FRIDAY

 Disaster at the scale!  I was up 2.6 at home and 2.7 at T.O.P.S., so 133.4 and 134.7, respectively. Okay, I know why--because I haven't been getting three or four daily miles or, for that matter, almost any other exercise. To make it worse, being more or less stuck at home, I've been indulging in--well, what I shouldn't. 

At the meeting, Maryann proposed we keep a kind of daily diary (she related to the theme of the ep who addressed us last week), possibly along with a daily phone call to encourage sticking to the program. I opted out, mostly because I want to turn my full attention to my health issues.  I also told the group I'll  be attending only monthly, so the next time I go will be the day after Thanksgiving. (See below for two of our devilish members.)

Home at 10:30 and didn't get breakfast until after 11:00. Did some food prep: I had a pound of mushrooms and a green pepper; sliced them up and pan fried with a little olive oil. Not bad as a side dish. Had a big salad for lunch, then kind of futzed around with little chores. About 5:00, the doorbell rang and it was two little boys dressed as some kind of sports outfits and that was the sum total of my t. or t. visitors. Instead of sweets, I give out four quarters; kids get much too much sugar as it is. (That's me, Mrs. Scrooge 😠.)

Mike facetimed me about 8:00 and we had a long discussion about--well, I might as well be honest: his mother's future. He heads up my team of financial advisors, the four people I trust the most in the world, although he can be a pain at times (unlike his mother, who is the epitome of saintliness). With my input, he worked up a spread sheet while we explored independent living options and we'll go on from there.                                                           💀💀💀💀💀💀 💀💀💀💀

                                                      

Above Sharon and her Boo-Day garb.

                                                         

Above: leader Lennie and her Halloween chapeau.  

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WEDNESDAY WITH MY GIRL

Boy, it was a pretty active day. I had slept very little, but revived pretty well once I got dressed. Put in a color wash, breakfasted, then tried to nap, but couldn't. However, I wasn't too draggy. especially once Ellen got here about 12:30. We chatted for a bit, then drove over to Nails Elegance. While I got a much meeded pedi, El drove to Primary Medical to get the application for a handicapped parking sticker for me. The idea is that I'll carry it with me to use for whatever car I happen to be in. She also stopped at the Post Office to get me some international stamps and mail something to Singapore.

Once my toes were finished, El picked me up and we drove to AAA for me to show identification. I had taken my passport in order to do that, but damn, the didn't accept it. It has to be a drivers' license or a senior I.D., neither of which I own yet own. We'll go to the DMV on Monday, when we go back to Primary Medical. 

We had a good lunch at Spring Garden (Chinese), then went home to put my goods away prepare for Von's. First, El and I went to the office to ask about the lease thing. It seems that if I sign a 9-month lease, the rent will go up by only $73 a month. If I stay month-to-month, it will rise by $151 a month, twice as much. I wanted to ask the office manager, if I  signed the nine-month, but for medical reasons, moved to a facility, could I be revert back to the 9-month?  He said he'd consult the attorneys at headquarters. 

We then went over to Von's and I got the things I hadn't when I shopped to WinCo with Suzanne the other day. By that time, it was close to 6:00 and after I put my goods away, El and I chatted for a bit, then said goodbye. 

Besides all the above. , on Monday, El is going with me to Primary Medical to talk to the P.A. and we'll stop at the DMV--I hope to finally get a valid official license. For the life of me, I cannot fathom how she remains so patient with my frequent crabbiness. I'm glad her house is almost finished and that she's in good health and settling into her new life. 

T.O.P.S. today, to which I'm not looking forward. 

WEDNESDAY WITH JEANNE AND JOHN

Cheryl picked me up at 11:30, which is about three hours earlier than my preferred lunch time. That was okay, though, as it was for her birthday. Went to Hill Street Cafe and had a good time. I had a Reuban, which was okay, but not nearly as good as Jersey ones, as there are too few Jewish people here to make the best ones. Talked and laughed and so on, about our various maladies, including blood pressure; hers seems pretty good most of the time. We're bring our BP monitors to T.O.P.S. tomorrow to compare them. Cheryl dropped me off about 1:00 and I took an hour's nap.

Ellen called and we talked for quite a long time, setting up our agenda for today. That includes a pedicure, the post office, and Von's for me, a furniture store for her, and lunch at Chinese Garden for both of us. 

Jeanne Painter called to ask if I'll look at three pictures of John and her to see which I think best. I chose this--an elegant couple, suave and sophisticated, delighted with life, which I guess, was pretty much the case. It was taken fifteen years ago, during a cruise.  Now John is gone and Jeanne is ninety. As we all know at this point, time is a thief. 

TUESDAY

I slept well and when I got up, stripped the bed before Suzanne and I left for WinCo at 9:00 AM. Home, I had breakfast before I washed the sheets, then did a load of whites. Did some food prep, namely a big salad, with the produce I bought at WinCo--romaine, two kinds of tomatoes, green peppers, and cucumber; later added hard-boiled eggs, using my chop wizard, julienne, and assorted knifes and salad utensils. Ate some of it as a late breakfast. Later, after a few minor chores, I made a tuna sandwich for lunch and ate on the patio. 

Watched something of little interest* on T.V., then took a nap on the couch. I considered going out to get the mail, but thought better of it in light of my fall on Monday. Showered and washed my hair.

El called and we discussed our agenda for tomorrow. I need to get my toenails cut, so will make an appointment for noon while El looks at furniture. BTW, she already got the wig I sent for playing Judge Ginsburg and is delighted with it. Can't wait to see pictures. 

Lunch with Cheryl today

 *So little, I don't remember what it was. 

MONDAY

Had a mishap yesterday, but it wasn't too bad. I had packed up the gray wig I've worn at Dudley House, thinking Ellen might be able to use it with her Judge Ginsburg costume. Put it in my cart and started off to the post office. I was nervous walking there and took El's advice about using the crosswalk, but even so, crossing Victoria Avenue scared me, so I reluctantly turned back. Stepping off the curb, I fell. I just scraped my knees and a kind man and woman driving past, stopped, helped me up and to the other side of the street. I assured them I could make it back home without further problems. I'm a slow learner, but that experience convinced me I must start using the walker as a regular mode of transportation. 

Home, I texted Suzanne to see if she would take the package to the post office, which she did. I forgot I need international stamps, too, but she and I are going to WinCo today and I'll ask if can stop to get them then.

El asked when I was available in the next few days, and we picked Thursday. We'll stop at Primary Medical, then the DMV to get her handicapped sticker, then--natch--go to lunch.  

Made lunch and took it--with the walker--out to the middle to eat. It was very quiet and serene, neighbors at work, the children at school and I again consciously realize how much I like it here.. After that, I took a nap, then futzed around with this and that. Suzanne and I will go to WinCo in two hours--good thing, as I need a re-supply of staples. 

SATURDAY, SUNDAY, AND RUTH BADER GINSBURG

Saturday: As it turned out, I didn't take the laptop to Ojai. Ellen urged me to leave it and that was all right with  me, as my suitcase, although on wheels, was pretty hefty. Anyway, she got here about 3:30, we stopped at a few stores, then zoomed over to her place.

Oh, boy, it's terrific. The contractor isn't quite finished, but most of it's done, including the "catio," Ellen's bedroom and bath, the dishwasher and trash pull-out, and some minor outdoor stuff . Still in the works is the gutter replacement and some refinements in the kitchen. It's just lovely--not at all stuffy or old-fashioned, but not looking too jarringly new, either. I took pictures, but Ellen prefers that I wait to post until the project is finished, so I will. 

Greg met us and we went to Sea Fresh for dinner. I wasn't too hungry and just had an appetizer, as I often do. In this case, I chose Oysters Rockefeller, which, accompanied with a Purple Tears IPA  was yummy. (BTW, my meal was as expensive as the full dinners El and Greg had, but I didn't care.) After, we indulged in our usual cutthroat gin rummy game with much hilarity and groaning with woe.    

Sunday: Got up about 8:30 and just poked around a bit, then drove into town (Ojai) and visited some shops, including the Help of Ojai thrift store--yes, the same charity for which Suzy and I were going teach the acting class. El is going to a Halloween party, to which she decided to go as the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the former Supreme Court Judge:    

El found a black robe (probably part of a high school graduate's cape and gown) and will pair it with the kind of lacy color RBG wore. I bought three inexpensive little Halloween items that I'll displace outside my door on Halloween.

Back at El's, she made us salad and toast (with bagel seasoning, which I put on my shopping list) and we ate on the catio. I was amazed that the proprietors, Gwennie and Cessie permitted it, but they did--grudgingly--and it was great in the lovely sunshine.

Greg came over after and, yes, we started again on yet another session of gin rummy. In a rut? If so, it's one of the most enjoyable there is for me. It was interrupted the arrival of the Access Van at 5:00, so we had to say goodbye after a wonderful weekend with my girl.  

Got in, put my things away, then stopped for a chat with Suzanne. We had a good talk, including about our future living arrangements; also, I accepted her invitation to go to WinCo today (Tuesday),  so that should fill the cupboard. I showed Suzanne Ellen's new jigsaw puzzle holder and was amused that Suzanne had bought one, too. Also showed her the pic of Sharon I took on Friday and the AI modification I engineered:

Suzanne got a kick out of it and, I'm sure, so will Sharon.

FRIDAY

Weight was up, which didn't surprise me, as I've had several off days when I got little walking in, let alone the three miles and more I used to cover. It wasn't too bad, though: I was up 1.4 at home to 130.8 and up 1.5 to 131.5 at T.O.P.S. The meeting was pretty interesting, as it wasn't one of our usual mundane sessions. Instead, an area T.O.P.S. rep spoke on "Self-Acceptance."  It's recommended that we keep a "Gratitude Journal, "Accomplishment Jar," and "Step-by-Step Self-Care Plan," along with other fifth-grade activities. Being a natural born cynic, I was a little sneer-y at first, but I actually enjoyed it. The speaker, Foster Howlett,* is a member of another T.O.P.S. group and had lost 46 pounds--very personable and he had us engaged: 

Sharon had on a cutie-pie, Snoopy outfit with out-standing earrings:

For some reason, Sharon had brought toasted bagels, a vegetable tray, dips, and tableware. I guess she figured that, with a guest speaker, we might as well make a party of it. However, we didn't adjourn until late and the others wanted to leave. What to do? It was obvious Sharon and I had to eat it, so I told Cheryl to go ahead if Sharon's son would take me home.  She did and he did, but not until Sharon and I talked for a good hour, while indulging in the goodies.

Sharon's is hardly the quiet, retiring type, but I find that enjoyable with her. She went on and on about her background, children, grandchildren, great-grands--well, you get the picture. I won't repeat her somewhat startling--but interesting to me--narrative, but talk about soap opera material--. 

We finally left and Sharon's son, Chaucis (?) helped me into the van. I had to sit in the back seat (because Sharon, who is disabled, can only manage the front) and I had a difficult time getting in, but C. helped. Didn't get home until almost noon. 

Later, I called Cheryl to ask when and where she wanted us to lunch to celebrate her birthday. We decided on Wednesday at the Hill Street Cafe and I'm looking forward to it. Also avidly looking forward to this afternoon when Ellen will pick me up about 3:00 and I'll stay over her newly-renovated place. Can't wait to see it, especially the catio!

Got this darling card from the Tokyo Trio: 

As ever, I'm charged to obscuring identification here, but will send the full one via email.

Unfortunately, I had a terrible time sleeping last night. El isn't picking me up until 3:00, so I'll try to nap for a time after lunch. 

* When we chatted after his talk, I asked Foster if he had ever auditioned for shows, as he has a strong voice and good presence. No, he said, but he was a member of singing group which appears here and there. I told him about Fractured Actors and gave him my card. If he's interested, I'll introduce him to F.A.