Needles

 We left about 9:00 and drove roughly 200 miles to Needles, California. We went across the Mohave desert, which covers an incredible 4700 acres. It was suggested that I sit in the navigator's position--the front seat next to the driver. (Actually, I was not exactly "nest to," as this is a big vehicle home and there are several feet between the two seats.) Wow, what a wonderful experience that was! I had a panoramic view of vastness of the California landscape and it was spectacular.  

And hey, it was hot, hot, hot. In Needles, it was 107 when we rolled in about 3:00. However, no prob, as the RV has air conditioning and almost as soon as we got there, we went in the pool. Weirdly enough, it was very chilly, so we just sat on the side and talked. 

Had a yummy beef fajitas dinner, then went back to the pool. We then watched Better Call Saul, about which--like Ryan Gosling--I had vaguely heard, but wasn't familiar with. It was so good, I was surprised to hear it was a TV show and not a movie. Just greatly enjoyed it and--happy day--we didn't subject ourselves to anything else on T.V., such as a so-called "debate." Like yours truly, these two  rarely watch it. 

This morning, we take off for Williams, CA, then we're headed for the Grand Canyon.

 

LEAVING DAY! (or day before, maybe)

This may or may not be my last entry for a time. We leave tomorrow--or today, depending on when this is published--that is, Tuesday, September 28.  However, I'm staying over with "them" in Santa Paula tonight, a slight change in the plans. That's so nobody has to pick me up and we can get an early start.  

This morning (As I write, it's 10:35 am on Monday, the 28th and who in the hell could keep track of this blog entry dates crapola, I don't know), I stripped the bed and put the sheets and all other accumulated laundry in to wash and dry. I'll shower later, and what I take off will just have to wait until I get back. I'm also planning to wash the few accumulated used dishes after lunch. I just hate going on a trip and coming back to a messy home. 

I got all my stuff together, packed, and so on. I also put together some food I want to take so it doesn't spoil. Ran the dishwasher and took a shower and washed my hair. It's now 2:17 and shortly, I'll assemble the electronic family--laptop and its various components--that I can't seem to live without.

Okay, now it actually is Tuesday, 6:16 am. We met Ellen and Greg at SeaFresh last night and, of course, had a fine time. I wasn't very hungry, so as I often do, ordered two appetizers (braised mushrooms and linguini) and Modelo, a good Mexican beer.  Speaking of good, being with my girls and their guys was double-plus good.

After a leisurely meal, we said goodbye and off we went to Santa Paula. I was oriented to this and that in this little cottage on wheels, then after chatting for a bit, we turned in. I'm one the pull-out sofa and was amazed that I slept well.

Today, we take off for Needles, California, which has the distinction of being one of the hottest places on the planet. It has recorded temperatures of 126 degrees and right now, at 6:27 am in September, it's already 80. We'll be at an RV park, but I was told it have a pool, so what's not to like? 

Sunday

 I still can't get my pictures to send from text, but will keep trying.

Otherwise, it was a wonderful day. The two of us got together about 1:00, then drove to town and parked. We walked the Promenade for about two miles, looping around to Main Street. There were lots and lots of people on the beach, on the Promenade, in the water, and on Main. We went into four shops and I got two DVDs. We then walked back to the Promenade, out onto the pier, then back to the car. I believe we covered about five miles total, a good walk.

Went back to Santa Paula, where a pork roast dinner was cooking. After chatting a bit and a glass of Merlot, we ate, talked more, then I was driven home. 

It was decided I'd be with them in the RV, starting tonight, so we can get an early start in the morning. 

Family

What a fun day! I was picked up, as scheduled, at 10:30 and off we went to Carolyn and Dana's in Santa Barbara. Their 13-year-old, Claire, Betty, Steve and Dex were already there. Robyn wasn't: She's an accomplished costumer and seems to specialize in designing and making puppet clothes. She now, for complicated--or maybe not-so--reasons, has a lot of work, so was home in West Hollywood making teeny costumes and, I trust, other-than-teeny piles of dough.    

We were in the backyard almost all the time, of course--open air and all that--but it's a wonderfully attractive one and was so enjoyable. Perfect weather, sunny and in the seventies, and we were under a grapevine-draped overhead trellis. 

AAGH! Here it is, 7:24 am on Sunday and I've been trying for almost an hour to send the pics Carolyn took to my gmail, so I can add two or three here. Damn, I can't do it! When I take them, I can "send" to my email, save in "pictures," then share. Carolyn took some good ones and sent to me and others, but for some reason, I can't share--it just says "download" and something else. I downloaded, but can't send from there, either! 

I'll keep trying and if I can, will add them tomorrow.

Anyway, we had a great time and the food was just simple and good. Dana made pulled pork sandwiches, others brought salad, Claire made cookies for dessert, and there was red and white wine. Best was being with my daughters and extended family. It was wonderful--great conversation and the best of companies. We got there about 4:00 and stayed for almost four hours. 

Sharon, Salmon, And Good Company

Sharon called me again before T.O.P.S. to say she was still suffering from a variety of ailments and wouldn't be there. I honestly fear she might actually expire one days soon; I hope not. 

I took to the gathering six or seven of the limes from the community tree and they were pleased to get them. This time, there were only four besides me, though. I knew Lennie was in Idaho and Sharon was unwell, but that's still a small group.  Lora and Susan  used to come, along with others, so what happened to them, I don't know. Anyway, I weighed 129 at home and 129.4 on the T.O.P.S. scale, so an insignificant gain of about .04--no biggie.

Bobbi stayed chatting while I waited out front for the Access Van. It came and took me to Jessica Nails fearfully early. However, they took me early, too, which is good in a way, but I was out of there a half hour before pickup of 11:00 and, wouldn't you know, the van was about fifteen late after that. However, I got home okay and now my tooties are all ready for the Grand Canyon.

I went over to Von's after lunch to pick up some things for company dinner. I got seasoned, frozen salmon, which I've had before and is so good and easy to prepare; just line a pan foil and pop them in a 400 degree oven for twenty minutes or so. Also bought mashed potatoes already made up, which I never had before. These just went in the microwave. Picked up a large cauliflower, too, and had the leftover roasted carrots. Along with the nice fresh wedges of lime, it made a pretty good meal. 

They came about 5:30 and stayed for two hours. What a treat! Not only did I get to see two people for whom I care so much, but I was entertaining again--in a minor way, but still. They'll pick me up today at 10:30 and we'll meet Ellen and Greg at The Hip Vegan for brunch, then go to Carolyn's about 4:00. 

 

Thursday

Figuring I wouldn't get into town yesterday, I walked to the Market and back, putting in three miles and I'm okay with that. Bought two pounds of carrots, so after scrubbing and trimming them, I put them in the oven with olive oil and seasonings. Had some for dinner, with the last of my beans and mushrooms. Jessica Nails is right next door and I noticed they were open. Immediately went in and made an appointment for a pedicure for 10 this morning. I called the Access Van to take me there and back. Why? Because I'll wear sandals, so as not to smear the new polish, and I can't walk that far in them. 

Brother, Larry, from Miami called and we talked for an incredible hour and a half. He told me Helen had fallen and broken (actually cracked) her pelvis. It seems nothing can be done for that except bed rest and, in recent years, Helen has spent a lot of time in bed, anyway. They had had a king-sized, but Larry got her a hospital bed and himself a single. (He got a kick out of it when I said the must put a crimp in his love life--he's 88, Helen 85.)

Larry wants me to go to his granddaughter's wedding in Jacksonville in November and I'm leaning that way. He said he won't go unless I do--I assume he isn't serious. I really plan to go, if at all possible.

Dr. Jennings office person called to say my ultra-sound revealed no problems. I still haven't heard back from the dermatologist's office about the biopsy. I called once again and was on hold so long, I hung up. It's now been two weeks and two days since I was there.   

I did this and that on the laptop, then showered and washed my hair, preparing for hairdresser, Cindy. She got here a few minutes late, but it really wasn't her fault. I tell most visitors to park at the front entrance, then call me and I'll come out and bring them to my apartment. However, she knocked on my door--I'm surprised she found it on her own--and said she had called several times, but thinks she had a wrong number for me. She looked it up and certainly did--it didn't even have the same area code. Anyway, she trimmed my hair and it looks okay. I kind of liked it better the way before, but it'll grow again.

I called the Access Van and they'll pick me up and take me home from Jessica Nails.

Went over to Von's for grapes after Cindy left and on the way back, I noticed how many big limes were on the tree at one of the grassy areas. I know residents are allowed to take them (the tree was transplanted from the patio of somebody who moved away) and I went back and got my "grabber." Harvested about ten and will take some to the T.O.P.S. gathering this morning and some to Carolyn's on Saturday.

Betty called and said she had gone to a doctor who asked her to draw pictures, then said she had Alzheimer's. I was taken aback that she was told that, but it didn't seem to particularly alarm her. I made some comment about "lots of people have memory problems." 

I again had trouble sleeping last night. My ankle itched a lot and I'm thinking of calling Dr. J. to see if I should continue talking the antibiotic, although the prescribed week is over tomorrow.

  

Ultra-Sound, Protestants, And Our Community

I left at 9:00 for my 11:00 o'clock ultra sound appointment. If I had been driving, it would have taken--oh, about twenty minutes, but when you're walking/busing, it is, of course, a lot longer of a trip. Walked to Telephone Road and took the 11 to Walnut, then walked the rest of the way to Rolling Oaks Radiology. 

I was early, but didn't wait long to be taken in. I had never had ultra-sound--except maybe when I was pregnant, or did they have them fifty and more years ago?--and vaguely thought it was like an x-ray: You stand in front of a screen and they click a picture or something.

No. It entailed me disrobing on the top left, the tech smearing on a gel, then hearing a somewhat unsettling swoosh, swoosh, swoosh, presumably my blood rushing through my veins.  It didn't hurt, though, and took only twenty minutes or so. As I had been asked to do, I called Dr. Jennings' office to report that I had had the ultra-sound, although they'll certainly send the results there.

Gail was waiting outside in her car. When she got in, she suggested we go to the harbor, instead of The Promenade in town. Actually, that suited me better, as I can get to the former on my own. 

We went and enjoyed a mile or so walk up to the museum. It's closed, of course, but has a nice outdoor kind of circular sitting area, where we had our lunch. I had brought a sandwich and, because I didn't want to take a heavy can of beer, a nice little bottle of cabernet. I'm getting to like red wine, as well as white, and it seemed to go better with my sandwich.

We enjoyed our talk which, as adults often do, delved into topics we probably wouldn't have discussed in our younger years. I was interested to hear Gail's father was Unitarian, but her mother sent her to Presbyterian Sunday School. (I'm always bemused by Protestants and their wishy-washy white bread beliefs. Gail isn't religious now, incidentally.) Anyway, it was good talk.

We ran into Carolyn S. and her husband, Robert, whom I used to see in Kimball when we walked there every day. They both had masks on; this is out in the open air, very few strollers, and they're married and live together. Go figure. After a very enjoyable outing, Gail took me home, then I changed (it was much warmer than it had been) and thought I'd bus to Oxnard, as it was only 2:30. 

As I was walking toward the gate, I saw a neighbor to whom Suzanne had introduced me a while ago. I liked her persona: friendly enough, but brisk and clearly intelligent and I wanted to get to know her better. Yesterday, she was outside and we exchanged names and chatted for a few. Her name is Vickie and her apartment mate's is Mary. (They may or may not be a couple.) I had understood Mary has health problems and when I asked Vickie, she replied with the "good days, bad days" answer. I hope to get to know her better.

I got the 6 bus, but as I stepped up to the higher seats, I slipped and scraped my right shin. Damn, I'll getting more scrapes and cuts than I ever did before! The driver was very concerned and asked if I wanted medical assistance. When I said no, asked me to fill out a little card explaining what happened. I did, and we rode on, but I got off at Telephone and decided just to ride to the transit center, where I got the 10 home.

I stopped at the office to get the two extra keys I had requested for Ellen and Suzanne and gave one to Suzanne. (She left at 5:00 am today for her niece's wedding in Idaho.) When I opened my sliding door to the patio, it stuck halfway and I saw a screw was popped partly  up. Called the office and Scott came to fix it. While he was here, we had a nice conversation. He's a sweet-natured young man, 22, and was born in Guam, which I think is so interesting. I believe my son, Mike, and his family, have been there. Scott had just been at his brother's wedding in Washington State and the day after the affair, fire swept the outdoor venue.

Coming back from getting the mail (sparse and uninteresting, as usual), I saw Andy, my upstairs neighbor, coming back from taking Abby for a walk. Is Abby his wife, girlfriend, daughter, S.O.? Nope, she's his cute little doggie--even I like her, which is saying something--and we stood talking for some time. Andy is young, probably in his twenties, and I'm not sure what he does for a living, but he's a nice guy and I like talking to him. Along with Leah, the other upstairs neighbor, also in her twenties and Black, we have nice little diverse community.