Oh Boy, Do I Have News

     I got let out early again. This time, not because the job was finished, but don't think of that as a bad thing. I'm going to be as vague as possible and give you and idea of how things work at the new job.

     I work for a very big company that provides a service to home owners. A salesperson goes out and sells the job, when they do, they take measurements for the job and then those measurements are given to me, so that I can do the job. I'm using I here as a general term, I'm still in the training period and will be for some time. Anyway, when those measurements aren't correct, the job gets snafu'd. That is what happened on Tuesday, and it happened again today. The difference is, that we were able to get something done that is part of the job. We got the hardest part of the job done today, so that when someone goes back to finish, it will be an easy day for them. To give you an idea of how bad the measurements today were, imagine if you had a box that you were supposed to fit a loaf of bread in. The measurements that were provided to us, were only enough to get about 2/3rds of the loaf in the box. That is very bad. We tried to figure out how they messed up so bad, but there really was no excuse for it. It is very simple. Take a measurement, take it again, and then write it down. It is an old adage, that was taught to me at a very early page. Measure twice, cut once. Take the time to do the job right, and you won't have any troubles. That is what I did when I made that bookcase wand stand. I planned for trouble and left more material than I needed, knowing I was going to be sanding it down and removing it anyway.

      There was also the fact that I was doing things for the very first time, and expected to screw up. That is why I bought more wood than I needed, and it turns out that that is exactly how much I needed.

     With all that being said. I really like this job. I get to work with my hands, and actually create something. Yes it is a predetermined design, but with what I was doing today, the skills I learned making the bookcase wand stand came in handy. At the end of the day, we weren't finished with the job, but we did get a lot done, and left with it looking much better than we arrived. When it is finished, it is going to look pretty remarkable, and that is something to be proud of.

     I also got a huge compliment today from my mentor. They were talking about how people are falling off from the company, and how myself and one other guy are new. He has a few weeks head start on me, but my mentor said that I was going to do just fine and that the other guy had already been regulated to "grunt work". Those are jobs that don't pay much but are steady. I'm not sure why that guy is washing out already, but I don't want to be him. I want to be like my mentor, who is a downright pleasure to watch work. It is enjoyable to see someone that is truly skilled and quite basically, master level at their job. That is something to strive to be, and that is what I want to be.

     It was told to me, that he is making the money that I was told is possible with this new job, and that is also inspiring. It wasn't just a line, it is the truth. If you work hard, and do things right, you will succeed and be richly compensated for it.

     I got some news on the mom front. I had my phone on "do not disturb" while on the job, so I missed a call from the center where my mom is. It was the financial office telling me, that her healthcare provider had capped her off, and that she was being discharged on Saturday. Is she ready to come home? Yes and no. Yes, in that she is definitely wanting to come home, and I think home will be the best place for her mentally. No in that she isn't back to 100%. She has a stutter in her step and will need some attention. I went to see her and tell her she was getting out in a couple of days. When I walked in, she was putting her shoes on, to try and walk out of the place, so she is clearly ready to go home. Since she had her shoes on, I asked her to stand up on her own, and walk towards me. She did really well. Once again, she has a hitch in her giddy up, but nothing that I think will be a major problem. They are supposed to give us a walker when she is discharged, and I told my mom, no matter how strong she feels, she is to use that walker around the house until she fully get's back to health. She is all in on doing what has to be done. I am going to make things as safe as possible for her, so that she doesn't have an accident while I'm away at work. Her mental state should be greatly improved because she will be back in a familiar environment, that isn't confusing to her. She will be able to relax more, and move about with some freedom.

     I would like to have someone that would be at the house while I'm at work, but I don't have the time to find someone. Hey, if you know anyone that could just hang out with my mom when I'm at work, let me know. We can talk about some sort of payment for you time.

     She was so happy when I told her that she was getting out. It calmed her down a great deal. I got her back into bed and she could really relax for the first time, because she now knows that she is going to get home and she is going to see The Morty again. She really misses Morty, and I can't wait for them to see each other again. I'm off on Saturday, so I'm going to give her the entire day. I may try to slip away while my nephew is with her, to do a TPR, but if it comes down to it. I can do the TPR another time. My mom is far more important.

     Alright, I'm going to go and chill with The Morty for the rest of the night. Tomorrow is my last day of work for the week, and I'm looking forward to seeing where I'm going to be. Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you. Part of my job is that I am in a new location all over Central Florida each day. I have been nearly all the way across the state on Monday, to beachside on Tuesday to the very center of the stated today. I'm really enjoying getting to see all these different locations. Did I mention that I really like this new job? Peace in and goodnight.

So It Begins

     Let's get into this. I started the new job yesterday, and it was, well it was a new experience. I am basically an assistant at this point. I guess apprentice would better name it. I do a lot of standing around, watching, and learning. I also noticed a few things that I would have done differently, but that's not my place to tell someone who is training me that they are doing it wrong. Anyway, that person wasn't the person that is really training me. They are basically very new to the job themselves, and I was there to assist him to keep him moving along. I was arms and legs when he needed them.

     That being said, yesterday was a very long day. I left the house at a quarter to 6 in the morning to get to Orlando before 7. From there we ended up in Lakeland for the job site, and there was problem after set back after problem, so I did not leave Lakeland until 7 in the evening. I got home at 9. Morty did outstandingly well not being let out that whole time, but I was a wreck worrying about him and his wellbeing. It was all for naught though. He did just fine.

     Today was a different story. I was with the mentor that is training me, and we had a major setback. It was big enough to cancel the job, so my day was done by noon. I wasn't complaining after doing 12 hours the day before, but I still would have loved getting that experience from him. There is always tomorrow though.

     I took the time and visited the mom, since I hadn't seen her since Friday. My schedule with work has kept me from her, and that is just killing me. I want to be there for her every second of the day, but I can't. I really could use that lottery win about now. She is doing well. She is now walking with assistance. Her own two legs with someone near by giving her a hand when needed. No walker, no bars, just her own two legs. She is no also being walked to the bathroom instead of transferring into her wheelchair and then being moved into the bathroom. That is a huge deal.

     The time has elapsed for you as it has for me while writing this. I just got caught up in watching Favorite Song of the Week, except this time it is a little more than just a song, so we are going to call this one of those rare Favorite Things of the Week. I was looking up a particular song by Queen that I was going to make FSOTW, but when I did, this video popped up. I talked about this very moment when I did my little review of Bohemian Rhapsody. It takes me back to that day when I watched this live on TV, and how happy it made me. This is Brian May, Roger Taylor, John Deacon, and the incomparable Freddie Mercury in their element. This is when they were truly on top of the world in every sense of the word. This is the full concert footage of their Live Aid performance in 1985, and it is just as magical now as it was then. I'm sure you won't watch the whole thing, but you really should. This is what being a true professional is. This is showmanship in its purest form. This is the greatest voice to every sing rock and roll performing at the top of his game. This is Queen.



     Please go back right now, and finish watching that whole thing. As I'm typing this, I'm half way through it, and I keep going back and forth to watch it. I feel both sadness and joy watching this, but I always remember, that I lived in a world at the same time that Freddie Mercury did, and that makes it a little better.

     Once again, you didn't notice the delay, but I finished watching the whole thing before typing this sentence, and I had forgotten about the quick little song that Freddie and Brian did just for Live Aid later that evening. It is truly captivating and lovely.

     While I was finishing that up, I got a text from my mentor and I'm meeting him at the job site tomorrow later in the morning, so I get to sleep in just a little tomorrow, but that probably means I have to work a little later too. I'll get through it though.

     I'm going to go and veg out with the Morty now. Peace in and goodnight.

When, I'm Glad That's Over

     I made it through the weekend. I had my doubts. I wanted to leave work early, because what were they going to do? Fire me? A few of the people were sad to see me go, and I take that as positive. It leaves the company without anyone in that particular position, so they are going to have to hire someone soon. Funny story. I got an email yesterday saying that they were not look at me for the full time position, and that they were going to explore other candidates. A day after I resigned. If they would have gave me the full time position, I probably never would have applied to the new job that I got. It's simple math. I needed a full time job because the part time job didn't pay enough to pay my bills. I needed another job, and this new one is going to pay me more than If I had gotten the full time position.

     I start the new job tomorrow at 7 in the morning, which means that I'm going to leave the house at 5:45 to make sure I get there on time. The location is about an hour away, so I'm not taking any chances with being late on my first day. I'm going to ride along with someone to learn the ropes of the new job. I'm not sure how long the training period is, but I'm sure I'll find out tomorrow. I have no idea how late I will work. The branch manager said that it was possible to be finished with the day by 3 or 4. That would be great. If I was done by 3 I could go see my mom, who I haven't seen since Friday. Apparently yesterday was a bad day for her. It happens. It was one of those bad days when she tried to walk on her own and fell and bumped her head.

     I'm tired but I have a lot to do still. I have to wash clothes. Mine and my mom's, because my sister finally got the place straightened out, to the fact that I'm supposed to be washing her clothes. I gotta get those done and then lounge around for a little while watching zombies.

     I got a video for you. Yes, it's a TPR video and this is the one where we disagree on the rating. Check it out.



     Oh yeah, did I mention that my sister is in town for a little while. Apparently she is trying to get the TPR followers. She keeps telling me how great it is. I of course have the thought that she is my sister and is supposed to say that, but she insists.

     If I stop writing right now, I will get this posted 10 minutes before 7, which would keep my on my original deadline for Sunday releases.

     I just checked to see what chapter goes up tomorrow morning for The Patchwork Knight. It is chapter 62, which is a the chapter that begins the end. It is the final march for The Patchwork Knight. If you have only been reading it there, and not getting the early rough draft here, then you are if for some good stuff. I'm really proud of this story, and I hope that you are enjoying it, as much as I had writing it. Yes, I knew how it would end, but I didn't know how it would get there, so I was living the story as I wrote it. It was fun, painful, exciting, and everything that life is about. This is a microcosm of a life. It may not be real, but I felt every moment of it. As I said, the final chapter will be released on Medium on April 15th. I will leave it up for a couple of months while I figure out what I'm going to do with it. Leave it there, or turn it into a manuscript and try to get it published. I'll of course let you know in the end what my final decision is.

     Ok, I'm finally done and I have 3 minutes to spare before 7. Peace in and goodnight.

The Patchwork Knight (Chapter 67)

     After the meeting with the Queen, I nearly pushed Sir Gorin out the tent flap to lead me to Galdren's forge. Gorin walked me through the camp to the very rear. This is where Galdren set up his forge to stay out of the fray. I could see smoke billowing out of the stack that rose above the tent. It was Galdren's own design. Sir Gorin announced himself in that large booming voice of his, and burst through the flap in hopes of startling the old man inside.

     "It is I Sir Gorin, I come with a gift Galdren. One that you won't want to go unseen."

     "Ah, get outta here. I got more work than you have men under your command. This war will not happen if you don't have blades to fight with."

     "Galdren, old friend. You don't even have a moment of time for me?"

     He spun on his heels faster than I could have imagined. A look of joy and amazement jumped onto his face, and Sir Gorin began laughing that hearty laugh of his.

     "I was wrong, you didn't kill him."

     "It's going to take more than that to kill me you fool. Come here boy, let me get a better look at you. I heard tales that The Patchwork Knight was back amongst us, but I didn't believe them, because I knew if they were true, you would come here first."

     "I came as soon as Gorin told me you were still here. Why are still slaving over this forge? You should be relaxing at the Palace, enjoying the good life."

     "This is the good life lad. I've never wanted to do anything else. If I was sitting around staring at palace walls, I would rot away. This forge keeps me alive."

      "It appears that it does. I believed our last meal together was the last time I would have seen you."

     "Truth be told boy, I believed that myself, but this world is a funny place sometimes, and when paths are meant to cross, they will without fail."

     I finally ran over and embraced the old man who became a father to me when my own had died. Gorin ran over and grabbed us both up on a massive hug, and we all began to laugh.

     "Let me get a look at that armor boy. You have taken pretty good care of it all these years. It could still take a hammer or two though. Get it off, and let me have it at. I still say that this is my finest work, but don't tell the Ki..., I mean the Queen that. Don't you go running your mouth Gorin, I know how you are with a secret."

     "As far as I'm concerned, you were just going on in your old crazy man speak. I can't ever understand a thing you say anymore."

     I began taking off the armor that had served me for. I'm not sure how long I was gone. The years all ran together.

     "How long has it been since I last saw you Galdren?"

     "You don't remember?"

     I shook my head.

     "I guess living on your own can play with your mind a little. I have marked each day since the last time I saw you, and it has been 26 years. I guess you aren't really a boy anymore are you?"

     "My bones creak a little, but I don't feel any different."

     "Ah, don't worry about that boy, my bones were creaking when I was younger than you when we first met, and look at me now."

     "It is a surprise you can still walk around. I can hear you from a mile away. Creak, crack, pop, and creak again."

     "Don't you have somewhere else you can be right now Gorin?'

     "I'm sure I do, but it is much more fun to sit here and josh you about."

     "I can still burn you with my hot poker over there by the forge, don't you forget it."

     "Aye, I'll leave you two to catch up."

     "I'll see you on the field of battle, my friend."

     "Now that he's gone, we can really talk. How have you gotten along all these years on your own?"

     "I just did what I know how to do. I hunted and fought Raiders, knowing that one day I would return to the Kingdom with the hopes that the Target Realm would meet me there, but it took longer than I had hoped."

     "Regardless of time, it seems that it has all come together as you hoped. You have whittled down the Raiders a great deal. The reports that we have heard, is that the only remaining forces that are ready for a fight, are behind those walls. We stopped seeing caravans coming into the Realm a few years ago. Here, walk with me to the forge so I can bang these dents out of your armor."

     "I wanted to return much sooner, I tried to, but the Mudwood sent army after army my way. I fought through each and every one of them to make it here, and then a got the shock of my life hearing you were still alive."

     "No one is more shocked than me. I knew why you left, and I understood, but it crushed me to see you go off on your own. I worried for you each day, and waited for the story of your death, but gladly it never came. Maybe that is why I lasted this long. I couldn't die until I knew what had truly happened to you."

     "Don't get all soft on my old man. It truly is good to see you again."

     "Let's get these dents out, there isn't much time before you are off to fight in your final battle. This is the one that will bring the Kingdom back the Realm, where it rightfully belongs."

     "If they truly sent their best after me, then it shouldn't take much to take the Kingdom back."

     "I have heard from our advanced scouts, that this new leader of the Mudwood, has a corp of troops that she has personally trained, and that they are far superior to anything the Mudwood has put against us in the past."

     "Is that the raven haired woman I saw on the wall?"

     "It very well could have been. It is said that she is as dark as night and more fierce then any wolf the Realm has seen. It is said that she calls herself Dark Raven. Part for her hair, and part for how fearless the bird is. We don't know much more about her."

     "When I saw her on the wall, I noticed that she was different than the Raiders."

     "There are stories, that we hear from time to time, of her having powers, but none of our scouts have been able to confirm that. I think it would be best that if you come across her during the fight, to use your own abilities and kill her quickly. If she falls, so will the Mudwood."

     "Is she known to fight alongside her people?"

     "That is another thing that we don't know. No one has really faced this elite troop of hers, so they don't know if she fights with them or behind them. This may be the first time we learn all of that. Ok, your armor is done boy. I'll help you get it on one last time."

     "I hope that it is for the last time. I understand now what it was my father kept telling me as a boy. Fighting and killing only leaves you with a lot of bodies on the ground, and that is no way to build a kingdom. I will finish this fight, and then live as my father did. I may need you to teach me a little bit more on that old forge of yours. I can make horseshoes, but not much else."

     "Aye, boy. I can see it in your eyes. They look just like your father's did when I helped him on with is armor for his final battle. When you come back from all of this, I will teach you all that I can."

     I put my armor on and embraced my old friend one last time. I walked through the tent flap ready for the battle that lie ahead. The night would break to day in a few hours, but we would be fully engaged in battle before then. This day was only just beginning.

You Want Information I Got Information.

     I'm getting another early start on this, because I got a lot to unpack. So let's do this.

     I got the job. I got the call today while I was visiting the mom. They want me to come in for on boarding tomorrow, so that is hat I'm going to do. Before that though, I'm going to go to the current job and quit. I'm planning on still working this weekend, but that will be the end of it. The new job wants me available on Saturdays, and I can't do that if I keep working the current job.

     I greatly appreciate the company that hired me for giving me the opportunity, and the chance to earn money when it seemed like no one else would. I didn't really feel comfortable there, so it is for the best that I leave now.

     I have a lot of things to do tomorrow to prepare for this new upcoming job, so tomorrow is going to be jammed packed, and then I have to wake up early on a Saturday. Trust me, I am not going to miss having to do that every Saturday. I thought it wouldn't bother me, since I really don't do anything, but it oddly did. Anyway, I have to go and order more contacts tomorrow, as well as possibly buying tools for the new job, and seeing the mom, and getting the bookcase wand stand to Elie. More on that later.

     I wrote the final chapter of The Patchwork Knight yesterday, and I wasn't as sad as I thought I would be. I planned an ending and I got there, but it was a little bit different than I expected it to be, and I really like how it came out. If you are reading The Patchwork Knight here, then you will see the final chapter in 3 weeks. If you are reading the proofread and edited version on Medium, you will see that one on April 15th. See tax day isn't all bad. I really can't wait for you to read that final chapter. I hope that you tell me what you thought of the whole thing. I put my heart into this story, and it took over a year of my life to write and 7 years rent in my head. It is finally all out, and ready for you to check it out. If you haven't started reading it yet, what are you waiting for?

     Right now, I don't have a story in my head. Well, not a fully developed story. There are kernels there, but nothing more right now. It will come though.

     I made a video and posted it yesterday. I hope you will take a look at it. I don't know when the next one will go up, but this is brand new and tells you what I've been up to, with a little pizza review at the end. Check it out.



      The TPR also released a new video. I'll post that one on Sunday, so that you don't get a video overload with tonights post.

     After I get all the crazy important job stuff done tomorrow. I'm heading back over to Orlando to give Elie her bookcase wand stand. Oh, did I mention that I will be working in Orlando now. A long drive, but I'll get a company car, and a gas card, so that my car or gas money won't be spent for those long drives to and from work. Anyway, I'm really looking forward to the look on her face when she sees the bookcase wand stand in person. Other than myself, no body has seen it in person, only in photographs. It will be fun to see what someone else thinks looking at it for the very first time. No, I'm not going to record it, so don't even think about it.

    I won't stay there long, since I will have to wake up early for work on Saturday, and although I haven't found out when my training begins at the new job, I believe that I will be working until next Saturday when I will finally be able to sleep in again. I do miss sleeping in. I have failed miserably at it this week. I keep waking up before sunrise. I suck.

     I got a mom update for you. I didn't see it, but I got word, that my mom, who had surgery about two and half weeks ago, to replace a broken hip, walked back from the therapy room today. From her room to the therapy room it is about 80 to 100 yards. That is a long distance for someone to walk on a brand new hip. I am so proud of her, and hope that she can get out of there soon.

     Ok, that is all I got. I guess it was less than I thought, but I got it over with early. I hope you like the video above, and there will be more to come on Sunday. I will be sharing that TPR video, so keep an eye out for it, if you haven't already gone and checked it out.

Let's Get This In Early Tonight.

     The title says it all. Yep I wrote the title first tonight. It has been a productive couple of days. I guess I should talk about the job interview first.

     I'm currently waiting for the results of the background check and drug screening. Both are things that I have no worries about. I already went through this a month ago, so I exactly what it's going to say. I'm the most boring person on the planet. Which is a great thing when you are looking to get hired. This job has the potential to earn a lot of money, and when I say a lot. I really mean a lot. I would be working on a commission basis, and it would be involving a type of construction. That's all I'm going to tell you, but if things work out the way that is expected. I will make more in three days, then I did in an entire week at my old job. I would have to leave my current weekend job, if I get this new one though. The new job would have a rotating Saturday schedule. I'm not heartbroken about having to quit the current job. It's not as fulfilling as I thought it would be, and there is a minor health risk involved with it.

     I work in an area where there is a trash compactor, and because of that, there is an abnormal amount of dust. When I walk into that area where I work my throat immediately gets scratchy from all the dust, so I definitely won't miss that. I may miss the people there, they are very nice, but the new job will have me working mostly alone, and I kind of thrive in that type of environment, and there is even that chance that I can be creative in how I do some things.

     The thing that put me over the top in the interview, was when I showed the hiring person the picture of the bookcase wand stand. It showed how much attention I pay to detail, and that would be a very big plus in this new job.

     During the training phase, I would make almost as much as I was making at the old job, but once I begin at the commission phase, I will be making more, with the potential of a lot more right off the bat. I will top out the commission rate at some point. I start at a low percentage and then move up a percentage point with each review. It should take years to reach that level, but once I do, I will be making obscene amounts of money. I'm also going to get a company vehicle and a gas card, so I don't have to use my own car or money for gas. Double bonus, right?

     I got out and did something I haven't done in a few months now. That was make a video. I know I have been making videos for the TPR this whole time, but I took a break from the CS videos. Well a new one will be up tomorrow at 9 AM New York time. I'll share it here on Thursday night. It basically tells you a little of what I just spoke about, and adds a little pizza review of the place the TPR just went to. I had to go back for their cold cheese slice. If you don't know what a cold cheese slice is, then you really need to watch until the end of the video. It will change your whole perception of how you should eat pizza.

      It was really fun being back on the bike and making a video. I forgot how much I love doing that. I did need the break though, and it gave me a chance to get away from it and not worry about how many people watch or anything like that. CS videos are just fun to make, and I'm going to keep making them as long as I can. I just don't know how often I'll post, but they will pop up from time to time.

     My goal tomorrow, is to write the final two chapters of The Patchwork Knight. I don't know if I will achieve that goal, but it is a goal, and since I'm writing it down right now, it's an official goal. It is very rare that I write multiple chapters, but I have done it in the past. I have the outline for each one in my head, so I know exactly where they are going to go, I just have to see how the characters and the story gets me there. This has been such a fun ride, with it's ups and downs. I have lived through these characters as I do with each character that I write, but this time, it has been a little different. I have always finished a story knowing that it is the end and excepting that, but this time, I don't want these characters to end. The way I'm writing it, is a very conclusive ending, but for some reason I won't be able to except them being done as easily as I have done in the past. Maybe it is because I have lived with these characters in my head for so long. Pitre has been a part of my for nearly 8 years now, and I have been writing him for over a year. He has been as much a part of me as I have been of him, and it will be sad to have that ending for me, but it will come, and I will have to deal with it. If you are reading it here, you will see the final chapter in three weeks. If you are reading it on Medium, it will be some time in April that the final chapter will come. I will get to live with it a little longer that way, but it will end. Once again, it has been a very fun ride.

     Alright, I have to go, I'm supposed to help out with a photoshoot tonight. It isn't my type of photoshoot, but maybe I can use my knowledge to help the photographer out, so that they don't ruin their pictures with over lighting. Peace in and goodnight,

It's Finally Done

     Well, I did it. I finished the bookcase wand stand, and I think it came out pretty good. It was such a thrill to make this piece, and to be able to say that I made it with my own two hands. I tried to make it functional while giving it an artist's flair. I think I pulled it off. I sent the pictures to Elie yesterday. Yes, I did add a little pizzaz to it, to make it just a little over the top. Anyway, here are the pictures I took, so you can see it for yourself.

     What do you think of it? I put everything I had, and every little bit of know how that I have into making this. The glue held, so no screws are used in holding it together. it is all wood, glue, stain, and clear coat. That is it. I can't wait to get it to Elie, so that she can see it in person, and put her own books in it. The wands on top are hers, she had them sent to my house, so that I could get it just right, and I think I nailed it.

     I made each post individual to it's wand.  I made Dumbledore's Elder Wand post look more refined and elegant, and I made Voldemort's to mimic the tongue of a snake. It's forked at the top, and I put those curves in it, to make it look a little like it is slithering. 

     I am beyond proud of myself for pulling this off. I had an idea, and a few tools, and I put it all to work, and it worked. I didn't know if I could do it, but as I got further and further in, I began to be more confident in myself. I took my time, when I made the little pits that the base of each wand fit in. I hallowed them out, and then did a test fit with the wands, and I got it on the first try. I more than likely couldn't do that again if I tried. I only used two coats of the clear coat. It came down to the fact, that it looked really good after those two coats, and I worried that I would somehow screw it up with more. An artist's biggest fear is that they do too much to a project and ruin it, and that is where I was when I woke up in the morning. 

     Enough of my grand accomplishment. The mom had a rough day on Friday. She was very confused and it took a lot of convincing by me to get her to stay in bed for the night at the rehab. She thought she had walked there, and they just gave her a bed. She was much better on Saturday. I didn't get to go see her today, because I worked until 5 and they lock the doors to that place then, so I will stop by to see her after my interview tomorrow. Yep, I have an interview in Orlando tomorrow. I have no idea what to expect from them, but It could be a full time job. If so, I'll let you know. I don't expect to be hired this week, but you never know.

     I do plan on taking this entire week to myself other than that interview, and I hope to take the bookcase to Elie on Friday, we just have to figure out when. I have to work on Saturday, so I won't be able to stay late and get some cool night time shots with the camera again, but it will still be good to see her and finally give her her bookcase.

     I'm going to go watch SNL now, and then lallygag around until The Walking Dead comes on. Peace in and goodnight.

The Patchwork Knight (Chapter 66)

     We rose before sunrise. Fires pocked the camp with the Targen Knights preparing for the day that lie ahead. I walked through the camp looking at the faces. Some old familiar ones smiled back at me when greeted with a hearty hello, while other new ones, looked up in astonishment. Everyone was jittery with excitement and a bit of nerves. For some of them, it would be the first time seeing a real fight, for others, it would be routine.

     The fire pits near the catapults began lighting up, reading for their onslaught of hot coals. They would be the first to be fired over the walls of the Kingdom. It pained everyone, the thought of burning down their beloved Kingdom, but it was something that had to be done, and we would rebuild it, bigger and better than it ever had been. Large boulders were being hauled into place by massive work horses. The would be next in the projectile arsenal. Each one looked to weigh the same as ten men, maybe more. The trebuchets were sturdy and ready for the work that it would put in. When those were winding down, three large battering rams with fortified cover were in the ready. They would be deployed just as the final projectiles were firing to provide cover for the Knights that would man the rams. Even with the fortified cover, it was still the most dangerous part of any invasion. They were ripe for having oil and large stones dropped on them, and there was little that they could do about it, except hope that the steel cover held. It would protect them for a short while, but under an onslaught of heavy stones, it would fail and collapse over time. Their job was to break through the gates before that happened, then the entirety of the army would rush into the Kingdom and take back what was ours.

     A young Knight came running up to Rolf and I.

     "The Queen is calling all her top Knights and requests that you two go to her tent as soon as you can."

     "Thank you. Do you have any others to speak to?"

     "Yes sir."

     "Then hurry along. We are heading to the Queen right now."

     "Yes sir."

     The young Knight ran off without any further word and made haste to his next appointment.

     "That was impressive Rolf."

     "What?"

     "You handled yourself as if you have always been a Targen Knight."

     "Sometimes I feel like I always have been. I forget the past I lived before I met you at times. It's as if I was reborn on that very day, and my real life began. I don't think I ever thanked you for that."

     "You have, several times."

     "Not in words though. Thank you Pitre. You gave me a life I didn't think was possible. Before I met you, I only did what I did out of fear, never loyalty. You gave me a purpose and a cause. You gave me friends. Those were all things that I never would have had if I had stayed with the Mudwood. I was only surviving there, and not doing a very good job of it, as you made a show of when you captured me."

     "I owe thanks to you Rolf. I never thought I would have a true friend after Arial. I admit, I didn't trust you at first, but you won me over. I still don't know how, but you did. I am sorry that I left the way I did, but I still feel it was the right thing to do. If you or any of the others were with me, the chances are great that non of you would be here now. I took risks that I never would have taken if there were others around me. I would walk into camps in the middle of the day, and fight them all with their eyes wide open and still in armor. It became a bit of a game for me, to see if I could do it, and I always did."

     "You need not apologize Pitre. You did a tremendous amount of good while you were gone. I don't think it could have been done with all of us in tow. I do believe that we would have held you back. You saved thousands of villagers, and helped build this army that stands around you right now. I know it sounds as if I am repeating myself, but none of this would be possible without you. Even the Queen says as much. Maybe not in mixed company, but she tells Sir Paljin, Sir Gorin and myself all the time, how grateful she is for you and what you have done to protect the people of the Realm."

     "Sir Gorin, Gorin is still alive?"

     "He is indeed. He has been out on a scouting mission, checking the boarder around the Kingdom for any potential way for the Raiders to out flank us during the battle. He must be back if the Queen wants to talk with us now. His was the final mission in preparation for the storming of the walls."

     "I look forward to seeing him again. Let's go then."

***

     It was as Rolf hard said. Gorin was in attendance as we walked through the flap of the Queen's tent. Paljin was there as well as another face that I nearly forgot, Sir Lionel.

     "Sir Lionel, it has been some time. You were a newly blossomed Knight when I saw you last, and look at you now."

     "Sir Pitre, it is my honor to see you again. I look forward to fighting alongside of you once again today."

     "As do I with you Sir Lionel, as do I. Sir Gorin. I missed you on my return. I hear you were out scouting the wall."

     "Ah, that I was lad. Someone needs to see what is coming from the side rather than all that clutter that is in front of us. It is good to see you my boy. I kept track of all you tales as they came through our pass, but I worried I would never see you again. Come here."

    Sir Gorin grabbed me in a giant bear hug, and nearly squeezed the breath out of me.

    "How old am I going to have to be before you stop calling me lad and boy?"

     "That day will never come my boy. You are always going to be a baby to me." Sir Gorin laughed with that deep boom, that I remembered so well.

     "Gorin, I was wondering, who is the blacksmith now. Did Galdren find a worthy apprentice that he would finally let take over his forge?"

     "Pitre, you may want to sit down for this."

     "Why, is the news that bad. Galdren was a very old man when I met him for the first time, and even older when I left. I knew I would never see him again when I left, that is why we had one last dinner together."

     "Oh, it is way worse Pitre. Galdren never found an apprentice, that old goat is still toiling over the fires and making our weapons."

     "What?"

     "Sir Galdren, yes the Queen knighted him for his undying, and I stress undying, loyalty to the Realm, is still alive and surprisingly spry for a man of his advanced years. I dare say, that he will live forever."

     "He must be nearly a hundred years old at this point. I must go to his tent as soon as this meeting is over."

     "He has seen precisely 95 summers, and I will take you to his tent myself. I want to see the look on that old goat's face when you walk through the tent flap. You might be the thing that actually kills that old man." Once again that booming laugh burst forth from Gorin's chest."

     As I stood there shocked by the news that my old friend was still miraculously still alive, the Queen called for silence so that she could speak.

     "Today we rid the Realm of the Mudwood. We will storm the walls and over come our foe, but first we should take a moment and thank each other for being here today. It is because of all of you that we are at this moment. My father would be so proud of each and every one of you for what you have given for The Realm, and how you have handled yourself in these times of turmoil. The Patchwork Knight as once again rejoined us and made us truly whole. There is no fighter more fierce in all the land. There is no man that can stand against him in single combat, maybe even 50 on 1 combat. Isn't that how most of you fights went Sir Pitre?"

     "There were times when there were more, but that is how it mostly went."

     The Knights erupted in cheer.

     "We will be commencing our barrage on the Kingdom at first light. I want you to spend your time until then, readying yourself for what is to come. We won't all see the end of this fight, but we will all be part of ending it. Your sacrifice will not go unnoticed, and we will praise you when this is all done. If you need to speak to anyone, then do it now. At first light, we take back what is ours."

     Everyone in attendance cheered at the Queen's last words. The feeling was, well it was euphoric. It was the feeling of the Euphoria. The Queen had just put us all in the Euphoria with her words. We didn't have to think about it, or begin the first movement, we just all went into it. Her words had power, and I was so proud and honored to be fighting for her.

    "Queen Alma."

    "What did I tell you about Queen, Pitre?"

    "You are so much like your father. Alma, I would just like to tell you, that your father would be so very proud of the woman you have become. It is one thing to get a Knight to fight for you, but it is so much more to get one to die for you. Your father understood this more than anyone I had ever known, and it seems like he passed it on to you. You are a truly great leader, and the people of The Realm are fortunate to have you as their Queen."

     "Thank you Pitre. My father spoke so kindly and lovingly of you. He was heartbroken when you left, but he understood why you did. He lived for each detail of how you were still alive, and your exploits against the Raiders. It joyed him to no end when he would hear how you saved another village and vanquished the foe."

     "I only did what I could, and what I knew how to do. I never planned on being gone for so long, but the Mudwood had other plans for me, and delayed my return. I am glad to be back though, and I will fight and die for you my Queen. Yes, I said my Queen instead of Alma, you are just going to have to accept that."

     "Don't let anyone else know that I gave in to your demands. It will make me look week."

     She smiled and once again we were those two kids in an arena full of people cheering for us. Full of glee and not knowing what future laid ahead of us.

Stress, What Stress

     This has been an incredibly stressful week, and it isn't even over yet. Once again though, I'm going to concentrate on the positive, and let the negative stuff lie. I have a video for you, that will also serve as a Mom update.

     If that video works, what you will see is my mom walking for the first time. Well, that would actually be the second time, and she is going sideways at that. I happened to show up to visit her while she was in her therapy session, and I shot just a little video of what she was doing. She was ecstatic, as was I. I thought she did incredibly well for her first real therapy session. I missed her peddling on a recumbent bike, but I got there just as she was getting off of it. That is when she was moved over to those rails. She walked forward and then back, then on both sides. It was enough to tire her out a little, but she was so happy. She told everyone that she saw, that she had walked.

     She has actually been going to the toilet and transferring back and forth. I helped her get in bed today, and she moved from the chair to her bed even better than she did yesterday. It is almost that second nature movement. It still takes a little work, but she is getting better every day.

     I wrote the third to the last chapter of The Patchwork Knight today. That means I am finally add two more chapters to go. When I went back and checked the last chapter I had written, I realized that I did in fact write myself into three chapters instead of two. No big deal, it helps bring everything to the big moment that I want it to be, when I write my next chapter. This is going to be the big moment chapter, and then the last chapter is itself a thing. I can't go into any detail other than that, but trust me, I believe that this will be like no other final chapter that you have ever read. I know I haven't read one like what i'm going to write. This is the chapter that has been in my head since day one, and it will be good to finally write, it, but I have one more chapter to go before that.

     I know I said I wasn't going to share anymore photos of the bookcase wand stand until it was finished, but I wanted to give you one last sneak preview. Here it is.

     That is the photo I sent Elie to approve that it was ready for the clear coat. I wanted her to see it without paint to see if she liked it. If she didn't, it was going to be simple to just paint the inside of the symbol. She loves the texture inside of it, as do I, I just wanted it to pop a little more. The red of the stain blended in a little better with the burnt  parts, then I thought it would, but it still works. I put the second coat of clear on it about an hour before writing this. I'm going to let it sit over night and most of tomorrow, before I decided if it needs a third coat. It's looking pretty good right now. I just have to wait and see if it maintains a smooth finish, and doesn't bubble up. Bubble is bad, flat is good. I want flat. I'm also hoping that the wood doesn't soak up anymore of the clear coat. The first coat was patchy because of that very reason.

     When this is all done and to my liking. I'm going to do a photoshoot with it. I'll have all the books in it on display, with the two wands crossed on top of it, like it is supposed to. I have shown Elie pictures of what it looks like with the wands on it, but even she won't see the finished look before I do the final photoshoot. After I have the photos done, then I will send her a few shots of it, and then I will post them right here, and my normal Instagram. I want to share this one with as many people as I can. I made that, and I put a lot of my heart into it. When it is done, I'm going to be so proud to say, "I made that.".

     I have a job interview on Monday, that could be a potential fix for my full-time unemployed status. I also have interest from another company as well. I was sent an email asking to contact them at my convenience. I didn't see it until the evening so I will have to call sometime tomorrow, to set up an interview with them. That one would be in Melbourne.

     Truth be told, I would much rather be paid for making videos, which I really truly love doing. We shot a TPR on Tuesday, and I'm really proud of this video. It won't be out until March 7th, so I hope you see it when it comes out. It's one of those videos, that just hit all the marks at the right time, and I really enjoyed putting it together.

     This is the first video I have edited in a few weeks, maybe even a month. We had 3 videos lined up and ready to go, so we sat back and didn't do anything for a while. It was good to be cutting and dropping in clips again.

      We can't get everything we want. I believe that was a song by the Rolling Stones. I'm not going to go on about the part where you just might get what you need. What I want is what I need. I need to create. I need to make things. I need to be artistic in one way or another. I have found during this time of creative enlightenment that I have been on, as one that I don't want to stop. I want to build, film, photograph, design, and of course write. There are so many things in my head that need to come out in one form or another. I will be doing these other jobs, and they may pay the bills, but they won't pay the price that is most important to me, and that is what gives me life. Art gives me life, and I will starve for it when it isn't there, and I will feast on it when it is. Peace in and goodnight.

Let's Make This Thing Positive.

     I could write about the things that are bothering me, but I want to make this a little more fun and positive. It has been far too negative lately, for good reasons, but I want to forget about that for just a little while.

     I have been doing a lot of other things other than getting annoyed with the staff where my mom is. There are important things that are going on, and one of those is the therapy staff their. I really like them. They treat my mom with respect, and are very patient with her. Yesterday, when I showed up to visit her, she wasn't in her room, so I went to the nurses station to find out where she was. They told me she was at her therapy session, and pointed me in the direction of the room. My mom was just getting off a recumbent bike, and using a walker to transfer from the bike back to a wheelchair. She was then wheeled to a set of parallel bars, so that she could walk, and she did. She walked the entire length forward, and then backwards. She then had to walk side step first right foot first, up and back, and then she spun to the other bar, and did the opposite side. It was an amazing thing to see, and she was happy.

     She told everyone that she saw, that she walked. She was so proud of her accomplishment, and so was I. It was an incredible moment to see her on her feet. She still has a long way to go, but she has made great strides (yes the pun is intended). I'm hoping that she will be back in her own bed in a couple of weeks. She is determined to do whatever it takes to get walking again, and she isn't going to attempt to walk on her own. The last one, may depend on her state of mind. If she gets a heavy dose of confusion again, she may do just that, but maybe this time, she will be a little stronger and won't fall, and simply be found out and let back to her room.

     I have been working like a mad man in my free time. to get the bookcase wand stand done. I would share pictures with you on how it is progressing, but the cloud is slow tonight, and maybe it's not the right time to share that photographic progress with you. I think I want to wait until it is finished. I can tell you about it though. Today I glued it together. It is now sitting with clamps on it, so that it doesn't move or shift, and I'm going to let it sit for a full two days. I want to make sure that it has every opportunity to create that bonding effect with the wood glue. I sculpted the posts, and made them represent each wand the best that I could. Elie loves it, and I do too, but the real proof will be when people see it, and catch on what I did. If they recognize that each post has something to do with the character of the wand itself, that will be a big deal for me. It means that what I put out there, is able to translate from my head to their's. I have to do some rough sanding to get rid of the excess glue. I'm going to do that tomorrow, then it is down to the final sanding with fine grain sand paper, to get as smooth a finish as I can, then the stain begins going on. When it is to a level that I like, the clear coat will be applied, and I will keep doing coat after coat, until I'm satisfied with the finish. Once that is done, it is photoshoot time. I'll set it up with my books and Elie's wands, and get some great pictures of it, for all to see.

     If everything goes right, the bookcase wand stand should be done by next Wednesday, and I can't wait for you to see it. I hope you like it, but more importantly, I hope that Elie likes it. I still worry about the glue not bonding, and I have to use screw to hold it together. I opted out of using screws, because I thought it would just be ugly. It would take away from the lines and interrupt the flow of the entire piece, so I really hope that the glue is good enough to hold it, and I won't have to worry about it. I did do a little tug test on the posts, since they are the only part the is glued in place that I can't put clamps on, and they are holding as if they grew out of the wood, so that is a positive sign.

     It's time for Favorite Song of the Week. It's another Bowie classic, so I won't go on and on about his history and all that. I'm sure you know it all, especially if you have been reading this blog for any length of time. Anyway, I came across this video on Facebook, well a version of this video. This one is a little longer than the one I saw. None of that matters though, what does matter, is that this is the first TV performance of Space Oddity. It is just a slight bit different than what you know from the recorded version, but it is just as fantastic, and you get to see Bowie looking like you may have never seen him before. This is a little before he went for the full gender bender version of himself that we know and love. You can see that it is just around the corner, and he is just fitting in as a "child of love" in the 60's. This performance was filmed in 1969, and lives on because of the ability to film events. I shared this with a friend of mine, that truly loved Bowie, and it broke her heart when he died. I knew that sharing the post on her page would make her sad, but I told her something that I'm going to tell you know. Be thankful that you lived during a time when this man walked the Earth, and you get to see something as incredible as the first ever TV performance of this song. Just seeing him smile as he sings, and knowing how much he loved what he was doing, should make you happy to be able to experience this. Here is David Bowie with "Space Oddity" from 1969.



     I simply can't top that, and I won't try. Peace in and goodnight.

I Am Furious.

     I'm late with tonight post, and there is a very good reason for that. I figured that I would have a somewhat boring post for tonight. About how I spent the weekend working and how I watched some Netflix, and actually chilled, not the hip way the kids do it. I would tell you a little about the work I did on the bookcase wand stand, and then finally an update on how my mom is doing. Well, that is all out the window.

     I had to work until 5 today, and that meant that I wouldn't see my mom. The rehab facility closes the doors and 5 and you have to call to be let in, and I didn't want to bother them. About 4:30, I got a text from my nephew, saying that my mom was back in the ER, because she had fallen and bumped her head. First off, Why had she fallen? Second, why was it him that contacted me, and not the facility.

     I just went and checked the caller ID at the house, and they did call. They called the house, and not my cell phone. This apparently happen around 2 this afternoon. Anyway. I raced up to the hospital after work, just in time to see them getting her transferred to a gurney and putting her in the transport to take her back. She had a mild concussion, but was other wise ok. Her hip was fine. I followed the ambulance back to the facility, and had to call them for them to let us in, since it was after 5. I'm really shocked that, I, had, to, call, them, to, let, us, in. Yes, I know I really blew through my quota on commas right there, but it is all to make a point.

     One of the EMT's went to the nurses station to tell them that my mom was back, and that she needed to have briefs put on, so that she could go to the bathroom. He told me that I should follow up with them, to make sure, so I waited. I waited for a half an hour, before I hit the call button to get someone's attention to put briefs on her. A nurse, that isn't assigned to my mother came in, and explained that she didn't know who my mother's aid was, but that she would find out immediately. She did, but since meals were being handed out, that she would get the briefs as soon as meal time was over. Ok, I can wait, and so can she, for a limited time.

     Meal time was over, my mom finished early, so I gave it some time, before losing my mind. I waited. I watched other trays being taken from rooms, and I waited. I watched the cart that all the trays are transported in taken away, and I waited. I waited for over an hour from the time we had gotten there, and then I waited a little more.

     Before I left, I put on the briefs, for my mom. I put them on with no trouble, I put them on without causing her any pain. I put them on when the person that was supposed to put them on didn't. I said my goodbyes to my mom, and told her to get her rest, then I went the the nurses station so that I could be let out. I remained calm, despite the rage that is still inside of me. I said before I spun on my heels, "Whoever was supposed to put briefs on my mom, doesn't have to worry about it. I put them on myself.". I didn't hear anything from them, I simply walked to the door, and waited for whatever nurse was going to let me out.

     I plan on speaking with the case worker tomorrow, and see what I can find out, and also begin the process of transferring her somewhere else. A friend of mine who is actually a case worker for a hospital, told me about a place that his own parent was in, which is one that was recommended to me, but was a little further away. I will look into getting her there as soon as possible.

     I nearly forgot, about the mixed stories I got. Well, what stories I could get. No one wanted to talk to me. An Aid said that she walked by and saw my mom laying on her back on the floor. That would mean that she was in the room still. My mom's roommate, who is frankly a little tetched in the head herself, said that my mom was out in the hall, and was surrounded by people when she fell backwards. Since the woman is a little mixed in the brain, I can't without a shadow of a doubt believe her story. Seeing how it was around 2 and that is around the time that she would have her therapy session, there could be some credit to her story. Either way, there is a large gap on where my mom was when she fell. Room vs. hallway. If it was the hallway, and it wasn't with anyone around, then kudos to my mom for getting up and walking out into the hall by herself 7 days after a hip replacement.

     I honestly am not sure if I want the answers. I just want to make sure my mom is safe, and is getting the care that she need, to be able to come home, and be in her own home. I will not let her die in a facility. It will just not happen. Before you say that I should sue them, see the above sentences about just wanting my my getting the care and being safe thing. I'm not going to fight some legal battle and let people pick over my mom. I want her to see Morty again. I want her to sleep in her own bed. I want her to life out her life in a home, not a facility. Peace in and goodnight.

The Patchwork Knight (Chapter 65)

     I could see the high peaks of the castle in the distance as I approached the Kingdom. There was smoke rising from the area around it and inside. The Kingdom was under siege. The Targen Knights and the King had arrived.

     I raced to the Targen Knights as fast as I could on horseback. The siege engines were enormous, The Knights had been busy as I had been away. Trebuchets, catapults, and towers littered the battlefield surrounding the outer wall of the Kingdom. I could see archers and Raiders on top of the wall reading for the next attack. It seems that they had bee successful at holding of the Knights of the Realm so far, but that would soon change.

     I slowed my pace as I neared the camp, so as not to create a panic. The guards at the perimeter looked up at me, and bowed as I came to a stop.

     "Please continue you into the camp Sir Patchwork Knight. We ave been waiting your arrival."

     "Thank you. I don't know you. How long have you been in the King's service."

     "Uh, you should continue on Sir. The rank and file will want to see you right away."

     "That I will. Thank you again, and it is a pleasure to meet you Sir Knight."

     I traveled onward, but questioned that exchange. It seemed odd that he wouldn't tell me how long he had been a Knight. As I trotted through the camp, everyone stopped what they were doing and stared as I passed. The King's tent came into sight and the crowd began to follow behind me, and a chant began to arise.

     "THE PATCHWORK KNIGHT, THE PATCHWORK KNIGHT, THE PATCHWORK KNIGHT."

     I saw the tent flap fly open and Rolf came running out. Sir Paljin and Princess Alma were right behind him.

     "Pitre" rang out from all three of them as I dismounted my horse. Rolf was in the lead and the first to great me, with an embrace.

     "We heard you were still alive and out there, but they were only stories to us. I'm glad you are here my friend."

     "I'm glad to be here. It has been far too long. I hadn't planned it this way, but a steady stream of Raiders held my progress."

     "Aye, we heard those tales as well. The Mudwood had sent it's best and brightest at you, only to have them fall to your blades. It is so good to see you my boy, only you aren't a boy anymore are you. You look as old as I."

     "Sir Paljin, it is an honor to stand before you again. I see you have stayed away from arrows in my absence."

     "That I have. It was no easy task either. We had to actually battle Raiders on our own, but we held true, and now we are here."

     "If it isn't The Patchwork Knight. It's about time that you showed your face again. Care for a spar old friend."

     "Princess, it would be my pleasure to spar with you again, but I dare say that the outcome would be no different than before."

     "Uh Pitre, she's no princess anymore."

     "With the way she fought before she, I would say that she never was one, she was a Knight in a frilly dress."

     "That is the Queen boy."

     "The Queen? That would mean that the Kin....." My words fell off as I realized the truth of why the guard sounded so strange when he wouldn't say how long he had been in the King's service.

     "Yes, Pitre. My father died no long after you had left. An assassin snuck his way into a caravan of villagers that you had saved. He found his way to the Crystal Palace in that group and poisoned the King during a nightly meal. We found the assassin and executed him, but the damage had already been done. The Mudwood thought it would break our spirit."

     "True, they did, but the didn't know what the awakened. The Queen is fearless, and a brilliant strategist. She is the reason we are here with these siege engines. She is the one that got us all together. She rallied the villagers and helped turn them into Knights. This is the largest army of Knights that the Realm has ever had."

     "Thank you Sir Paljin, but it wasn't all me. I drew inspiration from my father. This is what he wanted to do all along, but he put the resources towards protecting his people first. I drew inspiration from you and Sir Rolf here. You encouraged me to fight as I always wanted to. I drew inspiration from you as well Pitre. The stories that would come back to us, of how you were taking on entire war bands on your own, and saving all the people that we have here with us today. Maybe not directly, but indirectly, you have saved every single person in this camp. You saved me, and my father. You saved Rolf and Sir Paljin. You saved all the Knights you remembered in one way or another. You saved all those villagers that made it to the Crystal Palace. Some have passed, but their kin are all here. That wouldn't have happened if it weren't for you. When these people chant your name, it is a rally cry for all of The Realm. For them to see you, brings us all hope that this war will be over soon. I may have put all this together, but it was you who brought us all here."

     "Thank you Queen. You honor me truly, but I was only doing what I could to help the Realm."

     "First rule Pitre, don't call me Queen. I will always be Alma to you. Second, your humility is why we honor you so. We knew that you wouldn't stop doing what you thought was right. Rolf here searched far and wide for you for years. he brought back stories of the villages that had been emptied of everything because you destroyed the Raiders that had been there."

      "Yes, Alma. Rolf I told you to stay with the King and Sir Paljin. Why did you search for me, that was risky, you could have been killed."

     "Pitre, you spared my life when you could have killed yet another Raider, but you saw something in me, and you helped me grow. I became the man I am today, because of you. Also, you are my best friend, and I wanted nothing more than to see you again, and fight by your side. It has been too long my old friend. Seeing you know though, it was worth the wait. I look forward to the fight ahead of us, and I will enjoy seeing you in action once again."

     "That will come soon enough. I say that a meal is in order first. We need to honor our returning Patchwork Knight."

     With the Queen's final words, the chant began anew.

     "THE PATCHWORK KNIGHT, THE PATCHWORK KNIGHT, THE PATCHWORK KNIGHT."

     I looked around at the smiles and joy on everyone's face. I used my sight to search the walls high above, and could see concern spreading on the faces of the Raiders that were standing there. They were looking back and forth at each other. I saw a disruption in the crowd that had formed on the wall, and a raven haired woman looked over the wall. Anger and acknowledgement crossed her face, and a flare of purplish blue rose from her. She was different from the other Mudwood. She spun in a moment and was gone just as fast as she had appeared.

     The meal was extravagant, but I stuck with what I was used to, and only had vegetables and nuts. when we were done, we all took the extra food out to the Knights around the camp and fed them as well.

     "I saw a woman on the wall before we went in to eat. She seemed like she might be in charge. Is the Mudwook ruled by a woman?"

     "It seems that it is now. We had heard rumors that a woman rose to the top of the generals, and didn't like the way the leader was ruling, so she took it upon herself to kill him and take control. It happened about a month ago."

     "That's about the time the flood of Raiders stopped coming to my doorstep."

     "Yes, that is one of the things she was supposedly upset about. She saw that the leader was so focused on one man that he was leaving the Kingdom unguarded, and susceptible to attack. That is why we advanced here when we did. Our reports, were that the Raiders had thinned so much by attacking you, that three weren't enough to properly defend the Kingdom. We had been readying for an attack, but we moved it up when we heard this news. She pulled back all the troops that had been sent out to fortify her ranks, and we have been here for two weeks now, in this siege."

     "Is there anymore that you know of her?"

     "Only that she moved her way up, and that it is rumored that she was in charge of an elite group of fighters. That is what spurred her into action. The Mudwood leader was going to force her and her elite group to go after you. That was apparently the last shovel of dirt on his grave."

     "How elite can this group be. The Raiders that came to me, said they were the best of the Mudwood."

     "We know nothing of her group, only that it exists, and that isn't even definite. She does seem to be a force to reckon with though. She has held the Kingdom when it should have fallen. It is still going to fall, but it is just going to be a little longer. They will starve soon with no food being transported into the Kingdom. We can wait them out if need, but Queen Alma had a plan for storming the walls soon."

     I haven't said it yet, but it is good to see you again Rolf. Did you get any of the messages that I sent along with villagers?"

     "I did, It was always good to hear the you were still truly alive. When a new villager would come to me with word of how you saved them, it brought a smile to my face. I saw the result of what you did in their eyes and the smiles on their faces. You gave them all hope, you gave all of us hope."

     "I can also see that you kept up with your training. I'm sorry that I never finished teaching you everything that I know, but you have done well."

     "It took me a long time to understand why you left like you did, but I did. When I lost my first friend that was standing next to me in battle. I understood. It was no easy to fight alongside someone after that. I kept my distance from people and stayed alone. It wasn't until Queen Alma came to me one day, and told me how much the men looked up to me, and how they wanted to fight by my side, that I realized that I would always lose someone close to me as long as this war was going on, so I made a decision to do whatever I could to help see the end of this war, even if that meant fighting and watching a friend die beside me."

      "I'm sorry I left, and that I didn't have your strength to stay and fight along side of you and everyone else. I had to find my own way."

     "Your way worked for you, but if you are here, you are going to lose friends alongside of you once again. It is inevitable. Just know that we are all here for each other, and we know that you are here for us."

     "I want to see this war end, and the Mudwood go back to where they came from, but most of all, I'm glad to see you. I've missed you my old friend."

     "Old friend indeed. It's been a long time since that day at the fork in the road. We will see this end, and we will see it end together. We should get some rest now. Big day ahead of us tomorrow. We storm the wall."

     "I got a plan for that. I don't think the Mudwood is going to expect what is coming for them."

How Rough Is This Going To Get

     It has been a long week, and it's not even over yet. I have been put through the ringer with dealing with the broken hip thing. I am happy to say that my mother is in a rehab facility now. She was transported yesterday and it wasn't a good day for her. With all the moving around, it triggered her dementia and made things very difficult for her. I got a call from a friend of hers that went to visit her, and she told me, that my mother told her, that I left her on the side of the road. she of course knew that that wasn't the case, but it hurts to hear things like that, even knowing that it is a made up story that stems from the delusions of dementia.

     I wasn't happy with the way things were going at the rehab facility, at first. It took them a half an hour to even acknowledge that we were there and in a room. I expected a quicker response time. There is also the fact that my mom has a roommate that doesn't seem to be have any concern for other people. She had her tv blasting at full volume last night, and she was watching a show with a lot of cursing in it, so there was a lot of bleeping out of words. That sound confused my mother to no end. I had to explain to her every few minutes what was going on.

     I can say that she moved around a little better yesterday up until the move, and she did miss the hospital, because the new place, was new. She wondered why she wasn't at home. I had to explain that to her a dozen times as well.

     When I went back in the evening, she had to go to the bathroom, and when she pushed the call button, it took nearly 20 minutes for them to come and see what was going on. Then the wrong information was relayed to the nurse on the protocol with how to deal with my mother's injury. She didn't even know that it was a broken hip. I couldn't fault the nurse, because she was truly shocked when she saw the scar. I left thinking that I would give them a week and then I would begin the process of looking for a new place if they didn't get it together. That changed today.

     I went in ready to remove heads. I got there just before her therapy session, which was something I wanted to talk to her nurse about. When was she going to have it and how often, but since her actual nurse rarely her comes to the room and can't be found, I knew that was going to be a challenge. Elana, was her therapist today, and she did a great job with my mom. I watched as she went through some leg movements, to get circulation going in her legs, and then my mom sat up at the edge of the bed, and walked across the room with a walker. I was shocked. I didn't expect her to be able to do that much, and without pain. She wasn't in any pain as she walked. It was only about 10 or 12 feet, but that is a great distance to someone who had her hip replaced. She sat down before turning around. When she was ready, she began trying to stand up without the walker. She was wanting to walk back on her own. The therapist wouldn't let her do that, and quite frankly, I was telling her to wait for the walker to be placed in front of her. She made it to the bed, just fine, she pivoted and sat back down on the bed, and then maneuvered herself towards the middle. She needed a little help, but she did great.

     I was so happy to see her accomplish that, only days after a major surgery. When Elana had left, she turned to me, and told me that she did that for me. I told her, that I loved that, but she should do it more for herself, so that she can get home. The one disturbing thing that happened during that whole session, was when Elana asked her what her goal was. My mom said that she wanted to walk again so that she could get home. Elana turned to me, to make sure that was the right answer. I of course nodded, my mom will not spend her remaining days in a home. I guess there was the thought that she would simply stay as a resident there, and that is not going to happen.

     Let's talk about a more fun subject. I got home from all the drama of the day, and decided that I needed to hit the bookcase. I got the files out, and began shaping wood, so that I could get things smooth all around. I got a good amount done this evening, but I still have a ton of sanding and fine tuning to do. Here are both sides of the top, shaped close to the way it will end up.

 

     You can't see the whole thing, but I really like the way it is coming together, and in reality, I'm really proud of myself for pulling this off. I still have some minor overhangs, that need to be addressed, but It is a lot closer now than it was earlier this evening.

     I have to go to the rehab facility tomorrow morning, but for the better part of the day, I'm going to be working on that bookcase. I want to get the majority of the sanding done, and have the top ready to set it up for the wands. I have the Elder Wand, so I can actually get that all set up, but I need Voldemort's wand before I can finish it off. I want to make sure I have them balanced and both sitting at even heights before I work on the wand cradle, which is the larger dowel rod. Once I have the height and angle right, I will then work on the carving of it, so that it has some movement in it. I don't want a bland straight post, to hold the wands, I want it to look dynamic. I'm going to do a practice piece tomorrow as well, just to see how and what I need to carve it up. This is going to be fun.

     Alright, I'm writing this while I'm watching TV, since the picture is messing up on the big TV out in the living room. It's something with the cable, and not the box or the TV. I can watch an old DVR'd show and have no problem, so I know it's the cable. I just have to get someone to the house, to correct the problem. That is a much bigger task than it should be, but tomorrow, it's all about my mom and the bookcase. I'm so freaking tired. Peace in and goodnight.

Dig On This

     I got pictures. I have been busy with the bookcase wand stand. I also made a huge error, more on that a little later. Working with red oak is quite a bit different from working with pine. Pine is a much softer wood, so the Dremel cuts through it rather easy. Red oak is sturdy and solid, and very dense, and that density creates a whole new set of challenges, but it also brings some really unique traits with it when cutting into it. I would have to run the Dremel at a high speed to cut through it, but in doing so, I would also burn the wood, this created a rather interesting look to the piece, and actually adds to it. The first set of pictures are what it looked like after I ran a wire brush tool over it, to clean up the burn. Turns out, Elie liked the burn and wanted more of it.

     That is the left and right side after some clean up. Elie liked the burnt part so much, that she decided to make my life quite a bit easier. The original plan was to go in and clean up that roughness inside and smooth it all out. With her liking the roughness, I don't have to do any of that, I only had to go back in and add more burn back into. This is how they look now.

      It adds a bit more character to the symbol, and I think it's going to look real good once I stain it. One of the other things I did, was start drilling the holes and use some homemade dowel pins to connect the whole thing together. I didn't take any pictures of that, but it worked out a lot better than I thought it would, and I haven't even put the glue in it. I was able to get all the bottom holes drilled and filled, but when I went to the top, I had a snag. Turns out my drill was not charging, and I decided against my better judgement to use my high powered drill. It was a very bad idea.

     Yep, I screwed it up, quite literally. I went a little too far. I'm going to have to make a new top for the bookcase, but this will give me a chance to practice something I will need to perfect in order to get the wands to stay in place. Find the silver lining right. I do have an extra piece of wood, and this is the very reason I bought it. I will be buying a new cordless lower powered drill and do it right this time. In the meantime though. I did some test fitting with the top in place and the books in the case. This is what it looks like.

     It looks better than I thought it would, and it isn't even done yet. The books sit a little tighter than I had planned, but they have plenty of room to slide in and out of the case. I actually think the snug fit makes it a bit better. If something happens and the table or shelf the case is on gets bumped, they won't inadvertently fall out of the case. I am extremely happy with how this is coming together. I will be cutting the top out tomorrow, and hopefully won't screw it up. I still want to do the back with the radius on it. I will be radiusing the top as well, but maybe a little more drastic, to create more movement in the piece, and yes I know radiusing isn't a word, but I write the rules here.

     Now for a The Patchwork Knight update. I have at least two more chapters to write. I might be able to stretch into there, but that will all come as I write it. If it leads me to three, then three it will be, but I do see it as only two more chapters. I'm not quite sure when I'm going to write them, but possibly Friday, and maybe on the weekend. I will be busy going to work on the weekend, but I will try to keep my brain a little more solid this weekend, so that it isn't too mushy to actually do some creative work as well. 

     The mom update is next. She was able to stand and move with minimal assistance today, which in my eyes, puts her far ahead of the game. She is moving into a rehab facility tomorrow morning to start the process of relearning how to walk again. The surgeon put it at 6-8 weeks for a full recovery, but I'm going to go out on an uneducated limb and say that she does it in 4-5 weeks. The facility is very close to home, so she will in a way be half way there. That is what I'm telling her to look at it as. She wants to be in her own house and her own bed, but it's going to take some time, so the half way analogy might be helpful for her to understand. With the dementia and her short term memory being nearly gone, It takes a few times to get that point across. I've been sitting with her for a bout two hours each night, and I have heard the same stories about 400 times. I just go along with it, and pretend I haven't heard it before, or I guide her to how the story is supposed to go. She forgets and it changes a little from time to time. The worst part about all that, is that some times she knows that her mind is leaving her, and that sucks. It is the one thing she never wanted to happen. She wanted to go quick and not lose herself before she went. She does remember that I brought her tissue. They didn't have any in her room and she always thinks her nose is running, so she always needs a tissue. I brought a box in after the first day she was in, so she would have it. When she tells me that I brought the tissue in for her, it is a highlight to her day.

     It's time for Favorite Song of the Week, and this time I'm doing a cover, by a guy that is more known now for doing covers, than when he was in a well known Canadian band in the 90's, and there is a very good reason for that. The band he was in was called Downwhere, and they toured the world with relative success, but as most bands, they fell apart. Well this gentleman has quite the talent for singer, and he has qualities to his voice that you may find familiar. This is Marc Martel with the Queen classic, "Love of My Life".

     Like I said. you may have noticed that his voice has very similar qualities to that of the greatest voice in rock and roll, that of the great Freddie Mercury. I chose this cover because it really shows those qualities. His low and midrange are nearly dead on. Where he loses it, and it isn't in this video, is when he gets into his head voice. That's falsetto for all of you not in the know. He does a cover of Bohemian Rhapsody and when he hits those high falsettos, he doesn't quite make it, and then there is the attempt at doing Roger Taylor high notes. He shouldn't have done it. Anyway, Marc is a remarkable talent, and reminds me how much I miss Freddie, but it also gives me a chance to listen to these amazing songs in a whole new way. Check him out on his YouTube channel if you get the chance. His voice isn't a fluke, he shows of those Freddiesque qualities in other songs by other artists. It's there, It just isn't all there, because there will never be another like Freddie.

     That's all I got for tonight. I get to sleep in tomorrow, so I'm going to make the most of it. Yay me. Peace in and goodnight.