THURSDAY

Lorraine called at 7:15 am--AAGH! I listened to her usual array of complaints, inane ideas about what an evil place the world is, and how everybody she meets is an idiot. Now I'm beginning to wonder if I should ever have befriended her. Oh, well, I'll try to avoid. 

After breakfast, I accepted my Domestic Goddess role and spent virtually the whole day on chores. Food prep was the prominent one: I chopped two pounds of onions with my trusty Chop Wizard, then did a pound with the mandolin. Divided and stowed most in the freezer, reserving the rest for stewed (actually, mine are roasted) tomatoes. Quartered the tomatoes, added the onions, olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and Italian seasoning and popped all in the oven. I zested and juiced the five lemons given me by "Upstairs Mike." Tucked the results individually in the freezer and now I'm set for both turkey stir-fry and lemon squares, as well as whatever else. 

I then turned my attention to the six pounds of chicken thighs I had bought at WinCo and followed the best recipe I've ever found. You brush them with melted butter, season (I used my favorite, Italian seasoning), then cover with foil and roast for an hour in a slow (300 degree) oven. After, you remove the file, raise the temp to 425 and keep them in for another twenty minutes or so. Oh, mama, are they good. 

Also did a color wash; rearranged my warm outer clothes drawer (wool scarfs, coat hoods, gloves, etc.); and took the trash to the dumpster.

I called my cousin, Sally, and we talked, both about everyday things and David's death. I still don't know if they know what actually caused it, and I didn't want to ask. Sally said the memorial service will be in March. Possibly, I can get to it--I would like to, but will decide later.

I happened to see these Russian dancers on Facebook and found them so spectacular, I posted here:

https://www.facebook.com/watch?v=8768833133244245

WEDNESDAY

Did a few chores in the morning, then took myself across the street to Nails L'Elegance for a long- overdue pedicure. The place was all decorated for the New Year--Year of the Wood Snake--which is, of course, celebrated across Asia. Kathy and the others are Vietnamese and were in colorful costumes: 

Trotted home and got ready for Ellen to come at noon. We chatted for a bit, then went over to CVS for something she needed to pick up. Had lunch at Hill Street Cafe, then it was off to WinCo and boy, did I stock the larder. Got lots of produce, chicken thighs, plus chicken livers, which I love, as well as mushrooms, acorn squash, strawberries, salmon, a six-pack of IPA, and more. As I told Ellen, it would have taken me three trips to get that much via bus and with my cart, so I really appreciated it. Even more, I appreciated the fact that my dear girl invited me to go to her place on Sunday and, in fact, every Sunday, unless I have other plans. Happily looking forward to starting next week off with that.

After El left, I sliced the strawberries, added a little Stevia, and put them in the freezer in three small containers to enjoy later. Cooked the liver and mushrooms for dinner, along with leftover potatoes and peppers, for a good meal. Today, I plan to prepare the chicken, reserving one for tonight's dinner and the rest for later. 

Happily, I slept well last night.

Financial note: Called Maureen at Groendyke (homeowners insurance) and found I have a $2500 deductible, so sent a check for $800 to Ernest Fey & Son for the plumbing repair. 

TUESDAY

Did a color wash during breakfast, ate, then pulled together the little verse for Duane and his gal (and her father). Wrapped it, made lunch, and walked to the P.O. to send, after which I bused to town.

It was very quiet, which I had expected, considering it was a week day and chilly, but I enjoyed it. Bought some Valentine cards and a few other small items, then enjoyed lunch, as ever, across from the mission. 

Got home at 4:00 and ran into Vickie outside her apartment. She invited me in and we chatted for a bit. She was happily excited because re her cancer, she got an appointment with a new--I'm not sure what the title is, but her insurance won't cover it. The person is in the medical field, so I'm not sure why it wouldn't be covered, but maybe it's one of those unproven theory things...

Speaking of: I got a text from Jeanne Painter with a video of a doctor saying essentially that all medicines are crap. Jeanne said her mother was on cholesterol medication and it caused her to get Alzheimer's and die at 83. Oh-k-a-y... I guess I'll toss my meds and live to be--83...?

I called Roy Sanchez, the former student of Jim's, to whom I had given Jim's contact info. There was no answer, so I left a message asking him to call. I'd like to know if he contacted Jim or went to see him.

Looking forward to a day with Ellen today; she said she'll be over about noon, then we'll go shopping and to lunch.

Darn, I hadn't been bothered with RLS for months, but last night, it came back with a vengeance; had a very restless night and even got up to play a laptop game. I finally dropped off, but probably got no more than five hours. 

Financial Note: Early on, I got the news that the pipe repair at my house in Jersey would cost $800; the plumber will send an invoice. I want to call my homeowners insurance broker to find out if it's covered. Report from Mike, who fixed it previously: "Freezing destroyed the valve put in a few weeks ago. I was capped with a solid pipe cap, which should be good until spring. It's odd that the sprinkler control box is off, but water flows full stream even off. Seems as if the valve that is supposed to shut off must be broken."

Monday

Ellen called early to ask if I wanted her to come over on Wednesday (now tomorrow) and we could grocery shop, go to lunch, and hang out. Of course, I was delighted to accept. My choice where we go could be WinCo, then maybe lunch at Aloha on the beach. 

Suzanne stopped in to show me pictures of her recent trip to San Diego. As she said, it's too bad we went a week apart to the same area; otherwise, we could have gone together. However,  it was nice she could see her baby great-nephew, Huxley, who's three months old and coming into a brave new world 😁.

Went to CVS for the OTC eye vitamins the doctor recommended. I was amazed at the price: forty bucks, but my OTC benefit covered all but fifteen and change. These are capsules to be taken in the morning and at night, so I just slipped them in with my other meds. Stopped at Von's for veggies, rice cakes, and a bunch of other stuff. 

Called Lorraine to see if she wanted to meet me in the middle where I planned to take my lunch and she did. I took my check to the office and was dismayed to find the gathering room was locked. Kim told me the new owners would not allow residents to go in without the now mandatory $350.00 daily fee. Can't I even take my lunch in there once in while? Sure, for three-fifty a pop. The new owners want to attract those arranging business meetings, I understand. Oh, well, I can still eat in the middle...

...which Lorraine and I did at 1:30. Actually, I did--she lunches much earlier, but sat down with me to talk. In truth, Lorraine is one of those acquaintances with whom I have little in common. I can never decide if I consider her an okay companion or more of a bore and a pest. However, I like to have a variety of friends; I have black, gay, old, young, and in-between types, so I'll give her the benefit of the doubt.

I spent some time on the little verse I wrote as a thank-you to Duane, Anita, and Ray. It spells our their names and here it is:

D amn, you three are all so cute,

U pper class there's no denying,

A nd your actions are a hoot; 

N o, I really am not lying,

E ven so, you're not as sweet

A s Trigger boy, for he's a treat,

N ot to mention little Buddy;

I am just a fuddy-duddy

T rying hard to now convey

A ll the thanks I want to say:

R eally had a super time

A t your place--to me,

Y ou're PRIME!

             Love, Wrong Way Rosemary

The name? Ray jokingly dubbed me that because of my getting on the wrong train. The verse could be better, but I guess it's okay. I'm including with it a little pickleball Christmas ornament (they both play), and I'll send it off and hope they enjoy it. 

SUNDAY

Glory be, it rained!  We hadn't had any since last March and, although this wasn't a downpour, it actually got the grass and sidewalk wet. It stopped after a few hours, but I hope it helped with the fires.

Did the usual Sunday things and a few chores, then went outside to wait for the Access Van. I had asked for a 5:00 arrival at Ellen's in Ojai, but there were some snags and I didn't get there until about 5:30. No matter, we chatted while El rode her exercise bike, then she served lunch. She had made a ground turkey meatloaf and there was a choice of "hot by itself" or "warm on a sandwich." I opted for the latter with the excellent coarse bread from The Farmer And the Cook. Accompanied by mixed vegetables and an IPA, it was yum. Greg had been invited, but had just gotten back from Santa Barbara and decided not. He asked if I wanted to go with him to Bart's Books, as I often have, but the Access Van was picking me up, so I said another time.

We then played a cutthroat game of gin rummy, which was a close battle. We had a great time, as we all have the same sense of humor. I don't even know who won, as the Access Van came before we reached a score of 500. Anyway, it was great fun.

As for Ellen's nice house in Ojai, it's actually owned by two sisters, identical twins, named Gwennie and Cessie. You have to be really on your toes when you visit, as they rule the roost. Here's Gwennie in a contemplative mood:

Access Van dropped me off at 6:00 and I called my neighbor, Lorraine, to see if she wanted to meet at the clubhouse today for lunch today (well, I'll bring lunch, but she eats much earlier). She said yes and I'll call her when I'm ready.

Saturday

I got a fair amount of chores done after gallivanting for so long: Changed the bed washed the sheets and re-made; filed the mountain of papers I've been neglecting; washed, cored, and quartered three pounds of apples, put them in the slow cooker with cinnamon, and now have a nice batch of chunky applesauce.

I took my lunch outside to the middle to eat, but didn't stay long, as it was a little chilly. After, I treated myself by watching Chinatown, one of my top five movies, on my new DVD player. Called my cousin, Sally, to see how she was holding up after David's death, but there was no answer. I'll wait awhile to call again.

Got word from Little Egg that there was a sprinkler leak problem at my house. I called my long-time friend and neighbor, Susan Geldart to ask for the name of a plumber. Her husband, Walter, provided two names, but I may not have to use them. I was saddened to hear the the husband of a mutual friend of ours, Gary, had broken his hip, there were complications, and he died in Presbyterian Hospital in Philly. I must send a note of condolence to Julie. 

💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥

More from my trip to Encinitas:

Here's Ani's Dad, Ray, ninety years old and a master ship builder.

He built the Titanic!

Above is one I like a lot--a copper bottom sail boat. 

In the small house in which he lives, Ray has sailing ships here, there and everywhere. There are many at Duane's, also.

One more thing regarding my trip: Ani (Anita), who's very introspective, told me of an exercise her therapist suggested: Without pondering, name three things that most influence your life. I can't remember what her things were, but I told her these for mine: Ventnor/twin (being one)/family. Hmm...maybe they're all one...

FRIDAY

Weight: I gained but even so, I was pleased because it was a miniscule amount: Home, I was up .08 to 129.2; at T.O.P.S., up 0.2 to 129.4--still in  my comfort zone, but barely.  We had the usual meandering meeting--only five of us, but it went okay. Next week, Lennie won't be here, as she's taking her granddaughter to NYC for some Broadway shows--lucky them!

Home at 10:00, had breakfast, and almost immediately set off for town. Stopped in a few shops, but didn't buy anything, then met Noreen at 1:00. We sat outside in the lovely sunshine and talked and talked, as ever. I wasn't at all hungry, so just had onion rings and an IPA. 

Noreen is about as big a fan of Trump as my daughter, Ellen, meaning they both think he's the devil incarnate and N. was very vehement about it. Okay, he's a bad person, lower than a rat's heinie,* but in  my estimation, they all are. The system is corrupt and the higher up you go, the more they stink. Anyway, we had an enjoyable time. While we were there, Ellen's friend, JoAnn, saw us and came up to say hello with her little pooch. 

We said goodbye after several hours and bused home. Got in at 5:00 and had a text from Ellen about the rain predicted for tomorrow. She had invited me over and I don't want to miss, so will call the Access Van to take me there and back. El promised she'd ask Greg over too, and we'd play Blockus and gin rummy--YAY!

*I made that up, I'm proud to say.