Gawd, I should be skinny as a rail, considering the running around I do. Walked Kimball, had breakfast, then spent the morning rehearsing my shtick.
Drove to the county center (only about two miles from me) and asked the fair shuttle driver if I could bring my cart and stuff on board. She said she thought so, but now I'm torn about whether to take the shuttle or my car. I figure if I go early enough, I can get in the parking lot and then I'd have a place to leave my clothes after I changed. I'm still not sure which way is better.
Stopped at the Hill Street library branch and took out a book on the making of Casablanca, one of my faves. Picked up some blueberries and a few other things at the supermarket, then met my widder group for lunch at the Stone Fire Grille.
There were just Vera, Gayle, Carolyn, and Greg there, plus a newbie, Pam, whose husband died three years ago; no kids, two dogs. She proved to be a fellow spirit in a number of ways and the good talk and laughs among the six of us was great fun. We broke up about 1:30, I took my groceries home to the fridge, and put on my costume to do my talk in front of the mirror.
Boy, the outfit is so damn hot, but what's worse, the buttons are small and hard to fasten. Also, the hat box Connie gave me for the hat she lent me is much too big for the cart I'm taking. I found a somewhat smaller one I could just fit in on its side, and will use that. Added my boots, the basket with my props in it, and a few other things I want to take. This is just doable--I think--if I load up the cart, take it to the car, then unload, fold it, and re-do when I get there. Geez, I think it's going to be a mess to try to dress there, but I have no choice.
Drove to town after and went to the library. This time, I didn't walk, just read for an hour or so, then took off for home. I decided I had to do a load of wash, so did. When I went to retrieve my dry clothes, Fred and Loretta (the couple I was introduced to by Suzanne) came up and we chatted. They followed me to the laundry place and continued to chat. They continued to talk as we walked back to my place and more or less invited themselves in. Incredibly, they didn't leave until quarter of nine.
I don't dislike these two exactly, but they really aren't my type. Loretta is a constant complainer and even seems to be a bit paranoid (she sees a gangster around every corner), although Fred is a pretty good guy. He mentioned how he set up an "energy shield" around Loretta because she's been having problems at work. This is a protective coating composed of prayer, good thoughts, and certain gestures. Sometimes they need a small one and sometimes large. Loretta assured me it really works.
AAGH! Oh, well, they're entertaining in small doses, I guess.
Tuesday, August 07, 2018
Monday, August 06, 2018
My Walks And My Wig
I drove to Kimball much too early, getting there about 6:15. It was so foggy I could barely see three feet ahead and, since the pool isn't open on Sunday, there were only two cars there. I started out anyway and soon, more people came by, so it wasn't a problem.
Got home and made breakfast for Betty and me, then rehearsed my talk, and delivered it to her as audience twice. It went okay, but I still have some brushing up to do.
We knew Betty would be picked up about 1:00, so I asked if she wanted to go to the only thrift store in East Ventura. She did, we went, and Betty bought a pretty top. We then stopped next door at Grocery Outlet and I noticed a small, lightweight cart I thought might be good for Betty to have. She bought it and thinks it will be very convenient.
Made lunch, we ate, then Robyn came about 1:00. The three of us chatted for a half hour or so, then they packed up and left for L.A. Betty will stay with them for--how long? When will she go back to Jersey? What happens now? All mysteries at this point.
I immediately drove to the costume place in Oxnard to see if I could get a brown wig, similar to the white one. Nope. Everything they had was young, sexy, and wrong. Can't decide if I should just go with my own hair or try to color the white one. Since it was nearby, I stopped at Whole Foods, although I know Greg doesn't always work on Sunday. I was pleased to see he was there, though, and we had nice visit. Left and made my way back to Ventura. I was determined not to skip my afternoon walk, so after I stopped at home, I drove to town, parked at the library (now closed; it was after 5:00), and walk to the museum and back.
Had all leftovers for dinner: tuna steak, mushrooms, cauliflower, spinach, and the last of the carrots.
Got home and made breakfast for Betty and me, then rehearsed my talk, and delivered it to her as audience twice. It went okay, but I still have some brushing up to do.
We knew Betty would be picked up about 1:00, so I asked if she wanted to go to the only thrift store in East Ventura. She did, we went, and Betty bought a pretty top. We then stopped next door at Grocery Outlet and I noticed a small, lightweight cart I thought might be good for Betty to have. She bought it and thinks it will be very convenient.
Made lunch, we ate, then Robyn came about 1:00. The three of us chatted for a half hour or so, then they packed up and left for L.A. Betty will stay with them for--how long? When will she go back to Jersey? What happens now? All mysteries at this point.
I immediately drove to the costume place in Oxnard to see if I could get a brown wig, similar to the white one. Nope. Everything they had was young, sexy, and wrong. Can't decide if I should just go with my own hair or try to color the white one. Since it was nearby, I stopped at Whole Foods, although I know Greg doesn't always work on Sunday. I was pleased to see he was there, though, and we had nice visit. Left and made my way back to Ventura. I was determined not to skip my afternoon walk, so after I stopped at home, I drove to town, parked at the library (now closed; it was after 5:00), and walk to the museum and back.
Had all leftovers for dinner: tuna steak, mushrooms, cauliflower, spinach, and the last of the carrots.
Sunday, August 05, 2018
Saturday
Walked Kimball while Betty stayed in. Met up with the walk Carolyn and had a long heart-to-heart with her. We'll get together soon for lunch and a movie. Betty and I had breakfast and I did my Caroline Dudley thing for her. We then went to various stores for items we could probably have done without. Since I still need my blueberry fixes, I bought several more boxes at WinCo. Home, I chopped and put in the slow cooker an "orange cauliflower" I had bought. (Doesn't taste any different from the white kind.) We chatted and did this and that, then went to lunch at Stone Fire Grille.
It was jammed, as I thought it would be, but we got in, ordered, and seated ourselves reasonably quickly. I did like the large salad I had, plus of course, the "Chef Something" beer. Betty had yummy- looking chicken wraps and we both took some home.
We fooled around on our various electronic toys, then sat and talked before I took Betty to mass at Our Lady of the Assumption. Prepared dinner while she was gone: tilapia, fresh spinach, and the cauliflower. Picked Betty up and we had dinner. I had wine with mine, and probably a bit too much of it, as I can't even remember getting to bed!
It was jammed, as I thought it would be, but we got in, ordered, and seated ourselves reasonably quickly. I did like the large salad I had, plus of course, the "Chef Something" beer. Betty had yummy- looking chicken wraps and we both took some home.
We fooled around on our various electronic toys, then sat and talked before I took Betty to mass at Our Lady of the Assumption. Prepared dinner while she was gone: tilapia, fresh spinach, and the cauliflower. Picked Betty up and we had dinner. I had wine with mine, and probably a bit too much of it, as I can't even remember getting to bed!
Saturday, August 04, 2018
Betty Here
Walked Kimball, then, as usual, dawdled with this and that before it was time to go to T.O.P.S. I wasn't surprised to hear I had gained, in a manner of speaking, and am back up to 128. I don't have a problem with this because it's just equaling out, I think. As long as I stay between 125 and 130, I consider it no problem.
After breakfast, I tidied up, rehearsed, and had lunch before Betty came about 1:30. She was with Robyn and Dex; Steve came in a separate car. I'm not sure why, but she brought an enormous amount of luggage--everything she came to California with. Anyway, they left shortly after and she settled in.
I had a 2:30 color and cut hair appointment, so kept that. I think Mary did a pretty good job, but I wish I had had her take more off, but then I'm never happy with my hair. While I was in the chair, it occurred to me that I should wear a brown, not a white wig, as Carrie, as I was presenting myself as a mother of young children. Will go to back to the costume place.
Home about 4:30 and we chatted a bit. I served dinner of fresh tuna steaks, along with several veggie sides. Because I had had to skip my afternoon walk, I suggested we go into town after, which we did.
We walked only part of my usual, and at a much slower pace. Stopped into a few stores, but didn't buy anything. By the time we got home, it was 8:00. We had some fruit, I watched some of Frasier, but it was a later, less entertaining segment, and I switched to Forensic Files.
Earlier, I had been amused when Betty asked if I could record Jeopardy. No, I don't have that and have no desire to get it. People have asked if I don't sometimes have conflicts--I have to go out when my "favorite programs" are on, say. But aside from Frasier, which concluded its run fourteen years ago, I don't have any favorites. Once in a while, if I stumble across Small World, maybe, I might watch something else, but generally, it isn't a big part of my life. It's a tool for placidity and I just use it to empty my mind at the end of the day.
After breakfast, I tidied up, rehearsed, and had lunch before Betty came about 1:30. She was with Robyn and Dex; Steve came in a separate car. I'm not sure why, but she brought an enormous amount of luggage--everything she came to California with. Anyway, they left shortly after and she settled in.
I had a 2:30 color and cut hair appointment, so kept that. I think Mary did a pretty good job, but I wish I had had her take more off, but then I'm never happy with my hair. While I was in the chair, it occurred to me that I should wear a brown, not a white wig, as Carrie, as I was presenting myself as a mother of young children. Will go to back to the costume place.
Home about 4:30 and we chatted a bit. I served dinner of fresh tuna steaks, along with several veggie sides. Because I had had to skip my afternoon walk, I suggested we go into town after, which we did.
We walked only part of my usual, and at a much slower pace. Stopped into a few stores, but didn't buy anything. By the time we got home, it was 8:00. We had some fruit, I watched some of Frasier, but it was a later, less entertaining segment, and I switched to Forensic Files.
Earlier, I had been amused when Betty asked if I could record Jeopardy. No, I don't have that and have no desire to get it. People have asked if I don't sometimes have conflicts--I have to go out when my "favorite programs" are on, say. But aside from Frasier, which concluded its run fourteen years ago, I don't have any favorites. Once in a while, if I stumble across Small World, maybe, I might watch something else, but generally, it isn't a big part of my life. It's a tool for placidity and I just use it to empty my mind at the end of the day.
Friday, August 03, 2018
At Connie's
Walking Kimball, I handed out flyers about my appearance at the county fair on Tuesday. Home to hone and recite my talk, then had an early lunch and prepared to go to Connie's. She asked me to be there at 1:00. but I'm not familiar with Oxnard, so left too soon and got there almost an hour early. I knew she wouldn't be home yet, so went to a nearby mall and got some birthday cards.
While I was there, my brother, Jim, called. I was delighted to hear from him because we hadn't touched base for awhile, and it was good to chat. Jim is 93, but still in pretty good shape. I love him so much.
Went back to Connie's, who has a huge corner house with an ocean (or bay) view and a whole guest suite downstairs. There's where I put my costume on, which she liked a lot. She then offered me several Victorian hats and we settled on one with flowers and a bird on it. She also liked my presentation and I was pleased. Connie herself said she's going to wear a bathing outfit (from the 1910s, I think) and impersonate a local woman who had know President McKinley's wife. The theme doesn't sound to interesting to me, but that's okay.
I told Connie that Steve and Robyn were interested in being in the Maritime Museum thing in February and she asked for their e-mail; I'll see them when they bring Betty today. Went from there to the supermarket for this and then, went home to put it away, then took off for my town walk. Called El to see if she was interested in going out for dinner, but she wasn't. Just as well, as I stir-fried myself some excellent raw shrimp.
While I was there, my brother, Jim, called. I was delighted to hear from him because we hadn't touched base for awhile, and it was good to chat. Jim is 93, but still in pretty good shape. I love him so much.
Went back to Connie's, who has a huge corner house with an ocean (or bay) view and a whole guest suite downstairs. There's where I put my costume on, which she liked a lot. She then offered me several Victorian hats and we settled on one with flowers and a bird on it. She also liked my presentation and I was pleased. Connie herself said she's going to wear a bathing outfit (from the 1910s, I think) and impersonate a local woman who had know President McKinley's wife. The theme doesn't sound to interesting to me, but that's okay.
I told Connie that Steve and Robyn were interested in being in the Maritime Museum thing in February and she asked for their e-mail; I'll see them when they bring Betty today. Went from there to the supermarket for this and then, went home to put it away, then took off for my town walk. Called El to see if she was interested in going out for dinner, but she wasn't. Just as well, as I stir-fried myself some excellent raw shrimp.
Thursday, August 02, 2018
The Fair Prelim
Kimball and breakfast, then I did a load of wash before continuing my Dudley duties. The first time I said my talk, I timed it at nine minutes--AAGH! It must be between four and a half and five, so I honed it a lot. Using pictures was a good idea because memorizing isn't what I want to do--it seems too "staged" and the pics serve as prompts.
I had seen in the paper that it was opening day and admission was only a dollar. Also, I knew shuttles were available in various places, so I drove to the high school, parked my car, and boarded one. Got to the fair about noon and boy, the place was packed.
I paid my buck and walked back to the barn buildings. There were lots of baby animals and people, but I found the "office" for Uncle Leo's Barn. I asked where I could park--just in regular parking--and where I could change--in the ladies room--and where I could leave my equipment--nowhere, they had no place for it. Went to the main office to ask about parking and was taken aback to hear I'd have to park in the regular lot--usually filled early in the day--and had to pay the ten dollar fee. What,even if I was appearing there? Yep.
I could, of course, get the shuttle again, but then I'd have no place to put the clothes I take off, so I decided to go with the regular parking. Called Ellen to tell her I didn't think she needed to go with me, although now I'm not so sure. However, I think I have to go very early--about 11:00 and the gig doesn't start until 2:00, in order to get a spot. I know she wouldn't be anxious to go that early, so I guess it won't happen.
Went back in the shuttle and took my car to the library, as I knew the museum lot would be filled with fair-goers. Walked to the Crown Plaza where Diane soon joined me for Happy Hour at 3:00. We had our usual animated talk, plus calamari and good Mexican beer. We were there almost two hours, then left. Diane and a friend will come on Tuesday and we also made a date for the Crown Plaza next Wednesday.
Connie's today and I have a lot of equipment to take with me.
I had seen in the paper that it was opening day and admission was only a dollar. Also, I knew shuttles were available in various places, so I drove to the high school, parked my car, and boarded one. Got to the fair about noon and boy, the place was packed.
I paid my buck and walked back to the barn buildings. There were lots of baby animals and people, but I found the "office" for Uncle Leo's Barn. I asked where I could park--just in regular parking--and where I could change--in the ladies room--and where I could leave my equipment--nowhere, they had no place for it. Went to the main office to ask about parking and was taken aback to hear I'd have to park in the regular lot--usually filled early in the day--and had to pay the ten dollar fee. What,even if I was appearing there? Yep.
I could, of course, get the shuttle again, but then I'd have no place to put the clothes I take off, so I decided to go with the regular parking. Called Ellen to tell her I didn't think she needed to go with me, although now I'm not so sure. However, I think I have to go very early--about 11:00 and the gig doesn't start until 2:00, in order to get a spot. I know she wouldn't be anxious to go that early, so I guess it won't happen.
Went back in the shuttle and took my car to the library, as I knew the museum lot would be filled with fair-goers. Walked to the Crown Plaza where Diane soon joined me for Happy Hour at 3:00. We had our usual animated talk, plus calamari and good Mexican beer. We were there almost two hours, then left. Diane and a friend will come on Tuesday and we also made a date for the Crown Plaza next Wednesday.
Connie's today and I have a lot of equipment to take with me.
Wednesday, August 01, 2018
Dudley And Other Doings
Saw Irene and Diane on the morning walk, the latter just back from a Canadian hiking trip. She's in a group of women who go all sorts of places to hike; next month, they're hitting Ireland. After Kimball, it was virtually all Dudley. I spent hours duplicating pictures and writing up my talk. It still isn't what I want and what's more, runs long, so I'll have to cut it.
Robyn called to see if it was all right to drop Betty off at 1:00 on Friday and pick her up the same time on Sunday. Sure, no prob, just don't expect guest treatment because it's still going to be all Dudley all the time. Oddly, Betty called me later, asking what time I wanted her to be dropped off; she didn't know Robyn had called.
I did knock off in time to go to town after lunch. In fact, I violated one of my no-nos and took a split of red wine with my salad and consumed them in Plaza Park. This is where I've met Diane in the past, but she's away at the moment. Happily, she just e-mailed me asking if I was up for Happy Hour at the Crowne Plaza next Wednesday. Absolutely and I'm looking forward to it.
Home, I ate dinner early and revised, re-revised, and re-re-revised my talk. I have only today to hone it and memorize it, as I see Connie tomorrow. Well, I'll get it done.
Robyn called to see if it was all right to drop Betty off at 1:00 on Friday and pick her up the same time on Sunday. Sure, no prob, just don't expect guest treatment because it's still going to be all Dudley all the time. Oddly, Betty called me later, asking what time I wanted her to be dropped off; she didn't know Robyn had called.
I did knock off in time to go to town after lunch. In fact, I violated one of my no-nos and took a split of red wine with my salad and consumed them in Plaza Park. This is where I've met Diane in the past, but she's away at the moment. Happily, she just e-mailed me asking if I was up for Happy Hour at the Crowne Plaza next Wednesday. Absolutely and I'm looking forward to it.
Home, I ate dinner early and revised, re-revised, and re-re-revised my talk. I have only today to hone it and memorize it, as I see Connie tomorrow. Well, I'll get it done.
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