Blood Work And Props

Walked over to Von's at 8 to get my blood work done. That took only a half hour there and back. After breakfast, I drove to the store for blueberries. tomatoes and other things, plus a card for my younger great-grandson, T., will turns 12 on August 2.  Went to the bank to get a little something to put  in the card
Spent a few hours on food prep, including roasted tomatoes and acorn squash. While I was eating lunch, Stella called, saying she was on Kimball (Ave.) and did I want her pick me up and drop me off in town on her way home?  Now, I should have begged off and made some excuse, but I thought, oh, well, why not. She said she'd be there in fifteen minutes, so I put some of my salad back in the fridge, changed my top, and went out to wait for her.
And wait...and wait--damn! A half hour went by and she still didn't come, so I called her, none too happy. Oh, she was talking to her sister...I cut her short and said we'd have to do it another time, then took off for the bus. Next time, I'll think I'll fabricate a previous commitment.
Went to the post office in town to mail the card, then stopped at Goodwill and found a bassinet-type carrying basket. I took a picture to show Jeff, thinking maybe we can use it in the show. Just walked a bit after that and bused home.
I again watered Suzanne's patio--I guess Gordon isn't doing it, as it was dry as a bone--and picked some of my own (cherry) tomatoes. Jumped in the shower, changed, had dinner, and got ready for rehearsal, starting at 8:00--practically the middle of the night for me.
I brought some props from home to see if Kat can use them in the show. She took my grey wig, a rubber chicken, and the framed cartoon-picture I usually hang in my bathroom: a hugely-smiling girl tap-dancing while playing an accordion, with the caption: "The desire to perform isn't necessarily a sign of talent."
Boy, did that ring bell: We have a person in our play who still isn't secure in her memorization, although she has the fewest lines. Since some of her lines are my cues, I have to be alert when she garbles it. She's the only one who hasn't acted before and I have a strong suspicion she's in because she's a member of Vineyard church, where the show is being held. Besides me, she's the only one in our cast of seven who's over forty; the other five are in their twenties and thirties. But hey, that's show biz.
Didn't get home until, incredibly, almost 10. Nevertheless, I did my T.V. and fruit thing, then slept soundly all night.

Tomatoes And Nancy

Got some water on Suzanne's patio flowers, but it was difficult to manage with her hose. She had said our neighbor, Gordon, was going to do it, but it looked dry as a bone to me.
Headed out after breakfast for cages (for my unruly tomatoes) and quarters (for buses and laundry). Green Thumb had only large cages, so I got some stakes and tied up my three beautiful tomato plants. I actually have some to harvest soon--I'm just a farmer at heart!

Took the bus to meet Nancy at 2685 (hate that name, but like the place). We had planned on 1:00 and I was concerned when she was late. Then she called to say she was lost. After this, that, and lots of travail, I was able to find her. Why was she late? Because I had told her it was on Telegraph Road and it's actually on Loma Vista! Gawd, I can't believe it--I knew it was on L.V., just accidentally repeated the road where I live. Anyway, we finally connected and I treated her to lunch for her birthday. I also gave her some tomatoes I had made myself--well, in a manner of speaking.

While we were eating, who came in but Shannon and Amanda, from Fractured Actors. S. wrote the play I'm in and A.is in it, too. We hugged hello happily, after which Nance and I finished our meal, then she and I went next door to the 99-Cent store. After, I asked her to leave me off in town, which she did. I walked The Promenade, then up to Main, then caught a bus for home.

I didn't put sweetener in my coffee this morning, as I'm going to Von's to have blood work (routine) done. They open at 8:00, an hour later than they used to, and I want to be the first one there.

Here And There

Finally got a lot of paperwork crap cleared up, including a new landscape problem at my house in Jersey. I had gotten a letter from the homeowners association to the effect I had to have any trees overhanging "public walkways" trimmed to seven feet up." Texted Tony C., the landscaper who did the bushes last month, and he said he look at it (I think there's only one next to the sidewalk). Texted my tenant, Eileen, to let her know.
Called my dear friend, Marge, who's now 92. Talked to Fred, a few years younger, who is a hard of hearing, impatient, full-time caregiver for her (and believe me, I understand and sympathize completely) then Marge. I hadn't spoken to  her for months and sadly, she seems even more hesitant and slow on the uptake, but certainly not with dementia. We talked for just a few minutes, as I didn't want to tire her. She did say and this was good to hear, that her physical problems (back, leg, etc.) are less painful. I dread the call from Fred or Marge's daughter that I know is coming before long.
Stella, my ever-needy friend, called about 11:00 to ask if I wanted to go to the Green Thumb Nursery. (She has a big property and a regular gardener and wants bamboo--maybe a mistake, as I understand they're very invasive.) Since I've been thinking I might like a night-blooming jasmine on the patio, I agreed.
We went, but neither of us bought anything. We also stopped at Lowe's, where Stella had already bought several plants half price before she picked me up. She showed me a geranium she said was for me.What? I hadn't asked her to get me anything and am not necessarily looking forward to planting--and taking care of--something else, but after protesting, I thanked her and said okay. We then went to lunch at the Stonefire Grille, after which I asked her to drop me in town.
I like Stella okay, but she's very clingy and a little flaky at times. She asked me to come over for dinner, then said she'd love to have me stay a few days--oh, no, no, no. This isn't all about her; some of it's my fault. My mantra is  "never turn down an invitation" and I should rethink that once in a while. Next time Stella calls, I think I'll beg off, even if I have to invent another commitment.
Called Nancy, Diane, and Ellen from the bus. Nance and I made a date for today when I'll treat her to her birthday lunch. Diane was sure there was a Yolanda's (for Happy Hour on Thursday) on Victoria Avenue in Ventura, but I knew there isn't. We looked it up and found it's actually on Victoria Avenue in Oxnard, so we'll have to come up with a new place.
Went out after dinner to look at Suzanne's patio; unfortunately, it seems Gordon hasn't watered, as he promised he would. I tried to do it myself, but couldn't  turn the faucet, which seems to be stuck. I'll try again today.
Took the car to Wal-Mart to look for tomato stakes for my larger tomato plants, but they didn't have any. Maybe I'll get some cages today.

Paint Day And The Friggin' Internet

Busy, busy. After breakfast, I went to the store for this and that, then rushed home to change into my ragged old jeans and sloppy shirt. Got to the Vineyard, where we're having the show, about 11:00 to find a crew of fellow actors painting black with rollers the raised area that will serve as stage, the backdrops, the walls, and some of the floor.
I pitched in, but used only a brush and just did a few edges. Chatted with Kat, the props manager and her assistant, Alex, who's married to Dean (no, not an inner sex couple, Alex is female), and Becky, the only other doddering old lady besides me, plus several others. I asked Kat if she could use any of the wigs and other things I have and she asked me to bring them to rehearsal Tuesday. Shannon went out for pizza and we all had that, then broke up about 1:00. I went home to change, then took off for Oxnard on the bus.
I wanted to go to Party City for hair spray. Got white and gray, which Robyn had recommended. I'll see how it looks; if no good, I'll get Tips and Streaks on-line. Took a bus from there to The Collection and Whole Foods, where I dropped in on Greg.
While I waited for him to finish with a customer, I bought some beautiful peaches which I'll add to my store of grapes, blueberries, cherries, and watermelon, all fresh and ready to eat. Of course, I  have others in the freezer. Talked to Greg, then hopped the bus to the bus to the bus home (yes, there and back takes six).
It occurred to me that I hadn't had a proper dinner at home for a long time, and I was determined to remedy that. I cooked a nice piece of salmon, which I browned on the stove, then finished in the oven; cut up and sauteed shiitake mushrooms, and cooked some fresh spinach, which I seasoned with olive oil, lime juice, and garlic. Added a big, cold glass of iced tea and yummy, yum, yum.
P.S. AAGH, AAGH, AND AAGH! Last night, I suddenly lost the Internet and the T.V.  Called those devils from hell, Yandoo Communications (who, just, BTW, raised their fee thirty bucks a month), and their night person took the info, said he'd report it, and I went to bed frustrated. Same thing this morning and just got it back. I was told to unplug the modem and router, then plug in the former first. Because I often use this as a reference, I'm recording the "trouble ticket" number here: 2791308 and my modem number: MAC 203D66073FCB; the yellow wire connecting that the the router says "WAN," just how I felt dealing with all this. 

T.O.P.S., El, And Charles Manson

I was happy to have slept long and deep--didn't wake up until 7:15 and that was because Fern called me back. Talked to her and was invited to a going-away party in a few weeks for Judi, who's moving back to her native Minnesota next month.
Went to T.O.P.S.; I'm up a tad,but at 130.5, half a pound over my ideal, I'm okay with it. While there, my brother, Larry, called. He and sixteen of his family are in Budapest; I had a great time talking to him and was just as glad to go in the other room and skip some of the meandering meeting.
Home, I had breakfast (at 10:30, dammit), changed the sheets, took them and other whites to the laundry place, and paid a few bills on-line. I had just gone back to put them in the dryer (not the bills, the clothes--ha!) when El called. We were going to to get together today, but since I have "paint day" for the play from 10 to 4, we decided we'd just meet for lunch yesterday. I simply left my clothes--I knew nobody would take them--and El picked me up.
We went to the Hill Street Cafe, sat outside on the patio, and I had a lovely time with my girl. She showed me a lot of pictures and videos from the trip to New Mexico. I had had breakfast two hours earlier, so just had a cup of soup and a Corona.
El dropped me off and I got my clothes, re-made the bed, folded, and put away.  Did more computer stuff, then walked over to Von's. Stella had texted me, asking if I was going to the Manson Family talk at the museum. Yes, but she can't, so why she texted me, I'm not sure. I bused there and got to the museum in plenty of time.
The Manson talk was okay, although it didn't tell me anything new. I found the speaker, Ivor Davis, who's 81, more interesting. He actually lives in Ventura and had when he was a London Times reporter fifty years ago. He reported on the murders then and earlier, had gone on tour with The Beatles for several months.
Davis vehemently refuted the Manson idea that the Beatles song, "Helter-Skelter" was some kind of call for a race war. He showed stills and film clips, then took questions from the audience. Interestingly,he writes for The Ventura Reporter, a monthly devoted to arts and entertainment. Think I'll ask Jeff if he may have contacted Davis for a piece on our American Roadhouse.
Bought the book, Manson Exposed/A Fifty-Year Journey Into Murder And Madness, but didn't wait around to have him sign it; it was a full house and I wanted to get home while it was still light.
I didn't, however. Although it was only 7:45 when I left, the bus was late and I didn't get home until after 9:00. Settled into the usual and slept well.

Stella And Others

Early on, I emailed my three cohorts that I was going to skip Happy Hour at Lemon y sal because I had rehearsal at 6:00. This generated much confusion by our youngest member, whom I''m convinced has early-onset Alzheimer's.
Got a color wash done; I think I'll do a whites and sheets today. Called Jim C. to tell him I haven't yet heard back from Anne, at The Townshouse about the wine and music Friday, so that's out today. Stella called about 11:00 to ask if I could go with her to the botanic garden to walk and I immediately accepted. She picked me up and we drove to town, first stopping at a new thrift store, where I bought two books and slacks, for a total of seven dollars. We drove the City Hall, parked there, then walked up, up, up to the gardens and further up to top. What a magnificent view! The harbor, the Pacific Ocean, and a lot of Ventura were spread out below us. The walk was good and strenuous, too, which was fine by me.
Went to lunch at a Mexican place I've passed many times, but never went went into. I had three small tacos, refried beans, and rice, plus a refreshing Corona; that took care of dinner, of course. I told Stella I'd take the bus home, as we were closer to Oakview than my place and it was a nice day, anyway. Got home about 3:30, jumped in the shower, washed my hair, dressed, and went to rehearsal at 6:00.
For the first time, we were with the cast of one of the other short plays, including Jannelle and Erica, who play my granddaughters in our Welcome Home. Our director, Jeff, is married to Shannon, who directed the other play.* We acted as audience while they went on as they did for us.**
Home while still daylight, which was great, and I settled down to my blueberries and Frasier.  Got a text from Stella, asking if I wanted to go to a talk at the museum tonight. It's by Ivor Davis on his new book on the Manson killings and sure, why not, I'll go.
Off to T.O.P.S. now.
* I told them I just knew she got where she is because she's sleeping with the director. They must hear this a lot--they're married and have two kids.
**They did pretty well, but need some work, particularly a thirtyish woman who has a very short comedic part. She displayed little energy, which, it seems to me, is the paramount quality for any actor. Anyway, it was wonderful to see and we applauded happily and there was nowhere else I'd rather be...I'M A POET--HA!

Gail And Rehearsal

Ran out-actually, drove out--to Smart 'n' Final for my daily does of blueberries; I bought two 19- ounce cartons.
Left at 11:00 for the bus to town, but barely made it to the Aloha to meet Gail at noon. We started walkeing and boy, this gal is a champion. We took The Promenade all the way to Main, then looped around and back to the Aloha. Gail noted that we had walked for one hour--pretty briskly,  too. I was pleased about that.
Had a good lunch at the Aloha and got to know Gail a bit better. She's much younger than I am--69, so less than a decade older than my older son. I knew she was divorced and has two daughters and one granddaughter. I also knew she and her ex-husband lived together.
Romantically? No, it just suits both of them, as they're still "friendly," she said. However, from what she said, he seems a little odd, or even paranoid. She has some assets, but is concerned about having enough for her senior years, which is why she doesn't try getting a place of her own. Interestingly, she and her husband married, divorced, then married again, then divorced again.
Anyway, we were very open with each other. What's peculiar, maybe, is that I keep thinking of her as a contemporary, but hardly. Although the 13-year age gap isn't huge, we actually are from different generations and eras. For instance, she was brought up Protestant (in a perfunctory way), but sent her daughters to Catholic grammar school.  Why? Because Gail's mother was the secretary at the school and they got free tuition. Gail liked the idea of them wearing uniforms to eliminate the rivalry and one up man ship that often surfaces in kids' dress. She was surprised to hear we didn't wear uniforms at St. James. She isn't religious at all.
Anyway, I like her and find her interesting. She's a kind of conventional liberal. When I said something vaguely political--can't remember what it was--she said, "Oh, you're a democrat." "Absolutely not," I said, which she found befuddling until I added, "nor a republican, either." Anyway, she gets her "news" exclusively from television; that was disappointing, but she does show interest in exploring other venues, which is promising in a friend.
Anyway, a fun day. After we parted, I stopped at the library to get Andrew Yang's book, The War On Normal People/The Truth about America's disappearing Jobs and Why Universal Basic Income Is Our Future.  Just read a few pages on the bus home, but it looks interesting.
Rehearsal last night went well and we worked out some rough spots. We go again today at 6:00 tonight, so reluctantly, I'm going to have to tell my gang I'll skip Happy Hour.