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.) 

Tuesday

Jim picked me up at noon and we went to Jasmine Thai for his birthday lunch. I had pad Thai, which I had forgotten I liked so much, and it was good. I picked up the tab, of course, then we went to my place and chatted for an hour or so.  He left about 4:00 and I started a stir-fry for dinner. I varied it a bit by adding tomatoes (fresh), shaved onions, and the sauce Suzanne had given me. It turned out pretty good, actually.

While it was simmering, the doorbell rang and it was Vickie. She came to ask when I had been missing the Ventura Star and we compared notes. Yes, she and I hadn't gotten it on three days. We're probably the only two people in the apartment complex--or in the universe--who subscribe to the rag, anyway. I asked her to sit down and we talked for fifteen or so. She still having a dreadful time with Mary's condition and is distraught over the facility she's in. Also, she had some kind of treatment for the breast cancer (to keep it at bay, I hope) and has had a difficult reaction. To top it off, her work, which she says has tripled, has been difficult for her to complete. She said she just hopes she can hold out until June, when she'll be 65 and get social security.

I've been writing condolence letters to my sister-in-law and niece.  Will also write a note to Dana, my niece, Carolyn's, husband, on the loss of his mother. Julie called--she's back from two weeks in Mali--and will pick me up at 9:00 today for the Beach Cities Neighbors and Newcomers meeting, with lunch after. LaVonne texted me to remind me of our breakfast date tomorrow at 10; then at 2:00, I go to the oral surgeon--AAGH! But also, YAY! For what? Because I just got this, sent electronically:    

Your Latest Results

April 25, 2022

MAMMO, screening, tomosynthesis, bilateral

The results of your recent tests are within normal limits. We look forward to seeing you at your next appointment.

Monday

The start of a busy week: I did a wash and showered before breakfast at 8:00. Left about 10 and walked to Telephone Road, then bused to Portola. I was, of course, very early for the Soaring Spirits lunch at noon, but thought I'd go first to Barnes & Noble. When I had been there with with Mike on Sunday. I had seen some things I might get for upcoming birthdays and so on. But...

...as I was about to cross the street to get to B & N, I impulsively turned and went the other way. What was there? Colony Parc, where I lived when I moved to Ventura in 2015. I thought I'd just stroll around the complex and look at my old apartment. Actually, I had had two there: When I first moved, I had a two bedroom, two bath. However, about a year later, the rent went up and besides, although I would have like a second room (I still would), I really didn't need two bathrooms. I think the only one who ever used the second one was my niece, Carolyn, when she visited me.

Darn, I couldn't find either apartment. I was on foot and I didn't want to wander, so I stopped into the office. Curious, I asked how much the two-bedrooms units are now and almost collapsed on the spot when I was casually told "three thousand ten dollars." What?!  Good grief, you'd think you'd get a mansion for that. As for the one bed, one bath, the 520 sq. ft. one goes for $2295; for an extra hundred a month, you got 530 feet. As I was leaving, I ran into Israel, a maintenance man there who actually remembered me. When I expressed amazement about the high rents, he said a lot of people from L.A. had moved here because of COVID and, I guess, other problems. Wowee, I still can't get over the rents.

Got to Stonefire Grille a little early and found Vera there. Shortly after, Susan, Gayle, Renee, and Pat came and we had our usual congenial lunch. Vera said she'd like to arrange an outing to the Comedy Club in Oxnard and, of course, I immediately said, "I'm in." Left after a plate of pesto pasta, a Blue Moon, and lots of good talk.

Walked to the Dollar Tree on Telephone, then bused to Victoria and walked to Wal-Mart for light bulbs and the sleep aid I take. Home and stopped at CVS for cream sherry, then did some food prep. Before dinner, I went out to get the mail; on the way back, I stopped in to chat with Suzanne next door. While we were talking, I thought I heard my door open, but dismissed it, thinking it must have been Leah or Andy upstairs. When I went home, though, I found this:

Ellen had called (I didn't have my phone with me), then used her key to get in, so I missed her. I read her note inside the card, cried a few tears, then called her. We had a long talk, just about this and that, and it was so good. Later, I actually had to call her again, as the laptop froze. She guided me through what to do and it's up again. 

Today I'm taking Jim to lunch at Jasmine Thai for his birthday. He'll pick me up out front at noon.

Note: I changed my method of payment from automatic re my bank account to a credit card. The paper arrived on Sunday, but not, of course, on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday (they no longer publish on Saturday, so they owe me two). Today, Monday?  No. And I'm beginning to think it isn't worth subscribing to the print edition. I should add a note on how to unfreeze this thing, but now I'm not sure I remember the steps! 😣

And Another...

One more wonderful day:

The Access Van got me to Ellen's, as requested, at 8:30. Mike, who was the only one up, was juicing tangerines and mentioned that he had already run that morning. Ellen and Greg emerged soon after and we decided that, after all, we'd have breakfast first, then go to the river walk. Greg had some things to do before he drove to work at 1:00, so didn't go with us.  

Off we went to the Ventura River Preserve and what a neat day! We parked, then took the trail to the water. It was somewhat hazardous--for me, anyway--since there were rocks, stones, and gravel mixed in with the sandy soil. It was more than a mile before we got to the water, but both my kiddies helped when I needed it, and I had no problem. These pictures don't show them, but there were lots of other walkers, runners, dogs, and  horses there, too:

  

The water hole:

Here are Mike and Ellen, El in her glamor pose:

And the old lady:

And the--AAGH!--horses:

Since E. and M. thought we shouldn't walk back (but I was game!), El and I stayed in the area while Mike went to get the car, which was, of course, more than a mile away. He seemed to take quite a while and later, we laughed over the fact that he had taken a wrong turn and got to Ellen's house. Greg took him back to the car and he picked us up. Back at El's, we had lunch, Greg left for work, then Mike packed up and said goodbye to Ellen (I'm looking forward to seeing her next Sunday on Mothers' Day), and he and I left for Ventura.

Earlier, I had admired a wooden book holder Greg had gotten at Barnes & Noble and Mike suggested he'd get me one for Mothers Day. Great idea and we drove to B & N immediately. Mike bought three book holders, along with a number of books and magazines. 

Got home and I had to say goodbye to my boy. Happily, he'll be back in July with Violet, who will be going to summer camp in Ojai. I had such a wonderful time over the two weekends with my youngest. I need to remember more often how lucky I really am.

   

Another Delightful Day

Mike picked me up at 9:30, after his shopping spree at various stores in Ventura. He had been given a list--mostly makeup and shampoo--from his three girls (wife and daughters) for certain brands not available in Singapore, so he had plenty of bags and boxes.  While at Ellen's, friend Pat called to say she had watched some of the funeral mass for Jim; we discussed that for a bit. 

El, Greg, Mike, and I then had a wonderful excursion to the Kristamurdi Center up in the hills of Ojai. I've been there several times before and was always thrilled with the scenery and peaceful ambiance of the place. We stopped first at the central building, formerly the philosopher's home, and met with Michael, director of the center. He and Greg are good friends and meet for coffee every week or so. Michael is an interesting person; he had been joined the Kristamurdi adherents four or five decades ago and eventually became his cook. In fact, he wrote a book called The Kitchen Chronicles," which Mike immediately bought. Michael wrote a very kind and warm inscription in it.  We sat in his office for about twenty minutes and conversed with Michael, then wandered around the grounds.  

After several hours there, we headed to The Hip Vegan for lunch. I had a tofu "hamburger" and boy, was that good. Back to Ellen's and Greg left for work, then my two little kiddies and I headed out to town. Walked on the main drag--lots of tourists, but a lovely day--and went to the Japanese tea place--Full Moon or whatever it's called--where incredibly, Mike bought sixty-six dollars worth of tea. Next door, we saw an odd little curio shop called "Violet's Pink Thrift." It had (secondhand) merchandise out front and I saw and immediately knew I had to have a lamp with a camel on it. I tried to get in the shop to buy it, but the door was locked. What to do? I hit on the idea of calling her; looked up the number on my phone, did so, and she answered. In a few minutes, a very old woman in a smock came out, too my money, and I carried the lamp to the car.

After that, we stopped for an hour at Nordhoff Cemetery, surely the most unusual I've seen. It's very remote and rather wild, but somehow, serene and beautiful.   

Back at El's and the three of us sat in the side yard with big glasses of iced tea (it was 80 degrees) under the shade of her huge tree. We decided on a plan for today: I would come via the Access Van (I arranged for pickup at 7:19, so an hour from now); we'd hike and observe the wildlife in "the meadows near El's; she'd make us breakfast after, then Mike would drop me off his way back to L.A. We talked a bit more, then El drove me to the bus stop, I caught the 16, and was home before 6:00. 

Set the alarm for 5:30 and slept like a stone. 

Friday

Weird weight: At home, I was 128.4 for a loss of 1.6 pounds; at T.O.P.S., I was 129 for a gain of .09. That's insignificant, I know, but I had never seen such a wide gap before. Well, no matter, I'm within my zone.

My dear friend, Pat, called while Lora and I were about to go into the meeting and I caught up with her later. There were only four of us--Sharon showed up, full of talky-talk-talk, as ever, about anything but weight loss. We did break up after an hour, though, and I was able to call Pat back. She expressed condolences about about my brother, which I appreciated so much. She reminded me that Jim and her brother, Frank, had been the same age. Coincidentally, her other brother, Frank, was in school with my brother, Jim. She lost both her big brothers a few years ago, so we have that bond. Nobody would ask for it manifested this way, but it's so comforting to know she understands. 

I called my cousin, Sally, but her message machine was on. Annoyingly, she doesn't always return calls because she has both a mobile and a land line and she doesn't always listen to messages. I wanted to tell her about Jim--not sure if she remembers him--and also discuss my upcoming visit to see her in San Diego. I have the consultation with the oral surgeon on the fifth and I don't know what will happen with that.

Also called Jim--my friend, Jim, that is--to wish him happy birthday (yesterday, Friday, was his seventy-ninth) and to invite him to lunch on Tuesday. I asked where he'd like to go and he suggested Jasmine Thai. I was pleased, as I like the place, plus the connection with my brother pleases me.

Mike got here about 2:30, down from L.A., and we went first to Target where he bought yet another suitcase (he's taking back more than he brought), then to a sporting goods store, where he bought a pair of sneaks, and finally to Von's where he bought chips and various kinds of salsa. We then drove to Ellen's to sit out in her lovely side yard and chat.

El came home sometime after 5:00 and Greg shortly after. We conferred on where to have dinner and decided on Papa Lemon's, a fairly casual place nearby. Drove there and saw another restaurant, a new one called Meiners Heritage Table (Meiners Oaks is the section of Ojai where Ellen lives).  We decided to go there, instead, and sat out in the pleasant side area. 

The service was pokey, the food so-so, and the prices sky-high, but I had a wonderful time with my two youngest: 

After, back at El's, we chatted and mosied around. The Access Van came, as requested, at 8:00 and I was home 45 minutes later.  We had planned for me to bus back to El's today, but I just got a Message from Mike, saying he wanted to come to Ventura to buy a few other things today, so would pick me up and take me back to El's. Good idea.

Unfortunately, I had very poor sleep last night. It may be because I missed a call from the doctor's office yesterday--don't know why I didn't hear the phone--and was asked to call Dr. Jennings. In view of my mammogram on Tuesday, this making is me nervous--and now I have to wait until tomorrow to get back to the office. 

Thursday

My dear friend and next-door neighbor, Suzanne, gave me this beautiful orchid yesterday. The card reads "In remembrance of  your brother." When I thanked her for it, I burst into tears and we embraced. 

https://www.facebook.com/watch/live?ref=watch_permalink&v=729102214791303

The funeral mass was interesting (above is the link to it). I didn't watch every minute, but skipped ahead here and there.  The church itself--Holy Redeemer--is quite beautiful. I'm not sure when or where Jim's ashes will be buried, but I'm sure my niece will keep me informed.

Had a fairly busy day. After watching much of the mass, I took my cart to The Market and Wal-Mart. On my way, I met Michelle and told her I had left the cucumber vodka drink (ugh!) at her door. Bought tomatoes, lettuce, and milk, plus a birthday card for Jim and Mothers Day cards for daughter and DILs.  I was looking for low-sodium salt, but neither store had it. Finally went over to Von's and got it.

After lunch, I walked the the P.O. to mail the overseas cards; bused from there to town. Bought myself two summer blouses and a little straw box. I thought it would be handy to put spices in, as I have so little room in the kitchen cupboards. 

Talked to Ellen and we semi-planned for Mike's return today. He'll fly into LAX, drive here, pick me up, then we'll go to El's. I called the Access Van to pick me up from there at 8:00.  As for tomorrow, we'll decide that when we meet.

The Ventura ?&@!* Star  failed to arrive yesterday, for the second time in a row. It's now 5:36 am I just want out to check--not here yet, either, and usually, it is by this time. I'm beginning to wonder, for the millionth time, if this hassle  is worth it.

Wednesday

I'm having a hard time getting around the fact that my brother's gone. In the morning, I didn't want to think about it, so after breakfast, I sat and did crossword puzzles for an hour. Finally, I was sick of them and took my cart and walked to Telephone Road. I finally found the oral surgeon's office, where I'll go on Wednesday; it's kind of in the middle of a complex and you can't see it from the road. 

I then bused to Aldi's and got broccoli and decaf coffee. I'm going to try easing myself off the good stuff, little by little, so I did a three-to-one tablespoon mixture. It tastes fine right now and I'll continue that ratio for a week or so, then go to half of each. Stopped at Office Depot for copy paper, then bussed to the transit center and home.

Had lunch and lay down for a nap after; slept for maybe an hour. Called LaVonne and, coincidentally, she just had three root canals done. We talked for quite a while, then made a date for breakfast at IHop on Wednesday. My tooth consultation isn't until 2:00 and I'll have plenty of time. 

Sat down and finished my graduation letter to Vivian, then went next door to Suzanne's to tell her about Jimmy. She was properly sympathetic, of course, and it helped--we sat and talked for about a half hour. Soon after I left, she came over to give me some Asian seasoning for stir-fry. She uses only a little and gets it with the pre-cut vegetables (I wouldn't dream of it) she buys. 

Jim's--my friend, Jim, that is--has his 79th birthday the day after tomorrow, the 29th, but Mike's coming in from L.A. then and tentatively, he'll pick me up and we'll go to Ellen's. I was thinking of calling him to see if I could take him to lunch today, but changed my mind. I simply have no heart for it, so will talk to him tonight. 

Jimmy's funeral mass was at Holy Redeemer Church in Bangkok. Chrissy had put it live on Facebook, but I didn't know about it, so wasn't "there." That's okay, I'm having enough trouble dealing with it as it is. 

My Brother, Jimmy

Note: I usually write out my entries here in the evening, then "top them off" the next morning and publish, but I'm deviating this time--my usual blog entry follows. 

At about 6:30, as I was finishing dinner, I got a call from my brother, Larry, in Florida. He said my niece, Chrissy, daughter of my older brother, Jimmy, had been trying to contact me, but her attempts didn't go through. Her news was that our brother, Jim, had died.

Jim was 96 and hadn't been well, in mind or body, for some time. The last time I saw him--remotely--was when I Zoomed them a year or so ago. He seemed out of it then. 

Chrissy did finally get me on Facetime and told me Jim had died in his sleep, very peacefully, "the way we all want to go," as she remarked. He'll be cremated and a mass will be said there, then the ashes will be returned to the U.S. (I assumed when she and her husband return, in two years or so.) I called Carolyn, asking her to tell Betty--not that I think she'll understand. I hope she doesn't understand. I Messaged Mike, who's in Austin, to tell him. He said he'll be in Bangkok for business next month, and will get in touch with Chrissy and visit.

Larry and I agreed that he should call brother, Frank's daughter, Francine, and she can inform Frank. I doubt if he'll remember Jimmy, either. I'll call niece, Joan, and contact various other nephews. I don't want to write any more now. 

Here's a 72-year-old postcard to Betty and me from Jimmy when he visited the Vatican:

Out And About--Tuesday Day

Since I'm paranoid about being late, I left for my 10:50 mammogram appointment before 9:00. Took the 6 and 11 busses and found myself there an hour early. However--happy day--they took me early and I was finished and out at 10:00. Walked to the Dollar Tree for a few little items, then bused to the transit center and from there, to town. Of course, I was two hours early for my 1:00 lunch date, but no prob; I stopped into the library and read a bit, then strolled around town. Got to Finney's Craft House (meaning craft beer, of course) and Erica walked up just a few minutes later.

We sat outside and had a very nice getting-acquainted time. I had what I'd ordered before: four sliders and the kind of hoppy beer I like. Erika has an interesting background: She was born in what was then Yugoslavia, of German parentage, but came here as a young child (she's a few years younger than I am). She and her husband lived in L.A. for years before they moved to Ventura. Four children, two of each as I have, several grandchildren.  Husband has neurotrophy and must use a wheel chair. Erika herself has a genetic eye condition and her vision is poor. She still drives, but must get a driver test every year. Anyway, we had a good time getting to know each other. She lives in the townhouse complex next to the mission and we walked there, as it's on the way to the bus.  

Stopped at Ross at the mall and bought a new dish drainer. Home about 4:00 and I did some food prep: chopped four big onions and juiced the six lemons Ellen had given me. Put them in the freezer and got out shrimp, Brussels sprouts and rice for dinner. 

All in all, a nice day. 

Monday

Called the oral surgeon and got an appointment for May 5 at 2:00 pm. It's only a mile away, on Telephone Road, so I can easily walk there. This is just a consultation, though, not the extraction, I'm afraid.  When I get that scheduled, Suzanne said she'd take me home. 

I finally addressed the filing I had to do. I keep papers in a basket on the printer and, I'm afraid, tend to let them pile up. However, I got it done. 

Walked to The Market and Wal-Mart for onions, tangerines, and other items. It continues to be lovely weather, with a high of 73 and almost no humidity. I actually took my lunch and ate it by the pool. I had  my suit on, but changed my mind about going in; it was still enjoyable. Went home and showered and washed my hair. 

I was surprised and pleased when my niece by marriage,  Amy Cordasco, who lives in Cherry Hill, NJ,  messaged me with the information below from Find A Grave. This is, of course, Pat's brother, who graduated in 1942 from HSHS with my sister, and whom I've mentioned before. Incredibly, I was able to get the address and phone number of the woman I'm pretty sure was John's wife (or ex-wife--not sure they stayed married). I remember that we remarked on two "Pat Molloys," my husband being the other one. I'll try to find their son, also, who's name, I think, is Sean Stuart Molloy.

Photo added by J McL

 

John J Molloy

BIRTH	16 Mar 1923
DEATH	28 May 1996 (aged 73)
BURIAL	Willamette National Cemetery Portland, Multnomah County, Oregon, USA
PLOT	Y, 0, 205
MILITARY	T SGT, US AIR FORCE
MEMORIAL ID	1003959 · View Source

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• MEMORIAL
• PHOTOS 1
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Sunday

   Kind of a nuthin' day, but not entirely. Went over to Von's for some "Fab 5" buys, also emailed Tokyo son, asking for advice on how to get back into blogging on Mimi's Musings. He suggested various, but so far, no luck. I even stopped into UBreakIFix, but they don't do that--only hard stuff or whatever.

   I had run into Michelle at Von's and she persuaded me to get some vodka spritzer or whatever it is. It was on sale--four bucks for a four pack in cucumber flavor. No wonder it was on sale--it's absolutely vile. I don't like soda water to begin with and in cucumber--ugh! I'll call Michelle and see if she wants them.

   Took an hour nap after lunch, then walked to Telephone (one and half). Bused to the mall and went to Ross. I found a dish rack with drainer attached, just what I need, and will go back and buy it tomorrow when I get ten percent off.

   Bused home and called Ellen to see how she was feeling--much better and she was about to wash her hair. Had chicken for dinner. 

   I was pleased when my new acquaintance, Erika, texted me to say she had a schedule change and could meet in town for lunch tomorrow at 1:00, instead of 12:30. Since I have a 10:30 mammogram appointment, that gives me more town to get there, so good.

   This is the little display I set up for Mike to see. I'll send them (except for the box--too unwieldly) to Vivian via her Dad. Also have a big card and gift certificates from Brandy Melville, the tall and skinny shop (well, skinny, maybe not tall).

 

Saturday

Prepared for my guests in the morning, setting the table and so on. Mike came about 11:30 and I was surprised to see Ellen wasn't with him. She had gotten a COVID booster on Friday and unfortunately, had a bad reaction, as she had with an earlier booster. She had been up most of the night and had gone back to bed. (Talked to her later and she's much improved.)

Jim came soon after, then Greg, so it was just the four of us, but we had a good time. I had roasted in the oven a chicken, cauliflower, balsamic sweet potato mix (not homemade, it was a Voila frozen dinner), which was good. I added crystal pickles and bread and put out the chocolate-covered mixed nuts I had made earlier. Greg brought his own lettuce and other salad fixings and prepared it here. He left for work after some good conversation and Mike and Jim stayed for an hour or so. 

After, Mike and I drove to the botanic gardens and hiked for quite a while, up, up, up, and down. It was lovely and the views are spectacular. Mike and the Pacific:

After, we drove into town and parked, then walked a distance to the Promenade, which was jumping, of course. Main Street was equally crowded, natch, on a beautiful, balmy Saturday evening. We checked out several restaurants, then Mike decided on Lure, one of my favorites. It was only 5:30, but it was jammed, as it always is on weekends. We shared a shrimp cocktail, Mike had halibut, I salmon, and it was good. Drove home, Mike came in for a bit, then went off to L.A. He stayed over at a hotel there, then left for Austin at 7:00 am. 

Happily, he'll be back next Friday and will stay over (at Ellen's) until Sunday. The tentative plan is for  him to drive here from L.A., pick me up, then we'll go to El's, where he'll again stay. I'll have the Access Van pick me up.

Friday

Okay, I'm still in the masquerade blog. I'm hoping when Mike is here today that he'll be able to get me back to the straight and narrow--this is, Mimi's Musings.

So yesterday: According to my scale at home, I gained a whopping three pounds, up to 130. T.O.P.S. had me up a pound to 127.7. Okay, still in my "zone."  Only Lora, Lennie, and me were at the meeting. We talked about Marriage Encounter and other stuff; Lora had brought the article about carbs that was in last Sunday's Star, and we brought up early, as Lennie had a book club meeting after.  

Home, two-hour late breakfast (10:00), then I started a very candid letter to Vivian, the almost college girl, which I want to send back next week with Mike. I was picked up at 3:45 by the Access Van, then had a very peculiar ride. Leslie, the driver, picked up another woman in town--she was nice and the three of us chatted happily--so much so that Leslie turned onto the freeway, forgetting she had to take the other woman--Irene--home. She doubled around, then got back on track. It seems to me she also took a circular route to Ellen's, so it took us a whole hour to get there, but so what--I actually enjoyed the ride and our conversation.

And there, at my girl's, was my boy! How wonderful to see him and how much fun we four--Greg was home, too--had together! Ellen and Greg had whipped up a good meal, which included tacos shells, shredded chicken, beans, vegetables, and lots other extras to put in and roll up. Of course, there was a lot of lively conversation and laughs. We decided the three of them would come to my place for lunch today and I suggested inviting Jim. All agreed, I called him, and when I asked if he'd like to join us, he said, "I'd love to." Mike, having a bit of jet lag (he had been in a plane for fourteen hours, then driven five or so hours down from San Francisco), went to shower, then go to bed. The Access Van picked me up at 8:30, driven by Chris, whom I knew, since he had picked me up before. 

It was already after 9:00 when I got home, but I actually stayed up to watch some of Doc Martin, so didn't get to Sleepyland until after 10:00, but slept well and am looking forward to my little luncheon.

Mike brought me Violet's school picture an said she's already almost five seven and she's only thirteen. This is very unusual in our short family, so I'm thrilled. Also, this was taken early in the school year and the second pic, taken on Easter, shows she has slimmed down. I'm glad about that.  

Wednesday and Thursday

Wednesday, 4/20/22: Ellen came and I was surprised and pleased that Greg came with her. We loaded up the car with my donation items and took them off to Goodwill. El and Greg stayed to chat for a bit--always a pleasure--then we said goodbye and...

Thursday, 4/21/22: I actually don't remember what else went on Wednesday, because yesterday was Double Disaster Day:  I woke up and my far left, lower tooth was bothering me. Took some aspirin, hoping it would pass, but it was still slightly noticeable when I got up. That was the first. 

The second: I went on Facebook and wanted to copy my Wordle result to a friend's page. When I hit "paste," something else came up, so I went into Clipboard to erase that and somehow cut myself out of Mimi's Musings. I can bring it up and read it, as anyone can, but can't add an entry. I've been trying ever since, but so far, no luck. When I try to go into Blogger, I just got treated as something who wants to start a new blog. So-o-o, until I can get back in the original, that's what I did. It's called "Here In California" and, as will be evident, I must have started it seven years ago, when I moved here, but I have no recollection of doing it.  

But back to bad yesterday: I walked to Wal-Mart to pick up the juicer I had ordered on-line, pleasantly surprised how easy it was. While there, I called dear dentist Dr. Babbitt's office, explained my problem, and was told I could come in at 4:30. Without going into all the other minutia of yesterday (an omelet for lunch and blah, blah, boring blah), I bused there, was x-rayed and examined, and told either extraction of root canal. I said extraction and Dr. B. will refer me to a dental surgeon, plus called in prescriptions for an antibiotic and pain killer, and Ani, the darling technician, who was getting off as I was leaving, actually drove me home.   

Aside from that, there were phone calls and texts: from Ellen to discuss today and Mike arriving late afternoon at here place; to the Access Van for reservations to take me there and back; to El about tooth; from niece Carolyn and we chatted; from and to cousin Sally and I'll tentatively visit her in San Diego; to Lora re T.O.P.S.; from Sharon, to say she won't be there; from Bobbi, to say she won't, either; to Julie, from whom I haven't heard back; from CVS that my meds were in (they cost me a grand total of $3.00, but that much only because I "rounded up" to donate to Food Share).

So that's it and I'm HOPING when Mike's here (the plan is for him to come to my place tomorrow, with Ellen), he'll be able to get me back into Mimi's Musings.