Walked K., had breakfast, then changed and took off for the Beach Cities Neighbors and Newcomers monthly meeting at 9:30. They have a breakfast spread, of which I used to partake, but now just have fruit. Most of the stuff is sweet--muffins and so on--and even when I wasn't losing weight, I didn't eat it; I don't like sweet stuff in the morning.
Met Doris and Sherry there and they oohed and aahed, as we hadn't seen each other for some time. I wore my new straight-leg jeans, my shoe boots, and a white cam with maroon top over it. If I say it myself, I looked good.
The program was a fashion show, with members modeling clothes from Chico in Oxnard. It was only mildly engaging, but at least wasn't too long. Drove home after, did a few things and had lunch, then took off for town again. Did the museum to library walk after sitting in Mission Park and calling brother Larry in Miami.
I don't watch what passes for news on television, so haven't been following the progress of hurricane Irma news or even the northern California fire news. Until somebody mentioned it, I didn't realize Irma was still on her way. I wasn't able to get in touch with Larry and hoped that didn't mean he's been swept out to sea.
He hasn't, I'm happy to report. My niece, Elaine, put on Facebook that he, Helen, and one of their other daughters (they have four, plus two sons) were on their way up to Jacksonville to wait it out at yet another daughter's home.
Thursday, September 07, 2017
Wednesday, September 06, 2017
My Computer and Father Berrigan
Got lots done and was in a buoyant mood all day.
When I opened the door at 7:15 for my usual Kimball jaunt, I was charmed to find a beautiful little origami swan. It's not the usual kind, but is pure white and kind of pleated--just lovely. I knew Suzanne had left it, along with a copy of Time magazine. I wasn't nearly as charmed by that, but I know she means well.
After breakfast, I cleaned up a bit in preparation for Victor, the computer guy. He got here, as promised, promptly at 10:00. Cleaned up a lot that was slowing the 'puter, but said he was unable to remedy the Word problem. Therefore, he installed a (free) substitute called Office Something. I was fine with that as all my documents are there and I can now add changes. While he was slaving away over the damn thing, I called Nancy and we made a date for lunch on Friday at Mimi's.
As soon as Victor left, I hauled my clothes to the laundry place. Set the timer for thirty minutes and spent that half hour using my trusty Chop Wizard on first, a big cauliflower, then cucumber, then chicken. By the time I finished, I had to put the stuff in the dryer, during which I used up the forty-five minutes it takes to go to the 99 Cent store for a few things. Zipped back home, got my clothes, had lunch (later than usual this time, about 2:15), then left for town.
Went the usual m. to l., then read for an hour.*
It was about 5:00 when I got home and I rang Suzanne's bell to thank her for the swan. She invited me in and we talked for a bit--always a pleasure with her. In fact, I repeated to her the note at the bottom.
Had salmon, fried mushrooms, and Brussels sprouts for dinner; to me, all that is yummy.
BCNN meeting today.
*What I chose was Daniel Berrigan's We Die Before We Live.
A living saint (well, he was living until April of 2016), Father Berrigan has written many books. This one is about his volunteer work at St. Rose Hospital on the hospice ward. What he writes is both spiritual and thoroughly human. I now want to read more by and about him. I do know enough to know that the day he's canonized is the day I'll return to the Church.
Fat chance.
When I opened the door at 7:15 for my usual Kimball jaunt, I was charmed to find a beautiful little origami swan. It's not the usual kind, but is pure white and kind of pleated--just lovely. I knew Suzanne had left it, along with a copy of Time magazine. I wasn't nearly as charmed by that, but I know she means well.
After breakfast, I cleaned up a bit in preparation for Victor, the computer guy. He got here, as promised, promptly at 10:00. Cleaned up a lot that was slowing the 'puter, but said he was unable to remedy the Word problem. Therefore, he installed a (free) substitute called Office Something. I was fine with that as all my documents are there and I can now add changes. While he was slaving away over the damn thing, I called Nancy and we made a date for lunch on Friday at Mimi's.
As soon as Victor left, I hauled my clothes to the laundry place. Set the timer for thirty minutes and spent that half hour using my trusty Chop Wizard on first, a big cauliflower, then cucumber, then chicken. By the time I finished, I had to put the stuff in the dryer, during which I used up the forty-five minutes it takes to go to the 99 Cent store for a few things. Zipped back home, got my clothes, had lunch (later than usual this time, about 2:15), then left for town.
Went the usual m. to l., then read for an hour.*
It was about 5:00 when I got home and I rang Suzanne's bell to thank her for the swan. She invited me in and we talked for a bit--always a pleasure with her. In fact, I repeated to her the note at the bottom.
Had salmon, fried mushrooms, and Brussels sprouts for dinner; to me, all that is yummy.
BCNN meeting today.
*What I chose was Daniel Berrigan's We Die Before We Live.
A living saint (well, he was living until April of 2016), Father Berrigan has written many books. This one is about his volunteer work at St. Rose Hospital on the hospice ward. What he writes is both spiritual and thoroughly human. I now want to read more by and about him. I do know enough to know that the day he's canonized is the day I'll return to the Church.
Fat chance.
Tuesday, September 05, 2017
Brothers
Kimballed my Kimball (I'm trying to jazz things up a bit, rather than start with the same thing every day. I don't want to omit the info, though.). After breakfast, I zipped over to WinCo for supplies, mostly veggies.
Called Alameda brother, Frank, who said he was "fair," which I think is an accurate assessment. His physical condition may--or may not--have improved, but he seemed a little more confused than he did. He used to follow the routine of a long walk, then a coffee shop every early morning; sadly, he can no longer do that. Called Virginia brother Jim after that. His Therese answered and we discussed her own "getting on" woes: She has had a neck condition for which she had surgery years ago. It's now worsening and she dreads the idea of having it again. She is an R.N. and knows the routine, I'm afraid. Think I'll call Florida brother, Larry, today, just to touch all brotherly bases.
Dressed for the widder lunch group and joined the gang at noon.
We had a new member: Elise, who lost her husband to cancer less than a year ago. The regulars there were Susan, Gayle, Carolyn, Donna, and me, and I had my usual: the tangerines I had brought myself and a nice glass of Chardonnay. You get a free piece of pie on Mondays--they even give it to me, although I don't order a meal--and I gave mine to Elise.
Went from there directly to town, parked at the museum and walked to the library. Wouldn't you know it was closed for Labor Day. That was all right, though, because I got my walk in. Got home earlier than usual, about 3:00, had a big dish of broccoli, then filled in my new password book. The old one was very messy with cross-outs and notations I don't use anymore.
Computer guy is due today at 10:00. I fervently hope he can get my Word back in shape.
Called Alameda brother, Frank, who said he was "fair," which I think is an accurate assessment. His physical condition may--or may not--have improved, but he seemed a little more confused than he did. He used to follow the routine of a long walk, then a coffee shop every early morning; sadly, he can no longer do that. Called Virginia brother Jim after that. His Therese answered and we discussed her own "getting on" woes: She has had a neck condition for which she had surgery years ago. It's now worsening and she dreads the idea of having it again. She is an R.N. and knows the routine, I'm afraid. Think I'll call Florida brother, Larry, today, just to touch all brotherly bases.
Dressed for the widder lunch group and joined the gang at noon.
We had a new member: Elise, who lost her husband to cancer less than a year ago. The regulars there were Susan, Gayle, Carolyn, Donna, and me, and I had my usual: the tangerines I had brought myself and a nice glass of Chardonnay. You get a free piece of pie on Mondays--they even give it to me, although I don't order a meal--and I gave mine to Elise.
Went from there directly to town, parked at the museum and walked to the library. Wouldn't you know it was closed for Labor Day. That was all right, though, because I got my walk in. Got home earlier than usual, about 3:00, had a big dish of broccoli, then filled in my new password book. The old one was very messy with cross-outs and notations I don't use anymore.
Computer guy is due today at 10:00. I fervently hope he can get my Word back in shape.
Monday, September 04, 2017
Dudley House
Walked Kimball, had breakfast, did the crossword, and ran out to the store for blueberries. As I was getting in the car, I saw a tall, very thin man shuffling toward me on a walker. I surmised this was the "Ken" Suzanne had mentioned and was trying to help. I introduced myself and we chatted for ten minutes or so.
Ken has cataracts and can see very little. He can no longer drive and, according to Suzanne, is alone in the world. He had been an industrial engineer, never married, and seemingly, has no relatives at all. (That's a situation difficult for me to grasp, as I'm so rich in family, immediate and extended.) Anyway, I hope I can help in some way.
Showered, then dressed for Dudley House. My outfit looks good, but hoo-boy, was it hot with that stuff on. We're having a very uncharacteristic heat wave of 80s and 90s and Dudley House is not, of course, air-conditioned. However, I got there, Lynn and other docent, Connie, came shortly and I actually enjoyed the day. We had a total of nine people in four groups, all of whom were very interested and appreciative. I was simply a greeter, but I tried to incorporate some extra zing into my presentation by introducing myself as Caroline Dudley and giving a few facts about the house. The place is open for tours on the first Sunday of the month from 1 to 4. The three of us were able to chat in between "customers" and it was very enjoyable. I asked docent director Lynn for some brochures, which I'll bring to the VCS meeting this month.
Got home just as Suzanne did and I asked her to take my picture in the docent outfit. I changed and we then sat outside and talked for a half hour or so; always a pleasure to do that. Called Betty after dinner, as yesterday was the fourteenth anniversary of her Jay's death; we had a good, sisterly talk.
For the second day, I didn't get to the town walk, but will resume today.
Ken has cataracts and can see very little. He can no longer drive and, according to Suzanne, is alone in the world. He had been an industrial engineer, never married, and seemingly, has no relatives at all. (That's a situation difficult for me to grasp, as I'm so rich in family, immediate and extended.) Anyway, I hope I can help in some way.
Showered, then dressed for Dudley House. My outfit looks good, but hoo-boy, was it hot with that stuff on. We're having a very uncharacteristic heat wave of 80s and 90s and Dudley House is not, of course, air-conditioned. However, I got there, Lynn and other docent, Connie, came shortly and I actually enjoyed the day. We had a total of nine people in four groups, all of whom were very interested and appreciative. I was simply a greeter, but I tried to incorporate some extra zing into my presentation by introducing myself as Caroline Dudley and giving a few facts about the house. The place is open for tours on the first Sunday of the month from 1 to 4. The three of us were able to chat in between "customers" and it was very enjoyable. I asked docent director Lynn for some brochures, which I'll bring to the VCS meeting this month.
Got home just as Suzanne did and I asked her to take my picture in the docent outfit. I changed and we then sat outside and talked for a half hour or so; always a pleasure to do that. Called Betty after dinner, as yesterday was the fourteenth anniversary of her Jay's death; we had a good, sisterly talk.
For the second day, I didn't get to the town walk, but will resume today.
Sunday, September 03, 2017
Good One
An enjoyable day. After walking Kimball and breakfast, I fooled around with my Dudley House costume. Added a black ribbon for around the neck and a gold chain with a fish on it. I'll take one of my fans, of course; I'm going to need it, as Dudley House isn't air-conditioned. This is not, of course, the kind of fan I have going as I type. The one I'll take to Dudley House has a wood frame and is made of old, gauzy material. You fan it out, then wave it back and forth in front of your face to create cooling air. Interesting concept.
Called Ellen, who said she was about to call me, as she wanted to go to Ventura and look for extra sheets at thrift stores. She knows I frequent those establishments and asked for recommendations. I decided on The Bargain Box and Cat's Cradle, both high-end types. She asked if I wanted to get manicure, too--sure thing--and she made appointments at 4:00 at Jessica Nails for both of us.
In the meantime, I ran out to Wal-Mart for a few items, including a birthday card for Mr. K., soon to be four years old. I wanted to send it off yesterday, and the gift (probably from Amazon Japan) will follow. I ran into Doris there and we chatted for a bit. I see her on Wednesday at the BCNN meeting.
El got here at 2:00 and we set off for the stores mentioned above, with a side trip to the post office. She didn't find the sheets she wanted, as she buys only 100 percent cotton and these were blends. She did buy a decorative pillow for her sofa and I bought a rockin' purple kind of sweater shrug. We then went to our nail appointments, after stopping at Wendy's for iced tea. She got gel, I got regular, and we both chose soft pink polish. By the time we left, it was five o'clock, so El dropped me off and we said goodbye.
I was home before I realized I hadn't don't the town walk for the first time in weeks, if not months. I go to Dudley House at 1:00 so probably, I don't do it today, either, but that's okay.
Called Ellen, who said she was about to call me, as she wanted to go to Ventura and look for extra sheets at thrift stores. She knows I frequent those establishments and asked for recommendations. I decided on The Bargain Box and Cat's Cradle, both high-end types. She asked if I wanted to get manicure, too--sure thing--and she made appointments at 4:00 at Jessica Nails for both of us.
In the meantime, I ran out to Wal-Mart for a few items, including a birthday card for Mr. K., soon to be four years old. I wanted to send it off yesterday, and the gift (probably from Amazon Japan) will follow. I ran into Doris there and we chatted for a bit. I see her on Wednesday at the BCNN meeting.
El got here at 2:00 and we set off for the stores mentioned above, with a side trip to the post office. She didn't find the sheets she wanted, as she buys only 100 percent cotton and these were blends. She did buy a decorative pillow for her sofa and I bought a rockin' purple kind of sweater shrug. We then went to our nail appointments, after stopping at Wendy's for iced tea. She got gel, I got regular, and we both chose soft pink polish. By the time we left, it was five o'clock, so El dropped me off and we said goodbye.
I was home before I realized I hadn't don't the town walk for the first time in weeks, if not months. I go to Dudley House at 1:00 so probably, I don't do it today, either, but that's okay.
Saturday, September 02, 2017
Two Danas and the Townehouse
Busy day. Walked Kimball, then went to T.O.P.S. I was pleased to have lost another 3.8 pounds for a total of 34 off. Also, I'm now in the 140s (148.4), which is nice to know. We have a new member, Robin, who's on dialysis--I'm not sure the reason.
Had breakfast, then changed and tidied up a bit. Carolyn and her friend, Dana, came about 11:30. It's amusing that Carolyn's husband is also named Dana; I was told they refer to him as "Boy Dana" and her as "Girl Dana." We sat and talked for a bit; Dana was Carolyn's across-the-street neighbor for several years when they lived in one section of Santa Barbara; when they moved, Dana said, "I cried for days." She and husband--I assume they don't have children--bought a condo overlooking Grant Park just four months ago. She's 55, but retired and they go to Baja, California for annual, month-long visits. I suggested Jasmine Thai for lunch and we went there. It was good as ever; I had some kind of mild veggie stir-fry and a Singh beer.
After, we went to The Townehouse to visit Dana's mother, who lives there. It's been months since I've been to their Friday wine and music gatherings, but Activities Director Anne remembered me. I also saw Joe LaRocca and we greeted each other happily. Dana's mother has a nice two-bedroom on the seventh floor, with gorgeous views of the ocean. We were introduced, but unfortunately, she was in bed at the time; didn't feel well and she suffers with arthritis.
Carolyn and Dana dropped me off at my place later and I changed again, then drove to town. Damn, it was hot, but I walk on the shady side, so it was bearable. However, when I got to the library, I found it was closed because of the heat. No matter, as the walk is the important thing.
Stopped at WinCo on the way home and got lovely grapes, blueberries, and raspberries.
Had breakfast, then changed and tidied up a bit. Carolyn and her friend, Dana, came about 11:30. It's amusing that Carolyn's husband is also named Dana; I was told they refer to him as "Boy Dana" and her as "Girl Dana." We sat and talked for a bit; Dana was Carolyn's across-the-street neighbor for several years when they lived in one section of Santa Barbara; when they moved, Dana said, "I cried for days." She and husband--I assume they don't have children--bought a condo overlooking Grant Park just four months ago. She's 55, but retired and they go to Baja, California for annual, month-long visits. I suggested Jasmine Thai for lunch and we went there. It was good as ever; I had some kind of mild veggie stir-fry and a Singh beer.
After, we went to The Townehouse to visit Dana's mother, who lives there. It's been months since I've been to their Friday wine and music gatherings, but Activities Director Anne remembered me. I also saw Joe LaRocca and we greeted each other happily. Dana's mother has a nice two-bedroom on the seventh floor, with gorgeous views of the ocean. We were introduced, but unfortunately, she was in bed at the time; didn't feel well and she suffers with arthritis.
Carolyn and Dana dropped me off at my place later and I changed again, then drove to town. Damn, it was hot, but I walk on the shady side, so it was bearable. However, when I got to the library, I found it was closed because of the heat. No matter, as the walk is the important thing.
Stopped at WinCo on the way home and got lovely grapes, blueberries, and raspberries.
Friday, September 01, 2017
Nuttin' Much
The nurse--actually, nurses, as there were two of them--were at Kimball and my BP was better: 122/80. That was after my walk, though.
Nothing much going on yesterday except I spent a fair amount of time cleaning the apartment. Walked both walks, of course, and since I got up late, hot as hell. I decided I'd skip the afternoon one if it seemed iffy to walk in the heat. However, it was cooler in town and I walk on the shady side of Main Street, so I was okay with it.
I'm happy to say that "Victor" (Sacco or Sarno, I can't read my own handwriting), the computer guy, called me back and we arranged for him to come on Tuesday. Sounds like a classic nerd, actually.
I was annoyed with myself for sleeping so late--didn't get up until 7:00 and was afraid my little mechanical alarm clock didn't work. I set my phone to alarm mode and both went off as scheduled (6:15) this morning, so that's okay.
T.O.P.S. today, then niece Carolyn and her friend will cover over and we'll go to lunch.
Nothing much going on yesterday except I spent a fair amount of time cleaning the apartment. Walked both walks, of course, and since I got up late, hot as hell. I decided I'd skip the afternoon one if it seemed iffy to walk in the heat. However, it was cooler in town and I walk on the shady side of Main Street, so I was okay with it.
I'm happy to say that "Victor" (Sacco or Sarno, I can't read my own handwriting), the computer guy, called me back and we arranged for him to come on Tuesday. Sounds like a classic nerd, actually.
I was annoyed with myself for sleeping so late--didn't get up until 7:00 and was afraid my little mechanical alarm clock didn't work. I set my phone to alarm mode and both went off as scheduled (6:15) this morning, so that's okay.
T.O.P.S. today, then niece Carolyn and her friend will cover over and we'll go to lunch.
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THURSDAY
Lunched with Kathie, LaVerne, Paula, and Mary in the decorated dining room. It was "Japan Day" and my Samuri warrior graced the fi...
