Got the bio of Ibsen at the library--good grief, it's what used to be called "a doorstop," it's so huge. Looked up and annotated the passages about Hedda, but started reading it from the beginning and find it absorbing. Ibsen seems to have been an odd, twisted character himself, but I'm getting insight on his personality and thereby, on his plays.
Went to B.J.'s for provisions and looked at televisions. Now I can't decide to get one that fits in the armoire(?) the old one is in, or jettison it and get a larger one, either to hang on the wall or put on a stand, which would necessitate another expense.
Home, I cut up garlic and onions, diced them, and put in refrig for dinner. Made a salad, and had it for lunch with more of the bean soup I made the other day. I used the microwave and it didn't make that noise, but last night, it did--aagh!
Got an invitation to my great-niece's wedding, which is in April. How I wish I could go, but it seems very unlikely at this point. It's so expensive and New Zealand is so far. I'd love to see it, but just don't think I can swing it, financially or stamina-wise.
Found yet another performance of Hedda on YouTube, this one with Diana Riggs, who played our girl as practically a sociopath, cold and mean. Very different from both Bergman and Shaw, a circumstance I find intriguing.
Got a Skype call from Mike in the evening and greatly enjoyed it, although he has a tendency to nag. (I forgot about getting Wi-Fi, so must do that tomorrow, otherwise, my new Tablet is essentially useless, he tells me. Sometimes I wonder just how much of a boon the Internet actually is.)
Vivian and Violet were their usual chatty selves, vying for attention and being adorable. Violet got a Furby (Firby?) for Chrismas, an ugly, doll-like thing which talks and actually interacts with her iPad in all kinds of amusing ways.
Sunday, January 05, 2014
Saturday, January 04, 2014
Malfunctions
I wonder if there's a rule of the universe that once a possession breaks down, everything else does, too. Not only did my car fail inspection and does the kitchen light malfunction (ah, lucky us, to be handed that useful word a few years ago--thanks, Janet!), but when I turned on the microwave yesterday, it made a horrible grinding noise. In addition, two lamps aren't working right, and the smoke detector in the bedroom chirps. I'm sure there are a few other problems, too, but am kind of afraid to look.
Was in most of the day, doing various, but ventured out to Acme. Route 9 is clear, although smaller roads are not. Got a nice ham slice, cubed it, and added to my bean soup. Had some for lunch and it was yummy.
I received a notice from the library that the bio of Ibsen I requested was in, but when I went to pick it up, found the library was closed. So were the schools and other places, I understand. The exaggerated media hype, which stokes buzz leading to fear and agitation now seems to surround every instance of what is, after all, a normal part of the weather cycle. It's so tiresome; when did we get to be so gullible? Now, of course, a "deadly" cold is predicted. All this seems a further malfunction, I'm afraid--of our constantly eroding ability to question and judge from a common sense point of view.
Found another television version of Hedda on YouTube and watched that for about two hours. Title role was played by Fiona Shaw and what a contrast to Ingrid Bergman's 1963 performance. Shaw played her 200 percent more nervous, emotional, and despairing than Bergman's Hedda, and even incorporated physical violence. Interesting.
Susan called to say the concert at St. Teresa's has been postponed to next Friday. Fine by me, as I wasn't looking forward to going out last night. This is not, I want to emphasize, for fear of being found stiff and dead in a snow bank, but only because it would be messy and uncomfortable.
Was in most of the day, doing various, but ventured out to Acme. Route 9 is clear, although smaller roads are not. Got a nice ham slice, cubed it, and added to my bean soup. Had some for lunch and it was yummy.
I received a notice from the library that the bio of Ibsen I requested was in, but when I went to pick it up, found the library was closed. So were the schools and other places, I understand. The exaggerated media hype, which stokes buzz leading to fear and agitation now seems to surround every instance of what is, after all, a normal part of the weather cycle. It's so tiresome; when did we get to be so gullible? Now, of course, a "deadly" cold is predicted. All this seems a further malfunction, I'm afraid--of our constantly eroding ability to question and judge from a common sense point of view.
Found another television version of Hedda on YouTube and watched that for about two hours. Title role was played by Fiona Shaw and what a contrast to Ingrid Bergman's 1963 performance. Shaw played her 200 percent more nervous, emotional, and despairing than Bergman's Hedda, and even incorporated physical violence. Interesting.
Susan called to say the concert at St. Teresa's has been postponed to next Friday. Fine by me, as I wasn't looking forward to going out last night. This is not, I want to emphasize, for fear of being found stiff and dead in a snow bank, but only because it would be messy and uncomfortable.
Friday, January 03, 2014
Nothin' Much
Yesterday, a whole bunch of nothin' much. Spent a lot of time on the computer and did a few household chores. Dennis and Bill came over to change my filter and blow out my drier line--sounds kinda risque, doesn't it?--and I mentioned my barely-functioning kitchen light. Bill looked, said the ballast needed to be replaced, and I said I'd just get a new fixture. I've disliked that one for the ten years I've been here, but never enough to replace it.
Went to Acme and got supplies, then out again when I had a sudden hankering for bean soup. Got white beans, spinach, tomatoes and onions, and put them to simmering with some beef bones I had in the freezer. It made a huge amount and came out pretty good. Had some for dinner and froze a lot.
Paid (electronically, of course) a lot of bills and did a bit of other bookkeeping. I should turn my attention to dealing with the paperwork on my desk.
Looks as if the TV is gone for sure; again, only snow yesterday. One of these days, I'll buy a new one, but for now, I can just use the computer.
Dear Ma Nature,
Your winter wonderland out there is very pretty, but inconvenient, so please get rid of it quickly. Thanks.
Yours Truly, Mimi
Went to Acme and got supplies, then out again when I had a sudden hankering for bean soup. Got white beans, spinach, tomatoes and onions, and put them to simmering with some beef bones I had in the freezer. It made a huge amount and came out pretty good. Had some for dinner and froze a lot.
Paid (electronically, of course) a lot of bills and did a bit of other bookkeeping. I should turn my attention to dealing with the paperwork on my desk.
Looks as if the TV is gone for sure; again, only snow yesterday. One of these days, I'll buy a new one, but for now, I can just use the computer.
Dear Ma Nature,
Your winter wonderland out there is very pretty, but inconvenient, so please get rid of it quickly. Thanks.
Yours Truly, Mimi
Thursday, January 02, 2014
Okay Day
Kind of a colorless, but not a bad day. Continued exploring my new Tablet, trying to remove the location and time for Ventura and put in values for here. Even "chatted" with a rep from Asus. (And what marketing genius came up with that stupid, meaningless name? They actually use an inverted "V" instead of an "A"--ugh!)
Said rep must have been hired for his ineptitude, as it extended even to spelling and grammar. However, I finally found I have to do something or other, but have to back up all my data first. Consulted my son-in-law as to how to do that.
Betty called; I thought she was back on the east coast, but she's still in L.A. My brother, Jim, called to wish me happy New Year. It gave me a jolt to realize he was born in 1924, which means this year he'll be.... Wow.
I spent time taking individual pictures of my doll collection. Now must look at Craig's List and try to figure out how to use it. Also consulted CS to get an idea of apartment rents in and around Ventura. Ouch, they seem astronomical.
Susan invited me to accompany her and Walter to a music (Christmas) program at St. Teresa's tomorrow evening, and I think I'll go. Kevin B., who murdered me in Night Must Fall--but all is forgiven, Kevin!--will sing, as will LETCO colleagues, Jim and Mary H., so I'd like to hear them. I fervently hope the program doesn't include the odious "salute to our troops" I believe it has in other years. I can never fathom the reaction of the Catholic Church to abortion--utter condemnation--when it co-exists with the apparent approval, or at least tolerance, of arbitrarily slaughtering others once they're out of the womb.
When I sat down with my wine and popcorn to watch TV at 8:00, I discovered the TV wasn't working; I just got snow, but I don't really care. It's 17 years old and the picture "freezes up" quite often. As my mother used to say, "It doesn't owe me anything," but I'll check it again tonight and see if it works. If not, maybe I'll buy a new one.
Said rep must have been hired for his ineptitude, as it extended even to spelling and grammar. However, I finally found I have to do something or other, but have to back up all my data first. Consulted my son-in-law as to how to do that.
Betty called; I thought she was back on the east coast, but she's still in L.A. My brother, Jim, called to wish me happy New Year. It gave me a jolt to realize he was born in 1924, which means this year he'll be.... Wow.
I spent time taking individual pictures of my doll collection. Now must look at Craig's List and try to figure out how to use it. Also consulted CS to get an idea of apartment rents in and around Ventura. Ouch, they seem astronomical.
Susan invited me to accompany her and Walter to a music (Christmas) program at St. Teresa's tomorrow evening, and I think I'll go. Kevin B., who murdered me in Night Must Fall--but all is forgiven, Kevin!--will sing, as will LETCO colleagues, Jim and Mary H., so I'd like to hear them. I fervently hope the program doesn't include the odious "salute to our troops" I believe it has in other years. I can never fathom the reaction of the Catholic Church to abortion--utter condemnation--when it co-exists with the apparent approval, or at least tolerance, of arbitrarily slaughtering others once they're out of the womb.
When I sat down with my wine and popcorn to watch TV at 8:00, I discovered the TV wasn't working; I just got snow, but I don't really care. It's 17 years old and the picture "freezes up" quite often. As my mother used to say, "It doesn't owe me anything," but I'll check it again tonight and see if it works. If not, maybe I'll buy a new one.
Wednesday, January 01, 2014
Goodbye, 2013
Turned out to be a good day. Picked up Susan for our walk and was amazed to be presented with a beautiful quilt for my birthday, which she had made herself. It's just gorgeous and I like it so much. The amount of time and effort that went into it are prodigious, I know--what a wonderful gift!
At noon, I went to pick up Aline for lunch, first stopping at the post office to get my mail. It was closed. Why? Dunno, as somebody told me they were delivering mail. Nothing in my mailbox, though, so I'll have to wait until Wednesday.
When I picked Aline up, I noticed my car inspection sticker: "Must be inspected by the last day of...." Hmm, it had a big 12 on it, meaning--December! December 31st! That was yesterday! Horrors, a crisis!
No big deal though: I suggested we go to The Olive Garden, which is right across from the inspection station in Manahawkin and Aline readily agreed. Went to the station first, had to wait only about twenty minutes, got car inspected, found something wrong with it, but I have a month to get it fixed. No prob and pressure's off.
Had a nice lunch, then Aline and I went to my place, where I showed her:
1.) K., on Google +, and she thinks he's simply adorable;
2.) the beautiful quilt, which she extravagantly admired*;
3.) my new Tablet, which ditto as above;
4.) a pic of Ellen and Gregg--"a beautiful couple," she declared;
5.) how to "share" on Facebook, which thrilled her beyond words (well, she was very grateful).
After chatting a bit, I took her home, then settled down at the computer to transfer things and check e-mail, and so on. Was almost immediately the recipient of a Skype visit by the trio in Tokyo, my first "visitors" in the new year. Darling little K. waved his hands around, smiled, gurgled, and generally entertained his doting Nana.
Plugged in my Tablet, and must now read the instruction books, then start to use it regularly.
So to bed on the last day of 2013.
*See pic in previous entry. Why don't I combine them? Um...I don't know how.
At noon, I went to pick up Aline for lunch, first stopping at the post office to get my mail. It was closed. Why? Dunno, as somebody told me they were delivering mail. Nothing in my mailbox, though, so I'll have to wait until Wednesday.
When I picked Aline up, I noticed my car inspection sticker: "Must be inspected by the last day of...." Hmm, it had a big 12 on it, meaning--December! December 31st! That was yesterday! Horrors, a crisis!
No big deal though: I suggested we go to The Olive Garden, which is right across from the inspection station in Manahawkin and Aline readily agreed. Went to the station first, had to wait only about twenty minutes, got car inspected, found something wrong with it, but I have a month to get it fixed. No prob and pressure's off.
Had a nice lunch, then Aline and I went to my place, where I showed her:
1.) K., on Google +, and she thinks he's simply adorable;
2.) the beautiful quilt, which she extravagantly admired*;
3.) my new Tablet, which ditto as above;
4.) a pic of Ellen and Gregg--"a beautiful couple," she declared;
5.) how to "share" on Facebook, which thrilled her beyond words (well, she was very grateful).
After chatting a bit, I took her home, then settled down at the computer to transfer things and check e-mail, and so on. Was almost immediately the recipient of a Skype visit by the trio in Tokyo, my first "visitors" in the new year. Darling little K. waved his hands around, smiled, gurgled, and generally entertained his doting Nana.
Plugged in my Tablet, and must now read the instruction books, then start to use it regularly.
So to bed on the last day of 2013.
*See pic in previous entry. Why don't I combine them? Um...I don't know how.
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I got it done--the patio, that is, and it was a big job, but it looks good: I had to carry all the plants and other items in the living ba...
