Final Fantasy Flash #2

Must admit I get discouraged by all of the running around one has to do as a Final Fantasy character. This is my first online role playing experience so this is all new to me. Why was everyone running? Related question, why was everyone standing around the Aethernet crystal? 

Answer to question no. 1, I believe all the running is to get from one place to another in the quickest method possible. There are "lands" one has to travel through and as you progress through the game different lands open up. 

Answer to question no. 2, all the standing around occurs when the real life player steps away from the game and wants to hold their place in the game. There is no deduction for "standing around." 

The reason I mention the Aethernet crystal is that is the place where you are revived after a critter kills you. Around that crystal numerous characters pass through or hang around. I have yet to figure out how to sit on one of the benches. I don't think Sprouts are allowed to sit. 

A Sprout is a newbie player. I am still playing in the trial version too, so that limits certain actions within the game. 

My son, being very much a fan, told me he had to go "make some food" to earn gil aka $$$$. 

A YouTuber suggested finding a willing Sugar Parent to sponsor your shopping sprees. Why is this seeming more and more like real life? What would be required in return? I hate to ask.

Was finally able to upgrade from the pilgrim outfit to this robe-like getup in mukluks. The otter backpack was earned during the You Otter Be There limited quest. 

Going to hang out in the FF casino for awhile. Maybe get me some smokes. I've yet to see a character smoking a cigarette, drinking, or eating anything. Maybe that isn't part of the game? 

All Planted and Headed to Italy

All of the vegetable plants are in place. There are 4 tomatoes, 3 peppers (habanero, jalapeno, mini bell), a Crimson Sweet watermelon, and a struggling artichoke. The fabric planters worked well in the interim. I will eventually replace those with galvanized steel planters. 

How the L shaped planter looks in the garden area. On the 90+ days of summer, I also moisten the straw around the planters.  

Working hard toward performance level tap dancing. I am starting to improve after two months of three days a week of instruction. If the steps could become second nature to me, then I could add some flare to the routines. The group I am practicing with might have a public performance in the near future. 

I have also applied as a volunteer with our local community services organization. There is an upcoming 25th Annual Summer Spectacular event at the lake end of this month. They sent out an email blast on a call for volunteers, and since I attend a number of events at the center, my name probably came up. 

Took a trip to the local travel agency and booked a trip to Southern Italy and Sicily for the end of April 2027. I tried to do the internet stuff but found it frustrating. So much better to sit down with a REAL PERSON and talk about something so important as a vacation. It will be the first of many trips I hope to take now and into the future. 

Almost There for the Garden Area

The schnauzer/terrier black metal cutout sign was a $3 thrift shop find. I had to dig throuh the hospice thrift framing area to find something suitable to cover the hole in the chain link fencing in the gate. Garden area will henceforth be guarded by both the garden gecko and the schnauzers. I used salvaged wonky chain link fencing sections from our property to make the deer-proof enclosure. That little sign is also a nod to my mom. Even though she never had that dog as a pet, it was her favorite breed. 

None of the hardware fit the gate to latch it. I may have to resort to a velcro fastener. I will fill the planter with at least 4 bags of soil. Then I can start transplating the starts that I have into the planter and purchase some more vegetables like watermelon and cucumber. 

Weeks of hard work have finally paid off. I did all of the assemblage of the galvanized steel planter, down to the attaching the chain link sections together. My son hauled the bags of soil down to the corner but I put all the soil in by the bag into the planter. 

The last piece to this project will be adding privacy screen slats to one side of the fencing that faces the neighbors (section shown on the far left). Researching now to find slats at the lowest cost/highest quality. 

Slice of Garden Paradise

No Tuesday with Mila as per doctor's orders for no lifting. Swung by one of my fav Goodwills in Rancho Cordova, California, and bought a $7.99 bag of toys for Tuesday when I am called back into action as one of the Grandma Brigade. 

The Hape harmonica was worth the price of the bag. I also gained a triangle, a hedgehog accordian, a MLP figurine, and a pink metal lunchbox. The rest I thrifted back to the Great Thrift Shop Beyond. 

My slice of garden paradise is finally coming together. Rather than install permanent fence posts, I utilized the chain link fencing sections we had on site like temporary fencing. The connecting hardware cost less than $30. Landscape fabric was placed at the bottom of the galvanized steel garden planter. Bags of raised bed soil were bought at a big box retailer. Straw around the garden bed aids in weed control. 

Tucker models the before and after. It was his first encounter with the spreading the straw event. 

At least 4 more bags of soil are needed. There are already six bags of soil in the planter. 

Painted metal gecko hides a tear in the chain link fencing. The remainder of the straw will be spread around the fabric planters (not shown). I have the hardware and will need help installing the garden gate. 

Approximate cost turning the area from weeds to garden. Anything not listed we had on site already. 

2 fabric planters 16 bags of soil for each
Hardware for fencing $30
Galvanized steel planter $130 6 bags of soil (so far needs more)
Straw bale

The majority of the hard work is done for this planting area. Now, I can move some peppers and smaller plants around.🪴

Final Fantasy Flash #1

My Final Fantasy career continues. This is Flash #1 from an elder's perspective. I have discovered I don't have to pass the time battling monsters and critters to level up. It seems one can focus on crafting, or fishing, or FASHION! You can bet I will be all over that area of the game. There is even a casino for the gambling addicted. 

At level 9, I have geared up from my newbie outfit (the skirt was something I would wear IRL). Seems I had to put on some battle gear. I've gained leggings but since ditched the hat. Makes me look like a pilgrim who has lost her way in the FF world. 

There is a scene where I discover a blue crystal that gives me visions. Nicknamed by newbies as crystal meth. One suspiciously has visions after encountering this glowing crystal.

Could have sworn I saw an occult symbol in the ground during one of my many wanderings. I'll get a screen shot next time. 

I am getting better at navigating through the MSQ - main scenario quests. Unfortunately, I have died a couple of times from losing battles. 

After a bit of internet sleuthing, I did discover there is a RP or ERP - role play or erotic role play within the game. I know nothing! As Sgt Schultz would proclaim in the TV show Hogan's Heroes. Just like real life, that path seems kinda scary. Trying to kill bugs and just staying on the right path are about all I can manage right now. 

In addition, there are parties and nightclubs. Both of which I haven't experienced yet. I suppose with the getup I am wearing and the sprout image by my name, I won't get many invites.😛 

As a gal who loves fashion, I reeally want to change this outfit but have to level up to do it. Grrrr

Garden Books

I was inspired by an article in the 2026 Better Homes & Gardens Vintage Garden Style magazine about garden books. Specifically, the antique ones. I have one antique and one vintage. In addition to checking thrift shops for the cookbook section for unusual ones, and the children's section for baby ones, I will add gardening for the antique ones. 

This flower guide of Wild Flowers East of the Rockies is from 1927. 

The Wild Flowers of California is a 1955 publication. Their names, haunts, and habits.

My poppies are just starting to bloom. I planted a couple packets of seeds a few months ago.

The vegetable garden progress has been slowed by a medical procedure I endured recently. The hardware for the galvanized steel planter has arrived. Once I am back on my feet, I will lay out the pieces and assemble it. 

The plan is to continue leveling out the area and place landscape fabric as a weed barrier. I am debating whether I will need to lay down chicken wire under the garden bed for any burrowing critters.🐰

Greercourt and the Garden L

Doing my Final Fantasy homework by going through the Play Guides on the site. With my son an advanced game player, it does give me an advantage. Here is my player Greercourt. While I have been playing in the trial version of the game, I have seen other players run through. I didn't realize it was an active online version. While I can't talk to other players at this stage of the game, they can see me and I can see them in real time. This is all fascinating to me.

The thing I find the most interesting are the other characters. Knowing people and how weird they can be, I can only imagine there is a dark side to this RPG. Characters pop up in clearly S&M costume. Guess that is obtained buying special accessories. I will report on my findings.😉

Characters can have pets. My son has a virtual Corgi. Maybe I will have a cat or another dog breed.🐕

Guess what! There are Dancer Quests, you can bet that will be my goal when I hit level 50.

I won't sign up for a Square Enix subscription until I master the game controls. Likely, I am spinning around in the online environment and I don't want anyone making fun of my character. 

And the origins of my name - Greer Court was an alias of a saleslady for the Caroline Hansen Modeling Agency. My mom and I took the basic modeling course. Loved that time we had together. 

Meshugga is a family name used in jest by my brother and my late father. There you have it.

Gardening update:

It took a few hours of research to find the right planter for the garden. The goal was to find something sturdy enough yet cheap enough not to break the bank. I ended up with an L shaped galvanized white metal planter 74x74x18. Only 230 gallon capacity for the soil. Yikes! Image to follow after I assemble the darn thing.