Went to Manahawkin early and finally got some Christmas presents bought. Finished most of my sparse decorating; have wreaths at the big window and the door, will soon get the flickering candles in the windows an set up Santa in the hall. I'm annoyed that he doesn't work (is supposed to move, light up, and emit music). Not sure if it's really broken or I put the batteries in wrong. Maybe I'll appeal to a neighbor to check. Went to the L.'s annual Christmas party in Egg Harbor Township at 4:00.
Attendance is sadly depleted at that annual event: Pat has been gone more than three years, Audrey T. was too ill to be there, and Kate S. has Alzheimer's, I was so sorry to be told. Her husband, Danny, is just recovering--I hope--was a bout of cancer himself and he must care for Kate, who can do almost nothing for herself.
Besides the hosts, Joe and Flo, that left only Barbara and Frank J., Noreen and Don M., Rita F., and me. I had a nice enough time, but Joe, who had always been so jovial and warm, seemed unnaturally quiet and removed.
Of course, it wasn't easy to talk over Don, an obnoxious blowhard, a racist, and a reactionary bore who makes Rush Limbaugh look like Lenin. After dinner, the exchange of useless five dollar gifts, and listening to Don hold forth on why Atlantic City no longer has a hockey team (it's all the fault of the Jews and "the colored," we learned), I was able to say goodbye. Had a good excuse because I live quite a distance away and in fact, took a wrong turn and got slightly lost. Corrected soon, though, and made it home by 9:00 or so.
Friday, December 07, 2012
Thursday, December 06, 2012
A Lull Of A Day
A lull of a day. Had only two happenings of import. Yes, yes, this is very important: got my hair colored, trimmed, and styled, and it looks good. Cost me a fortune, of course, but say la vee (I know that's not how to spell it; not quite sure what it means, either--maybe "that's life"?).
Anyway, the other thing was that it was the birthday of my dear boy, Mike, practically a holy day (heh, heh). I Skyped him after e-mailing to find when he'd be home, and I was able to see him and the two sweetie-pies.
Other than that, ho-hum.
Anyway, the other thing was that it was the birthday of my dear boy, Mike, practically a holy day (heh, heh). I Skyped him after e-mailing to find when he'd be home, and I was able to see him and the two sweetie-pies.
Other than that, ho-hum.
Wednesday, December 05, 2012
Filled
Lots going on. After I had sent the article and picture about his self-made books to Mike B., he asked if he could come over to substitute one and would I re-do them? I agreed, he came, I revised and sent them off.
I was delighted to get a call from Creative Touch to the effect that I could come for color today if I was willing to be fit in between Shirley's appointments. Yes, I was and am, and will be there at 10:00.
Showered and dressed, and drove to Venenzio's in Smithville for the R.H. Christmas luncheon. This was one to which the husbands were invited and those who had 'em brought 'em. I had forgotten to bring wine, but red was shared and I only two small glasses.
Just as well, because when the party broke up about 3:30, I drove to the cemetery as I had intended. I had thought the wreath bows I put on Pat's and Jay's graves looked tacky (the cheap red "velvet" variety), but when I got there, I thought they were okay, so just added a gold bow.
Drove down to Produce Junction for an amaryllis to bring as a five dollar gift to the L.'s Christmas party last year. I was sure they'd be all old out (bought myself one the last time I was there), but they had plenty.
Home after 5:00 and being full up from veal over linguine at lunch, skipped dinner and just played a bit of a hidden object game, my current passion. I had registered at the library to attend the American Girl Christmas ornament session, so went there at 6:00.
The idea was to make tree ornaments with an American Girl theme. Because V. and V. have S.G. dolls, I thought it would be fun to make some for them. Lots of foam Christmas shapes were provided, along with pictures of "historic" little girls to cut out, scissors, glue, tiny puff balls, glitter, and so on. Under the guidance of the librarian, Leslie, and along with five little girls ranging in age from about five to ten, I laboriously made four ornaments, getting stuck up with glue and glitter in the process, but it was fun.
A good day, filled as it was with a variety of activities.
I was delighted to get a call from Creative Touch to the effect that I could come for color today if I was willing to be fit in between Shirley's appointments. Yes, I was and am, and will be there at 10:00.
Showered and dressed, and drove to Venenzio's in Smithville for the R.H. Christmas luncheon. This was one to which the husbands were invited and those who had 'em brought 'em. I had forgotten to bring wine, but red was shared and I only two small glasses.
Just as well, because when the party broke up about 3:30, I drove to the cemetery as I had intended. I had thought the wreath bows I put on Pat's and Jay's graves looked tacky (the cheap red "velvet" variety), but when I got there, I thought they were okay, so just added a gold bow.
Drove down to Produce Junction for an amaryllis to bring as a five dollar gift to the L.'s Christmas party last year. I was sure they'd be all old out (bought myself one the last time I was there), but they had plenty.
Home after 5:00 and being full up from veal over linguine at lunch, skipped dinner and just played a bit of a hidden object game, my current passion. I had registered at the library to attend the American Girl Christmas ornament session, so went there at 6:00.
The idea was to make tree ornaments with an American Girl theme. Because V. and V. have S.G. dolls, I thought it would be fun to make some for them. Lots of foam Christmas shapes were provided, along with pictures of "historic" little girls to cut out, scissors, glue, tiny puff balls, glitter, and so on. Under the guidance of the librarian, Leslie, and along with five little girls ranging in age from about five to ten, I laboriously made four ornaments, getting stuck up with glue and glitter in the process, but it was fun.
A good day, filled as it was with a variety of activities.
Tuesday, December 04, 2012
Insurance And Drones
Busy and productive day. The insurance broker, Tom M., came over about noon. Very nice guy, very informative, and I switched from Horizon Something-or-other to Horizon Something-else-or other. Difference in cost? Close to fifteen hundred a year for the former and exactly zero for the latter. There are some negatives, such as having to be "in network" and higher co-pays, but they don't outweigh the advantages--essentially, same coverage and overall, much less cost. Also, as Tom pointed out, if I have that two hundred plus a month diverted into a savings account, I can draw on that to pay any higher amounts. Yes, indeedy, Tom, and I visited good old Ocean First shortly after he left and arranged to do exactly that.
Spent most of the rest of the day tweaking the two Breeze articles and sending them, plus the three pictures, to Mike and Regina to check. Annoyingly, I first sent to someone with the same e-mail address, but I had neglected to add the numbers after the name. Heard back from the person, apologized, and re-sent.
Red Hats luncheon today.
WIDER: Here's an interesting little tidbit:
"Apple Inc., which has received over $9 million in Pentagon contracts in recent years, has rejected from its App Store, and therefore from all iPhones...Drones+, an application that shows no depictions of the carnage of war...(but) simply adds a location to a map every time a drone strike is reported in the media and added to a database maintained by the U.K.’s Bureau of Investigative Journalism."
It seems wrong and unfair to mention "Pentagon contracts," cuz that suggests there's some kind of collusion between the corporation and the war machine. Didn't the saintly Steve Jobs (rest in peace) found the company? So it wouldn't do anything so immoral as supporting overseas slaughter, now, would it? Here's the link:
http://act.rootsaction.org/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=6750
Spent most of the rest of the day tweaking the two Breeze articles and sending them, plus the three pictures, to Mike and Regina to check. Annoyingly, I first sent to someone with the same e-mail address, but I had neglected to add the numbers after the name. Heard back from the person, apologized, and re-sent.
Red Hats luncheon today.
WIDER: Here's an interesting little tidbit:
"Apple Inc., which has received over $9 million in Pentagon contracts in recent years, has rejected from its App Store, and therefore from all iPhones...Drones+, an application that shows no depictions of the carnage of war...(but) simply adds a location to a map every time a drone strike is reported in the media and added to a database maintained by the U.K.’s Bureau of Investigative Journalism."
It seems wrong and unfair to mention "Pentagon contracts," cuz that suggests there's some kind of collusion between the corporation and the war machine. Didn't the saintly Steve Jobs (rest in peace) found the company? So it wouldn't do anything so immoral as supporting overseas slaughter, now, would it? Here's the link:
http://act.rootsaction.org/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=6750
Monday, December 03, 2012
Ladies Who Lunch
Betty and I could be known as "ladies who lunch." She called early to say I had left my cell phone at her place--it must have fallen out of my pocket--and we agreed to meet at Italian Cuisine. Did so at 1:30 and we had another nice one.
Before and after and into the evening, I worked on the profile of Mike and Regina B., which came out pretty good. Started a short separate piece on Mike's book-making (not that kind, though) hobby and took a picture of those he had lent me. Also scanned the wedding picture they gave me; with the contemporary one I took, that makes three. Hope the January Breeze has room for all.
Lillian M. called with a reminder that Red Hat Sparklers will meet for lunch (yes, another!) tomorrow at a restaurant in Smithville. That will work out fine for me, as after, I can continue on to the cemetery and change the bows on the wreaths.
Always-welcome Skype calls from the Tokyo Twosome and darling daughter, Ellen, bracketed the day. However, I still haven't been able to connect with the guy who I hope will find me less expensive insurance; will call him again.
Luckily, I have today free, so will tweak the articles, send to the subjects and, I hope, have time to remove the Thanksgiving/autumn decorations and put up some Christmas ones.
Before and after and into the evening, I worked on the profile of Mike and Regina B., which came out pretty good. Started a short separate piece on Mike's book-making (not that kind, though) hobby and took a picture of those he had lent me. Also scanned the wedding picture they gave me; with the contemporary one I took, that makes three. Hope the January Breeze has room for all.
Lillian M. called with a reminder that Red Hat Sparklers will meet for lunch (yes, another!) tomorrow at a restaurant in Smithville. That will work out fine for me, as after, I can continue on to the cemetery and change the bows on the wreaths.
Always-welcome Skype calls from the Tokyo Twosome and darling daughter, Ellen, bracketed the day. However, I still haven't been able to connect with the guy who I hope will find me less expensive insurance; will call him again.
Luckily, I have today free, so will tweak the articles, send to the subjects and, I hope, have time to remove the Thanksgiving/autumn decorations and put up some Christmas ones.
Sunday, December 02, 2012
Excursions In Atlantic County
Very enjoyable day. After doing three loads of wash--that wasn't the enjoyable part--I left for Atlantic County about 10. Went first to Produce Junction, where I picked up three fresh Fraser pine wreaths, one for my front door, the others with stands for Pat's and Jay's graves. All day the car was filled with a wonderful forest scent.
Stopped next at Canal's to replenish my wine cellar (read "modest rack in the dining room"), then drove to Ventura's in Northfield to meet Betty and Carole W. Lunch was tasty (for me, chicken salad served in an edible cantaloupe "bowl"), but the service was slow. I was due for a 1:00 rehearsal at Jim L.'s, just down Shore Road and got there late, as I had some difficulty finding his street. I made it, though, and Jim, Director John, and I went through A Genie's Fate twice. John indicated that I had done well with the rather slight, but funny role. As for Jim--hmm...
Years ago, I read a pan of some actor or other--I think Tippi Hendren in The Birds--in which the reviewer said the performance could have been presented to a couple for their wooden wedding anniversary. That came to mind yesterday. Our Players & Playwrights group consists of both, of course, and Jim is one of the latter. You'd think he'd pick up on the idea that performing in plays involves acting, but it seems to have escaped him. Good thing we're charging only five bucks to get in.
We finished up much earlier than I thought we would and I impulsively drove down to Betty's. Visited for a bit, then I left at three thirty or so.
Stopped at the cemetery on the way home, put up the wreaths, and took pictures to send my children and Betty.
Home before five--good thing, as it was already dark--to find a phone message from Tom L., an insurance guy. I want to ask him to search out a less expensive supplemental. Mine will go up by forty-two and change a month, more than five hundred a year, and I hope I can duck the blow. Called him back, but he wasn't available and I'll call again.
Nothing scheduled for today and I must turn my attention to writing the profile on the Barry's. Will do that right after breakfast and my weekly treats, the cryptoquip and the crossword puzzle.
Stopped next at Canal's to replenish my wine cellar (read "modest rack in the dining room"), then drove to Ventura's in Northfield to meet Betty and Carole W. Lunch was tasty (for me, chicken salad served in an edible cantaloupe "bowl"), but the service was slow. I was due for a 1:00 rehearsal at Jim L.'s, just down Shore Road and got there late, as I had some difficulty finding his street. I made it, though, and Jim, Director John, and I went through A Genie's Fate twice. John indicated that I had done well with the rather slight, but funny role. As for Jim--hmm...
Years ago, I read a pan of some actor or other--I think Tippi Hendren in The Birds--in which the reviewer said the performance could have been presented to a couple for their wooden wedding anniversary. That came to mind yesterday. Our Players & Playwrights group consists of both, of course, and Jim is one of the latter. You'd think he'd pick up on the idea that performing in plays involves acting, but it seems to have escaped him. Good thing we're charging only five bucks to get in.
We finished up much earlier than I thought we would and I impulsively drove down to Betty's. Visited for a bit, then I left at three thirty or so.
Stopped at the cemetery on the way home, put up the wreaths, and took pictures to send my children and Betty.
Home before five--good thing, as it was already dark--to find a phone message from Tom L., an insurance guy. I want to ask him to search out a less expensive supplemental. Mine will go up by forty-two and change a month, more than five hundred a year, and I hope I can duck the blow. Called him back, but he wasn't available and I'll call again.
Nothing scheduled for today and I must turn my attention to writing the profile on the Barry's. Will do that right after breakfast and my weekly treats, the cryptoquip and the crossword puzzle.
Saturday, December 01, 2012
Books
Aside from my interview with the B.'s, a whole lotta nothin' went on yesterday. Stomach's fine now, I'm happy to say.
Talked to Betty and we made a date to meet for an early lunch in Northfield today before my rehearsal at Jim's house in nearby Linwood.
Got to the B.'s at 2:00. Regina and Mike are a fairly typical Sunrise Bay couple with a few interesting deviations. Although she's from north Jersey-- Lakewood by way of Elizabeth--he's from Boston and you realize that the minute he opens his mouth. Also, Mike makes books by printing what he can find off the Internet, adding pictures from the same source, and having them bound at Staples. Mind you, he doesn't write them; he spends hours researching, then prints out pertinent information.
He let me borrow some and hey, these are interesting. They include The Big Band Era, The 1938 Boston Red Sox All-Stars, and the historic football game between Boston College and Holy Cross of November 28, 1942.
Now, why would that particular game on that particular day be singled out? Because the hugely-favored BC team had been invited to celebrate at a swank nightclub after what practically everyone assumed would be an easy win. Inexplicably, Boston lost 55-12, and the gathering was cancelled. Too bad, right? Wrong. The venue was the famous Coconut Grove and 492 people died in a fire there that night.
Yoicks. God, fate, the luck of the draw, or just a coincidental juxtaposition of events? Who can say, but it makes for a fascinating "book." Think I'll ask Virginia if I can do an additional piece on Mike's hobby of making books.
Talked to Betty and we made a date to meet for an early lunch in Northfield today before my rehearsal at Jim's house in nearby Linwood.
Got to the B.'s at 2:00. Regina and Mike are a fairly typical Sunrise Bay couple with a few interesting deviations. Although she's from north Jersey-- Lakewood by way of Elizabeth--he's from Boston and you realize that the minute he opens his mouth. Also, Mike makes books by printing what he can find off the Internet, adding pictures from the same source, and having them bound at Staples. Mind you, he doesn't write them; he spends hours researching, then prints out pertinent information.
He let me borrow some and hey, these are interesting. They include The Big Band Era, The 1938 Boston Red Sox All-Stars, and the historic football game between Boston College and Holy Cross of November 28, 1942.
Now, why would that particular game on that particular day be singled out? Because the hugely-favored BC team had been invited to celebrate at a swank nightclub after what practically everyone assumed would be an easy win. Inexplicably, Boston lost 55-12, and the gathering was cancelled. Too bad, right? Wrong. The venue was the famous Coconut Grove and 492 people died in a fire there that night.
Yoicks. God, fate, the luck of the draw, or just a coincidental juxtaposition of events? Who can say, but it makes for a fascinating "book." Think I'll ask Virginia if I can do an additional piece on Mike's hobby of making books.
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