The Memorial Day BBQ went off without a hitch.
After working out that morning, I switched into the leggings I stitched up and painted with stars back in 2014.
A ton of residents packed into the patio area — some residents I knew, some I'd seen around, others I'd never seen before.
Of those I'd never seen before, some turned out to be the wives of guys I'd seen out and about, but thought were lonely old men because I'd never seen them with a female companion.
Made me think of Handmaiden's Tale ... are the wives not permitted to be out/about OR are the wives not all that social, happy to stay in their units like me.
Who knows, but an interesting discovery.
I was surprised to see Name Dropper — the resident that came to us in July and was quick to say her granddaughter is an actress, had a role with John Travolta when she was a child. I thought she'd moved to Texas.
"Not until the 30th" said she.
"Oh, so this is your Last Supper", said I, as I began scouring the scene asking her which resident she thought might be Judas.
Oddly enough, the main table was set up Last Supper style, with seats reserved for the organizers.
I should have counted to see if there were 13 seats.
At some point, I asked Talker if Trash Tosser was present.
She looked around and said "No".
"Is she likely to show up?"
"I hope not", said she.
Talker did not get her wish. Trash Tosser showed up a little later and was nothing like I’d imaged. She's attractive, personable, seemed to be getting along well.
It's not unusual to see new people come in, think they're important, are going to start making some changes, running things, beginning with complaining about neighbors, but tossing trash on a neighbor's doorstep is a new one.
When I first heard of the trash tossing incidents, I’d surmised it might be Dream Lover had hit on her and she didn’t appreciate it; after all, I see she is a nice-looking lady; but word now it might be a racial thing. She doesn’t like sheet people.
Whichever it is, it seems she’s ceased tossing. Either Manager told her she could be evicted, or she’s learned Dream Lover has a lot of friends, best not to antagonize.
It’s said, she’s approached Dream Lover, wanted to apologize but “he was 'weary' about that. Because it lasted a bit”, didn’t want to hear her apology.
Dream Lover was the grill master. Lu was present but, unlike when they were joined at the hip, she rubbing all over him, neither she nor Dream Lover paid much attention to each other.
Guess he grew weary of that as well.
That romance was over so quick and fast that I almost got whiplash from watching it start then so quickly end.
That's pretty much all the tea served at the event. Conversations seemed to be gripping about Manager, how "rude" she is, how much they "hate" her.
One guy said he went to Manager’s office and tried to talk to her, help her have better relations with residents. I forget what exactly he said he told her, but it was along the line of not looking down to and speaking down to residents, seeing others in a better light, essentially the Law of Attraction.
Her response was, "You don't know the kinds of people I deal with here".
WHOA!
A few residents complained about Manager not handling complaints and that when they do go to her office to complain, her reaction at seeing them at her door is, "WHAT NOW!".
GOOD LORD!
It’s still the Law of Attraction, only she’s got it working in reverse. She hates, so hate is coming back to her.
She doesn't talk to me like that. Probably because I keep a paper trail by communicating via email.
She probably yells, "WHAT NOW!" when she sees my name in an email, but at least I don't have her disrespecting me to my face.
I actually don’t get all the hate, because none of what residents complain of come near to how awful that mean Nurse Ratched, who managed the complex for three years, was.
That woman was a sociopath. She terrified the old folks, demonstrated jealously towards those of us who didn’t fit the mold, in her mind, of looking old enough; of those who challenged her, she lied, manipulated, called the police, did whatever to play the damsel in distress, afraid of the resident, in order to get them evicted.
The current Manager doesn’t even come close to the horror of Nurse Ratched, as I’ve repeatedly told those who complain, but whatever. Their reality is she's the worst.
Other conversations were about all the grifting and ruining of lives being done by 45/47.
I didn't get into the political conversations other than to say the only joy I get from the mess we're in is knowing those who voted for a convicted criminal not only screwed us, but screwed themselves as well.
There was lots to eat ... burgers, hot dogs, chips, dips, potato salad, pasta salads, fruit, mac and cheese, cakes, pies, etc.
Everybody was bringing something, everybody was eating what others brought which, not knowing how others live and maintain their units, I’m not too sure was wise, but not my risk.
One resident didn’t bring food. He instead brought the homeless guy who sometimes camps out front on the lawn.
The organizers were very upset because the ladies had asked the resident for help setting up and he fained his back hurt, then brought in a homeless gent who, while the ladies were making plates, serving residents, was at the food table loading up his own plate and piling it on.
Inasmuch as one of my complaints, about the Usual Suspects, is that they’ve not had my back when I’ve stood up, have wanted me to be mealymouthed like them, let bullies run all over me, like they let bullies do them, I was proud when Talker called bullshit, read the riot act to the homeless gent that, though he should not be there as he was not a resident, he was to remain seated, like everyone else, wait to be served. She then tore a new one in the resident that brought the homeless gent, saying "When we asked you to help set up, you said your back hurt, you couldn’t help, but look at all these ladies with physical issues helping, then you bring in a homeless person on top when you know homeless people are not to be brought onto the premises" yada yada yada.
My position was that if the resident wanted to feed his homeless buddy, he should have asked the ladies if he could make a plate for him, and taken it outside to him.
At any rate, Talker chopped him down to size, taught him not to think he could get all Henny Penny up in here ... not help, then take advantage of the organizing ladies, bring in others, because he’s a guy.
I was exhausted from not enough weekend, insufficient sleep from staying up way too late at night, into the early morning, watching Korean Dramas with English translations on the laptop, stayed just long enough to take 65 photos for the facebook page, went back to my unit and passed out on the couch for 3 hours.
Now for a PSA.
Lots of High Drama at the BBQ! I would have needed a nap after that, too.
ReplyDeleteGood point, plus it got crowded ... my cue to retreat.
DeleteAlways drama. But you looked good!
ReplyDeleteI never like how I photograph, but thanks!
DeleteIf the photos you share of yourself are NOT flattering, then you are more than magnificent!
DeleteAwww, but I bet none of us see ourselves as others see us. We're hard on ourselves, see our flaws.
DeleteWell, the Drama does make for Blog Fodder and it seemed to draw out people from their Units beyond the Usual Suspects.
ReplyDeleteDrama but, insofar as I know, not like your adventure ... no body parts to be found.
DeleteLMAO, well, that would have made for a very interesting turn of events had your gathering turned sinister, so I'm glad the Drama was more Dialed back than that my Friend. *Winks*
DeleteLots of tea and drama at the BBQ -- you earned your nap, LOL!
ReplyDeleteSo many pics to edit and post to the senior's site, made for yet another nap.
DeleteI'm surprised the picnic didn't turn into a fist fight. Love the Taylor pic, but Donnie doesn't know how to do his job. Stay safe! Linda in Kansas
ReplyDeleteIt was funny when Talker tore that resident a new one. He looked shocked a woman could talk to him like that, said, "I'm surprised", LOL.
DeleteOh I would have loved to spill some tea at the BBQ!!!
ReplyDeleteI'll bet you serve some excellent tea.
DeleteAnytime the police don't get called, it is a successful party, LOL
ReplyDeleteI've heard the opposite that "It ain't a party til the cops show up", but we're seniors here. Too old to throw hands. Might dislocate a shoulder or a hip, LOL.
DeleteBy this time next week I'll be in my new little community. I hope we have a better office manager than the ones yall have gotten.
ReplyDeleteFingers crossed for you 🤞
DeleteLoved seeing the picture of you. Sounds like a lot od drama going on there but at least it doesn't sound like there were any big fights, so that's a plus.
ReplyDeleteAlways something when a group of seniors get together but, thus far, nothing physical.
DeleteI don't want Donny doing any job except in prison or hell. As for the men never with their mates. Now that I am newly retired, maybe they want the men out of the house so they get some time alone. :-) Not that I want that but some days...
ReplyDeleteLOL. I can see the women wanting the men to get out from underfoot. 24/7 togetherness would get a bit tiresome.
DeleteGreat tea from the event, Shirley. And who could argue with Tay? Love her first name. 😄
ReplyDelete👍
DeleteI loved seeing those fun leggings again. I remember being so impressed ( and most likely told you so on the blog) that you can so easily whip up leggings which fit! Are you tempted to sew clothes for your grandchildren? JanF
ReplyDeleteWhen my girls were growing up, I made all their clothes and most of mine. Sewing was the economical way to go back then, but not now. It's less expensive to purchase. I only sew for special occasions now ... like the baby quilts for the great grandbabies and leggings and tops when I can't find what I want in shops.
DeleteIsn't it funny how that changed, the same thing happened with knitting - it's expensive now to hand knit a cardigan and used to be the cheap option? JanF
DeleteMaybe the tariffs will make it so expensive to purchase, that sewing and knitting will be the cheaper way to go.
Delete