more on TV, etc.

Mary Lou Retton was seen on TV advertising knee replacement surgery (see above). Mary Lou Retton? See what I mean.

I am shorn, painted (mani and pedi), waxed, packed and ready to go. There is almost no room left in Vincent (the van) except for the Italian suitcases -- no, that's suitcases we are taking to Italy; mind the syntax -- and anything last minute. Tomorrow brings the final touches on cleaning ~ I will NOT let the Patient vacuum on Tuesday morning at 3:30 AM as we are hoving out of town ~ and laundry. We are eating leftovers from who knows what century as we empty out the fridge. Our Delta agent has changed (again) our reservations so that now we leave LA at 7 AM for JFK; better seating and plenty of time in New York in case any flights are late and there is a risk of missing one.

Trees that were festooned with turning leaves are now bare; we have had heavy winds for about 18 hours and they have done their worst. Our beautiful Chinese Pistache that was covered with bright red leaves yesterday is now naked. Meanwhile, Southern California is going up in flames, helped along by a Santa Ana wind. At least we don't have that to contend with.

I am going to finish watching "Les Girls" tonight. This was Gene Kelly's last dance movie (1957),with music and lyrics by Cole Porter. I'm a sucker for musicals and this one has always been one of my favorites. With Kelly are Kay Kendall, the British comedienne who was Rex Harrison's wife, Mitzi Gaynor, Taina Elg, and Jacques Bergerac. Great fun. It's a "Rashamon" type film but with far less serious consequences.

Go Sox!