A bed of roses

A year ago, Husband was getting his toe sorted and we were battling with taxis (not for the last time...), doing some shopping and some work, and watching Celebrity Traitors and The Witcher.

Today was a normal Saturday with added kidlings. They are always a joy.

After dinner, I came upstairs and played some Dungeons of Hinterberg. I got stuck on a dungeon because... all together now... Rosa. Does not. PLATFORM!!! I had to jump across a toxic river using a floating lilypad that sank as soon as I landed on it and didn't give me time to reach the other bit of broken bridge. I left and tried a different one, which went well. When I finished my play session, I looked up how many in-game days there are. Apparently, there isn't really a limit - I was expecting it to be something like 14 days and then you'd come back as NG+ and have another 'holiday'. But you're supposed to just keep going until you've done all the dungeons. Well, if there's one I'm never going to complete, that's not happening. So, we're moving on to whatever's next.

I finished reading Men at Arms whilst I was in the bath. Carrot's final conversation with Vetinari was more explicit than I remembered. There was a suitably happy ending. Next is Soul Music - music with rocks in comes to the Discworld. 

And 'Where's My Cow' arrived - a Christmas present for Younger Grandson. It isn't quite what I thought it was but it's got lovely pictures, so should go down well.

I caught up with HIGNFY - hilarious as always.

And I'm finishing the day with a very weird story from Davidson's Who.

A year ago I was thinking about my fantasy characters, getting some work done (including at home as an almost one off), watching The Witcher, and feeling sorry for Daughter's dog with all the flashes and bangs.

Today started with a Tasting History video about parkin. It made me really want some - I can't remember the last time I had it any. But the recipe includes black treacle and golden syrup both of which come in large tins that we'd never get through. So, I need to find a source... Anyway, it was appropriate for Bommy Night.

I managed some more words for Anne. We're inching towards some unhappy truths.

I was supposed to be meeting one of my Coffee Crew this morning but they'd declined and I hadn't noticed. Doh! So, I've rescheduled with them.

I took the opportunity to pop into TK Maxx. I came out with a cardi for me, t-shirts for Sil, and a cute pottery angel for Mother and Stepfather. Christmas shopping has begun. There was a poem I studied for A Level called Christmas Shopping about people scrambling for bargains and one girl dancing among them like a girl painted on the lid of a box of chocolates. Can't remember who wrote it... But the sense of it sticks 40 years later.

In the office I made progress with editing the Governance doc. We wrote the original draft 8 years ago - we're now on version 6.2. I also watched some more sessions from AI Week. It's the conference that keeps on giving. I've built up enough time for a week.

On the way home I picked up a scented candle for Daughter and Sil that was far more expensive than I was expecting.

The fireworks started about 6pm and they've been going off constantly ever since. Bloody ridiculous.

I've just finished watching a couple of episodes of Bones. Zack was dressed up as the back of a cow for the Halloween party - the front end walked past a window in a very dejected manner >D

This time last year I was having an enlightening meeting at church, a more frustrating one at work, getting frustrated with Royal Mail, playing FFXII, and being amused by some random 'what's my religion' quiz.

Today I finished Chapter 13 of Anne's story with a page or so of pure telling - but this is my first draft after all. It's partly about me finding out as much as I can about Anne's character.

In the office I listened to over 4 hours of sessions from AI Week. Really building up that OTJ.

I also sent off this month's portfolio report, worked on the department newsletter, and tweaked the colours on one of the Power BI reports.

A colleague complimented me on how shiny my hair is. Last week, I washed my hair in the bath, so I was able to leave the conditioner in for longer. I popped into Lush on the way home - they've stopped making the solid conditioners :( So, I've got a pot of goo for next time I wash my hair. When I was paying, I was invited to make a donation to an organisation that works to keep kids away from tech, which I made - whilst enjoying the irony that I also give money to an organisation that adapts video game hardware for kids with disabilities. Still - screens have their place, but they aren't the ONLY thing and kids should be enjoying other activities, too.

When I got home, Husband had made tea - very yummy. And he also offered to do the washing up.

I came upstairs early, so I played an hour of Dungeons of Hinterberg. I got stuck on a couple of the puzzles, so I looked it up. The answer wasn't obvious, but it made a lot of sense when I saw it.

Now I'm finishing off with a couple of episodes of Bones. Loving the development of Hodgins and Angela's relationship.

This time last year I was mistyping my entry, enjoying time with the kidlings, playing FFXII, and finishing Riot Women.

Today started in a bit of a rush because I wanted to be at church early since I was leading. We got set up for agape breakfast and people arrived - the usual random assortment of humanity. After the service, I had a chat with the churchwarden about a couple of our more challenging members. Part of us wishes we didn't have the challenges - but the Kin-dom is made for and of such as they.

I played some more of Dungeons of Hinterberg and reached a new area. I spent one day meditating in the mountains and the evening rowing on the lake. I'm not sure how many 'days' I have, but I am on a vacation. There's a trophy for staying up all night for several nights but Luisa keeps rejecting the options to read or watch telly, so not sure how that happens.

I had a phone call from Mother yesterday asking me to go up next weekend. Today we had a video call with Daughter and Granddaughter (Younger Grandson was off playing), and D said they were planning to come down on Saturday. We asked GD what she wanted for Christmas and she came back with the inevitable, 'Baby!'. When we asked her what YG wanted, she replied, 'A toy!'. Nice and specific.

Anyway, I rang Mother and asked if it would be OK if I went on Sunday instead, and she said yes. So, double-booking solved.

We had a roast for tea - three clean plates! I'll take the win.

I watched the next story of Davidson's Doctor. They had a group of indigenous people from different times and places. I applaud the inclusion of indigenous Australians - I just hope the dance they performed and the words they spoke were authentic. Also, I'm not sure a white Australian woman - even one who was training to be a member of the cabin crew for an airline - would have learned their language. And surely they have more than one language? Anyway, I have a feeling the Australian government were still actively suppressing indigenous cultures in the early '80s. I have someone I can ask, if I remember!

Now I'm finishing the day with Bones.

A year ago I was getting to grips with AI for minutes, working on the project canvas thing, persuading a colleague to finally get Veilguard, and watching Celebrity Traitors and Nobody Wants This. 

The one thing I wanted to do this week was give the living room a really good clean and today was my last chance. So, I did that this morning.

After dinner, I finished Chained Echoes. I very much Approved of the ending. I can't think of another story with a redemption arc like that. It wasn't what I was expecting at all but I'm very glad I played it. Until the ending, it was kind of - yeah, jolly little JRPG with All The JRPG Things, some interesting ideas and fun story twists. And then the ending kind of floored me a bit.

Still not sure what's next. That is tomorrow's decision.

Tonight we watched the final episode of Celebrity Traitors. We Approved the ending of that, too.

Then I watched the last two episodes of Nobody Wants This. Guess what? I Approved that, too. Well, mostly. Joanne had to say something about why she was converting and there was a lot about Jewish traditions but... where was God? Judaism has lots of traditions, of course, but it's supposed to be focussed on God... isn't it...?

Anyway, on the whole I've had a very satisfying day with my media choices.

Now I'm finishing the day with an episode of Bones.

This time last year I was making it into the office and fighting with the HR system, talking to the PMs, recognising the need to listen, and mishearing Husband.

Today I did some small jobs. Weeding in the front garden, including down the edges of the drive, with a tiny bit of trimming in the back. Dust and polish in the bedroom - I think that's something I could add into my weekly jobs, it makes such a difference. And tried on some clothes to decide what to wear for my afternoon tea long-service reward thingy. I'm now on the look out for a nice cardy.

I also played a lot of Chained Echoes. I've got to the end of Act III. I have a couple of new recruits. I've cleared up all the available side quests, including buying the super-duper Sky Armour. One of them involved killing a kebab full of vegetables. O_o

I watched a couple of episodes of Nobody Wants This. Joanne and Noah continue to be super cute. Joanne's full name is Joanne Elizabeth Williams...?

Now, I'm finishing off with Bones. Brennan's got a new partner for the first episode. He seems like a bit of an idiot but he's not so bad.

A year ago I was feeling much better, finding my way to Giruvegan, and watching Nobody Wants This.

Today we noped out of going to Daughter's house because Husband wasn't feeling well. It was also pouring with rain (which was why Daughter didn't come to us) and even a taxi trip was distinctly unappealing. 

We had hoped to do a video call but it didn't work out. Maybe later in the week...?

Instead, I gave the bathroom a really good clean and played a LOT of Chained Echoes. I navigated the weird bouncing rock things to turn off the canons. So much easier to get around when I can fly! I have a new companion who is adorably adorable. And we gave one of the pompous generals a right good smacking.

My friend sent me her response for me to review. It seemed very reasonable, given the circumstances.

There was also a safeguarding report to process that left me feeling rather embarrassed because I hadn't joined the dots... But this is why we have a team!

I watched the first two episodes of the third series of Nobody Wants This. It's still very cute and funny.

Tonight's Only Connect included the Librarian of UU, and Mastermind had a question about COE33. My geeky heart appreciates this.

Now I'm watching the first two episodes of Davidson's Doctor. The regenerations affect each new Doctor differently. Davidson has admitted he was probably too young to play the Doctor when he got the part, but he couldn't turn down that opportunity. It's interesting to watch him now, 45 years later.

So, busy but relaxing. A perfect start to my week off.

And I'm planning some more Bones later.

This time last year I was feeling much better but staying at home, levelling up in FFXII, and taking husband for his 'flu jab.

Today started nice and slowly. A little read through of next Sunday's reading to get my mind thinking about it - I think I'm going for the Message version. Then it was good coffee and crumpets for breakfast.

I emptied the bins in the living room but didn't do any other cleaning jobs. We all had dinner from Co-op as a change from the sandwich shop.

I played a LOT of Chained Echoes. Tomke is Quina! I like that the game tells me which enemies can be canned. I'm currently part-way through a puzzle in someone's head, which reminds me of Alundra. And Chocobo's Dungeon. Which reminds me that whoever created Chocobo's Dungeon (and the tower thingy that was a kinda sequel to FFX-2) must have loved Azure Dreams. There are no new ideas... 

I've added a couple of games to my library - one a Prince of Persia thing and the other Two Point Museum. So, I have plenty to keep me busy until I play FF: Res.

I'm up to Tom Baker's last series as Doctor Who ;( But we do have three companions. Teagan seems to be taking being whisked across the universe very well. They've landed on Logopolis, which is a society run on logic. Where everyone is old, white and male, because of course they are... 1980 or 1880?

There's a third series of Nobody Wants this! So, that's on my watch list for this week.

And I'm finishing today with a couple of episodes of Bones. I like that Rebecca is more than just a shrewish ex.

A year ago I was allowing myself a gentle day, finally getting the roof sorted (no leaks since!), feeling grateful that LFC learned how to score, and enjoying Tom Baker's Doctor.

Today I got up too late to do any writing, but I've been doing so well with it in general I'll let myself off.

In work, I got the papers out for today's project board - hate being late with them :( But the board itself went well. I got a bit lost with the AI notes but worked it all out in the end.

Then I moved on to writing an article for the department newsletter on the move to another building and realised I'd somehow managed not to write up the previous meeting :O So, got THAT sorted, and drafted the article - first half about the desk-booking system, second half the office move - and asked appropriate colleagues to review them. I also shared the Sway doc with the colleagues we'd identified for various updates and Interesting Things, including the person in charge of the Christmas meal - these are the things people care about!

I finished the day with making sure our lessons learned have made it into the governance doc under 'good practice'. There were a LOT of LLs, so I didn't get as far as I wanted, but progress was made.

I managed 3 hours worth of AI Week sessions today, so I've got a nice big cushion against my week off. And I can always go back and watch the sessions I didn't attend in future weeks because I'll have all the links.

My physical copy of FF:Res arrived! Now I need to put it away until Christmas and avoid spoilers. Easier said than done...

Tonight we watched an episode of Celebrity Traitors. I think it's a good thing for the traitors that A yawned rather than B because A was looking very suspicious. And then B got voted out! Now they have a short list of 3. One of the traitors pointed out that a quarter of the remaining contestants are traitors, and with the banishment and another murder, it'll be nearly a third! And there's no suspicion on any of them at the moment. They are playing a great game.

I somehow managed to miss last week's HIGNFY, so I've just watched that. Now it's prayers and bed.

A year ago I was meeting my new spiritual director, rushing from one meeting to another, getting the roofers out again (and negotiating the price!), having a nice tea, and watching Riot Women.

Today I wrote a letter to Anne from her mother's old friend. I had an early - and very important - meeting, so I made sure I was up and out early. The meeting went well and they liked our idea for a new step in the framework.

Later I had a meeting with the PMs and shared the news. They had Questions. And Comments about the lack of particular roles. I have actions, which I've pushed out until after my leave.

I got in one session from the AI Week conference. At the end of the day, I cleared out some emails.

Tonight's very nice tea was smoked basa poached in milk with garlic butter and dill, with mash and peas. Yummy.

Liverpool are playing in the Champion's League, so I'm finishing the day with the end of Series 1 of Bones.