Thursday

On my way to Von's in the morning, I stopped into Great Clips to see if Maria was available. She wasn't, so I decided to try later in the day or  tomorrow.

Got some beautiful strawberries at Von's, as well as broccoli, and oatmeal--I eat so damn healthy, I can hardly stand myself--then spent more than an hour on the laptop addressing various issues. They included having to complete a mercantile license renewal for the house in Jersey, the change in my mortgage from Chase (insurance went up), and other boring business matters. SO-FI is changing frm Rent Café to Bilt something or other for rent payments, so I have to switch that over. I also packaged up the coins I'm sending to Mr. K.; as mentioned before, he has an interest. 

I was pleased when David W. called and we had a long talk. He's the ornithologist with whom I'm friendly; he lives here across the way upstairs. I'd love to have one of my daughters meet him, but that kind of thing almost never turns out, I guess. Anyway, we've both had our problems with management, but things have been fine lately.

Got ready for my 4:00 dentist appointment and was out front waiting for the LYFT ride early. Miracle of miracles, the driver said yes, he had been given the correct Telephone Road address. After months of having drivers sent to the other street and gated entrance, SCAN seems finally to have gotten it right. 

At Zak Dental, I had an annoying exchange with the receptionist, who wanted me to provide the names of my medications before I had my teeth cleaned. I don't carry them with me (although that might not be a bad idea), but why I wasn't informed of this beforehand, I don't know. Anyway, it was straightened out and I had my appointment. Made a date for December 9 for another and a check-up. Later, though, I received via email and was asked to return, several long and, it seems to me, unnecessarily detailed documents to complete and return.

It wasn't quite 5:00 when I left, so I went to Great Clips. Maria was free and trimmed my hair--it looks okay, I guess, but not great. 

I got a recorded call from Victoria Care Center, where Jim is, announcing that they test residents (patients? inmates?) every two days for COVID and there are no active cases at this time. 

T.O.P.S. today and I'm running the meeting, so all can be confident, it'll be short and sweet. Also, meeting Diane for lib lunch today.

Wednesday

After breakfast (and my cryptograms and crosswords), I walked down Victoria to Telephone to go to that poor-excuse-for-a-mercantile-establishment, Wal-Mart. I just wanted  shoelaces which, incredibly, I can't seem to find anywhere else. At Wal-Mart, they're actually under lock and key, so you have to ring a buzzer and wait an age before somebody comes. Anyway, I got them and also picked up some nice tangerines. 

While I was in the neighborhood, I stopped at BOA; son Mike had gotten a sizable check from Bank of Hawaii (he has some of his mail sent here) and I deposited it for him. Also, I had been told by his Dad that recently-turned-eleven Mr. K. was interested in coins, specifically American ones. I want to send him metal dollars (no longer silver, of course), plus a fifty-cent piece. It occurred to med he might like a two-dollar bill, also. I was surprised they actually had one--nice and crisp, too--so I'll send that, too. 

Home, I had lunch, then set up my pill regime for the two weeks I'll be in Jersey. I want to try to get as much as possible done packing for my trip before it gets too close. Cleaned up a bit, then left to take the 6 bus back to Telephone Road and the 11 to the Barnes & Nobel shopping center. I was there before 5:00, Ellen and Greg came later, and we perused the books for a half hour or so, then left for Stephen's Greek.

I hadn't been there for several months and it was, of course, so good to be with Ellen and Greg. They are sorta, kinda no longer a couple, but are good friends and Greg will be caring for her when she has her knee operation. I had a lamb burger and a good IPA and, of course, we talked and laughed over the evening. I was driven home and got in at 8:00 after a good, good outing. 

Because I leave at 6:00 am on Tuesday to start my trip, I want to train myself to get up earlier again. Annoyingly, I had been successful in staying up until 10 and getting up at 6:30, but now I want to reverse the process. Got up with the re-set alarm at 5:30 and will try to for 5:00.

   

Tuesday

Ellen picked me up and we drove to Miramar Eye in  Camarillo for my 1:45 appointment. . They did some tests and Dr. Neel examined me.; So far, so good, but she wants to see me in four months, so I made a date for January. We were both hungry after--hadn't had lunch--so went to Yolanda's.

After, El was kind enough to take me to the Pacific Coast Coin Collector. I wanted to know if the two silver dollars (one dated 1878) I have were worth anything--I was hoping for ten thou, at least. However, the guy said he'd give me fifty bucks for both and the heck with that, I might as well keep them. For the life of me, I can't remember how I happened to acquire them. 

I asked El to drop me off at the Senior Center on Ventura Avenue, a I want to attend a LJBT+ presentation, aimed at older people of those orientations. It was interesting in light of the gay people in my family and those with whom I'm friendly. Because it was by the Agency on Aging and when I first moved here, I was in that group, I chatted with some of the presenters. Some pics:

Bused home and got in about 6:30. I had told Ellen I missed Greg (she sees him often) and she  texted me, asking if I wanted to meet them for dinner today at Stephen's Greek. Sure do and she suggested me meet at Barnes & Noble, browse the books, then go to Stephen's. Sounds good and I'm looking forward.  

Monday

Did a color wash in the  morning, then putzed around with this and that until 1:15 when I went to meet Lorraine at the mailboxes. We drove to Victoria Care Center and while Lorraine visited two people she knows there, I saw Jim. I was pleasantly surprised that he seemed considerably better than he had at the hospital. That doesn't mean he was perfectly okay or even as "with it" as he was when I met him, but he was more responsive for sure. I stayed for only about fifteen minutes, then said I'd visit again before I leave for Jersey.

I then searched out the P.T. and dietician, both of whom were optimistic. Jim himself had mentioned that he's in group exercise and that he likes the food better than the hospital's. The dietician said he's been eating 74 to 100 percent of his meals--they actually figure it that way, she has a chart. Also visited the social worker, who said a psychiatrist will evaluate Jim's condition, as to whether he should be in permanent placement or not. I now am hopeful he may be able to live in his own place, especially since he has home-health services.  I told him I'd visit again before I go to Jersey.

Texted Suzanne, Vickie, and Ellen about Jim, then talked to Vickie. Told her I'LL get the Access Van to take me to the Sheraton where I'll get the Airporter to LAX, but asked if she'll be backup, in case they don't show. She insisted I not call the Van, that she'd take me, although we have to leave at 6:00 am. What a good friend.

I then decided to go to Soaring Spirits dinner after all. Took the 21 bus to Telephone Avenue, then walked a mile (the Santa Ana winds made that a challenge), then boarded the 11. I had switched purses and darn, forgot my bus pass. However, I sweet-talked the drivers and both were okay with me boarding. Got to Stone Fire Grille, got a child's pizza and an IPA and greatly enjoyed being there with Vera, Gayle, Glenda, and Lydall with our far-ranging talk, as always. Vera took me home and I got in at 7:30. Not a bad day.

Sunday With Stella And Frida

I believe I hold the title of "World's Worst Procrastinator," but yesterday, I actually got some things done that had been hanging for an age. I separated and filed a depressingly high pile of papers and put away the family pictures and papers I had gone over with Larry. I also. took almost all the magazines out of the living room (large) basket, separated them into Time, TOPS, Sunset, and a few others, obliterated the mailing information on them, and carted them to the trash enclosure.*

After the chores, I packed lunch and bused to town, eating in my favorite spot across from the mission. Just as I was finishing, who do I see but Stella, taking a stroll after mass at the mission. She invited me to go with her to the Blue Agave, which is nearby and I happily accepted. Stella had enchiladas and insisted on giving me one; she also treated me to a glass of Chardonnay. I hadn't been to the Blue Agave for at least a year and was charmed by the new picture on the wall of Frida Kahlo, the Mexican artist and political activist. Here she is with Stella:

We said goodbye about 3:00 and I bused home. I was so full from lunch I had only a bowl of Brussel sprouts for dinner. Lorraine called--I'll meet her outside at 1:15 today and we'll go to the Victoria Care Center. I hope Jim has improved, but am not too optimistic.  

*The fact is, I never open any of them. I just find them boring--all of them--and Time if, of course, a propaganda vehicle for dems. The TOPS mag is one of the perks (?) for being a member of that weight-loss group, but having found what works for me, I don't find it useful (also seems a bit sophomoric, I'm afraid). As for the glossy mags, I like the way the covers look in the basket, but just can't seem to make myself interested in looking at them. I'm a book person, that's all.

Saturday

Met Diane at the other McDonald's, the one by Target, at noon and that's the last I want to eat their McFood. I'll be glad to meet Diane there again, but next time, I'll bring my own. The chicken sandwich tasted as if it had been in storage for a month and the French fries were simply terrible. I didn't say anything, though, as Diane needs to conserve money and the whole meal was only six bucks--also came with little round fried things and a soda, which I didn't drink because I had my IPA.

Anyway, we had our usual good time. I "introduced her" to Jeanne, in a manner of speaking by showing her this picture I got yesterday from Jeanne after our conversation: : 

For 88 and 95, respectively, they don't look too bad.

I mentioned the similarities between Diane and Jeanne, such as the fact that they are both the oldest of large families--Diane has or had five siblings, Jeanne four. Diane's younger sib is 17 years younger, Jeanne's 22. Incredibly, her sister is the same age as the oldest of Jeanne's four daughter. We had fun comparing them during our session. Broke up about 2:30 and I went to Target, then stopped at Von's before going home.  Among other items, a nice piece of salmon, which I had for dinner.

While I was preparing the veggie part of dinner, my neighbor, Lorraine called. I put her on speaker and just continued to season and roast cook the cauliflower. Lorraine talks a lot and mentioned she has a friend in the Victoria Care Center. I told her about Jim being there and she offered to take me with her on Monday afternoon. Good, now I won't have to call the Access Van. Oh, but bad, as I have Soaring Spirits dinner then, too. Think I'll skip that or else have Lorraine drop me off after the care center.

Ellen called after dinner and we firmed up plans for my eye doctor appointment in Camarillo on Tuesday. 

Friday

After a two-week hiatus, I went back to T.O.P.S. and it was puzzling: I went up 1.2 pounds at home, to 125.6, but down.07 at the meeting to 125.8. No prob, since I'm still in my comfort zone, but dunno why that large a discrepancy.  The meeting was reasonably okay. Lennie asked me to lead next week and before we left, I asked the other five to think of one of the most distressing  or hurtful experiences relating to overweight that may have prompted them to take it off.  I'll build a (short) program on that. 

Didn't get breakfast until 10:15 and  after a few chores, I packed my lunch and bused to the mall. Instead of eating outside, I found there's a kind of large terrace off the second floor, with small tables and chairs, so I went there and enjoyed it. Here's the view:

I was home by 3:00 and ran into Suzanne. I invited her in to chat for a bit and we caught up with each other's lives. Sadly, she said she had seen Vickie, who seems to be sinking down and is terribly discouraged at her condition. She's dealing not only with the cancer, but with the hip problem and now an infected toe again. I'll get in touch with her soon.

Speaking of getting in touch: At 9:30 pm, my phone rang and it was Jeanne Painter. It's a good thing I've been training myself to stay up later, because a few weeks ago, I would have been in bed and  asleep at that hour. I do like hearing from her, although she was clearly three sheets to the wind, as the saying goes. When she calls, she spends a lot of time bemoaning the fact that she does everything for John, who's now 95 years old and does little but sleep and drink heavily of Seagram's VO. She's been with him for fifteen years, and assures me over and over she's "in the will." She also told me of the disgusting behavior of her father during her glory days when she was a contestant for Miss Atlantic City, but I'll leave that one alone.

Lunch at Micky Dee's again with Diane today. 

Thursday

About 7:00 am, I was busily Facebooking when my phone omitted a horrendous siren blast and announced an earthquake. I was advised to take cover, etc. and AAGH! However, I didn't feel anything. Diane texted me that she had seen her medicine cabinet shake and ran into the closet to hide, although I'm not quite sure that's protective. 

😲😲😲😲😲😲😲😲😲😲

Terry and Larry came at noon and we first spent two hours talking and talking, then looked over a very small part of the early Byrne family pictures and artifacts I have. That was a lot of fun and Larry enjoyed it immensely. Here's one on the Ventnor beach, circa 1940, Larry and Frank next to Dad,  Betty and me in front:

And the one below is from the party for Mom's eightieth in 1982 at Betty's big house on Atlantic Avenue. From left, yours truly (clearly in one of my chubbier periods), Jimmy, Gene,* Frank, Betty, and Larry. (It boggles the mind to realize I'm now seven years older than Mom is here).  As Terry remarked, Frank and Larry look like Mafia drug lords.  

At one point, we started talking about the sudden and horrific accident that took my father's life on June 2, 1950. To my amazement, Larry began to cry; then so did I. He was never at all emotional as a boy or even later in life and it was somehow refreshing to see and feel honest emotion from both of us. 

We cheered up and went to the Stone Fire Grille for lunch. Larry and I both had personal pizzas with sides, Terry a vegetable platter and we chatted happily. After, we drove to town, parked at the museum,  and strolled Main Street, stopping into various stores and shops. It was very quiet, I guess because by that time, it was late in the afternoon. 

Walked back to the museum and off we went back to Telegraph Drive to said our goodbyes. What fun it was to have them here! There's a bare possibility I might go to the big Byrne Christmas gathering in December, but who knows?

Called Cheryl to ask her to pick me up for T.O.P.S. today, which she will. So now I guess I'm back into my normal life. It's a good life and the way I want it, but when visitors I love leave, I have to adjust.  

* My mother was given the middle name of "Eugene," not the feminine vesion of "Eugenia,"as that was the name of the doctor who delivered. My sister was named after her and we always called her "Gene." When she got older, it embarrassed her to have a man's name (and presumably, she constantly had to correct other's spelling), so she started spelling it "Jean." However, it's my blog, I knew her as Gene, she's not around to contradict, and I'm going with the RIGHT one! 😁

Wednesday

Ellen picked me up at noon and we drove off to Margarita Villa at the Ventura Harbor. Terry and Larry were already there and shortly, Carolyn came. What a great time we had celebrating Ellen's birthday, especially with the additional of the special guest, Margarita.                                                 The birthday girl chose strawberry: 

                                          

The cousins, Carolyn, Terry, and Ellen:

And here's the group, after a good Mexican meal:

After, we went to the museum, watched a fascinating movie about the Channel Islands, then browsed the exhibits. Here are Ellen and me on the lookout bridge:

And Terry and Ellen:

We didn't leave until after 5:00 after a fun family day. Carolyn drove home, Terry and Larry went back to the Best Western, and Ellen drove me home. Today, the Floridians will come over, we'll look over some of the Byrne/Figenshu memorabilia, then go downtown to stroll and lunch. I'm thinking of the botanic gardens, too, but I'm not sure if Larry could handle the height-terrain. 

Note: While we walking to the museum, I got a call from Victoria Care Center about Jim. I asked about his appetite and as told he ate from 75 to 100 percent of his meals--that's encouraging, I guess. Also spoke to the P.T., who said he was "holding his own." She said it still takes two people to help him stand up. Once the company leaves, I try to get over to see him next week. 

Tuesday

Terry and Larry picked me up a little after 10:00 and we drove to Santa Barbara. Got there shortly before noon and found Betty in the recreation room. I asked to have her brought out to the atrium, and the very kind and accommodating staff member wheeled her there. Shortly after, Carolyn and her son, Finn, arrived and we settled down to have a long, good, family gathering. Here's Larry saying hello to Betty when we got there, Terry in the doorway:

And in the atrium, here are the three survivors of the once eight-member Byrne family:

And here we are with Terry, Carolyn, and Finn:

We had a wonderful, two-hour afternoon with Betty, before we said goodbye to her, Carolyn, and Finn. The three of us then went to the pier for lunch. I suggested the Moby Dick, as I had been there in January when Mike, Paula, and the girls were here. We then went to the Santa Barbara Mission, thanks to Terry's suggestion (and her expert driving). Greatly enjoyed it and here are a few shots:

Home after a wonderful day, thanks to my dear niece, Terry, and my dear brother, Larry. Today, we'll go to the Margaritaville Restaurant at the Ventura Harbor to celebrate Ellen's birthday. Ellen will pick me up at noon, Larry and Terry will meet us there at 12:30 and Carolyn will join us a little later after an appointment. 

Monday

 Did a color wash, then spent the rest of the morning tidying up. Larry and Terry called when they were a short distance away and, after some confusion about which entrance I could beam them in, we met up and it was so good to see them. I got them in the Hill Street gate, so they could park in my spot, then we strolled to my apartment. We sat and chatted for a bit, then I suggested the Thai restaurant right across in the Von's shopping center and that's where we went for lunch. We had a great time and I got to know Terry  better: 

She's 64 and lives in Mississippi. She was in the navy for four years and now teaches business courses at a college. Married to (yet another) Mike, has two daughters and a grandson about to start college. She's an outgoing, talkative type and it's fun to be with her. As for Larry, at 92, he's slowed down a bit and uses a cane. However, he's mentally sound and we three enjoyed getting to know each other over lunch. 

We strolled back to my place and decided we'd go see Betty today, then Larry and Terry went back to their motel. I called niece Carolyn and she'll meet us at Villa Alamar. Tomorrow, all five of us will take Ellen to a birthday lunch at Margaritaville at the Ventura Harbor. Later, I called Larry to suggest he and Terry might like to eat at Aloha and stroll the harbor; I think it's fairly near the motel. 

Happy day: I slept straight through and just got up at 5:30--that feels so good.

Sunday

Sunday routine accomplished: changed bed, did crossword (got every one except the capitol of Oregon), and took weekly med. After breakfast, I dry-dusted the hard floors, then wet-mopped the kitchen area. 

What my grandson in Japan would like is U.S. coins, so I gathered pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, and will send, along with an ordinary silver dollar. Maybe I'll go to the bank and add a two-dollar bill. Came across two silver dollars that are actually silver. They were in my drawer and I just can't remember where I got them. One of them is dated 1878 and, after looking it up, I saw it may be worth a fair amount--two hundred bucks or so. Eventually, I hope to get to the coin collector and ask. Don't think I'll send him that. 

Today is Mr. K.'s actual birthday--Japan is a day ahead of the U.S.--so I sent him an e-card. Will send the paper one with the coins.

Packed my lunch and ate it again in the middle: 

While there, I called Ellen and she'll come over here on Wednesday, her birthday and go out to lunch with Larry and Terry. Greg willl be back from Colorado and he plans to take her for her Bday on Thursday. Niece Carolyn texted Ellen and me and we'll be meeting up shortly, along with Larry and Terry.  

Sizzling Saturday

Hot. I'm writing this a half-hour after twelve noon and it's 85 degrees. It's expected to be 88 at 4:00. These temps are unusual for Ventura, but pale in comparison to Ellen's Ojai place. There, it's--gulp!--104. 

As for my day, I washed the bathroom rugs early on and will mop the hard floors today or tomorrow. Should vacuum, too, in preparation for Larry's and Terry's visit. I then walked over to Von's--wanted to go early before the noonday heat. Got some strawberries, fresh veggies and frozen meals, as well as paper items. 

Washed and sliced the strawberries, then sweetened with Stevia, and stowed them in the freezer. I'm not sure why, but I like them better thawed after being frozen rather than eating them immediately, but I do. Later, I had some with cottage cheese--yummy.  

Toyed with the idea of going in the pool, but didn't. I did, however, make my lunch and eat it in the middle. It was actually pleasant--up to 88, but there was a light breeze and it felt good.

Aside from that, I spent time on an e-card for my grandson in Tokyo, who will be eleven tomorrow. Sent it, but also went to CVS to get a "real" one, which I'll send shortly with his gift. Also bought a card for Ellen, whose birthday is this Wednesday. Also gathered up some items for whim which I'll describe tomorrow. Other than that, I didn't do much except watch yet more episodes of Frazier.   

It's supposed to get up to 91 today.

Friday

Uber took me to Miramar Eye for my 9:00 appointment and I saw Dr. Trotter. He finds the changes in my macular degeneration "concerning" and advised me to see a retina specialist. I made an appointment for September 17 with Dr. Teel in Camarillo. I'm nervous about it, but determined not to obsess until I get more information and some kind of  direction.

I packed a lunch, Ellen came over with hers, and off we went to the pool at 1:30. We were there until after 5:00 and it felt glorious in the cool pool considering the temp in Ventura was  was 98 degrees. At 7:00 pm, it was still 80 here, but that was practically glacial compared to Ojai where El lives--the high yesterday was 111. 

Most of the day, only another couple was at the pool until late afternoon when a family with a few kids came. It was wonderful to be there, especially with my darling daughter; we talked and talked and talked. Greg will be back from Colorado on Monday and it looks as if he'll be here for El when she gets her knee surgery on the thirtieth, so that's good. Brother Larry and niece Terry will arrive on Monday and El's birthday is Wednesday--lots going on.  

After quite some time in the big pool, we actually felt a little cool and went in the hot tub, which felt great, too. We finally left, then chatted for a while back at my place. El left, then I showered and washed my hair.

Note: Jim is now recuperating at Victorian Care Center. I talked to the people there and have agreed to be his emergency contact. 

Thursday

Busy day.  Did a quick white wash while I showered, then took care of a few other minor chores. The social worker, Angel, called. to say would be moved to Victorian Care Center today if transportation if they can get funding for transportation. Later, she called to say Medicare would pay the hundred and fifty bucks. The idea is for him to be in the care center until he recovers from COVID and his various other ailments, notably the blood infection and kidney problem.  Started my balance exercises again; I had neglected them when I was down with The Plague, but don't want to skip anymore.

Brother Larry called to say he and his daughter, Terry, will be here Monday. They're going to be staying at the Best Western "at the pier," he said, but I'm only aware of the one on Thompson Street. Will look it up.

Walked the short distance to McDonald's and met Diane. I didn't get one of the specials, instead settled for a McChicken sandwich. Incredibly, that and a soda totaled $3.22. I'm so used to eating at actual restaurants, where I regularly spend $25 to $30 for lunch, I was astounded. Of course, I didn't get the soda, as I had my IPA with me. I have to confess I also got a sundae and treated Diane to one. Haven't had ice cream for months and it was good. 

Diane and I proceeded to sit there until almost 4:00, a marathon talk session even for us. As we parted, Ellen called to tell me about her contractor contacts  I sat on a bench in the shopping center while we talked for a half hour or so. Her birthday is on Wednesday and we'll work something out about that, maybe including Greg. I then went directly to Nails D'Elegance in the same shopping center for a much needed pedicure. 

Darn, I slept very poorly last night. It's now 6:25 and I have a 9:00 eye doctor appointment. Will probably want to nap later.

Wednesday And VCMC

I visited Jim in the hospital yesterday; left about 10:30 and bused to the transit center. I usually walk to Loma Vista Road, as it's only a bit more than a mile, but yesterday, I decided to take it easy. I feel fine, have no symptoms and, of course, have tested negative twice, but I thought it was prudent, just coming off from an illness. (Imagine me being prudent--hard to believe.)

I had never been at VCMC (Ventura Community Medical Center) before and found it shiny clean and, I got the impression, well run. I think it's fairly new. It did have a security set up at the entrance, almost like the airport, but unfortunately, I guess most large public buildings do now. 

I was directed to medical/surgical one, found a nurse, and was asked to don a cone mask, plastic covering, and gloves, which I did. Went into Jim's room and saw him, of course, in bed. He's in a private room with a large picture window and nice view of flowers and foliage, I guess because he has COVID. I brought him a book--a biography of Ira Gershwin--to which he had little reaction.  For that matter, he had little reaction to my visit, but that's typical of Jim. We chatted for a few minutes, I asked if he was eating, he said nothing tasted good, and I notice on his tray an unopened box of cornflakes and an unopened carton of milk. I stayed for only ten or so--I didn't want to tire him--then said goodbye and said I'd be in touch.

I then talked to his nurse--a very nice young man--who said Jim had actually improved and, in fact, was eating a little more than he had. That was good to hear, I thanked him and left. When I went out to the lobby, I asked the receptionist to call Angel, the social worker. I spoke to her and she mentioned that Jim would have to apply for Medi-Cal (for low-income people instead of Medicare) in order to recover in a care facility. She asked if I'd help with that and I agreed, of course, although I have no idea what Jim's income is. 

I left, bused back to the transit center, went to Target and got three big grapefruits and some nice tomatoes, then bused home. Made a sandwich, took it and an IPA to the complex center along with my book (I'm re-reading one on the perils of the Grand Canyon) and enjoyed myself in the beautiful sunshine.  Lorraine called in the evening and we chatted a bit.

Tuesday

Tested again--negative. And now, with this latest, plus ten days after infection, plus no symptoms for several days, I've finished with COVID. Unless I show symptoms again, I'm not going to obsess over it. Hearted by that news, I walked over to VON'S for bread, a frozen pizza, and a few other things, including five pounds of carrots...

...What was I thinking??? Five pounds is a lot of carrots, so I had to spend some time preparing them. After washing and trimming, I put half in the slow cooker with a few tangerines, a dash of cinnamon, and set it on. The other half, I seasoned and olive oil-ed and roasted in the oven. I had some with lunch, but it's a good thing I have room in the freezer.

On the serious side, I got calls about Jim from two social workers: Cheryl from the Agency on Aging and Angel, from the hospital. I gave them some basic information (his home address and so on) and we talked over the situation. Angel will recommend that Jim enter a care facility to recover from his current condition, then possibly there'll be a permanent placement.  At this point, I agree that this is best situation possible. 

💢💢💢💢💢💢💢💢💢💢

                                  

This appeared on Instagram: my (soon to be ex) daughter-in-law, Paula, who will be participating in the Run for Hope in Singapore in November.

---

runforhopesg

 6d

Introducing our first ambassador for Run For Hope 2024, Paula O’Callaghan!

Paula's journey, marked by her own battle with breast cancer and the loss of her former helper to the disease, underscores the critical importance of early detection and regular screenings for women, particularly those over 40. As an ambassador of Run For Hope 2024, Paula uses her experience to advocate for cancer research and raise awareness, sharing her story to inspire others to prioritize their health and support the fight against cancer. 
Join Paula in supporting Run For Hope as we work together to raise awareness and combat cancer.                             

Monday

Darn, I tested myself with the new test kit and got a positive again, so I guess I'm rebounding as Suzanne did. Spent the day hanging around and not doing much. Back and forth on the phone with Ellen, Suzanne, and Vickie; took a nap after lunch. 

I was awakened by a call from the doctor at VC to give me the latest on Jim. She said he has some problems besides COVID. His electrolytes are too low and he has muscle loss resulting in kidney malfunction. Worst, he developed sores from lying immobile the floor for so long, they became infected and the infection entered his bloodstream. Doc said the social worker will call me today and will discuss placement.

I was pleased when Shannon, of Fractured Actors, called me in the late afternoon. She and her husband, Jeff, are the founders of, and run, the theatre group. She was concerned when she found out that I had gotten COVID and wanted to check up. We then launched into a warm, half-hour conversation about teenage angst (they have a 15-year-old son), the problems in marriage, religion (we both more-or-less ags) , and other pithy topics. She and Jeff were, of course, devastated by the spread of COVID to cast and crew at the show, not to mention the audience. She, Jeff, and their two children got it, plus 15 other cast and crew members, and a number of those in the audience, too. She suggested that once we're both free of the plague, we meet for lunch, say a week or two. Great and I'm looking forward to it.

Called Jim in the evening, but he didn't pick up. Talked to the nurse and was glad to know he seems to be improving, so said I'd call today.

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"Iconic" is one of those damn cliché words that people love to use, thinking they sound as if they went to Harvard, but I have to label this picture--ICONIC! I've always been fascinated by it--with a combination of amazement and horror in equal parts:

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Sunday

Did the Sunday things, plus a color wash, stopped over at Suzanne's to tell her about Jim, and called Vickie for same. Talked to Ellen several times during the day. 

I called the hospital and spoke to Jose, the nurse on Jim's floor--yes, male, which I think isn't too unusual nowadays. He was very cordial and forthcoming, and I got some information on what had happened. I told him about Jim's cardiology doctor, then he switched me over to Jim's room. Jim sounded pretty fuzzy and confused, which didn't surprise me, but we talked for twenty minutes or so. Poor guy, he has nothing to read, doesn't know how to use the television (he doesn't watch, anyway), and, of course, has no cell phone, so is just kind of isolated. 

I did, indeed, test negative, but decided against going to see Jim. I was still feeling a little tired, so I'll go today after lunch at Stone Fire Grille. I walked to CVS for another test kit, as I want to be sure I'm free of it. Also stopped at Von's for grapefruit. 

Called Jim in the evening and he seemed pretty much the same, but not worse, at least.. Told him I'd stop in tomorrow. Also spoke to the nurse and she suggested I call at 6:00 am today when her shift is almost over, otherwise wait until 8:00 or so. (Well, I didn't wake up until the alarm rang at 6:30, so I guess I'll wait.) All the staff have been very pleasant and accommodating. 

Vickie called to suggest Jim might be able to use the services of a caretaker she knows. I get the impression the woman works under the table, but I wonder if Vickie understands how low on funds Jim actually is. What I hope to do is talk to a social worker at the hospital to find out what services are available. Actually, that will probably have to wait until tomorrow, as I doubt if they work on Labor Day. 

On a cheerier note, here's a pic of my beautiful, blue-eyed, baby boy yesterday. He was at the halfway mark of his sixty-mile bike ride on the island state of Singapore:

Saturday And Jim

It was a phone-y day: Sharon and Diane called in the morning to check up on my condition. Doing okay, I told them, and they were congratulatory. Sharon then talked my ear off, naturally, headlining her grandson's college careen, her husband's cataracts, and her own UTI. That was all right--we all understand Sharon. Diane asked if I was available on Thursday for the four-dollar lunch deal at Mc Donald's. I was charmed--I haven't been to Mc D.'s for at least fifteen years, so never in California; I'll be interested to know if the fare has improved. Of course, Diane and I will bring our own libations, incorrigible law breakers that we are.

Lorraine called and commiserated about my malady, but also filled me in on how incompetent everybody in the universe is. I thought Jim was negative, but he's the soul of optimism compared to her. 

Noreen called and we had a nice, convivial chat. We'll get together some time soon. 

Mike called in the middle of his morning bike ride of--get this--sixty miles. We had a good talk and he filled me in on his and V. and V.'s doings.

I looked up how long one is contagious with COVID and it looks like five days. I tested positive last Sunday, so decided to chance a trip to Von's. I had my mask, of course, just bought a few items, and used the self-checkout, so didn't come near anyone else. I've been isolated so long, it felt like an adventure-got there and back home with no problem.  

I felt so much better yesterday that I stripped the bed, washed and re-made, then jumped in the shower and washed my hair. I think part of my fatigue may have been just the result of boredom--I'm not used to being confined inside, I guess. 

The alarming calls: Ellen called and we compared notes--both recovering okay. I told her I had called Jim and still got no response. She said she would call him and if the same, would ask the police to do a wellness check. I understand they then notify to fire department. After dinner, though, we still hadn't heard and I called one hospital and she the other. Bingo: Jim was admitted to Community Memorial after he was found unconscious on the floor.  Ellen talked to the admitting doctor, who then called me. She asked what medications Jim took, which I don't know. I did mention that he was being treated for some kind of heart problem. If I test negative today, I'll go see him.