Thanks to friend Marge's suggestion, I got an appointment with a podiatrist for Pat for next week. Aside from that, yesterday was quiet. The exception, in a manner of speaking--or writing--was the dreadful news we found in the morning paper: Pat's pulmonologist, Dr. J., died suddenly at home on Monday. He was only 56 and we both like him so much; we were stunned at this news. He's the one who flew to London on the same plane I did in June. I assume it was a heart attack, as he seemed perfectly healthy every time we saw him and "suddenly, at home" suggests that. The funeral is on tomorrow in Mays Landing, and I'll go to pay my respects.
Went to Long Beach Island to do a dry run for Alison's and Mike's race on Sunday--Pat's going and I like to find out ahead of time where parking is, etc.
LBI is so depressing when the summer's over. Actually, I find it pretty depressing during the summer--just don't like the place for a variety of reasons. Anyway, I stopped at a 7-11 and picked up a so-called "half sub"--ha! When I got home for lunch, I unwrapped it and found it contained salami, cheese, and ham PERIOD. No oil, seasoning, mayo, lettuce, tomato, onion--damn! Ate it anyway after slathering it with mayo.
Well, if that's my worst experience in my life...
Jack B. stopped in about 2:00, stayed to chat awhile, then went down the bay to see Pat.
I have chicken and baked potato in the oven and will serve up peas with it for din-din--yum!

Got my perm yesterday and it looks great already. Asked April to cut it shorter than I had it before. I won't wash it for another day or two, then will color it before the gala on the 14th.
Went down to St. James after, still telling myself it was the very last time. I checked out the Ventnor library, but didn't go into the Historical Society section, although Dr. M., the president was there. I then went down to Betty's house, went in, and saw that whoever rented it last left in absolutely immaculate condition. I called her this morning to tell her that and we had a nice chat.
Last night, brother Jimmy called just to see how we were doing. It was Therese's birthday and few days ago and they went down the Potomac on a boat, then had dinner, and floated back--what a nice thing to do!
Talked to Marge and she'll come over after her doctor's appointment this afternoon to discuss the Drama Club show. I also asked her for information on a podiatrist she got at the health fair. Pat asked me to make an appointment, which he desperately needs, as his feet have a fungus on them ("There's a fungus among us!").

Cousin John came down yesterday and I served up a nice lunch, all the components of which I already had. They included a green salad, three kinds of bread, ham and cheese cold cuts, hard-boiled eggs, and delicious cold chicken, sliced down from the roast I cooked on Sunday. We finished off with fruit salad (sometimes I serve this with the meal, sometimes for dessert).
After he left, I jumped in the shower and dressed for dinner with Vivian and her daughter, Vanessa. What a great time we had! We went to Makato and had hibachi, marveling over the expertise of the cook who, of course, performed all kinds of tricks with his knives and spatulas, preparing the meal in front of our eyes. I had teriyaki salmon and fried rice, vegetables, and sauces came with the meal. (Hmm...I wonder if they actually do this kind of cooking in Japan.)
Anyway, we had a wonderful time talking and laughing--and groaning--over our lives with ill spouses. Vanessa just got her master's degree and is a special ed consultant for the school district. She's a delightful and interesting young woman and is here, for the time, with her parents to help out at home (her father, Vivian's husband, has severe MS).
Today, I'll get my perm at 9:30, then run down to Ventnor and St. James; will hand in my $75 for the gala.

Swimming on Saturday seems to have helped my arthritic knee. It actually felt better when I got up yesterday and I even went for our walk with Susan, who's back from Cape Cod. Stayed for dinner at Alison's and enjoyed so much being with her and Mike.
Yesterday was quiet. I went to the store and talked on the phone to Betty, Ellen, Marge, Alison, and old friend and St. James classmate, Pat M. She's going to come over to measure the closet for the "office in a closet" I want. Pat has worked for a kitchen place in Ocean City for years. While I was out, Larry called and talked to Pat. Helen needs more surgery and other treatment for the growth under her eye, which is worrisome.
Got an e-mail from cousin Marifran with a wonderful account of her (and daughter Ilona's) recent trip to Ireland. It sounds fabulous and I can't wait for the pictures she'll send.
I roasted a six-pound chicken for dinner last night and had all the trimmings. It was good, but of course, we have about five pounds left. No matter: cousin John is coming and will stay for lunch, so I'll cut the chicken down for sandwiches. Uh-oh, John is vegetarian. Well, I'll serve hard-boiled egg sandwiches and salad, too.
Tonight I'm meeting Vivian and her daughter for dinner at the Japanese restaurant in Manahawkin. That should be great fun.

Nothing exciting to report today. We went to Pat's eye doctor yesterday and his eye continues to improve (well, I'm glad something does). We took two cars so I could go to Shop-Rite after and Pat to the bay. Bought a ham slice and we had most for dinner, but I reserved some for pea soup I want to make in the crockpot.
Today, swimming with Alison and Mike (they joined a fitness center at Mercer Community College). Nothing scheduled for tomorrow, but next week is filling in--and I have jury duty in October, too. Not sure whether to call and asked to be excused because I'm a caregiver or not. Think I'd really like to participate, but it may not be good for me to be away if I'm chosen. Well, I'll go the first day, anyway.

The beef stew was superb--even Pat mentioned how good it was. Not sure about dinner tonight, but I may just go with casual--either frozen dinners, soup and sandwiches, or scrambled eggs. On the other hand, I feel like chicken. Pat has an eye doctor appointment in Manahawkin at 1:15, so I may suggest we take two cars, then I'll go to Shop-Rite.
Swimming with Alison and Mike tomorrow should be fun. Hope I can take them to dinner and maybe J., J., and J., too.
I'm looking forward to dinner with Vivian on Monday; John said he would visit Monday, too, but I assume earlier.
Tuesday I'm scheduled for a perm and after, want to get down to St. James again. Will return the photos I accidentally took with me last time, plus try to spruce up the archive list.
Overcast and rainy, but not too bad weather.

I'm now leaning toward going to the St. James gala after all. Brother Frank forwarded an e-mail to me from his classmate, Margaret Mary F., plus one from Elizabeth H., etc. I called MM and talked to her sister, Irene, plus brother Eugene. All four of the F.'s are going to the affair; they also have a brother Tom.
Called Betty, but couldn't reach her; wish she could go.
Went to Drama Club yesterday--not much went on, as our show won't be until the middle of May.
In another half hour or so, we're going to Egg Harbor for Pat's second vein test. Will pick up another bird cage after. (Well, that's just too long and involved to go into.)
Tomorrow the eye doctor and Saturday, swimming with Alison and Mike. Don't know why, but Joely can't go now--darn!
There's homemade beef stew simmering in the crockpot, so I have dinner covered.