Plays And Pizza

Still working on what plays I'll send Jeff, I found When Cooks Confer, but only the print copy, not
 on-line. Guess I'll have to re-type, but that's not too bad, as I want to revise a bit, anyway.
Talked to Betty and we had a pretty good chat  Walked over to Von's for salad dressing and a few other things. I got a call from Arizona, asking which county in Ireland our antecedents came from. I just could not remember and can't put my hands on my Byrne genealogy book, although I know I have it. Contacted my cousin, John, who told me: It was County Wicklow and another branch from Kildare. I texted the person the info.
Left for town at noon to meet Nancy at 1:00, but what with various delays, I was late. Fortunately, so was she, as she walked in the wrong direction after parking.
Where we went, a new place I suggested called Medici Pizza, is not one I want to frequent. The Margarita pizza I had was good, but the beer, Chief Peak, which I have often, was more than eight bucks, which is outrageous, as it was just the usual size. One of the thumbs-down reasons on our part was that it's one of those damn places where you order at a counter, get your own utensils, and--what really pisses me off--you pay first AND are asked then what percentage you want to tip.  Oh, well, guess I'm just ranting.
Anyway, Nance and I had a good time, as ever. I walked her to the parking garage after. I'm a little concerned about her problem walking and the tiredness that has manifested itself again. She said she's not sure whether her hemoglobin is down again or what; it was pretty good at her last blood testing. I was certainly not going to mention it, but I think the fact that she seems to have gained a considerable amount of weight could be a factor.
After we said goodbye, I walked down to The Promenade and my usual loop. Back up on Main, I stopped in a few places, but decided to bus back and stop off on Victoria for grapes. Did so and caught another bus home.
I was pretty full from the pizza, so skipped dinner. Niece Carolyn called and we had a long, long talk. She has a really tough time with Betty, and I marvel at all she's done and is doing for her mother.  I'll be glad to give her a little relief when I have Betty here for a few days next week.

Fun At The Dentist's

I left at 9 to get to my dentist appointment at 10, but I was still early. There was a big mix up with the care credit thing, which is a credit card for dental procedures only. I don't even want to record the hassle, but it's straightened out now. I had know before the cleaning would be pricey, but I didn't remember it was a whopping $476. Oh, well, easy come, easy go.
The procedure itself was A-GO-NY--or at least, uncomfortable. I did get Novocain, but boy, it took an age. Tess, the person who did it--I guess she's a dental technician--was very nice; in fact, all the staff there are nice--courteous and knowledgeable. However, it was no fun and when it was finally over, I was sure it must be at least two o'clock. I looked, and it was 12:30.
Dr. S(omebody), who will do the big job, came in to talk to me and I liked him very much. He's young and good-looking, which is always a plus, and seemed to have a sense of humor, which I liked.
We talked about some of the possible outcomes and I said I'd like to discuss it again in March, when one of my daughters could be with me. I also said I didn't want it to actually happen until April, when Ellen is on spring break, and can be there. He said that was fine. He also said he'd use the "twilight sleep" that Pat R. had mentioned, assuring me I would feel no pain and no terror.
I had decided to take the 11 bus from the mall and go to WinCo for fajitas, and I did. On my way, Stella called to say she was at her rental house and how did it look for lunch. Yes indeed, and we met in front of WinCo.
While I was waiting for Stella, my former friend, Diane B. came walking along with a young man she introduced as her son, Jeff and I shook hands with him. I'm not sure if he's the stunt person or the other son. Anyway, Diane and I said a few cordial words to each other.
Stella drove up shortly and we went to the Black Angus. I had a hamburger--once in a while isn't going to kill me--and a delicious Blue Moon. I invited Stella for lunch next Wednesday, when Betty will be here. Once I got home, I stopped into Suzanne's and asked her, too. They both accepted and I think Betty will enjoy it.
Lunch today with Nancy at the new place in town.

Here And There

I took the foot bridge to the Hill Street library branch to return a few things. I found a kind of encyclopedia of major crimes through the centuries and sat down for an hour or so to read it. I've always been fascinated by true murder--I'm not sure why, but I am. I left that book there, but took out another about a grisly murder of a young woman in Massachusetts--so far, so interesting. Walked to Victoria from there and continued home, so I got in a bit more than three miles.
I had no fajitas (grilled chicken) left, so I rebelled against the salad lunch and took two chicken pieces out of the freezers (I had roasted them several weeks ago) and had them, along with a whole can of Lima beans.
Worked on my plays and finally resolved the plot problem in Fatal Family Reunion. It's pretty contrived, but that's okay, as this was written for comedy dinner theatre, which are always very broad and farcical. Still haven't found When Cooks Confer.
I then bused to town, as I had gotten an email notice from the library that the book I requested, The Power of Intention: Learning, by Dr. Wayne Dyer, was in. Wait, I requested that? I didn't remember requesting anything since the bio of Ho Chi Minh months ago. However, I went to the library, picked up the book and looked into it. Oh, good grief, it was one of those junior high-level tomes about finding yourself and being mindful and all that boring stuff, written by the shrink and "motivational speaker" who wrote the mega-hit, Your Erroneous Zones, years ago. I took it to the librarian and we found it didn't have my library card number on it, so it was a mistake. Sure was.
Left and crossing Main, I heard somebody exclaim "Rosemary!" and I looked up to see---uh, somebody I knew I knew, but who? I could not remember her name OR where I knew her from. We stood on the sidewalk for a good twenty minutes talking, during which I slowly realized I knew her from when I used to walk Kimball. I just now looked up "Kimball" on this blog and, yes, of course, her name is Diane. She's a dedicated hiker and has recently hiked in Washington State, Italy, and France, for heaven's sake. She'll be 75 on her next birthday. Anyway, I always liked her and we agreed we'd meet for lunch one of these days.
Speaking of which, Nancy and I will go to a new restaurant in town tomorrow. Before that, though, I have to go to the dentist and get my teeth cleaned--today, in just a few hours--AAGH!

Wash And Wal-Mart

Changed the bed, did my bleach wash, and was finished before 10. I worked on some of my plays--I'm now getting into them, and spent several hours on them. So far, I've gotten in shape for Jeff Acquisitions and a monologue; I'll have Fatal Family Reunion done soon, but there's a plot twist I still have to work out. I don't know why, but I can't find When Cooks Confer on my documents. I know I have it in paper form, but hope I don't have to re-type it.
After the sleep-aid debacle on Sunday, I decided to order on-line. Did so and was told I could pick up my order the same day--that is, yesterday, January 27. After lunch, I walked to Wal-Mart and was confronted with another infuriating situation: I asked the person in Returns where the pickup place way and she pointed and said, "in photos." I went back there and asked the clerk for my order. She directed me a few aisles away she said she'd be with me in just a minute. I went to pickup and sat down. I sat there for 16 minutes by the clock and by that time, I was steaming.
Another person--"Sue"--came up and asked what I wanted. She pointed out that there was a button on the counter which would alert somebody. I told her that since the clerk had said she's be right with me, I thought she'd be right with me and I \didn't notice the button. Rather abruptly, she asked what I had ordered and I showed her the order I had printed out. She went to get it, came back, and said it wasn't in. So why did the form say I could pick it up that day?
Oh, the hell with it, I thought, and I went to the pharmacy to check myself. Why yes, there was the sleep-aid I wanted. At this point, I was furious, so I went to a cashier and asked to see the manager. It took another ten minutes, but finally, she came out. I told her what I had experienced and--wonder of wonders, she was courteous, conciliatory, and got me less angry. I told her of my background in HR and asked if the clerks got any training in customer relations. She assured me they did, but it must not have been too extensive.
Home, I went back on-line to cancel and, incredibly, it looked as if the order never went through in the first place. Oh, the hell with it; from now on, I'll just assume there'll be a screw up any time I deal with Wal-Mart and act accordingly.

Sunday, Quilts, And Koby Bryant

I got through Sunday pretty well. Did what I find so pleasurable: the large Sunday crossword (about all the Ventura Star is good for.)  Walked to Wal-Mart to get my usual sleep aid (their Equate brand) and they didn't have any. I talked to the section manager and she said she ordered it, but it didn't come in; she pointed out that a number of Tylenol brand items didn't come in, either. True, that shelf was almost empty. (Not that I would dream of taking Tylenol, anyway.)  Wal-Mart is the worse excuse for a general department store I ever knew, but if you don't want to go to the mall--and I don't--that's all there is.
Went across to Ralph's for blueberries, which were on a hot sale, then caught a bus home. I invited Suzanne in to see the quilt my friend, Susan, had made me five or so years ago; she then asked me in to see the quilt her niece had made her, which she uses as a bedspread. It looked very nice and I'm beginning to think I may want to use mine that way. The problem is, I have a full bed and I know I'd need a bed skirt with it. The one I have wouldn't be appropriate at all and besides, I'm sick of it. I'm mulling it over. Here's a picture of the quilt, taken seven years ago when Susan gave it to me:

I spent an hour or so on two of my plays--Acquisitions, of course, and a monologue. I think they're close to finished and I printed them out; the ones I choose, I'll send to Jeff electronically.
After lunch, I was waiting for the bus when Betty called. We talked for fifteen or so, while I boarded, sat down, then disembarked at the transit center. I'll see her next week.
In town, I took a few things back to the library, then walked down Main. Picked up some Valentine cards for the kids and a pretty tin, thinking I'll make cookies for a gift sometime.
Caught the 16 to the center, then the 21 home. Made a delicious ground turkey/peppers/onions/garlic stir-fry and had that with fresh spinach I had braised. Boy, was that good.
I was so pleased when Ellen called about 7:00. We had a good long talk, ranging in topic from Koby Bryant to quilts to my Arizona AirBnB plans.

Saturday

Cut up several pounds of tomatoes, chopped up two big onions to add, put in some Italian seasoning and garlic, and fired up the oven to roast them. I then turned my attention to the large number of whole garlic bulbs I had bought (but why?). Looked on-line to find the best way to peel them and used the glass-jar-and-shake method. That worked fairly well, but you still have to get the thin skin off the cloves. I finally did about ten of them, then used the Chop Wizard's finer dice. Covered and stored them in the fridge until I want to use them.
Used the Shark on the hard floors, cleaned the bathroom, took the trash and recycle out and did a few more minor household chores.
I contacted Jeff to see if the April/May show was going to be like Roadhouse 2019, that is, segmented with short plays, music, and so on. He wrote back it's just one two-act play, but asked me to send him some of my stuff. Told him I would shortly and now I must decide which ones.
Still a little down, I went to town after lunch. I perked up considerably when I got a call from Arizona asking if I wanted to switch a certain arrangement for another and yes, I sure did---yay! I know that's cryptic, but I can't get more specific than that.
Took back the library things I had and picked up more: Road to Singapore, with Bob Hope and Bing* Crosby, and a documentary on Grand Central Station. Also took out Carrie Fishers's book, The Princess Diarist, as I had enjoyed her Wishful Drinking.
Walked down to the museum, but didn't feel like walking back, as I was carrying the two DVDs, the book, and my zippered sweater, and wearing my longer coat. Bused home and got in by 4:15.
For some reason, although I had had my usual lunch, I was hungry and jumped the gun on dinner by eating the leftover pasta salad I had made for the Dudley potluck and frozen. My rule to myself is to eat dinner at 6:00 or after and I virtually never violate it. I'm convinced that keeping to my system is what allows me to keep off the 52 pounds I lost for more than two years, but this isn't  going to put it back on and I'm okay with it.
Sat down after that to go over my plays and skits. Went over Acquisitions, in particular, but I'm not sure if I want to include that with what I send Jeff. We'll see.
*I can't believe it--Spellcheck doesn't recognize "Bing"!
 

Brindley and Bohemian Rhapsody

I weighed in at 129.5, a 1.2 pound loss from last week. The meeting was the usual mess, but I guess I'm getting soft in my old age, since it didn't drive me as crazy as usual.
Breakfast at 10, then I took my trusty cart and set off for Wal-Mart. Saw adorable little Brindley and her glamorous grandmother (she looks about 30 to me, very slim, beautifully groomed), Andrea, and chatted for a bit. Brindley loves to push her plush kitty in my cart, so I let her do that. Saw her Mommy, Lauren, later and we talked.
I got quite a lot at the supermarket near Wal-Mart and intended to bus home, but nothing came, so I started walking and did the three mile total without really noticing. Suzanne stopped in when I got home to show me pictures of her friend's quilts, which were shown recently in a quilt show. They're gorgeous, especially one that's like a garden with a white fence--just lovely.
Finally got lunch at 2:30, then this and that--I don't really remember what--but bused to town after to take some books back. Didn't get to the library until 4:30 and, instead of walking down Main, then back, as I usually do, I went right back home.and was in for the night at 5:45.
Watched the rest of Bohemian Rhapsody, having surprised myself by liking it a lot.

I must be on one of my periodic show biz/Hollywood kicks: Just finished Tony Curtis'es bio and am now in the middle of Carrie Fisher's Wishful Drinking.

Death And Taxes

Happily, the chest cold seems to have changed its mind. I feel much better now, maybe because I took it a little easy yesterday. I had meant to buy Mucinex (or a knockoff thereof), but I completely forgot it; don't think I need it now.
I was pleased to get a call from my niece, Chrissy, Jim's daughter, asking me when Jim's and my father was born--1898 or 1899? I have family documents in a binder and was able to find Dad's birth certificate right away; it was November 21, 1899. (Does that make me feel old? Yes.) I looked it up and, coincidentally, my mother died almost exactly a century later:  November 12, 1999.
I had a good long talk with Chris, who told me they'll actually be gone for four years, not two. This will be her last assignment, as she plans to retire after, although she's only 55. She urged me to visit and I definitely will plan to go there and to Mike's in Singapore, as well. That's only 880 miles or so from Thailand, although Japan is a lot farther--2860 miles, so I don't know if that's in the cards.
After breakfast, I hopped a bus to the mall, mostly just to get some walking in. Stopped at various stores, including Sears (closing), Penney's (probably closing soon), and Macy's and Target (who knows?). I saw many smaller stores closed and what I didn't see were many shoppers. The place was deserted, as it has been almost every time I'm there.
Home, had lunch, then actually took a nap. Did this and that after, just inconsequential little things, and felt draggy and mopey. This led me to indulging in the baked apple I had in the fridge, plus some pretzels, but I wasn't too upset over that. When I weigh in shortly, I may have gained, but I'm sure not by much.
Started pulling together some of my tax stuff, although I probably won't send it all to Michelle for another month or so. About 5:00, I put on my light coat (the weather improved, meaning it warmed up) and went out, but just to walk around the apartment complex for 45 or so. I've lived here two years, and it isn't a huge place, yet I had never really traversed all of it. Did so, and it felt good.
Stopped over at Von's, then came home. I skipped dinner because I had had the pretzels. Cheryl will pick me up for T.O.P.S. shortly.

Heat And Cold

I finally went to the office to tell them that 1.) my garbage disposal makes a horrible, grinding noise when I turned it on and 2.) the living room is always chilly, even when the heat has been on for hours. Javier was at my door a half-hour later. He discovered that there were two tiny pieces of thick plastic in the disposal, which made the blades screech. I have no idea where they were from; I don't remember anything plastic that would have gone into the sink. Anyway,  it's fixed, I'm happy to record, although I almost never use it, anyway.
As for the heat, Javier replaced the thermostat. I don't know if that had any effect, as it got warmer out and I turned it off anyway, as I almost always can by 10 or 11 am. I'll just have to wait and see. The change did seem to make it a little quieter.
Ran over to Von's for just romaine and came back with romaine, a big cabbage, two rosy apples, and five six-ounce containers of blueberries. Cut up the cabbage, cored and quartered the apples, and put them in the slow cooker.
I called Betty and, happily, she seems to have forgotten  all about the video Wes sent me. That's one compensation for this terrible disease: She'll get very agitated about something or other, then the next time I talk to her, it's gone completely out of her head.  Same thing happened with the Rob Lowe debacle.
After lunch, I bused to town and did the library to Promenade walk. Back at the library, I picked up The Best And The Brightest, which was recommended by a fellow pacifist , particularly for is account of the Vietnam War.
I'm beginning to wonder if what I have is an everyday cold, as it now seems to have taken up residence in my chest. If it doesn't improve soon, I may have to consider calling the doc.

Futility, Frustration, And A Trip To Ventnor

Although the darn cold is still hanging on, I wasn't about to stay in. Walked over the footbridge to the library, taking my trusty little cart, as I was returning two big volumes: The Official Downton Abbey Movie Guide and The Downton Abbey Cookbook. I think I'm slowly, at long last, curing myself of my D.A. obsession.
I had no Romaine for lunch and didn't feel like walking over to get some, so I just had dribs, drabs, and leftovers consisting of a bowl of black bean "stew," a bowl of spinach, and a baked onion. Not exactly a balanced meal, but once in a while, it doesn't hurt.
Betty called and we had a pretty good conversation, with just a bit of confusion. She said she had received from her long-ago classmate at Misericordia,* Margo (Conner?), an update of their class members of sixty-some years ago. After that, appropriately, I guess, I took the bus to the Ventura Adult Center for the Alzheimer's program, hoping to learn something new.
That was futile. It was a complete waste of time and I think this is the last I'll go to, at least for awhile. I already know--too well--the symptoms and problems of the one with dementia and the caregiver problems, too. They first showed, for some inane reason, a short video which purported to follow somebody with Alzheimer's to the grocery store and illustrate her dilemma with confusion. Not only was it idiotic, it was from the U.K., for Pete's sake. After that came sunshiny talks by three people with the County Council on Aging, filled with platitudes, cliches, and jargon, which seems to be the communication mode in which we've sunk.  I sat through the whole thing, which was supposed to start at 2:00 and go on until 3:30, but started at 2:30 and went on until almost 4:00. I did see Suz Montgomery there, and I chatted with Lori, whom I remember from Senior Council when I was the chair a few years ago.
Anyway, I got out, walked the mile or so to the museum bus stop and rode gratefully to my cozy place, having wasted the afternoon. BUT...
Aside from all that, it was a red letter day because of what my nephew, Wes, made and put on my Facebook page. He took me on a trip from Ventura to Ventnor, and I love it!
I'm not sure this will work here, but if not, it can be seen on my FB page.

https://www.facebook.com/wes.johnson1/videos/10220496600261463/
I called Betty to tell her about the video and we tried and tried for me to share it on her FB page. It worked on my end, but she couldn't get it and what we saw on Facebook were two different things. It ended up in utter frustration for both of us until I called a halt. We were on the phone for an hour and I didn't get dinner until after 7:00, which is very late for me. What a drag! I hope we can resolve it somehow today.
*Idiot Spellcheck wants to change that to "Pericardia"! 

Walking And Widder Dinner

I still didn't want to plunge into my usual activities, so laid low most of the morning. However, I got antsy about 10, so walked the mile and a half to the Wal-Mart area to get rice cakes, grapes, and coffee. I just missed the 21 home, so walked back. That was okay, as I got three miles in. Called Terri M. to ask if she'd take me home from the widder dinner and she agreed.
I got a text from Stella. She had asked if I wanted to go to the botanic gardens at 10 today, then have lunch, then attend an Alzheimer's program at the adult center at 2:00. I wasn't really anxious to go to anything but the program and was relieved when she said she had to drive to L.A., instead. She'll get in touch when she gets back.
After lunch, I worked on several plays, then jumped in the shower and got ready for the Stonefire Grille and din-din. I surprised myself by also walking there, about two miles, so I got in a total of five yesterday. I was very early, so stopped in Famous Footwear to see if they have Sketchers. They do, and I talked to a salesperson, to whom I mentioned I had to have a broad toe and she mentioned New Balance. I didn't have time to try any on, but was glad to know where I can look for good walking shoes.
When I joined the group, only Vera, Susan, and Gayle were there; they always go early. I joined them with pleasure and later, Roice (a man), Renee, Hannah, and Laydell(?) came. However, Terri didn't;; I was puzzled about that, then checked my messages to see she had written they she couldn't come after all. No prob, though, as Gayle took me home.
Patricia, a new person (well, she's not a new person, she's probably in her fifties 😉, but she was new to our group) came and I liked her a lot. I saw she has some kind of Asian heritage, asked, and she said she was born in Myanmar, which I remember as Burma, but came here as an infant. She has three children and interestingly, her son lives in Osaka, which of course, got my attention. It's too bad she lives in Goleta, which is part of Santa Barbara, as it's a long trip. I hope to see her again.
Anyway, we had a congenial group, as ever. Talked a bit about our lost spouses, which isn't the usual. We're so comfortable with each other, we're also comfortable with that topic. We agreed that, often, it seems the person died only a short time ago, but just as often, as if it was long ago in the past.
Home at 8:00 and I continued watching Double Jeopardy (1999), which I took out of the library. This is a very contrived murder movie, starring Ashley Judd and Tommy Lee Jones (one of my least favorite actors). Yes, the script is idiotic and the acting wooden, but it was filmed in the
breathtakingly beautiful southwest, which I enjoy seeing, plus I do want to know if Ashley goes back to jail.
Still have this damn cold, but I'll take some Thera-Flue and hope I can ignore it.

Bombay, Bangkok, and My Brothers

Because of the lousy cold, I made the reluctant decision to stay in all day. I had a good-sized basket of onions and a lot of garlic cloves (why I bought them is beyond me) and I trimmed and seasoned them and put each in their individual clay cookers. Put them in the oven and turned my attention to other matters.
Such as? Such as the Internet, where I did this and that until my brother, Larry, the Florida one, called. Did I know that our brother, Jim, was moving to Bombay*?  WHAT?!  Jim turned 94 two weeks ago and lives in Virginia: The idea that he'd move to India seemed impossible.
After chatting with Larry, I told him I'd call Jim, and I did. It turned out he and Therese are not moving to Bombay, but Bangkok, a mere 1800 miles away from there. Their daughter, Chrissy (that's what she's called, although she's in her middle fifties and a CPA, which always grate on me) is with the Foreign Service and is assigned there for two years (or more--not sure). She lives five minutes from them and is their major caregiver, so her parents will go with her. Geez, I hope all goes well.
I talked to Therese, too, who revealed she's be 90 on her next birthday. I didn't realize she was that old, as she really does seem to have it all together compared to some of the rest of us. I told her Thailand was one of my favorite places in Asia. Also said I'll be in Jersey in June and would love to visit them then. She said they'd like that, but assured me they'd both probably be dead by then. She has a wry sense of humor--one of the things I like most about her--but I don't think she was kidding.
Called Larry back to correct the info, then thought I might as well go for the trio, and called brother Frank, in Alameda. He got a new phone because his old one accidentally got washed with the laundry. Frank always seems better put together mentally than Betty, but I know that's an illusion, as I only talk to him for short periods on the phone. Anyway, I told  him the news about Jim and he marveled at it, but I know he forgot it as soon as we hung up.
I had to--had to!--get out, at least for a little time, so walked over to Von's for a few things. When I got back, Suzanne was sweeping our walkway. She invited me in to see her new orchid and asked if I wanted some of the broccoli soup which she just about finished. Yes, indeed, and she brought be over a bowl in a few minutes.
Got an email from Terri M., asking if I wanted to go to the Century today and see "Jojo Dollie" before the widder dinner. I had never heard of it, looked at the Century and found it's actually called Jojo Rabbit. Judging from the trailer and reviews, it seems to be a kid's version of comic Nazism--or something. I guess I'd rather sit through that than hang by my thumbs for three days--got back to Terri to tell her I had other plans, but would see her at dinner.
I looked up the audition info for Fractured Actors next show, opening in April, and reluctantly decided there just isn't a part for me. Okay, I'll keep working on my stuff and hope I can interest Jeff or someone else in staging them.
Happy day, my cold seems to be waning and I slept soundly; didn't get up until 6:00 and I feel pretty good. 
* Re-named Mumbai in 1996
 

Busy Day And My Play

Busy day, which is all to the good. I met Suzanne at 9:00 am at our mutual entrance path and we went off to WinCo. I got everything on my long list--so satisfactory--including big, bulky paper towels, heavy items like cans of beets, and a plethora of fresh veggies. While we were there, I ran into Chuck, who lives in our complex; he asked if I'd like a ride home. This is the guy who ignored me the first few time I said hello, so I was pleased he got over his shyness or whatever it is. Home and I put everything away, feeling as if I had enough supplies for the next year. (Ha! I already ate the broccoli and put the tissues in three places.)
After lunch, I hopped on a bus, took a few things back to the library in town, then walked the usual down Main. I picked up some DVDs from Santa Paula Animal Rescue thrift store, then went back to the library and took Tony Curtis'es autobiography out. I've read this before and it's mildly interesting--I just felt like something Hollywood.
Waiting for the bus home, I struck up a conversation with a young (ish--she's 55) woman. We chatted and I liked her. Kendra's had a difficult life--Mum left Da when she was six months old, no sibs, the two moved to Hollywood and Mum had a few extra and walk-ons in the movies. Kendra herself had cancer,  diagnosed in 2015 and it sounded as if it was pretty bad. I noticed that Kendra had a close-fitting hat on and that her eyebrows were penciled in. I have the idea she lost her hair and it never grew back. Anyway, we sat together and I liked talking to her. She told me she's an activist and had been the coordinator for the Green Party. She had just come from the "Justice For All" women's march in town, which I had half planned to attend, but decided against. It seemed to me one of those contrived "pink hat" non-events, sponsored by the very corporations and people behind the non-justice in this country. However, I did like Kendra and gave her my card. We'll see if she gets in touch.
Speaking of which: My nephew, Patrick, the otolaryngologist at Johns Hopkins, wrote back in response to my questions about vocal cords. I think I can work his answer into my play, but wrote him back to clarify. Here he is, my brother, Frank's boy; he looks a lot like my father:
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/profiles/results/directory/profile/0016558/patrick-byrne

Good grief, I just got up at 7:20!  And--bad grief--my cold seems to have returned or it never went away. Damn, now I'll have to decide on a strategy: treat the symptoms, rest, and drink lots of liquids or ignore it and assume it'll go away.  I usually do the latter, I'm afraid...

Friday

Stripped the bed before I left for T.O.P.S.
I was 2.5 pounds up, going from 128.2 last week to 130.7 this time. I'm not concerned, though; Thursday evening, I had scarfed down not only pasta salad, but more of the blueberry buckle. I know it will even out when I settle down.
Sharon was supposed to do the program, but is still sick, so there wasn't one. We just talked, which wasn't too bad, as it at least concerned weight. I told the other five (yes, it's dwindled to six people attending!) an interesting (to me, anyway) phenomena. I was looking up on this blog how long it's been since I've been down to my desired weight (within 125 and 130). The previous Friday was January 10, 2020 and I weighed in at 128.2. I discovered that two years ago to the day, January 10, 2018, I weighed exactly that: 128.2. I was charmed by the coincidence, as I usually fluctuate back and forth, sometimes by a pound or two over, but then I tend to stabilize.
Didn't get breakfast until 10, as usual, then emptied the dishwasher, ran the Shark over the hard floors, and took the sheets and other clothes to the laundry place. While they were washing and drying, I got some financial and other "paperwork" (read "laptop work") done.
I go out, walking and busing, virtually every day, but I didn't yesterday, except over to Von's. They had ground turkey and raw (frozen) shrimp (I never buy cooked--it's horrible) on sale and I bought both. I had bought a number of sweet peppers the other day and cut them in strips; used some for dinner and froze the rest.
I spent a fair amount of time on Acquisitions.  I emailed my nephew, Patrick, who's a head and neck surgeon at Johns Hopkins, to ask if removed vocal cords can grow back. If not, I'm going to have to think of another plot twist.
Stopped next door to ask Suzanne to do me a favor and accept the last piece of the blueberry buckle and the rest of the vanilla ice cream, as I don't want it in my place--I might succumb to desire. She accepted it graciously and we chatted for a bit. At 9:00 this morning, she and I will go to WinCo, I'm happy to report. I have bulky items I want to get that are hard to bring home when I'm walking.

Luncheon

I didn't get up until 7:00,  having been been out late the night before. Suzanne came over while I was still in my jammies (as my dear friend, Elaine, used to call them) to ask if I wanted to go with her to WinCo tomorrow (Saturday). Yes, indeed, and I''ll stock up on heavier things then.
Getting ready for my luncheon guests, I set the table, put the Chardonnay in the fridge, and gave the apartment a quick once over. Made the salad and put together the blueberry buckle,* which is incredibly easy and so good. It occurred to me it would be even better with something added, so after I put the lasagna in the oven, I ran over to Von's for vanilla ice cream.
My little luncheon turned out very nice. The weather--rain, rain, oh, my god, it's going to rain, we're doomed!--held off and, in fact, it sprinkled just a bit and then, not until evening.
Nancy came first, then Gail, and we sat down to chat in the living room with wine (Nancy, her usual Chardonnay, I, Chianti, Gail, only water) and got to know each other. I then served for lunch the lasagna (good as ever), a green salad, and the rest of the pasta I had made for the potluck. The blueberry buckle, which I served warm and with the ice cream, went over big and both Nancy and Gail asked for the recipe.
After we ate, we talked politics for a time. Neither Nancy nor Gail are on my wave length, dyed in the wool cynic that I am, but are intelligent and knowledgeable, and it was good to talk with them. They stayed for quite a while, which pleased me, as I think they enjoyed themselves. Gail left about quarter of four, and Nancy soon after.
My somewhat compulsive neatness kicking in, I cleared the table, put the leftovers away, filled the dishwasher, and otherwise tidied up immediately. I then lay down and took a nap, actually sleeping for two hours or so.
So, it was a good day and I enjoyed it as much as my guests did.

*Blueberry Buckle 

One stick butter, melted

One cup each of 

   self-rising flour

   sugar

   milk
Two cups blueberries, peaches, or other fruit

Mix the first four together together--lumps are fine--and pour into a baking dish

Put on top two cups blueberries, peaches, or other fruit (resist the temptation to mix in);

Bake at 375 for 30 to 40 minutes until brown and bubbly

Serve warm. (Delicious with ice cream on top). 

Ye Gads And Little Fishes!

(That's an expression I haven't heard in a while.)
I like being active, but yesterday was over the top. Got up at 5:30 to have my coffee and do the blog and so on before I had to be ready for the Access Van to pick my up at 6:29. That worked out: I got there before they opened, but was only a few minutes early. Weighed in at 129.2, which is a pound over what I was five days ago at T.O.P.S., but who knows why and I don't really care.
No problems at the docs; she always marvels at my habits and general condition and we had a nice chat otherwise. I met up with Lara and her husband coming in while I was going out. Lara's in T.O.P.S., too, but hasn't been there in awhile. Unfortunately, she looks as if she's gained weight.
Walked down Johnson Avenue to the bus stop, prepared to walk farther if I had to, but a bus came along very shortly. Had breakfast, then started making the pasta salad for the potluck.
Finished that--it made quite a bit--and stored it in the fridge. I then walked to the stores near Wal-Mart, first stopping at BOA for quarters, which I always need. Didn't find everything I wanted at the stores, but got some poster stickers from Wal-Mart. Stopped at Von's for romaine for myself, then home for lunch.
I had gotten the water bill for the Sweetwater house, which for some reason, the water company won't allow in  my tenant's name, so I always have to send it.  Walked to the post office to mail it, along with a get-well card for Sharon, also in T.O.P.S., who has bronchial pneumonia.
Went from there back once again to Von's. On the way, I stopped into The Bake Shoppe, where Janelle works. She had played my granddaughter in "Welcome Home" and I wanted to ask if she was in the upcoming show. She is, and I hope to go, as well as audition for the spring one.
At Von's, I got the milk, butter, and flour I need for the blueberry buckle I planned to make for my little luncheon today. I no sooner got home than Nancy called to say her son had said it was going to rain today and she was afraid to drive in it, so if it did, she wouldn't be here.
I wasn't happy to hear this. I go to quite a bit of preparation when I have company and this was no exception. Also, I've been telling her about the Access Van, but--as with so many older people, I'm afraid--she resists his new thing. Now I'm not sure if I should just have Gail today and have Nancy tomorrow, or what. Well, she'll call and let me know shortly. If she begs off, I'm thinking of calling Stella to ask if she'll fill in. Maybe...
I had sent away for a poster I always liked and put it in my bedroom window:

Jim picked me up for the potluck, as planned, at 6:25. I was surprised that there weren't more people there; other times, the room was packed, but there were only about forty or so attendees. Anyway, the food was good, as was the wine. This is the third time Jim has been with me to this event and several people remembered him. The program was by the archivist at Cal State Camarillo; she wrote a book after researching the part of the college that had originally been a menial hospital. This kind of thing is right down my alley, so I was looking forward to it. Unfortunately, she was a annoyingly inept speaker, constantly waving her hands around and interjecting "you knows" and "heys" throughout. Her teeny-bopper style was weird, considering she was surely in her fifties, at least.

Anyway, we stayed after for a bit and I caught up with Connie about the Art Comes Alive  event I'll be doing again next month. Lynne had her docent sign-up there and I filled myself in for April and November. Got home at 9:30 and didn't retire until 10, which is why I didn't get up until 7:00.

Stress And Santa Barbara

Somewhat of a stressful day. I left for Santa Barbara, as usual, at 9:00 and got to Betty's, as usual, at 11:28. We went down the street to The Natural Cafe, a place I'm beginning to heartily hate for a variety of reasons. For one, it's always crowded, it's noisy, and for two, I resent having to order at a counter and get my own utensils. Naturally, it's no less pricey than regular restaurants.
It took Betty an age to decide what she wanted; that was as usual, too. She finally got a veggie burger, which is what I had ordered. Things were okay after that and we went back to her apartment. She asked if I wanted to play Chutes And Ladders (which my kids had played when they were--oh, six or seven), but I begged off.
Now here's why it was stressful: The magazine section of the Sunday Ventura County Star had a story about the actor, Robert Downey, Jr. The minute I saw it, I knew I wanted to take it to Betty, as she had been a hospice case manager in Santa Barbara years ago, and had cared for his mother. There was even a picture of him hugging his mother--what fun for her to see that! I gave her the paper and she seemed a little befuddled--she didn't actually remember caring for the mother. I chalked that up to her dementia and we went to lunch. (More on the stress part later.)
It occurred to me that it would be good to have Betty visit for a few days in early February. On Monday, the third, Betty, Carolyn, and I are meeting my nephew and his wife in Ventura and Carolyn could take us to my place after. I thought she could stay until maybe, Thursday, then we'd go back on the bus and I could stay over at her place until the next day. Betty loved the idea, so we have an excursion planned.
I left about 1:30, so I could get the bus into downtown Santa Barbara, where I'd get the 2:20 back to Ventura. Did so, and got off at the mall/transit center, where I went to Target for blueberries (I decided to make a blueberry buckle for my lunch guests tomorrow) and to Trader Joe's for their two-buck Chuck chardonnay (Nancy likes white, even with Italian food.) I'll have the Chianti--I wouldn't dream of drinking white with lasagna!
I had just walked in the door when Betty called. She said she had called Carolyn to tell her I had given her the story on Robert Downey, Jr. and Carolyn immediately said Betty had never cared for his mother. What--but of course she had, I clearly remember her telling me about it! No, it was the mother of ROB LOWE she had cared for in hospice!
We both got a good laugh out of it, but I was chagrined--and a tiny part of me was worried, for obvious reasons, that I had made such a mistake. I called Carolyn and left a message, saying I was the secretary for Robert Downing, Jr., and he was going to sue her mother for a false report.
When Carolyn called me back, we both laughed over it and she assured me she didn't think it was evidence that I was going into the brain-darkness I'm nervous about. I felt better after that and we had a long talk, about an hour, in fact.
Had a sketchy dinner, then jumped in the shower, washed my hair, and sat down with the T.V. to relax. Stress over, I'm happy to report, and now, it's off to the 7 am doctor appointment.

Monday

I had trouble getting back to sleep after I got up for the usual at 1:30. However, I felt okay the rest of the day and slept soundly last night.
Walked down Victoria, then another mile on Telephone before the bus came. Went to Office Depot for printer ink--damn, it amounted to more than fifty bucks. Walked from there to Target and moseyed around there a bit. Bused home and was just getting in the door when Gail called. She accepted my invitation to lunch at my place on Thursday and we had a nice chat. I then called Nancy and we confirmed that she'll be there, too. Had a long talk on a variety of topics, including our mutual friend, Carolyn B., who continues to puzzle and concern us.
After lunch, for a change, I didn't go to town or out walking otherwise. Instead, I sat down here and looked over some of my other plays aside from Acquisitions.  I was particularly interested in seeing how Fatal Family Reunion held up and actually,  it isn't bad. Maybe I can interest Jeff and Fractured Actors in it.
Walked over to Von's for Chianti and pasta. I'll serve the former on Thursday with the lasagna and make a pasta salad with the latter for the Dudley House potluck tomorrow. Cored and baked two apples with cinnamon, meaning to have them for dinner, but put them in the fridge and forgot; will have them tonight. Again had a vegan dinner: my black bean stew and zucchini.
Betty called to ask again for the phone number of a mutual acquaintance. She said she knows a man who's looking into pickle ball. I'm off to Santa Barbara shortly for lunch with her.

Veggies And The Tide

It wasn't a bad Sunday, as Sundays go. I did, however, wake up at 4:30, earlier than I like, but I had slept through otherwise and that's a good thing.
Did the usual in the morning, then took my trusty little cart and walked to the market near Wal-Mart. I really stocked up on goodies: sweet peppers, spinach, zucchini, and tomatoes fresh, plus frozen spinach and canned beets and string beans. I rarely eat out of cans, but I like to have some veggies in reserve in case I run out of fresh. As for the beets, I've trimmed, sliced, and cooked fresh ones, and they're very good. However, if you have some left over and eat them the next day, they don't taste any different from canned--an odd phenomenon that I don't think is true of any other produce.
Home, and I sliced the tomatoes, added onions and so on, and put them in the oven. Sliced the zucchini and put it in the slow cooker with onions and rosemary sprigs; also quartered and squeezed in one of the beautiful lemons Ellen grows. I still have the peppers, which I'll get to shortly, probably to saute some and freeze the others.
Here are just two of my beautiful veggies:

Ellen called while driving (she has the hands-off device) and we had a good long talk, mostly about her class, which just resumed last Monday. She was on her way to The Hip Vegan to meet Greg for lunch and, as ever, I enjoyed so much talking to her.
Set off for town after lunch. Bused to the usual, walked down Main, then to The Promenade. The is the first time, I think, I've been there when the tide was out and it was interesting. Reminded me of Ventnor. (It's funny that I still think of Ventnor as home, although I haven't lived there for more than sixty years.)

Had a vegan dinner, as I often do. It consisted of a (homemade) black bean burger, the can of beets and a bowl of the zucchini--very tasty.

Various Ups And Downers

Did some food prep in the morning with three very large onions. Shredded one in the mandolin, the other two in the Chop Wizard. Labelled and stored in the freezer, they 'll be ready for stir-fry, roasted tomatoes, and whatever else.
Finally, at long last, I did some pesty chores that I had kept putting off: Made a color and cut appointment for February first, applied for the dental credit card, firmed up various reminders on the calendar, and called Gail to invite her to lunch next week (message machine was on).
The best: good grief and happy chickens, I got to the end of Acquisitions! That doesn't mean I'm finished, however; I'll be going it over carefully for revisions and so on, but at least, I have a good working start.
Now Jeff has sent out an open auditions message for a spring production. However, he didn't list the parts open; I messaged him to ask if there are any possibilities for A Lady Of A Certain Age, as the old novelists used to put it.
After lunch, I walked to Sprouts--maybe two and a half miles--but I didn't walk back, but took the 11 bus to the transit center, then the 21 to Victoria near my place. The reason I did that was because I had bought two large net bags of "cuties" (the little tangerines I love with breakfast) which totaled four pounds, plus some blueberries, plus some pretty lights at Pier One and they would have been pretty heavy after two and a half miles.
Got home and Gail had messaged me that she was driving to LA; she'll get back to me later. I want to ask her to join Nancy and me for lunch here on Thursday. I had invited Carolyn B., also; I put at the bottom what she wrote back. It's hard to understand what's going on here, unless you know her. I do and I fear for her emotional and mental health. 
Speaking of mental health: I called Betty to ask if she was available for me to come up on Tuesday (she's always available). Something happened concerning the money paranoia that was more upsetting than almost anything else that has manifested itself with her disease. I don't want to go into it, but it was demoralizing, to put it mildly.
To quote the wicked witch, "What a world, what a world..."
Carolyn B.'s message:

Thanks for the invitation Rosemary, but my life is too crazy now. I'm spending too much time trying to fix a shower and I'm not going to get it done before my son leaves. I have tons of ToastMaster work which I haven't looked at yet.

Quiet

Slept well, then, as usual, Cheryl picked me up for T.O.P.S. I lost another 1.8 pounds, so am down to 128.2. Good; I had been hovering at and even a bit over the upper part of  my self-declared preferred  range of 125-130 and want to be closer to the bottom number. Only six attended, but the program, by Bobbi, wasn't too gruesome. She led us in chair exercises and it actually felt pretty good.
After breakfast (which was at 10:30, dammit), I stripped the bed and took the sheets and other whites (or "okay to bleach") items to the laundry place. When I went to retrieve them from the dryer, I ran into Lauren, her mother, Andrea, and little Brindley, 2. She's such a sweetie and is finally less shy with me. I let her push my laundry cart (the larger one), then help me put the dried clothes in the cart. I greatly enjoy having the fact that there are children here. True, I wouldn't want twenty of them screaming under my window, but I like to see and interact with them.
Suzanne stopped in to tell me her credit card had been hacked, or whatever it's called. Somebody had used it for an airbnb and plane tickets. I gasped and said I hoped they weren't in Arizona. Nope and, of course, they voided her card and will issue another.
After lunch, I walked to Ralph's for several things on sale, taking my smaller cart. Walked back, so got three miles it, which I like to do at a minimum.
Other than that and some stuff on the laptop, it was a quiet day.

Anti-War Rally--Sort Of

Walked to Smart 'n' Final for romaine and blueberries. This is about a mile-and-a-half one way down Telegraph Road and I didn't bother to check the weather before setting out.  After all, it was bright and sunny when I started out, so what could go wrong? Halfway there, it felt colder and the wind kicked up. Another block and rain started to fall. However, my sun hat helped and luckily, it stopped by the time I finished my little bit of shopping.
The rest of the day until I left for the rally was spent on the laptop and paperwork. Nephew, Steve's wife, Robyn, the costumer, messaged me, saying she'd make me an outfit for the fishmonger lady I play at the Maritime Museum, if I'd send her a pic of the Dutch painting the woman is in. I scanned it, but it took me an age to edit so I could make the outfit clearer. We talked later and we discussed it.
Left to walk down Victoria for 5:00 pm rally. There were a fair number of people there and lots and lots of horn blowing of approval from drivers. I was pleased to meet Bob, Cheryl's husband (she picks me up for T.O.P.S. every Friday and will shortly). Bob is active in Veterans for Peace in Ventura.
Good grief, we must have known each other in another life! Our ideas and beliefs are so much in sync, it was amazing--and thrilling--to meet someone who didn't think war and aggression was any more attractive under democrats than republicans.
And there was the rub. There were people from a number of other organizations there who style themselves pro-peace, but were clearly Trump-haters first with pacifism a distant second. They carried signs that read "Impeach," "Dump Trump," and so on/
Do I think Trump is a lunatic? Oh, yes, indeed, and the fact that he and his henchmen (and women) recently committed out-and-out murder in killing an official of another sovereign country would damn him forever in my eyes to begin with. But to make this a hybrid anti-war/anti-Trump rally simply muddies the waters and dilutes the message (okay, a mixed metaphor there, so shoot me). One woman, the head of something called "Indivisible" was so vehement that I must vote and vote for anybody the dems put up, she seemed crazed. I wanted to ask how many anti-war rallies she attended while Clinton or Obama were in. I think I know. I was glad, though, to see a number of younger people there. They're the ones who have to continue the anti-war movement--if there ever is one.
Anyway, I stayed for about an hour, then walked home. Here are some pics:

I didn't get any of the anti-prez ones, but if they're in the Ventura Star, I'll add them.

I Go Ape For Asterisks!*

I was pleased to see this on Facebook and you can be sure I'll be there this evening:**

Got to the dentist's early (as if I was anxious to be there--ha!), filled out paperwork, and waited nervously. The tech took x-rays, somebody else came in to talk to me, then I met the dentist, Dr. G. (Her last name is long and complicated--not sure of the ethnicity--and everybody calls her "Dr. G.") Nice enough and she gave me the bad news--oh, yes, this will be both extensive and expensive, which doesn't surprise me, as I haven't been to the dentist for five years. I have this absolute terror of it,having been traumatized as a child during World War II.*** Made an appointment for a cleaning for the end of January; after that will come the major stuff, but it involves an oral surgeon and I'm putting that off for a bit.
Took the 11 bus from there to WinCo for Spinach and Brussels sprouts. Home, had lunch, then took the 6 to town. Did my usual walk up Main, then went back to the library to pick up my  requested book, Downton Abbey, The Official Film Companion.**** 
Made a light dinner of chicken and the entire bag of fresh spinach.*****    
*I'm in a silly mood!
**I'm not crazy about the "impeach" flag; it muddies the waters, I think. Also, I'm afraid this is a heavily partisan dem crowd, but any pacifistic port in a storm, I guess...
***Most the of dentists had been conscripted and only the old and incompetent were left stateside.
****Yes, I'm still suffering from my Downton obsession, but I think it's healing.
*****The bag said "3.5 serving," but I ate it all--I LOVE FRESH SPINACH!

Marge And the Moon

Although I didn't sleep well, it turned out to be a pretty good day for different reasons. The guy from Yandoo Communications came and showed me how to switch between the TV and the DVD player. After several months, I'm finally able to watch TV again. What's funny is, I have no particular desire to do so--all I ever watched recently was Frazier, anyway, and I've grown out of that.
I finally finished clearing up the rest of the Christmas decorations, including the wreath on the front door. I replaced it with one Mike sent years ago and added the welcome tapestry.

I was pleased to be able to store all the Xmas stuff in the higher hall cabinets. Tidied up otherwise and the place looks nice. I kept one of the poinsettias in the living room and put the other on the patio; I hope to plant it one of these days.
I was glad to get a call from Fred, my friend, Marge's, husband, although the news is not good. Marge, who turned 93 the day after Christmas, is in hospice care at her daughter's in Manahawkin. Fred stays there, too, although he was back in their Sunrise Bay home when he called me. Marge has stage 4 breast cancer and has been under hospice since April. He said it costs $8000 a month.  I was shocked--and angry at myself--that it's been that long since I called Marge. Fred and I had a talk and he said when he went back to the daughter's, he'd call me and Marge and I could chat.
While I was talking to Fred, Betty called. I got back to her after and she asked if I was coming to SB, as it was Tuesday. No, of course not, I would have let her know. We talked for a bit, then I left for Wal-Mart. I ran into a neighbor from another building, Michelle, whom I've spoken to before. She's in her forties, I guess, and a non-stop talker, but that was okay. She wants me to go  out for a drink sometime, which sounds like fun, maybe.
Just before I got to the Wal-Mart shopping center, Fred called and put Marge on the line. We had a good talk, although she was a little confused at times and sounded very frail. I told her I'd call more often. I hope I get a chance to talk to her again, but I know that's anything but certain. 
Went to several stores and bought myself a new frying pan, plus grapes and stuff.  For dinner, I made a yummy stir-fry of my usual ground turkey, fresh chopped onions and sweet peppers, and garlic. Getting the mail, I saw the moon in view, so took a picture of that, too:

Betty called yet again about some mix-up or other; it's demoralizing, but I was patient. Shortly after, she accidentally messaged my nephew, Dave, and me--she must have pressed something on her phone. I had alerted Dave to her condition and we talked for a few minutes. We'll see him and Polly on February third, when we meet at Lure in town.

Went to several stores and bought myself a new frying pan, plus grapes and stuff.  For dinner, I made a yummy stir-fry of my usual ground turkey, fresh chopped onions and sweet peppers, and garlic. 

Happily, I slept like a stone last night. Unhappily, I'm off to the dentist in a few hours--AAGH!

Widder Lunch

Breakfasted, showered, dressed, and set off for the Soaring Spirits lunch at the Stonefire Grille. It was a lovely warm day and I walked to it, deviating to Colony Park, where I used to live just to look over my old apartments.
It was a good group at the lunch, but I was surprised Nancy wasn't there; I had talked to her on Sunday and she assured me she was going. Unfortunately, Carolyn told me Nancy's back was acting up again and she just couldn't get there. So sorry and I'll call her today.
Sat with Carolyn and talked mostly to her and Greg. He's still waiting for a kidney transplant, but is not yet at the stage where he needs dialysis. I told him about my neighbor, Gordon, who does his dialysis at home. Chatted with the others, then left to take the bus to town.
On the way, though, it occurred to me that I wanted to continue work on my play and that I had a lot to do involving my trip, so I just got to the transit center and took the 6 home. Was on the phone and email with my contact and lots has been settled regarding my trip.
Betty called while I was at lunch, but for some reason, I didn't hear it. Called her back several times, finally got her and she more or less forgot why she had called--sigh.
I was pleased to get a message from Jim C., saying how much he enjoyed the lasagna and company the other night at dinner. Writing back and forth, we made dates to attend the Dudley House potluck on the fifteenth and the Santa Barbara opera company at the library in town on the thirty-first.
I received a handwritten letter--yes, in regular U.S. mail--from my cousin, John, in Plymouth Meeting, PA. It's all about his genealogical pursuits--on my father's, the Irish side, of course.  John has now gone so far afield--cousins of cousins of cousins--that a lot is hard to follow. However, I'm gong to write him back an appreciative letter and send it snail mail, too.
This is the 38th birthday of my grandson in Jersey, Joel Michael Phillips. Wow.
Note: Darn, this was a very bad night when it came to sleep. Got up for the usual at about 1:00 and just could not get back. I finally got up at 6:45, as I'm expecting the T.V. person to come between 8 and 11 and didn't want to oversleep. I'll probably take a nap sometime during the day.

Active And Mostly Good Day

Good day--well it was good early on--better than the usual pokey Sundays.
The big news is that my Tokyo son and his family will come here for a week in March--YAY!  I haven't seen them for three years, except on the Internet and Ellen has already volunteered to host them. I was hoping my other children could be here at the same time, but that doesn't seem to be possible, and I'm okay with that.
There were lots of phone calls regarding my upcoming trip to Arizona. I'm not recording when or exactly where until I come back, but happily, we seem to have found an AirBnB in the perfect spot. See later, though, when I went though hell booking my flights.
Yet more travel news: My nephew, Dave, messaged us (Ellen, Carolyn, and me) that he and Polly will be here in a few weeks on their way to New Zealand, and we'll meet for lunch in Ventura at Lure. That should be fun.
I did the usual in the morning, then walked the back way over the bridge to the library. I ran into Steve (Koren last name), whom I knew from the adult center and we had a long chat. Took a few books out, including The Downton Abbey Cook Book (am I nuts?) and some DVDs, then walked to Wal-Mart to pick up a few things. (I still have twenty bucks on the gift card). I walked home, rather than take the  bus, so got in a good four miles, at least. Scrubbed and trimmed the pound of carrots I had just bought, added a quartered tangerine and cinnamon, then put them to simmer in the smaller slow cooker. Lunched, then went to down to the big library and walked the Main loop. I didn't get home until almost 6:00, at which point, I made the mistake of trying to book my flight for the trip through Expedia.
I won't even go into the frustration I ran into with their from-hell web site, but it entailed three different attempts and a long phone call, which terminated in--I assume it was an accident--a hang-up.  By this time, it was almost 7:00 and I hadn't had dinner, so was tired and hungry, hardly at my best.  El called when I was almost in tears (actually, I'm embarrassed to record, I was in tears) and "talked me down," as the saying goes. She advised me to have dinner and wait until today to try again, reminding me that I could simply call the airline. Good advice and as ever, after talking with her, I felt a lot better.
I did have dinner--I had oven-cooked a lovely piece of swordfish and ate it with the oranges--but decided to make one last attempt and, incredibly, was able to book my flights without a hitch.  The icing on the cake is, that it was so cheap--only $137 round trip. I'm so used to spending big bucks on trips to Jersey, this seems as if it's practically free.
Lunch with Soaring Spirits today.
 

Clearing Out And Stuff

I had forgotten I had set my phone alarm and it woke me at 6:30. Since I hadn't gotten to bed until almost 11:00, after I cleaned up everything from dinner, that was early, but I got up anyway.
I decided to put most of the Christmas decorations away and that was an hours-long task. I kept the angel area up--I just like it--and may until next week when I have Nancy and Carolyn over for lunch. I also retained on display the Christmas cards over the years that my Japanese daughter-in-law made. Might as well put the pics here, although they're not very good (that's my doll, Linda, on her suitcase).

Finally got all packed away except for these, but it took me until lunch.  Called Nancy and we chatted. I'll see her and, presumably, Carolyn B. tomorrow at the Soaring Spirits lunch. 

I was pleased to get a message from my nephew, Dave Wessel, of New Hampshire. He and wife, Polly, are coming thorough LAX en route to New Zealand, where their daughter lives, and want to meet up. Dave and I both hit on Lure as a place to meet--one of my favorites. 

Got a FaceTime call and will be looking at AirBnB possibilities for my trip to Arizona next month. Betty called, still on this deranged money thing. I'm beginning to wonder how much longer she'll be able to live alone. 

I actually started putting things aside to donate to Goodwill. I want to get rid of the many, many superfluous items I somehow accumulated, so I can clear some storage room.

At the last Alzheimer's program I attended, I had gotten a large, spiral-edged, book for caregivers. Since I'm not one, I thought Suzanne might be able to use it in St. John's library, so rang her bell. She accepted it with thanks and we sat down to talk. Somehow, the conversation turned to Asperger's, which Betty's son had had and which Suzanne thinks her 20-something-year-old niece in Phoenix has. We talked about it for a half hour or more. I remember poor Jay so well and poor Betty's valiant attempts to help him.

Had just a sketchy dinner

Enter If You Dare--

WARNING--this is a long one!
Went to T.O.P.S. and I'm down to 130; I was "the big loser" with 1.8 pounds off. That last little gem will tell you something: There were nine people there, only two others lost anything at all and that was in ounces. This was after two weeks, as we didn't meet on Christmas week.
The meeting, as it so often does, deteriorated into a gabfest with no relationship whatever to weight loss. Sharon regaled us with a long tale about her teenage angst (she's a great-grandmother) and how her mother was mean and so on. Actually, I prefer that to the platitudes, cliches, and jargon so much a part of this group. Those expressions prevail not just locally, but judging by the T.O.P.S. magazine, nationally. La-La-Lolly mouthed the simplistic idea that to be successful in weight loss,  you have to "believe in yourself." This actually prompted a discussion, which points up the infantile flavor of T.O.P.S. Oh, well, rant over.
Interesting news, though: When Cheryl picked me up, she mentioned that she and her husband had hosted the Ventura chapter of Veterans for Peace. Wow, I didn't realize they were that involved. I was a bit crestfallen when she said their guest were all Democrats. The fact that they'd follow the present political parties of any stripe is off-putting. However, her husband believes the same and I was surprised and gratified when Cheryl mentioned the evils of capitalism.
Anyhow, didn't get breakfast until 10:30, then spent a few house preparing for my guests. About 2:00, I took the lasagna out of the freezer to check when to put it in the over, and was surprised to see it said it would cook in 30 minutes. Since it was frozen solid, how could that be?  AAGH! I read further and saw it proudly written that it was never frozen. I had just assumed it was and now had three other people coming and no main dish. Solution? I rushed over to Von's and bought two more. Later, I rushed over again and bought a loaf of Kalamara olive bread. 
Tidied up, made the salad, and set the table (I like color.) I took a picture and sent it to my little grandson, who had picked out the Mt. Fuji Happy New Year napkins:

My little dinner party went very well. Ellen arrived first, then Jim, then Suzanne. I served wine and  nibbles, while we talked in the living room for an hour or so, touching on the situation in the middle east. We then sat down to eat. I asked Suzanne to say grace and she said the usual bless the company, but finished with "and protect our troops." I added aloud, "and the people of Iran," glad to have liberated myself from the hypocrisy of my youth.
The lasagna turned out superb, much better than I could ever had made myself, probably (I've never made lasagna in my life). It's Von's own brand, called "Signature" and I'll be sure to serve it again. I had added a salad and some feta-stuffed olives I happened to have, plus the good bread. For dessert, we had the chocolate cake El had made for my birthday, to which I added some raspberries, just for color.
After we ate, El brought my laptop in from the bedroom and Jim read a short recitation he had written about this video of Katherine Jenkins singing Mozart's Laudate Dominum:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXGuoGS3bGQ
Jim's intro was a little odd. I know he's not religious, but I'm not sure if he meant to be ironic or not. Also, I'm not sure whether he composed his little talk just for last night or for some other occasion. Anyway, we then watched the video above (which I had seen before on Jim's recommendation)  and it was just sublime.
After more chat, Suzanne left, then Ellen. Jim and I sat and talked for another hour or so. We talked bout attending the opera at the library and I invited him to the Dudley House potluck, which is coming up shortly; I'll have to check on the date. He stayed until 9:30, then left and I immediately cleaned up--there's a full load in the dishwasher--then went to bed after a pleasant evening.

Thursday

EGADS! Set my alarm for 6:30, but it didn't go off! Just got up at 8:00 and now must rush to have Cheryl pick me up for T.O.P.S. Darn!
As for yesterday, I got a fair amount done. I just could not decide what to make for my company tonight. I just didn't feel like going a lot of effort and finally decided--and may the gods of entertaining forgive me--on prepared lasagna, a fresh salad, and the cake Ellen made for my birthday for dessert. Gawd, I can't believe I've sunk so low as not to make everything from scratch and have it The Best You Ever Tasted. Silly. Anyway, I got the stuff at Von's, put the cake in the fridge to defrost and also removed some Italian bread from the freezer to add.
It then occurred to me to make "Nana Mix" for my grandson, whose birthday is this Tuesday. I did so, then found a decorative box for it. I wrapped and labeled, then walked to the P.O. to mail.
I was pleased when Javier and Toby came over with a new light fixture and installed it. I had requested it only a few hours before and boy, what  difference--much brighter. El called while they were here and we chatted. She had undone her tree and found that her ornament boxes, stored in her shed, had gotten wet; the roof must leak. I suggested buying an ornament holder, but later, she said she couldn't find a place that sells them.
I left shortly after Javier and Toby did and went to the mall, thinking I might be able to find an ornament box at Target. I didn't, though, and while I was there Betty called. I promised not to share what she said, but it involves her money and clearly, her problem includes paranoia. Talked to her for some time and hope she gets over this.

To The Store And Tokyo

Not a bad day. Mindful of (oh, that moronic new-agey phrase!) the fact that neither buses nor the Access Van run on January first, I took my smaller cart and walked to the 99-Cent store and back. This totals three miles, and I was glad to get that much in. With the holidays, my cold, and general laziness, I haven't been walking quite as much as I like to, so this was good.
Home, lunch, and Betty called. Had the usual conversation: part like old times, some thoroughly kookie, but it was okay. We wished each other Happy 2020. Did more work on the play and it's shaping up well, I think.
I tried to use FaceTime on my phone with someone I love very much, but it didn't seem to work. Called her and she told me to use Messenger, instead.  Incredibly, I didn't realize you could do a video call on that, although I regularly use it for written messengers. Did so, and greatly enjoyed our talk; I'm looking forward to seeing her next month.
I had invited Jim C. for dinner tomorrow and he responded in the affirmative. Called Ellen and went next door to ask Suzanne, so they'll both join us. I'm sorry Greg will be working.
After chopping up and combining a few pounds of tomatoes, onions, garlic, seasoning, oil, and vinegar, I popped it in the oven to roast, as usual. This should last me for a week or so.
Mike, Paula, and the girls are in Tokyo and visited my older son and his family during the new year. It's nice to see pictures with them, plus my DIL's brother and his wife and daughter, but I'm disappointed they didn't seem to take any with just the seven of them alone. (My daughter-in-law took this, hence is not in the picture.)

2020

Pretty good day. For one thing, the weather turned much warmer--sunny and bright. Also, my new electric blanket was wonderfully cozy and comfortable. I got the rest of the wash done, including the blanket I had had on my bed; not sure what to do with it, as I really have no place to put it; I may just donate it. To top it off, I feel much better, so  goody-good.
The best is that I FINALLY got back to Acquisitions. I was having trouble with the opening and worked on that, although it still needs some tweaking. I'm re-doing the whole thing, with the two characters I've added and I think it reads much better this time. I still have plenty of revision, re-casting, and re-working to do, but I'm on a roll.
I spent a few hours on that, then closed up shop and had lunch. Bused to town and took two of my last-read back to the library. I also picked up three DVDs, now that I can  navigate in the watchable disk world.
Betty called to tell me all about her Friendship Center session of Monday, plus the fact that Steve and Robyn took her grocery shopping. Apparently, she's gotten over--or forgotten about--her indignation re the Eagles game, which is characteristic of her dreadful disease.
Time, having moved with its usual lightning speed, has gotten us to the first day of 2020 and I have nothing useful to say about it.