THURSDAY

 A nothin' much day: Breakfast with Keith and Ray, the talker, joined us. We again heard all about this Mercent Marine days of fifty or so years ago, and blah, blah, blah. I lay down for my morning nap after and, unfortunately, forgot to set the alarm. When I woke up, I was stunned to see it was almost lunch time--I had slept for two hours. 

However, lunch was good. I didn't see Kathie and sat with Trudy, Carl, and Barbara. It was India day and we had chicken wings tantoori for appetizers, butter chicken and Indian sides for the entree, and a dessert made with rice and pistachios for dessert (I didn't indulge). To accompany, wine and beer was served and I had a Blue Moon.

After, I finally settled down to type up the T.O.P.S. roster, which I promised Lennie I'd do two weeks ago. Unfortuately, though she has asked me to make 8 copies, I did only three, as my lousy printer has been giving me problems. The paper jammed and it took me time to fix it; it's also been dimming out some lines, so the hell with it--others can copy if they want to. 

Before dinner, I took a little walk, first outside around the campus. It was beautifully sunny, but a little too cool and breezy for my taste, so I went inside. and walked the circuit of two floors. It probably totalled no more than a half-mile, but I guess that's better than nothing. 

Called Kathie to see if she was coming to dinner, but no, she was exhausted after a day with her daughter, so said she'd come to breakfast. I had forgotten I won't be there, as I have T.O.P.S. Oh, well, presumably, I'll see her at lunch.

Had dinner with Beverlee and Greg, as well as Dottie, whose name, I'm afraid, seems to describe her. She's really a bit goofy, but nice enough. We had some enjoyable conversation, even so. Back in my apartment, I just played my games until T.V. time at 8:00. 

I am not optimistic about my weight loss progress--or lack thereof--but will endure the meeting. And darn, I slept poorly, just as I had feared. Okay, I'll nap after T.O.P.S. and before lunch.

WEDNESDAY

 Breakfast with Keith, after which I took my usual nap until it was time to wait at the entrnce for the arrival of the Access Van. It came about 10:40 to take me to Ellen's in Ojai. We chatted and caught up with each other until time to leave for town. First, we went to the post office to send off my graduation presents for Vivian and Violet, then to the Hip Vegan, where we met Greg for lunch.

I was somewhat surprise to see Ellen and Greg embrace (after he and I hugged), as the romance and engagement ended some time ago. Something tells me a little spark might be happening and I couldn't be more pleased. However, Ellen refused to confirm or deny, but I have my suspicions...

Anyway, I enjoyed lunch with the two of them, after which Greg went to his job at the Rainbow Bridge. El and I went to Rains Department Store and I used the gift card Greg had given me for Christmas to get some little items for possible gifts. We went back to meet Greg at his work and the three of us sat outside during his break to chat. 

After, El and I went thrifting, although there are only two in Ojai. She bought some small items for the new neighbors and I got a skirt and four birds on spikes, which I'll put in the flower pots on my patio. We topped off our shopping with a stop at Von's, where I got lemons, IPA, and TUMS.

We then went back to Ellen's to play gin rummy--she beat me by a wide margin, but only because she  cheats (kidding!).  The Access Van came at 6:15 and off I went home after a very enjoyable day.

TUESDAY

LaVerne joined Keith and me for breakfast. She's new, has been here only three weeks. I'm afraid she tends to be a bit of a bore; lectures and so on, but I guess better than some.

Back at my place, I napped, then Blanca and her cousin, Bianca, knocked on my door, Bianca there to cut my hair. She did, in the next hour, and I like it a lot:  

I don't think you can get the full effect here, but I think it really looks good.

LaVerne joined us for lunch, also; Keith was at his men's club, but Kathie and Dyan made up the quartet. Lunch was very good, ground turkey and veggies in a large taco shell. After, Uber took me to Second Wave Physical Therapy and I had a vigarous and good session.  

Home after 3:00, which meant I missed dime Bingo, darn it, but it'll run again on Thursday. Called Kathie to see if she was coming to dinner, but she wasn't, so I ate with Trudie, Carl, Barbara, as well as Carol and her husband. Looking forward to being with Ellen today. 

MONDAY

 Ray joined Keith and me for breakfast, which meant we had to listen--again!--to his interminable account of his adventures in the Merchant Marines. I had put a white wash in earlier, so--after quickly eating my poached egg--was able to excuse myself to put them in the dryer, Napped after, then retreived them, folded, put away, then played Jewel Match Royale and did a few household chores until lunchtime.

I knew Keith had doctor appointments back to back, so sat with Lisa and David, then Kathie joined us. After, I sat outside at the clubhouse enjoying another pleasant sunny day. Called Mary Hoffman when I got home and we had a good talk. She and her sister still live at Shalom House in Margate, although in separate apartments.

I finished wrapping Vivian's and Violet's secondary graduation gifts and will ask Ellen to take me to the P.O. to send them when I see her tomorrow. 

Susan texted me asking if she could pick me up fof S.S. dinner at the Stone Fire Grille and yes, she can and she did. We left at 5:15 and had a great time. Grendal and Renee joined us and we carried on a fun and funny conversation that included former husbands, sex (but not graphic references), and our teenage peccadillos. Home at 8:30--I'm getting to be a dirty stay-out--bed an hour or so later and I slept well.  

SUNDAY

Early on, I stripped the bed and took the sheets to the laundry to put them in the wash. Before breakfast, I put them in the dryer so they were finished once I came upstairs again, at which point, I remade the bed. 

Dyan joined Keith and me for breakfast, then At 3:went out to walk Della. I went back to my apartment, took a nap, and before I knew it, it was time for lunch. Sat with Keith and Kathie, but skipped the main entree--meat loaf and sides--in favor of a turkey sandwich. It was so big I took half home to eat later.

After, I took my hat, sunglasses, and book, and sat outside for forty-five or so. Came in and assembled my medications, RX and OTC, which takes a fair amount of time. One of these days, I'll count the total, but it's too depressing to think about right now.  

At 3:00, I went down to play Yahzee. Besides Cindy, the volunteer leader, only Beverly and Keith were there. Didn't win, but it was a fun diversion. 

Dinner with Trudie, Carl, Barbara, and Carol, and we had some fun discussions. Carol's from Brooklyn, as is her husband, whose name I can never remember; as a rule, he doesn't join in the conversation.

Went upstairs to my apartment and Ellen called to invite me to come over on Wednesday and we'd go out for lunch, then we'd visit a few shows and she'd make dinner. Great and I'll call the Access Van today.

Mike facetimed me and we discussed the two graduations and other famly info. Watched some T.V. after, then turned in and slept okay. 

SATURDAY

 After breakfast, I took an hour nap, which has gotten to be my usual habit. I then just mostly played my Big Fish game, Jewel Royale Match, which has become an absolute addiction.

Lunch with Kathie and Keith; Dyan, my "next door neighbor" joined us, which was enjoyable. Dime Bingo started at 2:00 and, of course, I went to that--annoyingly, although I had my usual four cards, I didn't win a single game. Keith won three and Dyan won two--they must have eheated!

When I went back upstairs, I found at my door the hot plate I had ordered from Amazon. I'd be willing to bet management would have a problem with it, but I'm not going to tell them.

Hung out until quarter of six, when I went down to meet Susan at the entrance. She had some problem finding it, but did and off we went to dinner. We went to Water's Edge down at the harbor, a place I haven't frequented, but was there two or three times. I like it a lot--panaramic views of the harbor, with luxury yachts lined up and the sunset illuminating them. 

We had good, good talk, reacquainting ourselves with each other, and a leisurely meal. Didn't get home until the ungodly hour of nine o'clock and just got up at 6:30. I greatly enjoyed myself, but now, as ever, I'm relieved to realize I have no plans until tomorrow when I go to dinner with Soaring Spirits friends. 

FRIDAY

Another discouraging weight report: up 1.4 at home to 130, up 1.1 at T.O.P.S. to 140.9. Okay, now I've  got to get serious. No more fooling around and I'm going to plan a strategy.

Home at 10:15 and I put in a large load of wash. The machines were in use at my closest laundry room, so I went down the hall and around the corner to the other one.  Lunched with Kathie and Keith and it was "Marry Me Chicken," which they've served before and I like it. After, I retreived my clothes, folded them and put away, then went downstairs where a "jewelry boutique" was taking place. I could hardly believe how inexpensive each piece was and I proceeded to buy a ring for Vivian, bracelets for my daughters, and a necklace/earrings set for myself, all for thirty-two bucks. In the rotunda (it's in the round so that's what I call it), residents Lisa and Helen were selling crocheted items and hand-made greeting cards. I passed on the crocheting, but bought four lovely cards for five dollars each. 

Kathie called to say she wasn't going to the dining room for dinner, as she had cooked up some pork chops. I went downstairs, but Keith wasn't there yet, so I sat with Trudie, her husband, Carl, and Barbara. Actually, it was nice to converse with other residents; I saw Keith later, who was eating alone, and said hello; I'll probably sit with him today for breakfast.

Susan texted back suggesting we get together today at 6:00 pm and go to dinner. She'll pick me up, which is fine by me and I'll text her directions. 

I had popcorn last night, but at least walked (around the building) several times, so got some exercise in. Slept well--until 5:30--and that's encouraging, too.

THURSDAY

 AAGH! I usually write up my blog entries the evening before, then just top them off in the morning, and confirm. Now it's 8:00 pm on Thursday and I'm just getting started, so this will be a quickie.

Breakfast with Keith, took a nap, then got out to the Access Van about 11:45 and was taken to Ellen's on Ojai. From there, we had an interesting day in Santa Barbara. Got there about 1:00 and went To Harry's for lunch. I had a yummy non-spicy chili with Caesar salad. The chili was served in a bread bowl and was so large I took half of it home.

From lunch, we went to the Apple store to look at watches. We saw and tried on a number of them, but the more I did, the more I wondered if I really want one. Ellen felt the same way, so we're both probably going to defer a decision. 

From there, we went to Wal-Mart for some necessary items, such as T. paper, then home. El came in to inspect my medicaiton setups--I did them okay--and fill out some paperwork. By the time we said goodbye, it was 6:30. As I had intended, I missed dinner, which was fine by me as I was still full from lunch. I ate the rest of that while watching T.V. Slept well.

I'm not looking forward to T.O.P.S. this morning, as I know that--once again, dammit--I've gainined. 

WEDNESDAY

Noreen picked me up at 11:30 and we went off to Two Trees for lunch. After, we stopped at the Dollar Tree next door so I could get wrapping paper. Got home just in time to play Dime Bingo and--yay!--I won one with a payoff of a dollar eighty! I stayed to play Jeporady, then Trivia,  and that was enough of the game world for me. 

Dinner with Kathie, Keith, and Beverlee (yes, that's how her parents spelled it), which was enjoyable. Beverlee has a masters from Columbia, as one of my sons does, is from upstate New York, and had been a physcologist for teenaged patients. She lives with Greg and an odder couple I've rarely encountered. 

Later, I went up to wrap some graduation presents and otherwise prepare for going to Ellen's today. We plan on going to Santa Barbara, where I'll look at Apple watches, and then have lunch at Harry's Restaurant, where I have a gift certificate. I also want to stop at Raine's Department strore, as I also have a gift card from there. 

TUESDAY

When I went down to breakfast--with Keith, of course--I saw Rick, the van driver, and told him I had changed my mind about going to Bocelli's in Ojai for lunch. I just felt draggy, so instead, took an hour nap. 

Lunch with Keith, Kathie, and for a change, Elaine. She's been here more than a year and, interestingly, used to live in Jersey. She also owned, with a partner, a weight-loss business in Northfield. Elaine is an "ambassador"--i.e. an unpaid worker--which most facilities like The Orchard, seem to have. Anyway, it was fun talking to her.

Went outside after and called Jeanne Painter. she's going to turn the big nine-o in a few weeks and her family will be having a party in Jersey.  

Dime Bingo at 2:00 and I had four cards, but didn't win any games. Back at my place, I did this and that, then went down at 4:00 for Trivia. That was fun and once it was over, it was time to go to the dining room for dinner. Kathie called to say she was beat, so would eat in her own place, so I sat with Keith. Put my IPA in the fridge with a note saying whoever took it would be proscecuted--ha! Dinner was actually pretty good, beef and spinach ravioli, and Keith and I had some good talk about our respective backgrounds.

Back at my place at 6:15 and I tried to text Noreen, then realized she doesn't use the Internet. She's to  pick me up today at 12:30 to go to lunch and I had suggested Cafe 126 near here, but will see if she'll go to Two Trees, instead.    

MONDAY

Breakfast with Keith, then a nap. Called Second Wave Physical Therapy to cancel today's scheduled visit, as I'm going on the Orchard excursion to Bocelli's Restaurant in Ojai. Also rescheduled the April 28th session, as I'm going to Bart's Books then.

Lunch with Kathie, as Keith sat elsewhere. She--Kathie--had an appointment with her attorney at 4:00, so I made plans with Allan and Beverly for dinner.  

After lunch, I sat outside for a bit--it was sunny, but a little cool. Called my old friend, Nancy, who lives near Ojai in Oakview and we had a good talk. I then took a walk down Wells Avenue. This is a nice residential area and across the street is a lovely view: 

I probably walked no more than a half mile in all, small potatoes in my old days of three miles there and back to Wal-Mart, but it was better than nothing.  I sent away for a list of things to eat, limit, and avoid to lower blood pressure. After that, I futzed around with this and that until dinner time. 

Ate with Beverly and Allan, plus a new resident, Frances. Incrediby, once again, my IPA was missing when I went to retreive it. Tia got me a Harp (Irish beer) from the all-purpose room, but this is getting very annoying. 

SUNDAY

 La-de-dah. After breakfast with Keith, I took a nap. I've been feeling tired lately, for some reason, maybe boredom. The weather's sunny, but a little too cool for my taste.

I did indeed go downstairs and wait at the entrance, in case what I wrote on my calendar ("be outside 11:25") was legit. I waited for twenty minutes, but nobody showed, so clearly, it was in error. I'm going to assume the same for the "lunch 11:30" note I wrote for today. Lunched with Lisa and David, as I didn't see Keith until later. 

Every once in a while, I order from Amazon, but for the first time yesterday, I ordered alcohol. Some states don't allow that, but--wouldn't you know?--California does. It comes though various sources, supermarkets and so on, and I got it from BevMo. I ordered a 12-pack of IPA and they delivered it within an hour--great. Taylor was nice enough to take it to my apartment, too. 

I had gone downstairs to tell Tia on the desk it was coming, then wandered into the multi-purpose room. Beverly and another woman were there, about to start a game of Yahtzee and I decided to join them. I did and found it a lot of fun--I even rolled a Yatzee the first time I rolled.

Dinner with Kathie and Keith--enjoyable. I was back upstairs by 6:15 and whatever I did until my daily hour of T.V., I don't even remember. 

SATURDAY

 Before breakfast--with Keith, of course--I stripped the bed and put the sheets in the wash. After, I switched them to the dryer, then put in a load of whites.  I then tried to get back into my Jewel Match Royale game with no luck. 

Lunch with Kathie--Keith was at the gym--after which I went outside and took a short walk. It was sunny, but a little cool, so I just stayed for a short time. At 2:00, I went to dime Bingo, "bought" four cards and won one game. Trivia was directly after, so I stayed for that. By the time that was over, it was dinnertime and I sat with Keith and Kathie, as usual. Martha ("Marty") joined us and, as ever, talked intermidately about her two children and how brilliant, successful, and every damn else thing they are--AAGH!

Ellen called when we were almost finished dinner, so I called her back when I got up to my place. She asked me to call the Access Van on Wednesday to get to her house on Thursday and we'll go from there to Santa Barbara so I can look at some Apple watches. We'll then go to Harry's Restaurant, as I have a gift certificate from there. 

After dinner, I showered and washed my hair, then relaxed with my hour or so of television and popcorn. Noreen called and we made a lunch date for Wednesday; she'll pick me up here and we'll go to the 126 restaurant nearby. I'm happily looking forward to that. Unfortunately, I still don't know what "be outside 11:25" on my calendar means. Guess I'll just have to be outside to find out.

FRIDAY

Good news on the weight front: 138.6 at home and 139.8 at T.O.P.S., for losses of 1.2 at both. In fact, I was the biggest loser, so got the jackpot of five bucks. Mary Ann had printed out copies of the minutes when Dr. Wally spoke a few weeks ago; I'm not interested. but took a copy to give Kathie.

Home at 10:00, after which I tried to get back on my Big Fish game--Royale Match--but didn't succeed. I called Kathie to see if she was coming to lunch, but she wasn't--her daughter was there and they were still working on the IRS crapola. Since I wasn't sure Keith was coming, either, I sat down with David and Lisa. Keith did come, though, and the four of us had good conversation.

Brother Larry called. I told him about Muckie and he'll call Carolyn. Larry's daughter, Karen, will be moving in with him shortly, so that will be good. He's now 94 and although in reasonably good shape, he does have some "issues," as the saying goes. He just had yet another great-grandchild, a little girl named Jane, courtesy of his grandson, Jimmy.

Went to Happy Hour at 2:00 and enjoyed the Dynamic Duo, whom I've seen several times before: 

One of our exhibitionist residents, Leslie, got up and danced (she always does) and this itme, the weird  Egyptian (too long and involved to explain) joineed her:

Anyway, it was a lot of fun. 

Mike texted to see if I was available for a Facetime chat after dinner and yes, indeed. He and his lady friend were about to take a walk and he leaves for Vietnam tomorrow. He called at 6:30 and we had a good talk. 

Dinner with Keith and we also had some interesting conversation which included talking over our scarlet youth and how we indulged in marijuana (Keith), nicotine (both of us), and alcohol (ditto). 

As I do morning and night, I just took my blood pressure. I'm puzzled and annoyed that it read 140/90, which I was told was my "goal," yet the machine pronounced it high, so what gives?  

THURSDAY

Yay, yay, yay, and happy day! My income tax is signed, sealed, and delivered! After breakfast with Keith, I tried to take an hour's nap, but the phone kept ringing with this and that, so I didn't sleep. Got the Orchard van at 10:00, as requested, and Rick took me to Michelle's place. 

Michelle has done my taxes every year in the ten I've lived in California and I trust her implicitly. I also like her a lot. She's over sixty, was born and brought up in Hawaii, divorced years ago, has a grown daughter, and is a dedicated skier. She has skied in about all the states that have mountains, plus in Switzerland, Greece, and other parts of Europe. In addition, she's a good person whom I like a lot. 

Ran into Kathie before lunch, but she wasn't eating here; said her daughter was coming with lunch. She saw her new little great-grandson and of course, raved over him. I decided not to eat with Keith, as I want to get a little variety, so I sat with Trudie, Carl, Carol, and Barbara, and enjoyed it.    

After lunch, I put in a load of wash, then paid some bills. Decided to go down to Trivia before dinner; did so, and stowed my IPA and glass in the fridge, as ever.  As I was puzzling with others over Trivia, Ellen called to say she was at the harbor and wanted to come look at my printer. She did and while she was working on it, I went down to dinner.

Ate dinmer with Keith and Kathie and El came down to tell me she had fixed my printer--another yay! After dinner, I got my clothes out of the dryer and put them away. 

It's now 6:11 am and Sharon just called to tell me she's not going to T.O.P.S., as she had a bad night with leg cramps. Did she wake me up? Nope, I wasn't out of bed, but already awake. 

WEDNESDAY

Breakfast with Keith, then I took a short nap. Suzanne texted to say she was coming to see Katherine's apartment (they had known each other before and Katherine had lived at So-Fi) and would like to stop in. She did, bringing pictures of her niece's wedding in San Diago--quite a lavish and beautiful affair. 

Lunch with Keith, but not Kathie, for a wonderful reason: Her granddaughter, who had had a number of miscarragies, was delivered of a health baby boy and Kathie was going to Lompoc to see the happy family.

 At 1:00, I boarded the Orchard bus and went to CVS, then to Von's. Got graduation cards and a new baby card for Kathie's great-grandson, plus white zinfandel and a few other goodies. I got in just in time for two games of dime Bingo and darned if I didn't win one. I stayed for the social hour; Carol played the piano and we sang along while enjoying Margaritas. I didn't stay for trivia after. 

Had dinner with Ray and Doris, as I saw that Keith was sitting with Cheryl and Mary. Hey, it was actually pretty refreshing; Ray is a big talker who worked on submarines for years and Doris is the one who was brought up in an orphanage, so both are pretty interesting.  

I signed up to have the Orchard bus take me to Michelle's place at 10:00 today--I hope I have all the material and info I need. Took the elevator to the third floor and left the congratulatory card at Kathie's door. Still not sleeping well and may take a nap after breakfast.  

TUESDAY AND SAD NEWS

Well, I'm finally free from the heart monitor; Ellen picked it up and took it back to Cabrillo Cartiology. I was so worried they might have wanted me to continue it, but they didn't. It was very unconventient to wear and care for, and I'm glad it's gone.

Breakfast with Keith, lunch with Kathie. After, I asked Executive Dirctor Tiffany to have my Vanguard tax statement printed, as my printer is still did. Assistant Tia did it and I was very grateful. I must call The Geek Squad or some other outfit to come fix the damn printer.

Uber picked me up at 1:45 to take me to my 2:30 appointment at Second Wave Physical Therapy and it's only fifteen minutes away, so I was very early. However, it was a good session and P.T. Laura praised my hip flexability. Home before 4:00 and I just hung out until dinnertime. 

Kathie knocked on my door to tell me she wouldn't be down for dinner, as her daughter had brought her a lot of good food and she'd have it at home. Ate with Keith; left a little early to be ready for the Zoom call at 6:00. This came about and we "Second Act Players"--six or seven of us--planned out the project for an hour and a half. I won't elaborate on it now, but it's to take place at the Veritas Theatre in June.

𝕄𝕄𝕄𝕄𝕄𝕄𝕄𝕄𝕄𝕄

Just before the ZOOM call, at about quarter of six, I received a text from Matt Datesman, Muckie's son, saying he'd like to call me.  I immediately knew--yes, Muckie died yesterday. I called Carolyn to give her the sad news that her "Aunt Muckie" was gone and we cried together. I called Muckie last week and, as ever, we had an enjoyable talk session. We never glossed over or ignored the subject of her cancer--or her diagnoses--and also discussed the possibility--or not--of an afterlife and so on. We were both comfortable with simply recognizing that we didn't know. I do know I will miss talking to her terribly and will feel a void in my life. Rest in peace, Muckie, and hey, maybe I'll see you later--or not.

𝕄𝕄𝕄𝕄𝕄𝕄𝕄𝕄𝕄𝕄

MONDAY

Breakfast with Keith and after, I finally, at long last, started listing the income tax stuff. I got some done before I was picked up by Susan for lunch. We went to the Stone Fire Grille and were joined by Renee, Glenda, -----------, and a newcomer named Pat. We had our usual congenial chatfest and I was able to show the pickleball players, Renee and Glenda, the video of my grandson showing pickleball moves.

Got home about 2:30 and continueed my IRS chores. Called accountant Michelle to say I'll try to get her the info this week. Soon, it was 4:45 and time to go down to dinner. Ate with Kathie and Keith and as usual, we had some good conversation. 

Darn, I again had a difficult time sleeping. As usual, I fell asleep immediately, but awoke at midnight, then at 3:00; it's now not quite 5:00. Ellen's coming at 9:00 to pick up the godawful heart monitor and I leave for the P.T. session at 1:50--I'll try to nap before that.

I have the Zoom meeting for the play group at 6:00 pm--hope I can get into it okay.  

SUNDAY

Breakfast with Keith and this time, Kathie got up early enough to join us. I was picked up by the Uber driver at 10:15 and we went off to Ojai. Greg was already there and we sat and talked for a bit, then went to the Meadow Preserve for a walk. It was a lovely day--very warm at 82, but not humid--and we enjoyed it immensely:

Back at El's, I took a nap while he and Ellen prepared dinner. Greg made a marvelous entree--a fresh, ocean-caught (he won't buy farm raised) salmon poached in a wonderful, herb-infused liquid; Ellen added roasted root vegetables, also very good. We ate about 4:00, then played--what else?--gin rummy. The Access Van was late, and I didn't get home until after 7:00, but that was okay.  

Got an invitation from Susan to go to Soaring Spririts lunch today, which I was pleased to accept and she'll pick me up at 11:10. Happily, I slept well--just got up at 6:15, late for  me.

SATURDAY

Breakfast with Keith, but before that, I found two eggs in the multi-purpose room. They were plastic, of course, and inside were wrapped chocolate candies. I laughed when Keith showed me he had also found two, these in the library. 

I just had prunes and raisin bran, then went upstairs and took a twenty-minute nap. I then made my way up to the third and top floor, where the salon is located. I always enjoy talking to Elika and she's an artiste when it comes to nails. She mentioned that she "serviced" men, too, and seemed genuinely surprised when I told her that term was originally used by ladies of the night to refer to...well, you know. We both laughed about that. Elika did a great job on my nails and she recommended a supplement called Biotin to strength them; I'm going to look into it. 

Lunch with Keith and Kathie and, again, it was really good--angel hair pasta and vegetables, along with a  chicken thigh.  After, I set up my medications and supplements for the week, then went to Dime Bingo (I'm obsessed!). I won the first game, but no others. 

Got a nice postcard from Ellen which she had mailed on February 25 from her cruise. It's a picture of the original Panama Canal; she wrote that her ship went through a newer, expanded set of locks. 

As for going to Ellen's for Easter, I called the Access Van and found there were no more vans available to get there, but I was able to book one to go home. Texted El and she got an Uber to pick me up--of course, that's about ten times as much money and I don't even like Ubers as much, but oh, well. 

Dinner with Keith--Kathie didn't show. We had some good talk, though, about our childhoods, later experiences, and so on. It was nice to know Keith has been to Singapore where Mike lives, as well as Japan where I have family, too. 

Took a shower, watched my daily ninety minutes of television, then turned in. Disappointingly, I didn't sleep well; woke up at midnight and had a problem getting back. Now it's not quite 5:00 and I've already washed and brushed. Okay, I'm not getting picked up until 11:30, so I'll nap after breakfast.

FRIDAY

Disaster at the scales: At home, I was up 1.8 and at T.O.P.S. up 1.1 for (sob!) weights of 140.2 and 141, respectively. Both are, of course, 'way over my desired range of 125 to 130. Okay, now I'm bound and determined to get back on the straight and narrow and LOSE NEXT TIME!!

Home at 10:00 and I immediately put a load of wash in the cart, took it to the laundry room, and set it to wash. I then ate the other half of the avocado Kathie had given me--so yum. Went down to lunch and ate with Kathie and Keith. We asked Keith why he sat with C. and M. yesterday and he said he just liked to move around a bit. I can understand that, so I deleted my comment on him on Thursday's entry. He's really a good guy and not either arrogant or nutty as some of the other guys seem to be.

Ellen came at 1:00 and shortly after, we spoke to Natalie, the P.A. at Primary Medical, going over my meds and supplements and so on. I had overlooked the turmeric I'm supposed to be takin and will add that. Also, Natalie asked if I thought the Zoloft was helping, but I told her no, so I was told to take two.  However, when Ellen checked my nighttime meds container, she saw I hadn't put a Zoloff in for Friday or Saturday, so had I been taking them or not? We decided I'd continue with one tonight and tomorrow and see if they have any effect. If not, I'll increase them then.

El also brought me the groceries I had requested, then worked on my mouse, which had died, and other problems on this laptop. I had changed the battery in the mouse, but she thought they were too old when bought (there was no expiration date), so we went to Circle K and bought new. I put them in when I got home and happy day, the mouse is now working fine. I was also invited for Easter lunch at Villa Ellen and that will be fun. 

Son Mike Facetimed me and we had a good chat. Got an Easter card from him (electronic) and a U.S. Mail card from Ellen. I sent to grandchildren electronic cards.  

Manicurist Elika called me back and I'll get these damn nails done upstairs at the salon at 10:00 today. 

Dinner with Kathie and Keith. Because Kathie's daughter, Stacy, does for her so much as Ellen does for me, I told Kathie about the IHSS (In Home Support Services). She was very pleased and she'll tell Stacy. 

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My grandson, Joel Phillips

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THURSDAY

Breakfast with Keith and a newcomer sat down with us. Her name is Laverne and she had moved in only last Friday. Nice person and with an interesting background. Not sure how old she is, but certainly  over 80, if not my age. 

Went to Bone Builders at 10:30, then lunch after with Kathie and Keith. Kathie gave me a copy of the following which her daughter had sent her--I think it's hysterical and so totally true:

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If in a toxic relationship, remember this:

A man was running down a mountain to escape a fire and he came upon a snake. The snake tried to keep up with him, but couldn't.  He begged the man to pick him up and carry him down to avoid the inevitable. The man, afraid of being bitten, refused, but after much pleading, he relented, picked up the snake, and continued down. When they got to the bottom, the man let the snake go—and was immediately bitten! The man was shocked and said, “I carried you as you asked and made sure you made it down safely and you still bit me?”

The snake replied, “YEAH, I'M A SNAKE!”

Moral of the story: Once matured, people don't change in any significant way. 

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Dinner with Kathie. We were both surprised to see Keith was sitting with Cheryl and Mary. What's up with that? I won't be here for breakfast--going to T.O.P.S--anyway, and we'll see what happens at lunch.

Back in my apartment at 6:30 and started looking over my Dionne Quintuplet material. I'm thinking about reviving my presentation on them--we'll see if I can adequately pull things together. s rug down a mountain to escape a fire and he came upon a snake. The snake tried to keep up with him, but couldn't.

WEDNESDAY

Katherine picked me up at 9:00 and we went to the BCNN meeting. The program was by a Marine biologist who elaborated on the sea creatures that inhabit the Channel Islands water off the coast. She showed whales, porpoises, dolphins, and so on, and how they lived and what they did and I know it was supposed to be fascinating, but frankly, it bored the hell out of  me:

There were sign-up sheets on the tables for the potluck lunch in September and I listed something easy to do that I can just make up. I couldn't resist circling the typo: 

Got back to The Orchard at 11:45, changed into my new tee-shirt, and  went down to the dining room.  I didn't see either Keith or Kathie, so sat with Trish, Ralph, and Jerry. The latter two are grumpy old men, but Trish and I had a good conversation. When I left, I saw Keith had obviously come in late and was sitting with Cheryl and Mary. Hmm...I should have just sat at our regular place. 

At 3:00, I went to the multi-purpose room and saw another fabulous one-woman show by Tatjana: 

Resident Leslie managed to get in on the dancing, too.

Dinner with Kathie and Keith, during which Kathie told us some interesting facts about her childhood: Her mother, a native of Denmark, had taken her back there when she was ten and they subsequently toured Europe, actually staying in campgrounds for ten months. I told her she should record her memories of this for her descendants.

The avocado Kathie had given me was finally ripe, and I cut into it, sprinkled it with fresh lemon, and ate some of it as I watched my hour of T.V. last night, which was superb--the avocado, that is. The show was pretty good, too, a series about historical mysteries. They covered the D.B. Cooper thing the other day and last night, the Titanic.  

I called Elika, the manicurist, but haven't heard back from her. I was hoping she could do me today; if not, I may try the other one, Cecilia.  

TUESDAY--ANOTHER BUSY ONE

 After breakfast (with Keith, of course), I prepared for my cardiology visit. Ellen  came at 9:15, bearing a pretty lily plant for me as an Easter gift. She first looked at my misbehaving printer, then we left. Got to Oxnard in twenty or so and went to the second  floor to ask whether the heart monitor was working correctly.  It was examined and were told it was, so I'm relieved about that. 

After, we went to the first floor for the echogram. We didn't have to wait long and after I took off what needed to be taken off, I lay down and had my ticker tickled or whatever they do. It was a little disconcerting to see my heart on the television-like screen, but it wasn't uncomfortable. That over, we left.

Back at my place, it was almost time for lunch. Ellen decided not eat with us and I went down while she continued working on the printer. However, she couldn't get it to work, so I'll call somebody to come in. Ate with Kathie and Keith. El came down to say goodbye; she'll be back (or I'll go there) on Friday, as we have a tele-appointment with Primary Medical.

I got this Easter card from Tokyo and I suspect Mr. K., my darling grandson, made it--it's not quite as polished as the kind his artist mother makes, but I still love it: 

Went downstairs for the mail at 3:00 and discovered that a Bingo game was about to start. Crazy me, I like to play this, so I got four cards, sat down, and proceeded to win five different games. The prize for each win is a funny money bill, which can be used in the "store" they have every two weeks. This is just a broom closet in which items from the dollar stores are kept; you can use your funny money to buy things like hangers, snacks, napkins and so on. 

Suzy texted me asking if she and Bob could come at 5:30 instead of 6:00 for our play-planning meeting. Sure, and I met them at the entrance. Later, Carlita and Nelson came and Suzy got Sheila and Steve on ZOOM. The six of us discussed, planned, and elaborated on our ideas about shows with senior performers. The first one will dedicated to Suzy's dear friend, Carol G., who died recently; she had been very active in the Santa Paula theatre.  We'll be meeting again to flesh out more information.

When I got home, I found at my door the container I had bought to dinner, which contained the meal I had missed. I thought Kathie had left it there, but when I called to thank her, she said Keith had--I'll thank him when I see him at breakfast this morning. 

BCNN meeting this morning--Katherine (not the same as Kathie) is picking me up at 9:00. Then on Friday, I'll first go to T.O.P.S., then over at Ellen's for the ZOOM meeting with Primary Medical. Hey, I'm looking forward to an off day tomorrow!