THURSDAY

 A dreary day. I didn't go out at all, even to get the mail because it rained almost all day. If I ever entertain the notion of moving back to Jersey, I need to remember that. Plus, I'm still having some tummy problems, although it's eased a bit. I've been following the BRAT routine--or I would if I had any rice; I'll go to Von's today to get some.  I did have applesauce, bananas, and toast; must replenish those.

Other than lazing around, I didn't do anything much. Watched a silly TV thing on Leonardo DiCaprio, made about twenty years ago. Boring.  Played Royale Match on the laptop--even that is starting to bore me. Read my book on the murders at the Idaho college. Thought of calling Muckie to chat, but just didn't. If I feel better today, I'll see if Diane's available on Saturday. If so, I'll go over to see her new apartment.

Lay down for bit, but didn't nap, so got up. Damn, I hate this malaise! I'm considering it akin to teenage angst--hope I get over it once I galvanize myself. T.O.P.S. this morning--ugh.

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Mike and his lady friend in China--just thought I'd throw it in here.

WEDNESDAY

A good day: Ellen came over about 12:30 and we sat and chatted for a bit, then loaded my donations into the car. I had a ton of stuff to give, including the pile of linens I had shown here before and this: 

That bag on the right is full of DVDs and the box includes a small ice bucket, several books, and some kitchenware, as well as other stuff.

We had lunch here first (Ellen had brought her own)_, then went to the post office to send a package. From there, we drove to GoodWill to drop off the priceless possessions that had been mine. There was a delay in taking them in, so we went to the shop there. I bought flannel pajamas ($3.99) and a crystal wine stopper as a new-apartment gift for Diane ($6.99). I'll wrap it up in fancy packaging, add a card, and I know she'll like it.

After, we went back to my place and had our usual cutthroat game of gin. I won, as usual, because I just happen to be a superior player, but Ellen insists it was because I sat the power seat 😜. After a fun day, we said goodbye a little before 5:00.   

After dinner, I called Jim's friend and former student, Roy S., who had called me a month or so ago to get Jim's contact info.  I wanted to know if he saw Jim or got in touch with him. When he called me back, he said he had, indeed, and had gone to see him twice. I had thought Roy was an adult student of Jim's, but no--Roy had been in his class as a young guy in the seventies or eighties. Out of high school, he took a few courses at the community college where Jim taught, then entered U.C.L.A. Roy is now retired--he had been an auditor for an insurance company (even so, I thought he was a nice guy 😆 ).

We discussed Jim's fragility and mental decline, but agreed he was in a good place now.  We had a good talk and when I mentioned I don't drive, he was kind enough to say he'd take me home if I can get there (easy with the Access Van). Anyway, we agreed I'd call him next week and we'd decide on a good day to visit. I was very interested in the fact that he had heard of George, Jim's friend who collects his mail. Now I'm not sure if he's some kind of accountant or what. Anyway, I'm looking forward to meeting Roy.

TUESDAY

I called Diane to tell her I'm still having my gastrointestinal problem and we'd have to postpone my visit. I was sorry and so was she, but I didn't want to stray far from the bathroom Washed the bath rugs and a few other items, then tried to take a nap, but didn't fall asleep. 

I finally got up and went over to Von's for bananas, cottage cheese, and Pepto Bismol. I had read on-line that the first two were good for what ails me. I had also wanted to get cabbage to make fritters, but something tells me my tummy may not approve, so I'll do it another time.

Ellen sent me a lovely Valentine card:

 

That reminds me to get my V. cards in the mail. Also, I want to get Diane and little apartment-warming gift--two bedrooms, wow!

MONDAY

I skipped Soaring Spirits lunch for the first time in months. Had a gastrointestinal problem--I don't want to get more specific--and just decided to lay low at home. I lay down for a nap at ???--I don't remember when, but I was awakened by a phone call from Brianna at Ojai Parks and Recreation. She said the February 11 bus trip to Solvang* was filled, but she asked if I wanted to go on February 26 and I said yes. She said she'd call Stella and ask her; did so. and now it's set for then.

I felt much refreshed when I woke up, but did nothing productive until late afternoon when I finally galvanized myself to go over to Von's for a few things. Other than that, the day was a wash, but once in a while, so what? 

It's been freezing cold--it's only 57 degrees now, at 5:00 pm on Monday while I'm writing this. It was up to the seventies on Sunday at Casitas Lake and I'm hoping those temps will visit Ventura. 

Unfortunately, my problem with my innards returned overnight. I was going to go to Diane's to see her new, two bedroom, apartment, but not sure if I had better beg off or not. I'll wait a few hours and see how it goes. 

SUNDAY

After breakfast and the crossword (only so-so), I took off for Ojai and Ellen's. Got there just at noon and walked the mile and some to El's. We chatted for a bit, then drove to Lake Casitas for lunch and viewing. It was a lovely day and the lake was beautifully simmering in the sun--I wish I had gotten better pictures. We first had lunch at the little cafe there; the hamburger was mediocre and so were the fresh fries, but we sat on the porch overlooking the lake and that was fine. Here's some of the terrain surrounding the lake:

At the end of the road, above the people walking is a pretty steep zigzag path up to the top. Ellen went, but I didn't--just lost my nerve. We then went back to El's and chatted for a bit. The plan is for her to come over here on Wednesday, bringing her lunch. She'll load up her car with my GoodWill donations, drop them off, then lunch at Kimball Park. 

I left El's after 5:30, was driven to the bus stop, and boarded it for home. On the way, there were several lovely "pink moments" with the sunset. This doesn't do justice to the beauty of it, it's just an indication:

Didn't arrive home until almost 7:00, as there was a twenty-minute layover at the transit center. I've got some business calls to make today and tomorrow, will go to Diane's to see her new digs. 

SATURDAY

Washed the sheets and remade, then spent a lot of time trying to get to the bottom of my problems with Cricket Wireless and BOA. I pay every month automatically--or I thought I did, but after a multitude of phone calls and confusion, I was told BOA pays them via cashier's check and recently, the checks haven't been cashed.  However, the amount still comes out of my account, so what gives?  I'm going to go in to see somebody at BOA on Monday.

After that, I needed a break, so packed lunch and took off for town. As I was leaving, Suzanne was coming in an we talked for a bit. She asked if I wanted a large picture frame--it's very attractive, but I really don't have room for it, so declined with thanks. Rounding the corner, I ran into Vickie, who insisted on dropping me off at the transit center, so we could chat a bit on the way. She did and I got the 16 to town.

There were lots of people strolling around and having lunch outside--very festive and I enjoyed it. Stopped in a few shops, but didn't buy anything consequential; got home about 4:00 and as I was coming in the complex, who did I see but Vickie again--we laughed over the coincidence. 

Not sure why, but I felt very sleepy when I got home, so took a nap. I was glad Mike called and woke me after an hour--felt much invigorated. Mike said Violet was excited about going to Savannah College of Art Design for their summer "Rising Star" program. That's her mother's alma mater and, in fact, Paula was honored a few years ago by being named a distinguished alumna. She is, after all, a managing partner at Hirsch Bednar Design.  

Jumped in the shower and washed my hair, then settled in for the night. Slept well, too.

It's off to Ellen's today--yay!

FRIDAY

Weight: At home, I was up a pound to 130, at T.O.P.S. up 1.7 to 131.1--AAGH! That means I moved past comfort zone of 125 to 130, so this is serious. A major problem is that it's been chilly and I haven't felt much like walking outside. Yesterday, it got down to the low fifties, practically freezing! (Guess I've turning into a delicate California girl.)

Got a call from Julie, asking if I wanted to go to the BCNN meeting on Wednesday--yep and she'll pick me up at 9:00. Also got a call from Stella. I had forgotten we had discussed the Ventura Parks & Recreation bus trip to San Luis Obispo on February 11. I must call on Monday because there's a waiting list; hope I got in--or on.

Spent the entire morning on one of the hall closets where I keep linens and some other stuff. It's hard to believe how many cloth napkins (as a rule, I don't use paper ones), placemats,  kitchen towels, tablecloths--and that was just one shelf. I tackled the bath towels and wash cloths one, too, plus the sheets and pillowcases one, clearing out a lot to donate and rearranging the rest. And this is only the bath linen pile: 

Called SCAN to ask about a benefit of $150 for dental that I didn't even realize I had. Later: I was on the phone with SCAN from 5:00 pm to 5:30, trying to get my OTC balance. I won't go into why, but I called again because I had gotten conflicting information. The second person kept repeating what my benefit is--I know what it is, I wanted my balance. I guess I'll just have to go to CVS and see. 

Slept well, but this seems to be a pattern: alternating good sleep one night and not the next. Guess it's better than consistent sleeplessness.  

Note: I have no idea why the spacing is so skewed at the top. Tried to fix it and it didn't work.