It occurred to me that this blog is incredibly boring. Who in his right mind would want to read this stuff? I'm musing for real about dropping this and going undercover--ala Valarie Wilson--with a blog that reveals my true thoughts. Hmmm...but do I have the guts? Not sure.

Enjoyed the little birthday party at Leslie's and Dennis' yesterday for their four-year-old grandaughter. Was also pleased with myself that I ate only a moderate amount and skipped the delicious desserts. Friend Leslie leaves in a few weeks to volunteer to help out in Mississippi.
Today, I go to the nurse practicioner at my new doctors.' I'm also going to call George Wimberg to see if I can talk to him about "pre-need" (ugh!) funeral stuff.
Went to see J. and J.'s new apartment on Thursday, then all went out to dinner, Alison and Mike meeting us up there.
Ellen called last night (her usual Sunday evening call) and told me about a little boy in her third-grade class who has a brain tumor and whose family is very poor. Will send a check for him.

Yesterday was my best subbing ever. Of course, there were some conditions that aren't the usual: It was only half-day, there were only eleven kids (one was absent), and the teacher was there the whole time. I was subbing for a teacher who seems to be a kind of floater, so I just helped out a bit. Enjoyed it a lot, but found that Tuckerton pays only $70 a day. That means I made $35, less taxes--ridiculous.
Much as I liked it, I'm afraid it crystallized my decision to quit subbing. Things have changed and I no longer need to work. Also, dealing with children--even the nice, focussed, well-behaved kids at Ms. West's third grade--is a lot of work and can be very stressful. I guess I thought, after all the hassle of getting certification, I should follow through on subbing but, frankly, I think I don't want to do it.
Went for our usual Wednesday night dinner out last night and as ever, greatly enjoyed it. Had a lively discussion about the association and the board, with some disagreement, but it was generally cordial.

When Pat went to Philly for a doctor's appointment Monday (routine dermotology check), he had a flat tire on the Walt Whitman bridge! Luckily, a Penndot person came along and changed it for him. Yesterday, he went to Sears and got four new tires. He left about 2:00 and at 5:45, he still wasn't home. I was worried sick, so called and was told he had just left. He got home soon after with no problem. Hmmm...this means we bought eight new tires in less than a month--to the tune of about 700 bucks. Well, it's only money.
Great news from Alison yesterday: Joel and Jen got the apartment in New Egypt and are moving in. It sounds wonderful as she described it--can't wait to see it.
Being a glutton for punishment, I accepted a request (offer?) to temp in Tuckerton today. It's only half-day, from 11:15 to 2:45 and for third, which has to be better than fifth and sixth.
I called paternal cousin Marifran yesterday. We had had a falling out--misunderstanding, I guess--but I wanted to renew our relationship, especially after losing my maternal cousin, Alexis, last week. We chatted cordially and I was so glad to hear her voice. Hope we can get back on our old footing before too long.

Glorious, wonderful two days! The world was flooded with sunshine and everybody reveled in it. Yesterday, went to Port Republic, an absolutely beauiful tiny town--you'd swear you were back in 1930--then to the store, did wash, hung out. Mike called from Singapore and adorable grandaugher Vivian said, "Hi!" Paula is just back from the Maldives, and Mike from London. In two weeks, they vacation in Bali, about which I'm a little nervous.
Today, went to Atlantic City (about 35 minutes) to see daughter Alison and son-in-law Mike run a half-marathon. Both came in, and Mike came in first in his age category. They were doing blood pressure, sugar, and choleserol there--two of mine good, one (the latter) too high.
Have decided to go to Drs. Lieberman and ?? (long French name), as I need a doctor down here and they're gerologist, plus one has a second specialty in cardiology. Will call tomorrow for appointment and take my papers over.

Went to Weight Watchers yesterday and am glad I did. I had lost 30 pounds last year, but gained back 20. Yesterday, weighed in three pounds heavier than LAST WEEK! Ugh. However, Chris, the leader, gave an inspiring talk, and I feel back on track.
Finally got to lunch with Marge yesterday and as ever, we had a great time. We confide in each other things we probably wouldn't tell anyone else.
Pat and I both slept until 8:30--unheard of for me, usually up at least by 5--and I missed exercise, but will try to walk later.
Must go to supermarket. Still raining lightly--the rain, the rain, the constant rain--I'm going crazy, I tell you!

Rained all day yesterday. At breakfast, I suggested we go to the movies, then e-mailed Marge postponing our lunch date yet again. I don't know why it never occurred to me that I could do both, as I usually pick Marge up for lunch pretty early. Anyway, Barbara and Ray then called asking if we wanted to go to lunch and we did, at SeaOaks--very enjoyable. Got to movie--"Flight Plan"--in plenty of time. It was pretty good, but as with most thrill types, it relied heavily on coincidences and long stretches of far-fetchedness (awkward sentence, yeah, but so what?).
For dinner, I gave Pat leftover spaghetti and meat balls and I had more of my sub. Must do something about my weight, besides watch it balloon. Hmm...I've been saying that for most of my 110 years.

The memorial service for Alexis was sad--she was only 55--but well-attended. People were asked to talk about her and I mentioned going to Gettysburg a few years ago to search out my great- and her great-great grandfather, who fought there. I got home about four, then Betty and Frank came over with subs and we enjoyed getting together. Betty goes back to California today and Frank goes back to Baltimore, will pick up Marybeth, then they'll go back to California, too.
May have lunch with Marge today (after I stood her up on Saturday), then Drama Club tomorrow. I had e-mailed everybody who took Patrick's survey to complete, asking them to bring to the meeting. Hope all comply.

Pat's infection getting better--or rather, HE'S getting better, infection's receding. Lazy day yesterday: went to store, did some wash, talked to neighbors, watched some of disastrous Eagles game with Pat, talked to sister, Betty, on phone. Today, am going to cousin Alexis' memorial service at chapel in Valley Forge. Stopped at Laurel Memorial Cemetery on Saturday and Pat and I agreed to buy plots. His parents, sisters, uncle, and other relatives are there, as well as my brother-in-law, nephew, and others.
Already invited to three Christmas parties in December. Also got another invitation: a jury summons.

Husband Pat had an unpleasant experience yesterday. Thick mucus, which was yellow, not the usual white. He called his doctor at Ft. Dix, who was pretty casual about it. He dislikes this doctor, his primary physician, but naturally, has never made the slightest attempt to change. Anyway, he has to go there today to see the nurse practictioner about the diabetes, so maybe will try to see doctor. Speaking of the diabetes, the big bowl of ice cream Pat has every night, not to mention all the rest of his out-of-control eating may be part of the problem. Well, I guess I'd rather he dies of the diabetes, rather than the emphysema.
Expecting sister Betty and friend, Muckie, for lunch today. Will serve my usual: several breads, including WW rye and banana bread, turkey breast, wholemade chicken salad (we had roast chicken last night), and a big salad of red-leaf lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, feta cheese, and raspberry vinigrette, plus ice tea and maybe a dessert, if I can think of one.
I've decided to go to the memorial service for my cousin, Alexis, on Monday. It's in Valley Forge, Pa., which will take me about two hours.

After talking to my advisor, daughter Ellen, a third-grade teacher in San Paula, Cal., I feel much better about the subbing experience. I was actually called by Tuckerton School to sub on Monday but, unfortunately, my cousin, Alexis, has died, and I want to go to the funeral.
More about Alexis: She was actually my first cousin once-removed, and here's how that works: Her mother, who was 25 when I was born, was my first cousin on the materal side, so Alexis was "once-removed." (We have a huge extended family.)
Several years ago, Alexis, her husband, Bill, cousins (also first, once removed) Bill and Karen, twin sister, Betty, and I went to Gettysburg for the weekend to search out information on our great- and great-great grandfather, Lawrence, who was in the Pennsylvania calvary. We had a great time and found out all kinds of interesting things about our mutual ancestry.
Alexis was a lovely person. She was tall, with abundant thick blonde hair, a strong face, and a wonderfully calm manner. She was beautiful inside and out.
I had meant to call her many times over the past year or so, and I never did. I am so sorry.

Subbed (teaching) the last two days and the experiences weren't total successess. Monday was fifth grade at Bass River School--only 17 kids, but they were somewhat hard to handle. Yesterday started off better at Little Egg Harbor School with 6 kids in a 6th-grade "resource room," which seems to mean some kind of remedial work. It was okay in the morning, but went downhill in the afternoon. I called the sub secretary and told her to take me off the list. May continue to sub at Bass River, but I don't have to work, so may not. The pay is lousy--75 to 78 dollars a day, which works out to less than eleven dollars an hour for very strenuous, not-so-rewarding work.

Part 2 of Baltimore wedding:
After copious drinks and appetizers at art museum, dinner was served in "the barn." One side had Asian food (suishi, dim sum little "purses," etc.) and other had Irish (Irish stew, potatoes), as bride is part Korean descent, groom Irish descent. Then dancing, dancing, and dancing until about 10--great, great fun and I love to dance. Took taxi back to hotel (Betty, Alison, Tim, and I), leaving Alison's car in two-hour parking. Next day she walked over to get it (about a mile) and lo and behold, it wasn't ticketed--great!
Went to Patrick and Susan's new house about four miles away. BIG, beautiful, elegant brick, built in 1920 something. Many relatives gathered, including Patrick's brother and sisters and families, plus the Wessel contingent, the Californians, and others. Had brunch, hung out, enjoyed ourselves, then Alison drove Betty and me home.
As Chrissy said, and I love this expression: "It's all good."
If people are happy and satisfied, yes--it's all good.

Had a fabulous time at the wedding in Baltimore. Sister Betty and I went by train, daughter Alison came next day by car. Friday night, all met at Hyatt where bride and groom were temporily staying, had a few drinks, then were escorted to "duckboats"--amphibians. Were given duck noise makers and tour of city by crazy driver. He drove around, pointing out sights, then drove into water and we toured harbor. Baltimore is a beautiful, fascinating city. After tour, we were taken to an Irish pub/restaurant and had rehearsal dinner. I thought it was mandetory to have Bailey's Irish Cream after, so did.
Next day, Betty, brother Larry (from Florida) and I went to breakfast. Back at the hotel, we met niece Joan, husband Jim, and sons Joey and Jeremy, along with fiancee/girlfriends Karen and Rachel. Later, Alison arrived, and Larry, nephew Tim, Betty, and I went to wedding at Holy Cross church in her car. Parked in 2 hour parking. Wedding was lovely, with a terrific African American choir. There was a shuttle bus to the reception, but nephew Wes, his fiancee Katy, niece and family, Carolyn, Dana, and Finn, all walked.
Reception was at the modern museum and place was wonderful. Loved the whole area--not too big--and cocktail hour was set up outside. We were joined by brother Jim, his wife Therese, and daughter Chrissy. More next!