MONDAY

Busy day. Washed and changed the sheets, showered and washed my hair, then assembled my list of  things to do. I called Green Carpet Co. and made an appointment for them to come on August 5. Now I'm not sure why I'm waiting that long, so may change it. Called Meticulous and happy day, they'll be at the house tomorrow to service the sprinklers.  Called Lori to tell her and she was very pleased, as was I. Meticulous will send me the bill via email. I also called Betty Downes, Jimmy's sister, and left a message. 

Left at 11:00, took the 21 to Telephone Road, then the 11 to the Stone Fire Grille where I joined Vera, Grendall, and Renee. Elete (Eleet?)  had stopped just to say hello, but didn't stay, so there were only four of us for lunch. We had our usual good time and stayed for two hours. After we said goodbye, I was waiting at the bus stop when Betty Downes called me back. Here she is at our fortieth class of '54 reunion:

Unfortunately, Betty has had some sad losses: She had six children and two sons died recently within a year or two of each other, followed by her brother, Jimmy Downes. She also lost not one, but two husbands, and her best friend from school, Michelle (didn't catch the last name), who was a year behind us. I was amazed that she didn't know the cause of her brother's death; it seems she and Jim's children are not close. Anyway, we talked for a bit, made the usual noises about keeping in touch, and said goodbye. Home, and I took a nap; felt much better when I got up. 

Rehearsal last night: It went well and Brian had some good ideas for my piece. He brought a cowboy hat and we discussed other props, movements, and so on--I'm still innovating with the delivery. Harper sang her song, which is part of the sketch her mother, Shannon wrote. For a child her age, Harper has a remarkable operettic voice; here she is last night:

And here's her mother, Shannon, directing some of her skit, which isn't yet finished:

Players from left: Ena, Johnathan, Mandy, Suzi, and Sharon.

And then there were our dancers, whose names I don't even know yet. They're full of fire and spirit and  videoed them, getting just a smidgen of their piece, but can't seem to transfer it here. Will try to video more of them on Thursday.

Didn't get to bed until 10:00 last night, but happily, slept soundly until 7:00.