how about drinking?
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I’m Tipsy Floozy Foot and DH is Dirty Willy Womper, lol, I love it!
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Hi all - I've haven't posted in ages - I think its been over a year or maybe 2. I'm not on bco much but do read from time to time. Just wanted to share that my mother passed away on January 18th. I miss her so much. She had struggled with a neuro-degenerative disease for over 4 years and had been bed bound for close to a year. I had the honor to be with her non-stop her last few days.
On a positive note, yesterday was 12 years since diagnosis.
Hope everyone is doing well.
Karen in Denver
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Hi Karen in Denver- we have a new Karen here too, but so nice to hear from you! Twelve years is impressive sister!
So sorry about the loss of your mom though. Sending big hugs your way and hope you are doing okay. I went through a long decline with my mother as well (8 years....) May she rest in peace.
Feel free to say hi any time you want! We like to hear from you
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Mary, ANorable lives up to her nickname. Back in 2012, I had the same shingles shot (Zostavax) as you did, because it was the only one out there. It's a live but attenuated (very weakened) form of the varicella zoster virus. There were high(ish) hopes for it at first--tests had shown it to be 50% effective and even when not effective, the "breakthrough" shingles cases were milder and shorter. But updated research (presented at both the Infectious Diseases and Family Practice conferences) showed that three years after inoculation none of the original test subjects who didn't develop shingles tested positive for any varicella antibodies--i.e., the immunity had worn off.
What I got last Tuesday was Shingrix--a combo vaccine of inactivated (killed) varicella virus and "adjuvant" recombinant-DNA viruses-- three years of testing showed that >96% of subjects aged 50-60, >91% of those 60-70 (median age of all subjects was 69), and >82% of those older than 70 showed antibodies; and the incidence of subsequent cases of shingles was less than 0.1% over all subjects (vs. an avg. of 10% of the control group, i.e., getting placebo--and the control group's incidence rose higher with age). Data were released to the FDA in Oct. 2017, and it was approved before Christmas--with CDC recommending Shingrix be the shingles vaccine of choice for everyone over age 50 (Zostavax was for those around 60 & above) who is not allergic to any of its components or actively receiving cytotoxic chemo or undergoing rads. (After completion is fine)--whether or not they've already had shingles or received Zostavax. It began shipping in early January. It wasn't available in the Chicago area until a couple of weeks ago.
This morning, the rash appears not to have spread further since yesterday, and is beginning to look paler (with the orignal red area fading the most). So I'm not going to Urgent Care and not asking for an antibiotic. So it was a reaction, not an infection. I will wait on the second shot till at least a few of weeks after my March Prolia shot, since everything involving needles either goes into or comes out of that arm.
My updated bloodwork came back--everything is the same except that my iron binding capacity is within low normal limits, not "low." So I'll keep on taking heme iron (Feosol Complete) and eating dark green leafies, whole eggs, and reasonable amounts of red meat, oysters & dark chocolate. No smear or marrow studies necessary (whew!). Also, my PCP tells me my a1c will probably go down further as my hemoglobin rises. For now, I am considered "at risk for Type 2," not fully "prediabetic." I'll breathe a bit easier if it dips below 5.7--all my maternal-side first-and-second-degree female relatives had either Type 2 or gestational diabetes. (Dunno about my paternal grandma, as her ticker felled her at 66).
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Hello, all. Been awhile - trying to read through all the posts.
Moon photo thanks going out to Jazzy (stunning moonset over the the mesa) and Goldie (what a great shot your UPS guy took) - Thanks for sharing! Only saw the very briefest of glimpses here as too cloudy.
Jenny - Still hoping to rendezvous with you in Cleveland area one day - Great photos of your pooches and Nora.
Chi - After your experiences with the shingles vaccine, I am very leery of it, although PCP and MO say it is warranted. Hope your arm feels better soon and enjoy your SuperBowl festivities.
Illi, Cammy, MemaSue, Native Mainer and everyone else (my apologies for not calling out all by name) - Happy Sunday and gentle hugs to those in need.
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Celia, it was just a rash & sore muscle--shingles itself would have been far worse. Definitely worth getting the shot, since not everyone reacts any worse than a sore deltoid that lasts just a couple of days, and only 20% get even that much of a reaction.
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Hi girls, back again, this bug has kicked my butt, can't shake it! I've had laryngitis since Thursday morning, I'm sure my DH is loving it altho he wouldn't say so! Slept the day away today, thinking about making a bourbon and coke, sounds like it might hit the spot. I go to see my PCP for my yearly exam so I'll see what he says about this crud altho I think it just needs to run it's course.
Celia, would love to meet up, I work Wed-Thu and Fridays but am available most other days, well except for the upcoming knee surgery which will ground me for 5 weeks or so.
Chi, my friend Molly just got the new vaccine, she did fine with it. I figure since I got the old version just last year I should be good for awhile. Sounds like your bloodwork is showing things headed in the right direction.
NM, glad to hear your mom and Dick are doing alright. I've been working in the retirement home for 12 years now and really watch as so many have their memories fail them. I had 1 last week call me 3 times in 5 minutes to ask when his next apt was, had no idea I'd just talked to him. Another one paid me $50 for her hair, came back an hour later and tried to give me another $50. I worry about trying to find people to cover for me, they could so easily be taken advantage of. The lady that works on Monday and Fridays is great but she has another job so those are the only days she's available. Her sister is also a hairdresser and she has agreed to work Wednesdays while I'm gone, hopefully just for 5 or 6 weeks even if I come back just a few hours per day. I figure as soon as I can drive I could at least go in and do mani's and Pedi's. Neither of them do toenails and I stay pretty busy with them since most residents either can't reach them or can't see them. So glad to hear you like teaching, I know the money is not as good but the stress of full time hospice was taking a toll on your health and happiness, just not worth it.
Lori, I misunderstood about your mom's dog. Maybe call the vet and explain the situation if your mom ends up going in the nursing home. Under the circumstances they may agree to just get a verbal ok from your son over the phone.
Breezy Tidalwave... sounds like an actual drink and so much more appealing than Snowy Cowplop!
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Good Morning, Loungettes!Happy Monkey Day! Back to work for Hospice for me today. Then a couple of days of social engagements, and work on Friday. Going to schedule in some teaching re-prep work and at least one decluttering project in there, too. Yesterday's snow turned to rain, not much left now except where it drifted. Making for a lovely foggy ayem, though. I'd ask Sadie what she thinks but she's gone back to bed. Knew there was a reason I didn't make the bed as soon as I got out of it!
Good Lord, the TV news is talking about ANOTHER Amtrex train collision, this time with an empty train.
We've got some interesting Tropical Drink names going on here!
Jazzy--Get some zinc lozenges, that will help with the cold symptoms and shorten the duration. Having a cold is no fun, be sure to take care of yourself so it doesn't get worse than a cold.
Illi--Another Floozy Foot!Love the hubby's name, too!
Karen--So sorry to hear about your Mother's passing.Glad you could be with her at the end. 12 year cancerversary is very good! Hugs.
Chi--That is great info about Zostavax and Shingrix. And even better news about the blood work!
Celia--good morning, and hugs back!
Genny--keep taking care of yourself, these bugs can be really hard to shake off as I learned last year. Make sure you are getting enough rest and take care of yourself so it doesn't get worse. It is so easy for people with memory issues to get taken advantage of. God bless people like you who work with them and are honest! Toe nail care and foot care is so important at that age, particularly if they have diabetes, yet so hard for them to do. I do like teaching, and in this case I actually make more per hour teaching than I do in Hospice. The teaching isn't steady right now, although I think it can be worked up to that over time and with being willing to travel some. Anyway, I miss my Hospice colleagues and really miss the patient contact, so will keep up the Hospice work no matter what. Just on MY terms from now on! Don't blame you for liking Breezy Tidalwave, that is much better than Snowy Cowplop!
Jumping Floozy Foot's DOTD:
Ingredients
- 1-1/2 parts Malibu Coconut
- 3/4 parts Pineapple Juice
- Splash of Blue Curacao
- Splash of Coconut Cream
- Wedge of Pineapple to garnish
Directions
- Put the Malibu Coconut, Pineapple Juice, Blue Curacao and Coconut Cream into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Vigorously shake the mixture for 30 seconds and then strain into a cocktail glass. Serve immediately garnished with the pineapple wedge.
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Sexy Island Escape here!
NM, I don't know what to think about my mom. Not sure I could pull that off! I am thinking now that she might just be telling me she will go into the long term care. I was on the phone with her yesterday, and she says "oh look who's here, it's your little brother, let me call you back when he leaves". Well, she never did call back and my little brother was not there! So I'm thinking I must have said something she did like or want to hear and basically didn't want to talk to me anymore! I'm really getting fed up with her!
Thanks again Mary for the swim. I only saw the first pic yesterday. Look at Nora's hair. And boy does she look like her mom! You too need to shake that cold/flu, whichever it is you have. I hope you feel better very soon!
Illona, you got some cute names there!
Jazzy, I can't believe you are sick yet again!
Hey Karen, good to see you pop in. Again, I'm sorry to hear about your mom. I know you miss her terribly. Congrats on 12 years!
Sandy, having to eat some dark chocolate can't be all that bad!
That Tidal Wave looks alot like a "Blue Hawaii" cocktail.
Picked a nice huge bowl of lettuce yesterday, so that will be today's dinner. A big ole salad!
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Good Morning Ladies---had a couple of calls so far but I'm here as Sloppy Hamockhanger, sounds good.
Karin <1> so sorry to hear about ur Mom, that is always so sad---12 years tho wow how wonderful for you. It is nice to see u here again.
Karen <2> u've got lots going on now but just take care of urself first.
Mary she's the same Anorable as ever, just looking older. Ur so blessed to have her. And so kind to seniors it always more appreciated than u know. Just feel better so u can get to what u like to do. Nice to see u here tho.
Jazzy again, these "colds" are brutal I hear, and u have to start being very vigilant about taking care of it. They're even talking about it on the news now.
Lori u have a road ahead with your mom, it doesnt sound easy, Shes still clever tho, u have to give her that. I know that u know what to do, but how is another question. It's hard to figure out.
NM ur weather is sounding like ours here snow, and cold, then cold and snow . Just be carful and this is sure cuddling weather with Sadie so use it as much as possible.
Sandy ur "reaction" sounds awful but u now said its getting better finally. Are u having more snow there cuz of the lake... ours is on and off but super cold in the middle.
Joey fell and hurt his back pretty bad , then he fell again and really banged his chin, he' so clumsy but he's fine, he just seems so sad a lot. Now 2 of Leslie's Drs. said she probably won't be able to do the work she's been doing. I told her don't listen to that chit. After a yr. of school nd starting to get jobs, she might have to work harder to move her arms, but that doesn't mean anything that they say. Like I would know, but still to tell someone u can't do that job to me is foolish. She's worked so hard to get that Certificate. Well today she finds out just whats going on.
We've had a busy post now---good.
LUBS U ALL
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Hi ladies- well this crud seems to be lifting and not going in to a cold now. I am starting to think this may be a late reaction to the Prolia shot I got the friday before last, and sometimes feel like I am coming down with something but then nothing happens. Things did not progress into a cold as I was expecting, felt better as the day went on yesterday. I have some residual congestion (which can also be allergies as the juniper is blooming now here too). The weather was warm yesterday and I did some yard clean up to begin getting ready for spring and also took a nice ride in my convertible to run errands and ended up with a nice end of the day walk. I think I shall live!
Cami- I am sorry to hear Joey fell and got hurt. I hope he is doing better and he needs to take it easy with a back injury. You know kids, they keep going. What is the justification for Leslie not doing her career? Because she may have lymphedema in the future? I hope she continues to heal and feel better. Does she have to do the hormone suppression drugs? Enough question for today? Hope you are doing okay friend.
Genny- you have much going on this week and we will be in your pocket.
Mema- same for you, here for you sister
CeliaC- good to hear from you! Are you doing okay sister?
Karen 2- hope you are doing okay sister?
Chi- how is your red patch?
Teka- you must be taking a break from the threads. Hope all is well in North Country.
Goldie- I expect you had a super warm day yesterday too. Can't say it is not lovely, but also just too early. Our "big winds" were up on Saturday which is normal for Feb and only continue now.
Gotta get to my day. Have a good start to the week!
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Morning DahhhLinKs,
I am a FB fan. I don't pay much attn to the names of players and stats and such. But I do kno that Patriots have won several SBowl rings so I was glad the Eagles pulled out the win yest.
DH turns 70 today, will b leaving in awhile to go on a little stay-cay in Boulder City. My DD sent a few packages that he will open when he gets up. Been 70o around here the last few days...loving it, but thinking it's a prelude to an extra HOT summer.
Hello and welcome to the new breasties. I'll would love to meet ya in the lounge later for a dwink or two...mayb 3.
Gotta get my ewwa in gear.
Lubslubslubs
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Hi everyone---ok here's the scoop---I don't have a clue what's going on. Yea Les will be taking that pill to make sure she goes thru menapause now---BUT her Onc. didn't like the way some things looked now with her latest test with her bones nd lungs going into this trial test <since chemo doesn't work on her> but of course u don't know if she's getting the real thing or not, not even the Drs. know and this is how it has to be done.--Her onc is sending her right back to her PS cuz something else doesn't look good--Her Onc. was like I don't mean to scare u BUT so this is a mess.---We all thought she was thru the worst of it, but she's not.They're going to start her on different meds now, then when rads start she'll pause them til rads are done. Jazzy so far the reasoning now about doing her kind of work is her strong movements she needs to have with her arms. I really can't understand most of this, I just repeat, like an old parrot. ^&%&%(__)(*&&^%%##@!!@^&(__+
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Camillegal, sorry to hear about more issues for Leslie, I do hope she gets a break.
NativeMainer,
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Cami- so sorry to hear what is going on. Keep us posted and we are hear to listen anytime friend
A good physical therapist can help Leslie when the time comes with her arms. Many women here who have had BMX have commented on how much that has helped them.
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Cami, so sorry about what Les is going through. Hugs to both of you.
Mary, put down that bourbon & Coke. Brew some tea instead (any kind of black tea will do, caf or decaf). Now pour that shot of bourbon (or brandy) in. Add honey (a little more than normal) and a squeeze of lemon. It has always helped me with laryngitis. Another thing my voice teacher suggests (and works like a charm for me) is a spray called Singers' Saving Grace. Unlike all its imitators (e.g., Vocal-Eze), it has Jack-in-the-pulpit extract, which lessens laryngeal edema (when the larynx is swollen, the vocal folds can't freely vibrate). But this is important--though it comes in several flavors, get only the Professional Strength or Citrus Honey varieties, as they have no alcohol (which is an irritant). You can find it at most Whole Foods stores (not music stores, which seem to carry Vocal-Eze). Thayer's Slippery Elm lozenges (regular or sugar-free) help too. Steer clear of menthol when you have laryngitis (and especially if you're prone to GERD) because it, too, is an irritant. So forget Ricola. The only cough drops you should use during a bout of laryngitis (or reflux) are menthol-free: Luden's, Pine Brothers, or Smith Brothers. Hall's vitamin C drops (no menthol) are OK but they lack the pectin of the ones I mentioned. If you can find honey-flavored hard candies, that's good too--gotta keep the throat lubed.
Jazzy, for congestion, nothing beats chicken soup--from a real chicken (boxed broth or "Better than Bouillon" soup base are made with chicken). Not bouillon cubes or powder.
My Shingrix reaction's just about gone. Began fading yesterday afternoon, and was no longer hot. Now, except for the Sharpie marks (which didn't wash off in the shower) one wouldn't think I had a reaction--it just looks like the capillaries under the rest of my arms are closer together. No swelling--back to flabby arm skin again. The FDA called this morning to ask me how I'm doing and thanked me for helping start its real-world reactions database, as they really don't have one yet for this vaccine.
Snow ended yesterday morning, about 2" or so--just got really, really cold. No problem walking to & from the party (except for some slippery slushy parts on the way there which had firmed up by the time we walked home). It's started back up today, and will end very late tonight--predictions are 3-5" (yeah, more by the lake, but they don't know which side of it).
No DOTD today, as yesterday at the party I pretty much blew through my week's alcohol allowance: a Margarita and two glasses of wine (Hey Mambo red blend and a Tuscan cabernet-sangiovese blend). So I'm sipping coffee & water only.
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Chi- glad to hear you are doing okay. Glad you are the first in the possible database for reactions to the new shot! Thanks for the tip on the chicken soup. Been eating a bit here and there today.
Well, interesting updates on my diabetic stuff. My Xigduo med I been taking on a "free coupon" has gone up to $95 out of pocket per month and with my increase in insurance this year, no way I can absorb that, so I messaged the CNP and we are moving me back to regular old metformin (which I was on before). She said with my A1C at a nice stable 5.8 now, it will work just fine and I will remain on the Trulicity for now (my guess is we will revisit that this summer when I see her next). I am good with all this as the plan was always to move off Xigduo with time and back to a lower dose of metformin.
I also heard from my endocrinologist who left the healthcare practice last fall and she is now set up again with her own practice, but NOT taking insurance. Her office rate is reasonable, but again, with my insurance costs this year, I just cannot see doing this regularly, and not using the expensive plan I am paying so much for. I think I may see her for a consult this spring or summer though as I come off things to be sure she thinks this is all good for a sort of "second opinion". She really helped me to get a lot of things turned around with my insulin issues and weight too. I hope she can make a go of it being a fee for service only as this place does not have much money like a wealthier community does where concierge medicine is common. I hear more of these types of moves from docs I have worked with or seen through time. Physicians are very tired of insurance companies telling them how to treat patients?
It's all a grand adventure these days....
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Mornin' Ladies.---Jeez I mained and ran yesterday, I was a mess, sill am. Anyway.
Jazzy how could a Dr. nit take insurance or is it just ur insurance---I don't get it. How can any Dr. not take insurance now a days. But of course I might have misunderstood.
Sandy u haven't mentioned Gordy and Leslie lately, how's that going. And I hope that reaction has pretty much left you.
Oh we got <well mostly me> a good LOL yesterday u know how I always tell u about Marty's strange body that must have been put together with parts laying around. He doubled up with cramps for a bit and reminded me he had a floating rib <an extra one>, oh he was LOLing too, of course I said something on the ignorant side, but who wouldn''t. Since Joey got a good LOL out of it, it was worth it---the kid hardly laughs anymore.
Sandy did u get the snow like us???---we got pretty much yesterday and I hear it will be on and off all week. I don''t drive anymore but I'm always concerned about everyone else. I wanted to go to Walgreens, but Les can't drive yet plus she's awful on snow anyway. As I always was too.
I've already had 2 calls---no furnaces---- It's so cold outside today. I heard around 0, but Im not sure.
Jazzy I enjoyed the music video.
Thanks ladies for putting up with me and my craziness especially lately, I'm a mess
LUBS U ALL
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Good Morning, Loungettes!Happy Twofer Tuesday! Nice leisurely start to the day, but have to run some errands and go grocery shopping later. Then meeting up with some friends for wine and dinner. I have a ticket for a Succulent Plant and Sip tomorrow evening, but the weather is sounding awfully iffy. Signed up for it once before and missed it, wasn't feeling well that evening, don't want to miss this one. I'll get to pick out a pot and a couple of succulentsand plant them while sipping various wines and munchies. Then there is an hour or two of discount shopping at the store that's hosting the event. The sell locally made items, mostly from small businesses owned/operated by women. Looks like they have quite the eclectic collection of things. Pricey, though. We'll see what happens tomorrow.
Sadie is going nuts, there is a big, fat gray squirrel running around in the trees along the fence line. She wants to go catch it soooo bad! Doubt she'd have any idea what to do with it if she did catch it!
Goldie--Parenting our parents is such a difficult job! At least your Mom didn't just hang up on you. Heaven only knows what was really going on. Maybe the snack cart came around? Who knows.
Cammy--Another hammock hanger, Yeah! I would very much like to be in a nice warm place lying in a hammock reading a good book and sipping on a brightly colored drink with a fancy umbrella in it!I do like the cuddling with Sadie weather, but am ready for winter to be over. I want to be complaining about the heat instead! Poor Joey, hope he heals up fast. At his age, he should bounce back pretty quickly. I hope Leslie isn't taking the docs too seriously and will at least try going back to work. She may have to adapt how she does things a bit, or maybe slow down a bit until she regains mobility, strength and stamina, but she should be able to do her work, I would think.
Jazzy--it sure is sounding more like a late Prolia reaction or allergies than a cold, which is a good thing, cuz they are shorter and easier to manage.
Mema--Happy B-day to the hubby!
Cammy--good grief, so not fair for Leslie!Did Leslie have the reconstruction done that uses the muscle from the back? That can have an effect on the strength of the arms and shoulders, but it shouldn't be enough to interfere with working, I wouldn't think.
Illi--thanks, Love betting B-day wishes early!My b-day is the 20th.
Chi--Glad to hear the Shingrix reaction is resolving. Sounds like it was a royal PIA (pain in the arm). Sharpie marks sometimes come off with alcohol or fingernail polish remover--the kind of with acetone. Soap and water doesn't take them off, that's why we like to use them to mark things like you had. Nice of the FDA to call you back and check in! The weather guessers are talking about 6 to 10 inches of snow tomorrow in a "fast moving" storm that's supposed to start Wednesday morning and peak around the "evening commute." Enough already!
Jazzy--There is a growing movement by physician practices away from participating in insurance,and going fee for service. Most office that do that find they can significantly decrease the cost of services. It can be surprising how much it costs an office to participate in an insurance program. Andyes, it does cost them!In order to bill Medicare an agency/hospital/office/whatever must use a specific billing software program dictated by Medicare, and it ain't cheap software. Same goes for billing Medicaid. Commercial insurances have specific software billing requirements, but don't dictate a specific software package, so there is some choice there, but those are pretty costly, too, and have to be updated if not replaced every few years due to changes in the billing requirements. Offices, hospitals and agencies often have to pay insurance companies to have the insurance company come and do an evaluation to determine if they qualify to participate or to continue to participate. Many offices, hospitals and agencies have entire departments dedicated just to keep up with the insurance companies billing requirements and the reports that have to be sent in regularly.In some doctor's offices the billing department hires more people than caregivers (doctors, nurses, techs, receptionists, etc).It's a crazy, crazy system.To continue to participate with an insurance company that company can require each doctor see a certain number of patients per day and limit the number of expensive tests that can be ordered per month as well as meet patient satisfaction levels as reported by surveys the insurance company sends out. It's getting more impossible every year.
Ok, getting off that soap box now. The whole insurance industry thing drives me nutso.
Jumping Floozy Foots DOTD:
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Cami, I'm so sorry Joey hurt his back and pray that it doesn't give him problems throughout life. And I hate that he is so sad. Is there anyone he can talk to? Counselor at school or maybe even phsyc? Yes, my mom is sharp, sharp as a tack. Altho, the last couple of days she is acting confused. And know my mom, I'm not sure if this is an act or what. Oh dear, so sorry to hear Les has more issues to deal with. Please keep us in the loop, know you will. And you are NOT an old parrot! And I don't remember you talking about Marty's bod. Glad Joey got a laff out of it. Poor baby. We are here for you love. Hugs!
Jazzy, I saw you out in your convertible! Oh my, seems like your body can't decide if it wants to be sick or now! Glad you are feeling better girl. I hate our windy springs, and yes, it's still warm here, just cray cray. Not looking forward to the allergies, trees here are starting too. Mine have not been too bad the last few years, so hoping for the same this year. AND…I will be gone March 1-10. I think you have a good plan seeing your old endocrinologist for a second opinion after you come off of things.
Oh Sue, I'm so glad to see you poop in. Happy Birthday to Randall. Enjoy your time in Boulder. Doing anything special?
Sandy, glad your arm is pretty much back to normal. You and all your walking in that cold, snow and ice!
NM, succulent wine and sip, now that sounds interesting! I hope the weather doesn't keep you from attending. I did speak to my brother yesterday and he did say he was there. I must have misunderstood the text message. You have to complain about the mud before you can complain about the heat!
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NM, I guess I misread it on your profile, so expect more birthday withes later, lol.
Mine is the 18th & 19th (born in Korea, army dad and there’s about a one day time change, the 19th there is the 18th here). I’ve always celebrated both birthdays but I usually celebrate the whole month and I recently added 1/2 birthdays too (8/18 & 8/19)
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My lettuce from the garden. There really is quite a bit there, hard to tell from the picture! And my DH wants Iceberg Lettuce from the grocery store. Says he wants green lettuce. I said Iceberg isn't green, it's practically WHITE!
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Cami, hugs to Joey and hoping his back injury heals--he's too young to have a bad back. Also hope Les can ease back into work soon.
And hoo-boy, did we get snow! Out $55 in shoveling fees over three days, but heck, it beats a sprained back or an asthma attack. Two years ago, our neighbor across the street lost his wife to a heart attack after she shoveled (she never showed any prior clue of heart disease). She was only 72. Bob has a failing knee, and two repaired hernias; Gordy's asthma's worse than mine. So we hired our new landscaping guy to do our snow--he's really good and even shovels out the "apron" behind our garage so Bob can get into & out of the alley. Worth every penny.
Gordy & Leslie are still very much in love (knock wood). Her teaching schedule doesn't start till noon, so when he stays over Gordy gets to sleep in.
I got a bombshell dropped on me this morning. My housekeeper is in the early stages of putting her house on the market and moving back to Birmingham. Maintenance, mortgage and taxes are taking their toll; and her husband--a brittle diabetic, prostate cancer survivor, and in the early-middle stage of CHF--can't pitch in to do even some of the housework, much less physical stuff like snow removal. And winter is quickly becoming unbearable for her (can't argue with that). I asked if a raise would help, but she said it can't change the weather or make her slowly-gentrifying neighborhood safer. Right now, because of rising interest rates, home sales are on the slow side, but we're looking at a time frame of six months or less.
So my own de-cluttering process is going to have to accelerate, in order to keep her prospective successor(s) from fleeing in terror. I'm a pack rat, not a hoarder--but it's time to get rid of all my old "skinny" clothes, all my old pre-bunion shoes, exercise equipment, inexpensive purses, laser discs (nobody converts those to DVD or Blu-Ray any more), accessories for old cell phones, obsolete 1MP digital camera, unused blank videotapes & CD-Rs, books & software for computers I no longer have, duplicate small appliances and cookware Gordy wouldn't want to take when he moves and nobody'd buy at a yard sale, yada yada... Gordy says that no way does he want the house if Bob & I were to downsize (maybe inherit & then perhaps sell it) to a condo or townhouse. Besides, I estimate that it'll still need up to $50K of repairs to even make it stageable: new interior stairs & plain repainting, repairing at least two ceilings, adding an outlet or two, replacing most windows & frames...I get reflux just thinking about it.
I keep things neat--especially kitchen & baths--on weekends, especially since only Bob makes a mess when Gordy's away and vice versa. I can do laundry so long as I can lower & haul the laundry basket with a rope. But for major cleaning, I'm going to need a service; and after 33 years with us, my housekeeper knows where in the house to find anything I own.
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Mornin' Ladies,
Lori ur lettuce looks yummy, but I do understand liking iceberg, for some reason with all tat's out there that is my favorite and I like it best on sandwiches too. Ur weather sounds really good, but in a way a little to early. Wow I don't envy u about ur Mom, what a dilemma. What should be done and what can be done are 2 separate things and it's not easy on anyone. I'm sorry u ave to go thru all of that and being so far away can't be easy on u either.
Kim when u talk about ins. I honestly hear blah blah blah, I can not understand any of it anymore and believe me I've tried---I can't believe I actually worked for 7 yrs. doing all of this type of work, it's so confusing. Oh I bet that suirel has un teasing Sadie, ours is a skunk that comes around for Sox, but I didn't know skunks were out in this cold and snow---which we're having a week full of all of that.
Ill I like ur birthday plan, 2 full days. So u might as well go for the whole month is right.
Sandy 30 yrs. with the same housekeeper is going to be so difficult to replace, by any chance does she know someone that she could recommend to u. After all those years she has to know everything about how u like things and how u live, without u ever saying a word and she must be very nice or u would not have had her all these years. BTW I always enjoy hearing about Gordy and Leslie, it's so sweet.
I wish Leslie would join these threads, not ours tho LOL , but I really think she would learn and understand more of this chit. She has said to me about it, but then she'll say ur so close to everyone. Well it took a few years for sure, it doesn't just happen, but I told her ur talking to women <sometimes men> who know exactly how u feel, what more can u ask for, besides learning more from them than ur dr., we'll see.
Jazzy I hope the work plans are going according to schedule. But I don know u always make time for all of us, which again I enjoy.
Hey Teka, where are u??? U must be getting snow and cold now.
I took another shower yesterday, still not alone, but I'll get there. I really only need help getting in and out now, I do everything else. I know that sounds silly at this stage of the game but for me it's an accomplishment that I didn't think I'd get to.
SusyQ, I hope to see u more and more here, I miss you. And Karen 1 so nice to see u hope u come back sometimes.
Kim todays DOTD was over the top. LOL
OK I've already been bothered by a couple of calls, so I'd better get to real work now.
LUBS U ALL.
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Illona, I don't think I want that many birthdays!
Sandy, glad you have someone to do all the shoveling for you. Looks like it's time to shop for a house maid. Wow, 33 years is a long time!
Cami, how is Joey's back? My mom is now agreeing to go to the nursing home. She is afraid to stay by herself now. I wish she would go home, at least until March. She will be released Feb. 20th, if she goes right to their long term, they will take her Feb. SS check. As it is now, they are waiving her charges. Medicare will only pay when you have been home for 60 days, then you can get 3 weeks there at their rehab facility, which is where she is now. So that would mean someone would have to go in her house and get everything she will need there. She has also gotten very forgetful, all of a sudden. Repeating things up to 6 times! Not sure what that is about at all!
Mary, in your pocket today girl!
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Good Morning, almost Afternoon, Loungettes!I got caught up going through e-mail and taking care of things and totally lost track of time this ayem. Not sorry, all that stuff had to be done, some of it was just waiting for a good time to do it (unsubscribing from some lists) and some of it was catch up stuff (updating sites, correcting e-mails and phone numbers in my contacts list).Big storm due in this peeyem, schools announced early dismissal first thing this ayem. The Succulent Plant and Sip scheduled for this evening has been rescheduled for the 16th. So now I'm down to getting the Jeep unstuck. Yup, Pearl is stuck, the driveway was glare ice yesterday when I came back from running errands. Started to make the curve to line up with the garage door, slid into the snowbank next to the garage door. Was able to back out of that snowbank directly into a graceful, stately, 3 MPH 180 degree pirouette and landed up against another snowbank. No damage or anything, mostly just annoying. Got Sadie and most of the groceries inside, went back out with some salt and dirt and spread that around the tires. Problem is that this is a tiny bit of an incline, toward the snowbank. Fell down a couple times while spreading the grit, Pearl still won't come up the little rise. Left the salt and stuff to work overnight and this ayem, going to take a hammer out and break up the ice right under the wheels and try again. Would like to have Pearl inside before the snow starts. If not, I'll call the guy who plows me out, he'll come and pull me with his truck, or just push me the 6 inches needed to get onto level ground. I'm a little stiff in the back and neck this ayem, but not as sore as I thought I would be, so that's a good thing. Sadie was very helpful supervising all this activity yesterday. Then she curled up and took anap while I put away groceries and did some laundry! Supervision is VERY hard work.
Goldie--Glad your brother was really there. True, I do have to put up with mud season before summer. Not really looking forward to that, but hey, what has to be endured has to be endured!
Illi--I like the idea of having 2 days of birthday to celebrate, and even better the "halves" to celebrate! Never enough excuse to celebrate, in my book!
Goldie--Yum!! I've got to admit I like my lettuce to be green, too, but iceberg is awfully pale green.And you've got green lettuce in there, I can see it!
Chi--Yup, snow shoveling and snow plowing are worth every penny paid. The longer the drive way the more true that statement! Oh, dear, not good news about the housekeeper. I can understand her position, though. Breaking in a new housekeeper is going to be a long and probably painful process. I think I'm more pack rat than hoarder, too, but what its called doesn't change what needs to be done on an ongoing basis, does it? Sounds like a lot of work to get the house up to selling condition. Makes me feel overwhelmed just reading the list!
Cammy--Yup, Sadie has the squirrel for entertainment right now, the skunks will come out when the weather gets warmer in the spring. I don't think they hibernate, but I certainly don't see (or smell) them as often in the winter! I did kind of carry on about the cost of insurance stuff, didn't I? Well, you gals all know I can get that way and just skip over the rants, I don't take offense! I bet Leslie would find a group she fits in with here on the BCO boards if she looked. But I understand if she doesn't have the energy right now, too. Getting to the point of only needing help getting into/out of the shower is a BIG accomplishment! Good for you!
Goldie--I'm glad your Mom has agreed to go to Long Term Care. It really will be the best for her. Regular meals, getting her medications as prescribed, getting help with hygiene and access to activities will be have her sitting pretty in no time. Hopefully the forgetfulness is just from the change in routine and surroundings and will fade as she adjusts.
{{{Mary}}}
Jumping Floozy Foot's DOTD:
PICK YOUR FAV:
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Hi friends- checking in on this wonky Wednesday. My throat issues are mostly gone now, going back to the pool today. Busy with worky thing, tax things, etc. I got some yard clean up done Sun to yesterday with the warmer weather. The northern part of the state got some snow yesterday, but not us here in the happy valley......
Trying to decide if I may go to Vegas for a conference in mid March that would be a good thing to do, but extra money I don't really want to spend right now (especially after both an unexpected furnace and car repair in Jan). Both my collaboration partners on the two different things I am working on are now going and asking if I am too? Thinking I should, and figured out a way to go for either a day (fly in and out) or do an over-nighter relatively cheap with some airfare points and good deal at a nearby Hilton. The day fee is where I am struggling and going to see if I can slide in under either firms attendance with a day badge if any of them paid for a week but won't be there the whole time? I have done some gratis work to bring in some contracts for both firms as part of my marketing work, and perhaps time to see if they cannot help me out? I will decide by Friday, I have a regular call with one of them but the other I am actively working on the new gig with too. We shall see if Jazzy can pull this off and do it affordably too.
MemaSue- thinking of you today. In your pocket, as Goldie says.
Goldie- oh that yummy lettuce. I like the darker green stuff myself. How did it taste? I would have put that in a big old salad. My big food fetish right now is purple potatoes!
Cami- I agree there could be some good resources here for Leslie, but not everyone will use this site. My sister is not a computer oriented/social media type and never came here, my BFF in CT is not either and won't use this site as well. There are so many good threads here for women in treatment to help one another, and after too. We are a goofy bunch here on the drinking thread, not sure we could help Leslie but we could try? I hope the news from the docs is not as bad as you are all worried about?
Chi- I had looked for a good housekeeper here for a few years before I was forced in to getting some services with my health issues in 2012. I have friends who have a singular cleaner for a long time, but most were booked with regulars for years (if not decades) like you and never could find anyone to help me. My sister has someone she has been using for decades too, the woman has also been a personal assistant at times too (drove her to chemo, etc.) Anyways, if you are open to a service instead of an individual, I have been using Molly Maids for over five years now and like them. They only come once a month these days, I keep up with the rest just fine. My teams have changed through time, but am fortunate to have the best team ever (two sisters from Las Vegas). I know I will loose them with time as one has told me she plans to go to nursing school soon. What I do like about the service is not being dependent on one person. I make sure I am always here when they come though, my guess is you do as well but perhaps have trusted your cleaner to do things even if you are not? Trust is a big issue with having people in your home regularly.
NM- I have heard of more docs here opting out of the healthcare system and doing concierge medicine. I wonder if we won't end up with more of this through time as docs are tired of having insurers dictate their treatment based on what they will and won't cover? Plenty of stories in the cancer world of people who need life saving treatments that insurance won't cover, right? My endocrin commented to me she was done with corporate medicine and so no surprise she is doing fee for service going forward. Our docs here are retiring in droves and/or leaving the state.
Ill- I consider the whole month of my birthday "birthday month" and it is coming up here in March. So you go girl and love that you celebrate the two days based on where you were born. When is your first 5K again?
Got to get to more things here today and will check in again soon!
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Am I good, or what????
The stuff I put out yesterday melted some of the ice and then refroze with a rough surface, drove the car right up the incline and into the garage!
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Your Good!
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hello girls, wicked Willy wonder here. (I liked my shit-based name better).checking in from work. Just caught up reading since I haven’t much to do. I only have two loans so a lot of rrime idle. I am on my phone, mese skeered to log in on work pc since a new job.
Lori hope your mom is able to transition easily into a home.
Cam, shit, sorry about Les and her issues, praying for her. And our poor Joey, tell him to keep his chin up.
Mary, in your pocket too, let us know how things work out.
Emma, good to see you. HBD to DH! Muah!
Gotta go to a meeting, recap for Jan and awards. Love all of you foils.
Ps hi Karen S, sorry for your loss, I know your pain. Hugs!
Cheers
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