TAKING IT BACK....

I'm taking all my nasty thoughts about Bruno back.  He emailed this morning and has been sick since Saturday.  I made him get his flu shot at CVS, he wanted to wait until he saw his doctor, which I knew wasn't gong to happen any time soon. He travels so much on planes with all those germy people he just can't avoid getting sick.  This is the third year he has come down with flu like, coughing symptoms. 

He did say he was traveling back home tomorrow.  We'll see if he is well enough to come over, I kind of doubt it and frankly if he is still sick I'd as soon he'd stay home.  I don't need his germs although I'd love to see him, as it has been several weeks. At least I know that he hasn't gone off into the sunset.  My mind sometimes produces these scenarios that aren't good.  Must stop that!!

Today I'm cleaning house, painting those damn pots, and getting myself together to go to an Elks meeting tonight.  I've  been trying to lose another 10 to 15 pounds and I think I will just eat something at home. The Elks always has truck driver food.  It goes along with my thinking if somewhere says "good eats", or "home cooking," avoid it like the plague. the Elks stays in that mode.

Caught up with some friends via phone today and have made some plans for next week with them.  I have somethings going on next week and will have to iron the logistics out.

I'm hoping my eye lid is better.  I think something bit me while I was sleeping and it is a little swollen and red.  I thought it was my lash extensions, but since I've had those for months, it is a little bugger of some kind.  I'm thinking baby spider.  If there is one bug anywhere it finds me.  I'm going to have to put Camille on notice that she needs to attack those things and eliminate them.  She is a great cat for pouncing, whereas Mikee just looks at the bug and thinks it is beneath him to do anything to it or about it..... typical man, leave it up to the woman of the house.

Other then that today is pretty much settled for things to do.

 

CYBER PROBLEMS AGAIN.....

It is amazing that I can put in the same URL and password and come up with another site that has nothing to do with this one.  I've been off the grid for a while due to that problem and due to the fact I've been really busy.

Saturday Vet man and I drove to Camp Pendleton to attend the Memorial for the Chosin on the base.  It was a very moving ceremony.  We were suppose to stay for lunch, but he had to get back to Orange County to help set up for an event in Orange.  Fine with me. This sojourn was to meet the Chosin men who survived the battle and to invite them personally to the Marine Corps Ball on November 10th.  Mission accomplished.

 He wanted to stop somewhere for lunch before he headed back and since San Juan Capistrano is on the way home we stopped at the Depot.  It is a lovely train station restaurant near the Mission.  The middle of the patio has a fountain and the umbrellas shaded everyone, the building is old mission style.  I personally thought we should have stayed for the luncheon on the base but he really didn't want to.....I didn't ask why.

The Wednesday before I drove down to Cardiff by the Sea for a surprise birthday party for one of the Kona girls.  She had no clue when she walked into the house and it was a complete surprise.  There were six of us as the rest are either up North or in Oregon, so it was a compact group and it was put on by a gal that loves to do events and does them well.

Bruno is still back East and the last I heard from him was on Wednesday and that was in answer to an email I sent.  Very short and sweet on his end.  I know he is traveling and busy, but he can be so frustrating. He had said he was coming back this week either Wednesday or Thursday and we are suppose to go to LA but since I haven't heard from him I'm not counting on it.  I had asked him to let me know so I can get my grand daughter set up for cat sitting, but that obviously went over his head.  He can be such a pain, but I know how he is and have accepted it.  I suppose someday I'll have enough of it but until that time...........

My Grand daughter took me out to dinner on Friday night.  It was early but we had a great time and then she had to go off to a job.  She really is a delightful young lady and very focused.

Vet man asked me to take him to the OC airport today.  He was leaving for the East Coast and Florida to see his childrren.  Since the airport is only ten minutes from my house and he lives fairly close I agreed to do it. 

Yesterday, Sunday, I was in Laguna and it was a beautiful day.  It was late enough so the sun wasn't a big problem.  It has been in the ninties and one hundreds and the beach has been hot too.  By 4:00 p.m. it was very pretty and the sun on the ocean sparkled.  I walked around and looked, stopped for a drink and something to eat and then home.

Staying home tonight putting another coat of paint on my thirty center piece pots.  Painting red over white takes three coats.....who knew that even with primer in the paint it is still a process.

That's it for now.







 

BUSY WEEK....

It is amazing how the weeks fly by and most days are taken up with errands.  You would think when your by yourself that you wouldn't have to do so many things.

Monday morning I drove over to my alteration lady who lives a couple miles away. I found a perfect black crepe evening gown by Vera Wang for the Marine Corps Ball.  It is elegant and understated.  However, the back was slightly longer then the front and that posed a problem.  If one dances you are stepping on the train.  It was just enough to be annoying.  Also took over a French lace jacket that goes with a black velvet gown.  I have a Marilyn Monroe dress in black, the one she wore in the Seven Year Itch, and that needed a couple of darts. This alteration lady worked as the head seamstress at St. John Knits, so everything she does is spot on. She was definitely a wonderful find.


Monday night I went to Monday night football.  Not as great as the Denver game on Sunday, which is my favorite team.  I should root for the San Diego Chargers, but my interest is Denver....my brother lives in Colorado and has been a season ticket holder for many years.  He was the one that sparked my interest in the team. Being from a football town in Ohio it is my professional game of choice.  I find that baseball is like watching grass grow, basketball is okay, at least it is fast, and the rest are just so-so.

September 11 being the horrible day it was so many years ago, went by with a meeting to pack boxes to go to Afghanistan.  The transit company came to pick up the sofa and I again have an empty living room

I went over to the furniture store where they gave me my total amount of money back.  After that I drove to five different stores and finally decided I'd buy an inexpensive sectional and keep it for a couple of years until I find exactly what I want.  Nothing easy!

I was so upset by this sofa thing that I emailed Bruno to vent.  He sent me an email back saying, "honey go ahead and vent and it will be fine."  Then later he called and left a message.  He actually put things in perspective.  His comment was, "It's just a couch."  He is right.  With all the terrible things going on in the world a problem with a stupid sofa isn't a big deal in the long range scheme of things.  My sensible German.

Wednesday I had an appointment to get my hair cut and after running around all day I landed there at four o'clock.  My hairdresser who I have been gong to for at least twelve years has moved four times, but I love her and at least she stays in the area.

Thursday was dinner with my friend from my old neighborhood, we manage to go out at least once every month or two to catch up.

Friday was a movie with my good friend and Friday night another meeting for the Marine Corp Ball.  Vet man wanted to discuss things further and took me to The Old Ship restaurant for dinner.  I'm sure tongues wagged at us walking out the door. He is going through a hard time with his dog who is elderly and a Lab.  He isn't doing well and it is just a matter of time.

I'm home today, Saturday and have a million things to get done so I better get moving.

Have a great rest of the weekend.




 

SOFA PICK UP AND THINGS

Today is the sofa pick up and then I have to get myself over to the store to see that the refund actually is applied to my card.  I'm still waiting for the $500.00 refund to show up that was given back to me for the Poly-fill and feathers they took out of the seat cushions so the fabric would stop slipping....that didn't happen even after the feathers where removed.

The latest from the transit company is that they will be here around four o'clock to pick up the sofa and then I need to start going out to look for a sofa all over again.  I'm going to try Pottery Barn and Macy's....I think I'll just stay with a price point of a couple thousand, that way if it falls apart I won't feel so bad when I have to replace it.

Bruno sent me an email today asking when I needed his input for music for the Marine Corps Ball.  I had told him asap, but since he doesn't read, like most men, he asked when I wanted it.  I sent back asap.  We'll see if that sticks. He also asked how I was doing, a first.  Normally he stays on point and doesn't deviate from his thought process. He is back on the East Coast at least for another week and a half.

I have a meeting tonight and early we will be packing boxes of items to be shipped to Afghanistan for our troops. Vet man is in Hollywood taking some back East company around to sight see.  This Saturday we are at a Vet job fair together.  Things seem to be going along with the MCB event and for that I'm grateful.

Of course in keeping with nothing easy, I still have thirty center pieces to do and the pots haven't come in at the wholesale florist.  Actually they came in, but they were green.  I had ordered white and since I have to paint them red, three coats for coverage, I'm getting nervous about the timeline.  I've put in three calls to no avail.  The answer I get is "I'm checking."

Weather has been hot and humid but a little better today.  The rest of the week is taken up with appointments for hair, nails, doctor appointments for check ups and dinners with friends. 
I can't believe how fast time is going.

Onwards and upwards.

END OF THE SOFA SAGA...........

You won't believe it the sofa is going back, I think, this time for good and a refund of my money.  When this piece of furniture arrived it looked okay.  The more you sit on it the worse the seats and pillows became.  It creased, wrinkled and looked like it was twelve years old.  I've literally had it with the thing.

I took pictures last night and sent them to the sales person and the manager.  I talked to the manager today and she said she was calling the owner to see what could be done crediting my money back to my card. 

I'm more then unhappy.  I love the configuration but the workmanship from the factory is crap  I would have been better buying a cheap thousand dollar sofa, it would have looked better.  This thing was five times that much and it is a disaster. We'll see what happens and if their customer service is good.  I refuse to send it back for the fourth time.

Today I went through my shoes.  I have over one hundred and fifty pairs and a lot of them need to be tossed.  I did just that.  I still have to many but on the next go around I'll glean the closet out.  Next it is clothes.



 

A LITTLE M.I.A.......

This week has gotten away from me. i spent a couple days looking for an evening gown for the November event.  After a lot of looking and rejecting I found a Vera Wang black crepe that is very elegant.  I have a black gown that I purchased at Neiman Marcus, but it is a little Angelina Jolie looking and I decided it wasn't what I wanted to wear to this function.

Bruno came home a day early and drove down to pick up some prints in Orange County.  He swung by the house prior to picking up his items.  I was totally surprised, as always, since he said he wasn't coming home until Wednesday. He volunteered to pick up the items because he wanted to see me.  He prefaced his text by saying we were still going out on Thursday and coming by wasn't negating anything. He does have a track record of canceling.

He did come back on Thursday, an hour early.  I've been after him to get his flu shot and he had declined.  As we were sitting on the sofa talking and he announced he would go to the local drug store and get the shot.  That made me really happy since for the last two years he has been so sick for months, his constant plane travel puts him at risk  for all germs, so his willingness to go to the drug store and not the doctor's office was a big surrender. He can be such a snob about things sometimes.

We went out Thursday evening to a local place in Anaheim Hills that is over the top with characters.  They have a pretty good size dance floor, which is a draw, but you couldn't get these people out of Central Casting.  Bruno writes, among his many talents, and he was enthralled with the weird men and women at this place.  I honestly can't imagine where they live or where they buy their outfits.  It really is horrifying.  At least he was getting fodder for his scripts.

Women in their 60's with skin tight mini skirts in leopard with six inch heels that looked like they came from Payless or K-Mart.  Hair that was piled high. One little women came in with a  flower with feathers on the top o f her head, a striped mini skirt and zebra striped heels. Do these people not have mirrors? The women don't have a corner on the market either.  There was an Elvis type greaser guy there whose hair rivaled any toupe plus muliply that ten fold over. Maybe they all think it is Halloween.

The food is good there, don't ask me why.  There is a five restaurant attached that has nothing to do with the bar/dance floor area and they supply the happy hour food.  Bruno and I split a chicken sandwhich and we both had shrimp cocktals.  The sandwhich was enormous and very good and I'm glad we split it along with the fries.  The whole place is odd but a hoot.

I'm sure people think we are crazy because we do a lot of laughing at people.  We do look like we are enjoying ourselves, which we are.  We don't fit in and decided that went for most places in Orange County.

On another note, the day we bought the Cleopatra tickets for had to be changed.  Bruno is leaving this evening for Texas, then Massachusetts, and finally Florida.  He is making the trek for a man that I told him and he already knows, he has to be wary of.  Two Alpha dogs don't play nice in the sand box and I look for a blow up before this whole relationship ends.  For the time being the money, as a consultant, is great but you sometimes pay the price for the almightly dollar. The Texas stop is to see his son and grand kids as it is Bruno's Birthday and his six year old grand daughter is baking him a cake.

I'm home tonight, Friday, then tomorrow it is an Italian Night held at the Elks.  I'm meeting friends there. More going on next week. 

Thought I'd better get caught up.

 

LABOR DAY WEEKEND...

The sofa returned and is much better but not perfect.  I really give up trying to get them to get it right.  It does look better but I can nit pick since I've had so many problems with it....I think I'll just keep what they did and go onwards and upwards.

I did attend the meeting Thursday night.  Vet man and the rest of the boys were in rare form.  They love to tease me and I can give as good as I get.  We did final just about everything.  The only thing I couldn't get them to commit to is to put black tie optional on the flyer.  It amazes me that they are so hell bent on staying with protocol with this event and when it comes to what you are suppose to wear the boys balked. 

Everything I saw on the Internet required formal wear.  Either tuxedos, Marine uniforms, or black suits.  I told Bruno he could do either, but knowing how he'd love to show off his Armani or whatever he has, he will probably wear a tux.  Of course all of this is predicated on whether he actually goes.  He promised, but then that never means much.  I, again, always expect the worst and if it turns out that he does fine, and if he doesn't fine too.

Today, Saturday, the street fair in Orange is in full swing. Vet man is working a booth, I'm staying home and can't decide if I actually want to go out and fight the weekend crowds that are everywhere for the last hurrah of summer.  The beach in full swing for the big weekend.  I guess it is a good place to stay away from/

I did a few things at home and am still debating if I need to go out or not.  I'm just getting over a sinus infection that had me down for three days and I suppose I should forget about venturing out the door.  It is 6:30 p.m. and I will probably give in and stay put. However I am bored.

Mikee, my cat, is more then thrilled when I'm home.  He really does think he is my husband and if Bruno comes around and then leaves, Mikee leaves me a present somewhere.  He really does know how to get across his displeasure.  He is so jealous of anyone that he thinks may take his place.

Not much else to report except a little email I had from a man in San Diego.  He is over the top with his words and says he wants to meet me.  Not going to happen.  I should have kept all the emails I had sent to me in the last two years.  Most of them are a hoot.

Off to feed Mikee.

GREAT PAELLLA....

Bruno was suppose to call me yesterday to tell me what time he would be arriving to take me to dinner.  I still hadn't heard from him at 5:00 p.m. and I was sitting fuming thinking that if he didn't come this time I was going to close the door to future dates.  At 5:30 he walked in the door.

He had a really bad, stressful day, and he totally forgot he was suppose to call.  I know he has so many things piled on his plate, a phone call to me is the last thing he is thinking about while he is fending off his dozens of phone calls and putting out mega fires everywhere.  If people would do what they were suppose to do it would be so much better.  But he and I both concur there aren't many people out there you can trust to do the job right.  It is like running a kindergarten for adults.  You can tell them, retell them, and they still don't get things right.

So, after he had a glass of water and settled down after telling me about the trials of the day, I calmed down...I don't think he knew how irritated I was....and all was well. I find it best to listen and be supportive.

We left to first go shopping at The Boot Barn.  He is going to Calgary for four days soon to be with his best friend at a dinner up there.  There are more then a couple of reasons I can't go other then Calgary isn't on my list.  He had to have a costume of cowboy attire and found a couple things that he purchased.

After that sojourn we went to the restaurant where we both ordered Paella which was absolutely delicious and way to much.  We both ended up taking about half of it home.  Who knew that this little place was so great in the food department.

We came home and he left right away.  He had a job stop and then needed to go home to pack and finish his laundry so he could leave for Nevada at dawn, for the Labor Day weekend.  No, I'm not going, he will be working every night and it is his job.  Not to mention that I have no desire to be in Nevada in the heat. 

He is returning either Sunday or Monday and promised that we would have two days together prior to him leaving for Houston and the East Coast.  My busy boy.

Today is a bunch of errands and then tonight I have a meeting for the Marine Corp Ball.  Not planning on anything for the weekend.  The Orange Street Fair is on, but three hundred and fifty thousand people show up and that isn't somewhere I want to be.  It is also suppose to be in the 100's, as it always if  for this event.  Not fun when  you add the body heat.

Need to get going and start the day.



 

LAST NIGHT...

I spent most of the day cleaning some of the house.  I still have my bedroom to go and the bath.  I just hate being a char women, but every cleaning lady I've had has ruined things.  Since it is only me and the cats ,I figure I can maintain my small house.  It does get away from me once in a while as I'm gone most of the time and the critters make their own mess when I'm absent

Last night I met my grand daughter for dinner..... what a surprise another dinner.  We had a great conversation and spent a couple of hours sitting discussing what was going on in politics, life and what she might be doing in the future.  She is such a pleasure.  We plan on meeting next week for a taco night.  I'm glad she wants to stay in touch with me. She is actually my husbands grand daughter but she and  I have always had a connection.

Bruno called yesterday, prior to me leaving for dinner, and changed our date from Thursday to tonight.  We were suppose to go out tonight the first go round but he didn't think he would be back from Nevada.  He is here for one day and then goes back up to Nevada.  We are going, if he actually shows up, to a Cuban Spanish restaurant in Orange to have Paella. Wednesday is better as I have an 5:30 meeting on Thursday.

My prodigal sofa is being delivered again, today.   This is the third time back after the factory reworking it.  I talked to the designer and she said that if it wasn't right this time she would give me my money back.....since it has been a mess from the start I really am hoping they got it right this time.  I love the configuration but the workmanship from the factory sucks.However it was so expensive that it should be perfect and I don't think I'm asking to much.

I'll see what the rest of the day brings.  I have a couple of errands but everything is on hold until the sofa returns.

Off to get dressed and start the day.

 

DINNERS.......

Vet man took me out to an early dinner last night.  We did get a lot discussed about the Marine Corp Ball.  I have to tell you I'm very concerned.  This is the first one that has been held and I'm concerned that the crowd will not be there.  The boys are handling things and that is always a problem.

I was thinking about Bruno and my total connection.  I always have to laugh at the guys out there who say, "are you still seeing HIM?" There just isn't anyone that I've met that comes close to being anything like him.  He pretty much concurs that we are very special together.   Everyone asks us if we are married, they think we look great together......we do, and we have a great time together.  I know that he is gone all the time, but when he does come back it is so worth waiting for him.  I feel like a smitten teenager sometimes. Ridiculous at my age.

If anyone had told me that I'd be so interested and happy with another man, I would have told them they were crazy.  I wasn't thrilled with the way my husband and my marriage ended.  I didn't think I'd have any interest in anyone else. 

To think Bruno contacted me online and it went from there.  That was over two years ago and they are so right, whoever "they" are, that time goes fast when your having fun.  Granted his not being around a lot isn't ideal, but I'm busy enough in my own life to fill in the time.

I've tried seeing other guys and it is just a waste of time for me.  Not to mention to a man the thinking is between their heads to their zippers.  I'm not interested.  I find it interesting that the men of today, no matter what their age, verbalize what they want in a nano second of meeting them.  It comes into their head and out their mouths.  If they only realized it is a total turn off.  Of course none of them turn me on anyway as they aren' t Bruno.

I'm off to get housework done and then a Mammogram late this afternoon.  What fun!

LOST IN CYBERSPACE AGAIN.....

I posted some things, but for some reason it went on another site.  Now that I have found the one I want here goes.

This was a whirlwind of a weekend starting on Thursday.  Bruno made his two and a half hour drive from LA to take me out.  You would think that forty five miles wouldn't take so long.....ah, L.A.  It was late so we went to a place we have been wanting to try on Thursday since they have a Big Band. When Bruno walked into the house he was very taken with my dress and Kenneth Cole strappy heels.  Nice to be complimented.

The place is the Phoenix Club (German) and since we were late the kitchen had just closed.  We twisted their arm to allow us to order soup.  The choice were Goulash or French Onion.  We should have ordered the Goulash.  French onion ended up being something with caramelized onions, mystery meat,which we found out was some type of liver casing, and BBQ.  I always knew and Bruno concurs that the Germans can't cook.  The soup was totally sweet and disgusting.  We didn't eat it and sent it back.  The waiter was nice enough to take it off the bill.

Then we drove over to the area they had dancing and a Big Band playing. The band and dancers looked like they had emptied the nearest rest home.  All of the people had to be over eighty.  Bruno and I decided to make the most of it and stay.  Kind of nice being the youngest people there.

There was a little women that gave dancing lessons, she was Italian, don't ask me since The Phoenix is a German Club, She attached herself, literally, to Bruno and as we were leaving she said that he needed to give her his phone number.  Now this women was in her eighties.  We both laughed about her on the way home.  Way to go Bruno! She was very touchy feely.

Bruno left me at 1:30 a.m. to go to his job site to allow some people in.  They can't work during the day so the hours are from midnight until morning for any heavy work that needs done.  His superintendent had to leave for a family emergency so Bruno needed to open a gate to allow some sub contractors in. He said he would be back in an hour or two.  I fell asleep and he came back at 4:00 a.m. and said he had to go and couldn't sleep.  He was leaving for Nevada that evening and still had to final things up at the California site.  I swear the man is going to kill himself.  I made him a cup of coffee and off he went.

Friday night I went to a steak fry where we had two hundred and fifty people attending.  I made it an early night and was home by 9:45 p.m.  I didn't sleep much either due to Bruno's schedule. and I was pooped.

Saturday morning there was a motorcycle Poker run for a fund raiser for the Wounded Warriors.  I joined my other committee member and gave out water and marked the Bikers cards with what they had drawn.   After they all left I drove down to Mission Viejo for a Bikers BBQ.  Returned home around  3:00 and took a nap.

It is feast or famine in the scheduled department.


Bruno did call and left me a message.  We had discussed going several places and getting together in between his travels.  He is suppose to be back from Nevada this week on Thursday and then he is leaving for the East Coast again.  He changed our date from Wednesday to Thursday and although I have a meeting it is only for an hour and he will be at the house by 7:00 p.m..  We are planning on going for Paella at a Cuban/Spanish restaurant in Orange.

We are also planning, the tickets are bought, on going to the Cleopatra Exhibit at the Science Center that is located across from USC.  That will be Sept 15 after Bruno's birthday where he is being feted by his six year old grand daughter who is baking him a cake.....she lives in Houston.

Tonight, Sunday, Vet man is taking me to dinner.  We have a lot to discuss regarding the Marine Corp Ball.....time is going fast and it will be here before you know it.

So that is my crazy life this last week.  All is well

 

NOTHING IMPORTANT.....

Another Sunday to try and get myself organized for the upcoming week.  I always find if I try to at least make myself a list of what I might be doing it helps.  Monday will be here before I know it and I have to get to my Property Manager's office to give him new deposit slips for the new bank so I can cancel Wells Fargo's accounts.  I can't stand Wells and will be so glad to get rid of them.

Vet man was exhausted from the Stand Down yesterday but he sent a text saying he was gong to take me to dinner no matter what.  His comment was he knew that Bruno cancelled so much that he didn't want to be put in that category. He was to tired to drive to the yacht club at the beach so we went to an upscale place near by.  I could have stayed home and been just fine but he insisted.  At least it was short and sweet and he dropped me off early and went home.

He insisted he would drive me Monday to the property managers office after he picks up his secondary car that is in the shop getting something done.  He drives a Cadillac day to day. Since I work with him on the Vets committee we are in touch a lot and keeping things pleasant is a plus.  He knows all about Bruno and finds our relationship amusing.....glad he finds my life so entertaining.

Vet man and I are also going to Camp Pendleton for a Memorial Service and lunch in September, to honor the men that are the Chosin from the Korean War.  Yes, it is spelled Chosin....name of the town or area in Korea.  Since we are honoring them at the Marine Corp Ball it is a chance to meet them and give them their free tickets to the event.

My neighbor, who is a demolition expert and has her own company, is going with me to meet with one of the head Trustees on Tuesday.  There is a large hotel that partially burned and the City of Santa Ana is requesting it be torn down.  Don't as me how I get into these things, but maybe I can send some business her way.  The man we are meeting for lunch is a lawyer, works for the DA's office and is a retired policeman.  I'm hoping the information she gives him will move things along as this property is an eyesore.

I heard from two men today.  One I dated over a year ago.  He was from my hometown and fairly young.  His problem was that he was too invested in names.  Louis Vuitton, Lexus, and whatever else had a designer name on it.  I can only take so much of that and find it a big need to prove something that no one really cares about.  He also was throwing money around at the waitress that he knows at Ruth's Chris steak house.  I think there was some sort of contest going on and she needed six hundred dollars to win and he footed the bill.  More money then sense.

He is Spanish and when I told him I didn't want to see him anymore I said that I was abdicating Spain for Germany....Bruno's end of the world.  However, that didn't stop Mr. Spain, he contacted me this morning on Facebook and requested that we be friends. I always wonder what happens that I come into their minds way after the fact.

Also on Match.com, which I thought I was off,  another man that I have heard from for two years and have never met, nor do I want to, again made an effort to connect.  What about NO don't you understand.  I guess I'll have to block him from contacting me.

I do have to put this in today.  Yesterday an Asian man waxed poetic...his email, that I got on Match,  stated as follows: What an angel face. yr beautiful blond hair looks like Niagara Falls, Yr bright smile lights up my screen, My name is -- and yrs is? Such a classy lady, so elegant and feminine.  You look like your in your early 40's. Amazing!! A real man should treat you like a Queen if he is so lucky to have you in his life.....(Now isn't that a bunch of B.S.) I swear I wish I would have printed out all the crap I get from the men on these sites .  I would have had a great book. Oh did I mention he was 51and short. God spare me from these people.

As far as I know Bruno is back this week, my eyelash extension appointment is Wednesday which is more important then anything. Ha!

Happy Sunday!!

HOMELESS VETS..........

Although I've been up since four a.m. this morning I feel pretty good.  My fellow committee member picked me up at 6:45 to drive us to the O.C. Fairgrounds, where there was a Veterans Stand Down being held for the Homeless Vets.  This is a full weekend of food, health care and information for these men and women.  

I was wondering how, if these people were homeless they were going to get to the area and that was resolved by buses picking them up. 

The Orange County Elks Lodges provided food, breakfast, lunch and dinner and the different Lodges including the American Legion worked the different food venues.  Someone donated sixty seven cases of Sunny D and we went through most of it,  Eggs, pancakes, sausage etc, were cooked and served by the Elks.

I love the fact that these men and women that receive the help are so thankful for anything they receive.

It went fast as our group only worked the breakfast and then we drove home.  Good thinking since the weather has been so brutally hot and going to be hot again today. Luckily I was working inside and they had large tents set up for the Vets to sit under outside.

I had a phone call on my answering machine went I got home from Bruno.  He is still in the Desert but said he is coming back on Tuesday.  He has a meeting with the man from Florida regarding Disneyland and said we would go out on Thursday but wanted to see me before that.  We'll see how much time is taken up with Mr. Florida. He was so funny when I called him back.  He said, "what did you do, wait until your boyfriend left so you could call me."  I told him that was his M.O. not mine.  He told me that he had been more then good.....I think he is too busy not to be.  It probably isn't from trying that is for sure, although he says he likes quality not quantity.  Guess it is nice to be considered quality.

Bruno is so unpredictable.  Just when I get myself in a state over him not calling or texting me, he calls out of the blue and says he misses me.  Guess I'm finally learning to take it as it comes and don't obsess about things.  Easy to say, but hard to do.  I'm an old "foxette" by now and should know better.

Tonight I have dinner out and I need to get my nails perked up again. Diving into ice chests to get Sunny D totally screwed up my manicure.

Off to polish and paint.

OLDER MEN....

Okay, I tried.  I met a seventy seven year old man for coffee.  Perfectly pleasant but old.  I know, I know, I'm old too, but there is old and there is old.  I will say that the conversation was good and he wasn't a dead beat verbally, however, I kept thinking there was no way in hell I could ever kiss this man.

He was thrilled and had me going out on his sailboat and going to his yacht club (a different yacht club then Vet mans.) for dinner.  I had this thought that I would be taking my life in my hands by going out on the ocean with this fellow.  He had run the race from Newport Beach to Ensenada, Mexico but that was a lot of years ago.  No matter how avid he was and experienced as a sailor I could just see myself at the helm after he croaked of a heart attack while sailing the ocean blue trying to get to shore using a motor that goes five miles an hour..... doesn't sound like something I want to do. Give me a power boat with a captain and crew with the owner sitting having drinks with me and then maybe we'll talk.

I'm a power boat kind of gal.  Ducking booms and pulling up sails or whatever it is one does on a sailing ship is not on my list.  His boat is only a 30 footer and that isn't big enough to be out on the ocean , in my estimation. Not to mention with my knees if I could get on the thing it would be a miracle.

We parted ways after our coffee and as he asked if he could take me to dinner sometime. I really didn't say yes or no but something like call me.  Very non committal.  Did I mention not only was he older but short. He did have his PhD in electrical engineering.  There you go. conservative, never met an engineer that wasn't, and tunnel vision, knowing only what he knows.  God spare me!!

Vet man switched days for dinner again.  He thought that perhaps we should go to his yacht club tomorrow night for dinner instead of a local place that he had thought about going on Sunday night.  He is at the Angels game tonight and his text was short and to the point. I just hope Bruno gets his butt back in town.  I am having a hard time dealing with the peripheral men out there. but I do get bored being alone.

It has been so humid and blasted hot outside that I've pretty much stayed home in the evenings the last couple days.  Facing the world out there isn't something I want to do while I'm glistening with wet hair from all the humidity.

There was a little interesting thing that came up on my Linkedin page.  I hadn't been on Linkedin for a while.  I think about a month ago I went on to change my password when I had all the trouble from some hacker getting into my computer.

My IPhone has an App for Linkedin and there was an indication that I had a new something or other that came up.  Well, low and behold when I opened it , it had a person noted that had read my profile.  You will never guess who it was.  Bruno's ex-wife........so that either means that he told her about me, as they are in business together, she found my address on an envelope or document, I, which I really don't remember doing, looked at her profile on the site, and if I did it was a very long time ago and I don't think she would have looked me up just two days ago. Interesting.  I'm debating whether to show it to Bruno or not.  The notification has her picture and Conmpany name on the site so I know it is her.

Ah, we women are really good detectives, it will be of interest to see if he actually told her or it was a fluke. She is an Architect and Designer, as I am on the site as a Color Coordinator in my past life, she may have come across me that way, but I don't think so.  There are no coincidences.

Nothing from Bruno since the last time we spoke on the phone.  I'll see if he comes into town next week as he said he would. I'm sure he will be happy to be out of the over hundred degree heat in Las Vegas and I will be very happy to have him back.  He is way to much fun.

I'm suppose to go to the Fairgrounds tomorrow to help serve breakfast to the Homeless Vets at a Stand Down they are holding.  It helps them with jobs, showers, medical, dental and food.  I haven't heard from the man that is suppose to drive so I may not be going.  Getting up at O dark hundred isn't something I was looking forward to anyway. 

Off to watch t.v.

RELIABLE, NOT........

I sometimes wonder what in the world is the matter with me.  As expected Bruno didn't call to let me know what his schedule was or when he might show up.  I thought about it for a couple of days and then emailed him saying, "I just love a man of his word, NOT, and what was going on.  I got an immediate reply saying "soon,"what the hell did that mean.  I emailed back that that was a very obtuse answer and he phoned right away.  He obviously shared my email with his crew as he said none of them knew what obtuse meant....ah, construction guys.  At least Bruno did.

Now I know the man is a workaholic and he isn't doing nothing.  The phones were ringing and the men were asking questions as he was trying to talk to me. Seems there was a change in architectural plans and it required more days and more time on his part.  I know I'm down on the totem pole and his plate is very full.  When he knows I'm pissed he responds, but it takes that to get him to respond.
I had told him before that anyone that wanted to be with him had to have a life or their own and I do, but sometimes I get enough of being sans Bruno and I let him know I'm not pleased when he promises a phone call and it doesn't happen.  I needed to know what he was up to so I could plan my week.  I don't want him to think I'm sitting around waiting for him, I'm not, but I do want to see him and I need to know what's up.

He said he would be back in town next week, either Thursday or Friday, and then had to leave for the East Coast.  Since Europe is also coming up for a trip to a Conference in October I need to take a chill pill and enjoy this ridiculous relationship for what it is,  I just like to let him know when I'm displeased.  I don't want him to think he can get away Scot free with no consequences but I also don't want to make it unpleasant for him where he decides he doesn't need to be around a bitch....fine line. I know he is all wrong, but I can't find anyone I like as well and believe me I've tried. We do have a special connection and even he admits that.

Now on to other things.  I just heard from a PhD in electrical engineering who is a widower.  He is seventy seven but likes to ski and sail, neither of which is on my list.  I like power boats and the only thing about skiing I like is the bar at the lodge.  He wants to meet for coffee to discuss both sailing and skiing.  Ha!

Vet man was going to take me out tonight but had a dinner meeting that he forgot about, he has asked to make it for Sunday night.  So far I haven't answered him one way of the other.  He's another one that has to much on his plate.

There is a Stand Down at the fairgrounds for the homeless Vets on Saturday and I promised to help serve breakfast.  Waitressing isn't my strong suite and the thing starts at 6:00 a.m., oh joy.  I'll see if all of this actually happens.

Today I had lunch with a girlfriend of mine.  We were commiserating about life and what transpires after a mate dies whether it was a good or bad relationship it is always hard being alone.   Not that I don't like my aloneness, but sometimes you just want someone to be able to talk to someone without all the sexual nonsense that all of these men have going for them and have no problem spewing forth.

On another note, my sofa has taken another trip back to the factory.  I have everyone from Texas to California, from Designers to the owner taking note of all the problems that have transpired with this custom made piece.  I love the design, now if the factory can just sew the thing right it will be great.  I did say if it had to go back the forth time they could just return my money and I'd go on my way
.
God save me from old fools.....me included.

HOT AND HUMID.....

It is 100 degrees in the shade in the backyard and humid.  This is not normal California weather although near the beach it is in the seventies which is only twelve miles away.  The desert is always odd and when you travel inland it gets hotter and hotter.

This morning I went in to help with a take down of the Luau decorations.  One hand washes the other and since I need the gal in charge to take me to a wholesale floral supply to purchase items for the Marine Corp Ball that I need to final up my center pieces, I thought I better offer to help. 

It was so terribly hot on the top floor where all the items are stored I felt like we all had been in a sauna after we were through. I couldn't wait to get myself home to take a shower and sit in my a/c.

It is now almost five o'clock and of course I haven't heard a word from Bruno.  I know he is probably sleeping, that is if he is still in Las Vegas.  Time will tell if he comes through.  If not, no surprise.

Not much else to report right now. So I'll sign off.

PARTIES AND DEATH......

I know that heading sounds a little weird, but it actually isn't.  I attended a Memorial Service today for an acquaintance's long time partner.  He had walked out to the kitchen said he felt strange and dropped dead. What a way to go.  To my way of thinking it beats lingering on with some disease or staying in a hospital bed with tubes coming out of you at all ends.

The party part of it was it was being held were there was going to be a Luau tonight and everyone was scurrying around trying to get t hings decorated.  Life goes on.

Bruno is still stuck in Las Vegas.  He said he would call me tomorrow to let me know what is going on.  Since my up coming week is getting booked up with various things, I had emailed him and told him to let me know if he was actually coming back down to California.  The crew has been staying up all night for over a week.  He is so busy and I know he is making a lot of money, but the way I look at it he won't be able to spend it since he'll be dead and gone.  I'm sure I'll hear all the gory details when he calls me tomorrow.

On the other man front, there was a professor of Theology that contacted me.  Little, bookish and if anyone knows me a bible thumper isn't anyone I want to know.  I explained to him that I had a boyfriend and the reply was, "if you get mad at him, call me  if you break up, call me, if your lonely,call me, if you want to talk, call me, etc.  I just don't get these guys....no doesn't seem to be in their vocabulary.

I stopped at a place the other night on the way home and a couple came in and sat by me.  He was rather obese, but nice enough.  They had been drinking all day and he was begging her to kiss him.  She looked over at me and said to him, "I'd rather kiss he, she's way prettier."  Alrighty then!!!!  I left.  Also a young guy, age 39 that had just broken up with his girlfriend.  When I told him I was old enough to almost be his grandmother he was shocked.  I had to laugh, I guess they think one should be on their last legs at a certain age. His comment was you walk young.....really!!!!

Home sounds better and better and I'm looking forward to seeing and spending time with a good girlfriend of mine who is coming back to town.  We have been friends for forty years and see eye to eye on most things. 

Not much else happening.  I'll see if Bruno comes through with the phone call tomorrow.

Hugs,

LuSinDa

TIME FLIES..........

Well it is Thursday and this week went by in a flash.  Since I can barely remember what I had for breakfast I need to check my schedule on my Iphone to remember what has gone on the last three days.  Monday I had lunch with someone that again turned into being a dud and an inappropriate idiot.  I really do think I'm done with trying to find someone to replace Bruno.  Even though he is never around when he is it is great and when someone finds me I compare and they never measure up.  So until the "bloom is off the rose" with Bruno, for one or the other of us, I will continue to just make him number one.

Monday I also had an eyelash appointment.  I find that eye lash extensions beat false eyelashes and using mascara.  The only problem is to keep them looking nice you have to go in for a refill every two weeks.  Since I hardly ever go to the beauty salon to have my hair done I figure this is a luxury that I can justify.

My technician texted me saying that she had to cancel the above appointment as she twisted her ankle in a Triathlon up North on her bike.  Oh joy!  Another reason not to compete in boy things. So the lashes had to wait until she found another time to work me in. She really does work hard and starts her day at 6:00 a.m.

Tuesday I was planning on staying home all day and getting some things done, which I did until Vet man called and asked me to come to the Elks that evening for a meeting.  I was sort of thinking about going to the regular meeting but decided I wasn't going out of the house as the weather has been horrible....hot and humid.  I did drive over around 5:30, stayed for the meeting, had one drink and decided to go home and not attend.  It is a long meeting and night and getting home at 10:00 p.m. didn't appeal to me.

Bruno called me on Tuesday morning.  He was in Las Vegas, which wasn't a place I expected him to be.  He had been in Maryland but had gotten a call from his friend who was in Shanghai.  There was a restaurant at one of the hotel casinos in Las Vegas that had a kitchen that flooded and needed new equipment and this man couldn't get there to supervise the fix.  He asked Bruno to get a crew up there and fix it and since this could be a huge account encompassing China, France and points wherever, Bruno agreed.  He is doing the Downtown Disney restaurant for him.  Bruno sounded exhausted and explained that he and his crew had been working all night for almost a week and hopefully would be done Thursday.  He said he would be coming back next week, but again, I never count on anything.  He may very well be going to China to supervise the restaurant going in there so where that leaves us is up in the air, or maybe just done.  It is day by day.

Late Tuesday night I had a text from my technician for my eyelashes and she said she could take me at 8:00 a.m. that next morning, Wednesday.  I agreed.  After keeping the appointment I drove home for twenty minutes, then left to go to a Dr. appointment.  Nothing special, just a six month tune up. I'm due for a Mammogram and blood tests.

After that appointment I was meeting a girlfriend who also had a Dr. appointment.  She was delayed a little and I had a chance to stop at a Home Consignment store.  I wanted to find out about selling a couple of chairs and a large ottoman I have that turns into a single bed.  She called when she was done and I drove down to her house.  They are doing extensive backyard work and it is going to be beautiful when it is finished.  Fireplace, bar, outside t.v., fountain, etc.  Can't wait to see it done.

They had also redone the upstairs baths and reconfigured the layout.  I thought it made more sense and updated that bath into a lovely en suite area.  I worked for the builder that built that house and it would be a wonderful idea if they could see what my friends did to the bath.  Never happen, but I personally thought it a great improvement, and much more updated.

After we went through the house she and I left to have lunch at Opah, which is always good.  There are two of these restaurants that I know of and this one in Aliso Viejo is a lot busier then the one near me.  After lunch I drove he home and left to go back to my house and finish some ironing and straighten things up. 

Vet man was coming over after a County meeting.  He was a lot later then I though he would be and didn't arrive until 8:30.  It is so miserably hot and after the day I had I was rally tired.  We had a couple of drinks, talked a bit and he left.  He is always amused by me for some reason and calls me "mayhem." He knows all about Bruno and I think he likes to hear the latest. Vet man is always very flattering and I should be pleased that he thinks I'm so wonderful.  I do think he really knows better.

So, today is Thursday.  Watered the plants, straightened things up a round the house and tonight at 5:30 another Marine Corp Ball meeting.  I will be so glad when this whole thing is over in November.  Of course then it is the Exit for the State President of Hawaii/California coming up that I'm on several committees.  I was voted in unbeknown to me.

Lu Sin Da signing off.

ANOTHER WEEK GONE BY.....

Last week was busy.  I went to the dermatologist to get zapped and excised.  There was a spot on my back, from the sun, that she thought might turn in to melanoma, and she decided to get rid of it.  I'm so tired of being sliced open by doctors.  Stitches are still in and I go back in ten days to have them removed.

I think I left off on Tuesday last week.  Bruno did come back to take me to dinner.  Since I never know where he is or what he is doing I thought he was coming back to town on Tuesday.  It didn't turn out that way.  He didn't have a successful house hunting session in the desert.  The house he thought he wanted wasn't built well and needed another couple of hundred thousand dollars to make it like he wanted it.  Since he is in construction he said it had to many hair line cracks and he thought the slab might need redone, which is cost prohibitive.  So that house isn't going to be the one. He is on a mission and he is like a dog with a bone.  In his case he has so many bones and keeps switching ideas.  My bouncing ball! He had come back to the coast on Monday where he spent the night, all night, supervising the cement pouring at his project at Downtown Disney.  Tuesday he slept all day,  but managed to drive his 100 miles round trip to see me and take me out.

We went to a little place that has great food and Tuesday was fried chicken night.  It really is good and I managed to not eat everything and gave him the left over chicken.  He deemed it a midnight snack.  He left right after he brought me home as he had an early meeting with the Disney people.

I met some friends at the Elks on Wednesday for Taco night, which is always great. Thursday I went to Houston's to meet two girlfriends for lunch.  One of the gals had just returned from three months in England at her manse there.  She was headed out the next day for she and her husband's yacht to spend three weeks.  What a life!  So we played catch up for three hours and promised to get together again as soon as she returned

Friday I had a charity meeting regarding the Vets care packages for their transition out of the homes after they get themselves together.  Then off to another lunch at the Ritz to meet someone that turned out to be a nightmare.  I haven't figured out what is wrong with the men of today. The connection between their minds and their zippers is a short distance.  This guy, who was sixty seven, could only talk about his dead wife of three years and what great BJ's she gave.  Now that is a picture I don't need in my head.  He finally left and I sat and talked to a retired lawyer that was of some interest, but not much.  Bruno is always there in the back of my head.

Speaking of Bruno, yet again, he left a message on my phone Friday around 1:30 that said he was checking in.....now that is a first.  I did ask him to touch base once in a while.  I know he is headed out for the East Coast again, when,I don't know, but I do like to know he is alive. This call was out of character.  As was our drive home from Brio when I mentioned that he was on the wrong road, he wasn't,  He answered "yes dear."  So the next time I didn't say anything and he missed the turn.  Yes dear my ass, pay attention...........

I was suppose to be home by seven or eight Friday night,  as Vet man said he wanted to come over for a drink.  I pulled in and he was at the door in two seconds flat.  He was not happy but then I don't owe him anything and I really don't care. Guess he arrived earlier and I wasn't there. He stayed for one drink and tootled off more then a little pissed.  Although that didn't stop him from emailing the next morning.

Saturday was a birthday lunch for one of the women's clubs I belong to.  It was thirty year celebration.  It is hard to believe that I've been around that long with that organization.  This coming week I have somethings to do, but I'm hoping that things will be a little calmer.

I guess if I keep really busy "they" can't catch me.

BACK

It has been an interesting month.  Dez, who now wants to be called Bruno and has decided to call me Lu Sin Da is on his way from a meeting with some bankers regarding property.  He is one smart guy and how he keeps all the balls in the air is beyond me.

He did arrive and we went out to Mastroe's Ocean Club, which was packed at cocktail hour.  The poeple were dressed very casual and since this is a high end restaurant it was a little strange. However, after we talked to several people it was obvious that they were tourists. Forgot about tourist season. Bruno had on a beautiful black suit with a Hermes tie and looked like a million dollars.  He does clean up. I wore a black small polka dot dress with an assymetrical hem with yellow ruffled heels.  We do make a good looking couple if I say so myself..

We had two drinks and opted to leave.  Bruno keeps his eyes open for faux paux's on women shoes.  I keep telling him he has a shoe fetish.  God forbid some poor women walks in with flip flops, sandals or ugly heels....he is a heel man and probably the only man I know that know about high end designer shoes.  Jimmy Choo, Stewart Weitzman etc. The majority of the women had bad shoes per his take on it.  Since I can't afford to spend $1500.00 on a pair of shoes in this life, I wonder what his take is on mine.

There were two blond gals, complete with large fake boobs.  They sat down next to us at the bar.  I struck up a conversation with one of them and  I said that the pickings in the man department were really slim in the place.  She answered that frankly she was more interested in her food.  Bruno thought that was funny and I just thought it was a sad statement on the man front in the place.

We left and drove to Laguna Niguel to a place called Brio that has a band and dancing.  We again sat at the bar with our favorite bartender Ty.  We ordered some food and again looked around at the people there.  OMG....what a group of humanity.  The crowd kept changing from couples to just women dancing togehter, the Lesbo crowd, and then back to couples.  There was one large women who looked like she might be trans-gender flinging herself all alone all over the dance floor and I mean flinging.  She had a flower in her hair which she eventually attached to the bottom of her dress then proceeded to toss her head up and down like a prancing horse and the word horse is being kind. On a good day she wouldn't have been attractive and to draw attention to yourself you have to wonder if it was drugs, booze, or both. No doubt that was why she was dancing alone.

When we left we decided that Brio had probably seen the last of us.  Bruno says that it is the weird people in Orange County and that LA isn't like behind the Orange Curtain.  I beg to differ with him if my memory serves me right.  There are really a bunch of kooks in that area too. He has promised to take me to LA soon and I can compare.  The next day he said that I was the prettist women in either place.  I said that wasn't saying much considering the crowd, but thank you.

In between Bruno, who by the way canceled on me on the Thursday he was to come down and take me out due to a late schedueld meeting in Beverly HIlls.  Vet man who is Plan "B" said he wanted to take me to dinner and the Vet thing is a good excuse for me.  We went to the Winery where the food is wonderful.  I swear I can't shed these ten pounds for anything.  I wonder why?

Vet man would like more but I just don't have the same feeling for him.  Dumb me.  He let slip that he had inherited about two million from his parents.  I wish money could be the motivator for me, but if it isn't there it isn't there.  Leave it to me to like the bad boy who isn't available and will go into the sunset.  Although he made an interesting statement unsolicited.  He said " you know your the only women I haven't cheated on,"  My answer was "yet."  I figure he is way to busy to bring someone else into his life and if he does go to bed with someone it would be a one night stand.  It was just  an odd thing to say out of the blue. Our converston wasn't even in that ball park.

Saturday morning after our strange date night Friday we went to breakfast.  He tootled off afterward to Palm Desert, where the temperature was suppose to be 108 degrees. to look at houses, he wants to invest out there, and to check on another project he has going.

I'm waiting for him to come back today and again we are gong to dinner.  God save me from the lurking calories.

More later.

BLOGGING...

I'm going to de-Blog for a while...back sometime the end of July....

I'VE BEEN ROBBED......

Not really, although it looks like it in the house at this point in time.  Friday Vet man came and took the five foot sofa for his use and also moved my seven foot sofa bed out the door.  Since I'm getting a sectional the tables, that I've had since the seventies, needed to go away too.

 I think it is time to cleanse all the memories that come associated with these items.  Plus the electric lift chair that Merle, my husband,  used prior to passing on, and a piece I detested, needed to leave too. This morning Saturday, Veterans First came and picked up all the pieces.  They can use them for their thirft store and for the men that transition out of Veterans housing after a year.

My new sofa, which I'm sure is gigantic, will take the place of the above and the Build a Sofa company will be bringing it in between twelve and two today.  I'm hoping this is cathartic and I can get things to look different around the house.  After fourteen years of living here it is really time for a change. Oof course as usual, one thing leads to another and there will be a lot more to do.

Thursday, Dez called and came over to take me to dinner.  We needed to talk after his debacle of standing me up, yet once again.  I know his life is busy and he puts to much on his plate, but enough is enough.  I wouldn't have been so upset, since this is norm for him, if he had at least said he was sorry.  Fat chance on that happening. It never occurs to him.

He ha s a job site going in Orange County so he arrived at the house around five on Thursday..  We had reservations at seven at a local Italian restaurant.  He had drink, changed clothes and we left.  We did have a pretty good talk regarding how things are between us.  His comment was I needed to know that he really liked me, he thought about me a lot and he knew that the problem was he wasn't around enough, due to his travels. I just think he is so used to being a "stray lone wolf" that it doesn't occur to him to use a little consideration.  He keeps saying that the reason my friends don't want me to be with him is that they are jealous that I'm having a good time.  His comment was they aren't going out to dinner and dancing, plays and having a close relationship, ergo, jealous!

Well, I do have a good time with him, but I also am not happy about how things are.  I finally came to the realization if I want to keep seeing him I have to take things as they are and not let it upset me.  You would think at my age I'd be a little smarter, but there is no accounting for chemistry and the feelings that brings.

We returned from the restaurant, which was very, very good and he changed clothes again and left to go back to his job site.  He has cut back on help and he said it was pretty bad for the boss to have to work a split shift.  He was planning on staying until midnight and then going home to sleep and get caught up.  He was suppose to come back on Friday but said he couldn't.....same old, same old.

So, I've decided not to be upset, take it where it goes and if I find someone else that "floats my boat" and I'll go into the sunset if that happens.  Dez is talking about where he might want to be when he retires. We have discussed him going to Paris, Dubai, Cabo San Lucas, Hawaii etc.  He is a traveler of the world and he can pretty much do what he wants when he wants.

So, I'm off to wait for the sofa guys and I need to vaccuum the carpet, again.

Tomorrow is breakfast with friends. 

ANOTHER DEZ BLIP........

It is Tuesday and the last time I blogged was Friday.  I was waiting for Dez to show up to take me to lunch.  The morning went by and then at two o'clock he called and said he had overslept.  Seems the job he has in Anaheim had a major problem and the electricity was damaged and most of the area was blown out.  He said he had to get a sub from Malibu and had spent most of two nights awake, hence the oversleeping. He was in his Hummer heading for San Diego.

He went on for forty five minutes about the job sight and problems while driving to his San Diego appointment with the doctor to see about his Aunt being able to travel to France to live with her son. Now I can understand problems and I can understand what went on, however, not once out of his mouth was and I'm sorry.  I was very pleasant on the phone but after I hung up I became more pissed at him.  He really lives in his own little self centered world and I have put up with more from hm then I've ever put up with from any man. Chemistry can only go so far.

I emailed him telling him enough was just about enough, and I wasn't happy about him standing me up.....I'm to old to put up with his crap.  He emailed me back saying the next time he would call me at 3:30 am and let me know.  Totally a smart ass.....two can play the game, so I emailed back and said," honey I would appreciate that."  I was going to email and say one word, "text." but decided I was tired of playing his games and didn't.

He left from San Diego to spend time with his younger son whose wife has just had a baby.  He is suppose to be here Thursday and Friday, but after our exchange I'm not sure he will come.  That is totally up to him and I'm not holding my breath. I'm tempted to not be home if he comes and see how he likes it.

In the meantime I sat home all weekend, which was fine, then last night, Monday I went to dinner with an ex neighbor of mine.  She and I meet about once a month or so, when she isn't traveling, and have a really nice time together.  I went through her divorce with her and her getting the man of her dreams thirty years ago.  We always have a lot to talk about.

Vet man sent me an email asking if Friday was okay to come pick up the five foot sofa I have I'm getting rid of.  It is part of a set of the sofa bed that I'm sending out the door.  The sofa bed isn't in great shape, since it is fourteen years old and has seen better days.  At least the fabric on it.  The bed itself has barely been used.  My new sofa should be here sometime in July so I need to make room.

My thirty five year old poet man who had one of his books published and available on Amazon, called "Pieces of Her Soul" keeps contacting me on Facebook wanting to connect.  He is house sitting in Palm springs right now.  I ordered his book and have read some of it.  He has a very bright mind and his command of the language and knowledge of women, for one so young, is amazing.  There are so many talented men.

Tonight I'm going to a meeting and my friends are picking me up for dinner first.

Hopefully things will iron themselves out, or maybe I just need to be using the iron to make it happen.

END OF THE WEEK......

Attended the meeting last night and there were only three of us plus the club manager. Seems everyone has somewhere else to be last night.  We did get a lot of things added and ironed out.  The man, who is a DA for the country led the meeting.  He was in a flap over the case load he had been handed that day.....sixty cases is way more then one man can handle.  The County doesn't have the money to hire more people so the work load is heavy.  My suggestion was, dismiss! dismiss! dismiss.!  He thought that was a fine idea.

Today Dez is suppose to come to take me out to lunch, whether he does or not remains to be seen since I haven't heard from him, although it is only 9:00 am in the morning.  He said he would be by early since he has to leave for a meeting with a doctor about his Aunt in San Diego.  I have never in my life met anyone that spreads himself so thin.  All things to everyone.

For some reason this week I've been in a funk.  I suppose one can't be happy all the time but this week has been exceptionally bad and I can't put my finger on why.  It isn't that I don't have plenty to do should I want to, but most of it leaves me very unsatisfied. I feel like I've been spinning my wheels and getting nowhere.  I know this too shall pass, but slogging through a bad week is hard.

Mikee, my Himalayan cat, went in this morning for a teeth cleaning plus a bath.  He was so funny this morning.  I couldn't feed him after ten at night and this morning he was sitting on top of his place mat just looking at me.  I suppose when I get him home I'll be punished in someway or the other for taking him into the Vets.  He makes himself as small as a nine pound cat can and tries to disappear in his carrier when I bring him in.....poor little guy.  So, Camille and I, she is my Siamese Himalayan cross are spending this morning together.  She is one wierd cat.  I've had her for seven years and she is still skittish and won't allow me to touch her.  If she wasn't so pretty she would be out of here.

Vet man emailed me to get my home address so he could send me a copy of a letter.  I don't know what that's about.  It isn't that he needs to know my address, he already knows where I live and has been here to pick me up to take me to meetings.  It will be interesting to see what the letter contains.

Off to get another cup of coffee and hopefully get in a better mood.

THINGS........

I've been home since Tuesday, today is Thursday and have been in the house being bored with housework etc. 

Dez called last night, two days late, but then that's him....Mr. Reliable, NOT!  He had a dinner meeting with the design people putting in the restaurant in Anaheim in Burbank.  He was suppose to come over Thursday and we were going to go out to a movie, but he now has a meeting most of the day with the architects and others that screwed that idea up. 

He needs to drive to San Diego on Friday and said he would come by early and we would go out to lunch.....we'll see how that works out or if.

Today I'm headed to Costco with a friend to purchase items for the Veteran's BBQ on Saturday.  I'm waiting for her to pick me up.  The sprinkler man showed up and he is working on my errant sprinklers.  I thought I'd better get someone to look at them since my water bill has been close to one hundred dollars each month.  It used to be thirty seven and took this huge leap several months ago.  Trying to find someone that can fix things is sometimes hard.

Just returned from my Costco run with my friend.  We got everything but sugar free cookies.  She said she would go to Staters to see if she could find them....so our mission was a success.

Now I need to regroup for the meeting tonight, which means changing clothes and perking myself up to be in a better mood to attend a meeting that I really feel doesn't need me there.  I think, since I'm the only women that is on the committee , at this time, they need me to point out the error of their ways when they get off track.

So, with that being said I'll close for now.

MEETINGS....

I attended my two hour morning meeting and then swung by Home Depot for a new fountain pump , 2nd Street Beauty for some OPI nail polish, the bank to cash a check, then the nail salon for a polish change. Dez had used my car to go to his meeting the day before and had filled the tank with gas so that errand was something I didn't have to do. I always have a few little "honey dos" for him when he comes and he is more then happy to do them for me. The fountain pump removal was one on Sunday and when he returns he said he would install the new pump.. 

Last nights meeting at the Orange Elks regarding assigning the various things that needed picked up for the Veterans BBQ went well. My friends picked me up and we went a little early.  They were suppose to serve tacos but it ended up being individual pizzas.

We sat at the bar and ordered our pizzas.  Vet man walked in, he was expected, and we finished our pizza and went into the meeting.  I think the event for the Vets that live in the transition house will be a success. Our committee is pretty well versed in what needs to be done and what items need to be purchased or supplied.  I think it will be a good event for these poor guys that don't get much from our government in the way of extras.

We finished the meeting and left the Lodge.  We looked at each other and decided that tiny pizza, which was minimal wasn't going to do it for dinner.  We walked over to Watson's Drugs and had something to eat before we drove home.  While I was sitting there I had a text from Vet man saying he was headed home.  I sent a text back saying feel better as he had his cold back again. I got another text back saying, "you look gorgeous as always."  ah, flattery will get you everywhere.. Ha!

There was a younger girl at the second dive bar we went to on Friday, that made it a point to come up to me at the bar, and say, "I just have to tell you your beautiful."  Now, I don't understand what would make a young gal, who was attractive in her own right, come up to a seventy two year old women and say that, but it was nice to hear...little does she know that I thank the "God's of Makeup"for helping me keep it together, at least somewhat.  Dez's take on the comment was that by her saying that she was saying that she would never hope to be and had low self esteem.  Interesting how that man's mind works.

Dez was going to call me yesterday to let me know when he found out about his meeting day.  Of course he didn't which leads me to believe that he doesn't know yet.  He really is my will-o-the-wisp, with him the only thing for sure is nothing is for sure....but then I wouldn't like him if he was vanilla.  Vanilla is so boring!

Today is a day that I will try and do somethings around this house. 

Off to accomplish them!

ANOTHER WEEK.......

Here we are with another week coming up and it is almost the middle of June, a half of a year has gone away already.....to fast. 

As promised Dez came on Thursday and stayed for the afternoon.  He is so busy I don't know how he finds the time to do what he does.  He had just flown in from the East coast on Wednesday and hit the project he is doing in Orange County, then he was going to come see me, which of course didn't work out.  So Friday he came in the early afternoon, after his meeting.

We had decided that we needed to change up our venue of places we had been going in the past. Both of us had heard of this dive bar that had two locations and supposedly had Karaoke and dancing near by.  We decided to give it a try.

I had called my friends that lived in Laguna Niguel as I knew that they had been to the place near them for dinner recently. We were supposed to stop to see them prior to going to the establishment but I canceled the visit as Dez was going to be late and they were leaving for Hawaii the next day.  Dez showed up early on Friday so I called back but they had rescheduled something so we didn't get a chance to see them.  Next time. 

Well, we went to the first place, OMG, what a dump.  There was a obese girl sitting out front getting a tattoo with a felt tip pen.....that should have told us something.  I was dressed as casual as I get and Dez had on jeans and a dress shirt.  We were totally alien for this crowd.  We walked in and walked right back out.  The people were just the dregs and I was trying to figure out where they lived.  It was the, "I'll have a drink at six a.m. group."

Dez drove us to the second place in Laguna Niguel.  We decided we would stop and at least see if it was semi acceptable.  Now, remember Dez had been at Mixology in L.A. the night before with his project people. No comparison.  We walked in and at least the place was clean and the people were a little better appearing, not much, but passable.

We decided to sit at the bar and have a drink.  The two of us were laughing about having a date night in the car driving around Orange County trying to find these places.  The owner came up and asked us how we found the place, and Dez told her my friends had been there. She seemed thrilled that we were there and of course wanted us to stay and please come back.  When I went to the ladies room she clomped unto Dez and had a long conversation about her family owning the place." Mr. Chick Magnet"

She had a fiance, who looked like, as Dez said, a "profit eater."  He was slugging down the wine and scarfing down a dinner.  She on the other hand was an attractive blond and what she saw in this slug of a guy was beyond us.

 Again, we really didn't fit in but gamely decided to try some food as we were both hungry.  Now this place is an Irish Pub and both of us ordered sea food at the bar. Dumb!  My plate was good and Dez had crab cakes and clam chowder which he said wasn't bad.   We were there late enough for the Karaoke to start and that was worse then dreadful.  Songs no one had ever heard of and sung like screeching owls. One song had a lot of woo-woos in it.  Good God!

We looked at each other, after we ate,  and got out of that place too.  We went to Brio which is one of our places we can dance.  As we were sitting there Dez was getting sick with stomach cramps.  Oh Lord, I was hoping it wasn't food poisoning. We left and it is about a half hour to get home.  Poor Dez was in misery but managed to get home just in the nick of time.

Dez had to be somewhere Saturday during the day which was eighty miles away.  He was coming back and we talked about going to see Snow White and the Huntsman.  He didn't get back in time, One hundred and sixty miles for the afternoon drive took more time, with traffic.  He was still sick but announced maybe we could go dancing.....I told him he was crazy and he needed to calm himself down.  So, we went to a local place for dinner instead.  Talk about my ADD boy.

That dinner, at Quinns was very good.  We actually enjoyed it and stayed for the small group playing music until eleven and then came home. Dez was feeling better, not perfect, but better. 

Sunday morning he made his normal trip to Starbuck's for coffee and the New York Times that he does when he is with me.  He had picked up bagels the day before as I had lox cream cheese, onions, tomatoes and fruit for breakfast planned.  He came back and stayed until almost noon before he headed home to play catch up for his week coming up.  He is suppose to come back either Tuesday or Thursday, depending on his schedule.

This was the first time he has spent this many days with me.  It was great to be together but I know it is a fluke. I can't plan on him and will see him when we can arrange it.  Our relationship, if you can call it that, is just for fun and even though we both really like each other it is going nowhere.  I know someday he will leave to live in Europe, the local desert, or points God knows where and for me to think I will be part of that is not going to happen.  As long as I realize that it will be fine.

So, today and tonight I have a meeting and I need to go get ready. 

More later.

IN OUR MINDS.....

We all think we are young in our minds.  I just got back from having lunch with Tarzana man.  He was interesting and had an interesting life.  It included building coach's for the entertainment industry.  He had hob nobbed with Michael Jackson and Paul Newman.  He looked older but at least could carry on a conversation even if it was about his dead wife and the fact that he wanted someone in his life and didn't want to be alone. Mind you he has been a widower for twelve years.  What does that tell you.

You would think that I would be at least a little interested.  But he looked a little unkempt....the shirt needed ironing and the pants could have used a cleaners.  His Mercedes was a little cluttered and smelled like smoke, although he doesn't smoke. He looked his age and then some but was tall and at least not fat.  I just can't make myself like someone that I'm not attracted to.  He of course wants to see me again.  I don't think so.  He is working on his boat and is getting ready to sell it.  Good luck on that one. So another one bites the dust. Thank God it was only lunch, which by the way was good. Salad Nicoise with seared Ahi. 

Then when I returned home, he came in to use the bathroom and then left for a meeting in Marina del Ray where he keeps his fifty foot boat.  The worst part of it was I had an email from Dez while we were at lunch asking if I wanted a surprise.  He was going to come over.  Of course by the time I got home it was an hour past the time he said he could be here.  I emailed him and he said he was on his way back up North.  So that opportunity was lost.  I will see him tomorrow and Friday and it was an apologetic "oh honey, I'm on the freeway going back."  Double damn.  I really miss that guy. what is it about chemistry?

Vet man sent me a text this morning asking for my pet sitter, then asking again,  "dinner Sunday night?" I'm really on the fence.  I have something to do every night until next Wednesday and some things during the day.  I've all of a sudden become very busy.

So, I'm off to get my hair trimmed and pout that I couldn't see Dez today. I suppose the anticipation makes it doubly better.

MAINTENANCE...

I certainly wish I was wash and wear.  I've never been able to just wash my hair and face and let it all go without  spending time improving the product.

Today I had a nail appointment for a mani/pedi and while I was there I had a cell phone call from the man in Tarzana.  He had mentioned going to lunch tomorrow and since we had several conversations regarding getting together, I thought I should probably just get it over with.  I have a hair appointment at 4:00 so I can send him on his way after we are done.

Tarzana man is age appropriate, seventy four, and has been a widower for twelve years.  I know he is in a different spot then I am as I've only been alone, if you can call it that, for less then two years.  Dez keeps telling me I should find someone as a supplement while he is out of town but Tarzana??  I swear these men are willing to drive hundreds of miles through traffic to have a date.

I had an email from Dez after I sent him some fashion show pictures I received from the boutique I modeled for and he said he like them, but then he added that he always likes how I look and everything I wear.  Wonder what bug bit him?  When he is working I very seldom hear from him but this time he said "I'll see you very soon."  So, it looks like he will be here on Thursday and Friday if the "creek" or is it "Cree" don't rise. I frankly can't wait to see him  Everyone else is just fill in.

Tonight I have a meeting at the Elks.  a couple I'm good friends with are the leaders of the California-Hawaii State organization so I feel I should support them. 

I'm continuing this on Wednesday.  I did go to the Elks last night and as usual didn't get home until eleven p.m.  It was an interesting night.  The place was packed as it was a state visitation and every Lodge was represented.  It is amazing how many people I know from all over the county. 

Vet man was there alone.  The women that he is suppose to be with and who is the ER of another Lodge was there also.  However, they weren't speaking.  She came over to the table I was sitting at and sat down and chatted.  She has no idea I know him and she did say she recently broke up with the man she was dating.  Little does she know I know the actual story. It all was very pleasant and chatty and since I don't care one way or the other it was very benign.  I think the only person that was having a fit was Vet man.  It was a larger group of people at the table and more people joined in, so it wasn't exactly one on one.

I did get a text later that night, after the meeting and he had gone home asking if I enjoyed bonding but also asking if I wanted to go out to dinner.  I swear it is nothing but food.  I couldn't go out with Vet man when he wanted me to so he changed the date he wanted to take me to this coming Sunday. 

I find it interesting that at this late stage of my life I can date at will.  It is very liberating and since I'm only out to have fun it isn't stressful like it was in my twenties. I know it sounds like it is none stop going out, but it really isn't.  I spend a lot of time home alone, which is just fine.  The going out comes in spurts.

Speaking of going out, today is the Tarzana man date so I had better go get fluffed up and also straighten the house up.

Life just keeps getting more interesting.


 

SUNDAY....

Friday I had a call from a man that I only saw once a little over a year ago.  He asked if I would like to go to the Angels baseball game that evening.  It was the same game Vet man was going to and I had visions of running into him, not that it would have mattered much.  I don't particularly like baseball so I declined the invitation.  He then asked if I would have lunch with him the following day. Since I really didn't have any plans on Saturday I said okay. Seems they all come out of the woodwork again.

He came to pick me up and we drove to Laguna Beach to the Beach House Restaurant for lunch.  The dining room sits above the sand of Main Beach Laguna and the view is spectacular.  This man is very personable but is going through the same thing most men seem to be going through.  His only child, a teenage boy, isn't speaking to hm.  He has a bitter ex-wife, he is out of a job due to the fact that he had cancer and the company he worked for let him go because he was out longer then six months.  He is trying to regroup.  Aren't we all?

Of course sitting there having lunch and wishing it were Dez instead, the table next to us had an order of Paella delivered.  Since Dez and I had thought that Orange Country didn't know what it was I found that everyplace I have gone in the last three weeks has it on the menu.  I have another place to add to the list I gave Dez.

We returned home after about two and a half hours and he came in for a little while.  I really had no interest in him and was deciding I wouldn't see him again.  After all he took over a year to take me out again.  Probably a money issue as I'm not a cheap date.  He stayed and talked for a while and then said he should leave.  He didn't want to, but I frankly couldn't wait to send him out the door.  He left and I breathed a sigh of relief that it was so easy and proceeded to get comfortable and relax for the rest of the day.

As soon as he left my long time grey haired man called with his problems.  He manages to call me once or twice a week and I consider him just a friend.  He too has a multitude of problems, most of them brought on by him, as most of our problems are,  He is the man that blew through six million dollars and now at age seventy two is trying to reinvent himself.  He is truly the bad luck kid with a little black cloud over his head.  He just wants to talk and that is fine.  Just call me Ann Landers.  He bounces his considerable ideas off of me.  Some I think are fine and the majority aren't.  He is a very young seventy two and says he feels thirty five.  I believe it.

So, this coming week is a little busy.  A meeting tomorrow in the morning, then a meeting Tuesday night.  Wednesday I have nails, haircut and shopping for food at Trader Joe's.

Dez is suppose to come Thursday and Friday....again we will see if that transpires. We are suppose to go dancing at The Phoenix Club and then Brio.

Today Sunday I'm going to the Build a Sofa store to look at the schematic that the designer has done for the sofa I want and choose the type of pillow backs I want.  It is always a big decision when you are investing thousands in a furniture piece.

Hope everyone has a good upcoming week.

SHOPPING....

Vet man and I went out furniture shopping this morning, for him.  We had talked about making a sojourn into the furniture world several weeks ago.  Since he isn't familiar with the multitude of places that are available in the area I had offered to be with him when he looked.  We had ended up on a little bit of a sour note the last time we saw each other, but that went away when he sent me an email asking if I had come to my senses.  Alrighty then!

So, this morning at ten he came to pick me up and we headed out to look for chairs.  He actually decided he thought a small cuddle chair or sofa was something he might want.  We found one that was attractive, at the first place we looked, and then a couple of other pieces that might work.

My focus was on sofas as the one I have is fourteen  years old, white and has seen better days.  I heard of a place called Build a Sofa which was near by.  We drove to it and I found exactly what I wanted, which was two chaise ends.  The sofa I have now you can't really enjoy the fireplace to full advantage ,due to the arms. 

I talked to the designer who said she would come to the house to measure and see what would fit as the one I liked in the store was to deep. This company will do pretty much what you want.  You can have different pillows, configurations, fill, stitching or not etc.  I think I will be pleased with it when I do order one.  I may have to wait since there are a few other things that need taken care of money wise....always about the money. As always, nothing cheap.

Vet man brought me home, dropped me off and left to work in his yard and then go to an Angel's baseball game tonight.  The designer came to my house, took measurements and said she would be in contact with me.  I have the rest of the day to relax or iron....relaxing seems like a better choice.

Happy weekend!

AS USUAL.........

My unpredictable Dez called yesterday afternoon and as usual announced that he wasn't making it back to California this week. The storms in Florida flooded his project and he was staying to see that things got back on schedule.  He said that finding pumps were a big problem.  He has changed his plane ticket three times, at some cost ,and is now planning on coming back next week. He did say he was going to try and stay in California through the month of June.  There is another project starting in Palm Springs that he has to begin and he will have to be out there. At least he is gainfully employed even though never available.  He did promise to take me out dancing two nights in a row and said he was being a good boy.  Like I believe that!

There is a project in Anaheim at Disneyland that he has been trying to keep up with from afar, and has to be back for a meeting next Thursday.  He said they weren't very pleased with his absence either, so I guess I'm not alone at being annoyed. So, another plan change and next week he will be here to see me Thursday and Friday.  Yeah right!  I'm beginning to feel like a sea captains wife.

The carpet cleaners showed up yesterday and flew through the house faster then a speeding bullet.  I've used this company for years and I do believe that they sold to another group.  I wasn't to happy with the result, plus they lied about the price, moving furniture and putting protectors under the furniture that they did move.  I won't be using them again. Next is the sprinkler man to adjust things as the gardeners don't seem to get the concept, then I'm done with all the house projects.

I take Mikee into the Vet today to get his annual check up...he will probably hide as he knows that something is afoot.  I got the carrier out last night and put it on top of the dining room table in hopes that he doesn't channel the idea that he will have to go into it.  That cat has ESP.

I talked to a man that lives in Walnut, California near San Francisco yesterday..  See another long distance guy in the group.  He is an EMT and a swimmer plus was a football player.  He's tall, dark and handsome, but of course younger, fifty five. To bad there isn't a tall dark and handsome older guy out there for me. He's never been married and his mother just passed away recently.  He was very involved taking care of her along with his sisters and another brother.  Anyway, we had a nice long talk and he said he wanted to chat again.  I think a lot of these men are just lonely and want to talk to someone.  He was extremely chatty and sounded nervous.  You would think at a certain age being nervous wouldn't be part of the equation. Did I mention he was Italian.

I've been staying home and trying to get things caught up around here.  I have also been reading more which I hadn't done for a while.  There have been two changes for the meetings for the Marine Corp Ball and I have other meetings I need to get to.  For some reason my iPhone has lost all of my appointments on my Calendar....I really need to back my appointments up with a hard copy at either an appointment book or on my computer.

Off to get ready to take my elusive cat to the Vet.