After the usual Sunday morning routine, I drove to several stores for staples. For me, that includes chicken thighs, broccoli, mushrooms, romaine, onions, two pounds of tomatoes, Killer Dave's bread, and a few other things. I had a coupon for Beyond Burger, which I rather foolishly bought--foolishly because I've had them before and although these are tasty and I favor veganism, they're 1.) expensive and 2.) at 250 calories for a slim patty, high in calories. No, I don't count calories as a rule (I eat mostly foods that don't list calories, because they're plants), except for something packaged like this. Anyway, I put them in the freezer and will eat sometime.
Spent a few hours on food prep (I could never skip that and keep off the 52 pounds I lost). Seasoned and roasted the chicken thighs; pared and pre-cooked a big butternut squash I bought the other day; sliced the lettuce and, as I usually do, divided it into two large bowls, reserving one for today; hard-boiled four eggs to put in my salads; and sliced two large onions and put them in the fridge, as I intend to make my usual tomato/onion bake today. I put one chicken piece in the fridge for lunch and froze the others in individual portions.
Ate lunch, then actually lay down for an hour or so--I don't think I slept, but not sure. Invigorated, I walked to the bus stop, where I could get either the number 10 to east Ventura , or the 6 or 21, both of which go to Oxnard. I decided I'd just take whichever came along first and it was the number ten. I rode down (up?) Telegraph for about two miles, disembarked and walked home. Texted Ellen that my tire is still nice and firm and she said to keep an eye on it.
Monday, September 30, 2019
Sunday, September 29, 2019
Was Blue And Flat, Now Not And Up
My blue mood has eased up, I'm happy to note.*
Called Betty to say I'd be up on Tuesday. Called Nancy and was glad to hear she feels better; we remade our Downton Abbey date for Thursday next (I'm getting in the Brit mood.)
I had a list of things I needed/wanted to do and I accomplished most: paid my car registration on-line (incredibly fast and easy); got gas; scanned and sent to son Mike a tedious tax document; got new pot holders at Dollar Tree; and called Ellen to make arrangements to go to her place so she could check the air in my tires. Yes, yes, I know I should do it myself and she showed me once, but I just couldn't face it. Besides, I hadn't seen her for two weeks and I wanted to.
Drove to Ojai after lunch. El was just finishing up student report cards on her computer (the nuns would have dropped their teeth), and we chatted over a glass of iced tea. She had bought new drinking glasses and offered me her other ones. They're nicer than mine, so I took them and will donate mine to the thrift store.
She checked my tires and one was about flat, so she drove us to the gas station and filled it. She told me to check it when I got home, but I forgot and will do when I go out today. Back to her place and I left about 4:00 with many thanks.
Drove into town, parked at the museum, and walked up Main to the library to return a book. Town was jammed--by mostly tourists, I guess--but far from annoying, I find it pleasant and festive By that time, it was after 5 and I bused home happily.
* I seem to get into these low periods every six weeks or two months. I'm not sure why and I'm certainly not suicidal, but I just feel--say, less cheerful and optimistic then I usually do. It has lifted now as it always does after a day or two.
Called Betty to say I'd be up on Tuesday. Called Nancy and was glad to hear she feels better; we remade our Downton Abbey date for Thursday next (I'm getting in the Brit mood.)
I had a list of things I needed/wanted to do and I accomplished most: paid my car registration on-line (incredibly fast and easy); got gas; scanned and sent to son Mike a tedious tax document; got new pot holders at Dollar Tree; and called Ellen to make arrangements to go to her place so she could check the air in my tires. Yes, yes, I know I should do it myself and she showed me once, but I just couldn't face it. Besides, I hadn't seen her for two weeks and I wanted to.
Drove to Ojai after lunch. El was just finishing up student report cards on her computer (the nuns would have dropped their teeth), and we chatted over a glass of iced tea. She had bought new drinking glasses and offered me her other ones. They're nicer than mine, so I took them and will donate mine to the thrift store.
She checked my tires and one was about flat, so she drove us to the gas station and filled it. She told me to check it when I got home, but I forgot and will do when I go out today. Back to her place and I left about 4:00 with many thanks.
Drove into town, parked at the museum, and walked up Main to the library to return a book. Town was jammed--by mostly tourists, I guess--but far from annoying, I find it pleasant and festive By that time, it was after 5 and I bused home happily.
* I seem to get into these low periods every six weeks or two months. I'm not sure why and I'm certainly not suicidal, but I just feel--say, less cheerful and optimistic then I usually do. It has lifted now as it always does after a day or two.
Saturday, September 28, 2019
Doin' My Thing
Went to T.O.P.S. and even stayed for the B-OR-I-N-N-G "program," which consisted of the six people there reading some stuff about the keto and paleo diets. I'm surprised I lasted through it. However, I was pleased to have lost 1.6, bringing me to 131.2, not quite within my desired "zone," but close.
When I got home, I checked my messages and found that John White, whom I had met at the poetry thing Thursday night, had called me. He's an artist (abstract), about 80, but looks a lot younger, and seems to have a variety of physical problems. He uses a walker and I found out later he has to have a hip replacement and that his legs and feet are badly swollen. He had left the address of his studio, so I hopped on the bus after lunch and dropped in.
We chatted for fifteen or so until his "assistant" came in. I assume she's not a certified aide because she's a college student, maybe 19 or 20 and he pays her directly. He mentioned that he's an "event performer," besides being an artist. He described going to the poetry group (he doesn't do poetry), smashing a banana on his head, wiping it off with his hand, then going around the room asking people to shake hands. (Where in the HELL do these people find me?) He invited me to go to some kind of "performance" on the weekend. I guess I'd rather do that than hang by my thumbs for three days, but...
Left there and walked Main. Stopped into the archaeological museum (free) and viewed the artifacts, and spoke to the young woman attendant--very intelligent and pleasant person and I enjoyed it. Went up to the library to get the bus. Got off at the mall and got my blueberries at Target, then home.
I stopped into Suzanne's, who had been away last weekend, also, and we had an enjoyed catching-up talk.
Cooked up my ground turkey/shredded onions/sliced peppers/garlic stir-fry and it was yummy.
When I got home, I checked my messages and found that John White, whom I had met at the poetry thing Thursday night, had called me. He's an artist (abstract), about 80, but looks a lot younger, and seems to have a variety of physical problems. He uses a walker and I found out later he has to have a hip replacement and that his legs and feet are badly swollen. He had left the address of his studio, so I hopped on the bus after lunch and dropped in.
We chatted for fifteen or so until his "assistant" came in. I assume she's not a certified aide because she's a college student, maybe 19 or 20 and he pays her directly. He mentioned that he's an "event performer," besides being an artist. He described going to the poetry group (he doesn't do poetry), smashing a banana on his head, wiping it off with his hand, then going around the room asking people to shake hands. (Where in the HELL do these people find me?) He invited me to go to some kind of "performance" on the weekend. I guess I'd rather do that than hang by my thumbs for three days, but...
Left there and walked Main. Stopped into the archaeological museum (free) and viewed the artifacts, and spoke to the young woman attendant--very intelligent and pleasant person and I enjoyed it. Went up to the library to get the bus. Got off at the mall and got my blueberries at Target, then home.
I stopped into Suzanne's, who had been away last weekend, also, and we had an enjoyed catching-up talk.
Cooked up my ground turkey/shredded onions/sliced peppers/garlic stir-fry and it was yummy.
Friday, September 27, 2019
Robocalls and Poetry
A here-and-there, this-and-that, good-and-not-so-good day.
Stripped the bed, re-made, and did a load of wash, finishing before 9:15. Called Nancy and found that she's less tired, but has muscle spasms that are bothering her a lot, plus her bad knee is no better. We decided to skip Downtown Abbey today and go next week. We did have a long and enjoyable talk.
At Sprouts, Wal-Mart, and Von's, I replenished my supply of shrimp and a few other things. I found out at Starbucks that the gift card somebody gave me two and a half years ago for my eightieth still has twenty-five dollars on it. That's because I never used it, as I never seem to have any reason to go to Starbucks. Must remember to get something there.
I packed up the stamps I had acquired from Sheri and Ken for my little grandson in Tokyo and walked to the P.O. to mail them. What!? They'd be more than fourteen bucks because they were in a "package"--a small manila envelope, but it was only three ounces. I'm going to repack them and maybe send them in three shipments in standard envelopes.
I'm on a crusade to fight back against robocalls, but now I quit for this reason: I got a call from an outfit called Health Enrollment Center. I asked the recorded voice--"Donna"--where they were located and was passed over to a man who sounded like a sixth-grade dropout fresh out of San Quentin. He asked me questions, such as my age ("fifty-seven") and after I tired of talking to him, I told him to go (something) himself and hung up. Incredibly, he called me back and called me a "miserable little bitch." I immediately went to the police station for advice (I knew they didn't handle it) and was directed to the Federal Trade Commission. Filed a complaint, which will probably do no good at all. Just for my info, the reference number is 111-928-535.
Unbelievably, as I was getting out of the car at the police station, I got a call from a man with an accent selling some kind of "car protection." I told him to drop dead and he responded with curses, also. I'm wondering if those two lousy outfits use the same people on the phone.
Went to the Open Mic Poetry group last night. It started at 7:30 and lasted until after 9:00. There were probably thirty people there and after some remarks and pushing of a book written by some of them, people who had signed up to do so recited their supposed-to-be-short poems. With one exception, every single one of them read what they had written and with the same one exception, all were free-form, i.e., not rhymed. I'm with Robert Frost on this; he said, "Writing free verse is like playing tennis with the net down." Seems to me free form is often boring and self-indulgent; it sure seemed so last night.
That exception I mentioned? Yours truly. I recited from memory my poem "Cabin Fever," which went over very big, actually, I'm not sure whether that's because I was new--everyone else seemed to know each other--or because you could actually follow the story. In truth, it's a damn good poem, of which I'm proud.
Anyway, it lasted until well after 9:00 and I didn't get home until ten. I greatly dislike driving at night and was nervous going home. I know I could take a bus there and the Access van home if I wanted to continue with this group, but I don't. For one thing, there was a surprising amount of political talk--I don't mean poetry, but once a number of people got to the podium, they saw fit to deplore the present situation and malign Trump.
I wasn't surprised to realize this is the kind of tiresome ultra-neo-lib group who think all will be well once the democrats get back in. The idea that the problems are systemic (capitalism, endless war) seems not to have occurred to them. I'm probably drawing too fine a line here, but most of their "poetry" seemed boring and self-indulgent.
I'm glad I went because I satisfied my curiosity about the group and know for sure it's not for me.
Stripped the bed, re-made, and did a load of wash, finishing before 9:15. Called Nancy and found that she's less tired, but has muscle spasms that are bothering her a lot, plus her bad knee is no better. We decided to skip Downtown Abbey today and go next week. We did have a long and enjoyable talk.
At Sprouts, Wal-Mart, and Von's, I replenished my supply of shrimp and a few other things. I found out at Starbucks that the gift card somebody gave me two and a half years ago for my eightieth still has twenty-five dollars on it. That's because I never used it, as I never seem to have any reason to go to Starbucks. Must remember to get something there.
I packed up the stamps I had acquired from Sheri and Ken for my little grandson in Tokyo and walked to the P.O. to mail them. What!? They'd be more than fourteen bucks because they were in a "package"--a small manila envelope, but it was only three ounces. I'm going to repack them and maybe send them in three shipments in standard envelopes.
I'm on a crusade to fight back against robocalls, but now I quit for this reason: I got a call from an outfit called Health Enrollment Center. I asked the recorded voice--"Donna"--where they were located and was passed over to a man who sounded like a sixth-grade dropout fresh out of San Quentin. He asked me questions, such as my age ("fifty-seven") and after I tired of talking to him, I told him to go (something) himself and hung up. Incredibly, he called me back and called me a "miserable little bitch." I immediately went to the police station for advice (I knew they didn't handle it) and was directed to the Federal Trade Commission. Filed a complaint, which will probably do no good at all. Just for my info, the reference number is 111-928-535.
Unbelievably, as I was getting out of the car at the police station, I got a call from a man with an accent selling some kind of "car protection." I told him to drop dead and he responded with curses, also. I'm wondering if those two lousy outfits use the same people on the phone.
Went to the Open Mic Poetry group last night. It started at 7:30 and lasted until after 9:00. There were probably thirty people there and after some remarks and pushing of a book written by some of them, people who had signed up to do so recited their supposed-to-be-short poems. With one exception, every single one of them read what they had written and with the same one exception, all were free-form, i.e., not rhymed. I'm with Robert Frost on this; he said, "Writing free verse is like playing tennis with the net down." Seems to me free form is often boring and self-indulgent; it sure seemed so last night.
That exception I mentioned? Yours truly. I recited from memory my poem "Cabin Fever," which went over very big, actually, I'm not sure whether that's because I was new--everyone else seemed to know each other--or because you could actually follow the story. In truth, it's a damn good poem, of which I'm proud.
Anyway, it lasted until well after 9:00 and I didn't get home until ten. I greatly dislike driving at night and was nervous going home. I know I could take a bus there and the Access van home if I wanted to continue with this group, but I don't. For one thing, there was a surprising amount of political talk--I don't mean poetry, but once a number of people got to the podium, they saw fit to deplore the present situation and malign Trump.
I wasn't surprised to realize this is the kind of tiresome ultra-neo-lib group who think all will be well once the democrats get back in. The idea that the problems are systemic (capitalism, endless war) seems not to have occurred to them. I'm probably drawing too fine a line here, but most of their "poetry" seemed boring and self-indulgent.
I'm glad I went because I satisfied my curiosity about the group and know for sure it's not for me.
Thursday, September 26, 2019
Triple A And Happy Hour
Called the AAA claims adjuster, Melissa, and told her my take on the guy whose car I hit in September, 2018; he's claiming $4000 worth of injury, the lying jackal. I told Melissa he seemed perfectly fine to me, having gotten out of his car and spoken to me. Now, of course, he has neck, back, and other injuries, although how my little Ford could cause that much injury to him in his big RV is beyond me.
Well, the hell with it. I think I'll just pay the registration and the next month's insurance, then go with what Carlota told me yesterday about lowering the payments. In the meantime, I'll try to sell the car and get a less expensive one and just insure it for it as required.
My friend, Vera, lived in Ventura Del Sol years ago and mentioned a footbridge over the freeway nearby. I found it yesterday morning, walked over, and was happy to see it's a direct route to the Hill Street branch of the library. It's a good walk, too, maybe a mile and a half there and back, and includes inclines on both sides--good for the legs.
Before lunch, I went through my closet and picked out three nice jackets I know I'll never wear, so took them over to Diane, who likes them a lot. Had a glass of iced tea with her.
Showered and changed for Happy Hour and met Diane and Carolyn at Cafe Fiore. Nancy had sent a message that she was unusually tired and needed to skip it this time. She's due for her infusion, but the nurse who does it wasn't in; I can't imagine why she wasn't notified, as she went all the way there. I think her hemoglobin has dipped much too low. I hope she's okay for our movie excursion tomorrow.
H.H. at Cafe Fiore was good--Carolyn and I had the antipasto plate, Diane the goat cheese fritters. Carolyn was much more talkative and "with it" than usual. I'm not sure if that's because there were only two of us otherwise or what. Diane and I had a bit of a wrangle over her ga-ga ideas re anything supernatural that comes down the pike. When I questioned, she accused me of never accepting any new ideas. However, we're okay after--I just wish she would make these new agey, anti-science pronouncements so often.
Called Ellen from the bus, then home. I was a bit concerned, but she called me later to say she had been in the shower. I don't know why I have such worries and fears, but not sure how to avoid them.
Well, the hell with it. I think I'll just pay the registration and the next month's insurance, then go with what Carlota told me yesterday about lowering the payments. In the meantime, I'll try to sell the car and get a less expensive one and just insure it for it as required.
My friend, Vera, lived in Ventura Del Sol years ago and mentioned a footbridge over the freeway nearby. I found it yesterday morning, walked over, and was happy to see it's a direct route to the Hill Street branch of the library. It's a good walk, too, maybe a mile and a half there and back, and includes inclines on both sides--good for the legs.
Before lunch, I went through my closet and picked out three nice jackets I know I'll never wear, so took them over to Diane, who likes them a lot. Had a glass of iced tea with her.
Showered and changed for Happy Hour and met Diane and Carolyn at Cafe Fiore. Nancy had sent a message that she was unusually tired and needed to skip it this time. She's due for her infusion, but the nurse who does it wasn't in; I can't imagine why she wasn't notified, as she went all the way there. I think her hemoglobin has dipped much too low. I hope she's okay for our movie excursion tomorrow.
H.H. at Cafe Fiore was good--Carolyn and I had the antipasto plate, Diane the goat cheese fritters. Carolyn was much more talkative and "with it" than usual. I'm not sure if that's because there were only two of us otherwise or what. Diane and I had a bit of a wrangle over her ga-ga ideas re anything supernatural that comes down the pike. When I questioned, she accused me of never accepting any new ideas. However, we're okay after--I just wish she would make these new agey, anti-science pronouncements so often.
Called Ellen from the bus, then home. I was a bit concerned, but she called me later to say she had been in the shower. I don't know why I have such worries and fears, but not sure how to avoid them.
Wednesday, September 25, 2019
Cauliflower And My Car*
Went to WinCo for cauliflower and spinach, then to the 99 Cent store for various. AAA is right across the street, so I impulsively stopped in to ask about my horrendous insurance rise.
I'm glad I did; I spoke to a lovely young woman--Carlota--who couldn't be more intelligent, knowledgeable, and courteous. She told me my accident would have put me in a number 1 category--the least worst, I take it--but because the guy I hit said he had suffered injuries, it placed me in number 2, with the much higher premium.
WHAT? Since when did he suffer injuries? He got out of his vehicle--by the way, not a little Ford Fiesta like mine, but a big RV--spoke to me, walking fine, talking fine, no blood pouring into the road--in short, I think he's a scam artist. I'm even more convinced of the since I looked him up on White Pages; he has 25 violations. Anyway, I told this to Carlota and she gave me the name and number of the claims examiner, whom I'll call today.
We also discussed the possibility of me selling my car, then buying a very inexpensive one and just having the required insurance. I'd be fine with that, especially I intend to keep taking the bus for the most part.
Speaking of which, I took one after lunch to town (after preparing the cauliflower and putting it in the slow cooker with spices), walked Main Street from the library and back again. Stopped in and read for a while, took out another book, then back to the bus. I left it at the mall/transit center and walked down to Target to get more blueberries, then home.
Aside from that, nothing much going on.
*That's a silly heading, but I just love alliteration.
I'm glad I did; I spoke to a lovely young woman--Carlota--who couldn't be more intelligent, knowledgeable, and courteous. She told me my accident would have put me in a number 1 category--the least worst, I take it--but because the guy I hit said he had suffered injuries, it placed me in number 2, with the much higher premium.
WHAT? Since when did he suffer injuries? He got out of his vehicle--by the way, not a little Ford Fiesta like mine, but a big RV--spoke to me, walking fine, talking fine, no blood pouring into the road--in short, I think he's a scam artist. I'm even more convinced of the since I looked him up on White Pages; he has 25 violations. Anyway, I told this to Carlota and she gave me the name and number of the claims examiner, whom I'll call today.
We also discussed the possibility of me selling my car, then buying a very inexpensive one and just having the required insurance. I'd be fine with that, especially I intend to keep taking the bus for the most part.
Speaking of which, I took one after lunch to town (after preparing the cauliflower and putting it in the slow cooker with spices), walked Main Street from the library and back again. Stopped in and read for a while, took out another book, then back to the bus. I left it at the mall/transit center and walked down to Target to get more blueberries, then home.
Aside from that, nothing much going on.
*That's a silly heading, but I just love alliteration.
Tuesday, September 24, 2019
Monday
Spent a horrendous morning on financial crapola, which involved Macy's/American Express, one of my many Visa cards, and the godforsaken Bank of America. However, I got everything taken care of, including a late charge of--get this: twenty-seven dollars for a thirty dollar charge I paid three days late! I got them to rescind that, at least--guess I screamed loud enough.
After the terrific weekend, I was a little low for some reason. However, I resolved to go to Oxnard and stop in to see Greg and that cheered me up. First called Nancy and we made a date to see Downton Abbey at the Century in town, then lunch at Dargan's on Friday.
Hmm...but Friday: I'm not sure whether to skip T.O.P.S. or go by car, weigh in, then leave, have breakfast, and take the bus to town. I could just get Cheryl to pick me up, weigh in, then walk to the Transit Center, as I did before. However, that would mean I'd skip breakfast and won't get to eat at all until close to 2:00. Mulling it over.
Went to Oxnard, but Greg wasn't working yesterday. No prob, I just moseyed around, bought blueberries at Target, then boarded the first of three buses back to Ventura. Betty called to ask if I was coming to SB today--no, I just saw her, plus she has a doctor's appointment--but we chatted a bit.
I impulsively got off at Victoria and Telephone and walked the mile and some home--better for me.
Ellen called after dinner and we discussed Craig's List and my car. I'll address that today and see if I can get it on.
After the terrific weekend, I was a little low for some reason. However, I resolved to go to Oxnard and stop in to see Greg and that cheered me up. First called Nancy and we made a date to see Downton Abbey at the Century in town, then lunch at Dargan's on Friday.
Hmm...but Friday: I'm not sure whether to skip T.O.P.S. or go by car, weigh in, then leave, have breakfast, and take the bus to town. I could just get Cheryl to pick me up, weigh in, then walk to the Transit Center, as I did before. However, that would mean I'd skip breakfast and won't get to eat at all until close to 2:00. Mulling it over.
Went to Oxnard, but Greg wasn't working yesterday. No prob, I just moseyed around, bought blueberries at Target, then boarded the first of three buses back to Ventura. Betty called to ask if I was coming to SB today--no, I just saw her, plus she has a doctor's appointment--but we chatted a bit.
I impulsively got off at Victoria and Telephone and walked the mile and some home--better for me.
Ellen called after dinner and we discussed Craig's List and my car. I'll address that today and see if I can get it on.
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