Because I won't be able to post tonight because of the sleep study.

So, I got up at 9:00 and had breakfast and coffee, and showered and dressed. That too me until just before 11:00. Steve and Amy were supposed to arrive between 11:00 and 12:00. I was getting worried because I hadn't heard from them. Steve had said they would give me an idea of when they would arrive, so I almost wondered if we had misunderstood each other about which Thursday they were coming! But no, at a bit after 11:00 Amy texted an ETA of 11:20.

At 11:18 I started getting ready to go and was just putting my jacket on when Amy called and said they were there.

I met them and we went to the Neptune Diner, and had brunch. I had the cinnamon French toast, which was excellent. And orange juice since the only restriction I have on food for the sleep study is no caffeine after 12:00.

We sat talking for a long time after the meal while they had coffee. Then the check arrived and we decided to go to Busy Bee and sit there.

We found a parking spot on Northern Blvd, in front of Flushing High School, and went to Busy Bee. I asked what was caffeine free, and he told me one of the cream drinks, something like blue butterfly or like that. So we got drinks and settled down on the comfy chairs in the back.

We talked for a couple more hours, and then finally they had to go.

They drove me to pick up my laundry though, which was nice. I got that, and they dropped me off. A lovely, lovely time.

When I got in, I did something I should have done yesterday, called my psychiatrist to tell him that he needed to send the request for my prescription refills to the pharmacy. I actually got through to talk to him, he said he had sent it but would again. And now I have heard from the pharmacy that they are ready,

I also paid my rent as my pension came in today. So that's taken care of.

I am going to eat dinner at 6:00ish, and leave here for the study at 7:00. I will take the 44 to the 46, to where I would get off for the doctor, and an Uber from there.

I'll fill everyone in on how it went, tomorrow.

Gratitude List:

1. The FWiB, sadly no Teaming tonight though.

2. Steve and Amy.

3. The Neptune diner.

4. The Busy Bee.

5. Got a parking spot.

6. Clean laundry.

Got up at 10:00 and made it out of bed by 10:30, so bravo to me. Had breakfast and coffee.

Checked the mail, got another letter from the organization that says I may be being overcharged on my rent. They said if I emailed them they would get the paperwork for the past rents on this apartment for me, so I figured what could I lose? I emailed them that I was interested, and I got a response from them tonight that the paperwork will be sent to me directly and I just send them pictures of it when I get it.

I got the email notice that the magazine I ordered for the Kid was on its way to her, so I texted her about that and several other things as well. No response yet of course.

Then I took a shower and washed my hair. I got dressed, and took out a bag of recycling. While I was walking around the block, I detoured to the mailbox and mailed the paperwork for Middle Brother.

Came back home, and puttered online for awhile, then went to the bedroom and got a load of laundry together. Lay down to relax after that and mashfanficchick called. We discussed the past two days, and made plans for tomorrow, when ze is going to help me finally get my Christmas decorations down!

Eventually I figured I should take the laundry down so I got up and did that. Came back, and got on the computer, puttered online until it was time to Team the FWiB.

He had trouble with Teams tonight so we starte late, but we talked until I had to get off for my Al-anon meeting.

The meeting was very good, both M and S were there.

After that I had dinner and went to the bedroom. I called the Kid who didn't answer as usual. Played solitaire for awhile. I thought about downloading Seanan McGuire's 13th InCryptid book, which I haven't gotten around to despite it having been out for a few years. But I decided that I should finish the Jo Walton first.

Then it was pet feeding time, so I did that, and started here.

Gratitude List:

1. The FWiB.

2. Clean hair.

3. The possibility, even if slight, of lower rent.

4. Good weather.

5. Going to get the Christmas stuff down!

6. My meetings and the people there.

Stayed up last night til 3:00, first reading the new Bujold Pentric and Desdemona novella, then playing solitaire and getting a snack. The novella is lovely.

Then I slept until 12:00 today. Got a text from mashfanficchick that ze wasn't going to a ball game today. Got up and put in a Shipt order cause I used up the last of my milk for breakfast. Then while I was waiting I had coffee and read my internet sites.

The Shipt order came quite quickly, faster than predicted, and after it came I took a shower and dressed, and called mashfanficchick. We agreed on plans, and I headed out.

Took the 44 bus. It was a beautiful day. We watched the bitter end to the Mets game (they lost 3 to 1) on TV and then headed out shopping.

First we went to Trader Joe's. WE got some food for snacks there and sat on a park bench and ate them. Then we went to Stop and Ship, and did a lot of shopping there.

It was getting late by then and I called Middle Brother from the bus back. He went to a park, and to McDonalds for an Oreo McFlurry.

Back at mashfanficchick's, I Teamed the FWiB and we had a very fun three way conversation. Then we had dinner. Shrimp coctail and a large green salad, very healthy.

Finally we had dessert, berries and whipped cream, and then I Ubered home.

Fed the pets, and started here.

Gratitude List:

1. The FWiB.

2. Shipt got here early.

3. Beautiful weather.

4. Good food.

5. Middle Brother is doing well.

6. Tulips and flowering trees.

I didn't post yesterday, highly unusual for me, so here's the catch up post for that and today.

Yesterday I got up at 10:00 and didn't have breakfast or coffee, or my morning meds. Because I was going in for my DEXA bone density scan, and you can't have anything with large amounts of calcium for 24 hours before. So no milk for my cereal, no creamer for my coffee (debatable, that probably didn't have enough to count but I didn't want to risk it) and no calcium supplement or multivitamin with calcium, so I skipped all my meds.

Then I took a shower and dressed in loose clothes with no metal. I also packed for spending the night with mashfanficchick. And then at 12:15 I called for an Uber and went.

The nasty shock came when the clerk told me that I wasn't eligible for insurance for my DEXA until October. The options were cancel and come back in October, or risk insurance not covering it, in which case I would have to appeal the decision, and maybe pay for it. I should have called the doctor and asked if I could postpone it or not. Instead, I said go ahead.

So I had the DEXA. It didn't take to long, and wasn't too grueling. Then afterward I walked up to Dunkin' Donuts and got the $6 Meal Deal and a Boston cream donut, and then I took the subway to mashfanficchick's.

We spent the day watching Will Trent, and the episode of 911: Nashville that ze hadn't seen. Will Trent was... heavy.

Then I Teamed the FWiB, and we ordered Chinese food, rib tips and fried rice, and egg drop soup, for dinner.

At 8:30 as usual I called Middle Brother. He had gone to Sunken Meadow again, and gotten ice cream at Ralph's, so he was happy.

Then mashfanficchick and I started talking about our coming, often postponed, Amsterdam trip. Fingers crossed it works out this time. We're thinking of October.

Eventually it got late and I simply forgot I hadn't posted. I was going to ask to borrow zer new laptop, but I simply forgot.

So, I went to bed, and slept pretty well. Got up at 9:00 and had a therapy session, then had coffee, showered and dressed.

Then I headed out to breakfast and bagel Boulevard and from there to R's father's funeral. The church was easy to get to, but I was a couple of minutes late, and they must have started right on time, cause they were having a hymn when I got there. I slipped in and sat at the back.

The service, a full Catholic mass, was interesting, and very moving. There were other people I knew there, but sitting off to the side, not near me.

After they took the coffin out and we all filed out behind I managed to get to the other people I knew. The deceased was a veteran so they did the whole flag and taps ceremony out in front of the church, which made me cry a little remembering when they did that at the crematorium for my father.

After everything was over I took the bus home, fed Oreo, and killed time til I had to leave for the DMV to get my picture retaken for my enhanced ID.

I took the 25 bus, the first one passed without stopping which was aggravating. Then I got on the next one and there was a street psycho onboard who was playing loud reggae music and yelling about Jamaica. Finally he wanted to get off before a stop and the bus driver let him, I assume to get rid of him.

I got off at my stop and walked quickly to DMV. The whole thing took me almost an hour and was awful. First they took my picture and I had to wait til I was called to counter 1. Then he decided that my retaken picture was still not good enough and sent me back to that counter She took my picture twice more before she got one that satisfied her,

Then I went back to counter 1 and discovered that I didn't have enough ID. I didn't bring my passport or social security card, and just had the contents of my wallet. We got to 5 points and they need 6. I was reduced to tears at the fear I'd have to go home and come back again later. But he confered with his supervisor and they agreed to accept what I had, so that was good.

Then he had trouble processing me. Had to get two other clerks to help. Eventually they got me done and I could leave. I should get the new ID in about two weeks. I hope.

So I took the 25 bus back, but decided to go to the Busy Bee coffee shop again instead of going home. I got a lavender cream latte, and plugged my phone in to charge,

I got texts from cousin Steve. He and Amy are coming on Thursday and will pick me up and we'll do brunch/lunch. So I'm looking forward to that.

Then it was time to go to my Al-anon meeting in the Bronx. As usual I took the 25 to the 50, and this time it went smoothly. I had my pizza before the meeting as usual.

The meeting was very good, a newcomer brought pastries and I ate two which I shouldn't have.

C gave me a ride to the bus stop, but I had to wait quite a long time for the bus . Finally it got there and I got to Linden and 31 and found there was 14 minutes til a 25. So I got an Uber instead.

While I was waiting, Herschel Facebook messaged me. We talked awhile on the way home. He's fine.

Teamed the FWiB when I got here but it was late and he was sleepy so we didn't talk as long as usual.

Then I fed the pets and started here.

Gratitude List:

1. The FWiB.

2. I got the DEXA.

3. mashfanficchick.

4. They approved my application for the ID despite only 5 points.

5. The Busy Bee.

6. My meetings and the people there.


Edited to add: Forgot that also yesterday, John sent me two pictures of Dad fro his reported days, which I sent to the Kid. Coincidentally she called me just as I sent them to her and we had a nice talk.

I slept really badly last night but I managed to get up by almost 9:00, and have breakfast and coffee, and shower and dress, and head to my union's retiree association meeting.

It was very easy to get to, just the bus to Flushing and the 7 train from there. Then a few blocks walk. I thought I was going to be late, but I got there just on time. And the meeting started late anyway.

There was a breakfast, pastries and bagels and fruit. I had a mini muffin and a croissant, and coffee. The meeting was pretty interesting, they talked about benefits and programs available to us. some I may use later.

Lunch was served at the end, sandwiches, and I had tuna.

Then I went back home. I lay down and was going to have a nap but I got into a long, somewhat heated discussion, or argument, with the Kid by text. I think we resolved it though, and ended on cheerful terms.

At 6:30 I came back out and puttered on the computer til it was time to Team the FWiB at 7:00. We talked until it was time for me to have my Al-anon meeting by Zoom.

The meeting was pretty good. M and S were both there plus some other people dropped in.

After the meeting I had a snack, then went to the bedroom again and played solitaire, and also checked my repeat delivery of turtle food from Petco. I am low, and the next order doesn't come for a month. I just can't seem to get it right.

Anyway, at pet feeding time I fed the pets, and started here.

And that was the day.

Gratitude List:

1. The FWiB.

2. My union.

3. The Kid.

4. My meetings and the people there.

5. My pets.

6. Bed soon.

Woke up at 10:00ish, then dozed in bed for another two hours. Finally got up a bit after 12:00, had breakfast and coffee, and at 1:30 went to the Starsky and Hutch creative work session.

Had a very good time chatting, and got a little bit of writing done. We stayed chatting til around 6:00.

I went to the bedroom and played solitaire until just before 7:00, then came out and Teamed the FWiB. We talked until 8:30.

I called Middle Brother then. He is fine, nothing new.

I went to the bedroom and called mashfanficchick, and we talked for awhile. Nothing new. Then I called the Kid, who did not answer, of course, so I texted her to please call. We'll see if she does.

Then I made dinner and ate, and went back to the bedroom til pet feeding time. And that was the day.

Gratitude List:

1. The FWiB.

2. Catching up on missed sleep.

3. The Starsky and Hutch fandom.

4. Middle Brother doing well.

5. Friends.

6. The Kid.

That's the Metropolitan Museum of Art. I got up at 10:00 and had breakfast and coffee. Then I showered and dressed and headed over to mashfanficchick's.

Marja had already left. mashfanficchick had some stuff to do before we left, but eventually we headed out to Manhattan. We took the E train and then the M3 bus.

We got to the museum and decided to eat first, from the food trucks outside. Expensive and mediocre food. We got bubble tea also. And that also was, sadly, mediocre. We sat on the steps to eat and that was interesting.

Then we went into the museum. We wandered mostly looking at random stuff from the middle ages, Byzantium, and some from the Renaissance.

Then Marja texted that she was on her way, so we went outside and sat on the steps again. When Marja got there we left, taking the M1 bus back to the E train.

We went back to [Unknown site tag]'s. We ordered food, Indian and thenwhile it was being delivered, Marja took a nap, and I Teamed the FWiB.

After the food got there, I got off the Team, and we ate, Then we talked for awhile, and finally watched two episodes of Heated Rivalry. It's just as good the second time around. Even better actually.

But it got late o I Ubered home and fed the pets.

And now it's time for bed.

Gratitude List:

1. The FWiB.

2. Friends.

3. The Met.

4. The rain missed us. Only rained when we were inside.

5. Heated Rivalry.

6. Bed now.

Well, for anyone who didn't have their taxes done at least. Today is Tax Day. Of course my taxes were done back on the 2nd if everyone recalls.

So anyway, I got up at 8:30 I think, ate breakfast, and went back to bed. Then I woke up at 11-ish, didn't get up, fell back asleep, and got up at 12-ish. I think.

I didn't do much today. I puttered around, listened to music on Pandora, a different station than I usually listen to, Classic Recline. I like it, all the songs were things I knew and liked.

Eventually I got bored and showered and dressed. Then I cleaned the cat pan, and took the dirty litter and the empty box out, and walked around the block. Have to do a Shipt order soon, now, and get more litter.

At 7:00 I tried to Team the FWiB, an had technical difficulties. I ended up having to use my phone. We talked til 8:00 when it was time for my D&D game. I was worried that I'd have issues with Discord too, but it did fine. So go figure.

In the game we established a new base, after killing a bunch of bugbears. So now we have a place to live after the keep tossed us out.

After the game I fed the pets and had dinner. And now I'm doing this.

mashfanficchick got home safely today.

Last night I started reading The King's Peace by Jo Walton. I think I may have read it already, but zI don't remember much if I did.

Gratitude List:

1. The FWiB.

2. Clean cat litter.

3. Music.

4. My gaming group.

5. mashfanficchick home.

6. Good books.

Last night I managed to fall asleep while I was still playing on my phone in bed. I woke up at 3-something with the light on, my reading glasses on, and my phone having slipped out of my hand (fortunately it didn't fall to the floor.) Very weird sensation.

Anyway, I put everything away and turned off the light and went back to sleep pretty easily. Got up this morning around 11:00 and had breakfast and coffee.

The toilet was still wonky, so I put in a Shipt order including a new plunger. It arrived unusually quickly, and I plunged the toilet, and it is fine now.

Then I did mostly nothing all day. I tried, unsuccessfully, to talk to someone at the sleep doctor's. I think they may only be there Tuesday through Thursday so I'll see if I hear tomorrow.

I got a rather disturbing phone call from the hospital that provides my mental health services, apparently for the first time now they require a referral from my PCP for getting paid by my insurance. I never needed a referral before. I gave the woman the name and phone number of my PCP. I hope I don't have to start paying a copay.

I called Duane Reade because I haven't heard about my prescriptions being ready, and sure enough they don't have any record of my psychiatrist phoning them in. He must have forgotten, luckily I have enough for now. But I'll have to call him before I talk t0 him again and remind him.

I read the Cat Haiku that I got awhile ago from Thriftbooks, and I read more in The Godmother.

At 7:00ish the FWiB told me he had to run out on an errand, which took longer than he expected, so we didn't talk til 8:00. But we had a full conversation anyway.

The Kid just texted me, she is safely home from her weekend away.

Last night mashfanficchick called me, which was nice. Ze returns home tomorrow.

Just fed the pets. This morning I gave Oreo his Fancy Feast in the carrier and lifted him in all the way. He jumped out immediately but it's a start.


Gratitude List:

1. The FWiB.

2. The toilet is fixed.

3. The Kid is home safe.

4. mashfanficchick returning soon.

5. Good books.

6. My pets.

Got up at a little past 9:00 this morning, had breakfast and coffee, gave Oreo his Fancy Feast in the carrier, and showered and dressed. Then went to my Al-anon meeting.

The meeting was very good, but we didn't go to the diner afterward. So instead I went straight to Citifield for the Mets game with Larry.

I am happy to say that I got there early enough to get one one the giveaways for the day, a bobblehead of Juan Soto. That makes me happy. I'll probably gove it to mashfanficchick though, as ze is the real fan.

The game was something of a bust though, we lost 5 to 11. That was depressing, and a let down, but the game itself was exciting, so I enjoyed myself. I got food there, a hot pastrami sandwhich on rye, which came with two dill pickles. Delicious.

Larry gave me some snacks too, as well as a Mets Citibank tote bag to carry the bobblehead home in, so that was really nice of him.

We traveled back to Flushing together, than I came home and Teamed the FWiB. We talked for about an hour and a half, so that was nice.

Today would have been Oldest Brother's 70th birthday. Laurie messaged me saying she was thinking about him. I have been too. I miss him so damn much.

Anyway, I fed the pets, and started doing this. Afterward I'll probably call mashfanficchick and see if ze has time to talk.

I have to look up directions to the Bernie sanders Union Now rally tomorrow, and figure out when I have to get up. Probably pretty early.

Gratitude List:

1. The FWiB.

2. My meetings and the people there.

3. Larry.

4. Got the bobblehead.

5. The weather was reasonably warmish, so I wasn't cold.

6. The memory of Oldest Brother.