Wednesday

The usual. Went to Von's--big whoops, as the kids used to say--for my lunch lettuce and butter spray. After, I once again called the Housing Rights Center. This time--a miracle--I was called back shortly. I explained the highway robbery in which FPI Management is involved and was advised to send the a letter with my complaint and, if they weren't responsible, to get legal aid. Well, I'll give it a shot. My dilemma now is whether to raise Eileen's rent and by how much. I'll talk it over with my advisors, my children.

I also called Public Health to ask about Maggie and was directed to something called "One Stop," which handles shelter and other help for the homeless. Called and left a message about Maggie with them.

Spent some time on food prep, cutting up and putting my cauliflower in the slow cooker and chopping mushrooms to saute for dinner. Also finished another jigsaw puzzle (below) from the museum. When I went to town after lunch, I walked past the museum, and was charmed to see that the puzzles are mosaics on the side of the building. I'm working on yet another now.

I didn't stay in town long, though; it was just too damn depressing. It was a dreary, overcast day, which always gets me down, anyway, and there was a chill wind. Worse, all the stores that I used to frequent were closed. Of course, there were very few cars or walkers on the street, either. I was cheered up a bit, though, to see a battalion of bicyclists rolling down Main Street. There must have been thirty of them, all exuberant teenaged boys, and good for them.  I also saw this sign being painted and stopped to compliment the painters:

When I was walking to the bus stop and when I came home, I noticed that Maggie was not on the corner. However, her various bags and parcels were there. I called "One Stop" again and was advised that the police handle that kind of situation. Called the cops and a very pleasant office told me they can't just snatch her off the street, even for her own good. However, he said if I see her there again, I could call them and they could try to persuade her to accept help.  

Maggie, 7Up, And The Roloffs

Not a bad day. I walked to the market near Wal-Mart for tomatoes, mushrooms, and spaghetti squash, then bused back. Prepared my usual tomato/onion/garlic/olive oil/vinegar bake and popped it in the oven for later salads.
Looking at Facebook--which, if you ask me, is getting more and more bizarre--I saw this on the page of one of my T.O.P.S. friends. It's a meme: "What does your loved one in heaven have to say about you?" She got back something from her late brother to the effect that she should carry on and he knows she's sorrowful, but he's happy in heaven, and...in other words, every cliche and bromide in the book. I put in that I wanted to hear what Ish Kabibble has to say to me and, of course, got a similarly goofy message back. It's truly frightening that anyone would even post this, let alone take it seriously.
I did another virtual jigsaw and enjoyed it immensely. Here's the pic:

Much more important, I came across my father's work diary from 1945. I want to transcribe it as much as possible when I have a chance. There are few personal things in it, including here a mention of the twins' room--that's us, folks! Here's the entry:

He was 46 then and had exactly five more years to live.

I wrote a note to cousin Mary and prepared the picture of Jimmy to sent her. As I was walking to the P.O., Ellen called to say she had gotten me the diet 7Up I like and could she bring it over? Absolutely and she said she'd be there about 3:30. I mailed the letter and walked back, but on the way, saw Maggie, the young homeless woman I've mentioned before. We got into a conversation and I exclaimed over her terribly swollen and sunburned legs. I asked if she had seen a doctor or gone to the emergency room, but she said she didn't trust them at all, she trusted only God and he would take care of her. We talked for ten minutes or so. It's hard to tell exactly, but Maggie surely is no older than thirty, if that. She's clearly mentally unbalanced in a kind of Christian fundamentalist way. 

When I got home, Suzanne was outside and I asked where Maggie might be able to get help. She suggested I call Public Health, which I will today, but I fear Maggie will resist, anyway. What a tragic waste. I sat out front with Suzanne for awhile, not realizing El was already on my patio. I came in shortly and El and I had a good talk. I'm so grateful she brought me my secret vice and even more, that she stayed about an hour to chat.

I was surprised and pleased to get an email from Carolyn B., a joint one to Nancy and me. She misses our lunches and happy hours together--as do we--and said various things were happening at home. Later, I called Betty to tell her I had spoken to Mary Renz. I think Betty's dementia problem waxes and wanes--she seemed more confused last evening than she usually does. 

Although I had told my friend, Pat, I had more or less lost interest in Little People, Big World, I actually watched it last night, and was reasonably engaged. The problem for me is, it's on so late--I didn't get to bed until ten!--so I don't know if I'll continue. 

Okay, now I'm waxing philosophical: This kind of "reality" T.V., which is anything but real, seems a perfect representation of our times. It's a shadow show that we accept as true: Zach really did do all the work for the party, Chris actually proposed to Amy on their walk, Matt planted vines on Karen's urging. And all this is, of course, completely spontaneous. 

I'd love to be a fly on the wall at the show's planning sessions.      

A Puzzle And A Puzzle

Skipped over to Von's after breakfast, then Nancy called and I chatted with her. She hasn't even set foot outside the door for weeks, but she seems okay with that, so that's good. I then called "Julie Residence," in Maryland, a retirement home for the Sisters of Notre Dame, where my cousin, Mary, lives. The person who answered the main number called her extension, but she didn't answer, so I left a message.
When I read my emails, I saw that Ventura Museum, of which I'm a member, sent out some do-at-home activities, including a jigsaw puzzles. I surprised myself for doing one and enjoying it. I have no interest in the solid kind--my husband, Pat, liked them, but they bore me--but I enjoyed this and will do more of them. This is the one I did yesterday:

I thought the slogan "Every garden a munition plant" was eyebrow-raising--so aggressive--but I guess the idea was to starve the Kaiser or something. You could do a whole thesis on war propaganda and lots of people have.
Wonder of wonders, I got a email communication from the Housing Rights Center. They sent me Civil Code 1940.9, which addresses utilities charges and so on. They also said I could call their place in L.A. and I intend to do that as soon as I assemble my information.
After lunch, I took the footpath and did about four miles. Picked up another book from "the little library," which, incidentally, has a number of religious tracts in it, too. Those, I left for others.
Lunch, then violated my principles and sat on the patio with pretzels, my book, and a Blue Moon. Boy, did that taste good. My cousin, Mary, called back about 3:15 and it was fun--sort of--to chat with her.  She sounds so much like her mother, my Aunt Mary, whom I always thought had a very distinctive voice, that it was eerie. However, when I asked her how old she was, she couldn't remember. She recalled that she was a year older than her youngest brother, Tommy, and I know he was about my brother, Frank's age, so I figure she's 86 or so. I asked how long she had lived at the Sisters retirement home and she said, "Well, I just can't remember, but I think forever." She likes it there very much and says she's in excellent health. I told her I'd send her the picture of her brother, Jimmy, and she was pleased about that. After we hung up, though, I'm not absolutely sure she remembered my family or me.
I just had some cheese and crackers for dinner, then went for a walk around the neighborhood, no more than a mile or so. I ran into my homeless friend, Steve, and we chatted for a bit. I also saw again the girl who refused money from me. I just can't understand her situation, but I'm afraid it has to be either drugs or mental illness. I greeted her and we exchanged a few pleasant words.
I can't understand why I get to be so comfortable and content and these people must live the way they live. That's a real puzzle and how can it possibly be solved?

Routine And The Renz'es

Sunday routine: coffee, breakfast, Newsweek crossword. (I was annoyed with it this time, as many clues were pretty obscure.)
Left for Wal-Mart at 10:00 and it was enjoyable walking in the mild weather. Stopped first at another market for rice cakes and other items. I like Wal-Mart's facial scrub, so I bought three, but I'm looking for R-12 or D-9 or whatever it is. My sliding screen door is hard to open and I think this will make it slide more easily. However, I couldn't fine it at Wal-Mart. Hopped a bus home, and immediately put in a load of wash. I washed two of my three jackets and was pleased at how nicely they came out.
I called my niece, Joan, in Manhattan, to thank her for sending me this picture:

This is my cousin, Jimmy Renz, one of my Aunt Mary's four sons. On the back is written "Jimmy Renz (boy scouts collect aluminum for defense), 6338 Sherman St., Phila. Pa. Aug, 1941".

Jimmy was named James for my father, who was killed in an accident in 1950. About six years later, Jimmy was also killed in an accident.  Years later, the ten-year-old son of Jimmy's brother, Tom, was killed in an accident. His name: James. I'm not superstitious, but those are sad coincidences.

Joan had come across the picture in some of her mother's, my sister, Gene's, things. We had a good talk, but of course, there are complications and nuances, as they are in any big family. 

The only surviving member of Aunt Mary's family is Jimmy's sister--the only girl--Mary, who is a Sister of Notre Dame. I decided she should have the picture and I found her via the Internet. I was surprised to see she had celebrated her seventieth anniversary as a sister in 2018, a noted in the commemorative program:

Well, the damn scanner wouldn't work, for some reason, so I just took a picture of it. I got the phone number, too, and will call Mary today. I haven't seen her for--oh, probably fifty years--but so what? We're still blood.

After lunch, I prepared to walk to the Smart 'N' Final shopping center, as there's an Ace Hardware there. As I was locking the door, Suzanne came back from her walk and we sat and chatted for a time. So enjoyable just to sit and talk to somebody in person! I then went to Ace, got the WD-4  stuff, then a few things at Smart 'N' Final. 

A Gem

What a gem of a day it was! The weather was perfect yesterday--warm, but not too warm as Friday had been, not humid, with s little breeze. It was wonderful to be outside.
First of all, I surprised even myself by spending about two hours cleaning up the patio. I got rid of a lot of pots, vases, and other gardening items I knew I'd never use;* swept every inch of the concrete, borrowed Suzanne's hose (I asked her first) to wash the shelving that holds a lot of garden stuff; and washed and dried practically every item out there.
There was an errant spider plant, of all things, that had just insinuated itself in front of the ficus. I've had spider plants inside in Jersey and I like them, but on the ground, there's no point. So I tried to dig it up, but it was so deep, I just cut off the "spiders" and put them in water. I'll see if they take
I still haven't dealt with the Scarlet Parasol plant on the trellis that I'm afraid is giving up the ghost, but maybe not. Also, I have a table with succulents in it; I can't decide if I want it or not. But I washed down all the shelves and so on and the outside looks lovely.
After that and before lunch, I took the footpath to the park, stopping at the little "library" to pick up another book. I'll have to look at more of mine to see what I can donate. Home, had lunch, did a few chores, then took off for town.
It was fine to be on the bus again. I got off where I always used to, near the library, but of course, it was closed. So were the shops. And the movie theatre. And the restaurants, except for take-out. That was depressing, but once I got to The Promenade, it was wonderful. There were lots of people walking with and without dogs, running, jogging, biking on the walk, and many more on the beach and in the ocean. Little children ran and laughed, lovers sat together, and there were more surfers than I've ever seen on the waves. These don't really show how many people were happily out there--there were many, many more on The Promenade itself, but shows just a hint of the joyous day:

There is a prohibition against sitting, which properly, I think, many ignored. To say you can go in the ocean and swim, but you can't sit, is utterly inane, especially in a large outdoor space, if you ask me.

Home by 5:30 and I immediately jumped in the shower. I had just started dinner when Mike and the girls videoed me from Singapore. Loved seeing and talking to them, as ever. I then ate a Lean Cuisine and some of the zucchini I still have. Watered several plants in the patio and settled in for the night.

We're Havin' A Heat Wave...

Yep, it was hot as hell yesterday and it's going to stay hot--see below.  I got over to Von's after breakfast and had every intention of hopping a bus in the afternoon to once again enjoy walking The Promenade, now that it's "open" again. I guess I was in a wild mood: I even skipped my usual huge salad for lunch and defrosted the rest of the pasta dish I had made last week and ate that. What's more, I had a beer with it, so shoot me.
I even took a short nap after--or tried to. I may have dozed for fifteen or so, but then got up. Decided to take that bus into town. By the time I got to the bus stop, though, it was fiercely hot and I thought it would be foolhardy to walk the walk, so I went home.
I no sooner got in than Ellen called to see if I'd like her to come over and visit for a bit. Oh, yes, of course, and we can sit near the pool (closed, of course) where there are chairs and tables with umbrellas. Just after we said goodbye, I got a call from New Mexico and had a good chat. I no sooner hung up from her than Betty called and we talked for a bit.
El got over about 4:30 and we sat by the pool, as planned. I had brought pretzels and a beer and she had iced tea in a thermos. We  had a good, far-ranging talk and she stayed until about 6:00. She had given me a plant stand holding six pots, but I decided I was just going to put in perennials, so asked if she wanted it back. She did and took it with her.
My apartment is really not unbearably hot, happily. In fact, I have a fan on a stand, but haven't even gotten it out of the closet--no need. It's supposed to be cooler today, in which case, I'll see if going into town and walking The Promenade is doable.
Ventura, CA

Friday

Clear

87

°F | °C

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 54%

Wind: 8 mph

Temperature

Precipitation

Wind

BUS

Early on, I stripped the bed and put the sheets in the wash, along with a few clothes. Re-made bed with my other set of sheets (I used to have four or five sets, but why? I don't have room for extras, so I donated the others and like this better). Everything was washed, dried, and put away by 10:00.
I did a few other chores, then left at about 12:30. Walked down Victoria to Telephone, then caught a bus--
Yes, I caught a bus.  I was having a problem deleting things on my phone and wanted to go to the Cricket store. That's in the same shopping center with Target and a few streets away from WinCo. It's permitted to go out for food and I needed to get several things at the supermarket, so decided to go to WinCo, too. Cricket, though, wasn't open. Target had blueberries and I got two one-pint packages. I then walked over to WinCo and got the rest of my groceries. Caught a bus back to the transit center and from there, the number 21 near home.
I see no problem with taking the bus again. It's very sparsely filled, presumably because so many are no longer working or going to school. Of the three I took yesterday, one had four other people, the other two, only three. All were sitting well away from each other. There's certainly less "social distancing" than at supermarkets, plus items aren't being handled, then put back on the shelf. Besides that, it was so good for my emotional health to be riding again!  I was surprised to see a sign on the window that said there was no fare. Being over 75, I never had to pay, but now, it looks as if everybody is free. I'm glad about that.
When I got home, my masks from Robyn had come. They are SO much more comfortable than my other one and I was so glad to get them:

Actually, I have it on upside down here. Robyn called to ask if I had noticed the little metal strip, which can to shaped over the nose. No, I hadn't, but now I see it. I just don't feel like taking another picture.  It does look a tad like a piece of tablecloth wrapped around my head, but so what?

I had to recharge my phone, so spent the time during that by cleaning up some of the patio. I have a lot more to do, but I got rid of some of the leafy debris and so on. 

My niece, Joan, called to ask my advice about some pictures she put on Facebook. Betty called, anxious to read me a letter from my girl, Ellen. She did and I enjoyed it myself. 

I called El after dinner and we had a nice chat. I told her about going on the bus; I was afraid she'd be upset over that, but once I told her how sparse the riders are, I think she was okay with it.

So-So

Yesterday I got up a little groggy, as I had endured one of my periodic bouts of insomnia. It was the usual: fell asleep with no problem, but woke up at midnight, and couldn't get back for more than an hour. I actually got up and played a few games on the laptop--very foolish.  (Happily, last night I slept like a stone, as the Brits say, and didn't get up until 7:00.)
Did a load of wash in the morning, plus various other chores. Went to Von's for lettuce, Brussels sprouts, and tangerines from Ojai.
I again called the sons of itches (see what I did there--ha, ha!) at Housing Rights. Of course, they're aren't actually in, so I had to leave a message. When they called back, the phone was in the other room or something--anyway, I didn't  hear it, so somebody left a message. This was after 5:00,so I asked them to call again. What a drag.
I was pleased to get a call from my brother, Larry, and we had a good talk. His Helen now does little  but sleep and sit; Larry has several aides coming in daily. Larry's call prompted me to call my brother, Frank. He seemed cheerful enough--I think he was at the same kind of "Friendship Center" Betty goes to in Santa Barbara; I'm surprised they were open. I got a kick out of Frank telling me there were a lot of "pretty women" there. Well, damn, if he still notices pretty women, he's not gone yet.
Walked the footpath to the park, then part way around it. I probably got in only about four, not five, but that's okay. I was disappointed that the masks I bought from Robyn haven't come yet--she texted that she mailed them, but the mail's been very slow, of course.
Had yet another vegan dinner, adding black beans for protein and that was my so-so day.

Tuesday

There seems to be a run on butter spray,  just like toilet paper--I can't imagine why. Von's didn't have it for days and when I went yesterday, they had them, but at $3.99 each. What? The last time I bought them there, they were two for five. I decided to go to Ralph's for them. Walked there and they had none. Went across to Wal-Mart and they didn't have any, either. I was able to get blueberries at the market, though.
Lunch, then called the Ventura housing office. I had gotten this month's "utilities bill"--really a rent increase--and it was $64.87, as opposed to last month's $46. I'm going to call the Ventura Bar Association tomorrow to see if I can find an attorney who will fight this on a contingency fee.
Betty called and we just chatted a bit. After lunch, I walked the path to the park in a wonderful, sunny, blue-sky, 70-degree or so day. I took two books to put in the little "library" somebody put in the park, plus a note of thanks.
Had a vegan dinner: broccoli, zucchini, and the rest of the mushrooms and onions. Ran into Lauren and her little girl, Brindley while I was taking the trash out and we had a nice chat. I want to have her, her mother, Andrea, and Brindley over for lunch if we ever get out of this virus prison.
Ellen called and we had a good talk. I'm hoping we can arrange for us to see each other sometime over the weekend.

Monday

Breakfast, then walked to Smart 'n' Final for lettuce and bananas (round trip, 2.5 miles).  Got home and put a white wash in, with bleach. Once that's gone, I won't buy more and will just go with the Oxyclean.
I also ran the fully loaded dishwasher, putting vinegar in a second rinse. Speaking of same, I tried the baking soda/vinegar toilet bowl clearing. I think it actually worked pretty well, but there's still--annoyingly--a very faint ring.
When I got the mail, I was furious to see another bill for utilities; this time, it's $64.87. I'm going to try to get to some kind of housing authority person today and find out how this can be legal.
For some reason, Suzanne sent me a long, long message quoting some doctor or other expounding on the Corona virus. Why in the world she would think I don't already have the virus info up to my ears and, if I ever wanted to know more, couldn't just consult the Internet, is beyond me. I wonder if she disapproves of my daily walks, but why would she? Dunno, but I'm tired of the constant barrage of info--and lectures and sermonizing--about the damn virus. I get it, I'm careful to do what's recommended, but I'm not going to obsess about it.
The mask I've been using, left over from the Thomas fire a few years ago, is getting pretty worn and it's also uncomfortable. I knew that Robyn, my niece-in-law (Betty's son's wife) makes and sells masks, so I messaged her and asked her to send me two. I sent her a check for them and hope they come soon.
Betty called and we had a fun talk. We can tell each other things we couldn't with anybody else. I'm glad that's still possible, but I don't know for how long.
I threw my old rule, never to drink alone, out the window last night. I just decided to give myself a treat, so had two glasses of  pinot grigio with pretzels while I watched my hour of T.V.  I enjoyed them, but after the bottle's gone, I won't continue it as a habit--I'm too much aware of what could happen.

Feeling Better And A Fence

I was determined not to allow yesterday to get as dreary as Saturday and it didn't.  After breakfast and my usual Sunday crossword (I look forward to it all week), I cleaned up, then took off for Wal-Mart with my cart. 
I want to use vinegar and baking soda for cleaning, as it actually does a better job on some things, plus it's a lot better for the environment. I bought a gallon of vinegar and a large box of baking soda, then stopped at the market for onions and peppers.
After lunch, I did my food prep for what I had just bought: chopped the six onions and cut the peppers into strips. I reserved some of the onions for last night (stir-fried them with mushrooms) and stowed both in the freezer. I always like to have those on hand, ready to cook. Then, I took Elvis and others and walked to the park. Hearing him sing Amazing Grace, I again appreciated his--well, amazing voice. Wow. I not only walked the footpath to the park, I circumvented it, which added another mile and a quarter. Along with the morning walk, that added up to roughly seven; I felt good about that. I was pleased to see a little "library"--a free book setup next to the walking path--and helped myself to two. I'll look over what I have and add some. I probably have no more than eighty or ninety books now--I gave away several hundred before I left Jersey. Now I use the library a lot, although I do still buy some books. Oh, I forgot: I used to use the library before this blight of companionship and commerce, descended on us.
Luckily, the sun came out and most of the day was warm and pleasant. I felt so much better than I had, especially after a chat with Ellen, the Tom Sawyer of Ojai. She painted her fence!

 Here's before:

Here's after:

D., D., and D.

Dreary, drabby, draggy day. I just didn't feel like a morning walk, so stayed in. Alternated between looking here and there on the Internet for boring this and boring that, and eating. For some reason, I got hungry about 10:00, so scarfed down--oh, not a Ruben sandwich or a hot fudge sundae (I wish!)--but the leftover cauliflower, a few pretzels, and a can of beets. (Even I have to laugh when I look at that lineup.)
Had my usual big salad for lunch, then finally took off to the great outdoors. However, I had overdressed because it was cool, windy, and overcast earlier, and I cut the walk short. All day, I probably didn't get more than two miles in.
Back at this machine, I decided to just go with the plane trip I had reserved. The times were right for me and, although it was a lot more than originally touted, the fare was better than others. Called New Mexico to tell, then sent a copy there.
I again lazed around, looking up things on the Internet, such as Snookie Lanson, people born without arms and legs, and murder cases.
I walked over to Von's for grapes and shredded cheese, going up and down the aisles just to kill time. Stopped for the mail on the way home. When I got in, I was sure it was at least six pm, so dinnertime. AAGH--it was five of five! So I took my shower early and actually, I felt a bit better after.
Violated my own rule of not drinking when I'm alone and had a glass of wine with dinner. I enjoyed it; hey, maybe I'll have to revise my thinking on this.

Money, A Message, And Music

I noticed that the $1200 government "gift"--or whatever it is--was put in my checking account. I transferred a thou to savings with a ho-hum feeling. Years ago, when we were often at least slightly worried about money, we could have used it. It isn't that I can't use it now, but I really don't need it. I emailed my children to the effect that if any needed it, they could have it. None do.
Walked to the market near Wal-Mart and was delighted to find they again have the rice cakes I like. These are only 20 calories each, as opposed to Quaker's 45 or so, and yes, they taste like cardboard, but with a little butter spray and parm added, they're not bad.
I was having lunch when I got a message on my phone to the effect that "Charles Blackford" was using Betty's phone for an "emergency message" and it was being sent to me because "Robert has listed you as emergency contact." What in the world could this mean? I was 90 percent sure it was some kind of scam, but called Betty just in case it wasn't. She had no idea what it could be, but we had a nice chat, anyway. Later, her daughter, Carolyn, called and we discussed it, both mystified.
Left for the park about 4:00, pleased that it was still pleasantly warm and sunny. This time, I took Elvis with me. He sang a number of songs with which I'm not familiar, but as ever, was in wonderful voice.
After dinner, I idly checked Facebook and saw that my cousin, Marifran, had noted that, on YouTube, the movie of The Phantom of the Opera was free to watch. I tuned it in and greatly enjoyed the first hour or so (always loved "The Music of the Night"), After that, Betty called yet again and I put the movie on hold; will watch the rest tonight.

A Fine Day

Suzanne took me to WinCo and I stocked up on heavier items. Even more exciting, I got to RIDE IN A CAR again! I bought a big cauliflower and when I got home, put it in the slow cooker, along with seasonings. Had that for what you might call "undinner" because see later.
After lunch, Ellen called and said she was going to Lowe's, did I want her to stop over? Oh, hey, does a bear...I mean, yes, yes, I did. We sat on the patio and, because she was there, I had a glass of wine--in fact, two glasses--while we chatted and laughed and it was so good. She intends to paint her fence, now that she's on spring break, so went to Lowe's for the paint. She brought me a bag of coffee from Greg--he didn't like the flavor, but I bet I will--and best of all, her own unique self. She also solved an annoying circumstance for me:
Several years ago, one of my children--it may have been Mike--gave me an IPod Shuffle. I always has it in my ear to listen to music while I walked the park at Kimball every 7:00 am. Unfortunately, I somehow broke it and I missed it. Looked on line for one and they no longer make them. I guess a substitute is an MP3 or whatever it is, but I looked it up and they're expensive. Mentioned my disappointment to El and she told me I could listen via my phone. What? How? After discussion, it turned out the ear piece from the broken devise fit perfectly in the phone and I could hear music over it--oh, joy!
El stayed for a good hour or a bit longer, leaving about 5:30. I had had some pretzels with my wine, so wasn't a bit hungry and just scarfed down a bowl of cauliflower (undinner) and left for the park. Did my three miles, no longer walking alone, but with Nat, Frank, Judy, and the gang. Got home at 7:00 and, of course, it was still light out, warm and sunny--another gorgeous day in Paradise.

Just The Usual

I walked down to Wal-Mart with my little cart and, incredibly, they had toilet paper. Called Ellen and got a twelve-roll package for her and one for me. When I got home, I called Suzanne to tell her the news and she asked if I wanted to go to WinCo today. Yes, indeed, I do.
Betty called. She had gotten the Byrne's Beach quiz I had sent and enjoyed it. We went over it and it was disheartening how many wrong answers she chose. However, she did like it, so I made up the second and last quiz and sent it off to her.
Can't quite remember what I did after lunch, until I left for the park about 3:00. Ran into Diane on the way and we chatted. Sat on a bench and called a family member; she reminded me I should check on the airlines for our trip to Jersey in June--will do. I also called Carolyn M., from T.O.P.S. and we chatted a bit. Lora B., also from T.O.P.S., called me and we did the same. Her son works at the marijuana place in Oxnard and when I said I wanted to try it again, she said she'd take me there so I can consult him. Sure thing, I said, but then I thought I'd better run it past Ellen; she might be worried about that. Now I don't really think I want to go, anyway. Someday, I want to try it again, but I'll just wait for a time.
As I was coming home, I ran into Leah from upstairs. Mentioned to her about the utility (read "rent") increase and that I might pursue it with an attorney. She's only been here three weeks, so hasn't gotten the charge yet.She was interested, but non-committal. That's another thing I guess I'll defer.
I've been doing my daily five-mile total consistently and I feel good about that.
Before dinner, I sat outside and read for a while. It was another beautiful day, which I greatly appreciate.

Taxes, Rent, And Bees

I did it! I finally got the income tax crapola pulled together, copied, and sent off to Michelle! I took it to the post office, after considering just walking it to her place, which isn't that far. I decided against it, though, thinking she might not want to get it that way.
Sent to my tenant, Eileen, the quarterly water bill, which for some unknown reason, the municipality won't allow changing the name on. Therefore, they send it to me in California and I send it to her in Jersey to pay. Went to Von's for lettuce, broccoli, and bread.
I called another attorney about the--as I see it--double charge for utilities. Talked to John J. Mahoney for a few minutes. He was very nice and asked some pertinent questions, but wasn't giving me any advice over the phone (nor should he). He said he charged $150 an hour for an actual consultation. I certainly wasn't about to retain him, but I might consider trying to get a few more tenants interested, so we could do that. I met Michelle as I was walking to the P.O. and she said she was interested. However, she's somewhat of a loose cannon and there would need to be others. I'd be leery about approaching Suzanne, since she's a nun and other-worldly and the only other people I know are Leah, who just moved in, Patrick and I think he drinks a lot, and Gordon, who could be a possibility, I guess.
Walked to the park, then around it, so put in my daily five-mile and maybe a bit more. The signs are still up, of course, but since the walking path around the fields aren't cordoned off, I don't see a problem. Funnily, there was another sign, too, but I didn't see any critters buzzing around. I think the fact this sign was put up shows people are expected to be there to read it.

Betty called with some confused story about some priest at St. James of years ago, but I kind of enjoyed it. I called T.O.P.S. member, Lora, who has a travel business--now, of course, dead in the water, I'm afraid.
I un-planted the lilies, removed the pot, and re-planted, after adding a shot of Miracle-Gro. I want to put the hydrangea in the ground today. My Scarlet Parasol still looks sickly, I'm afraid and I'll have to look up how to save it:

But, hey, I'm not complaining: I got the taxes done and the day turned out absolutely lovely: sunny and warm--in the low seventies, but with no humidity-- and great walking weather.

Monday

In the morning, I washed, (I never pare them) trimmed, and cut up my carrots, then put them in the slow cooker with some little "cuties," citrus, which I think are actually small tangerines.  Prepared two sweet peppers by cutting them in strips, then popped them in the freezer. Now I have frozen the makings of turkey stir-fry: peppers, onions, and ground turkey. If I get around to buying mushrooms, I'll put them in, too.
Went for my to-the-park walk on the footpath about 11:30 and Gail came riding up on her bike. She stopped and we talked for a bit. She seems inordinately worried about the virus, but hey, she gets her exercise. She mentioned she had come across a poem by Vachel Lindsay--had I ever heard of him? Of course, although I'm not familiar with his work. The poem was The Unpardonable Sin and I looked it up: it's anti-war, that is, if in the name of religion. Lindsay wasn't a major poet and I'm not sure why Gail was so taken with the poem.
When I got to the park, I sat on a bench and called first, Lolly, then Bobbi, both from T.O.P.S. They're surviving okay, but it's pretty dreary for them. Lolly doesn't go out and Bobbi's husband has a chronic condition so, aside from going to the mailbox, they're pretty much housebound.
After lunch, I decided to put my lily plant in the ground. Went out to the patio and was pleased to see next-door neighbor, Suzanne. We caught up with each other and she informed me that our straight-from-hell communications "service" (HA!) was down, that is, the t.v. part. I don't care, as long as the Internet is staying up, and it is.
Called Sharon from T.O.P.S. and talked to her for awhile. She told me a long story about a friend of hers whose father had died at 91 in Pennsylvania and they weren't allowed to lay him out or something. I didn't catch a lot of it because Sharon's phone is so bad.
Set out for my afternoon walk, but decided to go in another direction this time, so I went up North Hill Street, then looped around to Victoria and back. This is only about two miles, I think, but part of it is sharply uphill and I figure that made up for the brevity.
Ellen called and we had a long talk. She had had a happy hour Zoom "meeting" with two former colleagues, with whom she's still in touch. Lucky her! I'd still like to do that, but it doesn't seem to be happening. I persuaded her to come over next time she has to go to town--just to sit on the patio and chat. She said she would, but will call first. I told her about the lily and she thinks I should take it out of the pot and re-plant, which I will if it's reasonably warm today.
Betty called, somewhat agitated, to tell me a huge storm was engulfing Goleta, which is right next to Santa Barbara, where she lives. I tried to tell her, no, those storms are thousands of miles away, but she insisted until she saw "Chattanooga, Tennessee" on the screen.
For the first time in two years--literally--I made a pasta dish for dinner. In fact, because my eating regimen keeps me away from a lot of carbs, I haven't even eaten pasta during that time. The simple recipe is something my older sister, Gene, told me about years ago. You just cook up a pound of pasta, add a can of peas and a can of tuna in oil, and combine. I ate it hot, but it would probably be okay cold, too. With salt and pepper, I thought it was pretty good. I have plenty left and will probably just eat it down for another two dinners.
Sat down at 8:00 to watch my daily hour of T.V. and it was still out. No prob, I just watched the last part of my DVD of Wall Street.  

Easter

Well, it sure wasn't like the Easters of old. After inhaling my first cup of the nectar of the gods (coffee, of course) while I finished off this blog, I stripped the bed, added whites, and put all in the washer, so it would be done by the time I had finished breakfast. . . but why? It's not as if I had anything pressing to do. However, the bed was made and the load washed, dried, folded and put away by 9:30.
I fooled around on the laptop for awhile, then took my trusty little cart and walked down Victoria to the market. I got a new supply of fresh veggies and a few other things I needed--wanted is more like it, I guess.
Lunched, then spent yet more time on Facebook and the Jib Jab funnies I made for all four kids, my grandson and his family, and my niece. They all thought it was hysterical. Trimmed and chopped four big onions for the freezer. Today, I want to put my carrots in the slow cooker, and prepare the spaghetti and butternut squashes.
Finished with all this domesticity, I headed out for the footpath and walked to the park. Just went there and back, so I figure I put about five miles in, what with the morning and afternoon walks, a good daily goal, in fact. I don't count just incidental walking around the apartment or over to Von's, just actual walks.
I got a welcome "Happy Easter" call from New Mexico and another from Ellen. Both enjoyed their funny Jib Jab cards. Grandson Joel texted me and I had been in touch with Patrick and Mike on Saturday. Betty called at 7:00, unusually late for her and we talked a bit--rather, she talked and I listened. Her confusion and memory problems are getting worse--not by the week, but by the day, I think. Having just finished John Bayly's Iris And Her Friends, I know it will progress even further. The book is a not exactly a sequel, more a followup to Elegy For Iris, Bayly's first book about his wife. Iris Murdock. She was Iris Murdock, the novelist, and I read Elergy, about her descent into Alzheimer's years ago, never dreaming it would have any relevance to me.

A Good One

What a fine day! For openers, I slept soundly, not getting up once, and awoke feeling good. After breakfast, I laid out my income tax crapola on the kitchen table and separated it into piles. Okay, I didn't actually do any work on it, but I'm keeping it on the table until I do. (I eat around it.) I want to send it to Michelle, my preparer, soon, or I'll put it off until July.
It was a glorious day--pure, pure blue sky and warm, but with a little breeze. Ellen called to say she would come over and leave something outside for Easter. I persuaded her that it would be okay for us to sit on the patio and chat for awhile, since the chairs are least six feet apart. She agreed and we did, for about a half  hour. That was fun and she brought me this:

Ha, ha. When I put "lily" in my pictures file, that's what came up. That's Joel's and Jamie's Lily, the mastiff. Here's what El actually brought:

I've been wanting to get a lily for the patio and this is a beauty which I'll plant later.  It was great to see her and talk, too, of course.

Had lunch, then took off for the footpath and park. This time, I walked to it, the went all the way around and back again, totaling about seven, I think, so that was good. On my way, I met Diane and we chatted, then Leah, my upstairs neighbor and we had a good time talking, too. I expressed my admiration that she also jogs. There were the usual runners, joggers, walkers, bikers, and family groups, and I was surprised to see these:

Okay, the first is at the main entrance where cars drive in, the second at one of the fields. I'm taking them to mean that the buildings (pool, meeting rooms, restrooms, and so on) and the open fields are off-limits, but the walking path, which circumvents the park, is okay. Anyway, until I'm forced to avoid it, that's where I'll go daily, along with everybody else.

Mike and the girls videoed me and it was so good to see them. Vivian, 15, is so pretty and Violet is, too, although in somewhat in an awkward stage at eleven. Their apartment is dazzling--very large and with spectacular views of Singapore.

Over the afternoon, Betty called several times with yet another tale of woe, on which I won't elaborate. She also called me at 8:15, to repeat what she had already told me. Aside from that, to which I'm resigned, it was a lovely day. 

Going Out And Goings On

Darn, I fell asleep quickly, but woke up in the early hours and couldn't get back for the longest time. I assume that's because, aside from my trek to Von's, I was in all day yesterday, due to the rain.
Happily, it was a good day, otherwise. I walked to Smart 'n' Final for salmon and a few other items and it felt so good. It's only 1.3 miles, so a tad more than two-and-a-half round trip, but I walked after lunch, too--see later.
My cousin, John, called and I enjoyed talking to him. As I mentioned, he's what you'd call eccentric, but so what--better than boring, in my book. He had been to see my cousin (actually, cousin by marriage, the wife of my recently deceased cousin, Tom), who's in a North Wales, PA facility. She's had several strokes and can't talk, but John said she was mentally sound, so I wrote her a note. I did it in longhand, so I dunno if she--or anybody else on earth--will be able to read it.
Lunched, then took the footbridge and path to Kimball, which was so refreshing. I called Betty when I got there to tell her about John's call. Sadly, she didn't quite remember who he is, but we had a good chat, anyway. I totaled up my walk miles and was surprised to see it was a bit more than six. Wow, it didn't seem that I had put that much it, but I was glad I did.
Sent a text to Suzanne with the picture of my hydrangea and she sent an enthusiastic note back. In truth, I see no reason at all why we couldn't visit; we could easily sit six feet apart and talk. However, I won't suggest it, as Suzanne is clearly following all the newly-proclaimed rules and regs, whether they make sense or not.  It's not that I think she'd refuse, if I asked her; I think she'd agree because she such a kind and generous person, but then it would make her uncomfortable. (If she suggests it, I'll do it in a shot.)
Niece Carolyn called and we talked for a full hour. I do think Betty appreciates what her only daughter does for her--some of the time. And sometimes, she doesn't.
I was just about to sit down for dinner when Sharon, from the T.O.P.S. group called. I didn't want to cut her off, so chatted with her. She's got a lot on her plate: very obese, serious diabetes, a huge family, several generations of which seem to move in periodically. I like her, though, and enjoyed talking to her.     

Thursday

I was awakened, damn it, by a robocall at 6:05. I usually get up not long after that, but it was annoying. Even more annoying, it was raining. Of course, this wasn't a dramatic, almost scary, east coast event, it was a California rain--slow-pokey, indifferent, and just drip...drip...drip.
My mood lifted after breakfast when I got a call from New Mexico. That's elk country and I enjoyed hearing about the ways--often ineffective--of keeping them from eating the greenery.
After breakfast, I moped around, doing this and that--activities so important I don't even remember what they were--until I put on my boots and raincoat, hoisted my umbrella, and trudged to Von's. Got salad dressing, olive oil, and shredded cheese and by the time I got home, I was ready for lunch.
Ate, and tidied up a bit, then was pleased that Ellen called and we chatted for about a half hour.
While El and I talked, my cousin, John, from Pennsylvania, called, but I really don't know how to put a call on hold while I answer another (I keep hanging up on them), so I called him back after. I was surprised there was no answer, but then listened to my messages; John said he would try me again, but he goes to bed at 6:00 and when I called, it was a little after, so he's get back to me soon. Goes to bed at 6:00? Okay, I knew he was eccentric, but good grief...
I opened the door to check the temp and found this:

I was thrilled. One of the few things that grew well in the sandy soil of Ventnor, my childhood home, were hydrangeas, and I love the pink ones, in particular. They were from the Singapore branch, that is, son, Mike, Paula, and the girls, for Easter. Later, I can plant them in the patio and they'll add a pretty color.

I finally got a return call from the Ventura government agency Housing Rights Center. I was prepared for them to tell me I didn't have a leg to stand on, but no. The person I talked to said it looked like a violation of ordinance AB1482 and she advised me to get an attorney. I called one who specializes in housing and an associate will call me back. A half-hour first consultation (in this case, by phone) is free.

The rest of the day passed rather in a blur, what with the rain and all. I did have the nice ahi tuna steak for dinner I had bought the other day at Trader Joe's, frozen. Got it out and marinated it in olive oil, salt and pepper. (The directions from Trader Joe's said you could do that), then put it in the oven. It was delicious. 

Phone Calls And Cauliflower

I took a walk down Victoria Avenue after breakfast and on my way, met Irene coming the other way. It was good to see her and we chatted a bit.  I got in about three miles and what a pleasure it was to be out in the open air!
Home, I followed my roasted tomatoes routine: chunked three pounds of them, added the chopped onions I had in the freezer, plus some garlic, olive oil, and Italian seasoning, then popped two glass containers of them into the oven. Here's the finished product:

Why did I take a picture of it? Because I still want eventually to make a video of my diet regimen, once I master the technical stuff involved.
Through the day, at various times, I talked to:
 Stella--
    doesn'tsetfootoutsidethedoorandwatchestelevisonallday--oh, my!
 Gail--
    followsheregularroutineofwalkingandbiking--oh,good!
 D.D.* Ellen--
   plannedtomakeablackbeanstewtorelieveherstresss--oh, yes!
my friend, Marge, back in Jersey--
   onhospiceandsadlydepleted--oh, sob!
my friend, Aline, back in Jersey--
    hernephewwiththevirusisrecovering--oh, joy!
my friend, Noreen--
    languishingathomewithherdog--oh, woof!
Betty--no, I can't make some silly comment about her.
I also called my paternal-side cousins, John in Pennsy, and Marifran, in Ohio, but their message machines were on (where in the world could they be?). I again contacted, by web site and phone, that crappy excuse for a company, Bank of America, trying to change my rewards category. I finally made an appointment to see somebody at the branch office today, but I doubt if they're actually open; I'll check before I go.
For dinner, I had a big bowl of cauliflower, half of a spaghetti squash, and some meatballs I found in the freezer. I don't eat red meat as a rule, but these were small and I wanted to get rid of them.
*Darling daughter




    

Wednesday

I finally got back on the footpath over the 126 and walked to Kimball Park, then part way around it. I was pleased to meet up with Diane and we chatted for twenty minutes or so. She said her husband had had to go to the emergency room Tuesday night (kidney stones), but is improving; he wasn't admitted. She wasn't allowed to go in with him, but could only talk to him over their phones.
While we were talking, Gail rode past on her bike. I'm not sure if she's annoyed with me or not, since I had decided against walking that path with her. Actually, I prefer to go alone, as I don't have to be stuck to a schedule--I can just go when I want to. I'll call her today.
Sat down on a bench and called Cheryl, from T.O.P.S. and enjoyed  our chat. Walked home and after lunch, called Nancy to see if she wanted to do the Happy Hour Video. Hmm...I tried to set up the Facebook one as a test, but she said she didn't want to do it then, as she looked terrible. In fact, she was very half-hearted about the video, but liked the idea of the virtual happy hour thing via phone. I said I'd call her at 3:30, which I did, it doesn't seem the same to me. She had poured her wine, but I just drank soda. I told Nancy I'd just as soon go back to calling each other now and then. We did, however, have a good talk, so maybe I'll change my mind--not sure.
After, I prepared Brussels sprouts to roast, trimming, then tossing them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Put them in a 400 degree oven and just stirred them a few times. They were good, but I probably had them in a little too long, about a half hour.
In the meantime, Ellen called. I was so glad to hear from her and catch up on her new teaching mode. She said the day had gone well, but doing it this way is a lot of work and has plenty of pitfalls. One of them is that many kids have only one computer at home. If they have three or four siblings, some kind of schedule has to be developed because, presumably, they'd be in different grades. Spring Break was scheduled for next week and yes, they will break. Maybe the kids, but certainly the teachers need it.

Phone Calls, But Not To Elva

I did a big load of wash, then cleaned the bathroom area--I say "area" because the toilet and shower are in one room and the sink and dressing in an adjoining room--the hall. (I'd love to meet the idiot designer who started that trend.) Cut up my cauliflower and put it in the slow cooker with oil and seasonings.
I called Yandoo to straighten out something about my bill, then BOA to try to change my "rewards" designation. That resulted in long, long waits, interminable recordings, and "we'll call you back so you don't have to wait." When they finally did, there was another long wait! I simply gave up and will try calling again today. Called the Ventura Housing Rights Center and was asked to leave an explanatory message, which I did. They'll also, theoretically, at least, "call back."
Betty called several time, being agitated--again--about something I know has no basis in fact--I don't want to be any more specific. Lolly, from T.O.P.S. called and we had a long talk. She seems very worried about the virus and barely goes out at all.
I thought I'd call my old friend, Elva Gruhler (that was her maiden name), with whom I graduated from St. James an incredible seventy years ago, but the phone was no longer "in service." Looked her up and, damn, Elva died three months ago. I'm not sure why that hit me so hard, but it did. We had a history--Dr, Gruhler and his family lived on Rosborough Avenue, as we did,  I went all through grammar school with Elva. They moved away, we lost touch until about ten years ago, when we reconnected. I visited Elva at her Lamberville Gallery of Fine Art, bringing Jeanne Dollard once and Peggy Hartman another time.
I don't know why I feel so bereft; the last time I talked to Elva was shortly after I moved here. She had called just to say hello, not realizing I was in California. I wish I had called her a few months ago. Elva's entire birth family pre-deceased her and her brother and sister were quite young. It's another part of my childhood gone forever and I remember some history with Elva that now, nobody else in the world remembers. It isn't even important or very significant, so why does it still clutter up my mind? That's a rhetorical question--I know why.
Went to Von's for tissues--they didn't have any--but didn't walk the footbridge, even though I could have, the light rain yielding to sunshine after lunch. Just got out about 4:30 and walked around the block--big whoops, as the kids would say.


' 

Down, But Then Up

I've had better days. Rain had been predicted, of course, with great alarm expressed by the Ventura County Star--head for the hills, everybody, it's going to rain!  Okay, I'm exaggerating, but they did run an article above the fold that warned of possible thundershowers. What actually happened was a light shower in the morning and a few little drizzles here and there, but otherwise, just gray and lowering clouds, my least favorite kind of weather.
I cleaned the kitchen counters and what's on them, which I've been meaning to do since Hector was a pup. (I've always liked that expression and would love to find a dog named Hector. Not have one, you understand, but meet one.) Swept the outside entrances to my and Suzanne's door.
I tried to order the fifth season of Will & Grace on Amazon, but there seemed to be a screw-up. I want the actual physical DVD, but they wanted send it to me electronically--or something. I ordered and it "rang up" as much more than I had thought it would. I cancelled and they refunded, but it was frustrating.
My daughters and I spoke and saw each other on Facebook Messages--I never even knew you could do that until Mike did on Saturday. We just talked for a short time.  After that, I called Jeanne Dollard P. and she asked if she could get back to me in just a minute. She hasn't called back yet.
Had lunch, then played Solitaire at the kitchen table. My mood wasn't improved when I remembered my mother used to do that. She was lonely and so was I.
I decided it would help to get out, so I took my cart over to Von's. They finally have Plexiglas at the cashier lines, but still no masks for employees. I got romaine, Brussels sprouts, salad dressing,  sponges, and an enormous cauliflower, which I intend to prepare in the slow cooker and feast on tonight. I also decided to treat myself and got a yam. I almost never eat anything in the potato family, but once is a while is no prob.
Got home and was mopey--until Ellen called on Facebook Messaging. I told her how I felt and she was sympathetic. She suggested some things and mntioned again that I should have a virtual happy hour with my friends. You know, now that I understand I can do it on Facebook, I'll call Nancy this morning and see if we can set it up. I actually did call El back that way as an experiment and was delighted that I could see her on the laptop.
My mood improved after talking to El and I had my weird dinner: spinach, peas, and the yam, which was yum.

Family and A Fire Pit

I called my nephew, Wes, Betty's son, who's an attorney in Chicago, to talk about this "utility charge," which I say is a rent increase. The upshot was that, if they raise the rent within 12 months, I might have a leg to stand on, if I argue the current charge is actually an increase.Up and out after that--to Von's for grapes.
Later in the morning, when I set out for the footpath bridge over the 101, I met up with Suzanne just walking in the complex. We talked for about fifteen, catching up on each other's recent lives. I then walked the path, but just to Kimball, not all the way around it, so put in about two and a half miles.
Lunched, then Ellen called to say she had left something on my patio. I looked and found a gift MORE VALUABLE THAN GOLD:  Cottonelle toilet paper!  Wow, that was exciting. El and I talked--she was on her way to Green Thumb for a cilantro plant--and we'll Zoom today, along with somebody else.
Because Carolyn had come up with the great idea of making some word games for Betty, I decided to do the same and started a little "Byrne's Beach" quiz. As for the 1985 "BB" paper, I had sent it to my three brothers, also, and my brother, Jim, 94, called to thank me. My pal, Pat R., gave me permission to put her funny "magician in the old people's home" joke on Facebook and my FB friends enjoyed it. 
Here's the new fire pit area, with two outdoor stoves, just installed in the middle of our complex. Actually, they look pretty good and, once they're operational, I'd like to sit out there some evenings.

In the evening, I was pleased to get a video call via Facebook messaging from Mike and the girls. Vivian was about to go to the mall, Violet was "with" her friend electronically, and Mike was his usual nutsy self. Starting on Tuesday, Singapore is instituting the "shelter in place" thing and they'll all be more or less confined, I guess. 

Boy, is this confinement stuff getting old.

Trader Joe's And Other Stuff

After breakfast, I called Carolyn B., Nancy's and my erstwhile Soaring Spirits/happy hour/lunch friend. Carolyn said she had just had a Zoom meeting with Toastmasters and she had delivered her talk. I asked her what her topic was and she said she didn't follow the topic schedule; however, she didn't say what she talked about.
This is typical of Carolyn, as Nancy and I have noticed. It's amazing how uncommunicative she is about unimportant subjects. She also said she had been "tired" lately. Considering she seems "tired" most of the time, that wasn't big news. It was sad that, when I asked if she and her two children, 20 and 23, had played games or otherwise done things together, she said, no, they had pretty much done their own things. However, she was pleased that I had called and we had a pleasant talk. I called Nancy after and we chatted, also. She said she had been on Zoom with her knitting group, but since some are in Finland and elsewhere, the language thing was a problem.
I then took off for Trader Joe's for their frozen salmon and ahi tuna, which I've bought there before and like a lot. Outside, the line, people six feet apart, stretched all around the front and side of the building, but no matter; it was a beautiful day and I had no pressing other matters. I put on my mask and gloves, of course, and when I got up to the door, I was greeted by the--well, greeter. I was amazed to see he had neither a mask nor gloves, although he talked to me from about three feet away.  I asked an employee where the fish was and he directed me; he didn't have mask or gloves either. Nor did he cashier. Nor did he security guard outside. I asked each of them if Trader Joe's provides masks and/or gloves and they all said no.
This is incredible. Just like Von's, this supermarket, which makes huge profits, spouts all the sanctimonious bullcrap about how much they care for their employees and customers, but when push comes to shove, it's all talk. I was glad to have gotten the walk in, though, a total of 3.8 miles.
Home, I had lunch, then started on my quest to see if FPI Management, which owns this place, is cheating me or not. Talked to somebody from Ventura County government and she gave me number
I'll call on Monday. I also PM-ed my attorney nephew in Chicago and will call him over the weekend.
Betty called, having gotten the second "edition" of Byrnes' Beach, which she greatly enjoyed. She also got a letter from Ellen, which she read to me, about Patrick's visit and so on.
And speaking of my girl, El, she stopped in after work and we had a nice visit. She's got a lot on her plate what with making up packets, being in touch with her students, and trying to continue to educate. Anyway, it was so good to see her.

Rent And The Roosevelts

After breakfast, I walked down Victoria, then went over to Von's for tangerines and shredded cheese, donning my mask and gloves before I went in. As for paper goods, they had exactly four very thin and beat-up looking boxes of tissues. It was an obscure brand that surely held an inferior product and it was priced at $1.99! Luckily, I have six boxes of better tissues that I might very well have to use for something else someday--eew-w-w!
As for the ConService bill, about which I expounded on Facebook, I'm pretty sure it's legal. I'm also sure FPI Management has a stable of lawyers to check and make sure of that. But here's why I say it's rent increase: 
My rent was a certain amount when I moved here three years ago. It was raised by $80 a month two years ago. I now get a bill for water, sewer, and trash removal. I never received a bill for these before last month, but of course, there's no question it was factored into the rent. Presumably, I paid a percentage of the total usage for all the apartments here. In other words, say there are 500 units here and the trash removal bill is a thousand a month. Wouldn't my rent include, say one-five-hundreth of it? Since rent remains what it was, isn't that double payment? I'm going to pursue this.
I walked out to get the mail which, incidentally, has been extremely slow, and met up with Michelle. We talked and talked for about an hour about the rent situation and I tried to explain the above. She asked for my phone number, so she can call me and I can tell her husband. What good that'll do is questionable; Michelle seems a little kooky.
Betty called to say how thrilled she was about "Byrnes' Beach" and I was so glad she had enjoyed it. Sadly, she didn't remember when she first got it thirty-five years ago. I was thrilled to also get a call from someone I love. El called later, but just on the phone, not Zoom. We decided to invite the other person to join us on Zoom over the weekend.
I had registered for a group called "Shut Up And Write," now virtual, thinking it was some kind of writers exchange or something, but it wasn't. Turned out that the leader, Hillary" simply called time on email, during which participants were supposed to work on their projects, then ended it after fifteen or so. Dumb and I dropped out.
I did something last night I haven't done for an age: watched the "news" on television, both local and--some of, but not all of--national news. I was stunned to find that, as far as I could see, there was not one single item about anything else but the virus. There must be some other activities.  Aren't we still slashing and burning around the world? Don't we still have an embargo on Iran? Isn't Venezuela still on our kill list? Aren't the criminals in Washington still stealing and conniving? Apparently not.
Later, I came across a Ken Burns PBS bio show on the Roosevelt families, both Theodore's and Franklin's. That was interesting, but it continued after 9:00 and I went to bed. I'll check to see if it will be run again or on YouTube.

The Floors And Futility

Reluctantly, I texted Gail about 8:30 that I wouldn't be joining her for our walk. She wrote back immediately to say she was already here (outside the gate at Hill Street). I called her and said my daughter was concerned about us meeting, so I thought we'd better not, at least for a time. She was okay with that. The truth is that I'd just as soon walk in the afternoon, but maybe later, I'll contact Gail and ask if we could resume.
Maybe later. What's going to happen "later"? I hope before too long, things will go back to normal, whatever "normal" is.
Made up my little newsletter packets for Betty and my brothers and walked to the P.O. to mail them. Met up with Suzanne as I was going out. She was coming back from Von's and we chatted a bit. I was surprised to see she wasn't wearing a mask or gloves; didn't think to ask if she wanted me to give her some of the latter.
I cleaned the hard floors with the Bona process and washed the bathtub mat and bath rugs and so on. Rather than putting them in the dryer, I laid them out in the sun. I know the sun is a germicide and besides, I remembered Wilfred Owen's "Futility":

Move him into the sun—

Gently its touch awoke him once,

At home, whispering of fields half-sown.

Always it woke him, even in France,

Until this morning and this snow.

If anything might rouse him now

The kind old sun will know.

Think how it wakes the seeds—

Woke once the clays of a cold star.

Are limbs, so dear-achieved, are sides

Full-nerved, still warm, too hard to stir?

Was it for this the clay grew tall?

—O what made fatuous sunbeams toil

To break earth's sleep at all?

The operative phrase, "Was it for this the clay grew tall?" makes me think of the present situation and its dire ending for some. I was in a a reflective mood, I guess. 

After lunch, I oiled and seasoned two chicken leg quarters and put them in the oven to roast. I then tidied up a bit until Ellen and I zoomed at 3:30.
It makes such a difference to me that we were able to see each other and not just hear ourselves. She showed me her newly-arranged guest room, now her office and it looks great.  After that, I walked the footpath--my new fave walking place, but didn't go more than about two, as it was getting a little cool. Betty called while I was walking to tell me about various word games Carolyn had devised and brought her.
Had one of the legs, plus spinach and zucchini for dinner. I put on Wall Street, but lost interest after a half-hour and turned on the television for Dateline about a grisly murder in Miami.  I had forgotten there were so many commercials, but was mildly interested because it's been so long since I watched television, I had never seen them before. Several of them were quite informative, as I learned how very altruistic, civically enlightened, and wonderfully compassionate these big corporations are as they react to the crisis. They care only about their customers, not dirty money, of course, and so does FPI Management, which just raised my rent.
Are these new times? You'd better believe it. Here's the 101 from the footpath over it, yesterday. It was Wednesday, April 1, 2020, at 5:14--that is, rush hour:

Well, I'm rambling on, so now I'll just ramble away...

Byrne's Beach

I thought it was a stroke of genius for my niece, Carolyn, to send out a message to family and others, asking them to write to Betty through the actual U.S. Post Office. Many agreed to do so and of course, I will. What's wonderfully coincidental is that last week, I came across the following, a kind of (extended) family newsletter I had created thirty-five years ago.
I had sent out a teaser first, telling everybody to be on the watch for it, then sent the first "edition," dated January, 1985. It chronicles the comings and goings and doings of our big family and everybody got a kick out of it.

I thought it was the perfect mail to send Betty, so I copied it, added the teaser and sent it off. Since I thought they'd enjoy it, too, I sent the same to my three brothers.  

(Hmm, after I added the above, this damn machine is refusing to start at the left margin--guess I'll have to make do with the center.)

After I had copied and otherwise prepared it all, I walked to the P.O. to mail them. I'll send the second edition tomorrow; unfortunately , that's all I ever got around to doing originally. That was odd, as I didn't have anything else to do: just care for a house, a husband, four children, a full-time job, and college classes.

Stopped at Von's for romaine, batteries, and Oxy-Clean on my way home. Put in a load of whites. adding the aforementioned (I can't help myself!), and they came out beautifully. Had lunch, then set off for my walk. I called Betty once I reached Kimball Park and we had a good chat. I didn't tell her what I had sent--I want it to be a surprise. We said goodbye and I started off again, the ran into Diane, one of my walking buddies from when I did Kimball at 7 every morning. We talked for about twenty minutes, conscientiously standing blah, blah, blah. She and Irene still walk everyday and she invited me to join them, but I've gotten out of the early-walk habit and prefer later.

Went on my way and circumnavigated the park, then walked home via the bridge. I figured this was a good five, at least, and probably a bit more. It was a gorgeous day, 70 degrees and sunny, but with a gentle breeze. 

Had another vegan meal--black beans, cabbage, and butternut squash, but today, I think I'll bake the chicken I had in the freezer. 

Talked to Ellen. She has a Zoom meeting with her colleagues this morning and this afternoon, we'll zoom together and she'll show me her newly-arranged home office.

(This being forced to be aligned in the middle in driving me crazy!)