Back Home

Boy, I slept like a stone after my trip and got up feeling great at 7:30. Did my usual early morning, then went to the T.O.P.S. meeting. I lost just a fraction of a pound this time, but I was okay with that.
The meeting, however, turned out to be tiresome. Lolly, the leader, is a very ineffectual one. She's a sweet person--sort of reminds me of a minister's wife from Upper Armpit, Idaho--but Colleen, the crazy one, brought up the recent Dallas shooting and prompted a discussion, which Lolly just helplessly accepted. When people started chiming in, I got up and left. No matter what anyone thinks about Dallas, black lives, white lives, Easter bunnies, or any damn else thing that has nothing to do with losing weight, I wasn't going to pretend it was appropriate in that venue.
Went home, had breakfast, did some housework, then went out to buy salad stuff. I had added my half orange to breakfast and neither that nor the salad I had yesterday affected my stomach, I'm glad to record.
Drove to town and went to several stores. I didn't buy anything, but I enjoyed walking around on a warm, but not humid day, with a nice number of people on the street. Stopped at Five Points and got my car washed--it looks gorgeous, like a bright blue little jewel--and was passing The Townhomes at 3:30. I knew that was when the Friday wine and music program started, and I impulsively turned in and sat in my usual chair by the door.
I was joined by a nice couple named Mavis and Flager (it's Swedish, I think), she with a walker, he with an oddly-shaped head, and we chatted, drank wine together, and enjoyed the piano player/singer. When I got home, I immediately did the laundry routine. Had sausages for dinner, took a drive, and ended a pleasant day.

Dana Point

Tuesday, 7/5: El took me to the station and I arrived in San Juan Capistrano at 1:30. Went to a nearby restaurant and ordered lunch, as Carole had texted that she'd be a little late. She came in shortly later, though, and we shared the meal.
On the way to her place, Carole showed me around Dana Point, where she lives: extraordinarily beautiful scenery--soaring cliffs, swaying palms, and of course, the majestic and glistening Pacific. Combined with those, there are large and pricey--millions, I mean--homes.
Later, we had a bite, then put on our suits and walked down to view the water. It was a little chilly, so we didn't go in, but went back to bask in the hot tub.
Wednesday, 7/6: We caught the tail end of mass at a church lovely in itself and overlooking such loveliness of nature, it almost made me nostalgic for my Holy Girl past. Not quite, though. After, we joined six of Carole's lady friends for breakfast; lots of references to the deity, but their piety was not offensive and they were warm and welcoming to me. We went from there almost immediately to lunch with Father Jack, my sister-in-law, Marybeth's cousin. Met at a pizza place and had a pleasant enough time. From there, we rushed to Carole's book club meeting, which I found very interesting. It seems that a member of the club named Pat Maloney, a psychologist, had written a book called Whiz-Dom. Unfortunately, he died a few weeks ago at 89. From the discussion, I got the impression he was a very interesting guy--wish I could have known him.
We called my brother Frank to tell him about our lunch with Father Jack, then Carole called her brother, George, and we both chatted with him. Carole called my sister, Betty, to tell her she was giving me a flash drive for her that contains an "interview" Carole conducted with Betty after Hurricane Sandy. Betty's coming to the this area on Saturday, and I'll see her, of course, so I'll give it to her then.
Back at Carole's, we changed into suits and treked to the beach. This necessitated a fairly long distance on a concrete walk, then steps going down at least the equivalent of six stories, then traversing a kind of sweeping incline of concrete covered in sand. By the time we got to the water, my calves were screaming for mercy and they still hurt. The water wasn't terribly cold--about 69--and Carole dived right in. I wish I could have, but I was apprehensive about my balance and just splashed around and got my feet wet. We stayed a good 45 minutes, but finally left to go home and shower. Dressed, then went out to dinner. Carole got free fried fish from a little joint about to close, then suggested we share a hamburger at "Jimmy's Famous." We did, and each had a beer and good talk.
Thursday, 6/7: Carole had to go to work (volunteer) so dropped me off at the SJC station early. She said I could then visit the little shops and local sights. I was fine with going early, but had no desire to visit the little this and that. We said goodbye with hugs and I was happy to catch the 10:45 train, which got me in just after 2:00. El picked me up and we went for lunch, then to the farmers market at Kimball, which is held every Thursday. I bought some homemade marmalade and a plum, El strawberries, then we went to her place. Viewed her patio, which is shaping up beautiful, with the addition of two trellises, transplanted jasmine, and shifted pavers. She took me home after and much as I enjoyed my trip, I sighed with relief.
No place like it, all right.

Dinner at El's

Walked the usual. Had toast and cottage cheese. Changed the bed and took sheets, plus other clothes to the laundry. Partially packed. Had broccoli (cooked, of course) and a hard-boiled egg for lunch. No cramps all day--yay! Spent the rest of the morning and early afternoon packing. I was determined to restrict myself to the smaller suitcase, but I still have a few things to fit in and I may not make it. Darn. Showered and washed my hair, then zipped over to Ellen's at 3:00.
The new fence, not painted, looks great and she has further plans for the patio. We discussed them, then sat outside on a gorgeous day with iced tea. Later, we sipped Margaritas and I watched while she made a real, old-fashioned dinner: hamburgers, corn on the cob, baked beans, and watermelon--very tasty. (I had a small slice of watermelon and was pleased there was no reaction from my tum.)
Gregg came in and made a broccoli dish with miso, which was good, too. I had brought a six-pack of Blue Moon and he and I had that with dinner. The two of us then watched a saved Parts Unknown in which Anthony Bourdain traveled to Iran, while El cleaned up (I should be ashamed). I left a bit after 7:00 and was in bed two hours after that.
I'll be leaving in a few hours to catch the train to San Juan Capistrano, where Carole W. will pick me up. Not sure if I'll post again until Thursday, when I get back, or Friday.

Around Town

Bopped around town all day. Awoke at 7:30, so was able to take the Kimball walk an hour later. (Computer stuff with coffee always comes first.) Home for breakfast, I dared to add five stewed prunes to my usual whole wheat toast and cottage cheese and darned if I didn't get the stomach cramps again! From now on, I'm going to carefully monitor how my stomach reacts to whatever I eat.
Took off for Penney's after and discovered they were having big sales. I bought a very nice bathing suit, skirted, of course, and two crocheted-type tops (one electric blue, one bright rosy red). I'll take both of them to Carole Wimberg's.
Went home for lunch and mulled over what to eat. I looked in the cupboard and found a can of beefaroni--can't imagine why I ever bought it--opened and ate it. Glory be, I didn't have even a twinge after that.
My friend, Doris T. called and asked if we could meet so I could give back the card for Carole F. which I had signed. Sure; in fact, I was a little puzzled that she asked me to take it home to sign. Anyway, we met at Vons.
Went to another store to get a beach coverup. Darn, I want one that opens in the front and has sleeves and had a hard time finding one. Finally did, but I'm not sure if I want to keep it or not--it looks a lot like a bathrobe.
Went to Trader Joe's and got a pretty plant for Ellen in honor of the new fence she just had installed in her patio and painted herself. Stopped at Goodwill after and found a nice wooden--but reasonably light--magazine rack, which I picked up for a buck fifty.
I'm adding here, just for my own info, that I had a sketchy dinner of a tuna sandwich: whole wheat, mayo, and tuna in water. No internal repercussions at all.

Skype and the Pool

Although I didn't get up until 7:30, I walked at Kimball. I was delighted to see Google video and pictures from Tokyo of precious little K. Was also taken aback, but amused, to get an e-mail from older son (K.'s daddy), thanking me for the anniversary card I had sent. I was glad they had gotten it in time for the big day on July 2 until I read further and was informed that their anniversary is on September 10--ha! Don't know how I got that so wrong.
I had been told said son would Skype about 2:00 my time, and I waited in. While I did, I got a call from the western wanderers, my friend and my granddaughters. Had a good chat with all three of them and am looking forward so much to seeing the girls and their Dad on the twelfth.
Ellen called to ask if I wanted to go to the pool, either at her place or mine. Sure, and she said she'd come here. In the meantime, the Tokyo contingent Skyped and we were both able to talk with son, P., daughter-in-law N., and that darling dynamo, little (or not so) K. Talking incredibly well for a two-and-three-quarter-year-old, he told us his train's birthday was on September 17, pronouncing "one" and "seven" in English and showing it on the calendar. At this point, he speaks mostly Japanese, but adds some English and, according to his Dad, sometimes mixes the two in a sentence. Anyway, it was great fun to see and hear him.
After, El and I went to the pool in the middle of the complex, bypassing the one toward the front--lots of noisy kids in there. The water was nice, but it got a little too cool to stay in long--or even stay at the pool--so we lasted only an hour or so. It was fun, though, and El invited me over for the fourth; Greg only works until 5:00, so the three of us will have dinner together. I bought some Blue Moon, which I'll take over, as Greg may enjoy some, too.

Here and There

Didn't walk, as I had to be at SCAN for the T.O.P.S. meeting at 8:45. I was weighed by Crazy Colleen and was pleased to find I'm 3.4 pounds down. However, I wasn't the big weekly loser because Bob lost four. Somebody brought a guest who was visiting from Arizona. She was wearing a bright red tee shirt emblazoned with "Support Our Troops" ("our" in caps underlined just so nobody thought it meant Ugandan troops or something) and silhouettes of soldiers against the ol' red, white, and blue. Okay, that's not unusual, but what bemused me was the fact that she was also carrying a denim purse covered in peace signs. I was tempted to ask her about the juxtaposition, but refrained.
Director Steve, the stuffed shirt personified, came in to announce a new SCAN course conducted by someone skilled in--wait for it--"Healing Vibrations." Steve told us that vibrations, performed or directed by a skilled practitioner, can cure all kinds of physical ills and also make one calm and self-assured He said there was "research" that supported it. I almost, but not quite, challenged him, but kept quiet. Later, I looked it up and found that the vibration idea has been around for more than a hundred years and is, of course, utter and complete hogwash. Yet Steve's announcement was met with some interest--or at least, respectful attention--by the group. Geez,is there no end to the gullibility of the American public? What ever happened to pyramids? Crystals? Auras? All of those and dozens more were touted as "scientific" healers and helps. Here's a good website on the history of vibrations: http://skepdic.com/vibrationalmedicine.html.
Did a lot of paper (computer) work, then met Doris at The Townhomes for music and wine Friday. A guy played guitar and sang the oldies, including, I was pleased to hear, some Hank Williams. It was enjoyable, as ever. Doris brought a card she asked me to sign for Carole, as we're going to take her out for her birthday shortly.
Went from there directly to Ellen's to see the new fence in the patio she had installed to hide the trash receptacles. It looks good and she was preparing to paint it as I arrived. I contributed by watching her work whilst drinking a glass of iced tea, stayed for an hour or so, then departed.
In the evening, I was surprised to get a call from Gabrielle, from whom I hadn't heard for a month or more. We talked for a long time, mainly about her family "issues," which are formidable. She also has a problem with her foot, dislikes her job, and it seems to me, may be clinically depressed. I'll keep in touch with her.

Interview and My House

I did, as it turned out, skip my walk after a wakeful night. Had breakfast late and left out my usual half orange; just had the toast with cottage cheese. I think my occasional stomach aches are exacerbated by fresh fruits and vegetables. When I eat them--and I had been accustomed to a large salad at lunch almost every day--I get cramps. When I have meat, cooked veggies, and pasta, I don't. Okay, okay, if my diagnoses and treatment doesn't work, I'll mention it to the doctor. I have an appointment in a few weeks.
Met Jill, the reporter, at the coffee shop. As it happens, she's an R.N. and, although she's 69, still works part time at the county hospital. I can't remember in what capacity now, but she said her favorite was always the emergency room. However, she transferred, as she thinks the ER is a younger person's field.
Jill is--pretty clearly to this writer--not an experienced reporter. She doesn't get paid for her stuff, so I guess it's sort of a hobby. I had provided her with a resume and a short list of other pertinent information; she said she had read it, but didn't pose many questions that stemmed from the material. Aside from the trite and obvious: "What brought you to California?" "What do you like about the theatre?," she let me fill in a lot. At one point, I said, "I've been murdered three times--shot, stabbed, and suffocated." I remarked that that might make a good, grab-your-attention lead, but I'm not sure she picked up on it. I don't have very high hopes for this article, but if it promotes my class, I'll be satisfied.
We discovered that we both know Carole F.; she's in Jill's book club and I know her from various things we've attended (Carole's the one who hates her husband). Jill told me she's a fifth-generation Californian, has never been to Jersey and knows nothing about it. Hmm... Anyway, we sat and talked for an hour and it was pleasant enough. I'll be interested in seeing what she writes up.
Went directly from there to the library and picked up a few more books, including Being Mortal, another by Dr. Atul Gawande. I just finished his Complications and boy, if he's as good a surgeon as he is a writer, he can operate on me anytime.
Joel, Jr. called to thank me for his birthday/graduation gift. What a good kid he's turned out to be. El also called; she just had a new partial fence put in her patio--to replace the old, which fell--and we discussed it. I'll go over to see it soon. I heard back from my tenant, Eileen, that yes, she'll be delighted to continue the present lease. Good; I think we both lucked out when we found each other.