Test blog post

 testing a practice post to see if it's going to my blog.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19, 2025

 Well, I can't get into my real blog to post and I'm not even sure where this one came from, but I might as well fill it in. I got the Access Van to Michelle's and blew in at 11:00. It took about an hour for us to go over and fill in my income tax info; I also have to contact Vanguard (investments)  with a quesion about something that's different from last years's return. I should be getting about thou back from the feds and 200 or so from either New Jersey or California. I like Michelle a lot and we have a good rapport. She travels a lot, skiing and so on, and will be going to Switzerland, Germany, France, and a few other places in May. She's also going to be hiking the 500-mile Santiago trail in Spain, the fourth person I know who has or will do that.

Walked from there to Ralph's, picked up some of th packet tuna I like, then ate my lunch in the park outside with the fountain and the birds. Bused back home, stopping at CVS for my Ramipril medication, then at Asuion to tell Bryce I'd bring the laptop over yet again to see if he csn get me in to post on my real blog. Called Yandoo Communications to cancel their visit, which had been scheduled for this morning.

I got two greeting cards yesterday. Here's my favorite, unfortunately getting here two days late. Considering the state of the U.S. mail "service," that doesn't surprise me. From the Tokyo Trio:

I love the joke, though it may border on the insulting.

And here's the second one--I have no idea why it was mailed on St. P.'s Day, but I fear Sheri might be losing it:

☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘

 

 uyyuyy

 jkklk

Thursday

I was horrified when I went to open Apache Office,  and found it wouldn't. I spent an hour or more looking up the "community resources" answers as to why.  Couldn't follow the solutions, so I got my cart, packed up my laptop, and walked to Telephone Road, then bused to Office Max. 

It's just incredible to me that their techs will fix problems at no cost--and they do it quickly and cheerfully. The tech guy was occupied, so "Albert"--I think he's the manager--got it going again for me. He said I had a lot of stuff on it, so of which should probably be removed. I'll do that as soon as I figure out how. Also bought an ink cartilage, which cost me two bucks and change, as I had a "reward" of $13,00.

Stopped at Aldi for lettuce, broccoli, and cheese and broccoli manicotti. I've had that last stuffed with chicken; it's frozen, but really good. Bused home, had lunch, then spent an hour on food prep. That included chopping three big red onions; microwaving and seasoning a bag of spinach, and washing, paring, and roasting two large tubers: a yam and a sweet potato. I read that they're supposed to be good if you have an ulcer and I think I do.

Speaking of...I got a call from a nurse with Blue Shield, asking if I had an health problems, questions, and concerns. Jeez, if I do, I'll ask my doctor, but I talked to her for a bit. Julie called and will pick me up this morning for T.O.P.S. I must ask when she leaves for two months in Austria (she was born there), as I want to get her a little gift--she's been so nice. Also want to get Ken something--maybe a succulent--since he takes me home from the show. 

Called the Access Van and will be picked up for tonight's performance at five something. I hope T.O.P.S. doesn't drag on too long, as I asked Jim to get here at 11:30, since I have to shower and wash my hair and otherwise prepare for tonight.

I'm working on a little name rhyme for our director, Shannon, and it's a rather difficult one, as hers has has three of the letter "n." I want to give it to her at the cast party on the fourth, along with the Irish Cream I'll make.

 Took a one-hour nap, since I had gotten so little sleep and just got up at 6:30--yay!

Thursday

Walked down Victoria to IHOP to meet LaVonne for breakfast at 10:00. I had an omelet with hash browns and good grief, although it was two hours after my usual breakfast time, it was so big I could eat only half.  I asked for a container (reheat an omelet--why not?) and put it in the handy nylon bag I keep in my purse. LaVonne and I then walked to Power Storage, where her granddaughter is manager. I met Dominique, a very nice young woman, and we chatted a bit, then walked on. Got the bus and LaVonne went on into town, while I got off near my stop--but darn, I didn't have my bag; I must have left it somewhere, but no great loss.

Got home, showered, dressed, and walked to the oral surgeon's office. This is near the Hill Street Cafe, which LaVonne and I will try for lunch next time. I was there early and was taken early; the upshot is that I'll have the extraction on May 25. That means I can go to my cousin's in San Diego on the fifteenth--I'll call her today.

From there, I bused to town to a small shop LaVonne had mentioned and bought some nice small potatoes and fresh eggs. Home and stopped at Vickie's to say hello. We talked for a bit and she asked if I wanted a pretty kind of wood arch with purple flowers in it. Sure, and I took it home. We had again failed to get the paper and right now, at 5:56 am, I went out to check and no, it ain't there. I'm beginning to wonder if I should just give up and cancel the print edition. 

I had just put the potatoes and some onions in the oven when Suzanne came over. She had emailed me an article on Sisters in Sea Isle and it's a wonderful overview. Maybe a certain fellow-blogger I know would like to see it, too:

https://seaislenews.com/spotlight-history-nuns-beach/

I've been trying to think of the nun's retreat house in another shore town, that's very well known. I just can't remember the name of the town; will have to ask somebody. But wait--it's Spring Lake. I can't recall whether it was the Mercies or another order--maybe the diocese, I'll look it up.

BCNN And Sister Paterna

Julie picked me up at 9:00 and we went to the BCNN meeting. This time it was held at the Ventura Yacht Club and, boy, I could get used to that. Wonderful views on all sides of both the harbor and the ocean.

The program was a snooze fest. One of the members who had been a marriage counselor talked about enhancing one's senior years, with all the old cliches and bromides--keep active, love yourself, think positive thoughts, and so on. How anybody can take that stuff seriously is beyond me. However, lunch afterward at the Bay Pub nearby was pretty good. Julie and I sat across from each other and when two other women sat next to us, one of them--Iris--said she remembered me from the Maritime Museum. I had a good time talking with her and her friend, Anne.

Julie and I stopped into some of the shops after, then went home. I immediately changed clothes and walked to the P.O. to send the condolence letters to my sister-in-law and niece, then bused to town. Stopped at the library to get Dancing Man, a new book by a Broadway choreographer (I eat that kind of thing up) and bought a blouse.

Home at 5:00 and I was delighted to get another email from Sister Helen; she sent me a picture of, and the obituary on, Sister Paterna,which I'll share with Suzanne.

Got a call from the office saying my May rent payment hadn't been received. I couldn't understand that, as I have it sent automatically. Looked it up and for some reason, it isn't scheduled until May 11--I have no idea why, but will fix it.   (Also have no idea why this part of the text is now centered, instead of left-aligned, and won't move.)