Breakfasted, showered, dressed, and set off for the Soaring Spirits lunch at the Stonefire Grille. It was a lovely warm day and I walked to it, deviating to Colony Park, where I used to live just to look over my old apartments.
It was a good group at the lunch, but I was surprised Nancy wasn't there; I had talked to her on Sunday and she assured me she was going. Unfortunately, Carolyn told me Nancy's back was acting up again and she just couldn't get there. So sorry and I'll call her today.
Sat with Carolyn and talked mostly to her and Greg. He's still waiting for a kidney transplant, but is not yet at the stage where he needs dialysis. I told him about my neighbor, Gordon, who does his dialysis at home. Chatted with the others, then left to take the bus to town.
On the way, though, it occurred to me that I wanted to continue work on my play and that I had a lot to do involving my trip, so I just got to the transit center and took the 6 home. Was on the phone and email with my contact and lots has been settled regarding my trip.
Betty called while I was at lunch, but for some reason, I didn't hear it. Called her back several times, finally got her and she more or less forgot why she had called--sigh.
I was pleased to get a message from Jim C., saying how much he enjoyed the lasagna and company the other night at dinner. Writing back and forth, we made dates to attend the Dudley House potluck on the fifteenth and the Santa Barbara opera company at the library in town on the thirty-first.
I received a handwritten letter--yes, in regular U.S. mail--from my cousin, John, in Plymouth Meeting, PA. It's all about his genealogical pursuits--on my father's, the Irish side, of course. John has now gone so far afield--cousins of cousins of cousins--that a lot is hard to follow. However, I'm gong to write him back an appreciative letter and send it snail mail, too.
This is the 38th birthday of my grandson in Jersey, Joel Michael Phillips. Wow.
Note: Darn, this was a very bad night when it came to sleep. Got up for the usual at about 1:00 and just could not get back. I finally got up at 6:45, as I'm expecting the T.V. person to come between 8 and 11 and didn't want to oversleep. I'll probably take a nap sometime during the day.
Tuesday, January 07, 2020
Monday, January 06, 2020
Active And Mostly Good Day
Good day--well it was good early on--better than the usual pokey Sundays.
The big news is that my Tokyo son and his family will come here for a week in March--YAY! I haven't seen them for three years, except on the Internet and Ellen has already volunteered to host them. I was hoping my other children could be here at the same time, but that doesn't seem to be possible, and I'm okay with that.
There were lots of phone calls regarding my upcoming trip to Arizona. I'm not recording when or exactly where until I come back, but happily, we seem to have found an AirBnB in the perfect spot. See later, though, when I went though hell booking my flights.
Yet more travel news: My nephew, Dave, messaged us (Ellen, Carolyn, and me) that he and Polly will be here in a few weeks on their way to New Zealand, and we'll meet for lunch in Ventura at Lure. That should be fun.
I did the usual in the morning, then walked the back way over the bridge to the library. I ran into Steve (Koren last name), whom I knew from the adult center and we had a long chat. Took a few books out, including The Downton Abbey Cook Book (am I nuts?) and some DVDs, then walked to Wal-Mart to pick up a few things. (I still have twenty bucks on the gift card). I walked home, rather than take the bus, so got in a good four miles, at least. Scrubbed and trimmed the pound of carrots I had just bought, added a quartered tangerine and cinnamon, then put them to simmer in the smaller slow cooker. Lunched, then went to down to the big library and walked the Main loop. I didn't get home until almost 6:00, at which point, I made the mistake of trying to book my flight for the trip through Expedia.
I won't even go into the frustration I ran into with their from-hell web site, but it entailed three different attempts and a long phone call, which terminated in--I assume it was an accident--a hang-up. By this time, it was almost 7:00 and I hadn't had dinner, so was tired and hungry, hardly at my best. El called when I was almost in tears (actually, I'm embarrassed to record, I was in tears) and "talked me down," as the saying goes. She advised me to have dinner and wait until today to try again, reminding me that I could simply call the airline. Good advice and as ever, after talking with her, I felt a lot better.
I did have dinner--I had oven-cooked a lovely piece of swordfish and ate it with the oranges--but decided to make one last attempt and, incredibly, was able to book my flights without a hitch. The icing on the cake is, that it was so cheap--only $137 round trip. I'm so used to spending big bucks on trips to Jersey, this seems as if it's practically free.
Lunch with Soaring Spirits today.
The big news is that my Tokyo son and his family will come here for a week in March--YAY! I haven't seen them for three years, except on the Internet and Ellen has already volunteered to host them. I was hoping my other children could be here at the same time, but that doesn't seem to be possible, and I'm okay with that.
There were lots of phone calls regarding my upcoming trip to Arizona. I'm not recording when or exactly where until I come back, but happily, we seem to have found an AirBnB in the perfect spot. See later, though, when I went though hell booking my flights.
Yet more travel news: My nephew, Dave, messaged us (Ellen, Carolyn, and me) that he and Polly will be here in a few weeks on their way to New Zealand, and we'll meet for lunch in Ventura at Lure. That should be fun.
I did the usual in the morning, then walked the back way over the bridge to the library. I ran into Steve (Koren last name), whom I knew from the adult center and we had a long chat. Took a few books out, including The Downton Abbey Cook Book (am I nuts?) and some DVDs, then walked to Wal-Mart to pick up a few things. (I still have twenty bucks on the gift card). I walked home, rather than take the bus, so got in a good four miles, at least. Scrubbed and trimmed the pound of carrots I had just bought, added a quartered tangerine and cinnamon, then put them to simmer in the smaller slow cooker. Lunched, then went to down to the big library and walked the Main loop. I didn't get home until almost 6:00, at which point, I made the mistake of trying to book my flight for the trip through Expedia.
I won't even go into the frustration I ran into with their from-hell web site, but it entailed three different attempts and a long phone call, which terminated in--I assume it was an accident--a hang-up. By this time, it was almost 7:00 and I hadn't had dinner, so was tired and hungry, hardly at my best. El called when I was almost in tears (actually, I'm embarrassed to record, I was in tears) and "talked me down," as the saying goes. She advised me to have dinner and wait until today to try again, reminding me that I could simply call the airline. Good advice and as ever, after talking with her, I felt a lot better.
I did have dinner--I had oven-cooked a lovely piece of swordfish and ate it with the oranges--but decided to make one last attempt and, incredibly, was able to book my flights without a hitch. The icing on the cake is, that it was so cheap--only $137 round trip. I'm so used to spending big bucks on trips to Jersey, this seems as if it's practically free.
Lunch with Soaring Spirits today.
Sunday, January 05, 2020
Clearing Out And Stuff
I had forgotten I had set my phone alarm and it woke me at 6:30. Since I hadn't gotten to bed until almost 11:00, after I cleaned up everything from dinner, that was early, but I got up anyway.
I decided to put most of the Christmas decorations away and that was an hours-long task. I kept the angel area up--I just like it--and may until next week when I have Nancy and Carolyn over for lunch. I also retained on display the Christmas cards over the years that my Japanese daughter-in-law made. Might as well put the pics here, although they're not very good (that's my doll, Linda, on her suitcase).
I decided to put most of the Christmas decorations away and that was an hours-long task. I kept the angel area up--I just like it--and may until next week when I have Nancy and Carolyn over for lunch. I also retained on display the Christmas cards over the years that my Japanese daughter-in-law made. Might as well put the pics here, although they're not very good (that's my doll, Linda, on her suitcase).
Finally got all packed away except for these, but it took me until lunch. Called Nancy and we chatted. I'll see her and, presumably, Carolyn B. tomorrow at the Soaring Spirits lunch.
I was pleased to get a message from my nephew, Dave Wessel, of New Hampshire. He and wife, Polly, are coming thorough LAX en route to New Zealand, where their daughter lives, and want to meet up. Dave and I both hit on Lure as a place to meet--one of my favorites.
Got a FaceTime call and will be looking at AirBnB possibilities for my trip to Arizona next month. Betty called, still on this deranged money thing. I'm beginning to wonder how much longer she'll be able to live alone.
I actually started putting things aside to donate to Goodwill. I want to get rid of the many, many superfluous items I somehow accumulated, so I can clear some storage room.
At the last Alzheimer's program I attended, I had gotten a large, spiral-edged, book for caregivers. Since I'm not one, I thought Suzanne might be able to use it in St. John's library, so rang her bell. She accepted it with thanks and we sat down to talk. Somehow, the conversation turned to Asperger's, which Betty's son had had and which Suzanne thinks her 20-something-year-old niece in Phoenix has. We talked about it for a half hour or more. I remember poor Jay so well and poor Betty's valiant attempts to help him.
Had just a sketchy dinner
Saturday, January 04, 2020
Enter If You Dare--
WARNING--this is a long one!
Went to T.O.P.S. and I'm down to 130; I was "the big loser" with 1.8 pounds off. That last little gem will tell you something: There were nine people there, only two others lost anything at all and that was in ounces. This was after two weeks, as we didn't meet on Christmas week.
The meeting, as it so often does, deteriorated into a gabfest with no relationship whatever to weight loss. Sharon regaled us with a long tale about her teenage angst (she's a great-grandmother) and how her mother was mean and so on. Actually, I prefer that to the platitudes, cliches, and jargon so much a part of this group. Those expressions prevail not just locally, but judging by the T.O.P.S. magazine, nationally. La-La-Lolly mouthed the simplistic idea that to be successful in weight loss, you have to "believe in yourself." This actually prompted a discussion, which points up the infantile flavor of T.O.P.S. Oh, well, rant over.
Interesting news, though: When Cheryl picked me up, she mentioned that she and her husband had hosted the Ventura chapter of Veterans for Peace. Wow, I didn't realize they were that involved. I was a bit crestfallen when she said their guest were all Democrats. The fact that they'd follow the present political parties of any stripe is off-putting. However, her husband believes the same and I was surprised and gratified when Cheryl mentioned the evils of capitalism.
Anyhow, didn't get breakfast until 10:30, then spent a few house preparing for my guests. About 2:00, I took the lasagna out of the freezer to check when to put it in the over, and was surprised to see it said it would cook in 30 minutes. Since it was frozen solid, how could that be? AAGH! I read further and saw it proudly written that it was never frozen. I had just assumed it was and now had three other people coming and no main dish. Solution? I rushed over to Von's and bought two more. Later, I rushed over again and bought a loaf of Kalamara olive bread.
Tidied up, made the salad, and set the table (I like color.) I took a picture and sent it to my little grandson, who had picked out the Mt. Fuji Happy New Year napkins:
My little dinner party went very well. Ellen arrived first, then Jim, then Suzanne. I served wine and nibbles, while we talked in the living room for an hour or so, touching on the situation in the middle east. We then sat down to eat. I asked Suzanne to say grace and she said the usual bless the company, but finished with "and protect our troops." I added aloud, "and the people of Iran," glad to have liberated myself from the hypocrisy of my youth.
The lasagna turned out superb, much better than I could ever had made myself, probably (I've never made lasagna in my life). It's Von's own brand, called "Signature" and I'll be sure to serve it again. I had added a salad and some feta-stuffed olives I happened to have, plus the good bread. For dessert, we had the chocolate cake El had made for my birthday, to which I added some raspberries, just for color.
After we ate, El brought my laptop in from the bedroom and Jim read a short recitation he had written about this video of Katherine Jenkins singing Mozart's Laudate Dominum:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXGuoGS3bGQ
Jim's intro was a little odd. I know he's not religious, but I'm not sure if he meant to be ironic or not. Also, I'm not sure whether he composed his little talk just for last night or for some other occasion. Anyway, we then watched the video above (which I had seen before on Jim's recommendation) and it was just sublime.
After more chat, Suzanne left, then Ellen. Jim and I sat and talked for another hour or so. We talked bout attending the opera at the library and I invited him to the Dudley House potluck, which is coming up shortly; I'll have to check on the date. He stayed until 9:30, then left and I immediately cleaned up--there's a full load in the dishwasher--then went to bed after a pleasant evening.
Went to T.O.P.S. and I'm down to 130; I was "the big loser" with 1.8 pounds off. That last little gem will tell you something: There were nine people there, only two others lost anything at all and that was in ounces. This was after two weeks, as we didn't meet on Christmas week.
The meeting, as it so often does, deteriorated into a gabfest with no relationship whatever to weight loss. Sharon regaled us with a long tale about her teenage angst (she's a great-grandmother) and how her mother was mean and so on. Actually, I prefer that to the platitudes, cliches, and jargon so much a part of this group. Those expressions prevail not just locally, but judging by the T.O.P.S. magazine, nationally. La-La-Lolly mouthed the simplistic idea that to be successful in weight loss, you have to "believe in yourself." This actually prompted a discussion, which points up the infantile flavor of T.O.P.S. Oh, well, rant over.
Interesting news, though: When Cheryl picked me up, she mentioned that she and her husband had hosted the Ventura chapter of Veterans for Peace. Wow, I didn't realize they were that involved. I was a bit crestfallen when she said their guest were all Democrats. The fact that they'd follow the present political parties of any stripe is off-putting. However, her husband believes the same and I was surprised and gratified when Cheryl mentioned the evils of capitalism.
Anyhow, didn't get breakfast until 10:30, then spent a few house preparing for my guests. About 2:00, I took the lasagna out of the freezer to check when to put it in the over, and was surprised to see it said it would cook in 30 minutes. Since it was frozen solid, how could that be? AAGH! I read further and saw it proudly written that it was never frozen. I had just assumed it was and now had three other people coming and no main dish. Solution? I rushed over to Von's and bought two more. Later, I rushed over again and bought a loaf of Kalamara olive bread.
Tidied up, made the salad, and set the table (I like color.) I took a picture and sent it to my little grandson, who had picked out the Mt. Fuji Happy New Year napkins:
My little dinner party went very well. Ellen arrived first, then Jim, then Suzanne. I served wine and nibbles, while we talked in the living room for an hour or so, touching on the situation in the middle east. We then sat down to eat. I asked Suzanne to say grace and she said the usual bless the company, but finished with "and protect our troops." I added aloud, "and the people of Iran," glad to have liberated myself from the hypocrisy of my youth.
The lasagna turned out superb, much better than I could ever had made myself, probably (I've never made lasagna in my life). It's Von's own brand, called "Signature" and I'll be sure to serve it again. I had added a salad and some feta-stuffed olives I happened to have, plus the good bread. For dessert, we had the chocolate cake El had made for my birthday, to which I added some raspberries, just for color.
After we ate, El brought my laptop in from the bedroom and Jim read a short recitation he had written about this video of Katherine Jenkins singing Mozart's Laudate Dominum:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXGuoGS3bGQ
Jim's intro was a little odd. I know he's not religious, but I'm not sure if he meant to be ironic or not. Also, I'm not sure whether he composed his little talk just for last night or for some other occasion. Anyway, we then watched the video above (which I had seen before on Jim's recommendation) and it was just sublime.
After more chat, Suzanne left, then Ellen. Jim and I sat and talked for another hour or so. We talked bout attending the opera at the library and I invited him to the Dudley House potluck, which is coming up shortly; I'll have to check on the date. He stayed until 9:30, then left and I immediately cleaned up--there's a full load in the dishwasher--then went to bed after a pleasant evening.
Friday, January 03, 2020
Thursday
EGADS! Set my alarm for 6:30, but it didn't go off! Just got up at 8:00 and now must rush to have Cheryl pick me up for T.O.P.S. Darn!
As for yesterday, I got a fair amount done. I just could not decide what to make for my company tonight. I just didn't feel like going a lot of effort and finally decided--and may the gods of entertaining forgive me--on prepared lasagna, a fresh salad, and the cake Ellen made for my birthday for dessert. Gawd, I can't believe I've sunk so low as not to make everything from scratch and have it The Best You Ever Tasted. Silly. Anyway, I got the stuff at Von's, put the cake in the fridge to defrost and also removed some Italian bread from the freezer to add.
It then occurred to me to make "Nana Mix" for my grandson, whose birthday is this Tuesday. I did so, then found a decorative box for it. I wrapped and labeled, then walked to the P.O. to mail.
I was pleased when Javier and Toby came over with a new light fixture and installed it. I had requested it only a few hours before and boy, what difference--much brighter. El called while they were here and we chatted. She had undone her tree and found that her ornament boxes, stored in her shed, had gotten wet; the roof must leak. I suggested buying an ornament holder, but later, she said she couldn't find a place that sells them.
I left shortly after Javier and Toby did and went to the mall, thinking I might be able to find an ornament box at Target. I didn't, though, and while I was there Betty called. I promised not to share what she said, but it involves her money and clearly, her problem includes paranoia. Talked to her for some time and hope she gets over this.
As for yesterday, I got a fair amount done. I just could not decide what to make for my company tonight. I just didn't feel like going a lot of effort and finally decided--and may the gods of entertaining forgive me--on prepared lasagna, a fresh salad, and the cake Ellen made for my birthday for dessert. Gawd, I can't believe I've sunk so low as not to make everything from scratch and have it The Best You Ever Tasted. Silly. Anyway, I got the stuff at Von's, put the cake in the fridge to defrost and also removed some Italian bread from the freezer to add.
It then occurred to me to make "Nana Mix" for my grandson, whose birthday is this Tuesday. I did so, then found a decorative box for it. I wrapped and labeled, then walked to the P.O. to mail.
I was pleased when Javier and Toby came over with a new light fixture and installed it. I had requested it only a few hours before and boy, what difference--much brighter. El called while they were here and we chatted. She had undone her tree and found that her ornament boxes, stored in her shed, had gotten wet; the roof must leak. I suggested buying an ornament holder, but later, she said she couldn't find a place that sells them.
I left shortly after Javier and Toby did and went to the mall, thinking I might be able to find an ornament box at Target. I didn't, though, and while I was there Betty called. I promised not to share what she said, but it involves her money and clearly, her problem includes paranoia. Talked to her for some time and hope she gets over this.
Thursday, January 02, 2020
To The Store And Tokyo
Not a bad day. Mindful of (oh, that moronic new-agey phrase!) the fact that neither buses nor the Access Van run on January first, I took my smaller cart and walked to the 99-Cent store and back. This totals three miles, and I was glad to get that much in. With the holidays, my cold, and general laziness, I haven't been walking quite as much as I like to, so this was good.
Home, lunch, and Betty called. Had the usual conversation: part like old times, some thoroughly kookie, but it was okay. We wished each other Happy 2020. Did more work on the play and it's shaping up well, I think.
I tried to use FaceTime on my phone with someone I love very much, but it didn't seem to work. Called her and she told me to use Messenger, instead. Incredibly, I didn't realize you could do a video call on that, although I regularly use it for written messengers. Did so, and greatly enjoyed our talk; I'm looking forward to seeing her next month.
I had invited Jim C. for dinner tomorrow and he responded in the affirmative. Called Ellen and went next door to ask Suzanne, so they'll both join us. I'm sorry Greg will be working.
After chopping up and combining a few pounds of tomatoes, onions, garlic, seasoning, oil, and vinegar, I popped it in the oven to roast, as usual. This should last me for a week or so.
Mike, Paula, and the girls are in Tokyo and visited my older son and his family during the new year. It's nice to see pictures with them, plus my DIL's brother and his wife and daughter, but I'm disappointed they didn't seem to take any with just the seven of them alone. (My daughter-in-law took this, hence is not in the picture.)
Home, lunch, and Betty called. Had the usual conversation: part like old times, some thoroughly kookie, but it was okay. We wished each other Happy 2020. Did more work on the play and it's shaping up well, I think.
I tried to use FaceTime on my phone with someone I love very much, but it didn't seem to work. Called her and she told me to use Messenger, instead. Incredibly, I didn't realize you could do a video call on that, although I regularly use it for written messengers. Did so, and greatly enjoyed our talk; I'm looking forward to seeing her next month.
I had invited Jim C. for dinner tomorrow and he responded in the affirmative. Called Ellen and went next door to ask Suzanne, so they'll both join us. I'm sorry Greg will be working.
After chopping up and combining a few pounds of tomatoes, onions, garlic, seasoning, oil, and vinegar, I popped it in the oven to roast, as usual. This should last me for a week or so.
Mike, Paula, and the girls are in Tokyo and visited my older son and his family during the new year. It's nice to see pictures with them, plus my DIL's brother and his wife and daughter, but I'm disappointed they didn't seem to take any with just the seven of them alone. (My daughter-in-law took this, hence is not in the picture.)
Wednesday, January 01, 2020
2020
Pretty good day. For one thing, the weather turned much warmer--sunny and bright. Also, my new electric blanket was wonderfully cozy and comfortable. I got the rest of the wash done, including the blanket I had had on my bed; not sure what to do with it, as I really have no place to put it; I may just donate it. To top it off, I feel much better, so goody-good.
The best is that I FINALLY got back to Acquisitions. I was having trouble with the opening and worked on that, although it still needs some tweaking. I'm re-doing the whole thing, with the two characters I've added and I think it reads much better this time. I still have plenty of revision, re-casting, and re-working to do, but I'm on a roll.
I spent a few hours on that, then closed up shop and had lunch. Bused to town and took two of my last-read back to the library. I also picked up three DVDs, now that I can navigate in the watchable disk world.
Betty called to tell me all about her Friendship Center session of Monday, plus the fact that Steve and Robyn took her grocery shopping. Apparently, she's gotten over--or forgotten about--her indignation re the Eagles game, which is characteristic of her dreadful disease.
Time, having moved with its usual lightning speed, has gotten us to the first day of 2020 and I have nothing useful to say about it.
The best is that I FINALLY got back to Acquisitions. I was having trouble with the opening and worked on that, although it still needs some tweaking. I'm re-doing the whole thing, with the two characters I've added and I think it reads much better this time. I still have plenty of revision, re-casting, and re-working to do, but I'm on a roll.
I spent a few hours on that, then closed up shop and had lunch. Bused to town and took two of my last-read back to the library. I also picked up three DVDs, now that I can navigate in the watchable disk world.
Betty called to tell me all about her Friendship Center session of Monday, plus the fact that Steve and Robyn took her grocery shopping. Apparently, she's gotten over--or forgotten about--her indignation re the Eagles game, which is characteristic of her dreadful disease.
Time, having moved with its usual lightning speed, has gotten us to the first day of 2020 and I have nothing useful to say about it.
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