Day 6 - LA County enters Red Tier for the first time

The Four Seasons in Sierra Madre…

3/20/21. Saturday. 

10:30 – 11:30 - Up and I take the dog outside.  The pigeon is back, staring at us from the retaining wall.  L. said that she took the dogs out yesterday and the pigeon was perched on one of our patio chairs, just staring at L.  It scared the hell out of her. Unfortunately, the dog is too distracted to go to the bathroom and keeps jumping up on the retaining wall, trying to reach the pigeon.  I call the dog inside and we wait for a few minutes, then back outside we go.

The pigeon is on the roof now so the dog is less distracted and does her business.  Return inside and she gets cheese for her treat; coffee for me. I unload the dishwasher and return upstairs. 

11:30-12:45 – Blog posts 

12:45-1:15 – Wash face. Brush teeth. Dress in Covid-19 uniform.   

1:15 – I leave for the first “tea” I’ve had in 14 months!

Driving – I put my make-up on in the car.  Don’t judge me. i listen to America Interrupted.

Traffic is…absolutely horrible.  Remind me never to go anywhere on a weekend! What pandemic?  Additionally there is a 4-car pile-up on the 210/134 East interchange, slowing everyone down.  I’m afraid I’m going to miss my reservation so call ahead, but waitstaff assure me that they will hold my table. 

2:40 – 4:00 - I arrive at the Four Seasons Teahouse, located in Sierra Madre, 10 minutes late. Even with the new guidelines, seating is still outside and everyone is masked, until they sit down.  I have a table way off to the side, completely outdoors, and next to an ivy-covered wall.  I love it!  There is only one other table near me and it contains 3 people who appear to be in their 60s.  This is a wealthy area so I’m certain they’ve all been vaccinated – I feel safest around old people now. 

I get the Royal Tea – this is a great deal for just $28 – and I order the Vanilla Hazelnut Chai tea.  I read my book and sip – the weather is great – and I can’t believe I’m finally able to experience a decent tea.  This is incredible! 

The salad arrives, followed by the obligatory sandwiches.  I’m a little disappointed that the cream, sugar, and jam are in disposable plastic containers.  A true tea has the condiments in china containers, but this is a minor point..  I have cucumber and egg salad sandwiches.  When I’m finished, a hot scone arrives that I top with clotted cream and homemade raspberry jam.  It is absolutely heavenly and I eat the entire scone.  By the time the pastries arrive, I can only eat one so I take the remainder to go. This was such a nice experience, I almost hate to leave. 

4:00-5:00 – Traffic is…horrible.  Where is everybody going? I listen to the BBC - Global News.

5:15 – 7:00 - Home and I am absolutely stuffed and need a nap. 

7:30-8:00 – I take the dog for a walk.  i listen to Martinis and your Money.

8:00-9:30 – Yard work.  There are tons of leaves on the patio due to the winds we’ve been having lately so there is a lot to sweep.  Then, I water all of my plants.  I listen to PBS Newshour and Organize 365.

10:00 – 11:00 - I start a load of laundry and do an Insanity workout.  This workout is called Cardio Recovery. It’s difficult, but not as bad as the others. 

11:00-11:30 – Recover.  I read Strangers and drink a glass of champagne.  

11:30-1:00 – I go to work.  I have a few things to finish before L. and I leave on our vacay tomorrow, such as: 

-The size 13 Reeboks that I ordered are for toddlers, not kids, and need to be returned.  I print out the label. 

-Life insurance payment. 

-My backpack is falling apart.  After three trips to the tailor and safety-pinning the broken zipper on the outside of the bag (which looks really trashy), I pull the trigger and order a new one. 

-I check DE Class No. 2; my French Cinema class; and the 5 classes I’m teaching.  Everything is ready to go for Monday and I’m completely caught up (for the moment).  I take attendance for last week’s Thursday class and then I’m done.  I listen to Reveal.

1:00-2:30 – Blog posts. 

2:30-3:00 – Light packing. 

3:00-4:00 –Shower. Wash hair. 

4:00-5:00 – I braid my hair and read Strangers. 

5:00-5:30 – Night time routine. Bed.