FRIDAY--SECOND TO LAST

Weight report: I knew I would, but I didn't realize it would be this bad:  I gained 2.6 at home, to 132.4 and 2.8  at T.O.P.S. to 133.6 darn!  Oh, well, I'm going to get serious now, I hope. Home at 10 something, had oatmeal and grapefruit for breakfast, then took a nap, even though I had slept okay. After, I swept the patio to clear the pine needles, then did a bleach wash. Had a big salad for lunch, then got ready for the second-to-last "Backstage Bedlam." 

I had intended to start personalizing my verse to cast and crew, but decided to wait until today--our last performance--to do it and hand them out today when I'll have gotten a program. Assembled my clothes, showered, washed my hair, and went out to wait for Rowena to pick me up at 6:15.

As it turned out, it was probably my best ever. I really got in the swing of it and did well; in fact, the entire cast seemed to be up a notch. Of course, I don't know that for sure, as so far, I haven't seen the whole show, but it felt that way. 

I was surprised and grateful when Carlita gave me a darling little key chain with a sparkly horse head on it. She's the one who owns a ranch in Thousand Oaks and I had admired the chain she uses. Unfortunately, I left it at the theatre--will take a picture of it and include in tomorrow's entry. 

Re pics. here are a slew of them; I took the first, rest are courtesy of Amy:

Lindsay and Kathy

Lindsay and Dolores

l. to r. back: Shannon, Lindsay, Dolores; Mandy in front

l. to r., outside: Mandy, Kathy, Inna, Suzy, Jonathan 

James and Steve

Tracy and Dolores

Inna

Harper and Amy

Shari and me

I was so happy to see niece Carolyn, her husband Dana and son, Finn, along with nephew Steve and his wife, Robyn. (I said she was a glutton for punishment, as she had attended our opening night with Ellen.) Had a great time receiving their congratulations and chatting after. We took a pic of us together, which I'll receive soon and will post here, of course.

I didn't get home until--gasp!--11:00 and was starved, so made myself a sandwich and popped open an IPA and watched a little T.V.  When I turned in, it was close to one am and no, I had no problem sleeping soundly.

Tonight is our last and oh, boy, will it be hard to adjust to civilian life!

THURSDAY

Although I had had a problem with sleeping, I got up at 7:00 and followed my usual routine. (Wow, I got Wordle on two; word was  "split.") More exciting (😅), before breakfast, I dusted and washed the hard floors, and washed and dried the scatter rugs. 

I finished the rhyme I'm giving to all the cast and crew members. It's not the greatest, but I didn't have much time. Here it is: 

B oy, did we have fun

A cting bright and breezy,

C onsidering the cast,

K illing it was easy;

S uccess! We were happy

T o be there

A t a venue sweet and fair,

G rasp this, no matter what your age,

E verybody on our stage:

B e aware the future's bright,

E ven though the end's in sight,

D on't forget this, cast and crew,

L ots of laugher that we knew,

A nd please accept this mention, too:

M y everlasting thanks to you!

It's mediocre, but I didn't have much time and I think they'll like it. Dammit, I can't find the BB program, so will have to get one tonight; I want to be sure to include everybody. My new printer is supposed to get here today and I didn't want to take a chance it wouldn't, so I asked Suzanne to print me up two copies. She did and I packed my lunch, then bused to Office Depot to have thirty copies made. I'll put personal notes on each one and will decorate them separately. Of course, I won't be able to do all of them, as I have to get a program tomorrow, so I can include everybody--sometimes I feel as if I have an actual job.

I decided to eat in the middle, instead of near Office Depot, so took my lunch out and enjoyed it. By that time, it was 4:30 and this was only my second meal of the day. I guess you could call it "dunch" or "linner." 

Ellen called and we decided she'd come on Monday instead of tomorrow to set up the printer. I'll then go back to her place and stay overnight. Stella called to tell me she's also feeling stressed out, with a lot stuff going on. Her son, Joshua, who lives in Spain, will be in on Saturday, but will first stay with a friend in Burbank before he gets to Stella's. She said she'd let me know when he gets there and we'll meet him for lunch.

So the show is on tonight and tomorrow, then we go dark. I'm actually looking forward to having some down time, so I can address some of my long-neglected items.  

A bright note: I slept well and feel perkier today. However, I know I've gained and that's depressing. Hope to get back on the straight and narrow soon.   

WEDNESDAY

On Facebook I had gotten a listing of the 110 top golfers in history and glanced over it, then sent it to Vickie. She enjoyed it, as her late partner, Mary, was an avid golfer. I mentioned that I was surprised Babe Zaharias wasn't listed; she was a huge golf star, as I remember. Vickie texted her thanks, then called to see if I was available for a chat. Sure, and I told her to come over. She lives only a minute or so walk away, so I just opened the door before she got here. To my amazement, a little bird--maybe a wren or sparrow--flew into to my living room. It aimed toward the sliding glass door to the patio, hit it, then swerved and flew right out the door again. Vickie was just coming up the front path and we were both relieved the bird seemed to be okay.

Vickie brought me this: 

                                                   

It had been Mary's book and Vickie asked if I'd like to borrow it. Yes, indeed, biography is my favorite form of literature. (My least favorites are fictionalized versions of bios, history, and other embellished facts.) Vickie stayed for a half-hour and we had a nice visit.  She asked if I'd like someday to go putting with her. Sure, I like new experiences, but to start actually playing golf--that ain't gonna happen. We chatted for a few more minutes, as Vickie was just on her break--she works at home--so we said goodbye after fifteen or so and I bused to Danny's Deli to meet Noreen. She and I got there about the same time and settled into one of our good, intimate, talk sessions. I had a pastrami dip, which probably had enough calories for the week, plus a Liquid Candy hazy IPA (heaven in a glass) and Noreen chicken Alfredo and champagne. We were there, as usual, for almost two hours and when we left, ran into two gentlemen on the front porch:

I think their names are Mr. Gaunt and Sir Bony.

Noreen doesn't do Facebook or text, so gave me her friend, Gary's, email and ask that I send the pic to him.  Bused home and stopped at Von's on the way for salad fixings and a few other items. I sat and watched a half hour of T.V. (this is getting to be a habit in the late afternoons and should I be concerned?), then conked out, took an hours' nap, and felt good after that. 

I was so pleased to get a call from niece Carolyn telling me that she and some of her family are going to the show tomorrow--the penultimate production!  They got back from Jersey a week or so ago and I'll be glad to see them there.

Sharon also called last night, to ask for more information about the Access Van and, sadly, the continuing dilemma with her husband's lack of a license. She's not happy with the attorney they hired and they have many other problems. One of them is the fact that they have no Internet devices--neither computer or printer and in this day and age, that's a crippling situation. We talked for almost an hour and I'll see her tomorrow at T.O.P.S.  

Unfortunately, after I went to bed, I developed a terrible itching of my left-foot toes and it kept me awake for a long time.  I don't know if it's athletes' foot or what, but I'm going to call the doc for advice. 

TUESDAY

Suzanne and I left for WinCo at 8:45 and got back in about an hour. I got some good produce--cabbage, cauliflower, onions, tomatoes, spinach and a few other items. I wasn't hungry, as I had snacked at night, so had only a few handfuls of blueberries for breakfast. When I got home, I cooked the spinach after adding olive oil, vinegar, and garlic and had a bowl of that--weird, but enjoyable. 

Ellen got here a little after one and we first went to UPS, as she had something to mail, then to Wood Ranch for lunch. This has gotten to be a favorite because they have the best barbequed chopped salad with chicken. We ate, then went to Office Depot and, after a great deal of examination, questions, and discussion, I settled on a particular printer to replace my old one. This is a Brothers, not a Canon, and it did get good reviews. However, they didn't have one in stock, so will have to deliver it in a few days.

Home after that and Ellen had to leave a bit after 4:00, but when the printer comes in, she'll be back to install it. It was in the upper seventies, so I changed into shorts and a tee-shirt and put in a load of color wash. A bit after six, I called Noreen to see if she could meet for lunch today--she could and we will, at good ol' Danny's Deli. 

I was tired, for some reason, so went to bed at 9:00. Big mistake, as I woke up at 2:30 and--AAGH!--now it's 3:15 and I'm sitting here at the laptop.  Hope I can go back to dreamland soon...

Well, I did after about a half-hour, but until only 6:15. I'm going to have to get a nap in sometime today. 

MONDAY

Early morning, Suzanne texted me an invitation to join her for her bi-weekly visit to WinCo today. I happily accepted and we'll go at 8:45. Later, Ellen asked if we could switch our Thursday date to today and yes, she'll pick me up at noon, we'll go to Office Max, where I'll look for a new printer, then she'll leave at 4:00 to meet with her contractor. 

Yesterday was not a bad day, but somewhat slow. I had intended to bus to town and tour the shops, but that went awry: I made lunch, packed up my cart, and set off, but before I got out of the complex, I decided it was too hot. I was passing Vickie's place about 12:30 and I changed my plans. Knowing she works at home, I texted her to see if she might be available and, as it turned out, she was. I settled into an umbrellaed table and Vickie joined me shortly thereafter. She had brought her lunch with some extra watermelon and we settled in for a good visit and talk. Suzanne happened to come over for her daily swim and we three chatted away, then Vickie and I settled into some good, serious talk.   

After, she went back to work (at home) and I stayed for a bit, then left. Watched T.V. for awhile, then took a nap. Other than the exciting news that I took the trash out, there wasn't much else happening. 

SUNDAY

 Didn't do a whole heck of a lot early on yesterday, aside from hard-boiling some eggs. Had lunch, then went out to wait for Amber to pick me up at 3:15. She did, we got there shortly, and the matinee went on at 5:00. I flubbed "Heart's Desire" a little--started the same stanza twice--but recovered well and I don't think the audience noticed, which is all that matters. 

Glory be, it was still light out when we left. For those of us who consider 9 PM practically the middle of the night, matinees are wonderful. Home, had something to eat, watched some easily forgettable T.V., turned in at 10 and slept the good sleep. Here are some pics from last night:    

Amy and Carlita before show.

Kathy, Lindsay, and Bob

L. to r.: Amy, Kathy, Mandy, Bob; Rowena at top.

Much as I love Backstage Bedlam and Fractured Actors, I'm looking forward to three days off. We go on next Friday and Saturday, then close. Cast Party is Sunday. 

SATURDAY

Got up at 7:20, did a color wash, including the jeans and shirt I wear for "Hearts Desire." I called my friend, Rosa, to fill her in on the show. Because she's of Mexican descent, I thought she'd like to see it, but I haven't heard back from her yet. Breakfasted and really did little after, aside from a short nap and eating lunch on the patio. Showered, washed my hair, then waited outside for Amber to pick me up at 6:30. 

The show last night went very well, I think sharper and more focused than the others. Although the audience was sparse, they were receptive and laughed in all the right places. After the finale, when we prance off the stage, I was pleased to be greeted by Lynne W., docent director of Dudley House, whom I've known almost since I got to California. She had brought a friend and I introduced them to Amber, who happened to be nearby. I'm scheduled to docent in just two weeks on September 7--I'd better start reviewing my tour talk.

Home after 10:00, as usual and stayed up almost until midnight. Oddly, although I haven't been sleeping as long as usual, I'm feeling pretty alert. I'm so glad it's the matinee today and the show starts at 5:00. 

Here are some shots in our minuscule dressing room, which is about the size of a powder room:

Shannon, Erica, and Harper with tiny hands.

Shannan and her wig wardrobe/

Harper, the incredible opera-singing 10-year-old and her Mom, Shannon.

FRIDAY AND ALLIGATORS

Slept okay, awoke about 6:15, breakfasted, too, took a short nap, went over to Von's for this and that, made lunch, ate it in the middle, then showered and dressed in my cowgirl-ish performance clothes. Amber, back from the wedding in Texas, texted that she'd pick me up, so I notified Amy. 

Just hung out most of the day and ate lunch in the middle. Tried to nap, but couldn't fall sleep--little going on until we left at 5:45. Since the show doesn't start until 8:00, it's really a drag to get there so early, but that's showbiz, I guess. 

James, Steve, and Suzy, the Short Attention Span Band.

On the right, Steve and Suzy at Sam's Place in Ojai. They sometimes play with others

When I recited my "Heart's Desire," I flubbed, damnit. I said the "...but I was still a lady..." verse and after, somehow started it again. I recovered by make a joke of it, though, and wasn't too upset by it. 

Home at a harrowing 10:20 and didn't get to bed until--unbelievably--well after midnight. Got up at 7:20 to brew my coffee (I can't live without it) and heard some odd sounds from outside. This is what I saw from the window:   

Tree trimmer high up

Tree trimmer close up

Well, I guess they have to make a living, but I'd rather wrestle alligators. 

THURSDAY

Hoo-boy, another jam-packed day. I did a bleach wash before breakfast, then showered, dressed, and went out to wait for the Access Van. Got to Help of Ojai about 1:15, a little early, but Suzy was there already. Maria took us in and we had a good talk about our expectations for the new "Acting for Amateurs" course and so on. The idea is for us to start on October 20 and meet every two weeks. After Backstage Bedlam is over (two more weekends), Suzy and I will meet to crystalize our plans for the course.

I had scheduled the Access Van to pick me up at 3:00 and we had plenty of time after meeting with Maria, so we went over to the little place on the corner and each had a cold beer. (I was pleased to see that Suzy enjoys the stuff, too.): 

After, we waited outside Help of Ojai on a conveniently placed bench until the van came--late, in fact, as it didn't get there until almost 4:00; Suzy waited with me until then.

By the time we got back to Ventura, it was already almost 5:00 and Rowena picked me up. She had brought her sixteen-year-old sister and I enjoyed meeting her. We met Amy at Mother's Tacos and it turned out it was only the four of us this time. I had an oyster and mushroom taco (without the hot sauce this time), purple sweet potatoes, and a good Margarita. We talked and laughed--very enjoyable.

Home about 7:15 and even though I greatly enjoy being involved and engaged, I want a respite. I've been out and about every day for a week and I'm going to slow down, at least for a time. I called Cheryl that I was skipping T.O.P.S. this morning. I have the show tonight, Saturday, and Sunday, and I don't want to schedule anything much more next week--enough is enough! 

WEDNESDAY

Went through some of my writings and plays--mostly the shorter ones I used in "Acting for Amateurs"--and selected several to share with Suzy.  Bused to town, dropped into the library to return a book, then strolled the block to Dargan's at 12:30. We both ordered Reuban sandwiches (both took half home) plus Suzy a Harp Irish beer, and I my usual Topa Topa IPA.  We then proceeded to talk and talk and talk for roughly three hours. We discussed each others backgrounds, experience, and ideas and beliefs. Suzy, who's 72 and a special ed teacher, was born and brought up in Michigan, has two daughters and a son from two marriages, and had an out-of-body experience. She's had some difficult times, but is now happily married to Steven, a botanist and also the guitar player in their "Low Attention Span Band." Suzy is, of course, the singer (along with James, the other member of the trio). Suzy just got an offer to be the performing arts instructor at a school in Thousand Oaks. This would be part-time, two days a week.   

Anyway, today, we'll meet Maria, the department head at Help of Ojai, where we're going to be conducing our little acting course. We're just going to be shone the facility and where we'll be for the class. There's a whole lot that we'll have to decide, notably, who will do what and when.

After we said goodbye, I walked, as usual, to Ventura Avenue and got the 6 home. As soon as I got in, I put in a white wash, and did a few chores. Had leftovers for dinner.

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Picnic in Roxborough, PA, c. 1918; Mom is second from left in second row, Dad full-length on right.

I had the picture colorized a few years ago. 

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TUESDAY

Another busy one. Before I was picked up by SCAN/Uber, my friend from Manhattan called. She wanted to know if I was free for lunch yesterday or today, but of course, I was booked. She's going back east on Friday, unfortunately, and was disappointed she wouldn't be here for Backstage Bedlam.

Went to CVS for the fish oil and eyedrops the doc had recommended, then to Vons for eggs. About 11:00, I scrambled two (the eggs, not the eyedrops 😄) and had that and a piece of toast for a late breakfast. Got to Primary Medical and was taken quickly for my "wellness check." There doesn't seem to be any reason why this couldn't be done by Zoom or phone--aside from taking my BP, it was all oral. However, I did enjoy seeing Natalie, the P.A., whom I like better than most doctors. I  mentioned the show and she said she wants to go--hope she does.

Ellen had called earlier to say she'd pick me up there and she did. We went to a store and I bought a pair of shoes, which I hope will be okay with my sparkly dress in my part as the (sort of) femme fatale--I hope I don't fall off the stage. After that, we went to the Hill Street Cafe. It was only 4:30, but we were both starved, so got a kind of combined lunch and dinner. Enjoyed it greatly, then went back to my place for a hot game of gin rummy. Boy, did I enjoy that.

El left about 7:30, then I went through some of my material to pick out a few things to show Suzy; I'll see her for lunch at Dargan's today. 

Just as I was about to post this entry, Sharon called to fill me in on Lewis's latest with the drivers license problem. They consulted an attorney to up with the appeal, a good move, I told her. 

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Backstage Bedlam: Me second from right on sofa with James

Finale: me in middle (decrepit and shoeless old lady--AAGH!)

MONDAY

Oh, boy, what a day. The Uber from SCAN picked me up for my audiologist appointment; I was early, but that was okay, as they took me early. I hope I finally got the lowdown on how to get the damn aids inserted properly, but time will tell. Amanda said she'd make me a new mold, too, at no charge. 

I had awakened with a sore eye, which I was afraid was an infection. Since Miramar Eye is right next store to HEARUSA, I took a chance and walked in within an appointment.  Usually, they're very busy, but incredibly, weren't yesterday morning, so I hardly had to wait at all. Dr. L,--a neat guy I really liked--examined my eye and said it wasn't an infection. What he thinks it is, is simply dry eye. He told me to administer OTC drops three times a day and, also, to take fish oil. That should take care of it.   

I walked from there to a shop nearby and bought some staples, then walked to the transit center, caught the 6 bus, and went home. That was about a mile and a half, so I'm glad I finally got some walking in. In the meantime, I got texts and calls from Suzy; we're going to propose that we jointly run an acting class at "Help for Ojai" and we'll meet with the director on Thursday. Hmm...now I'm beginning to wonder if I really want to commit to this without first getting more information. Think I'll ask Suzy if we can meet together first.  

I also got texts from Stella, who asked me to go with her to a independent living facility in Oxnard to check it out. I agreed, but somehow, we screwed up and I said I'd go with her on Thursday, too--AAGH! When I realized that, I called Stella back, apologized and explained my error. She was okay with it though, and we'll set up another time. 

Walking from the bus stop, I ran into David, the bird man, and we strolled home together. What a neat guy, 58, eligible, and I wish he were a little older, as I'd love to have him for a son-in-law, courtesy of my two eligible daughters. (I mean ONE of them!😅)

Packed my lunch and went poolside to eat it, then went home and took a nap. Other than that, I didn't do much very productive, but who wants to be productive? 

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A few more pics from Sunday:

Zach and Steve

Bob--my "bromance"

Suzanne brought over a nice piece of salmon and I had that for dinner with some leftovers of fried onions and carrots. I went all through my packed-away material on the "Acting for Amateurs" I taught both in Jersey and here--darn, I can't find some of it, but will keep looking. 

SUNDAY

I usually write in most of an entry on the day before, then top it off the next morning and post. However, I just didn't do it, so now it actually is Monday, August 18, 7:40 am. Anyway, a quick recap:

Rowena picked me up at 3:15 for our five o'clock Sunday matinee. We all gathered, got dressed and made up, chatted and milled around before the "five minutes" call by Amy and Rewena. We had a good audience and the show went well. There were a few flubbed or skipped lines--including my last sentence in the playlet "Consequences," but Lindsay covered nicely. Noreen and Gary were there, said they loved the show. I introduced them to Erica and some of my cast-mates and several people came up to compliment my performance.  However, I don't think I was in my top form. The only picture I took was the first, cast members at the entrance, but happily, others were put on our group text:

   

Above: l. to r. standing: Johnathan, Lindsay, Mandy, Keke; seated, Sheri

The actual backstage: l. to r. Keke, Becky, Bob, and Zach

Amy and her hula hoop tableau

Mandy and her puppet

I was glad to be home relatively early. Had something to eat and watched some insipid T.V., just to shut down my mind. Ellen called and I had a good talk with her and Greg. Went to bed about 10:00 and slept well. I have an audiologist appointment at 11:15 and hope I can get some satisfaction with the hearing aids, still annoying problematic. Tomorrow, my wellness check, then I have two days free until the start of our weekend showtime. 

SATURDAY

Didn't get up until the alarm went off at 7:00; considering when I went to bed, that wasn't bad. Took a pic of my tomato plant, which seems to illustrate "the life of the tomato"--the little newbie, still green, next step orange, and finally, glorious red. The latter still isn't fully ripe, but will be soon.  

 Ate breakfast very late and took a short nap later, which refreshed me.  Got a group text, in which Jonathan suggested we all go to dinner before the show yesterday. Hey, as ever, I'm game. Amy texted she'd pick me up and a number of us went to Bright Spark, a restaurant and brewery not far from our theatre. Had a great time and here's the gang: 

I'll just name a few: On the left bottom is James, making minstrel hands, and to his right, Suzy; Bob is bottom right, with Rowena looking over his shoulder and behind him, Dolores, Amy, and yours truly, looking grim--not sure why, as I was having a ball.

Back at our place, we settled into the "second night mode," then went on. In her after notes, Erica complimented us, saying it was even better than the opening. I think that's very often the case, although it isn't guaranteed: I certainly tend to relax more and settle cozily into my parts. 

A somber note: Lisa G. attended last night; she and I had appeared together in the 2023 F.A. production of  After All This Time and had met socially a few times. I asked why she hadn't auditioned this time and was horrified when she told me her husband, Allen, has terminal throat cancer. After the run, I had been at a party at their house and didn't realize he had any problem. Here's Lisa (on the left), with Amy two years ago:

As before, I got home late, had a big salad while relaxing with Killers On Tape, then called it a day at 12:30. Today, we open at 5:00, so I'll be able to conk out, I hope, well before that.   

FRIDAY-- SHOWTIME!

Weight report: at home, I gained a smidgen (.02) to 129.8; stayed the same at T.O.P.S.. The meeting was the usual rambling and ran long, but I was reasonably patient. Leader Lennie asked me to be co-leader, so conduct when she can't come and I agreed. There were only four there, i.e., we two, Cheryl and Sharon.

Home at 10:15, had breakfast, put in a white wash, then called SCAN to book an Uber ride for my audiologist appointment on Monday. I have a "wellness" check at Primary Medical the next day, so I'm hoping--and assuming--we don't meet for "Backstage Bedlam" those days.

Ellen sent me a darling text: "Have a wonderful opening night, Mom! Love you! See you tonight!" She and other family are coming.

I got a message from Noreen that she and Gary are going on Sunday, and could they pay at the door? I said they could, but there are no guarantees there will be seats. I called her and said I'll buy them and they can reimburse me after. Showered and washed my hair, took a nap, washed my hair, prepared my take-along supplies, Rowena picked me up at 6:15 and off we went to opening night.

It was a hit! I'm not going to detail all the (many) triumphs and (few) blips--after all, we have eight more shows to go--but here's just a sampling in pictures.    

Our resident artist, Meredith, designed the program; her bio is third down from mine on the left:

                                                           

My "Heart's Desire" was the first monologue piece and here are my props:

Backstage (the real backstage) and between acts hangout:

The cowgirl with co-director, Brian.

Incredibly, director Erica is ironing a large napkin prop--with a hair-straightener!

Bob and Mandy

Mandy flanked by two aliens, stage directors, Amy and Rowena

Mandy and me

Keke, Dolores, and Sheri

(I'll surely be posting more pics tomorrow.)

After, I found Ellen and Robyn (whom I introduced as "my niece," as it seemed too complicated to explain otherwise) and introduced them to a number of the gang. My former cast mates, Anthony and Alphonse, were there and we hugged and chatted. Jeff, Shannon's ex (or soon to be ex) and founder of Fractured Actors, came up to say hello; he remembered Ellen from other productions.

Anyhoo, I didn't get home until after 11:00 and of course, was starved, so I made myself a sandwich, opened up a cold IPA, and ate it watching some quickly forgettable something on T.V., then fell into bed. It was after midnight, fer cryin' out loud--was being in the show worth it? In a word: yes.

THURSDAY

Slept pretty well (no wonder), as noted. I wasn't at all hungry for breakfast, but just had coffee and got ready for the dermatology appointment. Was picked up by a very nice young man named Ryan, driving for Uber; he's an elementary school teacher in Santa Barbara and does this on weekends. I got to Dr. Sun's office in Oxnard very early, but was taken early, and actually was out of there fifteen minutes before my 10:20 appointment. I was very relieved that Dr. Sun just sprayed the leison on my cheek with the stingy stuff--this looked different to me that the others, but she didn't indicate it was any more than basal cell. 

Instead of calling for a return trip by Uber, I walked to the shopping center and picked up some things at Target. Didn't feel like waiting for an Uber, so took the bus home. By the time I got in, it was almost 1:00, so I made lunch and took it out to the middle, but it was so windy, I went back and ate it on the patio. Knowing I'd be out late, I took a short nap, then showered, dressed, and went outside to wait for Amy.  

Rehearsal went well, but as ever, entailed a plethora of "hurry up, hurry up, hurry up--WAIT!" I didn't have a chance to take any pictures, but will try for some backstage tonight. I was pleased to learn the show will be recorded because I'd like to see the whole thing.

It was almost 10:30 when I got in and, since I can't sleep right away, I had some salad and crackers, watched some "Killers Caught On Tape," then fell into bed. 

T.O.P.S. in another two hours, then I know there was something on the schedule later, but can't quite remember what. Hmm, I think it had something to do with my back and my bed..., but there does a lamb fit in...? 😄 

WEDNESDAY AND 48 HOURS TO GO

This is going to be short because I didn't get home until 10:15 and just got up at 7:00. Ellen came at 1:00 and we went to wacky Wal-Mart. I had a big list of items and spent $102.55--happily because now I have a good supply. We lunched again at Wood Ranch and I had their barbeque salad--boy, was that good. 

El, that dear girl, had brought her rake and even a plastic trash can and spent raked out a lot of the pine needles from my patio--she hauled to the trash place a huge amount and it looks so much better. I prepared for rehearsal--called for 6:00, as we're coming down to the wire. Ellen took me, as Amy, who usually does, is a teacher and school just started yesterday (it's early here), so she wasn't going until later. 

Rehearsal went pretty well--still a few bumps, but not serious ones--and here are a few random shots: 

Director Erica giving notes and instructions; stage manager Yolanda in front.

One of the flyers; the first pic refers to Keke's dance, the second to Bob's "alien" monologue.

My head shot--I'm not nuts about it--co-director Brian under.

Artist and photographer Meredith.

As mentioned, we were there a long time.Went through whole show from start to finish and luckily, were able to shave some time off the length. Erica gave her after-notes, Amy took me home, and of course, I had to stay up long enough for dinner (leftover salad), then hit the sack. Dermatologist  appointment this morning--ugh!--our last 😦 rehearsal at 6:00, and tomorrow: SHOW TIME!

TUESDAY

After having this blog rescued by Asurion, I walked back home and cleaned up a bit, then packed my lunch and went out to the middle. However, the tree service was trimming the big pines and I didn't feel like sitting near them; plus, the Santa Ana winds were acting up and that was annoying. Instead, I went into the pool area and ate there--very pleasant.

I also stopped into the office to ask if Libby would 1.) have the guys put an umbrellaed table and chairs in a particular spot that doesn't get as much wind. However, she didn't think they would, so no prob, there are other spots; 2.) use the flyer about the show I gave her and put it on the community letter--she said she would.

Called Dr. Sun (dermatology) and got an appointment for tomorrow, at 10:20. Called SCAN to be picked up by Uber and taken there. My tenant, Lori, emailed me to say the sprinkler system was acting up again and if I preferred, she's call the repairperson. Fine by me, but I couldn't remember who had repaired it. Called my former neighbor, Susan, and she reminded me it was Meticulous Landscaping. Emailed Lori back and she'll get in touch with them. 

Got a text from Amy that she wasn't going to rehearsal until 7:00 and Erica had called it for 6:00. I called Ellen and we arranged that she'd come over about 1:30, we'd go to lunch, then she'd stay to drop me off at rehearsal.

Went next door at 5:15 to Suzanne's for happy hour, taking my 9.0 abv Voodoo Ranger IPA. Vickie had beer, but incredibly, with a abv of 0.5--why would you even bother? Suzanne had her usual non-alcoholic beer, which obviously had abv of simply 0, so why not a glass of water? 

Anyway, they asked me to do my thing, "Heart's Desire," I did and they applauded. We then were shown pictures of Vickie's fiftieth high school reunion, which she had just attended in Maine and enjoyed seeing them. As ever, Suzanne had laid out a spread of vegetables, meatballs, chips and dips and as ever, that was dinner for me. Vickie gave us each a bag of muffin mix: 

We broke up at 7:30 after a very enjoyable visit with my friends. Who said people who differ in their beliefs, ideas, and orientation can't be close friends? Here are two of mine:

Vickie and Suzanne