SUNDAY

David picked me up at 8:00 and off we went to Two Trees. It was busy, but not as crowded as I've seen it and we had a good time. David, being a bird scientist, said he was pleased at the trees on The Orchard grounds--they're full and vigorous, not trimmed heavily as the ones at SO-FI.

Got back about 10:30 and did a little cleaning up before Vickie and Kay picked me up at noon. We met Suzanne, who had been distributing communion, at Rincon and settled in to have a wonderful time. It was so good to be with old friends; much as I like many of the people I've met here, we have no common history, at this point, anyway, and that makes a difference. Vickie and I treated the birthday girls, Suzanne, 78 and Kay, 80. That last is hard to believe: Kay looks, to me, anyway, no older than in her sixties:

Vickie, Suzanne, Mimi, Kay

We had a wonderful time, thanks to my companions, and I'm looking forward to more outings. Got in about 2:30 and I promptly fell asleep (maybe I don't have as much stamina as I thought I did). I didn't wake up until 4:20, almost time to go to dinner!  I knew I wouldn't be able to eat a thing and brought a container. Drank an iced tea with Keith, Cheryl, and Mary, then excused myself and took my dinner upstairs. 

Just looked outside and ugh, it's raining. I understand that messiness will go on for several days, so I'm glad I had my outings yesterday. Had a terrible time sleeping last night and feel groggy right now at 8:45. That suggests a nap later today, which could lead to to bitter cycle--AAGH! But not, I'm not going to indulge in negativity, of which there's too much around here to begin with.

 

SATURDAY

Breakfast with Keith and lunch with Kathie and Cheryl. The chicken plicata was excellent and we all enjoyed it. Back in my apartment, I called Elika, the manicurist who comes several days a week and, luckily, I was able to get in at 2:00. She did a great job and also, I enjoyed talking to her--born and brought up in Santa Barbara, three children, and so on and so forth.  I love to question strangers, especially young people, and see what makes them tick. 

I had had every intention on trying the city bus with the walker for the first time yesterday, but at the last minute I lost my nerve. I'll try for next week unless I decide to take the Access Van, which is kind of a pain. 

Darn, I can't find the box of cards anywhere and today, Vickie and I are taking Suzanne and Kay out to lunch.  Think I'll ask David, with whom I'm going to breakfast, to let me stop at CVS or The Dollar Tree to pick some up. What's even worse is I still haven't dug out my Dad's pictures of his high school debating group and Villanova track team. Where could they be? 

FRIDAY

The Access Van picked me up shortly after noon and got me to town before one. Noreen was already seated outside at Paradise Panty and we settled down for lunch and a visit. We both had turkey pesto grilled sandwiches, which are superb (I don't know why more restaurants don't serve them) and she enjoyed sangria, while I did the same with a Purple Tears IPA. It was so pleasant to hear about her doings and telling her mine.

We lingered for an hour or so, then said goodbye. I walked along Main, stopping in various shops. Didn't buy anything, but was pleased to again be in town, just looking around and getting exercise. Walked back to the museum where the Access Van delivered picked me up. I Messaged my ex-daughter-in-law, Paula, congratulating her on Vivian's achievement in being accepted by University College London, one of the top schools in the world, according to Wikipedia: 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_College_London

Later, Paula responded and we had a good back-and-forth exchange. Dinner with Kathie, Cheryl, and Keith, after which Mike Facetimed me for a chat. It was a good day and--may wonders never cease--I slept well, just getting up at 5:15--happy day! 

Note: Unfortunately, I can't find the 9 x 10 pictures of my father's high school debating team and college track team and the snapshot of Betty and me in his Ventnor garden. In my SO-FI apartment, I had had them grouped over my dining room/kitchen table and it seems impossible they were lost, but I'm getting more and more nervous about it. Will keep looking. 

THURSDAY, BRIDGET, AND PICS

After breakfast (I reverted back to my two poached eggs on toast), I prepared for the P.T. and for the new picture hanger. The former was to come between one and two and the latter after 3:00; both arrangements suited me fine. I worked all the way up to lunchtime, which is quarter to twelve around here.  

Soon after, I called another picture hanger who texted me he could come after 3:00 yesterday(much as I like Ryan, I didn't want to pay the $175. per hour he charges). Great, especially since the P.T. was coming between 1 and 2. She did and boy, I haven't enjoyed myself with any other medical person except my own daughter! Bridget and I sat down to get to know each other and while we chatted, she mentioned she and her twin sister were the youngest of five daughters. "Hey, you must be Catholic," I said, and yes, indeed, she is. After that, we settled into friend talk before we got down to business. Bridget herself has two sons and is a practicing Catholic. She said her twin other members of her family are--well, depending on your beliefs, either "fallen away" of "recovering." However, she's also interested in the Law of Attraction and may call Ellen to ask about it. Anyway, it was great to talk to her. Bridget also, of course, assessed my balance and instructed me in what we hope to be effective exercises to help correct it.  

The picture hanger, Sergei, wasn't here by dinnertime, so I texted him and he responded he'd get here at 6:00, so I went down to dinner.  I was almost finished when Activities director Mindy came over to say he was here. Went back to my place with him and he hung the pics in the living area. I decided not to ask him to do the bedroom ones. I want to have some over my desk, the bookcase, and so on, and I may have strategize to get them to fit. Anyway, I haven't come across the ones of my father's Villanova class pic, so I'll hold off.

I wish I could hold this sleeping pattern off. For the last two nights, I've awoken at one or two and couldn't get back. I hope that will change tonight, as I'm meeting Noreen for lunch and will be more active.  

WEDNESDAY

Breakfast with Keith, then I went up to prepare for my doctor appointments. Ellen picked me up and we we met with P.A. Natalli M. at Primary Medical to go over my recent information. I asked a lot of questions--so did Ellen--and were given satisfactory (if not all welcomed) answers. After that, we went to the Wood Ranch for lunch, both El and I getting our favorite BBQ salad, this time with salmon. Here's my darling daughter enjoying her lunch:

Ha--her glasses are the "darken when bright" kind and Wood Ranch is pretty briight. The drink is a pretend Margarita, i.e. non-alcoholic.  

We then went to Dollar Tree where I picked up three pair of reading glasses (why pay more than $1.59 just for close work?) and WinCo for lemons and a tomato.

Directly from there, we went to Rolling Oaks Radiology where I had a C.T. It took only a few minutes and was easy for me to handle. Back in my place, El went over my appointments and calendar, called some unclear ones, and generally got me back on track. She also filled my pill holders for the next week; I'll add the OTC ones myself. What's more, she solved the rebus Mr. K., my Tokyo grandson sent: 

For some reason, I can't seem to flip it. Anyway, the answer will appear on the next entry. Ellen got it right away.

El stayed working on the info even after I went downstairs for dinner. She left shortly after, waving goodbye from the balcony. Ate with Cheryl, Mary, and Keith, then went back up. It was only 6:00, so I took a load of wash to the laundry room and did the routine, retrieving it about 8:00. I plan to put another in today.

The P.T. is to come in this afternoon to assess, evaluate, and advise--AAGH, I can't wait for a free day! 

TUESDAY AND THE UNIVERSITY OF LONDON

Breakfast with Keith, then I continued with the picture stuff and otherwise cleaning up. Called the desk to ask that Dun-Lonnie, who usually does the housework on Tuesday afternoon, hold off until today, as the picture-hanger was coming. He did and boy, does it look good. 

Industriously continued my household chores, searching out items to find out where they had been stowed and to put elsewhere. I was able to take the bubble wrap off a lot of pictures, them prop them up against the walls I want them on.

At 3:00, I went down to attend the Tatjana show. I had seen her before and again, was just enthralled. She sang a number of great songs, changing costumes between them, and danced in between. When she sang Don't Cry For Me, Argentina, there wasn't a dry eye in the house, including mine:

Incredibly, Tatjana is sixty-five years old!

Dinner with the regulars. It was beef chili, preceded by something soup, both pretty good. Home, I showered and prepared for my doctor and radiology appointments tomorrow. Called Ellen and she'll be here between 10:00 and 10:15, so I'll see her about quarter to eleven. (KIDDING! 😛)

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Incredible news from son Mike about my granddaughter: --Vivian has today been accepted into the #3 graduate program globally for Pharmacology (drug development) at University College London. Founded in 1826, UCL is in central London and is considered the top public research university in the field globally (As Harvard and Oxford are effectively private.) 

Her term starts in late September and she’ll start with the Masters in Pharmaceutics after which she plans on a PhD either at UCL or another school.  She’s extremely happy as this was her first choice and one of her best friends is also in Medical school there.--

Mike added: Of 400 globally offering that field of study, Harvard is first, Oxford second, and University of London third. Hey, I'm thrilled--yay for Vivian! 💖

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MONDAY

Still working on the clearing up and cleaning out. I was delighted to find the (copied) Villanova 1922 yearbook; I Messaged Susan, my nephew's wife, that I could send it to her, but want it back.  Their oldest son is on the verge of college and may be interested in his great-grandfather's alma mater. 

Ellen called to tell me about the Law of Attraction conference she attended over the weekend. We discussed that for some time until I had to go down to lunch. She'll be here tomorrow to take me to Primary Medical, then lunch, to which I'm looking forward.  Ate with Cheryl and Mary; Linda B. joined us. Doris called yet again and talked non-stop until I fibbed by telling her I had to go out. AAGH, maybe I should have let sleeping dogs lie--or old friends stay in the past!

Back in my place, I continued my triumphant project of rearranging, separating, categorizing, and otherwise organizing all the mountains of memorabilia I've accumulated over sixty-some years. Darn, it just occurred to me I haven't even opened the chest and there's yet more in there.  

Dinner with the usuals. Some kind of Mexican stew was on the menu, but I opted for a turkey burger, which was actually pretty good. Back upstairs, I talked to Ellen, who asked if I wanted her to bring anything from the supermarket. I told her cottage cheese, avocados, and cash, which she'll do.

I still have some things to do before the picture hanger comes this afternoon, including where I want them hung, but I'll do that after breakfast. I wanted to attend bone builders at 10:30, but am not sure I want to take the time--mebbe, as the cowboys say.