SUNDAY

When I got up, I saw a text from Matt, Muckie's son, telling me she had been in the hospital and was now in rehab. He said she still has her phone and I could call her, which I will today.

And yesterday was a good one. The Access Van picked me up at 9:30 and whisked me to Ellen's. We hung out for a bit and I took a nap while she meditated, then did her face. We sat on the porch (the "catio" in the lovely warmth until we left for Carpentaria. We were a little early, but niece Carolyn and her husband, Dana, came soon after, as did nephew Steve. We had a great time catching up and enjoying lunch together; there's nothing like family. I wish we had remembered to take a picture, but nobody did. However, I know I'll see Carolyn again before too long and I also want to visit Betty.

We said goodbye and got back to my place about 3:00. Ellen put my RX meds together while I assembled the supplements. She's leaving for her two-week cruise next Sunday and (sob!), I won't see until she gets back. 

Dinner with Keith, Kathie, and Mary (salmon burger, which was pretty good), then I went back upstairs to unwind and watch my ninety minutes of T.V.  Unfortunately, I was again very wakeful; I'll definitely take a nap after breakfast. 

SATURDAY

Breakfast with Keith and decaf, followed by an hour's nap--I think the decaf did me in, but I'm determined to follow that regime. Didn't do much but play my Royale Match game after, then went down for lunch with Kathie, Cheryl, and Mary. I then sat outside for a bit, but although it was sunny and warm,  it was too windy for my taste, and I went in.

Called the Access Van to take me to Ojai today, then Ellen to check if I'm supposed to take my endocrinologist RX today. Yes, I am, and I will. 

My old friend, Doris G., called once again and we chatted--in truth, as usual, she talked and I listened--but it was enjoyable. 

I went down to play dime bingo, although all I had were quarters. I actually won a round, which netted me a big dollar and a half--WOW!  After, I stay to hear a visiting piano player, who was absolutely fabulous. He'll be back and I can't wait to hear him again.

The nurse came, checked my vitals, and was satisfied with my general condition. He took my BP and I was thrilled that his result was 140/70. Good grief, could that be the result of skipping one cup of regular coffee? Hope so. 

Dinner with Keith, Cheryl, and Mary, and we had some good talk. As I regularly do, I went back up to my place before dessert and settled in for the night. 

Mike video-called me about 7:00 and we had a nice chat. He's going to London next week for business and Vivian is going shortly to check out her new school, London College University. 

Note: Much as I like Daylight Savings Time and more light in the day, actually changing the time throws me off. Now it's 6:50 am and yesterday, it was 5:50--or something. Oh, well, I'll adjust. 

FRIDAY

At home, I gained a silly .04 to 137.4 and at T.O.P.S, I actually lost a whopping .02 to 138.7. I'm not at all happy with being so far (seven or eight pounds) out of my comfort zone and I resolve to do better.

Mary Ann picked me up for the meeting, then took me home while leader Lennie followed us so she could see how to get there. Why? Because we're going to be here for our March 27th meeting. We talked about what we'd do and decided we'd meet here at 8:30--I'm going to reserve the clubhouse--and each would bring what Lennie called "a little snack" for a potluck breakfast. I'll ask Chef Michael if he could provide a coffee pot OR--maybe a better idea--both Lennie and I have single serve coffee machines, so instead, we could just bring them; might be easier. On my way out, I dropped off my maintenance request at the front desk. Maintenance guy, Joe, reattached my kitchenette faucet, so that's okay. 

Lunch with Kathie and Mary, then a visitor named Katherine who knows Kathie, joined  us. Speaking of Katherines, the one from So-Fi found me and I gave the info on the neurologists she had wanted. After, I took and hour's nap, then went down to a singalong in the Multipurpose room. That was reasonably okay, although the songs were the old, old ones, such as Yankee Doodle Dandy and My Wild Irish Rose. Couldn't they have at least picked some Elvis and Beatles material? 

Dinner was chili and corn bread, which was pretty good; I ate with Keith, Cheryl and Mary. Ellen called and we discussed our excursion tomorrow for lunch in Carpentaria with niece Carolyn and possibly, Craig and nephew Steve.  I asked El to buy a card for me, plus some other stuff. Must remember to call the Access Van to get to El's--she'll take me home after. I'm going to ask Carolyn if she wants this companion picture to the large ones over my sofa; about four by two feet, it's Atlantic City in past days: 

THURSDAY

A somewhat slow day. After breakfast with Keith, I took my half-hour nap, then spent time productively (ha!) playing my favorite laptop game. Did little else until lunch...

...when I sat with Kathie, Mary, and Bee (Keith was at the dentist). We talked about our childhoods; Bee seems to have an odd background--in fact, she's pretty odd herself. However, it was fairly interesting, but I sometimes wonder if I should look for other meal companions. I might occasionally sit elsewhere, just to get to know others. 

Jay, the P.T., came at 2:30, as scheduled, and put me through my paces. Bridget, the head P.T., will come today at 10:30 and some day next week, I'll be traveling to Second Wave Physical Therapy. 

Went to Trivia at 3:30, but it was a bore. Before that, I saw part of the story of St. Patrick, which was okay. Mindy put up this throw, which may or may not be hers: 

Went from there to dinner and sat with Keith, Kathie, Mary, and Cheryl. Main dish was chicken with pasta and sauce, which was pretty good.

Back at my place, I showered and washed my hair. Ellen called to tell me the other P.T., Brittany, wanted to come today at 10:30. I don't know why she would come the day after Jay did, but I agreed. I hope and assume I'll be home from T.O.P.S. by then, but if not, she'll have to wait.  

WEDNESDAY

Mary joined Keith and me for breakfast; she was agitated because she had to go to the DMV to get an official ID. Once upstairs, I took a nap, then fooled around with this and that. Activities Director came to my door to ask if I could take the van a little earlier, as she had others to drop off. Sure, why not, so I got ready and went out to climb aboard. Mary was on, too, and when I told her she should have various proofs of age, address, and so on, she seemed to discount that. However, later, when Mindy mentioned it, Mary went back to her apartment and got them.

Got to Hill Street Cafe a little early and waited for Erica. The restaurant has an "Easter tree," fer cryin' out loud, and I couldn't resist taking a pic:                            

                                                            

Erica got there shortly after I did and we preceded to have a wonderful reunion. She's younger than my children (53), but we have a close rapport and I've always liked and admired her. She studied acting and directing, but was employed in finance for many years. Recently, she branched out on her own as a financial advisor, especially for women contemplating divorce. I asked her to send me info on her business and I'll make it known to those here. 

Erica took me home and shortly after, I joined a group of about fifteen in the multipurpose room for dime bingo. It was actually fun, in a quirky kind of way; Keith was there and lent me four dimes after I ran out; paid him back at dinner. 

I had asked Mindy if any more festive "theme" lunch or dinners were planned and she said there would be an Irish one near St. Patty's day. I mentioned the fact that I make "Molloy's Irish Creme" and she asked for the recipe. I gave her a copy and I think she's planning to include it in that dinner.

Ellen called to tell me that Jay, the P.T., will be coming today at 2:30, I guess to judge my progress or something. I also have appointments at Second Wave Physical Therapy in a few weeks.

Dinner with Keith, Mary, and Cheryl and it was a really good large salad with walnuts, salmon, and a lot of other ingredients I like, plus strawberry dressing.  As I told Mindy, I think the major meal selections are improving; lately, there have been innovations and most are very good.  

TUESDAY

After breakfast--with Keith, of course--I stripped the bed and took the sheets to the laundry room. While they were washing, then drying, I puttered around with this and that. 

Got a call from Susan, of Soaring Spirits, that she and her parents were coming in at 10:00 to see The Orchard as a possible place for them. I told her about the two thousand dollar "finders fee," which I would halve with them; she was interested and said they'd mention it to Tiffany. It seems like long shot, but we'll see.

Stopped in the office to ask if 1.) I had authorized my rent to be automatically paid and 2.) if I could reserve the clubhouse or the private room for my T.O.P.S. group on March 27. Yes and yes and I'll ask the group how they want to do this: just weigh in and have a meeting or do that and include breakfast, too.

Joseph came to install the new mechanism for the heat lamp in the bathroom and we had a fun talk about what he prefers to be called--"Joseph," "Joe," " Joey," "Jose," or "Hey You"; think I'll chose the last one. 😂

I had meant to go to the Bone Builders class at 10:30 yesterday, but what with the bed and all, I didn't get there. Now I'm determined to attend Jackie's Balance class today at 10:00 and I hope be a regular at the sessions three times a week.

Lunch with the girls--Kathie, Mary, and Cheryl; we didn't see Keith, so maybe he ate out. After, I went outside and took a short walk. Didn't stay long because it had gotten a little too breezy and cool. Went back up to water my porch/patio flowers and make a baked (in the microwave) apple to eat later. 

I actually went downstairs to participate in first, bingo, then trivia. Both were total bores and I probably will not go again. What I want to do is attend the balance classes and Bone Builders. Hope I can keep that resolve.

Dinner with Keith, Mary, and Cheryl and it was enjoyable.  

MONDAY AND A SIGH OF RELIEF

Breakfast with good ol' Keith (he's probably a decade or more younger than I am), then I got ready for Ellen's arrival. She got here about 8:45 and we drove off for my 9:30 neurologist appointment at 9:30 in Oxnard. Got there early enough so we took a little walk outside the complex first, then went in to wait for Dr. Taylor...

...and wait...and wait. At about 945, we were told the doc had an emergency in Santa Barbara (he's on the staff there, too) and could we come back at 11:00? Okay, so we took another walk, then sat outside in the sun for a time, then went back in. By the time, Dr. T. arrived, it was close to noon. However, all was forgiven when we heard the good news: the aneurysm didn't seem a cause for concern. He told us to get another test (I can't remember what kind, but Ellen knows) in six months to a year; in the meantime, continue to address the blood pressure with an extra dose of Ramipril. 

Breathing sighs of relief, Ellen and I went to The Lazy Dog for lunch--yummy yum--then drove to CVS to get the Ramipril. However, the pharmacy was closed for lunch, so El came back to my place to set up my pills for the week, then drove back to CVS to pick up the meds; finally, she dropped them off to me.

I put in a load of wash in the laundry room, then went downstairs to request the van for tomorrow, when I'll go to the Hill Street Cafe to meet Erica for lunch. 

Dinner with Kathie, Cheryl, and Mary--Keith sat elsewhere--and we had a good time. After, I retreived my wash from the laundry, folded and put it away, then settled in for the night.