TUESDAY

Breakfast with K., as ever, and I had the cheese/mushroom/spinach omelet. It was less over-cooked this time, although still not as soft as I prefer.

Boarded the van for Von's at 10:00 and another resident, Julie, went, also. While I was in that shopping center, I walked down to CVS to replenish my B12 and D3. Back in front of Von's, Julie and I sat and waited for Rick to pick us up. He had to get Linda from her P.T. appointment first, so we had about a half-hour wait and chatted in the meantime. Julie is originally from the Philippines and she had worked for a family in Brentwood, of O.J. fame. She's seven years younger than I am, but seems older--very small, thin, and frail. When Rick arrived, I offered put one of her heavy bags on my walker and she accepted. Got home, gave back her bag, and said goodbye. 

Home, I got ready for lunch, but before I went downstairs, I got a call from Tia on the desk, asking if I had Julie's purse. Certainly not, so I told her to ask Rick and to call Von's. However, when I got off the elevator, Julie was standing there and more or less demanded her purse back. Of course, I didn't have it and it was upsetting to be accused. Happily, Tia came over while we were still at lunch to tell me the purse had been left in the van, so all was well. I went over to tell Julie I was glad it was found and she immediately apologized--over and over, with tears--for accusing me. I assured her again and again that it was okay, I wasn't angry, just glad it was found. Poor thing, I think she's not like most the of the people here--boring old Caucasians--and must be lonely. 

I was delighted to get this email from Suzy:

Dear Friends,  I am inspired and driven by the idea of creating a theater space for seniors to share their stories of their life experiences.  I am wondering if you would like to meet to discuss ideas and be part of the planning and implementing of this.  Sheila Murphy, a local writer and Senior Living Advisor, and  I could meet here in Ojai or a close locale on any evening but Thursday in the early evening.  Let me know your interest and availability.  I'd love your input.  

Much Love,

Suzy

Of course, I wrote back immediately to express my interest. I also offered to have the group meet here and invited Suzy to come to see the place, which she will next week. We'll see what evolves with this. 

Sat with the usual four for lunch--fajitas--then went upstairs to prepare for cleaner Dun-Lunnie; I didn't do much, just stashed a few things, so they're not in her way.  I like to vacate the apartment while she's here, so I went downstairs and played Bingo. I can never decide if I actually enjoy it or I think it's about as interesting as watching paint dry. 

Back to my little domicile, I put a few things away, then hung up my welcome tapestry:   

I want to add something at the top--maybe a small wreath.

Dinner with the usual; it was four-cheese ravioli and pretty good. Happily, I slept well, which I have for the past several nights.    

MONDAY

Breakfast and lunch with the usual crew.  In the afternoon, I went outside in the beautiful sunshine and made some calls. Called Muckie several times, but there was no answer. Katherine--the one with the darling little doggy--came out and sat down with me and we had a long chat.  I was interested--and concerned--to hear she also has some medical problems, which I won't mention here. 

After Katherine left, Rick came out and sat there while I called Nancy. We haven't been in touch lately and we talked and talked and talked. Nancy has some health issues, too, but we hope sometime soon her daughter-in-law will bring her over to have lunch with me.

Dinner with Keith, Cheryl, and Mary and we sat at a new table, next to the window. I like this spot much better than the old one, and hope to continue here. An innovation: I continue to bring my IPA at either lunch or dinner, but was mildly unhappy that by the time we actually get served the entree when I want to drink it, it has warmed and I like my drinks ice cold. I asked Samantha, the server, if I could put in the kitchen's fridge and as soon as I did, I realized that probably would not meet with management's approval. Samantha then pointed out the small, table-top fridge where snacks are kept to which residents can help themselves at any time. Great idea, I put my IPA in and retreived it when we were serves and it was yummy.

I signed up to go to Von's this morning; just have a few staples to get. May go to CVS, too. Called Lorraine and we chatted;  one of these days, she's like to visit, too.

Happy day, I slept well and didn't get up until the alarm went off at 6:15. 

SUNDAY

When I got up, I saw a text from Matt, Muckie's son, telling me she had been in the hospital and was now in rehab. He said she still has her phone and I could call her, which I will today.

And yesterday was a good one. The Access Van picked me up at 9:30 and whisked me to Ellen's. We hung out for a bit and I took a nap while she meditated, then did her face. We sat on the porch (the "catio" in the lovely warmth until we left for Carpentaria. We were a little early, but niece Carolyn and her husband, Dana, came soon after, as did nephew Steve. We had a great time catching up and enjoying lunch together; there's nothing like family. I wish we had remembered to take a picture, but nobody did. However, I know I'll see Carolyn again before too long and I also want to visit Betty.

We said goodbye and got back to my place about 3:00. Ellen put my RX meds together while I assembled the supplements. She's leaving for her two-week cruise next Sunday and (sob!), I won't see until she gets back. 

Dinner with Keith, Kathie, and Mary (salmon burger, which was pretty good), then I went back upstairs to unwind and watch my ninety minutes of T.V.  Unfortunately, I was again very wakeful; I'll definitely take a nap after breakfast. 

SATURDAY

Breakfast with Keith and decaf, followed by an hour's nap--I think the decaf did me in, but I'm determined to follow that regime. Didn't do much but play my Royale Match game after, then went down for lunch with Kathie, Cheryl, and Mary. I then sat outside for a bit, but although it was sunny and warm,  it was too windy for my taste, and I went in.

Called the Access Van to take me to Ojai today, then Ellen to check if I'm supposed to take my endocrinologist RX today. Yes, I am, and I will. 

My old friend, Doris G., called once again and we chatted--in truth, as usual, she talked and I listened--but it was enjoyable. 

I went down to play dime bingo, although all I had were quarters. I actually won a round, which netted me a big dollar and a half--WOW!  After, I stay to hear a visiting piano player, who was absolutely fabulous. He'll be back and I can't wait to hear him again.

The nurse came, checked my vitals, and was satisfied with my general condition. He took my BP and I was thrilled that his result was 140/70. Good grief, could that be the result of skipping one cup of regular coffee? Hope so. 

Dinner with Keith, Cheryl, and Mary, and we had some good talk. As I regularly do, I went back up to my place before dessert and settled in for the night. 

Mike video-called me about 7:00 and we had a nice chat. He's going to London next week for business and Vivian is going shortly to check out her new school, London College University. 

Note: Much as I like Daylight Savings Time and more light in the day, actually changing the time throws me off. Now it's 6:50 am and yesterday, it was 5:50--or something. Oh, well, I'll adjust. 

FRIDAY

At home, I gained a silly .04 to 137.4 and at T.O.P.S, I actually lost a whopping .02 to 138.7. I'm not at all happy with being so far (seven or eight pounds) out of my comfort zone and I resolve to do better.

Mary Ann picked me up for the meeting, then took me home while leader Lennie followed us so she could see how to get there. Why? Because we're going to be here for our March 27th meeting. We talked about what we'd do and decided we'd meet here at 8:30--I'm going to reserve the clubhouse--and each would bring what Lennie called "a little snack" for a potluck breakfast. I'll ask Chef Michael if he could provide a coffee pot OR--maybe a better idea--both Lennie and I have single serve coffee machines, so instead, we could just bring them; might be easier. On my way out, I dropped off my maintenance request at the front desk. Maintenance guy, Joe, reattached my kitchenette faucet, so that's okay. 

Lunch with Kathie and Mary, then a visitor named Katherine who knows Kathie, joined  us. Speaking of Katherines, the one from So-Fi found me and I gave the info on the neurologists she had wanted. After, I took and hour's nap, then went down to a singalong in the Multipurpose room. That was reasonably okay, although the songs were the old, old ones, such as Yankee Doodle Dandy and My Wild Irish Rose. Couldn't they have at least picked some Elvis and Beatles material? 

Dinner was chili and corn bread, which was pretty good; I ate with Keith, Cheryl and Mary. Ellen called and we discussed our excursion tomorrow for lunch in Carpentaria with niece Carolyn and possibly, Craig and nephew Steve.  I asked El to buy a card for me, plus some other stuff. Must remember to call the Access Van to get to El's--she'll take me home after. I'm going to ask Carolyn if she wants this companion picture to the large ones over my sofa; about four by two feet, it's Atlantic City in past days: 

THURSDAY

A somewhat slow day. After breakfast with Keith, I took my half-hour nap, then spent time productively (ha!) playing my favorite laptop game. Did little else until lunch...

...when I sat with Kathie, Mary, and Bee (Keith was at the dentist). We talked about our childhoods; Bee seems to have an odd background--in fact, she's pretty odd herself. However, it was fairly interesting, but I sometimes wonder if I should look for other meal companions. I might occasionally sit elsewhere, just to get to know others. 

Jay, the P.T., came at 2:30, as scheduled, and put me through my paces. Bridget, the head P.T., will come today at 10:30 and some day next week, I'll be traveling to Second Wave Physical Therapy. 

Went to Trivia at 3:30, but it was a bore. Before that, I saw part of the story of St. Patrick, which was okay. Mindy put up this throw, which may or may not be hers: 

Went from there to dinner and sat with Keith, Kathie, Mary, and Cheryl. Main dish was chicken with pasta and sauce, which was pretty good.

Back at my place, I showered and washed my hair. Ellen called to tell me the other P.T., Brittany, wanted to come today at 10:30. I don't know why she would come the day after Jay did, but I agreed. I hope and assume I'll be home from T.O.P.S. by then, but if not, she'll have to wait.  

WEDNESDAY

Mary joined Keith and me for breakfast; she was agitated because she had to go to the DMV to get an official ID. Once upstairs, I took a nap, then fooled around with this and that. Activities Director came to my door to ask if I could take the van a little earlier, as she had others to drop off. Sure, why not, so I got ready and went out to climb aboard. Mary was on, too, and when I told her she should have various proofs of age, address, and so on, she seemed to discount that. However, later, when Mindy mentioned it, Mary went back to her apartment and got them.

Got to Hill Street Cafe a little early and waited for Erica. The restaurant has an "Easter tree," fer cryin' out loud, and I couldn't resist taking a pic:                            

                                                            

Erica got there shortly after I did and we preceded to have a wonderful reunion. She's younger than my children (53), but we have a close rapport and I've always liked and admired her. She studied acting and directing, but was employed in finance for many years. Recently, she branched out on her own as a financial advisor, especially for women contemplating divorce. I asked her to send me info on her business and I'll make it known to those here. 

Erica took me home and shortly after, I joined a group of about fifteen in the multipurpose room for dime bingo. It was actually fun, in a quirky kind of way; Keith was there and lent me four dimes after I ran out; paid him back at dinner. 

I had asked Mindy if any more festive "theme" lunch or dinners were planned and she said there would be an Irish one near St. Patty's day. I mentioned the fact that I make "Molloy's Irish Creme" and she asked for the recipe. I gave her a copy and I think she's planning to include it in that dinner.

Ellen called to tell me that Jay, the P.T., will be coming today at 2:30, I guess to judge my progress or something. I also have appointments at Second Wave Physical Therapy in a few weeks.

Dinner with Keith, Mary, and Cheryl and it was a really good large salad with walnuts, salmon, and a lot of other ingredients I like, plus strawberry dressing.  As I told Mindy, I think the major meal selections are improving; lately, there have been innovations and most are very good.