FRIDAY AND SETTLING IN

 I'm in.

My helpers had the whole scenario laid out. I was picked up early on and taken to breakfast at the Hill Street Cafe while Ellen received the movers, who came about 9:30. We went to the harbor and the beach and and I took some of the hazy and overcast sky. I prefer the sun, but like life itself, his was so beautiful and mysterious, it was wonderful to be there: 

After the beach and back at my new place: The movers had left my possessions damage-free, but oh, boy, was there a lot to unpack, set up, move around, and put away. I had been dropped off to attend 

the weekly Happy Hour. This had a Christmas party theme. A terrific duo played and sang and I spoke to them after; gave them my card, told them to get in touch in January, if they might want to explore possibilities with Fractured Actors. Here they are, singing some of the old favorites: 

BTW, the Margaritas were good, too.

We then went back to my apartment to continue some of the settling in. Of course, it will take a long, long time to complete, but I can at least function. Ellen set up my laptop and T.V. and I was touched to find this note on my desk from my darling daughter: 

We said goodbye about 6:00, then put away a few more things, had just a bite to eat--I decided not to go to the dining room last night, as I gotten up at 5:15, and was very tired by then. Did some things on the laptop, watched a bit of T.V., then fell into bed. Slept like a stone until 10:30...

...that pain in the rear, Michelle, my former SO-FI neighbor, called at 10:30 to see if I was in my new place yet. I was barely coherent when I assured her she had awakened me and I wasn't happy about it. However, I fell back to sleep right away and just got up at 5:30.

Breakfast this morning is listed as French toast--maybe I'll try it, but if I'm not mistaken, I can order eggs or something as an alternative. Helpers are coming about 11:00 and we'll continue doing what we're doing.

Lucky me.  

THURSDAY AND DOWN TO THE WIRE

Slept okay and got up at 6:15. The whole place is, of course, more or less chaos, but now I'm used to it. After breakfast, I gathered all the items--medication, underwear, and so on that I'd need for this morning, stowed them in a carrying case, and put it near the door. Ellen came about noon and proceeded to clean, wiping down the cabinets, and a lot more. Once she got here, I took a shower and washed my hair, which felt good. 

We had lunch, then I took a nap while El continue the last minute stuff--until 2:30, that is, when we drove to Dr. Sui, my dermatologist, who sprayed my face lesions. Luckily, they don't seem to be a cause for concern. El and I were amused that we were finished and out of there about ten minutes before my actual scheduled appointment time, but hey, we weren't complaining.  

Home and El dismembered--or dismantled-- the T.V. and did several other chores. After she left, I thought of calling Muckie D. Did so, and we talked for a whole hour. I caught up on her cancer journey, which is, of course, on-going, but we also, naturally reminisced about HSHS days. I told her I had been touch with Bob McGinty (I don't think anyone calls him Muff anymore) and other grads. He isn't on Facebook anymore, but I came across this picture of him from the Atlantic County Squash Club nine years ago. He's the big guy on the right:  

For dinner, I had more of the yummy pizza Suzanne had sent me home with, along with the single IPA that was left here. The others IPAs, plus the rest of my fridge and freezer food, had already been transported to my new place. 

Okay, gang, this is it: 

                                                           MOVING DAY!

WEDNESDAY

Early on, I called brother Larry about my move and was alarmed to hear he had fallen two days ago. It was a horrifying scenario: He walked down his driveway to get his mail and incredibly, although he'll be 94 next month and it was dark and raining, he didn't bother to take his cane. He slipped and fell into a puddle onto his back and couldn't, of course, get up. Luckily, he had his phone and called 911, then his daughter, Elaine, who lives only four houses from him. She and her grown son came immediately and the 911 crew shortly after. Elaine and her son lifted him up and the others treated the scratches on his arms. Luckily, no long-term problem seems to have occurred, but a tragedy could have, as Elaine had driven to Larry's place in case he had to be taken to the hospital before the ambulance got there. If Larry hadn't remembered to warn her, Elaine would have driven over him! The hazards of growing old--whew.

Ellen came over at noon, bringing her her high-powered vacuum and proceeded to clean under my bed, which was very dusty. She then soothed and placated me after I had hysterics over the charge for the medic alert by my new place. I won't even go into all that, but I simmered down after I found out it was included in my rent. It still seems infuriating that they charge $55 a month, when I already have one provided by my insurance for no charge.

Another crises calling for my horrified response: I had removed the eight-hundred dollars cash for the movers from my purse, wanted Ellen to hold it, but couldn't remember where I had put it. But we looked, found it on the table where I had left it, Ellen will take charge of it, and the day continued on a better note. We took a short walk around the complex in the warm sun and that was so enjoyable.

Ellen finished her chore, then took me over to Von's for coffee, sherry, and a few other items. We parted about 6:30 and for dinner, I had leftover salad and what remained of El's good chili. Watched some T.V., then fell into bed, and slept soundly until almost 6:00. 

Today, day-before=transfer, my helpers will come early, then Ellen will drive me to my 3:20 appointment with the dermatologist in Oxnard. 

Wider:  t's getting closer and closer:

https://scheerpost.com/2025/12/11/house-and-senate-agree-to-make-draft-registration-automatic/

TUESDAY AND A PARTY

Yet another day of the usual packing up, but this one included a problem with my phone and Bank of America on which I don't want to elaborate. Luckily, Ellen seems to have resolved it, but it was a hassle. I called the Ventura Star to cancel the paper and was told, incredibly, that I was paid for the daily delivery until February something. Why was that? Because of the frequency of days it wasn't delivered. I demanded a refund and got all kinds of reasons why that won't happen. All right, I give up; must remember to drop the automatic payment.   

We continued the clearing out, had lunch, then El left and we went to The Orchard. We brought in the patio things--chairs, tables, and succulents--and I spent some time arranging them. I sat out there for a few minutes and greatly enjoyed it and the magnolia trees it faces. Also, I like the fact that when you walk in the door, the patio greenery is directly opposite.

We met more residents, all of whom seemed to be interesting people. Saw Anita doing one of her interminable jigsaw puzzles, and chatted with Barbara, whom I had met before. We also ran into Mandy, the activities director and she urged me to come to the happy hour on Friday. Hmm...that's the day I move in, so maybe I can--we'll see.

Home at 4:00 and had a small salad. Played my Jewel Match Royale until it was time to go next door to Suzanne for my going-away/birthday pizza party. It was so very pleasant to be with my two dear friends and the pizza was yum, yum, yummy, especially as Suzanne had asked V. and me what kind we like best and had it topped by thirds with our my favorite toppings Since I like all of them except pineapple, mine had pepperoni, onions, sausage, olives, anchovies, and maybe the kitchen sink.

 After we ate, I was presented with a yule log cake and the traditional song was sung: 

The three of us--boy, do I look haggard! 😣

I was then presented with gifts: from Suzanne, a wonderfully thoughtful kind of cloth carrier, which will come in very handy for the things I need right away when I move. Vickie gave me the book,  The Women, plus a lovely mug with this inscription: "She is clothed with Strength and Dignity--Proverbs 31;25."  We chatted and reminisced until about 7:00, then hugged goodbye. I'll certainly have those two over for lunch first thing after I settle in.

El called after I got home to discuss today's plan: More of the same, of course. 

MONDAY: KATHERINE AND A CAR RENTAL SNAFU

My mantra: sort, pack, donate, and toss--repeat every day, all day, with snarls of annoyance. Hey, if it wasn't for my helpers, that would be the drill, but happily, I'm getting through okay.

On Friday at the T.O.P.S. brunch, Katherine (my "newish" friend, as she characterized herself), offered to give me bubble wrap left over from her own recent move.. I appreciated it, but didn't know if any of us could get to her place to pick it up. Then that generous person texted to ask if she could drop it off. She could and she did and we were gifted with several large and small rolls, which were immediately put into use. Hey, newish or oldish, it's good to have such friends.

We toiled away and have actually finished most, including the fridge and freezer, except that which I'll use until Friday. We* then loaded the patio chairs and potted  supplement plants into the rental van, preparing to take them to The Orchard...but DAMN, the engine wouldn't turn over. The rental place (in L.A.) was called, we waited until they finally called back, then came to fix the van, but the problem wasn't resolved, so we stayed here, public transportation was called into play, and they're supposed to deliver a new car at10:30.  

This evening, Suzanne and Vickie are having me over for a little going-away pizza party, next door at Suzanne. I'm looking forward to that with pleasure. 

* "We?"--HA! My heavenly helpers did it all.

SUNDAY AND LISTENING TO THE MOON

Well, we're coming down to the wire--four days to go and boy, we haven't been sitting around. Started in with more clearing out and packing at 10:00 and pretty much continued all day. The mountain in the living room keeps growing, but that's progress: 

Ellen came over about 1:30, bringing her delish homemade chili. I had made sandwich, but wrapped and stowed in the fridge to eat today. We continued our work, then my bedside tables were delivered, which I decided I no longer want. El put them in her car and will return them via UPS. We then used Ellen' hand truck to pack some things in the car and took off for The Orchard. 

We got the stuff put into various closets, shelves, cabinets and drawers, then left. As I was locking my apartment door, a woman came up and introduced herself as Diane, my next door neighbor. I was surprised, as she looks considerably younger than 65. (Come to think of it, the age limit may be 55--will look it up.)  I was very pleased, as I sensed a vibe and hope we become friendly.

After putting things away, we went back to my place and toiled on until dinnertime. El then suggest we eat at Chili Basil, the Thai restaurant across from Von's. Did so and enjoyed it. We said goodnight after that and I got my p.j.s on, watched a little T.V., then flopped into bed.

😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍 

Saturday at the El Roblar hotel: 

😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

Note One:

I forgot to mention earlier that El ran into Leah from upstairs, who said her mother and sister from Pittsburgh would be visiting for Christmas and she'd like us to get together for lunch. They won't get here until the 23rd, so we'll set up a date closer to then. 

Note Two: 

I found this on the Internet and it rang a bell with me; I must put it in practice: 

😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

SATURDAY AND MY BABY BOY

Talk about busy; yester was. We got into it just after breakfast, continuing our packing up and throwing out, which went on for hours after a brief break for lunch. Got the kitchen cabinets, shelves, drawers, and counters virtually emptied, as well as the hall closets and bathroom. Mike came and spent his time going over my income tax copies from earlier years, plus other financial stuff, then separating and discarding the older ones. Anyway, same old, same old until we left for Ellen's about 4:00.  

Monday had been Mike's birthday, but we decided to celebrate it a day late. Sat down together while he opened his cards and presents. As his real gift, I treated him for dinner. Here's the birthday boy on his last one as a fifties person: 

                                                                       

Above with his pal, Cessy.

We then left for dinner at El Robar, the newly opened restaurant at a new hotel in Ojai, where I understand rooms are six hundred bucks a night. We had such a good time and the food was excellent. I ordered oyster mushrooms; we laughed over the fact that I thought it was a dish with both oysters and mushrooms, but no--it was "oyster mushrooms"--ha-ha!*  It was excellent, though, and included a wonderful green sauce. I didn't take pictures then, but Mike did and I'll add when I get them.

After having a ball, we went back to Ellen's and I (sob!) said goodbye to Mike, who is leaving this morning. Happily, I'll see him in May at Vivian's graduation. Ellen took me home--I thought it was about midnight, but it was 7:30. With many thanks to my remarkable, beautiful, and loving daughter, I go into my p.j.s, watched T.V. for a bit, then stepped into Dreamland and was out until 6:15. Today, more packing and we plan to take some smaller items to the new place. 

* 
Oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) are popular, oyster-shaped edible fungi known for their mild, slightly seafood-like flavor, meaty texture, and nutritional richness (fiber, B vitamins, antioxidants). 

FRIDAY PARTY

Cheryl picked me up at 8:45 and we went to our T.O.P.S. Christmas brunch at Maryann's place, which is very attractive and nicely decorated. Just as we came in, her husband was leaving. We met him and I told him I have and have read his pacifist book, A Great Flash of Light.  I was intrigued with her Nativity structure, a kind of grotto: 

Her patio has a lovely flowering vine; I want to ask Green Thumb what it is and hope to get some for my new place: 

Above: the flowering vine

Sharon and Cheryl, ready for brunch

Our hostess, Mary Ann, with her Christmas crown. 

Sharon was jaunty in her red outfit.

Sharon gave me this pretty Christmas necklace for my birthday.

Lennie with a kind of Norwegian wrap from her native North Dakota.

Unfortunately, I didn't get a picture of Katherine, who had to leave early for another commitment. Anyway, we had a fine time and the party didn't break up until 12:30.

Home and I cleared up a few things, then we went to Wal-Mart and after that, Von's. Took a nap later and also went through some boxes. It seems I'm going to move into new digs next Friday, the twelfth, not the seventeenth, as I had thought. Okay, I can do that, since I'll have both places until the end of the month.  

Slept well and didn't get up until 5:30. Not sure what's on the agenda for today, but know we'll be busy. 

THURSDAY

Things are buzzing, but reasonably manageable.  Got up at 5:30, which was okay and ate the other half of my hamburger from the Hill Street Hotel for breakfast, then took a shower and washed  my hair. Futzed around doing this and that, then wentt to my 1:00 P.T. appointment--my last of this series. I was pleased and proud when Brian--such a neat guy--put me though a series of drills, then celebrated the fact that I had bested my initial performance. I'm still anything but well-balanced--at least in my body, not sure about my mind (ha!)--but will continue to do the exercises. 

Home, I added a little to lunch, then started on my jewelry chest. This is really a kind of bureau, about four feet high and with  multiple drawers designed for jewelry. It was quite a job to decide what I wanted to keep and what to donate, but I did it. I was so pleased to find the bracelet that my co-actor in Steel Magnolias had given each in the cast some fifteen years ago. A scene had invitees to wedding describing what they'll wear. My character describes her dress as beige and pink with white trim and I got a bracelet in just those colors. I've always cherished it and, when appropriate, have worn it it several show, including Backstage Bedlam. However, when it was over, I couldn't find it and thought I had left it, but no, I found it in the case I had taken with me. Took a short nap after and finished the jewelry pack up. 

Vivian had brought me a tee shirt from U. of Hawaii, from which she'll graduate in May--and El and I are going--yay! (At first I thought it meant "gay pride," which would have been okay, too.) She should get a kick out of this:   

                                                            

Today, we have our T.O.P.S Christmas breakfast at Maryann's house, which isn't far The Orchard. It's a pot luck and usually, I bring a dish I make from scratch, but this time, I shamelessly volunteered to bring orange juice, which Ellen picked up for me. Hey, I can barely cover what I have to do, let alone adding a concoction I make myself.  

WEDNESDAY

Julie and  Katherine picked me up at 10:45 to go to the BCNN Christmas luncheon. Lots there and I had a good time chatting with old friends, new acquaintances, and--well, new friends and old acquaintances. Anyway, we talked, laughed, commiserated with each other, and generally had a good time. Talked with Regina, who looked pretty good, although she's had some major health issues lately. Also chatted with  Barbara, outgoing prez, and Dusty, former prez, whom I've always liked. Both of them were in my acting group and several asked if I was going to have one in the new year. At this point, I can't even think of taking on anything else and if I ever change my mind, it's not going to be gratis.

The lunch was buffet and hardly gourmet, but pretty good, plus I had an orange blossom and, with lunch, an IPA. We drove home after, and I had intended to nap for a bit, as I had slept poorly. However, I didn't have time, as Mike came, as planned, about 2:00 and after packing up my loads of books, we drove over to The Orchard and Mike, having borrowed Ellen's hand truck, went back and forth taking them to my place. When we arrived, we found this on my door, noting my birthday in December: 

We looked around a bit, inside an out, then chatted with several residents. I saw Anita, the "resident ambassador" with whom El and I had had lunch during my first visit. I was amazed at her appearance: tastefully assembled outfit, perfect makeup, and diamond jewelry. In that respect, I was reminded of Diane, who would never step outside the door without looking like a model, although incredibly, Anita is ten years older than she. 

After our visit, we stopped at CVS for something or other, then went to the Hill Street Cafe for a light dinner. Mike drove me home, stopped in for a bit, then we said goodnight. 

Today, I have P.T. again, damnit, but it's my last one in Oxnard, at least. 

TUESDAY: P.T. AND BOOKS

A relatively slow day. The SCAN Transportation (Uber) picked me up at 10:45, early for my 11:30 physical therapy appointment, but that was okay.  I had been so busy on the Internet, that I had to rush to get out front, so didn't have time for breakfast. (Feeling like a ragamuffin, I snatched up a piece of bread on my way out and ate it on my way.) Uber came in a few minutes and we took off for Oxnard.

P.T. went okay and after, then I called Uber to pick me up. The driver a terrific guy named Troy. We fell into a conversation and I told him I was moving to The Orchard. He said that his mother, who's in her eighties, was considering an independent living place, too, so I gave him my card and said his mother could call me if she wanted to.

Home, I made a tuna sandwich for lunch and ate it while watching A Chorus Line. I hadn't  seen it for years and damn, that is one great movie. I sometimes think that dance is the most artful of the arts and this was dynamite, Incredibly, it was made fifty years ago, but if I didn't know that, I would ever have guessed. Now that I'm in the mood, I may look up All That Jazz. 

Took a short nap, then turned my attention to my ceiling-high bookcase and separated them into "keep" and "give to Greg to sell at Bart's books." Hmm, I could donate them to The Orchard, too, but will go with Bart's: 

                                   

And now the bookcase is bare, aside from the artifacts: 

And oh, gawd, I have an enormous number of "artifacts"; sooner or later, I'm going to have to keep, donate, or toss--AAGH!

MONDAY AND SOARING SPIRITS

Busy day, but a good one; slept well and didn't get up until 6:30. Called SCAN Transportation to take me to my 11:30 P.T. appointment in Oxnard today. Julie called to see if she could pick me up for the BCNN Christmas luncheon tomorrow. and I accepted. Vickie texted to say she and Suzanne would like to treat me to a pizza farewell lunch; I'll let her know. I may or may not go to the T.O.P.S. Christmas breakfast on Friday--depends on when it is. Hey, my calendar is filling up again. 

Spent some time pulling together more of the memorabilia together. Mike and Ellen got here at 12:30, bringing Ellen's hand truck, which was an enormous help. Mike got it all in the van he had rented and off we went. Before we started, I ran into my neighbor, Katherine, who said she was thinking of eventually moving to The Orchard. Hey, that would be nice--and financially advantageous--see below. 

Because yesterday was the official day of my move (I'm overlapping both domiciles to the end of December.), we stopped at the desk to get my key. We ran into Director Tiffany and Sales Manager Carissa and chatted happily. I mentioned that Kathrine might be interested and was told that if I was the referral person, I could earn a few thou. Sounds good to me.   

I was pleased to see my apartment again. The front room seemed a lot more spacious than I had remembered and I could envision placement of a lot of the furniture. We brought with us some paper goods and hand soap for the bathroom and will add a few more things as we come. I met several other residents and we introduced ourselves, including some men. They all seemed congenial, although I'm not naive enough to think I'll find soulmates, but who knows? We stopped at Wal-Mart after for a few staples, then the kids (😉) dropped me at home. 

Vera  picked me up at 5:15 for the Soaring Spirits dinner at Stone Fire Grille, the last with our dear leader, Vera. (Ugh, that sounds like  Kim Jong il!) There were just seven of us there, but we had a great time:

Around the table: the hunchback, Susan, Donna, Glenda, Lynell, Renee, Gayle, and Katherine (Vera took the pic)

Glenda, Renee, and Vera

Susan, Donna, and Vera. We were all thrilled to see Donna, who had been a member, met widower Mark at an SS gathering, and they've been married for several years. Of course, she's no longer a member--not allowed--but we skipped the rule and welcomed her happily.

Gayle looking pensive; she has a lot of medical and other issues.

With Susan, Renee, and Glenda

Christmas ornaments were exchanged and Vera gave each of us this ornament, which I will cherish:

Vera with Susan, her stand-in leader

We stayed later than usual, until we closed the place at 8:00 am. Vera took me home and we said goodbye. I leave for The Orchard on December 17 and she leaves for Oregon on January 1. I hope to maybe take her to lunch before she goes. Not to get all philosophical, it seems the end of a life chapter for both of us. Anyway, I'm mostly glad for this book I'm reading and look forward to turning the page.  

SUNDAY

 A quiet day. I was able to pack up some of my family memorabilia, acting material (scripts, etc.), and other written material, but there's plenty more. I also have of lot of Dionne Quintuplet material, which I want to preserve, of course. When Ellen and Mike get here today, we'll be transporting some to my new place. We won't meet for lunch, but they'll pick me up after at 12:30  and go to The Source. El has dance class later and Vera will pick me up at 5:15 for our last (sob!) official Soaring Spirits dinner. We do a gift exchange for that one, but I'm not going to participate--I am, however, giving Vera a turtle (she raises them) bracelet as a going away gift. 

Stella called to see it I wanted to got to the museum and lunch, but I told her I'm not able to bus anywhere at the time. I'd like to get out, but it's just hazardous for me at the moment, so we'll keep in touch and maybe meet for lunch ne of these days.

Vickie texted me to say she and Suzanne would like to have me over for a farewell lunch at Suzanne's and asked me to let her know when I'm available. I wrote back to tell her I'll have to look and see what else is going on.

Ellen called to say she and Mike will pick me up at 12:30 today and we'll go to The Orchard, my new place, bringing some of my stuff there. We'll be able to get in and start moving my possessions there. She has to leave for her dance class about three.

I texted Vera to ask if she'll pick me up for our last "official" Soaring Sprits dinner this evening and, of course, she will, at 5:15. She leaves to move to Oregon within a few days, darn it. 

After a late breakfast, I took a nap. Not sure why, but I've been somewhat draggy lately--possibly because the weather has been cool and cloudy, my least favorite. Hope it improves soon. 

SATURDAY WITH THE MOLLOYS

Mike and Vivian picked me up at 10:00 and off we went to Trader Joe's. We got our goods--this, that, and the other--then went to two trendy little dress shops favored by the young and Vivian got a nice sweater:

                                                      

                                                            After appetizers on the porch, we had a yummy leftover lunch, the three others doing the clean-up. We then split up. Vivian caught up on some anatomy class work, and Mike went to town to rent a bike, Ellen, I'm not sure what, and the matriarch took a little nap on El's bed. Later, all refreshed, we gathered again and took pics: 

The Molloy Single

💖Hostess with the Mostest!💖

The Molloy Duo

The Molloy Trio

The Molloy Quartet

We hung around for a bit, then took off for Little Dom's Seafood restaurant in Carpentaria. Craig had made the reservations and was already there. This is a very popular fish place and it was Saturday night, so absolutely jammed. Luckily, Greg had made reservations and was already there. We had delicious food (I a kind of fish sandwich) and good talk and all enjoyed it:

The Molloy quartet, plus the honorary Molloy at dinner last night.

Greg drove Ellen home and Mike and Vivian took me. It was so, so good to see my darling granddaughter, twenty-one now and ready to face the world. It was hard to leave her, but here's the great news: Ellen and I going to her graduation from University of Hawaii in May!  No plans for today, but tomorrow, but I'm going to prepare for my move as much as possible.

Note: Vickie texted me to ask when I can meet with Suzanne and her for a farewell pizza. I said I'd get back to her, as I have a bunch of commitments coming up. Hey, I'll miss those two living so close, but of course, we'll keep in touch. 

FRIDAY

It was a slowing down day, after the celebrations kind, and I actually welcomed that.  I finally starting wrapping and packing up some things, notably the pictures on my corner bookcase. Did a few other chores, but also took a two-hour nap. I don't usually nap that long, but I felt good when I got up just now, at 5:30. 

Went out to get the mail--nothing exciting--and Suzanne stopped to chat. We caught up on each other's Thanksgiving; she had celebrated the other day in Arizona; yesterday, she joined her sister Sisters for dinner.

I forgot to mention earlier that I had gotten in touch with Bob "Muff" McGinty the other day via email. He had been a groomsman (usher) at our wedding and was a very close friend with Pat's brother, Mike. On impulse, I emailed him, but it's been at least twenty years, maybe longer, that we've been in touch, so I didn't expect it to get to him. To my surprise, he wrote back with a nice note and some pictures:    

Bob and his family at his granddaughter's wedding.

Presumably, the wedding was on the beach. 

I know Bob is over ninety, but I'm not sure by how much, maybe he's my brother, Larry's age of 94. He went to Atlantic High, BTW, unlike most of Pat's and Mike's friends. Think I'll call my brother, Larry, to tell him about Bob.

I'm going to cut this short because today, Mike and Vivian are picking me up about 10:00 and we have various activities planned, including dinner in Camarillo. 

THURSDAY--THANKSGIVING DAY

🏈🏈🏈🏈🏈🏈🏈🏈🏈🏈

IMPORTANT: Don't forget the big Thanksgiving game today--between HSHS and ACHS, of course. You say you can't see it? Just close your eyes and dream and you'll be back at Bader Field:

Pat Molloy star running back

HSHS, 1951 

🏈🏈🏈🏈🏈🏈🏈🏈🏈

A good, warm, family Thanksgiving: Mike and my darling granddaughter picked me up about noon, both exhausted. Vivian had come in from Hawaii and had gotten in at 5:00 am and the exit stairs had been broken; she had an two hours-long delay before they could disembark and finally had to go to a different gate. Mike had gotten up at 3: 00 or so to pick her up.   

After greetings and a chat, we went off to The Orchard yet again, to show Vivian. She liked it as much as Mike did, then we drove to Ojai to Ellen's. Her house renovations are now complete and it looks great. It will change further when she gets new furniture, which she plans, but first things first. Here are just a few random pics--Mike took more and I'll post when he shares them:  

Above: We had drinks and appetizers on the porch; after, Mike showed pics of the jungle.

Greg got annoyed with Ellen and pulled out a knife, but he relented when she let him carve the turkey.

Above three pics: Cleanup after dinner; everybody helped but me--hey, I deserve a rest after 88 years. (But hmm...do I like the sound of that? No, it suggests something else--AAGH!)

Mike took many more pictures, which I'll include when I get them.

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Besides the traditional main course, the superb dinner included a blue potato dish, roasted Brussels sprouts, and homemade cranberry relish; the crowning glory was Ellen-made (crust and all) pumpkin pie with real whipped cream (not that canned abomination).

After we enjoyed all that (and some cleaned up--see pics above) we played our beloved gin rummy. Vivian never had, so we did a test round first and had great fun. We finally parted after 9:00--good grief, practically the middle of the night!--with hugs all around after a wonderful day..

Ellen took me home, I watched a half-hour of The Godfather II, then went to Dreamland. Got up once, but slept well the rest of the night.

I won't see my gang today, but will tomorrow when we go to dinner in Camarillo. Darling Vivian leaves on Sunday (sob!) and on Monday, we'll again visit The Orchard; this time, we'll inspect my new apartment. 

A HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL WHO READ THIS--I'M GRATEFUL TO HAVE YOU IN MY LIFE!

WEDNESDAY (WARNING: IT'S A LONG ONE)

Mike got to my place about 8:45 and after hugs, we chatted for a bit, then went to The Little Lion for breakfast, which is rapidly becoming one of my least favorite places. For openers, we had to wait almost a half-hour to get our meals, although it wasn't very crowded. I ordered scrambled eggs and sides and specified I wanted the eggs soft. They came not only very un-hot, but about as soft as shoe leather. Also, the coffee came without a saucer (is that a new trend?) or a spoon and  I had to ask for one. The dish was set up oddly with this tier: toast on the bottom of the plate, sliced avocado next, and, then the cool and tough egg mess  on top. This was surrounded by mediocre chopped potatoes. All in all, double plus un-good.

After, we went to Von's, just a few yards away. I got my supplies for the week and Mike picked up a few things to take back to Ellen's. Unpacked, talked a bit, then we went to The Orchard, so I could show Mike my new home. 

Ellen has made arrangements for all four of us to see my actual apartment on Monday, when Carissa will admit us, but I wanted to show Mike the grounds, public rooms, and so on. He was very favorably impressed and I was so pleased when we looked over the balconies to the dining room and several people smiled, waved, and called hi. We went upstairs and saw that my apartment, number 220, already had a mounted card on the door with my name on  it:

I'm so glad we went. I had been apprehensive about the move and wondering if I'd really be happy there. I'm not naive enough to think it'll be idyllic or that every resident will be a soulmate, but Mike's approval and my general feeling of enjoyment made me good.

We stopped at Two Trees for lunch; Mike had a gi-normous Mexican salad and I a Ruben. I always say you can't get a good Reuban on the west coast because all the real, authentic Jews are in Brooklyn and the Bronx and they're the only ones who know how to make them.* However, it wasn't bad and accompanied with a good hazy IPA, it was enjoyable.  

We went back to my place and played a ferocious game of gin rummy game, up to 500. Mike won, but I'm highly suspicious that he cheated, because I'm a much better player than he is. My baby boy then left and I'll see him about 11:00 today when he picks me up to go to Ellen's.* 

*Okay, okay, there were some in old time Hollywood, but they've mostly faded away--I think.

TUESDAY

Suzanne is back from Arizona where she attended her younger brother's seventy-fifth birther part. It was a surprise, as he thought the guests were coming for Thanksgiving and she invited me over to see pictures. Suzanne is the oldest of what had been six, but another had had Downs Syndrome and died several years ago. She has one sister, whom I've met and I've also met her brother, Glenn, a doctor in San Diego. 

I got some packing done--sort of. I cleared out some of the kitchen drawers, but found only two items I wanted to give away or donate. Now this is a dilemma--I want to keep a number of utensils, some of which I use only once or twice a year. I may have to make a selection and/or just discard, then buy or borrow if I need them.

It was a beautiful day, but I didn't go out, aside from having lunch on the patio. Mostly lazed around and, incredibly, spent several hours of it watching gangsters on T.V.  Saw Casino and some of Godfather II, both full of violence and naughtily words, but very engaging--for me, anyway.  

The high point of the day was a Message, then a call from Mike, who's now at Ellen's after flying roughly 9,000 to get here. He'll come over today and take me to some stores, plus presumably assess the moving situation. Vivian will come into LAX today, too--YAY, YAY, AND HAPPY DAY!  

MONDAY

Got a call from Primary Medical to the effect that the outfit that's sending the P.T. requires a TB test beforehand. Okay, I can get it done by Quest right across the was at Von's and I was going there, anyway. However, when I did, a sign on the door said they were closed until December 1. So what, I'm not enthusiastic about the home visit, since I had a 2:30 appointment at Second Wave P.T. yesterday and have three more scheduled.

I did take the walker over to Von's to pick up tomatoes, prepared salad, bread, and a six-pack of Lagunitas (Spanish for "Little Lagoons") IPAs. While there, I ran into my neighbor, Michelle, who's a little kooky, but I enjoy her in small doses. 

Home, just had some cottage cheese with pineapple for lunch, then prepared for the P.T. trip to Oxnard. When I was picked up, the driver naturally folded up my walker and stowed it in the trunk. When we got there, though, he had difficulty opening it all the way. There's a bar you pull up to fold and push down to open and that wasn't going all the way down. I took it in and therapist Brian was able to fix it--I thought.

I was picked up after the session by Uber driver, Anna--great fun to talk to--and when I got home, there was the same difficulty--the walker just wouldn't open completely and the back wheel was locked. I got it in the house, but I hope somebody will fix it permanently soon. 

Got home about 4:00 and although I whine and complain about going, I actually enjoy it once I do. Brian, Rane, and the other P.T. s are young, friendly and fun, and I like joking with them.

Through the day, I called Ellen several times and we talked about this and that, but nothing was urgent unless you count the walker.  Since I've been having sleeping even without the sleep aid, I skipped it, as it doesn't seem to make any difference, anyway. It's billed as non-habit forming, so maybe I'll try the other, which I had taken for twenty years--I'm considering alternatives. 

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I came across this pic and have no idea when or where. Obviously, it's been awhile as I was heavier, still coloring my hair, and visiting Larry in Florida, I think--so early two thousands, I'd say.

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