Monday

Ellen and Greg got here about 11:30 and while Greg went to Peets for coffee, El reported on her doctor visit; happily, things are going well with the surgery recovery. She brought an ice machine, which she said was given to her--I assume it was covered by insurance--specifically designed for knee surgery. You put ice and cold water in the tank, which flows through a hose to a kind of flat contraption to wrap around the knee. El also lay down on my bed and did her daily exercises for the leg while we brought each other up to date on our recent doings. 

Greg came back at 1:00 and we went to Steven's Greek for lunch. It was, as ever, great fun to be with them--we had plenty to talk about. They came back to my place and both lay down for a short nap. While they did, I swept the patio, dead-headed the geraniums, and cleared the pine needles from the succulents. El's P.T. appointment was in Oxnard at 3:15, so they left about 3:00. I'm so glad she's progressing so well, and so grateful to Greg for taking such good care of her.

Ordered my calcium citrate complex from Amazon and refill of Ramipril (for blood pressure) from Express Scripts. I had called the doc to get some before the full Rx comes and within an hour, CVS texted me to come in and pick them up. I hope I'm nearing the end of things I have to do to compensate for being away for two weeks. 

Now here's a puzzle: When I was in Jersey, I got a note asking me to call the Public Guidance Office about possible assistance for Jim. I waited until yesterday to do so, and when I did, the woman I reached said he wasn't listed in their office, as they work only with those with conservatorships. I assume that means people who have been declared incompetent to care for themselves. The part I don't understand is who wrote the note and who suggested I call them. I'll follow up tomorrow, I guess.

TODAY, I'm meeting Diane for lib lunch and I made sure I sent a confirmation!  In response, that naughty girl said she's bring extra wine to reward me. 😄

Sunday--And Is My Face Red...

Why's that? Read on:

Got up at 5:00 and did a color wash during breakfast. After fooling around with this and that, I packed my lunch and set off over the foot bridge to meet Diane at the library. As I was leaving, I ran into Leah upstairs and we chatted for a bit, so I didn't get to our rendezvous until 11:59. Diane wasn't there yet, which was odd, as she's usually early. I sat and waited for her...and waited...and waited. At 12:20, I called her and it went to voice mail. At this point, I was alarmed as the last time Diane didn't show up, she had had a seizure and was in the hospital. Finally, after calling her again, I called the office where she lives and left a message asking that somebody check on her (but I don't think the office is staffed on Sundays). Anyway, she finally called me about 12:30, saying I had never responded to her suggestion for lunch. AAGH! I looked and there's so "sent" message from me to her. I know I had written it out, but forgot to hit "send." Okay, we made a make-up date for tomorrow and this time, we'll both show.   

Anyway, I stayed to eat my lunch--why not?--then stopped in the library which, happily, is open until 2:00 on Sundays. Sat reading for a half hour or so, then took out the book and bought another. I didn't feel like going home after, so bused to the mall and Target (two days in a row) for olive oil and butter spray. Home at 4:00.

Ellen and Greg will be here today and, I hope, we'll go to lunch in between her appointments--looking forward to that, of course.  

Saturday--She Said My Name...*

My two weeks in Jersey and Pennsy were great, but it's still nice to be back in the familiar, tried and true. Of course, I'm still catching up with all the "paper" (read "computer") work that seems to increase with time. Nevertheless, I indulged myself by packing my lunch, busing to town, and eating at my favored spot across from the mission. There was a fair amount of people in town, enough to make it festive, but not uncomfortable. I saw a bride about to make her grand entrance to be married at the mission:

There were a number of tents with vendors along Main Street and one was promoting a show at the New Art City, a small theatre in town. The show is by a stand-up comedian named Bill Posley who's doing something called "The Day I Accidentally Went To War." Interested, I asked the man in the tent if it had a pacifist angle. He equivocated about it and this led to a ten-minute discussion. Of course, he urged me to attend and gave me this discount come-on:

I considered it, but when I saw "honoring the veteran experience" and looked up this guy, I saw he's anything but, a pacifist, so thanks but no thanks. However, it was kind of interesting to talk to the guy.

From there, I bused to the mall and Target to pick up grapefruit and the disposable plastic glasses I favor when I pack a lunch. Home, I put together a stir-fry with my usual ground turkey and chopped onions and peppers, plus Italian seasoning. This time, I added a can of diced tomatoes and it turned out really good.  

Just put in a load of wash, but it's 6:00 am, so I won't run it yet, as I don't want to disturb Leah upstairs. Meeting Diane today for our lib lunch and I'm looking forward to that. 

 * Text from niece Carolyn on Friday: "My mom just said your name clear as day." I wrote back, "Tell her I said 'I love Betty.'"  I miss her so much.

Friday

I was down 1.8 at home to 125.6 and down 1.4 at T.O.P.S. to 126.6. Meeting meandered all over the place, as ever, but it was nice to be there after a two-week hiatus.

Home, breakfast, then I plunged again into getting back to normal. Called the office and made a date with Kim for Wednesday at 1:00 to get up to speed on the Bilt thing. Wrote notes--yes, I actually hand-wrote them and sent them by snail mail. One was to my son's mother-in-law in Japan sending sympathy on the death of her husband; son will have to translate. The other was to Lisa, a part of our family not blood-related, but I think very highly of her. She fashions sea glass and other tumbled glass into lovely ornaments and wall hangings and gave me this cute little guy:

                                         

Lisa has a website and seems to do well with her business. She's also a pickleball player as everybody the universe seems to be except me.

Also spent time on food prep: Went to Von's for a number of things to restock the larder, including three big apples, which I cored, seasoned (Stevia and cinnamon), and cooked in the microwave. I'll have them for evening snacks.  E-mailed nephew Wes to ask if he wanted me to send him back the Ventnor book and got a nice note in response to keep it until I see him.

Ellen called and we talked for a long time. She'll be here on Monday, thanks to Greg, in between her doctor and P.T. appointments, then we three will go to lunch. I'm so looking forward to seeing her. 

I got an invitation to the Dudley House covered dish on October 22nd. I've gone for the last six or seven years and taken Jim with me. Unfortunately, that's not possible this time and, to be realistic, probably never will be again. I guess I'll ask a friend to go; otherwise, I may just have to take the Access Van. 

I'll call the Public Guardian Office and the Care Center on Monday to follow up on the Jim situation. 

Thursday

Hoo-boy, I spent most of the day on the chores that had piled up while I was gone. Although I didn't get to bed until 11:00 Wednesday night, I got up yesterday at 5:00 am. Oddly, I didn't really feel any jet lag or tiredness. I dealt with various, including getting a start on the documents that have to go to Little Egg for the mercantile license. Texted Lori that Tony, the gardener, had called to say he'll look at the Japanese maple and see if it might be treated or would have to be removed. 

I went over to the office to discuss the damn new Bilt arrangement they have for rent payment Of course, I don't have to participate; I could authorize BOA to send the rent itself automatically, but that means the utility bill, which varies from month to month, so I would have to do it separately. I spoke to Kim, the "assistant community director" (grandiose title!) and, in fact, was impressed with her professionalism. She suggested I make an appointment to see her, bring my laptop, and she'll help with the Bilt registration thing. I said I had heard the complex was going to be sold and she confirmed it. Hey, I don't care as long as I can do my thing here. Went from there to Von's for broccoli, frozen blueberries, and plant milk, then continued my catching up labors and, believe me, they're far from finished.

Ellen called to say she has doctors' appointments on Monday and suggested she come here in-between (possibly to lie down, as she's still recovering from the knee surgery), then we could go to dinner at Lure Fish House with Greg. Sounds good and we'll do that.

T.O.P.S. this morning and I'm quite sure I've gained. Although I was very active in Jersey, I also went out to eat a lot; I'll soon see how bad the damage is.     

Wednesday

Home again, home again, jiggety-jig. 

It was a long day--it always is from one coast to the other, of course, but I weathered it pretty well. Got up at 7:00, gathered and packed my belongings, had breakfast, and left at 11:00.  That sentence can be read in a flash, but naturally, it was a fair amount of work. It would have been no prob, except for one thing: I couldn't find my debit card. 

Lately, I've been using it virtually all the time, rather than using a credit card, as I like to keep track of in-and-out funds easily. Usually, I pay, ask for a receipt, then stick both in my wallet. On Monday, I treated for lunch--three meals at a restaurant somewhere near Bordentown--and, I thought, did the same. However, neither were in my wallet, purse, or anywhere else. The restaurant was called, but they didn't see it, so I reported it stolen and will get another. I hadn't bought another card with me, but had seventy or so in cash, but I wasn't too concerned.  

Ninety minutes or so to PHL airport, kisses goodbye, and had lunch at the Irish Pub (a mediocre hot dog and a good IPA) sat around for an hour or so (I don't mind this, as I love to observe the passing parade). The plane was completely full, as the one from Cal was, but there was little turbulence and I almost enjoyed it.

Happy day: when I got to the LAX baggage claim area, I found a cart rental--eight bucks and they take cash. I put in a ten and was charmed to receive two half-dollar coins, one bronze.  Considering I had two heavy suitcases, my laptop, and my purse, it was wonderful. There were come complications with the Airporter pickup (you need to be at the "Ride Share" area, but I got it and was conveyed to Oxnard Airport, the first stop. As planned, I called Suzanne from there, and she was waiting when I got to the Sheraton in Ventura.

Home, I just had a few pretzels and a glass of Crystal Lite, got the coffee set up for the morning, and took some citrus out for breakfast, then went to bed at 11:00. Oddly, I awoke at 5:00 and felt well rested, so got up then. I miss, miss, miss those I saw in Jersey, but it's still good to be the home I've made for myself here. 

Today, I'll devote to going over to unpacking, visiting Von's for essentials, and other mundane chores. T.O.P.S. tomorrow, so will call Cheryl to pick me up and be back to the good life I've made here.   

Tuesda;y

 Pickleball and lots of fun. 9:30 to about noon, it was in the community with a terrific group of people. Lunch after, the it was a kid pickup in Bordentown and on to Rancocus for more PC.

Now Wednesday, 8:00 pm. No time for more.

Monday

Betcha can't guess what was on the agenda yesterday...

Yes, it was back to beautiful Seaside Park on another lovely day. Strolled around at the bay, then the  beach for good walks.  

Stopped after at the supermarket for fresh shrimp, stir-fried them for dinner, then headed to a community meeting at 7:00.

This is my last full day here and I'll miss so much about it, but at the same time, I like where I live and I'm lucky enough to have loved ones in both states. 

Sunday

Finally met in person my tenants of five months, Lori and her mother, Prudence. If I had sat down before they moved in and wrote up my wish list for who I wanted, I couldn't have done better. Lori, who is a graduate of Penn State, is a regional manager for a decorating and furniture firm. She has a son and he and his wife  gifted her first grandchild, a girl, just a month ago. Lori's other child is a daughter who is studying for her masters degree in, of all places, Dublin, Ireland. Lori's mother, who's nicknamed "Pru," is 2 years younger than I am, slender and attractive, and quite a talker. 

The house is just spotless and beautifully arranged by Lori. There are a fair number of antiques, but it isn't antigue-y looking, just comfortable and homey. Lori had some small baked goods to offer us after she gave us the tour, then we chatted longer for a bit.

I was glad to see my old neighbor and long-time friend, Susan, at her house across the street and went over to chat for a bit. One of these days, I hope she'll visit her friend, Pat, who lives near L.A. and we'll get together.

After our goodbyes to Lori and Pru, we stopped at Acme for dinner fixings, as company is coming.

I was happy to get a Message from Don S., my son Mike's friend, asking if I was available to meet while I'm here. I wrote back to see if we could meet for lunch today 

On the way back from Little Egg, I ran into an old friend:

                                                        

                                             THE JERSEY DEVIL !  

Luckily, I escaped and got away without harm.  

A family dinner topped off the day beautifully--lots of good food, including a great meat loaf and yummy yams--and best, time with those I love. We had a lot of fun playing a cut throat game of Taboo, also. 

Incidentally, after some gray and rainy days, the weather has turned beautiful. It's been all blue skies and sunshine here and that's my favorite kind.   

Saturday

An active, varied day. Picked up a kid in Bordentown, then attended some rousing contests in Ewing at MBPC (Mercer Bucks Pickleball Club). After that, it was over to Robbinsville and one of the most spectacular complexes I've ever seen--or even imagined--the Hindu temple in Robbinsville:

These pictures don't even begin to suggest the magnitude and magnificence of the place. We spent several hours there, marveling at it, inside and out. I understand it's the largest Hindu temple in the country; I can't believe there'd be a larger one in the world.

Today, it's down (or over) to my house in Little Egg to meet my tenants, then preparing for company for dinner. Having a ball.

Friday

Went to Pennington to meet niece Joan for lunch, then strolled through the lovely and peaceful graveyard of the Presbyterian church. This is historic, so it seems more fitting to call it that, rather than "cemetery." How old is the congregation? Three hundred and fifteen years, just a year younger than the settlement of Queenstown, its first name: 

Here's niece Joan, as we strolled around the graveyard:

Passed through Ewing on the way home and saw the house where my family and I lived for 41 years. Had a bite to eat, then changed and went to the BIG DANCE:

Did I dance? Better believe it--more than I have in maybe sixty years. It was great fun and it was past ten before I fell into bed. Slept soundly, as I have been most of the time here in my home state.

Thursday

Continuing to have a fine time. In the morning, I looked at a house, stopped at CVS for Ny-Quill, took a stroll, chatted and laughed, and otherwise enjoyed my stay in beautiful south Jersey. After, it was Bordentown for a pick-up, Malvern, Pa for a drop-off, then to Rancocas for pickleball. 

What's intriguing is the price of gas here. The average--I looked it up--is $4.79 in Ventura. Here in south jersey? This: 

Wednesday

 Went to Laurel Memorial yesterday. The azaleas on either side are overgrown, but are still there:

Here I am at the grave; my own name is inscribed on it, too, of course:

Also buried there are my children's grandparents:

And my twin sister's husband and son:

Earlier, I picked up the rental mercantile license I need to submit because of my house being rented. Stopped at Stop 'n' Shop for salmon and so on, it was delicious for dinner.

Ellen called and it was so good to hear she's progressing so well. She's doing the exercises from the visiting P.T. and Greg is continuing to be such a help and support.

I was also surprised and delighted to get a call from Muckie after dinner. I talk to her every month or so, but it's been a while and we needed to keep up. We were on the phone for almost an hour and I was glad to hear the cancer hasn't progressed and, aside from fatigue, she's doing well.

Pat niece, Amy, asked if we might be able to get together--not sure, as we have a pretty full schedule, but maybe. Meeting my niece, Joan, for lunch today. 

Tuesday

News of the day: PICKLEBALL.  In the morning, it was in the community where I'm visiting. Later, it was it was pickleball about 45 minutes away in Rancocas, NJ: 

It's great fun to watch and I even took a three-minute turn with the paddle, but I doubt if my opponent (or anyone else 😄) was impressed with my prowess. 

In between the athletic contests, it was Bordentown, which is always enjoyable--and interesting. 

I slept well, which I'm happy I've been doing here. Today, it's down to Little Egg Harbor to meet my tenants in person, plus some other visits. 

Monday

                                    Early on, guess where?                                                                             

                                                                     

Yep, Seaside Park, NJ, and a nice walk on the boardwalk skimming the great Atlantic:

A Jersey girl at the Jersey shore:

At 5:00, it was pickleball in Waretown, which was lots of fun to watch.  The players were a great group of people, almost all of whom used to be called "middle aged," but that I now consider mere kids--the fifties to seventies group. Home about 7:30, had a late dinner. Today: more pickleball; we'll leave at 9:30 for a nearby court, then go to Rancocas at 5:00 for games with extended family.

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Younger daughter, Ellen, underwent surgery yesterday for a damaged kneecap. Happily, she is recovering well and was discharged in the late afternoon. Two physical therapists attended her  and one will visit her at home today and each day thereafter for some time. Thanks to her good friend, Greg, who is caring for her, we got periodic updates from the time she checked in. Later, Ellen herself called and we are all much relieved at how well she's doing.  Greg has moved in with her temporally and will stay with her until she heals--we're so grateful to him!  

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