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The Week that Shouldn't Have Been

2/7/2024

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Not according to my plans anyway. However, I don't have much control over Mother Nature or other natural phenomenon. We did manage to meet my cousin and his wife for lunch on Sunday and had a great visit. But by the time we headed back to Joanie's place, the rain had started again. In the half-hour drive back, we didn't encounter any completely covered roads, but the ditches and gutters were full and it was starting to cover the outside lanes. We hunkered in for the rest of the day.

However, that night, after a nice supper with Jen and Jeff, Joanie's daughter and son-in-law, I ate a caramel. Bad decision. The caramel removed a filling from a left molar. By morning, my jaw and gum were sore, and by noon I had a sore throat and earache. I made an appointment with my dentist at home for next week, but meanwhile was getting concerned about infection. We headed for the nearest Urgent Care Clinic. Three hours and $150 later, we emerged with a RX for an antibiotic. Since then, I have eaten applesauce, cream soups, and eggs. Waaa. We met Jen for lunch on Tuesday at a place called the Royal Bakery. Cases full of wonderful looking desserts that I couldn't eat.


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But other than the sore throat, ear ache, and swallowing difficulties, I feel pretty good, so yesterday we took advantage of some midday sunshine and went down to the Ventura Pier. This 1600 foot structure, built in 1872, sustained considerable damage in the the high seas and storms shortly after Christmas and I'm sure the recent rains haven't helped the ongoing repairs. So we weren't able to walk out on it but we did take a stroll along the promenade. Except for a stiff wind it was a lovely day. It was sad to see all of the debris on the beach from the storms,  However we enjoyed the scenery and looking at the memorial painted rocks people have put in several of the planters.

Shortly after we returned home, it started raining again. Today and tomorrow are supposed to be sunny and high 50s, but I don't think I'll bet my house on it.
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Forecast Frustrations

2/4/2024

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We are awaiting a predicted deluge today, although the radar indicates most of it is going to go north. Apparently, all it takes to cause street flooding is a couple of inches of rain so they give the same STOCK UP! STAY HOME! warnings we get in Iowa for blizzards. Friday morning, we met some of Joanie's friends for breakfast and ran a few errands. It was sunny but with a chilly wind. That evening we had a great supper at Joanie's daughter and son-in-law's home. Yesterday, we journeyed downtown for the local farmer's market and vendor's fair. It was a beautiful day to amble down the street and enjoy the offered wares.

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I especially enjoy the variety of architecture here. The Spanish colonial buildings, Craftsman bungalows, and quirky individual styles make for interesting neighborhoods--built before HOAs decided to impose their taste on all residents everywhere. We had lunch at an Irish pub with very good food, although my turkey burger and sweet potato fries probably aren't very Irish.

In the plans today is lunch with my cousin Dave and his wife, but it will depend on which way the storm tracks. Monday and Tuesday are supposed to be rainy and then perhaps a respite to get back out and do some exploring!
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It Never Rains in Southern California...

2/2/2024

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But, girl, don't they warn ya? It pours, man, it pours. That was certainly our experience this week. My friend Joanie and I flew out here to Ventura Wednesday where she has a mobile home near her daughter Jennifer. Jennifer picked us up in Santa Barbara and delivered us to Joanie's second home. After a long flight from Iowa with a layover in Denver and the two hour time change, we were beat and hit the hay early.

About 1:00 am, I woke up to the sound of rain. It was pouring and continued to do so until about 9:00 am. They said it was about three inches and the national news covered the storm last night--the Pineapple Express. The forecast was for more rain during the day but that never materialized. Today is supposed to be dry, but the predictions for the next week until my departure on Saturday include rain every day except one. Especially heavy rain is forecast for this weekend.


So we will make plans day by day. We were able to get out yesterday for much needed groceries and take a walk around the mobile home park. We waited until the rain quit for the grocery run, since Joanie's 'California car' is not designed for any deep water driving. Meanwhile, the weather is low 50s and sunny in Iowa. Go figure.
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