FRIDAY

Mary Ann picked me up at 8:15 for T.O.P.S. and I met with Disaster: I was up 1.2 at home to 143 and up 1.4 at T.O.P.S. TO 144.2. I must buckle down now and reverse this trend.

Unfortunately, more bad news is that the arthritis in my left knee has started acting up again. It usually doesn't bother me, but suddenly became active and it hurts to walk. Mary Ann had mentioned a rub-on medication called Voltaran and I sent for that via Amazon. 

Napped before lunch, then went downstairs and on the way, I ran into Keith and his friend, Bob, who was visiting and to whom K. introduced me. Sat down to eat with LaVerne and Paula. L. said Kathie had called her to say she had a doctor's appointment, so wouldn't be in until dinner. Keith joined us and I told him about the Liberace bio on Prime and he was interested.

Mindy stopped me and asked if I wanted to be on a "team" to play some kind of word game she had  just instituted. However, I guess I'm not a team player because that didn't appeal to me; I do my three daily puzzles and also Block Champ, but don't want to play with anyone else. 

Went down to see the Dynamic Duo at 2:00. As ever, they were terrific; the Chardonay was good, too. 

Had dinner with Kathie, LaVerne, and Paula. Unfortunately, Kathie suffers from migraines and had had one yesterday, which is why she wasn't at dinner. After, I did fifteen minutes on the stationary bike and I want to do it daily, in fact, increase my exercise in general. 

BTW, luckily, the arthritis isn't nearly as bad this mornng. Also, I ordered a rub-on called "Voltaran" on Mary Ann's recommendation and it should be here today. 

THURSDAY

 Slept okay, but am not sure about tonight, as I took a long nap before lunch. Sat with LaVerne, Paula, and the newish resident, Judy. The latter is a non-stop talker, all about herself, of course, and her art work. It was "Brazil Day" and lunch was pretty good, but too much of it for me: both steak and chicken, plus a vegetable medley, rice, and potato salad. In addition, the usual bar-type table was set up and I had a beer. Mindy then came along offering cocktails and I had a pink something. 

Did little of consequence the rest of the day (do I ever?). Took another nap--not a good idea if I want to sleep at night, but I'm writing this at 7:00 pm Thursday (I top it off in the morning) and don't know yet.

Had dinner with Paula, Bea, and John, a person I hadn't known before. I saw neither Kathie nor Keith, but much as I like them, it was fun to be with a newbie. Skipped the dinner--tuna melt and fries--in favor of a bagel with salmon. Actually, I asked for two and took one home to eat whilst watching T.V.

Called Ellen because my laptop was acting up and she walked me through the solution. 

T.O.P.S. this morning and I'm anything but optimistic. 

WEDNESDAY

 Up at 6:15, but against my better judgement, napped from about 8:30 to 9:30. Then, proving my virtuous character, I went to balance class at 10:00. 

Lunched with Kathie, LaVerne, and Paula; it was a BBQ cheeseburger with sweet potato fries and pretty good. Went to dime Bingo at 1:30 and won three games. 

Ellen came, as scheduled, at 4:00 and picked me up for the C.T.--or something--scan of the nodule in my lung. We went to Rolling Oaks radiology and it took only a short time. From there, we stopped at CVS at my request to get my meds. Then it was Jasmine Thai for dinner and that was yummy.

El came in after to pick up some of my donations for the thrift store. They included some clothes and some bed linens I no longer use. She left about 7:00 with my thanks in her ears--I don't know what I'd do without her. 

Slept well and I have no plans for today, which suits me fine. I'm thinking about calling Noreen for a lunch date at Danny's, but may or may not. 

TUESDAY

 I was in and out of sleep all night and finally got up at 7:20. Dressed, stripped the bed, and took the sheets to the laundry room. Went to Bone Builders at 10:15 and after, switched sheets to the dryer. 

Went from there to lunch and sat with Kathie, LaVerne, and Paula.  Lunch was good--it was an enchilada with rice and veggies; I complimented Chef Michael after. 

Back upstairs and I made the bed. Do-Lannie had asked if she could do the cleaning in the morning instead of the afternoon as she usually does and sure, that was fine by me. As ever, she did a good job.

Went down to Dime Bingo at 1:30 and believe it or not, I won three games. After, Mindy asked Mary and me to stay so she could interview us. We did and the questions revolved around whether we were satisfied with our lives at The Orchard, what our daily routines looked like, and what could they do to make our lives here better. I'm happy here and actually enjoyed the interview. 

Had dinner with Kathie, LaVerne, and Paula--we're getting to be a regular quartet--and enjoyed it. Later, I showered and washed my hair, then settled down to watch--of all things--a bio of Libarace. 

Radnet radiology today at 4:30; I'm not  looking forward to it.

😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆

One of the guys who lives here; can't remember his name, but he has a huge collection of tee shirts. 

😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆

MONDAY

 Up at 6:30 after a good night's sleep. After dressing and my usual morning laptop routine (blog, Wordle, Connections, and Blossom), I took a short nap, then went down to balance class at 10:00.  Leader Jackie is away, so resident Elaine led the class. Had my meager breakfast (cottage cheese on thin-sliced bread), then futzed around with this and that.

Lunched with Kathie, LaVerne, and Bea. I saw Trudie and asked how she enjoyed Suzy and the Skin On Steel band on Sunday. She said she did, but would much rather hear music from an earlier time than the sixties and seventies. Hmm...I decided to call Suzy and suggest that. Did so, and Suzy was perfectly fine with that; she said they were rehearsing that night and she'd convey that info to the rest of the band members. After lunch, I did the exercise bike for fifteen miinutes--all two short a time, but better than nothing.

Had dinner with LaVerne, Keith, and Paula, whom I'm getting to like more and more. Instead of the entree, I got another bagel with lox (salmon) and took half home to eat during my hour of T.V. Texted Suzy witih more suggestions, including as Mary had mentioned, Creedence Clearwater and I swore that would be the last nagging from me---actually, I think she appreciated the input. 

💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙

Oh, this was a long, long time ago. On the left are a twenty-one year old girl I don't even recognize; her soon-to-be husband, Pat Molloy, and Bobo Burke. I don't remember the people behind Bobo, but to the left of the man is the Molloy's next door neighbor. The three to her left are my future father-in-law, brother-in-law, and mother-in-law, then Jack Jenkins. Boca Raton, Florida, c. 1957. 

💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙

SUNDAY AND A GREAT SHOW

 For some reason, I felt tired and nervous in the morning. Stayed up for a bit, got dressed, then took a short nap. Somewhat better when I got up, I wrote my short introduction to Suzy and the band, then fooled around on the laptop.

Had lunch with Kathie, Denise, and Paula and enjoyed it. After, I talked to Thea and fround that Mindy was coming in (she's off on Sundays), presumbably to greet and set up Suzy and the band. Good, that's a load off my mind. I was so worried the whole thing with Skin To Steel would attract only a small number of residents and/or they would be unresponsive....

...but happy day, I couldn't have been more wrong! The chairs were almost all filled and the audience was very "with it" singing and/or clapping along when appropriate. Here's the Skin to Steel band: 

From left, Eric, who is the son of Cheryl Lewis, my T.O.P.S. and pacifist friend; Suzy;  her husband, Steve, and the rhythm guy (or something), Bryan. 

They played, as scheduled for an hour and after, many of the audience came up to talk to them. The reception was great and Mindy was very enthusiastic about the group, so things couldn't be better. I gave Suzy the two sets of scripts--one for her and one for Bob. BTW, he was supposed to be here, but went to the wrong place (Open Mic in Ojai) and didn't show. Anyway, the gig turned out great.

Had dinner with Kathie, LaVerne, and Paula--it was a kind of strawberry salad and very good. Back in my apartment, I filled my med containers for the coming week and settled down to my favorite Block Champ. Slept well and didn't get up until 6:30. 

SATURDAY

 I got it done--the patio, that is, and it was a big job, but it looks good: 

I had to carry all the plants and other items in the living back to the patio/porch, wash them, arrange them, and water them and it took me more than an hour, but it was okay. After that, I took a load of wash to the laundry room, swept up, and so on. 

Had lunch with Trudie, Carl, Barb, Mary Ann, and Keith. The main entree was beef pot roast with Rosemary gravy and, since I'm the only Rosemary here, I got a lot of kidding about it. 

Later, I attended "Brazilian Bingo," but why it was called that is beyond me; it was just quarter-a-card Bingo and I won two games. Talked to Mindy about Suzy and the band coming today and Suzy called me to say they'd be here about 1:30 to set up and so on, although they don't go on until 3:00. . I still haven't worked up my intro, but I'll do that today. 

Had dinner with Kathie and LaVerne and it was good, although what they called a sausage and pepper sub was simply shredded sausage on a roll--no relationship to a sub. 

After dinner, I delved into my scripts and selected four commedies and two dramas to give Suzy and Bob to read. I had only one copy of Fatal Family Reunion, which is a comedy and we did as dinner theatre in Jersey, so I'll give that to Bob.  These scripts are ten to almost twenty years old and I can no longer find them on Word, so just have hard copies. 

I called Ellen just to say hello. She and Greg were driving back from Carpiteria, where they walked on the kind of boardwalk on the sand. I've been there, too, and it's a nice place. 

Today's the day Suzy and the Skin to Steel band come in and I still haven't worked up my intro, but will shortly. 

FRIDAY

 Not bad news re weight: I was 141.8 at home for a loss of 0.2 and to 142.8 at T.O.P.S. for a loss of 1.2  I'm not sure why the discrepency, but I'll take it. Of course, I still have plenty of work to do, but it's hearteing to be down a bit. 

Home a bit after ten and made a sketchy breakfast, then took a half hour nap. Before going down to lunch, I took a wash load to the laundry room, but no luck--both washers were taken. Went to the laundry in the other second floor wing and used that. Lunched with Kathie, LaVerne, and Paula, then went back to pop the clothes in the dryer. Found Mindy to tell her about the wrong time on the poster and she immediately corrected it. 

I went to the Carol Sing-a-Long at 2:00, but found many of her paino choices heavily militaristic and the rest banal. However, I stayed until it was time to go up to the salon at 3:30, , meet Elika, and get my manicure. It looks good and I always enjoy talking to Elika, who husband just got back from two months in Alaska getting salmon--he'e a fisherman by trade. 

Saw Mindy and when I told her she hadn't added the time on the poster, she immediately added it and  re-hung the posters. Unfortunately, this time she had the wrong time on them--she had put 2:00 instead of 3:00. When I told her, she changed it again and re-posted. 

Enjoyed dinner with Keith, Denise, and Paula. After, I straightend up a few things, then relaxed with my Block Champ game. My patio/porch seems to be finished, so I'll spend time today getting the plants and things back in place. 

THURSDAY

 I went to Bone Builders at 10:15 and more or less enjoyed the session. Lunch after, which I ate wth Trudie, Carl, and Barbara. Caught up with Mindy and discoverd that Suzy and her band, "Skin to Steel" will perform  on Sunday at 3:00 in the multi-purpose room. 

After lunch, I didn't do much but take a nap. I felt a little draggy and am not optimitic about my weight, but Mary Ann will pick me up at 8:15 this morning for T.O.P.S. 

I perked up a bit after dinner with Kathie, LaVerne, Paula, and Denise; we had congenial talk and fun sharing. After, I took a picture of the sheet Mindy had done--it's really good, but... 

...she overlooked listing the time. I went downstairs to tell her and she immediately corrected it and will put the new one out.

WEDNESDAY

The Uber guy, courtesy of my health insurane, SCAN, picked me up at 7:20 and took me to Quest for my blood test. As often happens, I was very early for my 8:00 appointment, but that was no big deal. Had the test, called to be taken home and shortly, was. I like most of the drivers as I did this one and enjoyed our conversations there and back.

Home, I made myself a quick breakfast of cottage cheese on bread, then took a load of whites to the laundry room. While they were washing, I took a quick nap until I had to go back to shift to the dryer, then later, of course, to retreive them, fold, and put away

El called to say she'll be a little later than 11:30, but that was okay, I just played games on the laptop until she got here at noon. Off we went to Wood Ranch for lunch--we both had their lucious BBQ salad--then to Wal-Mart for lemons and cashews for me, a variety of other items for El.

Got home a bit after three, put my things away, then was startled when a man suddendly jumped onto my second floor balcony: 

                                             

Of course, it was one of the guys re-doing the flooring out there. I then opened the door and thanked him for it; he was very appreciative. 

At dinner, Kathie and I went to our usual table and found resident Paula sitting there along with Ruth. We sat there (Keith came later, but went back upstairs without sitting down) with them and I got to know Paula, whom I hadn't met before. I liked her--she had a lot of interesting things to say. Unfortunately, she had had a stroke three months ago and it affected her vision, mobility, and the use of her left arm. All I had known about her before was that she's a Jehovah Witness and doesn't celebrate  or approve of marking birthdays or holidays with celebraions.

Ellen called to say I need another session at Rolling Oaks Radiology, but I'm not clear on what exactly it's for--I think as a follow-up to one of the proceedures I had before. Will ask her.

Now I have to write an intro to Suzy's trio for Sunday. Shouldn't be too diffucult.  

TUESDAY

The workers continued to bang away on my patio/porch/balcony, but it didn't bother me. Had lunch with Kathie, Keith, and LaVerne; happily, bagels and lox are now served again and I had one--it was yum. Shortly after came dime Bingo; of course, I attended and won three games! Keith won two and my friend, Anita, one, so we all got our coins replenished. 

Home, I called Suzy, who will be appearing with her trio her on Sunday--can't wait. I'll be introducing her, and asked her to send me some info on the trio. She did and now I'll have to work up an intro. Told Mindy I had gotten it and she asked me to give her a copy, which I emailed to her.

I knew LaVerne wouldn't be coming to dinner and didn't see Kathie or Keith, so sat with Trudie and Carl, Mary Ann and Babara; Keith joined us shortly. We had some good conversation, but Trudie told us she had gone for a lung biopsy and yes, it's a malignant. I'm hoping--we all are--it can be treated, but Trudie doesn't yet have that information. 

I'm going for a blood test this morning via uber and remember I can  have my coffee, but with nothing in it. This afternoon, Ellen's coming over to send the letters to Mike and the girls, then--I hope--we'll go out for lunch.  

MONDAY

 I slept okay, didn't eat breakfast, and Susan picked me up at 11:15 for lunch at--where else?--the Stone Fire Grille. Gayle came and had a quick lunch, but had to leave before Renee, Nardall, and Nordall arrived. I had a two-pasta "tonesto" and an IPA, very tasty. We five talked and talked and talked, mostly about suicide, as Susan' husband had committed that act and so had Nardall's. Didn't leave until amost 3:00 and on the way home, Susan, at my request, stopped at CVS so I could get my two meds. 

Once home, I opened my Amazon box (unmentionables), washed some dishes and stowed my leftover lunch in the fridge. I then took a short nap before diinner...

...which I had with Kathie, Keith, and LaVerne. I got a turkey burger, as the main entree, beef something or other, didn't appeal to me. After a leisurily meal and conversation, I went back upstairs to play Block Champ on this laptop and otherwise amuse myself.  

They've started redoing my patio/porch; good thing I got everything inside, as instructed, before hand. The renovation should take another four days or so, then I'll replace the plants and so on. Just now, I've got the living room pretty jammed up:

Today is cleaning day and I must remember to tell Do-Lannie to skip the living room this time.

SUNDAY

 I was dreading having to move my plants, statuary, chairrs, and table off the porch, but the fact was it didn't take long, they all fit in the living room, and it was no big deal at all. I did some of it, then proud of myself, I had lunch with Kathie, Mary, and Cheryl and finished the job after. 

This tribute to Randy Mantooth is displayed in the multi-purpose room:

My friend, Truidie, wrote the little piece about him and the smaller picture is of Randy and Trudie's daughter. 

After finishing the patio/porch move, I really just fooled around after lunch until I joined the Yatzee gang (Keith, Elaine, Beverly, Ada, and Pat) at 3:00. I didn't win any of the three games, but it was reasonably enjoyable.

Had dinner with Keith, Kathie, and LaVerne and the conversation turned to astrology, which the latter two take seriously. How any normal person can do that is beyond me, but I guess it takes all kinds.

After dinner I called Ellen and we made plans to come over Wednesday to get the letters I mentioned here before sent to Mike and the girls electronically. I just don't know how to do it, but El does and I'm glad to know that. 

SATURDAY

A quiet day, but that's okay once in a while.

Went over to the flea market at the clubhouse in the morning, but I didn't see much I wanted--I have too much of everything as it is. I did buy a night light and some of Mary T.'s handmade birthday cards. 

Lunch with Kathie and Keith; presumably, LaVerne stayed in. At 1:30, I went down to quarter and dime Bingo and actually one two games. After, Mindy and I talked and I mentioned that Cheryl's son was appearing here on August 9. I was amazed to discover he's actually the third member of my friend, Suzy's, trio. Mindy called Suzy while I was there and I talked to her after. I told her I'd like her and Bob to read some of my scripts. Also, I'll tell Cheryl she can attend when the trio is here. I'll be introducing them and that should  be fun. 

Had dinner with Barbara, Trudie, and Carl;  it was turkey tortellini and pretty good. Today, I have to get all the stuff off my balcony and that's a chore I wish I had started sooner. 

FRIDAY AND A SAXOPHONE

 T.O.P.S. day--or I could call it "disaster day"; I gained 1.4 home to 142 and 1.7 at the meeting to 144--AAGH! That's the heaviest I've been in months and it has to stop. At the meeting were Cheryl, Lanie, Mary Ann, and Sharon. Maria didn't make it and texted me later she had been kept awake by mosquitos. Mosquitos in California? I didn't think there were any. I was pleased to hear form Cheryl that her son will be the Happy Hour person on August 9--I had forgotten that he has a band.

When I came down for lunch, I didn't see either Kathie or Keith. Julie sat at our usual table, then we were joined by Judy. I passed on the fried cod and had a Cobb salad; took half home. 

I had put a load of wash in before lunch, after transferred to the dryer on the third floor, as those on the second were in use. Got it later and now I have plenty of clean clothers to wear.I got a nice note back from nephew Wes, in response to my complimenting his daughter, Miranda. 

Went down to Happy Hour at 3:00 to have a Margarita and listen to a sax player. He was good, of course, but sax without song isn't exactly my cup of tea; however, I sat with Trudie and enjoyed it: 

Time for dinner was shortly after and I again sat with Trudie, along with Carl and Barbara. A newcomer joined us--Ada moved here just three days ago and she proved to be another champion talker, all about her three husbands and mentally ill mother and so on and so forth--AAGH!  

Son Mike Facdtimed me about 7:30 and we had a nice chat. He and his lady friend are just getting over the flu and he's leaving today for several days in Jakarta--work, of course.  I told him I was sending him, Vivian, and Violet the old letters from my mother and Betty, but he wants me t do it electronically and I'll have to figure out how. I'll ask Ellen, of course. 

THURSDAY: A DELIGHTFUL DAY

Why delightful? Because I saw some of my favorite people. Niece Carolyn and great-niece Miranda came over at 12:30 and we spent a half-hour or so seeing my family pictures--all their family, too. I somehow think of Carolyn and Miranda as contemporaries, but in truth, Carolyn, my twin sister's daughter, is over fifty and Miranda, my twin sister' granddaughter will be twenty on Tuesday. Time flies... Anyway, after the above mentioned, we took off for town and the Busy Bee Cafe, where Ellen was waiting. We sat outside and had a leisurely lunch and a good time. Naturally, we had a picture taken:

L. to R.: Yours Truly, Miranda, Carolyn, and Ellen--three generations of a big family.

Said goodbye and El drove me home. She didn't stay long and in a half-hour or so, it was time for dinner. Went down, didn't see Kathie, and sat with Julie, from the Phillipines, who was at "our" table. We were joined by the newbie, Judy, who wears wide-brimmed hats every day, and Keith. I just had the soup and took the chicken sandwich on a crossiant home to eat later.

T.O.P.S. here at the clubhouse today and once aain, I'm dreading getting on the scale. 

WEDNESDAY AND A PIZZA PARTY

Stripped the bed and took the linens to the laundry room, switched to the dryer when it was time, then joined Jackie's Balance Class at 10:00.

Lunch with Kathie, Keith, and LaVerne and we all enjoyed a pizza party. Chef Michael had ordered from an outside pizza place--I'm not sure which one--and we had choices of every topping under the sun. I told him I wanted "everything" on mine and that's what I got. I asked for two pieces and that's what I got. After lunch, I wrapped the second one to heat up and eat during my television watching later.

Went to dime Bingo at 1:30 and finally, I actually won two games; that replenished my dime supply nicely and it was fun, anyway. Mindy asked if anyone wanted a Margarita and sure, I did, as did several others. After, I got  call from Sharon, who asked me to contact MaryAnn about T.O.P.S being here at our clubhouse tomorrow, which I did.

I called Ellen about plans for today with niece and great-niece Carolyn and Miranda. They texted back and forth with her and we'll go to the Busy Bee in town for lunch after C. and M. pick me up here; El will take me home.

Had dinner with Kathie and Keith. LaVerne didn't show and Beverlee joined us. Dinner was a roast beef sub and boy, was it good.  

TUESDAY AND LUCY THE ELEPHANT

 Had a great time at Two Trees for lunch with Catherine and Julie. I hadn't see Julie for some time and Kathryn (I'm not positive how to spell it!) is no longer going T.O.P.S., so I haven't seen her either. The latter offered to pick me up for the BCNN meeing a week from today, to that will be good.  Got home in time for dime Bingo, but didn't win a single one; I enjoyed it, though. 

I was delighted when niece Carolyn texted me to ask if she and my Chicago niece could see me on Thursday. Miranda is Betty's granddaughter, and daughter of her oldest son, Wes (attorney, divorced, remarried, with a blended family of five girls and a boy). Carolyn invited Ellen, too, and I just talked to her. She'll make arrangements for us to meet and go to lunch.

The dining room is back in operation and I sat with Kathie, Keith, and LaVerne. After dinner, Trudie, who does the trivia thing, asked me about Lucy the elephant, as a question was "where is Lucy located?" I was amazed that neither she or those surrounding her had ever heard of Lucy! I explained what and where she is, some of her history, and so on. Later, I started asking random residents if they knew about Lucy--none of them did! To top it off, none of them had ever heard of Absecon Island, Ventnor, Margate, or Longport!  Boy, these Californians are provincial! 😁

After dinner, I finally got the letters my mother had sent to her children copied for Mike, Vivian, and Violet. I'll also send the letter Betty sent me when I stayed in Florida (1956) and the note Carolyn sent me along with the letters. Must get to the post office to send them.

MONDAY

Having had so little sleep, I took an hour nap after taking a white wash to the laundry room. Felt a little more chipper after, but could still use more sleep.  

The plumbing project in the dining room and kitchen was started yesterday, so residents will now have to go downstairs and pick up their meals to go. This is scheduled to last for a week. I usually don't go to breakfast--I have coffee and toast in my apartment--but I did, at about 8:15. It was surprisingly easy and fast: The servers were there with containers already filled (I got scrambled eggs, sausage, potatoes, and raisin bread) and what's more, the hot things were hot. It was pretty good, too. 

Retrieved my wash from the dryer before going to the "BBQ lunch." The kitchen staff was barbequing outside and included the usual--I had a hot dog and pasts salad--and Keith and I sat by ourselves in the multi-purpose room. Resident Elaine came in, as she was about to host a painting class.  

I had bought via Amazon, three tops and they came yesterday. They were very inexpensive, but I'm not sure I like one of them--may give it away. 

Picked up my boxed dinner (chicken salad sandwich) and ate in the multi-purpose room with Bea, Keith, and LaVonne. I was interested to hear that the latter two had originated in a certain area of Missouri and had mutual acquaintances. Small world. 

Talked to Katherine. She and Julie will pick me up noon and we'll lunch at Two Trees. 

SUNDAY

 Lunch with the regulars, i.e. Kathie, LaVerne, and Keith.  After, I took the city bus to Von's to get myself some lemons, eggs, and so on. Back home at 3:00 and I hooked up my hot plate, prepped my new pan with olive oil and butter, and fried my big bowl of onion slices. I divided them up, with a portion to Kathie, who had given me the onion and some for myself. 

Went down to dinner and sat with Kathie, Denise, and a long-timer at The Orchard named John. He seemed nice enough, but somewhat introverted. Kathie had brought a vodka cocktail and insisted I take several sips--well, she didn't have to insist too hard. Dinner was good--mushroom raviolli with marinara sauce--and after, Denise and I went to to Kathie's to see her apartment. She collects elephants and has twenty-some, many displayed on her bed: 

It's a studio apartment, but gives the impression of a larger space--although she has a lot of artifacts,  cutesy-poo articles, and so on taking up room. 

Darn, I had a terrible time sleeping last night. it's now 6:47 am and I don't think I got more than four hours last night. I'll definately have to take a nap, but that's okay, as I have no plans. 

SATURDAY, NAUGHTY WORDS, AND THE ONION

 I finally did what I've been meaning to for some time: took the city bus to Von's. I took the walker, of course, and picked up only a few things--I can't handle the cart-full order I used to. Got just four things and will have to leave the rest (notably the makings of tacos) for when I go on The Orchard bus or with Ellen.

For lunch, I sat with Kathie, LaVerne, and Lila, the latter a non-stop talker from North Carolina, but it was fun. Kathie had brought me an enormous onon, which I will happily cook in my new frying pan on my new hot plater. While I was downstairs, I asked Thea if she was offended by naughty words--no, she said, and I brought down the anti-war sheet I shown here yesterday for her to copy. I want to give them to Barb, Mary, and maybe Trudie--they're as anti-militarists as I am. 

Went to dime Bingo at 1:30, but didn't win a single game. I asked about quarter Bingo and Mindy said next Saturday, we can spend the first hour on quarters, the rest on dimes. 

Saw LaVerne and little Julie sitting at our usual, but not Kathie and I just decided to branch out. Trudie had invited me to sit with her, Carl, and Barbara, so I did. I gave Barb the inflamatory anti-war paper and she loved it; so did Trudie, so maybe I'll gift one to her, too.

When I got back to my place, I wanted to slice the big onion, but damn, couldn't find my manderin, so had to thin-slice by hand. I put it in a big bowl, covered it with foil, and will deal with it today. Slept well, I'm glad to record.

FRIDAY AND PROPAGANDA

Dismal weight news, but I expected it: I was up 1.2 pounds (141.4) at home and up 1.4 at T.O.P.S. (142.3).  Cheryl picked me up. There were five of us (Lenmie, Curlean, and Mary Ann are out of town) and the meeting, if it could be called that, was the usual remandering, mournful, confessional expressions of frustration from most of us. Maria was the big loser and, unfortunatly, "loser" could apply to her life in general. If anyone ever needed therapy, it's her. However, since we're meeting at The Orchard clubhouse next week, she said she'd drive to it and she took me home.       

Had lunch with Kathie, LaVerne, and Dyan--cod, which was pretty good. Did this and that around the apartment after, then went to Happy Hour at 3:00. The entertainer was Kevin Gillmond, a local guy who had appeared on Broadway and other venues--he sang a lot of the old standards and it was fabulous. (So was the Margarita I accepted from helper Kathy.) Fabulous, that is, until he put in the odious, pro-war propaganda song, God Bless The U.S.A. Several of us, including Barbara, Mary, and yours truly sat on their hands after that one. 

Dinner with LaVerne and Keith, during which Mary came up to me to commiserate about the song mentioned above. I'm going to have the following copied and give it to her, Barbara, and others I know who are sympathetic to the cause: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

THURSDAY

Niece Carolyn called and we had nice chat. I told her about the letter from her mother from 1956 which I would send her. Did that after we said goodbye.

Went downstairs to the multi-purpose room to attend the session with director Tiffany and chef Michael. It was satisfying, if not particularly important. Lunch after, which I enoyed with Kathie, LaVerne, and Denise. Mailed the letter copy to Carolyn, then straightened up a bit in preparation for Ellen's and Greg's visit.  

They came just before 4:00 and Greg immediately put together my new desk chair--YAY! It's so good not to have to pile sofa pillows on it to be high enough to reach the keyboard. We then went to Steven's Greek for dinner; I had a lucious Greek burger with sides and a good beer. 

Home after that and Ellen and Greg came upstairs with me. On the way, we passed the library, which is right next to my room and contains a table a chairs. There, playing Rummicube (or whatever it's called) were Keith and Dyan and I introduced Ellen and Greg to them. 

A few minutes ago, I got a call from Groendyke Insurance--at 6:30 am. I guess, being in the dark ages of Jersey, that don't know about time zones. Okay, I'll call them back now. 

WEDNESDAY

Lunch with Kathie and LaVearne, then little* Julie sat down with us. Keith came, as usual, later and sat with others. Lunch, shrimp scampi, was good and so, of course, was the conversation. After, Kathie asked if I wanted to see two apartments near her on the third floor. These have recently been redone and the doors were open. One is a studio, but laid out better and more spacious than just a large room. The other is a two bedroom, two bath. I don't really like that layout, but it has wonderful views of the mountains.

Went to dime Bingo at 1:30 and won one. Back to my place at 3:30 and busied myself with looking at items to sell at the flea market. 

I want to send niece Carolyn a letter my twin sister had sent me seventy years ago when I stayed in Florida after visiting Pat, my later-to-be husband. I didn't want to send the original, so typed it on the laptop and will send a copy of that. It contains the reactions of family and friends--how strange to re-read it after so many years later. 

Dinner with Kathie, LaVerne, and Bea. It was spaghetti with meatballs and marinara sauce containing mushrooms and spinach--really good. After, as usual, I went back to my place and settled in for the niight. 

Ellen and Greg are to come about 4:00 today to put my new desk chair together; maybe we'll go to dinner after.

*Julie is probably about 4'10" and is of Filipino descent. 

TUESDAY

 Laundry day: stripped the bed and took the sheets to the laundry room about 9:30, then left for Bone Builders class at 10:15 in the clubhouse. That's an hour-long session, so it's always almost time for lunch when its' over.  After putting my sheets in the drier, I went downstairs; sat with Kathie, LaVerne, and Keith. After, I retreived my linens and re-made the bed. By then, it was time for dime Bingo, so I went downstairs for that. Incredibly, I won three games--now I have so many dimes I can barely carry them.

At 2:30, I went over to the clubhouse to attend the FBI scammer program. It was about what you'd expect, but reasonably interesting. Back to my place, I played a few games, then lay down for a nap, but forgot to set the timer. Once more, I'm afraid, I slept through dinnertime. However, I was still pretty full from lunch and, in fact, there were refreshments at the FBI thing, so I wasn't hungry, anyway.

I spent some time going through some of my jewelry with an eye to selling it at the flea market here a week from Saturday. Called Ellen to tell her about same and invite her to bring some items; she might and I'll see her and Greg tomorrow. She asked me to send a picture of the box containing my new desk chair, so they'd know what tools to bring to put it together; I did so. 

MONDAY

Again, I lazed around a lot--I seem to be going through a phase. I did, however, go to balance class at 10:00. After, I cleaned up the kitchen area a bit, then went down to lunch. Of our regulars, only Kathie was there, so we could talk more intimately together.

I called Maureen, my agent at Groendyke Insurance to try to straight out the mortgage lapse. I then called Chase and somebody named Christine said the payment had been sent on the fourteenth. Called Maureen back to tell her and will check later. 

I asked management if my T.O.P.S. group could meet there on the thirty-first and they'll let me know. Since our flea market (I might participate) is the next day, it may not be feasible. 

Manicurist Elika had texted to ask if I could come to the salon at 2:00 instead of 3:00--no prob and I did and got my nails done. Stopped to chat with Anita after; in December, Anita will be 96 two weeks before I'm ninety.  Called Ellen if she or Greg could put my new desk chair together. She suggested Thursday and they'll come then. 

Susan picked me up at 5:15 to go to dinner with the Soaring Spirits group. Besides us, only Gayle, Renee, and Narall were there, but we had a good meal, good talk, and a good time. We stopped at CVS after and I got the Ny-Quill I needed; the RX meds at the other CVS can wait. Home at 8:00 and I immediately switched on the A.C., topped off this blog, and settled in for my nightly T.V. watch. 

SUNDAY

 I again did a few household chores, too boring to detail. They included cleaning a few items on the porch/patio in preparation for the workers redoing the flooring there.

Had lunch with Kathie, Keith, and Carol and enjoyed it.  We discussed emotional health--Carol was treated for depression--and discovered we each take (mild) mood enhancers or whatever they're called.  

Set up my meds containers for the week and so on. My new desk chair was delivered, but darn, it needs to be assembled. Maybe I'll see if Joe, the maintenance guy (whose birthday was yesterday--we all signed his card) will do it for ten bucks or so--otherwise, I'll have to ask Ellen and I hate to keep asking her to handle so much of my stuff. 

At 2:00, there was an impromptu dime Bingo; I went to that and won one. After, I did this and that in the apartment, then lay down for a nap. When I awoke, I was startled to see it was 5:30. I was still full from lunch (sugar-glazed ham and sides), so just decided to skip dinner.

Susan texted me to say she'd pick me up for Soaring Spirits dinner at 5:15. Good--I can use a meal out. Showered and washed my hair, thn settled down to T.V. at my usual 8:00.  Unfortunately, probably because of my long nap, I didn't sleep well, but am feeling okay. 

SATURDAY AND A PUZZLEMENT

 This is going to be very short, as it's so difficult for me to type on the attached keyboard. Did two loads of wash in the morning and did a few small houshold chores. mymmmmntHad lunch with Kathie, LaVerne, and Denise; it was white fish with sides and very good. Keith joined us later and we had some good conversation.

After, I played some of my current craze, i,e, Block Champ. I then went downstairs for a marathon run of dime Bingo and won three days. That took me to 4:00 and almost time to go to the dining room.

Had dinner with LaVerne, then Ray joined us. We had some good talk and Ray wanted to  know the name of a new resident--he seems to have a crush on her. I told him name is Alice, but that's all I know. When I was leaving, Denise joined me and we both signed up for the FBI presention on Tuesday: 

Incrediby, just now at 7:00 am on Sunday, I found that my mouse and keyboard are now working again. I'm thrilled over that, but deeply puzzled--why did it go bad, then go back? No idea.

FRIDAY

 I don't know what's wrong with this blog, but I was sure I had started the Friday, July 17 entry, but it isn't here. Okay, to repeat: Had lunch with Kathie, LaVerne, and Bea, then got ready for Ellen to come pick me up for the cardiologist visit. She did, at 2:30 and we got there for the 3:00 appointment. News was good, Dr. Wang sees no heart problem and that wasw a relief.

We got back in time for me to go to Friday Happy Hour and that was enjoyable; so was the Margarita I had, of course.  After, it was almost time for dinner (since it's so early), so I went back down. Didn't see any of those I usually eat with, so sat with Allan, Beverly, and Frances. That's okay once in awhile and Allan's a nice guy, but Beveley simply complains about everything imaginable: the food, the service, the housekeeping, the this, the that--it annoys the hell out of me. Keith came down, but very late, as usual, and he sat by himself. No prob for him, as he carries a book everywhere he goes and simply reads during meals if nobody sits with him. 

Now I can't use the unattached keyboard and the mouse isn't working either--darn!

THURSDAY

Somewhat of a nuthin' day: Incrediby, I slept until 8:00 am, then mostly played Block Champ until time for lunch.  Ate with Kathie and Keith and enjoyed a made-to-order hamburger and a cold beer at what management called "Celebrate 'Merica" lunch. It was yummy, I have to say.

After, I took a nap, then finally started better organizing the utensils and things under the kitchen sink. I still have plenty to go, but at least, am glad I turned my attention to it.

Dinner with Trudie, Carl, and Babara. Trudie, the non-stop talker, is going through a variety of medical procedures--unfortunately, that includes some worrisome conditions. However, we had a good visit and I enjoy her.  

Nothing much else going on. I continued watching the royal family stuff on T.V.--not sure why I've gotten into that, but it's okay. 

Today, T.O.P.S.--I'm not optimistic--and in the afternoon, the cardiologist; I'm hoping for a good report. 

WEDNESDAY AND TACOS

 As mentioned before, I slept well. I had been afraid my coffee hadn't been deliveredf yesterday and I'd have to settle for instant, but checked outside my door and--great, there it was.

Had lunch with Kathie, Keith, and LaVerne. Kathie told us Cheryl's son had fallen three stories from  a scaffolding and hit his head. He's in the hospital, of course; I saw Cheryl in the elevator and expresed my cncern.

UBER, via SCAN, picked me after lunch for my much-dreaded ophthomolgist appointment. Having grown up with progressive myopia, about my worse fear in life is going blimd. I do have macular degenration and if it worsens, I know that possiblity is there. Happily, after a series of tests, Dr. Teel pronounced that she saw no change--what a relief. 

Another Uber driver for Scan took me home and I had an interesting exchange with him. Bob is an older guy--86, I learned--and I sat in the front seat while we chatted. I won't go into detail, but I asked him how long he'd been driving for Uber and learned he started in order to earn $20,000 in order to put his wife's invention on Amazon. What is it, I asked and he took out a small box:  

Naturally, being a sucker for anything new, I asked to buy it and he sold it to me for twenty bucks. Took it to dinner with Kathie, Denise, LaVerne and Keith and we had great fun laughing over it. LaVerne looked it up on her phone and yes, it's sold through Amazon for eighteen bucks. I never made a taco in my life, but I'm going to get the tortillas and and filling and give it my best shot!

BTW, I ordered a new desk chair from Amazon and it should be delievered on Sunday. Also texted Elika and asked if she could do my manicure on Monday at 3:00. Yes, she can and she will.  

TUESDAY AND RANDY MANTOOTH

Ellen picked me up at 10:15 for my radiology appointment. This was to check on the blood vessel in my neck. It wasn't too bad an experience and we then went to Two Trees for lunch. I had a yummy "strawberry bliss" salad, so large I took half home for later. I got in in time to play dime Bingo and won three games.

Rode the stationary bike for a time before going down to dinner and sitting with LaVerne and Keith. I got a turkey burger instead of the main entree, breaded chicken wings. 

I've been watching a show on the dress styles of the females in the royal family, emphasis on Kate and Megan and continued last night. Took my shower and, I'm happy--and amazed--to report I slept soundly until eight a.m.

Today, I go to Miramar Eye, to which I'm not looking forward. Uber will pick me up and I'll call them to take me home. Friday is the cardiologist and I hope that's the end of the medical genre for a long time.

😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔

Entry from January 6, 2026:

Dinner with Kathie, Cheryl, and Keith and we put two more chairs around to include Bee, and a guy, Chris, whom I just met. While we were waiting to be served, somebody mentioned that Randy Mantooth was at the next table. I went over to introduce myself and chatted with him for a bit, mentioning my association with Fractured Actors. He was very cordial, but when I asked if I could take a picture, he said he'd rather I didn't, as he "didn't want to be star." 

Randy had been in a number of T.V. showes, notably Emergency. He lived at The Orchard for several years; he died last week. I found an Instagram about him on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=897896572747737&extid=MSG-UNK-UNK-UNK-IOS_GK0T-GK1C&ref=sharing&mibextid=

😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔

MONDAY

Went to balance class at 10:00; (the other) Kathie was there, along with a larger group than usual--maybe fifteen or so. Keith came in an dI introduced him to Kathie.

Had lunch with Kathie and LaVerne, then Ursula joined us. After that, I didn't do a heck of a lot except play Block Champ. This is a game where you piece together items that look like sections of a brick wall, maybe. I've gotten to alternate that with my matching games.

Did the stationary bike for about ten minutes before going down to dinner.  Sat with Kathie, LaVerne, and Denise. Virtuous me, I skipped the salmon burger (although I've had it before and like it) and had fruit and cottage cheese. We had some good, superficial talk; I often don't feel like discussing preofundtries with dinner companians, so that was good. 

Later: Ordered coffee from Amazon--very convenient, as ever, and it should arrive today. 

SUNDAY

 I've developed what may not be a good sleeping habit: I get to bed about 10:00, read for a bit, then sleep until 2:00 or 3:00. I then feel wide awake and get up and play a game on the laptop. Sometimes I repeat this, then get up at 7:30 or so--late for me. I want to change this and will make an effort.

Took sheets to the laundry, changed the bed, and otherwise spruced up the place. Played some more games, then went down to lunch. Ate with Kathie, Denise, and Bea; ordered the main entree, Jambalaya, but it proved too spicy for me and I sent it back in favor of fresh fruit and cottage cheese. Denise is a talker, but is often interesting and she asks others about their ideas. I was surprised, though, that she believes in astrology, fortune tellers, and so on. However, each to her own...

After lunch, I finally got around to filing the pile of papers I've accumulated over the weeks. That took an hour and I have a few pieces I'm still trying to decide whether to file or toss. I attended to a few other bookkeeping items, too, and it feels good to have done it.  

Went down to dinner and found a new resident at the table with Kathie, Denise, and LaVerne. Her name is also Kathie and we had a long getting-to-know-you talk. Her real first name is "Waverly," she said, which, incredibly, her mother didn't tell her until she was an adult. She's has a variety of physical problems, I'm afraid, and she lost a son through suicide; has another son and a daughter, but no grandchildren. After dinner, she took the other Kathie and me to see her apartment--a studio, but nicely arranged.

In the shower, I finally devised a way to conveniently stow the showerhead so it's more convenient to use. Watched a bit more of royal family doings, but I think my interest is waning. Slept okay, although I did wake up at 2:00 am for the usual, but went back and got up at 5:30, an okay time for  me. 

SATURDAY

Excluding the temporary lapse of my laptop, it was a fun day. I took the bus to Danny's Deli to meet Noreen for lunch, but before that, stopped at The Bargain Box and bought two nice tops and some drinking glasses. 

As always, I enjoyed Noreen's company, but her obsession with Trump--and what a horror he is--is  a little unnerving. Noreen is 91 and says she sees no reason to go on living because of him. However, I steeered the conversation away from D.C. and its problems and we talked about other things. Lunch was good, as usual--I had a vegetarian buritto and Noreem a salmon bowl--we also endulged in an IPA for me and champagne for her.

Said goodbye about 2:00 and bused home. Got in for the last half hour of dime Bingo and borrowed money to play. Luckily, I won one, so was able to repay from that.

Called Ellen and that dear girl walked me through getting the laptop back in working order. I don't know what I'd do without her and I never want to find out. 

Dinner with Kathie, LaVerne, and Denise, with whom I had a lively discussion about the Internet and our difficulty (in some instances) in handling computer-related things. Surprisingly, Denise, although at 79 she's younger than the three others at the table, was most bothered by it. 

I didn't sleep well last night, but after getting up twice was able to go back; just got up at 7:30. 

FRIDAY

The scales registered plus .04 at home and plus .08 at T.O.P.S. for respective weights of 140.2 and 141.2. That isn't good, but what is, is that I'm am determined to take off the damn weight or die trying. To that end when I had lunch with Kathie and Keith, I specified a half order of the chicken Tinga and that was plenty enough for me.

Went to Happy Hour at 2:00 to see the Dynatmic Duo, one--rather, two--of my favorites. Sat with Denise and greatly enjoyed it. Back to my place after, I turned on the AC and played some games on the laptop. Productive activities? No, but so what? 

Dinner with LaVerne and Denise, then Ray joined us. He's quite a character and I don't know how much of his confusion is put on and how much legit. We have a running joke--or it could be factual--that he doesn't remember my name from one day to the next--calls me everything from "Ruth" to "Mary Rose" to "Rosemarie." In retaliation, I call him "Ferdinand" or "Fernando." He's fun to be with, though, and the four of us enjoyed each other.

Finally, thanks to Ellen, I got this laptop running again and now, almost 4:00 pm on Saturday, willl publish this entry.

THURSDAY AND GOOD NEWS

 Slept wonderfully well and didn't get up until 7:15. Did my usual morning activities--this blog, Wordle, Connections, and Blossom--then took two loads of wash to the laundry room. I guess I could have put them all in one, but decided not to chance a wetter. Once I transferred them to the dryer, I decided to go for broke, and put in a white wash. 

I then went to Bone Builders at 10:15. After the hour-long session, I retrieved the dry load and put the washed load in the dryer; then it was lunchtime. Ate with Kathie and LaVerne, later going to dime Bingo at 2:00. After late, I went to retreive my white wash and found that it was not in the dryer, but somebody's sheets were! My wash was nowhere to be seen and I reported that to the office. Later, I checked again and there was my wash in the dryer! Sonebody must have removed it, dried his or her sheets, then replaced mine. Weird, but I have the whites, so will just forget it.*

Dinner with Kathie, Denise, and Carol. We had had beef Stroganoff for lunch and this was turkey salad on a croissant and it was delicious.  

*Good grief, except for what I have on, every item of clothing and cloth I have is clean!

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The good news? Ellen sent me an email, which included these words: 

Hi mom,   I just got a call from Cabrillo Cardiology. They said that yesterday's tests were "fine" and that "there was nothing to worry about." But they do still want us to go see Dr. Fong on Friday, July 17.

YAY, YAY, AND HAPPY DAY!

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WEDNESDAY AND BE STILL, MY HEART...

Okay, the stress test wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, although it was no walk in the park, either. Ellen picked me up at 9:00 and we got there early for the ten o'clock appointment. Taken in by medical technician (I think) Mike, I was given a series of tests and shots and so on, plus I was seated on a big kind of recliiner, which took pictures of my heart. All that took a few hours and I was then released for a time, told I could now eat anything I wanted, and we went to the Wood Ranch for lunch. I had a hamburger and a yummy IPA, then we went to Wal-Mart. I stayed in the car while Ellen got what we needed--paper products in my case--and I tried to nap, but couldn't.

We were to return to Cabrillo Cardiology at 2:10, which we did, then I was subjected to several more procedures. They didn't include the treadmill; instead, they went to the alternative, a "five minutre infusion of Adenosine." I wouldn't have minded the treadmill, but the other was okay.

I was finally discharged about 3:30 and we got home at 4:00. El stayed to chat for just a bit, then we said goodbye and I went down to dinner.  I didn't see any of those with whom I sit most often, so joined Julie. Denise sat with us, also, and we had some fun conversation.

Lorraine, my old friend from So-Fi called after dinner and we caught up with each other's lives. She and her husband moved to Camarillo a year or so ago and I haven't seen her since, but we keep in touch. 

After, I stopped in to see Mindy and she said a meeting in the multi-purpose room had been cancelled, so she'd have a session of dime Bingo today at 1:30--yay!  I had taken this from the Veritas Theatre when we did the tribute for Carol and think I'll take it with me just to amuse my fellow Bingo fanatics:

I have no idea how this could possibly be staged 😜! 

TUESDAY

Went to Bone Builders at 10:15; p.t. Marilyn wasn't there, but Elaine and Raoul led the group. Went almost directly to lunch after and ate with Kathie, LaVerne, and Bea. I left at 1:00, in order to "attend" the Second Act Players Zoom meeting arranged last week. Six of the ten founding  members were there and Suzy and Bob acted as leaders. They'll probably be the movers and shakers of the group, which is just fine with me. Both have had more than local experience--Suzy with her trio on paid gigs nd Bob in movies, television, and stage appearences.  I want to send them some of my plays to see what might be staged by our group. Went from there to dime Bingo and, incredibly, won three games; now I've replenished my dimes. 

I read over the instructions from Cabrillo Cardiology Medical Group where--AAGH!--I'll get a "Myocardial Perfusion Scan," which I guess is a stress test, in a few hours. Ellen's picking me up at 9:00 and the appointment's at 10:00. I can't have caffeine for 24 hours, which is the worse news for me.

Had dinner with Kathie and Denise; Keith joined us late. Back home, I washed my hair with my shower, then thought I'd simply sleep soundly....

I didn't. I awoke at 1:45 and couldn't get back. I did stay in bed until now, 6:00 am, and will try taking an hour or so nap before Ellen picks me up at 9:00. I think my sleeplessness is due to worry over the damn stress test I'm facing in a few hours. 

MONDAY

Suzanne came over with the Temu (I think, not sure) package which had been left at my old apartment. I was annoyed that it contained the same flowers I had ordered before, as well as a top I haven't tried on yet. But okay, I'm not going to go into my obsessed mode; the flowers were inexpensive and I'll just keep them. 

I stopped in to the multi-purpose room to tell Jacquie I was sorry to have missed balance class; will go next time. Hungry, I heated up the last of my cabbage/onion dish and had that for a kind of breakfast. 

Lunched with Kathie and LaVerne. The entree was beef stew, but I try to avoid red meat, so got a hot dog. After, I mostly just played around on the laptop, then took a nap.

Had dinner with the regulars, Kathie, LaVerne, and Keith. We're comfortable with each other and have some good rapport. That doesn't include our varying attitudes about the military and "patriotism," but that's okay--we just generally avoid the topic. 

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY

SATURDAY:  Went down to lunch with Kathie, LaVerne, and Bea, then as scheduled, Ellen picked me up at 1:30 and drove me to her place in Ojai. I had a little Margarita while she had lunch, then took a short nap. Greg came over for dinner and it was yummy: curry chili with veggies and beans. We ate on the side porch, a wonderfully serene place which I always liked. El cleaned up while Greg and I chatted, then we left for the fireworks at the high school:

                                                        

Back at El's, we said goodbye to Greg, then sat down for a satisfying--but as ever, cutthroat--of gin rummy; El won, but only by a very slim margin.   All rigtht, I have NO IDEA why the following is being underlined, but I can't seem to modifty it.Later, when I previewed the post, I got the underlining off, but now, it's printed in red. Okay, I just am not going to deal with it--it's still readable, anyway.

Didn't get to bed until after midnight--incrediby late for me--and slept like a stone. 

SUNDAY:

Up at 9:00--also very late for me, but I needed the sleep--and after a light breakfast, I packed up and we left for my place. I got in just before noon, so in time for lunch. Sat with Kathie, LaVerne, Pat, and someone I hadn't met before, Richard. The latter's lived her for four years, longer than most I know, had lost his wife last year. I liked him and we had some good talk.

Back upstairs, I found the skillet and lid I had ordered at my door, I'm happy to record. I'll ask Ellen to put the handle on and will try it out shortly. Also got a notice that my Temu ordered had been delivered--however, they sent a picture of it at the door of my former apartment in So-Fi. I called Suzanne, who lives next door and she retreived it and will drop it off today. It's wonderful to have good neighbors, past and present. 

Had dinner with new acquaintance Richard, then Keith and Pat joined us. I didn't feel like the pork loin entree, so had a turkey burger. 

I still don't know how to remove the underlining above and will just skip trying, as it's still readable, anyway. 

FRIDAY

Dismal news regarding my weight struggle: At home, I was up1.2 to 129.08 and the same up at T.O.P.S., putting me at the dreaded 140. Okay, I'm just going to have to buckle down and fly right. There were six of us at the meeting, including Maria, who hasn't been there for a time. 

Home at 10:15 or so. I had forgotten about balance class, so missed it and didn't go down until lunchtime. It was fish taco with sides and actually pretty good. I sat with Kathie, LaVerne, and Bea; didn't see Keith. After, I put in a load of wash, then did this and that on the laptop. 

Went down to happy hour at 3:00 and had a Margarita. We didn't have outside entertainers, but instead, a sing-along, which included, inevitably, pro-war propaaganda material, such as Over There and Comin' In On A Wing And Ae Prayer, and I'll Be Seeing You. As a pacifist, I sat silently until pianist Carol switched over to Patti Page and The Platters, then joined in with enthusiasm. Went from there to dinner with Barbara, Trudie--another non-stop talker--Carl, and Carol and Stan; I skipped the Greek gyro in favor of their good hot dogs. 

Picked up my mail and finally received the writings from my mother from Carolyn. Mom had written memoirs for each of her six children and it touched me greatly to read it. Carolyn also sent me a copy of my mother's memoir to and about Betty. I just couldn't bear to read that right away, but will today. I called Carolyn to thank her and will call again today to discuss. What's incredible is that she mailed both of them from Santa Barbara on June 2 and I got both yesterday, a month later. Jeez, I could have walked the thirty miles there and back and picked them up.

Stella called and we talked for twenty minutes or so. Her son, Joshua, who lives in Spain, will be visiting at the end of July and I hope to see him when he's here. 

Showered and washed my hair--wish I could style it the way Caitlin does--then settled down to watch a documentary on the murder of Rob Reiner and his wife by their son. Pretty horrible.

Ellen's going to pick me up today, take me to Ojai, and I'll stay overnight--that should be fun. 

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I forgot to add this picture from the cookout on Thursday. The duo sang the usual collection of "patriotic" songs:                                                            

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THURSDAY AND A COOKOUT

I was a little late for Bone Builders, but got there and it was a good session. It happened to be our instructor, Marilyn's birthday and I took a picture with her (on my right) and Elaine, one of the residents: 

Marilyn had made cupcakes and brought them, plus apple juice for her "students." I don't eat sweets, so I took mine home and brought it to dinner to give to whomever.

Attended the lunch barbeque and, as ever, it was very good. I chose a cheeseburger this time, served with homemade potato salad and fruit. I also accepted a Blue Moon ale with it. There was a duo singing the usual patriotic songs and here are some of the staff in their Americano finery:

Director of the whole shebang, Tiffany; it's hard to believe she has college-aged children.

Maintenance guy Joe, along with resident Barry, a non-stop talker.

Our activities director, Mindy, acting silly--she's a lot of fun. 

After lunch, I took a nap, then hauled out read a number my original scripts. I'm hoping the other members of our new acting group, Second Act Players, will want  to stage some. 

Dinner with Kathie, LaVerne, and Denise--I gave my cup cake to the latter, who has no weight problem. Back home after, I continued reading scripts and enjoyed it. 

Mary Ann, who usually takes me to T.O.P.S. on Fridays, is in Detroit, so I texted Cheryl to see if she'd pick me up. She will, but I'm not looking forward to getting weighed. I know I've gained, as I've been eating much too much and exercising much too litte. I must reform, but seem to be lacking in determination--or something. 

WEDNESDAY

Maintenance guy Joe came at 9:00 and quickly fixed my cabinet door. He noticed the ancestor pictures on my walls, including my great-grandfather in his Civil War uniform, and we had a nice talk. I then went down to balance class and managed, in chatting with Bee, to step backward and almost fall. I recovered myself, but alarmed the other residents in the room. 

I got a notice from Groendyke, my house insurance company, that it's up for renewal; I'll be sent a new contract, which I need to electronically sign, then return. Darn, I now find I'm out of printer paper. Ellen called and I asked her to bring me some. We also finalized our plans for the weekend: She'll pick me up after lunch on Saturday and I'll stay over at her place, then she'll bring me home on Sunday. It'll be before lunch, as she has plans with a friend for later.

Had lunch with Kathie and LaVerne, then prepared for dime Bingo, which started at 1:30.  Incredibly, I won four times--now my dime trove is replentshed and I'm set for the next rounds.

Got home and finally opened the burner I had sent for months ago. I had already shedded a cabbage and onion, now I added oil, butter, lemon juice, and garlic powder and cooked it up in the skillet Ellen lent me. I'm not sure everybody would like it, but I think it's yummy and will enjoy it for serveral days. 

Sat down for dinner with LaVerne, then I invited new resident Reggie to join us, as he was at the next table alone. Shortly, Keith sat down and we got to know the newcomer. Reggie is only 65 and his speech is somewhat difficult to understand. From what he told us, he had been badly hurt in several accidents which affected his speech and some movements. He seems a nice fellow, though, and I was glad to have met him. 

Outdoor barbeque is on the agenda for lunch today, and that should be good. 

TUESDAY

Before lunch, I took two loads to the laundry room, put them in the wash, then did a few chores on the laptop. Unfortunately, I had forgotten about Bone Builders at 10:15, and missed it. To compensate in a sense, I spents twenty minutes on the stationary bike.

Had lunch with Kathie, Keith, and LaVerne.  I brought Keith's book, Ghost Orchid* as Kathie wants to read it. I already have Keith's other Kellerman book, Heartbreak Hotel, which I started reading and after the first few pages, realized I had read before. That's okay, though, as I don't remember much about it and I'm enjoying it. 

Went to dime Bingo at 1:30--a marathon session of two hours--and won two, I'm happy to report. Of course, I won only a dollar ten each time, but a win is a win, right?

Dinner with Kathie, Keith, Laverne, and Denise and we had some good conversation. After, when I checked my email, I found a video of the show of last Sunday. It's more than an hour long and I cringe when I see myself--I look decrepit--but I guess I did okay. I sent it to my children, telling them they can see Mum at 5:13 (far left); 14:39 ("the Green Room"); 18:51 ("Heart's Desire"); 44:56 (I say "You are the best!"); and somewhere toward the end when the cast applauds the audience. I sent it to myself on Messanger and am putting it here, in case I ever want to see it again:

 https://mail.google.com/mail/u/1/#inbox/WhctKLcFCqBTGPkFgPXsKDwNzkVwVGjtdhmwLjZmGJJpQcmxvpJhrzhNJcnxqBLdfftltQv

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aH2mQKVKZPE&authuser=1

No plans for today except that Joe Maintenance is coming to fix my cabinet door. I asked him to come after 9:00, as I don't like to rush in the morning.

* By Jonathan Kellerman, the only fiction writer whose books I read; I mostly stick to non-fiction. 

MONDAY

Slept okay, but felt a little draggy when I got up at 6:00. However, I revived, spent time on financial matters, and stripped my bed. Took the sheets to the laundry room, put them in, then went to balance class at 10:00. Retrived the wash, went down to lunch, and sat with LaVerne, then Keith sat with us, bringing a  friend named David; I think they met in the Navy. Anyway, David is a big talker and I enjoyed his patter. He' owns a house in Fillmore and is considering The Orchard; we'll see what happens there. 

Back up stairs, I didn't do anything productive aside from watering the tomatoes. Soon, it was time for dinner. I sat with Kathie, LaVerne, and Bee; Keith sat elsewhere. Dinner, egg salad on a croissant, was so-so, but the carrot/raisin salad was good.

Again, I slept well and got up with the alarm. I'm toying with the idea of busing to the mall--may or may not.

SUNDAY AND SHOWTIME

The Access Van got me to Ellen's in Ojai about noon and she gave me a chicken sandwich for lunch. We chatted a bit and she "heard me" on the script, then drove me to the Veritas for the 1:00 cast call. Most of our group were there and, luckily, Steve, Nelso, Bob, and I were able to rehearse several times before the show started at 2:00. I got a chance to snap only one picture and this isn't very representative, but it illustrates the somewhat primative conditions:

In the front row right is Jesse Somebody, the high school student who received the scholarship given in Carol's name and next to him his acting teacher. As for the rest of the audience, it was wonderfully responsive and appreciative. Several came up to me after with praise and appreciation for my verse and our short piece, which turned out to be wonderfully well done--I was a little worried about that. To top it off, champagne was served to the audience and I had a glass after the show. The whole day was terrific--what a relief.

Ellen picked me up after and we stopped into a gift shop before meeting Greg at Sea Fresh. They have great seafood, but I had a hankering for a cheeseburger and that's what I got. We had a good time, as ever, then we said goodbye to Greg and Ellen drove me home. She invited me to stay over at her place on Saturday, then we'll go somewhere for the fourth of July. Sounds good.

What a good day, thanks to the success of the show, perfect weather, and the sleepover next week, to which I'm looking forward.  

SATURDAY

Washed, dressed, and went downstairs for lunch with Kathie and Keith. I left halfway through, as the Access Van picked me up at 12:30. Hobie, the driver, had two more stops to make, so I got to the Veritas by 2:00.

Reheasal went okay, although I still have a little problem with memorization and knowing when to say what to whom, but hey, I'll get it by showtime--if not, I'll improvise. We rehearsed until about 4:00, then Ellen picked me up and drove me home, getting in when it was almost dinnertime. I rushed upstairs and changed, then got to the dining room in plenty of time.  Didn't see Katie or Keith, so sat with Barbara, Trudie, Carl, Carol, and Stan and enjoyed it.

The Access Van will pick me up in a few hours, then take me to Ellen's for lunch, then she'll get me to the Veritas by the one o'clock call. Tentative plans are for El, Greg, and I to go to dinner after.

FRIDAY

 I texted Mary Ann and called Sharon to tell them I wasn't going to T.O.P.S.  I had my two appointments at 2:00 and 3:00 and thought I'd bus to the mall to buy a skillet for my cabbage/onion dish. However, I just didn't feel like it after such a poor sleep, so I didn't.

Had lunch with Kathie, Keith, and Bee, then prepared for my appointments in the salon upstairs. Elika took me at 2:00 and I chose the same lavender polish as last time--I just like it. Caitlin then did my hair--wash, a cut, and blow dry and it really looks good. I had a great time with both of them. Didn't get home until after 4:00.   

Dinner with Kathie, LaVerne, Dyan, Denise, and Bee, so we added chairs to the ends of the table for four and it worked out fine. We had a discussion about Jehovah Witnesses; it seems that one of the residents--Paula--is one and left the dining room when we sang "Happy Birthday" to Keith. Hmm...I jut looked it up and discovered that they believe birthday and other holiday celebrations are of pagan origin, so evil.  

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An historic note:

This is a picture of Abraham Lincoln's funeral cortege in Philadelphia on April 24, 1865 and the crowds that gathered to see it. I knew a woman who had been there. She lived in Philadelphia, taught piano lessions, and spent summers in Ventnor. She went to our church, St. James, and my mother knew her. She had been stricken with polio as a child and hadn't walked since. At he age of three, seated on her father's shoulders, she was taken to see the cortege. When she was in Ventnor, Miss (can't recall her name) needed someone to push her wheelchair and take her for walks on the boardwalk. At the age of ten, I was hired to do so and was paid a quarter an hour.  

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