Helenka, Queen of Outer Space

With that intro, you may be sure that I did little decorating, other than putting the summer flowers into storage and removing the lovely scarves from the bathroom door. Well, there's always tomorrow.

First, I had to be dressed to wait for my food delivery because I was expecting my surprise gift bag. Oh, it certainly contained surprises. I'll post separately of the contents. The delivery volunteer was even wearing a hat - I presume Santa's as I couldn't see, and she was definitely jovial.

After that, I had to wait for Brian to arrive with his delivery of goodies. I had the phone turned off, but managed to intercept a call from my former group's co-leader who was calling to wish me a happy Christmas. And then Brian showed up. He's so silly. He threw in items from his pantry, as well as a "sliced" loaf of round bread, four bagels, cookies, and his special Newfie snowballs.

After he left, I had to send my thank you email to the meals administrator, thanking her for her thoughtfulness in a year when it must have been much more difficult to secure donations on behalf of all of their clients.

I'd changed my mind about having a movie night tonight, so joined SuM and S. at 7, bringing treats with me. We exchanged gifties, nibbled on Brian's baked goods, and drank peppermint tea while watching "Ma Raimey's Black Bottom". After the sugar rush (the cookies had been my supper), I bonelessly returned to my space, to relax and watch TV.

I'm so ready to slide into bed, with not only decorating but also all my planned emails to friends. ::waves hand languidly:: Nighty-night.

Obviously, yesterday wasn't worth wasting any words on. If that weren't enough, searing pain woke me up around 4 and I was up for the rest of the night. Yes, I certainly AM cranky and grumpy! To make things worse, there was no N.C.I.S. because it's December and Rudolph just had to visit. Sigh.

Had some unscheduled conk-outs during the day, even when watching the news. Boo. I'm also peeved by unnecessary bureaucracy. I didn't realize my disabled parking permit had expired last September (eek!) so went on the provincial website to see what was required. If I'd actually received the renewal package, all I would have had to do was drop the signed form into the mailbox and - tada - all done. But, now, I have to d/l the form and supply copies of photo ID (which they already have on file, sheesh).

Anyway, I'm going to have some soothing rice and beans for a late dinner and then try to read more of my book. And hope for a much better night.

All I had to do was lie in bed during our Exec meeting in the evening, with my iPad propped up against a ledge. Well, I was in pain so couldn't sit at my desk. But the lights were off so I couldn't be seen. Just as well: nobody needs to be frightened seeing my face and uncombed hair. We zipped through the agenda and ended the meeting 50 minutes ahead of schedule.

I'd also been super busy during the morning processing charitable donations and membership renewals. I also received a beautiful email from the admin of the meals provider. She said my words of thanks yesterday made her cry. Awww.

Even though I'd been productive, my body was a mess - with pain flaring up whenever and no decent vision. So watching TV was more like listening to TV.

I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed by tomorrow. After ordering my meals, I have a two-hour Zoom book club. Then, after that, I have to steam clean my floor in three major areas. I think I'll be worn out. Sigh.

At least I had better success in dodging pain for a second day than those poor pilots had against the Death Star. OTOH, I can't claim the same success for my vision. When I went to bed around 2:30, it was golden against a gloriously chocolate background. When I woke up, it was back to fuzzy. Sigh. However, it did improve after a real brekkie.

Then I went and jinxed myself by meeting S. on the back deck before 2, so she could complete the form in which I'm declining jury duty (for obvious reasons, duh). It was hot and really sunny, so the colour perception leeched out. It's no wonder I keep my lights off and have the blinds drawn. But … sigh anyway.

At least I can be a happy camper planning for next week. I invited that wascawy baby brudder for next Wednesday or Thursday and he accepted Wednesday. Yay for dinner on the aforementioned deck.

After my late afternoon Robax, I conked out for a couple of hours, then watched ST Lower Decks (all the epis seem to revolve around stupid behaviour) and the evening news which offered the radical prospect of providing safe, legal opioids to counter a resurgence of a poisoned supply.

Anyway, I'd better email Brian back. Maybe we could order Japanese takeout? Yummy!!!

So, let's try the publicity photos … again. But, first, a delay because the meals arrived late at the distribution point. Okay, okay, I'm waiting (while wearing a hair clip and red flower in my hair). Finally, the meals arrive. But, wait. What happened to the photographer? Sigh. The driver takes several photos with a cellphone. I go back inside and trip, landing on my knees. Ouch! Then, the admin calls, saying the photog really was there. Really? Must have used a terrific invisible disguise! I agree to pretend receiving my meals with the real photog. Finally, it's over and done with.

That was my morning. Church-John said he'd drop in with goodies before 5. I could barely wait for my muscle relaxants as I'd run out and had a HUGE spasm attack mid afternoon. I received an email and went to sit in the living room. Where was c-J? I waited and waited. I finally sent him an email, but noted to my horror that he'd sent two in between. He said he couldn't see me, so dropped all the bundles on the back porch! I retrieved everything and immediately swallowed two Robax. Then I phoned the blind group's prez, to excuse myself from tonight's exec meeting. [I'd already sent regrets for tomorrow morning's book club.]

After all of that, I had a few mini chocolates and tried to relax, watching my usual TV shows. The pain is under control, but I'm just rattled. At least one bit on the news made me happy. A Canadian company is working tirelessly on a vaccine using tobacco leaves (instead of egg) as the carrier. The tobacco leaves have spiky properties that … okay, I lost track of the sciency stuff, but it's fascinating and exciting!

To my relief and utter surprise, I conked out with the TV on somewhere after midnight and slept all the way to 8 (which was what I intended to set my alarm at). Even though I had not received any email or phone call of confirmation, I still got semi-dressed, fluffed up my hair, and went to sit out on the covered porch at 11. A few people arrived suddenly. Ack. Someone actually started taking pictures of me behind the screen door. Shoo, lady, go to my right. Then she took lots and lots of shots of me pretending to accept my meal. And then I was asked if I would mind being pictured wearing a mask. Sigh. I agreed (but hope it won't be the only photo used). Then, I didn't accept the apparent pretend delivery, not knowing that the staff had chosen one of my most-often ordered meals and was really delivering it. Sigh. Talk about a lack of communication.

After that, I chatted with S. about what would be happening during their absence. Our neighbour will check the mailbox, also water the outdoor plants, while I'm expected to give two house plants a proper soaking in a week's time. Doesn't sound too onerous. After that, I returned to lying in bed - the coolest surface to be.

I conked out again while watching TV in the early evening. Sigh. Was even too hot to eat more than a few grapes. Really hoping for rain this weekend. And that's all my brain can handle.

First of all, I made myself happy. I'm still so grateful for the ability to conk out (most of the time) within minutes of going to bed. I wanted to wake up around 7, but really didn't want to set the stupid alarm. Not a problem, as all the piggies in the universe woke me up at 7:01. Yay. Then I got to tackle the covid-altered ride booking site. I had o answer a screening questionnaire first, then got the rides I needed for next Thursday. Yay, again.

In the afternoon, I was lying in bed staving off pain when the meals admin called. I hadn't sent her an email saying I'd reconsidered. She was just so grateful when I told her I'd do it. And I'll take a chance on the photographer's skill. ::crosses fingers:: After that, I called the hair salon and booked my colour and cut for two weeks from today. But I was shocked to hear I'd have to provide my own mask. Why? Because it's going to get hair dye and shampoo and water on it. So it needs to be either cheap or disposable. At least I have two weeks to find one.

Watched the usual TV including the final regular game Jeopardy! James played before being beaten. It's a run-up to this year's Tournament of Champions that will begin on Monday. Can't wait!

I'm also pleased that my vision improved over the day. Not perfect, but yellow against chocolate is … acceptable. I hope it's really good as SuM and S. picked up the "Nemesis" DVD for me at the library today. ::crosses fingers::

I am always amazed to go to bed with agony-level pain, have it dissipate (even on a crappy bed), and wake up pain-free after 7 in the morning. I will definitely take it.

I am also closer to "looking" more human (but I'm not rushing into it). I phoned the nail salon and have a pedi appointment for next Thursday at noon. OMG. I can't wait! I decided to schedule my hair appointment for the following Thursday, just in case church is on (it's our Anniversary Sunday). Splitting the appointments means I can have two separate days to buy fresh fruit and veggies (yes, I'm dreaming of celery hearts again).

I was also surprised to get an unusual email from the meals admin in the afternoon. She wanted to come over next week to take a photo of me accepting my meals. Well, I gently declined. I like to have control of what pictures are released of me; also, with SuM working from home (which means open concept dining room), the whole thing would be disruptive. Anyway, I'd like to be coddled with this last remaining vanity!

Watched a bit of TV that included a Bull rerun (always entertaining). Also contributed to Savage Love after a brief commenting drought.

Okay, time for more Peppa Pig!

Yes, it was my birthday and all my special plans went awry. But I still had a wonderful day. Gee, the blonde is finally getting wise.

The day started off when I sprang awake at 5:25 (yes, I do love my palindromic numbers). The best part is that, despite falling asleep with the TV on, I was in no pain and had exquisite vision. So, I washed my face and put on eye makeup. Yippee!

Later, I tidied up and decorated. I took a chance by reaching up to my shelf in the closet and grasped the clear bag that held my cheap (but pretty) fake flowers. As I'd smashed my green vase, I had to put the stems into an empty peanut jar! Then I tried to remember where my more expensive and artistic rope was with flowers attached (created by one of the designers at the Shaw Festival). I found it, too! I added it to my bannister.

I made space for my iPad on the dining table. I'd planned to pour myself a glass of Coke, but ran out of time. I quickly put on my black/gold spider scarf on my head and added my two jewelled butterfly clips. I'd cut my bangs earlier, too. And, then, I tried to find the invite Brian had sent me. But I couldn't find the gmail icon I normally use. Help! So I was in the alternate one, but I couldn't read the print. Sigh.

Naturally, Brian called while I was scrambling. When I answered the phone, I think I disconnected the hotspot. [Of course I did!] It turns out S. had d/ld the incorrect app; so Brian and I talked while he and Peter were on Zoom. It was frustrating and I was pouting. And only then did Brian send a link to the correct app. Um … Brian … why couldn't you have done that in the first place? So, after the hour was up, Brian said we'd reconnect next weekend and he'd give me a tour of his special trailer.

After that, I was so weary. I'd already had to take a couple extra Robax. I enjoyed the rest of my lambchops and finally had that glass of Coke and the lemon tart I was supposed to eat on screen. At least I made use of my vision by racing through another book. As for birthday greetings, I was delighted to receive a pretty email from my childhood pal Danny and I emailed her back. There were also other electronic cards and greetings which I will answer tomorrow, as well as a pretty card from SuM and S. I was completely floored to get a phone call from the meals admin who wished me a happy birthday. She also mentioned that they'd received Covid funding for Seniors was were extending fully-paid subsidies for two months. Well, that was nice to receive. She also asked if I'd answer some questions about how I first enrolled in the program. I can still remember Brian nagging me to apply!

I finally had to lie down for a nap at 8. But wait, that's not all. We had a power failure in the house! Good thing I use my cellphone alarm. Anyway, it was restored and I slept for about 90 minutes. And then had to restore my last session. Naturally (sigh), there were complications.

Still, it was only the first of several celebrations. I told the boys I'd keep the decorations up until we do Peter's birthday in two weeks' time. Now, at the end of the day, I think I'm going to have some chocolate and another wee glass Coke.

I got help from two sources today. First, S. said she was going down to the local supermarket and did I want anything. Silly question, right? She came back with cinnamon raison bagels (a new craving) and bananas. Alas, the store was out of organic juice. Then, in the late afternoon, church-John said he was about to make the grand sacrifice of going up to Costco and, I guess, crossing the river in the valley to arrive at my place. So I sent him my huge supplement order and a request for … chocolate.

Unfortunately, I'd woken up much, much, much too early. I ended up watching last night's N.C.I.S. Nola I had also started working on my testimonial for the meals provider to use in a fundraising campaign. With frequent breaks to be in pain and lie in bed, I finally sent it off to the admin.

There were the usual TV shows during the day along with a stunning epi of Bull. That show is both clever and uplifting.

Anyway, I'm snacking on a naked bagel (though I'm dreaming of topping it with Brian's jam and whipped cream!) and catching up on reading while hoping the Robax kicks in soon.