FRIDAY

Weight was down .03 at home to 141.6, with zero change at T.O.P.S. to 142.8. The meeting was a lot like a therapy session, with Lannie elaborating on the emotional aspects of her overeating. Home by 10:00 and I probably should have gone to balance class, but I didn't.

I was surprised when Kathie knocked on my door to give me a picture of Keith and a little cat box. She was on her way to to daughter's to try to help as much as possible with the violent boyfriend. Poor Kathie--no wonder she has a negative outlook on life. 

Lunched with LaVerne and Paula. This time, I finally remembered to ask for a half portion--it was pork and sides and was actually pretty good and enough for me. 

At 3:00, I went downstairs to see Kevin Gilmond, a terrific singer and actor, who did a Halloween show, singing all kinds of funny and witchy songs. He's one of my favorites: 

You can't see them, but he's wearing cat ears and a cat tail.

Sat with Kathie, LaVerne, and Paula for dinner--fish, not bad--and Kathie, finally at long last, displayed a check she had just gotten for $55,000. It seems that her late husband had done all kinds of financial shenanigans and failed to put her name in his will. Anyway, she contested and, with the help of her daughter, finallly won her case.  

Slept well and my BP has been good. I'm looking forward to seeing Noreen for lunch today.

THURSDAY

 Slow-ish day. Aside from a few daily chores, I didn't do much except play around on the laptop. Had lunch with Kathie, LaVerne, and Paula; crab cakes, which were pretty good. 

Futzed around with this and that until 3:00, when I went to down participate in the "olive toss" game. This was an invention of activities director Minday and entailed a number of household objects. It was wacky, but actually kind of fun. Here are Marge and Doug vying for the win:  

The idea is to roll up the T.-paper without having the objects fall.

Shortly after that, dinner was served; Paula, Denise, and I enjoyed it together. As happens often, neither Kathie nor LaVerne came down, which I don't mind occasionally. Actually, I enjoy the other two--who are younger--though not by much--nd don't act as if life is a chore. During and after dinner, we were treated by surprise guests, a male and female singer who were terrific and, among other things, impersonated Lucy and Desi. They're on tour in some show or other and just got in from Chicago.

Just got up at 5:00 and Cheryl will pick me up for T.O.P.S. I'm not optimistic--sigh...

WEDNESDAY--WHEN WATER CAME OUT OF THE SKY!

 Yes, it rained most of the day and what's more, it's supposed to continue today. Nevertheless, I had a cardiologist appointment, so had to go out.

Had lunch with Kathie, LaVerne, Paula, and Denise and skipped the chili in favor of bagels and salmon. I got an extra one to have during my evening T.V. watchng.

Ellen came at 2:00 and off we went to Cabrillo Cardiology. This was just a follow-up visit and happily, all seems okay. My BP is satisfactory and the slight murmer seems not to have progressed, so I don't need to go back until March for an echo-gram and April for follow-up. 

El brought me a number of Halloween items I had stored at her house and I'll use them during our coming Halloween bash. Can't wait to put this on my door: 

BOO!

Denise and LaVerne were elsewhere, so it was just Kathie, Paula, and me for dinner. The spaghetti was rather bland, but edible; however, Kathie complained about it, as she does about virturally everything else in life. I'm getting tired of her negativity. I know she's had some family problems, but to hear her complain so constantly, no matter the topic, gets wearing. At this point, I'm not sure, but I may want to sit elsewhere for a time.

Activities director Mindy invited me to see the trailer for Queen Bees, a five-year-old old movie about people, mostly women, in an independent living retirement community. It's a comedy, natch--nobody takes old women seriously--and I guess I'll attend the showing. 

TUESDAY AND RELIGION

 Slept well again and just did the everyday stuff until lunch. That I ate with Kathie, Paula, and LaVerne and it was good--for Taco Tuesday, it was chicken tacos.

Hung out after until Bingo at 2:00. I won three games, but only five of us were playing, so it was hardly a big payoff. I was surprised that Mary G. stopped me after to talk about something about which she feels strongly; up to a point, so do I. We discussed the religious overlay that's noticible at The Orchard.  Every Sunday, there's a minister who comes to preach and there are frequent Bible study gatherings. Also, a resident who regularly plays hymns on the piano in the multi-purpose room and others can sing along.  The Chosen* series is shone on a regular basis. All these are scheduled and listed on the weekly printoout. Now, I have no issue at all with what people believe and follow. However, I do object to paying to live here and being bombarded with what seems to be heavily evangelical leanings. Also, this is what's on the piano in the multi-purpose room: 

Note the cross.  Mary and I will talk about all this and possibly discuss it with management, but I'm not optimistic about any change. 

Had dinner with Kathie, LaVerne, Paula, and Denise. I didn't care for the entree, so had one of their yummy hot dogs along with sweet potato fries.     

* The Chosen portrays the life and ministry of Jesus in first-century Galilee and Judea through the eyes of those who met him, blending Gospel events with imagined backstories to give depth to the disciples and other figures. Notable for its high production values, diverse cast, and record-breaking crowdfunding, it has been praised for its emotional impact, relatable characters, and authentic setting, though some note its creative liberties. Critics and audiences often regard it as compelling and worth watching, even beyond religious circles.

MONDAY

 Slept well and participated in balance class at 10:00. Our volunteer leader, Jacquie, has invited us over to her area residence for Halloween. It has something to do with a miniature train, but I'm not quite clear on it.

Had lunch with Kathie, Paula, and Denise, after going down the long staircase; the elevator was closed for repairs, but was operational after lunch. It will be again today, but is no problem, as I take my cart, rather than the bulkier walker. I hadn't intended to, but took a nap after lunch, then filled my medication containers. 

Did a half-hour on the stationary bike, then just hung out playing Internet games until dinner. It was a large, well-made salad with strawberry dressing and we all loved it. I talked to Chef Michael after and complimented him. I sat with the regulars, Kathie, Paula, and Denise and we had our usual in-common talk. Unfortunately, Kathie is having some family problems--hope it's resolved soon.

SUNDAY

 I slept well, I'm happy to record, and didn't get up until 6:00. Although I was brought up to believe doing servile on Sunday was a sin, I decided to defy the edict and change my sheets. I dressed in yesterday's clothes to get the wash to the laundry room, then stayed in them to transfer to the dryer and then pick them up and re-make the bed. After that, I jumped into the shower, washed my hair, and was ready for the day.  

Lunched with the regulars: Kathie, LaVerne, and Denise; Paula was out with her daughter. The other person who did, though, was Denise'es husband, Trent. He had lunch with us and is quite a character.  He lives a few hundred miles away up in the mountains and she lives here at The Orchard. They don't plan on divorce, but can't get along living together. Hey, if they're both satisfied with the arrangement, why not?

At 3:00, I went down to see my friend, Suzy, and her band, "Skin to Steel." They were terrific, as ever:

L. to r., front: Eric, Suzy, and Brian

In the back, Steve, who's Suzy's husband

And here's Eric Lewis, my friend, Cheryl's son, doing a solo.

Cheryl and her husband and sister came, too.

I sat with Paula, then Denise came in and sat with us, too. Kathie didn't show at the show, although she said she might be going. I think her negativety would ease if she'd get a little more involved, but hey, that's her choice ot make. 

Anyway, it was great fun and I think everybody enjoyed it. When I got back to my place, I got a call from my brother, Larry, from Florida. He said he's doing okay, although slowing down a bit--he'll be ninety-five on his next birthday.

SATURDAY

 As mentioned, I had slept poorly and got up at 6:00. After a time, I revived and did my little household chores, as well as played games on the laptop; happily, the Internet was back in operation. Spent twenty minutes on the stationary bike, which I want to do every day.

Had lunch with Kathy, Denise, and Paula. At Kathy's instigation, we're sitting at a different table, but LaVerne opted not to join us. When we have five, she thinks it's too crowded--her choice. After that, I went to the little "store" to pick up a few essential. 

At 2:00, I went to quarter Bingo which, after an hour, changes to dime Bingo. I won two and had an enjoyable time, especially with Mindy''s vodka and orange juice cocktail, served with her freshly baked German pancakes. 

Had dinner with the usual crew, the five of us sittin at a larger table. I was so stuffed with the aforementioned I just ordered a fruit plate and took it home to eat later.