Happy day, Ellen's here! Went and got her at 10; she looks wonderful and it was SO good to see her. We swung over to The Pretzel Factory in Manahwkin and I picked up the pretzel tray. Dropped it off a the post office for employees who have been so nice to me and they were very appreciative.
We got my darling daughter settled in, then drove to Atlantic City to finally, at long last, get my reading glasses. Stopped for lunch at Smthville Inn, to which I was treated again. Terrific lunch, then we shopped the stores a bit.
Home, we chatted, laughed, and had a great mother/daughter time. Got a call from my dear cousin, Marifran, my "Cincinnati Sis" and had a wonderful time catching up.
I made stir-fry for dinner--E. adding her stir-fry technique--and a salad and we had a good meal. E. is going to make my birthday cake while I'm at my acting class in Margate today IF I go. It's raining hard and very windy, so maybe I should stay put.
Got birthday messages from both my precious boys, as well as an exquisite homemade card by N. P. and N. also sent me a subscription to The Nation, for which I'm very appreciative and there are two big packages from Mike I may not open until tomorrow. M. asked about Skyping, but it's up in the air for now, as they're going ice-skating and I may be gone most of the day.
Got mailed cards from a number of friends and e-cards from others. I'm not thrilled to be the age I am--yes, children, I'd rather be younger--but all things considered, I'm lucky to be hale and healthy and have the wonderful family I have.
Now on to Christmas!
Friday, December 21, 2012
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Good Day
Yesterday was a good, full day and I got a lot accomplished. Decided to put Ellen in my room so she'll have her own bathroom and spent a lot of the day cleaning, getting the walk-in closet spruced up, changing the sheets, and so on. Wrapped a few Christmas presents and generally tidied up.
In the afternoon, I went to Manahawkin. The people at the post office have been so good to me--and I'm there a lot--so I thought I'd give them something for Christmas. Stopped at the Edible Arrangements place for a fruit bouquet, but they didn't look all that good and considering it would be more than thirty bucks for twelve pieces, I decided against.
Went to Shop-Rite to stock up on veggies and fruit; didn't like their fruit baskets either, as they consisted of only apples, pears, and oranges and were expensive to boot.
It occurred to me to stop at the Pretzel Factory and I get them a tray of pretzel "rivets" (short rods) instead. They come with two dips--I chose Cheddar cheese and spicy mustard and are freshly baked. I'll have to pick them up after I get Ellen, then will drop them right at the post office.
Finally, at long last, I heard from the Dante Hall manager and will meet her this afternoon and pick up my glasses. Ellen will come with me and we'll look around the area, then lunch there.
Can't wait to see my girl!
In the afternoon, I went to Manahawkin. The people at the post office have been so good to me--and I'm there a lot--so I thought I'd give them something for Christmas. Stopped at the Edible Arrangements place for a fruit bouquet, but they didn't look all that good and considering it would be more than thirty bucks for twelve pieces, I decided against.
Went to Shop-Rite to stock up on veggies and fruit; didn't like their fruit baskets either, as they consisted of only apples, pears, and oranges and were expensive to boot.
It occurred to me to stop at the Pretzel Factory and I get them a tray of pretzel "rivets" (short rods) instead. They come with two dips--I chose Cheddar cheese and spicy mustard and are freshly baked. I'll have to pick them up after I get Ellen, then will drop them right at the post office.
Finally, at long last, I heard from the Dante Hall manager and will meet her this afternoon and pick up my glasses. Ellen will come with me and we'll look around the area, then lunch there.
Can't wait to see my girl!
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Breakfast And Dinner
Picked Leslie up at 8:30 and we went to good ol' Dynasty Diner. (I had planned to go to Dockside, but remembered it's closed on Tuesdays.) We both had omelets and good talk, too.
Asked Les if she wanted to go with me to Pet Smart. Susan had told me what a hit the "catnip" papers had made with her kitties, so I got some for cats of my acquaintance and also, something for Lulu, my granddog.
Did this and that at home after, but it sure wasn't very memorable 'cause I can't remember what it was.
Showered, dressed, and left for the Democratic Club dinner at 4:30. This was at Octopus Garden, up the road about six miles on Route 9, a place I had never been. Aline and Susan were already there, seated at a round table with another woman. It wasn't a large room and I was pleased we weren't at the two long tables, which made it a bit crowded.
The restaurant is a find, I think--nicely appointed, friendly and efficient staff, and good food. I had tuna tartar, seared on the outside and essentially raw inside. I guess that would seem gross to some people, but I love it. The place doesn't serve booze by the glass, but does by the small bottle and I bought one of Chardonnay. Overpriced, but good.
Luckily, there were no speeches, political or otherwise, and I enjoyed the meal and the company. Especially enjoyed the fact that it was over by 7:45 and I was home at eight.
Asked Les if she wanted to go with me to Pet Smart. Susan had told me what a hit the "catnip" papers had made with her kitties, so I got some for cats of my acquaintance and also, something for Lulu, my granddog.
Did this and that at home after, but it sure wasn't very memorable 'cause I can't remember what it was.
Showered, dressed, and left for the Democratic Club dinner at 4:30. This was at Octopus Garden, up the road about six miles on Route 9, a place I had never been. Aline and Susan were already there, seated at a round table with another woman. It wasn't a large room and I was pleased we weren't at the two long tables, which made it a bit crowded.
The restaurant is a find, I think--nicely appointed, friendly and efficient staff, and good food. I had tuna tartar, seared on the outside and essentially raw inside. I guess that would seem gross to some people, but I love it. The place doesn't serve booze by the glass, but does by the small bottle and I bought one of Chardonnay. Overpriced, but good.
Luckily, there were no speeches, political or otherwise, and I enjoyed the meal and the company. Especially enjoyed the fact that it was over by 7:45 and I was home at eight.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Smithville
When I went across to Susan's for our walk, she presented me with a gigantic pony tail plant for my birthday. Looks great at my dining room window--hope I can keep it alive.
In return, I gave her gifts for her kitties, "catnip papers" and a crinkly worm (don't even ask) for which they and she were very appreciative.
Finally and at long last, got my Christmas cards finished. Spent the morning writing them out, took them to the P.O., then swung around to the library and bank. (I like to give each of the two trash collectors a card and cash. I think they deserve it more than a lot of others.)
Picked up Aline at 2:00 and drove to Smithville in a dark and gloomy mist. I don't, as a rule, like being out on such a day, but we had made the date and I kept it.
Glad I did, as it turned out to be a delightful sojourn. We ate at the Smithville Inn, where Aline insisting on treating me for my birthday. I had a "veggie melt" and a Blue Moon, A. a turkey platter. Very tasty and she said we must have dessert for my birthday, so we shared an incredibly delicious chocolate cake/pie type thing. After coffee, we strolled around and went in a variety of little shops--uh, "shoppes"--then enjoyed a light and sound show on the lake.
Home by 6:00 (it felt like 9:00), I dropped A. off, then responded to Betty's phone message and we had a good chat. Got an unexpected Skype call from Ellen, always a pleasure. She's going to stay over up north two nights, as she'll accompany her hostess to an event. Just as well, as it will give me another day to prepare for her visit, so that will work out fine.
Picking up Leslie for breakfast today and later will attend a dinner sponsored by the--agh! Democratic Club--with Aline and Susan.
In return, I gave her gifts for her kitties, "catnip papers" and a crinkly worm (don't even ask) for which they and she were very appreciative.
Finally and at long last, got my Christmas cards finished. Spent the morning writing them out, took them to the P.O., then swung around to the library and bank. (I like to give each of the two trash collectors a card and cash. I think they deserve it more than a lot of others.)
Picked up Aline at 2:00 and drove to Smithville in a dark and gloomy mist. I don't, as a rule, like being out on such a day, but we had made the date and I kept it.
Glad I did, as it turned out to be a delightful sojourn. We ate at the Smithville Inn, where Aline insisting on treating me for my birthday. I had a "veggie melt" and a Blue Moon, A. a turkey platter. Very tasty and she said we must have dessert for my birthday, so we shared an incredibly delicious chocolate cake/pie type thing. After coffee, we strolled around and went in a variety of little shops--uh, "shoppes"--then enjoyed a light and sound show on the lake.
Home by 6:00 (it felt like 9:00), I dropped A. off, then responded to Betty's phone message and we had a good chat. Got an unexpected Skype call from Ellen, always a pleasure. She's going to stay over up north two nights, as she'll accompany her hostess to an event. Just as well, as it will give me another day to prepare for her visit, so that will work out fine.
Picking up Leslie for breakfast today and later will attend a dinner sponsored by the--agh! Democratic Club--with Aline and Susan.
Monday, December 17, 2012
A Movie And Dinner
To the big city (Manahawkin) in the morning to pick up printer ink at Staple's, something else at somewhere else, and some toys for Susan's kitties at Pet Smart. At the last, I was treated incredibly rudely by the cashier. Will not patronize that place again.
Called Joan B., of the Barnegat "Silver Liners" (you can be pretty sure that's not a club for teens) and we discussed my Dionne Quintuplet presentation. I'll meet with her on January 9 and we set a date for the deed on the 30th.; I have the Stafford Library scheuduled for February 7.
Got a few minor things done after, then ambled across the stree to Susan's and Walter's. Latter drove and we went to see The Life of Pi. I had thought it was about a Chinese boy in the eighth century. Was just off a bit: It was about a present-day Indian boy. Anyway, it was enthralling and the effects were wonderful beyond description.
After, in a steady rain, we had dinner at the Mystic Island Casino. Sounds so exotic, but is just a neighborhood bar and restaurant. Had a bourban hamburger and, following Walter's lead, a Molson Ice. Incidentally, I'm comfortble going out with S. and W. because I insist on paying my own way. I don't want to be somebody who is always treated.
Skyped with Ellen when I got home. Can't wait to see her on Wednesday!
Called Joan B., of the Barnegat "Silver Liners" (you can be pretty sure that's not a club for teens) and we discussed my Dionne Quintuplet presentation. I'll meet with her on January 9 and we set a date for the deed on the 30th.; I have the Stafford Library scheuduled for February 7.
Got a few minor things done after, then ambled across the stree to Susan's and Walter's. Latter drove and we went to see The Life of Pi. I had thought it was about a Chinese boy in the eighth century. Was just off a bit: It was about a present-day Indian boy. Anyway, it was enthralling and the effects were wonderful beyond description.
After, in a steady rain, we had dinner at the Mystic Island Casino. Sounds so exotic, but is just a neighborhood bar and restaurant. Had a bourban hamburger and, following Walter's lead, a Molson Ice. Incidentally, I'm comfortble going out with S. and W. because I insist on paying my own way. I don't want to be somebody who is always treated.
Skyped with Ellen when I got home. Can't wait to see her on Wednesday!
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Readings
Picked up Aline at quarter of twelve, which meant we arrived fearfully early for the one o'clock call in Atlantic City. Our leader, John P., was already there, though, and others came soon after. We were all pleased when we saw the venue for the show.
Dante Hall was built by St. Michael's Church, but was bought by Stockton State, and it's a beauty of a theatre. Clearly, the new owners renovated and did it very well. They added stained glass windows depicting various aspects of theatre, statues of what seems to be the goddess of same, and similar touches. There are carpeting and padded chairs, a good-sized lobby, and well-appointed rest rooms. All in all, it's a terrific place for our group.
An Afternoon of Original Play Readings went off without a hitch and we had a good audience--I find it difficult to judge, but I guess there were over a hundred in attendence. I was pleased that Florence L., Rita D., and her cousin came and chatted with them for a time. During intermission, bottles of water and pretzels (my suggestion) were served and they went over big. The show moved along very well, including my "Tootie Looks At Real Estate"; I also acted in "A Genie's Fate," and "The Game Show." After, Aline, Betty, and I went to Johnny's in Margate for dinner. B. and I exchanged birthday gifts, as she'll be in Chicago on The Day. Got home a bit after 8:00.
Only negative of the day was the fact that I left my reading/computer glasses at the hall. Send John an e-mail asking how I can retrieve them.
Dante Hall was built by St. Michael's Church, but was bought by Stockton State, and it's a beauty of a theatre. Clearly, the new owners renovated and did it very well. They added stained glass windows depicting various aspects of theatre, statues of what seems to be the goddess of same, and similar touches. There are carpeting and padded chairs, a good-sized lobby, and well-appointed rest rooms. All in all, it's a terrific place for our group.
An Afternoon of Original Play Readings went off without a hitch and we had a good audience--I find it difficult to judge, but I guess there were over a hundred in attendence. I was pleased that Florence L., Rita D., and her cousin came and chatted with them for a time. During intermission, bottles of water and pretzels (my suggestion) were served and they went over big. The show moved along very well, including my "Tootie Looks At Real Estate"; I also acted in "A Genie's Fate," and "The Game Show." After, Aline, Betty, and I went to Johnny's in Margate for dinner. B. and I exchanged birthday gifts, as she'll be in Chicago on The Day. Got home a bit after 8:00.
Only negative of the day was the fact that I left my reading/computer glasses at the hall. Send John an e-mail asking how I can retrieve them.
Saturday, December 15, 2012
The Continuing Whirl
Spent the morning making up two batches of "Nana Mix" (Chex with a kick), then took myself to Mays Landing, hitting B.J.'s, a dollar store, The Christmas Tree Shop, Wal-Green's, and Canal's. I hadn't intended to send cards this year, but found some beauties at B.J.s, so got them. It's anybody's guess when I'll have time to write them out.
Since I was in the neighborhood (Atlantic County)--well, about twenty miles away--I continued down to Absecon Island. Stopped at Betty's in Ventnor, but she wasn't home, then took a dry run to Atlantic City. Easily found the place we'll be going today, then drove home.
Changed and went to Sid S.'s viewing. It was jammed, mostly with Sunrise Bay people--he was very well liked, and with good reason. After paying my respects, I chatted with Leslie--we made a tentative date for breakfast on Tuesday--and Susan and Walter, who invited me to The Life of Pi and dinner tomorrow. Of course, I accepted, but when, oh when, will I be able to fit in cleaning the house for my most-welcome guest, Ellen, and the myriad other chores I need to do? Well, I'll worry about that later.
The singing club presentation was last night. Walter is in it, so I went with Susan. She's on the refreshments committee, and her co-chair, Bessie F., went home from the show sick, so I helped put out the coffee and cookies, serve, and clean up. Didn't get home until well after 9:00, but that was okay.
An Afternoon of Original Play Readings with Players & Playwrights today!
Since I was in the neighborhood (Atlantic County)--well, about twenty miles away--I continued down to Absecon Island. Stopped at Betty's in Ventnor, but she wasn't home, then took a dry run to Atlantic City. Easily found the place we'll be going today, then drove home.
Changed and went to Sid S.'s viewing. It was jammed, mostly with Sunrise Bay people--he was very well liked, and with good reason. After paying my respects, I chatted with Leslie--we made a tentative date for breakfast on Tuesday--and Susan and Walter, who invited me to The Life of Pi and dinner tomorrow. Of course, I accepted, but when, oh when, will I be able to fit in cleaning the house for my most-welcome guest, Ellen, and the myriad other chores I need to do? Well, I'll worry about that later.
The singing club presentation was last night. Walter is in it, so I went with Susan. She's on the refreshments committee, and her co-chair, Bessie F., went home from the show sick, so I helped put out the coffee and cookies, serve, and clean up. Didn't get home until well after 9:00, but that was okay.
An Afternoon of Original Play Readings with Players & Playwrights today!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)