SUNDAY

 When I got up, I continued the ever-lasting task of stowing away, switching around, and generally putting things to rights. Breakfast with Julie and July, both of whom use wheelchairs, and with one of the Marys. We had a good time chatting.

Up to my own space again, I organized my medical supplies and set up for the coming weeks. Lunch with silent Helen, newcomer Rick, and Keith, of whom I've seen a lot. He grew up on a turkey farm in southern California--they had something like 30,000 turkeys (how is that possible?) and I told him about my grandparents' dairy farm in Roxborough, Pa. Interestingly, Rick had been an amateur magician, just as is the minister who hosts a service here every Sunday.  

Back upstairs, I indulged myself with several sessions of my favorite digital game, Royale Match. Tidied up a bit, took a nap, and spent the rest of the day with the never-ending task of unboxing, finding-a-place for and stowing away. Actually, incredibly enough, it's coming together and I'm making real progress.

Dinner with Cheryl and Keith; I had spinach ravioli, which was actually pretty good. Slept like a stone and just got up when the alarm rang at 7:00. 

SATURDAY: GOOD FRIENDS AND ALOHA

I stripped the bed and went down the hall to the laundry room to wash the sheets. I had understood that would be done by staff, but so far, it hasn't. Also, I was told the apartment would be vacuumed and the bathroom cleaned once a week. So far, I've done it myself--'nuff said. 

I spent a lot of time finally attending to the considerable amount of things still in boxes and was able to make room for most, although there's still plenty to do. Made the bed, took a shower, then went downstairs to wait for Julie.

She picked me up, as scheduled, at 11:30, and it was so great to see her. While driving, she said Regina would be coming, too--great! We got to Club Zak to find Regina already there, but tried to enter and saw it was open only for dinner yesterday. Why, I don't know, but just as well, as we decided on the Aloha, instead. I hadn't there for six months or so, and it's one of my favorites, right on the beach, so off we went.

The promenade was full of people--so festive, with walkers, runners, bikers, children, and those on the benches looking out at the sparkling Pacific. We got a table right at the window and it was fine. I got their fabulous Cobb salad with salmon, so ample I took half home; with an icy cold IPA, it made a delicious meal. Julie treated for lunch (and the Aloha is no diner), Regina gave me a tin of chocolate truffles, and here we are: 

The server came with a big wedge of ice cream cake and, of course, a birthday candle for me to blow out. (Thank Zeus they didn't sing The Song.) She then hoisted a big frame in front of me and I had a birthday portrait, which was fun, weird though I look: 

We shared it, of course, and it was good. I told them I want to have them over after the new year for lunch. 

Home about 2:30, I took a nap, cleaned up a few things, then it was time for the too-damn-early dinner. I decided to take a container and have it later, which I did. Waiting for it, I sat with Cheryl and Keith and we had some good conversation.

Unfortunately, I slept very poorly, getting up several times during the night. It's just as well I don't have anything scheduled today--I'll definitely take a nap. 

FRIDAY

Ellen and I got back to The Orchard at 11:30 and she started to affix the holders to the shower wall. They have to dry or something for 48 hours and she'll do the rest on Tuesday when she comes again. I skipped lunch--neither of us were hungry--in favor of chatting with El for a bit. She left at 2:00 aNd I went down to the newcomer social, which was followed immediately by Happy Hour:

Tatjana was fabulous. She sang and danced in the guise of Elvis and any number of other jazzy types. Cocktails were served and we all clapped and cheered with each number. Three of us, as newcomers (this is my two-week anniversary), were presented with lovely, hand-made cards (by Anita, whom I know and like) and a plant: 

The festivities lasted more than an hour and after, I went to the laundry room to put in a load of wash, then it was time for dinner; I sat with Kathie, Cheryl, and Keith. Kathie, who has a weight problem, asked if she could accompany me to the next meeting of T.O.P.S. on January 2. I said sure (assuming Mary Ann will be okay with it) and will tell her more about it later.

Julie called and will take me to lunch today. We also made dates for January 8 and 12 for BCNN dinner and lunch. Happily, I just got up at 6:30 and feel well rested. 

Home about 6:30, retrieved my wash, put it away, then watched A Man In The Middle. Luckily, I slept well and just got up at the next six-thirty.   

It was fabulous. 

THURSDAY--CHRISTMAS

We enjoyed a nice Christmas day. Ellen  made me breakfast, then we dressed and just hung out until Greg came over. He brought a chicken he had cooked at his place, then kept warn here while we opened presents. I got a lot of nice things, notably these darling hand-strung, personalized bracelets: 

One reads "Ten--X--Love, " the other, "P, A, E, M, J.V.V., J.T.K,," the initials of my ten children, grand-children, and great-grandchildren.  I love it! Ellen got similar bracelets; hers spelling out "The Law of Attraction." one of her major interests: 

About noon, we started a ZOOM meeting with all in my immediate family, except the older of my two great-grandsons, who spent the day with his girlfriend. From California, we were on-line with those from Jersey, Singapore, and Japan, having a fun family time. We laughed and talked for almost an hour, catching up with each other and  enjoying our kinship. During this, niece Carolyn called with Christmas wishes.  

We finally said goodbye and sat down to another excellent dinner. Greg brought the nicely seasoned chicken he had prepared at home and popped it in the oven here. El added sides and we devoured all of it with pleasure. We then fell into a deep discussion of ideas and beliefs--or lack thereof--about religion, particularly Catholicism, and other forms of spiritualism.    

El and I dealt the cards for The Game, but Greg declined, as he wanted to watch a football game. After he left, we turned in about nine after a pleasant Christmas day.  

P.S. One day in the last few, we had Greg's wonderful veggie soup; he brought the ingredients--all fresh and organic, of course--to El's and made it here. Now I can't remember what day that was and whether it was for lunch or a light dinner. Okay, I guess the world will continue turning...

WEDNESDAY

The rain came down in torrents most of the day and we stayed in. As mentioned yesterday, I slept late, made coffee (El sets everything up), and topped off my blog.  Up later, El made breakfast, we had that, dressed, then watched some of "A Man on the Inside." 

Several times, we got flood warnings on both my phone and my medic alert. However, they didn't seem to come to fruition, at least not yet. El had planned to make ground turkey meatloaf for dinner, but had some leftover beef meatloaf and did I want it for lunch? Sure--I don't mind having meatloaf for both meals, so we did. 

We just mostly hung out after that, until El brought out a big box of baskets, fancy boxes, and other containers. I then performed the chore of movers the world over: which to keep, which to donate, and which to toss. Ellen, the prosecutor, argues that every item is guilty of uselessness and should be discarded or at least donated. I throw myself on mercy of the court and plead for the life of all. Well, you win some and you lose some and here are the survivors:

Now to find a use for them and a location!

Greg came about 7:00 and, while he and I sat in the living room catching up with each other, Ellen slaved in the kitchen creating a delicious meal. It included turkey meatloaf; roasted Brussels sprouts; a roots combination of potatoes, carrots and onions; and homemade banana bread. This was followed by slices of the yummy chocolate mocha cake El had made for my birthday and accompanied by Margaritas for El and me (Greg doesn't drink). Here are we three on Christmas eve: 

When we finished, our hostess got out the cards and we turned to the serious business on hand: gin rummy. I think El padded her score, but she lost, Greg won, and I did neither, so 'nuff said.

Greg didn't leave until almost 11:00=good grief, I don't think I've been up that late since high school!--but he'll be back today bringing the ingredients for his self-designed vegetable soup, and will make it here. I'm sure it will be great as he's a suburb cook.

So now here I am in Ojai, California at 4:05 in the morning of Christmas day, settling into the ninetieth year of my birth. The only quote that comes to mind is one I'll never know is factual or not: "God's in his heaven--all's right with world." 

TUESDAY---SAFE AND SOUND AT ELLEN'S

 I did a load of wash before I went down for breakfast, which I ate with Julie, Beverly, and Cheryl. Went upstairs to tidy up a bit, then packed for my stay at Ellen's. Lunch with one of the Mary's, who is usually very quiet, but this time, it was just the two of us and she was more communitive. Lunch, Mexican tilapia with rice, was actually pretty good and I complimented sou chef Javier.

Took this pic from the elevator and informed Mindy I would be attending;

Also told Sarah I'd be gone until then--Friday. Back in my digs, I finished packing, then went down  went down to lunch at noon, a little late, as usual. Can't remember with whom all I sat. 

Ellen got here at 3:30 and put the no-slip stickers in the shower, after which we packed up my stuff and left for her place. Stopped for Chinese takeout, and we had some dinner. After, El left for her Mahjong game at the rec center.

Woke up for the usual and damn, it was raining heavily; that's predicted for the next three days. The wind was absolutely ferocious, but we survived and now it has died down. I slept like a stone otherwise and got up at the incredibly late hour of 8:15! Not sure what we'll do today, but I know I'll enjoy it.

MONDAY AND MORE FROM MY BIRTHDAY

Besides the gifts I mentioned yesterday--and the great time we had--I received these from my niece and her family:

I was delighted with the book, which was originally published six years before I was born--1930--and the idea is for the reader to make certain choices about whether to marry against her parents' wishes. It's a unique idea and a unique gift.

Got a text from Jonathan U., a guy in his thirties who appeared with me in Backstage Bedlam. He sent out an invitation to all in the cast, saying if we didn't have plans for Christmas to come over to his and his partner's place in Oxnard. Of course, I'll be at Ellen's, but hope to meet Maurtel another time.

My dear friend, Lora, who now lives in Arizona and we had long, long talk. She lost her grown son last year and was devastated, of course. We talked about her emotional state and she's getting along, partly by practicing two kinds of art: "alcohol painting" and "plate art." Here are some of her works:  

Didn't do a whole heck of a lot yesterday. Had  breakfast with Linda, Helen, and a new resident named Rick, who's mighty sharp for ninety. Lunch with Kathie, Cheryl, and one of the many Marys. After that, I got some things packed for the next three nights, took a nap, then had dinner with a couple I just met: Julie and Art, Jews from Brooklyn and I like them a lot. A friend a theirs, also a resident, came up to chat and I just had to take his picture: 

LOVE IT!

I understand my place will be cleaned and my bed stripped and remade today. It's supposed to be a weekly service, but I've been here eleven days, and this is the first time it will be done. Okay, I'll let it ride unless the lapse is repeated. 

Unfortunately, I had a restless night and awakened several times. I still have to complete packing, do a wash, and otherwise getting ready for my three-day sojourn at Ellen's for Yuletide.