Mundane Monday

A this and that day--not particularly interesting, but not bad, either. It rained again (this is getting to be annoying), but mostly in the morning, which I spent with the ever-present "paperwork." I also went next door to Suzanne's to ask her to do me a favor and take the bowl of chocolate pudding left over from Jim-Lunch. (I don't trust myself.) She did, with thanks and we chatted a bit. Said she was going to WinCo on Thursday and did I want to go? Yes.

It cleared up in the afternoon, so naturally, I high-tailed it to town. Bought a scarf and four nice glasses I had seen the other day. Do I need them? Absolutely...sure, I do...I tell you I do! All right, I don't, but I wanted them and I bought them, so shoot me. 

Home about 4:45 and started in on some food prep. I small-diced several onions and peppers and large-diced others. Stowed them in the freezer for later use; I still have four onions and will reserve them for more immediate dinners. 

Aside from that, I did a jigsaw of the Ventnor complex with which I grew up. The small building on the right housed the library, where I spent so much time as a child. You could sit reading in wicker chairs and in the background was always the ocean, endlessly rocking.* A library? To me, it was a cathedral. 

From Walt Whitman's epic poem, Out Of The Cradle Endlessly Rocking (1860). The title, it seems to me, is the perfect metaphor for the ocean. He's the only one I'll forgive for free verse. 

Satisfying Sunday

Sunday crossword was good. Got absorbed in it, then dressed to meet Diane for lunch at the Vietnamese restaurant.  I hadn't picked up my mail of Saturday, so on the way to Telephone (I walk the mile and a bit there, then get the bus), I did. Hey, it was nice to get a postcard from Mike and Paula and it took only two months to get here:

We got to Pho Gyu Noodle House, but unfortunately, it's closed on Sundays--dunno why.  I suggested the Stone Fire Grille; was surprised Diane had never been there and that's where we went.  I'm there twice a month with Soaring Spirits, so was able to suggest some favorites. She liked it a a lot, as I do.

We were there talking for almost two hours. She isn't familiar with Messaging--thought it was the same as texting--and I showed her the exchanges I had recently had with two nephew. After, I  put my phone back only to hear, a minute later, voices from my purse. Ha--I had accidently videoed both Wes, Betty's son in Chicago, and Patrick, Frank's son in Cleveland. We laughed over that.

We finally go up and got the 11 together. I got off at Victoria, as I wanted to go to The Market, Diane continuing on to her place. Picked up green peppers and tissues, then bused home.

Once I got in, I made the pickling for the beets I had roasted on Saturday. It's easy enough, just messy dealing with beets. Also put the ingredients together for my dinner of salmon roasted in parchment. Good? Oh, yes, indeedy.  

Darn, it's supposed to rain again today. I may have to stay in and do something productive--a fate worse than death--instead of going out, but I'll see what I can do to avoid  it.  😁

Soggy Saturday

It rained a bit in the morning, but cleared up for a time, so Jim came for lunch. I made penne pasta with--what else? pasta sauce--and meatballs. BUT I'm ashamed to admit it, I didn't make the meatballs myself, but bought them frozen. They were okay, I guess, but I don't think I'll do that again.

Chatting with Jim on the couch, I came up with the idea of asking him which philosophers he likes most: Hegel and Sartre, it turns out. He expounded on their ideas, along with those of Aristotle, Socrates, and Plato. I actually found that fascinating and happy day, he'll talk when that's the topic. We also discussed philosophy, religion, and the history of both.

He left about 3:00 and I cleaned up, then put on my raincoat and warm hat and gloves, and bused to town. Browsed around and bought a few small items. Darn, by the time I was ready to walk the several blocks to the bus stop, it was raining again. I hadn't brought my umbrella, nor was I wearing my boots, so I got pretty wet. Luckily, though, I had to wait only ten or so for the 16, which turns into the 10 and lets me off right at my complex.

Back at my cozy abode, I called my cousin, Marifran in Cincinnati, to see if she could shed any light on whether my father's pictures on the track and debating teams were from high school or college. Marifran is the daughter of my father's much younger brother, and she won't turn 80 until December, a mere kid. I wasn't surprised that she didn't know the answers to my questions, so we hung up after a few minutes

...NOT! We talked for one hour and ten minutes and by then, it was well past my usual dinnertime, but I didn't care. Ellen had called while I was on the phone and I immediately called her back. We talked happily for about thirty, so by the time my phone sessions were over, it was well after 8:00. I reheated what was left of the lunch pasta, fired up the TV, and rejoined Harry and Megan for an hour on Netflix.  

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I asked the good people at Photo Restoration And Colorization on Facebook to colorize this:

And this was the result:

I'm not entirely happy with it, as it distorts facial features, but oh, well. I had provided the fact that my outfit was kelly-green (what was I thinking?!) and Betty's was navy. This was taken on Easter, April 9, 1950 and, from left, shows my mother, me, Larry, Betty, Jimmy, Gene,* and--holding two-year-old Stevie's hand, his first grandson, my father. He had 54 days left to live.   

*Gene was eight months pregnant with her second son, Kenny. Horribly for our family, both Steve and Ken would too soon emulate their grandfather. Ken would be killed at 31 while piloting a navy helicopter which went down off the coast of Virginia. Three years later, Steve, 33,  would die in a car accident in Kentucky. The following is an article about Ken from the U.S. Navel Academy, his alma mater. I had never seen this before:

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/KENNETH_J._WESSEL,_LCDR,_USN

Phooey On Friday

Because it was raining in sheets! I actually wore boots and took an umbrella to T.O.P.S. There were five of us and, as Lennie had asked last week, I brought my little "before and after in verse" game. I distribute pictures of the same people, before and after they lost an enormous amount of weight, then  recite a little rhyme related to them. Those who have the pictures, before or after, that correspond to the particular verse, put them on the table, then pass them around. They all said they enjoyed it. Here are three of the six:

Couples who marry/May share their fates/But they should never/Load up their plates.

An undergarment black and sheer/Is sexy as can be/But fitting in one leg of jeans/Is even more, you see. 

Butterflies are nice to wear/On your tummy or in your hair/And even better than a beanie/Is a sexy black bikini.

And so on for three more. I have another set, which I'll do at a  meeting sometime in the future. 

As for my own weight, 'tis a puzzlement: At home, I lost 1.2, weighing in at 128; at T.O.P.S., I gained .09 at 129.3. No, I don't understand it and I don't really care--much. We'll see what happens next week.

Got home, had breakfast, and it was still pouring down. Since I didn't want to go out, I decided to spend the day on food prep and that's what I did. First, I looked in my recipe files and chose pickled beets, turkey stir-fry, and garlic mushrooms. The only drawback was I didn't have a lot of the ingredients, so I put on my boots, took my umbrella, and braved the storm to go over to Von's to get what I needed. As recommended, I roasted the beets in the oven, but then realized I had overlooked peppercorns. Okay, I'll finish them today. I also didn't have the fresh thyme and parsley the mushrooms called for, so substituted dried; also used red wine instead of white (didn't have any of the latter open), and added turmeric to everything. Cooked up some chocolate pudding, too, with a view to having Jim over for lunch today. 

While doing this, I called Bobbi and we chatted. She's back from the hospital after her a-fib experience, so I hope will be back at T.O.P.S. next week. Called Diane and we had a good talk. We decided to skip our excursion today (still raining) and go somewhere for lunch tomorrow.  We'll both look for a place we haven't been before. 

Called Jim and he may or may not come for lunch. He was apprehensive about the weather, so I just old him to call me about 11:00 to see if he wants to brave it. 

I didn't feel even a twinge of the arthritis yesterday after just some stiffness getting out of bed, so that's good. Right now (6:15 AM), it's slightly stiff, but I think that will ease as I move around.

Thursday And Bullshit

Got the weekly or so pile of filing done (one of these days, I'll go through the filing cabinet and discard). Went over to Von's for salmon and otherwise occupied myself--don't even remember exactly how, except that I'm happily reading this terrific new book by British chef Anthony Warner:

He goes into all kinds of health and diet fads, including toxin-cleansing, the paleo, the Atkins, the grapefruit, the cabbage, and Gwyneth Paltrow. He lambasts most of them and I'm still only half way through the book. Great fun to read and refreshing to find somebody who doesn't instantly agree with all the phony gurus out there. 

The Access Van picked me up very early--2:50 for my 4:00 appointment, although Primary Medicine is  only twenty minutes away. So I got there early, but Dr. L. took me early confirmed what the daughter diagnoses was: arthritis. She said icing the knee is good and so is walking (yay!); she also recommended turmeric every day. This was a surprise, but before I got home (cancelled the Access Van and took the bus), I stopped at Von's and bought some. (I'll be looking it up to be sure it isn't some cockamamie notion from which even doctors aren't immune.) I had a nice piece of salmon, which I baked with olive oil and turmeric for dinner; not bad. 

I like Dr. L. so much. She's young--like Dr. F., she looks like a twenty-year-old coed, but I guess they all do--and, aside from the annoying medical news, we chatted about movies we like and other topics. She remembered I'm into acting and that was flattering. She contacted Rolling Oaks Radiology so I can make an appointment for an x-ray, but said it wasn't necessary unless the condition worsened.   

BTW, I was taken aback to hear I have arthritis. I'm so unused to having anything wrong with me, it came as a shock. However, now that I know it isn't a blood clot that will travel to my brain and kill me, I'm reconciled. 

Got up to see that the predicted rain is here, so I'll be stuck inside after T.O.P.S. Guess I'll have to do something practical for a change--AAGH!  😜

Worrisome Wednesday

I guess I'm not too worried, but I wish this damn knee thing would go away. I called to make an appointment with my primary and will go at 4:00 today. Called the Access Van to take me there and back. My knee improves when I walk on it, although it's stiff and sore when I first get up. It isn't red, swollen, or warm, so I hope that means it isn't a blood clot. From looking it up, I'm beginning to think it's arthritis. 

Margarita picked me up at 12:45 and we went off to Santa Paula. It was terrifically windy, which had been predicted and is supposed to be very cold (for here), plus will rain* on Friday. Ugh, ugh, double ugh--that, plus the knee, means I can't get out on my usual excursions. 

We had burritos at a Mexican restaurant, and I had a Modelo (Mexican beer). Margarita has some physical problems--some kind of a hyper-thyroid thing, for one--but she's slender and not unattractive. She's 73 or 4. We had some good conversation, although so far, I don't know her well enough to feel particularly close. I'm not sure I ever will, frankly. Unlike with Diane, Vickie, and a few others, there doesn't seem to be much of a rapport, but maybe later. I asked if she was going to the BCNN meeting next Wednesday--she is and will pick me up.

Got home about 3:30 and again, took a nap (I don't want to get into that habit, though). I called Ellen after; I was a little worried about her driving home in the wind. She was in okay, though, and, as she has arthritis herself, sort of reinforced the idea it's that. I guess I'll find out later today--or not.  

*But Zeus must not have gotten the message, as i's now 6:25 am on Thursday and it's raining like crazy. I fervently hope it stops before I have to go to my appointment. 

Tedious Tuesday

My knee is still bothering me, but was slightly better yesterday. I took another tablet and that seemed to help. I didn't do a lot, but managed to walk over to Von's, taking my cart. Got a fair amount of veggies, including cauliflower and, later, roasted it with mayo/parm dressing, which is so delish. 

Sent the photos from our little birthday lunch to Suzanne and Vickie. PMed Carolyn with the pics of our visit to Betty; C. wrote back appreciatively. Julie called, finally back from her three week cruise to Hawaii. She said that was too long to be on a ship (though of course, there were shore excursions) and I heartily agree. She won't be at T.O.P.S. on Friday because she'll be on yet another trip, this time to Arizona. She wanted to know if I wanted her to pick me up for the BCNN meeting on March 1, but I told her I think Margarita will. Speaking of--I texted her to be sure we're still on for lunch in Santa Paula today and yes, we are. Now I'm not so sure; I may have to call the doctor about my knee and skip lunch. 

Did a jigsaw of Mike and Paula having lunch about 15 years ago at the top of one of the fabulous hotels in Singapore. I've been there myself and loved it.

Mike PMed, asking me to do something with something when or if some somebodies' call about some project of his. Yes, mysterious, but it isn't that big of a deal and, of course, I agreed. 

My brother, Larry, from Florida called. He said he came across some St. James memorabilia from twenty or thirty years ago. It seems there are Dominicans teaching at a school in Indiantown near him,  two of whom had taught at St. James. He took the material to them and, he said, they were thrilled to see it and him. My nephew, Wes, may have been attending when they were there and I gave Larry Wes'es phone number. 

I took a nap, which I had intended to be only twenty or so, but forgot to set the phone alarm, so it must have been about an hour.  Hope it doesn't interfere with my sleep (I'm writing this at 6 pm on Tuesday.)

Later: Now it's Wednesday, 5:13 am: I slept straight through, which is good, but what wasn't so good is the fact that last night, everything went black as I sat down for my daily dose of television about 8:45. That is, the electricity went off. Luckily, I have two flashlights and a small lantern, plus that wasn't much earlier than I go to bed, so I was okay. It's on now and let's hope it stays on.

Movin' Monday

Moving along the coast during a busy day. It started off with a call from Ellen, was off for Presidents' Day, and we had good long talk. As soon as we hung up, I went over to Vickie's. We weren't to meet Suzanne until noon, so we had time to chat. Drove to Rincon, which is a brewery and I don't know why Suzanne would choose that, as she doesn't drink anything but N.A. (non-alcoholic).  Vickie doesn't either, but she had an N.A. I, of course, had a robust IPA called "beefeaters," for some reason. I had asked for a citrusy one and boy, this happily non-non-alcoholic was good. Had a hamburger and salad, too. Vickie brought Suzanne a bell, which she liked, and she and I treated Suzanne to lunch. Here's Suzanne with the bell and the three of us:

We had an enjoyable time, then Suzanne left to go home and Vickie proposed that she and I go to Santa Barbara to see Betty. She's been saying she wanted to take me there and this time, I took her up on it. 

During the hour ride, we really got to know each other. We talked frankly about her orientation, her life with Mary, mine with Pat, as well as our backgrounds and childhoods, which differ so much. By the time we got to Villa Alamar, we were fast friends.  

We found Betty, as usual, in the recreation room. She greeted me with her usual dazed smile and Vickie couldn't have been warmer and natural with her (unfortunately, she's had experience). 

(I still don't know how to get pictures side by side without all the white space!)

I showed Vickie around Villa Alamar, including the atrium, dining room, and Betty's room, which I think the best in the place; It's on a corner with two big windows, plus has a foyer, as far as I know, the only one in the place that does. We didn't stay long, of course, probably less than an hour, but that was plenty.

When we got in the car, Vickie's GPS said there had been an accident on the 101, resulting in a half-hour or so backup. Vickie solved that problem by proposing we stop for a drink at Joe's Cafe. She knew the place, as she and Mary had lived in Santa Barbara for five years, while Mary was with a research company. Joe's is a neat place: Opened in 1928, it's all dark wood, plush hangings, and a big long bar. I had a mimosa and Vickie an N.A. beer (how can she stand the stuff?!) and naturally, we continued our free-wheeling talk. 

Left after a leisurely time and we drove back to Ventura. Vickie got me to Stone Fire Grille to join my Soaring Spirits pals for our usual third-Monday-in-the month dinner and that was a good, convivial time, too.

Vera, as usual, took me home and I didn't get in until after 8:00. It was a good day, but unfortunately, was topped off by an unpleasant incident: As I got up at Stone Fire Grille, I noticed a pain in my right knee. I hadn't fallen or bumped it and I thought it would wear off, but as I went with Vera to her car, it continued to hurt. Long story short: By the time I went to bed, I was worried I may have to seek care. I did fall asleep, but awoke at 2:15, still being bothered by it. I took a hydrocodone tablet I happened to have and rubbed some Aspercreme on it. Was able to fall asleep and it feels better this morning, but only to a point. If it doesn't improve after a time, I'll have to call the doctor, then maybe get Lyfte to take me there. 

So This Was Sunday--

Stripped the bed, washed the sheets, and re-made, my regular Sunday routine. I also dusted and mopped the hard floors and washed the throw rugs. Suzanne stopped in to chat and to give me some greeting cards; she says she gets a lot from various charities and can't use them all. She also gave me a group of  recipes from U.S. first ladies. Chester Arthur's wife made something I'm just dying to try: Rhode Island eels 😁. 

Prepared lunch for Jim and me.  He was a little earlier than his usual 12:30, but told me there were no spots left in general parking, so he had to park on Hill Street. As ever, we sat and chatted before sitting down to the garlic chicken pasta. I had some good rolls, too, the ones Vickie had brought a few months ago. I stowed the leftovers in the freezer and they were as good as new. I'm glad I read years ago that storing bread in the fridge makes it hard. I never do now; always put it in the freezer, then take it out a day ahead. 

We had an okay time, but the usual: me holding forth on everything under the sun and Jim often having to be prompted to say something. Of course, he was busy eating, too. There were three slices of orange cake; Jim ate two and I told him to take the other one home. Walked him out when he left about 3:00.

I got a Message from my nephew, Patrick, asking if I had a copy of this picture of my father and his track team at Villanova, c. 1919:

Dad is standing second from left. I always thought of him as big and tall, but these things are relative, of course. Yes, he was considerably taller than my mother, but she was only five feet.

Anyway, I researched it on this blog--which comes in very handy in situations like this. I saw that I had had a disk made of this picture and one of my Dad on the debating team and had lent it to Patrick's brother, Jim, who eventually sent it back, but put it on the cloud, so it can be accessed, I guess, by any of us (run-on sentence, do you think?).

Today, Vickie and I are taking Suzanne to Rincon for lunch for her birthday. Tonight, I have dinner with Soaring Sprits--not sure, though, if I won't to eat out twice in a day--I'll decide after lunch.

Such A Saturday!

Because--DAMN! I had written out quite a bit and somehow erased it all! Don't know how I did it and couldn't bring up the "redo" thing to bring it back. Don't feel like going into another long narrative, so I'll just quickly run over my day: Went to The Market near the transit center to get Nori (seaweed wafers), which they haven't had lately at The Market near me. Found a place to have my lunch (packed from home): believe it or not, at Community Memorial Hospital. There, they have a nice shaded terrace with tables and chairs--foliage, too. Probably for patients and employees, but nobody seemed to care and I enjoyed it.

Home, I wrote granddaughter Violet a letter which included several pics of her ancestors. I hadn't yet had the following colorized, so didn't send that, but will later.

These are my paternal grandparents, Thomas and Elizabeth (Hughes) Byrne and this is their wedding portrait. It's funny how old he seemed to me when I first saw this picture; now I know they were both in their twenties, he a few years older than his bride. She was born in Ireland, he here (Pennsylvania). I never actually saw either, nor did I my other grandparents; they all died before I was born.

Called Jim and invited him for lunch today. I fear he's getting more and more confused--there are lots of signs. We talked a bit, then I ran over to Von's and bought a Viola! frozen meal, which we  both like. I'll serve it with rolls and orange cake for dessert. Wine for him and beer for me, too, of course. 

Mail for Mike included a biggie from Bank of America, so I video-messaged him after dinner. It turned out he had already addressed it, so I just chatted with him, Paula, and Violet. It was 9:00 am, their time.

Speaking of my dear boy, here's a picture he posted on Facebook. They met at UCSB and they dated first 36 years ago; they've been together ever since. I love this picture--and the two in it, of course:

💘💘💘💘

Festive Friday

Why festive? Because I followed through with my new resolve and at home, was down two pounds. That was nothin' though, when I saw the result at T.O.P.S.: a 3.7 loss, to 128.4 YAY! 

Diane and I had planned to meet near O'Leary's and eat our lunches there, but she texted me early that it was cold and very windy. She suggested instead I go to her place and she'd make lunch, and I agreed. Home from T.O.P.S. at 10:00, I had breakfast, then prepared to go to Diane's. I had intended to walk to Telephone, then take the 11 to Petit, but it was so windy, I hopped on the 6 to Telephone first. Got there, as planned, at 12:30. 

Diane had made salad, fried rice, and apple something; all very good. I had brought my beer, and after, we both had Chardonnay while we talked and talked and talked. We don't agree on everything--Diane has a great interest and belief in all kinds of supernatural, pseudo-science topics, which she insists had been "proven," but I don't share them. However, although we disagree, we conversed without animosity. Incredibly, I didn't leave until almost 4:00 after also hashing over our childhoods, marriages, love life histories, her years in Mexico, and the Dionne quintuplets, among much else.    

I thought I'd call Jim and invite him for lunch today, but I might hold off: call him tonight and have him over tomorrow. Not sure--maybe I should consult one of Diane's psychics for advice 😁.

The pieces below are by granddaughter, Violet. She's only 14 and I think they're evidence that she may have inherited her designer/artist mother ability.  The first is batik, which involves using wax and dye on fabrics (Thailand is especially well-known for this technique); I love the delicate rendering of the flowers. The second seems to me pretty powerful; Violet hand-painted the rat's head.

I haven't asked Violet, but I think the montage could be interpreted as a commentary on the corruption of the media. According to polls, fewer and fewer people trust what they're fed concerning the news--in print, on television, and on the Internet. Hmm...I wonder why.

Thursday

That shelf divider I bought the other day won't fit on any of my shelves, so I walked to The Market and took it back. I then went to Wal-Mart for vinegar and a few other things and nearby, found a nice place to have my (packed) lunch. Believe it or not, it's in the middle of an office complex on Ralston Avenue. There are tables, chairs, and umbrellas, as well as a lovely small fountain bubbling out of a kind of wooden base--grass and lots of foliage, too. I suppose I was trespassing, but I really doubt if anybody would care. A few people who, presumably, work there, walked by, but paid no attention. I greatly enjoy finding new places to eat outdoors and this was a goodie.

Diane declined to come to my place on Sunday, as she's afraid to again negotiate the walk from the front to my apartment. She suggested we meet today near O'Leary's for lunch and I agreed. I called Noreen to say I'd put it off, and when I finally got her, she was fine with that. 

What I'm not fine with, is the situation with trying to get in touch with Noreen--it's frustrating. Like Jim, she has no mobile phone, but he, at least, has a computer and uses email; she doesn't. Also, frequently, you call and get a message that she hasn't set up her voice mail--or that's it's full or something. 

Home, I prepared the two verses I'm sending to the T.O.P.S. magazine's poetry* contest. There's no prize, they'll just publish some. Mine are mediocre, I think, but we'll see if they meet with favor.

When I got home, about 3:30, for some reason, I felt tired. I set the phone alarm for a half-hour and lay down for a nap. Next thing I knew, I woke up to find it was 5:10; I must have failed to hit the "set" button. I was worried I might be sleepless when I went to bed for the night, but happily, no. Woke for the usual about 2:00, fell back, and didn't wake up until 4:30.   

 I ordered this sink insert yesterday from Temu: 

Let's hope it fits my double sink and proves useful.

Did this jigsaw of little me, in my dining room about 15 years ago:

I'm not quite sure, but I think we were going to some affair at the clubhouse in Sunrise Bay. Wish I still had that outfit!

* Emily Dickinson and William Butler Yeats, my gods, wrote poetry. I write trivial little verses, really doggerel, that I won't pretend is anything approaching their genius. 

Whistlin' Wednesday*

I discovered a terrific new writer, thanks to my newly subscribed "Food" site. He's the "angry chef" Anthony Warner. A resident of the U.K., he cuts through a lot of the hogwash about obesity, nutrition, and diet and also writes generally about food and eating topics.  I printed out some of his stuff, which I'll bring tomorrow to T.O.P.S. and also sent for his book: The Angry Chef's Guide to Spotting Bullshit in the World of Food/Bad Science And The Truth About Healthy Eating.  

Wrote a letter to Muckie and included pics, many of which I've posted here; also gave her the address for this blog. She doesn't use electronic communication in any way (not even text), but her son, Matthew does, of course; if she's so inclined, she can read 1,606 entries on his computer 😲. Speaking of...nor does Noreen--use anything on the web, that is. I had left her a message and she called me back to invite her to H.H. She's busy Saturday, but can come Sunday. I left Diane a message inviting her, too, and will call Nancy ditto.

Otherwise, I pretty much kept my nose to the grindstone yesterday. Did some household chores, then wrote Muckie a letter and mailed it, as I had told her I would. Went over to Von's to stock up on veggies and ran into Michelle coming back. She had a long tale about somebody trying to take her phone and keys in the washroom, jumping to all kinds of conclusions, as she regularly does.  I accompanied her back to the building and we discovered that somebody had left his or her keys in the lock. Michelle was sure it was part of some nefarious scheme by "outsiders," but having no reason to believe that, I took the keys to the office and gave them to Bianca. I also asked--again--about reserving the all-purpose room and she said it hadn't been secured yet. I might just have the acting group in there, anyway; I doubt if many people would be walking through.

The Ventura Star had an article on how the IRS will do people's income tax, so I scanned and emailed it to Jim. Ellen sent me a darling Valentine card and I called to thank her--had a nice talk. This mosaic below is at the entrance to CMH (Community Memorial Hospital) and is about 20 feet high. I took a photo the other and started a jigsaw of it but it was so difficult, I abandoned it and will start another. The problem isn't the intricacy of the scene; it's the fact the mosaic is much paler than it looks here.

I made a big batch of my signature roasted tomatoes, onions, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar. I used to put it, cold, on salads, but I had it hot for dinner, along with fresh shrimp and the last of the herbes de provence potatoes.  Delish.

* I know that makes no sense, I just like the sound of it 😜.

Tuesday

Did a quick color wash before breakfast. After, I walked to The Market and Wal-Mart and got tomatoes and a shelf divider at the first, the  sleep aid I've been taking for 25 years at the second, plus a few other items. Ate my lunch in the little park nearby, which was nice, but the Santa Ana winds were blowing, so I bused home after. (Shelf divider doesn't fit the shelf I wanted it for, so will return.)

Took a half-hour nap, then got up and putzed around. I had called Muckie earlier and her voice mail was on. While I was reading at the kitchen table, she called back. This was at 4:00 o'clock--we hung up at  six! Lots and lots to talk about, not only her cancer (last check day before yesterday showed it hasn't metastasized and seems not to have grown, which is wonderful news); old friends and classmates (I told her Pat R. had informed me about John S.); T.V. shows (we both loved Friends and Frasier, among others); the horrifying fact that her grandson goes to Michigan State and was in his  dorm when the recent shooting took place*; and a lot of other topics. What's funny is that she asked if I had heard from Jimmy Downes lately--I hadn't since he called me on New Year's Day six weeks ago. Incredibly, just after I finished dinner, the phone rang and who was it? Yep--Jim Downes. 

Now, my friend, Diane, would be absolutely, positively sure that was not a coincidence, but some kind supernatural mechanism that brought that about. Okay, if you say so.

Talked to Jim for fifteen or so; he sounded more natural and less boastful than he has , so more likable.  Another coincidence: He mentioned that he had had a cancerous "bump" removed from his neck. I was surprised that he had no idea if it was a Basel cell, squamous cell, or a melanoma; he seemed not to know there was any difference.  He asked about Betty, of course, and we talked about a few other deaths connected with HSHS.  He went to grammar school there, too, and gets a newsletter from somebody in his class. Anyway, it was pleasant to talk to him this time.

Ellen called after dinner to wish me Happy Valentine's Day and to ask if I got her card. No, not yet, and she really doesn't have to send me one, but I thanked her and we chatted for a bit.

Speaking of, I got this from the little sweetie-pie in Tokyo (his name obscured):

My mother was born on Valentine's Day; yesterday, she would have been 121 years old. Here she is as a bridesmaid about a hundred years ago:

 

+++++++++++++

Incredibly, I read this in a report of the shooting:

--Police in Ewing, New Jersey, shared a statement on Tuesday noting that McRae "had a note in his pocket that indicated a threat to two Ewing Public Schools" and that an "investigation revealed that McRae had a history of mental health issues." McRae "had local ties to Ewing," police said in the statement. In nearby Trenton, police sent officers to local schools early Tuesday out of an abundance of caution.--

My family and I lived in Ewing for more than 50 years; our children all went to twelve years of school there. What connection could the killer have had to Ewing? I'll keep trying to find out. 

Movin' Monday

I've been reflecting lately on why I've been going up in weight and it didn't take much reflection. I've been ignoring my insights and ideas about maintaining lately and without going into any more depth, I resolved to go back to them. Did so successfully yesterday. 

Called Nancy  in the  morning and we had a good talk. She still barely goes out and almost never on her own. She has a dermatologist appointment in Oxnard next month and her son will drive her there. I conceived the idea of having her, Diane, and Noreen over, maybe this Saturday, for Happy Hour. I have some cranberry meatballs left and the sangria is waiting. Both are in the freezer and I'll just add a few nibbles. This will be entirely separate from H.H. with Suzanne and Vickie. I like them both a lot, but their life experiences are so different from mine and my other friends. Besides, they don't drink and our social sessions are more like sweet little old ladies getting together for afternoon tea. Anyway, I'll contact the three who do.

To that end, I rigged my little cart and bused to town, then walked to the Market, about a mile. Bought a few things, then bused to Main Street, which I walked. It was very quiet, unlike when it gets near the weekend. Anyway, I stopped in a few places--bought some coasters and the following, which I desperately needed:

Yes, they're cupcake holders with feet. 

They're a necessity for every household, I believe, and the fact that we didn't have them when I was growing up explains my twisted personality. I bought six of them. I thought you actually baked the cupcakes in them, but now I'm not so sure. Would they really hold up in the oven? Or maybe they just hold completed cupcakes? I'll have to research the subject.

Had my lunch at my usual place next to Peirano's; it was cool, but the wind had died down and it was comfortable. Got the 10 home. Called Sharon. She's been released from rehab and therapists now work with her at home. However, she still can barely walk; uses a  wheelchair most of the time and still has pain in her legs. Ominously, she has gained two pounds back of the 58 she lost. I hope this won't continue, but fear it might.  

Distressing Sunday

Changed the bed and did a white wash, did the crossword (a goodie), cleaned up a bit, then ran over to Von's for a few things. Made turkey breast sandwiches, devilled eggs, and crystal pickles for lunch. Suzanne rang my bell and I went over to see the flowers her family sent for her 75th, which was yesterday (the day after my Pat's, who would have been 92). They're gorgeous:

And so are the flowers on her patio:

Jim got here at his usual 12:30. Before we are, I showed him the components of my 2021 tax return. I was surprised that he had brought the page of the letter my accountant, Michelle sends out and which I had forwarded to him. I don't want to go into detail, but he took exception to something she had written, I disagreed, and we had a big argument about it. Finally, I called Michelle and she explained, but boy, it was annoying.

However, we calmed down during lunch--the wine helped, I'm sure--and after we ate, incredibly, we played Taboo. This is the game where you use clues to make the other player or player guess what the word is. The hook is that you can't use certain words, i.e., if the word is "octopus," you can't use "tentacle," "ocean," and and so on. Anyway, it was hardly a barrel of laughs--it's a lot more fun with more people, but it was mildly amusing and Jim seemed to enjoy it as much as he does anything.

And now this:

I got disturbing news from Jersey. I had PMed two of my friends in the Little Egg Theater Company (LETCO), asking for information on the dinner theatres we used to do. Tara K. wrote back that they hadn't done them for some time, but she gave me some advice Fractured Actors might consider. Tara had directed me in Hedda Gabler and we had been in several shows together. I also got in touch with Trish O., with whom I had appeared in Listen to This! Trish is really good--lots of energy and humor in her performances. She's in her middle fifties, I guess, and I think she was a big asset to LETCO. 

That's where the disturbing news comes in: Trish wrote, "In January, 2022, auditions for the next show were announced. It was also announced that unvaccinated people could not participate in any way...this decision was made [by Jim and Mary H., who are president and vice of LETCO]...without the input of the board of trustees." Both Trish and Tara refused to be vaccinated, yet Tara was later permitted back into the company. 

I feel bad about this and I'm conflicted about it. I am thoroughly vaccinated and I find it hard to understand those who believe more in social media pronouncements than scientists. Certainly, the H.'es do, too: Jim is a doctor and Mary on the faculty of Weidner University, teaching nursing. So yes, they're invested in medicine. But I'm certain they wouldn't insist on vaccination if they thought it was anything but beneficial. I feel so sorry for Trish, though, as she wrote that "Tara and Julie have gone back to the group after a year of tears, confusion, anger, and hurt. I have chosen to cut ties. This personal betrayal cut deeply. No apology was attempted...."    

Damn, human interactions can be so hurtful. 

Saturday And Mimi, The Tax Expert

HA! That's what Jim seems to think I am. He called me about 9:30 (a.m., of course--nobody who values his life would call me at 9:30 p.m.) asking again what Michelle, my actual tax accountant, would charge to do his. I had no idea said I'd ask her, but in talking, I realized that Jim expected to take somebody a bunch of income documentation and have him or her assemble, categorize, and record the numbers. I had already sent him the 2022 instructions that Michelle sends out and that ain't the way it works, at least not with Michelle. I said I'd call her, I did, she said she'd do him--oops, his return 😜--for  a hundred and fifty bucks. She also said he could do it himself on the IRS website and that AARP also has a free service. I had already told him about the Agency on Aging, who does it free and he said "they don't know what they're doing." That was based on his having somebody do it there years ago. Anyway, I invited him for lunch today and got out some of my 2021 return to illustrate. 

Had a quick light lunch, then bused to the Regency to meet Diane at 1:00. We were both early, so had time to chat in the lobby (there are benches) beforehand. We made a date for Saturday, the 25th, to go to the museum for a talk and book discussion on early Ventura. Rincon is a well-know surfer's area; I've often walked The Promenade in front of it: 

The movie was The Whale, which was pretty intense. Brenden Fraser played an incredible role and Diane and I both enjoyed it--different, to say the least. Diane took Lyft home and I bused, although it was windy and when we got out of the movie after 3:00, it had gotten a lot cooler. However, I got the 10 home, so that was good.

Frightful Friday

 ...because bad news on the weight front: Home, I was up .06 to 131.2, but at T.O.P.S., I saw a horrendous increase of 2.1 pounds, to 132.1--AAGH! Okay, I'm going to work on it.

Didn't get breakfast until 10:30, after which I packed my lunch, took my cart, and walked to Telephone, then bused to Office Depot. Pourquoi? Because my thick black toner was low: I had bought a new one last week, so went to put it in. I opened the box, removed it from the plastic, and was puzzled to see the plastic stuff to be removed looked different. However, oblivious as a baby raccoon, I just assumed the shape was modified--until I glanced at the box and saw it was a 250, not 225, which my printer uses-- AAGH again! But Office Depot did, indeed, take it back and give me a full refund of $20.46. Once more, I had "rewards" on my account, so the new ink cost me only $2.79. 

After that, I didn't feel like going into town, so bused to the transit center/mall. Stopped at the store across the street and got a small thermos. At T.O.P.S., I had mentioned the potatoes ala Herbes de province I had made, so I decided I'd bring enough to next meeting so everybody could have a taste. Also bought a game (Taboo), thinking some of my guests might like to play. Ate my lunch at the mall, hardly a shady retreat, but I was hungry; bused home from there. 

I'm not sure I want to go to the succulent and other plant sale today. I'm meeting Diane for the movie at 1:30 and if I go to Dudley House and buy anything, I'll have to take it home first. I had given Suzanne notice of the sale, but she hasn't said if she wants to go or not. I don't want to ask because she might feel she should, so she can take me. Hmm...dunno...

Ellen called about 5:00 on her way home from work and we had a good talk. It's always a high point of any day to talk with her, so that "frightful" label is happily inaccurate.

Here And There Thursday

After breakfast, I knew I had a bunch of "paperwork" things to do, but champion procrastinator that I, I managed to overlook them and started polishing silver. I used to have more, including a coffee, sugar, and creamer, with large and ornate platter, but that I gave away. I also sold my mother's silverware set, which I now regret. However, it wasn't starling, just silver-plate and was getting worn.  Now I have only four small pieces and haven't used them for years--I think since I moved to California. Anyway, talking about new and old Dads (and Pat's prize as newest parent) lead me to get them out and polish them. The little dish from 62-years-ago came out very nicely: 

After that and a few other chores, I finally turned my attention to my lease. Good grief, there are 75 pages and I had to electronically initial and sign all. Had to call the office with questions, but finally got it done. I'm not even going to bother to print it out; I'll just leave it on the laptop.

After, I packed a lunch, took my cart, and walked to the post office to mail the Jersey boys' Valentines, then bused to town. Ate at my nice spot across from the mission and enjoyed it so much. The weather was wonderful--up to 75 and sunny, my favorite. I checked out a few stores and, at The Coalition, I bought four wine glasses and four placemats. Do I need them? No, and I'll donate the overabundance of both I already have, but I just wanted a new, springy look.

Home about 3:30 and I finally got in touch with Tonya N., of Little Egg Theatre Company, asking for some info on setting up dinner theatres LETCO has done (I was in two of them). I want to let Sharon know.

Made the roasted potatoes with herbes de provence, and had some, plus fresh salmon and spinach for dinner--a  delish-e-oso meal. 

Wild Wednesday

Okay, just as "Tame Tuesday" was an exaggeration, so is "Wild Wednesday"--however, it was pretty busy. Went with Suzanne to WinCo at 9:30 and was glad to get some of the bigger, heavier items that could be problematic if I was walking. Stowed things away, then took my cart over to Von's to first, see if the Hormel products for which I have a rain check were in--no.  Second, I wanted to take advantage of the beer promotion. Did so and bought 24 cans of Michelob Ultra for twenty-some bucks. Annoyingly, when I got home, I discovered it's light (less alcohol and fewer calories) , which I usually don't drink. However, I had already opened the carton, so I'll switch to it now. 

By that time, it was almost noon and I had to rush to make my sandwich and pack my lunch container; set off after that. To the Urbane Café, then to the movie after?  No, because last night, I looked up the web site of the Regency and discovered it's not open on Wednesdays. Diane hadn't realized that and asked if we could meet instead for lunch at the little park-like area I had found near the Hill Street Café. I agreed, glad I was able to walk there--it's just a bit more than a mile--over the footbridge and down Hill Street.

We met, ate, and talked and talked and talked and didn't say goodbye until four o'clock. We decided to see The Whale on Saturday, but at the 1:45 matinee, which makes more sense. I'm going to the succulent sale at Dudley House first and gave Suzanne the information on it, in case she wants to go. If not, I can easily bus there (it's on from 8 to 2), then to the movie theatre. 

My friend, Pat, emailed me of John Schriener's death and sent me the obit. It seems members of the class of '54 are dropping like flies. There's a picture of John in the obit, but here's how I remember him:

And Connie Levinsky, his girlfriend in school, whom he married:

I had mistakenly thought he had married Ursula McNellis, but now I remember that she and John Brenner were an item. Not sure if either of them are still living--sigh...

Tame Tuesday

I spent most of the morning on food prep: Scrubbed and cut two pounds of carrots, quartered five "cuties" (baby tangerines), added a dash of cinnamon, and slow-cooked it over several hours. I had a bag of small sweet peppers in red, orange, and yellow; trimmed, de-seeded, and sliced them. Three big onions got chopped and six others julienned. I froze some--I always like to have a supply ready--then stir-fried the others with a ground turkey. Reserved some for dinner last night and the rest is waiting for another day in the freezer.

After the above, I called Blue Shield, as I want to get an eye exam and have mislaid (or thrown away) my benefits books. Got it--it's easier on line, anyway--called eye docs Miramar, that outfit from hell, which I've complained about here before.. Couldn't get an appointment until March 22. Oh, well, I guess.

Walked to the post office for stamps and to mail the rest of the Valentine cards. It then occurred to me it was a little early, so I'll send later. (Although what in the hell difference it will make to my grandson, his two boys, and his girlfriend, is beyond me, but yes, I'm the compulsive type.) Stopped at CVS on the way back for veggie straws to take for a snack at the movie today. Checked Von's to see if the Hormel things, for which I have a rain check, had come in. No.

Home and I just putzed around. Got this charming card from my nephew, Tim, in Vermont:

As in common in my extended family, Tim was an "older Dad," 51 when his first and only was born. (Little Declan, 4, shares a birthday with his mother, Erin, being born on her fortieth.) Tim, however, is not the oldest first Dad in the fam; to my knowledge, my son, Patrick is. He was 54 when his Koushin was born. Coincidently, just yesterday, I dug out some of my silver serving pieces. Among them was a little bowl Pat won when we attended his tenth Holy Spirit reunion in 1961. It's badly tarnished and the photo isn't good, but here it is:

The inscription reads "H.S.H.S./CLASS OF '51/10th Reunion/Newest Parent." So essentially, Pat and Patrick both won the Dadhood stakes, but on opposite tracks, so to speak. 

Suzanne texted to ask if I wanted to go to WinCo at 9:30 today and I do. I'm having lunch at Urbane with Diane, but not until 2:00, as we're going to the movie, The Whale, at 4:30.

Marvelous Monday

Maybe not marvelous, but an enjoyable day. I left early--about 10:00--and walked to the bank at Telephone and Victoria. Got some cash (walking around money, as we used to call it), then down to The Market when I got a Valentine card for my precious little grandson (who turned 41 last month😊). 

From there, I hopped the 11 bus to the Barnes & Noble shopping center. That's where the Stone Fire Grille is, but I was much too early for the Soaring Spirits lunch, so I browsed in B & N. Bought a little Jumble Puzzle book; I do these every day in the paper along with the crossword, so thought I'd enjoy more. 

I then stopped into Michael's and bought (I should be ashamed to admit this!) two silicon ice cube makers, in the shapes of Santa and Christmas trees. This,  after I donated a slew of Christmas crapola to the thrift store a month ago! But they're cute and they were on sale and I bought them--so there!

By that time, it was almost noon, so I went over to Stone Fire Grille. When I walked in, I was delighted to see my old friend, Barbara Quaid. She hadn't attended for at least two years and we fell on each other arms. Barb retired recently as CEO of the Ventura Fairgrounds and says she just doesn't know what to do with herself. Hmm... 

She and I sat together, along with Renee and Kim and did we have a great time talking. We ranged over pickleball, suicide, widowhood, militarism, pacifism, family, and the MIC. It was so refreshing and we were there for three hours. I finally said goodbye; decided to stop in to Lassen's to see if Greg was working and I walked the mile there. It turned out he was and I stayed to chat for ten or so. Bought a bottle of Herbes de Provence,* which I've been wanting to try, and will buy potatoes to roast with them. Bused to the transit center and from there home on the 10.

Ellen called on her way home just to chat and that was, as ever, a high point of the day.  

*For 0.6--not 6, but 0.6, not even an ounce, it was eight bucks. Oh, well, easy come, even easier go...

Social Sunday

I noted Pat R.'s comment of yesterday and I, too, am puzzled. She was still attending St. Nick's, being three years behind me in school, yet here's her inscription in my '54 yearbook:

'Tis a mystery.... And how peculiar to think that was almost 70 years ago--the mind reels...

But back to the present: After breakfast and the crossword (mediocre), I spent the early part of the day changing the bed, doing two washes, going over the hard floors with the Bona system, and taking out plates and silverware for my little soiree at 4:30. Made the cocktail meatballs--so simple and so good: frozen meatballs, grape jelly, and chili sauce in the slow cooker for a few hours and they're done. I also made a dip, which turned out pretty good, too. To a kind of garlic spread, I added a splash of vignette, plus some mayo, and served it with sweet pepper strips. 

Vickie got here just at 4:30, bringing a non-alcoholic beer for Suzanne and non-alcoholic wine for herself. Suzanne came soon after, bringing the same things, so each drank her own. As for me, I naturally had my IPA (and damn straight it wasn't a non-). V. and S. loved the meatballs and, of course, we had a good time talking. Vickie is still in deep mourning and I know it helps to have sympathetic friends. She feels guilty for so much--I know the feeling--and it's hard to get over that crippling emotional problem. 

But we had fun, too: Suzanne mentioned that her family tends to give her expensive gifts to help with her fibro neuralgia, but if she had a choice, she'd as soon have a gift card or just the money. (Why she doesn't just tell them that is beyond me.)  Anyway, she went next door and came back with a foot massager, that also heats, and lights up with moving red balls--bizarre. Here's Vickie about to test it:

Suzanne then went and got another family gift: a back and other body massager:

It was so funny to see that it looked like little hands digging its fingers into her back. I tried it, too:

                                                              I guess it startled me, huh?

Then the third member of our little trio tried it, too.

Anyway, we had a fun time. It was 6:00 before the party broke up, Suzanne leaving first, Then Vickie and I, realizing Suzanne's birthday is next Sunday, knocked on her door to see when we could take her to lunch to celebrate. Comparing our calendars--we all have commitments--we decided on Monday, the 20th. I have Soaring Spirits that day, but it's the dinner meeting, so I'll do both. I'm lucky to have such friends.

And lucky to have my dear boy, Mike. He wasn't able to video message me this time, as he and Paula were out in the morning. By the time I got to him, he was on the subway and unable to do it. I asked if he'd postpone to next weekend, so I'll be able to see Paula, too. He will and that's good. Soaring Spirits lunch at the Stone Fire Grille today.

A Long Post Re Saturday Because--Read On...

Busy day. After breakfast, I got something done I've been meaning to for years. I put my rosters of the members of various groups and organizations I'm in into a binder, including T.O.P.S., Fractured Actors, Dudley House docents, and others. I had had them all stuffed in the top drawer of the chest next to my desk and it was messy.

Packed my lunch, took my cart, walked to Telephone, then bused to Office Depot for toner. Went across to WinCo and got frozen meatballs, grape jelly, and chili sauce to make "cocktail meatballs" for our little social session at 4:30 today. It makes a fair amount, so I'll freeze some for later. Stopped nearby at The Dollar Tree for nail polish, then ate my lunch outside. 

From there, I bused to the transit center, but didn't board just then. Instead, I went across the street to a shop advertising "Gold Coast 1/2 off." Wow, I bought two blouses and a skirt for half price--my kinda place.

My final stop after got off at Victoria was to CVS, where I picked up my Atorvastatin prescription, plus an ever better something I prescribe for myself: a fresh bottle of cream sherry.  Home, I got the mail and was surprised to see a renewal of Ramipril from CVS Caremark. I have no idea why sometimes my medications comes in the mail and sometimes at the physical CVS. Well, no matter.

As soon as I got home, I started some food prep. I had picked up cauliflower and Brussel sprouts the other day and fixed the former my favorite way: blanched, then spread with half mayo and parm cheese and roasted--quick and easy and, oh, mama, is that good! I used the blanching water for the sprouts, added  some burgundy wine, and cooked until tender. Had some of both for dinner and skipped anything else.

I then wrote out my Valentine cards; I don't sent to the sons, do to the daughters, and to the grandchildren and great-grands. Which brings me to this: When Jim took me to lunch the other day, I saw this license plate in the parking lot and immediately took a picture:

Why? Because my precious little (okay, not so little; he's fifteen and getting on to six foot) great-grandson, Tristan, is nicknamed "T" and his dad often calls him "T-Bone."  I printed a picture of it and will send it off to Jersey in a few days.

Speaking of pictures: I accidentally came across the following today; incredibly, it was 16 years ago. I'm adding the entry describing this: 

Monday, August 13, 2007

Lunch with Pat R., Muckie, and Betty was the best fun I've had in ages! Pat arrived about 12:30 and what a gal! She's so full of life and energy--not to mention funny stories--that she kept us all laughing.

Pat is much more attractive in person than in her pictures. She has a strong--but feminine--face, thick hair she wears in a warm red shade, and a very pleasant, animated manner. For two years, decades ago, she worked for Muckie's ex-husband, who was an internist, so she and Muckie go way back. She and Betty go even further back , as they were both members of the Catholic Alumni Club (where Betty met her late husband, Wes). We were all amazed to find that Pat and I go back even longer than that: I pulled out my 1954 yearbook and there was a "wish you well" note from Pat McH., class of '57! As I don't remember ever seeing Pat before, this came as a fascinating surprise to all of us. (I took a picture of Pat with her entry but, unfortunately, it's too light to make out.)
Pat brought me a darling, hand-painted wine glass with "wine goddess" and a picture of a jazzy lady painted on it. She also brought Muckie, Betty, and me gifts of porcelain boxes with little round earrings inside. Muckie and Betty showed off their grandchildren's picture--well,l guess I did, too, but mine were framed in the study.
My Pat stayed home long enough to meet Pat R. and say hello to Muckie, then took off for the bay. I put lunch on the table--just a typical summer meal of cold cuts, several kinds of bread, a big green salad, fruit salad, devilled eggs, and crystal pickles--and we sat and talked, ate, and laughed for hours. It was just a terrific day, but of course, had to break up eventually.
Pat left late in the afternoon and I walked her outside. Before she drove off, she pulled out her baton and demonstrated her prowess--fifty years on!--with twirling. You go, girl!
Muckie went home soon after and Betty and I agreed it was a terrific day. She and I had leftovers for dinner (always a pleasant part of entertaining) and I got takeout for Pat. Today, we'll drive over to Sweetwater to have lunch with Betty M., a friend of Betty's, and tomorrow, I'll take Betty to Muckie's for her to stay with her for a time.
The only down note for my date yesterday was the realization that Pat R. and I don't live closer to each other. Hey, someday, I'll show up at her door in Virginia Beach!

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

Wow.