SATURDAY

 Happily, I slept well and didn't get up until 7:00 am to follow my usual routine. Niece Carolyn called at 10:00 and we had a good, long talk. I was so interested to hear that she's continuing her writing of a 1904 incident in Santa Babara where she lives: the accident of a trolley hitting a pole in which five people were killed and dozens injured. The trolley, with 40 seats, was packed with 120 people. Carolyn's 24-year-old son, Finn, is atttending a "Burning Man" gathering in Nevada, the particulars of which are beyond belief:

It's a week-long kind of concert and art event, during which attendees build a house, then at the end of the week, burn it down. Makes sense, right?

She's also going to take her daughter, Claire, upstate to UC Davis, where she'll enter college. In addition, Carolyn's husband, Dana, will be at a conference in Nova Scotia--he's retired, but does contract work--and she's going with him and will meet her cousin, my niece, Chrissy, there. Once she gets back, she'll get in touch and will visit me.

Went down to lunch and sat with Kathie, Paula, and Denise; I had only a salad, as I knew Ellen, Greg, and I would be having an early dinner. As scheduled, the Access Van picked me up at 12:20. The driver had to pick up two other people and drop them off at their destinations, so it was about an hour before I got to Ellen's, but that was no problem. El and I sat and chatted on her lovely porch/patio, then she taught me RummyKrob, which I greatly enjoyed. Greg came about 4:30 and we went off the SeaFresh for an early dinner. I had salmon--excellent--with roasted broccoli, along with an Liquid Candy IPA and it was yummy.

We got to Ellen's just in time to get the Access Van, driven by James, a really nice guy who I've had before. Off we went, and picked up one other person, a woman in a wheel chair close to my age. We talked and I was interested to hear she had lived at The Palms, the assisted living facility right behind The Orchard. 

As soon as I got home, I put the homemade chili Ellen had given me in the fridge and the cornbread she had made in other containers and stowed them in the fridge. However, I was horrified to see ants on the sink surround--AAGH!  I know a few other residents have experienced ants, but I never have. I'll have to let Joseph know and maybe he'll spray. Happily, I didn't see any this morning. 

Have no plans for today, but I'm toying with the idea of asking Noreen if she'd like to meet for lunch. Mebbe yes, mebbe no...

FRIDAY

Mary Ann picked me up for T.O.P.S. at our usual 8:15. Sharon, as she had called to tell me, was absent, but Cheryl, Lennie, Lanie, and Cherlean were there and guess who won the biggest loser prize? Yours truly, that's who, which came as an incredible surprise. I really hadn't made much effort, but somehow lost two pounds, going to 140.6 at home and 141.8 at the meeting.

Home at 9:30 and I lay down for a bit before changing and going downstairs to meet Suzanne and Vickie at 11:30. It was great to see them, of course, and Vickie gave me the good news that she and her group had won a trophy for first place in a pool (billiard) tournement. Here she is by herself and with Suzanne, our  Sister of Mercy mutual friend: 

We went to Casa de Soria, where we've been before and I like a lot. I had a tostedo (probably misspelled) and a *free* Margarita and a not-free beer. Had a great time, of course, talking and catching up. 

Home in time to go to Happy Hour (a second Margarita!), where the "Shoreline Singers" was the entertainment:  

They've been here before and I'm afraid I'm not terribly fond of their selections or their singer--however, the Margarita was good.

Dinner was right after and I sat with Kathie, LaVerne, and Paula. We talked again about Keith and our sadness at his passing. 

Ellen called and we discussed the fact that I'll see her and Greg for dinner at Sea Fresh today. Also, she invited me to come next Friday to celebrate her birthday, which is the day before, September 11; Greg will cook dinner. Sure thing.

Mike Messaged me about 7:00 and we had a nice chat. He'll be leaving for London in a few days (Vivian is already there to start doctorate studies), then back to Singapore, then to Savannah to take Violet to college. Hey, they get around.  

THURSDAY

Still reeling from the news of Keith's death, I kept busy by changing the bedclothes. I then went downstairs to ask for more information about Keith. Taylor--and I can't remember her title, but I know she's more than support staff--was kind enough to tell me a bit: That she and Tiffany had gone to Keith's apartment, got no response from bell or knock, and walked in to find him dead. I asked if he was on the floor or where and she courteously said she preferred not to say. (She was certainly right; it doesn't need to be known). 

Had lunch with Kathie and Paula and was surprised to see Cheryl at our table. Okay, why not, and it was pleasant enough. Mary, who had practically collapsed in hysterics Wednesday, did not show. After, I took a nap, then called Caitlin again to see if she could cut my hair before my manicure--left a voicemail, but no return.

I texted Mary Ann to see if she was going to T.O.P.S. this morning and yes, she'll pick me up at our usual 8:15. I'm not at all optimistic about my weight, but I think I need to go. Texted Suzanne and Vickie to check on our lunch date today and, yes, one of them will pick me up at 11:30.

Went upstairs to the salon and Erica did my nails. As ever, I enjoyed talking and being with her and the hands look good. Now the tooties need a re-do also.  Dinnertime was immediately after and I sat with Paula, Denise, and Mary; Kathie sat at a nearby table. 

Back upstairs, I did twenty minutes on the stationary bike, then settlewed down to watch T.V. and get ready for bed. Slept better than I've been doing lately, but I wish I could have more snooze-time. 

WEDNESDAY AND DREADFUL NEWS

Went to balance class at 10:00; Keith often attends, but wasn't there; in fact, besides leader/volunteer, Jackie, there were only five of us. After, I put my Japanese grandson's birthday card in the mail and when I came back upstairs, I saw Dyan and J.T. near my door. Their sad faces told me something was up and I asked. To my horror, Dyan told me that Keith had died. What? How could that possibly be? We had noted on Tuesday that we hadn't seen him that day, but just assumed he had gone out to lunch or something. What had happened,  we were told, was that somebody had alerted Director Tiffany they hadn't seen him recently. When this happens, management calls the person, then if no answer, investigates further. Tiffany did that and discovered his body in his apartment. We saw police and possibly, somebody from the coroner's office going up and down the stairs. I believe that if a death is discovered in such a way, circumstances must be investigated in order to rule out foul play. I called and left a message for Kathie, then went to Denise's and Paula's apartments to give them the sad news.

Lunch with those mentioned above, plus LaVerne,  and we all commiserated at the loss.  I then saw another resident and told her. To my horror, she became hysterical, burst into tears, and screamed and cried. I knew she had known Keith in a casual way, but this was over the top. Anyway, the news spread and everyone who had known Keith was saddened.

At 2:00, I went downstairs for dime Bingo and won one. I was still reeling by the news of Keith's death, and so were others, but it was a diversion.    

Dinner with Kathie, LaVerne, and Paula and, of course, we discussed Keith and how we'd miss him. Mary came over to talk a bit about it, having calmed down considerably. 

Called Ellen to tell her about Keith, whom she had met. Of course, she was shocked and sorry. She was just sitting down for dinner and Greg was coming over and they'd go on one of their regular walks. I'll be going  over to her place on Saturday and the three of us will go to SeaFresh for dinner. 

I called Caitlin to ask if she could cut my hair today, but wasn't able to get her or her voice mail, so will try again this morning. Elika will give me a manicure at 3:30 and I hope Caitlin is available then, too. Showered, but didn't wash my hair, figuring she'd do it. 

Had difficulty sleeping again, maybe because of my distress over Keith's death. 

TUESDAY

 Took a white wash to the laundry about 8:00 am, then played some games on the laptop. That was followed by a very short nap--about fifteen minutes, then lunch. I sat with LaVerne, Paula, and Mary--didn't see either Kathie or Keith. 

Ellen came at 1:30 and we went to Rolling Oaks Radiology, where I got a knee X-RAY. It didn't take very long and after that, we went to Ralph's Supermarket, where I got oranges, bread, and AA batteries. We then stopped at CVS, where I picked up my Equis (to the tune of $126, but that was for three months); I also got some OTC meds. When El left, she took with her the insurance info for my house; she'll take care of getting it to the proper place for the merchantile license.

When we got back to my place, we found I was too late for dime Bingo; however, there'll be another session this afternoon. I showed Mindy a picture of my Samuri warrior, as she's having a Japan day soon. She loved it and I'll contribute some other Japanese artifacts, too.  Here's the warrior--he's seventeen inches high:       

Had dinner with Mary and Denise; Bea had sat with us at first, which meant there was no place for Paula, who came a little later. Annoyingly, Bea got up later and sat with Alan and Beverly. I wish Paula had gotten there first.

Back upstairs at 6:30. Ellen called and invited me over for Saturday, so I'll call the Access Van today to get there and back. El, Greg, and I will go to SeaFresh for dinner--I'm looking forward to that. 

Sharon called about 7:00 to see how my knee was and to tell me about Lewis' medical problems. He has diabetes and keeps forgetting to eat regularly. He was out playing pool the other day and had some kind of problem--possibly, he fainted. Anyway, the medics were called and his daughter, who's a nurse practioner, also came. He recoverd fine, didn't have to go to the hospital, but needs to take his condition seriously.

Again, sleep wasn't too good last night. I must, must, must increase my exercise; took an Ibuprofen and will rub the medication on shortly.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

MONDAY

 Went to balance class at 10:00 and afterward, met up with Paula. I accompanied her part way on her daily around building walk, then sat with her, Kathie, and LaVerne for lunch.

Talked to Ellen and she'll be over this afternoon to take me to Rolling Oaks for a knee X-Ray. Also, she'll copy the documents I need to send to the Little Egg Harbor tax collecter about my merchantile license.

Napped for a time after lunch. Worked on some financial crapola and other "paper" (electronic) items before dinner. Sat with Kathie and Paula at dinner, then Mary joined us. I skipped the ceiche (?) for a hot dog and onion fries.

Slept well, but the knee is still not completely better. Ellen's coming at 1:30 and we'll go to Rolling Oaks Radiology for the X-Ray.

SUNDAY

 Did my usual nothing much in the morning. Received a call from my former neighbor, Lorraine, and we chatted. One of these days, I'll have her over.

Lunch with Kathie, LaVerne, and Paula. The other Kathie had hailed me before hand to tell me Bingo would be going on at 2:00, although it wasn't on the schedule. Did I want to attend? Ha--didn't have to ask me twice.

Went downstairs at the appointed time and enjoyed dime Bingo., winning two. Right after, at 3:00, we had Yatzee, which I played with volunteer Cindy, Keith, Mary, and Pat, with Reggie watching from the sidelines.

By the time we finished, it was almost dinnertime, so I stayed downstairs. Sat with Keith, Paula, andyy Ray and had a good chicken salad; asked for and received a bagel with salmon to take home for a snack. 

Called Ellen about my problem with the mouse and keyboard and also, my knee. She's going to call Primary Medical about the latter and I'm going to change the battery on the former,