Monday, August 24, 2026

     So we are replacing the black TV cable box. The East Coast photographer is actually doing all the work. I just don’t understand the on screen language and symbols as we slowly link up the new remote control, to the TV.  And then link up the paid channels with this new black box.  I burst out crying, it is so hard. Why do they make is so hard.

     And now my car is broken again and stuck at Del Monte shopping Center. Tomorrow, we move the car to the mechanic. I hope the car is OK spending the night alone in the parking lot. I need to build up my competence in managing the breakable stuff in my life.

     In the evening we watch the 1957 movie, A FACE IN THE CROWD, another old movie. I watch half before slipping off to my bedroom. The others keep watching.  It is actually quite good and I am tired and old.

     The kitchen sunflower is fading, becoming raggedy as he watches me through the window. I am fond of this flower and wish him well. Actually the flower doesn’t have a gender. I don’t want to call the flower an “it.” I do my daily chair exercises in the late afternoon out on the shady deck.

 

Sunday, August 23, 2026

      We are in the middle of loud excited conversations in the living room. The tall man is talking on his cellphone. We hear, “I know how to do a tourniquet.” The room is instantly silent.  What? Who is hurt.  But no, the phone speaker shakes his head and is not going to tell us anything. What a good way to get the room quiet.

     The short visit with the East coast family is going well. Saturday, we had sun shine all day.  They no longer believe me when I tell we have had the foggiest summer ever. Today the fog is back.

     We need a new black box for the TV. I am unable to go to the store. The East Coast relative steps up to the plate and is on her way to the Xfinity store. I do wonder why I can’t just do it but it seems my body resists dealing with internet and tv issues.

     Weissmann’s book, LIAR’S KINGDOM, is about Trump’s lies. He gives a road map for preventing another Trump being elected. The constant lying is so devastating to our community. In the evening, we watch Robert DeNero in the 1995 movie, CASINO. Three hours long and we stick with it inspite of the bloody violence, demeaning behavior towards women, and loud music.

 

Saturday, August 22, 2026

     Bright sun this morning. Shocking. Can’t wear my winter clothes today. My roommate cooks a big dinner last night for various relatives. I am on dish washing detail. We watch my favorite movie SHEEP DETECTIVES on Prime. They are kind enough to stay and be an audience. Third time for me, even better each time.

     We clean off the dining room work table. We have personal stuff, mail, boxes. Library books, papers, computers, and general undefined stuff.  Now it is clear and the stuff is living in my bedroom until the table is available again.

     Sitting on the deck after my nap I close my eyes and listen. Cooing Doves. A wood pecker flies over, small bird chirping, airplanes coming and going, and the drone of highway traffic. I am a modern woman who can throw away uneaten good food and do very small loads of laundry.

     I start reading LIAR’S KINGDOM, how to stop Trump’s deceit and save America, by Andrew Weissmann. An interesting and compelling book.