Still working on what plays I'll send Jeff, I found When Cooks Confer, but only the print copy, not
on-line. Guess I'll have to re-type, but that's not too bad, as I want to revise a bit, anyway.
Talked to Betty and we had a pretty good chat Walked over to Von's for salad dressing and a few other things. I got a call from Arizona, asking which county in Ireland our antecedents came from. I just could not remember and can't put my hands on my Byrne genealogy book, although I know I have it. Contacted my cousin, John, who told me: It was County Wicklow and another branch from Kildare. I texted the person the info.
Left for town at noon to meet Nancy at 1:00, but what with various delays, I was late. Fortunately, so was she, as she walked in the wrong direction after parking.
Where we went, a new place I suggested called Medici Pizza, is not one I want to frequent. The Margarita pizza I had was good, but the beer, Chief Peak, which I have often, was more than eight bucks, which is outrageous, as it was just the usual size. One of the thumbs-down reasons on our part was that it's one of those damn places where you order at a counter, get your own utensils, and--what really pisses me off--you pay first AND are asked then what percentage you want to tip. Oh, well, guess I'm just ranting.
Anyway, Nance and I had a good time, as ever. I walked her to the parking garage after. I'm a little concerned about her problem walking and the tiredness that has manifested itself again. She said she's not sure whether her hemoglobin is down again or what; it was pretty good at her last blood testing. I was certainly not going to mention it, but I think the fact that she seems to have gained a considerable amount of weight could be a factor.
After we said goodbye, I walked down to The Promenade and my usual loop. Back up on Main, I stopped in a few places, but decided to bus back and stop off on Victoria for grapes. Did so and caught another bus home.
I was pretty full from the pizza, so skipped dinner. Niece Carolyn called and we had a long, long talk. She has a really tough time with Betty, and I marvel at all she's done and is doing for her mother. I'll be glad to give her a little relief when I have Betty here for a few days next week.
Friday, January 31, 2020
Thursday, January 30, 2020
Fun At The Dentist's
I left at 9 to get to my dentist appointment at 10, but I was still early. There was a big mix up with the care credit thing, which is a credit card for dental procedures only. I don't even want to record the hassle, but it's straightened out now. I had know before the cleaning would be pricey, but I didn't remember it was a whopping $476. Oh, well, easy come, easy go.
The procedure itself was A-GO-NY--or at least, uncomfortable. I did get Novocain, but boy, it took an age. Tess, the person who did it--I guess she's a dental technician--was very nice; in fact, all the staff there are nice--courteous and knowledgeable. However, it was no fun and when it was finally over, I was sure it must be at least two o'clock. I looked, and it was 12:30.
Dr. S(omebody), who will do the big job, came in to talk to me and I liked him very much. He's young and good-looking, which is always a plus, and seemed to have a sense of humor, which I liked.
We talked about some of the possible outcomes and I said I'd like to discuss it again in March, when one of my daughters could be with me. I also said I didn't want it to actually happen until April, when Ellen is on spring break, and can be there. He said that was fine. He also said he'd use the "twilight sleep" that Pat R. had mentioned, assuring me I would feel no pain and no terror.
I had decided to take the 11 bus from the mall and go to WinCo for fajitas, and I did. On my way, Stella called to say she was at her rental house and how did it look for lunch. Yes indeed, and we met in front of WinCo.
While I was waiting for Stella, my former friend, Diane B. came walking along with a young man she introduced as her son, Jeff and I shook hands with him. I'm not sure if he's the stunt person or the other son. Anyway, Diane and I said a few cordial words to each other.
Stella drove up shortly and we went to the Black Angus. I had a hamburger--once in a while isn't going to kill me--and a delicious Blue Moon. I invited Stella for lunch next Wednesday, when Betty will be here. Once I got home, I stopped into Suzanne's and asked her, too. They both accepted and I think Betty will enjoy it.
Lunch today with Nancy at the new place in town.
The procedure itself was A-GO-NY--or at least, uncomfortable. I did get Novocain, but boy, it took an age. Tess, the person who did it--I guess she's a dental technician--was very nice; in fact, all the staff there are nice--courteous and knowledgeable. However, it was no fun and when it was finally over, I was sure it must be at least two o'clock. I looked, and it was 12:30.
Dr. S(omebody), who will do the big job, came in to talk to me and I liked him very much. He's young and good-looking, which is always a plus, and seemed to have a sense of humor, which I liked.
We talked about some of the possible outcomes and I said I'd like to discuss it again in March, when one of my daughters could be with me. I also said I didn't want it to actually happen until April, when Ellen is on spring break, and can be there. He said that was fine. He also said he'd use the "twilight sleep" that Pat R. had mentioned, assuring me I would feel no pain and no terror.
I had decided to take the 11 bus from the mall and go to WinCo for fajitas, and I did. On my way, Stella called to say she was at her rental house and how did it look for lunch. Yes indeed, and we met in front of WinCo.
While I was waiting for Stella, my former friend, Diane B. came walking along with a young man she introduced as her son, Jeff and I shook hands with him. I'm not sure if he's the stunt person or the other son. Anyway, Diane and I said a few cordial words to each other.
Stella drove up shortly and we went to the Black Angus. I had a hamburger--once in a while isn't going to kill me--and a delicious Blue Moon. I invited Stella for lunch next Wednesday, when Betty will be here. Once I got home, I stopped into Suzanne's and asked her, too. They both accepted and I think Betty will enjoy it.
Lunch today with Nancy at the new place in town.
Wednesday, January 29, 2020
Here And There
I took the foot bridge to the Hill Street library branch to return a few things. I found a kind of encyclopedia of major crimes through the centuries and sat down for an hour or so to read it. I've always been fascinated by true murder--I'm not sure why, but I am. I left that book there, but took out another about a grisly murder of a young woman in Massachusetts--so far, so interesting. Walked to Victoria from there and continued home, so I got in a bit more than three miles.
I had no fajitas (grilled chicken) left, so I rebelled against the salad lunch and took two chicken pieces out of the freezers (I had roasted them several weeks ago) and had them, along with a whole can of Lima beans.
Worked on my plays and finally resolved the plot problem in Fatal Family Reunion. It's pretty contrived, but that's okay, as this was written for comedy dinner theatre, which are always very broad and farcical. Still haven't found When Cooks Confer.
I then bused to town, as I had gotten an email notice from the library that the book I requested, The Power of Intention: Learning, by Dr. Wayne Dyer, was in. Wait, I requested that? I didn't remember requesting anything since the bio of Ho Chi Minh months ago. However, I went to the library, picked up the book and looked into it. Oh, good grief, it was one of those junior high-level tomes about finding yourself and being mindful and all that boring stuff, written by the shrink and "motivational speaker" who wrote the mega-hit, Your Erroneous Zones, years ago. I took it to the librarian and we found it didn't have my library card number on it, so it was a mistake. Sure was.
Left and crossing Main, I heard somebody exclaim "Rosemary!" and I looked up to see---uh, somebody I knew I knew, but who? I could not remember her name OR where I knew her from. We stood on the sidewalk for a good twenty minutes talking, during which I slowly realized I knew her from when I used to walk Kimball. I just now looked up "Kimball" on this blog and, yes, of course, her name is Diane. She's a dedicated hiker and has recently hiked in Washington State, Italy, and France, for heaven's sake. She'll be 75 on her next birthday. Anyway, I always liked her and we agreed we'd meet for lunch one of these days.
Speaking of which, Nancy and I will go to a new restaurant in town tomorrow. Before that, though, I have to go to the dentist and get my teeth cleaned--today, in just a few hours--AAGH!
I had no fajitas (grilled chicken) left, so I rebelled against the salad lunch and took two chicken pieces out of the freezers (I had roasted them several weeks ago) and had them, along with a whole can of Lima beans.
Worked on my plays and finally resolved the plot problem in Fatal Family Reunion. It's pretty contrived, but that's okay, as this was written for comedy dinner theatre, which are always very broad and farcical. Still haven't found When Cooks Confer.
I then bused to town, as I had gotten an email notice from the library that the book I requested, The Power of Intention: Learning, by Dr. Wayne Dyer, was in. Wait, I requested that? I didn't remember requesting anything since the bio of Ho Chi Minh months ago. However, I went to the library, picked up the book and looked into it. Oh, good grief, it was one of those junior high-level tomes about finding yourself and being mindful and all that boring stuff, written by the shrink and "motivational speaker" who wrote the mega-hit, Your Erroneous Zones, years ago. I took it to the librarian and we found it didn't have my library card number on it, so it was a mistake. Sure was.
Left and crossing Main, I heard somebody exclaim "Rosemary!" and I looked up to see---uh, somebody I knew I knew, but who? I could not remember her name OR where I knew her from. We stood on the sidewalk for a good twenty minutes talking, during which I slowly realized I knew her from when I used to walk Kimball. I just now looked up "Kimball" on this blog and, yes, of course, her name is Diane. She's a dedicated hiker and has recently hiked in Washington State, Italy, and France, for heaven's sake. She'll be 75 on her next birthday. Anyway, I always liked her and we agreed we'd meet for lunch one of these days.
Speaking of which, Nancy and I will go to a new restaurant in town tomorrow. Before that, though, I have to go to the dentist and get my teeth cleaned--today, in just a few hours--AAGH!
Tuesday, January 28, 2020
Wash And Wal-Mart
Changed the bed, did my bleach wash, and was finished before 10. I worked on some of my plays--I'm now getting into them, and spent several hours on them. So far, I've gotten in shape for Jeff Acquisitions and a monologue; I'll have Fatal Family Reunion done soon, but there's a plot twist I still have to work out. I don't know why, but I can't find When Cooks Confer on my documents. I know I have it in paper form, but hope I don't have to re-type it.
After the sleep-aid debacle on Sunday, I decided to order on-line. Did so and was told I could pick up my order the same day--that is, yesterday, January 27. After lunch, I walked to Wal-Mart and was confronted with another infuriating situation: I asked the person in Returns where the pickup place way and she pointed and said, "in photos." I went back there and asked the clerk for my order. She directed me a few aisles away she said she'd be with me in just a minute. I went to pickup and sat down. I sat there for 16 minutes by the clock and by that time, I was steaming.
Another person--"Sue"--came up and asked what I wanted. She pointed out that there was a button on the counter which would alert somebody. I told her that since the clerk had said she's be right with me, I thought she'd be right with me and I \didn't notice the button. Rather abruptly, she asked what I had ordered and I showed her the order I had printed out. She went to get it, came back, and said it wasn't in. So why did the form say I could pick it up that day?
Oh, the hell with it, I thought, and I went to the pharmacy to check myself. Why yes, there was the sleep-aid I wanted. At this point, I was furious, so I went to a cashier and asked to see the manager. It took another ten minutes, but finally, she came out. I told her what I had experienced and--wonder of wonders, she was courteous, conciliatory, and got me less angry. I told her of my background in HR and asked if the clerks got any training in customer relations. She assured me they did, but it must not have been too extensive.
Home, I went back on-line to cancel and, incredibly, it looked as if the order never went through in the first place. Oh, the hell with it; from now on, I'll just assume there'll be a screw up any time I deal with Wal-Mart and act accordingly.
After the sleep-aid debacle on Sunday, I decided to order on-line. Did so and was told I could pick up my order the same day--that is, yesterday, January 27. After lunch, I walked to Wal-Mart and was confronted with another infuriating situation: I asked the person in Returns where the pickup place way and she pointed and said, "in photos." I went back there and asked the clerk for my order. She directed me a few aisles away she said she'd be with me in just a minute. I went to pickup and sat down. I sat there for 16 minutes by the clock and by that time, I was steaming.
Another person--"Sue"--came up and asked what I wanted. She pointed out that there was a button on the counter which would alert somebody. I told her that since the clerk had said she's be right with me, I thought she'd be right with me and I \didn't notice the button. Rather abruptly, she asked what I had ordered and I showed her the order I had printed out. She went to get it, came back, and said it wasn't in. So why did the form say I could pick it up that day?
Oh, the hell with it, I thought, and I went to the pharmacy to check myself. Why yes, there was the sleep-aid I wanted. At this point, I was furious, so I went to a cashier and asked to see the manager. It took another ten minutes, but finally, she came out. I told her what I had experienced and--wonder of wonders, she was courteous, conciliatory, and got me less angry. I told her of my background in HR and asked if the clerks got any training in customer relations. She assured me they did, but it must not have been too extensive.
Home, I went back on-line to cancel and, incredibly, it looked as if the order never went through in the first place. Oh, the hell with it; from now on, I'll just assume there'll be a screw up any time I deal with Wal-Mart and act accordingly.
Monday, January 27, 2020
Sunday, Quilts, And Koby Bryant
I got through Sunday pretty well. Did what I find so pleasurable: the large Sunday crossword (about all the Ventura Star is good for.) Walked to Wal-Mart to get my usual sleep aid (their Equate brand) and they didn't have any. I talked to the section manager and she said she ordered it, but it didn't come in; she pointed out that a number of Tylenol brand items didn't come in, either. True, that shelf was almost empty. (Not that I would dream of taking Tylenol, anyway.) Wal-Mart is the worse excuse for a general department store I ever knew, but if you don't want to go to the mall--and I don't--that's all there is.
Went across to Ralph's for blueberries, which were on a hot sale, then caught a bus home. I invited Suzanne in to see the quilt my friend, Susan, had made me five or so years ago; she then asked me in to see the quilt her niece had made her, which she uses as a bedspread. It looked very nice and I'm beginning to think I may want to use mine that way. The problem is, I have a full bed and I know I'd need a bed skirt with it. The one I have wouldn't be appropriate at all and besides, I'm sick of it. I'm mulling it over. Here's a picture of the quilt, taken seven years ago when Susan gave it to me:
I spent an hour or so on two of my plays--Acquisitions, of course, and a monologue. I think they're close to finished and I printed them out; the ones I choose, I'll send to Jeff electronically.
After lunch, I was waiting for the bus when Betty called. We talked for fifteen or so, while I boarded, sat down, then disembarked at the transit center. I'll see her next week.
In town, I took a few things back to the library, then walked down Main. Picked up some Valentine cards for the kids and a pretty tin, thinking I'll make cookies for a gift sometime.
Caught the 16 to the center, then the 21 home. Made a delicious ground turkey/peppers/onions/garlic stir-fry and had that with fresh spinach I had braised. Boy, was that good.
I was so pleased when Ellen called about 7:00. We had a good long talk, ranging in topic from Koby Bryant to quilts to my Arizona AirBnB plans.
Went across to Ralph's for blueberries, which were on a hot sale, then caught a bus home. I invited Suzanne in to see the quilt my friend, Susan, had made me five or so years ago; she then asked me in to see the quilt her niece had made her, which she uses as a bedspread. It looked very nice and I'm beginning to think I may want to use mine that way. The problem is, I have a full bed and I know I'd need a bed skirt with it. The one I have wouldn't be appropriate at all and besides, I'm sick of it. I'm mulling it over. Here's a picture of the quilt, taken seven years ago when Susan gave it to me:
I spent an hour or so on two of my plays--Acquisitions, of course, and a monologue. I think they're close to finished and I printed them out; the ones I choose, I'll send to Jeff electronically.
After lunch, I was waiting for the bus when Betty called. We talked for fifteen or so, while I boarded, sat down, then disembarked at the transit center. I'll see her next week.
In town, I took a few things back to the library, then walked down Main. Picked up some Valentine cards for the kids and a pretty tin, thinking I'll make cookies for a gift sometime.
Caught the 16 to the center, then the 21 home. Made a delicious ground turkey/peppers/onions/garlic stir-fry and had that with fresh spinach I had braised. Boy, was that good.
I was so pleased when Ellen called about 7:00. We had a good long talk, ranging in topic from Koby Bryant to quilts to my Arizona AirBnB plans.
Sunday, January 26, 2020
Saturday
Cut up several pounds of tomatoes, chopped up two big onions to add, put in some Italian seasoning and garlic, and fired up the oven to roast them. I then turned my attention to the large number of whole garlic bulbs I had bought (but why?). Looked on-line to find the best way to peel them and used the glass-jar-and-shake method. That worked fairly well, but you still have to get the thin skin off the cloves. I finally did about ten of them, then used the Chop Wizard's finer dice. Covered and stored them in the fridge until I want to use them.
Used the Shark on the hard floors, cleaned the bathroom, took the trash and recycle out and did a few more minor household chores.
I contacted Jeff to see if the April/May show was going to be like Roadhouse 2019, that is, segmented with short plays, music, and so on. He wrote back it's just one two-act play, but asked me to send him some of my stuff. Told him I would shortly and now I must decide which ones.
Still a little down, I went to town after lunch. I perked up considerably when I got a call from Arizona asking if I wanted to switch a certain arrangement for another and yes, I sure did---yay! I know that's cryptic, but I can't get more specific than that.
Took back the library things I had and picked up more: Road to Singapore, with Bob Hope and Bing* Crosby, and a documentary on Grand Central Station. Also took out Carrie Fishers's book, The Princess Diarist, as I had enjoyed her Wishful Drinking.
Walked down to the museum, but didn't feel like walking back, as I was carrying the two DVDs, the book, and my zippered sweater, and wearing my longer coat. Bused home and got in by 4:15.
For some reason, although I had had my usual lunch, I was hungry and jumped the gun on dinner by eating the leftover pasta salad I had made for the Dudley potluck and frozen. My rule to myself is to eat dinner at 6:00 or after and I virtually never violate it. I'm convinced that keeping to my system is what allows me to keep off the 52 pounds I lost for more than two years, but this isn't going to put it back on and I'm okay with it.
Sat down after that to go over my plays and skits. Went over Acquisitions, in particular, but I'm not sure if I want to include that with what I send Jeff. We'll see.
*I can't believe it--Spellcheck doesn't recognize "Bing"!
Used the Shark on the hard floors, cleaned the bathroom, took the trash and recycle out and did a few more minor household chores.
I contacted Jeff to see if the April/May show was going to be like Roadhouse 2019, that is, segmented with short plays, music, and so on. He wrote back it's just one two-act play, but asked me to send him some of my stuff. Told him I would shortly and now I must decide which ones.
Still a little down, I went to town after lunch. I perked up considerably when I got a call from Arizona asking if I wanted to switch a certain arrangement for another and yes, I sure did---yay! I know that's cryptic, but I can't get more specific than that.
Took back the library things I had and picked up more: Road to Singapore, with Bob Hope and Bing* Crosby, and a documentary on Grand Central Station. Also took out Carrie Fishers's book, The Princess Diarist, as I had enjoyed her Wishful Drinking.
Walked down to the museum, but didn't feel like walking back, as I was carrying the two DVDs, the book, and my zippered sweater, and wearing my longer coat. Bused home and got in by 4:15.
For some reason, although I had had my usual lunch, I was hungry and jumped the gun on dinner by eating the leftover pasta salad I had made for the Dudley potluck and frozen. My rule to myself is to eat dinner at 6:00 or after and I virtually never violate it. I'm convinced that keeping to my system is what allows me to keep off the 52 pounds I lost for more than two years, but this isn't going to put it back on and I'm okay with it.
Sat down after that to go over my plays and skits. Went over Acquisitions, in particular, but I'm not sure if I want to include that with what I send Jeff. We'll see.
*I can't believe it--Spellcheck doesn't recognize "Bing"!
Saturday, January 25, 2020
Brindley and Bohemian Rhapsody
I weighed in at 129.5, a 1.2 pound loss from last week. The meeting was the usual mess, but I guess I'm getting soft in my old age, since it didn't drive me as crazy as usual.
Breakfast at 10, then I took my trusty cart and set off for Wal-Mart. Saw adorable little Brindley and her glamorous grandmother (she looks about 30 to me, very slim, beautifully groomed), Andrea, and chatted for a bit. Brindley loves to push her plush kitty in my cart, so I let her do that. Saw her Mommy, Lauren, later and we talked.
I got quite a lot at the supermarket near Wal-Mart and intended to bus home, but nothing came, so I started walking and did the three mile total without really noticing. Suzanne stopped in when I got home to show me pictures of her friend's quilts, which were shown recently in a quilt show. They're gorgeous, especially one that's like a garden with a white fence--just lovely.
Finally got lunch at 2:30, then this and that--I don't really remember what--but bused to town after to take some books back. Didn't get to the library until 4:30 and, instead of walking down Main, then back, as I usually do, I went right back home.and was in for the night at 5:45.
Watched the rest of Bohemian Rhapsody, having surprised myself by liking it a lot.
I must be on one of my periodic show biz/Hollywood kicks: Just finished Tony Curtis'es bio and am now in the middle of Carrie Fisher's Wishful Drinking.
Breakfast at 10, then I took my trusty cart and set off for Wal-Mart. Saw adorable little Brindley and her glamorous grandmother (she looks about 30 to me, very slim, beautifully groomed), Andrea, and chatted for a bit. Brindley loves to push her plush kitty in my cart, so I let her do that. Saw her Mommy, Lauren, later and we talked.
I got quite a lot at the supermarket near Wal-Mart and intended to bus home, but nothing came, so I started walking and did the three mile total without really noticing. Suzanne stopped in when I got home to show me pictures of her friend's quilts, which were shown recently in a quilt show. They're gorgeous, especially one that's like a garden with a white fence--just lovely.
Finally got lunch at 2:30, then this and that--I don't really remember what--but bused to town after to take some books back. Didn't get to the library until 4:30 and, instead of walking down Main, then back, as I usually do, I went right back home.and was in for the night at 5:45.
Watched the rest of Bohemian Rhapsody, having surprised myself by liking it a lot.
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SATURDAY
I got it done--the patio, that is, and it was a big job, but it looks good: I had to carry all the plants and other items in the living ba...
