WEDNESDAY AND DREADFUL NEWS

Went to balance class at 10:00; Keith often attends, but wasn't there; in fact, besides leader/volunteer, Jackie, there were only five of us. After, I put my Japanese grandson's birthday card in the mail and when I came back upstairs, I saw Dyan and J.T. near my door. Their sad faces told me something was up and I asked. To my horror, Dyan told me that Keith had died. What? How could that possibly be? We had noted on Tuesday that we hadn't seen him that day, but just assumed he had gone out to lunch or something. What had happened,  we were told, was that somebody had alerted Director Tiffany they hadn't seen him recently. When this happens, management calls the person, then if no answer, investigates further. Tiffany did that and discovered his body in his apartment. We saw police and possibly, somebody from the coroner's office going up and down the stairs. I believe that if a death is discovered in such a way, circumstances must be investigated in order to rule out foul play. I called and left a message for Kathie, then went to Denise's and Paula's apartments to give them the sad news.

Lunch with those mentioned above, plus LaVerne,  and we all commiserated at the loss.  I then saw another resident and told her. To my horror, she became hysterical, burst into tears, and screamed and cried. I knew she had known Keith in a casual way, but this was over the top. Anyway, the news spread and everyone who had known Keith was saddened.

At 2:00, I went downstairs for dime Bingo and won one. I was still reeling by the news of Keith's death, and so were others, but it was a diversion.    

Dinner with Kathie, LaVerne, and Paula and, of course, we discussed Keith and how we'd miss him. Mary came over to talk a bit about it, having calmed down considerably. 

Called Ellen to tell her about Keith, whom she had met. Of course, she was shocked and sorry. She was just sitting down for dinner and Greg was coming over and they'd go on one of their regular walks. I'll be going  over to her place on Saturday and the three of us will go to SeaFresh for dinner. 

I called Caitlin to ask if she could cut my hair today, but wasn't able to get her or her voice mail, so will try again this morning. Elika will give me a manicure at 3:30 and I hope Caitlin is available then, too. Showered, but didn't wash my hair, figuring she'd do it. 

Had difficulty sleeping again, maybe because of my distress over Keith's death. 

TUESDAY

 Took a white wash to the laundry about 8:00 am, then played some games on the laptop. That was followed by a very short nap--about fifteen minutes, then lunch. I sat with LaVerne, Paula, and Mary--didn't see either Kathie or Keith. 

Ellen came at 1:30 and we went to Rolling Oaks Radiology, where I got a knee X-RAY. It didn't take very long and after that, we went to Ralph's Supermarket, where I got oranges, bread, and AA batteries. We then stopped at CVS, where I picked up my Equis (to the tune of $126, but that was for three months); I also got some OTC meds. When El left, she took with her the insurance info for my house; she'll take care of getting it to the proper place for the merchantile license.

When we got back to my place, we found I was too late for dime Bingo; however, there'll be another session this afternoon. I showed Mindy a picture of my Samuri warrior, as she's having a Japan day soon. She loved it and I'll contribute some other Japanese artifacts, too.  Here's the warrior--he's seventeen inches high:       

Had dinner with Mary and Denise; Bea had sat with us at first, which meant there was no place for Paula, who came a little later. Annoyingly, Bea got up later and sat with Alan and Beverly. I wish Paula had gotten there first.

Back upstairs at 6:30. Ellen called and invited me over for Saturday, so I'll call the Access Van today to get there and back. El, Greg, and I will go to SeaFresh for dinner--I'm looking forward to that. 

Sharon called about 7:00 to see how my knee was and to tell me about Lewis' medical problems. He has diabetes and keeps forgetting to eat regularly. He was out playing pool the other day and had some kind of problem--possibly, he fainted. Anyway, the medics were called and his daughter, who's a nurse practioner, also came. He recoverd fine, didn't have to go to the hospital, but needs to take his condition seriously.

Again, sleep wasn't too good last night. I must, must, must increase my exercise; took an Ibuprofen and will rub the medication on shortly.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

MONDAY

 Went to balance class at 10:00 and afterward, met up with Paula. I accompanied her part way on her daily around building walk, then sat with her, Kathie, and LaVerne for lunch.

Talked to Ellen and she'll be over this afternoon to take me to Rolling Oaks for a knee X-Ray. Also, she'll copy the documents I need to send to the Little Egg Harbor tax collecter about my merchantile license.

Napped for a time after lunch. Worked on some financial crapola and other "paper" (electronic) items before dinner. Sat with Kathie and Paula at dinner, then Mary joined us. I skipped the ceiche (?) for a hot dog and onion fries.

Slept well, but the knee is still not completely better. Ellen's coming at 1:30 and we'll go to Rolling Oaks Radiology for the X-Ray.

SUNDAY

 Did my usual nothing much in the morning. Received a call from my former neighbor, Lorraine, and we chatted. One of these days, I'll have her over.

Lunch with Kathie, LaVerne, and Paula. The other Kathie had hailed me before hand to tell me Bingo would be going on at 2:00, although it wasn't on the schedule. Did I want to attend? Ha--didn't have to ask me twice.

Went downstairs at the appointed time and enjoyed dime Bingo., winning two. Right after, at 3:00, we had Yatzee, which I played with volunteer Cindy, Keith, Mary, and Pat, with Reggie watching from the sidelines.

By the time we finished, it was almost dinnertime, so I stayed downstairs. Sat with Keith, Paula, andyy Ray and had a good chicken salad; asked for and received a bagel with salmon to take home for a snack. 

Called Ellen about my problem with the mouse and keyboard and also, my knee. She's going to call Primary Medical about the latter and I'm going to change the battery on the former,

SATURDAY

 A slow morning with just my usual Block Champ, then hour nap. Sat down for lunch with Kathie and Paula, then Ray joined us. I get a kick out of him, but Kathie dislikes him--he does have a tendency to never shut up--but LaVerne didn't show, so the fourth chair was empty.

Back at my apartment, I stopped at the little store for T. paper and small bags; I really didn't need or want anything else they stock. At 2:00, I went down to quarter Bingo--won two and a jackpost of almost ten dollars. Okay, you don't get rich, but I enjoy it.

Shortly after Bingo, it was time for dinner. Sat with Paula and Mary T. The latter is the flower arranger and greeting card maker who always strikes me as having a sadness around her. It was interesting to hear, though, that her husband, who died just a few  years ago, had been a fundamentalist Baptist minister. They had lived in nine or ten different states, moving around a lot, as--I guess--conditions demanded.

We said goodbye, then I chatted a bit with Kathie and Mary G. Back in my place, I played Block Champ, but abour 7:00, my conscience prompted me to get some excerise, so I went to the exercise room (just two rooms down from my apartment) and did twenty minutes on the stationary bike. 

Darn, my mouse has stopped working and I don't like using the attached keyboard. Darn two, I slept poorly, but guess I'll live through it.

 

FRIDAY

 Again, I skipped T.O.P.S. because of the continuing discomfort in the knee. If it isn't noticably improved by Monday, I'm going to call Primary Medical again. I weighed myself at home, but wearing only my bedclothes and not the one I wear to get weighed in. I registered at 141.8, a loss of 1.2, but again, since I wasn't wearing what I do every week, not really accurate. It's certainly too much, but I'll work on it.  

Lunched with Kathie, LaVerne, and Paula. Entree was pork rosst, mashed potatoes and gravy, and green beans, the perfect meal for a cold and snowy evening. Oh, but wait--this was lunch, it's August twenty-eighth, and 91 degrees outside. So I ordered a hot dog, which was, as always, good.

At 2:00, I went downstairs to the gathering for new residents, of which there were five--four women and one man. They were seated at a table in the front and "interviewed" by Mindy. I was interested to hear that new resident, Dottie, had ancestors who lived in a house in Connecticut, where she was born, which had a "safe place" for escapted slaves. 

At 3:00, Happy Hour started in the same place. The singer, Kevin Gillmond, was terrific and he brought his girlfriend, who is half Caucasion and half Japanese. I talked to them after and found they had met in Osaka and are now engaged. It was so enjoyable and so was the Chardonay I sipped during it.

Went back to my place before ascending again for dinner. I sat with Denise and Paula, then Keith joined us and we had some pleasant conversation. Chicken for dinner, which was pretty good, but the no-sugar-added ice cream is still nowhere to be found. 

Mike Messaged/Facetimed me at 7:30 and we had our usual weekend chat. Saw Violet for a minute or two and he'll be taking her to the Savannah College of Art in Design (SCAD) in Georgia in two weeks. I think her mother, Paula, will be going, too. 

THURSDAY

 I went downstairs shortly before 11:00 to find Erica already there. We hugged and then I saw that Becky had also come. Becky had worked with Erick and me in Fractured Actors and just came to learn some financial tricks. About fifteen people came and they seemed to receive Erica's presentation with interest. Ellen came about 11:15 and also enjoyed it.  After, Erica spoke with Mindy and they decided she'd come periodically if anyone wanted to consult her on financial matters, especially as they relate to retiirement. El took this picture of Erica during her talk: 

Ellen, Erica, and I then went to The Little Lion for lunch and had a great time. I had a delicious hamburger alone with a big salad, which I took home. After, we said goodbye to Erica and El and I went to Walmart to stock up on various. When we came to The Orchard, we saw there was a Brazil-themed celebration in the multi-purpose room, so I stayed to watch it and El took my purchases upstairs.  

Brother Larry called and we had a good talk. He's doing okay at 94, but is slowing down a bit. We  chatted for a few, then said goodbye.

Shortly, it was time to go down for dinner; I did and sat with Denise and Paula. I like them both and we had a good time. Dinner was cod and sides, which was okay--I like seafood--but not anything special.