Gee, I'm enjoying a string of good days. Met my widder group (there were only six yesterday) at Yolanda's for lunch and greatly enjoyed it. Co-founders Vera and Susan, both widowed in their early thirties, asked to be my Facebook friends, which pleased me. Susan said she was having an "old movie with wine" party (has something to do with Turner Classics) and would I like to come? Well, sure, just let me know when. Gayle the Gabber was there, but was less obnoxious than usual, I thought. It occurred to me that, while I greatly enjoy being with those in my own age group, I need to interact regularly with younger people. It introduces me to new perspectives and keeps me less dogmatic--I hope.
We talked about all kinds of things, not dwelling on our spouses' deaths, although that certainly isn't a taboo subject. I had a Caesar wrap-something with chicken; I just asked Susan what she was ordering and said I'd have the same. Very tasty, although I doubt if it's Mexican, which is fine by me; took half home for dinner. Also had Modesco--well, it started with "Mod"--a Mexican beer, served with lime as Corona is, and that was good, too. After, I drove into town, and took advantage of Geezer Monday (they don't call it that) when tickets are only $5.50 and saw Spotlight.
Hey, that was one hell of a good movie. I was riveted the entire time. I thought the acting was superb and the script excellent. Of course, the topic is a well known one, the circumstances being both horribly tragic and infuriating in the extreme. Really an excellent movie. I understand the church lost some adherents when they learned of this sad history, but that doesn't make sense. I was taught in parochial school that if a belief or conviction is valid, it shouldn't be denied simply because of the failings of some of its representatives. Seems to me that makes sense, so if one embraces a belief, even if it doesn't stand up to hard evidence, the integrity of those who lead it shouldn't be a factor one way or the other.
Stopped at the library after (it's only a half block away) to return some stuff and get an audio book for the car. Don't like it, though, so will for a better one when I go back.
Got an e-mail from Nancy and called her. She wasn't able to make the lunch, as her allergies were acting up. She has to go today to Oxnard to have a consultation with the dental surgeon, as she needs some (gruesome--I should know) work done in her mouth. We talked for a bit and decided to meet up next week for lunch.
Tuesday, March 08, 2016
Monday, March 07, 2016
Gone!
They're gone, they're gone--YAY!!
Not who, but what: my antique table, the too-big-for-the-room easy chair I was dying to get rid of, AND my jewel box for which I have no space, either.
I called "Bill," the guy who wanted the jewel box and we agreed to meet at the bank. Did so, I handed over the box and he handed me a twenty. Fair enough, easy money and better, it was out of my hair.
Carolyn and Dana came with their SUV shortly after and carefully carried out and loaded in my Aunt Claire's mother's beautiful mahogany table which was brought over by boat from Ireland 120 years ago. They followed me to Ellen's, who had prepared a place in the living room. It looked great, as it's a much larger area than mine. We three then drove back to my place and they carried out the chair I gave them. That was a lot lighter and easier to handle than the table.
After, my dear niece and her wonderful husband stayed for a half hour to chat--always such a pleasure--then we said goodbye. I immediately called El and asked if she was available for dinner. She was, and I went back over there. She had moved the table from one side of the room to the other and it looks gorgeous under the double windows. I took over some table runners, one I had bought in Thailand, one in Singapore, and the third at Pier One or some other non-exotic place. She selected the Thai one and it looks great on the table.
We then went to Two Trees Cafe and had a casual dinner--burgers and beer for me, the same, but iced tea for her. Of course, the best part was talking and laughing together. Home about 7:30--almost the witching hour for me--after a pleasant and productive day.
When I was chatting with Carolyn and Dana, she asked if I liked it here and, surprised, I said "I love it!" And I do.
Not who, but what: my antique table, the too-big-for-the-room easy chair I was dying to get rid of, AND my jewel box for which I have no space, either.
I called "Bill," the guy who wanted the jewel box and we agreed to meet at the bank. Did so, I handed over the box and he handed me a twenty. Fair enough, easy money and better, it was out of my hair.
Carolyn and Dana came with their SUV shortly after and carefully carried out and loaded in my Aunt Claire's mother's beautiful mahogany table which was brought over by boat from Ireland 120 years ago. They followed me to Ellen's, who had prepared a place in the living room. It looked great, as it's a much larger area than mine. We three then drove back to my place and they carried out the chair I gave them. That was a lot lighter and easier to handle than the table.
After, my dear niece and her wonderful husband stayed for a half hour to chat--always such a pleasure--then we said goodbye. I immediately called El and asked if she was available for dinner. She was, and I went back over there. She had moved the table from one side of the room to the other and it looks gorgeous under the double windows. I took over some table runners, one I had bought in Thailand, one in Singapore, and the third at Pier One or some other non-exotic place. She selected the Thai one and it looks great on the table.
We then went to Two Trees Cafe and had a casual dinner--burgers and beer for me, the same, but iced tea for her. Of course, the best part was talking and laughing together. Home about 7:30--almost the witching hour for me--after a pleasant and productive day.
When I was chatting with Carolyn and Dana, she asked if I liked it here and, surprised, I said "I love it!" And I do.
Sunday, March 06, 2016
Tax and My Jewel Box
Assembled and e-mailed the thrift store info to Michelle. She wrote back thanking me and saying she could file the fed and state (California) returns electronically, but had to send the Jersey one by mail. I'm getting a refund, happily, although not as much as I did last time, presumably because I now have rental income. I'm even getting a refund from my adopted state for some reason, but it's a wash with Jersey. Michelle's fee was very fair, I think, certainly better than I would have paid the ones who advertise. All this took longer than one might think, as I also cleaned up a bit more financial stuff.
El had texted me on Friday to see if Carolyn and Dana were coming yesterday for the chair. Called Carolyn, but she said it was raining there and could they come tomorrow (which is now today, Sunday) about two? Fine by me, fine by Ellen and I hope the rain stays away.
Fooled around a bit on the computer, had lunch, then drove into town. Dropped a book (about the Kitty Genovese murder, which I had finished) off, then picked up one on Princess Diana by her secretary and one by Barbara E., who wrote Nickel and Dimed. I read that years ago; it's a chronicle on how the lower-middle and lower classes (geez--talk about snob talk!) are systematically screwed by the whore politicians and the system they set up for the purpose. Anyway, this one is called Living With A Wild God, A Nonbeliever's Search For The Truth About Everything. Sounds intriguing to this fellow-traveler.
For the first time in an age, I had a sandwich for lunch. I usually eat bread only at breakfast (one slice with cottage cheese) and have salad and other items for lunch. It tasted good, but I don't want to get in the habit.
Went to WinCo and got lots of things I like, still enjoying buying new instead of the eating down thing.
Wonder of wonders, I got a call in the evening from a guy who wants to buy my jewel box. I had put it on Craigs List weeks ago and since nobody bit, I was going to sell it at Ellen's yard sale. I told the guy (who said he collects boxes) I can meet him at the bank this afternoon.
El had texted me on Friday to see if Carolyn and Dana were coming yesterday for the chair. Called Carolyn, but she said it was raining there and could they come tomorrow (which is now today, Sunday) about two? Fine by me, fine by Ellen and I hope the rain stays away.
Fooled around a bit on the computer, had lunch, then drove into town. Dropped a book (about the Kitty Genovese murder, which I had finished) off, then picked up one on Princess Diana by her secretary and one by Barbara E., who wrote Nickel and Dimed. I read that years ago; it's a chronicle on how the lower-middle and lower classes (geez--talk about snob talk!) are systematically screwed by the whore politicians and the system they set up for the purpose. Anyway, this one is called Living With A Wild God, A Nonbeliever's Search For The Truth About Everything. Sounds intriguing to this fellow-traveler.
For the first time in an age, I had a sandwich for lunch. I usually eat bread only at breakfast (one slice with cottage cheese) and have salad and other items for lunch. It tasted good, but I don't want to get in the habit.
Went to WinCo and got lots of things I like, still enjoying buying new instead of the eating down thing.
Wonder of wonders, I got a call in the evening from a guy who wants to buy my jewel box. I had put it on Craigs List weeks ago and since nobody bit, I was going to sell it at Ellen's yard sale. I told the guy (who said he collects boxes) I can meet him at the bank this afternoon.
Saturday, March 05, 2016
Taxes
Continued my income tax crap-gathering, still brooding over not being able to find my 2014 return. As a last resort, I thought to look under the bed (in an apartment this size, that's a good source for storage). Found a box labelled "past tax returns" and happily hauled it out. Found it contained from 2000 to 2009 and that was it--damn! It was the same box I had already examined and put under there a few days ago!
Thought I might as well see if there was anything else under, so got a broom and pushed them out. Happy day--there was a similar box with 2014 and other returns--finally.
Anyhoo, after a bit more picking and choosing what to take, I went up to Michelle's at 3:00. Met her ex, with whom she's obviously friendly (they have a grown daughter together), who was just leaving, then we settled down to paying Uncle Sam. There were a few things I didn't have, notably my many donations to thrift stores. Michelle said the rule is to ascertain how much the stuff would have cost new, then you can declare 10 percent of that. She told me to provide the names and addresses of the thrift stores, along with an estimate. I researched out the info last night--had to call my friend in New Mexico to ask where she took some of my stuff--and will e-mail to Michelle.
I was happy to be interrupted by a web cam call from that little boy so far away. He and Daddy were on the roof waiting for Uncle D. and family to visit. K. was lively as ever, chattering away and discussing the colors of different trains, which he identifies by number. I was sorry to hear that K.'s grandfather has to go in the hospital for a serious operation. I wish him well.
Betty called and we talked a bit. For some reason, she's having a continuing problem with her crawl space: She said that Dave--once her bosom buddy, now the devil incarnate--put the insulation in upside down. She then hired somebody else and the floor's still cold, so she thinks he did it wrong. She's now going to hire George Wimberg's teenaged grandson (??) to crawl under and look at it. Okay..moving right along...
Thought I might as well see if there was anything else under, so got a broom and pushed them out. Happy day--there was a similar box with 2014 and other returns--finally.
Anyhoo, after a bit more picking and choosing what to take, I went up to Michelle's at 3:00. Met her ex, with whom she's obviously friendly (they have a grown daughter together), who was just leaving, then we settled down to paying Uncle Sam. There were a few things I didn't have, notably my many donations to thrift stores. Michelle said the rule is to ascertain how much the stuff would have cost new, then you can declare 10 percent of that. She told me to provide the names and addresses of the thrift stores, along with an estimate. I researched out the info last night--had to call my friend in New Mexico to ask where she took some of my stuff--and will e-mail to Michelle.
I was happy to be interrupted by a web cam call from that little boy so far away. He and Daddy were on the roof waiting for Uncle D. and family to visit. K. was lively as ever, chattering away and discussing the colors of different trains, which he identifies by number. I was sorry to hear that K.'s grandfather has to go in the hospital for a serious operation. I wish him well.
Betty called and we talked a bit. For some reason, she's having a continuing problem with her crawl space: She said that Dave--once her bosom buddy, now the devil incarnate--put the insulation in upside down. She then hired somebody else and the floor's still cold, so she thinks he did it wrong. She's now going to hire George Wimberg's teenaged grandson (??) to crawl under and look at it. Okay..moving right along...
Friday, March 04, 2016
Ponzi and Pizza
Spent the morning digging out and categorizing income tax info. After lunch, I continued, but then realized I'm not seeing the accountant until 3:00 today, so I could defer some. Shortly, I'll finish up, I hope.
I know it's not good for me to be so sedentary--I need to walk, the more the better. Otherwise, I find it hard to sleep well, for one thing. Drove to the supermarket for a few items and purposely walked around the store for about fifteen minutes, then took my stuff home.
Decided to go to the library, although it was after 5:00 by then. They're open until 8:00 from Monday to Thursday and until 7:00 Friday and Saturday; yes, they open on Sunday, too, until 5:00, which I appreciate. Chatted with Lori, the branch manager, who now recognizes me, then browsed the books. Got a bio of Moss Hart (years ago, I read his auto- and I wanted to get a different perspective). Also picked up The Wizard of Lies, a very thick book and no wonder: It's a full account of Bernie Madoff and his Ponzi scheme. When the news broke, I was fascinated by it--not sure why, although I guess it was the mystery of how he got so many astute, intelligent clients to fall for it for so long. Started reading and I'm already fascinated. I know nothing about high finance and sure as Hell don't deal in it, but this is also about people and it's enthralling.
I finally ate the last "meal" in my freezer, a pepperoni pizza. It was so-so, to put it kindly. Aside from veggies and ice pops and the lemon pepper chicken I added recently, that was it for eating down.
I know it's not good for me to be so sedentary--I need to walk, the more the better. Otherwise, I find it hard to sleep well, for one thing. Drove to the supermarket for a few items and purposely walked around the store for about fifteen minutes, then took my stuff home.
Decided to go to the library, although it was after 5:00 by then. They're open until 8:00 from Monday to Thursday and until 7:00 Friday and Saturday; yes, they open on Sunday, too, until 5:00, which I appreciate. Chatted with Lori, the branch manager, who now recognizes me, then browsed the books. Got a bio of Moss Hart (years ago, I read his auto- and I wanted to get a different perspective). Also picked up The Wizard of Lies, a very thick book and no wonder: It's a full account of Bernie Madoff and his Ponzi scheme. When the news broke, I was fascinated by it--not sure why, although I guess it was the mystery of how he got so many astute, intelligent clients to fall for it for so long. Started reading and I'm already fascinated. I know nothing about high finance and sure as Hell don't deal in it, but this is also about people and it's enthralling.
I finally ate the last "meal" in my freezer, a pepperoni pizza. It was so-so, to put it kindly. Aside from veggies and ice pops and the lemon pepper chicken I added recently, that was it for eating down.
Thursday, March 03, 2016
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Yesterday was the Beach Cities Newcomers and Neighbors monthly coffee gathering--really breakfast--to which I invited Nancy. Met her at the door and she got a temporary name sticker. The breakfast was good, as ever, and included both sweet and savory, plus fruit, tea, and of course, coffee. After that, there was a short meeting, "happy birthday" singing to March babies, and some other announcements.
The speaker was a psychologist and her topic was the trite old "Aging Gracefully" thing, with the cheery advice everybody over 50--or over 10--has heard a million times: Pay attention to your inner self, exercise, take courses, paint or play golf or garden, read, volunteer, and on and on and on and on. Annoyingly, this woman simply talked, enlarding her blather with cliches galore. If there are been some visuals it might not have been quite so tedious. Anyway, we suffered through it. I'm not sure why people seem to accept this kind of thing as if it's New and Interesting. It isn't and wasn't.
They have had some speakers who were N. and I., especially the vegan chef who went to collage, then opened her own catering service after her husband left her penniless. At the time, she was suffering from stage 2 cancer and had two children under 5. Hey, talk about triumphing over a lousy deal in life--that gal was great (it helped that she was an excellent speaker). Nancy has decided to join the group--the only one of the many I'm now in that charges dues, yet it's the one which I probably enjoy least. That's not to say that I don't enjoy it at all, though, so I guess I'll sign up again.
After that, we went directly to the Ventura Center, where we got our three-buck lunch and I introduced Nancy around. Modest though this place is, and somewhat eccentric though some of the patrons are, I like it a lot. We sat with Barbara and a friend of hers new to the Center, plus a man whose name I didn't catch. I didn't see Marie, who came in later; she had been doggy-sitting for her daughter's pooch.
She mentioned that she had seen Spotlight on Monday; darn, I wish she had thought to call me. However, I looked on line and saw that it will still be there next Monday. That's perfect because I have the widder group lunch at noon and there's a 1:45 showing.
When I got home, I called niece Carolyn and she said she thought she and Dana could pick up the chair on Saturday. I asked is they would mind taking the antique table to Ellen's, who has decided to put it in her present house. Of course, she said they would--can't wait to get both chair and table out of here.
Went out to get wire to put the wreath back up on my front door. I'm so inept with things like that--I hope it holds. So far it has, but I wish I could say the same for the picture with frame I switched from one wall to another. It looked great over the settee, but an hour later, I heard a bump/thump as it fell. Called El, who said she'd put it back up for me.
Marking the end of my "eating down" routine, I Went to WinCo for several pounds of chicken thighs, which I oiled, seasoned(with lemon pepper), and baked. Had two for dinner and yum, they were delightful. I let the others cool a bit, then wrapped them for the freezer and the future.
The speaker was a psychologist and her topic was the trite old "Aging Gracefully" thing, with the cheery advice everybody over 50--or over 10--has heard a million times: Pay attention to your inner self, exercise, take courses, paint or play golf or garden, read, volunteer, and on and on and on and on. Annoyingly, this woman simply talked, enlarding her blather with cliches galore. If there are been some visuals it might not have been quite so tedious. Anyway, we suffered through it. I'm not sure why people seem to accept this kind of thing as if it's New and Interesting. It isn't and wasn't.
They have had some speakers who were N. and I., especially the vegan chef who went to collage, then opened her own catering service after her husband left her penniless. At the time, she was suffering from stage 2 cancer and had two children under 5. Hey, talk about triumphing over a lousy deal in life--that gal was great (it helped that she was an excellent speaker). Nancy has decided to join the group--the only one of the many I'm now in that charges dues, yet it's the one which I probably enjoy least. That's not to say that I don't enjoy it at all, though, so I guess I'll sign up again.
After that, we went directly to the Ventura Center, where we got our three-buck lunch and I introduced Nancy around. Modest though this place is, and somewhat eccentric though some of the patrons are, I like it a lot. We sat with Barbara and a friend of hers new to the Center, plus a man whose name I didn't catch. I didn't see Marie, who came in later; she had been doggy-sitting for her daughter's pooch.
She mentioned that she had seen Spotlight on Monday; darn, I wish she had thought to call me. However, I looked on line and saw that it will still be there next Monday. That's perfect because I have the widder group lunch at noon and there's a 1:45 showing.
When I got home, I called niece Carolyn and she said she thought she and Dana could pick up the chair on Saturday. I asked is they would mind taking the antique table to Ellen's, who has decided to put it in her present house. Of course, she said they would--can't wait to get both chair and table out of here.
Went out to get wire to put the wreath back up on my front door. I'm so inept with things like that--I hope it holds. So far it has, but I wish I could say the same for the picture with frame I switched from one wall to another. It looked great over the settee, but an hour later, I heard a bump/thump as it fell. Called El, who said she'd put it back up for me.
Marking the end of my "eating down" routine, I Went to WinCo for several pounds of chicken thighs, which I oiled, seasoned(with lemon pepper), and baked. Had two for dinner and yum, they were delightful. I let the others cool a bit, then wrapped them for the freezer and the future.
Wednesday, March 02, 2016
Here and There
Busily busy. Stripped my bed and took sheets and other wash to the laundry place; filled two machines. Went home to re-do bed and finish the crossword puzzle, then back twice, of course, to put in dryer and retrieve clothes. It's now getting to seem perfectly normal and natural to have to leave my apartment to do my wash. After all, I don't have to slosh them in the river.
Finally connected with my friend in New Mexico, who called me back from Roswell. Did she see any aliens? Not this time. She said they were there to do some shopping--Mike was at The Home Depot--and they had taken the motorcycle, her on the back--aagh! And it's seventy-five miles--double aagh! These crazy kids on Social Security and their biker molls!
Got a message from my cousin, Diana, to the effect that Shirley Figenshu has died. She was my cousin, Bud's, second wife, and was 91. She and Bud, a widower, had met when he went to buy furniture at the up-scale shop where she worked. I guess he was in his fifties, she maybe 45 or so. (Shirley was Jewish, which some of the family remarked upon, but not in any derogatory way, just as an interesting aspect of our new cuz.) She sold him stuff, they chatted, he stopped in again--and the rest is history. They married and had a beautiful love affair for many years until Bud died. Called Betty to tell her.
Did some housework before lunch; showered and washed hair before getting color. Yes, I know that's silly, so shoot me.
When I got to Penney's for my 2:00 appointment, I discovered there had been a mix-up and the person who was supposed to color my hair didn't actually start until 3:00--did I want to wait for Chris or have someone else? Well, I sure as hell wasn't going to wait, and I got Amanda. She did color just the way I wanted it and besides, was fun to talk to. In fact, I always have to wait for 35 minutes or so for the color to set, and instead of strolling away, she plopped herself in the chair next to me and we had a great conversation. I really HATE going to the hair dresser, especially for color, I find it so boring, but this wasn't. Hair looks good, too, and I'll ask for her next time.
Zipped up to the library after to return some books, then went to CVS for the OME, etc. refill. Ellen called in the evening and we had a good long talk--always a pleasure.
All in all, a satisfying day.
Finally connected with my friend in New Mexico, who called me back from Roswell. Did she see any aliens? Not this time. She said they were there to do some shopping--Mike was at The Home Depot--and they had taken the motorcycle, her on the back--aagh! And it's seventy-five miles--double aagh! These crazy kids on Social Security and their biker molls!
Got a message from my cousin, Diana, to the effect that Shirley Figenshu has died. She was my cousin, Bud's, second wife, and was 91. She and Bud, a widower, had met when he went to buy furniture at the up-scale shop where she worked. I guess he was in his fifties, she maybe 45 or so. (Shirley was Jewish, which some of the family remarked upon, but not in any derogatory way, just as an interesting aspect of our new cuz.) She sold him stuff, they chatted, he stopped in again--and the rest is history. They married and had a beautiful love affair for many years until Bud died. Called Betty to tell her.
Did some housework before lunch; showered and washed hair before getting color. Yes, I know that's silly, so shoot me.
When I got to Penney's for my 2:00 appointment, I discovered there had been a mix-up and the person who was supposed to color my hair didn't actually start until 3:00--did I want to wait for Chris or have someone else? Well, I sure as hell wasn't going to wait, and I got Amanda. She did color just the way I wanted it and besides, was fun to talk to. In fact, I always have to wait for 35 minutes or so for the color to set, and instead of strolling away, she plopped herself in the chair next to me and we had a great conversation. I really HATE going to the hair dresser, especially for color, I find it so boring, but this wasn't. Hair looks good, too, and I'll ask for her next time.
Zipped up to the library after to return some books, then went to CVS for the OME, etc. refill. Ellen called in the evening and we had a good long talk--always a pleasure.
All in all, a satisfying day.
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