WEDNESDAY

Julie picked me up at 9:00 and we went to the BCNN meeting. The program wasn't terribly interesting to me at first (CPR on infants), but the N.P. then branched into what to do if an emergency happens at home. I contributed my experience with the emergency room and a more lively discussion followed. One member whom I don't know talked about having a heart attack alone. Maybe that wouldn't be so unusual, except she was slender, very attractive, and couldn't have been more than fifty. That suggests to me a family trait heart problem, but I didn't get a chance to talk to her. I asked Susan S., our president, to announce info on the show and gave her the flyer I had made up, essentially this:

BACKSTAGE BEDLAM

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

Join us for the electrifying ‘opening night’ of Short Attention Span Theater’s all-new variety show — a bold blend of live music, unexpected performances, and a rare backstage pass into the inner workings of the Ensemble.

Set against the charged political and social backdrop of 2025, this original production dares to find laughter, light, and resilience in the chaos. It’s theater with a pulse — raw, real, and wildly entertaining.

WEEKENDS, AUGUST 15 –30

FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS 8 PM

SUNDAYS 5 PM

Suite J Theater at Luminal

1956 Palma Dr. Ventura

This is a show for adults and adult refreshments are available.

$20 General Admission

$18 Senior/Student/Military

$25 Front row reserved  

Tickets available online.

www.fracturedactors.com

Susan did it up big and there was quite a bit of interest in the group; she also reminisced about being in my acting group when I did it for BCNN a few years ago. We talked after and will get together soon.

Home at noon and I called Cricket, my phone company. I'm having horrendous problems with them, specifically getting them to accept automatic payments, and I spent an hour--that's not an exaggeration--trying to pay the monthly bill. For some strange reason, BOA sends them the payment and they don't cash it. They're going to call me back on tomorrow.

Packed my lunch and went out to the middle to eat, but it was so breezy, I moved to a more sheltered area. Ate, came home, did some laptop stuff, then took a short nap. Texted Amber to ask her to pick me up for rehearsal, she did, I went, and found I wasn't called for last night. Damn, my part is on tonight--I'm annoyed for myself for not picking up on that. However, Amy was leaving, so she took me home and we had a good talk on the way. She has a B.A., but is a para-professional; I'm not sure why she never got her teaching certificate. Now she's 44, married with two teenagers, and is trying to decide whether to go for her masters, or get her certificate. I enjoyed talking it over with her on the way home.

I'm looking forward to lunch today with dear Vera and will meet her at the Thai restaurant right across at the Von's shopping center. She's another of my friends young enough to be my daughter whom I'm privileged to know. Finally, a fabulous gift: I just got up at 6:15, after sleeping soundly all night--yowzah!                                                                                                                                                                        

TUESDAY...

 ...and a pretty good day. I had told the staff at Granny's Home Center (that's the most idiotic name I ever heard) I'd come for lunch with Jim at 11:00; I'm always amazed how at early they eat, but oh, well, I just skipped breakfast.  While I was waiting for the Access Van out front, Kay came up and we chatted for fifteen or so. Poor soul, she's still distressed at her neighbors' noisiness and was delivering a three- page letter to management. I hope she gets some satisfaction, but I doubt she will.

Jim was pleased to see me and I asked if we could eat on the patio. Yes, indeed, and we settled in. "Johnny," the attendant, asked if I had brought Jim's lunch. I hadn't, since it had never occurred to me, but next time I will--I remember the days when Jim used to come to my place for lunch every week.  We had some good conversation and Jim seems not bad--however, why he still isn't walking, I don't know why and neither does he. I stayed just an hour and the Access Van took me home.

Once I got in, I texted Suzanne, who came over promptly. We sat down to fill each other in about our last two weeks before. I had the idea she was going to some kind of retreat, but no, she and her "sister Sister," Sister Beatrice, were just visiting friends and other sisters up north.  Unfortunately, Sister B., who has a heart condition, had a  problem, and was in the hospital for three days in San Francisco. She does seem to be recovered now.

I told Suzanne about the naughty words in the show and assured her I wouldn't have the slightest problem if she may not want to attend. Suzanne then came up with a great idea: She asked if I would do my part just for Vickie and her. That's actually a terrific ide and I think I'll have a little happy hour for the three of us and maybe Kay, too. Interestingly, when I told her about the language thing, she asked, "Why would they do that?" meaning why would the writers include those words. She was serious and I was bemused--and amused--over her naivete. She lives in a somewhat different world then I do and many do--not better, not worse, but different. Anyway, we had a good, long talk. 

On the financial front: Incredibly, Asurion is indeed going to send me $300.00 to replace my printer even though it's a Canon Asurion doesn't even sell printers. They do ask for $106.00 to cover the "processing fee," but so what? It's still two hundred up. 

Believe it or not, I had the urge to go to the pool, so I put on my suit, took my book, and went. However, there was only a young couple there and they were just leaving. I actually didn't feel like getting all wet, especially when it was only in the seventies, so I just sat for 45 or so, read my book, then went home. Someday... 

Talked to Ellen, who will come over on Sunday and we'll do lunch and other things. Called  Noreen to say we're A-Okay for lunch on Friday. On the horizon: BCNN meeting today, lunch after with Julie and others, rehearsal at 6:00; lunch with Vera tomorrow and with Noreen on Friday. Yep, things are heating up... 😎

 

MONDAY AND A ROARIN' LIFE

Things are really getting down to the wire now, what with the show, my printer replacement, and all kinds of other crapola. I washing and changed the sheets when I got up, then cleaned up a bit, had breakfast, and went over to Asurion to finished up the printer think. That took a fair amount of time and it was complicated so it took me a while to get it finished. Went over to Asurion and one of the guys helped me, but I finished it at home. 

Called Julie to be sure we were on on the August BCNN meeting tomorrow--yes--then called Noreen. I had had a date for lunch with her today, but I simply forgot that. Instead, we agreed to meet at Denny's on Friday. Made up my lunch and took it out to the middle. Showered and dressed. Darn, Amber texted that she was stuck at work and couldn't pick me up for rehearsal, so I texted Amy and she came, but a little late.  

We ran through the entire show, which was satisfying, but grueling. Hearing Erica emphasize "ten days to showtime!" is enough to turn your hair white (oh, I forgot, it's already white), but it was good. We actually did okay and here are a few pics: 

James, Steve, Suzy and the Short Attention Span Band

"Emotions": Bob on stairwell, Shari seated, and Lindsay, Jonathan, and Teke

I did a video of 10-year-old Harper singing, but I'm afraid it may not come up. Maybe it will if highlighted, though:

https://www.messenger.com/e2ee/t/7702899706455300/

As usual, didn't get home until close to nine; stayed up for another hour, then went to beddy-bye and slept well. Vera texted me just now to express her concern that I wasn't at Soaring Spirits lunch yesterday. Darn, I completed forgot to put it on my calendar and forgot. V. suggested we go to lunch together and we will on Thursday. 

Suzanne is back from her two-week trip, asked if I wanted to go to WinCo, but I'm going to see Jim today. Gave her her mail and said I'd stop in when I get back to Jim. Boy-oh-brother, my life is going full force and much as I love it, I'm going to be happy for a little downtime when the show is over!

SUNDAY

I didn't sleep well, although I had had a fair amount of exercise on Saturday; woke up several times during the night. I finally got up at 5:30, took my weekly medication, and started my day. Went out to get Suzanne's mail (box was empty) and ran into my new acquaintance, Kathy, on her way to church. Chatted for a bit, said goodbye, then was greeted by my young neighbor, who actually lives adjacent to me. She asked about the ambulance coming last week and I explained what happened. Her name is Desiree and I'll certainly remember that because the oldest child of my dear friend and neighbor in Ewing, Elaine, was named that, too. This Desiree has a little boy about seven, who is severely autistic--he's vocal, but seems very mentally retarded. Anyway, it was good getting to know her.

Got a text from Stella, asking if I wanted to meet for lunch after the 12:30 mass at the Mission. Hey, do I ever turn down an invitation? Sure thing, and I left at 11:30. Got downtown and stopped at a few shops, then met Stella. She wanted to go to a new place and we drove to Mother's Tacos on Thompson Street. I was a little leery, but it turned out to be a neat place. Absolutely authentic Mexican and better than most. 

I had oyster mushroom tacos, plus sweet potatoes--not fries, but yummy little round purple cups; I actually didn't know what they were at first, and had to ask the server! . Of course, I had a good Mexican IPA, too, not the hazy kind, but still very refreshing. The restaurant is large was very full, but it didn't feel uncomfortably crowded. The servers were excellent and so festive and we there for a good two hours; I definitely want to go back. 

We stayed for a good two hours, talking and talking. Stella's son, Joshua, who's 42 or so, is coming from Spain to visit shortly and I like him a lot.  I went to lunch with Stella and Josh when he was here before and we'll do that again. We stopped after at Ace Hardware so Stella could pick up some things, then she took me to the Transit Center and I bused home.  

Rehearsal tonight and I must bring my costume--at least the dressy one. 

SATURDAY

Another busy day. Amber picked me up for rehearsal and it went pretty well, but as almost always when we get down to the wire, it was hectic. My part went well, although I still need some work on the playlet to be fluid, but the monologue was perfect. I particularly like a piece Amber wrote depicting people as emotions. On stage from left are Apathy (Shari), Anger (Keke), Fear (Jonathan), and Focus (Inna).  not there are Inner Peace and Hope:

And below are our marvelous, hard-working crew, including from left,

stage manager Rolanda, assistant Amy, co-director Erica, writer Amber, and co-director Brian:

Erica asked us to start bringing in our costumes and I have to figure what I'll bring. The cowgirl one is easy enough--jeans and a shirt, and maybe I'll add a vest--but for Rosemary, Bob's paramour and his son Jonathon's Sunday School teacher (oh, it's just too long and involved to explain), I wasn't sure what to wear. So-o-o, after I got home, I packed lunch, bused to town, ate at my usual, and looked for a dress. I picked up a cheesy white one covered with sparkly spikes for $7.99 at Goodwill; I'll dress it up even more with flashy jewelry  Since Erica had asked me to decide on Rosemary's character, I decided to make her a kind of hotsy-totsy dame.  

I was surprised to get a call from Christina F., our stage manager for the last F.A. show I was in. She asked if I'd be interested in a production a friend of hers in running in Ojai. This concerns Alzheimer's and I get the impression it's by a guy who's running a fund-raiser show for the organization. Unfortunately, it will run August 23 and 24 when I'll be doing Fractured Actors. I told Christina I would like him to call me, as I'd definitely be interested in later productions. 

Stopped at Von's on the way home to pick up a pack of Voodoo Ranger IPAs and didn't get in until 5:00. Put in a white wash and just relaxed until dinner. 

Later, I called niece Carolyn and was surprised to hear she's in Jersey. She's visiting friends, plus various relatives of both of us and will be there for another week or so.  We had a good talk, but I was sorry to hear Betty has developed a fear of being moved from bed to wheelchair and vice versa. Carolyn said she trembles and shakes and may be given more Ativan or another tranquillizer. On a lighter note, she said she's looking forward to "Backstage Bedlam" and I think will bring the kids. I warned her, though, that there's adult/foul/salty language in it, so maybe she shouldn't bring them. Hmm...since her kids are 19 and 23, I guess it's okay... 😅

FRIDAY, AUGUST 1

Weight: At home, I was thrilled (and astonished) to record a 2.2 pound loss, which took me to 126.6. However, wouldn't you know, the T.O.P.S. scale pegged me at 129.7, just .04 less than last week. I suspect my scale needs a new battery or something, but oh, well, I didn't gain.

Home at 10:00, had breakfast, then sat down to check out Facebook and other interests. Sent an e-card to great-grandson, Tristan, for his eighteenth birthday today, then a little dough from Amazon, in my usual amount for all the kiddies. 

I was determined to spend must of the day running lines, but wouldn't you know, I didn't do as much as I meant to. Conversely, I went over to Von's and got a lot more than I meant to. I actually had to leave half of it behind the manager's desk, load up the cart, take it home, then go back for the rest. No big deal, though, as I've done that before. 

Stopped at Asurion to ask about my ailing printer and was surprised to learn that, because they don't go to the house to fix, they'll reimburse you. Now, my printer is a Canon, so I found that hard to believe. I called them and actually, that's what they do. I was on the phone for a long time with the Asurion rep and gave her the info about the printer. I was then supposed to upload identification, took a pic of my passport, but couldn't follow what I was told to get it to the rep. I asked if, instead, I could take the camera and printer info to the guys in Asurion and they could do it. She agreed that was a good idea and that's what I'll do on Monday.

Once I had the stuff put away, I made lunch and took it to the middle to eat. Home, I cleared up a few things, then took a nap. 

Mike called after dinner and we chatted. He may be able to spend more time in November, when he and Vivian come for Thanksgiving, so that will be nice. We commiserated over the accidental death of Snickerdoodle, who fell to his death from Mike's balcony last month. 

Here are a few more pictures from the scattering of the ashes. The group of "mourners," so to speak:

Paula's niece and brother, Ellen and me before the ceremony: 

Got up at five something and, although I've got my lines down, I'm still a little shaky about where they come in. It's a good thing we have another two weeks to opening night.

THURSDAY AND THE MEDICAL REPORT

A somewhat busy day: the Uber from SCAN picked me up at 9:30 for my 10:00 re my blood pressure. I saw the P.A., who was very pleasant and seemed competent. She recorded my pressure as 136/82, which is somewhat elevated, but she said that, concerning my age, it didn't seem reason for concern. As for the elevated one at the emergency room, the doctor there wrote it was most likely because of my worry--or something. The problem I have is that I can't seem to remember what my BP is; maybe I just resist knowing because it makes me nervous--dunno.

Took the bus home, had lunch outside, then did a color wash. After, I called Muckie, as I've done several times in the last few weeks. This time, her son, Matt, answered and told me Muckie was in the hospital, as she had had an attack of some time. They don't believe it's related to the cancer, but is due some other malady. Matt said she was a little out of it, but he's optimistic. Good, I hope so. I called Pat Kennedy (oh, I know her name was Hayes and now it's something else, but I'm goin' with the original) to tell her. We had a nice chat--Pat's doing well since she had her heart shocked a while ago, because it was "fluttering" or something. 

I also haven't heard back from my cousin Sally, about her condition, also pancreatic cancer, and I texted her son, Duane, to see what was going on. Got a response that Sal doesn't always answer her phone and she's been sleeping a lot. He said he'll visit her over the weekend and will give me an update.  Damn, I never want to know more about medicine--my pressure would really soar!

I sent info on the show to a number of friends, including those in T.O.P.S., Dudley House, and BCNN, plus others. I included a Facebook reel of Woody Guthrie singing "Deportees," about a plane crash in 1948 that was shipping people back to Mexico. "The Low Attention Span Band," in our show will play it and I don't think there'll be a dry eye in the house.

I have a bunch of filing to do, but what I really want to tackle is getting off book.  After T.O.P.S., I'm going to demote myself to that today.  

Slept well for a change, but I'm pretty sure I've gained this week. Well, the hell with it, I have other things to think about.