THURSDAY

In the morning, I walked to the Dollar Tree next to Smart 'n' Final Supermarket and got some minor household supplies. Once home, I made lunch and went out to the middle to enjoy it and stayed for some time.  Later, I decided on a conventional dinner: sea bass, sweet potatoes, Brussel sprouts, and homemade apple sauce. Tasted good. 

Watched some regular news programs about the fire, then strolled over (a few yards away) to knock on Vickie's door. By that time, it was close to 7:00, so I didn't think she'd be working.  She wasn't, invited me in, and we had a good, heart-to-heart chat.

Home, I called Noreen, who was still very apologetic about the mix-up with Paradise Pantry on Wednesday. We had a nice talk and agreed to make a lunch date shortly. Suzanne called to say she, too has been having with her kitchen faucet running slowly. We're both wondering is there's some problem with the pipes.

T.O.P.S. today and I'm hoping I shed some of the last week's poundage. Unfortunately, it doesn't feel like it, but time will tell. 

💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥

Finally, the mystery of why I got several checks from this outfit last month is solved. They're not from my health insurance, they're from T.O.P.S.: 

STAY ACTIVE, STAY REWARDED Dear Rosemary, Happy New Year! As we reflect on 2024, one thing is clear: TOPS members love Grouper! Over 700 TOPS members joined Grouper last year and received benefit payments to support their health-focused and community activities. Now, it’s your turn to make 2025 the year you stay active, engaged, and connected with Grouper. Here’s how Grouper works: If you're 65+ with an eligible Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plan, you qualify. Once eligible, Grouper will send you a $50 annual check and $20 payments every three months for staying active with group activities, like attending TOPS meetings or connecting with friends. It takes seconds to check your eligibility, and these benefits can help you stay on track with your goals for health and community connection this year. Let 2025 be the year you prioritize your health and well-being with Grouper! Have questions? Call (883)-445-2400 or email info@hellogrouper.com. Wishing you a healthy and connected New Year, Your Friends at TOPS You’re receiving this email because you provided your email address when you signed up as a TOPS member. If you wish to unsubscribe, click the "unsubscribe" link below.

I don't understand their motivation, but if they want to add to the seventy bucks they already gave me, who am I to argue?

WEDNESDAY

 I shoudda stayed in bed!

Yes, it was a pretty lousy day. I was looking forward to seeing my dear friend, Noreen, for lunch and, to that end, I got ready for our 12:30 time early. Picked up my keys and the remote (for the gate opener), always in the bowl on the table next to the door. I keep all three on a kind of bracelet made for that purpose, which I find very convenient--but the remote was missing. Long story short, I searched everywhere I could think of, and didn't find them. Took everything out of my purse, checked around where they might have fallen, went out to where I had been talking to David on Tuesday, looked on the path that leads to the street, and so on--no luck. Went to the office to ask if anyone had turned on remote in, but nope. In fact, Kim told me the number on the back would identify which apartment it came from. I finally gave up and took the bus to town.

Noreen and I had agreed we'd meet at Paradise Pantry at 12:30, but if it was closed, we'd just go to another of the many restaurants nearby. I got there just about on time, but Noreen wasn't there. I sat nearby and called her several times, as well as texted--forgetting she doesn't do text because she doesn't have a cell phone, so obviously didn't get a response. I was worried that either 1.) she had fallen or otherwise met with an accident; or 2.) I had gotten the date, place, and/or time wrong. I stayed near the place until after 1:00, then just bused home. Just as I got to the transit center, Noreen called. She said she had been there, seen that Paradise Pantry was closed, so walked around town looking for another restaurant. She said she thought she'd run into me, but why she didn't remember our original plan to meet at Paradise Pantry, I don't know. She's ninety and I'm afraid she just forgot. Anyway, she apologized over and over, and I kept telling her it was okay (it was and is, although with anybody else, I might not be so forgiving). I told her we'll talk today and make another lunch date.  

I was frazzled by the time I got home at 3:00--no wonder, I hadn't had lunch yet. Made a sandwich, packed it up with an IPA, and called Lorraine to see if she'd meet in the middle. She would and she did and we had a pleasant visit. Suzanne happened to come by and she sat down with us for a bit. She and Lorraine talked about having things ready in case they have to evacuate (there are major fires here and there, but we seem not to be in danger) and twitted me for not being "prepared." If I thought there was a clear danger, I'd do it, but it's her and Lorraine's paranoia is not mine.  Mine is up in the air with any plane I get on, which is sure to crash, killing all aboard. It was 4:30 and dusk before I walked back in my door--can't wait for daylight saving time! 

TUESDAY

Another action-packed day. (Actually, it entailed of bunch of mundane items.) Did a bleach wash, then tackled office-y chores to wit: Sent a note of condolence to the daughter of our former neighbor; left a note of thanks for the bag of lemons from Mike upstairs; talked to the office about the flow of the bathroom sink being improved; and Messaged a few FB cohorts on various topics.

Here was the topper: A few days ago, when I was having problems posting on this blog, I contacted JustAnswer.com. I was made to understand I could "chat" (electronically communicate, that is) with a tech at no charge. I did, but just for a few minutes, but I didn't get a usable answer, so I ended the contact. A few days later, I was horrified to see on my bank account that a $55.00 charge to the outfit was being processed. Long story you-know-what, I called (several times) and after long waits got somebody who said no, they wouldn't refund, it was a subscription charge and I had the first month. I demanded to talk to somebody else. I was patched over and went all over the situation. I should be ashamed to record (but I'm not) that I pulled the age card and also gave the impression the amount was a terrible financial burden (it isn't). I was surprised myself when the guy agreed to refund me and sent a text and an email to confirm that. Hmm...maybe my acting skills aren't rusty, after all. 

Went over to Von's for yummy fresh salmon, then to CVS for some OTC items, all paid by my health insurance. Stopped at Hallmark to look at Christmas ornaments, which were touted as 75% off. Frankly, I think that's a scam. I bought a particular ornament for a particular person, but it isn't musical, it doesn't move, it's just a pressed, rather small piece. Yet, it had a price of $24.00 on it; 75% off meant it was $6.99. I find it impossible that the original price was twenty-four bucks--plus tax! Why did I buy it? Only because I know the theme will interests the person.

Had lunch, then waited outside for the Uber to take me to the dentist. The driver, a very nice guy named Tracey, was sent to the wrong entrance, as all the other drivers have been! This is just infuriating, considering how many times I've tried to correct the problem. However, I got there and was ushered in shortly.  This was just for a cleaning, but I was told I also should get a filling in one of my lower teeth. Besides Medicare and my regular health insurance, I have their insurance, for which I paid $500.00. I asked about a co-pay, figuring it would be 10 or 20 dollars, and was floored when I was told it would be two-hundred-and-sixty-eight bucks! That's a "saving" of more than a hundred, I was assured. Damn, I was furious and told them I'd think about it. Later, I decided I'd do it--after all, I can take it off my income tax--but it still makes me boil. 

Bused home and at the mail place, I ran into David and we stood there and talked for a good forty-five minutes. David owns three houses in North Carolina, and as we chatted, I found that for a nice, three-bedroom, two-bath place, he gets $1400 in rent. Good grief, that's roughly half of what I get for my house in Little Egg! Of course, it's all relative: In Ventura, if sold, both those places would fetch a million or more, no question.

Lorraine drove up while we were talking and slowed down to say hello. Her birthday is tomorrow and, eventually, I'll take her to lunch or something. She also called me when I got home and we chatted for a bit.

Called the Agency On Aging to try to track down Jim's whereabouts. The very pleasant and friendly woman to whom I spoke (I asked, but can't remember her name) didn't have that information, but suggested I call the hospital to see how he went when he was released. Was he picked up? Did he walk out on his own?  She also said I could call the police to see if they had done a wellness check. I'll do that today. One of the (many) problems is that Jim doesn't have a cell phone. Hope I can find him.

MONDAY

A lot of goings-on yesterday. I washed the sheets and changed the bed before breakfast and otherwise neatened up a little. Left for Telephone Road at 10:30, walking the mile and a bit to catch the 11 bus to the Barnes & Noble shopping center. Lunch with my Soaring Spirits sisters was enjoyable as ever; there were eleven of us, which included five men. I was concerned when my dear friend, our leader, Vera, told me she has a mass in her abdomen. I remember how fearful Vera was when she turned 48 last year; her mother died of breast cancer when she was 48. I was thrilled to hear the mass is benign and surgery will be scheduled soon to remove it.

After good food and good talk*, I said goodbye and bused to town. Strolled Main Street and stopped in several shops, but didn't buy anything. Bused back and at the mall/transit center, went to Target and bought seven grapefruit. Hey, I had that ten dollar gift card and they're only $1.49 each and what's more, they're the best grapefruit around. I've already halved and sectioned one, which I'll enjoy this morning and tomorrow. I admit I'm an addict!

Besides all that, I got a call about 7:00 am with the news that our former neighbor in Ewing, Cindy D., has died at only 64.  Cindy was more than a neighbor to us: She was the grandmother of my two great-grandsons, as her daughter, Jen, had been married to my grandson. I'll write Jen a note of condolence.

Also got a call from Esther Somebody, whom I had met at Dudley House when I was greeter for our Christmas Boutique in November; she took me home when the Access Van driver got confused and we decided we'd like to see more of each other after the holidays. Esther and I had a nice chat yesterday and made a date for next Tuesday, the 14th, for lunch at Rice By Mama, a Thai restaurant in town. Sounds good.

In addition, Stella texted me, inviting me to go with her today to a zoo somewhere with Senior Excursions of Ojai. Me, a zoo? Luckily, I have that dentist appointment, so had to decline. I called her and we caught up with each other. Her only child, Joshua, was here for two weeks in the beginning of December, but didn't stay for Christmas and went back to Spain where he lives. I suggested Stella and I talk next week about getting together. 

My nephew, Wes, and his wife, Heidi, sent me a late Christmas card, which I like so much:  

This shows their combined families: his three girls, her two, and her son, Teddy, as well as their son-in-law in the navy uniform. There's a little synopsis of each member of the family on the back. Wow, Betty would be so proud. 

* Interestingly--well, I thought it was interesting--my meal cost the same as the year I was born: $19.36. I have friends who would think that has great cosmic significance. 😜

SUNDAY

 I was invited to Ojai, so bused there by noon. Ellen texted that she'd pick me up at Von's and drive me the rest of the way to her place, but I opted to walk. It's probably no more than a mile and a bit, and it was a pleasant day, so I enjoyed it.

After happy greetings, we sat down to chat, then opened our late-Christmas presents. I got some nice gifts, including a homemade ornament and "environmental straws." These are made of glass and, presumably, help save the environment.  

We then enjoyed Ellen's casual, but delicious, lunch: ham, turkey, and cheese fixings with whole grain bread, accompanied by avocado, olives, tomato slices, and  grapes. The best part was her homemade chicken non-noodle soup; instead of noodles, sliced zucchini is added, along with other vegetables. That may sound odd, but it was great. The soup was nicely seasoned with turmeric along with other herbs and spices. 

After, we drove to the meadows we had visited on Christmas. We walked to the bench where El swears we were sitting when she saw an alien ship. We took a lot of pictures, some of which I may post when I can sort them out. A number of people were walking the trail and we chatted with many.

By the time we got back to El's, it was 5:00 and I wanted to start home. She took me to the stop and waited with me until the 16 came. This is ideal, as the 16 becomes the 10 when it gets to the transit center and stops right in front of my place. I had mentioned I have Soaring Spirits lunch today and a dentist appointment on Wednesday. I also want to set up lunch with Noreen, so will see the Ojai contingent soon after. It was almost 7:00 before I got home, but that was okay 

Got a text from my nephew, Jim, thanking me for this picture I sent him: 

By the time we got back to El's, it was 5:00 and I wanted to start home. She took me to the stop and waited with me until the 16 came. This is ideal, as the 16 becomes the 10 when it gets to the transit center and stops right in front of my place. I had mentioned I have Soaring Spirits lunch today and a dentist appointment on Wednesday. I also want to set up lunch with Noreen, so will see the Ojai contingent soon after. It was almost 7:00 before I got home, but that was okay 

By the time we got back to El's, it was 5:00 and I wanted to start home. She took me to the stop and waited with me until the 16 came. This is ideal, as the 16 becomes the 10 when it gets to the transit center and stops right in front of my place. I had mentioned I have Soaring Spirits lunch today and a dentist appointment on Wednesday. I also want to set up lunch with Noreen, so will see the Ojai contingent soon after. It was almost 7:00 before I got home, but that was okay 

Got a text from my nephew, Jim, thanking me for this picture I sent him:

On the Ventnor beach, this is my Dad, along with Betty in front, Larry standing, and my dear brother, Frank, who's ninetieth birthday would have been two days ago. Note that Dad is fully dressed in his work clothes of suit and tie. Betty and I look about about two, which would be in 1938.

Jim, whose son will be an exchange student in Singapore, also asked for Mike's contact info. I sent him his work email address.

SATURDAY

I spent a lot of the day on house and grounds work: Dusted and mopped the hard floors, washed the area rugs, and cleaned the bathroom and the kitchen sink area. I noticed that the bathroom sink is now running slowly, as the kitchen had, so sent a maintenance request to management.  All that took from breakfast to 1:00, so I decided to take a break. Packed my lunch--tuna sandwich and diet Coke--and took it out to the middle. It wasn't very warm--phone said 64 degrees--but there was at least a mild sun and not much wind, so I enjoyed it.

After, I swept the patio, deadheaded the geraniums, and otherwise spruced up the outside a bit. However, it needs more and I'll get to that later. I also pulled out and discarded the sonar lights I had had in the garden. I noticed a while ago they no longer shone at night, so whatever solar thing was in them must have died. That's okay, as I've had them for several years; I may get more some day. Got a note from Ojai and will go there today.     

About 4:00 pm, I decided to start this blog entry and to my absolute, I again was unable. I could see and read the blog, but no matter what I tried, I couldn't get the post part up. I should hesitate to record it, but I must have turned the air blue reacting to failure for what seemed like hours. It suddenly occurred to me to go across to the UBreakIFix. I packed up the laptop, took the mouse and my password book, piled them in my cart, and went. The young man there, Brice, was able to bring it up in about ten minutes. I love dealing with the kids in that shop. All the ones I've consulted have been unfailingly courteous, competent, and friendly. I boggles my mind that they're in the same age group as--not my son, not my grandson, but my great-grandson. Anyway, Brice said there was no charge, so I gave him a twenty--little enough. 

Just felt like scrambled eggs for dinner. After, I showered and washed my hair. I was able to say up until 10:00 and slept--well, not well, but somewhat better than I had the night before. This has to do with the balance/diet routine I'm trying; will explain another day.

FRIDAY

 Weight: I was up 2.2 at home to 130.8 and up 2.7 at T.O.P.S. to 131.3--AAGH! That means I'm out of my comfort zone of 125 to 130 and not by just a few ounces. However, I have a plan, which I instituted today; if I stick to it, I'll elaborate on it another day. 

I was disturbed to be told that my friend, Lora, also in T.O.P.S. had an accident a few days ago. She was starting off to her newly-built house in Arizona, where her husband already is, when her car actually flipped. I don't know all the circumstances, but she was taken to the hospital and, incredibly, had only a bruised leg. I contacted her my concern and we went back and forth. She flies to Arizona tomorrow. 

As for yesterday, I didn't get home from T.O.P.S. until almost 10:30 and didn't finish breakfast until after 11:00. At that point, I decided to go to Target and CVS to follow up respectively on my "reward" of $11:08 (which expired yesterday) and my OTC health insurance benefit of $150.00 every three months. At Target, I just got grapefruit and diet Coke, but it was a big hassle trying to get the amount taken off. I talked to several different clerks, department managers, and others; finally asked to see the store manager. She said I had to go to the Target app on my phone and so on and I just got harried. However, she was very nice--they all were courteous--and finally, as neither one of us were able to do it, gave me a gift card for ten bucks. Okay, I was fine with that, but shop often at Target and will follow through on using the app.

Went across the street to another shop I like. Thought I'd just look around, but saw neat slacks and a top I liked. They were both on sale and so cheap, I bought them without trying them on. From there, I went to CVS and replenished my full supply of vitamins. The SCAN benefit meant I paid not one cent for them and I have plenty left on the card (it's a debit card, but they pay it). 

Home at 4:00 and I finally had lunch. Just had salad and one piece of bread. That was good as I'm riting this part of the blog now at 5:30 on Friday and won't want dinner until 7:00 or so. That should keep me from indulging at night. 

Later, I did two color loads of wash before dinner.  I have plenty of clothes, but for some reason, I like to have most washed, folded, and put away before the hamper is very full. 

Yoicks, when I got up at 6:30, the temperature was 46 degrees! What is this, Antarctica?