MONDAY

It's funny how quickly your attitude and emotions can change in only part of a day. When I got up, I was edgy and nervous for no particular reason that I could think of--kind of downhearted, too. I came close to skipping Soaring Spirits, but decided I'd go. I had intended, as usual, to walk down Victoria Avenue to Telephone Road, then take the 11 bus to Stone Fire Grille. Instead, I just walked over to the bus stop and rode it to Telephone. I had some difficulty getting off and the bus driver had to help me.

By the time I got to the restaurant, I was tired and feeling very low, as it was already almost 12:30. There were eight of us, including Gayle, who's been ill, Susan, Gayle, Renee,  Lewellen, and Georgia. The one I wanted to see, though, was darling Vera. I told her some things about which I'm concerned. My spirits lifted after I chatted with her. She had to leave to go back to work and I stayed talking with the rest of my tribe, then bused to the transit center and from there, home.

Got in and didn't nap, but watched more about the royal family (I must be nuts).  Suzanne came over, having gotten home from Idaho. and we had a good, catch-up talk. She asked if I wanted to go to WinCo this morning, but I really don't need anything. I gave her a bag of food containers for her to take to the Catholic Charities food kitchen where she volunteers. Also gave her the avocados and the other produce, which she told me are papayas. 

Sent Sally's son, Duane, a reminiscence about Sally when we were kids, which I think he'll read at her memorial, which is next Tuesday. I'm sorry I can't go, but just don't feel up to it.  

Had a terribly restless night, getting up twice, but I'm going to take a nap today. I plan to visit Jim today--Ellen will take me, although she doesn't want to go in. I'll bring him lunch, eat with him, then she'll pick me back up. 

POKEY SUNDAY

Nothing much going on except the usual Sunday med and bed sheets change--swallowed the former and accomplished the latter. After breakfast, I used my good ol' Chop Wizard to stir-fry the three large green peppers. I then stir-fried the onions and peppers and oh boy, did I have a lot. I put them in a container and stowed them in the freezer; I'll make ground turkey stir-fry as soon as I buy the turkey. 

Started the Sunday crossword, but only did about a quarter of it. Somehow, I no longer enjoy it as much as I used to. Made up a big salad for lunch and ate on the patio. I switched around the two small tables out there (isn't that exciting news😴?), then took a short nap. Got up to shower and wash my hair. 

Soaring Spirits lunch today and I just noticed I have a Quest appointment (routine blood work) on Friday at 7:10 am. Darn, I'll have go before T.O.P.S., but that should be okay. I'm always pleased that Quest is inside Von's. just across the side street from here.

Slept well, which is always good news. 

SATURDAY

Did a large color wash before breakfast, then finished my straightening up. Incredibly, where I cleaned the carpet with my own stuff, it still looks good. That makes me think I should change my mind about cancelling my check to the carpet non-cleaners after all, but oh, the hell with it.

Went to Von's for fresh veggies and fruit and when I walked out, I found these at my door: 

I recognized the avocados, but can't quite remember what the other ones are--papayas? some kind of squash? ugli fruit?  

They were certainly from Mike, upstairs, who's an accountant with an avocado company in Santa Paula. I separated them and gave a third to Vickie; Suzanne won't be home until Monday and I'll save hers until then. I left Vickie's at her door and she called me her thanks. I was amused when she asked what the larger ones are. Hey, that makes two ignorant east-coasters (she's from Maine).

Back from Von's, I put stuff away, then made a tuna sandwich, poured my IPA, and enjoyed lunch on the patio. It was sunny and nicely warm, and I enjoyed it:

My little rose bush is thriving, too: 

I ate, then still on the patio, I impulsively called Muckie. I was delighted to hear her voice, as she hadn't answered the last few times I called her. We had a good, good talk; I knew she had been in the hospital a while ago and she told me she had been in rehab after there. We're honest with each other--we don't pretend she doesn't have terminal cancer and or that I'm happy to be 88 years old and with a balance problem.  I'm so glad she's still alive, but was a bit alarmed to hear she weighs only 105 pounds. We'll talk again soon. Later, I called Stella just to see how she's doing. Okay, but still trying to decide where to move--or if she'll move. 

After, I tackled my food prep. The produce I had bought were apple, onions, and green peppers. I spent able an hour and a half coring and seasoning, and baking the five apples, help one out for today, then froze the others. I then dealt with the very large onions, chopping most and julienning the rest. I stored them separately in the fridge and will fry, then freeze to add to ground turkey; I'll do the same with the green peppers today.   

Called Ellen--she and Greg had just had dinner at Sea Fresh) to tell her I had cleaned the carpet myself and we discussed the question of me cancelling the check. She thinks I can do it only after they cash it. Think I'll call the bank and ask them. I'll save out an avocado for her, too. Called Stella just to say hello and we chatted.

I've been wanting to get into town,  and I'm free today, so maybe I'll go.  I have Soaring Spirits lunch on Monday. Sally's memorial is tomorrow, but I won't be going. I really don't want to travel a total of six hours back and forth to Cardiff--I'm just so glad I was able to be at her ninetieth in January . Ellen's taking me to see Jim on Wednesday, and I'm meeting with Suzy on Thursday about our acting class, so the calendar's filling up again. 

FRIDAY

 T.O.P.S.: another disaster, but I'm not too upset over it. At home, I added 1.06 pounds to 132.4--I should be upset, but at the meeting, I was 133.1, a gain of only .09, so I persuaded myself it was insignificant. Does that make sense? Okay, not really.

I spent a lot of time--finally--finishing up putting things away after the so-called carpet cleaning. And this just kills me: I went over the areas on which the guy did such a lousy job, treated it with carpet cleaner I bought. and it looks considerably better. Now I'm sorry I didn't stop payment on the check, but damn, I'm not going to obsess over it.  

The above took several hours, as I cleaned and straightened up otherwise, too. Had a combined lunch and dinner--a sandwich and an IPA--at 6:00, then took a hour's nap. That's okay, it's now 7:30 pm and I feel refreshed. 

Got a notice from Duane about Sally's memorial gathering. It will be in Cardiff (the California one, of course, not Jersey) on October 13 and attendees are asked to wear blue and tell a "Sally story." I'd love to go, but don't know if I can--will get more information and think about it.

THURSDAY AND THE PANAMA CANAL

I was pleased when Ellen called to say she'd come earlier, so we could lunch together. She got here at 12:30 and we spent an hour or so getting things back in order. It still isn't finished, but I can easily handle the rest.

After that, we went to Wood Ranch for lunch. We both love their big salads and she got a BBQ with chicken, I an Asian and we both some to take home. We then went to Wal-Mart and I got some staples, while Ellen bought a full-length mirror and some "Chrystal Kitty Litter" (oh, don't even ask.) 

I was thrilled when Ellen said she had signed up to take a Law of Attraction ten-day cruise in March. The Law of Attraction is a philosophy, sometimes considered a spiritual belief, that suggests you can attract positive or negative experiences into your life by focusing your thoughts and feelings on them. Hey, it seems to me that makes a lot more sense than a lot of beliefs people swear by, including religion. Esther Hicks, widow of  one of the leaders of the organization (sect?), runs the cruises and be the major speaker. Exciting! 

T.O.P.S. leader, Lennie, called to say she that once again, she won't be at the meeting this morning, as she has to take her husband to his eye appointment. This is the third week in a row she has to skip, so I trust we'll just weigh in. 

Yay, slept well, all way to 6:15, and I'm happy about that.

WEDNESDAY AND THE BEES

Katherine picked me up at 9:00 for the BCNN meeting. We didn't go to lunch this time and that was fine with me--I lunch out too often as it is.  In fact, I hadn't been very enthusiastic about the meeting, either,  but later was glad I went. It was about bee-keeping and the life of bees--it had sounded boring, but was fascinating and very well done by Eddie, the bee-keeper: 

Chatted with Dusty, Diane, Cecilia, and others and, of course, my chauffer, Katherine . Speaking of, I'm enjoying getting to know her. She's a newbie to Ventura, having moved here only six months ago, and we seem to have a lot in common. Younger than I am (well, who isn't? 😄), she was widowed three years ago and has grandchildren nearby. She's pleasant and friendly, but no pushover and her sense of humor is similar to mine, which is always appealing.

Home at noon and, as I had skipped breakfast, I made a big salad for lunch. After that, I lay down for a much-needed lap, since I had gotten so little sleep and slept for about two hours. Happily, it worked and  I didn't wake up this morning until the alarm went off at 7:00. 

For dinner, I had a large bowl of mixed veggies (frozen); I've been lax about my diet lately, and want to get back on the straight and narrow. 

Ellen will be over about 2:00 to help finalize putting stuff back to order since the carpet cleaning. We're going to try spraying with the cleaner I have. 

🤬🤬🤬

Note to myself: I paid Cricket's monthly charge, with a different credit card, but  must call to try to figure out why my debit auto-pay doesn't work for them anymore. Got my new debit card and will see if that works. Will try to follow up with Experian. Must also make an appointment with the BOA to be sure all is OK.  Geez, you'd think I was Mrs. J. Paul Getty!

TUESDAY

I had asked Noreen if we could meet a half-hour later, at 1:00,  rather than our usual 12:30. That was because I had put in a bleach wash load and wanted to get it in the dryer before I left. We had decided on Paradise Pantry, but when I got there (just in time), it was closed. Oh, damn I had told her I'd call to be sure they were open (I know they're closed on Mondays) and I forgot. I called her immediately and left a message, which I knew I'd have to do, as she doesn't have a cell phone nor a computer. Luckily, she called back in about ten minutes to say she had been there a little early, thought I wasn't coming and went home. However, she said she'd drive back, she did. and we went to the Himalayan Restaurant for good Nepalese meals. 

Of course, we had good, good talk, too--Noreen and I always do. I knew she had lost her son and for the first time, she told me about it. It was ten years ago, he was in his fifties, and he had colon cancer. It's amazing and heart-breaking that I know so many women who have lost sons, including, of course, both my sisters, My older sister, Gene, lost the two oldest of her six children, both in their thirties, both in accidents and my twin, her youngest, by his own hand. How can something like that be survived?  

Anyway, Noreen and I had a long, good, leisurely visit and will do it again soon.  Bused home and settled in to watch my current favorites, the royal family reels. As noted here before, I get these fads and devote myself to different genres, which have  included Forensic Files, Friends, real life murders, and now, the Brits. 

Katherine called to say she'll pick me up at 9:00 for the BCNN meeting. We didn't go to lunch this time and that's fine with me--I lunch out too often as it is.  In fact, wasn't too enthusiast about the meeting, either,  but later was glad I went. It was about bee-keeping and the life of bees--fascinating.  

BTW, besides lunching with Noreen yesterday, I stopped into Goodwill and found this lovely Halloween chapeau: 

Couldn't resist!