round one). The stew (with pork roast, mushrooms, onions, carrots rice, and taters) was ready at 3 PM, which was earlier than I imagined, being made as it was on my little burner. And yummy it was, too. Been eating pumpkin pie and drinking diet soda on and off all day, as well. It’s now 8:30 PM and Green Acres is on.  Bed soon thereafter.

 

12/11/2020: Up about 6 AM, I guess, and then prayers, Bible, and rosary. More B.C., Perry Mason, and pumpkin pie for breakfast, then vitamins and medicine. About 11 AM Susan and Andy asked that, if I was going to the store, I would get them some cereal (either Apple Jacks or Cinnamon Toast Crunch). Since I had been going to go maybe Saturday, I went ahead and went, getting more fruit cocktail, some garlic pepper and lemon pepper, a jar of cheese dip, and paper towels as well. (They had CTC but not AJ.)

Over the afternoon I ate a can of fruit cocktail and the dip with Ritz crackers. Got through all the BC comics (there are more duplicates than I remembered).

I had messaged Kenny about our situation yesterday, and today he replied. He asked me to be careful (as if I wouldn’t be – he was just showing his concern). I don’t think anyone quite understands my position. 1) I don’t want to die. 2) On the other hand, except for any suffering I might undergo, I don’t really care if I die. 3) Ever since my TIA, I feel all my time has been a bonus. 4) In that bonus time, I have been baptized and joined my church, written and published my book, so I have accomplished my life needs and ambition. 5) I’m next in line after Mike to go. 6) I don’t have a spouse or children to leave behind to be cared for, although I do have family who would mourn me. 7) If I do die now, I will be spared quite a bit of suffering and stupidity, which I feel is coming. 8) Although I would probably miss some good things to come, I don’t think they would compare to Heaven. 9) Suppose this world was the only thing there is, and this life is all there is, and death was simply the cessation of existence. So what? No life would be long enough to satisfy you and you’d still have to die sometime. If the world were pointless natural development, what inherent point would life or death have then? 10) But I do believe in God, Heaven, and the ultimate family reunion, so death is not despair to me. 11) If I die now, I don’t have to see anyone else I love die while we’re still here in the muddle.

At 5:30 PM I called in and got the leftover pork stew for supper. Watched some “Pride and Prejudice” on TCM. Saw a short of Mark Hamill on Laurel and Hardy on TCM and passed it on to Kenny on FB. Now a little after 7 PM, and I am stuffed with stew.  Posted on NOT. Put the heater on as it had dipped into the 50’s. Bed about 9:30 PM.

 

12/12/2020: Woke up a little after 2 AM and spent about 20 minutes writing out a dream. The room feels hot. The outside temp is 50 degrees and only going to get warmer so I’m cutting off the heater, then trying to get back to sleep. Posted “Finding Dori” on NOT. Left arm a little numb. 3:45 AM and going to try to lie down again.

Up at 6:30 AM and decide that I’m up. Prayers (with a bit of added earnestness) and Bible.

What a strange day, rather wandering and unfocussed. Watched Popeye’s “Spinach Fer Britain” on TCM at 9 AM. Beef ramen for breakfast. Gathered quotes from Lafcadio Hearn into the Commonplace book. Posted on NOT. Ate rather too much over the day, including drinking about 5 cans of diet soda; sent over a slice of pumpkin pie for Kameron at about 2 PM. Asked John earlier via e-mail to suggest a writing project, and he said perhaps a Goldfire hard reboot, so I wrote a page or so and found it diverting. Watched bits of “The Man Who Came to Dinner”. Prayed rosary about 5:20 PM. Found and messaged to Kenny some pictures of Mom’s Shirley Temple doll. It’s now 7:16 PM, and I’ve had a chicken ramen with Ritz crackers for supper and taken my medicine …

Susan just called. Andy’s Aunt Janet dropped by some stew and cornbread and Susan asked if I wanted any. Put on my mask and took my little pot to the door and she brought me back some stew (I didn’t want cornbread right now; too full). Good stew; lots of meat. Susan says Andy is feeling rather low at the moment. Now 7:42 PM. Watched most of “A Matter of Life and Death” with David Niven, Kim Hunter, Raymond Massey, etc. Some reading then bed.

 

12/13/2020: Third Sunday in Advent, and for the good of all I’m stuck at home again. After waking up in the early hours of the morning to record a dream and make some notes for “Koppa” (a try at a Goldfire reboot) I got up about 5:30 AM, said my prayers, read my Bible, prayed my rosary, and then felt that yes, I would live for a bit yet. Straightened the house, showered, dressed, and now at 6:30 AM I feel ready for YouTube mass.

The day pootled along. I kept a fast till noon, Susan called me just before noon, and said that there was ramen, cup soup, and bread awaiting me in the laundry room, which I went and got. She also told me that Andy had a very upset stomach, though whether that was the Covid or his yearly sinuses is a bit of a toss-up; probably one is aggravating the other. Made ramen sandwiches for lunch and watched some old Simpsons. The day trundled along: I ate cookies, drank soda, and finished off the fruitcake. Tried to watch the new Fox animations. Sigh. About 9:30 PM tried to play some DQ8 but I dropped the controller and I think it’s now broken. Checked the “What’s Where” and the box with the other controllers is in the attic. Of course. Probably stuck there until Andy’s well enough to get it for me. No games, no DVDs for a while. It’s now 11:10 PM. What will tomorrow bring?

 

12/14/2020: Up at 6 AM. I believe that having the heater on may be raising my temperature and causing a proliferation of dreams. Anyway, I believe I was saved by a voice in my dream from making a mistake, call it my conscience if you will, or perhaps even a spiritual intervention. We are left with these ambiguities, so that we are free to make a choice. Prayers and Bible, then got dressed.  Looked at FB and caught up diary. It’s now 6:46 AM. Decided neither to walk to DG or order from HEB today.

Wrote a bit on Koppa again. Went out at 9 AM, saw the garage was open, so started wash. Grabbed some eggs for my breakfast ramen. Listened to GGACP. Ate cookies on and off through the day. Switched load at 10:30 AM, the at 11:30 AM into the dryer. About 4 PM Susan called and gave me the leftover stew from Aunt Janet, two salads, and some peanut butter cookies (also from Aunt Janet). I had just started watching the Laurel and Hardy marathon that had begun at 11 AM. Andy called me at 6:30 PM and asked if I would take out the bins, and I said yes of course I would. It was already dark, of course, but it seemed eerily late, much later than it should. Perhaps it was because how cold and quiet the neighborhood was. Watched “Way Out West”. Rosary at 9 PM. Watching some DQ 11 on YouTube, and it seems to have commercials every 5 minutes! I’ve started reading “Oliver Twist”, which will probably be my bedtime reading then off to sleep. A cold day; I’ve had the heater on for all but two hours. Finally drifted off a little after 11 PM.

Notes

Looking back reminds me of the already quickly fading memories of the worst of Covid and the quarantines. If I could give my past self any advice, it would be stop being so dramatic and stop eating so much sugar. Nowadays I get about one delivery per week with HEB (with much healthier stuff, I hope); it’s weird to think of a time when I was more hesitant about it. The Goldfire reboot only got to about two chapters (both here on the Niche now). Enjoyable, but hard to sustain. For all the Green Acres I was watching (it was a novelty at the time) I have very few memories of the show plots, just of their routine shticks and the ambience of their times. I have had my seasonal indulgences of pumpkin pie, eggnog, and fruitcake, and the cold weather has thoughts being lightly turned to stew and chicken and dumplings. After what seemed like a very long summer and a very short fall (it’s not technically winter until Dec. 22), it’s heater weather again.

 

2020 Diary: The Last of November

11/24/2020: Up about 7:30, dressed, prayers and Bible, ate the last elderly banana and took my medicine. Caught up diary. The morning is cool and a little damp with a spit of rain laying on the land. This continued, on and off, through the morning, but by the afternoon was mainly scattered clouds and fair sun.

In at 9 AM for the usual ramen-and-eggs. Played DQ8 throughout the day, eventually beating Little Rhapthorne at about 2:30 PM and calling it a day. At lunch (12:30 PM, to go back a bit) had 2 turkey sandwiches and broccoli salad. At 3:30 PM started potatoes-carrots-onion-cabbage-mushrooms and sausages and finished at 5 PM. Talked to Kam and listened to Christmas channel while I cooked. Went in and washed at 8 PM. Susan told me all still seemed on schedule over at Babeloth. Watched Green Acres. Read The Confidence Man. Started rosary about 9 PM, but drifted off after the 3^rd decade, finishing it off during the periods I woke up through the night, the last one being at 3 AM.

 

11/25/2020: Awoke at 3 AM and couldn’t get back to sleep. So washed a couple of dishes, said prayers, read Bible, caught up diary, and now mean to shower and perhaps read more TCM, making a drive to finish it and maybe helping me get to sleep.

So, I prayed a rosary, finished The Confidence Man and slept a bit more. Up at 7 AM and got dressed and left at 7:40 AM. Got to DG precisely at 8 AM, just as they opened. Got a ton of junk on my card and was home at 8:40 AM. Watched the end of Perry Mason, ate an apple pie, and gave an expired one to the Rotts and Jade. Went in at 9 AM and got ramen-and-eggs. Caught up Diary.

So, played DQ8. Went in at lunch and had the leftover cabbage-etc.  A little after 2 PM Yen called and we had a nice talk, I telling him about Lady Willow and The Elderly Princess, which I sent to him after we hung up.

In at 4 PM and fed animals, swept porch, and made sloppy joe mix. Now await S&A arrival to eat.

It was about 7 PM when we did eat. In the meantime, I had started the pea salad. Finished making that at about 8 PM, washed up, came out, watched Green Acres, then hit the hay.

 

11/26/2020: Up at 7 AM, prayers, Bible, and rosary. About 8:30 AM Andy came out and asked me to make bacon, eggs, and pancakes, which I did, and we had a good meal. Almost immediately after that (it took over an hour to cook and consume) I started boiling eggs, then made the deviled eggs. When I finished that, I made the mashed potatoes. Also made cheese spread for their trip tomorrow. After that I came in and played DQ8 for a while, showered, dressed, then more DQ8. By 2:30 PM I had beaten Rhapthorne and was at the closing credits when Andy called me, and off to Babeloth we went. Started eating a little after 3 PM, and a fine meal it was with smoked turkey, green bean casserole, gravy, rolls, orange fluff, dressing, soda, sweet potatoes, and for dessert, pecan pies. We yakked and visited and then started playing Catch Phrase, with Kam and Joey taking places on the girl team, as Morgandy didn’t want to play. Kameron did really great! Then Fred called (I think about 7 PM) and Andy had to leave, then Joe came out and played and he did good too, for the first time around. Then he had to go to bed. We moved inside and talked and had a bit of seconds, discussing among other things business and futures. Andy finally got back about 9 PM, and we headed home (John had had to go to bed at 8 PM), stopping to get gas for tomorrow. Home about 9:30 PM, where I finished my DQ8 game and caught up the diary. It’s now 10:10 PM, and I should try to settle down for the night, but can I? I drank a fair amount of Big Red Zero today.

 

11/27/2020: After a restless night, I was up about 6:30 AM. Prayers. Kind of puttered around until the Shanafelts left for the park (a 90-mile drive) where they are going with Amy and the kids. Had a mashed potato sandwich and a turkey sandwich for breakfast, and a few deviled eggs. Kept checking the porch all day because Susan is expecting her Strawberry Shortcake dollhouse, but it didn’t come today. Got the mail at about 11 AM. At lunch had ramen-and-eggs. Did a load of wash. Grassed Ginger. Fed the pets at 4 PM. Played a little DQ8, watched some YT shows on the recent episodes of Duck Tales, and then set the lights at 5 PM. The weather has been mostly cloudy with some spotty precipitation never rousing up to actual rain, hovering at about 60 degrees all day. Don’t have to cook this evening and don’t know when they’ll be back.

So, they got home a little after 6 PM, and Andy brought me a chopped BBQ burger. The evening rolled along (it was weird because the day felt like a Saturday while being a Friday) with Green Acres, a rosary, and defeating the Lord of the Dragovians. Had a hard time going to sleep, getting up and laying down again all night.

 

11/28/2020: Up about 7:30 AM, from a dream of Star Wars characters playing a sacred game of tennis on a planet of reptilian people they were trying to woo into the alliance, when suddenly the Empire swoops in. Sheesh. Did get to see a reptilian funeral, though. Prayers, Bible, getting ready to go to town, if need be, and trying to distract my stupid mind. Rainy drippy (not showering) and so predicted for all day. Had a ramen for breakfast. Watched YT stuff on the old Duck Tales, my latest catch-up obsession. Andy called about 10 AM, and we went first to the bank and cashed my check with some deposit ($4500 back – it’s the most money I’ve ever seen in me life!) then went to HEB pharmacy for my medicine. Now it’s 11 AM, and on we go.

Sent John a collection of about 2 dozen quotes at noon. About 1:30 PM Andy came in and collected $60 because earlier I had suggested I pay for Chicken Express for lunch. Started watching the old cartoon series “Around the World in 80 Days” (there is now the complete series on YT). The Shanafelts finished their business and were home at 3:40 PM and we ate. I unfortunately broke a coaster as we were cleaning up.

Started reading Chesterton’s “Robert Browning”, took a little nap, then read some more. Been raining all day (good, we needed some). It’s now 9 PM.

At 9:30 PM said rosary, then spent an hour or so looking for a statue of the Virgin Mary on E-bay. Found a good one. Now back to GKC until I get sleepy again.

 

11/29/2020: Up about 6 AM. Prayers, Bible, and rosary. Then church on YT. First week of Advent. (I had only tried to reserve a confession spot on Wednesday about 1 PM, and the office was already closed for the holidays.) Father Stan was wearing a vestment that said “Jezu Ufam Tobei” which is Polish for “Jesus, I Trust in You”.

Afterward I posted on NOT and POB, had a shower, got dressed, and took my medicine. It’s now 8:07 AM. I am determined that tomorrow I will get my Social Security and bank business straightened out.

I finished “Robert Browning” and started “Lord Kitchener” (more a pamphlet than a book). About 10:15 AM Andy came out with the weekly leftovers (I ate the boiled eggs and the last of the oatmeal cookies). I took the bowls in and got the leftover turkey and mashed potatoes. As I returned, I heard what sounded like “Morning Has Broken” on the bagpipes being played in the neighborhood. I mean I know the tune, but not exactly sure if it was someone playing the bagpipes. Made a turkey, mash potato, and ramen bowl.

I had just laid down for a nap when Andy arrived with the pumpkin pie and the rest of the tea from yesterday at about 12:10 PM. Had a slice and watched some YT, now ready to get back to sleep … or try to.

So about 5:30 PM I go in to nab more leftovers (mashed potatoes, deviled eggs, Chicken Express stuff) and Andy returns with a burger and fries for me from Whataburger as well. I try watching the Sunday animation block, and it’s oh so dreary. Read Typee, then bed.

 

11/30/2020: Woke up about 5:30 AM with determination about straightening out SocSec today. Prayers, Bible. Arranged my papers, saw there was naught to do until 9 AM, watched Perry Mason and fretted, gathering garbage, etc. Boiled eggs and made egg salad. A little after 10 AM made my call and waited almost AN HOUR, and then when I was talking to a lady and making some progress we were disconnected! Called back and waited another 40 MINUTES until I got another agent (he seemed somewhat duller than the bright lady I had before) and then I was only able to get ONE of the check accounts settled. He suggested I get with RBFCU to settle the other one. >Sigh< But, PROGRESS, of a sort. If I had only been more proactive before and less anxious and depressed, I maybe could have settled the whole thing.

So, got Kameron most of the Chicken Express for lunch, had cheese spread sandwiches, then made cucumber salad. Such a bright, clear, cool day! I was on the manic part of my manic-depressive cycle. Read lots of “Typee”. At 4 PM went in and fed pets, made fish patties and couscous, then out again. Watched the new Duck Tales Christmas episode at 6 PM, which wasn’t as good as I’d hoped, but alright.

Went in and washed up at 8 PM. Watched Green Acres. Prayed rosary. Washed up here. It’s 9:20 PM and a clear cold moon-bright night. Getting ready to read a bit, then hit the hay.

 

NOTES

 Well, I was certainly watching a lot of Green Acres. It had just started playing on MeTV and so was at the same time novelty and nostalgia; it recalled a time when I was a kid. I don’t retain many memories of all the Herman Melville or Chesterton reading I did then, just vague impressions. I only learned afterwards that I shouldn’t have fed any ‘human food’ to the Tovars’ dogs. Thanksgiving that year was over at John and Amy’s; I didn’t have to cook the complete meal, just our contributions, of which pea salad and deviled eggs were our traditional offering. Never did get that statue of the Virgin Mary; ironically, I had a good one from Paper Bear, years before I became Catholic, that had been broken and thrown away. We don’t play many family games anymore; perhaps having the young’uns when we do gather makes it a little more complicated. Lady Willow and the notes for The Elderly Princess are published elsewhere on this blog. A little fuzzy about whether Scattergories is the right name of that game we played, or just the thing I mistakenly called it all the time. [Update: it was really Catch Phrase, which I've updated in the body of the entry.]

2020 Diary: So Much DQ8

11/17/2020: Awake 7 AM. Prayers. Bible. D[ragon]Q[uest]8. Breakfast at 9 AM. DQ8. John called this morning to get picture of Mom and Pop for Morgandy. Get Kam’s lunch 12:30 PM. DQ8. Start supper at 3:30 PM. Finish at 4:45 PM (sausage and fry-up with carrots/taters/onions/cabbage/mushrooms). DQ8. Went and washed up at 8 PM. Green Acres. Rosary at 9 PM. Also read some TCM(?) today. Feeling a little iffy all day. Wrote a few paragraphs of L[ady]W[illow]. DQ8 till almost midnight.

 

11/18/2020: Up about 6:30 AM, after a night of backache. Prayers, Bible. Posted on both N[iche]O[f]T[ime] and P[ower]O[f]B[abel] and left a note on FB. Went in at 9 AM and got ramen and eggs.

DQ8 much of the day thereafter and some TCM. Made Kameron toast at 12:30 PM. Ramen for lunch, and a cheese and pickle sandwich. At 2 PM checked the lasagna instructions and started it at 3:30 PM. Fed pets at 4:15 PM, made garlic rolls at 5 PM, Susan home at 5:15, finished cooking and went in. At 8:15 PM went in and got my share of lasagna and rolls and salad (bag). Watched Green Acres. Rosary, then conked out at 9 PM.

 

11/19/2020: Awake at 6 AM, after a dream about a car accident, then showing Scott Bate my Peanuts books and Gold Key Digests at the house on Loop Drive. He seemed less than impressed.

Prayers and Bible. Showered and dressed. Caught up diary, and now it’s 6:40 AM. Feel the urge to settle this bank business with SocSec, while at the same time not wanting to. Thanksgiving is almost upon us.

Well. Breakfast at 9 AM, eggs, ramen, and bread. DQ8. At lunch Susan came in and told me we were to bring mashed potatoes, pea salad, and deviled eggs, and asked me to make a grocery list, which I promptly did. I rearranged the room a bit. Made Kam grilled cheese. Afternoon wore away with much DQ8, Daily Wire, GGACP. Went in at 3:30 PM to start supper, as I had to shuck the corn (the past 2 weeks they’d got frozen). Rotini, chili. Ate my supper at 5 PM, then more DQ8. Went in at 8 PM to wash up. Finished off the chili by adding shrimp ramen. Played DQ8 up to Cash and Carrie. Took break at 10:30 PM, said rosary, and now it’s a little after 11 PM. Probably play a bit more, then hit the hay. Played until 2 AM, as it turned out.

 

11/20/2020: Up at 6 AM. Prayers, Bible. 58 degrees, but high humidity, so doesn’t feel as cool as I’d like. Must order medicine today and make church reservation.

The minute I went in at 9 AM Kameron told me I would be assisting him with his pinecone turkey project. Had my breakfast, and about 10 AM out he came, and we set up. Painted the pinecone feathers fine, but when we came to the head (including the wattle, which they called the ‘waddle’ – teachers!) they had not sent the pom-pom the instructions called for. We agonized over that for a while, then Kam sent his teachers a message. Meanwhile we watched the Rankin/Bass Hobbit, and then “The Mouse on the Mayflower” – which, on a side note, we watched on a visit to Nanny’s sometimes in the 1968-1971 era. Lunch about 2 PM (cheese sandwich); remembered it was Pop’s 92^nd birthday and posted. Started frying taters at 2:30 PM, and the usual routine followed until I went in a little before 5 PM and found Andy home, to meet a fellow who would inspect the ‘garage’; there are termites! And Andy said that the old great-grampa who is living at the Loth’s (he is 90) fell and broke his neck 9not fatally). The immediate effect on us is that it puts Thanksgiving plans up in the air, until the situation resolves itself. Watched new Duck Tales at 6 PM (with Kam); went in and washed up a little after 8 PM and heard that Kam’s teacher had finally got back to him and said that the bottle cap in the kit was to be the substitute for the pom-pom – which wasn’t very obvious! Played DQ8 until 9:30 PM (having got past Marta’s -Martyr? - death again) then prayed a rosary with intentions for the poor old man’s broken neck and for Pop, then fell asleep. Not a very lucky day.

 

11/21/2020: Up about 7:30 AM after the usual 2-hour intervals to go to the restroom. Prayers, Bible. Caught up diary. Now 8:15 AM, and on with the goddam circus.

A little after 9 AM I headed over to F[amily]D[ollar], and Andy gave me a lift. Besides getting me some Spam, popcorn, and raviolis, I got S&A some chocolate covered cherries and an eggnog for Andy, although Susan told me on the return that she didn’t think Andy liked eggnog. Had the Spam for breakfast. Played DQ8 and finished Pirate’s Cove. On to Empycchu, after I make a Sage’s Stone and cleanse the Hades Helm. It’s now 11:42 AM. A little humid, and a spitting of rain. 

Helped Kam finish his pinecone turkey. About 1 PM Susan brought in another SSI check for me. She wanted me to go deposit it as soon as Andy got back (his father wanting him to do some work today), but he only got home a little before 4 PM, when the bank closes. About 6 PM Kenny called, and we talked about 20 minutes till he said his phone was dying. Prayed rosary. (From lunchtime on I was eating ravioli, four cans stretched over time.) Watched Svengooli (Abbot&Costello Meet Frankenstein), played DQ8 (up to Dark Empycchu), posted, then looked for a Lambie cib-cib [crib]. Rempel Lambies, by the way, are going for about $20. Bed about 11 PM.

 

11/22/2020: Anniversary of Pop’s passing. Woke up about 3:40 AM and thought it was 5:40 AM, so got up, prayed, starting to get ready. When I got to the phone saw the real time. Read Bible, caught up diary, and now I’ll try to lay down a while again (it’s almost 4:30 AM).

Up at 6 AM, showered, dressed, ready to go out the door at 7 AM. Made it. Rosary. Christ the King today, and also the last day of Father Greg and Father Dennis. Walked home and back by about 9:30 AM.

DQ8 much of the day. Leftover boiled eggs, egg salad, bananas, and later Andy brought me a little sample box from Panda Express. Got a ramen for lunch, and at supper Andy brought me the leftover salad and mushrooms; I made a mushroom and chicken ramen with half of them. In between things watched bits of “Hannah and Her Sisters”, the Sunday animations, and “Duck Soup”. Spent much of the evening on alchemy mixes, and now ready to face Evil Sir Leopold tomorrow. 

 

11/23/2020: Up, prayers and Bible. At 9 AM started the wash, boiled eggs, made egg salad, had ramen and a peanut butter sandwich. The morning went on with DQ8, changing the wash, making Kameron toasted cheese, and making broccoli salad. Got a little miffed with Kameron as he tested my patience and I yelled at him, but we made it up and it was okay. Played DQ8 past Purgatory Island, releasing the Dark Castle, and through the Troll’s Maze. Went in again at 4 PM, grassed Ginger, fed animals, made supper, and went in at 5 PM. Came back at 8 PM and washed up, then watched Green Acres. After that I settled down and wrote 8 pages of “Lady Willow”, finishing it up and sent it to John about 11:40 PM. Said rosary and hit the hay with a feeling of accomplishment, having finally told the story in some form after many years.

2020 Diary: Whut?

11/10/2020: Up at 6 AM. Prayers and Bible. Sent John an e-mail, explaining my debit card boondoggle. Spent most of the morning thereafter reading Kipling, and notes on stories from the Kipling Society, and eating bananas. About 8:30 AM started watching Perry Mason. Taken my morning medicine. Leg feeling slightly better, though twangles from (nerves? veins?) still shooting now and then. Mean to go in at 9 AM for ramen-and-eggs.

So almost at random, I started reading “An Enchanted April” and found it engaging and kept reading the rest of the day. John e-mailed me back and said that Amy had my paper and would bring it over in the afternoon. Overcast most of the day and a little gloomy, but I liked that it grew cooler as the day went on. Spaghetti for lunch. About 2:30 PM started carrots-onions-potatoes-cabbage-mushrooms, then sausages. Finished a little before 5 PM. At 5:15 PM I heard Amy looking around the gate and went out to get my paper, and then Susan got home and I remembered the records I wanted to pass on to John, and Susan had a couple of bags of clothes for Morgandy, and then we sat around and visited outside until almost 6 PM. A little after 7:PM (when I had started my rosary) Kameron came in, and we started to watch Hell Boy 2, then paused at 8 PM to wash up, then watched until finished at 9 PM. I completed my rosary.

Back to reading EA until about 10:30 PM, then bed.

 

11/11/2020: Veterans Day. Up at about 6 AM. Still limping and unbalanced but not quite so painful. Caught up Diary. Prayers and Bible. Went in at 9 AM to get eggs-and-ramen. The day was bright and clear again and cool, at least in the morning hours. I finished reading “An Enchanted April”. Around lunchtime S&A tried having Ginger in the outside dog pen (the poor old dear is getting very sloppy about her peeps and poops). She whined and worried. They hope that maybe she’ll get more used to it so she can at least spend some time outside. She’s almost blind and I think entirely deaf and very nervous in consequence. I’m afraid she won’t be around much longer, but until she hops the twig, I’m afraid she’s going to be a growing nuisance, the poor old thing.

In the afternoon I had a beef ramen on bread (and 1 Big Red Zero) and began watching “Enchanted April”, then went in about 2:30 PM to start lunch (rice, mushrooms, broccoli, chicken). Let Ginger out about 3 PM and sat watching her. About 3:30 PM popped all the food in the oven and came and finished watching EA and went in at 4:45 PM to take the food out. 

Rosary at 7:15 PM, then went in at 7:40 PM to clean up. Had a butter-and-raspberry jam sandwich. Started reading “Ben Hur”, but not sure if I will continue on with it. Roused myself at 9 PM to clean up, then ready to hit the hay, I think. Played DQ8 until almost midnight.

 

11/12/2020: Woke up at 6 AM. Prayers and Bible. Still fighting down thoughts, but they are diminishing, and once real life completely takes hold and not drowsy old bad habits, I should be fine. The election continues to be contested, and it is very close, and Biden will probably be found to be the winner, but there is no reason for Trump to concede until it is absolutely proven. Then things will be absolutely clear and no reason for doubts afterward. [Well, that proved to be hopelessly optimistic.] In fact, I am rather fearful about all the “mostly peaceful” protests that would now rage if Trump were found by some miraculous margin to have won. Oy. Now 8 AM. Today’s goals: call St. James for a reservation and call SocSec about account.

So, ramen and eggs at breakfast, raspberry jam sandwiches for lunch. Did make church appointment but funked the SocSec call. Played DQ8 and watched Red&Blue history about Rome. Weather clearish again but neither too hot nor cool. At supper made chili, noodles, and corn on the cob, and had a chicken sandwich with the leftover chicken from yesterday. Went in and washed up about 7:45 PM, watched Green Acres. About 10:10 PM prayed rosary. Now it’s 10:42 PM. Read? DQ8? Then bed at midnight.

 

11/13/2020: Up at 6:30 AM with dream to write down. Prayers, Bible. So it was Friday the 13^th. I went to FD and got cookies, eggnog, shrimp ramen, and Italian dressing at 9 AM. Wrote a page starting a new short story: Lady Willow. I say new, but it is an old idea I’ve had for years. I drew a picture and was going to write a ‘ballad’, but never did. The day went on as per usual, warmer than I would like. Started frying taters at 2:30 PM. Not so many this week and I noticed no lack. Rosary at 10 PM, then bed.

 

11/14/2020: Up about 7 AM. Prayers, Bible. Ate a few cookies to take my medicine. Spent almost half an hour once the water ‘boiled’ (it never came to a rolling boil with the large pot I was using) until the pasta was done. Used the whole bottle of dressing. Eaten at about 10 AM. Wrote a page of LW. Slept until almost 2 PM. Played DQ8 (brought my token count to over a million); read TCM (The Confidence Man). About 4 PM buzzed my hair. Rosary. About 5:30 PM heard Susan working in the back yard. Went and asked her to check my buzz. She told me Kaitlyn had tested positive for Covid but not her Ryan. But she is young and strong, and we are all praying for her, I’m sure. But how long before we see her in person again? Warmish all day, and no cooling down tomorrow predicted. “The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms” on tonight.

 

11/15/2020: Up at 5:59 AM, just before the alarm went off. Prayers, shower, dressed, Bible. Windy morning. Going out the door at 7 AM.

Got to church. Rosary. A little delay with Fr. Greg having to do the service, but he handled it well for having to step in at a pinch. Took the long route home to go to FD, where I bought chips and a 4-pack of ravioli.

When I got home, I tucked into the ravioli, and didn’t stop till it was gone! Shameful. Read some TCM then napped. Andy brought me out some bananas and cinnamon churro chips. Started a new game of DQ8, with the name ‘Erasmus’ this time. About 4:30 PM they came in and said they were going to New Braunfels, and did I want to send some money to get Long John Silvers. Yes, please! Came back before the new animated shows (a dull lot). I got leftover fries from Andy, and leftover hushpuppies from Kam. My own plate was two fish, shrimp, and a plethora of Hushpuppies. When I was done, I was bursting. Really overdid it. By 12:30 AM I was in Simpleton in DQ8 and ready to recruit Angelo. Must stop and go to bed.

 

11/16/2020: Up at 7 AM after early morning sleep broken by dreams and barking dogs. Prayers, Bible. More DQ8 (and all day, at interstices). Wash at 9 AM and made my breakfast ramen. Boiled eggs and made egg salad and cucumber salad. At 12:30 PM made Kam lunch. Hung up clothes. At 4 PM made supper (fish and couscous). About 7 PM Andy came out and told me Susan wanted me to make oatmeal cookies, so I came in. He had to go and buy white and brown sugar. Listened to “Elf” while I baked. Very good batch, too. Went in at 8 PM. Rosary at 9 PM. Playing DQ8. Stopped at 10:30 PM. A cool brisk day, but for some reason I seemed to be distracted, “staring into eyes of darkness and despair, that rise and shrink with hate”, like I lacked all reason to live.

Notes

Well, I have to say that if it weren’t for these diary entries, I wouldn’t have any recollection of reading The Enchanted April, The Confidence Man, or Ben Hur, which I never seem to have persisted in. I still have no conscious recollection of any of that happening, only a written record of it. It makes me wonder what other things never got determinedly noted in my ‘permanent record,’ but which might still be making some sort of shadowy influence there underneath the surface.

In time Lady Willow was finished and is now published on this blog.

2020 Diary: Nine Days in November

11/1/2020: Up about 3 AM. Prayers, Bible, and rosary. Posted more ‘What Happened’ (hereinafter WH) on NOT. Found a picture of Mom’s old jewelry box on Etsy. Lay down and slept a little until 7 AM (and since today is the time change, yesterday it would have been 8 AM). Time for YT church (now 7:30 AM).

Went out at 9:25 AM to get a jug of water, and all around my door is a little swarm of butterflies! Just such swarms as accompanied the passing of Mom and Mike; I tend to think of them as messengers, and here on All Saints Day, why not? Just around the door too, not everywhere at the moment.

The day passed along, a little disjointed because of the time change. I made the last of my Taste of Thanksgiving meals and took the pan and can opener back in a little after noon. At one point of the day (about 4 PM, I guess) Andy brought me out some leftover Panda Express, a lot of stir fry and a bit of chicken and peppers. He asked me in about 7 PM to make some dip-dips, and I got an RBFCU deposit slip from Susan so I can deposit the check that came in on Friday. I’m hoping John can take me when he visits. The day trundled along with Kipling until I went to bed (probably before 10 PM).

 

11/2/2020: All Soul’s Day. Up and down all night trying to adjust sleep schedule until I decided I was up at 4 AM (3 o’clock, according to my body). Prayers and Bible. Shaved and dressed. Saw a little Dragnet (1969, and about race relations). Worked on organizing my SSI stuff into a folder. It’s now 5:42.

I decided that I would bag up the 20-year-old docs and whatnot and just put them in the trash bin, then cut up the cardboard box they were in. The house looks definitely lighter.  I went in at 9 AM, started my wash, boiled eggs for egg salad, and made my ramen. At 10:30 AM went out to put my wash in the dryer, just when the pool guy drove up. Swept the kitchen porch. At lunch Andy came over with yet another Treasury check, this one for November. Puttered around until 2 PM, and when it was clear John wasn’t going to call or come over, I hopped over to FD, this time taking the long way round so I didn’t have to watch the traffic so much. I only picked up some cookies and chips and a can opener (my old one having disintegrated) and some magic erasers, but I got caught behind a woman who had $200 worth of stuff to buy, and it took me at least half an hour of standing there behind her, arm twangling. She was apologetic but did nothing to hasten the process, even getting more stuff as she stood there. Got back home about 3:15 PM, and soon thereafter made cucumber salad, fed pets, started supper, and helped Kameron make a cup of green tea. Came out and got involved with a series about tropes. Watched Green Acres and what looks like the first episode of Hogan’s Heroes. It’s now 10:15 PM (though it seems earlier) and I’m about to start my rosary. Bed 12:30 AM.

 

11/3/2020: Election Day. Up at 4:30 AM to write down a dream, then prayers and Bible, then on a whim thought to look up “The Incredible Time Travels of Henry Osgood” and there it was at last, only put on YT on July 19^th this year! Ran some recycling out at 6:30 AM, and Andy was already heading out on a call. 41 degrees this morning, and a red sunrise.

7:25 AM starting to make beef ramen with hot sauce.

Throughout the day it became obvious John wasn’t going to visit. Watched the Daily Wire show with the four hosts and their guests, and for a while it looked like a Trump victory might be squeaked out. Made cabbage soup with carrots and potatoes for lunch, ate half and put the rest in the cabbage and taters at supper; also made sausages. By the time I went to bed there was still no clear winner.

 

11/4/2020: Got up about 5:30. Prayers, Bible, and a rosary to make up for what I’d skipped yesterday. Also made sure I took medicine, which I’d also inadvertently forgotten yesterday. Posted on NOT and at lunch looked up ‘cardboard chimney’ on eBay and told Susan one was available. Weather just glorious today, cool, with a few wispy mare’s tails. Still no clear winner, but it looks like Biden is gaining. If Biden wins, it will not be because of anything the fellow has done, but because more people hate Trump for some reason. They just don’t like the sound of economic growth, support for Israel, the protection of American interests, religious freedom, or respect for unborn human life.

In the afternoon helped Kameron with his homework about shopping, then made supper, chicken breasts, rice, mushrooms, and broccoli. Ate, took a little nap, then rosary, wash dishes, and today’s rosary. When I went to bed, Biden was 7 electoral votes away from the presidency, with Trump trailing behind. Maybe the magical Utopia the liberals say will spring up and be miraculously instituted, with Covid suddenly disappearing (because it was the Orange Man’s fault somehow). Anything bad after that will be the fault of the unenlightened masses who voted for Trump, the Republican Congress, and the new justices on the Supreme Court, which, if they weren’t still around, all would be sweetness and light.

 

11/5/2020: Remember, remember, the Fifth of November. Up at 3:30 AM, with the idiot neighbor barking at the dogs who were barking at him. Tried to get back to sleep, but no go. Got up and caught up diary. It’s now 4:07 AM, and what am I to do?

It is now 5:55 AM, and I had laid down a while after reading a bit more Kipling (having finished his dog stories) but after some restless drowsiness I am up again. Shaved, in case I do decide to go to DG again later. I suppose it is now time for prayers and Bible.

But first I did some research (being led along by some images on Prof. Oddfellows site) on Fritz Eichenberg illustrations and discovered “Padre Porko, the Gentlemanly Pig” by Robert Davis, which looks and sounds like it might just be my cup of tea. Added it to the Wish List. Now 6:47 AM.

Said my prayers, dressed, and headed out at 7:30 AM. Had to wait 5 minutes till open at 8 AM. Out by 8:20 AM, and home by 8:45 AM. Since I bought 3 jugs of Diet Dr. Pepper for $3, my right arm was dying by the time I got back. Opened the house up, read 2 chapters of the Gospel of John (finishing it up), then went in to get ramen. Kam and Susan still there (9:10 AM) as S is taking K to the Dr.’s. Boiling up wienies for breakfast and drinking eggnog. Took my medicine. Wonder what the political landscape looks like? Either way, it won’t be the Millennium or the Apocalypse just yet, I’m guessing.

Ate 10 wienies for breakfast then laid down to rest. Kam called me at 12:19 PM to make him lunch, which I did, with right leg feeling every yard of my morning journey. Must not try to lug such heavy loads over such distances, I guess.

About 2 PM went looking for a Tinker Bell Tree Topper for Susan, and found it, sure enough. E-mailed the link to her. At 4 PM went in and started supper (leg still hurts and hurt all evening). Made chili, rotini, corn on cob (which was really easy as it came already shucked in a bag). Went out at 5:30 PM to talk to Susan who came out into the back yard. Went in at 7:30 PM to wash up, finish off chili, and watched Green Acres at 8:30 PM. Now a little after 9 PM, and ready for rosary. Bed by 10 PM.

 

11/6/2020: Up about 4:40 AM. Prayers, dressed, brushed up shoes with a wipe of a washrag and some Sharpie. Right leg still aching; I should never carry home so much soda from so far away again. Caught a little Dragnet and one was a teen drugs episode; even stiffer than usual. I wonder what Friday would think of our situation today. 5:20 AM now and I’m making some ramen. Bible, starting Acts today.

Spent most of the morning watching Trope Talks on YT and eating more ramen and polishing off the cabbage/taters/carrots from Tuesday. Laid down about 11:30 AM and Andy brought me in a notice from Medicaid about 12 PM. He said he’ll take me to RBFCU tomorrow at 8 AM.

Continued watching Tropes, talked to Yen a bit on FB Messenger, started frying taters at 2:30 PM, made fish, continued frying until almost 7 PM. Dishes at 8:10 PM. Rosary at 9:10 PM. Fixing to hit the hay at 11 PM.

 

11/7/2020: Up at 4:40 AM. Prayers and Bible. Showered, got dressed. Now 5:25 AM. Ready to make out my deposit.

6:10 AM: wasted time taking a test for autism on FB, and at the end didn’t see any results. Made out my deposit. Okay. Hope it’s right.

Went out at 8 AM and Andy took me to Shanafelt Auto first, then we went to get breakfast tacos. I got 4 eggs, bacon, and cheese, with salsa verde. RBFCU wasn’t open yet, so we came home and ate and headed back out at 9:10 AM. John called unexpectedly at 10 AM, and a little before 11 AM he was here and we went to Walmart. Got a few things like socks, Bengal spray, Big Red in cans, and so on, like bread, jelly, Ritz crackers, ramen soup in cups, pasta, eggnog, dip. When we came home S&A were scrubbing the side of the guest house, and we talked about Biden (apparently the winner), Thanksgiving, and so on.

Spent the afternoon watching more Trope Talk and trying to remember an old story I told Kameron about him and me visiting a magical land and a troll eating his hand (as proof, I pointed to the crease in his wrist where I had used magic to grow him a new one).

About 5:15 PM I started watching “My Favorite Year”. It’s 6:30 PM now, and it’s dark (after a day of glorious weather). Rosary at 8 PM, then I just dropped off.

 

11/8/2020: After several wakenings even before midnight, I finally gave up trying to get back to sleep at 4:40 AM. Got up with ideas about ‘Lady Willow’ again, perhaps adding a Lord of the Wood as another antagonist. Prayers and Bible. Shower and dress. Decide to arrange my funds and find I have an astonishing sum for one who was getting by on $20 every two weeks. Must get my affairs in more order, get shoes, pay bills and so on. “Pride and Prejudice” on TCM right now. I shall be on my way to church at 7 AM.

Limped over to church. Had an elderly unknown priest [Father Mike], who was obviously filling in. After a fairly rambling sermon (he had some good points there but was having a hard time bringing his sheep into the pen), started to limp home, thinking the best part was that I’d had the Eucharist. At the corner where I turn down Nolte Street, Andy drives by and picks me up, having got breakfast for them and heading home. I have peach jelly bread for breakfast.

The day spent with Trope Talk and reading Kipling. Right leg giving me the pip all day, although the weather is glorious fall, with cool breezes, bright skies, and falling leaves. At lunch I went to the garage fridge to get the rest of my grapes, and talked briefly to Andy, who was washing the dog-pen side of the guest house (where it had an enormous green stain). About 7 PM they asked me over to make dip-dips, which I did, and borrowed the medium pot to make spaghetti in for my own supper. Tried dipping into the Sunday animations, but blecch. Read GKC’s criticism on Kipling in “Heretics”. Bed at about 10 PM.

 

11/9/2020: Up about 4:30 AM, after dreams about decay and duty. Prayers, cleaning, and caught up diary. Right leg still hurting, knee still crumpling, right out of the box.

In between I drifted off (thinking about maybe finally writing out the story of ‘Lady Willow’ and woke up just before 9 AM. Bathroom, started wash, then made my ramen-with-eggs and boiled eggs and made egg salad. It’s now just 10 AM.

“We must stop treating ‘Science’ like it is monolithic and infallible; it is an ongoing process of trial and error. Nor is it, in medicine, an absolute that works the same for everybody. An operation or a drug that would be fine for a ten-year-old might not affect a mature adult at all and may outright kill an elderly person. This even applies to different population sizes, ethnic make-up, diet, and so on. It must be handled especially carefully when, in the name of ‘Science’, certain human rights are declared to be curtailed or even abolished.”

Old [PS2] game card actually loaded. Names of ‘Hero’ in DQ8: Walnivar, Braden, Leo, Fists, Rhane, Eltrius, Burian, Samuel, Leo, Finn, Guv M’Boy, Kit Sune, Findlore, Hiro, Po, Dragomir, and now Borkim and Taryn.

Made broccoli salad from 12:45 PM to 1:30 PM. About 3 PM had ramen, then at 4 PM started supper (fish, couscous). Rosary a at 7 PM. Kam called me in at 8 PM to make corn dogs and TX toast. Watched Green Acres at 8:30 PM. Pootled around with PS2 for a while. Tis now 10:30 PM, and I think bed calls. Not quite as cool as I want it. 

Notes

I've spoken elsewhere about Taste of Thanksgiving, a not-entirely-satisfactory dish made when I wait in anticipation of real Thanksgiving, of stufffing mix made with a can of chicken and a can of mushroom soup.  It's getting to be souping weather again around here, and a good beef stew might be in the near future.

This will probably be the most you will hear from me about politics. It is a nasty necessity that I hate having to think about, devolving all too often not into facts but 'narrative.' Sure enough, it is neither the Millenium nor the Appocalypse even yet.

The many names I came up for the Hero in Dragon Quest 8 reflect the many times I started playing it from the beginning again, trying different skill sets for all the characters or seeking out obscure story elements. I remember being stunned when I read books in the Trodain library that had the name I had chosen in them, before realizing that it was just part of the programming. 

We had only just started going back to irl church after the lockdown. I had to do a lot of finagling to keep my old pair of shoes going, a necessity that was relieved by my SSI stipend. I did get that copy of Padre Porko eventually, and Susan did get the Tinker Bell tree topper.