Yesterday was great fun. Got my hair cut in the morning, then ran home to enhance the color. (Now what do they call that? Oh, yeah, a dye job.) Jumped in the shower, made Pat's lunch, had a bite myself, then went off to the clubhouse to sit in on the Drama Club rehearsal.
It was gratifying to receive the warm welcomes from my old group, not to mention the excited exclamations at my appearance. I just happened to have dressed to knock their eyes out: wore slim black pants with a gold-studded belt, a magenta blouse, low-rise boots, and my snazzy white jacket, all new. Had makeup and jewelry on, too, of course. Even better than the compliments, though, was to hear "we miss you" from so many of them.
The show, for which I was the sole member of the audience, was funny and I know will be a big hit, although it still needs work. I laughed and applauded in all the right places, praised my friends for their theatrical talent, and left to get home before Pat was back from the bay.
Got the mail and was charmed to receive an elegant and beautiful handmade Mother's Day card from my dear Japanese daughter-in-law. She's so creative and talented--can't wait to meet her in August.
Left Pat's dinner and met Viv in Manahawkin at 5:00. We both had tilipia, which was okay, but nothing special. That didn't matter because we had such a great time talking and talking, letting our hair down, and confiding in each other. I got home a little after 7:00 and, after such a good day, felt I was on vacation already.
Tomorrow: CALIFORNIA!

Had two nice surprises yesterday morning. When I stopped for Susan, she asked if I wanted to accompany her and Walter to the International Dinner on May 31. Of course, I accepted with thanks; we'll sit with good friends Ray and Barb, and another couple I know and like. At this affair, everybody brings a dish that reflects their ancestry--theoretically, anyway.
Just after breakfast, I had a web cam call from Mike. He got a new MAC with the camera built in; the picture was remarkably clear. I enjoyed seeing and talking to him, but Vivian was in bed already (it's 12 hours ahead in Singapore).
Heard from Betty and her daughter-in-law, Robyn; we made plans to get together on Monday with Mike and family in Santa Barbara. I hope to see Betty on Friday, too; will call her when I get in.
After supermarket shopping, I spent the day cleaning both bathrooms and watering the blueberry and other plants. I think it will be a miracle if anything comes up.
Met with Genny for our Conversational English class last night. Nora, the librarian, had found the fairy tale book, "Sleeping Beauty," with Spanish and English, which I used to hear and correct Genny's pronunciation. Considering that it contained a lot of archaic language--"spindle," "swoon," "scullions," and so on, plus was written in a long-winded, circular style, she did a pretty good job.
Looking forward to dinner with Viv tonight.

Yesterday, I scrubbed the kitchen floor and did it up right: moved the chairs, baker's rack, corner piece, and plants out, then got down on my hands and knees with an old-fashioned scrubbing brush. It looks good, I must say. I then swept/mopped the foyer and center hall, which are real wood, not Pergo, and did a few other chores.
After lunch, I continued my buying blitz with several more tops, a bathing suit, some undies, and a hose and nozzle. Yes, yes, I went back to Manahawkin, so shoot me. Got home just as Pat did from the bay, and when we went in the house, the aroma from the barbecued ribs simmering in the crock pot was sublime. Savoring it didn't cost me any calories and I enjoyed salad, yams, and leftover fish for dinner.
Had a happy and lively "talk and see" with Ellen and we planned excitedly for my visit. Mike's stuff arrived and is piled in her garage and living room, which she was able to show Pat and me via the web cam. We also met the handyman she hired, Leonard, who seems very nice and has a good sense of humor.
Got an e-mail from Marge. She is, of course, the founder and director of the Drama Club, and a good friend. I let time get away from me and haven't yet sat in on rehearsals (the show will go on while I'm away), and am not sure I'll be able to now. Today, I'll take Pat to the doctor at Fort Dix, tomorrow I have a haircut and dinner with Viv scheduled, and on Wednesday, I'll probably go to lunch with Hazel. Told Marge I may be able to stop in just for a time today or tomorrow.

Went to Kohl's again and practically cleaned them out of size 10s (oh, I never miss a chance to record my size!). Got no fewer than seven tops--all great-looking, but inexpensive--and a pair of sneaks.
With the price of gas, I felt downright guilty for driving home from WW in Manahawkin (8 miles), having breakfast, then waiting for Pat to be settled in his morning nap before driving right back. I need to pull in the purse strings now and will turn my attention to that when I get back from California.
Went to Foodtown in Galloway for groceries and that's another thing: It's 10 or 12 miles away, as opposed to Acme, which is only a mile or two. Just to indulge my mild desire for new adventures (grocery shopping, for heaven's sake!), I again piled on the gas consumption. Must stop that here and now.
I've started assembling my stuff to pack. I hope the main suitcase--a humongous one on wheels Mike gave Pat for his birthday years ago when he was still able to travel--is okay to bring on the plane. Measured it and will check U.S. Air's web site.
Brother Frank and SIL Marybeth wrote to announce the birth of their new grandson: Roan Lyndon, who joins his two big brothers in California. What joy to hear of new life in the family!
Rest of day was pretty mundane and low-key, but good. Alison called to discuss our plans for my trip and her occupation here--four more days, so I'd better get organized.

Talked to Betty early on, then to friend Hazel, who just lost her husband. I was saddened to learn that her sister, whom I remember from years ago, died just a few days after Sleek. Made plans to take Hazel to lunch on Wednesday if she feels up to it.
Went to Leslie's to say goodbye (she and Dennis leave for Mississippi this morning) and talk about her Anthony. It was his birthday; he would have been 34.
I then went to Boscov's and got a neat persimmon-colored shirt, plus two spring jackets. The first is just an inexpensive nylon in red, the other a terrific-looking white duck. I have pangs of conscience when I contemplate the price tag, but oh, is it spiffy! Tried on a lot of overpriced sneakers, but somehow, the sizes weren't quite right. Same with the undergarments, as I so delicately describe them--I should get measured or something, as I have no idea what size I wear now.
During Susan's and my walk, I had started worrying aloud about getting my big suitcase from the attic. I'm afraid to climb the pull-down ladder, let alone try to get down safely. Without missing a beat, she declared that she loves to climb, she's had these "attic" arrangements in many of their homes, she'll go up there, don't hesitate to let her, etc. I took her at her word and went over to ring her bell while Pat was at the bay. She and Walter came to the door and greeted me with "Great! You're here! It's teatime!" It seems they have a cup of tea and cookies everyday about 3:30, Walter being of English descent and from Canada, so of course, I joined them with pleasure.
After, Susan came back to the house with me and yes, pulled down the ladder and nimbly ascended. She didn't even have to go all the way up, as the suitcases were near the opening.
Pat got home and while Susan was here, he asked us to inspect the birdhouse, as we hadn't seen the bluebirds for several days. To our dismay, we found four tiny blue eggs on the grass. All had cracks or holes in them, but not big enough for even babies to get out. We're mystified as to what could have caused this tragedy: Pat thinks mama bird accidentally laid them on the grass; Susan wondered about a predator, and I just dunno.
Alison called on her and Mike's way to their Friday night hike. To my astonishment, she said she thought it was better for her to stay at our house while I'm away. If her Dad were at their house, he'd effectively be unable to go anywhere, as they have four steps he would have to use. He could go down, but it's very difficult for him to go up. Of course, this would be much more convenient for me and much more comfortable for Pat. Now I won't have to pack up the enormous amount of equipment he needs besides clothes and toiletries (concentrator, inhaler, medication boxes and bottles, etc.)--what a relief! I protested--faintly--but Alison insisted it will be no problem for her (only about twice as far for her to get to work, separation from her husband, chores she's not used to), and I am so grateful. The more I think of it, the better--for Pat and me--it is. He can still go to the bay and we have plenty of close--literally and figuratively--neighbors in case he or she needs them. Can't imagine what I did to deserve such a daughter--must have been something wonderful.
Later: I'm just back from Weight Watchers. Lost another 1.4 pounds for a total of 66.9 and a current weight of 132.8. (That's after 2 weeks, not 1.) Think I'll try for 70 and the 120s.

Got a lot of stuff crossed off my (hypothetical) "to do" list. Had the blood test done at Lab Corps and got home before Pat was up at 8:00. We were having breakfast when we were pleased to get a call from Patrick. Pat and I had good chats with number one son and enjoyed catching up on his and N.'s busy lives. They'll be here in August--yay!
Left Pat a sandwich for lunch and drove to Penney's to get outfits for the fashion show.
Last year, I was in a size 22 and had to shop in Women's. The crap they were selling was hideous beyond description: ugly, unbecoming styles and flimsy, cheap-looking fabric. I finally went up to the Lawrenceville Penney's and got a pant suit and skirt.
I was pleasantly surprised yesterday to find a lot of attractive clothes in size 10. Oh, ye-e-ah, size 10; that'll tell you something. Corporate America concentrates on teeny-boppers because they spend all the money. Large-sized old ladies can just cover themselves with sheets for all they care.
It was, I admit, nice to try on so many clothes that not only fit, but looked good. In fact, I found an embarrassment of riches; by the time I finally chose two, I was sick of trying on clothes. I selected a matching black and white skirt and short jacket, and added a white blouse. For the second outfit, I picked Capri pants in persimmon with a wide belt (love those belts!), which I matched with a striped shirt and jaunty white jacket. The models have to leave their outfits at Penney's, then Irene W., the chair, will pick them up all together. Ho-ho, the sales person who received them commented in alarm that I had more than two outfits--I had gotten the blouses and white jacket from different areas--but noticed the world was still turning and agreed to allow it.
On my way home, I went to Santori's for my veggie supplies (yams, broccoli, tomatoes, Kirby cucumbers, and feta) and realized Atlantic Imaging is right down the road, so stopped there for my thumb x-ray (you don't need an appointment).
Got home about 2:00 while Pat was still at the bay and immediately made a zucchini casserole, then a big batch of crystal pickles. Barb H. had borrowed my crockpot (60th birthday party for her sister, relatives only) and returned it with a container of her delicious chili, which I had for dinner two nights in a row (Pat doesn't like it). I want to give her some pickles when I give back the container.
Made Pat a nice summer dinner: hamburgers in buns, devilled eggs, sliced tomatoes, and scalloped potatoes. I had Barb's chili and my z. casserole.
Got an e-mail invitation to the H.'s Memorial Day party, which I hope to attend. Can Pat? I just don't know at this point. Made a date to meet Viv for dinner on Tuesday; can't wait to see her. Talked to Leslie; she and Dennis will leave for Mississippi tomorrow to continue their volunteer work with the church (Methodist) helping the victims of hurricane Katrina. Chatted with Alison and we discussed logistics for my trip and Pat's visit to her place.
Good day overall, especially getting the clothes for the fashion show, which was weighing on my mind.

After our walk, got my oil changed, then kept my doctor's appointment at 11:15. Doc thinks the bump on my thumb isn't serious, but wants me to get an x-ray. I'm due for a blood test (to check how my cholesterol is after cutting my statin dosage) and I'm waiting to go Lab Corps now. Hope to be the first one in because I hate going without my coffee in the morning. I told the doctor about my upcoming trip and got a prescription for Ativan. However, she made them only one milligram, so I'll have to double the dose and maybe add another half besides.
I was surprised and concerned that my BP was up both times the nurse took it. It's never been that high since I started monitoring it. First number was 150 and 149; can't remember the second, but it was high, too. Later, I took it at Acme and it was 121/74 with a pulse rate of 67.
While Pat was at the bay, I spent an hour or so planting, weeding, and tending to my new vegetation. I got the watermelon and sunflower seeds in, so the only things left are the double daffodil bulbs. Must plant them soon. I loved trundling my new "wheelbarrow" down to the back forty--so convenient to carry everything with me.