What I Posted On Yelp

Read Rosemary M.'s review of Sofi Ventura on Yelp

Sheets And Sense

Changed the sheets and did a wash in the morning. Walked over to Von's after, at which point, Betty called. This time she lost her keys, BUT while we were on the phone, she found her ring, so that was good.
Home and I did yet another puzzle--the family crest:

I put it on Facebook, but as I still don't know how to copy and save directly, I had to take a picture with my phone, "share" it to my email, then save from there. Went across to Von's for cottage cheese. I was annoyed that their sale on raw shrimp was only on Friday, and I didn't buy any.

Ellen and I connected on Zoom at 2:00. We were on for about two hours, which was such a pleasure. I saw the precious kitties; those shy little things who hid under the bed are now practically bonsai warriors, jumping up on things, rushing around, and attacking anything that isn't nailed down. One of them likes to walk on the laptop keys, which I witnessed yesterday.

My Internet carrier is crappy, I'm afraid, and kept pausing, which has happened before. El remedied that problem by asking me to mute the laptop and just use speaker on my phone. However, it also kept sending the message, "Your (something) connection is (something"), meaning I was just limping along.

As for her being able to connect to a YouTube video to show her class, we're not sure if that's going to work okay or not. I plan to call Yandoo Communications tomorrow to see if I can get my service upgraded.  

After, I bused to town. Bought a good hat--cloth, which I wanted, and a neck flap  in the back that can be lowered. Also bought two DVDs: The Sixth Sense and Jane Austen's  Sense And Sensibility*--very different genres, but I like them both. 

When I got back to the Transit Center, I went to Target for blueberries, so I didn't get home until 6:30. For some reason, I wasn't hungry, so just had some of the slow cooker carrots I had made the other day. 

At my usual T.V. viewing hour, I watched The Sixth Sense. Enjoyed it as I had years ago at the movies and this time, consciously evaluated the writing, directing, effects,and editing--all good, the last a little choppy. The acting seemed superb, but with that subject matter, what professional wouldn't be in his element?   

*It just now occurred to me both titles include the word "sense." Could that mean I'm trying to make sense of the world? Fat chance.

Note: Here's my granddaughter's science team's project. She's 15 and appears at 2:31 on the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LOsxzf39t8&feature=share&fbclid=IwAR11SBy_6bDgXp6M6QJ9PAjiJ7OaMxbpJCdqKc8V9X7hcMYcTu3i4WDi_2k

Win, Lose, And Weight

Well, you win a few, you lose a few. I finally got confirmation of my $283.15 refund from AirBnB, but I was forced (from the SOB owners of So-Fi Ventura) to get a renters' insurance. That was only $131 for the years, but I resent the fact it isn't my decision. The idea that any of my possessions  here would be stolen or somehow destroyed seems very remote. Even it that happened, the things most valuable to me are irreplaceable: the family pictures, writings, and other memorabilia I cherish.
Relevant to which, I spent time continuing the transcription of my father's. I'm now on the February 4 and will keep plugging away.
Betty called to tell me the same things she told me on Thursday night. And Thursday afternoon. But I'm okay with it and when she calls, can usually extricate myself after ten or so.
Before breakfast, I walked Victoria Avenue to the market for blueberries and things. There and back is about three, so I was pleased with that. After lunch, I walked back down Victoria, then caught a bus to the Goodwill. Bought a blouse and bused back.
Oh, and the weight report: I lost 2.6 pounds, so am down to 131.4. That's not quite in my comfort zone of 125 to 130, so I'll keep at it. Wrote my T.O.P.S. email to other members and we shared stories.

Santa Barbara

Spent the day in Santa Barbara and we had a pretty good time.
It is kind of tiring: I leave my place at 9:00 and didn't get back until after 5:00. It entails six buses--three there, three back.
I stopped at Whole Foods and got sandwiches and--for me--a six-bottle pack of Corona. I just like the irony of the  name, but I also like the beer. I had one with lunch, than left the rest. Carolyn or anyone else can have it and/or I will the next time I go.
After we ate, we played Sorry!, then Chutes and Ladders, children's games, but I was playing with a child. We talked and laughed, too, but the paranoia came up (the woman who comes in to clean has been taking things) and the memory losses (too many to mention). I went with Betty to get her mail, then she walked me just a short way up to State Street where I get the bus. We hugged goodbye (the hell with the virus) and off I went.
Called Carolyn while I was waiting to tell her what an enjoyable time we had. However, when I was on the Ventura to SB bus, Betty called to ask if I had her ring. No, Betty, you took it off to put on the latex gloves that you said were mandatory when you pick up the mail. I saw her put it on the table, but where it got to after I left, I don't know.
Riding home, I got a text from Carolyn with a picture of a postcard I had written to Betty when we were 18 years ols. Wish I could post it here, but I don't remember how.
Betty called yet again at 8:45 to ask if I had her ring. I hope she doesn't start thinking I, not her cleaner, Dory, took her things. She then read me some things from a kind of diary she wrote in fifteen or twenty years ago. Nothing notable, though. 
Note: Finally, at long last, I got a full refund from AirBnB for my aborted trip to Jersey.

Wednesday

I'm beginning to wonder why the Internet was ever invented. I think the reason was TO DRIVE ME CRAZY! 
Issue 1: Try as I might, I couldn't get Zoom to work correctly. Actually, it worked fine for me--I saw myself, member number 1, but since talking to myself didn't seem like much fun, I wanted to get my friend Nancy on. She couldn't get in and I couldn't get her in.
Issue 2: I got an email from Apple saying I'd be charge $29.95 a month for Pandora Music if I didn't cancel on May 27. Yesterday was May 27. I tried to cancel and got a message saying they needed verification: name, phone number, and birth date. Birth day? Why would they  need that? Long, long story I just want to forget, so I'll just mention the upshot was I talked to Apple and I think they resolved that it was a phishing attempt.
Issue 3: I still haven't received the book I ordered on April 21 on Amazon. I contacted them after a few weeks and they said they sent a replacement. That hasn't arrived, either.
Issue 4: For several days now, I have been getting old posts on Facebook, that is, when I go to "Home," what comes up are things I've already seen or a mix of new and old, mostly old. I have no idea how to deal with this.
Issue 5: I know there is one, but I can't remember what it is.
Aside from all that crapola, I did get a good walk in. After lunch, I bused to town, walked again to The Promenade and had a fine time following along the Pacific toward Surfer's Point. I then went past the estuary and all the way to Main, then walked up  another mile or so before I caught a bus home. I figured I did about six miles, which I often total in a day, but usually don't do all at once. That felt good.
Betty called; I'll see her about noon today. Ellen also called and we talked on the bus, while I walked from there home, and later, also. The kitties are wonderful and I think their names are now Gwendolyn and Cecily (from The Odd Couple).Happily,  Ellen said she'd Zoom me over the weekend to try to teach me what I'm doing wrong.
Oh, one more "issue": I received a communication from So-Fi Apartments to the effect that I had to get renters' insurance by Jun 5. What a drag and I have no fear anything will be stolen from me by anybody aside from So-Fi Apartments, yet they insist I must.
However, all this seemed of no consequence when I remember the mysterious and beautiful place where I walked yesterday by the Ventura estuary:

It wasn't as gloomy as this looks, although the mountains toward Ojai were shrouded in mist. It wasn't as deserted, either; people were walking, biking, and being together.

I love this place.

Walking, Window Washing, And Well, I Can't Think Of Another "W"

I'm back in my walker mode. Walked to the market after breakfast and got spaghetti and acorn squash, plus a little fence-type thing to hold my big geranium back. I want to get another for the lavender, which is getting huge.
Jess, the window washer, did a wonderful job on the sliding glass door. It took him only about fifteen minutes and he did both sides, plus cleaned the sliding screen, which I hadn't even thought of. (Of which I hadn't even thought--now, stop it, Mimi!)
He's a very nice guy. We chatted and I learned this was his father's business ("Expert Window Cleaning"), who's now retired. Jess lives a few miles away with his 16-year-old son (nobody stays married in California). He then told me that his other teenaged son was killed last year in an accident. I was so sorry to hear that; such tragedies in the world.
After lunch, I took the footpath to the park and back, which got me a good daily total of about six miles. Talked to NM on the phone.
I met David W. at the fire pit at 4:30 and he proved to be an interesting guy. He's divorced, a retired botanist, and volunteers at the shoreline park, counting birds. I got there first and when he walked up, he was carrying a can of beer. I said, "Gee, if I had known you were bringing beer, I would have, too." He asked if I wanted one, I said yes, and he went back to his apartment and got me an IPA. We stayed there talking for a full hour, which was so enjoyable. He said he was going to send a letter to management protesting the utilities bill and also other complaints. We're both going to write about the situation in Yelp. I'll let the other neighbors know and ask if they'll do the same. Anyway, it was good to meet him and I hope to see him again.
Put a fresh Ahi tuna steak in the oven, along with mushrooms.  After, I asked Suzanne to sit out front with me to chat. We did, for about forty-five and it was so good. She said there's a Zoom tutorial on-line and I'm anxious to look it up.
After just sitting and talking with people twice in a day, I felt the full impact of not being able to do that for so long.
Here's my beautifully spotless patio door from both angles:

 

Buses And Byrne'es

Buses don't run on Memorial Day--AAGH! That meant I couldn't go anywhere more than a few miles away, so it was somewhat of a slow pokey day. I called my cousin Kevin's wife, Linda, at 10:00 am and we talked for exactly one hour and thirty minutes!
I like her so much. We filled each other in on backgrounds (the reticence of the Byrne family, into which I was born and the Irish in general); present day doings (not much exciting because of The Situation), and tragedies and other unfortunate happenings of family.
I heard about hers: older son who died a week after his thirtieth birthday; whether suicide or an accident seems hard to fathom; younger son recently endured an unpleasant divorce; daughter who's gaining a worrisome amount of weight; only grandchild, four years old she rarely sees. I shared some of the difficult experiences we've had, too, although they seem to have been very few, lately, I'm  happy to note. We also bonded over other mutual likes and dislikes.
Linda is younger than I am: just turned 70, and Kevin and she are the same years apart as my husband, Pat and I were: seven years. I remember my cuz as a one-year-old, I guess, in diapers, but don't even remember seeing him since. She asked if I wanted to say hello to him. I did, but oh, yeah, he's a Byrne, all right,  no spark there.
After, I went back to my "job" of typing out my father's journal. Finally finished January and will continue on. I called Betty to see if she had a better copy of the newspaper about our father's death in 1950. If so, she doesn't know where it is. I messaged the Press of Atlantic City, asking if they  had it in the archives.  Got a response that digitized copies are kept at the Atlantic City library. I'll try there.
Walked over to Von's for lettuce and carrots--oh, and I picked up some Chardonnay, too. I chose Gallo because my cousin, the aforementioned Kevin, retired from there. He was a senior research scientist for Gallo Winery--has a doctorate, which I guess you need for working at a winery--but why?
Got an email from David W., who had contacted me about the utilities bill. We arranged to "meet in the middle" of the complex today at 4:30. In fact, I'm meeting two men today: "Jesse" is coming to wash my sliding door window at noon.
I've been trying to get my friend, Nancy, on Zoom.  We want to have a virtual Happy Hour together, but I just can't seem to do it. What a drag. No real walking yesterday; aside from Von's, I started out after dinner, but just walked around the block.
My new little grandkittens:

Two Kitties And Town

It was a pretty good day, although the Sunday crossword was annoyingly obtuse.
After breakfast, I took my little cart and walked to Smart 'n' Final for blueberries. On the way, Ellen called and reported my two newly-acquired grandkitties. They're very shy and hide under the bed, but I'm sure will acclimate soon. Later, she posted a video on Facebook and they're the cutest little things. Can't wait to be able to play with them.
Home, a new virtual jigsaw puzzle, lunch, then I hopped a bus to town.
Wow! The streets were thronged with people enjoying the gorgeous day and the just-opened restaurants, which were jammed. The instructions on re-opening seemed to be fluid; I think there's something about only 25% of capacity being permitted and so on, but many seemed full. Hey, no prob on my end--I just want to go out to lunch.
Speaking of--I emailed my lunch buddies Nancy and Carolyn to that effect. Carolyn replied "Sorry, I'm still home and I'm broke." To be honest, I've just about had it with her. I know she has serious emotional problems and I'm sorry, but I've reached out to her over and over and I don't think I will anymore. She's the same age as my older daughter, but her two grown children are parasites, which is probably why she's broke.
Nancy wrote back that her son "won't let her" go out for another month.  That doesn't surprise me and I understand his concern, but I can't imagine being quite that docile. Anyway, the hell with it; maybe I'll go by myself.
El had mentioned that Goodwill stores were open and I went to the one in town. Had to wait a good 20 minutes outside, as they let only a certain number of people in at a time. I bought two pretty cups and two DVDs: Great Performances (in movies), and Scarface (don't ask).
It was such fun to be back in town, although the helicopter circling--and circling and circling--overhead was disconcerting. I think we've handed over our privacy forever and ever now and once gone, it will never be back.
Home about 5:00. After dinner I got a number of Facebook messages from Linda, my cousin Kevin's wife. I never knew her, but somehow, we connected on-line. We wrote back and forth and I said I'd call her this morning. I completely forgot they live in California, so said I'd call her a 11:30, her time. Hey, that's my time, too! She must have been puzzled, but I'll wait until 11:30 to call.
Called my brother, Jim, to thank him for the clipping about my father's fatal accident. I'm afraid he's really getting slow on the uptake. However, he's still planning on their move to Bangkok in August

Saturday

I spent several hours after breakfast transcribing my father's diary--and I'm not even out of January. This is a more formidable job than I thought it would be, but I have plenty of time on my hands.
I did deviate a bit by checking Facebook; texting "Jesse" to respond to his offer to wash my sliding glass door; and--most enjoyable--talking to my old pal and classmate, Jeanne Painter. She called to ask about something that had to do with her long-ago divorce, but I didn't have any information on the subject. We had a good time hashing over the past, though, for almost an hour.
Did a wash--colors--and some food prep, including the spaghetti squash. I cut up my cauliflower, seasoning, and popping it in the smaller slow cooker. Instead of my usual huge salad for lunch, I just had the cauliflower. All of it.
Walked down Victoria after to get some cash at the bank. I also wanted to rent a movie (Once Upon A Time In Hollywood), and get some paper products. Annoyingly, BOA's ATMs are "temporarily not in service" and, of course, the lobby wasn't open. And Ralph's Supermarket didn't have the DVD.
As I walked down Victoria Avenue to Telephone Road, I saw the demonstrators--kind of a mixed bag--and I chatted with some. There was a church group, a young man who  just wanted to go back to work, and these four young people:

I agree that beaches and parks are essential. Most are opened here now, with some truly idiotic caveats (you can surf, ride bike, run, and walk, but you can't stand or sit). Anyway, I wished the crowd luck and went on my way.

Home by bus and I stopped at Von's for this and that, but completely forgot to get the cash. Oh, well, I'll pick it up somewhere. On my way home, I cut through the middle area and met up with a woman named Debbie. She has lived here for two years and works at some kind of finance place. She mentioned how busy she is, as everyone wants to refinance. Interest rates down to two something? I think mine for my house in Jersey is higher, although I'm not sure. Maybe I should refinance. I'll consult my financial advisor in Singapore.

Home and I continued transcribing (this is going to take forever), then got tired of it and did a few virtual jigsaw puzzles. Jumped up at 4:45, just having to get outside. Walked to the footpath over the highway and to the park, so I got in about three and a half miles. Along with my earlier walk, I certainly completed five, which is what I aim for every day. 

Got the mail and my brother, Jim, who's 94, sent me the newspaper article from June 3, 1950 in The Atlantic City Press. It's about my father's accident and includes a picture. It's a very poor copy, though, and I'm going to see if I can get a better one.

  

OUCH!

It's painful that I weighed in yesterday at 134.2.* That's five pounds heavier than at my last T.O.P.S. ("Take Off Pounds Sensibly") meeting on March 7th.  Okay, I know how this happened and I know how to get back on track and I'm going to do it.
Changed the bed and did a white wash before breakfast. After that, I spent several hours chained to this machine. I thought it would be fun to start a round robin type email to those in m y T.O.P.S. group. I put in my unfortunate weight gain and how it happened, as I well know. Got a number of responses, so I'll initiate this every Friday.
After lunch, I walked to the market and got goodies: cauliflower, broccoli, and spaghetti squash. Took a bus home. Called Betty to tell her I'd visit her next week. Called her daughter, Carolyn and we settled on Thursday. I'll stop and pick up lunch on the way and we can eat it on her patio.
Besides that, I've started a project that's going to take awhile: I'm transcribing my father's diary of 1945. It's actually a work diary, not personal, although here and there, I was charmed to see little items, such as mentioning "the twins." (We were eight years old.)
Here's the book:

And here's his entry of exactly seventy-five years ago:

Sick at home

Visited Dr McGeehan

Prescription

Most entries were much longer and all but a few chronicled his work as a civil engineer. I'm proud of the fact that my father had a masters degree in the days when that was very unusual for a middle-class farm boy. But my grandparents were always insistent that their children get good educations. 

* It's actually more than that, as I weighed myself au naturel yesterday and somehow, never thought of doing that at T.O.P.S. when we met at Trinity Lutheran (heh-heh).

Facetime And Hoboken

I had my virtual doctor's appointment, but as it turned out, Facetime didn't work for some reason, so we just did it on the phone. To say it was perfunctory is putting too fine a gloss on it. "Do you have any fever, coughing, upset stomach?" No, no, and no, and that was more or less the gist of it.
That's not really true. Dr. Jennings asked other things and I said some things, but the bottom line is, I feel fine, my blood work is fine, and I'll see--or "see"--her again in August.
I then planted my two new ivy geraniums and tidied up the patio garden a bit.  Went to the trash/recycle area to leave off a nice flower holder and some decorative balls (people leave things and pick up things there; it's a kind of informal swap mark). I met a neighbor named Christopher and we chatted. He has serious diabetes and some balance problems, although I doubt if he's over sixty.
Lunched, then walked the footpath to Kimball Park. I met Gus again, who immediately asked me if Frank Sinatra was from New Jersey. Yes, Hoboken,* and Gus then favored me with his rendition of "Fly Me To The Moon." We chatted for a bit and I also heard Nat singing "Unforgettable" by his avatar. Gus has some screws loose, I'm afraid, but I want to be kind to him.
Got to the park and was pleased to see the little library door had been repaired. I added two books and, of course, had to take this one home:

I didn't realize it was a child's book when I picked it u p, but I think I'll read it anyway. Incidentally, that scribble on the title page is actually part of the book.
Walked home the long way, so got in about four miles. Dropped off my books, then took off for town to the nursery there, hoping that 1. they were open and 2. they had better flowering plants than Green Thumb. They wren't open, so I don't know.
Ellen called while I waited for the bus. She said she and niece Carolyn, had no objection to me visiting Betty in Santa Barbara. Somehow, though, I've lost my enthusiasm for it, but I think Betty will be happy, so maybe I'll go for just a few hours.
* I can't believe it--the illiterates at Spellcheck red-underlined Hoboken! I spelled it right and it's a place, you dodos!  

Better Day

Okay, I've bounced back, sassy as ever.
I was determined not to mope around like a spoiled kid and act like an adultr for a change. After breakfast, I walked to Smart 'n" Final for blueberries, so I got about 2 1/2 miles in. Did some household chores, lunched, then--I called my great-grandson.
I hadn't talked to him for some time, usually getting the Jersey news through his Nana, my daughter. It was so good to hear his voice--he sounds just like his Dad on the phone. We discussed what gift he wants for his graduation (doesn't know), what he'll major in (will be undeclared until he sees which courses he likes best), any girls on the horizon (no, because it's hard to find them when you can't go out), did he ever smoke marijuana (silence, which was a dead giveaway). We laughed over the fact that it's legal in California and I've tried it, but I probably did it wrong because I don't think I got any effect.  Anyway, it was wonderful to talk to him.
I then took my little cart and walked to Wal-Mart, then a block later, Green Thumb, getting in another two miles. Bought some geraniums and took a bus home. Dropped the cart and the plants off, then boarded a bus to the mall, where I went to Target and bought A SCALE.
Why? Because I doubt if T.O.P.S. is going to resume meetings anytime soon and I want to keep track. I know I've gained some--probably three or four pounds--and I want to nip it in the bud.
It's now 6:13 am and I'll have a virtual doctor's appointment in about two hours, a first for me. It's just routine--I'm feeling fine--but the very concept is something hard to get my head around. Brave new world? Yes, and if this is one of its basic attributes, I fear for the future.

Jim, Jim, And My Tiresome Day

It was a pleasant surprise to get a comment here from Jim Wetzel. He and I had followed each other's blogs for several years, but then he withdrew from society,  moved to a cave in deepest Iowa, and spent the rest of his life contemplating his...
Okay, not so, but I was glad to hear from him.
As for my day--it seems to have been a series of misses. I called Mike Williams at Grey Law and after I explain the "utilities bill" situation, he looked up the law and yes, it's perfectly legal, as I expected. It's unbelievable how the politicians in this state issue all kinds of pronouncements about how expensive housing is here and how tough it is on people, knowing very well they've allowed laws designed to do exactly that. Anyway, I emailed those who had received my letter in error to tell them.
My brother, Jim, called again to get my address. At 94, he's getting somewhat slow and confused, I'm afraid. I'm still hoping to visit when he and Therese move to Bangkok in August.
I tackled trying to get my deposit of $283.15 back from AirBnB. I literally (and I know that doesn't mean "sort of") spent hours on-line and trying to get them on the phone. I "chatted" with several people, who kept pushing me up to case managers and above. I think--but I'm actually not sure--that I got the refund, less thirty-six something for "cleaning" and "taxes." How this can be justified for a trip from June 11 to 24 is beyond me, but at this point, I'll just settle for something.
All that meant I didn't walk to Green Thumb, which I wanted to do. In fact, I didn't go out at all until 4:30, when I was completely drained from staying in. I changed (it had gotten very windy and cool), walked to the bus stop, and boarded. Got off at the mall and went to Target, didn't buy anything, and went back home.
Betty called and asked, "how are you?" I told her I was very down re the thwarted trip to Jersey and her response was, "Oh. Well, guess what I did today?" She played a game with Carolyn and "I got them all right. Want to hear them? Here they are..." and so on and so on. She even worked in the story of how son Wes got a perfect score on the LSATs (I've heard this a million times and it happened thirty years ago) and how all her grandchildren are on the honor roll. I just said, "I have to go. Goodbye."
I know this is rotten of me because my twin sister has dementia and is getting worse all the time, but in this particular instance, I had just run all out of sympathy and patience. I couldn't stand to listen to it anymore. Yes, I should be ashamed, but I'm not. I know she won't remember the exchange anyway, which is--what's that old saying?--oh, yes, both a blessing and a curse.
Called Ellen on my way home and, as ever, felt a lot better after chatting with her.

Snails And Geraniums

I made a phone call and expressed regret for my reaction on Sunday to the disappointing news. I was understood and we had a good talk. I hope to be able to get to NM in July, but it's all up in the air at the moment. I'm okay now, even reasonably chipper, so that's good.
I called Grey Law and left a message, but haven't yet heard back. I'll call again this morning and see if I can get some answers.
Walked to Smart 'n' Final and back (total, about 3) for staples, such as carrots and blueberries, the usual. Stopped at Dollar Tree for plastic salad tongs (I had broken the the one I use everyday) and trekked back.
The way home is past the lemon orchards on Telegraph Road (no, I haven't snatched any lemons; I still have some in the freezer from Ellen) and I was interested to see so many little snails on the pavement. When I was a kid in Ventnor, I don't remember seeing any snails in the wild, so to speak. I remember little cartoon ones and those my brother bought to keep his fish tank clean, but not outside. I think they're cute, although I believe they eat flowers and things.
Speaking of--I was dismayed when I went out to the patio to see what happened to my pretty geranium plant. The first picture is how it looked two days ago:

The second picture is how it looks now, with the blooms hit:

I know how it happened: I had heard one of the workers using a zapper, or whatever they are, to trim the grass next to the beds and and the geranium, as shown, hangs over it a bit. He got too close and must have hit it with the device. I was all set to call Bianca and tell her I want it replaced, but then started to think about it. The gardener is surely minimum wage, may even be undocumented, may not speak English, and has a shitty job to begin with. He may be supporting a family. He certainly didn't get a very good deal in life and here I am, comfortably fixed, with few worries or real problems and, damn, the geranium will probably survive anyway. So the hell with complaining. Now the phony "utility bill"--that's worth complaining about!  

Ellen came about five and put in my pretty yellow daisy. It looks great and I plan to buy another of the delicate little white ones--maybe two--to add. I took her advice and cut off the broken geranium blossoms and put them in a vase. There are plenty of more buds on it, so I'm going to stop "dwelling," as the saying goes. (I'm afraid I'm the champion dweller of all ime.) 

Disappointment

What kind of day was it, Mimi?  Not so good.
But okay for a time: Did my usual Sunday thing, then Betty called and we chatted. I called her daughter, Carolyn, after, just to say hello and we talked for almost an hour. We discussed the possibility of me visiting Betty; I hope it can be worked out. I told Carolyn to check with Ellen because I wouldn't want to do anything to make her uncomfortable.
Then I got a call. I was told that my trip to Jersey next month for my great-grandson's high school graduation was off. It just seemed too dangerous, considering all factors. To say I was disappointed doesn't even cover it and I didn't react very well.
However, after that, I called Ellen. I had thought she was going to come over during the weekend and plant my daisy, but she hadn't really said that; she'll be here today, instead. After talking over the situation, we went into Messenger Video. We stayed on for a long time, adding silly "effects" on both our faces. El looked adorable as a space-baby, a bunny, a femme fatale, and other cutie-pies.
I felt much, much better after that. Went over to Von's to get a few things and picked up some little bottles of Chardonnay and yes, later on, while I watched my one hour of television, I had myself a glass of wine.   
I called grandson, Joel, when I got home and we had a long talk. I was glad to hear that the grad, Joel Junior, wasn't particularly interested in the graduation, but was looking forward to his college career. His Dad said they go out bike-riding every evening. He said Jamie, his partner, was getting to be a wonderful cook--hey, that's all to the good.
So I feel somewhat better. I've been invited to New Mexico in July and hope to go. My brother, Jim, called to ask if I wanted some family memorabilia and yes, I do.
So okay--I hope I can get my air fare and airbnb deposit back now.

So-So

A so-so day. After breakfast, I watered my garden, which entails filling a metal pitcher at the kitchen sink, pouring it on a plant, then going back and doing it three more times. Suzanne commiserated with me the other day--she has a hose, which won't reach my patio--but jeez, I don't have much else to do. It's good exercise, too. I must say, the place looks nice.
Walked to the market (3 mi. back and forth) for spaghetti squash, broccoli, and a few other things. Walking home, I saw at Victoria and Telephone a demonstration protesting the lock down:

They seemed to be a mixed group, some religious--"Faith, Not Fear"read a sign--others maybe libertarians. For all I know, they were aliens from outer space who wanted all humans to get the virus and die, so they could take over the world. Anyway, I walked past and wished them good luck, not exactly agreeing whole-heartedly, but sympathizing, that's a cinch.

Here's the one I listen to most closely, Dr. Z. I like that he mentions Singapore, of course, which is close to my heart, but most especially, I like his sensible discussion of weighing the relative benefits and dangers of one's actions re the virus. I greatly approve of what he tells us about going out in the open air, of course, but was taken aback re his comments on cloth mask. He prefers surgical ones, but where I'd get them, I don't have a clue, so I'll keep wearing the ones Robyn made and keep hoping the ones my daughter-in-law finally get here. This is about 45 minutes long, but I was absorbed:

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPHSmOhqdHA&feature=emb_share&fbclid=IwAR0xRHQyl_rLVgm4-ghWEwm393wnpassBL8on_z9iGpgDqBkeQ5fD6KfENY

I got yet another email from a fellow resident, saying he received my letter and, of course, heartily approves. I wrote him back right away and hope to meet him. I'm wondering if some kind of group action would be possible--I'll ask the attorney when I call him tomorrow.

At loose ends about 4:30, I walked to the bus stop with the vague idea of going to the mall. As I was waiting, though, I realize that was silly--what would I do there, anyway? So I walked home, prepared my cauliflower and salmon, and put them both in the oven to roast. 

A Young Couple And Capitalism

Stripped and changed the bed and did a bleach wash. Scrubbed the kitchen double sink. It's stainless steel and always shines when it's done, but water marks soon spot it, which is annoying.
Put some books in my little cart and walked the footbridge to the park to re-supply the little library, even though there's no door. While there, I was on the phone and got some disconcerting news: My trip to Jersey, both airline ticket and airBnb planned and paid for, will probably not come off, at least not that way it was originally. I understand that those flying into Jersey have to be initially quarantined for two weeks "in place." No way am I going to spend fourteen days with strangers or--worse--with just myself. We had a discussion about an alternate plan, but it's still up in the air.
My friend, Suz, a doer and shaker around town, whom I had consulted about a free consultation attorney, suggested I contact a Mike Williams at Grey Law. I looked it up, but they are open only M-F from 9 to 2:30 and it was just after that. I sent an email with a synopsis and will call him on Monday.
Home, lunch, and I tidied up a bit. Showered and prepared to meet Isaac and Leah, the couple who emailed me that had gotten the letter I sent to Bianca. They came about 4:00 and I took them outside to the picnic table.
What a delightful young couple! We talked for more than an hour and I filled them in with various info about the apartment complex. They moved here only in February, just in time for the virus thing, unfortunately, so they haven't met many other residents. We discussed the rent, the "utilities charge," and lots of other topics. Both are native Californians and Leah was born and brought up in Ojai; her aunt lives down the street from Ellen. Isaac is of Chinese decent, Leah Caucasian; I was interested to learn they went to Tokyo on their anniversary.
They kept masks on the whole time, although it was surely unnecessary. Leah said her sister, who lives in New York, had had the virus, has recovered, but was very sick, so I guess they're wary. Anyway, it was so enjoyable to meet and talk with them. I told them I'd keep them posted on the problemo with the "utilities" charge.
Speaking of which: When I went home, I found on my door a letter from Bianca, repeating the tired old phrases she used on the phone--oh, no, no, there's no double charge, what could you be thinking? I'd find it ever so refreshing if, once in a while, these tiresome minions of the powerful would just say, "yeah, we're gauging you and the rest of the powerless, so what?"  Instead, we get this sanctimonious crap. Of course, that's what capitalism is, as so many who defend it keep skipping over. 
I forgot to mention before that my nephew, Patrick Byrne, the head and neck surgeon at Johns Hopkins, has accepted the offer of chair of the otolaryngology department at the Cleveland Clinic. Not sure when he starts, but he, Susan, and the four kiddies will be moving to Ohio shortly.

Patio And Park

Early on, I tackled the patio clean-up. I wanted to get rid of the table I had out there with a large succulent in it, plus tidy up otherwise. I was going to leave the table by the trash in case someone might want it, but I hit on the idea of putting it outside Suzanne's and my mutual entrance walk. I was about to text her to see if she liked it, but she came out and, yes, she likes it a lot.

I still want to add more to the patio plantings, but so far, I've got it this way:

Here's a close-up of the lavender and geranium, which add such bright color to the patio:

I  just took this, at 6:30 am, which does show very well the beautiful lavender.

At the top is the left side, then the right. I'm sorry I planted the pretty little daisies 'way over on the end, but rather than transplant, I think I'll get another. Here's a close-up of the lavender and geranium, which add such bright color to the patio:

I  just took this at 6:30 am, so the the beautiful lavender looks kind of muted. In fact, my phone/camera takes such lousy pictures, it's disappointing that the patio doesn't show up as attractive  as it actually is.

Did the footpath to the park after that, on a beautiful day. I meant to bring some books to the little library, but forgot; I'll try to get there today.  I called Betty from there; didn't mention the (non) fact that her helper had switched T.V. boxes and neither did she, so I hope she forgot about it. She called me again on my way home to tell me the light in her oven had suddenly gone on and she couldn't get it off. I'm quite sure she accidentally turned it on, but she insisted she hadn't. Anyway, she told me about calling this person and that and finally, "a  man came and just pressed a tiny button and it went off." I hope she doesn't get charged for that.

After lunch, I walked to the market for produce. Took the bus to the transit center and caught the number 10 home. Cut up two pounds of tomatoes, mixed in chopped onions and garlic, added olive oil and vinegar, plus spices and popped it in the oven. This is how I always prepare tomatoes for my daily salad. 

Ellen called about 6:00, just getting back from school. We had a good talk and she asked if I wanted her to come over on the weekend and plant the larger daisy. Yes, great, and she'll call me to set up a time. 

Wednesday

Went to Von's for chicken and a few other things in the morning. On the way, I asked three residents if they had received my letter. No, no, and no, but I chatted with a very pleasant woman named--I love it!--"Berry." I think she's from Jamaica, as the has the lilting accent and I enjoyed talking to her.
Another neighbor, whose name is Frank, didn't receive it, either, but he was very interested and we had a good talk.
I again called manager--oops, "community director"--Bianca after breakfast. She insisted she had never gotten my message on Monday and I just don't believe her. I repeated my outrage that my personal information was sent to total strangers and demanded to know how many got it before the error was remedied. I expected maybe four or five, as I've already heard from a man and a couple, and was floored when she said, "in the fifties." Un-friggin' believable! I finally told her I might carry this farther and hung up. Talked to a woman at the bar association and asked if she knew of any attorneys with a free initial consultation; nope. Called the Legal Assistance and their phone has been disconnected. Called Tenants' Rights and got a recorded message to leave information and it may take two weeks before I'm called back.
I got an email from the Hsieh couple in response to my suggestion we meet tomorrow, but they'll be in L.A., so I'll see them on Friday afternoon. I said they could knock on my door, then we can sit outside at the barbecue area to talk.
Hopped a bus after lunch, intending to go downtown, but I had to wait for the 6 bus at the transit center, spotted the 16 to Ojai, and impulsively boarded that instead. I walked Main Street there in the business district (small shops, fancy restaurants), stopping at the Westside Market (high-end and pricey) and The Rainbow Bridge* to use the bathroom. I then walked the mile and a half or so to the far bus stop, boarded, and got about 6:00.
*I may have mentioned this before, but must repeat: I always howl--figuratively speaking--when I hear the name of this place, which is a supermarket, for Pete's sake. It's funny when you consider the definition of "rainbow bridge":

The Rainbow Bridge is a meadow where animals wait for their humans to join them, and the bridge that takes them all to Heaven, together.

Thanks a bunch, but I think I'll pass.

I'm not sure why I took this pic, but I like the old California look. It's the Ojai Museum, originally St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, which burned in 1917. Annoyingly, the website doesn't say when the church was built.

Tip-Top

Got up feeling tip-top. As usual, I added to my blog, looked at Facebook, and checked my e-mail. What was this? Another message from a couple who are complete strangers to me, saying they had also received my letter! They expressed great interest and wrote an intelligent letter. I wrote back and filled them in on what has happened so far. Incidentally--or not--I haven't yet received a phone call back from Bianca.
After breakfast, I got my little cart and prepared to walk to the market and Wal-Mart. On my way, I met up with Michele, and told her of the latest re my letter to management. She hadn't been sent my letter, so I assume only certain people were, but whom?
Got my sleep aid and cottage cheese at that poor excuse for a retail store, but the only convenient one, W-M, then shopped the nearby market for blueberries, tomatoes, cauliflower, romaine, and a few other things. Boy, did that fill up my cart with heavy stuff, but luckily, I caught a bus after waiting less than five, and didn't have to walk the full way.
Home and I prepared my salad, ate, then Betty called and sang the praises of the woman, "Dorie," I think it is, who was there vacuuming making her bed, and playing games with her. She wanted me to do Facetime with her, but for some reason, she couldn't pick up.
Left for the footpath and park about 3:00 and was pleased to run into Diane, my idol when it comes to walking. We talked for fifteen or so, then continued on our ways. I checked the little lending library, but sadly, the door hasn't been replaced.
On the way home, Betty called again to tell me that Dorie had taken her television box and replaced it with a different way. Damn. There's no sense at all in trying to tell her that didn't happen, so I asked if she told Carolyn ("yes, and she doesn't think it happened"), and if the T.V. works anyway ("it did, but I keep pushing buttons and now it says 'no signal'")--double damn! If you start pushing buttons, but don't know what they do, disaster looms. I commiserated with her, but I'm helpless here in Ventura. First of all, Dorie surely didn't switch boxes ("she did it before, too, but brought it back"), and second, there's no way I could help even if I was there.
When I got home, I found another email from the couple who had received my letter. I had sort of obliquely suggested we meet and they want to do that. I looked them up (you can hide from the Internet) and was charmed to find they have a  photography studio and have a web site, which includes their picture:

I emailed back, suggesting we meet tomorrow, somewhere on the complex. 

Dud

After an enjoyable Mothers Day, the day after was a dud. I really didn't do much, aside from dig a big hole on the patio and plant the smaller of the two daisies. It looks very pretty, but the big one is going to take some doing and I think I want to shift some of the succulents around.
I called Bianca about carelessly sending my letter out, but didn't receive a call back. I hope that means she wasn't in yesterday, but dammit, she'd better respond when I call her again today.
I'm sorry to say I had some of the Chocolate Chex cereal for lunch, but I did wrap up the rest, and walk to the P.O. to send it off to New Mexico. From there, I hopped a bus to the transit center, just on impulse, but took a number 10 back from there because it was chilly and I was a little at loose ends.
Home, I just didn't feel like doing anything productive--or even non-productive.
This inactivity--or inability to go here and there as I please--is getting me down. So how did I handle that? I sat and watched an old Biography on YouTube. Which one? The Nelson Family, from Ozzie and Harriet to the present crop of entertainers. Well, not all of them, as the 90-minute show was aired in 1998, so twenty-two years ago, but still, I found it interesting. I hadn't know that Ozzie was born and brought up in Jersey and, in fact, went to Rutgers, although he left before getting a law degree.
Surprisingly, because I tend to think the worst, I sleeep soundly all night. Did get up a little early--at 5:30, but feel good now and will follow my more active routine.

My Mothers Day

Had a great Mothers Day with El.  As planned, I got to her place in Ojai about noon, and sat and chatted while she made a pasta lunch in the Instapot, plus asparagus, and a cold Blue Moon. We ate in her beautiful backyard, where she has planted lots of vegetables, including tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and broccoli, as well as chives, oregano, parsley, and other goodies. Since she's hired a gardener, her place looks fabulous:

In the second photo, note the rectangular containers next to the porch. They have a hose pipe on the side where you water them. It takes only a short time, because the water doesn't get dissipated away from the plants or into the ground. The important thing is that they foil the gophers who colonize around here and will eat what they like from the bottom up.
I had requested ice cream for dessert (a special treat for me, which I haven't tasted for several months) and she served up rocky road--yum!
I opened my present from my older daughter and we then facetimed her and had a good chat. She was putting makeup on and continued while we talked. After, El and I stayed outside chatting, then I suggested Margaritas and we sipped them (but very small ones).
I stayed until after 4:00; with many thanks to dear El, then walked to the bus stop. I had to wait about a half hour, caught 5:23 back to Ventura, and the next one, and walked in my door when it was almost 7:00.
I had no sooner gotten in when Mike video called--first on the phone, but mine didn't seem to work right, so we went to Skype on the laptop. Had a wonderful talk with him, Paula, Vivian, and Violet over in Singapore and what a pleasure. So, it was a very enjoyable Mother's Day.
Except that earlier: Late on Saturday, I received an email message to the effect that the sender agreed with my letter to management that the utilities bill was a double charge. WHAT? This was from a complete stranger, who signed himself POA (I assume that means power of attorney) for someone in an apartment near me. When I furiously asked how he got it, he sent me Bianca's casual apology that it was just an accident. Now this man, whoever he is, has my apartment and email address, and my phone number. I'll be in touch with Bianca shortly, you can be sure.
On a happier note, here are El and me yesterday:

The Usual Doings

I made a jigsaw out of the pic I took of the lovely daisies Ellen gave me, the top one in the entry of yesterday.

Got an "auntie's mother's day" card from my  niece, Joan. Received an Amazon gift card from Mike, an excellent choice at this time. Went to Von's before lunch for romaine, which I immediately ate for lunch, along with additions.
Suzanne rang my bell and we sat out front; she made sure to pull our chair six feet apart. (That would never have entered my head.) We chatted, mostly about the Co-Vid 19 situation, but also about the new charge for utilities. I'm always surprised how easily people accept what they're told, whether it's from FPI Management or the government's lackeys, the mass media. She seems to question nothing and was surprised that I do, including the official narrative. She's never disapproving, though, and I like talking to her.
After that, I walked to the market for the large containers of tomatoes they sell. I was aghast that they didn't have any--about the first time that happened. However, I'll improvise for salad tomorrow and I'm be at Ellen's today, anyway.
Speaking of whom, she called just as I was walking in the door. I told her I had called the Access Van and they will take people only to doctor's appointments and supermarkets. I might as well just take the regular bus--well, two of them--and that's what I'll do.
Betty called after that. She wanted me to go on Facetime, but she couldn't seem to get it to ring. I said I'd call her later. I did and called her on Messenger video; I like that better anyway
Got an email from son in Tokyo to say they had sent a Mother's Day card, but just after they mailed it, Japan stopped sending mail to the U.S. That's hard to understand. He then wrote to the effect he had scanned the card and, presumably, sent it by email, but I haven't gotten that yet, either.
What I did get and was stunned to receive, was an email from a James Clayton, who said he was POA (I assume meaning power of attorney) for my neighbor here, his brother. He said he had  received by mistake the letter I had sent FPI Management with a copy to the manager here. WHAT? It turned out Bianca, the manager, had accidentally sent him that instead of an ad for a food truck. I am furious and tomorrow, I intend to see how this could have happened, dammit.
El called and we firmed up plans for today.

Blood And The Beautiful Beach

Darn, I experienced one of my infrequent restless nights; woke up at 12:30 and couldn't get back to sleep for what seemed an age. I had set the alarm for 6:30, my preferred wake-up time, but got up about 6:00.
Had coffee without anything in it and left for Quest about 7:30. My appointment was for 8:15, but I wasn't sure how long it would take me, so I gave it 45 minutes. Actually, I got there a good twenty minutes early, so I'm going to figure I walk a mile in a little less than a half-hour. They took me promptly, I was stuck in the arm (no good) and hand (a geyser), and got out of there quickly. Smart 'n' Final is in the same center, so I went there for blueberries and fajitas. Walked home, so got in about two and a half miles before breakfast.

After, I did a lot of food prep with my yummy produce: trimmed and cut the broccoli, did the same with the Brussels sprouts, cut and removed the seeds from the squash, and sliced the mushrooms. I then replenished my supply of ready-to-cook raw onions and peppers by chopping the former and slicing the latter, then separating them into portion sizes and freezng.
After lunch, I took off for town and walked The Promenade in perfect weather. I saw these interesting stone creations:

I walked all the way from where I got off the bus at Sanjon Street, to The Promenade, then along it for a mile or more back, so I think I totaled six or seven for the day. That area is one of my faves and the beach there is broad and beautiful. Lots of walkers, runners, and bikers clearly feel the same way and it warmed my heart to see them.
Caught the bus back, but stayed on to go to Ralph's Supermarket, where I bought grapes. Home and I prepared these items for dinner and baked them in the oven: salmon, Brussels sprouts, and mushrooms. Damn, they were good!
Ellen came over on her way from work (school--yes, she still goes in to make up work packets for her students) with my Mothers Day presents, two beautiful daisy plants--they're some of my favorite flowers:

Tomorrow, I'll be over at her place for lunch. That's the best Mothers Day present I can get.

Crying And Communism

Since I was completely out of fresh produce, I set off after breakfast for the market. Got mushrooms, broccoli, lettuce (I had to settle for iceberg, as they had no romaine), onions, an acorn squash, and big green and red peppers. Walked halfway home and caught a bus the rest of the way.
After lunch, I kind of half-heartedly cleared up the lower shelf on one of my bookcases. This contains loose-leaf binder in which I keep some of my enormous numbers of family pictures and documents, such as my father's death certificate. Naturally, I also spent time on a virtual jigsaw puzzle and a few other idle amusements. I surprised myself after completing this puzzle by bursting into tears:

I cried at what was lost, of course, but I actually felt better after. After lunch, I took the footpath to the park, sat down on a bench, and called the little girl on the left above. We had a pleasant talk. I ran into both Diane and Leah on my way there and back.
At the little library--now open in the front--I found something I've long been wanting to read: The Communist Manifesto. Picked it up and emailed Jim C. to tell him; he teaches philosophy at the college, so I know he's read it and after I do, I want to discuss it with him. Growing up and even to the present, you're fed a steady diet of Marx and Engels being the devils' helpmates and now that I hope I've freed myself of that, I want to read it with an open mind.
Home, I got a present for something or other (ha!) in the mail, which I'll open on Sunday. Video-called the sender and talked to her and her husband. I then v-called Ellen, but she was swamped with work still, although it was after 5:00. She'll get back in touch today.
I still haven't received the book I ordered on April 21 via Amazon. They keep telling me it will come "tomorrow," but, it seems, tomorrow never comes. Well, I'll follow up on it, but I've been in touch with the seller and have gotten a response back, so assume I'll either get a replacement or a refund.
Now it's 6:30 am and I'll be walking to Quest Diagnostics in an hour.

Chocolate Chex And Other Stuff

Un-friggin'-believable!
After doing my Wednesday white wash,* I wrapped the cereal I had bought at Target...oh, I didn't mention that before? Here's the back story:
When I was Facetiming with one of my favorite daughters the other day, she said she couldn't find Chex Chocolate cereal,* which she likes as a snack. At Target, I saw they had it, so I bought a box, intending to send it to her as kind of a joke Mothers' Day gift. Wrapped it, walked to the P.O., and found it would cost TEN DOLLARS AND NINETY CENTS, priority mail, and wouldn't get there until Monday. AAGH! How much would it be for regular mail? Ten dollars and seventy-fivc cents and, I'll bet, wouldn't get there until Christmas. We're talking New Mexico here, not New Zealand, so what gives? I just couldn't see paying the kind of money, so brought it home and I'll take it with me next month when I see her.
Ran into my neighbor, Gordon, and we had a nice talk. Got home and--guess what?--the "community director," formerly "manager," Bianca called to tell me--surprise!--that no, no, the "utilities bill" was not a a double charge because blah, blah, blah. I knew exactly what she would say and she said it--the former owners had never charged for utilities. It's my contention that they certainly must have, and it was factored into the rent. Now I'll wait and see if corporate contacts me, which I heartily doubt--then I'll get in touch with legals.
My niece, Joan, called again and we had a long talk re McHugh's essay she had sent me. She also said she had something to tell me in a few days whether good or bad. Damn, I hope that doesn't mean somebody is waiting for medical results.
Took a bus to the transit center, then the 16, which goes to Ojai. I actually considered going there, but decided against it, as I'll see Ellen--I hope--on Sunday, anyway. So I got off in town, intending to walk The Promenade, but it was so hot--up to 80--I decided against it, as there's little shade there. Instead, I walked Main, but boy, it was demoralizing. I used to go in the shops, meet friends for lunch, and enjoy the crowds. Now, of course, nothing was open, there were few cars, and almost nobody on the streets--sigh.
Got home about 5:00 and decided to make pasta, which I almost never eat. Did so and it was good, but I had a lot left, so froze some and will eat the rest tonight and tomorrow.
Maggie was not at the corner either yesterday or the day before. I hope that means she found shelter and help somewhere, but I doubt it.
*Yay--alliteration times two!

Joan And Jigsaws

The usual this and that in the morning. I called my niece, Joan, just to chat and we talked a bit about the weirdly immediate acquiescence of so many to the mandates that have become, it seems, mandatory. She pointed out that these "law" are not valid unless and until they've been voted on by legislatures. Yes, but a lot of people are happy to trash the Constitution, it seems. Anyway, she sent me an email on this topic by a guy named Robert McHugh and I found it very much like a lot of those I read on-line, both right and left.
I finished the last jigsaw puzzle, which I added below AND--big news--I found that the same site will let you make any picture a jigsaw puzzle, too! I immediately picked one of my birth family and me at the Hotel Morton, where I had my wedding reception. (Except for Betty, we all look like we're at a funeral, I'm afraid.) I added that one below, too. The date? June 21, 1958.
After lunch, I wanted to try a different excursion, so I took the bus to Oxnard and Whole Foods. Just before I walked in, Gail called and we had a good talk. I was surprised to hear she had tripped and broken a rib last week. However, I understand it will heal quickly and she hasn't needed pain medication. Gail is a mere kid of 69 and is tall, slim, and very active. When I told her where I had gone on the bus, she said admiringly that I'm "intrepid." I've mentioned before that I don't really like Gail's often-expressed comments about my life style, although she means them to be complimentary.  I've spent my whole life trying to fit in and be like other people. Now I can walk the walk and talk the talk and I don't want to blow my cover.
It turned out Greg was off, so I just looked around, then went over to Target for blueberries. Incredibly, they didn't have any, so I picked up some blackberries. However, when I got to the checkout line, about thirty people were ahead of me, so I put them back.
Instead, I got the bus back to Ventura, stayed on to the transit center/mall, and went to the Target there. Got my berries and while I was there, Betty called to tell me what she had gotten in the mail.
Here are the two new jigsaw puzzles:

Monday

Didn't get up until 7:15, late for me.  Had breakfast, then  called Nancy and we had our usual meandering, but okay, talk. How in the world she can stay in--really in, all the time--is beyond me. She has a car, but doesn't even go out for drives. She's content, though, so that's good. Different strokes and all that.
I took the footpath to the park, bringing two books for the "Little Library." When I got there, I was dismayed to see it was damaged.  It's like a little cupboard up on a post, the door glass surrounded by wood. The door was on the ground and the glass split. I don't see how that could be an accident, but why in the world would anybody do that? I hope it gets repaired, but what vandalism!
When I got home, I finally formulated the letter to FPI Management to protest the new "utility bill." I want to look it over before I send it and I'll bring a copy over to Bianca, formerly complex manager, now "community director." Where in the hell they get these trumped-up titles, such as "administrative assistant" instead of "secretary" deserves a special place in Hell.
After lunch, I was determined not to mope around like Sunday, so I set off on the bus for town. Walked to The Promenade on a glorious day--75 degrees with a gentle breeze--but decided to head the other way instead of my usual. This was a find, as it boasted enormous fields of daisies, one of my favorite flowers.

Ventura is not laid out the way a town is supposed to be--like Absecon Island, on a grid--but streets curve around sometimes, blocks widen and narrow, which is what happened when I took the different route. I must have gone a good three miles just to get to Main Street, but finally did. While I waited for the bus, I called Betty. She seemed a lot more focused and with it than she has lately and I was pleased about that.

Home and Ellen called. We discussed plans for Mothers' Day and will firm them up shortly. I told her not to get me anything, but if she insisted, make it a pot of daisies I can plant. I finished this puzzle,  although it was difficult, for obvious reasons--lots of water and rocks:

There's only one puzzle left and it's a lulu, but I started it, anyway.
I HAVE NO IDEA WHY THE SPACING IS SO WEIRD, BUT I'M NOT GOING TO KEEP TRYING TO FIX IT! Sorry!

Draggy And Maggie

After the Sunday routine, I walked to the market for lettuce, blueberries, apples, and tangerines. Walked back, rather than taking the bus, so I got about three in. Quartered my cabbage, wedged two apples, and put them to slowly cook in the--what else?--slow cooker. Had lunch, then fooled around on the laptop. At that point, I just didn't feel like going to town on to the park.
In fact, I was a little draggy. I spent a lot of time on this laptop, doing more of these *@!%$ puzzles--when am I going to get over this?--and looking up various topics of interest. Finally, after a big salad lunch, I took a short (maybe a mile) walk around the neighborhood. Saw Steve and chatted with him for a bit.
And there was Maggie on the corner. I again asked her if I could get her anything--a sandwich, some lotion?--and she again politely refused. Her legs are so very, very swollen and bright red--they must be terribly painful. When I left her, I stopped a half-block away and called the police again to see if somebody could come and persuade her accept help. But after I described the situation, the dispatcher said they had already gone to talk to her, but she refuses to go to the shelter--"God will take care of me." (Well, he's not doing such a hot job of it.)
I'm mulling over what to do now. I think I'll see if the priest in this parish--I'll ask Suzanne if she knows him--would come and maybe persuade her to get the help she needs. I don't know myself what's available; I think there's a newly built shelter for homeless, but I'll have to find out.
Betty called to tell me about a new puzzle Carolyn concocted for her, crowing over her success: "I got every one!" Talk about depressing--they were about on a second grade level.
Just had a sketchy dinner and that's okay. I'm just glad the weekend's over.

Puzzles And Poco

I don't think Mother's Day cards are being sold--they weren't at the stores I visited--so I chose some note cards, of which I have many and just wrote out personal thoughts for the three mothers in the family. Walked to the P.O. to mail the ones for Asia. 

On the way there and back, I saw Maggie, back at her place on the corner. I asked if I could get her anything and she said, "No, thank you." I again made an attempt to have her take her edema and other problems seriously, but she assured me her legs weren't as swollen. But they were. 

I have NO IDEA why the type above refuses to align to the left, but the hell with it.

Later, I was about to enter Von's when I got a Messenger video call from New Mexico and we had a good talk. I then went into the store to find that their butter spray supply is again gone. I did buy a cabbage and a large apple, for which I thought the sign said "99 cents lb." I paid, got home and found that I had been charged $3.47 for the one apple. Darn, I should  have checked the tape at the register. I went back to the store in great indignation--only to find that it had been rung up correctly: The apple was priced at $3,99 a pound! I took it back--maybe foolishly, but that's just ridiculous! What kind of a world is it where an apple costs $3.47 and Maggie is living on the streets? Oh, yes, I think there's a connection. 

My latest creations--or busy work: 

I also have no idea why I can't fix the spacing and alignment here, but I'm just going to give up and concede that some mysterious power is in control. Incidentally, the bottom one was shaped that way--long rectangle. It's the Ventura beach, where I go frequently, but the picture from the late eighteen-eighties. Okay, this whole damn thing is screwed up, but I can't help it.

Later than usual--about 4:00--I left for the footpath and park. (In truth, I was hung up in finishing the puzzle above!) Took two books to put in the little library, but didn't borrow any. I have about five books now I haven't read yet.

On my way, I ran into the guy who lives in the complex whom I saw the other day with his little dog. I was somewhat unpleasant, telling him I wasn't a dog person, and I apologized. Actually, it's a very friendly dog and very small, so I kind of like it, believe it or not. We exchanged names and I immediately forgot his, bur remembered the dog's: Poco. I looked it up and it seems the perfect name for this pup: "Little."