I spent HOURS yesterday trying to negotiate Amazon Japan to no avail. I already have a regular Amazon account, wasn't sure if I could use the same password, kept getting blocked, and so on. Anybody who has tried to deal with the mysterious minions of the Internet knows it takes a big chunk of time and frustration. I finally called, but had difficulty understanding the person on the other end, and didn't really get anywhere. I just want to avoid paying postage, if possible, but may just give up. To add insult to injury (yep, I'm back in cliche mode) I was electronically informed that items would not arrive in time for Christmas. Must think of something else.
Aline called to ask if we could celebrate my birthday with lunch on Friday instead of yesterday, as there was "a crises" in the library and she was asked to work longer. Yeah, sure, no prob.
Otherwise, I readdressed and sent off a large package to Singapore (postage came to seventy-nine dollars and change), received a shirt sent from Honolulu (purchased, according to the invoice, for twice the previously stated amount) and re-wrapped it; will sent today. Otherwise, went to Shop-Rite and a few other places, talked to Betty, started listing stuff to take to Florida, and occupied myself variously.
Thursday, December 05, 2013
Wednesday, December 04, 2013
Show
For Better or Worse was a smash hit! We had sixty-two people there and the room was jammed. With a few slight errors and dropped lines (but since the audience didn't notice, they didn't matte), it went over very big. Of course, we're talking almost exclusively about people over 65, plus it was free, plus it was a balmy day, plus and so on--.
Nevertheless, it went over beautifully, there were no major problems, the crowd loved it, and I'm thrilled and overjoyed, especially because IT'S OVER!
And what a day: After our walk, I hard-boiled eggs and put them together with romaine, tomatoes, feta, dried cranberries and raisins, and croutons for a big salad. Showered, dressed, and went to the post office, then had a manicure at the new place nearby. Mysteriously, the workers were all Vietnamese, same as in California. I'm pondering why that should be, but dunno. I brought my new blouse and selected polish to match. Oooo, my digits are darling!
At noon, I arrived at Dolores P.'s, where the Sunrise Sparklers were having lunch, and contributed my huge salad. The rest was totally mediocre. It included that invention of the taste devil, "wraps," and a few other such bland, cardboardy, store-bought stuff. I think my salad was the only thing not adulterated, packaged, and foisted off as food by the giant conglomerates who are rapidly poisoning us.
In truth, I don't have a lot in common with this group, the members of which spent time yesterday assuring each other of the validity of a kind of vapid spiritualism--candle blew out by itself three times, which is proof that ghosts walk, and so on.
Got home just as sister Betty arrived and we had time to chat before I changed for the show. I left her the rest of the salad and rotisserie chicken I had bought Monday, and took off. My friend came after and they went together to the library.
And the show--oh, so good. After, I gathered up my stuff, collected Aline and Betty, too the former home, and enjoyed visiting with Sissy before falling happily into bed.
Now I can turn my attention to Florida, California, and Christmas.
Nevertheless, it went over beautifully, there were no major problems, the crowd loved it, and I'm thrilled and overjoyed, especially because IT'S OVER!
And what a day: After our walk, I hard-boiled eggs and put them together with romaine, tomatoes, feta, dried cranberries and raisins, and croutons for a big salad. Showered, dressed, and went to the post office, then had a manicure at the new place nearby. Mysteriously, the workers were all Vietnamese, same as in California. I'm pondering why that should be, but dunno. I brought my new blouse and selected polish to match. Oooo, my digits are darling!
At noon, I arrived at Dolores P.'s, where the Sunrise Sparklers were having lunch, and contributed my huge salad. The rest was totally mediocre. It included that invention of the taste devil, "wraps," and a few other such bland, cardboardy, store-bought stuff. I think my salad was the only thing not adulterated, packaged, and foisted off as food by the giant conglomerates who are rapidly poisoning us.
In truth, I don't have a lot in common with this group, the members of which spent time yesterday assuring each other of the validity of a kind of vapid spiritualism--candle blew out by itself three times, which is proof that ghosts walk, and so on.
Got home just as sister Betty arrived and we had time to chat before I changed for the show. I left her the rest of the salad and rotisserie chicken I had bought Monday, and took off. My friend came after and they went together to the library.
And the show--oh, so good. After, I gathered up my stuff, collected Aline and Betty, too the former home, and enjoyed visiting with Sissy before falling happily into bed.
Now I can turn my attention to Florida, California, and Christmas.
Tuesday, December 03, 2013
Shopping And So On
After a slow start, I got a lot accomplished. Started the Sunday crossword puzzle after breakfast and was then overcome by a strong urge to sleep. Lay down on the couch, put the quilt over me, and slept until I was awakened by a call from Betty. I must have been out for about, incredibly, three hours, but when I got up, I was refreshed and raring to go.
I had several items on my "get" list, including a top to wear to the show tonight. After trying on innumerable ones, I finally got a draped sleeveless one, over which I'll wear something.
After Kohl's, Staples, and Shop-Rite, I didn't get home until almost 5:00. Had part of a rotisserie chicken for dinner and will leave the rest for Betty and my friend, both of whom will be here for the show.
I was delighted to get Skyped by the beautiful baby boy and we cyber-visited for some time. He's so precious and very animated and interested in what he sees.
Double delight: After that, I was "visited" by Ellen and we talked about her Thanksgiving and mine, among other topics. I'll see her in real life, soon, I'm happy to say.
Got a nice call from Muckie, expressing her regret that she can't get to the show tonight. I was sorry, too, as she had planned to come. We had a good talk, though.
I wish, wish, wish, I didn't have that damn luncheon today, but I got salad ingredients and, as promised, will pull together one before I go.
Monday, December 02, 2013
First Reading: Hedda
Did I write I was ready to collapse when I got home yesterday? No, that came later.
Very unusual (unusually?) for me, I didn't check my e-mail until about 5:30 yesterday, although I had been home since a bit after 3:00. What's more, I hadn't looked at it while I was away, either. I opened it and was horrified to see there was a Hedda Gabler first reading at the H.'s at 5:00!
Desi had told me at dress rehearsal on Tuesday that Hedda had been scratched, as we hadn't been able to get an appropriate man for the major part of Hedda's husband. I hadn't checked my mail to see the message Mary H. sent that we were meeting, plus Ellen V. pointed out later that Desi had misspelled my e-mail address, so I didn't get his message, either.
Well, I called the H.'s, Jim answered and said they were underway (everybody thought I was still out of town), so I rushed over.
My part opens the play, then I appear again at the beginning of the last act. After the other actors had gone through the whole play, we read the first act, with just "Hedda" (Brittany H.), "Berta (Ellen), Desi reading for "George," the part we still have to fill, and me. It went well and we then sat and chatted with wine and nibbles.
It was all very enjoyable, but hey, it's a long, long, arduous way from first reading to opening night and is always fraught. Still, I loved being part of it, as I always do. Got home about 9:30, tried to Skype Ellen, but couldn't (heard from her this morning) and this time, really did collapse into bed.
Now to pull together all the details surrounding For Better Or Worse, which goes on--yoicks!--tomorrow evening at 7:00.
Very unusual (unusually?) for me, I didn't check my e-mail until about 5:30 yesterday, although I had been home since a bit after 3:00. What's more, I hadn't looked at it while I was away, either. I opened it and was horrified to see there was a Hedda Gabler first reading at the H.'s at 5:00!
Desi had told me at dress rehearsal on Tuesday that Hedda had been scratched, as we hadn't been able to get an appropriate man for the major part of Hedda's husband. I hadn't checked my mail to see the message Mary H. sent that we were meeting, plus Ellen V. pointed out later that Desi had misspelled my e-mail address, so I didn't get his message, either.
Well, I called the H.'s, Jim answered and said they were underway (everybody thought I was still out of town), so I rushed over.
My part opens the play, then I appear again at the beginning of the last act. After the other actors had gone through the whole play, we read the first act, with just "Hedda" (Brittany H.), "Berta (Ellen), Desi reading for "George," the part we still have to fill, and me. It went well and we then sat and chatted with wine and nibbles.
It was all very enjoyable, but hey, it's a long, long, arduous way from first reading to opening night and is always fraught. Still, I loved being part of it, as I always do. Got home about 9:30, tried to Skype Ellen, but couldn't (heard from her this morning) and this time, really did collapse into bed.
Now to pull together all the details surrounding For Better Or Worse, which goes on--yoicks!--tomorrow evening at 7:00.
Sunday, December 01, 2013
Thanksgiving and After
I'm ba-a-a-ck! Had great fun on the Thanksgiving holiday and after. Arrived up north about 3:00, other company came later and we had as sumptuous feast, of course, and I slept over.
Left early the next day for the real north, upstate Pennsy. Several inches of snow on the ground but luckily, none on sidewalks or streets. Checked into the motel and went to see the boys, who have yet another dog, this one a little black, curly one. Mom stayed home while Dad and the rest of us went to "the Grand Canyon of the east," a stunningly beautiful area high up in the mountains. Wonderful views and vantage points. I had never been there before and gasped at the splendor of it.
That evening, we celebrated R.'s seventh birthday with presents and cake. The other guests were friends of the host and hostess with their five children; yes, there were nine kids and three dogs rampaging--apt word--through the house. They played Twister and generally turned the place upside down, but it was a lot of fun.
The next day, we gathered at the pool and had a lot of fun. It was too cold for me, but I went in the hot tub happily. We then lunched at a local place with peculiar pudding (inside joke). Later, Dad was called back in to work and Mom was already at her job, so we cooked up a chicken dinner, had a nice meal, and after, play Uno Spin with the boys. They were finally--finally!--told to quiet down and settle down and went in their rooms to watch T.V. We stayed until Mom came home a bit after ten, then went back to the motel to fall (in my case, anyway) gratefully into bed.
Said goodbye this morning, left about 9:30, got home in good time, I packed up my things, said goodbye again and got in at 3:00. What a great holiday and now I'm ready to collapse.
Left early the next day for the real north, upstate Pennsy. Several inches of snow on the ground but luckily, none on sidewalks or streets. Checked into the motel and went to see the boys, who have yet another dog, this one a little black, curly one. Mom stayed home while Dad and the rest of us went to "the Grand Canyon of the east," a stunningly beautiful area high up in the mountains. Wonderful views and vantage points. I had never been there before and gasped at the splendor of it.
That evening, we celebrated R.'s seventh birthday with presents and cake. The other guests were friends of the host and hostess with their five children; yes, there were nine kids and three dogs rampaging--apt word--through the house. They played Twister and generally turned the place upside down, but it was a lot of fun.
The next day, we gathered at the pool and had a lot of fun. It was too cold for me, but I went in the hot tub happily. We then lunched at a local place with peculiar pudding (inside joke). Later, Dad was called back in to work and Mom was already at her job, so we cooked up a chicken dinner, had a nice meal, and after, play Uno Spin with the boys. They were finally--finally!--told to quiet down and settle down and went in their rooms to watch T.V. We stayed until Mom came home a bit after ten, then went back to the motel to fall (in my case, anyway) gratefully into bed.
Said goodbye this morning, left about 9:30, got home in good time, I packed up my things, said goodbye again and got in at 3:00. What a great holiday and now I'm ready to collapse.
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Pies And Flowers
After being relieved and happy that, thanks to older son, my little 'puter is purring away again, I turned my attention to the two pies I promised to bring for Turkey Day. Finished them up by 4:00 and...
Now that trips right off the tongue--fingers--doesn't it? In truth, it took almost the entire day to make them, starting, of course, with measuring out, combining, refrigerating, rolling, and fitting to the pan the double-crust apple. Then there was paring and slicing up, mixing spices, adding this and that, timing the baking, and so on. I always do the apple first, as that takes a lot more work; the pumpkin seems easy.
Anyhoo, they're both resting on the kitchen table and I'll pack them up shortly. I found time in between to call Marla H., who lives over on Nautic, as Susan had told me she takes people to airports (for a fee, of course). I called her, she agreed to take me to A.C. Airport for my Florida trip and, happy day, to pick me up at 11:00 pm.
Looked into flights to CA, consulted the two who would take and pick up, and they're okay with the times. Because leaving is so early, I planned to take my own car and, possibly, stay over at a nearby hotel. However, I just found an afternoon flight and booked that instead.
Did a bit on the computer, and that was it. Today, I'll pare, boil, and mash the taters, pack, and zip on up north. It will be a good Thanksgiving, I'm sure.
Added Note: Just got beautiful fall flowers from Mike! He's all the way in Perth, but still took the time to order flowers to be sent for Thanksgiving. I'm so lucky to have such wonderful sons (and daughters)!
Now that trips right off the tongue--fingers--doesn't it? In truth, it took almost the entire day to make them, starting, of course, with measuring out, combining, refrigerating, rolling, and fitting to the pan the double-crust apple. Then there was paring and slicing up, mixing spices, adding this and that, timing the baking, and so on. I always do the apple first, as that takes a lot more work; the pumpkin seems easy.
Anyhoo, they're both resting on the kitchen table and I'll pack them up shortly. I found time in between to call Marla H., who lives over on Nautic, as Susan had told me she takes people to airports (for a fee, of course). I called her, she agreed to take me to A.C. Airport for my Florida trip and, happy day, to pick me up at 11:00 pm.
Looked into flights to CA, consulted the two who would take and pick up, and they're okay with the times. Because leaving is so early, I planned to take my own car and, possibly, stay over at a nearby hotel. However, I just found an afternoon flight and booked that instead.
Did a bit on the computer, and that was it. Today, I'll pare, boil, and mash the taters, pack, and zip on up north. It will be a good Thanksgiving, I'm sure.
Added Note: Just got beautiful fall flowers from Mike! He's all the way in Perth, but still took the time to order flowers to be sent for Thanksgiving. I'm so lucky to have such wonderful sons (and daughters)!
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
E-Mail Problems
Oh, damn, damn, double DAMN! There's something wrong with my e-mail: It won't send and when I try, it greys out the whole bar. Nor will it save to draft or do other things. I think it receives, but am not sure. I don't know what to do. This is the worse possible time for this to happen when I want to send an e-mail about the show next week to friends and neighbors, plus get my airline tickets, plus a million other things that have to be done on e-mail. Grrrrrrrrrr!
Aside from that: Went to Acme at 8 am to get the things I need for the pies and so on. It was somewhat crowded even then, I guess because of Thanksgiving combined with the storm that's supposed to be coming (but it was just lightly raining when we walked this morning.)
Got my hair colored and was horrified to be billed sixty bucks. This is just for color and blow out, no cut or anything else. I'm going to think twice about going there. I'm spending a lot of money, no question about that. I've had to charge most things to the BOA credit card and I'll probably have to tap into Vanguard to pay the bill.
Stopped at the library and found we couldn't get in at 6:45 after all, so I had to send out a correction to my first message and tell the cast to come at 7:15. Picked up Aline and we went there. Kathy had called to say she'd be late and Louise e-mailed that she didn't want to drive from her home in Egg Harbor. That was okay; Kathy got there in time to play her guitar selection and I filled in for Louise.
More bad news: I was told last night that Hedda has been cancelled. Desi can't find the right male lead and, even though it wasn't scheduled until April, he decided to drop it. We have Surflight Theatre for then, so I hope we'll try another play.
I must try to get help to get this computer working--damn!
UPDATE: All is saved! All is well! My darling older boy, Big K.'s Dad, skyped me and guided me through remedying my e-mail. I can send! I can attach! I can turn cartwheels! (Well, I'd like to turn cartwheels, I'm so pleased.) What a gem of a guy is my Kyoto King! (Couldn't think of an appropriate match for "Tokyo.")
Aside from that: Went to Acme at 8 am to get the things I need for the pies and so on. It was somewhat crowded even then, I guess because of Thanksgiving combined with the storm that's supposed to be coming (but it was just lightly raining when we walked this morning.)
Got my hair colored and was horrified to be billed sixty bucks. This is just for color and blow out, no cut or anything else. I'm going to think twice about going there. I'm spending a lot of money, no question about that. I've had to charge most things to the BOA credit card and I'll probably have to tap into Vanguard to pay the bill.
Stopped at the library and found we couldn't get in at 6:45 after all, so I had to send out a correction to my first message and tell the cast to come at 7:15. Picked up Aline and we went there. Kathy had called to say she'd be late and Louise e-mailed that she didn't want to drive from her home in Egg Harbor. That was okay; Kathy got there in time to play her guitar selection and I filled in for Louise.
More bad news: I was told last night that Hedda has been cancelled. Desi can't find the right male lead and, even though it wasn't scheduled until April, he decided to drop it. We have Surflight Theatre for then, so I hope we'll try another play.
I must try to get help to get this computer working--damn!
UPDATE: All is saved! All is well! My darling older boy, Big K.'s Dad, skyped me and guided me through remedying my e-mail. I can send! I can attach! I can turn cartwheels! (Well, I'd like to turn cartwheels, I'm so pleased.) What a gem of a guy is my Kyoto King! (Couldn't think of an appropriate match for "Tokyo.")
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
