Dinner with Pam

In the morning, the Willeys called to cancel for dinner with Rick and Pam that evening. They had planned to work at the Open House during the day but then were told that they were needed for the evening. Bummer. 

I had an appointment with my chiropractor, Dr. Williams, for some minor neck pain that I have been having. She was able to loosen me up a bit, but I have a followup appointment next week. She said that she was going to the Open House that afternoon with her Italian husband and his family, as well as his priest. At the end, she said that there was no payment due -- this one was on her!

Things in South Pasadena are not going well in many ways, despite the best efforts of Donna, Lynn, and Jim. Donna goes home in a few days, and Dee may need to make a brief trip to Los Angeles to help get her dad settled at home when he leaves the convalescent home. He is confused and forgetful and just wants to leave, even though he is still too weak. She asked for permission from President Pickerd, who has to ask the Area Presidency, but it should not be a problem. We'll see what happens.

I did what I could to offload Dee, who is understandably feeling  overwhelmed with things at home and here. I went to the pharmacy to refill a couple of prescriptions for her, and then to Conad for a big load of produce and food for the four Anziani who will be staying with us Sunday night. 

Erika, one of our GANS, messaged to ask about buying a computer. She showed me several models on sale at Mediaworld, which is like BestBuy. I called her and discussed how she wanted to use it, and then picked one of them that should work for her. 

I remembered too late to make reservations for dinner. When I finally called one of them (they all close for the afternoon), our favorite Target was completely booked. I then learned that Matriciana is closed on Saturdays! Most places here close one day a week, but Saturday seems like it would be a big day for eating out. Eventually, I got a reservation at Del Giglio right next to the Institute.

For dinner, Dee decided that she had too much going on, so I drove down to the Institute to meet with Pam and Rick. They had spent the day out and about in the rain, with their son Jason, daughter-in-law Noel, and seven-week old grandson. They arrived from the Vatican area about 7pm, and we went right to the restaurant. The waiter there is the same one who served us in June when Marilyn and Lu were here. He is a lot of fun! The food was wonderful, and it was good to visit. Pam and I go back over 50 years to Richmond days. We were in the same ward and graduated from high school the same year. When it came time for dessert (after delicious appetizers and pasta), it turned out that every dessert except one had liquor in it! Pam wanted to try the limoncello cake anyway, reasoning that the alcohol must be cooked out, despite our protests. Finally our waiter confirmed to her that it was not cooked out, so we had gelato. Tough life!

Rick and Pam with gelato

 

 

After dinner I gave them a brief tour of the Institute, with a handful of kids there eating KFC and playing games. They really enjoyed seeing the place and the kids.

I stayed home to prep for the elders who were going to stay with us for zone conference week two, to work on my Primary stuff and to talk with everyone about my Dad's needs. The amount of dust never ceases to amaze me. I was grateful for the time. I had plenty to fast about this time. Doug had a great time with the Klomps, but I know I did the right thing.

It was my birthday, so I got wishes from a few friends: Helen, Holly, Susie, Nasrin, Jim. Wendy sent me a handmade card that is so professional. Wow! Chiara phoned me and we had a nice talk. She had a flood recently from a blocked landscape drain.