Storms Begin

So this last week didn't turn out to be as busy as scheduled. Sickness, conflicts and weather changed that, but I was okay with that. It added some nice down time.  

The Bakersfield Californian described our rain as Stormageddon.  Though it was a lot of wind rain for us and fairly steady rain, this seemed a little too dramatic for what we experienced. I understand more rain is expected but not as strong as we just had. Bakersfield does not have as good of a drainage system as many other areas, so it has no place to go but to flood streets.  I enjoyed our experience of rain.   We get so little.  We are getting the more typical weather for this area, a Tule fog. It comes from the ground. It is very dank and when you are in it, it seems to get in the bones. The fastest way for me to warm up is get in a hot bath, though I now have major difficulty getting in and out of a bath and now take showers. 

So as I told you on the last blog, Barbara and I saw Mark 209 brought in by the Bakersfield Community Concert Association. The December show is a Christmas show. Beautiful voices doing four part harmony. Each added a lot to the group. I was particularly impressed with the bass. He even did a little Papa Oom Mow Mow. His voice comes from the chest and I can feel it as he sings. Very sonorous. The association said attendance and patrons are steadily declining and if this didn't turn around, this program would have to end. It costs $80 a year for eight shows.  They are truly excellent.  It is an incredible bargain when you buy the series. If you buy two, you would have an extra to invite someone or if you are unable to attend, whoever you loan your ticket to would have one for a guest. Otherwise, I believe each show is $50 if you buy them individually.  Please people!  All you who live locally consider buying a pass or passes next year. When I can't go, I loan my card out to someone who can go, so it is not wasted. You'll be glad you did. 

Barbara and I went to Rosa's afterwards. Though the place was packed,we were able to be seated right away. I had the clams and fettuccini with garlic and olive oil (yum)!  Barbara has a pasta dish with a marinara sauce. She is vegan and also watches the fat she eats. She asked for less oil on her dish which they did. Very accommodating. Excellent food, and only a mile from my home!

I had two sessions with occupational therapy. She is showing me strength exercises. I now understand I will always need to exercise my fingers and wrist to keep them flexible. I also saw Dr. Wong. Both feel I have done very well. I told him I have known people who  returned to how they were before the injury. He said "They were much younger. It is not the same for older people."  My next appointment with him is in six months. 

A woman that my husband I worked with many years ago died. Margaret Smith worked in accounting at Memorial Hospital. When my mother died, she wrote the kindest note I had ever gotten. It was so sensitive and sweet. I was not really close to her, but my husband Paul was. Her sentiments were unexpected and meant a lot to me. When Paul and I had a home built and I decided to throw an open house party, Margaret offered to help me with the snacks. She was the accountant to the local Marie Callendars and was able to buy the crust to their pie. She showed me how to prepare many appetizers which ended up being a hit at the party. She was a very special woman. So at the memorial service and then afterwards at Marie Callendars where they had a private room, I saw people I hadn't seen since Paul's memorial service or since I had left Memorial Hospital. I exchanged phone numbers with two couples Carol and Jim and Pat with her husband Joe. Most people I didn't know, a few I recognized but no idea as to how, though I assume we worked together at Memorial  Hospital. I did recognize June but we have a very strained relationship though I'm not sure why.  Anyway, the two couples I did connect with agreed to lunch after the holidays. I look forward to that!

I went down to Los Angeles to see Kate.  We saw a play at the Music Center called Blithe Spirit by Noel Coward.  Angela Lansbury played an eccentric medium and clairvoyant. Her moves were hilarious. I've always seen her as a proper older woman. This was a little different. I recommend it. Lots of fun!  She looks soooo good!

Angela Lansbury

Get a little flavor of the play    -        Angela Lansbury in Blithe Spirit

We went to this popular Italian restaurant in Pasadena, Il Fornio. We hadn't been there in years and we were concerned if it would hold the same standards. It didn't disappoint. Very tasty. The next morning we had breakfast at Green Street. They have tasty food well prepared.

So Carol our art teacher will be back January 20th she thinks.  It still depends on how she does, but she is coming along.  I need her here so I work on my art.  I've been lazy, when it comes to my art, so I'll get going again.

My daughter Ronda posted some new pictures of herself.  She looks very good, I just wish she would smile, but she doesn't go for that type of picture.  I also like the short haircut.

My daughter Ronda Sheldon

Brothers Gavin and Conner (Conner is my great-grandson) playing:

https://www.facebook.com/elizabeth.sherran/posts/10204660368460542:1

So now I'm home again having a glass of wine while I finish this. Hope everyone is well and I'll see you next Sunday.