Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Tuesday has arrived, and we have a breakfast appointment based on the following note:”
I went to the office and spent a pile of money in a matter of minutes; we now have our first-class flights to and from LAX to San Juan, Puerto Rico, to enjoy a cruise with the kids (Colleen & Mark and Jon & Sarah) in September. We are going on the Rhapsody of the Seas for a week!
In October 2023, the United States State Department and the U.S. Embassy in Israel chartered the Rhapsody of the Seas to evacuate United States citizens and their families from Israel after the outbreak of the Gaza war.
The Rhapsody will never be the same!
We then took a brisk stroll through the garden, trying to avoid the ugly gnome that looked eerily like my ex-wife, and then we got ready to head to Benji’s.
But first, a quick pit stop at CVS for my latest medication—because nothing says “party time” like stocking up on my daily dose of “please don’t lose it!” I can’t wait to explain to the staff at Benji’s why I brought my “survival kit” of snacks, meds, and a garden gnome (just in case).
Mary brought Vicky some fresh flowers that were picked right out of the garden!
We visited Jim and Vicky and discussed their trip, which begins on Thursday morning as they wing their way to Italy on the Pasta Express. Vicky is worried how she will last two weeks without Mexican food; we told her to bring plenty of hot sauce!!
The Italian cruise sounds perfect, allowing them to explore the old buildings and historical sights. Mary and I hope the sea gods will not be restless during this voyage.
Highway to Italy:
A man comes walking on the beach and finds a bottle. He picks it up and removes the stopper. Out of the bottle comes the Spirit of the Lamp. “Thank you for letting me out, I have been locked up for 140 years. I would like to give you the opportunity to have a wish fulfilled”
“Thank you, I’ve always wanted to visit Hawaii, but I’m afraid of flying and I get terribly seasick from sailing. Could you make a highway to Hawaii?”
“Certainly, but do you really want me to throw millions of tons of soil into the sea, affect ocean currents and wildlife, make it necessary to change shipping routes and much more? Is it conceivable that you have another big wish that I could fullfill instead ?”
The man thinks for a moment and then he says “Indeed I have, I have always wanted to be able to understand women”
Deep sigh from Spirit of the Lamp “4 lanes or 6 lanes?”
Nenjis is a super place to dine, as they have a little bit of everything!
After breakfast, we headed home to load up on painting supplies, as Mary’s first class of her third set began at 1:00 p.m. After her accident, while gardening yesterday, I decided I would drive her to the painting class, so we loaded up the supplies and returned within six blocks of Benji’s again!
At 3:00 pm, her class finally wrapped up, and I arrived to pick her up at 3:01 pm sharp! Honestly, I was so punctual that I could have given a clock a run for its money. I even looked at my watch and said, “Wow, I’m like a human sundial!” Meanwhile, she emerged from class like a magician, revealing the rabbit from the hat, and sat outside on the park bench, awaiting the arrival of The Silver Fox and her chauffeur.
Mary’s next watercolor project is straight from the garden!
From her freehand sketch, not prompts from the instructor!
We went directly home, unpacked, and sat about making dinner. I took a short nap, and Mary made magic out of yesterday’s leftovers. The air fryer sure works miracles. The salad was terrific, and I was surprised because it made us dine alfresco. (I thought that meant dining naked, but alas, alfresco means dining outdoors.)
The weather was in the high 70s, the perfect way to have dinner overlooking the estate!
We called Claudia, my cousin, to see how Doug was doing. He is back home from the care facility, still in a wheelchair, and needs help seven days a week during the day so Claudia can get some time off.
We enjoyed a leisurely dinner and then headed to the Swim Spa for our nightly hot water and fragrance. Mary said, “You stink pretty!” after we exited the tub! I checked; no rings were around the edges, which is always a good sign!
Relaxing Lavender, Eucalyptus Mint, Coconut Yuzu, Sugarcane Vanilla, Green Tea Matcha, Orange Blossom Neroli
I was hoping Mary never says, “Paul, you smell like a mix of Yuzu and Neroli!” I would not know how to react except to be embarrassed and run to the nearest shower with a big bottle of kerosene!
On the way to change into my jammies, I stopped by the Loquat tree to see if we had enough fruit for another round of loquat crumble. The verdict is in; yes, we do!
Tomorrow we pick!!
We watched, or tried to watch, three episodes of Everwood and catch up on the gang and their latest escapades. At 9:20 pm, we called it quits and headed for bed; we must be up and out of here by 7:00 am, more doctor appointments.
