Three Billboards and Three Commitments

Kimball, breakfast, then a quick run to WinCo and the 99-cent store. Showered and had a early lunch of veggies, then met Nancy at 1:10 at the Regency for Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.
Wow. It was incredible, about as innovative as it could be--it blew us away and if Frances McDermond doesn't get an Academy Award for this, there's no justice.  After, we went to The Cave for champagne (Nancy) and Chardonnay (Mimi), plus their wonderful, made-on-the-premises potato chips. I had not one, but two glasses of wine, and we were there for a good two hours, talking and talking. We agreed to make a movie and The Cave a regular Tuesday thing--yay! (It was close to 5:00 when we parted, so I didn't get my town walk in, but I'm okay with that.) I wrote on Facebook that I had just seen Three Billboards and added simply.  "Wow. Wow. Wow." 
This morning I have a VCS meeting at 10:30 and am still mulling over whether to continue in this thing or not. We'll see how it goes today.  Besides that, I have three other commitments coming up soon: the docent stint at Dudley House on Sunday (must study my script); the 17th century Dutch woman impersonation at the Maritime Museum in a few weeks (must research, then write and memorize a presentation); and an eventual Toastmasters presentation (am formulating a seven-minute talk on poetry).
It's funny: Those three entail a lot more work and thought than VCS, yet I've committed myself to them whole-heartedly and will accept other such activities with pleasure. That's telling me something, I guess.

Around And About

Walked Kimball with only a light sweater; it was 70 degrees at 7am. Spent  time after breakfast on going through my books. Separated the "keep" from the "donate" and packed them in a carrying bag. There were at least twenty of them and boy, was it heavy.
Went to Wal-Mart and found three-ring plastic "sleeves." Bought a packet and will get some more binders at Goodwill for a buck or two apiece.  Took my BP and it was okay, I think, at 93/62. Stopped at WinCo for blueberries, chicken, and lots of produce. It took an hour or so to prep the preceding, but I like to have plenty of good-for-me food in the fridge.
I continued to pursue an artificial fish and finally found on-line what I hope will be adequate. It's 12 inches long and although I would prefer a larger one, should be okay. Ordered it from an outfit on Amazon and it should arrive next week.
Had lunch, then drove to town. Parked at the library and took my books in, then drove to the museum. I had every intention of walking my usual to the library, but idly stopped into Goodwill on my way. There I saw two wooden sailboats, the larger one probably 15 inches high and more than a foot long. They're painted and clearly had been used for outside decorations. Well, could I pass them up?  No, so I bought both. They were pretty heavy, so I walked back to the car with them. I just didn't feel like retracing my steps, so decided to go see Greg at Whole Foods. I've been wanting to work up the courage to drive there on the freeway and I did. Got there in one piece, went in, but he wasn't there--that's  right, he's off on Mondays. So I walked down the street and up (The Collection covers a big area) and I think got my usual mile and a half in.
Stopped at the Hill Street library branch and picked up Shattered about the Hillary Clinton campaign debacle. I hate and despise her ilk, but after the Edwards books, I've gotten interested in insider politics. Also took out a book by somebody who was married to a psychopath--dunno why. In addition, I'm in the middle of That's NOT All, Folks!, a bio by Mel Blanc, who had been the voice of Porky Pig  and dozens of other characters.  Why read it?  Because I met him when he appeared at Rider years ago. His book is mildly interesting.
Got home and picked up the mail; finally, at long last, I got my check from SCAN. Since I received the refund for the aborted Getty trip, that means the only ones still holding out on me are the black-hearted felons from Amtrak. I'll continue to pursue them and hold out until I'm dead and for three days after that.

Fine Weather And Fish

Back to fine weather, I'm happy to say: It was mild when I walked at 7:00 and incredibly, got up to the high seventies during my town walk.  I recovered from my tummy problem and feel good--guess I should be careful about too much, even if it's good stuff.
I spent most of the morning getting family photos into the new album I bought. Now these aren't my marriage family pics--the ones I'm working on now I labelled "Birth Family." I also have a big group of "Early Byrne" and "Early Figenshu," as well as "My Family" plus "Documents," which include my parents' birth, death, and marriage certificates. The thought of getting other paperwork organized is daunting; I have copies of the articles I wrote for American Jewish Life, the Atlantic City Press, The Breeze, and other publications, plus my scripts and short stories. Well, I'll try to keep pluggin' away.
Main Street was jammed with people, which didn't surprise me, considerably it was a sunny Sunday. On my way to the library, I  went to all the thrift stores looking for a vest or bodice to wear over my costume. I haven't found anything appropriate and I think with the sash and long skirt, it should be okay. It's the fish I'm on the prowl for; stopped at several novelty and gift shops again today with no luck.  I think I'll have to find it on-line, but I don't want to pay an arm and a leg for it.
 

Here And There

Walked the walk, broke the breakfast (ha!), and did some computer stuff. Betty called to say she got the letter (e-mail's out, as she doesn't use her desktop), which gave her some tips and pointers on cooking for weight loss and so on.
Went to Vons for Beyond Meat burgers. These are vegan and got good reviews on the Internet. Since I don't eat beef or any other red meat, thought I'd try them. I wasn't entirely happy with the cost--$5,99 for two quite thin patties--but even less so with the calorie count: 290 each. Had one with dinner last night and it's okay, but I wasn't that crazy about them.  Well, they won't constitute a big part of my diet, but occasionally, they'll be okay.
Went to town and walked. Stopped into one of the thrift stores and found something perfect for the sash I want to wear as my Dutch woman character. It's actually a scarf, but will do fine around my waist. The fish is going to be harder. I went to a number of specialty/gift stores, one with a beach theme, but they had nothing I could use. Went on-line when I got home and looked into those that sell theatre props. I don't want to pay an arm and a leg for this thing, so will try elsewhere.
I was furious to get a notice from Chase that I owed $180 on an Amazon credit card and my payment was overdue. After talking to several people at both places, I found I had been changed $169.67 for some boondoggle called "Amazon Prime." To add i. to i., they tacked on a late charge and interest! What?  Screaming my head off, I finally got them to rescind the full charge. I insisted on an e-mail confirmation, which I got.
The good news on the money front is that I finally got a refund from the city for the aborted Getty bus trip in December.  That's thirty bucks--big whoops.
Ugh. Spent half the night in the bathroom.  I think the culprit was the fruit I ate last night--just had too much of it.  I'm okay this morning.

Maritime Museum

Darn, I woke up just after 4:00 and couldn't get back to sleep. Finally gave in about 5:00 and started my day.  After Kimball and coffee, I took off for T.O.P.S.  Happily, this was the last time at the West Ventura branch of the library; next week and hereafter, we'll be at Trinity Lutheran.
I brought with me a jacket and four tops that I've outgrown; they were appropriated by different members. We had two new members, Lora and Maria, so it was crowded around the table, but fun. I lost another 1.1 for a total of 49.6 off and a present weight of 131.7.
Didn't have breakfast until after 10:00.  Showered, changed, and left for the Maritime Museum in Oxnard at 11:45, in plenty of time to get there for my 12:30 appointment with Connie K., the docent director.
Only I didn't get there until 1:20.  I don't want to go into a long saga about this, but will just say I got lost, so stopped and asked a total of five people, all of whom were very helpful and none of whom got me there.  Howsomever--I finally arrived at about 1:20, very apologetic, but Connie was gracious about it. She showed me a number of the nautical paintings--they're wonderful--and let me make a choice about whether to be a (male) painter who mentored Monet or the Dutch woman who appears haggling over fish in the earliest painting they have. It's by Adam Willarts and was signed and dated by him in 1622. I fell in love with it and opted to impersonate the Dutch woman. After that was decided, Connie and I went over some costume pieces. She found a blouse I can wear, plus a wig (but I don't think that's necessary), plus two cloth hats; not sure which I'll wear. I was there until almost 3:00, then after getting some printed info on the painter (and I'll look up more on the Internet), I left.
Wasn't finished lunch until close to 4:00, but didn't want to skip town, plus I wanted to look for costume pieces in the thrift stores. I found an appropriate skirt--kind of an ugly brown--and bought that. Now I'll look for a sash, which the woman had on, and decide which shoes to wear.

Diane And Dargan's

Nice day.  After walking K. (chilly!) and breakfast, I did a load of wash, then spent quite a while putting the photos I label "Birth Family" in the new album I just bought.  I'm not finished yet, but it's working out well.
I had gotten an e-mail from Diane, asking if I could meet her at the Starbucks in town at 3:00. Now, I never go to Starbucks, as the stuff on their menu either doesn't appeal to me or appeals to me too much--meaning it's loaded with calories. However, I agreed, Starbucks being right next door to the library.  When I got there, we found there's no place to sit inside, and it was extremely windy, so we decided to go elsewhere. I suggested  Dargan's Irish Pub and Restaurant, which is on the opposite corner, and that's where we went.
Happily, they had Irish coffee for five bucks, which is what we both got. We stayed for a good hour and a half, catching up on each other's lives.  I finally got tired of sitting and we walked the half block to the Ventura Inn, where Diane now lives. I went into the lobby with her and oh, boy, what a neat place. It was built in the twenties and had been a hotel. It still had all the great "bones" of the buildings of that era--high, arched openings, dark wood, a huge fireplace (now sealed) and a terrific art deco feel.  Diane has only a studio (this is a low-income apartment), but is thrilled to be there. I told her about my other friend who lives there, Marie M., and she said she'd look her up.
I went from there to WinCo for shrimp, broccoli, and other stuff.  After I put it away at home, I rang Suzanne's bell; she had brought the BP machine (electronic!) from work and put it on me. Happy day, it read 110/63, which I think is good. If it had been low again, I would have called the doctor, but now I'm satisfied.
After dinner, I called Ellen to ask how the new laptop was doing. It's good, but it took her a long time to attach her mouse and she hasn't had a lot of time to play with it yet.

Looking Up*

Hey, things are looking up.
I had been just a little blue lately--felt I was kind of spinning my wheels--but I've snapped out of it. Did the walk, of course, then spent time clearing up a few problems with AAA and so on--all fixed now. Went to Wal-Mart and, as long as I was there, decided to take my BP. It was again very low, but I have a doctor's appointment in a few weeks and I'll talk it over with her.
Got an e-mail from my short-time acquaintance, Diane B., to the effect that she's moved back to the area. Here's some info on her from a blog entry last July:
--Diane is an interesting person and incredibly, also a pacifist, one of the few around here, it seems. She goes to the Unitarian Church (or "church") and is a mindFUNism instructor. Yeah, I think it's nuts, but I like her. She had an eight-bedroom house in San Francisco, and opened a bed and bath, but lost it, along with her first husband. I'm not sure exactly why, but I suspect bankruptcy...Diane is 75, which I was amazed to hear; as I told her, she doesn't look over sixty. She laughed and said she's "had work," I guess a face lift. She's has a nice figure--slender, but not bony, and is quite attractive. She does have neuropathy and uses a cane.--  
Diane sent me her phone number and asked me to call her, which I did, and left a message; haven't heard back yet.

I called dear brother, Frank, and we chatted. He's still talking about bringing Marybeth home. He misses her, plus Mercy Central costs seven thou a month. He thinks hiring people to come in would cost less, but more important, he misses her. While we were on the phone, his daughter, Francine, came in. She had to go to Sacramento for work and Frank was going along for the ride. I then called Sue, as nobody I knew has heard from her for some time. She said she's had the flu, plus Mac's Alzheimer's is worsening; however, she wants to get together and was glad to hear from me. I called Carole to tell her, then took off for town.

Stopped at Suzanne's when I got home to ask if I could borrow her BP machine. She doesn't  have it, but will borrow another from St. John's and bring it home today. We caught up with each other--she and her sibs are going to Tennessee in August for a cousins gathering--and chatted happily.

*That's the title of a bio by Michael J. Fox.  Nowadays, publishing hacks think up such titles, usually with a non-subtle double meaning. In this case, it refers to how short the author is, plus optimism. Christopher Reeve's book is called Still Me--get it?  H can't move after his accident, but is still the same old guy. Why I find these unfunny puns so irritating, I don't know. I do like Roger Egert's Life Itself, both the title and the book. Speaking of books, I'm in the middle of one on Andre Previn and his music. Though I'm a musical illiterate, I find it absorbing. It's called simply Previn.

Ho-Hum

Ho-hum, dull day.
We used to write that in our diaries when we were kids, if nothing unusual happened. Well, nothing unusual--or very interesting--happened yesterday and I expect more of the same until Friday.
I read the comments about my speech (I didn't want to look at them at the meeting)  and they were very laudatory. That's nice, but it's more helpful to be told something I can improve. Tony said I had said "ah" sixteen times and I appreciate that because I'll be more aware. There were a few other suggestions, all of which I'll consider.
Ran into Sharon at the library. She's been expecting the birth of a great-grandchild momentarily, but he/she hasn't come yet. Speaking of babies, my nephew, Tim, had his first biological child the other day, on his wife's fortieth birthday; it's her first, also. (Tim had adopted his first wife's son, Cal, who's now in his late twenties.) Tim is fifty, but is not from the oldest first dad in our family. My own oldest son is the champ: He was 54 when Mr. K. was born. My little great nephew, Tim's boy, will be named Declan (an Irish name) Carl; Carl was Tim's Dad's name.
Debra M. called and we commiserated about the Council for Seniors.  I'm hovering on the edge of giving up my vice chair position--it may not be worth the aggravation.
I received a letter from my doctor's office that said--I think--no malignancy was found via my mammogram. The thing was so sloppily put together,  I wasn't even sure what it was telling me. How in the hell do they train their office staff?  Or I should ask, "Why DON'T they train their office staff?"  When I see Dr. J. next month, I'm going to bring it and complain.
Cooked up salmon and mushrooms for dinner, along with two halves of winter squash. Watermelon and blueberries for later--fresh, of course.

A Phone And A Prayer

When I got up and checked my e-mail, I saw a message from Judith A., of Toastmasters, asking if I'd switch roles with her and present, rather than act as evaluater. Geez, that gave me only a few hours to work up a talk. However, I decided to make this my "ice breaker" and pulled together some family pictures.-
After Kimball and breakfast, I spent almost the whole friggin' morning on the phone. Called Amtrak yet again about my refund for the return trip from Oakland.  I had called after I got back from Frank's and been told it would be deposited back into my Visa account within ten days. It wasn't. I had called on December 28 and been told the same thing. Nope. Yesterday, I got the ten days routine again. Let's hope.
Called Parks & Recreation once more about my refund for the cancelled Getty Museum trip. I had been told before I'd get a check.  I didn't. This time, they said they had sent it to my old address and they'd have to issue another. Well, you'd think when they got the old check back--or realized it hadn't been cashed--they'd follow up on it, but I guess not.
E-mailed Jackie L. at SCAN again about my compensation for the acting class. She called  me immediately and apologized, saying she had asked the finance department and was told they needed a requisition slip. Presumably, Brenda had overlooked this. Anyway, I should soon--after two months--be getting a check.
At Toastmasters, held again at Fern's back forty, it was damned chilly. The large room has a big fireplace, but Sue has asthma and asked that it not be lit. Fern and I were the two speakers and I thought her delivery was far superior to mine, so was surprised that I was voted the better.  However, the grammarian did report that I said "ah" sixteen times during my talk. Yes, that's what they do in this group and actually, that's useful, as I'll be aware and hone my talks better.
Something else disturbed me a lot more: When the meeting first started, "Cece" went to the front and announced we'd start with a prayer. What? Since when is this a religious group?  But she proceeded to intone one of those vague, rambling, touchy-feely sermons that I always think of as fundamentalist Protestant. I'm not sure how many of the six others thought as I did, but none of us uttered a word.
I certainly have no objection at all to believers practicing their religion, but I do when I'm assumed to be one of them.  I'm pretty sure headquarters (Toastmasters International) would object to this, but I won't bother to report it.  However, next month, we meet at The Brewery in town (hey, that's sounds good) and if we're subjected to this again, I'll withdraw from the group.

Routine

The usual Sunday routine: coffee, Kimball, and crossword. Breakfast, too, of course, but since I'm hung up on alliteration...
WinCo for salad dressing and a few other things. Spent time writing out a letter to Betty, giving her some of the food prep info I've used for my weight loss. Did a few other things on the computer.  Lunch was salad, of course, and the three spring rolls I took home from Jasmine Thai. Went the museum to library route and on the way, stopped into a shop and bought a blouse that will go nicely with my new Capri pants.
El called to say Office Max hadn't had her new computer done Friday night. It was supposed to be programmed in an hour or two, and after we had dinner and she dropped me off, she went back to get it.  Nope, so she had to go back yesterday.  They did give her a $25 gift certificate for her trouble. Considering what the laptop cost, it was little enough.
I heard from the Toastmaster mistress, or whatever she's called, that I've been appointed an evaluater  for one of the speakers tonight. That means I--well, evaluate, then report on what was good and what could have been improved. Of course, I won't know what the hell I'm doing, but I'll wing it.
Connie, from the Maritime Museum e-mailed me asking what day I'd like to be a character there. I said Sunday, February 18, but have nothing scheduled either day, so could do both.

Books And Laptops

A good day. Kimball, of course, then breakfast, then some computer work researching a few things in which I'm interested.  Went to the book sale at the Hill Street branch of the library about 11:00. Saw my pal, Carole, who volunteers for that, and chatted with her. Got a large bag of books--darn, I've got about five, library and my own, I'm about to dive into. I want to read Ken Alpine's about the Channel Islands, the bio of Tennessee Williams Greg gave me, and Working Stiff, by a medical examiner from the Bronx (yes, I have varied--or bizarre--tastes).  Went to Sprouts for oranges, then Smart 'n' Final, who were having a sale on blueberries. I just LOVE blueberries and bought two 16-ounce containers.
El called about 2:00 and said she'd pick me up in an hour or so, which she did. We then went to Oxnard, first stopping at Best Buy's, then at Fry's Electronics. She looked at, tried, lifted, and asked sales reps about various laptops, but wanted to look further, so we went back to Ventura, to Office Max.  Here she found what she wanted--8 mgs, fair-sized screen, and not too heavy--and bought it. Of course, she paid more than she thought she would, but she's happy with it.
It takes an hour or two to put on Word (or something), so she suggested we go to dinner and sure thing, fine by me. We went to Jasmine Thai, where I had their yummy lettuce wraps with peanut sauce, plus a nice glass of Chardonnay.  After, El dropped me off and went back to get her new computer.  I was glad to have learned a bit more about laptop buying, as I want to get one, also. I want to be able to take it with me for talks and presentations, for one thing.  For a change, I didn't get my town walk in, but no matter, I was with my girl.
(Darn--for the first time in months, I had trouble sleeping. Woke up for the usual, then couldn't get back. Foolishly, I got up and went onto the computer for a time.  Finally drifted off, but just got up at 6:15, an hour later than usual.) 

Yesterday

Morning: as ever, Kimball, then T.O.P.S. For the first time in the ten months since I started "getting serious" about losing weight, I (gulp!) gained.  Oh, horrors! I gained .06 which, if my calculations are correct, is a smidgen less than an ounce. We laughed about the fact that now, instead of weighing 132 point something, I'm at 132 point something else. I'm not sure why I didn't lose, but no matter--I will next week.
After breakfast, I realized I was running out of underwear, so took a big load to the laundry. While it was washing, I started an e-mail to Suze, Lori, and Deb, stating my honest annoyance with the way the meeting went on Wednesday and, frankly, the way VCS is going overall.  I'll continue to hone it.
While wash was drying, I went out and bought napkins and more fruit. Got home to retrieve clothes, folded and put away, had lunch; besides salad, for a change I had a bowl of lentil soup, which I had made a few months ago and had in the freezer.
As I drove to town, Betty called to say she had lost six pounds on my regimen--although it's considerably modified from what I do. That's okay, though; everybody needs to do what they'll actually follow.
Afternoon: town walk, reading at the library for a bit, then home. I was pleased when Ellen called and asked if I had plans for today--nope (and if I had had, she takes precedence with me, anyway). She wants to go look for a laptop and I'll be glad to tag along. I've been wanted one, myself, for some time and it'll be helpful to look them over.

Full Day

After Kimball and breakfast, I went to WinCo, which I do several days a week, for fresh produce and so on.
Printed out my diet regimen for Cheryl B., director of the Adult Center, who had asked for it at the VCS meeting. (More about that sorry organization later.)  I couldn't find Cheryl's e-mail address and since the Center is not far from the museum, I printed it out and stopped to give it to her on the way to my walk.  Saw Marie and the receptionist (can't remember her name), both of whom I know, and chatted a bit. I then went on my way to the library.
Stopped at the Y on the way home to say hello to Tony, the former SCAN director, whom we all miss. He greeted me with a big hug; Y admin Shari was there, too. I like them both so much; just stayed for five or so, as I know they have busy schedules.
Debra called when I got home and we discussed VCS. We're both very dissatisfied with the whole setup and talked about expressing that to Suze and Lori. We'll see. Just had carrots (which I had cooked with tangerines quarters in the slow cooker) and a potato for dinner. I wasn't very hungry and will have my rockfish today.
Got to the Lexington for Humor and Drama Toastmasters at 7:00.  It turned out to be a lot of fun.  I had volunteered to do the improv segment and participants were actually pretty good. In the middle of the meeting, nephew Wes returned my call, which I took in the hallway.  He said yes, he'd like to meet Pam when he's here in March, so I'll figure out how to arrange that.   

VCS And The Orient Express

Kimball, breakfast, then I took off for the VCS meeting. It was the usual draggy doing, with interminable discussions on things that never got resolved. Suze's high-handedness and a particularly obnoxious woman named Diana--I think she's been elected to counsel, may Zeus help us--topped it off. The audience consisted of exactly six people, including my friend, Carol.
Didn't get home until almost noon and changed to jeans, as I was meeting Nancy at the movie at 1:00. We both got there early and greatly enjoyed Murder on the Orient Express, although I'm sure Agatha's book was modified.  The scenery and sets were particularly awesome. (Son Mike and DIL Paula rode the Orient Express years ago.  They said it was a long trip over lots of tundra.)
We went from there to The Cave; Nance had her usual split of champagne, I Chardonnay, plus the best potato chips I ever tasted. They make them right there and they're hard to describe, but just yummy.
We stayed for an hour or so, then parted--we'll do the movie and drinks thing again--and I drove directly to town, although it was almost 4:30. Took my usual (it was almost dark as I walked back to the car) and got home fine.

Chopped: Veggies and Hair

Kimball and breakfast. Went to WinCo right after and loaded up on veggies. When I got home, I spent a considerable amount of time preparing them, mostly with my trusty chopper. I chopped cucumbers, a huge cauliflower, several green peppers,  and two pounds of carrots. To the latter I added cut-up tangerines and cinnamon to go in the slow cooker. However, I thought I'd better not start it, as I had a hair appointment at  3:00 and I wanted to get my walk in right after lunch.
Betty called to say she had received the amaryllis she had left at my place, plus a top I sent her.  We chatted a bit.  I called the number I have for Wes and left a message, but haven't yet heard back from him. It occurred to me that after the divorce, he may have gotten a new number; well, I can easily find out.
Did my usual walk, museum to library, and Carole called while I was on my way.  We  chatted  and she said she'll be at the Council for Seniors this morning.  When I got to the library, I saw it was quarter to three. Uh, oh, my appointment was for 3:00 and I knew I couldn't get back to the museum, then drive to the mall in fifteen, so I called to say I'd be late. Amanda was okay with that and took me right away.
I had color and a trim. It looks okay, but I don't think it looks a C-Note okay--but then I never do. Called Nancy after dinner and we decided we'd go to the earlier (1:00 pm) showing of Murder On The Orient Express today, then stop for drinks and appetizers after. 

The Beach And Widder Dinner

Walked Kimball, had breakfast, and blah, blah, blah. I felt a little out of sorts for some reason, and wanted to vary my routine. Drove to the beach and walked along it, enjoying the sunshine and crashing waves. Felt better after.
I knew the library would be closed for MLK Day, so I parked there and put my books in the receptacle, then walked to the museum and back. Home, I took a shower, washed  my hair, and prepared for the widder dinner at Sizzler.
Got there a bit early and walked in with our leader, sweet Vera. Talked to attorney Pam about meeting my attorney nephew, Wes, when he's here in March for Carolyn's birthday.  She's agreeable and now I need to contact Wes.  There were thirteen of us, including one man, Ray, whom I've met before, but don't remember his circumstances. Sat next to Barbara Q. and her friend, Leah, and the three of, with irrepressible Gayle, had a great time. We even touched on politics, although they all call themselves "liberal," unlike li'l Mimi.

Ordinary

Another ordinary, but okay Sunday. Walked Kimball with light clothes, as it was 70 degrees at 7 am.  Did the Sunday crossword over breakfast, then took my several-times-a-week trek to WinCo for this and that.  Lunch, then off to town. There were lots of people there; I assume many were tourists, plus those who just wanted to stroll on Main Street on a summery day (in January!).
I'm now deep into the Edwards saga, which is a lot more complex than I'd realized after reading his late wife's two books.  At the library, I read several chapters of, then took out, The Politician: John Edwards' Pursuit of the Presidency and the Scandal That Brought Him Down, by Andrew Young, his former aide. It's riveting.
Since I left the library before 4:00, I stopped at The Cat's Cradle, found a light robe, and bought it. It was still early, so I drove down to a shop in east Ventura, just to look around. Considered a sweater, but didn't buy it. While I was there, I got a welcome phone call and chatted for fifteen or so.
On the way home, I stopped at Penney's and made an appointment for a color and cut on Tuesday. I hope Nancy will be able to go to lunch and a movie on a different day.

Still The Usual Everyday...

It was much warmer when I walked Kimball and later in the day, actually got up to 83 degrees.  Right after breakfast, I went to stores and stocked up on salad fixings, veggies, and fruit, both frozen and fresh. Came home to prepare several of them.
After lunch, I went to town for the usual. Lots of people strolling around and, for some reason, I felt a little lonely.  When I got to the library, I looked up Faulkner's As I lay Dying. Why? Because my Facebook friend, Nancy W., and I got into a book discussion and she just finished it. I read it years ago and dipped into it at the library to refresh my memory.  I found it just as boring yesterday as I had decades ago.
I called my friend, Carole, and left her a message. For some unknown reason, she had sent me a three-page letter--or something--via regular mail with a note attached reading "Loved this-so true-enjoy!" I'm having a hard time deciding what in the world to say to her. This thing is one of those cliche-ridden, supposed-to-be-profound, moronic "inspirational" messages that are the worst thing about Facebook. It references getting older, with all the smarmy ideas and advice that makes me want to turn the air blue with vulgarities.  I never, never, under any circumstances, pass them on electronically or any other way.  Anyway, guess I'll have to soften my reaction when I talk to Carole.
I was pleased to get a call from Ellen, just to say hello, and we talked for a half hour or so. 

Rolling Thunder

After Kimball, I went home and changed for T.O.P.S. Got there, got weighed, and I'm down another 1.4, for a present weight of 132.2 and a total loss of 48.1. That means I'm now on the cusp of a 50- pound loss, but more importantly for me, nearing my goal of 125 pounds.  It's almost time to plan my strategy for keeping the weight off, but without losing more. As any veteran of this activity knows, what I'm doing now is the easy part.
Anyway, it was a good meeting. Didn't get home and have breakfast until 10:30, but that was okay. I spent the morning, among other chores, chopping three big onions and some peppers, preparing for  my Friday treat: stir-fry turkey with the veggies mentioned.
Called Nancy and we made a tentative date to see Murder on the Orient Express next week. We'll go Tuesday if she doesn't have to get an infusion that day, otherwise change to another day. We'll go to lunch first, of course, and I suggested the newly-renovated Yolanda's.
After lunch, I kept my mammogram appointment. I have no reason to think there will be bad news, but I'm always a little nervous until I get the "all clear" letter.  It doesn't help that I'm reading Elizabeth Edwards' Saving Graces; she died of breast cancer.
After Rolling Oaks Radiology,* I stopped at Cricket to see if they could help my e-mail to update on my phone. They were busy, though, and I didn't stay.  Will go back later if I can't do it. Went from there to town for the usual. Stayed reading at the library for an hour or so, then strolled back under blue skies and sunshine.
I met Don while I was parking my car.  He's going in for double hernia surgery on Wednesday; his sister will take him there. I told him if he needed anything, I'm available.
*That name always strikes me as hysterically funny. I can't help but think of it as "Rolling Thunder," which suggests a motorcycle gang.

Islands Apart

It was mighty chilly walking Kimball at seven a.m.--all the way down to 50. (I realize these things are relative.) Did  it, though.
After breakfast, I put in a huge load of wash and did the back and forth thing. Finally, at long last, I got all the mountain of paperwork (family pictures and other memorabilia) in the filing cabinet. I hope they're in the right places and Byrne isn't mixed with Figenshu, but I'll let it be for now.  Asked Ken McAlpine to be my friend on Facebook and was pleased when he accepted, plus send me back a very cordial message. I ordered his latest book from Amazon--Islands Apart: A Year On the Edge of Civilization.  It's about exploring the Channel Islands; can't wait to read it and I want to get his earlier book about his experiences on the east coast.
I received from Carol F. in the regular mail, one of those tiresome, cliche-ridden memes--a two-pager about living life to the fullest, seizing the day, and generally speaking, being glad you're old and decrepit--damn! Now I have to figure a way to thank her, but forestall getting any further such claptrap. Talk about being islands apart.
Got mushrooms, cucumbers, and watermelon at the store, then went to town for the usual trek. At the library, I started re-reading Elizabeth Edward's Resilience. It's almost unbearable at times: the death of her boy at 16, her husband's betrayal, the recurrence of the cancer that killed her in 2010.  She was an incredible writer; I cried at places and actually feel bereft knowing she's gone. I took out her other book, Saving Graces, and am enjoying(?) that, too.
Talked to Betty, who's back home; she said the roads are pretty well clear now.

Ordinary Doings

Walked Kimball, but went early, so I had finished the circuit by 7:45, too early for my 8:00 am blood test at Quest. Strolled over to Smart 'n' Final and bought a spaghetti squash. It was a small one--they're easier to handle--and I was bemused by the fact it cost $1.95. The 99 Cent store regularly has them for--yes, 99 cents--even considerably larger ones.  Goes to show something or other.
After breakfast, I stopped at Sprouts and bought veggie dogs; thought I'd try them, as I haven't had them for several years. Also got two containers of blueberries. I spent some time in getting my filing in order. I have a bad habit of putting items in my "in" basket (sort of), then letting them pile up until it's a formidable undertaking to file them all. Still haven't done that.
I looked on the Internet to see news about the mudslides. Horribly, thirteen people have already been killed and several others are missing. The man who founded St. Augustine's, a private Catholic school here, was killed, his wife hurt, but recovering.
Lunch, then town. Started a new bio of Elvis Presley, but lost interest fairly quickly. I stopped in some shops on the way in and bought a light jacket--very nice.

Rain And A Program

Because I got up so late, I didn't get to Kimball until after 8:00. Started off on my walk and when I got partly around, it started to rain. Reversed course and went back; I think I got in at least a mile, anyway.
It rained fairly heavily through part of the day, but I didn't let that stop me from errand-running. Went to the office to ask if Javier could look at my shower pull, or whatever it's called. The tub faucet has a little round leaver on it, that you pull when you want the water to revert to the shower head (and I always do; I probably haven't taken a tub bath for ten years). It's gotten very hard to pull it out. Javier came, tried it, and told me you have to turn the water on stronger--who knew? Anyway, now it works.
While I was at the office, I chatted with Bianca, the manager. She mentioned her husband is on a work trip to Jersey--he does something or other with BMW.  My nieces's husband also works there, so I called Joan to ask if Jim might know Bianca's husband. She'll ask him and we had a good chat.
Inspired to call other family, I talked to my brother, Jim, who's 91, then Larry, who's 85. Both seemed okay, but slowing a bit, I think.  I want to plan a trip to the east coast this year to see both of them, as well as my grandson and his boys.
Stopped at Enterprise because my car remote, like the shower thingy, gradually become difficult to press.  Jason, who sold me the car, greeted me cheerfully and immediately took it and replaced the battery, Works fine now.
Betty called to ask if I had been evacuated. Why in the world--? Well, she watches television and, ever ready to believe the worst scenario, she heard of the mud slides above Ojai. She also called Ellen and got the same info. Anyway, luckily, the rain has stopped and I hope won't occur again for a time.
I debated with myself whether go or not to the Sierra Club meeting that Rachel, from Toastmasters, had invited me to. The program speaker was Ken McAlpine, talking on his book, Islands Apart at the library.  I had about decided against it, but then the rain stopped and the sky turned--instantly, it seemed--beautifully blue.  Since I didn't want to give myself a pass to skip my town walk, I drove there, parked at the library, walked to the museum, and attended the meeting.
I'm so glad I did. Ken is a dynamite speaker and I can't wait to get his book and earlier ones he's written. I met him after and we chatted; interestingly, when he heard my name, he said his sister-in-law's  name is "Pat Malloy."   She was there, I met her, and we laughed over the coincidence.
The library has to close up at 7:00, so I got home just a bit after.  I want to look into the Sierra Club and am especially interested in their hikes.

Drizzle and Dudley House

A few drops fell while I was walking Kimball at 7:00, but no substantial rain came down until later. I was a little worried about Ellen, as school started again yesterday. She had said she was concerned about not being able to get home to fee Sebastian, as Greg had a doctor's appointment in Santa Barbara.  However, I called her later and there was no problem.
Changed my bed and took two sets of sheets to the laundry place, along with other items. By 10:30, I was already finished washing, drying, folding, and putting away. Did a few things on this machine, tidied up a bit, then went to WinCo for bread and more fruit. I was delighted to find what they call "country loaf," which looks a lot like pumpernickel, which I've been unable to find here. I bought it and will enjoy it with my cottage cheese and orange for breakfast today.  I also bought a red cabbage, cored and cut it, and put it in the microwave. Betty called; she's still in L.A. at Stephen's and Robyn's, and is scheduled to leave tomorrow.
After lunch, we actually experienced a real rain, the first since--by my recollection--last March. Actually, we would have called it "drizzle" in Jersey, but at least it was wet.  I wasn't going to walk in it, so instead of town, I drove to the mall and walked what I think approximated my mile and a half. I don't know how long those stores can stay open; Macy's, Sears, and most of the others were practically deserted, and even Target had few customers. Of course, it was raining, which Californians seem to regard as a kind of necessary, but scary, phenomenon, like labor pains during childbirth.
Went to Dudley House for the annual meeting. When I walked in, I saw a nice spread--uh-oh, I hadn't realized it was a pot luck. But there was plenty of food (and wine--these people are civilized), and I enjoy them. There was a program on the St. Francis damn disaster of 1928--it burst, roared down Santa Paula valley, more than 400 killed--to a guy whose wife is active in the Santa Paula theatre. I chatted with him, we exchanged cards, and we'll see what might result from that. There was a business meeting--very informal--and it wasn't over until after 9:00.  However, I greatly enjoyed it and like this group.  Also, I signed up for docent duties in February and May; must turn my attention to studying the script.
Yoicks! I didn't get up until 7:25 because I stayed up until 10:30 watching television after I got home. Must stop this riotous living!

Sunday Usual

Sunday: Kimball, natch, worked the Newsweek crossword (it may be the only reason I get the Ventura Star), then tackled putting away the Christmas decorations. I separated out those I know I shouldn't keep, boxed them, and will donate to one of the thrift stores shortly.
Went to the store for fresh blackberries, frozen strawberries, lettuce, and paprika (I dress my fish with it).  I was putting together my salad when Suzanne rang the bell. Would I like to come over and have some eggnog wine?  Damn straight I would (I didn't say this to Sister Suzanne) and I joined her next door.
Suzanne put out crackers and cheese and poured us both some wine. This was interesting; I've always liked eggnog--I like anything with lots of cream and calories--but had never heard of it as a wine.  S. read on the label that it had originally been concocted in the U.K.  As one might suspect, it's not as thick or heavy as regular eggnog, but it was very good.  We sat chatting for an hour or so, discussing our sisters' problems: Betty's memory and her sister's recent badly injured arm from a fall. I left with thanks, then ate my large salad. Oddly for me, I then felt sleepy--the booze, no doubt--and actually lay down on the couch and dozed until about 3:30.
Heavens, this would never do. I got up, put on my sweater, grabbed my library book (a bio of Gore Vidal), and took off for town. Did the walk, read for a bit, took out a book of Vidal's essays--gawd, he was good--and Transparent Things, by one of my other favorites, V. Nabokov. By the time I walked back to the car, it was getting dark.
I was still full from my middle-of-the-day treat and late lunch, so skipped dinner and just had a bowl of spaghetti squash. I got e-mails from people in Toastmasters, mentioning the meeting tonight. However, I'm going to the Dudley House annual meeting, so won't make the other. Just as well, as Toastmasters is starting to bore me, I'm afraid.

Back to Routine

Got to Kimball at 7:00 and was surprised to see it was almost enveloped in fog. It was a little eerie, in fact; however, I started off and saw other walkers emerge out of the mist, so no prob.
After breakfast, I started dismantling the Christmas decorations. I assembled most of them on the coffee table and will continue putting away today. I was chagrined to realize my Christmas table runner, which I had on that table, has a big hole in it. The hole was from my pretty Christmas tree candle, the wax from which had flowed down and burnt the runner.  Luckily, it didn't harm the table because there's glass in the middle.
Under the kitchen table, I found a box with an amaryllis bulb in it; it's not mine, so must be Betty's.  I called her and yes, she had overlooked it. She goes back to Jersey on Wednesday, so I'll send it to her in a day or two.
Went to the 99-cent store and WinCo for a few things, had lunch, then took off for town for the walk. It was just a "back to routine" day, which was fine by me.

Goodbye, Betty

We walked Kimball, but Betty said she was winded about half a mile in and sat on a bench while I continued, then came back for her. Once we got home, I changed into a lighter outfit; luckily, it was warmer by then. Betty decided not to go to T.O.P.S. with me, as she had an enormous amount of items--suitcases, boxes, bags, and so on--to pack and get ready for Steve to come pick her up.
Got to T.O.P.S. more quickly than I thought I would, but it took about 20 minutes, more than twice as long as it had to SCAN.  The place itself was a nice room, with a table and chairs. The problem is that there's virtually no parking nearby.  I parked 'way down the stree, but I'm a walker and have no problem with it. However, several members have difficulty walking, especially Sharon.
But--happy day!--the question is moot, anyway. Leader Lennie (for Lenora) announced that, starting in February, Trinity Lutheran will allow us to meet in their gathering room--yay! It's probably less than ten minutes from me, right across from Dudley House, and there's an adequate parking lot.  That settles it--I'm not going to switch to the Johnson Avenue meeting, after all. I was pleased to have lost another 1.8 pounds, as I had felt I gained. That brings me to 133.6, with a total loss of 47.7 pounds--fifty, here I come!
Got home and Betty and I chatted, while she worked on her luggage. I took her out for a farewell drive, then Steve came about 1:00.  We said goodbye and off she went. I immediately high-tailed it into town, parked at the museum, and walked to the library.  After reading for a bit, I left--in a heavy fog (not mental, but actual)--and drove to WinCo where I stocked up on goodies, such as spinach, frozen cherries, and so on.
I was pleased to have Betty here, but I welcome back my routine. It might bore anyone else, but I shaped it, I live it, and it's just right for me.

Around Town With Betty

Walked Kimball, with Betty keeping up as well as she could. It's hard for me to slow to her pace, but we completed the mile and a half okay. Home for breakfast, then some talk and computer stuff. Nancy called and unfortunately, her little dog, Marley, was under the weather.  Nancy thought she'd take him to the vet, so wasn't able to join us for lunch.
We left for town about 11:00 and strolled around, visiting several shops. Got to Paradise Pantry and Noreen came in shortly thereafter.  We had a good time--Betty had a new audience for her stories--and the food was delish.
We said goodbye to Noreen.  I had thought we could take my town walk after, but Betty didn't feel up to it, so we drove home. I used the Chop Wizard to prepare cauliflower for dinner, then we walked over to Vons and I got some good salmon for dinner. Served that, the cauliflower with shredded cheese on it, fresh spinach, and a few other sides. We had our mixed fruit later.
Today, we'll walk, then attend T.O.P.S., which is now about three times as far as it had been in SCAN.  I'm pretty sure I've gained, considering my riotous living over the holidays, but I'm not worried about that; I know I'll take the excess off soon.
Considering it starts at 8:45, will now take twenty minutes or more to get there, AND drags on for longer than it should, I'm considering switching to the one Noreen goes to, on nearby Johnson Avenue. I think I'll go as a guest--they meet on Wednesday--and see if that might be better.

Betty And Me

Walked Kimball, then took off for the BCNN meeting.  I acted as greeter at the door, sat with Doris and a new friend, but left before the rather boring program was over.
Yidied up a bit before Betty and Carolyn got here at 12:30.  I had prepared salad, not realizing they had already eaten, but they sad down and had more. Carolyn left after, then I asked Betty if she minded that I had to do laundry. No prob and she had some to contribute, so we went back and forth, washing, drying, and folding. Naturally, we spent most of the day talking and talking.  I missed the afternoon walk, but should get most of that in today. I prepared rock fish, acorn squash, and sauteed porcini  mushrooms, and mixed fruit for dinner, which Betty (and I) enjoyed.
Betty was nervous about getting a boarding pass for her return trip to Jersey; I tried to tell her it wasn't usual to get one until 24 hours before departure; she already had the reservation on her phone. She didn't believe it, so we went on my computer together, then I suggested she call Southwest. She did--and was told she wouldn't get the boarding pass until 24 hours before.
We then sat up talking, me with a glass of wine--well, a few glasses--until 10:30, then it was off to bed. Today, we'll walk Kimball, then go to town, stop in some shops, then meet Nancy and Noreen for lunch at the Paradise Pantry.
It's great fun having my sister here!

Ronnie And Us

Walked Kimball, ate breakfast, then had a fine day with Ellen and Ronnie.  El picked me up at 10:30 and we drove to Simi Valley for the Titanic exhibit at the Reagan Library.  The setting is just gorgeous, with far, far vistas of mountains and hills stretching in every direction.  I've been there before, but still thrill to the scenery.
What we didn't bargain for were the crowds. There were just thousands of people there--Trump fans, all, probably--and we had to park way down the high hill from the place. Luckily, there were shuttles and we got one very quickly. When we got to place itself, though, we waited in various lines for a total of--I kid you not--roughly an hour and a half. However, we finally got it and had an enjoyable day.
Incredibly though, the Titanic exhibit was ninety percent the movie, for Pete's sake.  I find it disturbing that so much of history is rewritten, reshaped, and fictionalized into a kind of bastard stepchild of fact.  Movies out right now include the Queen Victoria one (which Nancy and I saw a few weeks ago) and something called "Finest Hour" with a resurrected Winston Churchill.  Not long ago, there was one on Jackie Kennedy.  Doesn't anybody read or view actual fact anymore?  But we enjoyed it, especially the relatively small room with actual artifacts and information about the ship. It's amusing that the "fiction, not fact" thing carries over into Reagan's personal background: In the entire enormous place, there's just one mention--on a cardboard about 8 by 10--of his first wife, Jane Wyman and his first two children. Nancy's influence, no doubt. The Reagan Library itself is a monument to an intellectual pygmy who got lucky in life. It's just impossible to be there and not have Shelley's Ozymandias come to mind.
Got home about 5:00.  Betty called and she'll come today; Carolyn will bring her and she'll stay over two nights, then Steven will pick her up on Friday.

First Widder Lunch of the Year

Got up at a better time--a little after 6:00--and did the usual, then took off for Kimball.  But what was this? The gates were closed, so I couldn't drive in. I was surprised, as I don't remember any other day they were closed. Aha--I was at Ellen's over Christmas, so didn't get there; they must have been closed then, too. Big Mean Mimi suggested I skip it: "One day won't hurt," but Virtuous Rosemary prevailed and I drove all the way to town and did that one.
It was a little eerie because everything was still closed and there were few but the homeless (the homeless we always have with us, as somebody said about some other people), but there was no problem and after I got back to the car, I was glad I did it. Had breakfast, did a few chores, showered and washed my hair, packed my tangerines, then took off to the Sizzler for the widder lunch.
There were only five of us--Vera was under the weather--but it included a newcomer, whom we all welcomed. Her first name is Keller, which she said is German, she's 52, and teaches at Oxnard College. Her husband died only ten months ago; he was her second and she has children from her first.  She's a native Californian, but lived in Virginia and D.C. for many years before moving back here.
I liked the Sizzler more than I thought I would. Although I'm glad I had my honey belles for lunch (along with a nice glass of Chardonnay, of course), when we go back in two weeks for dinner, I'm going to have the salad bar.  Decided not to bother seeing if Kimball was open and went back and did a second town walk.
When I got home, I called Nancy, as I had promised, to report on the restaurant and I gave it, if not five stars, at least a favorable review.

Last Day of the Year

Darn, I awoke much too early yesterday--4:45, for the usual reason. Thought about going back until the alarm went off at 5:15, but got up.  I got to Kimball early and it continues to be chilly (but not compared to the east coast), but walked my walk and it was okay.
After breakfast and the crossword, I took a stab at separating some of the Christmas stuff--to keep and to donate. I had bought some large decorative Christmas stamps at a boutique, went to Michael's for red ink pad, intending to make my own cards for a few people, along with original verses that would be directed to them only.  Well, damn, after the fire, Alameda, and so on, I never did it. Okay, I'll save them for next year.
Since Vera had said the widder group would meet at Sizzler, I looked them up. I wasn't nuts about their menu--in fact, it wasn't an actual menu, just listings without prices, of things I don't eat. They do have a big salad bar, but that doesn't thrill me and I'm sure as hell not paying fourteen bucks for it, plus drink. I looked up reviews on Yelp and found a few favorable  and a lot of negative ones.
Went to WinCo and bought rockfish; seasoned some when I got home and froze them, keeping the rest for dinner.  Had my salad for lunch, then took off for town.
Lots of people on Main Street, I suppose to bring in the new year or something. Read a bit at the library, then looked at my phone. I found that Mike had put on Facebook a video of the fireworks they saw in Amsterdam. It was fun to see the girls and hear them oohing and aahing.
On my way back to the car, I stopped at the park and called Nancy to see if she's going to the widder lunch today.  She isn't and she said she didn't like Sizzler anyway. Well, I'll go and take my honey bell tangerines if I don't see something I like.
Met Suzanne at our doors; she said she was going to a birthday party. Also said someone had given her "eggnog wine."  What? Did she mean actual eggnog or wine with eggnog flavor, which sounds revolting to me?  She wasn't sure, but invited me to share it something. Sure thing, good neighbor!
I'm on a mushroom kick and cut up three different kinds, which I sauteed for dinner. I have some left
over and will heat them up to eat with my fish tonight.
So it's 2018.  I have no deep philosophical thoughts about that, but will just say I hope I'm as active, healthy, and happy as I was last year.