November 2025
PA, Mexico
DAY OF THE DEAD CELEBRATION
Thanksgiving
1- SA- PA/Mexico
It was a travel day today. I was up by 5AM and at the airport for my flight to Guadalajara, Mexico. I ended up in an extra wide seat on the plane and that made such a difference for me. Two weeks ago, I was in so much pain during my flight. Today was a breeze. I think I am going to have to start paying for extra wide seats.
When I got to Nikki and Michael's home, they gave me a shot of tequila and four different beers to sample.
2- SU- Mexico
It's The Day of the Dead Celebration. Ive wanted to take part in this celebration for years now. I didn't know quite what to expect but I was looking forward to the moment.
My annual All Souls list was published and I found out that Steve Keys had just died. I connected with Steve about two years ago and he was so honored that I remembered him. He spoke so kindly to me and even sent a birthday greeting, calling me an old woman and wishing me many more years. And yet, he is the one who had so little time left. he died in a car accident this past August.
Mid- afternoon, we went to the Cerveceria Artesanal (1) and tried six different beers.
3- M- Mexico
We drove to the site where Nikki and her Rotary Club friends have installed a water system for a rural village nearby. They now have running water in their homes. This is a life charging upgrade fro them. Next, the club is going to work on opening a medical clinic in the neighborhood. That's good work.
In the afternoon, we just floated, at home, in their pool and the temperature was a soothing 90F. I wished I had a floatation seat because I could have floated well in to the evening.
4- TU- Mexico
We wandered around art galleries today. We just went in and out of shops and explored alleyways in search of murals.
In the evening, we went to a brewery, Corazon de Malta (2) and I got a flight of six beers and liked them all. But again, I dont necessarily think their definition of an IPA is the same as mine.
5- W- Mexico
We got up and made our way to Tequila, Mexico, home of tequila. We took a tour of the tequila factory which reconfirmed my dislike of tequila and all other hard liquors. They are just too difficult to drink.
For lunch I had a beer with agave in it and it was unusual. I couldn't describe it until I had a piece og guave at the tequila factory and my beer tasted just like guave.
I took Micheal and Nikki to a nice restaurant for dinner. We had margaritas and fish and everything was delicious. I think the bill was about $80.
6- TH- Mexico/PA
I was up at 4:30AM and driven to the airport in the dark for my 8AM flight home. I traveled all day and got home around 9:30PM.
Just as I was almost home, I read text from Sue that Deana had died. She died on Nov. 2, just three days after her husband made the announcement that she only had two or three weeks to live,. This breaks my heart.
7- F- PA
I'm in a little bit of a funk from Deana's death.
I had a zoom call with Jerrie and two friends from Tunisia and I wasn't pleased with the call.
Kristen found me in the lounge and talked me in to going to the Square Bar for a beer. I really didn't want to go but I was hungry so I went. I called JoJo and Kevin and suggested that they jon us and they did. Kevin was so happy finally to be a bit more independent from his surgery and long recovery so he stayed behind. I hope he made it home.
I had a text discussion with Greg W about his 20th high school reunion. It's always so funny when former students just text me out of the blue. I am honored that they feel so comfortable to do that.
8- SA- PA
It was a gorgeous day which was great because I committed myself to so to Rocco's soccer championship game in Quakertown, PA. Jim, John S, Caitlin and the boys were all there. It was a state championship game and his team lost but I was still glad to be a part of his hard work.
Afterwards, I left the group and went to the Twin Rivers Brewing Company. (3) The beers were OK and i dint like the vibe. The brewery was located on the corner of an indoor market. It really wasn't a place to sit and enjoy the moment.
When I got home, I had a discussion with Jaye. She is still struggling with her damn liver.
Then, I had a discussion with Amy Sims. She wants to put my All Souls' Day list in the Stroudsburgnbasketball program.
9- SU- PA
I picked up Sharon and Glenn and we went to the Future Days Brewery. (4) Sharon was so damn excited that she found a brewery that I hadn't visited yet. She thinks it just opened in November, just a few days ago. But we were told its been open almost a year ago. The service was great. Our waitress made sure we liked every aspect of our visit. I ordered a flight of three pale ales and a coffee porter. She then insisted thatI try drink that is mostly foam, which I did. Even Sharon tried a bit of it. Glenn didn't drink much which was too bad as I was the driver so he didn't have to worry about how much he drank;
10- M- PA
It was so fucking cold today. I am miserable.
KF sent me a photo of her mom, my mom and Mrs Barton. Then she sent me a photo of the old Overbook gang of parents. They looked so damn old and then I realized that they were all about 70, our age.
We had a meeting with Senator Comitta staff. We are requesting that legislation be introduced to demand that landlords inform tenants of any mold damage in the building. Whenever we talk to people about our situation, they are appalled. But that isnt getting us anywhere.
Afterwards, I talked the guys in to going for beers at Bier Haul. We didn't stay long enough for my taste but they aren't really drinkers.
11- TU- PA
It was so fucking cold and windy today. I was miserable. I'm spoiled from spending much of the last month in tuns and Mexico. I enjoyed that sunny, warm weather.
We had an MMA lunch. Eight of us showed up. We went to the Sedona Brewery (5) which thrilled me becasue Sedona has been one of my favorite dining spots and now they are starting to brew their own beer.
I had to drive Rosina home as she didn't have a car. And by the time I dropped her off, we were both foaming at the mouth about Trump, Palestine, Evangelical christians and everyone else who does not have our world view.
12- W- PA
We had our annual thanksgiving party this evening. I don't think it was well attended and it seemed as only the old people attended. The party was from 5-7 PM and I was the last to leave at 6:15 PM. I sat in the lounge by myself as everyone else had gone home and gone to bed.
13- TH- PA
I had nothing planned to day so I set an agenda of cleaning and that just didn't happen.
I did get my hair cut and it doesn't look like I got my hair cut and it is fizzy again. I am tired of my hair.
I came home and sat in the lounge with Keith. Kirsten came by so we had a discussion about the recent Senate bill to make THC illegal which pissed off all three of us. So Kirsten used her medical marijuana card and picked up a bag of gummies for all three of us. Fuck the senate.
I started a petition, asking our US legislators to step down and make way for a younger generation. i have no expectation that any of them will step down but I hope I get enough signatures to send them a signal that it is time to go.
I finally got to go through my All Souls' Day list and discovered that Jackie Allen died five years ago. She died suddenly, during covid, unexpectantly. That's a big loss.
14- F- PA
Tricia and I drove to Lehigh University to watch Clay compete in X Country meet. He had an injury which seemed to impede his running today. I wish he had relinquished his spot to another runner rather than cause more damage to his injury.
It was really a crisp, fall day. I was mostly prepared for the chill so I had no complaints. But it is clear to me that cold, cold days are sneaking in on me.
In other news, there are rumors that Trump gave Bill Clinton a blow job and that is why he doesn't want to release the Epstein files. I think Trump was a partner in Epstein's business. I think he trafficked children for sex.
15- SA- PA
Jaye texted me to tell me she is going back to the damn hospital. FUCK.
Tonight was the Lourdes Alumni party
Penn State won the football game today and they was a huge relief to me as I sort of thought that we may not win another game this season.
16- SU- PA
Tricia hosted William's bday party. We gathered at noon and had his favorite: a cookie cake. Afterward, we played scattagories and I came in last as usual.
In the mid-afternoon, I went to see Jaye in the hospital. She was miserable and angry and feeling hopeless. I had to leave around 6 PM because she was falling asleep.
I finished my book, James, by .The book was great. but it was about slavery and I just find slavery and whipping people so repulsive.
17- M- PA
Deana's funeral was packed with sad, young, tall, slim volleyball players. There were over a 100 of them.
Afterwards, I had lunch with Sue. We went to a deli so I could get a pastrami sandwich.
letter from lawyer
In the evening, I had beers in the lounge with Barb, Andy, Pete and Bo.
18- TU- PA
I had a busy schedule today: a facial and a massage. My massage was great. My facial was mediocre. I don't think I am going to get two procedures in one day again. It didn't seem worth it to me.
Jaye called me to tell me that her procedure today was unsuccessful. Andrea, she and I had a phone call together and collectively, we are so damn frustrated.
19- W- PA
Jameson and Rebecca stopped by on their way home from their mini-vacation. Tricia came over as well to say a quick hello and then left. The three of us went out to lunch. Jameson told me that he has quit the National Guard and he is done with his military career and I couldn't be happier.
As we were eating, Dom walked pass the restaurant. I was surprised at how much that upset me. It felt as if a rapist just walked by me. I was startled for several minutes.
I called Jaye just as soon as I got home. She told me that her procedure seems to be on target today and if things remain the same, they may not have to do another procedure on Friday. That would be great.
20- TH- PA
I meandered down to UPenn to visit Jaye. She seemed good today and in better spirits. She is probably going to have her procedure tomorrow just to be safe. And if all goes well, she could be released on Saturday or Sunday. She' hoping to be out by Sunday as Mark and Emily are coming in from LA on Monday.
And, we spent very little time talking about Dom today. So that is some good news.
When I got home, I went looking for Kim and found her. We haven't seen each other for several weeks so it was good to catch up. She told me that some man was complaining and he mentioned to her that he heard I know how to get things done around here. I'm not sure I want that reputation at the moment. I am causing enough trouble on my own.
21- F- PA
Jaye had another procedure today and she is optimistic.
Springfield HS won its football game today and that puts them in the final game for the state championship game. They have come a long way since I worked there.
Kim was around and we hung in the lounge. I asked her if she could call all of the phone numbers that consistently call me. One number sometimes calls me two or three times a day. They turned out to be spam called.
22- SA- PA
Keith, JoJo, Kevin and I had plans to take Kristen out for her birthday. But at the last minute, the three of them backed out. Kristen suggested that we reschedule but I insisted that we still go out. So we went to Bar Avalon and sat at the bar for several hours. Anthony and his friend joined us. The friend is bipolar and in the early stages of dealing with his wife who is having an affair with the man who rents him a parking space in town. So he spends his days, texting his man with double in an attempt to unnerve the man.
We came home and a few of us watched the PSU game. We won and it was a joyful relief to be on the winning side.
23- SU- PA
I got a text from Andrea to see if I could visit Jaye. But when I called Jaye, she was so damn discouraged that it was heartbreaking. She sounded defeated. And now, she may be there through Thanksgiving. I asked if she wanted company today and she didn't. I suggested that she spend the day crying. She thought that might be a good idea. I told her I would call back but she had silenced her phone so I didn't try. I didn't want to disturb her.
I joined a few people in the lounge and watched the Eagles play disgracefully. We gave the game away.
Afterwards, Andy and I were chatting each other up and Keith stopped by the lounge with his autistic sister. She was focused on Andy's legs and wanted all the details of his limitations. He told her that he had had a spinal cord accident but that did not register with her. She continued to suggest that he find some sort of physical therapist who could help him. He took it in stride.
24- M- PA
In a surprised moment, Jaye got out of the hospital. All of her problems have subsides. Mark & Emily were already at the hospital when a nurse announced that she had all the paperwork done to release Jaye. So that was great news.
25- TU- PA
I talked to Jaye. She was in good spirits and had a great visit with her stepson's family.
Kristen made me a pumpkin pie. And I went to Carlino's for some desserts for thanksgiving. I got a pumpkin tiramisu, a lemon bar and a ricotta cheesecake slice.
In the evening, I had dinner with the Thorntons. I showed up at 5:30 and left at 11:30 and could have/would have stayed later but I was worried about my commitment for tomorrow. If I had stayed, more beers would have been involved.
26- W- PA
Today's activity centered around taking a cancer patient to his treatment.
27- TH- PA
It's Thanksgiving Day. I used to love this day when my mom was alive. She made the best dinners and everyone came to her house. Once she died, my siblings started going to their in-laws for dinner. that changed everything. But I had dinner with the Anderkos. I brought the desserts and brought too much. I suggested that next year, we just have desserts.
When I got back to my apartment, I joined people who were hanging in the lounge. Kim came up for a beer and dinner. Pete's family party was mostly over. but another group had laid claim to the lounge space. The two guys who work at QVS threw a big, crowded, nosey party. Pete, Andy, Kim and I retreated to the couch and hung together until almost midnight.
28- F- PA
I was invited to Joe Santoro's memorial party. It's been ten years since he died of pancreatic cancer. There were about 60 people at the party and I only knew Shelia's kids. It was nice to reconnect with them. I had planned to stay for only an hour. But I didn't leave until5:30.
When I got back to CS, people were in the lounge, watching the Eagles lose again. After our miserable game, I stayed behind to hang in the lounge with JoJo, Kevin, Catherine and Gina and Pete.
29- SA- PA
I slept soundly until 1PM today. And I had my CPAP on the whole time and my machine only registered that I had used it for an hour. Damn.
In the late afternoon, I met up with Kristen and Anthony for a drink at the new Indigo hotel. And then I had a tour of their hotel room. I was so nausea this afternoon that I almost threw up in the room and that would have been embarrassing.
In the sports world, Penn State won and finished with a 6-6 season which is enough to qualify for a bowl game on New Year's Day.
Springfield did not win its state championship game today. And truthfully, it's unfair to play a private school because they can recruit players. And we cant.
30- SU- PA
When I woke up today, I felt terrible. I was depressed and angry with myself for being so withdrawn from everyone. I was sad. I didn't have any energy to do anything. I felt wasteful and thought I should call my doctor to discuss increasing my anti-depressants. What is the point of living like this. I have to turn it around.
I texted Jaye to see when we can go to the movies and we will go tomorrow. I had planned to go to Smyrna to see if the snow geese have arrived yet. It's supposed to be very sunny tomorrow and that would be a perfect day. but I think I need to work on being less isolated from everyone.
Then I went to the lounge to get some work done and I hung with people and that seemed to pull me through my slump. Keith brought his sisters to the lounge. He wanted to introduce me to one of them who is a world traveler and he thought we would get together instantly. Kevin came by and there was a discussion about driving beer. I wasnt ready for a beer just yet as I had not had anything to drink or eat today. But I ran up to the apartment and got a pumpkin ale for the sister. Then JoJo joined us and we told stories. Then I ran up for anther beer for the sister and for me and my malaise faded at this point. Kristen stopped by as well. And we chatted up our new weekend security person. She seems like a good fit.
I worked in my damn visa application for Ethiopia and my computer is too fucked up to accommodate my process. I have to get someone to fix the damn thing. I cant upload any of my photos. My email is giving me a hard time and suggesting that I Delft files but I deleted 50G this last week. I am so damn frustrated.
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feeling happy at 
