TUESDAY

Suzanne and I left for WinCo at 8:45 and got back in about an hour. I got some good produce--cabbage, cauliflower, onions, tomatoes, spinach and a few other items. I wasn't hungry, as I had snacked at night, so had only a few handfuls of blueberries for breakfast. When I got home, I cooked the spinach after adding olive oil, vinegar, and garlic and had a bowl of that--weird, but enjoyable. 

Ellen got here a little after one and we first went to UPS, as she had something to mail, then to Wood Ranch for lunch. This has gotten to be a favorite because they have the best barbequed chopped salad with chicken. We ate, then went to Office Depot and, after a great deal of examination, questions, and discussion, I settled on a particular printer to replace my old one. This is a Brothers, not a Canon, and it did get good reviews. However, they didn't have one in stock, so will have to deliver it in a few days.

Home after that and Ellen had to leave a bit after 4:00, but when the printer comes in, she'll be back to install it. It was in the upper seventies, so I changed into shorts and a tee-shirt and put in a load of color wash. A bit after six, I called Noreen to see if she could meet for lunch today--she could and we will, at good ol' Danny's Deli. 

I was tired, for some reason, so went to bed at 9:00. Big mistake, as I woke up at 2:30 and--AAGH!--now it's 3:15 and I'm sitting here at the laptop.  Hope I can go back to dreamland soon...

Well, I did after about a half-hour, but until only 6:15. I'm going to have to get a nap in sometime today. 

MONDAY

Early morning, Suzanne texted me an invitation to join her for her bi-weekly visit to WinCo today. I happily accepted and we'll go at 8:45. Later, Ellen asked if we could switch our Thursday date to today and yes, she'll pick me up at noon, we'll go to Office Max, where I'll look for a new printer, then she'll leave at 4:00 to meet with her contractor. 

Yesterday was not a bad day, but somewhat slow. I had intended to bus to town and tour the shops, but that went awry: I made lunch, packed up my cart, and set off, but before I got out of the complex, I decided it was too hot. I was passing Vickie's place about 12:30 and I changed my plans. Knowing she works at home, I texted her to see if she might be available and, as it turned out, she was. I settled into an umbrellaed table and Vickie joined me shortly thereafter. She had brought her lunch with some extra watermelon and we settled in for a good visit and talk. Suzanne happened to come over for her daily swim and we three chatted away, then Vickie and I settled into some good, serious talk.   

After, she went back to work (at home) and I stayed for a bit, then left. Watched T.V. for awhile, then took a nap. Other than the exciting news that I took the trash out, there wasn't much else happening. 

SUNDAY

 Didn't do a whole heck of a lot early on yesterday, aside from hard-boiling some eggs. Had lunch, then went out to wait for Amber to pick me up at 3:15. She did, we got there shortly, and the matinee went on at 5:00. I flubbed "Heart's Desire" a little--started the same stanza twice--but recovered well and I don't think the audience noticed, which is all that matters. 

Glory be, it was still light out when we left. For those of us who consider 9 PM practically the middle of the night, matinees are wonderful. Home, had something to eat, watched some easily forgettable T.V., turned in at 10 and slept the good sleep. Here are some pics from last night:    

Amy and Carlita before show.

Kathy, Lindsay, and Bob

L. to r.: Amy, Kathy, Mandy, Bob; Rowena at top.

Much as I love Backstage Bedlam and Fractured Actors, I'm looking forward to three days off. We go on next Friday and Saturday, then close. Cast Party is Sunday. 

SATURDAY

Got up at 7:20, did a color wash, including the jeans and shirt I wear for "Hearts Desire." I called my friend, Rosa, to fill her in on the show. Because she's of Mexican descent, I thought she'd like to see it, but I haven't heard back from her yet. Breakfasted and really did little after, aside from a short nap and eating lunch on the patio. Showered, washed my hair, then waited outside for Amber to pick me up at 6:30. 

The show last night went very well, I think sharper and more focused than the others. Although the audience was sparse, they were receptive and laughed in all the right places. After the finale, when we prance off the stage, I was pleased to be greeted by Lynne W., docent director of Dudley House, whom I've known almost since I got to California. She had brought a friend and I introduced them to Amber, who happened to be nearby. I'm scheduled to docent in just two weeks on September 7--I'd better start reviewing my tour talk.

Home after 10:00, as usual and stayed up almost until midnight. Oddly, although I haven't been sleeping as long as usual, I'm feeling pretty alert. I'm so glad it's the matinee today and the show starts at 5:00. 

Here are some shots in our minuscule dressing room, which is about the size of a powder room:

Shannon, Erica, and Harper with tiny hands.

Shannan and her wig wardrobe/

Harper, the incredible opera-singing 10-year-old and her Mom, Shannon.

FRIDAY AND ALLIGATORS

Slept okay, awoke about 6:15, breakfasted, too, took a short nap, went over to Von's for this and that, made lunch, ate it in the middle, then showered and dressed in my cowgirl-ish performance clothes. Amber, back from the wedding in Texas, texted that she'd pick me up, so I notified Amy. 

Just hung out most of the day and ate lunch in the middle. Tried to nap, but couldn't fall sleep--little going on until we left at 5:45. Since the show doesn't start until 8:00, it's really a drag to get there so early, but that's showbiz, I guess. 

James, Steve, and Suzy, the Short Attention Span Band.

On the right, Steve and Suzy at Sam's Place in Ojai. They sometimes play with others

When I recited my "Heart's Desire," I flubbed, damnit. I said the "...but I was still a lady..." verse and after, somehow started it again. I recovered by make a joke of it, though, and wasn't too upset by it. 

Home at a harrowing 10:20 and didn't get to bed until--unbelievably--well after midnight. Got up at 7:20 to brew my coffee (I can't live without it) and heard some odd sounds from outside. This is what I saw from the window:   

Tree trimmer high up

Tree trimmer close up

Well, I guess they have to make a living, but I'd rather wrestle alligators. 

THURSDAY

Hoo-boy, another jam-packed day. I did a bleach wash before breakfast, then showered, dressed, and went out to wait for the Access Van. Got to Help of Ojai about 1:15, a little early, but Suzy was there already. Maria took us in and we had a good talk about our expectations for the new "Acting for Amateurs" course and so on. The idea is for us to start on October 20 and meet every two weeks. After Backstage Bedlam is over (two more weekends), Suzy and I will meet to crystalize our plans for the course.

I had scheduled the Access Van to pick me up at 3:00 and we had plenty of time after meeting with Maria, so we went over to the little place on the corner and each had a cold beer. (I was pleased to see that Suzy enjoys the stuff, too.): 

After, we waited outside Help of Ojai on a conveniently placed bench until the van came--late, in fact, as it didn't get there until almost 4:00; Suzy waited with me until then.

By the time we got back to Ventura, it was already almost 5:00 and Rowena picked me up. She had brought her sixteen-year-old sister and I enjoyed meeting her. We met Amy at Mother's Tacos and it turned out it was only the four of us this time. I had an oyster and mushroom taco (without the hot sauce this time), purple sweet potatoes, and a good Margarita. We talked and laughed--very enjoyable.

Home about 7:15 and even though I greatly enjoy being involved and engaged, I want a respite. I've been out and about every day for a week and I'm going to slow down, at least for a time. I called Cheryl that I was skipping T.O.P.S. this morning. I have the show tonight, Saturday, and Sunday, and I don't want to schedule anything much more next week--enough is enough! 

WEDNESDAY

Went through some of my writings and plays--mostly the shorter ones I used in "Acting for Amateurs"--and selected several to share with Suzy.  Bused to town, dropped into the library to return a book, then strolled the block to Dargan's at 12:30. We both ordered Reuban sandwiches (both took half home) plus Suzy a Harp Irish beer, and I my usual Topa Topa IPA.  We then proceeded to talk and talk and talk for roughly three hours. We discussed each others backgrounds, experience, and ideas and beliefs. Suzy, who's 72 and a special ed teacher, was born and brought up in Michigan, has two daughters and a son from two marriages, and had an out-of-body experience. She's had some difficult times, but is now happily married to Steven, a botanist and also the guitar player in their "Low Attention Span Band." Suzy is, of course, the singer (along with James, the other member of the trio). Suzy just got an offer to be the performing arts instructor at a school in Thousand Oaks. This would be part-time, two days a week.   

Anyway, today, we'll meet Maria, the department head at Help of Ojai, where we're going to be conducing our little acting course. We're just going to be shone the facility and where we'll be for the class. There's a whole lot that we'll have to decide, notably, who will do what and when.

After we said goodbye, I walked, as usual, to Ventura Avenue and got the 6 home. As soon as I got in, I put in a white wash, and did a few chores. Had leftovers for dinner.

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Picnic in Roxborough, PA, c. 1918; Mom is second from left in second row, Dad full-length on right.

I had the picture colorized a few years ago. 

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