December 29, 2024

Dear TeamToddTBI,

Here is an map showing my latest virtual flights: “ttps://drive.google.com/file/d/13yEMxoCdQC8G7sMOpJfjyhfPqwG-ZPs6B/view?usp=sharing”

My favorite sister took me to an Ethiopian restaurant for an lunch. Here is the link to that restaurant’s menu: “https://www.ordershebarockville.com/” I enjoyed unfamiliar food that is prepared in ways unfamiliar to me.

I continue to slowly work on my Blackjack game. Here is screenshot of that: “https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-mT9-NaRJ7ogC21sKp6IPjxojQHYS6ng/view?usp=sharing” Basically, cards are dealt and each hand can be hit by typing “h” or the player can stand by hitting the space bar. Also, some text appears in the upper left.

I always wonder if anyone looks at links I put in the update. I could conceal the link destination like this. It looks cleaner but readers have to do more work (or they should do more work) to know where the link is sending them. Also, it is much easier post links to picture rather than authoring words to describe my progress.

 December 22, 2024

Dear TeamToddTBI,

I maintained my streak of virtual flights: ”https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KAia41jUTMN4rg8pld-miuT6yo4A2VZu/view?usp=sharing”

I continue to develop my blackjack program. This week, I programmed an executable to display two cards dealt to any combination of players. So far only the initial hand dealt is displayed; a white square appears above the player burdened with immediate decisions. I need to figure out how to show an intended hit or split and each player’s bank roll. Here is a screen shot: “https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yd13VOao-LXyCJwn48kX7-C_GeH3iRKf/view?usp=sharing” I am basically attempting to resurrect what I had long ago. I could post the pictures directly in the update but I do not want burden the TeamTodTBI.blogspot.com site with too much data. I hope you look at the images.

Also, this week I got my hairS cut and my teeth cleaned. As normal to me, I did not brush my teeth immediately before seeing the dentist: if I am not brushing correctly, evidence should be manifest.

My favorite sister arrived home yesterday to join the family in celebrating Christmas.

Breakfast: my favorite sister’s good behavior in Church and my own , yielded Dad’s buttermilk waffles and bacon.

Hello TEAMTODD! It has been a busy week of Christmas preparations. A continuation of baking for our favorite people, all goodies have been distributed and 14 stockings have been assembled to be delivered to a shelter tomorrow.

Todd and I will go to St. Mary’s Church tomorrow and help with Christmas decorating. Todd is enthused. He knows what he can do and does so, quietly, no supervision necessary.

Libby arrived home late yesterday afternoon and the Westley Christmas Celebration began! We do enjoy our time together.

Merry Christmas to All! Thank you for staying with us. We appreciate your continued support through your prayers, thoughts and good works.

St. Luigi, pray for us.

 December 15, 2024

Dear TeamToddTBI,

My recent virtual flights: ”https://drive.google.com/file/d/1880SoDDaoKTLxICT_MHX7-K41s1ZLkfV/view?usp=sharing” This week I, failed to complete a short flight from KEFT to KRPJ. The short flights are technically more challenging as I have less resolution with the throttle control or maybe that is just my excuse. I wish I knew how to persuade some else to attempt what I have done with the Raspberry Pi.

I am still working on my blackjack program. This week, I developed a way to shuffle cards grammatically. I have not yet tried to shuffle real cards with my left hand since my arm was broken over ten years ago..

My 50^th birthday was this week. I received several snail mail BD cards and many BD emails. THANK YOU ALL.

My favorite sister came home for the day to take me out to lunch. I enjoyed going to an Indian (Asian) Restaurant with Libby. I ate food that was unknown to me; I enjoy culinary adventures. Libby also gave me a 6 pack of a different IPA beer.. I enjoy trying IPAs unless they are too fruity; this IPA tasted fine to my discerning palate. Also, in the front yard was a banner announcing my birthday: “https://drive.google.com/file/d/1w9KqXP07m54EhIYa-Ul9mvIeJxwtZk1O/view?usp=sharing” Thank you to many acquaintances that sent me emails and cards acknowledging my birthday.

Here is a picture of what Dad and I enjoyed on Friday evening for dinner: “https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vq9YQd9u2wLJlNlGX1vuFBKIEQmAptPE/view?usp=sharing” I still do not share the common view of a complete view – lobsters alone would have been enough for me.

HRH was absent for a few days as she assisted with Libby’s Christmas party for Libby’s staff at JMU.

My good behavior in church today yielded a breakfast casserole.

Hello, TEAMTODD! Thank you for staying with us. I left the guys on Wednesday to drive to Harrisonburg, VA to help Libby with her annual Staff Christmas party. Libby and I do all the food and had help with the set up and “take down”. It appeared, a good time was had by all. 

Todd and Ted did fine without me. Todd cooked 2 nights… Baked Ziti one night and broiled Lobster Tails another night accompanied Ted’s prepared sides. The guys do well without me BUT Ted and Todd are always glad to see me return.

Todd keeps himself busy working on his BlackJack program. I think that is OK as he is challenging his brain, learning something new. Todd and I have talked about looking into some language classes, ie German or Spanish. Todd has a gift for picking up a different language and I think it would be a good “brain challenge” exercise, AND most importantly, it would give Todd the opportunity to interact with others outside the family. I will keep you posted…

Todd enjoyed a quiet 50^th BD celebration with his immediate family and many good wishes from so many. We, “The Westley 4”, reminisced about the wonderful 50^th BD celebration for Todd on Whidbey Island in early September of this year. Jana and John worked together to create a one of a kind 50^th BD celebration for Todd. It was a GREAT time!

St. Luigi, pray for us.

 December 8, 2024

Dear TeamToddTBI,

My recent virtual flights: ”https://drive.google.com/file/d/13uXkV731tzo-hyeDwfOtorAxwLbgYVxu/view?usp=sharing” This week I repeated two flights as I did not have good landings. I think that the cause was a dusty keyboard cover or maybe I intended to complete a barrel roll during final approach. I have short term memory issues.

Here is a screen shot of the blackjack game I am writing in C(++?) with SDL2: “https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PiqZR6IgsGTZSnB-kFhSny7TjUkmOiDA/view?usp=sharing” I am hoping to relearn card counting. The simulation does not look like much unless you look at source code used to produce the previous image: “https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hPmw3ooJCHepebh4iLSthRUSMfY-x8Sy/view?usp=sharing” I still hope to create code inspired by my favorite sister‘s affinity for slot machines.

I realize that the preceding two ideas are about a means of expression for me. I am still passionate about solving problems by writing code. I wonder if any readers of this blog enjoy coding as much as I do? Others have peculiar habits like playing the piano or cooking or eating breakfast.

Behavior in church: I was good and earned waffles.

Hello, TEAMTODD! Thank you for staying with us. Todd keeps himself busy with his computer challenges. I am amazed each week as he tells you of his activities, how articulate Todd is. Indeed, many days I listen to Todd and think… “There is nothing wrong with you.” BUT, I know the genius in Todd fades after about 2-3 hours. We are SO grateful for those 2-3 hours a day!

Todd will celebrate his 50^th BD on Tuesday, the 10^th of December. Libby will drive home, take the day off from work to take Todd out to lunch. They will go to one of their favorite places that caters to the strange food they like to eat.  It will be a short visit as Libby must be at work the next morning at 8 am…

I am sure Todd would enjoy/appreciate any Birthday greetings from you. Todd’s email address is

Toddwestley@att.net

Since we switched to the new web blog, we do not know who is still in touch with us. I hope you all send a message to Todd. Todd and I would love to know who is still connected.

I will be traveling to LibbyLand on Wednesday to help her with her Christmas staff party on Thursday. Libby lives in one of those communities with a clubhouse, so the decorating is done. We bring in the food and set up the tables. I think this is our 4^th year of doing so…

The guys, Ted and Todd, will do FINE by themselves during my absence. Todd will cook one night..his famous Baked Ziti. I am not too concerned about other nights.

Again, Thank you, TEAMTODD, for staying with us. St. Luigi, We count on your intercession.

 December 1, 2024

Dear TeamToddTBI,

My recent virtual flights: ”https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gJmDBSmoeI87_6Ny9kYyQhPoT6D51wBG/view?usp=sharing” I hope others find an enjoyable outlet for their physical energy. I truly enjoy the challenges of coordinating control inputs while my heart beats over 150 beats per minute. To me exercise means completing a boring activity that physically strains you. What I do on my bike is not boring to me.

I continue my effort to learn SDL and revive an application that I once had for playing blackjack. At this point, I put an image of the blackjack table top and the ace of spades on the screen. This week I hope to draw a whole single deck of cards on the screen.

My favorite sister was home this week; but departed today. Saturday, she made pancakes for me. I am well taken care. After the prime rib dinner last night with all the trimmings, I became very concerned with any cottage cheese container “traveling incognito” with Libby as she departed. I was not given permission to inspect her personal cooler but it seemed heavier than when she arrived a week ago.

The Hokies defeated the team from the University of Virginia in a football game yesterday. Go Hokies!

My good behavior today, in church yielded a breakfast casserole.

Hello TEAMTODD! Happy Thanksgiving! It has been a good week for the Westley 4. We do enjoy Libby’s company when she is home. It is always good food and good times. Libby plays head games [Todd says: it’s cruel to play head games with someone with a brain injury!] with Todd, teasing him, BUT the Toddster enjoys every minute of it. Todd always has some quick comebacks.

Libby was helpful in getting a prescription plan for Todd. She spent some time doing the research and making the calls. We are grateful. Ted and I receive our medical care insurance through TriCare For Life and the Medicare Supplement plans are very foreign to us. Libby knew all the questions to ask.

Tomorrow, Todd is hoping to make an appointment to see the neuro ophthalmologist Todd thinks his prescription has changed. It will be interesting… The last time, Todd saw her, his eyesight had improved… Go figure…

Thanks for staying with us, TEAMTODD. Your continued interest encourages Todd on his journey.

St. Luigi, Pray for ALL of us.