THURSDAY

Busy day. Got my train tickets for Encinitas on line. Finished most of my packing and tidied up a bit. After that, it was a walk to BOA to get some cash for my trip. I also asked about my safety deposit box. I had lost the key and was told there was a $150 (!)  charge to get a new one or have it opened. Wanting to be sure, I asked them to check and was told that, after all, I had no safety deposit box at Bank of America. Hmm...could it be a different bank? Will check.* 

Walked home the long way over the footbridge, then went to CVS. I wanted to get the eye vitamins the doctor had recommended, but didn't find them. Will look elsewhere. Stopped at Von's and got a number of frozen food items. I like to have them on hand, as I don't always feel like cooking. Had one--a small cheese, mushroom, and spinach pizza--for dinner, along with broccoli. Before that, it was the hot tub (I didn't go in) before it got too chilly.

Practiced a bit on my new cane and today, I'm off to my cousin's in Encinitas on the train--what an adventure!

*Actually, I'm quite sure I closed out the safety deposit box--that's why I have important papers in my brief case. Okay, that's a relief.

WEDNESDAY

Did some packing, plus minor other chores. The SCAN Uber came for me at 1:30 and I got to Miramar Eye early. I was in for mere then an hour, mostly waiting for Dr. T. I didn't care, though, as the news was good: My eyes haven't worsened to a great degree, although I knew the right had for a time. 

Decided to walk to the transit center from there, as I needed exercise and it's not much more than a mile. As I passed Zak Dental, I noticed it was dark and there was a sign on the door. It said they were closed because of a power outage. This has been happening all over Ventura for several days, as the electric company shuts down parts that could be problematic. Darn, I hope it doesn't happen here. 

Bused home, stopping first at the computer place to ask if there was any way I could avoid leaving the laptop for three days. Tyler, the manger, said yes and we agreed I'd bring it on Tuesday and it should be done that day. That means I'll have to postpone lunch with Noreen; I'll call her today. Called Zak to change my appointment from today to next Tuesday.   

Must still finish packing, get my train tickets, and call the Access Van to take me to the train station pick me up on Monday.

TUESDAY AND A NEW FRIEND

An interesting day, enhanced by a new friend: Esther and I had intended to meet in town for lunch, but she called me about 10:00 to offer to pick me up. Sure thing. And how about we go to Wood Ranch, which is much closer than Rice By Mama? Hey, fine by me, and that's what we did. 

I had a wonderful time with Esther. She's 79,  a former nun (Immaculate Mary), now married (to Jerome, who's Jewish), and with two daughters, one of whom is gay. She told me much, much more of her life story and here's an account of one of the most fascinating parts: 

https://www.dailynews.com/2021/07/12/the-story-of-las-activist-nuns-gets-told-in-new-documentary-rebel-hearts/

This brought back to me the turmoil that resulted from Vatican II, a generation before. In fact, my favorite teacher at Holy Spirit, Sister Gabriel, left the convent, also.*  

It was 3:00 before we finally left (I had the Dudley House gathering later) and when she dropped me off, we hugged and vowed to see more of each other. As Suzanne and others kept urging, I actually gathered together a "rescue bag" with essentials in case the fire, which is still raging, comes this way (unlikely, I hope). Along with my brief case with important papers, I had it at the ready. 

I then prepared for the Dudley House covered dish. I had debated with myself whether to actually take it, but decided I would. I renamed it  (I wish I had thought of "failed lemon squares")** and made up a card to accompany it:

The Access Van picked me up at 5:30 and dropped me off at Dudley House much too early--I had to wait for Lynne to get there and unlock. However, it was only a few minutes, and I helped her set up.

There were about 25 there, almost in all the upper reaches of adulthood (😁) and, incredibly, a few older than I am. The speaker, Jill Dolan, is with the Ojai theatre and we sat together for a bit and chatted. As I do with people who interest me, I gave her my card. Did the same with Carole, who said we had met before, but I didn't remember. Jill gave a slide presentation on the history of some of the old trees in Plaza Park. To be perfectly honest, it wasn't Oscar caliber and I got restless sitting so long.  Anyway, it was finally over and I helped Lynne and others clean up, then was finally driven home to get in at the ungodly hour of 9:30! Didn't watch my usual TV, but went right to bed. Unfortunately, I had difficulty sleeping, possibly because I'm apprehensive about my eye doctor appointment this afternoon.

Earlier, I had knocked these boring chores off my list: Did a color wash; called Cheryl to tell her no T.O.P.S. for me this week; again called HEARX for an appointment; closed my account and SO-FI Bank and $34.20 is now mine--wow! 

*Anyone interested in my search for Sister Gabriel, please see the April 3, 2007 entry on this blog--eighteen years ago!  There are also several other entries about her after that date. 

** To my great surprise, a number of people raved about it and it was gone by the end of the evening.

MONDAY

Yesterday, I caught up on a pile of things, some of which I listed below just to keep track for myself. Other than that, I made lemon squares. This is kind of a pain of a recipe; it's tedious using the grater to get the lemon zest off the lemons, plus squeezing a number of them for the juice required. In addition, the recipe said to bake the crust part for 12 minutes until it gets slightly browned. I did that, took it out and after making the custard part, poured it on. Unfortunately, the crust wasn't actually completely done and the dish turned into a kind of lemon pudding. What I think I'll do is say that's what it is, and provide a silver server and small dishes. 

I took a break and had my lunch out in the middle area, which is partly sheltered from the fierce Santa Ana winds. Even then, it was pretty blowy. Went from there over to Von's for IPAs and Hallmark for a card for Sally. Called Noreen, chatted, and we made a lunch date for next Tuesday at Dargan's--I'm booked the rest of this week.

I remembered that my granddaughter, Vivian, had expressed interest in our family--not the ancestor ones, but just what includes my siblings, me, and subsequent offspring. Because he's the one who has provided most of them, I called him. He's doing okay at 92, but couldn't accurately name his children, grands, and great-grands, not to mention all those who married in, then married out via divorce. Okay, I asked to have Karen or Terry call me; they probably have a better handle on it.

Texted back and forth with Duane, my cousin's son and I'll take the train to Encinitas (4 1/2 hours), then stay over his and Ani's place that night and Saturday.  

Today: Lunch at Rice By Mama with my new friend, Esther, then the covered dish at 6:00.

Aside from the above:

1.) I Ordered Ramipril and two of my other medications from Express Scripts, and they'll be sent. 2.) Ordered the Werther's sugarless candy I like from Amazon; 3.) Called St. Mary's Cometary in for a reason I won't go into now; 4.) Tried to subscribe to Venmo, had a problem and will be getting a new debit card.;5.) Called the Access Van to pick me up to go to the covered dish at Dudley House tonight. 6.) Made arrangements to have my laptop and printer taken over to the computer place to see if they can fix it.

And whew!

SUNDAY

I found Jim!

Here's how it happened: I knew he had been taken to see Granny's Care Home in Oxnard, but the social worker at Victorian Care Center had told me he hadn't been "accepted" there, presumably because he couldn't pay for it. For that reason, I hadn't called there, but yesterday morning, thought I'd give it a try. To my surprise, I was told yes, they did have a resident by that name and what's more, I asked to speak to him and was connected immediately. He actually said he was glad to hear from me and he sounded pretty good (for Jim, that is). He even replied "good" when I asked how the food was. We chatted for a few minutes and I told him I'd be in to visit him when I have a chance. I knew he had exhausted his Medicare-paid hundred days at Victoria, so I guess, as Suzanne suggested, he was given another shot at it. Also, I know there's a difference between a skilled nursing center, which Victoria is, and simply a nursing home, which I believe is Granny's Home Care. (I don't believe in capital punishment, but I'll make an exception for the perp who named the place.)

Left for Hill Street and met Diane at noon. Unfortunately, a disaster occurred when I tried to  open my IPA: the pull-tab broke off and I was left with no way to get to  my brewski. This was serious, so what to do? Luckily, Hill Street Cafe is right next to the library and I went there and threw myself on their mercy. Happily, the very pleasant and friendly manager came to my rescue and opened it. He also poured it into a plastic glass with a tight-fitting lid, so I had no problem walking the short distance back to our spot with it.

After that, Diane and settled into our usual sharing and comparing. As we almost always do, we discussed family, our childhoods, and what's right and wrong with the world. Said so long about 3:00 and I walked home, first deviating to Von's for shredded cheese and wheat crackers. 

I decided to make lemon squares to the covered dish tomorrow, so got out most of the ingredients, plus the cookie sheet I'll use for the base, measuring cups and spoons, and so on. I'll make them today, as I won't have time tomorrow since I'm meeting my new friend, Esther, for lunch.

Also decided I don't want to miss cousin Sally's ninetieth on Saturday. I'll get back to Duane, then plan which train to take and so on. 

Soaring Spirits dinner tonight. 

SATURDAY

Neat day. I took the 10, then the 16 to Ojai, then was picked up and transported to Ojai. We soon left for Santa Barbara on a spectacularly lovely day; driving the Pacific Coast Highway was a joy. The sky was blue, the ocean was calm as a lake, and the traffic was bearable.  Arrived in Santa Barbra and to the Petit Valantien. Interestingly, French food is served on week days, Ethiopian fare on weekends. Greg told us the owner is Ethiopian and her husband French, which--I guess--explained it. Greg has eaten here many times and often took his mother. 

It probably goes without saying that I had never had Ethiopian food before. The menu is limited, but we all liked it. I had the luncheon platter, which consists of an entree of beef, chicken, or fish, and two vegetables. It's funny that the kind of fish was listed in Ethiopian, but the English words under it were simply "sauté fish," not "sautéed," and it didn't say what kind of fish.  Anyway, it was good and we all enjoyed it.  Here are Greg and Ellen: 

 Below: note the Ethiopian bread, which is both rolled and under the entree: 

Top is the rolled bread and see the kind of spongy texture under the meal. Anyway, it was yum.

We then drove to the harbor and walked the mile or so along it. While there, I got a call from my brother, Larry and his gang--three of his seven, that is. There were concerned about our safety and it was fun talking to them.

There were lots of people at the harbor enjoying the lovely weather and scenery. We stayed for two hours or so, then drove to Chaucer's books, where Ellen had a gift certificate waiting for me. We browsed for another hour, at least, and I bought three, all true crime, including one on Jeffrey Epstein (never in a million years would I believe he killed himself). 

From there to my place, and we spent some time on unpacking and demonstrating the use of my new canes.  I'm still resisting, but will try to get used to the idea. Said goodbye and I know I'll see my fam and Greg (I think of him as family, also) again soon. 

I got an text invitation for my cousin, Sally's, ninetieth birthday party next Saturday in San Diego. It was send by her son, Duane, and darn, I'd love to go, but am not sure if I can swing it, but I'm definitely leaning toward it. Told Duane I'd let him know on Monday. Coincidentally, Sally herself called me a few hours later to check if the fire was anywhere near. We chatted, but I didn't mention the party, as it's to be a surprise. 

Shortly before dinner, Jeanne Painter called, also asking about the fire. We had a long talk, as we frequently do, after I assured her we were safe and likely to remain so. 

Lib lunch with Diane today--can't wait to show her my red cane!

FRIDAY

 A full day and a good one, starting with my weight loss: 2.4 down to 128.4 at home and 2.0 to 129 at T.O.P.S.. That's in the upper reaches of my favored range, but hey, I'll take it. I told the others about Grouper and oddly, they had never heard of it and were surprised. Others will look into it. 

I texted Lora to see how she was doing in Prescott and she said okay, but busy. She added some pics, including this one, of part of her palatial kitchen:

Didn't get home until 10:30 or finish breakfast until after 11:00, but I was determined to fulfill some errands. Packed lunch and bused to at shop across from the mall to return pants and a top; bought another pair of slacks in navy blue.

Went from there to town where I stopped first at the library to look over their new selections.  Considering I'm working on six different books already, I'm wondering what kind of idiot I am. Just looked a few over, then went to the used books section and was surprised and pleased to see Lynne Weitzel, docent coordinator at Dudley House, who volunteers there in the used books section. We talked about the fact that the semi-annual Dudley House covered dish is coming up Tuesday. I had always taken Jim to this and Lynne had met him each time, but now I literally don't know where he is. Told Lynne I didn't think I could go, but she said if I could take the Access Van, she'd take me home. Great, I will.

I then strolled down Main--it was very quiet--and ate my lunch at my place across from the mission. On the bus home, I was pleased to get a text from Ellen, asking if I wanted to go with her and Greg to Santa Barbara today. The plan is to go to Chaucer's Book Store (Ellen had given me a gift certificate for there), then lunch, then walk the harbor or wherever. Great, I'm looking forward to it. 

In my way to my door, I ran into Lorraine, who came with me to drop off the grapefruit from her friend. I gave her three lemons, but I still have about eight more. Stopped at Suzanne's to tell her about the friends she and Lennie share. They are renting Lora' house here, which a big relief to her. 

Santa Barbara today with Ellen, Greg, and Chaucer's Books--YAY! 😊