A Busy Friday

Friday, July 30th 2010

The super came by this morning for an apartment inspection.  I told him about the sink backing up and asked about an oven rack.  He said the sink has been a problem before, he'll have someone come look at the pipes.  He said the landlord hasn't  given him an oven rack yet, so I am still limited to top of stove cooking.

I missed Dayna's Premiere Stages showcase today.  She did the theater camp at Kean University again this year.  I was afraid I didn't have enough gas in the car to get there.  They overlapped the camps so that the High School kids, who focused on acting this summer, acted out the Middle School kids scripts.  I took a nap to get my mind off it.

When I woke up, I left to pick up my prescriptions at Genoa, inside the doctor's office.  I used to go to CVS, but the doctor said the one in the office was better so I started getting my prescriptions filled right there.  The pharmacist didn't even ask my name, she just came right over and started rummaging through the bags of filled scripts.  She pulled out a bag and said, "Ok Donna, here's your medication."  I replied, "You're good.  I can't believe you remembered me."  I've only gone there two other times. 

You don't get that personalized service at CVS.  At least I never did.  After three years of going to CVS regularly for meds, they always ask my name, the pharmacist rarely goes over instructions and med info (and then only if you ask and wait some more), and they ALWAYS have a long line.  At Genoa, the pharmacist remembered me without asking who I was, got my meds right away, no long lines, and she reviewed instructions to stay out of the sun and keep cool because my medication decreases my tolerance for heat and sunlight exposure and increased my risk of heat exhaustion.  I love the service.  It makes the extra drive worth it.

Dad came over yesterday and tried to get the TV working.  He had no luck either, so it wasn't just me!  With the antenna on the patio outside, he got NJN Channel 23.  That's it.  Channel 23.  Dad came by with a different TV antenna and converter box today to try the TV again.  He brought the shelf he made and the statue of Fatima he got for me, along with two white candles.  He got her for me so I'd "never be alone" and "there's always someone watching over me."  Grandma has an affinity for St. Therese of Lisieux and Dad has a connection with Fatima.  Grandma gave me a necklace and prayer card so I can pray to St. Therese.  I've held the necklace and said the prayer a few times. 

Dad set to work fixing the back of the entertainment center and put it all together.  He hooked up the TV antenna and scanned for channels.  No signal.  He put the antenna outside.  We got NJN Channel 23!  That was it.  I'm apparently in a bad spot for TV. :-(

I made dinner.  I delineated it in my journal, but to save my secret recipes, I'll just say I made bone-in pork steaks, zucchini and carrots, and mashed potatoes.  When Dad sat down to eat, he said, "This feels like a family dinner.  I haven't had one of these in a long time.  I usually don't eat this gourmet."  I told him when I cook, I cook, it's just dinner.  I was flattered he thought it was "gourmet." 

He took a bit of the vegetables.  He said they had a nice flavor.  "What are these?  Cucumbers?"  When I told him they were zucchini he proceeded to tell me he never liked zucchini before, it was always mushy.  He said it was the first time he ever liked it.  He said my dinner could be served in a restaurant.  Somehow he managed to eat it all, I couldn't.  I was glad.  He's getting too skinny with all his bike riding and eating alone.  I'll have to have him over more often again so I can feed him.

Dayna came home around 8:30pm.  Bryan helped Dad with the TV antenna.  They chatted for a few.  It's been years since they saw each other.  I gave him bottled water for the trip home, one for him and one for his dad.  It's over an hour drive one way.

Dayna and I chatted while Dad played with the TV.  She read me her lines from today's showcase.  I helped her with her lines for next week's showcase.  She'll be doing a monologue from Funny Girl about being a bagel on a plate full of onion rolls, and another part in a very funny skit where she plays the casting director.

Dad was getting annoyed at the TV.  He hooked the other antenna up again and started scanning channels.  He came into the living room holding a broom with the antenna on top and started checking signal strength.  he twirls the broom and the antenna turned.  He checked the signal.  It was weak.  He twirled the broom and checked the signal again...still weak.

Dayna thought this was pretty funny.  She grabbed her iPod and began videotapin ghim.  Dad had no idea at first.  When we told him, he replied, "What?!?!"  I said, "Dad, you'll be famous!  She might put it on You Tube later."  I told him he's already mentioned in the blog entitled "Grandpa Stole the U-Haul."