Walking Kimball in long pants and a sweater was actually pretty nice. In fact, it was in the low sixties most of the day and even dipped to high fifties now and than. Bracing, but I don't want it any colder. As happens often, I spent several hours on A. for A., including some minor revisions of some of the playlets.
Went out to get salad ingredients and stopped at SCAN to see if we could change some of our meetings. Brianna agreed, but I sent her and Brenda (they seem to jointly be in charge) an e-mail, as I want it confirmed in writing. Now I HOPE my performers will all be on board with the changes.
Stopped at Goodwill on my way from the museum to the library and found a nice, very small corner shelf. It looks good in the living room, but I'm not sure--may move it. Speaking of the library, I had gotten an e-mail to the effect that I hadn't returned Pandora's Lunchbox. What? I was sure I had. Went in and yes, it was on the shelf--somehow, it had slipped under the "in-coming" radar.
Got a call from the insurance company saying they declared my car worth less than it would cost to fix it, so they totaled it. I told Cassandra (the one I deal with and she's good) that if the accident costs me a single penny, I was going to sue. She said she didn't think it would, but we'll see. What a hassle. I sent an e-mail to my four children telling them this.
Another e-mail came from Lynn W., the director of docents at Dudley House, asking if I could conduct the tour this Sunday. I wasn't supposed to start until next year (2018), but somebody had been scheduled and had to pull out. I agreed to do it, but warned her I wasn't up to snuff on the history and I'd probably have to take the prompts with me.
Another call: From "Carly," of AAA. She's going to help me find another car and I'm meeting with her today at 2:00. That's after the A. for A. meeting, which is at 10:30. I want to do When Cooks Confer, which we didn't get to last week, then discuss changes in the schedule and props.
Tuesday, October 31, 2017
Monday, October 30, 2017
Sunday
After Kimball (chilly!), breakfast, and the usual Sunday crossword, I spent mucho time on revising some of the playlets. Also assembled some of the props and wigs we'll use. They can't be terribly elaborate, because this is readers theatre and they have to hold their scripts.
Damn, one of these days, I'd like to see my plays done again properly, i.e. off-book and on-set. There are many I won't include in Acting for Amateurs because they don't lend themselves to that very limiting form. I'd love to see--for instance--Hell on Wheels done again off-book and with the appropriate gestures. When it was done in Jersey, it brought down the house. The women should sashay around haughtily, getting up to do so. As it is, they have to sit, holding their loose leaf books (I bought them all the same, to cut down on distractions) with scripts. Oh, well, I still enjoy it and I think my "students" do, too. I have more to do today and I also want to plan my agenda. We didn't get to When Cooks Confer last week, so I want to add it tomorrow. After that, we have only two more meetings before the performance and I want those to be straight rehearsals.
Town after lunch, of course, and it was still cool; wore long pants and a sweater. I saw a young woman pushing what I thought was a baby stroller, but what was in it? A rabbit! Why in the world anybody would think that appropriate--for the people on the street or the rabbit--I can't fathom.
Stopped at Smart 'n' Final on the way home and picked up some nice swordfish and ripe pears.
Damn, one of these days, I'd like to see my plays done again properly, i.e. off-book and on-set. There are many I won't include in Acting for Amateurs because they don't lend themselves to that very limiting form. I'd love to see--for instance--Hell on Wheels done again off-book and with the appropriate gestures. When it was done in Jersey, it brought down the house. The women should sashay around haughtily, getting up to do so. As it is, they have to sit, holding their loose leaf books (I bought them all the same, to cut down on distractions) with scripts. Oh, well, I still enjoy it and I think my "students" do, too. I have more to do today and I also want to plan my agenda. We didn't get to When Cooks Confer last week, so I want to add it tomorrow. After that, we have only two more meetings before the performance and I want those to be straight rehearsals.
Town after lunch, of course, and it was still cool; wore long pants and a sweater. I saw a young woman pushing what I thought was a baby stroller, but what was in it? A rabbit! Why in the world anybody would think that appropriate--for the people on the street or the rabbit--I can't fathom.
Stopped at Smart 'n' Final on the way home and picked up some nice swordfish and ripe pears.
Sunday, October 29, 2017
Containers and Con Ed
Walked K. in downright chilly weather. It stayed cool, in the sixties, all day; around here, that's practically sub-zero.
But no matter: I galvanized myself and finally got the place in shape. Vacuumed, used Resolve on some carpet marks (I may have to redo), put the new cushions on the kitchen chairs, dusted, and otherwise cleaned. Most important, I got the stuff from my car that was strewed here and there, assembled and neatened it up, then stored out of sight. I still have a few containers with items from the Hyundai in the Nissan trunk that I want to go through. I'll add a few things, then donate to the thrift store.
After completing my tasks, I went to WinCo for fish, bread, and the rest of the ingredients I need for the Nana Mix I want to send the boys in Jersey. Ran into Don (well, not literally!) as I pulled into my spot and we chatted. Got home and opened the fridge to put things away and--no light on. And no light anywhere else--the electricity was out. I rang Suzanne's bell and she said it had been out for about a half hour. A little later, she rang my bell and told me she had heard the electric company was doing maintenance and it would be back on about 4:00.
Okay, no prob, I was on my way to the library after lunch anyway. When I drove there, Victoria Avenue, which aside from the freeway is surely the most heavily traveled street in Ventura, had no traffic lights working! Darn, it was hairy trying to traverse it without getting hit, but I finally did and got to town.
Lots of people there, as there was some kind of Halloween festival for the kiddies, but that was okay. Stayed at the library for an hour or so reading, left and got home and found the electricity back on--yay!
Later, I found two e-mails from Con Ed, one advising me there'd be an outage, the other saying it was back on. Okay, that's convenient, except I only check my e-mail in he early morning and in the evening. Now I'll know to do that if the electricity ever goes out again.
But no matter: I galvanized myself and finally got the place in shape. Vacuumed, used Resolve on some carpet marks (I may have to redo), put the new cushions on the kitchen chairs, dusted, and otherwise cleaned. Most important, I got the stuff from my car that was strewed here and there, assembled and neatened it up, then stored out of sight. I still have a few containers with items from the Hyundai in the Nissan trunk that I want to go through. I'll add a few things, then donate to the thrift store.
After completing my tasks, I went to WinCo for fish, bread, and the rest of the ingredients I need for the Nana Mix I want to send the boys in Jersey. Ran into Don (well, not literally!) as I pulled into my spot and we chatted. Got home and opened the fridge to put things away and--no light on. And no light anywhere else--the electricity was out. I rang Suzanne's bell and she said it had been out for about a half hour. A little later, she rang my bell and told me she had heard the electric company was doing maintenance and it would be back on about 4:00.
Okay, no prob, I was on my way to the library after lunch anyway. When I drove there, Victoria Avenue, which aside from the freeway is surely the most heavily traveled street in Ventura, had no traffic lights working! Darn, it was hairy trying to traverse it without getting hit, but I finally did and got to town.
Lots of people there, as there was some kind of Halloween festival for the kiddies, but that was okay. Stayed at the library for an hour or so reading, left and got home and found the electricity back on--yay!
Later, I found two e-mails from Con Ed, one advising me there'd be an outage, the other saying it was back on. Okay, that's convenient, except I only check my e-mail in he early morning and in the evening. Now I'll know to do that if the electricity ever goes out again.
Saturday, October 28, 2017
Snacks
Walked Kimball, went home to change, then to T.O.P.S. This time I gained--horrors!--I'm up two-tenths of a pound. Last week, my total loss was 40.06, this time it was 40.04, so it's hardly the road to perdition.
Anyway, we had a good session. Lolly brought me the Kind bars she had mentioned last week--two of them, apple/mango and apple/cherry, 130 calories each. They contain nothing but dried fruit and Chia seeds; therefore, she said they're good for snacks. I tried to explain I don't eat in-between meals, except after 8:00 pm, when I have fruit. I didn't want to hurt her feelings, so I accepted them and said I'd have one during that time.
But what a crock--these bars are 1.2 ounces! For an equal number of calories, you could have almost two cups of blueberries and/or other multiples of fresh or frozen fruit. I can't imagine a circumstance under which I'd eat the things, except during a hike or something, but that probably isn't in the cards. (One of the problems with the sky-rocketing obesity rates in this country, I think, is that we've swallowed (heh-heh) the idea that it's natural and normal to include "snacks" in your diet.)
Home, breakfast (not until 10:00), then household chores, lunch, and I was off to town for my walk. Later, I stopped at Wal-Mart for a few things; had shrimp, spaghetti, squash, and cauliflower for dinner. Didn't eat the Kind bar at 8:00 and I'm sorry I had told Lolly I would. Maybe I'll just have a bite and discard the rest.
(I forgot to mention yesterday that my new friend, Noreen, got her R.N. license after her two children. She worked at Community Memorial here in Ventura, but retired some years ago.)
Anyway, we had a good session. Lolly brought me the Kind bars she had mentioned last week--two of them, apple/mango and apple/cherry, 130 calories each. They contain nothing but dried fruit and Chia seeds; therefore, she said they're good for snacks. I tried to explain I don't eat in-between meals, except after 8:00 pm, when I have fruit. I didn't want to hurt her feelings, so I accepted them and said I'd have one during that time.
But what a crock--these bars are 1.2 ounces! For an equal number of calories, you could have almost two cups of blueberries and/or other multiples of fresh or frozen fruit. I can't imagine a circumstance under which I'd eat the things, except during a hike or something, but that probably isn't in the cards. (One of the problems with the sky-rocketing obesity rates in this country, I think, is that we've swallowed (heh-heh) the idea that it's natural and normal to include "snacks" in your diet.)
Home, breakfast (not until 10:00), then household chores, lunch, and I was off to town for my walk. Later, I stopped at Wal-Mart for a few things; had shrimp, spaghetti, squash, and cauliflower for dinner. Didn't eat the Kind bar at 8:00 and I'm sorry I had told Lolly I would. Maybe I'll just have a bite and discard the rest.
(I forgot to mention yesterday that my new friend, Noreen, got her R.N. license after her two children. She worked at Community Memorial here in Ventura, but retired some years ago.)
Friday, October 27, 2017
Paradise
Well, conditions have improved a bit, although for the first time in--five months? six months?--I wasn't able to walk Kimball. I could easily, of course, have walked around the neighborhood, but I spent time in the morning with various things related to the car.
I was contacted by Enterprise and, as promised, they picked me up at 10:30, took me to their place (only about two miles away), and I got a Nissan Centra. Went from there to Johnson Avenue, trying to find Paradise Chevrolet, where my car was taken, because I knew I had to sign an authorization. Couldn't find it and didn't want to waste any more time, so I went from there to meet Noreen in town.
We went to the Paradise Cafe (this whole place is just heavenly) and had a delightful time. Noreen is two years older than I am (that always gives me a lift) and walks in an odd "straddle." She told me frankly that was the result of a hip operation (gone bad, I guess) and knee problems. Anyway, I ran over several of the tips on acting she had missed in the first two sessions and she was very receptive. We also got to know each other better: She had been married, but divorced her husband after thirty years when he had an affair and fathered two other children. She never liked him, she said, but he was a good father to their two children. She graduated from high school and married three days later; she was pregnant. Anyway, he died last November, no loss to her.
After a leisurely lunch, we parted, and I took my regular walk to the library. After walking back, I asked Google to guide me to the Chevvy place. I wanted to take out the stuff in my car, which I did. The auto shop boss, Mike, said he thought AAA would declare it a total loss, but he didn't know when, so he asked me to be patient. Now that I have wheels, I will be.
El called on her way home to see how things were and I'm in better shape. I also got a text from someone who asked if I had felt the earthquake. What earthquake? I was told there was a 4.0 one in Lompac, but that's a distance from here.
(Forgot to mention that the other day, I had taken my BP twice at Wal-Mart; still low at 82/58 and 97/62.)
I was contacted by Enterprise and, as promised, they picked me up at 10:30, took me to their place (only about two miles away), and I got a Nissan Centra. Went from there to Johnson Avenue, trying to find Paradise Chevrolet, where my car was taken, because I knew I had to sign an authorization. Couldn't find it and didn't want to waste any more time, so I went from there to meet Noreen in town.
We went to the Paradise Cafe (this whole place is just heavenly) and had a delightful time. Noreen is two years older than I am (that always gives me a lift) and walks in an odd "straddle." She told me frankly that was the result of a hip operation (gone bad, I guess) and knee problems. Anyway, I ran over several of the tips on acting she had missed in the first two sessions and she was very receptive. We also got to know each other better: She had been married, but divorced her husband after thirty years when he had an affair and fathered two other children. She never liked him, she said, but he was a good father to their two children. She graduated from high school and married three days later; she was pregnant. Anyway, he died last November, no loss to her.
After a leisurely lunch, we parted, and I took my regular walk to the library. After walking back, I asked Google to guide me to the Chevvy place. I wanted to take out the stuff in my car, which I did. The auto shop boss, Mike, said he thought AAA would declare it a total loss, but he didn't know when, so he asked me to be patient. Now that I have wheels, I will be.
El called on her way home to see how things were and I'm in better shape. I also got a text from someone who asked if I had felt the earthquake. What earthquake? I was told there was a 4.0 one in Lompac, but that's a distance from here.
(Forgot to mention that the other day, I had taken my BP twice at Wal-Mart; still low at 82/58 and 97/62.)
Thursday, October 26, 2017
Accident
Well, it was quite a day. Did the usual--Kimball, a load of wash, and so on--in the morning, then after lunch, decided to drive to town to see if the library was open.
I was driving straight on Telegraph Road when, in front of Ventura College, a young woman who had been parked in her BMW, pulled out and hit my passenger side hard. I was shaken, but not hurt. Police came, my car was towed, she has insurance, and I've been in touch with mine and will see what happens now. As I had no blame, I'm sure the other insurance will pay.
Called Ellen, who was nearby getting take-out after work, and she came over to eat here. My car had to be towed to AAA's auto body shop, and they want me to go there and sign papers allow them to fix it. While El was here, it hadn't gotten there yet and I'm meeting my new student, Noreen, in town today; will take a bus and the car will just have to wait. I e-mailed my other three and they responded with concern, but relief I'm not hurt.
I thought I'd sleep like a log after that, but I woke up at 1:55 and couldn't get back to sleep. Went on the computer for a time--I'm not sure how long--and finally went back.
I was driving straight on Telegraph Road when, in front of Ventura College, a young woman who had been parked in her BMW, pulled out and hit my passenger side hard. I was shaken, but not hurt. Police came, my car was towed, she has insurance, and I've been in touch with mine and will see what happens now. As I had no blame, I'm sure the other insurance will pay.
Called Ellen, who was nearby getting take-out after work, and she came over to eat here. My car had to be towed to AAA's auto body shop, and they want me to go there and sign papers allow them to fix it. While El was here, it hadn't gotten there yet and I'm meeting my new student, Noreen, in town today; will take a bus and the car will just have to wait. I e-mailed my other three and they responded with concern, but relief I'm not hurt.
I thought I'd sleep like a log after that, but I woke up at 1:55 and couldn't get back to sleep. Went on the computer for a time--I'm not sure how long--and finally went back.
Tuesday, October 24, 2017
A. for A. and Friendship Club
Still hot, even when I walked Kimball at 7:00; I had been up for three hours by then. Why? Because I had gotten up for the usual and was nagged by the fact everything wasn't perfectly put together for the A. For A. session, I spent those hours finishing up. Finally got people assigned to different parts--and that's difficult with six people, seven playlets, and roughly twenty parts. I try to make them reasonably equitable, so one or two people don't end up with the lion's share and the others with minor roles. Anyway, it paid off. I had been worried that I'd have some dropouts yesterday or--almost as bad--have more sign up. That didn't happen, though, and I told Brianna not to put anymore on.
It went pretty smoothly, but boy, do they need work. Almost universally, they spoke too slowly and ponderously and in monotones. That's especially deadly in comedic roles and all but one play (Impostor) are. Speaking of that one, both Marcelle and Sharon were so wooden, you could make a chair out of them. Jim was his usual, although he's improved. Char needs to pick up the pace considerably, but happily, Noreen, "the new girl" (which is how I introduced her) is actually not bad. Mikkii is the loose cannon--the way she spells her name would give you a glue--but who is fair in comedic roles. They need much, much, more rehearsal, that's a cinch.
Class over at 11:30, I went directly to the Poinsettia Pavilion to join the Friendship Club ladies for lunch. Deb was right in that these gals are pretty long in the tooth, much more so than she is (Deb is 64). She owns The Lynd Group, which is a finance firm, I think specializing in senior citizen business.
Anyway, the lunch was okay (I ate it, although it included pork and mashed potatoes; of course, I skipped the dessert) and the members were very welcoming. According to Deb, they're just a group that goes on day trip outings; I don't know what else they do. Googled it, but they're not on it--a somewhat off-putting sign for me. Deb is going to send me over and I'll think it over before I decide if I want to join. The topic of the speakers, reverse mortgages, was a snooze fest, but it was an okay way to spend part of an afternoon.
I sped home after to change clothes. The heat was still horrendous--over 90--and even I am not foolhardy enough to take my mile and a half in town at the height of the afternoon, so I went again to the mall and walked about the same. After I left there, I thought the pool was the place to be and decided to just stop at Wal-Mart and buy any bathing suit I could find. (The one I have is too big now and I'm self-conscious about it.) Well, darn, they didn't have any, so I had to wear my old one.
I thought maybe Suzanne would be there, but she wasn't. I just swam around a bit--it felt heavenly--then left. Ran into Don and chatted with him for fifteen or so. Niece Joan called and we discussed a few--yes, family matters. I called Ellen, who was in Santa Barbara at Greg's mother's, and she told me there was a huge fire along 33, so they couldn't drive home that way. I looked on-line and found 150 acres have burned. That's scary; I hope it's out soon.
It went pretty smoothly, but boy, do they need work. Almost universally, they spoke too slowly and ponderously and in monotones. That's especially deadly in comedic roles and all but one play (Impostor) are. Speaking of that one, both Marcelle and Sharon were so wooden, you could make a chair out of them. Jim was his usual, although he's improved. Char needs to pick up the pace considerably, but happily, Noreen, "the new girl" (which is how I introduced her) is actually not bad. Mikkii is the loose cannon--the way she spells her name would give you a glue--but who is fair in comedic roles. They need much, much, more rehearsal, that's a cinch.
Class over at 11:30, I went directly to the Poinsettia Pavilion to join the Friendship Club ladies for lunch. Deb was right in that these gals are pretty long in the tooth, much more so than she is (Deb is 64). She owns The Lynd Group, which is a finance firm, I think specializing in senior citizen business.
Anyway, the lunch was okay (I ate it, although it included pork and mashed potatoes; of course, I skipped the dessert) and the members were very welcoming. According to Deb, they're just a group that goes on day trip outings; I don't know what else they do. Googled it, but they're not on it--a somewhat off-putting sign for me. Deb is going to send me over and I'll think it over before I decide if I want to join. The topic of the speakers, reverse mortgages, was a snooze fest, but it was an okay way to spend part of an afternoon.
I sped home after to change clothes. The heat was still horrendous--over 90--and even I am not foolhardy enough to take my mile and a half in town at the height of the afternoon, so I went again to the mall and walked about the same. After I left there, I thought the pool was the place to be and decided to just stop at Wal-Mart and buy any bathing suit I could find. (The one I have is too big now and I'm self-conscious about it.) Well, darn, they didn't have any, so I had to wear my old one.
I thought maybe Suzanne would be there, but she wasn't. I just swam around a bit--it felt heavenly--then left. Ran into Don and chatted with him for fifteen or so. Niece Joan called and we discussed a few--yes, family matters. I called Ellen, who was in Santa Barbara at Greg's mother's, and she told me there was a huge fire along 33, so they couldn't drive home that way. I looked on-line and found 150 acres have burned. That's scary; I hope it's out soon.
HOT
It was warm even at 7 am when I walked Kimball and at 4:16 in the afternoon, it was 102 degrees in Ventura. I cringe to think what it was in Ojai; glad El has central air.
I spent a good portion of the day--in between chores--organizing my class for today. It's incredibly difficult to decide who's going to play what part. I try to at least come close to equalizing the parts, but don't always make it. I have a new person, Noreen O., who's in Toastmasters (both of them, in fact), and I like her a lot. I picked up the sign up sheet from SCAN, saw Noreen's name and called her. I think she'll be a good addition. I now have six players and that's fine; I just hope nobody else drops out. I do need a man for Hell On Wheels--I have Jim playing the devil again--and I'll see if anybody has a husband or brother sitting around.
Nancy called while I was out just to chat. She's been trying to get her exercise in and get in shape for the three-week cruise she's taking in a few months.
I also went to the mall to look for a top. Found absolutely nothing I'd buy, although I tried on a lot. I can't understand how these stores--Penneys, Macy's, Sears, and others--stay in business. They have almost no salespeople, their merchandise is crap, and their prices aren't even particularly low. I much prefer to shop at Wayfair on-line. I've bought a lot there (a bureau, a bookcase, a large privacy screen, and so on) and it's reasonable, well-made,and is shipped quickly. After looking at the poorly-stocked mall stores, I'm going to get new kitchen chair cushions at Mayfair.
Anyway, I wasted a few hours at the mall and I'm sorry I did. Went home to continue shaping up the class, but I actually still had a few things to do for it. Woke up this morning at 4:00 and just decided to stay up and finish the stuff.
It's now 5:39 am; I just checked and (gasp!) it's already 80 degrees.
I spent a good portion of the day--in between chores--organizing my class for today. It's incredibly difficult to decide who's going to play what part. I try to at least come close to equalizing the parts, but don't always make it. I have a new person, Noreen O., who's in Toastmasters (both of them, in fact), and I like her a lot. I picked up the sign up sheet from SCAN, saw Noreen's name and called her. I think she'll be a good addition. I now have six players and that's fine; I just hope nobody else drops out. I do need a man for Hell On Wheels--I have Jim playing the devil again--and I'll see if anybody has a husband or brother sitting around.
Nancy called while I was out just to chat. She's been trying to get her exercise in and get in shape for the three-week cruise she's taking in a few months.
I also went to the mall to look for a top. Found absolutely nothing I'd buy, although I tried on a lot. I can't understand how these stores--Penneys, Macy's, Sears, and others--stay in business. They have almost no salespeople, their merchandise is crap, and their prices aren't even particularly low. I much prefer to shop at Wayfair on-line. I've bought a lot there (a bureau, a bookcase, a large privacy screen, and so on) and it's reasonable, well-made,and is shipped quickly. After looking at the poorly-stocked mall stores, I'm going to get new kitchen chair cushions at Mayfair.
Anyway, I wasted a few hours at the mall and I'm sorry I did. Went home to continue shaping up the class, but I actually still had a few things to do for it. Woke up this morning at 4:00 and just decided to stay up and finish the stuff.
It's now 5:39 am; I just checked and (gasp!) it's already 80 degrees.
Monday, October 23, 2017
Anger And Ojai
Walked Kimball and had an experience.
Background: Several people allow go there in the morning with their dogs off-leash, which drives me crazy. I spoke to a certain woman several times about it--she has a teeny-tiny dog who runs all over the place. Yesterday, I happened to walk near her and heard her dog bark from in the bushes; I stopped and looked over, I guess with an annoyed look on my face. Woman assured me "he's a sweetheart"--they ALL say that, probably while their dog is tearing somebody limb from limb. Anyway, I expressed annoyance, but then the thought came to me, this isn't worth it. I get angry so easily and I have to curb that. We talked for a bit and I just stuck out my hand and said, "Let's be friends." We shook and she said her name was Shelley and her dog is Joey. I walked on and felt better about it. I'm going to try to stop getting so damn mad so often.
After breakfast, I dug up (on-line) one of my older plays--really, just a skit. Revised it a bit and will probably use it in the show. I want to see what other possibilities there might be, also; I'll duplicate some of the material from last time, too.
Did this and that before driving to Ojai to Ellen's. I was pleased that Greg had thought to leave me Ventura magazine, which has an article on the Santa Paula Theatre. El and I chatted a bit and I admired her gorgeous bougainvillea, which drapes over about twelve feet of her fence. We then went to Co'Marco for lunch. I had a Caprese salad and Chardonnay and enjoyed them, but even more, being with her. We stopped after at the Ojai library, which was having a book sale. I bought twenty books for five bucks--not sure where I'm going to put them, but I couldn't resist.
Left El's about 3:30, went to town, walked the walk (and read more of Joe D.), then home.
Background: Several people allow go there in the morning with their dogs off-leash, which drives me crazy. I spoke to a certain woman several times about it--she has a teeny-tiny dog who runs all over the place. Yesterday, I happened to walk near her and heard her dog bark from in the bushes; I stopped and looked over, I guess with an annoyed look on my face. Woman assured me "he's a sweetheart"--they ALL say that, probably while their dog is tearing somebody limb from limb. Anyway, I expressed annoyance, but then the thought came to me, this isn't worth it. I get angry so easily and I have to curb that. We talked for a bit and I just stuck out my hand and said, "Let's be friends." We shook and she said her name was Shelley and her dog is Joey. I walked on and felt better about it. I'm going to try to stop getting so damn mad so often.
After breakfast, I dug up (on-line) one of my older plays--really, just a skit. Revised it a bit and will probably use it in the show. I want to see what other possibilities there might be, also; I'll duplicate some of the material from last time, too.
Did this and that before driving to Ojai to Ellen's. I was pleased that Greg had thought to leave me Ventura magazine, which has an article on the Santa Paula Theatre. El and I chatted a bit and I admired her gorgeous bougainvillea, which drapes over about twelve feet of her fence. We then went to Co'Marco for lunch. I had a Caprese salad and Chardonnay and enjoyed them, but even more, being with her. We stopped after at the Ojai library, which was having a book sale. I bought twenty books for five bucks--not sure where I'm going to put them, but I couldn't resist.
Left El's about 3:30, went to town, walked the walk (and read more of Joe D.), then home.
Sunday, October 22, 2017
Joe DiMaggio And Dinner
After Kimball and so on, I went over to WinCo for salad stuff and et cetera. Finished up my organizing of class stuff, but put off doing the same with my personal acting material. Even so, that took me to lunch, then town, did the walk, stopped in the library for maybe an hour, where I'm reading a new book called...
...get this: Dinner With DiMaggio. It's a new book by a doctor who treated the ballplayer for his heel spur injury, then became a bosom buddy. This was after Joltin' Joe's Yankee career was over. The book is weirdly interesting and I've been reading a few chapters each day while I'm there. I have no desire to check it out because at home, I'm plowing through my student, Jim C.'s, book, The Birth of Ideas. This is the textbook he wrote for the philosophy class he teaches at Ventura College. Whew, it's plenty dense and I skipped over some of the early Asian stuff. Now I'm up to Locke and Kant and their ideas, which I find considerably more interesting.
On the way to town, I took a dry run to Poinsettia Pavilion, where I'll be attending the Friendship Club lunch with Deb on Tuesday. This is way up in the hills and has a spectacular view. It was completely deserted yesterday afternoon, but I stopped in the parking lot when Betty called. We talked for a bit, then I went on my way. Stopped at Five Points to get my little blue beauty washed and now she sparkles like a jewel.
Cut up some nice strawberries--they're very inexpensive now, so this must be the bumper season--and did the same with big porcini(?) mushrooms. Cooked them up with my salmon and, along with leftover spinach and butternut squash, dinner was yummy.
...get this: Dinner With DiMaggio. It's a new book by a doctor who treated the ballplayer for his heel spur injury, then became a bosom buddy. This was after Joltin' Joe's Yankee career was over. The book is weirdly interesting and I've been reading a few chapters each day while I'm there. I have no desire to check it out because at home, I'm plowing through my student, Jim C.'s, book, The Birth of Ideas. This is the textbook he wrote for the philosophy class he teaches at Ventura College. Whew, it's plenty dense and I skipped over some of the early Asian stuff. Now I'm up to Locke and Kant and their ideas, which I find considerably more interesting.
On the way to town, I took a dry run to Poinsettia Pavilion, where I'll be attending the Friendship Club lunch with Deb on Tuesday. This is way up in the hills and has a spectacular view. It was completely deserted yesterday afternoon, but I stopped in the parking lot when Betty called. We talked for a bit, then I went on my way. Stopped at Five Points to get my little blue beauty washed and now she sparkles like a jewel.
Cut up some nice strawberries--they're very inexpensive now, so this must be the bumper season--and did the same with big porcini(?) mushrooms. Cooked them up with my salmon and, along with leftover spinach and butternut squash, dinner was yummy.
Saturday, October 21, 2017
Organizing Stuff
Walked Kimball, then went to T.O.P.S. I hit the forty pounds off mark--yay!--and am looking forward to getting into the one-thirties. It was a good meeting, as ever. I brought a newspaper article from the Ventura Star about the soaring obesity rate in the U.S. I think it said one in four adults are overweight and the kiddies are catching up. Hmm, now why would that be? Can't imagine. It certainly can't be because of the crap we eat, can it?
As a mere coincidence, I also brought in the book Pandora's Lunchbox, which gives chapter and verse on processed foods. I honestly wasn't aware of exactly how much and what kinds of additives are pushed. I do know that the number one poison in the marketplace is sugar and boy, it's everywhere. I try not to preach too much and constantly repeat that I devised my own diet regimen and it works for me. I know it would work for anybody else, but the key is, you have to follow it. I've been on more diets than I can count, but the problem was, after a time, I simply didn't follow them. This works for me, although I'm well aware that keeping it off is paramount and the toughest part of weight loss.
Home for breakfast, then spent HOURS in putting in piles the mountains of paper I have for Acting for Amateurs. It's unbelievable how much I have and the problem is, I tend to pile unrelated things together. It's a lot better now because I actually separated and put the stuff in the filing cabinet. Today, I'm going to work on my own acting background material and get that organized, too. Then I'll turn my attention to the acting class and assign parts.
Got a call from Deb M., who invited me a group called "Friendship Club" she's in. I'm not exactly sure what it is, but I'm game--it includes a catered lunch and, according to Deb, some good, in-the-moment women.
Took the usual town walk, then stopped to get mushrooms, spinach, strawberries, carrots, and dental floss--all yummy, although the floss is a little brittle (heh,heh).
El called as she was leaving school and said Greg is working today, so could I go tomorrow. Actually, that works out better for me, as I want to finish all my frantic putting-away work. I suggested we might go to an olive oil grove and distillery (or whatever they call olive oil making), as they have tours. We might want to, although I don't care what we do, I just want to be with her for a time.
As a mere coincidence, I also brought in the book Pandora's Lunchbox, which gives chapter and verse on processed foods. I honestly wasn't aware of exactly how much and what kinds of additives are pushed. I do know that the number one poison in the marketplace is sugar and boy, it's everywhere. I try not to preach too much and constantly repeat that I devised my own diet regimen and it works for me. I know it would work for anybody else, but the key is, you have to follow it. I've been on more diets than I can count, but the problem was, after a time, I simply didn't follow them. This works for me, although I'm well aware that keeping it off is paramount and the toughest part of weight loss.
Home for breakfast, then spent HOURS in putting in piles the mountains of paper I have for Acting for Amateurs. It's unbelievable how much I have and the problem is, I tend to pile unrelated things together. It's a lot better now because I actually separated and put the stuff in the filing cabinet. Today, I'm going to work on my own acting background material and get that organized, too. Then I'll turn my attention to the acting class and assign parts.
Got a call from Deb M., who invited me a group called "Friendship Club" she's in. I'm not exactly sure what it is, but I'm game--it includes a catered lunch and, according to Deb, some good, in-the-moment women.
Took the usual town walk, then stopped to get mushrooms, spinach, strawberries, carrots, and dental floss--all yummy, although the floss is a little brittle (heh,heh).
El called as she was leaving school and said Greg is working today, so could I go tomorrow. Actually, that works out better for me, as I want to finish all my frantic putting-away work. I suggested we might go to an olive oil grove and distillery (or whatever they call olive oil making), as they have tours. We might want to, although I don't care what we do, I just want to be with her for a time.
Friday, October 20, 2017
Toastmasters Two
Aside from my two walks, getting gas, and stopping at WinCo to buy shrimp, I spent virtually the entire day organizing and rehearsing my talk for Toastmasters.
Ran into Suzanne on her way to the pool (she swims for exercise) and Steve Y. when I was getting in my car at the museum. We chatted a bit, then off I went. Had an early dinner, showered, dressed, and went off to the meeting.
This is a good group, if a little long in the tooth. It meets at The Lexington, which is an independent living facility, and a very nice one. (This is where Ken, my elderly (92) former neighbor moved.) There were ten people there, including Fern, who's also in the other group. I was the first speaker and did my thing on "My Road to Stardom." Fern dreamed up the title, which I found amusing.
My talk went over big. I had brought a number of artifacts, such as playbills, programs, and framed picture of myself in various roles. The idea is to talk for no longer than seven minutes (there's a timekeeper), and I just made it. I must say everybody loved it. Of course, this group is called "Humor and Drama," so it was fitting. There were two other speakers; one, born and brought up in Alaska, spoke about that, the other Halloween when she was a child. The president, Judi, told what was supposed to be a horror story. I've heard this hoary tale before: killer bribes a guard to smuggle him out of prison in a coffin, pretend to bury him, then spring him, but things go awry, and killer finds guard next to him as he hears the dirt fall. Don't remember if it's Poe or not.
Anyway, it was fun and I actually like this group as much or better than the other. However, I was stunned to be told I'd have to pay separate dues. I just can't see my way clear to shelling out three hundred a year, so I'm mulling over what to do.
Got an adorable homemade Halloween card from Mr. K. in Japan. It includes a picture of him in a witch hat, holding a pumpkin. I'll try to take a pic and add it here.
Aside from all that, I was delighted to get a call from Ellen. She suggested we do something tomorrow, and I'm on board, of course. I'll look up what's going on in Ojai and it'll be fun.
Ran into Suzanne on her way to the pool (she swims for exercise) and Steve Y. when I was getting in my car at the museum. We chatted a bit, then off I went. Had an early dinner, showered, dressed, and went off to the meeting.
This is a good group, if a little long in the tooth. It meets at The Lexington, which is an independent living facility, and a very nice one. (This is where Ken, my elderly (92) former neighbor moved.) There were ten people there, including Fern, who's also in the other group. I was the first speaker and did my thing on "My Road to Stardom." Fern dreamed up the title, which I found amusing.
My talk went over big. I had brought a number of artifacts, such as playbills, programs, and framed picture of myself in various roles. The idea is to talk for no longer than seven minutes (there's a timekeeper), and I just made it. I must say everybody loved it. Of course, this group is called "Humor and Drama," so it was fitting. There were two other speakers; one, born and brought up in Alaska, spoke about that, the other Halloween when she was a child. The president, Judi, told what was supposed to be a horror story. I've heard this hoary tale before: killer bribes a guard to smuggle him out of prison in a coffin, pretend to bury him, then spring him, but things go awry, and killer finds guard next to him as he hears the dirt fall. Don't remember if it's Poe or not.
Anyway, it was fun and I actually like this group as much or better than the other. However, I was stunned to be told I'd have to pay separate dues. I just can't see my way clear to shelling out three hundred a year, so I'm mulling over what to do.
Got an adorable homemade Halloween card from Mr. K. in Japan. It includes a picture of him in a witch hat, holding a pumpkin. I'll try to take a pic and add it here.
Aside from all that, I was delighted to get a call from Ellen. She suggested we do something tomorrow, and I'm on board, of course. I'll look up what's going on in Ojai and it'll be fun.
Thursday, October 19, 2017
VCS And The Gestapo
Walked the walk, showered, breakfasted, then went to Ventura Council for Seniors meeting. I was pleased to see Steve and Chuck there; I know them from the Senior Center in the West end.
It was a pretty good meeting. One of the speakers was a woman from Foodshare; her talk was mildly interesting and, of course, there was the usual old and new business. The latter included medical marijuana; delivery to homes is now permissible. Chair Suze M. has taken it for pain. Only in her middle sixties, she's had cancer for several years and this is a second recurrence. She told me wryly she's getting tired of it.
Jerry, a guy who is now retired, but had been in the police department and is a kind of reach-out rep, spoke informally about stolen cars, a thriving industry in Ventura, it seems. I raised a question about the "Nextdoor" program--an community e-mail program used by the P.D. and others (I've included info on my Acting for Amateurs class). Now and again, most recently a few days ago, the P.D. sends a message asking people in a certain area if they can "verify" that someone (they list the name and address) has moved to a particular address nearby. The first few times I got this, I ignored it, but the last time, I sent back a reply to the effect I'm not in the Gestapo, so why should I? Jerry had never heard of this and asked me to forward the message to him, which I did later. As ever, Cheryl H., the only councilperson who ever comes to our meetings, was there. I think highly of her and chatted with her after.
Home, I put in a wash. While it was drying, I went out for frozen fruit. Fresh blueberries are completely gone--you can't even buy high-priced ones--so these are a good substitute, as the frozen ones contain no sugar or other additives, just fruit. Went to town for the usual after lunch.
Got an e-mail from Fern, saying my talk,"My Road to Stardom" (she named it, I didn't) at the Toastmasters meeting tonight should last five to seven minutes. What? What talk? What title? I didn't realize I was going to talk, but no prob; it should be fun. Then I'd get evaluated on how I did and they're pretty stringent.
Received the e-mail message from Ken, the president, by way of Fern, requesting the meeting place here. I forwarded it to Manager Bianca, who, presumably will send it to higher ups and they'll decide.
It was a pretty good meeting. One of the speakers was a woman from Foodshare; her talk was mildly interesting and, of course, there was the usual old and new business. The latter included medical marijuana; delivery to homes is now permissible. Chair Suze M. has taken it for pain. Only in her middle sixties, she's had cancer for several years and this is a second recurrence. She told me wryly she's getting tired of it.
Jerry, a guy who is now retired, but had been in the police department and is a kind of reach-out rep, spoke informally about stolen cars, a thriving industry in Ventura, it seems. I raised a question about the "Nextdoor" program--an community e-mail program used by the P.D. and others (I've included info on my Acting for Amateurs class). Now and again, most recently a few days ago, the P.D. sends a message asking people in a certain area if they can "verify" that someone (they list the name and address) has moved to a particular address nearby. The first few times I got this, I ignored it, but the last time, I sent back a reply to the effect I'm not in the Gestapo, so why should I? Jerry had never heard of this and asked me to forward the message to him, which I did later. As ever, Cheryl H., the only councilperson who ever comes to our meetings, was there. I think highly of her and chatted with her after.
Home, I put in a wash. While it was drying, I went out for frozen fruit. Fresh blueberries are completely gone--you can't even buy high-priced ones--so these are a good substitute, as the frozen ones contain no sugar or other additives, just fruit. Went to town for the usual after lunch.
Got an e-mail from Fern, saying my talk,"My Road to Stardom" (she named it, I didn't) at the Toastmasters meeting tonight should last five to seven minutes. What? What talk? What title? I didn't realize I was going to talk, but no prob; it should be fun. Then I'd get evaluated on how I did and they're pretty stringent.
Received the e-mail message from Ken, the president, by way of Fern, requesting the meeting place here. I forwarded it to Manager Bianca, who, presumably will send it to higher ups and they'll decide.
Wednesday, October 18, 2017
A. For A. With Opera
Biz, biz, bizzy day. After walking Kimball, I got home and realized I had neglected to fully prepare for my Acting for Amateurs class. I had decided on some of it--emotions, poetry, and so on--but didn't have it perfected. So I quickly ate breakfast and scurried around--mentally--until I was satisfied. By then, I just had time to dress and get there a little early. It went well, although only Jim, Sharon, and Char attended. Three dropped out and I knew Marcelle and Mikkii were missing yesterday. No prob--actually, it was fine.
Last week, when I mentioned the fact my plays are copyrighted, but that I occasionally revise here and there, Jim expressed surprise. He said his book was copyrighted, but he hadn't realized you can change an original work have it still protected. I said I'd like to read his book and he brought me a copy yesterday. It supports the philosophy classes he teaches and is called The Birth of Ideas; starts in 750 B.C. He writes well and I'm enjoying it.
After the hour was up, we chatted some time about opera. Jim (who, by choice, doesn't have a television) and Char (who has four, but only one works--don't ask) love opera and Sharon has seen some. I miss my opera pal, Aline, plus the rest of the devotees in LETCO, many of whom loved the genre.
Home for lunch, then Judith from Toastmasters called. She asked if she could see the clubhouse to report back to Ken (the prez) and I said I'd meet her there. Finally did about 2:30, after a lot of back and forth I won't even go into.
After we saw it, I invited her back to my place; she accepted and we sat and talked for more than an hour. Judith, who's maybe in her late forties or early fifties, is very attractive, but said she suffers from social anxiety. Her father, now 87, was a physician; her mother committed suicide at 46, as did her brother at 25. I like her a lot and we clicked, even though there's a big age gap. I walked her out about 4:00 and ran Suzanne at her car. Ken, the 92-year-old (not the Toastmasters Ken), has moved into Lexington House (thanks to Suzanne, Don, an Human Services), and Suzanne was clearing some of his things out.
By the time I got to town, it was 4:30, but that was okay. I stayed an hour reading a new book about Joe DiMaggio (yeah, I have eclectic tastes), left and walked back, drove home, had dinner, and must decide what to wear at the Council For Seniors meeting this morning.
And darn: I got up for the usual last night and had a terrible time getting back to sleep. Unusual for me and I hope it doesn't recur.
Last week, when I mentioned the fact my plays are copyrighted, but that I occasionally revise here and there, Jim expressed surprise. He said his book was copyrighted, but he hadn't realized you can change an original work have it still protected. I said I'd like to read his book and he brought me a copy yesterday. It supports the philosophy classes he teaches and is called The Birth of Ideas; starts in 750 B.C. He writes well and I'm enjoying it.
After the hour was up, we chatted some time about opera. Jim (who, by choice, doesn't have a television) and Char (who has four, but only one works--don't ask) love opera and Sharon has seen some. I miss my opera pal, Aline, plus the rest of the devotees in LETCO, many of whom loved the genre.
Home for lunch, then Judith from Toastmasters called. She asked if she could see the clubhouse to report back to Ken (the prez) and I said I'd meet her there. Finally did about 2:30, after a lot of back and forth I won't even go into.
After we saw it, I invited her back to my place; she accepted and we sat and talked for more than an hour. Judith, who's maybe in her late forties or early fifties, is very attractive, but said she suffers from social anxiety. Her father, now 87, was a physician; her mother committed suicide at 46, as did her brother at 25. I like her a lot and we clicked, even though there's a big age gap. I walked her out about 4:00 and ran Suzanne at her car. Ken, the 92-year-old (not the Toastmasters Ken), has moved into Lexington House (thanks to Suzanne, Don, an Human Services), and Suzanne was clearing some of his things out.
By the time I got to town, it was 4:30, but that was okay. I stayed an hour reading a new book about Joe DiMaggio (yeah, I have eclectic tastes), left and walked back, drove home, had dinner, and must decide what to wear at the Council For Seniors meeting this morning.
And darn: I got up for the usual last night and had a terrible time getting back to sleep. Unusual for me and I hope it doesn't recur.
Tuesday, October 17, 2017
Widder Dinner and Toastmasters
Busy day. After Kimball and breakfast, I spent the morning in going over paperwork--especially genealogy--and pulling together items for my class. My cousin Marifran--whom I call my "Cincinnati Sis"--called and we talked and talked about in-laws. Did some food prep, had lunch, then left early for town. After the walk, I went home to shower and dress for the widder dinner. I was pleased to see Nancy there--I had given her Carolyn's e-mail, so she could drive with her--and the others I like so much. I had brought my tangerines, ordered a Chardonnay, and enjoyed it, as ever. I left a 6:45 so I could get over to the Toastmasters' meeting.
I had been taken aback to see how hefty the dues are: $65 and I actually considered dropping the idea. However, I like it and decided to stay. Met some more people and participated in the "table talk" segment, which was fun.
As far as I can see, the meetings include two main speakers--last night, they were Fern, talking about a mentor of hers from college (and she's my age, at least) and Judith, who spoke on managing a mountain home (there's lots of snow). Members then vote on which one was better and the "grammarian/something else" critiques the talks, praising the good and suggesting improvements. Then there's "table topics": Ken, the president, brings up a subject (last night, it was Halloween memeories) and others put in their reminiscences. The group then votes on who was best. (Last week, this is what Ken and I won.) Anyway, I enjoyed it, but for me it was a long day. Didn't get home until almost 9:00, then sat for another half hour with T.V. and my fruit.
I had been taken aback to see how hefty the dues are: $65 and I actually considered dropping the idea. However, I like it and decided to stay. Met some more people and participated in the "table talk" segment, which was fun.
As far as I can see, the meetings include two main speakers--last night, they were Fern, talking about a mentor of hers from college (and she's my age, at least) and Judith, who spoke on managing a mountain home (there's lots of snow). Members then vote on which one was better and the "grammarian/something else" critiques the talks, praising the good and suggesting improvements. Then there's "table topics": Ken, the president, brings up a subject (last night, it was Halloween memeories) and others put in their reminiscences. The group then votes on who was best. (Last week, this is what Ken and I won.) Anyway, I enjoyed it, but for me it was a long day. Didn't get home until almost 9:00, then sat for another half hour with T.V. and my fruit.
Monday, October 16, 2017
The Usual
The usual: Kimball, breakfast with crossword, WinCo, lunch, into town for THAT usual. Oh, there were a few deviations, such as that I dug out my Halloween decorations and put some outside on Suzanne's and mine entrance walk. She had put a plant and a ceramic jack-o-lantern out and I embellished them with little skeletons I had. Later, she rang the bell and told me what a kick she got out of them. Called my dear cousin, Marifran in Cincinnati, who had asked me a question about my relationship with my in-laws. She wasn't home, so I left a message. Betty called about the silly angel and karma thing she put on my P.M. section on Facebook. Her friend took objection to my comment about it and wrote I was rude (oh, save me from these self-appointed guardians of idiocy) and we talked for a bit.
The rest of the day, I spent on the A. for A. class and other paper/computer work.
The rest of the day, I spent on the A. for A. class and other paper/computer work.
Sunday, October 15, 2017
Symposium And Carole
Quite a day. It was almost 8:00 by the time I got home from Kimball and I immediately changed to attend the Breast Cancer Symposium in Cararillo. Skipped breakfast, trusting the "catered breakfast and lunch" mention on the brochure was factual--it was.
I had never driven to this area before, at least not by myself, and I set off with a little trepidation. The Mapquest directions were confusing and I did stop once to ask. However, it turned out to be pretty straightforward and I got there with no problem.
Wow, what a beautiful church and meeting building this is. It's in a lovely setting with trees and flowers everywhere; Camarillo itself is gorgeous, in fact. There are lots of soaring hills and faraway vistas--a feast for the spirit.
The symposium was excellent. The speakers were interesting and down to earth and I learned a lot about the topic. We were seated at round tables, covered with white linen and with fresh flower arrangements in the middle. The day was free for attendees and its sponsors--a bank, several jewelry companies, and so on--displayed this and that around the perimeter. The first part featured an oncologist, a plastic surgeon, a nutritionist (who will speak at SCAN next month; I chatted with her after), and a counselor. We broke about noon for lunch, then there were panel discussions. After awarding a number of door prizes donated by the sponsors, it was over.
I had no problem getting home and, of course, immediately changed and left for town. Did the m. to l. routine and on the way back to the car, Betty called. We chatted for a bit--nothing much new in Jersey. When I got home at 5:00, I rang Suzanne's bell to report on the symposium. I asked her to tell her colleagues at St. John's how much I appreciated and enjoyed it.
I was mildly annoyed, but not at all surprised, to get an e-mail from Carole saying she was dropping the acting class because she just has too much to do. This is her constant whine, but what those things are, it's hard to say. She kept telling me she wanted the same roles she had done in the last session. I kept telling her I wanted her to stretch a bit, and indicated I would put her in something else. She doesn't seem to understand that this is what a director does; players don't get to pick and choose what roles they get. Okay, I'll just adjust and see what goes in the class.
I had never driven to this area before, at least not by myself, and I set off with a little trepidation. The Mapquest directions were confusing and I did stop once to ask. However, it turned out to be pretty straightforward and I got there with no problem.
Wow, what a beautiful church and meeting building this is. It's in a lovely setting with trees and flowers everywhere; Camarillo itself is gorgeous, in fact. There are lots of soaring hills and faraway vistas--a feast for the spirit.
The symposium was excellent. The speakers were interesting and down to earth and I learned a lot about the topic. We were seated at round tables, covered with white linen and with fresh flower arrangements in the middle. The day was free for attendees and its sponsors--a bank, several jewelry companies, and so on--displayed this and that around the perimeter. The first part featured an oncologist, a plastic surgeon, a nutritionist (who will speak at SCAN next month; I chatted with her after), and a counselor. We broke about noon for lunch, then there were panel discussions. After awarding a number of door prizes donated by the sponsors, it was over.
I had no problem getting home and, of course, immediately changed and left for town. Did the m. to l. routine and on the way back to the car, Betty called. We chatted for a bit--nothing much new in Jersey. When I got home at 5:00, I rang Suzanne's bell to report on the symposium. I asked her to tell her colleagues at St. John's how much I appreciated and enjoyed it.
I was mildly annoyed, but not at all surprised, to get an e-mail from Carole saying she was dropping the acting class because she just has too much to do. This is her constant whine, but what those things are, it's hard to say. She kept telling me she wanted the same roles she had done in the last session. I kept telling her I wanted her to stretch a bit, and indicated I would put her in something else. She doesn't seem to understand that this is what a director does; players don't get to pick and choose what roles they get. Okay, I'll just adjust and see what goes in the class.
Saturday, October 14, 2017
T.O.P.S. And A Turtle
Walked Kimball with long pants and a heavy sweater. Got home by 8:00, changed to my weighin' togs, and went to T.O.P.S. I was sure I hadn't lost--in fact, suspected I had gained; don't know why, just felt chubby or something. Actually, I lost 1.8 pounds and am within striking distance of forty pounds off at 39.44. Next week should do it.
Home for breakfast, then did this and that before I went for provisions to first, the 99-cent store, then WinCo, then Sprouts. The latter had grapes 88 cents a pound and salmon for 5.99 ditto. I bought both, then saw they had swordfish and couldn't resist picking that up, too. At WinCo, I got lots of my usual--veggies--along with frozen fruit (I buy only the ones that are pure fruit--no sugar or additives of any kind).
Home and prepared some of the stuff, had lunch, then took off for town. Did my usual Main Street walk, I stopped into the Santa Paula (a nearby town) Rescue Mission thrift store, one of the classier ones, and saw a large ceramic turtle bowl. Well, yes, everybody needs one, so I bought it.
Stayed at the library reading for a bit, then walked back and drove home. I finally remembered what I was supposed to tell Nancy: Carolyn's phone number, so she could drive with her to the widder dinner on Monday. I called, gave it to her, and we chatted about the possibility of attending The Nutcracker ballet in December, but I think I'll be visiting brother Frank. We'll see.
Saw Suzanne in her patio and asked her if the directions for getting to the St. John symposium for the breast cancer thing was accurate. Good thing I showed her--it isn't actually at St. John's in Oxnard, but miles away at a parish in Camarillo. I went back on the Internet for new directions.
Finally heard back from Valarie, who had expressed interest in the class. Unfortunately, she has family members being evacuated from the fire area and was about to go up there. Hope they'll be okay.
Home for breakfast, then did this and that before I went for provisions to first, the 99-cent store, then WinCo, then Sprouts. The latter had grapes 88 cents a pound and salmon for 5.99 ditto. I bought both, then saw they had swordfish and couldn't resist picking that up, too. At WinCo, I got lots of my usual--veggies--along with frozen fruit (I buy only the ones that are pure fruit--no sugar or additives of any kind).
Home and prepared some of the stuff, had lunch, then took off for town. Did my usual Main Street walk, I stopped into the Santa Paula (a nearby town) Rescue Mission thrift store, one of the classier ones, and saw a large ceramic turtle bowl. Well, yes, everybody needs one, so I bought it.
Stayed at the library reading for a bit, then walked back and drove home. I finally remembered what I was supposed to tell Nancy: Carolyn's phone number, so she could drive with her to the widder dinner on Monday. I called, gave it to her, and we chatted about the possibility of attending The Nutcracker ballet in December, but I think I'll be visiting brother Frank. We'll see.
Saw Suzanne in her patio and asked her if the directions for getting to the St. John symposium for the breast cancer thing was accurate. Good thing I showed her--it isn't actually at St. John's in Oxnard, but miles away at a parish in Camarillo. I went back on the Internet for new directions.
Finally heard back from Valarie, who had expressed interest in the class. Unfortunately, she has family members being evacuated from the fire area and was about to go up there. Hope they'll be okay.
Friday, October 13, 2017
Lunch And The Queen
Boy, it was cool at Kimball. I wore long pants and a heavy sweater when I walked. Home by 8:00, I had breakfast, then called brother Frank in Alameda.
It was such a pleasure to talk to him, but unsettling, too. He sounds very much the same, with a big, buoyant voice, but is sadly diminished. He told me he was at his younger daughter's, as his children "won't let me" stay alone. However, we had a good talk and when I said I want to come see him, he was very enthusiastic. After we hung up, I e-mailed both daughters (his sons live farther away from him) to ask their advice. I asked if coming after Thanksgiving would work, as we have the performance the Friday before.
Left to meet Nancy at 11:00. Parked at the museum and walked down (Dargan's is a half-block from the library) and we had salads, plus Chardonnay for her and Harp (Irish beer) for me. The movie is just a few doors down and we strolled there to see Victoria and Abdul.
I greatly dislike "docudramas" to begin with and this pulled out all the stops when it came blatant sentimentality, I'm afraid. In other words, I think the writing could have been better. I'm not sure how far taking liberties went; the opening said it was "a true story--mostly." I assume the queen had an Indian servant of whom she was fond, and that he taught her some Indian language, but their intimate moments (not sexual ones) seemed to me contrived. However, the scenery, sets, props, and costumes were fabulous; generally, I enjoyed the movie, if not the genre.
It was such a pleasure to talk to him, but unsettling, too. He sounds very much the same, with a big, buoyant voice, but is sadly diminished. He told me he was at his younger daughter's, as his children "won't let me" stay alone. However, we had a good talk and when I said I want to come see him, he was very enthusiastic. After we hung up, I e-mailed both daughters (his sons live farther away from him) to ask their advice. I asked if coming after Thanksgiving would work, as we have the performance the Friday before.
Left to meet Nancy at 11:00. Parked at the museum and walked down (Dargan's is a half-block from the library) and we had salads, plus Chardonnay for her and Harp (Irish beer) for me. The movie is just a few doors down and we strolled there to see Victoria and Abdul.
I greatly dislike "docudramas" to begin with and this pulled out all the stops when it came blatant sentimentality, I'm afraid. In other words, I think the writing could have been better. I'm not sure how far taking liberties went; the opening said it was "a true story--mostly." I assume the queen had an Indian servant of whom she was fond, and that he taught her some Indian language, but their intimate moments (not sexual ones) seemed to me contrived. However, the scenery, sets, props, and costumes were fabulous; generally, I enjoyed the movie, if not the genre.
Thursday, October 12, 2017
Catch-Up
Talk about your catch-up day: After Kimball and breakfast, I did a slew of chores I've been putting off. Did a wash with all that entails and spent the time waiting for the dryer to finish with veggie prep. This included using my trusty Chop Wizard on a head of cauliflower; cooking, then excising the edible middle of a spaghetti squash; and chopping, then combining Romaine, tomatoes, and cucumber. I made a large salad to have for lunch a few hours later, to which I added chicken. Made an even larger one and put it in the fridge with a dampened paper towel over it. This should be okay for two more meals, but since I'm lunching out today, I may reverse my usual and eat one for dinner. Wrapped and addressed some Halloween toys for little Mr. K. in Tokyo and did a few other things. Finished all that and sat down at the computer to write an e-mail to class members.
Spent some time on shaping up an agenda for next week's class; I'm going to incorporate some short poems and get into conveying emotions without speaking. I've been trying to reach Valarie, whom I don't know, but she signed up for my class. We played telephone tag all day.
My niece, Joan, who lives in Manhattan, called and we discussed various family matters for almost an hour. Went to town as usual, stopping at the P.O. While in town, I bought two wigs, as I've decided to have some costumes at props in the show this time.
Aside from the above, there wasn't much going on.
Spent some time on shaping up an agenda for next week's class; I'm going to incorporate some short poems and get into conveying emotions without speaking. I've been trying to reach Valarie, whom I don't know, but she signed up for my class. We played telephone tag all day.
My niece, Joan, who lives in Manhattan, called and we discussed various family matters for almost an hour. Went to town as usual, stopping at the P.O. While in town, I bought two wigs, as I've decided to have some costumes at props in the show this time.
Aside from the above, there wasn't much going on.
Wednesday, October 11, 2017
First Session of A. For A.
Left a little early for Kimball, so got home before 8:00. Jumped in the shower, had breakfast, dressed, and got to SCAN about 9:15. (Why, yes, an hour and fifteen minutes early, but that's what I do).
I wanted to set up the room and so on, and also get any other little tidbits Elisa had to tell me. One was that I was asked to have everybody fill out a waiver. I guess the idea is, if you drop dead during a strenuous scene, your survivors can't sue you. I accepted about a dozen waivers from her before I noticed they said "Acting for Armateurs." Gave them back and they were corrected. I asked for the easel and paper and Elisa brought them, plus helped me arrange the chairs in a circle, and so on.
Anyhow, the class went well. I was pleased to see repeaters Sharon, Jim, and Char, plus Carole, who came after all, although her back was killing her. Besides them, we had two newbies, Marcelle (I like her a lot) and Mikkii. Two others, Cathy and Valarie, were not able to come yesterday, but will next week.
As for Nikkii--yes, that's the way she spells it--I anticipate some problems with her. She's looks to be in the her middle seventies and wears her totally white hair in two braids that reach below her waist. She's one of my least favorite older people--or any people over six--who thinks she's cute. She has a tiresome habit of a kind of swarming showing off; said she volunteers at the prison (which one, she didn't say--San Quentin?) and couldn't decide if she should hug or not. However, she was very animated and innovative with her improv situation and may prove to be the type who's obnoxious in person, but good on stage.
Did the usual: opening remarks, improv, then asked them to tell me the components of a play, then of performances, which I listed on the easel paper. I then handed out parts for "The Potato Family," a little skit for five I wrote years ago for the Sunrise Bay Drama Club. I was surprised (and pleased) at how much they like it; it's really pretty slight. Over all, they did a pretty credible job, but there's a fair amount of work to be done, of course.
After our hour, a zumba class came in and, since there were only three attending, I was asked to impersonate one of the attendees for a picture. I did, then had to sign a waiver for that. I'm not sure where it will appear, but maybe on the web site or brochure.
I sat and chatted with Sharon and Carole for a bit, then left. Went home to change, had just some shrimp for lunch, then went to the office to ask Manager Bianca if Toastmasters could meet here. She asked me to send her an e-mail she could forward to upper levels.
Took off for town; Betty called while I was walking back to the car on Main Street and we talked. Got back to my neck of the woods about 5:00 and went to WinCo for salad stuff. When I got home, I saw Suzanne had left a note on my door thanking me for sweeping the tree debris (we had strong winds) from our joint front walk. I rang her bell to say thanks for the thanks, but I didn't do it. I said her guardian angel probably did, and she laughed.
I wanted to set up the room and so on, and also get any other little tidbits Elisa had to tell me. One was that I was asked to have everybody fill out a waiver. I guess the idea is, if you drop dead during a strenuous scene, your survivors can't sue you. I accepted about a dozen waivers from her before I noticed they said "Acting for Armateurs." Gave them back and they were corrected. I asked for the easel and paper and Elisa brought them, plus helped me arrange the chairs in a circle, and so on.
Anyhow, the class went well. I was pleased to see repeaters Sharon, Jim, and Char, plus Carole, who came after all, although her back was killing her. Besides them, we had two newbies, Marcelle (I like her a lot) and Mikkii. Two others, Cathy and Valarie, were not able to come yesterday, but will next week.
As for Nikkii--yes, that's the way she spells it--I anticipate some problems with her. She's looks to be in the her middle seventies and wears her totally white hair in two braids that reach below her waist. She's one of my least favorite older people--or any people over six--who thinks she's cute. She has a tiresome habit of a kind of swarming showing off; said she volunteers at the prison (which one, she didn't say--San Quentin?) and couldn't decide if she should hug or not. However, she was very animated and innovative with her improv situation and may prove to be the type who's obnoxious in person, but good on stage.
Did the usual: opening remarks, improv, then asked them to tell me the components of a play, then of performances, which I listed on the easel paper. I then handed out parts for "The Potato Family," a little skit for five I wrote years ago for the Sunrise Bay Drama Club. I was surprised (and pleased) at how much they like it; it's really pretty slight. Over all, they did a pretty credible job, but there's a fair amount of work to be done, of course.
After our hour, a zumba class came in and, since there were only three attending, I was asked to impersonate one of the attendees for a picture. I did, then had to sign a waiver for that. I'm not sure where it will appear, but maybe on the web site or brochure.
I sat and chatted with Sharon and Carole for a bit, then left. Went home to change, had just some shrimp for lunch, then went to the office to ask Manager Bianca if Toastmasters could meet here. She asked me to send her an e-mail she could forward to upper levels.
Took off for town; Betty called while I was walking back to the car on Main Street and we talked. Got back to my neck of the woods about 5:00 and went to WinCo for salad stuff. When I got home, I saw Suzanne had left a note on my door thanking me for sweeping the tree debris (we had strong winds) from our joint front walk. I rang her bell to say thanks for the thanks, but I didn't do it. I said her guardian angel probably did, and she laughed.
Tuesday, October 10, 2017
Day Before The Day Of
When I walked Kimball, I was almost blown away by the Santa Ana winds. They came swooping down from the hills, almost pushing me over and stirring up a lot of dust off the fields. Actually, it was kind of exciting, although it was warm wind.
Home, I did the usual, then spent the rest of the morning getting my ducks in the row for the class. Betty called; she had had a scare after her mammogram, but it seems, all is okay. Nancy then called and we firmed up our plans to go to lunch, then see the Victoria movie in town on Thursday.
Had lunch, then stopped at SCAN. Two more have signed up for the class and, happily, they're both men. One, I was pleased to see, is Jim C., who teaches at Ventura Collge; he was in the class last time. I wasn't thrilled that the nutrition talk on cancer has been scheduled for the same time and room as my final class before the performance. I wanted the players to be able to have the last rehearsal in the same place. I'll see if we can get the room after and if my class can come later just that once.
Went from there to town and while I was in the library, Carole called. She had signed up for my class, but her scoliosis has been bad, so she may not be able to come today. That's okay; she can catch up next week, as she already took my last, anyway. Sue would also like to come next time, as they have the boat inspection today. No prob on my end.
Got home and continued preparing. I'm pretty sure I have all the loose ends tied up, so am ready for the class.
Home, I did the usual, then spent the rest of the morning getting my ducks in the row for the class. Betty called; she had had a scare after her mammogram, but it seems, all is okay. Nancy then called and we firmed up our plans to go to lunch, then see the Victoria movie in town on Thursday.
Had lunch, then stopped at SCAN. Two more have signed up for the class and, happily, they're both men. One, I was pleased to see, is Jim C., who teaches at Ventura Collge; he was in the class last time. I wasn't thrilled that the nutrition talk on cancer has been scheduled for the same time and room as my final class before the performance. I wanted the players to be able to have the last rehearsal in the same place. I'll see if we can get the room after and if my class can come later just that once.
Went from there to town and while I was in the library, Carole called. She had signed up for my class, but her scoliosis has been bad, so she may not be able to come today. That's okay; she can catch up next week, as she already took my last, anyway. Sue would also like to come next time, as they have the boat inspection today. No prob on my end.
Got home and continued preparing. I'm pretty sure I have all the loose ends tied up, so am ready for the class.
Monday, October 09, 2017
Stagecoach Inn And Venus
A fun day. After the usual Kimball, breakfast, and crossword, Suzanne stopped over to ask if I'd like to go to Newbury Park (about twenty miles away). At the Stagecoach Museum, they were having a "living history" performance. Local residents were to portray historic figures, including the actor Joel McCrae, who had once owned a home here. Absolutely, I responded, and we left about 12:30. However, when we got there--Newbury Park is lovely and I surmise is a very affluent area--we were told the performance wasn't until 4:30. Damn, Suzanne had sent me a newspaper article on it, then she had looked on the web site, and neither had listed the time. Since the museum opened at 1:00, we assumed we should go then.
So we missed the performance, but we took the tour and that was absorbing. It seems the inn was first a stagecoach stop, then a hotel, then a private residence. We were taken aback to learn it had burnt to the ground in 1970 and that this was a replica (luckily, the construction plans were available). Anyway, it was a good tour and the artifacts were great. One room was devoted to Victrolas, of which there were at least fifty; they had been in the possession of a collector, who left them to the museum. Another room was devoted to "hair art" and displayed a great number of such strange works, including a picture frame made of beard hair--aagh!
This Is just the kind of thing I like. There's lots of California history in this area, although it's much more recent than what you see on the east coast. We were taken on the tour by a docent who had been doing this for fourteen years. Driving home, we had a good talk about books. Suzanne is reading The Birth of Venus, which is an "historical novel" and not my preference. I was surprised to learn she had never heard of the painting by that name (Botticelli); sent her it later.
We were home by 3:30 and I immediately changed and took off for town for my usual. Took John Hersey's Hiroshima out and will steel myself to read it again.
So we missed the performance, but we took the tour and that was absorbing. It seems the inn was first a stagecoach stop, then a hotel, then a private residence. We were taken aback to learn it had burnt to the ground in 1970 and that this was a replica (luckily, the construction plans were available). Anyway, it was a good tour and the artifacts were great. One room was devoted to Victrolas, of which there were at least fifty; they had been in the possession of a collector, who left them to the museum. Another room was devoted to "hair art" and displayed a great number of such strange works, including a picture frame made of beard hair--aagh!
This Is just the kind of thing I like. There's lots of California history in this area, although it's much more recent than what you see on the east coast. We were taken on the tour by a docent who had been doing this for fourteen years. Driving home, we had a good talk about books. Suzanne is reading The Birth of Venus, which is an "historical novel" and not my preference. I was surprised to learn she had never heard of the painting by that name (Botticelli); sent her it later.
We were home by 3:30 and I immediately changed and took off for town for my usual. Took John Hersey's Hiroshima out and will steel myself to read it again.
Sunday, October 08, 2017
A. For A. And Art Walk
After walking Kimball and breakfast, I spent about two hours going through my mountain of stuff relating to the Acting for Amateurs course. I still haven't completed my agenda for Tuesday, let alone pulled together what I want to take, but I got a start. As my teacher daughter advised me some time ago, there should never be "dead time" in a class. Of course, you have to make it look relaxed, but woe betide you if you find you have nothing else to do with twenty minutes left in the session.
I rolled up all those coins I accumulated and took them to the bank. Before that, I called Ellen and we had a long--about an hour--talk. It's always a pleasure to hear about her doings, especially activities with her third-graders.
As for the bank: I'm still floored that big fat Bank of America doesn't have a coin counting machine. As I never fail to tell them there, poky little Ocean First bank in Jersey does and what's more, lets its account holders use it with no charge. My wrapped coins have to be sent to L.A. and, if there's any over or under, it will will credited or deducted from my checking account. What a drag.
Went from there to town, parked at the museum and, as I was passing its meeting building and courtyard, I noticed an exhibition by an artist named Hashimoto (I think). I walked in and sat down; I guess there were about a hundred people there. Ms. Hashimoto was explaining Chinese/Japanese characters which I found highly absorbing. She was about 70, I think, and she said her father was an expert calligrapher. She herself won a gold medal in a country-wide (Japan) contest when she was in fifth grade. I introduced myself when it was over and told her I have family in Tokyo.
After that, I walked to the library, of course, and was interested to see there was an "Art Walk" all down Main Street. Lots of artists of all kinds, lots of people walking, chatting, and sight-seeing, and it was a fine, festive day.
I spent an hour or so in the library. I'm still hung up on The New Yorker and Harold Ross and read more about it and him. Walked back through the crowds. Stopped before I got home for salad dressing, lettuce, and a few other things.
Spent time, finally, on filing a slew of paperwork and pictures. I have a bad habit of stowing various papers in a basket on top of my printer, then getting it filed "when I have time." The problem is, I kid myself that I don't have time because I don't feel like doing it.
I rolled up all those coins I accumulated and took them to the bank. Before that, I called Ellen and we had a long--about an hour--talk. It's always a pleasure to hear about her doings, especially activities with her third-graders.
As for the bank: I'm still floored that big fat Bank of America doesn't have a coin counting machine. As I never fail to tell them there, poky little Ocean First bank in Jersey does and what's more, lets its account holders use it with no charge. My wrapped coins have to be sent to L.A. and, if there's any over or under, it will will credited or deducted from my checking account. What a drag.
Went from there to town, parked at the museum and, as I was passing its meeting building and courtyard, I noticed an exhibition by an artist named Hashimoto (I think). I walked in and sat down; I guess there were about a hundred people there. Ms. Hashimoto was explaining Chinese/Japanese characters which I found highly absorbing. She was about 70, I think, and she said her father was an expert calligrapher. She herself won a gold medal in a country-wide (Japan) contest when she was in fifth grade. I introduced myself when it was over and told her I have family in Tokyo.
After that, I walked to the library, of course, and was interested to see there was an "Art Walk" all down Main Street. Lots of artists of all kinds, lots of people walking, chatting, and sight-seeing, and it was a fine, festive day.
I spent an hour or so in the library. I'm still hung up on The New Yorker and Harold Ross and read more about it and him. Walked back through the crowds. Stopped before I got home for salad dressing, lettuce, and a few other things.
Spent time, finally, on filing a slew of paperwork and pictures. I have a bad habit of stowing various papers in a basket on top of my printer, then getting it filed "when I have time." The problem is, I kid myself that I don't have time because I don't feel like doing it.
Saturday, October 07, 2017
T.O.P.S. And So On
It was so chilly in the morning I wore long pants and a sweater to walk Kimball. Changed when I got home and went to T.O.P.S.
Well, I lost, as I have every week, but only a pittance: two tenths of a pound, darn it, for a total of 38.3 off. I'm pretty sure it's slow because I eat too much fruit at night. The question is, should I eat less of that or just reconcile myself to a very slow loss? Dunno.
I got an e-mail notice from the Santa Paula Theatre Company to the effect they're holding open auditions Monday night for It's A Wonderful Life On The Air. Just as we had done in LETCO, it entails actors playing radio actors, plus themselves when there's a crises. The notice said there are roles for "one to two females." That's because people will play multiple part. Unfortunately, it opens on November 17 when my SCAN A. for A. group will have its performance, so I guess I'll pass.
Speaking of my class, I now have seven sign-ups. I hope for an addition or two, but since I have to modify for various size classes anyway, this should be okay. Fewer people will mean they'll get more individual attention.
Called my friend, Bobbi, as she has had heart problems for some time and now is experiencing breathing difficulty. She already has a pacemaker and a valve replacement. I told her I was available if she needed me, although she has a husband and children.
Talked to Nancy, who would like to see the Judi Dench movie. I'll go with her, although I dislike "docudramas"--must prefer non-fictionalized history. She'll find out where it's playing and we'll go next week.
Heard from son, Mike, that he, Paula, and the girls will visit Japan during their spring break. Yay--they'll see their little cousin, Mr. K., and he'll see them.
Scrubbed and chopped a big bunch of carrots and put them in the slow cooker with some Italian seasoning. Boy, it was good; had some for dinner and have a lot left over. Also had salmon, mushrooms, and broccoli for dinner. Yum.
Well, I lost, as I have every week, but only a pittance: two tenths of a pound, darn it, for a total of 38.3 off. I'm pretty sure it's slow because I eat too much fruit at night. The question is, should I eat less of that or just reconcile myself to a very slow loss? Dunno.
I got an e-mail notice from the Santa Paula Theatre Company to the effect they're holding open auditions Monday night for It's A Wonderful Life On The Air. Just as we had done in LETCO, it entails actors playing radio actors, plus themselves when there's a crises. The notice said there are roles for "one to two females." That's because people will play multiple part. Unfortunately, it opens on November 17 when my SCAN A. for A. group will have its performance, so I guess I'll pass.
Speaking of my class, I now have seven sign-ups. I hope for an addition or two, but since I have to modify for various size classes anyway, this should be okay. Fewer people will mean they'll get more individual attention.
Called my friend, Bobbi, as she has had heart problems for some time and now is experiencing breathing difficulty. She already has a pacemaker and a valve replacement. I told her I was available if she needed me, although she has a husband and children.
Talked to Nancy, who would like to see the Judi Dench movie. I'll go with her, although I dislike "docudramas"--must prefer non-fictionalized history. She'll find out where it's playing and we'll go next week.
Heard from son, Mike, that he, Paula, and the girls will visit Japan during their spring break. Yay--they'll see their little cousin, Mr. K., and he'll see them.
Scrubbed and chopped a big bunch of carrots and put them in the slow cooker with some Italian seasoning. Boy, it was good; had some for dinner and have a lot left over. Also had salmon, mushrooms, and broccoli for dinner. Yum.
Friday, October 06, 2017
The Usual And Processed Food
Did the usual Kimball, breakfast, WinCo routine. Went back and forth with a load of wash. Met Suzanne as she was going out. She said she has cut down on her workload, but still teaches a class on Thursdays.
Called Betty, who's home from Baltimore, and we chatted for some time. She said my brother, Frank, was going back to Alameda yesterday; son Patrick would go with him.
Saw Jim, the assistant manager here, and asked if Toastmasters might be able to meet in the big room. He said I'd have to ask Manager Bianca, who's off until Monday.
After lunch, walked the usual. I stayed reading at the library for an hour or so. I'm very much into John Updike and picked up his book of poems, Endpoint, which I had requested. His are so good. I read a bit of his bio, but found it leaden, so I just took out his book of literary criticism. I'm still listening to Pandora's Lunchbox in the car and think I'll get the book from Amazon. I'm more and more coming to believe we're poisoning ourselves--and worse, our children--with processed foods and added sugar.
I'm about a quarter way through Genius In Disguise, the bio of Harold Ross, founder and editor of The New Yorker, which I bought from Amazon. Very absorbing.
After dinner, I changed and went to the Lexington to attend The Humor & Drama Club Fern of Toastmasters had mentioned on Monday. To my chagrin, I thought her card said "first Thursday," but it says "third," so it's not until the 19th. Oh, well, no prob, I'll just go then.
Called Betty, who's home from Baltimore, and we chatted for some time. She said my brother, Frank, was going back to Alameda yesterday; son Patrick would go with him.
Saw Jim, the assistant manager here, and asked if Toastmasters might be able to meet in the big room. He said I'd have to ask Manager Bianca, who's off until Monday.
After lunch, walked the usual. I stayed reading at the library for an hour or so. I'm very much into John Updike and picked up his book of poems, Endpoint, which I had requested. His are so good. I read a bit of his bio, but found it leaden, so I just took out his book of literary criticism. I'm still listening to Pandora's Lunchbox in the car and think I'll get the book from Amazon. I'm more and more coming to believe we're poisoning ourselves--and worse, our children--with processed foods and added sugar.
I'm about a quarter way through Genius In Disguise, the bio of Harold Ross, founder and editor of The New Yorker, which I bought from Amazon. Very absorbing.
After dinner, I changed and went to the Lexington to attend The Humor & Drama Club Fern of Toastmasters had mentioned on Monday. To my chagrin, I thought her card said "first Thursday," but it says "third," so it's not until the 19th. Oh, well, no prob, I'll just go then.
Thursday, October 05, 2017
BCCC and BCNN
Walked Kimball a bit earlier than usual and was home about ten of eight. Showered and had breakfast, then went to the 9:30 BCNN meeting. I was happy to see Sue there and we greeted each other with a hug. The scar tissue in her knee is a big problem and so is her health insurance, which is SCAN. (But I do my thing at their Ventura Health & Wellness Center and have no connection with the insurance side.) Sherry came, too, although Carole didn't and, presumably, Doris is still in rehab.
I had made up some flyers about my class to take to the meeting and put a little bio info on them. I mentioned I'm a BCCC member. BCCC? That stands for Bucks County Community College, not Beach Cities Neighbors and Newcomers! Well, tough, I couldn't very well change them all, so I let it be; nobody may have noticed, anyway.
Sue, Sherry, and I signed up for the holiday luncheon at the yacht club on December 7. I was genuinely shocked when the woman taking reservations actually didn't realize that was Pearl Harbor Day. Unlike the vast majority of the members, who tend to be sixty and up, she was probably in her thirties. However, it then occurred to me that maybe it's a good thing--that we don't hang on and hang on to those kinds of events. In fact, I HATE that idiotic meme "Never Forget," applied to 9/11. I think we should forget so we can get on with making a better, more peaceful world.
The speaker was an intensely boring rep from the Harbor Commission, who had a lot to say about mussels. H had no finesse, plus the overhead didn't work, so it seemed to go on for hours. My pal, Sue ("Sailboat Sue") found it absorbing, of course; I said she could have done it herself.
After, the three of us went to Stephen's for lunch. Lunch? Good grief, it was only a few minutes after 11:00. I don't eat until 1:00 or after, but I can adapt and enjoyed a cup of lentil soup and a cold beer. We had a good time talking and stayed for more than an hour.
Went home and changed, then took off for the post office to send son Mike something. Went to town, parked, walked, read, walked back, and had yummy rock fish for dinner.
I had made up some flyers about my class to take to the meeting and put a little bio info on them. I mentioned I'm a BCCC member. BCCC? That stands for Bucks County Community College, not Beach Cities Neighbors and Newcomers! Well, tough, I couldn't very well change them all, so I let it be; nobody may have noticed, anyway.
Sue, Sherry, and I signed up for the holiday luncheon at the yacht club on December 7. I was genuinely shocked when the woman taking reservations actually didn't realize that was Pearl Harbor Day. Unlike the vast majority of the members, who tend to be sixty and up, she was probably in her thirties. However, it then occurred to me that maybe it's a good thing--that we don't hang on and hang on to those kinds of events. In fact, I HATE that idiotic meme "Never Forget," applied to 9/11. I think we should forget so we can get on with making a better, more peaceful world.
The speaker was an intensely boring rep from the Harbor Commission, who had a lot to say about mussels. H had no finesse, plus the overhead didn't work, so it seemed to go on for hours. My pal, Sue ("Sailboat Sue") found it absorbing, of course; I said she could have done it herself.
After, the three of us went to Stephen's for lunch. Lunch? Good grief, it was only a few minutes after 11:00. I don't eat until 1:00 or after, but I can adapt and enjoyed a cup of lentil soup and a cold beer. We had a good time talking and stayed for more than an hour.
Went home and changed, then took off for the post office to send son Mike something. Went to town, parked, walked, read, walked back, and had yummy rock fish for dinner.
Wednesday, October 04, 2017
Catch-Up
It was a good catch-up day. After Kimball (and nurse Diego was there; BP was 119/92, which was a relief), breakfast, and a few chores, I jumped in the car and got a number of errands done.
Went to the bank for coin wrappers; I have a habit of dropping my change in a mug on a table in the living room. The quarters I take out to use for the laundry machines, but I probably have twenty bucks or so in pennies, nickels, and dimes. Incredibly, Bank of America doesn't have a coin-counting machine--they send coins to L.A. and I was told it takes ten days to get them back. So I got wrappers and hope it isn't too tedious to wrap them.
Went from there to SCAN to 1. see if they'd let Toastmasters meet there in the evening, but as I thought, no, they're not open and 2. to find out if I got any other sign-ups. I did, now six have signed up and I hope to get a few more. I'm going to take info on my class to the BCNN meeting this morning. Stopped at WinCo for fish (got talapia* and rock fish), plus salad goodies. Went to the dollar store for sponges and wastebasket bags.
After lunch, I was about to get in my car when Suzanne drove up. I told her I had seen Don and she and I discussed Ken, the very elderly man who can barely see and--we hope--the agency on aging will be instrumental in getting him in an assisted living facility. Ken is not destitute; he had been an engineer and has a healthy pension, plus some other assets, but he desperately needs some assistance in just everyday living. Walked m. to l., of course, then home.
Called Doris to see how she's doing after the knee operation. There was no answer, so I'm wondering if she's still in rehab. I'll probably see Carole at BCNN, so she may have been in touch with her. Made up some flyers to take to the BCNN meeting today.
*I know that's not how to spell it, but incredibly, SpellCheck wants it to read "lilliputian," fer cryin' out loud!
Went to the bank for coin wrappers; I have a habit of dropping my change in a mug on a table in the living room. The quarters I take out to use for the laundry machines, but I probably have twenty bucks or so in pennies, nickels, and dimes. Incredibly, Bank of America doesn't have a coin-counting machine--they send coins to L.A. and I was told it takes ten days to get them back. So I got wrappers and hope it isn't too tedious to wrap them.
Went from there to SCAN to 1. see if they'd let Toastmasters meet there in the evening, but as I thought, no, they're not open and 2. to find out if I got any other sign-ups. I did, now six have signed up and I hope to get a few more. I'm going to take info on my class to the BCNN meeting this morning. Stopped at WinCo for fish (got talapia* and rock fish), plus salad goodies. Went to the dollar store for sponges and wastebasket bags.
After lunch, I was about to get in my car when Suzanne drove up. I told her I had seen Don and she and I discussed Ken, the very elderly man who can barely see and--we hope--the agency on aging will be instrumental in getting him in an assisted living facility. Ken is not destitute; he had been an engineer and has a healthy pension, plus some other assets, but he desperately needs some assistance in just everyday living. Walked m. to l., of course, then home.
Called Doris to see how she's doing after the knee operation. There was no answer, so I'm wondering if she's still in rehab. I'll probably see Carole at BCNN, so she may have been in touch with her. Made up some flyers to take to the BCNN meeting today.
*I know that's not how to spell it, but incredibly, SpellCheck wants it to read "lilliputian," fer cryin' out loud!
Tuesday, October 03, 2017
Widder Lunch And Toastmasters
Kimball: yes. Breakfast: yes. WinCo for veggies: yes. After all that, I dressed for the widder group lunch.
We had a ball yesterday. There were eight of us, all very high-spirited and congenial. I took my usual tangerines, got my Chardonnay, and--unusual for me--ordered a glass of red to follow it. I had a good talk with Sharon, a kindred spirit, and Barbara, who's a devil-may-care type like yours truly. I was happy to see that Nancy came (I was embarrassed because I had thought she said Sunday that she wasn't going) and my pal, Carolyn was there. After most left, several of us stayed to chat. We decided we'd all go on the bus trip to the Getty Musuem in L. A. the county is running in December.
Went home to change, then immediately drove off to town for my second walk. I've been reading John Updike lately--damn, he was good--and I delved into one of his books of short stories. Walked back, went home, and had an early (5:30) dinner, so I could get to the Toastmaster's thing at 7:00.
That turned out to be a find. When I walked into a largish conference room shortly before 7:00, there were six people (the officers, I was later told), who meet before the membership meeting--or something. In fact, only one other regular and two newcomers came in, so the group--not sure if it's the usual--consists of only ten, if you count me. Anyway, I was greeted with great warmth and welcomes. Stayed for the whole session and I was included in the exercise called "table topics." We broke into teams (my partner was Ken, evidently a mover and shaker in the group) and one of the members (Rachel) had us pick from slips of paper. The idea was to link together three things that have something in common. Ours were "whale, wildebeest, and walrus." This is improv and right down my alley and Ken's good at it, too. They vote on presentations and we actually won.
Anyway, lots more went on, plus I distributed flyers for my acting class, we chatted and laughed and I'm going to continue. I did find it odd that the meeting started with the pledge of allegiance. Why in the world would it be included in a little twice-a-month gathering? It's one thing at a government connected group, but this always strikes me as nationalistic overkill. More than that, I was taken aback when the secretary, "C.C.," a woman who gave one of the talks later, quoted "our president"--at first, I thought she meant the president of Toastmasters--with an "inspirational" snippet of what he said in response to the Vegas horror. Geesh, if she can't find anybody other than Trump for a quotable quote, it is to gasp.
However, I greatly enjoyed the evening and will continue with Toastmasters.
We had a ball yesterday. There were eight of us, all very high-spirited and congenial. I took my usual tangerines, got my Chardonnay, and--unusual for me--ordered a glass of red to follow it. I had a good talk with Sharon, a kindred spirit, and Barbara, who's a devil-may-care type like yours truly. I was happy to see that Nancy came (I was embarrassed because I had thought she said Sunday that she wasn't going) and my pal, Carolyn was there. After most left, several of us stayed to chat. We decided we'd all go on the bus trip to the Getty Musuem in L. A. the county is running in December.
Went home to change, then immediately drove off to town for my second walk. I've been reading John Updike lately--damn, he was good--and I delved into one of his books of short stories. Walked back, went home, and had an early (5:30) dinner, so I could get to the Toastmaster's thing at 7:00.
That turned out to be a find. When I walked into a largish conference room shortly before 7:00, there were six people (the officers, I was later told), who meet before the membership meeting--or something. In fact, only one other regular and two newcomers came in, so the group--not sure if it's the usual--consists of only ten, if you count me. Anyway, I was greeted with great warmth and welcomes. Stayed for the whole session and I was included in the exercise called "table topics." We broke into teams (my partner was Ken, evidently a mover and shaker in the group) and one of the members (Rachel) had us pick from slips of paper. The idea was to link together three things that have something in common. Ours were "whale, wildebeest, and walrus." This is improv and right down my alley and Ken's good at it, too. They vote on presentations and we actually won.
Anyway, lots more went on, plus I distributed flyers for my acting class, we chatted and laughed and I'm going to continue. I did find it odd that the meeting started with the pledge of allegiance. Why in the world would it be included in a little twice-a-month gathering? It's one thing at a government connected group, but this always strikes me as nationalistic overkill. More than that, I was taken aback when the secretary, "C.C.," a woman who gave one of the talks later, quoted "our president"--at first, I thought she meant the president of Toastmasters--with an "inspirational" snippet of what he said in response to the Vegas horror. Geesh, if she can't find anybody other than Trump for a quotable quote, it is to gasp.
However, I greatly enjoyed the evening and will continue with Toastmasters.
Monday, October 02, 2017
Out With Nancy
It was a good, active day. After walking Kimball, I jumped in the shower, washed my hair, had breakfast, dressed, then zipped over to Great Clips to get my hair cut. Don't know why I drove, as it's right on the next block, but I did. I guess the hairdresser did a pretty credible job--I just wanted it trimmed up to my ears and it looks okay.
Met Nancy at Black Angus at 1:00. After we were seated, we were told they don't serve lunch on Sundays, only dinner. Well, screw them, we said figuratively and we left and went to the China Kitchen in the next shopping center. We left Nancy's car near Black Angus and I drove over.
I had a complementary (not sure why it was a freebie) cup of egg drop soup, then pork fried rice. I hadn't tasted rice for eight months and, oh boy, was it good. To accompany it, I had a nice frosty glass of Blue Moon, which was wonderful, too. We had good meals and a good talk, then I suggested she leave her car where it was and I'd drive over to Dudley House, which is what we did.
Lynn, the director of docents, greeted me with pleasure, I introduced Nancy to her, and we took the tour with Cheryl Somebody. While we were still downstairs and about to enter the kitchen, Nancy said she had to sit down. I noticed with alarm that she was perspiring and got her to a settee in the dining room. I asked if she wanted to leave and go back to the car, but she said no, she just had to rest for a bit. Cheryl and I went upstairs along with two other people on the tour, and by the time we had finished there and came back down, Nancy felt better. She wondered if the problem could have been that she accidentally took two of her blood pressure pills that morning. She asked if we could stop at CVS to take her BP. We did and she was relieved that it was 110 over something. I took mine, which was 81/61, pretty low again.
Anyway, I took Nance back to her car, drove home, changed, and took off for town, even though it was almost 5:00, when I'm usually getting home from there. However, it was good to walk--I'm at a point where I'm restless if I don't--and I got to the library just as it was closing. No prob, I have plenty to read at home, anyway.
Instead of going directly home, I stopped at Wal-Mart and again took my BP. Now it was 87/54, the top number better, but the bottom one worse. Damn, at the doctor's it was normal: 110/?, so why so low?
My last stop was at Sprouts, where I got plums and blueberries. Just had salad for dinner. I stayed up to watch Parts Unknown, on which Anthony Bourdain was in Singapore. Wow, it made me nostalgic; I'd love to go back.
Met Nancy at Black Angus at 1:00. After we were seated, we were told they don't serve lunch on Sundays, only dinner. Well, screw them, we said figuratively and we left and went to the China Kitchen in the next shopping center. We left Nancy's car near Black Angus and I drove over.
I had a complementary (not sure why it was a freebie) cup of egg drop soup, then pork fried rice. I hadn't tasted rice for eight months and, oh boy, was it good. To accompany it, I had a nice frosty glass of Blue Moon, which was wonderful, too. We had good meals and a good talk, then I suggested she leave her car where it was and I'd drive over to Dudley House, which is what we did.
Lynn, the director of docents, greeted me with pleasure, I introduced Nancy to her, and we took the tour with Cheryl Somebody. While we were still downstairs and about to enter the kitchen, Nancy said she had to sit down. I noticed with alarm that she was perspiring and got her to a settee in the dining room. I asked if she wanted to leave and go back to the car, but she said no, she just had to rest for a bit. Cheryl and I went upstairs along with two other people on the tour, and by the time we had finished there and came back down, Nancy felt better. She wondered if the problem could have been that she accidentally took two of her blood pressure pills that morning. She asked if we could stop at CVS to take her BP. We did and she was relieved that it was 110 over something. I took mine, which was 81/61, pretty low again.
Anyway, I took Nance back to her car, drove home, changed, and took off for town, even though it was almost 5:00, when I'm usually getting home from there. However, it was good to walk--I'm at a point where I'm restless if I don't--and I got to the library just as it was closing. No prob, I have plenty to read at home, anyway.
Instead of going directly home, I stopped at Wal-Mart and again took my BP. Now it was 87/54, the top number better, but the bottom one worse. Damn, at the doctor's it was normal: 110/?, so why so low?
My last stop was at Sprouts, where I got plums and blueberries. Just had salad for dinner. I stayed up to watch Parts Unknown, on which Anthony Bourdain was in Singapore. Wow, it made me nostalgic; I'd love to go back.
Sunday, October 01, 2017
Not A Whole Lot
Kimball, breakfast, and lots of goings on with the computer. I'm having a problem finding the pictures of my parents' things that I put on, then I had a problem with attaching them to my nephews e-mail. I did put pictures of Holy Family School, where my father went (in Manayuk), on Facebook.
Decided to get my hair cut at Great Clips and stopped in for an appointment. However, it's drop-in only, okay by me and I'll go today after breakfast. Took a dry run to the Union Bank Community Room where Toastmasters meet. I decided I'd go to their meeting tomorrow evening. For one thing, I want to enlarge my circle of acquaintances and for another, I'll alert them to my class. Went to Winco for salad ingredients, swai, and other goodies. Cut and chopped various for lunch, then took off for town. Did the usual there and got home about 5:00.
Decided to do a wash, although I usually skip until Monday or Tuesday. However, I was the only one there and was finished the whole back-and-forth thing quickly. Aside from all that, there really wasn't a whole lot going on.
Decided to get my hair cut at Great Clips and stopped in for an appointment. However, it's drop-in only, okay by me and I'll go today after breakfast. Took a dry run to the Union Bank Community Room where Toastmasters meet. I decided I'd go to their meeting tomorrow evening. For one thing, I want to enlarge my circle of acquaintances and for another, I'll alert them to my class. Went to Winco for salad ingredients, swai, and other goodies. Cut and chopped various for lunch, then took off for town. Did the usual there and got home about 5:00.
Decided to do a wash, although I usually skip until Monday or Tuesday. However, I was the only one there and was finished the whole back-and-forth thing quickly. Aside from all that, there really wasn't a whole lot going on.
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TUESDAY
I started off the morning with some annoying problems with Amazon Japan re Christmas gifts, but I don't want to go into detail. Left at...
