WEDNESDAY

 After some problems with my RLS when I first went to bed, I slept pretty well. Got up for coffee, then bestirred myself to go to balance class at 10:00.  After and back upstairs, I heard from Ellen, who was due at 11:30, that she needed to stop at the post office first and would probably be here closer to noon.  

She was and soon, we took off for town. We stopped first at the bank so I could pick up some check registers. I use my debit card for almost everything and not often for checks, but I record all my transactions that way and it works for me. We then went to the car wash to get her chariot all shiny clean, then decided it was time for lunch and we went to the Hill Street Cafe. It was lovely sitting out on the veranda, which they've refurbished. El got a big salad and I a smaller one with half a turkey sandwich and a cold beer. Very good.

We then went to Wal-Mart to pick up household necessities, as well as other things. I got Charmin to replay Paula for lending me two rolls when I ran out--added a roll for interest. El came back to my place to visit for a bit and I asked if she wanted two throw blankets I had and don't use. Yes, indeedy, and she was pleased to get them. She left about 4:15 and soon, it was time to go down to dinner. 

I ate with Kathie, Paula, and LaVerne; it was manicotti, which was tasty. Then it was back upstairs to take my white slacks and iron to the laundry room, where I ironed them to wear today.    

"Food for Thought" is scheduled for 11:00 today. It's a gathering with Director Tiffany and Chef Michael where residents can ask questions and discuss concerns. I'll be there, that's a cinch, to ask why no-sugar-added ice cream can't be offered every day. Come to think of it, if that's my level of serious concern, I shouldn't complain. 😆
                                                

TUESDAY

 As mentioned, I slept well. Did my morning stuff, then went to the 10:15 Bone Builders class. As ever, Lulu* came in when it was three-quarters over. She does that every single time for meals, presentations, exercise class and you name it. In my book, she's in contention for the "Most Annoying Resident" title. Of course, there are other contenders.

Alicia and Raoul, both of whom are in Bone Builders, had birthdays (they're not related) and Marilyn brought in a cake with candle. I congratulated them, but skipped the cake.

Lunch with Paula and LaVerne--Kathie didn't show, which isn't unusual; she was out with her daughter. After, I hung out until it was time for dime Bingo. Went down, played, and won two games--amusingly, the first and last games. Back at my place, I put in a medium wash before dinner... 

...with Kathie and Paula. After, I retrived my wash, folded, and put away. I hung my tops out on the patio for a time, then inside and they'll be dry by morning, if not sooner. Decided not to wash my hair when I showered, as Caitlin is going to cut it on Friday and will wash it then.

Of all things, my phone rang at 8:45 and of all people, it was Stella calling. I haven't talked to her for months, but that's okay. She tends to talk on and on and to bemoan the fact that her son, Joshua, lives in Spain; no other descendents. I've met Josh and think he's a nice guy. Anyway, S. and I talked for fifteen or so, and we'll keep in touch and meet for lunch one of these days. One thing: She asked if I felt "trapped." No, I don't, I like it here, but I thought that was an odd question. 

Ellen's coming today and we'll go shopping, then to lunch; can't wait to hear about her weekend trip to San Diego. 

* That's a fictitious name, natch. 

MONDAY

For the first time in months, I went downstairs to breakfast. Why? Because I wanted to say goodbye to Keith's brother, Kelly, who was leaving in the morning. I was surprised and pleased to see Kathy come down, too.  The three of us held a kind of psuedo wake, reminiscing about our experiences with Keith. It was comforting and after, Kathie and I hugged Kelly and wished him well.

Here's Keith's college graduation picture, c. 1970.

It was 8:45 when I got home and I immediately took an hour nap. Got up refreshed and went down to the multi-purpose room for balance class. Followed that by tidying up a bit, then it was time for lunch.

At lunch, I sat with Kathie, LaVerne, and Paula and we shared more Keith memories, but not for long. Keith is gone and so is Kelly and, distressing as it is to accept that, as humans must after any such loss. I didn't want the jambalaya, so got a hot dog and life went on.

Happpy day, I got emailed the Merchantile license, so now I'm in the clear. I called my "agent" and we had a lovely chat.

Mindy had taken this picture  of Mary and me--and others--for Japan week and it was shown on the screens in several gathering rooms: 

After lunch, I did a few minor chores, then went outside to sit in the sunshine for a time and make a few phone calls. When I came in, I ran into Trudie and chatted with her for twenty or so. She does needlepoint and is working on a lovely scence of a mill in a forest. Unfortuantely, she's also dealing with cancer and a number of other physical problems; she'll enter Communiity Medical next week.

Susan (and her little Gismo) picked me up at 5:15 for our monthly dinner with Soaring Spirits. Besides us, only Nardell, Renee, and Grendal (the last two pickleball people) were there, but we had our usual good time and good talk. Home by 7:00 or so and it was already amost dark. Slept well and just got up at almost 9:00.

SUNDAY

It was somewhat of a slow-pokey day, during which I lazed around a lot. My only excitement was stripping my bed, washing the sheets, and remaking 😂.  Had lunch with Kathie, Paula, and Denise; it was meat loaf and sides and actually pretty good.

After, I got on this machine to order a supply of IPAs. It's amazing how easy that is and how quickly it comes--barely a half-hour this time. 

Had lunch with Kathie, Paula, and Denise with the usual discussions. It's disturbing how unhappy K. seems to be; I'm afraid it's her nature to look on the dark side of things. I like her and wish she could have a more enjoyable outlook on life. 

Sort of at loose ends, I joined Cindy and Beverley for Sunday Yatzee. Remarkably, I got Yatzee twice in one game, giving me 150 points and the win. 

When I went down to dinner, I was pleased ot see Keith's brother, Kelly, sitting at our table with Kathie, LaVerne, and Paula, and I pulled up a chair. He shared a lot more about Keith and his pre-Orchard life, which was good to hear. It was also good to be told that Keith had left his body to science. Kelly will be leaving this morning and shortly, I'll go downstairs to say goodbye.

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Continuing the Japan theme, we're going to have this coming up in October:

I don't know what the odd-looking instrument pictured is, but will be interested in hearing it played.

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SATURDAY AND PEANUT BUTTER

Another enjoyable day, with a little annoyance mixed in. I slept reaonably well, but still took a short nap in the morning. I checked the bus schedule and decided to leave on the 11:05 for lunch with Noreeen at Danny's Deli. That happened to be late, but I got there by noon and settled in for a good lunch with my good friend; we had a ball catching up with each other. I had a liverwurst and onion sandwich--so very yummy--along with, natch, a Purple Tears hazy IPA. Noreen gave me a funny list of, supposedly, information taken from church bullletins. We said goodbye after a good lunch and good conversation and I got back in time for quarter, then dime Bingo.  I won one of the quarter games, but not dimes. 

Once I got back to my place, I copied some of the list Noreen gave me, which included:

     Potluck supper on Sunday at 5 PM--prayer and medication to follow.

     Ladies Bible Study will be held on Thursday. All ladies are invited to lunch after the B.S. is done.

     The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment, and gracious hostility.

And soon...

I sat down for dinner with Paula and Denise and as ever, enjoyed their company. I enjoyed not so much the company of the other person who joined us. "Clarisse"* is very religious, very opinionated, and very militaristic, I've noticed. She's also someone who will answer questions put to others, one of my lest favorite types. However, it was entertaining listening to Denise talk about her adventure on the bus and the fact that we ran into each other at the transit center. Also, I like and admire Paula a lot.  

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BTW, I sent for this peanut butter on line and it's really good. Regular peanut butter contains 90 to a hundred calories per serving of two tablespoons--this contains just 31 calories for the same amount: 

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* Yes, she was the little annoyance, but that's not her real name.  

FRIDAY

I had a terrible time sleeping and had little energy when I got up. I just couldn't face going to T.O.P.S. and called Cheryl to say I was skipping. I napped for a very short time, then made myself get dressed and go downstairs for balance class with Jackie. I'm so glad I did, as I felt much more energetic after and, to my surprise, it turned out to be a fun day.

Lunched with Kathie and Paula and we had a reasonably good one. The pork with peaches diidn't appeal to me, so I had a turkey burger, which I always enjoy. I went back to my place after to prepare for the "bike" (think "rickshaw") ride at 1:30. The biker, Michael came, and Anita and I climbed in, I didn't expect too much, but it turned out to be very enjoyable. He took us through thereby neighborhoods, which are mostly composed of large, well-made single homes, certainly selling for two million and up. Anyway, it was great fun to be out there in the California sun with the abundance of plants, trees, and flowers, and soaring mountains on the horizon. 

We were out for about forty-five minutes, then got back in time to see and hear Tatiana, who is 65 and one of the best entertainers I've ever seen. I was pleased to have Paula join me and we both enjoyed it so much:

Her high kicks are what kill me--I couldn't do that when was fifteen, let alone sixty-five!

Shortly, it was time for dinner and I sat with Kathie, LaVerne, and Paula. The entree was fish and chips, which didn't interest me, so I had my favorite, bagels with salmon and cream cheese. We discussed proposing to Mindy that regular "lunch outs" be scheduled and I said I'd work up a proposal and submit it to her. Did so later and I'll top it off and print it today.

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 Here's another picture from Thursday's "Japan Day"; it's resident Elaine as a geisha girl:  

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THURSDAY

Lunched with Kathie, LaVerne, Paula, and Mary in the decorated dining room. It was "Japan Day" and my Samuri warrior graced the fireplace. Mindy put him on the fireplace mantel and residents had their pictures taken with him. Lunch consisted of Japanese--or quasi-Japanese--food, which was good and included salmon, chicken, mixed veggies, and, of course, rice. There was also a bar set up; I had good Sappora beer and plum wine. Here I am with the warrior:

Nothing much very interesting went on the rest of the day. I played around on the laptop and did some time on the stationary bike. Other than that, it was a slow afternoon. 

Dinner was enjoyable with just Denise and Paula, two of my favorites. Both are somewhat younger than I am--early eighties, as a lot of my friends are--and I enjoy their talk and their attitudes. 

I called Noreen after dinner to see if she would like to meet for lunch on Saturday. Yes, indeed, and we'll meet at our favorite, Danny's Deli, at 12:30. 

Mary Ann is too jammed unpacking and organizing their new place to got to T.O.P.S. today. Called Cheryl and she'll pick me up at 8:10 or so. 

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I asked Mike if I could put his pic here and and on Facebook and he agreed. I think he looks like either a captain of industry or a Mafia chieftan: 

                                                        

As for the setting, he's in Mancester, England, accompanying older daughter, Vivian, to graduate school. 

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