Saturday

Crazy weather: After two days of 90+, it was 55 when I got up at 5:00. By the time I left at 9:30 and walked to Wal-Mart, it had warmed up to a very pleasant 67 degrees. Got the few items on my list and saw a sale on jeans. I got a medium--must try it on for fit, but it looks okay. As I always do at Wal-Mart, I took my BP. It was 132/76 and I was informed that was high. Since I'm so ignorant, I don't know whether to be alarmed or not. Okay, I've decided not to be.  

Bused home and was in by 11:00. I made turkey breast sandwiches and took a bowl of applesauce out of the freezer for a side. Jim came, as ever, at 12:30, and as ever, we sat and talked for a half hour before sitting down to lunch. He's in a much better frame of mind, having had the plumber fix the drain and we had a good session. He didn't leave until 4:00, after which I ran into my young upstairs neighbor, Leah. I invited her in, and we had a great time talking. 

After Leah left, I was at this laptop and I happened to look out the window. I was surprised to see Bennie, from next door, all bent over and being escorted home by my friend, Vickie.  A few minutes later, she came to my door to tell me she had seen Bennie on the overpass, by himself, leaning against a support. She went to rescue him and take him home. (Before his retirement, Vickie had worked with him in Ventura County Behavioral Health.)

Vickie came in and I emailed Bennie's brother, James, who lives in L.A. to alert him about Bennie. Vickie and I both think that although Bennie has aides in every day, but not all day, should probably be in a facility. It isn't safe for him to live alone. We then ranged over a wide range of topics, including her Mary, worsening in "Holiday Manor" (Vickie isn't satisfied with her care) and my twin, Betty. She stayed for an hour and a half, and it was a good, woman-to-woman session.    

Later, James texted me to thank me and to ask if Vickie could get in touch with him. I forwarded his message to her.  I'll be meeting my new friend, LaVonne, for brunch at 11:00 at the Hill Street Cafe, and will walk over the very overpass Bennie did.