Good grief, I just got up at 8:30! Guess because I was so active yesterday, but that's a good thing.
Here's how it went: I didn't walk, I'm afraid, once I got the paper and felt how cold it was. Started gathering some of the Christmas stuff until it was time to leave for T.O.P.S. at 8:30. I hadn't been there for several weeks; there was just too much going on, considering my birthday, Christmas, the party, and so on. Got on the scale and found I've gained four pounds.
Actually, I wasn't too upset at this. I knew I had gained some and I had been in the habit of wearing the same thing every weigh-in: shorts and a light blouse. This time, though, it was chilly, I had wool slacks on and a long-sleeved pullover. So I have a baseline and that's okay.
Everybody welcomed me back and it was nice to be with them. During the meeting, I was told that someone who also lives in Vntura Del Sol had joined. Leader Lolly passed out copies of the roster, with her info on it, so I'll call her. Her last name is "Tanner," which is the same as that of my friend, Doris, so I called her to see if they're related. Unlikely, she said, but she was going to call me. Did I get the latest copy of Ventura magazine? Yes, but I hadn't looked at it. Doris told me to turn to page 23; when I did, I saw "Acting for Amateurs" listed as beginning in March!
I had no idea the director, Hans, was going to re-list it, as he hadn't notified me. However, after my first surprise, I thought, "well, why not?" I would do the SCAN one on Saturdays and there's no reason I couldn't have two classes. So, we'll see what happens.
I spent a lot of time trying to find the book of poems Suzanne gave me, and couldn't. In desperation, I called Carolyn, who said it had been left at her house, and she gav it to Betty to give me the other day. However, she forgot and I called to ask her to send it.
I had seven very large onions and I cut them up, used the mandolin to slice them, added olive oil and garlic, and put it in the slow cooker. Left it on a few hours and it looks good, although I haven't tasted it yet. Got a lot of that pesky financial stuff done, including calls to Penney's (I had forgotten to pay my credit card last time, but I persuaded them to drop the $35 late fee) and A.T. & T. (I don't owe that at all, but got info on switching all to them), and a few others.
I heard it might rain again over the next few days, so took my dark clothes to the laundry. In between back and forth, I stored the Xmas stuff, dry-Swiffered the floors, and took the trash to the--well, the trash receptacle.
Went to the library to take a boring CD back and pick up one that looked more interesting. Went to Smart 'n' Final and got salmon, chicken, grapes, and a few other things. As I pulled into my spot, I remembered that a few steps from the path is a lime tree and I--yes, I picked myself a beautiful lime, and had it with my salmon for dinner. I must say, there's nothing like stolen goods to perk up your fish--.
Saturday, January 07, 2017
Friday, January 06, 2017
Various
Blub, blub, it was raining again when I got up, so no walk yesterday, either.
However, it cleared in a few hours and I was able to get at least the whites and lights to the laundry building. Took my few--but more than I thought--Christmas decorations down and will store them as soon as I got a larger container. They seem to have multiplied since the holiday.
Nancy called and we had a long, long talk. She asked if Tuesday was okay to go to the Chumash Casino via bus. Perfect, and it's good for Carole, too, so that's what we'll do. Betty called to say she wouldn't go back to the east coast tomorrow as scheduled, but would stay in California until her knee heals.
Went to Wal-Mart for a few things, then stopped to browse in a new thrift shop that opened. This is a pricey one, with a lot of great stuff; I didn't buy, though. Went to Barnes & Noble and discovered that the gift card Sherry thought was depleted, actually has forty bucks on it--yoicks! I certainly want to give it back to her, but I'm not absolutely sure somebody else at the party didn't give it to me. I e-mailed those whose gifts I didn't know, and asked them to let me know.
Called Ellen, then stopped over to get a bigger container for my Christmas stuff.
However, it cleared in a few hours and I was able to get at least the whites and lights to the laundry building. Took my few--but more than I thought--Christmas decorations down and will store them as soon as I got a larger container. They seem to have multiplied since the holiday.
Nancy called and we had a long, long talk. She asked if Tuesday was okay to go to the Chumash Casino via bus. Perfect, and it's good for Carole, too, so that's what we'll do. Betty called to say she wouldn't go back to the east coast tomorrow as scheduled, but would stay in California until her knee heals.
Went to Wal-Mart for a few things, then stopped to browse in a new thrift shop that opened. This is a pricey one, with a lot of great stuff; I didn't buy, though. Went to Barnes & Noble and discovered that the gift card Sherry thought was depleted, actually has forty bucks on it--yoicks! I certainly want to give it back to her, but I'm not absolutely sure somebody else at the party didn't give it to me. I e-mailed those whose gifts I didn't know, and asked them to let me know.
Called Ellen, then stopped over to get a bigger container for my Christmas stuff.
Thursday, January 05, 2017
BCNN and Mimi's
I had set the alarm for 7:00 and got up then, although was tempted to go back to bed. However, I didn't, washed, had my coffee, dressed, and got to the BCNN meeting by 9:30...
...in the pouring rain! Yes, it was raining--geez, it was like Jersey, so annoying--but I had found my umbrella, so braved the storm. Nancy, Carole, and Sherry were already there and had saved me a seat. I was taken aback to hear from Nancy that she had tried to join, but was told since she lives in Oakview (near Ojai) and it's not a beach city, that she couldn't. Later, though, she talked to the membership chair and they allowed her to join.
It was announced that we'll no longer meet at the museum because they raised the fee for the room from $300 per session to $450. Instead, the officers have gotten the Knights of Columbus, which is nearby and actually has more parking, always a concern in southern Cal.
Nancy, Carole, and I then went to Mimi's for lunch--or rather, breakfast for them, as they both had fried eggs. I wasn't at all hungry, having eaten sweet stuff, which I don't like during the day, but for some reason, almost all the food at the buffet consists of muffins, brownies, and similar fare. I just had a side of herbed potatoes (hash brown type) and a mimosa, which was yummy.
We were there for almost two hours talking, mostly about our former and present husbands (Carole and Nancy have been married twice and three times respectively), but finally left, with rain still falling. I drove home immediately and stayed in the rest of the day. (Guess that shows I'm getting to be a real west coaster.)
Betty called to say she had had a sudden problem with her knee. Steve took her to an walk-in emergency place, where they ex-rayed it. Could be either ligaments and cartilage or whatever, I guess. Anyway, it doesn't hurt at all except when she walks.
...in the pouring rain! Yes, it was raining--geez, it was like Jersey, so annoying--but I had found my umbrella, so braved the storm. Nancy, Carole, and Sherry were already there and had saved me a seat. I was taken aback to hear from Nancy that she had tried to join, but was told since she lives in Oakview (near Ojai) and it's not a beach city, that she couldn't. Later, though, she talked to the membership chair and they allowed her to join.
It was announced that we'll no longer meet at the museum because they raised the fee for the room from $300 per session to $450. Instead, the officers have gotten the Knights of Columbus, which is nearby and actually has more parking, always a concern in southern Cal.
Nancy, Carole, and I then went to Mimi's for lunch--or rather, breakfast for them, as they both had fried eggs. I wasn't at all hungry, having eaten sweet stuff, which I don't like during the day, but for some reason, almost all the food at the buffet consists of muffins, brownies, and similar fare. I just had a side of herbed potatoes (hash brown type) and a mimosa, which was yummy.
We were there for almost two hours talking, mostly about our former and present husbands (Carole and Nancy have been married twice and three times respectively), but finally left, with rain still falling. I drove home immediately and stayed in the rest of the day. (Guess that shows I'm getting to be a real west coaster.)
Betty called to say she had had a sudden problem with her knee. Steve took her to an walk-in emergency place, where they ex-rayed it. Could be either ligaments and cartilage or whatever, I guess. Anyway, it doesn't hurt at all except when she walks.
Wednesday, January 04, 2017
Santa Barbara
As ever during the holiday season, activities continued apace.*
I walked Kimball, then came home and made Betty a fried egg breakfast. Steve and Dex came about noon and stayed to chat for thirty or so, then off they went. Betty will stay over with them until Friday, when her plane leaves.
Tidied up and had lunch, after which Ellen and Greg came to pick me up. We drove to Santa Barbara, dropped Greg off at Chaucer's Books, got gas, picked him up again, and went to his mother's new condo on State Street.
This is such a great place for Roz. If I wanted to live in SB (and had the seven- or eight-hundred thou price tag), it would be great for me, too. It's on the ground floor in a very attractive, Spanish adobe style; two beds, bath and a half, tiled kitchen, master suite with built-ins, and lovely garden patio--nice location, too.
We visited for a short time, then drove up in the hills to Mike's and Paula's. The view was still spectacular--virtually the whole of Santa Barbara, plus a big swatch of the ocean--and the house beautiful. We had brought our suits, but considering the very cool weather, only El and the girls went in. (The pool was set at 90 degrees and the hot tub warmer than that, but you have to eventually get out.) Mike joined them for a bit, then turned his attention to dinner. Paula was occupied much of the time with packing to leave, but sat down often to talk.
About 5:00, Mike took Vivian to meet her cuz, Claire, at Claire's gymnastic practice while live wire Violet entertained us. That eight-year-old has a vivid imagination, remarkable command of language, and a wonderfully engaging personality. While she and Ellen frolicked in the pool, Greg and I chatted.
Mike came back and busied himself with dinner prep. When El got out of the pool, she made the salad, and so on. Niece Carolyn came in, bringing Vivian and Claire, and we talked until dinnertime, which was surf and turf, plus mixed veggies, all on the grill, and delicious.
After a leisurely dinner and good talk, we said goodbye to Carolyn and Claire (who goes back to school today); by the time, it was 9:30, past my usual bedtime, but I didn't care. We stayed another half hour while El and Greg cleaned up the kitchen, then said goodbye, always a difficult time for me. Mike and family will leave SB today, stay over in L.A., then fly back to Singapore on Thursday. Darn.
Got home and went right to bed. By that time, it was 11:00, but I set the alarm for 7:00, so got about my usual hours of sleep. Must get ready for the BCNN breakfast meeting now.
* I think that's from Samuel Johnson's memoirs--I'm a sucker for two-hundred-year-old phrases.
I walked Kimball, then came home and made Betty a fried egg breakfast. Steve and Dex came about noon and stayed to chat for thirty or so, then off they went. Betty will stay over with them until Friday, when her plane leaves.
Tidied up and had lunch, after which Ellen and Greg came to pick me up. We drove to Santa Barbara, dropped Greg off at Chaucer's Books, got gas, picked him up again, and went to his mother's new condo on State Street.
This is such a great place for Roz. If I wanted to live in SB (and had the seven- or eight-hundred thou price tag), it would be great for me, too. It's on the ground floor in a very attractive, Spanish adobe style; two beds, bath and a half, tiled kitchen, master suite with built-ins, and lovely garden patio--nice location, too.
We visited for a short time, then drove up in the hills to Mike's and Paula's. The view was still spectacular--virtually the whole of Santa Barbara, plus a big swatch of the ocean--and the house beautiful. We had brought our suits, but considering the very cool weather, only El and the girls went in. (The pool was set at 90 degrees and the hot tub warmer than that, but you have to eventually get out.) Mike joined them for a bit, then turned his attention to dinner. Paula was occupied much of the time with packing to leave, but sat down often to talk.
About 5:00, Mike took Vivian to meet her cuz, Claire, at Claire's gymnastic practice while live wire Violet entertained us. That eight-year-old has a vivid imagination, remarkable command of language, and a wonderfully engaging personality. While she and Ellen frolicked in the pool, Greg and I chatted.
Mike came back and busied himself with dinner prep. When El got out of the pool, she made the salad, and so on. Niece Carolyn came in, bringing Vivian and Claire, and we talked until dinnertime, which was surf and turf, plus mixed veggies, all on the grill, and delicious.
After a leisurely dinner and good talk, we said goodbye to Carolyn and Claire (who goes back to school today); by the time, it was 9:30, past my usual bedtime, but I didn't care. We stayed another half hour while El and Greg cleaned up the kitchen, then said goodbye, always a difficult time for me. Mike and family will leave SB today, stay over in L.A., then fly back to Singapore on Thursday. Darn.
Got home and went right to bed. By that time, it was 11:00, but I set the alarm for 7:00, so got about my usual hours of sleep. Must get ready for the BCNN breakfast meeting now.
* I think that's from Samuel Johnson's memoirs--I'm a sucker for two-hundred-year-old phrases.
Tuesday, January 03, 2017
Dinner for Three
Walked Kimball. Had breakfast, then tidied up the place until Betty and Carolyn got here about 10:30. Said goodbye to Carolyn, then chatted until time to go the the Soaring Spirits lunch at noon.
That was fun and Betty enjoyed it a lot. There were only eight of us there, but we had a good time. Went afterward to the 99 cent store, then to Wal-Mart for this and that. Betty wanted to watch the Rose Bowl when we got home and we had some difficulty in getting ESPN until I knocked on Suzanne's (next) door, and she told us what channel. wanted to get a birthday card sent, so went to the post office while Betty watched, but it was closed--I forgot it was New Year's Day "observed." No problem, it should get to Jersey by Saturday.
I had invited Suzanne to come at 6:00, but the game was still going on, so I knocked on her door and asked if I could just let her know when it was over. It finally was--at 6:30--and I went to get her.
I had made a salad earlier, set the table, and put the meatballs and sauce in the slow cooker, so I just had to boil up a pot of water and put the spaghetti in. Did so, we sat down and had a fun time. Betty and Suzanne hit if off immediately and we talked and laughed until 8:00, when Suzanne left.
Cleaned up, watched some T.V., then went to bed after an enjoyable day.
That was fun and Betty enjoyed it a lot. There were only eight of us there, but we had a good time. Went afterward to the 99 cent store, then to Wal-Mart for this and that. Betty wanted to watch the Rose Bowl when we got home and we had some difficulty in getting ESPN until I knocked on Suzanne's (next) door, and she told us what channel. wanted to get a birthday card sent, so went to the post office while Betty watched, but it was closed--I forgot it was New Year's Day "observed." No problem, it should get to Jersey by Saturday.
I had invited Suzanne to come at 6:00, but the game was still going on, so I knocked on her door and asked if I could just let her know when it was over. It finally was--at 6:30--and I went to get her.
I had made a salad earlier, set the table, and put the meatballs and sauce in the slow cooker, so I just had to boil up a pot of water and put the spaghetti in. Did so, we sat down and had a fun time. Betty and Suzanne hit if off immediately and we talked and laughed until 8:00, when Suzanne left.
Cleaned up, watched some T.V., then went to bed after an enjoyable day.
Monday, January 02, 2017
Activities
I walked the walk!
Okay, I admit I had stopped walking Kimball, but it's a new year and I'm turning over a new leaf. Walked this morning and will do so every day from now on.
Got several calls, including from Sherry, who informed me she had given me the wrong Barnes & Noble gift card--she thinks a depleted one, as she found the other in her purse. Well, I'll check it out, then see her on Wednesday at the BCNN thing.
Spent time making a verse for Sailboat Sue, then putting in a handmade card. I think I'll give her the succulent plant I got at Cat's Cradle. Called my dear friend, Marge, who turned 90 the day after Christmas, and was delighted that she's actually doing somewhat better than she had. Betty called; she'll stay over tonight after we go to the widder lunch. I invited Suzanne to come for dinner here, too. Went to WinCo for this and that.
Mike, still in San Diego, e-mailed, inviting us to come to their place up in the hills, for early dinner tomorrow.; they leave for Singapore on Wednesday. Ellen, Greg, and I will do that, but the others are leaving today.
Arrived at El's at 5:00. She and Greg served a delicious vegan dinner. El had made soup--tomato based, with carrots, potatoes, and other veggies--and Greg an excellent cabbage kind of stir-fry. The five of us greatly enjoyed it, along with Riesling, pinot grigio, and dark German beer.
Sat and chatted after, of course, then headed home.
Okay, I admit I had stopped walking Kimball, but it's a new year and I'm turning over a new leaf. Walked this morning and will do so every day from now on.
Got several calls, including from Sherry, who informed me she had given me the wrong Barnes & Noble gift card--she thinks a depleted one, as she found the other in her purse. Well, I'll check it out, then see her on Wednesday at the BCNN thing.
Spent time making a verse for Sailboat Sue, then putting in a handmade card. I think I'll give her the succulent plant I got at Cat's Cradle. Called my dear friend, Marge, who turned 90 the day after Christmas, and was delighted that she's actually doing somewhat better than she had. Betty called; she'll stay over tonight after we go to the widder lunch. I invited Suzanne to come for dinner here, too. Went to WinCo for this and that.
Mike, still in San Diego, e-mailed, inviting us to come to their place up in the hills, for early dinner tomorrow.; they leave for Singapore on Wednesday. Ellen, Greg, and I will do that, but the others are leaving today.
Arrived at El's at 5:00. She and Greg served a delicious vegan dinner. El had made soup--tomato based, with carrots, potatoes, and other veggies--and Greg an excellent cabbage kind of stir-fry. The five of us greatly enjoyed it, along with Riesling, pinot grigio, and dark German beer.
Sat and chatted after, of course, then headed home.
Sunday, January 01, 2017
So Long to 2016
Got a fair number of errands and chores done. It rained--so annoying--but at least I found my umbrella.
Called Betty, who will come for the widder lunch tomorrow, stay over with me, then continue on to her son's in L.A. for the trip home. I'm thinking of asking Suzanne next door if she'd like to come over for dinner with us. I have meatballs and sauce left over and will get get more spaghetti, add a salad and Chianti, and we're in business.
Called brother Larry to thank him for coming to the party and the gift; he called me back from the airport. He'll be back in Miami now. Called brother Frank for ditto, but he wasn't home. Marybeth answered and said she'll tell him I called, but I'm not sure if she'll remember. Completing the trilogy, I called dear brother Jim, in Virginia, and we had a good talk. The thought of my world without him is overwhelmingly sorrowful to me. I must think of something he'll really like for his ninety-first in February.
Went to the supermarket for pantry items and the library for mental supplies. Got a message from my cousin, Sally, in San Diego--darn, called her back with a message, then she called me back. I was sorry to hear she had fractured her hip shortly before Thanksgiving. Had surgery and it seems to be healing. Sal is just fifteen days younger than my brother, Frank; both will be 82 in January. She was very athletic--ran marathons until she was in her seventies--and is determined to get her strength back.
Talked to friend Nancy, who had greatly enjoyed the party, and we had a long chat. I'll see her and my other friends who were there on Wednesday at the BCNN breakfast.
El called to invite me to dinner today and that will be fun. Mike and Paula left for San Diego to see her father, but will be back tomorrow or Tuesay, I think. They leave to go back to Singapore on Wednesday--sob!
Did some financial stuff, which is now a pleasure, since I'm rolling in dough--ha! Okay, these things are relative, but considering the lower rent and health insurance, I really do have plenty for my needs and I'm happy with it. Good thing, as I desperately need new tires.
When I was driving back from the bank, I saw a glorious rainbow arcing across the sky. A sign? An omen? No, I don't think so, but nevertheless, it lifted my spirits on the last day of 2016.
Called Betty, who will come for the widder lunch tomorrow, stay over with me, then continue on to her son's in L.A. for the trip home. I'm thinking of asking Suzanne next door if she'd like to come over for dinner with us. I have meatballs and sauce left over and will get get more spaghetti, add a salad and Chianti, and we're in business.
Called brother Larry to thank him for coming to the party and the gift; he called me back from the airport. He'll be back in Miami now. Called brother Frank for ditto, but he wasn't home. Marybeth answered and said she'll tell him I called, but I'm not sure if she'll remember. Completing the trilogy, I called dear brother Jim, in Virginia, and we had a good talk. The thought of my world without him is overwhelmingly sorrowful to me. I must think of something he'll really like for his ninety-first in February.
Went to the supermarket for pantry items and the library for mental supplies. Got a message from my cousin, Sally, in San Diego--darn, called her back with a message, then she called me back. I was sorry to hear she had fractured her hip shortly before Thanksgiving. Had surgery and it seems to be healing. Sal is just fifteen days younger than my brother, Frank; both will be 82 in January. She was very athletic--ran marathons until she was in her seventies--and is determined to get her strength back.
Talked to friend Nancy, who had greatly enjoyed the party, and we had a long chat. I'll see her and my other friends who were there on Wednesday at the BCNN breakfast.
El called to invite me to dinner today and that will be fun. Mike and Paula left for San Diego to see her father, but will be back tomorrow or Tuesay, I think. They leave to go back to Singapore on Wednesday--sob!
Did some financial stuff, which is now a pleasure, since I'm rolling in dough--ha! Okay, these things are relative, but considering the lower rent and health insurance, I really do have plenty for my needs and I'm happy with it. Good thing, as I desperately need new tires.
When I was driving back from the bank, I saw a glorious rainbow arcing across the sky. A sign? An omen? No, I don't think so, but nevertheless, it lifted my spirits on the last day of 2016.
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WEDNESDAY
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