Monday

After finally falling asleep, my alarm woke me at 6:30, which was okay. After breakfast, I put in two loads of wash--colors, then whites--and they were finished by 11:00. I called Nancy and we chatted. Left a message for my new friend, Olivia, to see if she wanted to make a date for lunch near the fire pit in the middle of the complex. Speaking of which (she's the one with the germ one), I emphasized that we can easily sit six feet apart.  Later, I met her on the path and we decided to meet at 12:30 tomorrow. 

My great-grandson's mother put this picture on Facebook and I turned it into a puzzle, which I enjoyed putting together. I sent it to her in FB Messages. "T.," his little brother, made the cupcakes--not bad for a 12-year-old. I love the fact they spell out "18," J.'s age as of two days ago. 

He's a gem, all right.* 

Went to Von's for lettuce, had lunch, then was about to walk to the park when I met up with Suzanne, who was coming from work at St. John's. (She goes in only occasionally now.)  I gave her two of the four avocados Olivia had given me, then we sat out front and chatted for a half hour or so, then off I went to the park. Walked there and back, so I got three miles in. 

At my usual 8 to 9 pm viewing time, I continued watching Salem's Lot, but lost interest after twenty minutes or so. I switched to ID Go, but soon called it a day.  Slept soundly.

*Don't give me your little certified public accountant as a role model for youth, but those like him. J. has brains, a sense of humor, and creativity, but also in large measure, kindness toward others and compassion.

Semi-Mopey, But Not Too Bad

The usual Sunday. The crossword was good; it incorporated "Tom Swifties," which were fun to solve. After breakfast, I took my cart and walked to Wal-Mart for cottage cheese, lettuce, mushrooms, and other stuff.
Lunched, looked at some things on YouTube, then headed out to town. While I was waiting for the bus, Tony C. called. He said he could do the bushes and clean up the landscaping at my house for $375. Okay, go to it, I said. Texted Eileen to let her know he'll start today or tomorrow.
During the stopover at the transit center, niece Carolyn called. She said she was her way to Betty's and could she have one of the beers I left in the fridge? Well, of course, in fact, have two, they're for both of us.
Got off the bus at Chestnut and walked down Main. I didn't even go in any stores because it was already after 4:00. I enjoyed it, anyway and it was good to see so many sitting at the restaurant  "patios"--actually tables and chairs set up on the street. I wished I had somebody with me, so I could enjoy it, too.
Got the 6 bus back and home a bit before six.. I had planned to roast my tuna steak it in the oven, but instead seared it and cooked on the stove, along with two packages of mushrooms I had hastily cut up.  I heated up my spinach and spaghetti squash and had that, too--yum, a good dinner.
Darn, I woke this morning for the usual, then couldn't get back for the longest time. I made the mistake of looking at the time and it was 2:17 am! Maybe I'll take a nap today.

Mopey And Masks

After breakfast, I took the check for Bob S. to the P.O., then impulsively, the 6 bus to Oxnard. I went to Whole Foods, but wouldn't you know, once more picked a day Greg wasn't working. I left and, not interested in stopping in anywhere else, waited for the bus back. Betty called while I was there--I can't even remember exactly what we talked about. 

My brother, Larry, then called to tell me his grandson, Rudy, has CO-VID. Rudy is 20 or 21 and, yes, attended a party recently--now, several of those there have been diagnosed. I called Ellen to tell her this. 

Stopped into Von's for romaine. After lunch, when I usually go to town or walk to the park, I just didn't feel like either; I actually lay down and took a nap, unusual for me. I slept for only forty-five minutes or so.

Other than that, I didn't do much, but moped around and did this puzzle, with a kitty that looks just like El's two:

About 6:00, I thought I'd go to the mall and walked to the bus stop. While I was sitting there, though, I decided that was silly--I didn't need anything--so I just took a walk around the block. 

Here's the only notable thing that happened yesterday: My son, Mike, in Singapore, had sent me two pretty face masks my DIL had made and I got them yesterday, June 27. Why notable? Because they had been mailed on April 5. Here they are, worn by some decrepit oldster:

T.O.P.S. And Other Stuff

Cheryl picked me up at 8:40 for T.O.P.S.,  which was again held outside and was mercifully short. As noted below, I stayed the same--or lost a tiny bit, depending on how you look at it. After breakfast, I walked to the bank, then to The Market for body wash, rice cakes, and beets, so got about three miles in.
An odd thing happened at BOA: Mike had received a check for $6.02. When I emailed him to ask if I should send it, he said it wasn't worth the trouble, just throw it away. Throw it away?!? He's telling that to somebody who walks a mile out of her way to get grapes for fifty cents cheaper?  I put "deposit only," his name, and his account number (yes, I could clean him out) on the back. However, just on a whim, I asked the teller if I could have the cash instead--and he gave it to me! After he did, I pointed out that it said "deposit only," but he shrugged and said, "Oh, it's such a small amount...." Geez, when I worked at the Ventnor City National Bank sixty-five years ago, that would get you fired!
Didn't get back home until almost 2:00 and was just about to eat lunch when Olivia knocked on my door. She gave me four more beautiful avocados, saying she has a friend who grows them. I invited her in, which she declined (she's the one with the germ phobia), but we had a nice chat at the door for about a half hour. We decided we'd take our lunches some day and meet at the complex middle near the pool, where there are tables and umbrellas.
Bob Szabo called from Sunrise Bay to say he had replaced the damaged sprinkler heads, but there were three of them and it would cost $95.  I'll send it off today. Still haven't heard from Tony C. with an estimate on the shrubbery.
I got a sweet thank-you note from my darling great-grandson for the graduation gift. Also receive the book on the Washington Plantation slave family I had ordered.
Ate lunch, then took a bus to town. I got off sooner than usual and just walked up Main, which is still blocked off. There were a fair number of people at the various restaurant setups in the street and that was heartening. I just stopped into the Coalition, but didn't buy anything; caught the 6 bus home.
I didn't get in until after 5:00 and I called Ellen to tell her about the check caper and we chatted otherwise.

                                                                Weight Report

I can't even begin to figure this out and I'm not going to try. According to my scale at home, I lost .02 pounds (big whoops, as the kids used to say) since last week, but according to the T.O.P.S. scale, I stayed the same. I probably shouldn't be recording my weight three times on two different scales (obsessive and all that, you know), but I'll continue until--until I don't. 

                           Home, unclothed: 130.6 (down .02)   Clothed: 131.4 (down .02)
                           T.O.P.S.:                                                    "        132.3 (same as last week)

Slogging Through And Stephen King

Slogged through the first part of the day. Did some computer non-work, then walked over to Von's for romaine, grapes, and pretzels. It was only 11:00 when I got home--what to do now? I easily could have walked to either The Market or the park, but I didn't feel like it.  Therefore, I did something radical: I watched the second half of one of my DVDs, When A Stranger Calls IN THE DAYTIME.
This should have been at least nominated--for Worse Movie of the Century. It would have won in a walk. The beginning and end are pretty scary, but the middle is idiotic beyond belief.
After lunch, it was just more of the same, until Ellen got here at 4:30. She had her iced tea, I my beer and pretzels, and we sat out in the middle of the complex under an umbrella. Had a nice visit, as ever.
El  left a bit before 6:00 and I stopped home, dropped off my stuff, and, feeling I just had to get at least a bit of exercise in, walked to the bus stop, bused to the transit center/mall, and went to Target. I got blueberries and "Skinny" popcorn, and got home about 7:30. Had time to shower and wash my hair before I sat down to watch part of my other recent DVD purchase, Stephen King's Salem's Lot. 
This was a whole lot better than When A Stranger Calls, but that's not saying much.  It does have Rob Lowe--talk about eye candy--but the story line, since it's from a King book, is convoluted and confusing. Watched for about 45, then quit.
T.O.P.S. today.

Wednesday

Just an okay day. I stowed some books in my little cart and walked to the park to put them in the lending library structure. Walked back, so I got in four miles before lunch.
Ellen called to ask if I was available about 4:30 today. She has to go to Ventura for various errands and suggested we sit on my patio and visit. Yes, indeed--I'm always available for her.
Bused to town about 2:30 and got off at Sanjon Street, which leads to The Promenade. I walked that for a mile or so, pleased to see that the pier and swings were open, with lots of strollers and happy children:

I went from there and down Main. Betty called to tell me about the TV shows she watches constantly. She was surprised when I told her (as I had many times) that I only watch from 8 until 9, then I go to bed. 

Stopped in Goodwill and bought two DVDs, both horror movies I just felt like seeing. Walked down past the museum and finally boarded the 6 bus, which took an age to get there. Home at 6:00, at which point, Tony C., the landscaper, called me back and said he'd be over to look at the bushes within a few days. I texted Eileen with that information.

As my friend, Pat, knows, I asked son Patrick, and his wife to take a look at her lamp to see what the characters mean and they responded, but were unable to read, as the characters are in "old Japanese." I was interested in the fact that the written language (and, I assume, some of the spoken) changed and was simplified after WWII. (If they had won,  maybe ours would have). 

This is so interesting to  me, as I'm now in the middle of, and absorbed by, Bill Bryson's Made In America: An Informal History of the English Language In The United States.  This isn't to be confused with his English And How It Got That Way, for which I've put in a request at the library.

As for Pat's lamp, I think it's a real treasure: 

Maybe Pat will elaborate a bit in comments on how she acquired it...

Tuesday

As mentioned, I was awakened at 5:48 by several text messages from Jersey.  (It wasn't a big deal for me, as I get up at 6:30 anyway, but I think my friend, Pat, might have been somewhat perturbed.)
After I poured my coffee, I got back to them, including "Chilly Willy," to whom I gave Eileen's phone number. I also called the other outfit Eileen had found, but they wouldn't be able to come until Thursday or Friday. Anyhoo--upshot was that Willy got there, found the problem (no refrigerant), called me, said he would add it for $450, I said go ahead, he did, and now all is cool, literally and figuratively...
...except: Willy said if it kept losing the stuff, the whole system would probably have to be replaced and we're talking thousands of dollars here. Well, let's hope and anyway, the crisis if over for now...
...except: Eileen also informed me that one of the sprinkler heads is shooting water ten feet in the air AND the bushes on the side are encroaching on the soffit, whatever that is. She said she called Bob Szabo to deal with that. I called and left a message for Tony C., the landscaper who had done similar work for me last year. I hope that's the end of my housing woes.
I spent most of the morning on food prep: chunked three pounds of tomatoes and some large onions, oiled, vinegared, and seasoned, then roasted. Chopped three other onions and stowed in freezer. Did the same with two bananas. Cleaned and trimmed Brussels sprouts and sliced the nice green pepper Ellen had given me.
Lunch, then it was off to town and the library. As I came up to the outside area where they bring your books, I saw a stylish (very thin, with sharp features and short, wavy, grey hair that looked like a million bucks) and who was it but my former Kimball Park walking semi-pal, Carolyn S. She had her ugly little dog, Hazel, with her and we happily got reacquainted. She left her car and I left my books and we walked together a mile or so down Main. I took her to the little park near the museum, which she hadn't seen before.
It was enjoyable seeing her again, although we actually have little in common. She and Robert are kind of society types, or whatever you call them nowadays, and I just don't relate. (She was amazed and seemed to think it was very daring of me to join the BLM protest.) However, they had come to see me at the Maritime Museum and I appreciated that. She asked if she could take me home, but I refused with thanks, saying my daughter really didn't like me getting into cars. The fact is, I would have let her if I had wanted to continue chatting, but I didn't.
Incidentally, Betty called me four times during the day with a confused (as ever) problem about her lunch not being left at her door. It's just too long and involved to explain the situation, but I think--hope--it's resolved. Caught the 16 bus and was home at 5:00.

Books And My House In Jersey

Stripped the bed, re-made, and put in a white wash. While it was in the dryer, I went over to Von's for lettuce and those already-saturated wipes. Not only did they have no romaine (I got green leaf), but they had no wipes, either.
I was just preparing lunch when I got a text from my tenant, Eileen, telling me the AC wasn't getting cool. Gee, it was only about 65 here today, why would she need AC?
Yoicks! I just looked it up (I often start the blog late on the day of and top it off the next morning); it' was 8:00 pm there and it's EIGHTY-THREE DEGREES! I looked up AC places and found Shore Point in Manahawkin or somewhere. Called and left a message. I also called Anchor Appliances, which takes care of the washer and dryer. However, they don't do air, so gave me the number of "Chilly Willy," whom I called. (I'd choose him just on the basis of the name.)
After lunch, I packed up some books, three DVDs,  and a few magazines and took them in my cart to the little lending library in the park. I was delighted that the stock had been replenished and I picked up five books in a variety of genres. (I've also requested three from the big library.) In the meantime, an elderly man on a bike noticed me there and we fell in to conversation. He and his wife are from New Zealand, although they've been here fifty years, and they frequent the little library, too.
Grateful for my little cart, I packed up my books and walked to the bus stop on Telephone. Rode to Victoria, then walked to the Market for tomatoes, onions, rice cakes, and blueberries. Caught a bus back and that was my day. It doesn't sound like much walking, but it actually totaled five or more, I figure, which is just fine.
Oh, what fun! I was just awakened at 5:48 am by several text messages (my phone has a "bing" notification when I get a text), from Chilly Willy and Eileen, he calling me back, she suggesting another AC person. After I got up and got my coffee, I called the AC person--paid answering machine and they aren't available until Thursday or Friday; will charge $85 just to walk in the door, of course. Forget them.
Willy called back and sounded better. I gave him Eileen's number and he'll call and arrange a visit. However, in the meantime, I got anther text from her telling me there's a problem with a sprinkler head AND that one of the bushes on the side is overgrown. She said she called Bob and I said I'd call Tom C. or whatever his name is, and get him to look at it. Sent Eileen a text covering all the above, but for some reason, it seems not to have gone through, so I called her. 
All this is a drag, especially when I'm three thousand miles away, but it's not as if I have urgent business otherwise, so I can handle it. If it ever gets to a point where I don't want to, I can sell.

Family

For a Sunday, it wasn't bad. Had B., did the C., and fooled around on the LP.  Washed and trimmed two pounds of carrots and put them in the slow cooker. Took off for various errands by 10:30 and, incredibly, didn't get home until 3:00.
Why? Because I first walked down Victoria, checked the "next bus" app and it wouldn't be for 25 or so, so walked down to Portola Avenue, another mile or so. Got a bus to Market Street and walked from there to Target, then to Bed, Bath & Beyond, now one of my least favorite places in the universe.  I wanted to replace my dish drainer and theirs don't seem to fit my space--guess I'll have to actually measure. Also wanted a new bath mat for inside the tub, but I don't want to hang it up and dry it every time, so I didn't find one.
Went from there to WinCo and got diet soda, spaghetti squash, canned garbanzo beans, and several other heavy things. Decided, instead of taking the bus directly to Victoria, then having to trek the mile and a half home, to ride to the transit center and get one to land closer. That took an age and waiting for the other did, too, so yes, it was two hours past my usual lunch time when I ate.
But so what, really? What else pressing did I have to do? Not a damn thing.
However, after I ate, I got a nice surprise: a video call from Jersey. I saw and spoke to the family group, including my grandson, his boys, and others. That was great fun and here are the guys and gal who are part of why I'm thrilled to be alive:

The kid in the middle, the graduate, hasn't had an easy life, although he won't be 18 until next Sunday. Even so--or maybe because of it, who knows?--he's an intelligent, curious, and talented person. Much more important, he is a kind and caring young man, also.

The other kid is only 12 and is getting a haircut this week. He hasn't had an easy life, either. Their Dad, Blackbeard, has been a source of much joy, consternation, turmoil, and intense pride for his mother and me for almost forty years. The man on the right? My well-loved son-in-law, Minnesota born and Jersey-bred.

Let's see, who else is in this picture? Oh, yes, the decrepit old grandmother, who's a menace on the pickle ball court. Later, she videoed me from their car driving back to their campground and we did the silly "effects" thing, laughing like loons.

How did I get so lucky?

At Ellen's, With Cats

What a fun day! I left for Ellen's at 10:15, got the number 16 to Ojai, walked the mile or so further, and arrived at her place about noon. I was introduced to Cecily and Gwendolyn (named after the Pigeon sisters from the old movie, The Odd Couple) and they immediately started checking me out.

They look so sweet and docile here, but these are wild animals. They're the liveliest, most energetic little creatures I've ever seen, racing around, jumping and pouncing, rolling around with each other and generally creating fun and excitement everywhere. Just like any kids, though (they're four months old), they suddenly drop down and nap wherever they happen to be.

Anyway, I had a ball playing with them. Of course, I had a wonderful time talking to El, too--not to mention the ice-cold Blue Moon with lunch. We ate out on her beautiful and bountiful side yard. Her tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers are just coming to fruition and she picked some for our salads. After, we chatted some more, ranging around a variety of topics from Co-Vid to early retirement to this, that, and the other.

The Access Van came, as scheduled, at 4:15 and we said goodbye after the kind of day I cherish. I asked the van driver to take me to the mall instead of home (I had to call van headquarters to get permission to change my destination), and she did. Got blueberries, bananas, and popcorn, then bused home.

I got lots of pictures via text of my great-grandson's big day--his high school graduation--which I enjoyed seeing so much. I'm still hoping to see him and his brother and Dad before too long when I can get to Jersey. I'm thinking the train is a possibility. 

  

Friday

When I awoke yesterday, I realized I had slept soundly all night--didn't get up once. Lately, that's been the exception and often when I get up for the usual (a delicate way to put using the toilet), I can't get back to sleep for some time. So-o-o, I felt good when I arose.
Cheryl picked me up and we went to the sort of T.O.P.S. meeting. I had weighed myself at home, clothed and not, on my scale at home and recorded it below. The "meeting" itself--we sat around a picnic table outside--was a total, aimless bore, but had the advantage of lasting only about fifteen, so I got home for breakfast earlier than the usual.
I found an envelope big enough to send Betty's damn card back and decided I'd walk the few blocks to the P.O., then go the opposite way to Smart 'n' Final. A few steps from my apartment, though, I met a neighbor who greeted me; I responded and we started chatting.
Good grief, we stood there for about forty-five minutes, talking away. Her name is Olivia and I guess she's in her fifties--it's so  hard to tell with the damn masks on--has two grown daughters and was divorced two months ago. She lost her mother, for whom she had cared, only last month, so she's had a lot of sad happenings lately. She moved here only in March and when she told me what her rent is, I was shocked--it's more than three hundred a month more than mine. Olivia also told me she's a germophobe--has been all her life, long before the Co-vid thing. I sympathized, as I know she can't help it and it must be very upsetting in a number of ways. Anyway, I enjoyed meeting her and gave her my card.
After lunch, I finally mailed the card at the P.O., then bused to town. Just walked a bit, bought the DVD Brokeback Mountain at the thrift store and a carton of cottage cheese at Von's, then headed home.
About 6:00, when I was just about to start heating dinner (black beans, which I made last week and de-frosted) I was surprised and pleased to get a phone call from Suzanne, asking if I'd like to sit on my patio and visit for a bit. Well, damn straight I would (I didn't say that to Sister Suzanne). I was even more surprised when she said she'd bring something to drink and did I have wine, if not, she'd bring some. Was I dreaming? Of course, I had single-portion bottles of Chardonnay in the fridge and got one out. Suzanne came with--I almost fainted--a beer mug with brew in it. As I found out quickly, though, it was actually an O'Douls, which is a non-alcoholic "beer." Hey, I didn't care if she was drinking horse piss, I was pleased she had suggested it.
She stayed an hour or so, during which time, my new friend, Olivia. knocked on my door to give me two avocados--she had extras. That was nice of her and later, I knocked on her door to thank her again, but she wasn't home.
So--it turned out to be a good day and soon, I'll take off for Ellen's, which will be an even better one.
Note: This is my Japanese daughter-in-law's birthday--just nine days before my son's, her husband's, although she's twenty years younger. It seems a downright miracle that she's in our family and especially, has gifted us with such a beautiful little boy. Happy birthday, Natsue!

Weight Report

Home: (unclothed) 130.8 (-.02 from last week)   (clothed) 131.6 so clothes weighed .08
T.O.P.S.: 132.3 (last meeting in February: 128.5, which indicates a gain of 3.8. That's hard to believe. I wonder if the fact the T.O.P.S. scale was on concrete yesterday, as opposed to the vinyl (I think) flooring inside was a factor. Anyway, I'll continue to record the three weights weekly.

Lousy

A truly lousy day.
Betty called me when I was just about to walk out the door to go to her place, with this admonition: Don't ring the bell or knock, I'll leave the door open and when you come in, don't make any noise because I'll be playing Bingo on Zoom and they don't let anybody else in the room.
Oh, okay.
Packed up what I was bringing: The heavy bio on John Wayne, two Readers Digests I had gotten at the little lending library, a pair of socks I think are too small for me, and two chicken sandwiches.
Got to Santa Barbara via the usual three buses (all of which, I was surprised to note, are now free) at the usual 11:30. Walked in and yes, Betty was playing Bingo on Zoom. I put the sandwiches in the fridge and sat there for a bit, but four more games were coming up, so I said I'd take a walk, which I did. When I came back in, Betty motioned me over and introduced me to the guy calling the numbers--so much for secrecy. I gave her the  Fathers Day card I had bought and asked if I could take the one she didn't like and send it to Greg, just for fun. That was fine by her and I did so, but see later.
We had lunch, then played two games of Sorry! and one of Chutes and Ladders and I almost collapsed with boredom. There was then a Trivial Pursuit type of game on Zoom, in which we participated, sort of. I left about 2:45, so I could get the 3:33 bus back to Ventura and get home by 6:00 or so. As ever, it was a drag waiting for the various conveyances, but I'm used to it.
While on the bus, I got a link to my great-grandson's graduation virtual ceremony and also, a picture of him and his brother while on a campus visit to Rowan. I wanted to send it to my email, but didn't know how. That was frustrating and what came next was worse: Betty called to ask if I had the Fathers Day card she didn't like. Yes, of course, she gave it to me. But she had to know what the sentiment was on it and I had to dictate it to her. I did, but why?  I got a very confused, non-answer and at that point, I was tired and sad and I lost my temper; I told her I'd call her when I got home.
I did and tried to get some kind of explanation for the stupid thing, but she made no sense and I was more and more frustrated. I finally said I'd send  her the card and hung up. At that point, I called her daughter, Carolyn, the poor girl. I was in tears over the stupid incident and at the same time, furiously angry and feeling guilty for that. She understood utterly and completely and I felt better after I talked to her.
Later, after a sketchy "dinner" of rice cakes, cottage cheese, and blueberries, I felt even better when Ellen called. She listened patiently to the long saga of the day and sympathized, then invited me over for lunch tomorrow (Saturday). YAY!
I feel I'm back in the land of the living and that's where I belong.

Slow And Slavery

Slow in the morning, but somewhat livelier (or what passes for lively in my drab life) later. Early on, at loose ends, I actually spent time playing games on the laptop. Did a puzzle of the brothers and sisters of the Dionne Quintuplets (when they had just been born, that is; they had three more brothers after). Went to Von's for lettuce and got a nice piece of tilapia.
Betty called, upset over the sentiment on one of the Fathers Day cards Carolyn bought for her. I thought it was cute and funny--something about hot sauce--but she was incensed. A few years ago, she would have loved it, but now she thinks it's insulting. I told her I'd get her another one and I did, as schmaltzy as they get.
I saw a YouTube video on the Washington Plantation life of slaves, researched and written by one of their descendants, an historian. I was entranced and it occurred to me that I know very little about that base practice, so much a part of our history. The video was riveting and I sent to Amazon for the book:

Ellen had told me the reason I couldn't connect with Lolly on video on Tuesday was because I was on the bus, then the street and didn't have WiFi. I called Lolly and sure enough, we could see each other.

After lunch, I rode into town, but just walked around a bit. I was pleased to see a fair amount of people at the restaurant extensions set up in the street--I hope to be there is I can ever find anyone to lunch with. I bused back and didn't get off until I was near Wal-Mart. Went in for Saran wrap and the card, then walked home, so I got about three in.
I still had to deal with the chicken carcass I had done in the slow cooker and put in the fridge. I strained it and put the broth in the freezer for the next time I make black beans.
Had the tilapia for dinner along with broccoli and roasted mushrooms and it was delicious.

The Market And Main

About 10:00, I walked to the Market for mushrooms, broccoli, and rice cakes, so I got three in early. Did some food prep, trimming the veggies and stowing them in the fridge for dinner. I've been slicing the meat off the roast chicken for my lunch salad; it was almost gone, so I put the carcass, along with seasonings, in the slow cooker, covered it with water and, several hours later, I had homemade broth to use for other dishes.
After lunch, I boarded the bus for town to return some DVDs I had taken out from the library right before the axe came down on society.  I was surprised when the bus driver announced at the certain point that he was going to veer onto Thompson Street because Main was blocked off. That was okay with me--just a block from Main--and I got off to walk to the library.
Yes, Main Street was closed for several blocks. Somebody told me it will be for sixty days and the idea is to allow the restaurants to expand into the street to serve patrons, so they won't be in an enclosed space. That's a great idea and I'm hoping to entice some friends and, most definitely, my daughter, to meet for lunch.
I was glad to hear that the Hill Street branch of the library also has curbside service. That's only about a mile away and I can walk there easily. I'll have to think of a few more books I'd like to borrow. They still haven't notified me that Bill Bryson's English And How It Got That Way is in. Our language is one of my major interests and I can't wait to read it.
Leader Lolly from T.O.P.S. called me on Messenger video while I was on the bus and try as I did, we couldn't seem to connect. Betty called with some story about fires; I assured her they weren't near me. and we chatted a bit.
I got an email from Jim C. His classes started at Ventura College (on-line, of course) and so far, are going well. I hope I can persuade him to meet for lunch before hell freezes over.

A DVD And Books For Betty

After having a cup here, I walked up to Cheryl's for coffee. I had never been inside their house before and wow, this is a BIG place. It's on a hill and nicely landscaped in the front. Inside, there's a large downstairs with fireplace, but we sat in the dining room, overlooking the backyard. It has a beautiful pool--all colorful mosaic and with some attractive plantings around it. The pool looked to me much larger than the usual homeowner's; it's certainly a lot bigger than the Hardman's, who lived across the street from us on Lower Ferry.
Oddly, the decor and furnishings were rather drab and very sparse. They've lived there more than two years, yet I saw no pictures on the wall. They said they had a lot of repairs to be done when they bought the place, so I guess they're doing that first.
We had a good talk. Cheryl's husband, George, is very vocal about the virus and other problems of modern life. We touched on Mein Kampf, the militaristic aspects of the country, and other topics, but didn't go into much depth. Cheryl lent me this DVD:

Her late stepfather, Greg McClure, played the old-time boxer, John L. Sullivan. (He was no relation to the actor, Doug McClure.) He's listed in Wikipedia and here's a snippet:

Greg McClure was an American actor. His most notable film role was as John L. Sullivan in The Great John L. but in most of his twenty films he had only bit parts, often as a soldier or a boxer. He signed a contract with Golden Gate Pictures, for whom he was meant to appear in Pillar Mountain and My Dog Shep. Wikipedia

Born: April 5, 1915, Atlanta, GA

Died: December 7, 2012, Iowa

Walked home after an hour or so and had breakfast. Tidied up, had lunch, then decided to go to the Goodwill in East Ventura. Walked to Telephone Avenue to get the bus and when it didn't come, walked further. Betty called, saying Pat Hayes had called her to say she, Betty, should read books. I guess Pat thinks that will help Betty's dementia. It won't. However, I said I'd bring some with me when I visit her on Thursday.
I looked at some blouses at Goodwill, but didn't see anything I liked. Bought four glass of the smaller--but not too small--size I like. Went to the bus stop, but saw on my app it wouldn't come for--oh, I don't know--42 minutes or something and I get impatient. Walked to the next stop and repeated the whole thing. The upshot was, I got all the way to the park at Kimball and just walked home. Even for me, it was a fair distance to go all in one trip, a bit more than four miles.
However, it wasn't a problem. Betty called me twice again to tell me about a big traffic jam on the 101. Where? Santa Maria or somewhere, so nowhere near here.
I'll lend Betty my big bio on John Wayne, then look over my other books to see what she'd like. I can't take too many on Thursday, as I'll have a problem lugging them to Santa Barbara.

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Slow Sunday

Another slow Sunday, but not too bad. Betty called early and we talked aimlessly for a time. After breakfast and the crossword puzzle, I put in a load of wash. Waited around to put it in the dryer before going over to Von's. I took the cart because I got several larger items, including a six-roll package of paper towels, a six-pack (actually a six-bottle) of Corona Premier, and containers of salad dressing and cottage cheese.
As for the booze, you'd think I partied all the time (I wish!) or had a drinking problem if you looked in my fridge. Besides the beer, there's a pack (four small bottles) of Chardonnay and a large bottle of sangria. I won't drink them very soon, but I like to know they're there, for some reason. (Maybe just in case some cute guy drops in--hardy-har-har.)
After lunch, I was locking my door to leave for the bus stop when Suzanne came out. She announced happily that she had gone to the pool and swam for the first time in months. I was so glad for her; she says it helps her sciatica (bursitis? I'm not sure which) immensely.  We talked for a bit, then said so long. I took a bus to the mall and went to Target for printer paper. Didn't feel like going anywhere else, so just came home, getting in before 5:00.
Shortly, I'll leave to walk to Cheryl's, who lives up the hill from here. She invited me for coffee at 8:00. Her husband is active in Veterans Against War and I'll be interested in talking to him.

Unexpected Gang From Out of Town

I slept later than usual--to 7:30--and didn't have breakfast until 9:00. I had just taken my first bite of cottage cheese on toast when Betty called. Nothing much going on, just the usual confusion, repeats, non-news, and confused repeats of other non-news. However, we chatted easily for a few minutes, which was okay.
After, I walked to Smart 'n' Final and got lots of produce, as well as peanuts in the shell. There and back is 3.2 miles, which is a good start for the day. Lunched, then hopped the bus for downtown.
Wow, the place was rockin'. Lots of people--most tourists, I guess--and hubbub here and there. It was so festive and like old times, I enjoyed it.
Boarded a bus for home, but got off at the mall. I need copy paper and thought I'd get it at Target. However, their's was ten bucks for what seemed a modest amount and I decided to get it to Wal-Mart today or tomorrow instead.
I pass Von's shopping center on the way and home and who did I see parked there but niece Carolyn and  her family! They had driving from Santa Barbara looking for a car for 18-year-old Finn at the Hertz place (I've bought two cars there) and had just stopped to get McDonald's. They followed me to my complex, I met them out front, and we sat under the pergola in the middle area to visit. It was such fun to see and chat with them. I told Carolyn I'd be up to see her Mom on Thursday and she was pleased about that.
Got home and called Betty to tell her about Thursday and my visitors. She was pleased to hear both and I'm looking forward to seeing her, too.

Here And There And Jay

Stripped the bed, re-made, and did a white wash. Fooled around on the Internet, then strolled over to Von's. Ellen had given me an offer of a whole rotisserie chicken from there--free. I checked, and yes, indeed, I got my chicken. She must have spent a fortune. I had that for lunch and saved my big salad for dinner.
The T.O.P.S. Zoom virtual meeting came  off as scheduled at 3:00. I again had problems with my connections, though. We decided we'd meet next Friday in the parking lot at Trinity Lutheran, where we usually hold our meeting. We'll have the scale and will get weighed in leader; Lenore ("Lennie") has the building key, as her husband is the minister emeritus there. We'll bring lawn chairs and hold a meeting sitting six feet apart.
After the Zoom meeting, I called Cheryl and she invited me over for coffee on Monday, which I was happy to accept. She lives only a short walk from me and she and her husband are active in anti-war groups.
By 4:00 or so, I was antsy, as I had barely gotten out all day, so I set off for the bus stop for town. However, I checked my app and found it wasn't coming for 15 minutes, so I crossed the street and got number 21 in the opposite direction. This goes to Oxnard and thought I'd stop in to see Greg.
But no: It stopped at Telephone Road and I impulsively got off. Okay, I'll just get the 11 bus and go toward WinCo.
Nah, I didn't feel like going to a supermarket, so I walked toward the park, but on Telephone, not the foot path. I had forgotten it was more than a mile, but got there and stopped to call El and thank her for the chicken. Looked in the little library and was pleased to see the books and DVD I had left were gone. I didn't take anything this time, as I have at least five I haven't read. Walked home by way of the foot bridge, so I got more than three miles in.
Note: This would have been the birthday of my dear nephew, Jay's. Betty called to tell me that and what made me even more sorrowful is that she hadn't remembered herself; her daughter had reminded her.

Thursday

I walked down to the market about 10:30, thinking I'd avoid the heat. It wasn't too bad, but by the time I got back home, it was about 80--not humid, though.
Hard-boiled some eggs and, when Ellen came, I made myself a sandwich. This was a special treat, as I almost always have a salad for lunch. I had only two Blue Moons left, so put them in my little insulated container and we went off to the fire pit area.
It was delightful to sit outside to eat, drink, and talk, especially with El, of course. The woman named "Berry," whom I met two weeks or so ago, walked by taking her little boy over to his friend's on the other  side of the complex. I greeted her and she stopped to chat. I had thought her accent was Jamaican, but when I asked, she said she was from Cameroon. Nice person.
El had an appointment to get her hair cut at 2:30, so left a few minutes before that. I went back to the apartment to dropped off my container and get my purse, then took off for town.
By that time, it was late afternoon very hot and I just walked down Main to stretch my legs. I stopped into The Coalition and just could not resist this adorable kitty:

Okay, I needed it like a hole in the head, but I like it and hey, for $3.99 (The Coalition is my favorite thrift store), it was a steal. Actually, I might put it outside on the patio later--I think it's meant for that.

Betty called at 8:00, just as I was sitting down for my daily hour of T.V.  I'm not really anxious for a conversation at that hour, so we just talked for a bit.

As for the television, there seems to be something wrong with it. Incredibly, all I could get was a decades-old, black and white Gunsmoke.  I think the clicker needs a new battery or something, so I watched part of the DVD An Unfinished Life.  Bo-o-o-ring and Robert Redford is, indeed, pretty hopeless. Jennifer Lopez was in it, too, though, and thought her performance was good. However, the story line is lame and predictable, so I'll donate the thing to the little lending library. 

Talking On The Telephone

Wednesday was a telephone and talk day. Talked to Betty early on, then my old friend and HSHS classmate, Mary Hoffman called and we had a long gabfest (as the old celeb columnists used to say). I then called Fred D., Marge D.'s husband and, like my brother, Larry, he talked for a long, long time, ranging over various subjects, all of which either angered or alarmed him. I listened, though--Fred has had a more difficult life than most people do and he doesn't often get a chance to share it.
Suzanne knocked on my door while I was talking to Fred, so after we hung up, I reciprocated and we sat out front and chatted. Our across-the-lawn neighbor, a young man named Gilbert, came out and stood--six feet away or more--to tell us he had had a fever last week, was afraid that was "IT," but the doctor tested and it wasn't.
By then, it was noon, and Suzanne and I went in; shortly thereafter, she texted me that there was a fire between Ventura and Santa Paula. I went out to check, and yes, there was a column of smoke in the hills:

I alerted Ellen by text and we went back and forth, then she called and we talked. Planes were circling overheard and, I guess, dropping water or chemicals to put it out.  By the time I left for town about 3:00, I could no longer see smoke.

Just before that, Fred called back with my friend, Marge, on the line. We talked for a time, but she had some problem hearing and/or understanding me. She's failing, I think. Marge is almost exactly ten years older than I am; she's the one who introduced me to acting in Sunrise Bay. I always liked her so much and, like Fred, she hasn't had an easy life: first husband abusive, daughter died in her fifties. Lots of misery in this world, that's a cinch.

I had just gotten to the transit center when Stella called. We talked for some time, while I was waiting for the next bus and after I got on it. Yesterday was the second anniversary of her husband's death and she was feeling so sad--cried a little, but that's all right, of course.

I walked The Promenade and was pleased to see so many enjoying the beach. Now they can officially stand, sit, and sunbathe, which they had before anyway and good for them. 

I liked being there, but it was so ungodly hot, I thought discretion was the better part of--well, avoiding a sun stroke, or something, so I walked back to Main, boarded my bus, and went home. Stopped for grapes and eggs at Von's. Betty called one more time when I was about to sit down for dinner. We chatted a bit--she repeated a lot, as usual, but that was okay. 

El is coming over today, bringing her lunch. I'll take mine and we'll sit out by the center fire pit and pool and have a lovely time. Coincidentally, I just got an email from management that they were opening "the amenities." I hope that means the pool, too, not that we'll swim today, as the heat has eased and it's pleasantly cool.

Hair

Left at 9:00 for the bus to the transit center and it was only a short walk from there to Club Salon. I was early and she took me early. I like Judy a lot and I like the way she cut my hair:

I decided to skip the color and see how I like it natural. That's going to be white, though you can't see that in the picture. I can always have it colored later if I want to, but I'll give this a try. Judy gave me a wonderfully full look, although it had already started to go flat by the time I got home and took this picture. 

I stayed on the bus and got off down Victoria to see if Wal-Mart, The Market, or Green Thumb nursery had visor-type hats that don't have bands around them. No luck. Rode into town after lunch and wore a straw hat, so it's no longer pouffy, but it still looks a heck of a lot better than it did. I didn't do much in town, but walk Main. It was very hot, unusual for here, so I didn't want to push.

I spoke to several people on the phone, including Ellen. I video messaged her to show her my hair and saw the cute little kitties. Can't wait to see her tomorrow when she's bringing her lunch and we'll hang out together. Yesterday was the last day of school, so now she'll have some free time.

Washing And Walking

I bestirred myself after breakfast and stripped the hard floors, washed the area rugs and laid them on the patio to dry (I think the sunshine is better for them than the dryer--I understand it kills germs). Went over the floors with my three-step Boca routine: Shark, dust with dry Velcro "mop," then wet wash with the other. It seemed like such a chore, although I was finished in about an hour. I don't know how I managed a whole house with a family of six in it. (Yeah, I do: I was decades younger.)
Took trash and recycle to the receptacles, then took off with my little cart for WinCo.
I walked down Victoria (1/12) to Telephone Road, intending to get a bus from there. However, I checked my realtime bus app and it wouldn't arrive for 18 minutes, time enough for me to get to the next stop a mile away. Checked when I got there and it was still 9, so I walked to Portola Avenue, another half or so. When I finally boarded, it was only five minutes to WinCo. Got my groceries and bused to the transit center, from there, got the 10 bus to home.
Now WHY am I writing all this crapola? All the business about the buses, I mean. Dunno, it must be a compulsion.
Anyway, went over to Von's for what I forgot at WinCo, including bleach (well, it kills germs, right?). Home, I had lunch, put in a white wash, then got a call from my brother, Larry, in Miami. His 88th birthday being the other day, he marked it by driving 11 hours to visit out older brother, Jim, 94, in Virginia. (Actually, one of his four daughters--he has three sons, too--drove most of the way.)
Larry is a champion talker and we were on the phone for an hour and a half. He invited me down and, actually, I'd like to take him up on it. We'll see.
I then put some return books in my cart and walked to the little library in the park. Put them in, but since I'm engaged in reading My Body, didn't take any.  Walking there and back, I chalked up another three miles, so a total of about 8 yesterday, more than usual.
Didn't get home until 6:00. I had marinated a nice tuna steak and I popped it in the oven. Along with fresh spinach, one of my favs, it was a yummy dinner.
In a few hours, I'm leaving for Club Salon to get my hair cut--YAY!

The Rally

Did my usual Sunday/Funday (well, not that much fun) morning stuff.  After, I put some already overnight-soaked black beans in the slow cooker; chopped two big onions to add with seasonings and let 'er simmer.
Walked to Smart 'n' Final and got my first three miles in. Besides lettuce, I picked up herb and garlic oil, which is great on both chicken and fish, some non-salt seasonings, ground turkey, and sugar-free caramels.Lunched, fooled around on the Internet, then left about 3:00 for the Black Lives Matter rally.
It was officially at the government center on Victoria Avenue, about one and a quarter miles away, but spilled over--according to the Ventura Star, there were about 2,000 there--up and down the street.  That was a much larger crowd than I had expected, almost all young people, which is heartening, I suppose, but where in the world were those my age? Or even my children's ages? Home counting over George Floyd's sins, I guess. Several people on Facebook listed his long rap sheet, which, of course, means a policeman has the right to murder him on sight.  However, the people yesterday were not of that persuasion, of course.
I was holding my sign, so had a chance to take only one picture. I asked this family group if they'd allow me to take it, and they did. I was charmed by their sign: "It's not pie"--exactly!

Here are some others taken by friends of mine:

Walked home the long way, so totaled about six for the day. 

As for the BLM thing: I'm anything but a fan of the latest neo-lib craze. The "pink hat" thing came and went, as did Saint Greta, as did any number of other "movements" orchestrated by big government, big media, and the ad agencies to which they pay millions of tax dollars. An insidious example is the "thank a soldier" thing. I hear and read this over and over, in person and on Facebook. I posted a picture of my siblings on the Ventnor beach, c. 1942, and mentioned that my older brother, now 94, was drafted shortly after it was taken. A dozen or more commentators wrote some variation of "thank you for your service." That kind of thing is so robotic, it's actually scary. 

With that said, I'll add this: The murder of George Floyd was so egregious--and so noticed, that's the important thing--that I wanted to add my presence to some kind of protest to the millions over the world who did.

I just wish they were as demonstrative protesting our everyday murders of non-Americans overseas.

  

Saturday

Friday into Saturday morning, I slept poorly--don't know why, but I was dragging a bit during the day. I actually considered taking a nap, but didn't. Happily, I slept like a stone last night.
After breakfast yesterday, I spent a lot of time wrapping and addressing two pairs of socks for my boys in Asia (one in Tokyo, one in Singapore), four Fathers Day cards (for them, my grandson, and SIL), a silly little stuffed "graduate" animal in a mortarboard for my great-grandson, and two graduation cards. Walked to the P.O. with them and found htat the ones to Asia would be $15.35 and $17.40, respectively.
Un-friggin' believable! So I dis-wrapped them, extracted and addressed the cards inside, bought stamps (dinosaur ones, since my little grandson is crazy about them, as his Daddy was and, I think, all little boys are), and sent them off. I now have these socks:

but no prob, I'll just give them to my son-in-law and Ellen's fiancee. 

Bused to town after lunch. It was fun to be there, as there were lots of people, just like old times, walking the streets, sunning in the park, and--best of all--eating at restaurants, outside and in.

Stopped at a thrift store and bought three DVDs: The Godfather trilogy (the first two are great, the third terrible); Fargo, which I've always liked; and An Unfinished Life, with Robert Redford. Why in the world I bought that last, I can't imagine. I always considered Robert Redford a wooden actor and I never even heard of this movie, but oh, well.

Got home and checked my mailbox. Finally, finally, I got my Mothers Day present, which had been sent weeks before the day. It included a sweet, hand-lettered note from precious little K., plus a number of disposable face masks. They look a lot lighter and more comfortable than the ones I bought from my nephew's wife, so I'll try them out today.

I decided to attend the BLM rally today, which is sponsored by Fractured Actors, the company I appeared with in August. I made a sign that reads:

MY BI-RACIAL

GRANDCHILDREN MATTER

AND SO DID

GEORGE FLOYD

Note: Ellen asked about the picture of Larry and  me I ran here before. Here's the complete one I took it from:

     

The Library, Lolly, And Larry*

It was a good, active day--just the kind I like best.
Got help from Ellen in setting up the Zoom thing and scheduled it for 3:00. Called Nancy and she was game to try again, but we were both far from confident early on.
Went over to Vons for raw frozen shrimp (two pounds for ten bucks) and more blueberries. Walked to the Market for broccoli, grapes, and other produce.
After lunch, I spent an hour laboriously continuing the transcription of my father's diary; I'm still only in early February, but I'll try to do at least a few pages every day.
Just before 3:00, Lolly, from T.O.P.S. called about setting up a Zoom meeting for members. I said I'd talk to her about it later, since my own was about to start. It did, and Nancy and I had a great session. She had her glass of Chardonnay and I opened my Blue Moon, so finally, at long last, we had our Happy Hour. Actually, it was only for a half hour, but that was just right. As soon as we signed off, I hightailed it to the bus stop to go into town and the library.
The Ventura Library, which was one of my haunts pre-C, has just opened for "curbside." The idea is, you request a book on-line, then go there and they give it to you. I did exactly that and am looking forward to The Body, by Bill Bryson, one of my favorites. That happens to be the very book I ordered on April 21 from an outfit with Amazon and which never arrived. I'm now going to insist on a refund. On the bus home, Betty called and we had one of our vague and rambling conversations. Had the shrimp for dinner and oh, mama, was that good. Added fresh broccoli, but will save the mushrooms for tomorrow.
Lolly and I reconnected. She's planning a Zoom meeting for T.O.P.S. on Friday afternoons and will send an email to members on Wednesday.
This is my brother, Larry's, eighty-eighth birthday. He's my middle brother, papa to a huge family and still, in his slow, deliberate way, a fully-engaged active man. I love him dearly. Here he is, holding my hand, a few years ago, in Ventnor:

* The three "Ls" worked out great!

Getting Physical And Going Postal

My friend, Noreen, who had been in one of my Acting for Amateurs class, called early on and we had an enjoyable chat. She told me she has a gentleman friend, Gary, who cooks wonderful meals and invites her over for them. I delicately asked (actually, I plunged right into it) about a physical relationship. She said he had kissed her and she kissed her back, but he wants--ahem--"more" (all right, the ultimate thing) and she doesn't. I guess that's what happens when the man is younger than the woman. Noreen will be 85 next week and Gary won't be until July.   
I wrote out my little T.O.P.S. email--actually, this was a long one--in anticipation of sending it today. Went to press "Save" and my finger hit "Send." Damn!
Walked to the post office, taking the email I had gotten that a package would be delivered by 2:32 yesterday. (I don't know which of the three I'm expecting). I wanted to have it held until today and I'd pick it up. Was asked for the tracking number. I didn't have it--damn, why wasn't it included in the email? I still haven't received the package.
Stopped at Von's on my way for blueberries they had on sale. Couldn't get the digital coupon app needed on my phone. (However, they gave  me the sale price anyway.)
I wasn't very chipper most of the day; just generally down, I guess.
Happily, things improved after that. Ellen came about 4:15 and we sat on my patio chatting, she with her soda, I with my Blue Moon. We made a date for next Thursday for us to lunch together here. (Not inside, since that means certain death, it was intimated, but out by the pool and fire pit.)
El stayed until 6:00 or so. I walked her to her car, checked my mail (why, no, the package hadn't come, so I had waited in most of the day for nothing), then started walking down Victoria. Before I knew it, I had walked all the way to Wal-Mart. It felt so good I walked home, instead of getting a bus, so got in almost four miles.

Wednesday

After cleaning up the coffee and making a new pot, I settled down to breakfast. Did some stuff on the laptop and so on, then left for the park over the footbridge. Took a book Suzanne gave me, plus one of my own to donate. However, I picked up three to take  home; darn, now I have about six books, maybe more, that I haven't read yet. (The Japanese actually have a word for acquiring books while you have others you haven't read!)  Anyway, I was glad to get the roughly three miles walk in.
Lunched, then did a puzzle. Called Stella, but she wasn't answering. Bused to the mall about 3:30; I wanted to go to Target for blueberries, but they had doubled the price, so I left them. Trader Joe's is in the same mall, so I stopped there (waiting in line outside for roughly twenty minutes) for fish. I picked up frozen tuna steaks and saw they had frozen salmon from Singapore. (I had mentioned this before to son, Mike, and he said he doubted it.) Anyway, I decided to get fresh, instead, and oh, my, when I baked them (much tastier than pan-fried), they were about the best I ever tasted.
Home and I called Jim Crowley for a good, long talk. The summer semester at the college starts in less than two weeks and he has an Intro to Philosophy class (among others) that had been in-person and is now on-line, of course. He said it's whittled down--was eighteen weeks and is now six weeks. Of course, until further notice, all his in-person classes are on-line, too. He said it's very difficult to arrange those classes into virtual ones. I was hoping he'd agree to make a date (no, not that kind of date) for lunch, but he said he "wasn't ready." I didn't push.
Got a return call from Judy, Lora's sister, who sounds very nice. I'm going to see her to get my hair cut--don't know yet about color--on Tuesday--YAY!
I had a hassle with Office Max. They automatically renewed my tech subscription to the tune of $129.99 and since I hardly ever used it, I want it cancelled. Lots of chat crap back and forth, but I think I convinced them to cancel and refund.
I got an email from the P.O. to the effect that they have a package for me they'll deliver by 2:32 today. I'm hoping it's my Mothers Day present from Tokyo, but maybe it's the book from Amazon. But wait--it may very well be the items I ordered from for gifts from Artsonia--my great-grandsons' art projects. Guess I'll find out.

Lunch At Lure And Coffee

Up and at 'em at my usual wake-up of 6:30. Coffee, shower, breakfast, and Betty called. She wanted me to suggest what to put on her granddaughter's graduation card (sigh...). I called Nancy after that and we chatted; we still haven't figured out how to get each other on Zoom. Left for Lure Fish House and lunch with Lora (alliteration--I love it!) and met her about 12:10; we were both early.
What a wonderful time we had! It's been so long since either of us had been at a restaurant that it was a thrill to be greeted, taken to a table, handed a menu, order, get served, and eat something we hadn't made ourselves.
We also talked and talked and talked. Lora (I actually prefer that spelling to the usual) and I are in T.O.P.S. together and hit it off when we met at the meeting. I had thought she was about my daughter's age, late fifties, but she's actually several years older. She was born and brought up here, married, two adopted children, and has her own travel agency. Unfortunately, travel has dropped dead along with everything else, but she's still planning a trip to Switzerland and one to Scotland.
I don't eat red meat as a rule, so ordered a rare hamburger, with fried onions and oh, how I enjoyed it. I enjoyed the ice-cold IPA, too, that's a cinch.
We parted after almost two hours and I walked to The Promenade. Took the opposite route from my usual, then went up to Thompson and Main, totaling about four miles, which was good. When I got home, Suzanne rang my bell and we sat out front and talked for forty-five or so, mostly about the George Floyd murder and subsequent events. That was enjoyable, too, of course, but...

********************

...what I found when I just now got up definitely wasn't: Coffee all over the counter and the floor, with streams of it down the cabinet door. How did this happen? Every day, I set up my coffee maker for the next. When I get up--as in just now--I stumble to the kitchen and, half asleep, press the "on" button. I then go back to wash my face and so on, get my first cup of coffee, and sit down at this laptop. At 8:00, I have breakfast, with the second cup of coffee. What happened yesterday was, I didn't notice that I had set the pot askew, so most of the coffee flowed down the sides and onward. Well, it took me an age to clean up the mess, so lesson learned.
Here's another lesson learned after reading the above: I'm realize I tend to be too verbose. I need to take a page from my friend, Jim W.'s, pristine prose (okay, mixed metaphor, so shoot me) and clean that up, as well, maybe as in:
I just spent time cleaning up several cups of coffee spilled on counter and floor. I had set the pot askew yesterday and didn't notice.
Better? But then this: Had to clean up spilled coffee and make new--set pot askew.
And there's a rhyme, too--top that, Jim!

Downtown And Daddy's Death

Walked to the market in the morning to get grapes, tomatoes, onions, and olive oil. Walking back, I got a welcome call from somebody out west and talked happily on the corner of Victoria Avenue and Route 126. I'm glad I got three miles in before lunch.
Home and I prepared the roast tomatoes with the ingredients I just bought, plus seasonings. Popped it in the oven and now I have enough for a week or so. I divided the grapes I had also bought into five bowls. When I watch T.V. from 8 to 9 pm, I snack on blueberries and grapes and it's not a good idea to just sit with a large bowl.
Re T.V.: My friend, Jim, was absolutely correct in being taken aback I had bought the DVD Scarface.  He mentioned the violence in in it and, hoo boy, that's putting it mildly. I watched about an hour of it Sunday night, but doubt if I'll continue. I might just throw it away--it's certainly garbage.
I discovered that our library opened yesterday--sort of. I think the arrangement entail some kind of request for book on-line, then a curbside pick-up. I haven't read the instructions  yet.
After lunch, I took off for town. Stopped in to Lure Fish House, where Lora and I will meet for lunch today. They thought it wouldn't be too crowded, but if it is, I'd just as soon go next door to Cafe Fiore. Walked from there to The Promenade, then the loop to Main and along there, so I got in about another three miles, which was good.
Got home about 5:00 and did yet another puzzle, this one of my son and his son in Tokyo. Little K. started the equivalent of first grade today--finally, after the CoVid holdup--and I can't wait to hear about it.
Today, June 2, is the seventieth anniversary of my father's death. It was a life-changing for my birth family, of course, and for our extended family, as well. He traveled a lot and stayed in Philadelphia during the week. He and my mother thought the big house at the shore was a good place for the six children to grow up, but his work was in Pennsy.  I was 13 when he was killed and I hardly knew him. I wish it had been different. We always called him "Daddy," never "Dad." Here he is when he got his masters degree from the University of Pennsylvania:

Screen Shots And Etiam

The usual Sunday, neither terrible nor wonderful. After breakfast and big crossword (mediocre), I spent the morning on 1.) writing a negative YELP! review on the highway robbers who run this place; 2.) adding a very positive review on Expert Window Cleaners and Jesse; and 3.) food prep, which was a lot more enjoyable. I drained the black beans I had soaked overnight, added chopped onions and the "juice" I always save from cooking veggies (the nutrients get sucked out into the water), and put the mix in the slow cooker. Softened acorn and spaghetti squash the microwave, finished off the former and pared and cut the later to cook later. Sent the apartment review to the other residents with whom I'm in touch. Finished off a virtual puzzle, then started another--of my father and grandmother, when he got his bachelor's degree. I'm still trying to figure out screen shots--so far, it's alluded me.
After lunch, I walked to Telephone Road--maybe a mile and a half--and caught a bus to the WinCo. shopping center. Went first to the Dollar Tree for sunglasses and the no-sugar caramels I like, then got fajitas, crab meat, lettuce, and a few other  things at WinCo. Bused to the transit center, then another home and then, it was almost 5:00. Took a short walk.
The beans turned out beautifully and I have enough for an army. I'll probably freeze some for later.
NEWS:

My fifteen-year-old granddaughter, Vivian, (she's on the right in the large picture), and her two classmates (they all live in Singapore) are finalists in the Conrad Challenge, which is a science contest for high school students. Their team, "Etiam," presented a cost-effective asteroid mining system that will bring rare minerals and materials back to Earth from space. They included the kind of capital this would need, along with the recommended means for improved working conditions. 

Proud? You bet I am.