THURSDAY

Had breakfast with Keith and Mary--happily, Willow, her kitty, is recovering well. While we were sitting there, van driver Rick asked if it was okay to leave for Dargan's at 10:45 instead of later. Oops, I had forgotten I had already requested the van, but recovered quickly and said sure. That's two hours earlier than when I'm meeting Suzy but no prob, I figured I'll just visit some of the shops. Here was the big problem: I called the Access Van to cancel and was on hold for fifty minutes total. It seems they put in a new system that doesn't work as well as the old one. I'll love to ask why the hell they did it, then--but I finally got through.

On the way, I decided to tell Rick to deviate to the museum and I'd walk Main Street to Dargan's from there. He was taken aback, because it was "such a long way." Good grief, I looked it up and it's .07 of a mile or a bit more than half a mile--hardly a long way. I walked at a leisurely pace, but was still early.

Suzy got there at 12:30 and we fell into each other's arms. We ordered lunch (both had a Reuban and an IPA) and talked and talked and talked. Her show, Women of the Night (I thought it was about prostitutes, but no, that's not the idea) opens February 13 and runs into March. Can't wait to see it, and I'm hoping Mindy might want to, but I don't think Suzy sings in it. 

Anyway, we didn't leave for almost three hours (well, there was a lot to say), then Suzy drove me to the museum and insisted on waiting until Rick came. Back at The Orchard, I quickly put in a load of wash. When it was finished drying, I retreived it, dumped it on the bed, and went down to dinner, sitting with the usual four, then went upstairs to finish packing.

Today: San Jose.

WEDNESDAY

Breakfast with Keith, then I took the van to Great Clips and had my hair cut. I spent some time after that shopping at Von's next door, then decided to get a manicure at Nails LA 'Elegance, also nearby. I chose a kind of florescent pink--the teeny bopper's choice--just because I liked it.

Rick picked me up and got me home by lunchtime. Ate with Kathie, Keith, and Cheryl, but Mary didn't show. Luckily, her cat was treated with anti-biotics and, I hope, is on the mend. 

Called Ellen to explain my new itinerary for San Diego. However, she can't pick me up from the train station on Sunday, as she has a meeting about her Law of Attraction cruise in March. The Orchard van runs only on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, so I'll have to call the Access Van on Saturday. Decided to use it today to meet Suzy at Dargan's, too.

Paid some bills, including the last from Southern California Electric--electricity is now covered by my monthly rent at The Orchard, as are most of my other monthly bills. Lunch with the usual, and still Mary didn't show. Luckily, though, she came in for dinner and reported that Willow, the cat, seems to be slowly improving after minor surgery We were all stunned by the vet charges--two hundred bucks for the sedation alone.  Got my suitcase out and started putting in a few things.      

Lunch with Suzy at Dargan's today.                                                                                                              

TUESDAY

My cousin, Marifran, from Cincinnati. returned my call. She had thought I had been in independent living and now switched to assisted living. That's not the case, of course, but no wonder it's confusing. BTW, she mentioned the temperature  in Cincy: It was minus six degrees--AAGH! I was also called by my former wacky neighbor, Michelle, the one who had awakened me a few weeks ago.   She wants to come for lunch, but I'm trying to avoid it.   

Went back and forth on the phone with John S. and Ani to discuss my trip to San Jose for Duane's memorial service.. John will pick me up at 11:00 on Friday, then we'll stop in L. A. to get his girlfriend. Luckily, I'll have a whole suite downstairs when I'm there. 

 At 11:00, several of us went for an outing in The Orchard van to midtown Ventura. After shopping (I bought sheets), we had lunch at the Busy Bee restaurant. It had been years since I was there and my hamburger and Purple Tears IPA were delish. We were amused by this sign on the wall: 

HA!

We got picked up at 2:30 and went back to The Orchard. I took a short nap after, then had dinner with the regulars. Unfortunately, Cheryl told us that Mary (she usually eats with us) had to take her cat for an emergency vet visit; it had developed symptoms that sound very ominous. I wasn't the least bit hungry for dinner, so just had a baked potato with veggies. 

Went back and forth on the phone with John S. and Ani to discuss my trip to San Jose for Duane's memorial service.. John will pick me up at 11:00 on Friday, then we'll stop in L. A. to get his girlfriend. Luckily, I'll have a whole suite downstairs when I'm there. 

Showered and washed my hair in preparation for Great Clips today.

MONDAY

Breakfast as usual with K. and M. I then tackled two large loads of wash, the clothes I should have done sooner and the bathroom rugs. I put the in at the same time, so both were washed, dried, folded, and put away before lunch. I got down a little late for that, so sat with Beverlee, Ursula, and Greg, instead of the usuals. 

After, I got my book and sat outside the clubhouse to read it. It got just a little too breezy, so I moved inside shortly. I finished filling out more envelopes to send my change of address info to others. 

Called my Cincinnati cousin, Marifran, she had texted me thinking I was actually moved from independent to assisted living; I want to bring her up to date, but haven't heard back from her yet.

John F., the resident who was on a plane that accompanied the Enola Gay to Hiroshima, joined us for dinner. He has some kind of eye condition in which part of his eyelid turns up and has had surgery.

I signed up for an outing today: a trip to town and lunch at the Busy Bee cafe. Also requested the van for tomorrow to Great Clips to get my hair cut. I don't want to try the hairdresser here just yet.

Slept well and just got up with the alarm at 6:15. 

SUNDAY

Breakfast with Keith and Mary. Mary had been a bit depressed and had been putting off things she  needed to do. She said she pulled herself out of it by making a list of new year resolutions. and then doing them and checking them off as she did. We talked about it and I committed to doing the same. This is what I crossed off my list: 

1. Writing out the envelopes to send family and friends my new address;

2. Printing out the letter I wrote for the above; 

2. Stripping my bed, washing the sheets, and re-making;

3. Adding recent receipts to my checkbook;

4. Adding the meds to my morning and nighttime pill holders;

5. Putting in order my pile of "to be filed," then filing it;

6. Shifting around some things into more convenient places;

At lunch, Mary said she had accomplished all on her list and felt much better. I did, too, and I hope it lasts. I sat with the regulars: Mary, Kathie, Cheryl, Keith, and Dee. After, I put on my straw hat and sun glasses (temp was in the middle seventies) and called Muckie. We had a good, long talk, but always with the sadness in the background. Her weight is now down to 102 and she's had various diabetic problems. We talk freely about her cancer, which is now in the liver. I think that means the end is near, but I'm not sure if that's always the case. We talked about Betty, too, and I had to tell her I hadn't seen her for several months. 

Later, I took my book, Amusing Ourselves to Death, out to the patio of the clubhouse and read for a while. Met the new gang later for dinner, which was a pretty good shepherd's pie. Back upstairs, I showered and washed my hair, then watched something or other until bedtime, in my case, 9:00 pm. Unfortunately, I had what could be called a "troubled sleep" and got up at 5:00. I may  have to resort to a nap today. 

SATURDAY

Slept well and got up at 6:15. Brekkie with Keith and Mary, then went outside and called brother Larry to wish him happy birthday. He was pleased to receive them, although his birthday is actually in June; we laughed over that. During our long talk, he told me about all the doings in which his huge family is involved , such as moving to another country, divorce, internal arguments, and so on. One of his four daughters is going to move in with him shortly.

Lunch with the regulars, including Cheryl, who has an extensive collection of fun tops; love this one: 

The menu listed "pitt ham" and I asked Caitlin, our server, if that meant if was was Pittsburgh. She asked Chef Michael, but he didn't know. I ordered it and it was actually pretty good.

Lunch with the usuals, then Ellen came at 1:00. She fixed up my printer, then we went to the exercise room to ride the exercise gliders. After that, it was off to do my errands: CVS, the Dollar Tree, and Home Goods; there, we were a mused to find this hand towel trio:

Ha, ha--how did they know I were coming?

Our reward for all that running around was dinner at the Wood Ranch, which was jammed. I ordered their BBQ salad with chicken, which is huge and I took half home. We had a lot of stuff to carry up to my digs, did so, then said goodbye.

Mike facetimed at 7:00 and we discussed Vivian's graduation in May. Not sure yet about all the particulars yet.  I slept fairly well and got up feeling good. No plans for today, which is just as well, I guess. I've got a lot of mundane chores to do and keep putting them off. Story of my life, I'm afraid...

FRIDAY AND THE THIRD REICH

Weight report not good. I was up .02 at home to 135 and up .03 to 136.8 at T.O.P.S., but I guess it could have been worse. Mary Ann picked me up as usual at 8:00 and I got home at 10:15. so had no breakfast. Here's Sharon in her jazzy new shoes and outfit:

And here's our new member, Curleen, in an attractive caftan: 

Meeting went okay with the usual mumbo-jumbo about new beginnings, mindfulness, and resolutions to solve one diet problem a day, and blah, blah, blah. Actually, I shouldn't be sneering about it, but I get bored with the same old, same old, and one cliche after another. 

Lunch with Cheryl, Keith, and Mary. The trout, rice, and veggies tasted great because I was so hungry,  but of course, I skipped dessert. Took an hour nap and then felt good.

Went to the three o'clock Friday happy hour and it was terrific. Here are the entertainers: 

Elvis is back!

After happy hour, I sat outside on the phone with a friend; I like the layout of the campus with and the mountains of Ojai on the horizon: 

Ate dinner with Cheryl, Keith, and Mary and had some light conversation. Back upstairs at 6:00, did this and that, than watched Eva Braun and her boyfriend on T.V. :

THURSDAY AT THE PUB

                                                      

Ate with Kathie, Cheryl, and Mary and, along with the meal, I sangria cocktail and an English beer. It was good, but I ate too much. Took a long nap--not a good idea because it sometimes interferes with sleep,* but I felt good after. Tables were decorated:

                                      

Here are Elaine and Cheryl, dressed up as English ladies.

Bangers and mash and fish and chips were the entrees and I had the former, which were pretty good. I accompanied that with a sangria cocktail and English beer. I ate too much, so took a longish nap after--not a good idea, as it may interfere with my sleep.

Did some business stuff, then went to dinner with the regular crew: Kathie, Cheryl, Keith, Mary, and Dee.  We put chairs at the end of the table to fit six of us in and we hope to keep it that way. Had chicken salad on a croissant with potato salad, but was so full from lunch that I took half home.

Computer stuff, then T.V., then bed. T.O.P.S. today and I'm not sure I'm ready for it. 

* Boy, did I call it: Had a terrible sleep time and was restless half the night. 

WEDNESDAY AND GOOD NEWS

I had a terrible time sleeping--awoke at 4:00 am and couldn't get back. When I finally got out of bed at 6:15, I realized I had forgotten to take my sleep aid. Breakfast with Keith and had some interesting conversation. 

When I got back to my apartment, I tried cleaning up a few lingering duties, then quit. I was nervous about my ophthalmologist appointment--my major fear in life is blindness--and foolishly, I asked the Lyft driver to pick me up at 12:35, which meant skipping lunch. I sat down with Kathie, Cheryl, and Mary, but said goodbye shortly before I left to wait for the driver. Got to Miramar in plenty of time.

The (nurse, P.A..?--not sure), who seemed to be in her fifties or so, Andrea, took me in for the preliminaries and after we chatted for a bit, asked  if I was from the east coast. How did she know? The accent, of course, and she's from Long Island. We had a good talk--both had followed family members here--and at one point, I mentioned this blog and she said she'd like to read it. I told her the name and before I left, printed it on my card and left it for her.  The best news: Dr. Teel said the macular degeneration was stable and she didn't need to see me for six months--what a relief. 

Lyft got me home about 3:30 and I freshened up, then went down to the social hour. Had a glass of wine and enjoyed the entertainment, a sax player named Brandon Regen:

He was dynamite and two of our friskier residents couldn't resist the music and got up to dance:

After, I spent some time outside, just relaxing in the sun. Dinner with Lisa and David, then did something or other until bedtime; I barely made it to 9:00 pm and, happy day, slept all the way to 630 when the alarm went off. I think I'd rather have a solid night's sleep than a bucket of gold--but wait a minutes, let me think about that...

TUESDAY

Keith, Mary, and I had a lively discussion at breakfast about Satanic Trump, militarism, and the future of the country; we aren't optimistic. After that, I stripped the bed, washed in the laundry room, and re-made. Do-Lanni was due to clean in the afternoon and if I had left the clean sheets on the bed, she would have re-made it, but hell, I figure it's easy enough to do and good exercise.

After, I called Epson to order ink,* then sent out a few bills and things. I then walked next door to Primary Medicine and got a list of the meds I take to be sure I'm getting them all. I could have emailed them, but just decided to look at the office. After that, I sat outside enjoying the 71 degree weather and the gentle breeze.

I spent an hour or more digging into shelves and drawers trying to find the small glass containers with lids that somebody had put somewhere, and didn't find them. However, I rearranged some of the items in the cabinets and think the kitchen functions better.  

Ran into Mindy and she put on my walker the device that hold my cane. I'm very pleased that I don't have to balance it anymore; ran into director Tiffany and told her how much I appreciated it.  

Ate with Cheryl and Mary; later, Ray sat down with us. He has a PH.D in oceanography, but unfortunately, is now having memory problems, although not so bad he's ready for assisted living. BTW, he's been married four times.

Upstairs, I showered and got my p.j.s on, then settled down with the royal family. I guess the Brits don't mind supporting them and maybe they serve some kind of person.

Had a terrible time sleeping--I think I may have omitted my sleep aid--and have to go down to breakfast in an hour, then have an eye doctor appointment at 1:20. Darn. I'll take a nap before then.

* I ordered it twice and twice got notice it didn't go through--I may have used my old debit card. 

. 

MONDAY

 Breakfast with Keith, Diane, and Dee. Julie picked me up early, as she had to go to her boat in Ventura Harbor to drop off the bilge pump to the mechanic. Got to the Black Angus after that and joined about twenty other BCNN members for lunch. It took a long, long time for everybody to order, be served, and eat, but my hamburger was so good. The food at The Orchard is edible, but anything but gourmet. Generally, I had an enjoyable time, except for the BCNN founder, whose middle name must start with "O" for Obnoxious. As soon she saw me walking in with my cane, she started lecturing me. She told me I should go to Japan and see a certain therapist who's on T.V. Yeah, sure, and I'll visit my son and his family, too.  Other than that, it was fun, although we didn't get home until after 2:00. 

Took a nap--longer than I thought I would--and did this and that until dinner. Sat with Beverlee and Greg--I can't decide if I think he's interesting or an idiot--and ate only part of my meal (chicken salad) as I was still un-hungry from lunch.

Suzy called and, yes, she's interested in talking to Director of Celebrations, Mindy; Suzy loved the title--why call it "Activities Director?--but is in a show until March 8:

I'll convey this news to Mindy and give her a copy of the flyer.

However, it was enjoyable, although we didn't get home until after 2:00. Took a nap--longer than I thought I would, then sat with Beverlee and Greg for dinner. I can't decide if I think he's interesting or an idiot--and ate only part of my meal (chicken salad) as I was still un-hungry from lunch.

John S., Ani's friend, called and said he'd pick me up for the memorial service in San Diego. He asked me to let him know when I'd like to go and I think I'll go the day before and stay over. Not sure if I want to stay two days.

Slept okay and have nothing scheduled until the ophthalmologist tomorrow.

SUNDAY

Breakfast with Keith, then I went up and finally spent time on various paperwork, financial stuff, filing, and so on until lunchtime. Had that with Keith, Kathie, and Bee. I was amazed to find that Bee was  born in Linwood, N.J. and had lived there until she was three when the family moved to upstate Pennsylvania. She was one of nine children and went all through Catholic schools; she's still very RC.

Ani O'Leary, Duane's lady, texted me with this:                                                                                                                                  

She followed that with several texts, asking me to come and saying I was special to Duane and that she'd arrange everything if I would.  I've decided I would, although I'll have to take the walker and I'm a little apprehensive about that. 

Took a nap, continue what I think of as my business-type working,  then hung out until 4:45 when I went down to dinner.  Sat with Kathie, Keith, and Bee and we had a good, congenial time. Back upstairs by 6:00 and topped off this blog, then watched T.V. until bedtime. Not exactly an exciting day, but Julie's picking me up for the BCNN lunch at the Black Angus at 10:45 today, so that should be fun. 

SATURDAY

Breakfast with Keith and Dee, then I took a large load of wash to the laundry room down the hall. I must have done something after that, but I can't remember what. When I went down to lunch, I thought Kathie and Cheryl had two others sitting with them, so sat with Beverlee (that's how she spells it) and Greg, whom I hadn't known before. Beverlee (that's how she spells it) is the one who got her grad degree at Columbia, then lived in Manhattan and had a counseling practice for teenagers. As for Greg, he struck me as a kind of street-smart guy with an attitude. He had been a disc jockey in San Diego and when I asked if he had children, he said yes, one, but I've never seen her. Interesting, but I wasn't going to pursue it. 

When I went back to my place, I retreived my wash and folded and put it away. After that, I found the table I had ordered at the door. It was much too heavy for me to move, let alone lift, but two of the people on the desk put it inside. Ellen got here about 2:00 and immediately started putting it  together. It took her maybe an hour, but she did it, put the chairs, which I've had for years and match perfectly--under it and it looks great.

After that, we went to the bank and CVS and by that time, it was getting close to dinner time. I went into the dining room and Ellen took my purchases up to my place and put them away. Ate again with Beverlee, Greg, and this time, Chris. They had a pasta, beef, and zucchini dish and actually, was pretty good. Said goodbye to El and took a shower. 

I had gotten  a call from somebody I met for the first time at the BCNN meeting. Her name is Angel and  she comes from, I think, Germany and she said she'd like to join me for lunch at The Orchard. Well, okay, I like to meet new people and gave her my card. I called her back and we chatted for a bit, but she acted peculiar and now I'm not sure if I really want to become acquainted. We'll see. 

I'm so pleased that I slept well and right up to the alarm, which I have set for 6:30. I'm pretty sure tha's because I was out and active yesterday. Will concentrate on more of that. Nothing scheduled for today, which is fine by me.

FRIDAY

Okay, I'm not going to stress over this, but I was up .04 at home and .09 at T.O.P.S.  That's no too bad, except that those numbers put me at 135.6 and 136.5, respectively, big gains. Okay, I'm determined to reverse this and I'm going to stay positive. 

Unfortunately, during the meeting I got a text from Suzy saying we had to reschedule lunch, as she was up coughing all night. Darn, I was looking forward to Dargan's with her, but we'll do it another time. When I got home, I called the Access Van to cancel. 

Lunch with Kathie, Cheryl, and Mary. I had flounder, rice, and veggies and it wasn't half bad. Also had an IPA, but as a reformed sugarholioc, I skipped the chocolate cheesecake. Back upstairs, I took a nap, then prepared my shopping list for today when Ellen will take me to various.

I forgot to mention that, yesterday, I finally finished my review of The Orchard on Yelp! I had great difficulty with adding a photo, called Ellen and she tried to walk me through it, but I couldn't follow. She said she'll be over today, but after we hung up, I did it.  Also put a good review on Google. 

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." 

Did not sleep well, but I feel okay this morning. Guess I'll have breakfast with Keith, then see if I feel like taking a short walk, then a nap before lunch; Ellen won't be here until 1:30. 

THURSDAY

 Breakfast with Keith, then upstairs to do this and that--can't quite remember what--until lunch. Ate with Keith, Kathie, and Mary--Cheryl was visiting her daughter. Saw Mindy and she asked me about the Yelp! review I had promised to wrote. When I went upstairs, I finished it and tried to add pictures. For for some reason, I couldn't get them to transfer from my phone to the laptop. Called Ellen and we spent a long time on it, but no luck.  Maybe I'll just skip the pics and post it.

Julie picked me up at 4:30 and we went off to Spasso's at the beach. There was a big group--twenty BCNNers--and the food was good, but pricey. I had fettuccini with shrimp and a Pacifico (beer) instead of wine, which I would usually have with Italian--just felt more like it.  

Home at 7:30 and I again tried to add pictures on my review--remarkably, this time it worked, thanks to earlier getting some guidance from Ellen. Only problem is, now I can't quite remember how I did it. Oh, well, maybe it'll come back to me. 

Damn, besides all the other gallivanting, Julie's picking me up for lunch at the Black Angus on Monday and today, I have T.O.P.S. I dread the scales, especially since I was already up more than four pounds--I have to get serious again!

WEDNESDAY

Breakfast with Keith, as usual, then Julie picked me up at 9:00 for the BCNN meeting. This was the first of the year, so the new officers were introduced.  The program consisted of the "club" leaders explaining their programs--book clubs, tailwaggers, Asian Mahjong, happy hands, biking, hiking, bingo, and so on.  None appeal to me, certainly not a book club; when I read a book, I don't give a damn what anyone else thinks about it. Enjoyed catching up with Bridget (who lives right across from The Orchard); Ellen's friend, Joanne; Dusty; and various others.  

We didn't go to lunch, which was just as well, as I got back in time to join Keith and Cheryl. The entree choices didn't appeal to me and I had a pretty good cheeseburger. Took a nap after. 

When I went down to dinner, I met Mindy, activities manager, and she asked me about writing a review of The Orchard on Yelp!, which I had forgotten. I will, as soon as I get around to it. 

Got a Message from Susan, my nephew, Patrick's wife, asking if I had any info on my father's Villanova days (he graduated in 1931). After dinner, I spent a considerable amount of time trying to find the info, but had no luck. I was able to get some things on line, notably a page from the Villanova yearbook of 1922 on my Dad, with pic and info:  

Ate with Cheryl, Keith, and Mary; had ravioli filled with cheese and spinach, which was actually not bad. It came with mixed veggies and Brussels sprouts and ha!--the other three didn't like the sprouts and I love them, so they all gave theirs to me.

I'm having second thoughts about meeting Suzy for lunch at Dargan's tomorrow. I have T.O.P.S. in the morning (do I really want to go?), for which Maryann will pick me up and I'm a little apprehensive. Guess I should make up my mind...

TUESDAY AND THE PALMS

 Almost as an afterthought, I decided to go to Von's at 8:30 to get some white wine for Noreen, who wasn't coming until 11:30. I figured I'd also pick up my meds at CVS, so I signed up to get the van . Bad idea. I had a terrible time sleeping, plus I realized I'd barely have time for breakfast. I managed, though, and Rick got me there and back in plenty of time, but I was still a little draggy.

Noreen got here, of course, at 11:30 and we had a great day. I showed her around the apartment--not that there's a whole lot "around"--which she liked a lot, then we went down to the dining room. I introduced her to many of my new friends and they were all very cordial. With the wine, we had a happy toast to my new life first, then enjoyed lunch; Noreen had the tuna salad and I a turkey sandwich. 

After, we went back up to my place and sat and talked for forty-five or so. Noreen had brought me some presents, including a soft and warm hooded jacket. We caught up with each other, then she mentioned her afternoon nap and I was anxious for dreamland myself, so we said goodbye.  

But instead of a nap right away, I thought of taking the bus to the mall, for the first time with my walker. I went out to do that, but changed my mind and instead, walked over to The Palms Assisted Living, just to check it out (not that I have any intention of moving there. I was surprised that it's actually fancier than The Orchard, which isn't shabby itself. Here's a little of The Palms:

When they were first built, the buildings were owned by the same outfit, but a few years ago, were sold to different corporations, so now are entirely separate. Very nice, but I still would rather live here.

Ate dinner with Keith, Cheryl, and Mary--I'm not sure where Kathie was. This time, I just had a baked potato with veggies--finally, they had the veggies. Back upstairs, I found the towel rack I had ordered, which affixes to the wall. Didn't put it up yet, but will and--or I'll ask Ellen.  I want to order another for the bathroom. Slept well--no wonder, considering my recent problem with RLS. 

BCNN meeting today; not sure if we'll go to lunch after. At 3:00, there's a "social" in the gathering room, which I'll certainly attend.

MONDAY AND ITS GOINGS ON

Breakfast with my buddy, Keith, and we had some fun talk. After, I tackled some housekeeping chores, as well as the never-ending paperwork. Sent the info from Bridge Sullivan to my children, plus grown grandchildren. Haven't yet answered her latest, but will soon.

Lunch with Lisa and David, the lovebirds, who recently moved in together.  As we chatted, Lisa asked if I had a shower seat--no, and she offered me hers, as she and David have dups. El's been urging me to get one and I was about to order, but this was fine. Lisa refused to let me pay for it. Although she's on 57, she's an expert crocheter and gave me this, just as a keepsake:   

Another person whom I didn't know sat with us: John F., who recently turned 90. He was wearing a cap with the words "U.S. Air Force" on it, which never thrills me. We ordered lunch, ate and talked, then Lisa and David said goodbye and, without much enthusiasm, I turned to talk to John and was amazed and fascinated by his story: He had been in one of the planes accompanying the Enola Gaye, as it completed its mission of murder over Hiroshima. I understand there were several other planes, too, and will look more into it.

I just can't remember exactly what I did until dinner, but I'm pretty sure it wasn't of earth-shaking importance. Had dinner with Keith, Cheryl, and Kathie, to whom I presented a bottle of Smirnoff vodka.  Why in the world--? Because she had mentioned the other day that her daughter liked some kind of cocktail with vodka and she, Kathie, couldn't find it in the store. I remembered that when Lolly, our former T.O.P.S leader, moved three years, she actually asked me to take a bottle of vodka someone had given her because she didn't like it. I accepted it, thinking I'd have guests some day who enjoyed  it, but none of my guests and I just forgot about it. It had been stowed under the kitchen sink, so I just scooped it up, took it to dinner, and gave it to Kathie. She was very appreciative.

Showered and washed my hair for, using the new shower seat for the first time. I'm still a little cautious with it, but it was okay. 

SUNDAY AND AN INTERESTING HAPPENSTANCE--VERY LONG

Again, breakfast with Keith and we had a good discussion. I was interested to learn he was brought up as a Pentecostal, along with all the fundamentalist beliefs and jargon. As I did, he liberated himself in adulthood and is now, similar to yours truly, in the "don't know, don't care" category. 

My company, Suzanne and Vickie came, as promised, at 11:30. I took them into my apartment to show them around (well, that only takes three seconds) which they liked a lot, then we went downstairs to lunch. Several people greeted me and I introduced them around. The food was actually pretty good and we chose three different entries: beef stew, tuna salad, and pork fried rice, along with various sides and dessert of peach cobbler. After a leisurely time and much good conversation, I showed them around some of the place, notably the open area with card/jigsaw tables, and a regulation sized pool table. Vickie, a champion pool player (she's won many medals and prizes, including first place ones) immediately picked up a cue and did her thing and started shooting balls directly into holes:

The champion!

I showed them around a bit more, including the exciting laundry room (two EACH of washers and dryers!), the multi-purpose room, exercise room, library and so on. We went back to my place to collect their coats and umbrellas, then I escorted them to the elevator with many thanks and hugs. It was such fun to have them here and I know they enjoyed it. 

Dinner with Keith, Kathie, Cheryl, and lime shrimp, which actually wasn't bad. Sat and talked after about various aspects of The Orchards--we're all pretty much of one mind about it: mostly good, but with glitches here and there. After, I went to the transportation book and request the van for 2:00 on Tuesday. Noreen's  coming for lunch, but we should be finished by then.

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The Happenstance (read from bottom to top), which I was amazed and thrilled to receive:

Bridget Sullivan	Jan 4, 2026, 7:57 PM (11 hours ago)
to me

Dear Rosemary,

How exciting to be in touch with you, and happy belated birthday! My birthday is also in December, and I just turned 38. I live in NJ, as do my parents and younger brother. My older brother and his wife and two kids (3 and almost 5) live in San Rafael, CA. We just got to visit them for Christmas. I don’t currently have kids myself, but I do have three adopted dogs and a cat who keep me busy. I’ve been working on ancestry research for a few years, now, and have over 500 people on my family tree, but am definitely missing some details and don’t have a ton of photos of extended family. In particular, I’ve never seen a photo of Dennis Molloy, and was wondering if you might have one. I did find some mentions of you from the newspaper around the time of your wedding that I will attach. Unfortunately, in addition to my grandmother (Eileen), the Sullivans recently lost two of her sons, my Uncle John and my Uncle Mike, both due to cancer. It’s been a hard few years. While my father originally was one of eight siblings, only six remain. It has really shown me that I need to be learning as much as I can about the family while I can, hence the research. I hope you have had a lovely start to 2026, and that I will hear from you again soon!

All the best,

Bridget Sullivan 

On Sun, Jan 4, 2026 at 10:34 PM Rosemary Molloy <rosemarybmolloy@gmail.com> wrote:

Dear Bridget,

Yes, indeed, I'm Rosemary Molloy and I wrote that letter. I would be delighted to provide as much as I can about the Molloys, but I'm afraid it isn't much. 

My husband died fourteen years ago. As I mentioned in the earlier letter, we have four children (two boys, two girls), aged 66 to 59: four grandchildren (two girls, two boys), aged 44 to 12; and two great-grandsons, aged 19 and 23. 

As for me, I turned 89 on December 21 and last month, moved to an independent living community in Ventura, California.

I'm delighted that you got in touch with me and will try to help with your research. 

Please let me know something of yourself--where you live and something of your family..

Best, Rosemary

The Orchard

10949 Telegraph Rd.

Apt. 220

Ventura, CA  93004

908-278-1885

P.S. I'm on Facebook if you might want to see more about my family and me. 

On Sun, Jan 4, 2026 at 2:23 PM Bridget Sullivan <bridgetsully@gmail.com> wrote:

Hello there,

I hope this goes to the right person - I’m trying to contact Rosemary Molloy, as I have just been given a letter that was written to my grandmother, Eileen Sullivan, from Rosemary. My name is Bridget Sullivan, and I am working on ancestry research for my family. My grandmother unfortunately passed away, and only her youngest brother Kevin is still living of her siblings, so I am trying to reach out to other extended family to see if anyone else can help me with research, and potentially to share some of the Molloy family finds I have come across myself.  Please let me know if I have contacted the correct person. Thank you, and Happy New Year!

Sincerely,
Bridget Sullivan

  Note: Bridget added my Atlantic City Press wedding write-up and the pictures that accompanied it, but I couldn't seem to copy.I was amazed and thrilled to receive this and will, of course, respond. Copied and sent to my children and two older grandchildren. 

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SATURDAY

Had breakfast with Keith, as Kathie and Cheryl skip it--too early for them. I'm beginning to wonder just how large a part of the day he reads; he always has a book with him, but rarely the same book. I know he does use the exercise room, but does he spend the rest of is time reading? Dunno. 

After, I took a load of white wash to the laundry room, then the bathroom throw rugs. Got both washed and dried by 11:15 and then it was time to go to lunch...

...but I didn't go. I wasn't at all hungry, so I skipped and moved a few things around in the apartment after folding and stowing the wash. I decided to use my last remaining Chicken of the Sea tuna pouch to make a sandwich instead. Did that, added an IPA and glass, my book, and took them to a little alcove I found down the hall to eat.

Other than that, I cleaned up and put away some things in preparation for my guests today, Suzanne and Vickie. Had dinner with Keith, Cheryl, and Mary; selected pasta primavera, which was actually pretty good. 

Back in my place, I was topping off this entry when I was amazed to get a phone call from Betty Downes, Jimmy's sister. She wanted to know if I could tell her how Jim actually died. It seems incredible she didn't know, but clearly, they were anything but a close family. She said Jimmy's daughter never returned her calls. Unfortunately, I didn't know myself and the daughter hadn't returned some of my calls, either. Sadly, Betty lost both her son and her daughter a few months ago. She's living in a kind of senior community in Galloway, N.J., but the very low cost makes me wonder if it might be subsidized. Anyway, she didn't have a picture of the last of our HSHS reunions, and asked me to text it to her: 

Betty is in the front row, second from right.

I had a hard time doing that, so asked her for an email address. She doesn't have one herself (doesn't use the Internet, except with her phone), but sent me "elizbethmassey422@gmail.com," I think one of her two surviving daughter's, but that didn't go through, either. Okay, I'll get back to her.  

FRIDAY, HERE, THERE, AND EVERYWHERE

Mary Ann picked me up at 8:00 and off we went to T.O.P.S.* to weigh in--only we didn't. Cheryl and Sharon came, but leader Lennie never did and secretary Leo never did, either. The nursery school was closed, too, so we couldn't get in. We waited for twenty minutes or so, nobody with a key came, so we all left. This kind of thing has happened frequently in the years I've been a member and I'm not sure why things never seem to be covered. Oh, well, though--Mary Ann and I went to Danny's Deli for breakfast and had a very enjoyable time.

How so? Because Mary Ann and I got to know each other. It's amazing how similar our back grounds are, although I'm quite a bit older: both brought up in a very devout RC family; went to parochial schools, and wouldn't dream of missing mass on Sunday. However, in many other significant ways, after that, we diverge. Her parents were married for many years before they had the child for which they they yearned--a girl, Mary Ann's sister. Then, after many more years of petitioning heaven, another girl, Mary Ann, was born and that was it. Betty and I came along when my parents already had a thirteen-year old, an eleven-year-old, a four-year old, and a two-year-old; I can guarantee they're weren't anxious for more. Anyway, Mary Ann's sister became a nun and she herself is still a practicing Catholic, as is her husband. She and her husband are also devoted pacifists--what a pleasure to know such a person.

Home by 11:00 when Ellen picked me up. We want to Oxnard to first, Habitat for Humanity's Re-Store store, then several furniture stores looking for a table for me. We saw dozens, but didn't find what I want. Stopped for lunch at The Lazy Dog, then at a few more stores. After, El came up and went on my laptop, searching; found a possible table and I'll examine it more closely; we also looked up clothes hampers.

When El left, it was almost time to go down to dinner, but first, I went to the laundry room and put in a wash. Sat with Kathie, Keith, and Cheryl and had cheese ravioli. 

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Okay, okay, dammit, I'll cite the weight report: Although I couldn't weigh in at T.O.P.S., I did at home. The tragic news is that I've gained an incredible, shocking, shameful 4.6 pounds! That puts me at 135.2, way, way up from my desired range. I can't understand why, although I haven't been getting out to walk. Could it be I've been over-indulging also? Hmm...I'll have to think about that...

And now we'll leave the weight report and go to the weather report: rain, rain, and more rain for the next four days--AAGH!  

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THURSDAY--DAY ONE OF THE YEAR TWO THOUSAND AND TWENTY-SIX

Awake at 6:15 and lay in bed for a time. I decided to skip breakfast, which is too early for my taste. Spent the time until lunch in filing my piling of papers and doing some other office work. 

Down to lunch at 11:45 and sat with Linda and Rick. Rick was born and brought up on a ranch i Amarillo, Texas and, I surmised, is pretty much a fundamentalist Christian, as he came out with some homilies. (The two are not a couple.) Linda will soon be traveling to her other home in Florida in February--she spends half the year in each. I started asking if those two were wild as teenagers, telling them how we used to go to the bars in Atlantic City--I can hardly believe it myself, considering how we became so straight and narrow. Linda was more restrained and, as for Rick, he voiced his disapproval and quoted the Bible as proof that those practices led to damnation. Preserve me from the pious...

Spent a lot of the day filing, bringing various business stuff up to date, and preparing a few other things. Ellen called; she had planned to pick me up on Sunday and we were going to shop for a table  but it's going to rain then and for several more days, so what if she came today, instead? Sure thing, so I'll go to T.O.P.S. in the morning, then she'll pick me up at 11:00.

I texted Suzanne and Vickie, inviting them to come for lunch and we settled on Sunday. I'll get guest meal tickets, as I don't want them to know there's a charge. I'm looking forward to seeing them. In fact, I have a lot coming up: Noreen for lunch on Tuesday, BCNN meeting on Wednesday, BCNN dinner on Thursday, and more coming up. I'm a social animal! 😁

Had dinner with Kathie, Cheryl, and Keith and enjoyed it. However, Kathie said she decided not to go to T.O.P.S., as it's just too early for her (she skips breakfast at 8:00 most days, also), so okay, Mary Ann will pick up just me.

Showered, watched T.V. for a bit, and slept well. 

WEDNESDAY

For breakfast, sat with only Keith and we had some good conversation. After, I went to the laundry room down the hall to put in a color wash. Ran into Du-lani (finally got the spelling right and it's pronounced "Do-Lanni"). I was mistaken that she's of Indian descent; it seems she's actually from Sri Lanka, so I guess there's something Asian I don't know. I chatted with Du-lani and complimented her on her cleaning. 

Had tilapia for lunch with Keith, Kathie, and Mary; Keith and I liked it, but Kathie and Mary didn't. After, got my clothes from the laundry room, then took a short nap. Kind of at loose ends, I watched T.V. while eating the leftover acorn squash I had taken from the So-Fi place.

Dinner with Lisa and David, the love birds, who have a major secret I'm sworn not to reveal:

Cheryl came over to say hello, dressed in a golden outfit: 

At 6:30, the big bash started. The middle area was decorated and a long table was laid out with  appetizers, fancy hats, and champagne flutes which activity director Mindy filled. A big bunch of balloons was secured overhead:

The entertainment was terrific with the couple we had seen at happy hour last week performing the old songs: 

Of course, there was then the obligatory descending of the balloons; Lisa pulled the ribbon and we tossed them around: 

The big bash was over in an hour or so, which was fine by me. As I rounded the second floor balcony, Mindy called up, "Rosemary, happy new year!" from the first: 

HAPPY 2026!