Kimballed and so on, then attended to chores and errands. Wrote to CC to get Sue D.'s address; she's in Poinsettia Toastmasters with me and her mother just died, so I want to send her a note. Stopped at WinCo for lettuce and oranges. Wrapped my precious little grandson's present and put it in a large cardboard envelope from the post office itself. When I got to the p.o., I was told postage would be thirty dollars! AAGH! Luckily, the clerk pointed out other envelopes, one of which I was able to get the present into and it was only fourteen bucks. I hope, hope, hope it gets there by September 9, his fifth birthday, the little angel. Spent some time cutting sweet peppers and mushrooms to add to the onions I had already sliced, readying all to stir-fry for dinner. Salad lunch, of course, then I took off for town.
I parked at the museum, but walked to the promenade, then to the library from the Crown Plaza, then back to get my car. I figure I probably added another half mile to my former distance, so two miles, and I was pleased with that.
E-mailed Carolyn (yet another Carolyn, this one from the widder group) about possibly meeting Diane, Nancy, and me for Happy Hour today at Casa Bella.
Wednesday, August 22, 2018
Tuesday, August 21, 2018
Widder Dinner
Kimball yes, town no. I didn't fo the latter because I had an EMERGENCY DOCTOR'S APPOINTMENT AT 3:00!
Okay, it wasn't exactly an emergency; I had had a crustiness on my eyelids for a few days, something like what we used to call "sleepy dirt" when the kids had it. Consulted the Great God Internet and was told to use warm compresses and baby shampoo. I did, but sporadically, so thought I'd just drop into my ophthalmologist and get his take on it.
Yeah, sur-r-r-e. I called and found I had to get an "authorization" from my primary; I assume that's the same as a referral. Went to the primary, saw the NP, she pronounced it conjunctivitis; prescribed drops, plus warm compresses, and--I think, but must consult the material--also the baby shampoo. Didn't need to see the eye doc, after all. Went to CVS for the prescription, all set to rant and rave at the cost--and paid $1.61. Stopped at the store for a few necessities, made an appointment for a manicure tomorrow, jumped in the shower, and took off for the widder dinner.
There were eight of us, including Donna, back from her fabulous honeymoon in Italy. I guess that technically means she's now considered a guest, but nobody's that picky. A new person, Dede, was there, and what a blast. She's a friend of Greg's, who was also there (his young wife died only five months ago) and we had a full-ranging discussion which included politics, pacifism, and Stripper Zombies, a movie Dede is promoting (don't even ask).
During dinner, Betty called and I was delighted to hear her say she now favors the terrific place Carolyn found her to live when she moves here--yay! Now all that remains is to clear her house, add furniture (it will be sold furnished), put it on the market, and she'll be a Californian. Easy-peasey, now that the former huddle is cleared.
Okay, it wasn't exactly an emergency; I had had a crustiness on my eyelids for a few days, something like what we used to call "sleepy dirt" when the kids had it. Consulted the Great God Internet and was told to use warm compresses and baby shampoo. I did, but sporadically, so thought I'd just drop into my ophthalmologist and get his take on it.
Yeah, sur-r-r-e. I called and found I had to get an "authorization" from my primary; I assume that's the same as a referral. Went to the primary, saw the NP, she pronounced it conjunctivitis; prescribed drops, plus warm compresses, and--I think, but must consult the material--also the baby shampoo. Didn't need to see the eye doc, after all. Went to CVS for the prescription, all set to rant and rave at the cost--and paid $1.61. Stopped at the store for a few necessities, made an appointment for a manicure tomorrow, jumped in the shower, and took off for the widder dinner.
There were eight of us, including Donna, back from her fabulous honeymoon in Italy. I guess that technically means she's now considered a guest, but nobody's that picky. A new person, Dede, was there, and what a blast. She's a friend of Greg's, who was also there (his young wife died only five months ago) and we had a full-ranging discussion which included politics, pacifism, and Stripper Zombies, a movie Dede is promoting (don't even ask).
During dinner, Betty called and I was delighted to hear her say she now favors the terrific place Carolyn found her to live when she moves here--yay! Now all that remains is to clear her house, add furniture (it will be sold furnished), put it on the market, and she'll be a Californian. Easy-peasey, now that the former huddle is cleared.
Monday, August 20, 2018
Home Again, Home Again...
Resumed my usual life, which will continue at least for a few days. Walked Kimball and chatted with Carolyn. Went from there to Ralph's for cottage cheese and blueberries. Bought a cabbage and apples and put them in the slow cookers; had some for dinner. Bought Rockfish , also.
Home for breakfast, then tackled some of the chores that had piled up. That included various phone calls, as well as stocking up on veggies, fruit, and Dave's Killer Bread, my all-time favorite.
Lunch of a big salad, then off the town. I parked at the library and walked down to the promenade next to the beach and rolling Pacific. Sat for a bit and called Ellen to hear about her new class; some things better than last year, some not.
Stopped at the library and started a bio of Al Jolson, which looks pretty good, but I got restless; will continue it tomorrow. My car was running on flumes, so I stopped for gas--got more than thirty bucks work and I have a small car. Picked up a few things at the 99-Cent store.
When I got home, I rang Suzanne's bell and she invited me in. We talked for a half hour or so about this and that. She mentioned the Alzheimer Association in Santa Barbara and I'll pass that information on.
I enjoyed being at my neice's, but it's always good to get home.
Home for breakfast, then tackled some of the chores that had piled up. That included various phone calls, as well as stocking up on veggies, fruit, and Dave's Killer Bread, my all-time favorite.
Lunch of a big salad, then off the town. I parked at the library and walked down to the promenade next to the beach and rolling Pacific. Sat for a bit and called Ellen to hear about her new class; some things better than last year, some not.
Stopped at the library and started a bio of Al Jolson, which looks pretty good, but I got restless; will continue it tomorrow. My car was running on flumes, so I stopped for gas--got more than thirty bucks work and I have a small car. Picked up a few things at the 99-Cent store.
When I got home, I rang Suzanne's bell and she invited me in. We talked for a half hour or so about this and that. She mentioned the Alzheimer Association in Santa Barbara and I'll pass that information on.
I enjoyed being at my neice's, but it's always good to get home.
Sunday, August 19, 2018
Santa Barbara
I had a good time in Santa Barbara, overall, aside from the distress of seeing my sister as confused and sick as she is.
Arrived about noon, as the train was late by a half hour, standard on this railroad, I'm afraid. Can't quite remember what we did did for lunch and dinner, but I enjoyed being with Carolyn and her family, as well as Betty and even Calvin.
On Friday, I managed to approximate my three-mile walk regime and enjoyed sitting in the backyard and chatting with Betty. We then got ready for the neighbors' party, a potluck and just across the street. The food was wonderful: moist and flavorful chicken, potato salad, baked beans, fruit, and for dessert, homemade pies and cake. (The apple pie was, hands-down, the best I've ever tasted.) As for the nice cold beer, there wasn't any, as the host and hostess are L.D.S.
Attendees were all neighbors on the street, Carolyn and Dana (and their children, of course) being the youngest by far. In fact, there were about twenty-five people there and I'd say half were older than I am. I enjoyed chatting with them and it was nice to be able to just stroll across the street to get home. After the party, Carolyn, Dana, and I walked the mile or so to a coffee shop and talked, mostly about The Situation--Betty and her problems. There is no good solution here--in fact, there's no "solution" at all, except to turn back time--but it helps to discuss it with others who love her.
Yesterday, I slept until 7:45, had coffee, then did my walk. For lunch, we had leftovers Carolyn had taken home from the part, then went with Carolyn and Claire to the mall. They got a baby gift for a shower Claire was attending for her best friend's much older half-sister and Betty and I browsed. Later in the afternoon, we all (aside from Claire) went to the Santa Barbara Wharf, which was jammed with crowds and fun to see. I think it's one of the most beautiful harbor areas anywhere and yesterday reinforced that. After just strolling a bit and marveling at the prices--for instance, more than six bucks for a single-dip ice cream cone--and looking around, we went up on the deck outside a wine bar. Carolyn and I had a glass, she of Merlot, and I, Chardonnay (a scant two ounces as thirteen bucks!).
Back at the house, we chatted, played with Calvin, and just hung out. Carolyn and family were invited to a pool with friends, so they left after many of my thanks. Finn then drove Betty and me to look for a restaurant for dinner. Town was, of course, still jammed and it was Saturday evening, but we found a small Mexican one and enjoyed dinner there. Got the 7:02 train back to Ventura and was relieved to see my car was still there and intact. Drove home, had my fruit, and slept sounding.
I'll be back at Carolyn's on Thursday for the trip to Salinas for Marybeth's funeral.
Arrived about noon, as the train was late by a half hour, standard on this railroad, I'm afraid. Can't quite remember what we did did for lunch and dinner, but I enjoyed being with Carolyn and her family, as well as Betty and even Calvin.
On Friday, I managed to approximate my three-mile walk regime and enjoyed sitting in the backyard and chatting with Betty. We then got ready for the neighbors' party, a potluck and just across the street. The food was wonderful: moist and flavorful chicken, potato salad, baked beans, fruit, and for dessert, homemade pies and cake. (The apple pie was, hands-down, the best I've ever tasted.) As for the nice cold beer, there wasn't any, as the host and hostess are L.D.S.
Attendees were all neighbors on the street, Carolyn and Dana (and their children, of course) being the youngest by far. In fact, there were about twenty-five people there and I'd say half were older than I am. I enjoyed chatting with them and it was nice to be able to just stroll across the street to get home. After the party, Carolyn, Dana, and I walked the mile or so to a coffee shop and talked, mostly about The Situation--Betty and her problems. There is no good solution here--in fact, there's no "solution" at all, except to turn back time--but it helps to discuss it with others who love her.
Yesterday, I slept until 7:45, had coffee, then did my walk. For lunch, we had leftovers Carolyn had taken home from the part, then went with Carolyn and Claire to the mall. They got a baby gift for a shower Claire was attending for her best friend's much older half-sister and Betty and I browsed. Later in the afternoon, we all (aside from Claire) went to the Santa Barbara Wharf, which was jammed with crowds and fun to see. I think it's one of the most beautiful harbor areas anywhere and yesterday reinforced that. After just strolling a bit and marveling at the prices--for instance, more than six bucks for a single-dip ice cream cone--and looking around, we went up on the deck outside a wine bar. Carolyn and I had a glass, she of Merlot, and I, Chardonnay (a scant two ounces as thirteen bucks!).
Back at the house, we chatted, played with Calvin, and just hung out. Carolyn and family were invited to a pool with friends, so they left after many of my thanks. Finn then drove Betty and me to look for a restaurant for dinner. Town was, of course, still jammed and it was Saturday evening, but we found a small Mexican one and enjoyed dinner there. Got the 7:02 train back to Ventura and was relieved to see my car was still there and intact. Drove home, had my fruit, and slept sounding.
I'll be back at Carolyn's on Thursday for the trip to Salinas for Marybeth's funeral.
Friday, August 17, 2018
H & D Toastmasters
Got the Kimball walk in. After breakfast, I did wash, then went out to various supermarkets for grapes, berries, and--an innovation--pears. Talked to Carolyn and accepted her invitation to stay over tonight. The barbecue is at 5:00 and the last train back to Ventura is 7:00, so that would be cutting it short if I went back then. C. assured me no prob, as Finn can sleep on the lower bunk in Claire's room and I can have his. Hey, that's better that sleeping with Calvin, who has big sharp teeth.
Got my train tickets and found I can leave my car there overnight. I hope it's still there tomorrow. Went to Smart 'N' Final to pick up some no-cal salad dressing. Showered and prepared for being Caroline Dudley at Humor & Drama.
I stayed in the audience for Noreen's ("In My Neighborhood") speech, but ducked out when Raul began his""Mi Padre." I had left my costume and gear in the luckily large single restroom in the hall and changed there. After I heard Cherie introduce "Mrs. Dudley," I entered, introduced myself in character, then went to the podium and did my thing.
It went over very big, being an innovation and all, although I again wasn't satisfied with my performance. (That may be the key to good acting: always being sure it could be better). Anyway, I received a lot of kudos and my evaluater, Rachel, gave me an enthusiastic review. I also received the "best speaker" trophy, so that was good.
Didn't get home until 9:00, stayed up watching Frasier and just got out of bed at 6:25, late for me.
NOTE: I probably won't be posting until tomorrow night or Sunday morning, as I won't have my laptop with me in Santa Barbara.
Got my train tickets and found I can leave my car there overnight. I hope it's still there tomorrow. Went to Smart 'N' Final to pick up some no-cal salad dressing. Showered and prepared for being Caroline Dudley at Humor & Drama.
I stayed in the audience for Noreen's ("In My Neighborhood") speech, but ducked out when Raul began his""Mi Padre." I had left my costume and gear in the luckily large single restroom in the hall and changed there. After I heard Cherie introduce "Mrs. Dudley," I entered, introduced myself in character, then went to the podium and did my thing.
It went over very big, being an innovation and all, although I again wasn't satisfied with my performance. (That may be the key to good acting: always being sure it could be better). Anyway, I received a lot of kudos and my evaluater, Rachel, gave me an enthusiastic review. I also received the "best speaker" trophy, so that was good.
Didn't get home until 9:00, stayed up watching Frasier and just got out of bed at 6:25, late for me.
NOTE: I probably won't be posting until tomorrow night or Sunday morning, as I won't have my laptop with me in Santa Barbara.
Thursday, August 16, 2018
Classroom and Casa Bella
Flitting around, as ever. Walked Kimball, had breakfast, then showered and took off for Olivelands School and Ellen's third-grade classroom. Got there at 9:00 and spent an hour and a half on various chores, such s stapling notes to bags and tracing figures onto paper, then cutting them out. Left at 10:30 to let El get on with the more complex items.
I had a hassle and a half with Blue Shield of California. It's my understanding that they won't cover a CT scan for me because I'm too old. Talked to a rep and she was going to call, but hasn't gotten back to me yet. Oh, the hell with it, I'm not anxious to get the damn thing anyway. I did make appointments for the chest x-ray and bone density test, but not until September fifth. I find all this medical stuff a terrific bore.
After lunch, I did this and that, then drove to town. Parked at the library, picked up Stephen King's new book, The Outsider, then walked to the museum. Went upstairs to the research department--a wonderfully serene and mysterious place--and asked if they had The Streets of Ventura. They did, I was delighted to be told, but the material can't be borrowed; must be examined there. I sat for awhile looking it over and will go back another day when I can spend more time on it.
Walked to Casa Bella and went in early; Happy Hour isn't until 4:00 there. Shortly after, Diane came in and we settled ourselves with a Chardonnay each and spinach/avocado dip. We talked and talked; I heard all about Diane's rather wide-ranging travel and romantic life--so different from my paralyzingly mundane background.
We stayed until about 5:30, then said goodbye.
I had a hassle and a half with Blue Shield of California. It's my understanding that they won't cover a CT scan for me because I'm too old. Talked to a rep and she was going to call, but hasn't gotten back to me yet. Oh, the hell with it, I'm not anxious to get the damn thing anyway. I did make appointments for the chest x-ray and bone density test, but not until September fifth. I find all this medical stuff a terrific bore.
After lunch, I did this and that, then drove to town. Parked at the library, picked up Stephen King's new book, The Outsider, then walked to the museum. Went upstairs to the research department--a wonderfully serene and mysterious place--and asked if they had The Streets of Ventura. They did, I was delighted to be told, but the material can't be borrowed; must be examined there. I sat for awhile looking it over and will go back another day when I can spend more time on it.
Walked to Casa Bella and went in early; Happy Hour isn't until 4:00 there. Shortly after, Diane came in and we settled ourselves with a Chardonnay each and spinach/avocado dip. We talked and talked; I heard all about Diane's rather wide-ranging travel and romantic life--so different from my paralyzingly mundane background.
We stayed until about 5:30, then said goodbye.
Wednesday, August 15, 2018
Carrie And The Classroom
A nice day because it was different from the routine. Come to think of it, a lot of my days are different from the routine, which is the way I like them.
Walked Kimball, then went to WinCo for this and that after breakfast. On impulse, I then drove to the cemetery--Ivy Lawn, where Caroline and other Dudleys are buried. Talked to the very nice young woman in the office, she looked up the info, then gave me a diagram and told me how to find their graves, which I easily did.
They have no stone, which surprised me a bit, but do have metal markers. I took pictures of Carrie's and Benjamin's, and of their daughter, Alice's. The latter's dates are 1882 -1933, which surprised me. I had been given material that said Carrie and Ben were married in 1882, so what gives? Either it was a pregnant-so-better-marry-quick situation or they were married in, say, in January, and Alice was born in the same year, or the info is wrong. I find it interesting and will look into it.
Got an e-mail from Judi of H & D Toastmasters, where I'll be Carrie again tomorrow. She asked what into she should give and I told her to make it a mystery. Gave her a paragraph, but told her to put it in her own words.
As promised, I got to Ellen's school at 2:00. Stayed for a few hours doing all kinds of high level chores, such as sharpening pencils and numbering erasers. I enjoyed it, though, and was glad to help. She asked me to come back today, and I will after breakfast.
El had prepared a project for her third graders to tell about themselves by putting objects in a bag, then explaining to the class. She wasn't satisfied with the brown paper bags she had bought, so I volunteered to get sturdier ones. Went to the 99 Cent store after dinner and got them.
Walked Kimball, then went to WinCo for this and that after breakfast. On impulse, I then drove to the cemetery--Ivy Lawn, where Caroline and other Dudleys are buried. Talked to the very nice young woman in the office, she looked up the info, then gave me a diagram and told me how to find their graves, which I easily did.
They have no stone, which surprised me a bit, but do have metal markers. I took pictures of Carrie's and Benjamin's, and of their daughter, Alice's. The latter's dates are 1882 -1933, which surprised me. I had been given material that said Carrie and Ben were married in 1882, so what gives? Either it was a pregnant-so-better-marry-quick situation or they were married in, say, in January, and Alice was born in the same year, or the info is wrong. I find it interesting and will look into it.
Got an e-mail from Judi of H & D Toastmasters, where I'll be Carrie again tomorrow. She asked what into she should give and I told her to make it a mystery. Gave her a paragraph, but told her to put it in her own words.
As promised, I got to Ellen's school at 2:00. Stayed for a few hours doing all kinds of high level chores, such as sharpening pencils and numbering erasers. I enjoyed it, though, and was glad to help. She asked me to come back today, and I will after breakfast.
El had prepared a project for her third graders to tell about themselves by putting objects in a bag, then explaining to the class. She wasn't satisfied with the brown paper bags she had bought, so I volunteered to get sturdier ones. Went to the 99 Cent store after dinner and got them.
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