TUESDAY

 Slept okay and got up at 7:30. I dressed, got my coffee, then took  45-minute nap until it was time for 
Bone Builders at 10:15. After, I stopped into to Mindy's place to sign Paula and me up for the "bike" rider on Friday. Sat with the regulars, Kathie, LaVerne, Paula, and Denise, for lunch.  

At 2:00, I went down to dime Bingo. I won a game although, because there only six of us there, it was a miniscule amount, but I didn't care, I enjoyed it. 

What I did next, I didn't enjoy: I checked the mail. In it, there was a notice from management that my rent will increase by $323 a month starting November 1. What I find most infuriating is not that the rent was increased--I expect\ that every year--but I still have to pay $55 a month or $660 a year for the damn medic alert pendent that I've never taken out of the box. My insurance provides me one free of charge, but of course, managment will never allow me to skip the payment.  

Okay, enough of that boring money stuff. Ellen came at 5:30, bringing my paper towels, medication, and so on, then we left for the Dudley House covered dish, pot luck dinner. It was fun and interesting, as ever, and it was good to see my old D. House friends. However, I think my days of docent-hood, i.e. leading tours, are over, as my memory isn't what it used to be. The speaker, whose name I forget, impersonated Benjamin Dudley and talked about his experiences fighting in the War Between the States:                                                   

                                                   

Here, he's showing some of the reins of the horse he rode in battle. 

The buffet--brought by the guests--was good and I had several pasta dishes. I was surprised--and mildly disappointed--that there was no wine. At every other potluck, several people had brought some, but last night, it was simply water and Sprite; I had the latter.

It was after 8:00 when I got home--the middle of the night!--and I settled in to play Jeopardy on the tube. No plans for today, but there's balance class at 10:00 and dime Bingo at 3:00 and I want to go to them. 

MONDAY

I bestirred myself sufficiently to go to balance class at 10:00. I was sorry to hear that leader Jackie has to go upstate to deal with a problem of her son, who is in a mental hospital. Jackie won't be here on Friday or for several days in the next two weeks.

Had lunch with Kathie, LaVerne, and Paula, during which Ellen called. I got back to her later and we discussed our plans for this evening, when we attend the Dudley House potluck. She'll stop at the supermarket to got something to share there before picking me up at 5:30.    

I was glad to get a text from manacurist Elika asking if she could do me at 3:00 today, istead of 3:30. Yes, that will be much better, as I was getting both fingers and toes down. Went up to the salon and was out of there in an hour and a half--time to got down to dinner. It wasn't nearly the ordeal I anticipated, as Elika is a nice young woman and an excellent manucurist. Unfortunately, when I took off my shoes, she told me the nails on my two smaller left toes had fallen off. I never even noticed, as I can't see that far.  Elika said she believes I have a fungus--I'll call Primary Medical today to get the P.A.'s advice.

Had dinner with Kathie, LaVerne, Paula, and Denise and the orange chicken was pretty good. Slept well and just now stripped the bed to wash. I like to do that on Tuesdays, as that's the day Doo-Lannie comes in to clean. 

SUNDAY

I spent a good portion in the morning on the phone. Talked to a family member in Jersey, then Sharon, then Noreen, both here, then Doris in Virginia. After that, I went to The Orchard library (near my apartment) and borrowed two books. I wish a librarian could be kidnapped and made to put the shelves in some kind of order. I rarely read fiction and it's hard to find non- among the lady novelists.

Went downstairs to ask Tia to print me out a monthly schedule. Every week, we're left at our doors a meal schedule and an activity schedule, but not the monthly one and sometimes if I don't know what's coming up, I'm off campus and miss it. 

As I was going back to my apartment, a young woman visitor asked me if I had made the wreath on my door. No, my niece gave it to me, but we started chatting. It seems her in-laws had just moved in down the hall; unfortunately, her mother-in-law fell and broke two ribs, but is recovering well in the hospital. I'll look forward to meeting them. On the elevator, I met another new resident, this one named Judy (I know three other Judies here) and we chatted; I hope to see her again. 

Had lunch with Kathie, LaVerne, Paula, and Denise and we had our usual enjoyable time. After, I road the stationary bike for twenty minutes--little enough, but at least, I did it--while reading the new book I picked up in our so-called library about the royal families and its problems. 

Poured clog drainer in the kitchen sink. It really isn't clogged, just seems rather slow and I figured it couldn't hurt. Aside from that, I cleaned up a bit during the quiet day.

I had planned to go to Yatzee at 3:00, but I saw Tia and she said didn't show today. No prob, I'll just find something productive to do--HA! I spent my afternoon playing various games on the laptop. 

Kathie and LaVerne stayed in their apartments for dinner, as they often do, but Paula and Denise were at our usual place. Trish joined us and it was fun to have her there. Several years ago, she broke her--hip? vertebrae? I can't remember which, but she's in a wheelchair and has an aide. Her mind in sharp, though, and she really doesn't belong is assisted living. Anyway, it was good talking to her.

I asked Paula if she'd like to go with me and take the "bike" ride I enjoyed so much last week.  Yes, she would and I'll let Mindy know tomorrow. (She's off on Sundays and Mondays.)

SATURDAY

 Not much activity in the morning besides my usual routine. Had lunch with Kathie, Laverne, and Paula. Kathie again complained of virturally everything about The Orchard, comparing it to Scottsdale, as she always does. Personally, I like the place and am glad I'm here. I like Kathie, too and feel sorry for her, as she has some problems, of various kinds--but it gets wearisome to listen to her constant complaints.

Went to quarter Bingo at 2:00 and won three games. Mindy brought her adorable little kitten in and we had a ball playing with her. M. also brought in and gave each of us a brownie, but I don't eat sweets and took it to dinner to see if anyone wanted it.

As it turned out, Denise joined Kathie, LaVerne, Paula, and me and I gave her the brownie. I always enjoy Denise--she's full of fun--and she enjoyed seeing my pictures of the sock hop. She would have gone, but was out with friends for the day.

Before dinner, I decided to put in a load of color wash. Went the the laundry closest to me and found both washers were taken, so I took them to the one on the further wing.  I didn't mind, though--I'm glad they're available. 

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Note: Wonders will never cease here in Fairyland: What I call "toothpick ice cream" (i.e., with no added sugar) has been offered after dinner since I asked Chef Michael about it at the "Food for Thought" meeting the other day! 

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FRIDAY: TOPS AND THE HOP

 The weight wasn't good, but it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. At home, I put on .08 for a weight of 141.4 and at T.O.P.S., I added .06 to 142.3. It's certainly well over my ideal, but I'm going to work on it.

Instead of going to balance class, I took a nap, then had lunch with Kathie, LaVerne, and Paula. After that, I went up to the salon to Caitlin and my haircut. She did a nice job--just under the ears--and when she was almost finished, who came in but Kathie, her daughter, granddaughter, and two adorable little great-grandsons, 3-year-old Tanner and 5-month-old Lane, along with their little puppy--he was in the baby coach. 

I went directly from the salon to the clubhouse, where the "Sock Hop" was happening. I missed the food, but had a Margarita and actually jived a little to the music. Here are some of the fellas and girls going to it with the swinging '40s and '50s tunes, courtesy of entertainer Kevin Gillmond. I know all the party-goers, but there's no point in identifying them, so I won't. Anyway, it was fun:

We don't have that many couples living here, but many of the few who do were on the dance floor. 

By the time the hop was over, it was almost dinnertime. I went upstairs to get a few things, then joined Kathie and Paula at the table. The entree, glazed ham,  didn't appeal to me, so I had a turkey burger, which was good, as ever. And yes, toothpick ice cream was available--chef Michael had kept his promise. 

THURSDAY AND TOOTHPICK ICE CREAM

 I went to the 11:00 am "Food For Thought" and got Chef Michael to promise to offer what I call "ice pick ice cream" (no sugar added) regularly. We'll see if he holds to it.* Other than that, it was the usual--some complaints, but not serious ones, and some praise. Actually, I think the food service is pretty good--very good, at times.

After, we went directly to lunch, which I had with the regulars, i.e., Kathie, LaVerne, and Paula. It was good, although ice cream (any version) wasn't on the menu; it was Boston cream pie for dessert, which I, of course, skipped.  

I got a call from the radiology place that I owe them eighty-five bucks for my last whatever-it-was. Why wouldn't my insurance have covered all? I'll have to look into that, damnit. MaryAnn again isn't going to T.O.P.S., but Cheryl will take me. I know I've gained and have just lost my incentive, I'm afraid. 

The rest of the day until dinner? Almost a complete a wash and a waste. I spent time on computer games and worse, several hours napping. LaVerne skipped dinner and besides Kathie and Paula, Denise sat with us. I like her so much and enjoy her telling us about her relationship with her husband, who lives in the mountains. They are not divorced and have no intention of getting divorced, but can't live together. Okay, it suits their livestyles and no problem. 

Well, imagine: I ordered some grocery items from Smart 'n' Final about 4:00 and they were delivered to my door at 6:30. Okay, that's my new favorite place to shop! 

* He did and I had a scoop for dinner dessert.

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. 😆