Various

Kimball, where I met up with several park pals.
After breakfast, I started on the game I'm creating for T.O.P.S. (I signed up to do the program on Friday.) It's more complicated than I thought it would be to make, but I think they'll like it.  Went to the supermarket and got more tomatoes. then again roasted a pound or two with onions and seasonings.
I was about to leave for town after lunch when Suzanne stopped over to talk about my car and lots of other topics. I mentioned to her that I had seen a power point presentation by Sue D., from Poinsettia Toastmasters, both there and at Cypress Point. Her subject,"Labyrinths," interested me and I told her Sue had included info on local ones, including at St. John's, where Suzanne works. Would I like to see it? Sure, and we're going there today, then to lunch.
Suzanne was just leaving when Ellen called and we had long chat--about an hour, in fact. She was going to ask me over today, but I had just made plans with Suzanne, so we'll get together next weekend. I got another very welcome phone call to firm up plans for Thanksgiving--I'm looking forward to that, too, of course.
I called my dear friend, Marge, to whom I hadn't spoken for months, and was heartened by the fact that sounds better than she had. She does suffer from allergies and must use a walker, but at 91, she's not doing too badly and we had a good talk. Also called my cousin, Marifran, whom I call "my Cincinnati Sis," and left a message.
Got a call from Laurie at Hertz, asking when I can come in to have her put Blue Tooth in my car. The Ford didn't have that capability, so I was pleased; I'll go on Thursday.
Next week is shaping up to be pretty busy, what with that, a color and cut appointment, widder lunch, the Dudley House docent gig, Happy Hour, T.O.P.S., and possibly, a reception at the museum.
Took my usual buses and back and forth to town.

Back At Kimball

I'm back at Kimball--oh, joy! Ran into Carolyn and Bob with Hazel, Sue, Shelley and her husband with Joey, but not Irene, Diane, or Ed with Lola. I may have been a little later than usual; will go earlier today.
Home, changed, and went to T.O.P.S. I was surprised that I had gained a tad, to 129. but that's okay; I think it's just a natural variation. The meeting was actually pretty good for a change. Lolly did the program and had a good handout about portions. It involved how many calories were originally in various foods, such as French fries, bagels, and soda, say, twenty years ago, and how the portions--and calories--have grown. Yes, indeed. I always remember how when my Japanese daughter-in-law was here a few years ago, she actually took pictures of what we were served when we went out. She was astounded at the size of the portions.
Came home to finally get my breakfast two hours late, as usual on Fridays, then spent some enjoyable time prepping the goodies I had bought the day before. I sliced up two pounds of tomatoes and onions, and seasoned and roasted them. Also cooked up a spaghetti squash, scooped out the "meat," and got it ready for dinner last night. (The rest of dinner was salmon and spinach.)
When I went out to get the bus, it occurred to me that I might as well see where it went in a direction other than town. Got on one that went to "Center Point Mall." I had no idea where that was, but it turned out to be in Oxnard, the next town over. I enjoyed looking out and just stayed on the bus until it got back to Ventura.
Got off and went to Fantastic Sam's to make an appointment for a color and cut on Monday. Lolly has her hair done there and I like it. Turns out they don't take appointments, so I'll just go at 9:00. Stopped into Von's and got black grapes, then hopped on another bus to get closer to home. I figure I still walked two miles or more, so that was good.

A Variety

I had every intention of resuming my Kindall walk yesterday, but when I went out to the car, I saw a heavy fog. I didn't want to drive in it, so just walked the neighborhood.
After breakfast, I was finally able to go to several supermarkets to replenish my dwindling provisions. I got blueberries, fresh and frozen, spinach, spaghetti squash, grapes, and tomatoes, as well as t. paper and paper towels. The latter were on sale at Ralph's if you bought both, and I did. But then, I realized I had room for the former, but no space for the latter. Aha! I remembered what Pat R. does--store them in the trunk of her car and that's what I'm doing now.
Called Hertz to tell them I was coming over for to get a full tank, which I guess is some kind of "thank you" for buying there. Chatted with Laurie, my sales rep, got the gas, then sped away. One of the nice features on this car is that it tells you how many miles the car will go with the gas in the tank. I know this is old hat for many, but I never had it before and I like it.
BTW, I figured up how much I spend on gas. I was stunned at the totals: It cost me from a low of $96 to a high of $154 a month and added up to $1471 a year! Considering I don't work and all my travel is for play, so to speak, that's crazy, but I guess the fact that I go to town and back every day is the reason. Then and there, I resolved to take the bus when I go there and I did yesterday. I first drove to my blood pressure place--Wal-Mart--and BP was 118/69, which I assume is okay. Left the car home and took the bus and got off at the library. Walked to The Promenade, then to Main Street, which totals about two miles.  Fine by me.
My new friend, recently widowed Stella, called me last night. She's looking forward to seeing me and meeting the other "Soaring Spirits" for lunch on Monday.
Now, today, I hope it isn't foggy again, as I want to get back to Kimball.

Wheels! 😊

I gots me my wheels! 😄
Bought a red Hundai yesterday, enduring hours at Hertz, but the price is right, it looks good, and I like it. I'm not as excited about it as I was about my little gold beauty, but considering I had no intention of giving it up, I guess that's understandable.
By the time I got out of the place, it was after 2:00. I rushed home--well, I didn't "rush," but drove sedately, which will be my mode from now on--changed, gobbled two crackers and some grapes, and walked to the bus stop to go to town for Happy Hour.
Nancy, Carolyn, Diane and I met at Lure and, as ever, enjoyed ourselves. Club Fiore is still my favorite, but this was good, too. We stayed until after 6:00, at which point Carolyn said we should have left earlier because she and I were going to the Power Point Toastmasters. We finally did leave and she drove us to Cypress Point for the meeting.
We spent a half hour or so trying to find the building where it was held, finally asking someone and discovering we were on the wrong side of the street. There's a Cypress Point complex and a Cypress Meadows complex and we got them confused. Finally arrived, though.
Carolyn, a nice person, seems to have a problem with self-esteem or something.  She became very upset and worried because we were going to be late. We were, but so what? We just missed the regular meeting--which was all to the good, if you ask me--but got there in time for the six power point presentations.
Sue D., from Poinsettia, gave the same talk ("Labyrinths") she had done on Monday and I honestly think she was the best one. Her presentation was solid, illustrations pertinent, and delivery strong. The others tended toward the kinds of wishy-washy, juvenile admonitions that bored the hell out of me in second-grade ("give a man a fish...," "don't pick apples, plant apple trees,"  etc.),  and don't do much for me now. Nevertheless, I enjoy being with Carolyn, although she's the worse driver I ever knew--seriously--and was glad I went.
And now, in an hour or so, I'll drive my car to Kimball and resume my regular morning park walk--yay!
Note: One of the reasons I exited from Poinsettia was because I wanted to clear the decks and spend more time on honing my play. I did yesterday, before I went to Hertz and I want to set aside time each day for writing.

Here And There

Walked the few blocks to the post office at 6:30, then extended to about a little more than a mile. After breakfast, I called Laurie at Hertz Car Sales to say I wanted more info on the car she had shown me last week. She called back to say it was sold--damn!  However, she said they had another red one, a hatchback, and might I be interested? Yes, and in the meantime, I decided to try getting to WinCo.
It turned out to be a piece of cake, although I had to take four buses (two there, two back). Also, I knew I couldn't get a big order--which I really need--because I couldn't carry it. However, I got what I most needed, so that was okay.
Called Betty from the bus and was pleased that she sounded almost--almost--like her old self when we chatted. Home, had lunch, then took off for town. I got a different bus, which took me to Thompson Street, but that was okay, as I had decided to walk The Promenade. Once I disembarked, though, the weather had gotten chilly and I had on only a light top. Decided against it and just visited The Coalition, where I found a wonderful paper Japanese umbrella. I needed it like a hole in the head, so of course, I bought it.
Walked to the library, read a bit, then caught the bus for home.

Poinsettia

Walked what has become the new normal: around the neighborhood for about a mile and a bit more. After breakfast, I did a wash, then used the laptop to write my children, then my nephew, attorney Wes in Chicago, about a question I had re auto insurance.
Lunched, then got a bus to town. Checked my mail and found an answer from my older son in Japan to the effect that I should be careful what I put on the Internet. Then and there, I decided to withdraw from Poinsettia Toastmasters and just continue with Humor & Drama. I called director Jan, of Dudley House and left a message--more on that later.
Got off at the library. Returned some books and, rather than walking my usual, just read for awhile before taking the bus back.
Showered and dressed. Had a sketchy "dinner" of two Greek meatballs from the freezer (from my birthday dinner at Stephen's in December) which, considering all, weren't bad. Gathered up my notebook and started off for Dudley House. That's a mile and three-quarters, so I got my second walk in.
Jan called back while I was walking and was agreeable to me passed the keys to Dudley. When I arrived there, I was glad to see Fern there early; I wanted to tell her first of my decision to leave Poinsettia. She was sorry, but okay with it. A little later, I told CC and gave her the keys.
The meeting was okay. I was evaluator for Sue's talk. She'll give the same one at the Power Point Toastmasters meeting on Wednesday, to which I'm going with Carolyn B. I was also picked during Table Topics and that was fun: I was a cat counselor, so incorporated meows and hisses into my impromptu sketch.
Announced I was leaving the group to devote more time to other things, in particular my play, which has languished for months needing revision. I was glad to emphasize that I'll stay in the other group, which includes some of the same members as Poinsettia, including Fern, Noreen, and Rachel.  As soon as I made the announcement, I knew I had done the right thing, because I felt great relief.
CC drove me home.

Stella

I walked a usual distance in the morning--maybe a mile and a half--in the neighborhood, then did my Sunday stuff. Called Stella to see if we were still on for lunch at Aloha. We were and she'd call me when she got out of mass in Ojai. I took the bus into town and got off at the library, then walked the few blocks to The Promanade. Stella didn't get there until about 1:00, but that was okay, since I don't like to eat before then.
We had a good time together. I like Stella and she seemed considerably more upbeat than she had on the phone. We both got half BLTs and clam chowder and talked and talked. Stella's only child, her son, Joshua, is 40 and lives in Spain; divorced, no children. As far as I could understand, he's a dancer, although he doesn't seem to pursue that career. Stella speaks very softly and I have a slight hearing problem in one ear, so I may not have understood.
After, we strolled on the promenade. Stella is very slender, but seems not very active; she got winded after a fairly short time, although we weren't walking fast. We stood at the railing overlooking the beach for a bit while I told her about Soaring Spirits. I told her I'd let her know when we meet next time, then we said goodbye.
Walked up  to Main again and went a few blocks before taking the bus. Got off at the store and bought this and then, then re-boarded and went home.

Party

I didn't walk in the morning, as nephew Steve had texted me they'd pick me up at 10. However, his wife, Robyn, called later to say it would be later. They got here about 11:30 and off we went to Santa Barbara.
We helped with some cleaning up and decoration before the other guests came a little after 2:00. It was fun and I saw and spoke to some of the couples I've met before at Carolyn. However, I didn't want it to be dark when I walked to the bus from the train stop (it isn't an actual depot), so Robyn drove me to the station to get the 4:40 train. That worked out fine, as it was still broad daylight when  I walked to Main Street. Caught the 6:16 bus home.

Lots

Lots going on still. I decided to walk to T.O.P.S.--a mile and three-quarters, which approximated my daily Kimball walk, with a little additional.  Weighed in at 127.8, so I lost a bit, but nothing significant. Good, I'm perfectly satisfied with hovering around 128.
The meeting was slightly more interesting than usual. Lolly brought in a can of jack fruit she had gotten at Trader Joe's. I understand it shreds and you can make it taste like pork if you drown it in barbecue sauce. (Hey, you could make crepe paper taste like pork if you drowned it...) With our secretary, Bobbi, out, I volunteered to take the minutes and did so.
Sharon took me home, but I didn't get in and have breakfast  until 10:30. After that, I tried to find the bus that goes to Santa Barbara, but the web site was confusing and I think I'll stick with the train this time. I'll only need it to go back home, though, as nephew Steve texted me to say they'd pick me up. He, Robyn, and Dex are staying at Carolyn's overnight.
Laurie from Hertz called to tell me about a Nissan Versa, in red. She drove it over and I went for a spin. I like it pretty well, but will see what Jamie at E has to offer, too.
Took the bus to town to deposit a check at BOA, then another bus to a store where I bought blueberries and olive oil. Home, dinner, then Stella, the woman Diane told me about, called. We talked for--get this--one hour and fifteen minutes. We made a date for tomorrow, Sunday, for lunch; I'll meet her at the mission after she attends mass there and we'll walk down to the Aloha.  More about Stella later.

Tesla And Toastmasters

Without a car, I slept later than usual, then walked later than usual (about a mile around the neighborhood) and ate breakfast later still--at almost 10. No prob, though; after that, I walked over to Von's for more grapes and for bleach.
Now I know very well that environmentalists frown on bleach, but I also know, considering the Niagara of foul chemicals released by big corporations of all kinds, my little eight ounces is not going to bring civilization to an end.  I separated out my sheets, socks, underwear, and white linens and bleached them. I didn't really expect much of a noticeable difference the first time, but--oh, mama!
They all looked much, much whiter and any slight stains were gone. I was delighted.
After lunch, I hopped on a bus to town, got off at the mission, and walked to the library and back. On my way, I ran into Diane, who said she was glad to see me, as she was going to call me. A woman in her church (not a real church, but Unitarian; an idiotic concept, if you ask me, but nobody has), was recently widowed and Diane asked me to tell her about Soaring Spirits. I'll be glad to, of course.
Home to shower and wash my hair, then Rachel picked me up for Toastmasters Humor & Drama.
Rachel has a brand new Tesla, which is quite a car. She said she was on a waiting list for two years, within which she told the company what model and colors she wanted.  She had to have an electric outlet installed at her home and one charge lasts for 350 miles. The car itself is very sleek and quite comfortable and it was fun to ride in it.
The meeting was fun, too.  I was the warm-up person and my part went over very well. Didn't get home until after 9:00 and called El to tell her I returned the rental. I tried to persuade her to go to Santa Barbara tomorrow, but she just wants to veg out over the weekend and I can understand that, so I'll probably go on the train.

Carless Still

No wonder I'm keeping my weight off. After Kimball and breakfast, I rushed to Jessica Nails to get a pedicure, which I needed badly. I told them to skip the fancy stuff--lotions and leg rubs--and just concentrate on my tootsies. The sweet girl did so and I was out of there in about 45.  Drove directly to Hertz, turned in the rental, and approached one of the sales reps about buying a car. I told her what I wanted and got her on the hunt.
Hertz called Lyfte to drive me home and I was picked up by a very pleasant, youngish woman, who took me home. She said the pickup cost Hertz $9.95, which seems reasonable and I might call them for other things. Lunch, then I dug out some pics to show the girls, and high-tailed it to the bus stop. Got to town about 3:00, so I just walked to the library and read for a bit before it was time to meet Diane, Nancy, and Carolyn at Club Fiore at 4:00.
Hey, this is a neat place and their Happy Hour menu is superb. We sat outside on the very attractive patio and ordered. I had a beer, Carolyn a bloody Mary, but Nancy just water, as she was driving and had picked up Carolyn.* The food was excellent, too, and as ever, so were the laughs.
While there, I got a call from Dr. Jennings' office about my dex scan. I already got the results, that I have some cause for concern, but it isn't other than expected because I my age, I guess, so I opted to wait to discuss it until my next appointment in December. Also got a call from niece Carolyn, inviting me to a birthday party for nephew Steve, on Saturday. Yes, natch, I'll be there.
We stayed until about 5:30 and agreed that next Wednesday, we'll go to Lure Fishhouse, which happens to be right next door to Club Fiore. When Nance and I were at Lure on Sunday, we had a great time.
Said goodbye to my pals and headed up to Main Street. I was going to walk down to The Promanade, but it started to get cool and I didn't have a jacket on, so decided not to. Instead, I walked up to the mission and got the bus there. Stopped at Vons, which is right on the next block from me, after I got off the bus. Got some beautiful grapes, and that was my day.
I'm elated that I can function fine without a car, which makes me feel freer and more independent. How long this feeling will last is anybody's guess.
* Nancy and I often go to The Cave, to lunch, and on other excursions, plus to the widder dinners and lunches. She has always had a glass--or two--of wine on those occasions, so why not yesterday? She explained that she wasn't driving someone else then. However, I'm quite sure she abstained because Carolyn had when she was driving Nancy. Nancy is a good friend and companion, but she has a tendency to emulate others, like a good little girl. 

No Car Yet

Well, things are looking up. I met Irene and Diane while we were walking the park and they asked how the car situation was. I told them I was going back to make a decision about a particular car, but really didn't want it, but felt uncomfortable, whining that I was all alone--(sniff). At that, Irene said she'd go with me.
And so she did. We met there about 11:30, I told sales rep Jamie no, and said he'd have to look for something else for me. Irene was all business and, of course, backed me up. She also, on the spot, called her son-in-law, whose friend is a car dealer, to ask him to get on the case. I feel much relieved  about the whole thing. I kept the car for an extra day, but am going to take it back before noon today. It's costing me a fortune that I can ill afford, and I'm just going to rely on the bus and maybe Uber until I get the car I want.
Speaking of the bus, I took it into town, got off at the library, read for a bit (this time, a photo book of the later James Dean--okay, so I have esoteric tastes). Went from there to The Promenade to soak in Pacific--figuratively speaking, of course--and walk the few miles back to Main Street.
El called as I was on the bus home and we had a good talk. My friend, Carolyn, e-mailed that her car is in the shop and she may not be able to come to Happy Hour today. Hope she can.
For some reason, my television isn't working right. The remotes I have don't seem to get what I want; all it shows are some 900+ things that seem to be only music and I don't even have that capability. Oh, well, I'll just go to YouTube, or whatever.
But later: I somehow managed to fix the T.V. and watched my usual hour until turning in at 9:00.

Travail

What a day. After Kimball and breakfast, I spent HOURS on the phone with AAA and Enterprise, as well as others. Drove to Motor Vehicle about 10 and didn't get out of there for an hour and a half. I still have business with them, so will make an appointment.
Went to Hertz to find I shouldn't have assumed they'd just roll over my rental; guy said they might have thought it was stolen. Anyway, I'm going to bring it back this morning, the go to Enterprise and buy the second car they got for me.
As if I needed more travail, my tenant, Eileen, texted me and sent a picture of the front shutters of my house, which need painting or replacing. I'll have to call Bill G. today.
I went into town by car to drop off some items at the library, then walked down to the ocean, which always soothes my troubled heart. Drove home to turn off the cauliflower in the slow cooker, pick up my Vanguard check book (I hate to delve into it, but will for the down payment).
Drove to Enterprise to inspect the car. It looks okay and I guess I'll buy it, but wanted to sleep on it first. When I drop off the car to Hertz, I'll have them drive me there instead of home. I wish I was as excited and delighted about this one as I was about my gold Fiesta. Oh, well, it's wheels and that's all I need, I guess.

Tattooed Ladies and Lure

Yet another active day: After Kimball and the usual Sunday morning routine, I showered, washed my hair, and dressed to get ready for Nancy and her daughter-in-law, Erin. They got here about 11:00 and we drove off to Oxnard.
They had thought the Maritime Museum opened at 10 and it does on weekdays, but on Sunday, it didn't until noon. That was okay; we strolled along the harbor walk--very nice and nautical, with hundreds of boats of all sizes.  Went in when the museum opened and viewed The Tattooed Ladies exhibit. It was great fun and even interesting.
After we left, Nancy mentioned she and Erin had thought Happy Hour at Lure Seafood (they have it all day) might be a good idea, to which I enthusiastically agreed. We drove back to Ventura and Lure, which was bustling with business, but we got a table right away. The other two got Chardonnay, but I stuck to beer and enjoyed wonderful New England clam chowder and oysters on the half shell. Yummy-yum, I love raw oysters, and these were excellent.
Erin drove me home after a very enjoyable excursion and we said goodbye. I immediately changed into my walking clothes (I had dressed "up" a bit earlier) and caught the bus to town. Off at the library and read in there for a half hour or so, then walked to The Promenade and down to the Mission street, where I caught the bus home. Just picked up my grocery list and went right out again to get fruit, spinach, and other essentials.
Now I have to decide whether to keep the rental car or not. Today, I've had it for two weeks and it just seems to be pouring money down a drain. I e-mailed Jamie at Enterprise and asked him to find me a less expensive car; hope to hear back from him soon.

Saturday And Surfing

Oops, I forgot to mention that I went to T.O.P.S. on Friday. Weighed in at 128.7, which means I've maintained now for six months at 128, with just slight variations in ounces. I don't think I've ever done that before in practically a lifetime of weight loss and gain. I believe I've finally hit on the right combo of food, exercise, and life style that works for me--i.e., that I can follow without a problem. This does not include those hoary old cliches and platitudes so many seem to accept without question, e.g., counting calories, recording your food intake, and so on.
Anyhoo, as for Saturday...
The usual morning stuff, including Kimball, of course. Nancy called to say she'd pick me up about 10:30 today, then we'd go to the Maritime Museum for the exhibit, then meet her daughter-in-law for lunch. Sounds good to me.
I did this and that until Ellen came over about 11:00. She fixed some of the system stuff with which I was having problems and we then discussed the most important topic: where to go for lunch. I thought Japanese, she didn't, we just went to Thai, didn't feel like going too far, so finally opted for Marie Callenders.
I hadn't been there since our widder group met there a year or so ago, and it isn't one of my favorites, but it was pretty good. I had their chili (fair, but not bad and at least, not too spicy) with cornbread (warm with plenty of soft butter, it was to die for), plus a yummy Blue Moon on draft.
After, we stopped at a nearby store for blueberries, then El dropped me at home. I put my fruit in the fridge and immediately walked to the bus stop.
Rode to town, got off at the library and walked the half-mile or so to The Promenade. The ocean was gloriously sparkling, lots of people on the beach (but few in the water, which must have been frigid), and the winners of a surfing contest were being announced.  The first category was "seventy and over," fer cryin' out loud! Gee, wish I had known, I could have entered.
Walked from there to Main, which was full of strollers and tourists, and stopped in several thrift stores, looking for a board game. I'm planning to devise a game for T.O.P.S. (I signed up to run the program on October 5) and want a spinner and other basics. If don't find something, I'll figure on making it myself. 

Car

Kimball, then lotsa stuff.
The rep from the election board called and asked if I could work on November 6.  I had almost forgotten I had applied for that, but agreed immediately--sounds interesting and you get a big hundred and twenty bucks, which you don't have to declare on your income tax. (Gawd, I wouldn't  do it for  the money; just for the new experience.)
Got e-mails from AAA and Enterprise and spent several hours after lunch at that car sales place. They had a nice Hyundai in gold, in Goleta, but Jamie, my salesperson (a guy, not a gal) said he'd drive over and get it last evening. I did just about everything, such as forms and signatures, aside from actually buying the car; said I'd be back today, after I found out when Ellen was available to go with me. In the meantime, I received an e-mail from Tokyo son, suggesting an alternative plan, i.e., something other than buying a car. El called after I got home and we talked about it. Upshot is, I'm going to hold off until I try a certain experiment. I just don't want to go into more detail right now.

The Car And The Bus

Kimball and all that. After breakfast, I went to three places for blueberries, spinach, jumbo raw shrimp, grapes, and cauliflower. Heard from the AAA appraiser, who confirmed my car is totaled and said they'd give me $10,140.59,with the thousand deductible I have factored in. Since I owe $9,243.28, that leaves me not quite five hundred bucks for a down payment--damn! Guess I'll have to dig into my Vanguard account...
...but strangely enough, I'm not distressed over it. Reason is, because I got a letter from my primary doc, which I knew was about my chest x-ray. After forty-one years of smoking two plus packs a day, I'm always waiting for the lung cancer axe to fall...but it's still just hovering: The letter said no prob, more or less (though not in those words).
I had sent nephew Jim that disc with my Dad's college pictures on it and was upset when I traced it on-line and was told there was no record. I walked the three blocks to the P.O. to find it had been delivered on Wednesday--I had put the wrong trace numbers in, so that was good news.
I decided again to take the bus and I did. I'm getting more and more pleased with this turn of events. For one thing, it's good for my pocketbook (sky-high gas cost as opposed to zero), my body (without even thinking about it, I'm adding at least an extra mile and possibly more, to my walking total), and even more, freedom. How so? Because I'm not obliged to walk a mile out, say, then re-trace my steps back to where I parked my car. Yesterday, I got off at the mission, walked down to The Promenade, then to the Crown Plaza, and from there, to the pier. I walked the length of that, then to the library and got the bus back from there.
I got a call from Dede, whom I met at the last widder dinner (the one who was promoting a film called--I think--Zombie Strippers). Anyway, she thinks we're going to be bosom buddies, although she started off with some politician inanity, then "I know you're pro-Trump."  What?! What would ever give her that idea? Oh, that's right, I disparaged both Hillary and Elizabeth Warren--ergo, I must like Trump. That's the worse kind of sophistry and I immediately wrote her off as a pretentious bore.
After dinner, whilst taking my trash to the trash place, I found a big, beautiful lemon at my door. Of course, it came from Suzanne, I rang her bell and chatted with her. People at her work bring them in; she also gave me two lovely apples. Great neighbor!

My Car And Happy Hour

The usual morning routine walking Kimball, etc.  Did a wash and tidied up a bit.  Did a lot of computer stuff and, although I had no salad ingredients for lunch, didn't feel like going out to get any. I just heated up the cooked carrots and spaghetti squash, and ate some tuna for protein.
I got a call from Crystal at AAA to say the  person in the other car said he was injured and has an attorney. This is absolute bullshit, but I just have to let AAA handle  it.
After lunch, I walked to the bus stop across Telegraph Avenue, got the bus, and rode to the library. It still seems remarkable that it's free and so convenient. While I was walking toward Surfers Point, Crystal from AAA called to tell me my car had been totaled--not a surprise. I'll get the estimates and so on from the appraiser today.
Walked back to the library and read for awhile, then met Diane, Nancy, and Carolyn at Limon y Sal for Happy Hour at 5:00. Going up in the elevator, we met the owner. I remember Ellen had said his child went to her school and I asked him about it. It seems he knows he, too, as he's been an active parent.
We sat at our usual on the balcony and had a good time. A guy came up and chatted with me--actually, sort of flirted.  He said he was thirty years old and I told him I had a grandson older than that, but it was fun, nevertheless. I had gotten Happy Hour from Lure restaurant around the corner and we decided we'd go there at 4:00, then maybe go to L y S at 5:00.
Carolyn insisted on taking me home, although I was fine with taking the bus. She did, but her driving style drives me crazy. She drives extremely slowly (and she just turned sixty, much the youngest of the group), going about 20 in a 40 MPH zone, and stays hunched over the wheel with both hands clutching it.  However, we got back and that was okay.

Ellen's Birthday

Kimball, breakfast, and I called the guy at Paradise Chevrolet, who had e-mailed me. He said I had to come there and sign papers to get the car repaired. (Geez, I hope it can be repaired; I saw it and it looks pretty bad in front.) Of course, he hadn't received it until Monday, almost a week after I had verbally released it from Adamson Towing. Also, incredibly, I got the lien from those crooks; I'll have to consult Crystal at AAA for what to do.
 I'm pleased with my new slim bookcase, but want to move it a few inches, so will have to take all the books out to do so. Drove to town after lunch for my museum to library walk, as I want to vary that with The Promenade. Home and jumped in the shower preparing for Ellen's birthday dinner.
She came about 5:00 and I gave her her present. We then went to Jasmine Thai and had a feast. El ordered three appetizers for us to share and I had Thai stir-fry; brought most of it home, as there was more than enough.

F., F., And F.

Damn, yesterday was equal parts frustrating, infuriating, and fulfilling. Walked Kimball, had breakfast, and blah, blah, blah, then drove to town early.
I had seen a small, very slim bookcase at The Coalition on Sunday, and thought it might replace the clunky old one I had under my window in the bedroom.  This partially hides the heavy cords from my computer, which I find unsightly. I didn't buy it because I wanted to first measure. I hoped it hadn't been sold, and no, it hadn't. Went in and bought it--ten bucks--and hauled it home.
Now comes the frustrating part: I had a terrible time getting the Internet back after all kinds of machinations involving plugs, wires, and other computer crap. Finally did, after almost dislocating my shoulder for various reason. But oh, well, it's finally okay--I hope--and I'm back on. I still have to rearrange the books on it, plus those on my larger bookcase.
Infuriating? My AAA rep, Crystal, called to ask me to release my car from Adamson's Towing in Ojai. What? I had, on Tuesday. The guy asked if I'd release the car, I said yes, and asked if I had to sign anything. HE SAID NO, JUST A VERBAL RELEASE WAS OKAY.  I  got my stuff out of the car and Don and I left. I told Crystal this and she said yes, a verbal release was fine. She indicated she would call Adamson today and/or get them or AAA to reimburse me for the rental car. Went to Surfers Point for my walk and when I got home and picked up the mail, I had a lien from the towing company from hell for $225 for leaving my car there! AAGH! I have to wait until 9:00 to call Crystal and get her on the case.
More infuriating: I had had Poinsettia Toastmasters on my calendar, but thought I had put it on the wrong day, so crossed it out. At 6:20, CC texted me, asking where I was so I could open up. I realized I had mistakenly believed yesterday was the first Monday, when actually, it was the second; rushed over there in a sour mood. However, I had Table Topics and it went over very well.
Fulfilling? Well, it was wonderful walking on The Promenade along the beach. Also, I found the disc of two large formal pictures of my Dad when he was at Villanova. One is his debating team, the other the track team. I have the originals on my wall and had told my nephew Jim (my Dad's namesake) I had had a disc made of them and would let him borrow it if I could find it. I did and mailed it yesterday.
Best of all, I'm taking Ellen out to dinner for her birthday, which is today, September 11. Yay for the day and yay for the daughter!

An Adventure

Walked Kimball, then followed my usual Sunday routine. When I got home, Suzanne was outside at our joint walkway; she invited in to see some pictures of her and her family in much younger days. These were in a Shutterfly book her mother had made for each of her five children before she died. As we had been discussing the various orders and their habits and habits (ha! customs and clothing),  I found it interesting and enjoyed it. I warned Suzanne that I would someday show her my family pictures--when she has an idle week. Went to WinCo after breakfast to get green and red peppers and a big onion for stir-fry. Ate lunch and then...
I HAD AN ADVENTURE! Instead of my usual town sojourn (drive to museum, walk to library and back), I decided to take a bus. I enjoyed it a lot, although I accidentally took the one to town that went to Pacific View Mall first. I then had to change to the Main Street one. However, I didn't mind and these were free, of course, due to my advanced age.
Got off at the museum, walked to library, read for a bit (I'm into a book about three men who were executed for murder in Alabama or some godforsaken place that that).  By the time I walked back, it was 4:14 and I had to wait  for about 45 minutes, but I didn't mind.
Made the stir-fry, as planned, with ground turkey and the veggies and it was very good.

Saturday Continued

Just continuing what I didn't write yesterday:
About 5:00, Nancy called and invited me to to to the Maritime Museum next Sunday with her and her daughter-in-law, Erin, then lunch. I accepted with pleasure, then we chatted for almost an hour. After that, I called Ellen and made plans to take her to dinner at Stephen's Greek on Tuesday, her birthday.
I get a little restless and antsy late in the afternoon, so thought I'd drive to WinCo for cottage cheese. Ran into Suzanne on the way to my car and we stopped to talk. We stood there for 45 minutes, discussing Jim and Frank's visit, then veering into the various orders of nuns and the changes that have happened in the Church and the orders in the past, say, sixty years. After that, I decided not to go to WinCo; in fact, was feeling better about things in general.
One reason for that was another phone call. I won't go into detail, but it heartened me so much, I didn't even need to take a drive anywhere. So the day ended well, I'm glad to say. I'm even looking forward to some relatively quiet time today (Sunday).

Note: I forgot to mention this interesting fact before: My nephew, Jim, delivered his own baby! Was it sudden, and in a car, maybe?  No, and Sandra had her own obstetrician in the room, who stood by, but he actually brought his boy, Justin, into the world. I asked Jim if maybe Sandra immediately took charge of the kid--she's a pediatrician. (Ha!)

Friday And Saturday

We had a neat time!
Nephew Jim and brother Frank came to my place Friday. After driving the 4+ hours down from Salinas, they had stopped overnight in L.A., where they had dinner with some nun friends. They blew in here about 10 am and we enjoyed some good talk. I had intended to ring Suzanne's door to introduce Jim, but she beat me to it. I thought it was funny that last week, she had brought to meet me her brother, Glenn, who's an M.D. in San Diego and now I had her here for Jim, who's an M.D. (high-risk obstetrician) in Sarasota.  Suzanne knows, or knows of, some of the Sisters Jim and Frank does, so that was a nice visit.
After Suzanne left, I got out some old family pictures for Frank and Jim to enjoy; they were wowed. Jim chose some that he asked to borrow and especially liked the two large ones on my wall, of my father at Villanova. One is of his track team, the other of his debating team. I told Jim I had had a disc made and would try to find it to send him, so he could duplicate them.
After that, we went to Poinsettia School, right down the street from me, where Jim went to kindergarten and first grade. He took pictures and even chatted with the present teachers. From there, we went to Bryn Mawr Avenue, where the family had lived fifty years ago. Frank knocked at the house next door and darned if the same neighbors they had known them weren't still there!
The Maynards, Harry who's now 90 and Carolyn, 87, invited us in, then called their daughter, who lives down the street. We had a nice visit for about an hour, then left to have lunch.
I took the guys to the Aloha. It's right on the water and I like it a lot. So did they and we had great fun and more good talk, along with the food. From there, we took off for Santa Barbara.
(Carolyn had called me on Thursday to ask if I could come along with Jim and Frank and stay overnight. I had nothing scheduled, so agreed, threw some things in an overnight bag, and off we went.)
 Got there at about 6:00, greeted Carolyn, Betty, and the kids and we sat and chatted until Dana came home. At that point, C., D., and Jim went out for Mediterranean food, brought it back, and we feasted around the table with lots of laughs.
Jim and Frank didn't leave until about 9:30 and we didn't get to bed until after that, but I slept like a log. Yesterday morning, we went over to the Hilton about 7:30 where the guys were staying and had breakfast with them. Said goodbye reluctantly about 10 am.
I went back to Carolyn's for a bit, but wanted to get home, so took the 11:40 train--which was actually a bus and I was the only one on it all the way to Ventura--and got in about 12:15. Walked the three blocks to Main Street, caught a city bus,* and was home in time for lunch.
*This was the first time I've been on a bus in years and I was incredulous to learn the city bus was free for those over a certain age. Hey, I'm definitely going to take it more often, especially to go to Happy Hour.

Around Town

Walked at my regular Kimball time and met up with Ed, Irene, and Carolyn; told them about my accident. Carolyn said she had had to go to Urgent Care on Saturday.  Her small bureau had fallen and cut her leg when she was moving it upstairs with her daughter; she had to have seven stitches.
Nephew Jim texted me and said he and his Dad, my brother, Frank, will come down from L.A. today, pick me up, and we'll go for lunch. Great, and I suggested they come back here, as I have old pictures Frank and he will like to see.
I tidied up a bit and vacuumed and dusted in anticipation of their arrival. Tried to think of a nice restaurant we can go to. Went to WinCo for a few things and impulsively decided to stop at Rolling Oaks to see if I could get the chest x-ray without an appointment. I could, although I had to wait about a half hour, but then was in and out in ten or so.
Stopped for gas, went home for lunch, then to Surfers Point. Stopped at the Aloha--if Jim and Frank want to go into town, that would be a good place to eat. There's also the Blue Agave and, of course, Limon y Sal and its wonderful, art deco setting.
I walked a good two miles along the promenade over the beach. Took pictures of the surfers and some of the luscious ocean scenes. Stopped at WinCo for a second time that day, as I had forgotten lettuce. Betty called while I was there and we chatted.
Home for a chicken and beets dinner, showered and washed my hair, then settled down for the evening.

Looking Up

Well, things are looking up. Suzanne dropped me at Hertz at 7:10 (I had to wait 20 minutes until they opened) and I got a rental car. It's a cheap piece of crap--a Toyota Yaris, which I had never heard of before--but it gets me around, so okay.
I was determined to resume my Kimball walk and did, but not until much later than usual; got there after 8:00, so didn't see anyone I knew.
After breakfast, I went to Winco for blueberries and frozen cherries. Home, I just did this and that until my 11:00 bone density test appointment. That was routine and I was in and out of there in about forty-five. Stopped at WinCo, ate lunch, then zipped into town, and parked at the museum. Did the library thing, read for a bit, then met Diane, Carolyn, and Nancy at Limon y Sal.
We had our usual good time, plus Happy Hour drinks and food. Stayed for more than an hour, then left and I drove home in the little piece of tinware, but at least, it got me there.

Tuesday

What a hell of a day. No Kimball walk and no car.
I woke up at 3:00 am with an aching arm, side, and neck. Took aspirin and have been every few hours, so it's now subsiding, except for a slight ache in the back of  my neck.
Called AAA, arranged this and that with them, then called the towing place in Ojai to find out where it was, so I could get the rest of my stuff out of the car. I called Hertz and reserved a Ford Fiesta like mine, but we'll see if they have one when I get there.
I remembered Don O., who used to live here, but moved to Cypress Meadows not far away. I called him to see if he'd drive me to Ojai for twenty bucks. He would and got here about 2:00. We went, I found the towing place, emptied the car, then drove back. El called after school and I told her what was going on.
Home about 4:00 and walked over to Vons for tomatoes, then stopped at Suzanne's. She was disconcerted to hear about the accident and said it was no problem at all to drop me at Hertz before she goes to work this morning, so we'll leave in 45 or so, at 7:00.
I did walk along Telegraph Road about a mile, I think, during which Sue called me and we chatted a bit. She said they're going to sell their boat on which they've lived for more than ten year, and move to an apartment. Boat living, or whatever it's called, is just too much work, especially since her Mac has steadily advancing dementia.
Boy, nobody gets off easy in this world.

Accident

Went to Carolyn's with Ellen and Greg, first stopping at Greg's mother to visit. Had a good time at the party and we left about 7:00. Picked up my car at El's in Ojai, started to turn onto Route 33, and had an accident. Nobody hurt, anyway. I don't know, at this point, how bad my car is damaged--it looked pretty bad to me--but it was towed. Cops came, I called El and she came to drive me home. Am trying to arrange for a rental car. 

Doing Dudley

Even though it was Sunday and very early--I was finished my walk and home before 7:00--there were a fair number of people at Kimball, including Irene.
Did the usual Sunday thing. then showered and washed my hair. I knew I'd be dressing in my Victorian clothes to do the tour at Dudley House, so I just put on underwear and a "dress" type nightgown, before it was time to change. Then the doorbell rang.
It was Suzanne, bringing her brother from San Diego to meet me. I 'splained about the outfit, invited them in, and we had a nice talk. Glenn is a primary physician and sees, he says, a lot of geriatric patients. Suzanne had told him I was a wonderful neighbor (the feeling is very much mutual) and mentioned a few of the things I do, over which he marveled.
I can't pretend I wasn't flattered, but I always raise my eyebrows when somebody seems to see my age as my defining factor.  It isn't. However, we had a nice visit, then they left and I got ready for Dudley House.
I should have thought--and next time, I'll arrange it this way--to take my clothes, wig, and so on there and get changed in the downstairs. It was awkward gathering up my voluminous skirts (full petticoat with ruffles and heavy, broadcloth skirt, both full-length) and driving, but I made it okay.
I was early, so waited on a bench outside until Sheri came, Shortly after, so did the ladies (plus one man and one little girl) from CC's Unity Church. CC herself was late, but came later.
Sheri decided to separate the group and have half begin upstairs (Dianna was the docent there) and half down with me. She accompanied me, which annoyed me at first, but then I realized it was helpful. Sheri was one  of the original San Bonaventure Heritage members and has been active for 43 years, so she  was able to fill in what I didn't know. Anyway, it was over at 1:00 and I left, glad to get out of my Dudley duds and into light clothes.
On this gorgeous day, I knew Surfer's Point would be jammed, so drove to midtown instead. That was filled with tourists and very festive, which I enjoyed. Did my walk, read for a bit, then home for dinner of whitefish and acorn squash.
Got a text from El saying Greg would like to stop at his mother's first today  when we get to Santa Barbara for Carolyn's cookout, so could I be at her place about 12:45? Sure, no prob, plus she's bringing wine and soda, did I want to contribute a bottle of wine, too? Will do, and I'm looking forward to the party.

Lunch With Ellen

Walked Kimball, but very early and it was Saturday, so saw only Irene and Carolyn. Had my usual breakfast, then did some stuff on this laptop until Ellen called. She was at the hairdresser's and did I want to go to lunch after she finished? Yes, indeed, and we met about 1:00 at the Hillside Cafe.
This is the place where you get "free" mimosas and as many refills as  you want. The catch is that you have to order off the jacked up brunch menu for that. In other words, a breakfast burrito that's listed as $10.95 on the regular menu is $14,95 for brunch. I'm guessing, but I doubt the champagne in the bottomless mimosas is Dom Perignon at a hundred and fifty a bottle, so I decided on a sandwich and a Corona instead.
Anyway, it was nice to sit out on the patio and chat with my darling daughter. I''m always interested in hearing about her third-graders and the trials and triumphs of teaching them. After, we went back to her  old neighborhood, the duplex on El Cajon Street, where she lived from 2001 until she bought her first house in 2007. We strolled around, then sat in the park nearby. El said her cousin, my niece, Carolyn, had invited us to a Labor Day barbecue tomorrow, so she, Greg, and I will go to that. We parted about 3:00 and I stopped at Ralph's for yet more blueberries and shredded cheddar.

T.O.P.S.

Slept late, as noted, so walked Kimball late and didn't get back until practically the middle of the afternoon--i.e., 8:20. Changed and zipped off to T.O.P.S. I hadn't attended on the three preceding Fridays, so was prepared to take my lumps, being sure I had gained, considering my wild abandon in Salinas and eating out since.
Glory be and happy day--I maintained at 128.6! Okay, that set me up and I'm coming out of my blue period. (Because of happenings I don't want to record here, I had been down a bit yesterday. I always have to remember to hang on and I'll overcome it.)
Didn't get back from T.O.PS. for breakfast until 10:30, which always makes me cranky. Happily, I refrained from my usual pained comments when the meeting deviated into Lennie's husband's eye problem, Sharon's husband's new motorcycle, and Lora's upcoming trip to Spain (she's a travel agent).
Stopped at Ralph's for Romaine and cleanser. After lunch, I dry-mopped, then wet-mopped the hard floors, which takes only about 20 minutes, then took the bathroom rugs and things to the wash. I don't put these in the dryer, but put them over patio chairs to dry in the sun. I was told sunlight kills germs and, although I don't believe in germs (after all, I've never seen one), I kind of like the idea of the naturalness.
Went back to Surfers' Point for my walk and was surprised to see hordes of high school kids running. It seems there was an area meet. It was fun to see them and although they ran on the bike path where I walk, they used only the first few hundred yards and was able to do the rest.
This time, I completed the mile course, then the mile back, plus walked over the bridge. All in all, I figure I did about three miles, which pleased me.
Drove the the library after and read for a bit. Got home about 5:00 and Suzanne invited me in. I sat and chatted for a bit, then went next door to my place and cooked up a turkey stir-fry.