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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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.