MONDAY AND WATERTOWN

Got some inside chores done, including rearranging the plug-in stuff next to my bed. Besides my lamp, that includes chargers for my phone, hearing aids, and medical alert; I can reach all of them without getting out of bed. I don't, however, charge my alert when I'm asleep. It seems to me a nighttime problem may be more likely to happen when I'm asleep. Usually, I charge it when I'm in for the night, but not yet in bed, about 8:00 or 9:00. 

When I sat down for breakfast, my medical alert hit--but fairly softly--on my chest and immediately, it told me,  "A fall has been detected." This seems to happen three or four times a month, but ironically, when I actually did fall the Sunday before last, it was quiet as a clam. Incidentally, it then tells me "to cancel the call, press and hold the button." When I do, it reports that the call has been canceled. After that, it says, "If you do need help, press and hold."  

Ellen had told me it would rain today and the weather report on my phone said severe floods are threatened in my area. However, as there are no bodies of water aside from the big one and that's several miles away, I'm no going to worry about it.

I added mixed veggies to the turkey stir-fry I made the other day and had it for din-din. It was yum:

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Okay, now it's 7:30 Tuesday morning and oh, yes, it's raining. For California, it's a deluge (for Jersey, it would just be a healthy, normal, rather mild shower). The temperature is alarming, too: it's practically freezing over--54 degrees! All kidding aside, if it's still raining at 6:00, I'm going to beg out of the covered dish this evening. Even though Vickie's place is right around the corner in the complex, and her car's out front, I'm not going to risk it. 

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SUNDAY AND ACTING

I have to admit that when the occasion warrants it, I cuss a bit--it somehow makes me feel better. However I don't know of any swear words that are strong enough to apply to yesterday. Here's a quick synopsis: I went over to CVS to get the BP monitor, along with a few other items covered by my SCAN benefit; I get $90 free every quarter for OTC health needs. When I presented the SCAN card to pay, I was told it was the wrong one. Without going into boring detail, I found I didn't have the right one. After a great deal of search and not-find, I called Scan and was told if I didn't find it, it would have to be invalidated until I applied for another one. All right, long story short, I went home, looked in my desk, and found the damn thing. Walked all the way back, got the stuff--but forgot my new medications for the tremor problem, damnit!

Called Ellen to tell her I bought the BP monitor, the upper arm type, which the P.A. said is preferable. However, Ellen thinks I should get the bracelet kind. She'll come over Wednesday and we'll go on various errands, then have lunch.   

About 8:00, Suzy called and we had a good talk. I was amazed to be told she didn't know how many--if any--had signed up for the acting class. When she goes in next Monday, those interested will come in. That just floored me.  When I did mine, both here and in Jersey, it was carefully planned and structured: I limited the class to ten (though I could be a little flexible) and received all the enrollment information (name, address, phone, etc.) a week ahead. I then made up name tags. agendas beforehand for each session  (i.e. in-prov, comedy, drama, projection, props and costumes, gestures and facial expressions, and so one). However, I avoided lecturing but structured the class so there was full participation. Each week, I assigned members parts in a short play I wrote myself, emphasizing they were copywritten and not to be shared. Well, I won't go on with this, but suffice it to say I think I made the right decision. I'd be frustrated and uneasy in that kind of setup, but am looking forward to addressing it if it Suzy wants me to. 

SATURDAY, VIOLET, AND A PHILOSOPHICAL COMMENT

It was a stay-at-home day, but that was all right. After my good sleep, I put in a color wash, did my morning laptop stuff, and so on. Incredibly, it was almost noon when I finished. Had a bowl of oatmeal with mixed fruit, did a few chores, then made a sandwich and went out to the middle to eat.  By that time, it was close to 4:00, another late lunch.

Sharon called to report on yesterday's T.O.P.S. meeting--sounded pretty standard. I was amused to hear she had worn a special Halloween outfit--I always take her picture and post it here. She knows that, so said she had the other members take one for me, which she'll show me next time. Why not just send it to me?--because she doesn't use the Internet, that's why.  (Damn, she's ten years younger than I am, but that's our Sharon.) She gets a kick out of me taking her pic. I think I'll give her that Halloween hat I bought.      

I looked up a BP monitor and was pleased to see they have them in-store at CVS. It won't cost me anything, either, as my SCAN OTC benefit will cover it. I'll walk over there today to get one, as well as the new medication for the tremors.                                                                                                             

I invited Suzanne and Vickie to the Dudley House covered dish supper on Tuesday; haven't heard back from them yet. Other than that minor stuff, I cooked up a batch of turkey stir-fry; had some for dinner and will probably eat the rest tonight. 

Mike Facetimed me last evening and we had a good talk. He's back home now, but will soon be leaving again for work. Poor little (ha-she towers over me) Violet just had her wisdom teeth removed and is swollen, but her Dad brought the phone to her to say hello:

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Every single person to whom I mentioned the fall incident last Sunday said I should have pressed the medical alert device to summon an ambulance.* I disagree, as I was not hurt in any way. At the time, I pondered what the worst scenario could be and decided, barring an earthquake, probably that I'd have to be sitting on the floor for a long period of time. Then I had the option of calling Ellen, who has a key, but that meant she'd have to drive all the way over here and back on a busy day for her; later, she said I should have. Also, although this makes me sound holy or something (although that's pretty much true 😆), I didn't like the idea of  monopolizing the staff and ambulance when they might be needed for a serious situation. The co-pay of $225 didn't really bother me, although it seemed unnecessary in this situation. BTW: My health insurance was charged three thousand dollars--the mind reels.  

*It should be noted that I didn't ask anyone's advice, I just related the incident. However, I would like to have a discussion about this (not an argument, just a discussion) with anyone with a medical background who might read this. Hmm...who could that be? 

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FRIDAY

 I guess I could have gone to T.O.P.S., after all, but I don't really care that I missed. Walked over to Quest at Von's and got not one, but two, blood tests. That was because the nurse reminded me I was supposed to get one in August for the endocrinologist, Dr. Ficks (that must be an alias!). I had forgotten to do that, so sure, take all the blood you want. 

Home, I made a nice omelet for breakfast, showered, then napped for an hour.  After I got dressed, I just read, played a game, and generally lazed around. I then made a sandwich, as I had intended to lunch either in town at one of my usual place.

AHA! I didn't eat eat at either location because Ellen called right before I left to wait for the SCAN Transportation Lyft driver. She had just read my blog, saw I had the appointments, and offered to go with me. Great and we met there. 

We saw the P.A., Loren, and the news about the tremor is hopeful; for several reasons, it's doubtful it's Parkinson's. Loren wants me to see a neurologist, though. Also, my blood pressure is often too high; okay, I always resisted it, but I'll get a BP machine and record mine every day. Ellen had some very insightful and pertinent ideas. For one, she wants me to see a gerontologist, for another, to enroll in some kind of course for balance.  Also, I remembered to get a flu shot while I was there, although I forgot to ask for a referral for dermatology; must do that. Anyway, it was great to have her with me; I just hadn't thought of that before.

After, we went to the Aloha for a late lunch and talked and talked, mostly about the Law of Attraction and similar topics. The restaurant is sponsoring a walk and program on breast cancer awareness today and they had a photo-op setup available. Here' s El and her Mum:  

I sent it to Ellen and to my friend, Vickie, who's still being treated.

After lunch, we did a selfie with City Hall in the background. As El pointed out, she's wearing her transition glasses on her head and her regular sunglasses on her head--HA!😁

Home about 5:30. El walked me in and I gave her a kind of large floor covering I had had on the patio and no longer want. She said it will be perfect for the kitties on their new side porch. So it turned out to be a good day, after all. Could the Law of Attraction have had an influence? Maybe--or maybe because I was with my darling daughter. Or maybe coincidence? Who knows and who cares? 

Great news: I slept like a stone and just got up at 6:45! 

THURSDAY

Wonders will never cease! After all my nail-biting and angst about the acting class, things have changed. When I  opened my email, I found a note from Suzy, saying she's been overwhelmed lately and couldn't meet with me yesterday. She was very apologetic, but I almost cheered. I wrote back asking if she could read my mind because I was pretty overwhelmed, too, so was glad to cancel. This will make it a lot easier to cut down on my participation and I'm thrilled. Not sure when--or if--we'll meet and the class is scheduled to start on the twentieth, but we'll work that out.

That galvanized me to get a lot more down. For one thing I called Spruce Power solar stuff and I'm confident all that confusion and who-owes-what is taken care of. (I can hear Sister Gabriel now.) I paid several bills on-line and called Primary Medical to ask about my tremors. Got an appointment for today at 2:00; called SCAN Transportation to take me there. I have a blood test shortly (7:10 am today), also, just over at Von's.

Went to the aforementioned for romaine, tomatoes, and eggs, then saw a six pack of this--it was a sign!

                                                        

After all, it's October and my mother's maiden name was Figenshu, so could I leave in on the shelf? Of course not--I forsook my IPA this time and bought a six-pack of my ancestral booze.

Home, I made a sandwich, got my book and beer, and sat out on the patio in the glorious sun to eat lunch. BTW, I'm reading No Time Like The Future by Michael J. Fox about his Parkinson's, with which he was diagnosed when he was 29. I've been experiencing tremors and I hope it isn't what he has. 

Took a nap after and felt good when I got up. I was charmed when I got the pic below from Ellen of the little Jack O' Lanterns in her front window. She says the kitties love them!

Here's another ceaseless wonder: I actually put into practice the Law of Attraction. I think its main principle is similar to the teachings of Norman Vincent Peale's The Power of Positive Thinking, published seventy-three years ago. Do I believe in the spiritualism or religious part of either of those? No, not really, but I certainly think one's thought and attitude has an influence over one's actions. 

WEDNESDAY

Hey, it turned out to be a pretty fair day. However, it wasn't all ups, it had some downs. To be specific, my dilemma about the acting class. Suzy and I meet today and I still haven't decided if I want to take a full part or not. Well, I'll figure it out.

El got here about 10:20 and we drove to Oxnard to see Jim. She dropped me off at the door and said she'd be back in an hour. I had made turkey sandwiches for Jim and me, with a Spritz for him and an IPA, of course for me. Yes, I know alcohol is not permitted at Granny's Home Center.  but I just don't care, so shoot me.

We ate on the patio and it was a fine sunny day. Jim looks good; he's clearly gained weight. Of course, he's still thin, but looks a lot better than he did: 

Ellen came in, as promised, and we three chatted for a bit: 

(I don't know why the pictures are not sharp.)

From there, we went to a furniture store, as I'm looking for a small bureau to fit a particular place in my bedroom. Didn't find one I wanted, but saw this table and would love to have it for the T.V. in the living room: 

However, I want to think it over and may or may not.... 

After that, we stopped at Home Goods and El bought a very pretty lamp for her guest room. Poor El hadn't had lunch, so we stopped at Hawaiian BBQ and she got a big salad--I shared some of it.

Home, El helped me with some financial stuff, then we said goodbye. Today, I meet with Suzy about the acting class and no, I still haven't decided how I'll handle it, notwithstanding what I wrote before.

STAY TUNED FOR THE EXCITING CONCLUSION OF "WILL SHE DO OR WILL SHE WON'T?"

TUESDAY AND A DILEMMA

Did a bleach wash when I got up, called the facility where Jim lives and alerted them that I'd be over today and will bring Jim lunch. I was taken aback to hear they have lunch at 10:30. Told them okay, then called Ellen to let her know to come early. She's okay with the timing and said she'll pick me up at 10:00. I was delighted to hear that Chris, the contractor, was installing the kitty doors on her addition as we spoke; can't wait to see it. 

I made a date with Zak Dental for teeth cleaning next Wednesday and called SCAN Transportation to take me.  Spent several hours on my debit card problem and can't seem to straighten out it out. I'm going to have to make an appointment with the bank and meet with somebody.

I looked up the on-line listing for Suzy's and my acting workshop and was surprised to see only Suzy's name on the description. I remember that Maria, the Help of Ojai contact, emailed us to ask if we wanted our names in and I was sure I had responded in the affirmative; now I'm wondering if I forgot. If so, this oversight may be providential anyway because, frankly, I've getting apprehensive about the class. 

There are several reasons: I've always conducted acting workshops by myself and I'm not sure whether I want to do it with someone else, especially if it's not clear who does what, Also, I don't like the time, which is set for 1:00 to 3:00, every two weeks for the rest of the year. The length of the sessions is okay, I guess, but only twice a month?  I think that breaks the continuity.  In addition, it's a drag to have to get the Access Van there and back.  

The major consideration: My physical condition has been worsening and I've been getting fatigued lately. A daily nap helps, but I think the energy lapse is significant. In addition, my balance is worsening and I'm using the cane almost all the time, even when I'm home. (And there's another possible physical problem, which I don't want to mention here until I see the doctor.) 

What I plan to do tomorrow when I meet with Suzy is tell her I want to withdraw as an equal partner in the class. If she's agreeable, I'm willing what do what we discussed before when I expressed doubts: act as a kind of "visiting artist," (Suzy's phrase) and address the group once or twice. Suzy had suggested this when I  when expressed reservations. 

With all that said, I'm still not sure I want to withdraw--maybe Suzy and I can work something out.