THURSDAY

 A nothin' much day: Breakfast with Keith and Ray, the talker, joined us. We again heard all about this Mercent Marine days of fifty or so years ago, and blah, blah, blah. I lay down for my morning nap after and, unfortunately, forgot to set the alarm. When I woke up, I was stunned to see it was almost lunch time--I had slept for two hours. 

However, lunch was good. I didn't see Kathie and sat with Trudy, Carl, and Barbara. It was India day and we had chicken wings tantoori for appetizers, butter chicken and Indian sides for the entree, and a dessert made with rice and pistachios for dessert (I didn't indulge). To accompany, wine and beer was served and I had a Blue Moon.

After, I finally settled down to type up the T.O.P.S. roster, which I promised Lennie I'd do two weeks ago. Unfortuately, though she has asked me to make 8 copies, I did only three, as my lousy printer has been giving me problems. The paper jammed and it took me time to fix it; it's also been dimming out some lines, so the hell with it--others can copy if they want to. 

Before dinner, I took a little walk, first outside around the campus. It was beautifully sunny, but a little too cool and breezy for my taste, so I went inside. and walked the circuit of two floors. It probably totalled no more than a half-mile, but I guess that's better than nothing. 

Called Kathie to see if she was coming to dinner, but no, she was exhausted after a day with her daughter, so said she'd come to breakfast. I had forgotten I won't be there, as I have T.O.P.S. Oh, well, presumably, I'll see her at lunch.

Had dinner with Beverlee and Greg, as well as Dottie, whose name, I'm afraid, seems to describe her. She's really a bit goofy, but nice enough. We had some enjoyable conversation, even so. Back in my apartment, I just played my games until T.V. time at 8:00. 

I am not optimistic about my weight loss progress--or lack thereof--but will endure the meeting. And darn, I slept poorly, just as I had feared. Okay, I'll nap after T.O.P.S. and before lunch.

WEDNESDAY

 Breakfast with Keith, after which I took my usual nap until it was time to wait at the entrnce for the arrival of the Access Van. It came about 10:40 to take me to Ellen's in Ojai. We chatted and caught up with each other until time to leave for town. First, we went to the post office to send off my graduation presents for Vivian and Violet, then to the Hip Vegan, where we met Greg for lunch.

I was somewhat surprise to see Ellen and Greg embrace (after he and I hugged), as the romance and engagement ended some time ago. Something tells me a little spark might be happening and I couldn't be more pleased. However, Ellen refused to confirm or deny, but I have my suspicions...

Anyway, I enjoyed lunch with the two of them, after which Greg went to his job at the Rainbow Bridge. El and I went to Rains Department Store and I used the gift card Greg had given me for Christmas to get some little items for possible gifts. We went back to meet Greg at his work and the three of us sat outside during his break to chat. 

After, El and I went thrifting, although there are only two in Ojai. She bought some small items for the new neighbors and I got a skirt and four birds on spikes, which I'll put in the flower pots on my patio. We topped off our shopping with a stop at Von's, where I got lemons, IPA, and TUMS.

We then went back to Ellen's to play gin rummy--she beat me by a wide margin, but only because she  cheats (kidding!).  The Access Van came at 6:15 and off I went home after a very enjoyable day.

TUESDAY

LaVerne joined Keith and me for breakfast. She's new, has been here only three weeks. I'm afraid she tends to be a bit of a bore; lectures and so on, but I guess better than some.

Back at my place, I napped, then Blanca and her cousin, Bianca, knocked on my door, Bianca there to cut my hair. She did, in the next hour, and I like it a lot:  

I don't think you can get the full effect here, but I think it really looks good.

LaVerne joined us for lunch, also; Keith was at his men's club, but Kathie and Dyan made up the quartet. Lunch was very good, ground turkey and veggies in a large taco shell. After, Uber took me to Second Wave Physical Therapy and I had a vigarous and good session.  

Home after 3:00, which meant I missed dime Bingo, darn it, but it'll run again on Thursday. Called Kathie to see if she was coming to dinner, but she wasn't, so I ate with Trudie, Carl, Barbara, as well as Carol and her husband. Looking forward to being with Ellen today. 

MONDAY

 Ray joined Keith and me for breakfast, which meant we had to listen--again!--to his interminable account of his adventures in the Merchant Marines. I had put a white wash in earlier, so--after quickly eating my poached egg--was able to excuse myself to put them in the dryer, Napped after, then retreived them, folded, put away, then played Jewel Match Royale and did a few household chores until lunchtime.

I knew Keith had doctor appointments back to back, so sat with Lisa and David, then Kathie joined us. After, I sat outside at the clubhouse enjoying another pleasant sunny day. Called Mary Hoffman when I got home and we had a good talk. She and her sister still live at Shalom House in Margate, although in separate apartments.

I finished wrapping Vivian's and Violet's secondary graduation gifts and will ask Ellen to take me to the P.O. to send them when I see her tomorrow. 

Susan texted me asking if she could pick me up fof S.S. dinner at the Stone Fire Grille and yes, she can and she did. We left at 5:15 and had a great time. Grendal and Renee joined us and we carried on a fun and funny conversation that included former husbands, sex (but not graphic references), and our teenage peccadillos. Home at 8:30--I'm getting to be a dirty stay-out--bed an hour or so later and I slept well.  

SUNDAY

Early on, I stripped the bed and took the sheets to the laundry to put them in the wash. Before breakfast, I put them in the dryer so they were finished once I came upstairs again, at which point, I remade the bed. 

Dyan joined Keith and me for breakfast, then At 3:went out to walk Della. I went back to my apartment, took a nap, and before I knew it, it was time for lunch. Sat with Keith and Kathie, but skipped the main entree--meat loaf and sides--in favor of a turkey sandwich. It was so big I took half home to eat later.

After, I took my hat, sunglasses, and book, and sat outside for forty-five or so. Came in and assembled my medications, RX and OTC, which takes a fair amount of time. One of these days, I'll count the total, but it's too depressing to think about right now.  

At 3:00, I went down to play Yahzee. Besides Cindy, the volunteer leader, only Beverly and Keith were there. Didn't win, but it was a fun diversion. 

Dinner with Trudie, Carl, Barbara, and Carol, and we had some fun discussions. Carol's from Brooklyn, as is her husband, whose name I can never remember; as a rule, he doesn't join in the conversation.

Went upstairs to my apartment and Ellen called to invite me to come over on Wednesday and we'd go out for lunch, then we'd visit a few shows and she'd make dinner. Great and I'll call the Access Van today.

Mike facetimed me and we discussed the two graduations and other famly info. Watched some T.V. after, then turned in and slept okay. 

SATURDAY

 After breakfast, I took an hour nap, which has gotten to be my usual habit. I then just mostly played my Big Fish game, Jewel Royale Match, which has become an absolute addiction.

Lunch with Kathie and Keith; Dyan, my "next door neighbor" joined us, which was enjoyable. Dime Bingo started at 2:00 and, of course, I went to that--annoyingly, although I had my usual four cards, I didn't win a single game. Keith won three and Dyan won two--they must have eheated!

When I went back upstairs, I found at my door the hot plate I had ordered from Amazon. I'd be willing to bet management would have a problem with it, but I'm not going to tell them.

Hung out until quarter of six, when I went down to meet Susan at the entrance. She had some problem finding it, but did and off we went to dinner. We went to Water's Edge down at the harbor, a place I haven't frequented, but was there two or three times. I like it a lot--panaramic views of the harbor, with luxury yachts lined up and the sunset illuminating them. 

We had good, good talk, reacquainting ourselves with each other, and a leisurely meal. Didn't get home until the ungodly hour of nine o'clock and just got up at 6:30. I greatly enjoyed myself, but now, as ever, I'm relieved to realize I have no plans until tomorrow when I go to dinner with Soaring Spirits friends. 

FRIDAY

Another discouraging weight report: up 1.4 at home to 130, up 1.1 at T.O.P.S. to 140.9. Okay, now I've  got to get serious. No more fooling around and I'm going to plan a strategy.

Home at 10:15 and I put in a large load of wash. The machines were in use at my closest laundry room, so I went down the hall and around the corner to the other one.  Lunched with Kathie and Keith and it was "Marry Me Chicken," which they've served before and I like it. After, I retreived my clothes, folded them and put away, then went downstairs where a "jewelry boutique" was taking place. I could hardly believe how inexpensive each piece was and I proceeded to buy a ring for Vivian, bracelets for my daughters, and a necklace/earrings set for myself, all for thirty-two bucks. In the rotunda (it's in the round so that's what I call it), residents Lisa and Helen were selling crocheted items and hand-made greeting cards. I passed on the crocheting, but bought four lovely cards for five dollars each. 

Kathie called to say she wasn't going to the dining room for dinner, as she had cooked up some pork chops. I went downstairs, but Keith wasn't there yet, so I sat with Trudie, her husband, Carl, and Barbara. Actually, it was nice to converse with other residents; I saw Keith later, who was eating alone, and said hello; I'll probably sit with him today for breakfast.

Susan texted back suggesting we get together today at 6:00 pm and go to dinner. She'll pick me up, which is fine by me and I'll text her directions. 

I had popcorn last night, but at least walked (around the building) several times, so got some exercise in. Slept well--until 5:30--and that's encouraging, too.