Wednesday and Yandoo

Did a quick color wash, then ran over to Von's for lettuce, lunchmeat, and--on impulse--some of those "wraps." I made up two, added small containers of pretzels and grapes, and packed up.

Jim came at 1:00 and we sat out with our lunches. Boy, it was chilly, but we enjoyed our far-ranging talk, as usual.

After he left, I walked down Telegraph for a bit more than a mile (it felt good), then took the bus to the transit center. Walked from there to The Market (an additional mile and a half or so) and picked up some blueberries. Bused home and by tht time, it was almost 5:00. Tried to start my blog and was horrified to find there was no Internet. I was convinced it was my fault because I had called them to clear my Zoom picture the other day. (Having been bought up old-time, R.C., guilt is my middle name). However, I called Yandoo and was told it was out at So-Fi Apartments and "we are working hard to restore...blah, blah, blah," the usual self-serving crapola.

Suzanne called to ask about it, as her television was off, and I told her the news. Had dinner and just hung out a bit until 8:00, when I watch an hour of a DVD movie. This one is Sleepless In Seattle (I'm on a Tom Hanks kick) and it's sweet and all that, but geez, it 27 years old, so somewhat dated.

Went to bed and the Yandoo saga continued through the night. I hope the ordeal is over!

Tuesday

Changed the sheets and did a bleach wash before breakfast. Ate, got the dry clothes out, folded and put them away, and then took off for The Market with my little cart.

As ever, when I started out, it was quite cool, so I wore a jacket and my sweater coat. By the time I got halfway there, about three-quarters of a mile, and crossed the freeway bridge, it got warm--maybe seventy or so. I then removed the jacket and put it in the cart, put the coat back on, and continued...

Good grief! This is about as interesting as a bucket of mud! However, since I ain't got much else to record, I'll keep on. I must say, it felt good to walk again after Monday's rain.

Got tomatoes, tissues, and toothpaste (alliteration--yay!)--some other things, too, but since they don't start with "T," I'm not going to add them.

Home, I cut up the cabbage and apples I had bought before and put them in the slow cooker. Chunked the tomatoes, added the chopped onions, oil, vinegar, and seasonings, then put them in the oven. They were out and cooling by the time "Mitch," the Yandoo guy, came.

And all was forgiven because this: I told him about the picture freezing and being fuzzy all the time when I was on Zoom or Messenger video, plus the message "Your Internet connection is unstable." After testing this and that, he said it was my black box--not the modem, but the ???--can't remember the name. Anyway, he asked if I ever took the laptop into the other room to use. No, never. Then, he said you don't need the box. He took the yellow cord out an plugged it directly into the laptop. I was skeptical, but thanked him, he left, I called Ellen on Messenger to test it, and oh, mama--it was great! The picture was crystal clear and it didn't freeze even for a second even once.

Okay, things are looking up. Besides, today Jim is coming for lunch (well, the usual, he brings his, I bring mine, and we're outside) and I'm looking forward to that.

RAIN!!!!

It actually rained--and a real rain, not just the misty mist that's come down before. After lunch I was a bit at loose ends, not being able to go out,  so I put on my boots, grabbed my umbrella, and went to Von's. Bought a cabbage, two apples, and five pounds of carrots--and that's a lot of carrots.

It was good to do food prep again: I trimmed and scrubbed the carrots, put half in the slow cooker with two quartered tangerines and a sprinkle of cinnamon. For the other half, I added olive oil and Italian seasoning, and roasted in the oven. I had some for dinner and put up the rest in the freezer.

Spent an annoying amount of time on the Cricket web site, trying to change my email address, then my password. For some reason, it proved to be difficult and I'm not even sure I did it yet. Didn't do much else, aside from filing and other paperwork.

Ellen called. She had gone to the "pop-up" COVID test place in Ojai, only to find it was closed because of "inclement weather." (Well, they're not used to rain here.) She said she'd come over on Friday or Saturday to put my Christmas decorations up in the higher cabinets that I can't reach.

Sunday...

 ...and I didn't get up until 8:00 am! Dunno why, I just slept late--probably due to my down mood. I guess it's a reaction to my good Christmas holiday. I didn't have breakfast until after 9:00; however, I did complete the crossword puzzle, which was briefly gratifying. 

As ever, I found it amusing that the Ventura Star printed an article rather prominently (above the fold on page three) to the effect that rain was predicted for last night--big news!

My mood improved after Jim called me and we had a long talk. He was a devotee of Krishnamurti and has read all his books. He actually used to go to the Krishnamurti Center in Ojai to hear him speak. I've been at the center several times and have read some of him, also.  Jim mentioned one (which I intend to get) called "The Only Revolution."  I guessed the title means we can revolutionize within ourselves and Jim confirmed that. Anyway, I like K.s outlook on life.

Jiddu Krishnamurti (/ˈdʒɪduːkrɪʃnəˈmuːrti/; 11 May 1895 – 17 February 1986) was a philosopher, speaker and writer. In his early life, he was groomed to be the new World Teacher, but later rejected this mantle and withdrew from the Theosophy organization behind it.^[1] His interests included psychological revolution, the nature of mind, meditation, inquiry, human relationships, and bringing about radical change in society. He stressed the need for a revolution in the psyche of every human being and emphasized that such revolution cannot be brought about by any external entity, be it religious, political, or social.

I spent some time--finally--sorting and filing paperwork, but I must write a few things to myself, including my dental proposal.  My only excursion outside was to walk over to Von's for a few necessities--for me, that meant romaine and broccoli. 

Wrote and mailed a thank you note to Roz for the wine and finally called Sharon, the daughter of my dear departed friend, Marge, to thank her for her note of last month.  She wasn't home and I left her a message.

Betty called and I guided her to Facebook Messenger video, so we could see each other. I was amazed that she finally got it and I enjoyed it--for a time. However, her constantly increasing confusion is so hard to witness. Every time I see or talk to her I notice a decline in her cognitive abilities. Time is a thief, all right.

 

A Song And Salmon

                                "Back in the saddle again...Back where a friend was a friend..."

Roy Rogers used to sing that song and it kept going through my mind as I resumed my usual rituals. Had my coffee, wrote my blog, and checked my email and Facebook; ate my usual breakfast (cottage cheese on Killer Dave's toast, coffee, and a tangerine) while reading the Ventura Star; got a piece of salmon out of the freezer for dinner, then took off for the Market about 10:00. Not the most exciting routine, but I'm comfortable with it, assuming it's punctuated with occasional deviations. 

I am NOT happy over the deviation Yandoo Communications handed me. Tech was due to come between 1:00 and 5:00, so I stayed in. Was on the laptop in the bedroom most of the time, but thought I'd go check the mail. Opened the door to find a card on the know saying "Mitch" had come, but nobody was home. WHAT?! I called, furious, to say I was there all the time. Rep said he had tried to call me, but there was no answer. I got no call, I told her. Anyway, upshot is "Adrian" will come on Tuesday between 1:00 and 5:00. Ellen and I were going to test it after the fix; I called to tell her we'll have to put it off. I was so pissed. However, it occurred to me I should have put a note on the door or something, as I probably didn't hear the bell, since I was playing a game with sound.

Anyway, I rushed out, grabbed a bus, and went to Target and picked up some socks. By the time I got home, I had gotten--grudgingly--calmer. Had a vegetarian dinner, instead of cooking the salmon, which I'll do today. Called Jim after, to see if he's available for lunch some day (any day--it isn't as if my social calendar is full--but he wasn't there and I left a message.

 

Christmas

 It turned out to be a fine Christmas, after all!

Here, I'll just sketch it out:  Ellen served me an over easy/scrambled egg (I don't know, either, but it was good) breakfast, we hung out, went for a walk, watched some T.V. (a novelty for me), and otherwise had a leisurely day until 4:00. Unlike Thursday, which was chilly and grey (it even rained a few drops), Christmas was wonderfully sunny and warm; we even opened windows.  

We also opened presents, of course, but I'm not going to enumerate them here. My real present was the Zoom call at 4:00 pm, our time.* All of my children participated and how I loved seeing and hearing them. Of course, being together literally is far, far superior to any kind of virtual visit, but this was the next best thing. We actually interacted for more than two hours. Greg came in from his mother's in the middle of it, so that was good. 

After, the three of us sat down to chat for a bit while I had a glass of wine, then El--an "earth angel" if ever there was one--took me home. Got in shortly before 8:00, partly unpacked, watched a bit of Doubt (still tedious, I'm afraid), and turned in. Slept like a stone, as the Brits say.

*Significantly, my picture was sharp and clear, and didn't freeze even once, further proof that the problem is with my Internet connection. The technician is scheduled to come today between 1:00 and 5:00, but El and I are going to try it before that to be sure it's still on the blink.

Christmas Eve

Here at Ellen's and feeling good. The Access Van picked me up at 11:36 and took me to Von's in Ojai where El picked me up. She gave me lunch, for which we cracked the bottle of rosa vino I had been given on my last birthday. Since I don't drink alone, I had never opened up, so this was a good occasion to do so. (Verdict? I'm not a fan of rose, as it always seems sort of watery and bland, but it was okay.)

We then watched the remake of The Secret Wife of Walter Mitty (fun the first half, tedious the second) and--more fun--played with the adorable kitties. El made dinner while I hung out. At one point, I tried calling my other kiddies on Messenger video, but couldn't rise any of them.  We had a yummy turkey dinner, topped with vanilla/chocolate cake and, in my case, accompanied by a Blue Moon. 

Our entertainment for the evening was (at my request) several episodes of The Twilight Zone, which were remarkably dated and inept, one and all. El then switched to Portlandia, of which I had vaguely heard and oh, boy, talk about today's humor.  It's hysterically funny, hip, and "woke" and I loved it. 

Speaking of "woke" (I had to ask El what that means), Mike later facetimed us and I sent him a pic of El's tree, which he described as "woke" and a "Charlie Brown tree." 

I somehow like this more than the big, full, added-to, unnatural-looking trees you see everywhere today. They're plumped-up for the market--the one true god is money, no question about that--but this is the way Christmas trees used to look when we got oranges and socks in our stockings.

Mike later sent Messenger pics of the girls wearing my gifts to them: bracelets I bought at a Native American store in Arizona:

Patrick also facetimed from Tokyo, but he was working remotely and wife and son weren't with him. We decided to do a family Zoom call and El sent out the invitation. For our time, it will be 4:00 today--can't wait!

  

   

Wednesday

Talk about a low ebb: Nursing my cold, I didn't go out, with two exceptions: a trip to Von's for a few things and to CVS for Thera-Flu in tablet form. (To me, the kind you dissolve in water is revolting.)

Called the Access Van, asked to get to Ojai at noon, gave them Ellen's address, and was informed they don't take people to homes. Okay, I said, then take me to Von's and that was permitted. Called El later and she'll pick me up there. 

Other than that, nothing much. I fooled around on the lap top, but that got old quickly. Actually turned on the "discussion" part of The Birds DVD to see some of the actors and others involved in the movie discussing it. I figure that was filmed at least 25, if not more years ago, but I enjoyed it more than the movie, which isn't saying much.

El called to ask that I take me temp this morning; she had given me a thermometer. I will and will take it with me to her house. 

I'm looking forward to seeing Ellen, but aside from that, there doesn't seem to be much of anything good coming up. Along with, I guess, millions of others, I can't wait to get this year over with.

But one piece of good news: Mike posted on my Facebook page that my package arrived--on Christmas Eve! (In Singapore, they're a day ahead of us.) I guess it's too much to hope the one to Japan was received. I already know my letter and Christmas card to my almost-ninety-five-year-old in Bangkok didn't arrive yet.  

UPDATE: I had emailed son in Japan to see if the package arrived and just got a reply that yes, it had. YAY!

 

Various Annoyances

Stripped the bed, re-made, and put in a bleach wash early. I was pleased to get a call from my friend, Nancy, and we talked for 45 or so. She still stays in--she doesn't even go to the supermarket, her DIL shops for her--and has gained an unfortunate amount of weight. She does have a number of ailments, including that hemoglobin thing and, most worrisome, shortness of breath. Anyway, it was good to talk to her.

However, that was the high point of the day. I waited around for Yandoo to call. I had been assured by Quentin, to whom I spoke on Monday, that someone would call from the local branch to set up a time to come and find out why my pictures keep freezing. He told me, not just once, but twice that someone would call between 9:00 and 1:00, "no later than 1:00." Did anyone call? Why, no. I called them and repeated the whole damn scenario--I have the ticket number--and waited some more. Finally,  I called one more time near the end of day. At this point, I was given a "hot line," called it, and was told the appointment was for the 29th and somebody would be here between 8 and 12.  Since when? The guy said I had been contacted. Really? How--phone, text, email? He didn't know. So I just ended by telling him I had no intention of paying the extra charge for the upgrade, since it didn't work. He said it would be taken off. AAGH! 

Walked over to Von's for vitamin D and Thera-Flu. When I got home, I realized I already had the first, plus I had accidentally gotten the second that you have to put in warm water, not in tablet form. Had one last night and--ugh! I don't even like the taste. What a day.  

Birthday And The Big World

It wasn't the best birthday I ever had, but thanks to Ellen, it was bearable. Carolyn had suggested she bring Betty over at 10:00 and we'd sit outside, masked and six feet away from each other, and celebrate our birthday. I was looking forward to that. However, I woke up with a cold, called Carolyn to tell her. That seemed no problem, but she called back later to say she had talked to her husband and was uncomfortable coming. Boy, was I disappointed. We did do video messenger when Betty was at her place that was better than nothing, but I was still pretty down.

I did get lots of happy birthday e-mails (thanks, Patti), Facebook entries, and phone calls, including from immediate family, old friends, nieces and nephew, and my brother, Larry. (Sadly, he said Helen is sinking fast. She's not on hospice yes, but I'm afraid, it will be soon.) I perked up my ears to hear some of his children have made reservations for Japan for July. Larry wants to go, then go over to Bangkok to see our brother, Jim, who will be 95 next month.

I also told El I  had a cold. She came over, as planned, with Thai food (and plenty of it--had it for lunch and dinner, too) and we sat outside to eat. Luckily, the weather's been perfect--seventies and no humidity at all--and yesterday was no exception.

We talked about the CO-VID thing and El looked at her phone to see there was a "pop-up" testing site at the park. We drove over, but the information was erroneous, so we came back. We sat on the patio while I opened cards and presents. El gave me a pretty pendent, which will go perfectly with what I plan to wear for Christmas, plus six great big beautiful lemons from her tree. With the avocadoes Olivia had brought over earlier (I gave one to Ellen), I have some nice produce. Also got a gift card from Amazon and a picture of the Tokyo trio, plus an adorable card from Mr. K.: 

Note that he asked Dad to identify his fish and snail by name. 

Jim called to wish me a happy (I was surprised he remembered it) and we chatted, me nosy, he reticent as ever. My niece, Joan, her Jim, and their son and vintner DIL left a message of all of them singing the B.Day song. I called back to say I was a Hollywood agent and wanted to sign them. 

I got a delightful Facetime call from Mike and his gorgeous girls; compared to the crappy Zoom and video Messenger pictures, it was wonderfully clear and sharp. Their apartment is huge and beautifully decorated, nineteen floors up.  

Sometimes I forget what kind of life my granddaughters live. It's light years away from what mine was, the chubby little Catholic at St. James, oblivious to free thought and the big world that isn't Absecon Island. How I envy them. 

Eighty-Four

 Fooled around on the laptop, then started looking over the mounds of both paperwork and family memorabilia that needs to be filed. I'll get to it one of these days. 

I finally did something I've been meaning to and it actually worked: I videoed myself on YouTube reciting a poem of mine. Played it back and can see where I can improve. That was fun and I assume I can send it to others.  

Went over to Von's for bread and romaine, then saw some "fab five" bargains. I didn't have my cart, so I took the b. and r. home, then went back for Ritz, Planters, and Lean Cuisine--FAB FIVE! 

I sometimes wonder myself what this saving money thing is all about. I'm not rolling in dough, but I'm perfectly comfortable financially and my life style will not change if I save a dollar ten on peanuts. In fact, a dollar ten IS peanuts. Yet I'd rather starve than pay full price for something if I can get it for less. Must be the frugal way I was brought up, plus this "I win!" feeling if I get a bargain. Dunno.

The Zoom meeting turned out okay, I guess, although mine kept freezing and I think it's less effective with that many people. There were nine "windows" all Betty's surviving children and grandchildren were in on it, although the granddaughters in Chicago said almost nothing. My niece, Francine, with my brother, Frank, was in on it; he said almost nothing, too. Betty's best friend for the last 70 or so years ago, Pat Kennedy Hayes, was, too, and she said hardly a word. I think if you're having some kind of meeting and there's a leader, Zoom works with that many, but not so smoothly otherwise. Anyway, it was okay and I know Betty enjoyed it. She actually called me at 8:00, once she got back from Carolyn's. She seemed more spacey than ever, I'm afraid.

I got a Facetime call from my sweet baby boy, Mike, after dinner about 6:30 my time, 10:30 his, and a day ahead, so on my actual birthday today. He talked about his new job, at Apple, where he'll start on January fifth, as "Senior Manager for Travel Operations Strategy." He got a big fat "golden parachute" severance package from Rio Tinto, too, so he's in good shape.

The downside is that I developed a lousy cold, which is still going on. It's been years since I've had a cold, and this is a real bummer because it's my birthday Actually, I think it's kind of fitting, too: It goes along with the bummer of being eighty-four years old. Nobody wants to be eighty-four, unless they're ninety-four.    

Stress And Tippi Hendren

 Did I indicate that stressful times were over? They aren't.  I called Yandoo Communications and after a great deal of travail, upgraded my Internet connection. Ellen then called to put me on Zoom, as planned, but in a few minutes, I again got the "Internet connection is unstable" message. El walked me through shutting down my laptop, then putting it on again. I thought I had done that, but I had actually not done it properly. 

After that, we talked on Zoom and she showed me some of her students' haiku--pretty good, some of them. She also read me one of her students' story, which was excellent. Hard to believe a third-grader wrote it and with this virtual school, there could arise the suspicion that a parent or older sibling did. In this case, though, teacher had the children write a synopses while she was on-line with them. It was really remarkable.

Finally finished--for the moment--with electronic crapola, I had lunch, then bused to Telephone Road. Walked from there to the Cricket store to ask something about my phone, then to Office Max. I thought I'd take the 11 home, but my phone said it wouldn't come for 17 minutes and I'm so damn impatient, I started walking. Before I knew it, I was back on Victoria and took the 21 to Telegraph.  (I'm going to resist recording my walking mileage because I think I'm getting obsessive about adding it here.) 

I finished watching Pulp Fiction (bizarre, violent, but somehow interesting) last night and started The Birds. Most of the old movies I bought stand up well to present-day, but that honker isn't one of them. For openers, the story-line is ludicrous, and not just the vicious birdies concept, but the rest of it. I guess I've gotten used to seamless photo splicing, but when Tippi drives a convertible and motor boat, the background is so obviously added in, you cringe. As for the star herself, I read a review years ago stating that her acting would be an appropriate gift for a couple on their wooden wedding anniversary, and there's a reason I remember this after all this time. To top it off, the script is silly and as for Alfred's direction--well, he didn't have much to work with.  (But oh, well, the movie is 57 years old and Tippi is 90, so maybe I should cut it--and her--a break.)

T.O.P.S. And Target

 Home: 125.8, so I'm down by .04; T.O.P.S.; 126.9, so down .02. I was up a tad last week, but no worries, as I think these are just normal variations.  Only the four of us were there again. There was some suggestion about meeting next Friday--on Christmas Day? Come on! However, we will meet on New Year's Day, which is fine by me;  I haven't gone out for riotous times in decades.

After breakfast--which, as always on Fridays because of T.O.P.S., I didn't get until almost ten--I was on the Internet and the phone for the boring reasons listed below. Cleaned up the Christmas stuff a bit--a little bit--and otherwise occupied myself. Nephew Jim texted that he had sent the disk of my Dad at Villanova via Fed Ex and included a photo of the receipt, so I'll get that shortly.

Lunched, then loaded a number of books into my cart and walked the footpath to the park. I left off the books, acquiared some new ones, then walked to Ralph's for blueberries. Bused home, but deviated to Von's for shredded cheese and grapes. Ellen called while I was still in the shopping center and we talked about today, when she'll guide me through the Sunday Zoom call. Also mentioned Monday, my birthday, when she'll come here and bring lunch.

                                                               XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

(Note: Below I'm recording some boring business stuff, so I can look it up later if I need to.)

 I called Yandoo Communications and upgraded my Internet connection from 10 megabytes to 25. It's only an additional $13.50 and change and I can revert back when I want to. Doesn't seem to me there's any change in speed, but it seem okay before, too.

Also dealt with that web site from Hell, Target's. I've always had great difficulty in maneuvering in it and yesterday was no exception. There was a seven-minute wait the first two times I called, but will try later. All I want to do is pay my bill! Finally got somebody and he guided me and, believe it or not, he agreed it's a lousy web site. You'd think when you click on "My Account," you would see what was on your account, but no--you have to go to "manage red card," which isn't even very prominent. Anyway, I'm putting here in case I need to refer to it another time.

Jim, Carolyn, And Civil Defense

Okay, I'm a tad less harried, I guess. Jim called early to thank me for the Christmas card. He's unbelievably--well, "otherworldly," you could say. He was amazed that I made the card from decorative stamps and wrote the little rhyme for him. It was good to talk to him and I was pleased that he finally got to the systems person and was able to modify his class as needed. Suzanne texted me how much she liked my card, too. 

I spent a long time scanning, then trying to retrieve a document regarding my father's work--I assume, as a volunteer, although I'll look that up--as a civil defense person during WWII. I scanned both sides, but couldn't seem to call it up. Asked my boys for advice and finally got it to work; the documents are below.

Went to Von's and while I was there, Carolyn called. She asked if, instead of me going to see Betty, that she (Carolyn) would bring her here on Monday morning, our actual birthday. That sounds like a good plan, so that's what we'll do. 

I set out for Smart 'N' Final after lunch and boy, was it windy and chilly. After walking out of the complex, I went back and got gloves and a wool hat, which helped. Picked up a few things at Dollar Tree and romaine at S 'N' 'F, so got three in, at least.

Called El when I got home and we chatted. She'll be less busy this evening, when her last class for the semester is over, so we'll talk then, too.

This is why Absecon Island wasn't invaded by the enemy!

Wednesday

Still scurrying around, but things are winding down. I spent the entire morning (several hours) making and finishing up my Christmas card list. When I looked up, I saw it was almost 1:00 and I had to rush to make my sandwich, get my lunch packed, and go out to meet Jim.

It was so pleasant outside: sunny and about 70, with just a gentle breeze. I was a bit annoyed that a workman was using a million-decibel blower to clear leaves near us, but he left before too long. Poor Jim is having a terrible time with his intro to logic class. He has to boil down an 18 meeting class to 8 meetings and is so ignorant of the Internet, it's terribly difficult for him. He does have until March, but the systems support is so inadequate at the college, it's incredible. He had to leave at 2:00 because the person he needs to consult on this is available only from 2:00 to 3:00 for certain disciplines. I'll call him in a few days to see how he made out.

After, I bussed into town for the first time in what seems like weeks. It was depressing to see the difference from last time I was there. Two of my favorite restaurants, Lure Fish House and Finney's Craft place, and all the other restaurants which had been thriving with their outside dining, can no longer could serve there. They have takeout and delivery, but that's all. Even on this lovely day, there were very few people walking on Main Street. I stopped in a few places and bought two more DVDs, walked my mile or so, then left.

Called Betty's daughter to see if I could visit Betty on Friday or Saturday. I asked her to decide and let me know. Either way will be fine with me; I know she's very nervous about the virus, so if it would make her uncomfortable, I definitely do understand and won't go.

Betty herself called to say she had gotten my Christmas card (personalized with a rhyme). Carolyn had told me she had also got a cortisone shot in her knee, but Betty didn't mention it. I'm glad it's helping.

Suzanne left me a card at the door. It's a picture of a poinsettia made by a fellow Sister and, same as last year, she didn't write on either it or the envelope, so I could "use it again." This may seem odd, but I think it's rather endearing. Last year, she gave me a kind of "constructed" card that was very attractive and this year, I did, indeed, send it. I save cards for a few years; I cut up the picture on one from 2017 for Steve and Robyn's card. Anyway, I like the idea.

Tuesday

Hectic continues to describe my days. Betty's daughter-in-law, Robyn, called and asked if I'd include myself in a birthday Zoom plan. Yeah, sure, but just arrange things with Ellen. I'm not really anxious to participate, but of course, I will. They were planning for our siblings to be "on," too. Oh, really? My brother, Frank, is more ga-ga than Betty and our 84-year-old brother in Bangkok, according to his daughter, neither sees nor hears very well, so is pretty slow on the uptake. Also, it's thirteen hours or so ahead there, so it would be the middle of the night for both him and my boys. Anyway, they can work it out.

I had bought a card from the dog for my niece's son and daughter and can't find it anywhere--I must have lost it. I walked down to the market on Victoria (1 1/2 mi.) to buy another, then realized it was at another store. Walked back to Telephone Road and caught the 11 bus to that one, got the card, then walked over to Office Max where I finally found an address book. 

Didn't get home until after 5:00. I called Jim and we had a long talk; invited him to lunch today and I'm happy to say he accepted. I'm just at a low ebb for various reasons--the season, for one, and my birthday, for another. I think the Zoom thing is planned for the day before--Sunday--and I'll ask Carolyn is she has any problem with me visiting Betty on Monday, our actual birthday.  

I heard from Dr. Keihani's office and the news is mixed: The cost is much better, but there's a waiting period until May. I'm going to consult some people and decide what I want to do. 

El called and we discussed my birthday, the Zoom call, and Christmas. She'll come here for the B.day, which is actually Monday, and I'll stay overnight there on Christmas Eve. That's something to look forward to, anyway.

I called Jim to ask if he's available for lunch today. He is, so that's something else to look forward to, instead of this damn dreary disease dreck. 

Me Active, Santa Asleep

BUSY!  But, finally, at long last, I've got all the Christmas packages sent. I spent several hours in the morning selecting which wrapping paper to use (I have reams left from last year), deciding for most of them simply green and red tissue. That's mostly to cut down on the weight as much as possible, but also, I kind of think it looks homey and old-fashioned, in a pleasant way. 

When I was a kid, my mother almost always wrapped all the presents in tissue paper. I figure that was because 1.) the big onslaught of fancy this and that, including wrapping paper, hadn't happened yet and 2.) Mom was frugal and, as today, tissue was less expensive. Aha! And I just remembered that our gifts would be tied with yarn! I doubt if Mom ever went out and bought the curly kind of ribbon, if it even existed then. I made my own gift tags with white paper and various types of Christmas stickers, too.

I also finally finished the Christmas cards I made for some people. What a chore! The personalized little rhymes were easy enough, but stamping the card stock (I have plain white heavy note paper) was problematic. It was very difficult to get the image right--the Christmas tree, for instance, would fade out here and there. However, I finally did them. I took them to the P.O. in the morning and the packages in the afternoon.

There was a long line there, out the door and down the sidewalk. It took 35 or so minutes for me to get in and when I finally got them mailed, it was almost 4:00. I had thought I'd go over to Office Max to get a desk calendar, but it would have been after 5:00 and dark by the time I got home, so I just postponed for today . 

I had texted Suzanne about the lease thing, but she didn't get one, either. Neither did Chuck, across the way, so we're all puzzled. She rang my bell and we stood outside and talked for a half hour or so. What we think is this: They're sending those who pay more (because they're more recent renters) the lease because they want to keep them. They're not offering this to the long-timers, because they pay quite a bit less. I think Suzanne, here 23 years, pays $75 less than I do and Chuck's (28 years) rent is probably less than hers.  

Last evening, I got a call from Big Island Candies, a favorite of son, Mike (he owns a house in Hawaii), where I had ordered gift cards for both my boys. I had asked if they ship to Tokyo and Singapore and yes, they do, but this woman wanted to tell me the postage costs there: over sixty bucks, no matter what size the order! That is simply outrageous, so I rescinded the orders. Damn! I'm going to email them what happened, think of something else, and tell them Santa fell asleep on the job.

  

  ...because I spent hours digging out info on my Figenshu antecedents. In addition, my nephew, Jim* called about sending back my disk with my father's college pictures, which I had lent him two years ago. We had a good long talk, catching up on past family history and present family doings. Jim oversees something or other in three hospitals, so is pretty busy. Anyway, he will finally send back the disk I lent him two years ago, but he also put it on "the cloud," that is, send me a link and now I can go to that, too. 

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• I just don't know what I did up there! I don't know how to move Jim's picture and I don't know why the margin on the right is how it is, but I just can't deal with it anymore.
• Anyway, here are my Dad's pics from Villanova, when he was on the track team and the debating team:
• 
  
  
  
  

• Santa Clara Valley Medical Center
• University of Southern
  
  
  California

In the track team pic, Dad is standing second from the left; in the debating one, he's standing furthest on the left.

Well, I'm afraid I screwed this up and don't know how to unscrew it. Sorry!

nect

Activities, Lorenz, and George

Worked on my little Christmas project--personalized cards--which I may or may not expand. It's a lot of work, not to compose them, but to cut and paste--that is, literally cut and paste, since I'm not at all adept.

I did, however, get Singapore son and family done, as well as one for  my brother, Jim, the 94-year-old current resident of Bangkok. I still have more to do, which I'll try to accomplish today. I also have bought cards to fill out and send. In addition, I want to go to Michael's and possibly Barnes & Noble to fill in some things.

Went to the P.O. to mail the above, then took my cart to the market. I finally have a good supply of veggies and other items that are staples for me. Got my three miles in, too. 

I had posted on Facebook pictures of my great-grandfather, Lorenz (Lawrence) Figenshu (originally Fiegenshuh), when he came as a mercenary to fight in the war between the states The second is the colorized and gussied-up my cousin had done--Hollywood's version, it seems to me. 

Two of my nephews would like copies, plus other info. When I'll ever get around to that, I don't know. Here's one of my grandfather, Lorenz'es son, George, at his barber shop in Philadelphia. He's on the left and see the post? It must be hereditary!  

T.O.P.S. And So On

Only four of us at T.O.P.S., as Bobbi has opted to cower at home with the new "lockdown" thing. I gained a smidgen, .08 on the home scale for 126.2 and .07 according to T.O.P.S, for 127.1. No prob on my part, as I figure that's just a normal slight variation. (Being a math illiterate, I have no idea how many ounces .08 nd .07 of a pound are.)

Did a color wash in the morning, then spent time on my Christmas project. After lunch, I walked to Smart 'n' Final and Dollar Tree for staples, such as broccoli, blueberries, romaine, eggs. I found some good kitty toys for Gwennie and Cessy. It felt good to walk the three miles. It was a little cool, but sunny, so I enjoyed it.

Called Ellen to tell her about the dentist thing and hear about her school experiences. Called Bobbi to wish her happy Hanukkah and we talked for twenty or so. Got two more Christmas cards for a total of six so far, plus two early birthday ones. I'll work on my cards tomorrow--the special ones, that is--and do the others next week or so.

Dentist

(Still busy, busy, busy, and I hope a lull starts now.)

 Before I left to meet the Access Van outside, I wrapped the gifts for Tokyo, addressed the big envelope, and filled out the customs form. 

Got to Oxnard on time for my 11:00 appointment and after the usual paper work, I was x-rayed, taken to an examining room, and Dr. K. came in. This was simply a consultation at no charge, for which I was thankful, and happily, I'm more optimistic at this point than I have been since January. I don't want to go into detail, but there's light at the end of the molar now, I think. 

I was favorably impressed with the dentist, Dr. Keiheni (Key-hahni). He went to UCLA School of Dentistry and is perfectly fluid in English, with a slight accent. I looked up the name and found it's Iranian. That pleases me, being appalled by the relentless insistence of the U.S. government that it could be a good idea to bomb Iran. Anyway, the upshot was, we talked for some time and I might be able to live with a less expensive plan. Dr. K. will come up with possibilities and we'll go from there.   

I hadn't asked the Access Van to take me back to Ventura, figuring there had to be a bus stop nearby. There were several, in fact, but I had to ask somebody which direction. Got back after 2:00, stopped at Von's for romaine, had lunch, then rushed off to the P.O. to mail the package to Japan. I was pleasantly surprised that it wasn't quite thirty bucks; I expected more.

From there, I hopped a bus to the mall and stopped in to see Angie at Johnson Dental. I just wanted to thank her for helping me get my $4780 refund on my credit card before interest was charged. Walked down to Target to get Christmas presents for the Ojai grandcats, but didn't see any I liked.  

Stopped at CVS for something called Bacitracin to put on my wound. Home, dinner, and a wonderful shower (I wasn't allowed to get the stitches wet for two days). As instructed, I took off the bandage and put the ointment on, then a Band-Aid. How does it's look? I dunno, just like I had stitches two days ago, I guess; that's the extent of my medical savvy. 

My pal, Jim, called about 8:00 to see how I made out, and we had a good talk. I'll call Ellen to report this evening after 5:00.

 

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Chaos

EVERY year, I vow to get my Christmas packages sent early and EVERY year, I seem not to. This was no exception, I'm afraid. I had all the gifts for Singapore except Mike's and I'm giving him a gift card to Big Island Candies in Hawaii. You can't order on their web site, so I had to email them, then call to find out if they send to Singapore. I wanted to get the gift card, then include it with my DIL and granddaughter's gifts (and, of course, those for Snickerdoodle and Malibu). For Mike and Patrick, I would order gift cards. But this necessitated several phone call, but was finally settled. I asked for email confirmations, but annoyingly, haven't gotten them yet. 

I wrapped and packed up the others, put them in the P.O.'s own large "priority mail" envelope, and walked to the P.O. to mail.  AAGH--I was told postage would be fifty-two dollars and change! Now these are small and light in size and, conscious of weight, I wrapped them in tissue paper. The guy at the P.O. said if they were in just a large envelope, they'd be half that much. 

Natch, I didn't have any that large, so I went home, walked to Wal-Mart, and got four large, padded envelopes (for both boys), bused home, rewrapped Mike's and rushed back to the P.O. Sure enough, the postage was now only twenty-some dollars, just about half as much. I still haven't gotten the Tokyo one off, but hope to today.

If I live through today, that is--I have my dental appointment at Oxnard Dentistry at 11:00.

Surgery, Sort Of

I finished breakfast about 8:30, then nervously prepared for the ten o'clock dermatology appointment for the removal of the growth on my nose. I'm always paranoid about being late for things, so was just getting ready to leave for the bus when the phone rang. It was Dr. T.'s office, saying they had had some "technological problems" and would have to ask me to wait for them to call in an hour or so to reschedule when I could come in later in the day. Geez, I had had that appointment at Oxnard Dentistry, then got the call the wife went into labor, and I had to reschedule. Was I upset over the derm call? Not at all, I was thrilled to have a little more breathing space. 

Later, I was called and asked to come in between 11:30 and 11:45. I barely made it, as the 6 bus was late, but I did. Once there, I was taken to the sort-of surgery room, and had the M.O.H.S. procedure. In my case, Doc deadened the area next to my nose, cut out the crud, then he and nurse left me for an hour. That was okay, as I took with me Edward Curtin's Seeking Truth in a Country of Lies: Critical & Lyrical Essays.  I'm absolutely stunned at his insight into modern life, in particular the evils of American imperialism, especially since it's so championed by "liberals." Besides something to read, I had been told to bring water and a snack. I did--grapes and pretzels--but I didn't get hungry or thirsty, so brought them home.

Doc had to come back once to cut more out, then it was declared "clear" and he put in deep stitches that will dissolve in some time or other and others that will dissolve later--or something. Nurse then cleaned up and put a big dressing on, and I was released a little after 3:00. I walked to the nearby market for bananas and blueberries, walked to the transit center (only about a  mile, but at least I got some in), and got home.  I had been told to take Tylenol, but I didn't have any. I did have Aleve, so took two of those; later, I read the instructions paper I shouldn't take Aleve. Well, too late, but I went to CVS for Tylenol, so I could take some before bed. 

Ate some vegetable potstickers for dinner--I still wasn't very hungry--then was about to call Ellen, but she beat met to it and we had a good talk.  

I was surprised to get a call about 8:00 pm from Dr. T., asking how I was doing. I guess this is the new thing, but it sure didn't happen when I was a girl. Doctors were august creatures, just slightly above the angels in the moral hierarchy and they would never have called off-hours. Not sure if this part of the COVID thing or part of the medicine-is-a-business thing. 

Anyway, I told him about the Aleve thing and he said it shouldn't be a problem. Then he asked if I had been keeping a cold pack on it...uh, what? I had just skimmed the paper I had been given and had missed that part. He told me to do that right away to reduce the swelling. I did and kept it on while I watched Will & Grace, but AAGH! I just looked at the instructions paper and it says "for fifteen minutes every two hours," so I goofed there, too. I'm pretty sure a medical professional (ret.) is reading this and gasping in horror at my poor patient-ship, so I should be ashamed. (But I'm not, so there!)  Anyway, when I got up this morning, it feels okay: doesn't hurt and isn't badly swollen.

I was touched when Jim called last night to see how the surgery went. We had a good talk and I was glad to hear he called the government agency he was concerned about and finally, his problem seems to be resolved. 

So the easy part re my health is over; tomorrow, the hard one: Oxnard Dentistry.         

Jim, The Wind, And Other Stuff

 Jim had asked if I could help him with getting his driver license to a particular site on the Internet--long story I won't go into--so of course, I said I would. I spent some time cleaning up a bit, as I haven't had anyone* in for quite a long time.

He came at one with his lunch, as usual. We had planned to eat outside, also as usual, but the Santa Ana winds were so fierce, we just couldn't stay out. Yes, the gov has us under lockdown, but he was going to come in for the computer stuff, anyway, so we ate at my place.

After, we went into my bedroom (but Sister Immaculata  wasn't around, so we weren't worried 😁) where my laptop and printer are. I scanned the license, saved it, sent it to my email, then to his and so on and so forth. Anyway, for various reasons, it took about an hour, but we finally got it done.

Jim returned the favor by getting my Christmas decorations out of a very high cabinet, which I was afraid to attempt. He left about 4:00. I called Betty back (she had called me in the morning, but I didn't hear it) and responded to an email from Greg thanking me for the birthday cards (one from me, one from Gwennie and Cissy, the kitties). 

I got a call from Dr. T.'s office, the dermatologist telling me to bring water, a snack, and a book to wait out the M.O.H.S. procedure today. I'll leave after breakfast, as I'm supposed to get there by 9:45.

Walked over to Von's for bread and romaine; the wind was still pretty strong, but I think not quite as bad. There's an enormous amount of debris all over the complex, mostly from the palm and pine trees that dot the campus. 

Called Ellen just to chat. She was on her way back from The Hip Vegan, Greg's favorite place, with dinner for the two of them. 

*Aside from Ellen, and daughters are different.

Sunday

As I had told her I would, I called Hazel at 9 am my time, noon hers. It really wasn't a very satisfactory conversation. First of all, I probably should have picked a different time, as she was having lunch. With most people, I would have just said I'd call her back in a hour or so, but Hazel is pretty fuzzy and I didn't want to do that. We talked for maybe five minutes, if that, while I asked her how she was doing and so on. She responded, but somewhat mechanically, in a sort of gasping monotone. She kept saying she was sorry--about what, I'm not sure. I said I'd call her another time and I will, but probably no sooner than a few weeks. I called Betty after to tell her I had spoken to Hazel. Betty showed little interest, which is now characteristic of her, and started telling me what she was watching on television.

These two incidents really wore on me and I got pretty down. I did do a little work on my project, then got out some Christmas decorations. I can't reach some, though, and thought I'd just have to leave them, but see later. I got out the door decoration and added the little Santa Claus figure I had been given in New Mexico:

It's hard to see, but Santa is holding a tiny roll of toilet paper. 

Went to town after lunch and while I was walking up Chestnut Street, Jim called to ask if I  could upload his driver license to a site. Sure, and I invited him to come today. We'll meet outside for lunch, as usual first. I asked if he'd get down the box of Christmas items I want and he said he would.

I picked up three more DVDs in town. I now have a high stack I haven't watched yet and it will probably take me six months to see them all, but that's okay.

A Call And A Cut

I was pleased to get a call in the morning from Charles Pfrommer, son of my old friend, Hazel, nee Gibson, whom I haven't seen for a good ten years. She, Betty, and I had been friends since we were 7  years old; she lived on Wyoming Avenue, the street next to Rosborough. Anyway, I had put her name in my search engine and got her son's phone number. We had a long talk and he told me Hazel has been in Wesley Manor (which Charles said costs $12,000 a month--hard to  believe) for a few years. He said there had been several cases of COVID among residents and staff and now Hazel is in quarantine and can't leave her room. Anyway, he gave me the number and I called several times through, but there was answer. Finally, I called the main number, told the receptionist, he put me through to the nurse, and she said she'd go to Hazel's room and answer the phone. (Hazel had been there all the time, but just doesn't answer.) I called, nurse answered and gave the phone to Hazel, who sounded more confused and dotty than Betty does. She said it was wonderful to hear from me, but it wasn't a good time to talk, so I said I'd call her today about noon. Jeez, what is it with all these barely-functioning contemporaries? 

In between phone calls, I walked to the market for the things I can't live without, such as romaine. That was after breakfast, then I worked on my little project, which I won't reveal, for a time. After lunch, I was going to bus to town, but just lost interest. I did walk over to Von's for beef jerky, which I barely know what is, let alone what to do with it, but unbelievably, it's for a Christmas present. 

Great Clips is next door to Von's and I impulsively went in and asked for a cut. Incredibly, because they're usually very crowded, it was during a lull and I was taken right away. I'm not thrilled about the choppy cut, but at least I don't quite as much like Gravel  Gertie.

Ellen called from Wal-Mart about 4:30, then came over with the diet soda I asked for. She stopped in for a few minutes to chat, which is always enjoyable. She also brought me a pulse-ox, so I check my oxygen  level.  I going to leave that sentence right there.

Same Weight And Singapore

Foreword (ha!): I tried to substitute Violet on the beach for the picture of her below and have NO IDEA why I can't seem to remove the first one or why it showed up here. Well, I'm just going to leave them as is. Also don't know why I can't revert back to the usual print size, but the hell with that, too.

Weighed in at home at 125.4, a .04 loss. At T.O.P.S, I was 126.4; that's interesting because it's exactly the same as two weeks ago. Usually, I vary up or down a pound or two, which I think is normal. I'm fine with it, as long as it stays within my self-prescribed comfort zone. 

Note: I tried to put this picture of Violet below in place of the one there. I have NO IDEA why I can't do it and why it ended up here! 

Had breakfast (late, as usual on T.O.P.S. day), then put the books from the little lending library that I've already read in my cart and walked to Kimball. I still have at home at least four I haven't gotten to and now I chose two more to add to the stack. I'm afraid I have a clear case of 

                                                   tsundoku

-- a Japanese term used to describe a person who owns a lot of unread literature. Hey, it's better than stock-piling chocolate-covered grasshoppers, isn't it? (Or maybe it isn't.) 

Walked back from Kimball, so got three in. After lunch, I started out to bus to town, but saw the 10  going the opposite way. I impulsively jumped on, thinking I'd take a little excursion, then stay on when it turned around and went to the transit center. When it got to Wells Center, which is its final stop on that run, I was, of course, the only one left on. The bus driver, a woman, asked if I was getting off. I said, "Oh, I'm just going for a ride; I'll stay on back to the transit center." I was amazed when she lambasted me with "you're not allowed to do that, you can only use the bus for essential trips," and so on. I was even more amazed at myself that I didn't tell her kiss my ass. I saw the 11 bus parked in front, so I told her I'd take that back, which I did. Of course, while riding and fuming, I thought of a lot I should have said, such as "is that a law now?", "do you question every bus rider as to where they're going?", of "who decides what's essential?"  

Anyway, this having put me in a combative mood and it was getting later, instead of going into town, I went to Johnson Dental to again see Angie. I told her I hadn't gotten an acknowledgement of my email to her boss, at headquarter, but I was there to ask a question. When I saw her the other day and said I was concerned that I'd have to pay interest on the $4780, she had said I wouldn't have to. I didn't pick up on it then, but then it occurred to me she may have thought I had used Smile Central, which allows no interest for six months. No, I told her, I put it on my Mastercard, because I get rewards with that. She assured me refunds are paid on Tuesdays and it would be done then. In that case, I think I can simply pay the rest (I charge everything on it) and avoid interest or fees. Let's hope so, anyway, but if not, I assured Angie Johnson Dental would damn well pay it. 

Better later: Ellen called and said she had a teachers' conference. We discussed the changes in her job, still on-line, of  course, and now it will continue that way in January, too. Notably, instead of having nine children in three sessions, she'll split them and have two. That seemed more problematic to me, but she prefers it.

Video-called my boy, Mike, whose birthday is today here and was yesterday there. I had a wonderful time talking to, and seeing him, Vivian, Violet, and Paula (just a glimpse of her, as she was making brunch). Those girls are so adorable and I miss them and their Dad so much.