SATURDAY

 My knee was somewhat better, although still sore. Got up somewhat late, got my coffee, and did my usual morning this and that, then lay down for a nap. I always set the alarm for an hour, which I did, but foolishly, I turned it off and fell back to sleep. Didn't wake up until 12:30--OOPS! 

I rushed down to the dining room and Kathie, Paula, LaVerne, and Denise made room for me. They twitted me about sleeping through lunch, but of course, jokingly and I enjoyed it. Kathie was kind enough to bring me a container of Biofreeze for my knee and as soon as I got home, I applied it. I think it helped; in any event, the arthrtis seems less intense.

Went to quarter Bingo at 2:00 and won a game for a big seven dollar jackpot. After the first few, we reverted to dimes, but I enjoyed it; the prize money doesnt' even interest me that much. 

Had dinner with Kathie, LaVerne, and Paula. Kathie said she'd be sitting with others today and for a week and I think it's a good idea for all of us to do that. I like being with Trudie and Carl, for instance, also with David and Lisa, so I'll be expanding my sitting habits, too. 

FRIDAY

I think I forgot to mention it before, but I called Cheryl on Thursday evening to tell her I wouldn't be going to T.O.P.S. My knee is still bothring me, although it's better than it was, and I decided against it. Later, Sharon called me to give me a report on the meeting. Only Lennie, Lanie, Cheryl, and she were there yesterday and it sounded as if I didn't miss much except Forster, the guest, but I've heard him before. 

Ellen came at 12:30 and we went first to Wood Rance for their terrific BBQ chicken salad. I ordered only water to drink--I'm dropping the IPA consumption 'way down--and took half the salad and three of their wonderful garlic rolls home. From there, we went to the UPS store, where Ellen sent somthing back she had ordered. Nearby it Dollar Tree and we both got a few little items. After that, it was CVS, the store from hell to get my medication which, once again, was the wrong dosage. We found that the correct one, 2.5 mg, would be available in seven days. Don't ask me why, I don't know and don't care. We then stopped at the post office branch near here, and Ellen went in to send my things and were finally finished my errands.

El came in after and I gave her a gift I had seen on Instagram and couldn't resist getting for her. It's Maj-jong pasta--the pasta shaped in all kinds of game tokens. Since she plays that with friends, she was delighted and I was pleased. I had also sent for pasta in pickleball shapes, which I'm giving to another family member.

We didn't get home until 4:30 and it was soon time to go down to dinner. I ate with Paula, Denise, and Keith; neither Kathie nor LaVerne showed, but I'm sure I'll see them today. Back in my apartment at 6:30, I settled in to play Block Champ and put some of my day's purchases away.  Knee is still bothering me, but I think less than before. 

THURSDAY

My knee was still hurting, however, I managed to get a large white wash to the laundry room and between awaking and lunch, wash, dry, and fold, and put it away.

Lunched with Kathie, Paula, and Bea, a congenial group. I mentioned that Valtaren had no effect on the knee and Kathie suggested BioFreeze, which I may try next. After lunch, I took a short nap, then started this entry, the got ready for Elika and a manicure at 3:45. Went upstairs to the salon and settled in to have Elika do my nails and catch up with her doings. I like her so much and have met one of her two daughters and her son, and her Bengal cat. Anyway, I picked my color, she expertly painted them, we chatted and laughed, and it was good.

Finished in time for dinner.  I stopped at my place to get my lemon chunks, then went downstairs.  Ate with LaVerne and Keith; Katie didn't show and Paula sat with others. That was okay, as Keith and I discussed the Orient. He's been to Singapore, Japan, and Thailand, as I have, and we both enjoyed our visits.

My knee bothering me, I called Ellen to tell her about it and we agreed I'll call Primary Medical today and see if I should get an x-ray. She'll come over, also, although she has line dancing later and will have to leave by 3:30, but that's okay.  

Now, on Friday, I just got up and found that my knee is considerably better. I'm debating whether to call the doc (P.A., that is) today or just wait and see if it improves more.  

WEDNESDAY

 Went to balance class at 10:00; leader Jackie is still away, but resident Kathy led the group. Hung out after that, then had lunch with Kathie, LaVerne, Paula, and Denise, five of us at a table for four, but it was fun. 

Kathie asked me to call her daughter, Stacy, who had the idea of offering her services to residents for any small chores and errands they might need. I called her at we had a talk. She seems a bright and well-spoken young woman (well, not so young, she's a grandmother) and I gave her my opinion on her ideas.

Went to get my BP measured at 1:00. I got a satisfactory 133/85 (66), which for me, is good. Jasmine used my own BP machine and now I'm beginning to think I just don't do it right--or something.

Back to the multi-purpose room for dime Bingo and I won two games. Also, Mindy had a raffle and I won twice. However, the "prizes" were contraptions that I guess are supposed to go on a walker and they're labeled "Ventura Post Acute." I think I'll donate them to GoodWill.

Had dinner with LaVerne, Paula, Denise, and Keith (we again added a chair to the square, four-person table) and we enjoyed each other's company. Home after, I put the arthritis medication on my knee, which has been bothering me for several days. Unfortunately, it didn't seem to help and I may have to call the doctor. I've been using the walker even in my apartment because of the knee.  

Slept okay, but the knee is still bothering me. 

TUESDAY

Followed my usual morning routine, then went to Bone Builders at 10:15. Lunch after and I sat with Kathie, Paula, and Denise; LaVerne was at another table. At 2:00, I went to dime Bingo and won one. Saved a place for my friend, Anita, and she won, too. That lasted until 3:45, after which Trivia is usually scheduled, but Trudie, who ususally runs the game, just had a biopsy and the news isn't good. I'm writing this on Tuesday afternoon and I hope to see Trudie at dinner...

...I did and sat with her and Carol.  She was open about the biopsy of her lung, although she hasn't gotten the results yet. She said she had had terrible pain from the "needle biopsy" injected thorugh her back. Doc said to take Tylenol--she did and it helped. I hope the news will be better than she's afraid it will be, but she's not optomistic. 

Before being in for the night, I did twenty minutes on the stationary bike and was glad I did.  Slept well, but my arthritic knee is still bothering me, though maybe not as much as  it did. I haven't yet applied the medication I sent for, but will today. 

MONDAY

I didn't sleep well and got up to play Block Champ on the laptop for a time. Got up at 6:30, had my coffee, followed my morning routines, dressed, and took an hour nap; that's also getting to be routine, for better or worse.

Went to balance class at 10:00. Leader Jackie is sitll away and Kathie (not the one with whom I usually eat) led the group. Kathie is an R.N. and one of my favorite people here. I'm not sure how long she's lived here, certainly longer than my seven months, but I was interested to hear she also suffers from migraiines, but doesn't get the aura, as the other Kathie does. After, I stopped at the desk to see if Thea had gotten my request to print out the aura info, but she hadn't seen it yet.

Went down to lunch and saw that two people were sitting at our usual table with LaVerne. I could have joined them, but didn't want to be subjected to J.'s non-stop talk and R.'s silence, so told LaVerne I'd see her later. Sat with David and Lisa, whom I like a lot--unfortunately, the fourth chair was taken by Ada. Ada is the absolute champion talker of The Orchard, hands down and believe me, there are plenty of also-rans. She never shut up about her marriages, her seeminly psychotic mother, how her friend won't let her drive (no, I didn't understand that, either), and so on and on. I couldn't wait to leave and did as soon as I finished my lunch. 

Soaring Sprits dinner is usually the third Monday of the month, but I hadn't heard from Susan and decided to skip, anyway. Texted Susan to tell her and she wrote back that she wasn't going, either, as her father, who's in his nineties, had had a bad fall. I know she's very concerned and and is with her parents in San Diego. 

Before dinner, I spent seventeen minutes on the bike (stationary) and want to continue doing that daily.  I was pleased to eat with my usual dinner companions: Kathie, LaVerne, and Paula. Keith sat at another table, but that was okay. I skipped the BBQ pork in favor of a chicken Caesar salad, which is very good and I've had often.  

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I came across this reel on the Dionne Quintuplets and am saving it here: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAXqRQlowxs

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SUNDAY

Slept well, I'm happy to say, and got up at 6:30. Hung out in the morning, took my now-daily early nap, then went down for lunch with Kathie, LaVerne, and Paula. It was meat loaf, but I opted for a bagel with salmon instead; actually, I asked for two so I can eat one as a snack in the evening. Unfortunately, Kathie suffers from migraine headaches and has since she was 8 years old. She gets "auras" along with them, which means her vision is affected oddly. She's scheduled for an MRI this week; I hope she gets some answers. I told her I'd look up the aura phenomena information, did so, and asked Thea to print it, as my printer is still misbehaving.  

I then got my purse and sunglasses and took off on the city bus for CVS and Von's. When I got to the pharmacy at CVS to pick up my Equis, I discovered 5 mg had been sent. However, the doctor had cut it in half last time--I informed the pharmacist of this and she said she'd call my doctor and ask about it. That's okay, because I still have plenty of the last RX. At Von's I got cottage cheese, salt, and a few other items, then bused home. I'm glad I ventured out. 

As often happens, neither Kathie nor LaVerne came down to dinner; Paula wasn't in evidence, either, so I sat with David and Lisa, then Bea joined us. I enjoyed it--David is an attorney and has a good sense of humor. As we chatted, Bea mentioned that her given name is with the French spelling, Beatrix; she then casually added that she's distantly related to the Dionne Quintuplets. Wow, what a revelation! Of course, I had to tell her of my interest in, and my presentations on, the quints, as well as my collection of books and artifacts on them. Bea said she thought her mother's brother--or sister--was married to one of the quints' siblings. 

No plans for today, in fact, the rest of the week and that's good, not bad. 

SATURDAY

 I'm relieved that my knee is much better; even so, I'm glad I ordered the arthritis ointment, which arrived today.  Took a color wash to the laundry room and popped it in; transferred my clothes to the dryer before lunch.

Lunched with Kathie, LaVerne, and Paula, then went back to get my clothes. Did this and that, then went downstairs at 2:00 for quarter Bingo. Incredibly, I won four times! However, Linda also got Bingo and I told Mindy to give her the winnings; I was actually embarassed to have won four in a row.

After Bingo, I did fifteen minutes on the stationary bike, then geared up for dinner. Had that with the same companians as for lunch. I skipped the roast beef salad in favor of the chicken Caesar salad and it was very good. 

Mike Messaged me to ask if I was available for a call and of course, I was. We facetimed and had a nice talk; I also said hello to Violet. Mike and his ex, Paula, will be taking Violet to the U.S. on September 9 when she starts at the Savannah College of Art and Design. I wish he/they could come here on the way back, but we'll see. Mike said his "friend" (hint, hint 💕). Monica,  sent greetings to me, too. 

Nothing scheduled for today and I'm considering taking the bus to Von's for a few small items.

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.

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

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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. 

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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. 

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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.