TUESDAY AND TERRIBLE NEWS

I had breakfast with Linda, Elaine, and Helen and enjoyed the conversation and the poached egg. Back at my apartment, I found a note on the door informing residents the fire alarm would be tested and go on and off for several hours. It did and was very shrill, but no big deal. Tidied up a bit and dealt with this and that chores, too minor to mention. 

I had gotten a Christmas present for the Tokyo Tot (who's now as tall as his parents), then realized the it's fewer than nine days away--darn! I called Ellen to see if she could get me to the P.O., but she couldn't. It then occurred to me to asked about Orchard transportation. Did so and happily Rick, the driver, got me there and back with no problem, so Mr. K's gift is on its way.

That was good, but this was terrible: I got a call from Ana in Encinitas. She and my cousin, Sally's son, Duane, had been a couple for years. They had a huge house where I stayed when I attended Sally's ninetieth birthday a few years ago. Three months after that, Sally's son, David, had suddenly died. Now Ani told me that Duane had died on Sunday, probably of a heart attack, beside her, in bed. Here are the three of us:

Sally herself died just three months ago and her other son, David, suddenly a month after that. Damn, I liked Duane so much and I'm so sorry for Ani. They'll have a memorial service in January and I want to go to that. 

Called Noreen and invited her for lunch on Tuesday. Stella called and we chatted for a bit. I must remember if I should contact any of my sister T.O.P.S. members to ask them to pick me up on Friday. Of course, I can always get transportation from here, I guess. 

Had dinner with Kathy, Cheryl, Dee, Linda, then Keith joined  us (we put two tables together). Keith is a nice guy, who characterized himself as "a former corporate hack." Dinner was so-so--I had   Ellen's coming today and we'll got to Target to pick up some items.