Tuesday

Went over to Quest for my blood test and was home before 8:00. Had breakfast, did a few Christmasy things, then geared up to meet Diane at the Hill Street Cafe. We finally got our liver and onions, but it may have been the worst meal I've ever had. The liver was overdone and tough, the onions and broccoli just the opposite. If I had been paying, I would have sent it back, but I didn't want to hurt Diane's feelings--after all, she was treating me for my birthday. Well, the Modelo was good.

Other than that, we had a good time. Incredibly, we sat and talked for three and a half hours. We always have lots to say to each other and yesterday, it ranged all over the map. I gave Diane her Christmas gifts of Irish Cream and funny socks that say "Give Me Some Wine." We finally got up, hugged goodbye, and Hill Street Cafe was probably glad to see us go.

Went over to Hallmark to get some Christmas stickers to put on cards and so on. I was disappointed with the choices, but got two kinds. Now I must buckle down and finish Christmas cards, plus--urgent!--pack for my trip. Nervous? On edge? Why no-o-o, of course not--AAGH! 

Monday

 Whew, whew, and double whew. "Busy" turned to hectic yesterday. I walked to the P.O. and discovered that the small packages I was sending to Japan would total more than fifty bucks in postage. I knew the Capo of the Tokyo Trio would have fits and conniptions if I spent that for the modest presents, so I took the larger box home, removed a few things, repackaged, and walked back. It's three-quarters of a mile each way, so I got three miles in.  Of course, I could--and have before and heretofore, will--send an Amazon gift card, but there's a reason I didn't do it this time.

After that, I dealt with the other gifts, glad I had finished with those that have to be sent somewhere. That sounds so simple, but when you're dealing with four children, four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, it isn't. Then there are the friend gifts. It worked well to give Julie, Lora, Cheryl, and Diane Irish Creme, but that isn't appropriate for Suzanne and Vickie. We give only token gifts, anyway, and I worked up some cute little one, which include a wooden tree ornament, some small candies, and a hand-painted bookmark by my friend, Lora. I also sent the two little girls in Rancocas--sort of family--Christmas pins I had bought at The Townhouse affair the other day. 

Will leave soon for my blood test today at 7:10--I was glad to get one of the early spots--then my birthday lunch, courtesy of Diane, at noon. Liver and onions--oh, mama, I can't wait!

My bedroom window, at dusk:

Those candles--I have them at the kitchen window, too--were one of my best buys. They have batteries,  of course, but they're light activated. When it gets dark, they go on, with light, they turn off, so I just put them the windows and forget them. 

Sunday

Busy with various: As I usually do on Sundays, I changed the bed, washed the sheets and whites, then did a color wash, too. I still feel a huge sense of enjoyment about having the washer and dryer in the apartment. I often put in a load when I get up--5:00 or so--and by the time I finish breakfast, it will be dry and ready to fold and put away.

Ate, did the crossword (so-so), then completed a fair amount of food prep. To begin with, I put together the third (and final for this season, I hope), batch of Molloy's Irish Creme:

I'll be giving Diane the small bottle on the left and will save the rest for company. It's useful to know that this is one batch, so I'll have some idea of what containers to get in the future. 

I also cored and Stevia-upped four apples, cooked them in the microwave, then labelled and put them in the freezer for later. In addition, I melted chocolate and used my Santa and Christmas tree molds (what ever possessed me?) to make candy:

By the time I finished all this, I was ready for a break, so I hard-boiled some eggs, made myself a sandwich, packed it and a beer in my lunch thing, and took off. I had intended to go into town and eat at the place across from the mission, but changed my mind and went to the mall. That was just enough of a little excursion and, as I should have known, the mall was jammed, so I just bused home. Took a half-hour nap and felt refreshed when I got up.

😮😮😮😮😮

Bulletin: Incredible--yesterday, I got WORDLE with my first word! (It was "chain.")

Wordle 904 1/6

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Now I have to confess that I keep track of my Wordle, Collections, and Blossom daily results in a little book. Yesterday, I got Collections and, for me, that's less common than not getting it (especially when they blindside you with names of current rock bands and so on) and came up only one short of my highest Blossom score, which was 234. (My friend, Diane, would say the planets were in alignment or some such thing--and she'd be serious!) Incidentally, anyone who enjoys Wordle might want to check out Hurdle at Arkadium.com. It's a kind of extended Wordle, but considerably more challenging; I do it every day, but don't keep track. 

Saturday

 Met Lora at 9:00 at Starbucks and we got bagels and coffee, then ate in her car. And talked. And talked. And it was so good. She has some major family problems, I have some fairly minor personal concerns (who doesn't?) and it was so good to talk frankly with somebody compatible. At 68, Lora could be my daughter, but we've developed a close friendship and can confide in each other freely. She gave me a pretty candle for my birthday; hers is in June and I'll be sure to commemorate it.

She had to go to Michael's after and I went along, looking for loose-leaf hole reinforcements, but they had none. We stopped The Market next and both picked up some items. After we said goodbye (with many expressions of affection and wishes for a nice holiday), I walked the block to Wal-Mart and finally, at long last, found loose-leaf hole reinforcements. Bused home, had lunch, showered, then took a 45-minute nap. 

Jim arrived about 5:15,, Suzanne came out, and Vickie strolled over, bringing me a birthday gift, and the four of us drove to the Townehouse. It was, of course, festively arrayed; I especially liked the entrance: 

Enjoyed the strolling carollers, too: 

Jim and I enjoyed the champagne (S. and V. had water), but I was surprised at the food offered. It was all cookies and cupcakes--elaborate and delicious ones, of course (I met the chef/baker when Jim and I were there a few months ago and he's a culinary artist), but when I drink alcohol, I want savory, not sweet. However, I managed to gobble about ten thousand calories worth, washed down by champagne. It was a fun outing, 

Friday

Home, I stayed at 127.4, so neither gained nor lost from last week. At T.O.P.S., I was up by 1.8 pounds, for a weight of 129.4, barely within my comfort zone. I'm not so sure that's an accurate reading, but I won't obsess over it. The meeting went quickly and my Irish Creme made a big hit (we didn't drink it there, naturally). Here's our leader, Lennie, showing off her reindeer sweater:                                                                                 

I'm amazed at how messy her hair looks. She actually has very attractive, naturally wavy hair, and usually keeps it trim. Anyhoo, the meeting went okay, although I didn't get breakfast until 10:00, and that's always problematic for me. 

After, I wrapped the Jersey boys' gifts, a beard-grooming set for Joel, Sr., and journals for Junior and Tristan. I'm not so sure they'll keep them, but I hope so. I also wrapped a birthday gift for Hannah, Senior's girlfriend; we share the date I wrote her an amusing (I hope it's amusing) letter, and added it. Put the packages in my cart and trekked to the post office to send them off, thn stopped at Von's for eggs and stuff.

On the way home, I realized I was hungry. It was 3:00, so why would I be hungry so soon after lunch?  Wait--lunch? I then realized I hadn't eaten lunch. Went home and had half a tuna sandwich and a bowl of stewed tomatoes. Gave Suzanne back the lifter/wheeler thing she had lent me and stopped in to chat for a bit.  

I had seen an ad for a sleep patch and sent for it; will see if it has any validity. I'm also expecting two other gift items I had ordered, which should get here soon. Talked to Lora and we made a date to have coffee this morning at 9:00, right across the way at Starbucks. I want to confide in her about a few things going on in my life and I know she's sympathetic. 

Added note: My daughter-in-law, Paula, is a managing partner at a design firm in the U.S. and Asia. Here she is a few months ago (it's hard to believe she's 53) with her and Mike's youngest, my granddaughter, Violet:

                                      

At her company, they have themed Christmas parties--obviously, the one below was "hippy/flower child." Can you pick out Paula in this picture? 

                      

Thursday

Another full day. I asked Suzanne to lend me her wheely-thing--like a light-weight hand cart--so I can take my gifts (the Irish Creme, all in glass containers) to T.O.P.S. this morning. Of course, she did, but it's still going to be a hassle getting to the meeting. I called Cheryl, who picks me up, just to warn her it may take a bit to get it into the car.

After breakfast, I called Muckie and we, as always, had a good, long talk. She told me that Bob Hartman died a few days ago. He and (somebody--can't remember the name) had been a couple at Holy Spirit, then they broke up and he started going with, and subsequently married (ditto about the name), the original, HSHS sweetheart.  She died years later, then he and the first one got back together and were married for fifteen years or so. Muckie herself is doing okay. Her condition is never "better," but seems to be holding steady, which is all you can hope for, I guess.  I had to cut our usual hour-long conversation short, as I had a 10:20 appointment at Pacific Physical Therapy. 

Spend a half hour there, then bussed to Office Depot for printer ink. Yes, I could--and have--ordered it on-line, but I didn't want to wait. From there, I went to the other Target (not the one at the mall) and succumbed to my addiction, grapefruit, and bought two.  Also bought eight C batteries for the "candle" lights for my windows. I like them because they're darkness activated, so you don't have to think about turning them on and off. I looked there and at several other stores for loose-leaf paper hole reinforcements--nope, nobody had them. Finally gave up and bused home.  

Went back and forth texting with Greg as to a possible meet-up for his birthday, but nothing has been settled yet. Also talked to Ellen on the subject. Tomorrow, Suzanne, Vickie, and I are going to The Townhouse or their Christmas celebration and it occurred to me that Jim might want to join us. I called him and, yes, he'd like to go. When I suggested he meet us there, he asked if he could come with us, instead. Sure, so I told him to be here at my place at 5:15.

Here's the little--kind of mediocre, I'm afraid--decoration I put outside Suzanne's and my front doors. 

I might add some more lights--maybe weave them into the wreath.

Wednesday

Note: I don't know how I screwed up the alignment here, but I can't seem to fix it and I quit trying. 

Jumped in the shower after breakfast, then couldn't decide what to wear to the BCNN Christmas luncheon. Should I go casual or--for me--a bit dressed up? Finally decided on dress-up and wore this outfit:

                                                                  

I called Stella to see how her surgery went. Very well, she said; she was still in the hospital, and she and Joshua were eating breakfast in her room. 

Julie picked me, then Bernice, up and off we went to the Oxnard Yacht Club. We had a good time and here are a few pics, including Julie and a tree:

I was startled when I saw her duck into the kitchen (door sign: "employees only") until I remembered she had worked as an accountant at the club for ten years and she was greeting former colleagues.  

Our table, sans Julie, who took the pic. L. to r. are Margaret, me, Regina, and Bernice:

The table settings had a nautical theme:

Some of the group:

An amusing incident: During the party, I received a call from Susan Geldart, my old walking companion, friend, and neighbor in Sunrise Bay. She said she had gotten the gift of a Rosemary plant from California, but she had no idea who had sent it. She put together "Rosemary/California" and naturally figured... But no, it wasn't from me, so it's still a mystery, but we had a fine time catching up with each other's doings.

Home about 2:30 and I finished up my Irish Creme gifts, attaching ribbons and serving info. Those glass containers weigh a ton, so I'll ask to borrow Suzanne's pull-thing, so I can take these to T.O.P.S. tomorrow:

 The larger ones are for Cheryl, who picks me up for the meeting every week, and Lora, who has taken me all over southern California so often. I had given Julie her much larger bottle yesterday and she called after to tell me she was sipping already. She also said she and Lora wanted to take me to lunch for my birthday; I told her I'd like that when I get back from my trip.

Speaking of which: Ellen came after school to drop off my suitcase, which I'll need it for my that. She stayed for a good talk and told me (some of) the trials and tribulations of being a third-grade teacher. She said Greg had decided he didn't want to go out for his birthday dinner tonight after all, and we may later.  I told Jim that, when he happened called shortly thereafter. He said he also wanted to take me to lunch for my birthday--good grief, I've got lunch dates to be lined up in the year 2024!

I called niece Carolyn to tell her I wouldn't be going to Villa Alamar on Tuesday. I saw Betty not too long ago, and besides, Diane is taking me to Hill Street Cafe for liver on that day. As ever, I enjoyed talking to Carolyn and catching up. By that time, it was almost 7:00, but I wanted to try an "Easy Baked Meatballs" recipe my FB friend, Trish, had posted. Did so, substituting ground turkey for beef (I don't eat red meat, as a rule), had some for dinner and it was good.