Thinking Of Thursday...

(Ha! I wrote that just to get the "th" sound in.) 

I purposely put off breakfast, as I was meeting LaVonne for a late lunch at 2:00, so didn't eat until  9:00.  After. I spent time chopping and julienning onions, then stowing them in the freezer. I like to have them prepped and ready for stir-fry when I want to make it.

I responded to a BCNN Happy Hour invitation; will ask Diane if she wants to to go. It's not until the 19th and it's at Rum Fish in town, easy to get to by bus. However, maybe Julie and/or Margarita will ask if I want a ride; if so, I  may just have one of the take me home, but bus there by myself. That way, I can walk Main and visit some shops.

Walked the overpass to the Hill Street Café and stopped at the library first--it's next door--to pick up the DVD of A Clockwork Orange. Met LaVonne at 2:00 and we ate on the patio. I had what they called "croissant heaven," for some strange reason. It was okay--chicken salad on a croissant--but nothing special. LaVonne said she likes it in Oxnard, where she recently moved.She has some kind of living arrangement with an ailing old lady (82--ha!) and I got the impression she acts as housekeeper and cook. (It occurred to me that I'm glad to have friends in different social strata, different ages, and, for that matter, different races.) We chatted and enjoyed each others' company, then left and I walked home. 

For some reason, I was sleepy and took an hour's nap. When I got up, I packed my donations for Good Will in my cart, preparing to donate it today. That's only a half-mile or so from where Diane lives, so we had decided we'd lunch in the park across the street from her after I drop the stuff off. But Friday is also T.O.P.S. day and I wouldn't get breakfast until about 10:30, then I wouldn't want lunch at noon. So I made a momentous decision: I called Cheryl and told her I was skipping the meeting. I hardly ever do and it's not going to kill me, so there!

Called Ellen to tell her I saw that the buses do run on Easter, after all, but could I still stay over? Sure, and we'll eat out on Easter. I told El I had done a jigsaw of her kitties and she suggested I post it here, so "Gwennie and Cessie":

But here's a picture I probably won't do as a jigsaw: My beautiful daughter-in-law, Paula, taken last week on vacation in Thailand.  It's hard to believe she's the mother of an 18-year-old:

Here I see the strong resemblance with Vivian and the somewhat less prominent one with Violet, 14. 

Wednesday With Women

Margarita picked me up at 9:15 for the BCNN (Beach Cities Neighbors And Newcomers) meeting. I knew Diane was going in order to join and saved her a seat at our table, but as it turned out, she was told to sit at the guest table. When we got there, I glanced around and saw a curly-haired woman, but had no idea it was Diane! When she came up to me, I was amazed--she always looks good, but yesterday, she outdid herself:

This gal turned 80 six months ago!

Diane and Margarita know each other, as both attended what Diane calls "the U.U. church." I'm not sure if that means Unitarian or not. Ventura abounds with all kinds of churches, not only established religions, but off-shoots of established religions, off-shoots of off-shoots, sects, cults, and covens--mostly tiny congregations whose members, I think, have a tendency to switch from one to another. Hey, whatever floats your boat.   

The program wasn't too interesting: A hair-stylist and wig person who demonstrated different types of materials and styles; she herself was wearing a wig that cost, she said, ten thousand dollars. Most of the rest were only several hundred bucks and one was rock-bottom cheap at seventy-five 😁.

On the way home, Margarita and I got into a serious discussion about politics and other controversial topics. She toes the neo-liberal line: Trump is the personification of evil, Republicans are either feeble-minded or on a par with Attila the Hun, all men are determined to subjugate all women, and so boringly on and on. (No question she watches television "news.")  Actually, although her beliefs are not mine (nor are they all necessarily the opposite), it was more engaging than our earlier conversations. 

Got in about noon and packed my lunch, took my cart, and bused to town.  I was determined to get a reasonable amount of walking in, so got off earlier than I ordinarily would. That was good because I saw this huge mural adorning a building on Main that I hadn't seen before. I set it up as a jigsaw puzzle, am now half finished, and find it challenging for obvious reasons: 

                                     

I got off at Loma Vista Avenue to pick up some onions at The Market, then walked to the transit center. Home, I cut up my three pounds of tomatoes, added the onions, seasoning and oil, and popped it in the oven. Had some for dinner with the leftovers of liver and onions (so good) and roasted cauliflower (even better).

Ellen called and we had a good chat. She invited me for Easter, which I accepted, of course. I told her I didn't think there was bus service then, so she asked me to stay over Saturday. But when I checked the schedule, I saw the buses do run then; I'll call and ask if I can come Saturday anyway.

Lunch with LaVonne today at the Hill Street Café.

Tuesday--To The Shops!

 ...starting with Winco with Suzanne at 9:30. I indulged my veggie addiction by getting fresh broccoli, spaghetti squash, cauliflower, spinach, and grapefruit, plus canned peas and string beans. Also bought a big favorite of mine, which I haven't eaten in  years: chicken livers. 

Home after, I put things away then did something I'm amazed was successful. I have a nice beige jacket or coat--not sure what you'd call it, because it comes to a little below my knees, but is slightly less casual than others I have. I've worn it a lot; it's very versatile, but looks good, too. The problem? It's supposed to be dry-cleaned only and it's a drag going back and forth (there are none close to here). What to do? I decided to defy the instructions and try washing it. I first treated the collar with spot remover, then put it in the washer with just a large towel. Set the water to cold and let it go. When it came out, it looked okay, but was pretty wrinkled. I had planned to hang it to dry, but then thought, "Nah, I've gone this far--I'll put it in the dryer." I set it to "wrinkle remover" and turned it on. Incredibly, it came out looking like new, so sometimes, it pays to take a chance.  Also did a load of color wash.

Had lunch, then took my cart and set off for The Market (where I got the three pounds of tomatoes I had forgotten at WinCo) and Wal-Mart, where I bought a new stapler (old had broken) and a desk tape dispenser. In both stores, I searched, then asked if they had ear muffs and they didn't.

Bused from there to the mall to find ear muffs or ear warmers, or whatever--it's been so windy lately and since I'm out a lot, my ears get cold. Incredibly, besides the two stores I mentioned before, I went to Target, Macy's, Penney's, two sports stores, and a kiosk. At the latter, I found knitted head warmers, but they're not really want I want. (Besides, when I tried one on, I looked like my Aunt Maggie in her black knitted hat.) I've come to the conclusion I'll have to go the Amazon route. 

Home, put in a load of wash, then prepared my big, beautiful cauliflower with the dressing I like so much: half mayo and half parm. Slathered it on, then popped it in the over while I took a quick shower. When I was finished, the cauliflower was, too, and I treated myself to a bowl before dinner. Yum.  The liver and onions were delicious, also; I had to restrain myself from eating all of it, but saved some for dinner tonight. 

Margarita hadn't yet gotten back in touch about picking me up for the BCNN meeting, so I texted. She wrote back she was just about to--was her response a little testy? I don't know, but she said she'd pick me up between 9:15 to 9:20.  Okay. Diane is coming, and I said I'd save her seat.

Happy day--I didn't get up until 6:15 and had awakened only a half hour or so before that! I think that confirms what I suspected: the last few days, I hadn't gotten as much exercise (walking) as I usually do and de body ain't gonna put up wif that, no way, no how. 

Monday: Meeting And Munching

Bused to the Stone Fire Grille got to the Soaring Spirits lunch early. Only Susan was there, so we chatted. We were a little concerned that Vera, our leader, wasn't there--she and Susan are always early. Renee came in, then who showed but Carolyn B.! I was so pleased to see her and we fell into each others arms. During COVID, she seemed to simply drop out of sight--she was very fearful and she's had a problem with depression, but seems in better shape now. She's just a month older than my daughter, Ellen, but seems a lot older. 

Soon Vera came--she has actually forgotten it was the first Monday; we all teased her about that, as she's our leader and usually will post it on Facebook. One more, Roy, showed up (an okay guy, I guess, but one of those middle-aged men who think he should hold forth at great length because people are just dying to hear his mundane pronouncements). Anyway, we had a good time over all. I stayed for two hours, then said goodbye. Bused into town and walked Main; bought myself a jacket.

Called Nancy P. and left her a message that I had seen Carolyn and I'd like to have our old quartet (her, Carolyn, Diane, and me) get together again for Happy Hour.  B.C., we used to meet weekly at different venues and enjoyed it. 

I had texted grandson Joel that I'd call him. Did so last night and I said I'd love to see him and the boys here in the summer. He liked the idea and we'll start planning.

Unfortunately, I've had a terrible time sleeping recently. I don't know if I haven't been getting enough exercise or what, but almost every night, I've awakened sometime between 130 and 3:00 and been unable to get back except after several hours. I'm going to work on the problem.  

Going to WinCo with Suzanne this morning at 9:30. 

Good Spirits On Sunday

Followed the Sunday routine--crossword was pretty good--then cleaned up a little and set the table for two. Showered and dressed in my docent costume; this picture is from last June, when I docented last: 

Yesterday, I realized the outfit needs to be altered.  For one thing, the underskirt has a drawstring and it was impossible to get it securely tied. It's also too long and the result was, I did without it. The skirt needs to be altered, too: the waist is too snug and I had to use a makeshift rubber band-to-button contraption to close it, not really satisfactory. However, I got it on, Julie picked me  up promptly at 12:30, and off we went. She told me Regina was coming, too, which didn't thrill me, but I didn't indicate that. 

We got there a little early, but Lynne, docent director, drove up shortly. I went in with her and Julie waited in the car. Got settled in, then Julie and Regina came in and I gave my part of the tour, the downstairs. It went well, then I directed them to the upstairs tour, which Lynne conducted. 

It actually was a pretty good day.  I had a group of ten come in and they were wonderfully receptive; after that, there was a grandmother, mother, and two little girls from Canada; then a man and his Asian wife. I had plenty to do and I enjoyed it. 

Jim came a few minutes before 4:00 and I gave him a little mini-tour of the downstairs, my bailiwick. which he enjoyed.  We then drove off to my place and I settled him on the couch with wine and Goldfish, while I changed. I went back to the living room dressed in a sheer negligee and...yeah, sure.

We sat and talked for a half hour, then I served din-din and we sat down and ate.  (I'm always amazed at how much Jim can eat: yesterday, it was three-quarters of the beef and pasta, several slices of French bread and butter, a large helping of applesauce and two large bowls of ice cream. He's six feet tall and can't weigh more than 160, if that.)  After, we sat and chatted, as usual, then I walked him out about  6:00. Said goodbye and went over to Von's for the Sumo citrus I like. 

I have Soaring Spirits lunch today, BCNN tomorrow, and lunch with LaVonne at Hill Street Cafe on Thursday. The weather's been wonderfully sunny and warm the last two days, and that buoys my spirits. 

Sleepy Saturday

Friday to Saturday, I had an unfortunate sleep night: Awoke too early, tossed and turned, and finally got up at 4:00.  And darn: just now, it's 437 and here I am at the laptop. I might consider a nap before Dudley House. 

Saturday; After breakfast, I took my address book and stamps and walked to Hallmark, which luckily is in the Von's shopping center. Got the cards and continued on to the post office, two blocks away. Filled out the Tokyo and Singapore ones, and sent them. Will send the others early next week.

Yoicks! When I sat down at my laptop yesterday morning, I found a message from Prime Management telling me I hadn't submitted a renewed lease for my house in Sunrise Bay. What? Of course, I did, I know I sent it. Nope--I looked it up and found it in "drafts"; I must have just wanted to check it over and neglected to actually "send." Damn, I should have contacted them when I didn't get an acknowledgement. Re-sent with an apology.  

Called Holy Family (my Dad's grammar school); got an answering service, left a message, and a guy called back. He took my info and said he'll pass it on to--somebody.

Studied my Dudley family info and when I did, I was glad to realize most of the info came back to me. I got out my costume and accessories and wow, I'm afraid it will be hot. Suddenly, the weather turned sunny and warm--it must have been over 70--which I love, but not when I'm wearing an 1890s outfit.

Made ice cream, half chocolate, half butterscotch. Galvanized, I also made applesauce. then took an hour nap. I felt much better when I got up. 

Got an interesting Easter card from the Tokyo trio (names obscured):

I was taken aback to see the question mark, but I understand. Those other years are past, for good or ill, and we'll have to wait and see if 2023 is happy. 

Friday: Annoying!

Weight: down both at home (1.6 pounds to 127.6) and T.O.P.S. (.03 to 128.7). Why the disparity? Damned if I know. Julie was there, heard I was doing docent duty at Dudley House and asked if she could pick me up, take me there, then stay for the tour. Sure, why not? It then occurred to me to ask Jim if, instead of coming for lunch today, he'd pick me up at 4:00 tomorrow at Dudley House, then we'd go back to my place for a light supper. I called him and yes, he will, so that's good.

What isn't so good is that it's been so long since I gave the tour that I don't remember a lot of the spiel, which is annoying. I dug out my info and will study it.   

After breakfast, I started the annoying part of the day. Went to the office to get a new remote for the gates, as mine had annoyingly conked out. Packed my lunch and bused to town. I took the 16 bus and it was annoyingly slow. Finally got there and was annoyed to realize I had asked the DVD of A Clockwork Orange to be held for me at the Hill Street Library, rather than the Main one, where I could have picked it up yesterday. Also, I was not just annoyed, but horrified to realize I hadn't yet bought Easter cards and now, the overseas ones will be late. Oh, well, I'll get them today, send, and hope they'll get there. 

Went over to Von's for coffee, French bread, and the ingredients for the yummy ice cream I make. If I have time, I'll make applesauce, too, but I'll play it by ear. Stopped at Miramar and picked up my new bifocals. They seem to be about the same prescription as the last ones, so why did I bother? Annoying.

I got an email from Wells Fargo, asking if I had actually charged $147 and sent it to a particular party. No, indeed, I hadn't and the fraud thing resulted in an annoying round of phone conversations. Of course, I won't have to pay it, but have to be sent a new card.

Now here's something that's been annoying me for years: I can't change my old email address on this blog to my correct one. Tried again yesterday and no luck; the old "...7..." stays on.

But not all occurrences were annoying: Yesterday, I came across this wonderful picture, taken at our house on Lower Ferry Road in Ewing. It's easy to date; the littlest baby, in his father's arms, is Joel, Jr., who is will be twenty-one in June. He looks barely a month old here, so it must be the summer of 2003.

                                                

Seated from left: Jen, Joel, Sr. with Joel, Jr., Me, Betty, Dana holding one-year-old Finn;

Standing: Alison, Pat, Mike, and Carolyn--

so four married couples, and a long-time widow...sigh.

NOTE: For my legion of readers (that means you, Patti), I decided to give up my wild ways and revert back to my boringly tame design. I just don't want to deal with--well, whatever it is I might have to deal with, because it's--ANNOYING!