Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
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I am using a French press now. Got tired of the time it takes to do pour-over. I got tired of Mr. Coffee-type coffee-makers burning out. I got some beans from Amazon, but won't buy that brand again for a while, the price has gone way up.
I grew up Catholic in an LDS-influenced area. Tea and coffee were very important to us.
Last night I wore my knee-brace, pain has been waking me up. My leg has gotten used to it. I got 7 hr 55 min sleep as recorded on my fitbit!
Wind chill now -25deg. Real temp -4deg. Cold either way. Last night Tippy wanted to go outside, but backed out. I put his coat on, and he was happy to go out-- briefly. Now that is COLD!
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I was a tea drinker (especially Constant Comment and Earl or Lady Gray) until we retired and DH started grinding beans for his pot of coffee each day. I have always enjoyed the aroma of freshly ground beans and one morning asked for a taste of the coffee. He's made twice as much ever since! 😋
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Well, I found out a few minutes ago that Bandy's Pharmacy which is on the way to our local Aldi's store, not only has Moderna shots, but welcomes walk-in's. We do have some neededd items ( my yummy SkipJack Tuna ) from Aldi's but I will wait in the truck while Dh goes in. My daughter is using my car to go to work. I did get released to drive by the St. Louis Dr. but she is highly aware that it is a sparse traffic area I live in as her husband aactually lives/grew up close by.
Sure happy to have found a good place for me to get that shot. I had that and one other option, but I feel really pressed to get this done now.
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Aaarrrgh! Just learned our neighbors have covid. Spent some time at their house, outside but not masked, before Christmas. Hoping that was long enough ago...
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Betrayal, That should be long ago enough for safety. At least with Omicron you would have had it and be recovering. It hits pretty quickly.
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Betrayal, that was way too long ago for you to worry now.
Petite, "flurona" is not a new vsriant, nor it is even a disease. It is the phenomenon of having flu and COVID at the same time. It's always been a possibility since the pandemic began--but flu shots, the stay-home orders, social distancing and masking kept the flu and even the common cold at bay. The 2019-20 and 2020-21 quadrivalent flu vaccines were right on the money as far as guesstimates of which strains to include. Unfortunately, the 2021-22 version does not contain the particular A-type strain circulating right now, and people have gotten much more lax about meak-wearing and especially social-distancing, So more and more people are catching both, sometimes simultaneously. Though the two different viruses share some common symptoms, flu tends to come on suddenly and hit you like a Mack truck (you can go from fine to utterly miserable within the space of an hour). So if your symptoms came on gradually, assume it's COVID unless proven otherwise. Many health care providers & pharmacies that do PCR testing also test for both A & B types of flu. And if they feel like a mild cold, either test & isolate or just assume it's COVID. If you re-test negative after 5 days but symptoms take more than a week from onset to wane, it's a cold.
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Hi Ladies (ChiSandy and Wren44), I think you were responding to Beaverntx and not me. I have not been exposed to a neighbor (they're in FL) with Covid at Christmas or now. So I am not worried in the least. Thanks for thinking about me though. My social circle is limited to immediate family, physician visits as needed and those at the grocery store when I absolutely have to go. I go nowhere without a mask.
Had to have an MRI today (actually 2, back to back) for back pain which was interesting since they now provide you with disposable underwear and scrubs. They announced that some of the wickable underwear (don't own any because I am really not into exercise clothing) has metal fibers that promote the wicking. They even provided a disposable mask that did not have the nose piece but still snugged to my nose. The scrubs are reusable but were on a hanger and freshly pressed. Not fond of this MRI because it is one of the narrow enclosed ones and if I felt cramped, can't imagine what the guy behind me, who was a strapping athletic over 6 footer, felt when he was in it. Hope he went in feet first for a lower extremity issue.
Have a causation for back pain but not sure of what they can offer to relieve it. Can't take most opioids due to severe nausea and vomiting and just found that I can no longer tolerate Ultram which was the last pain med I could take. Took 1 dose per day even though ordered for every 6 hours and lost lunch after pill 2 on day 2. Use Lidocaine patches at night but don't get much relief. Trying to get an appointment with a pain management group and waiting to hear back from them.
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Betrayal when my back is bad the lidocaine patch doesn’t seem to work. I’ve been trying Voltaren on my lower back, hip to hip. I dId it last night before bed and when I got up to use the bathroom in the middle of the night, I noticed I could stand up straight. Good luck with a pain management group
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I had an MRI of my back several years ago and the tech told me walking out, I know I’m not supposed to say anything but it’s not cancer but arthritis. Who but BC survivors are happy to hear arthritis.
Betrayal, I can’t take narcotics for same reason as you and ultram does the same side effects. Acetaminophen is the only thing I can take. There is an over the counter cream I’ve used called volteran that was helpful for my tennis elbow. My back pain remains tolerable most days. Hope you find a solution and relief from pain
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"True intention is when your heart, mind, and soul unite as one.
When your intention is united, all the universe is behind you--
its fulfillment guaranteed."0 -
I can't take most prescription painkillers either. I take Tylenol or knockoff. When I had surgery, I was given morphine for pain in the hospital.
Mary, that is definitely cold weather you describe. We were down to almost freezing this morning. I stayed in bed until dh got up and turned on the heat. We like to sleep in a cold room, usually with the window open a few inches.
My car delivery and pickup went smoothly yesterday, I'm happy to report. It was ready for pickup by 1:30 and the bill wasn't even as high as it has been, since I had a postcard with a special price for oil change.
Jackie, yay for getting that booster.
I'm having head cold symptoms but that's nothing new. I have dealt with upper respiratory misery most of my life. Currently I'm taking two over-the-counter meds that were originally prescription, one in the morning and one at night. I live with sneezing, nasal drip, congestion but it's bearable. I'm assuming I could have mild Omicron infection and not recognize any difference.
Wishing for relief for those with body pain.
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Sun this morning but it is still pretty cool out of doors. Dh is going for blood draw this morning so late breakfast for us. Kate will work a 12 hr. day today -- people fired or quitting neccesitates covering for a bit. People comr and go at places like gas stations, but Kate likes it and get paid well. Has been with the company for almost five yrs. and seems to remain happy with it.
I was able to go yesterday ( no appt. needed ) to Bandy's and get my booster shot. It was with a great sigh of relief on my part. This has been a rather constant worry on my part and while I won't be fully effective for a bit, my sigh of relief is covering for how happy I am to at last, be at least starting the count-down. Not only planning to be low profile and likely staying home the whole time, I am also contemplating staying in as much as possible until things change where Omicrrom is concerned. I have had no reaction to the shot save for a spot ( injection site ) on my arm feeling sore. I did ask and I received a half dose. I probably should have asked if there was a qualification to receive a larger dose, but as it now soulnds like we may be getting yet another booster in the Fall I let go.
Since we all still suffer the amts. of others who have chosen to ignore the opportunity to be vaccinated, it does sound like the possibility that covid will be a thing similar to getting flu shots yearly. Knock on wood -- I've never had the flu and do now get my flu shots as needed. If we/I have as much success avoiding the flu should covid fall into the same basic category, then hopefully those who choose to keep up - will.
Nothing much planned to today. Normal for me for present is being home and trying tobuild up stamina. I am still amazed at how much of my STARCH is gone, but in time it will be back. I have come to see that older age and an operation can grab you and give you a good shake into a different reality.
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I have Voltaren gel (generic) available because I have used it for my achy knees. Right now knees, knock on wood, are quiet so I will give it a try on my back during the day. Last night I slept until 1:45 and then was awakened in pain. Read until 3:45 when it died down and I was able to go back to sleep. My bed "guardian cat" gives me sass and grumpiness sounds when I displace him with my tossing and turning. It's funny because he is so mild mannered the rest of the time.
I submitted request for pain management appointment via email and as of today will be calling because they have not contacted me. Hate the system for appointments now because it is so convoluted and non-productive to have to speak to those who are remote and uninformed. I know offices were overwhelmed by volume of calls but they at least knew their MD's and you did not have to deal with poor internet connections like the remote workers do.
Mary, I am not sure I would like how cold it is where you live. I don't blame Tippy for making that a short trip outside even with his "fur" coat and the other coat.
Jackie, so glad you were able to get your booster. It helps provide some security from Omicron.
Yesterday, the floor installer was a "no show" by 11:45 when I left for my MRI's and DH tells me he shows up at 12:30. DH tells him that we were not expecting him since he was a "no show" earlier and that he has a MD appointment and I was gone for the day. I went grocery shopping after the MRI's so never got home until 3 PM. He explains he had an emergency in West Chester so DH tells him there is no one here so he can't let him stay. I am so tired of how lackadaisical these restoration workers are in notifying us of when they are coming, etc. Yes, we are more confined by Covid but this does not excuse the lack of communication and disrespect in my book. He still has a significant part of the flooring to finish and I need to point out the footprints (probably from the grout) on seceral of the tiles. He still has the office area to complete and a large storage closet. Then no one can walk on the floors for 24 hours. They will have to shift furniture so he can do the closet so that needs to be scheduled by him as well.
My car has a recall and I've just been notified that I can schedule an appointment but it too requires pretty much the day to repair. It has to do with the passenger seat sensor and I've only been waiting over a year until they had the replacement parts available. Hard to schedule an appointment with this dicey weather because if we get snow, I can no longer risk walking up and down our steep driveway, so it has to be when the driveway can be clear. I don't ever want to hear some young one complain about "old people" because it takes so much more energy just to remain vertical at my age than it ever did at any other and since I am able to do so, even with grumbling about achy joints/pain, etc. I challenge them to try to do so.
When I had my surgery, the post-op orders included an order for percocet which was clearly identified as an "allergy" on my med list since it doesn't even hit bottom after swallowing before it is hastily exiting. When the nurse offered it I told her about this and then a pharmacist comes for a consultation. She asked questions about what meds affected me this way and I really appreciated having this discussion. While it is truly not an "allergy" there is no option for not taking an opioid (or other problem meds) otherwise. She agreed, contacted my MD and had the order changed. So the only opioid I have left is Dilaudid and I'd rather save that for dire pain circumstances. They are loath to order Dilaudid and really any opioid now, which is a detriment to those who are really in pain, so pain management is mainly trial and error. What is causing the back issues are "benign" tumors on my spine that are considered a consequence of aging and usually they are not an issue until they cause SE's.
I also have an issue with Augmentin and have to tell them it is not Amoxicillin that gives me issues but the Augmentin. Was ordered it for a severe sinus infection many moons ago and finally called my PCP to tell her that I would sooner suffer from the infection than the SE of the Augmentin since I had spent the last 3 days in the bathroom. Best bowel prep and weight reduction plan ever but not one I'd recommend nor try again.
It is 19 degrees today and not expected to warm up much but there is no wind compared to yesterday when it was gusty. Poor deer come to raid the birdfeeder midafternoon and their winter coats are really evident. Makes DH crazy that they raid the feeder but they are hungy and need fuel to produce body heat. True seed is not good for them but they will eat anything to fill their bellies. They graze on my bushes, including the azaleas, as they roam through the yard. So I never have to trim the azaleas, the deer do it for me. Have a good day and thanks for the reminder about the Voltaren gel.
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Sorry, I should have been more specific re our neighbors and covid. The Christmas week visit was a neighborhood gathering with all of us boostered. My concern is really related to the spiking numbers in our county and where the neighbors. were exposed to the virus. I keep track of our health department reports and the number of new cases was bouncing along in single or double digits until last week. We are now seeing over 300 new cases daily, and who knows how many unreported cases there are? Hospitalizations are also up significantly. I am double masking when I make the necessary trips to the grocery and not really goIng any place else.
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DD has the vomiting reaction to opioids. After her C-section they approached her with a shot. It was duramorph. She was glad she was awake to refused it.
Tylenol & generic do absolutely nothing for me. I take ibuprofen against my doctor's wishes because I have high blood pressure and it can make it worse. I'm forbidden Naproxen, which works pretty well. It can raise the risk of stroke. I'm doing well for someone with my genetics. Both sides of my family had high blood pressure and heart disease. I just had to increase my HBP meds, but that worked.
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For back & joint pain, topicals/transdermals work best for me. Lidocaine or menthol (BioFreeze) roll-ons help short-term but I'm finding the patches don't do much for me. I used to be able to get Lidoderm 5% prescription patches, which helped--but the OTC 4% lidocaine versions don't really work for me. However, I find Voltaren gel works a bit longer (wish I could find the 2% version I bought in Europe), and overnight the prescription diclofenac (brand name Flector) patches do seem to hold up for about 10-12 hrs. Arnicare gel helps too. ReLeaf makes a CBD/menthol/arnica roll-on (with 3 little steel roller balls) that instantly straightens me up in the a.m. Also, Avexia makes a 1:1 CBD/THC balm that has some transdermal action--but it's only available at weed dispensaries. (Medical rather than recreational is sales-tax-exempt in IL). They used to carry a transdermal CBD gel pen made by Mary's Medicinals--rub one metered-dose squirt on to the vein on the inner wrist, and it goes to work easing mild-to-moderate bsck soreness within one minute. It also has a little THC in it. (Mary's Medicinals also has Sativa, Hybrid, and Indica gel pens). Unfortunately, the only Mary's Medicinals product IL dispensaries sell now are the transdermal patches, which are hella expensive. The CBD-only version of the pens by Mary's Nutritionals is available online.
The reason Augmentin causes you side effects but amoxicillin doesn't? Augmentin is amoxicillin plus clavulinate--so it's the latter to which you're sensitive.
Today was my first time out of the house since Thursday afternoon. Not because of any symptoms, but because I had nowhere to go and the weather sucked majorly. (Ice, then Antarctic temps). Our alley has been a skating rink, which makes leaving and accessing my garage..."interesting." I wish I could go to my favorite restaurants (the ones currently open), but until Omicron blows over (or I can get a fourth shot and it's kicked in) I'm not going anywhere I have to remove my mask (except the dentist). So today was my Hooked on Fish pickup day, after which I braved the still-howling winds and long lines to buy gas at Costco and finally get groceries (without being at the mercy of Instacart delivery windows). So long as I can keep my KN95 or N95 on, I'm okay. Maybe I will get takeout from Regalia--I don't feel quite comfortable eating inside there for now.
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King Soopers (part of Kroger) is going on strike this morning. They plan for the strike to last 3 weeks. It seems obvious they didn't want to come to an agreement if the know how long the strike will last. They are short staffed to begin with, so those who might have crossed the picket line in the past won't apply since so many people have left the work forc. The news said yesterday the store shelves were empty. Need somewhere else to shop. Probably Sprouts and maybe Safeway. Rather skip Target and Walmart as they are too large.
Didn't sleep well last night. Been up since 3am but waited till 4.30 to get out of bed.
Stay safe and stay warm.
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The power went off for about an hour, so we went back to bed and snuggle up. 48 degrees and going to 70. I can't take most pain meds either. Nothing planned for today, so will work on household projects.
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I have been doing Walmart pickup for several weeks. Just made a standing appointment for a volunteer to pick it up on Fridays. I got some masks, so maybe will get back in the habit. Staying at home is wearing thin.
Yesterday I got back on cable TV. I also switched to Spectrum for phone. Talked with tech support on both, but had very few problems. The building's antenna is broken, and I don't think they are going to repair it. I need local news, and I am so used to watching the 5:30 national news. PBS is good, especially with BBC's less biased world news. I will actually be paying less for communications and entertainment.
I am cutting 6 inch squares of sari scraps. Expecting some lightweight fusible interfacing for some of the sheerest fabrics. I think I will be making pillowcases of the patchwork, although I dream of a kaftan-type top.
I schedule about eleven hours of sleep-time in order to get seven hours. I have decided to not fight the times I wake up, but get up and move around (with crutch, as brace is extra time to put it on and take it off). I usually wake up for meds around 4:30, but this morning when I wok up about then I didn't awaken sufficiently to remember to do it.
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I wish you humor and a twinkle in the eye.
I wish you glory and the strength to bear its burdens.
I wish you sunshine on your path and storms to season your journey.
I wish you peace--in the world in which you live and in the smallest corner
of the heart where truth is kept.
I wish you faith--to help define your living and your life.
More I cannot wish you--except perhaps love--to make all the rest worthwhile. -Robert A. Ward0 -
Ah today. Looks to be suny again. Don't see wind right now but that is a little deceptive until you get outside. We have to take the little new kitten to the Vet today. Will have to go in the truck for which I'm definitely not fond. Dh insisted on having a truck -- but we are at a age where it is not handy as it once was. We are too old to haul much, and if we do, we have to make sure someone is here to remove what comes home. I find bumping along uncomfortable and maybe my imagination but while the truck is a Chevy ( like my car ) it seems so very much louder.
Kate is still using my car and will be for awhile yet. The kitten is spunky so may be just fine in the carrier in the truck. I'll be glad to get this step done with. Next will be Bill who needs bath and grooming quite a bit. He never stays out long, but I'm reluctant to get all his souble-coated hair off. Guess we will settle for a good trim.
I'm still trying to figure out my web mail and how to freely move in and out like I use to with my Internet Explorer programs. I've always disliked most web mail services. They always elt cumbersome to me. Also, unfortunately the switch over seems to have complicated FB ( didn't use it too much but I do keep up with some family and really good ffiends ) and they say I've changed a password two yrs. ago and they neither will let me in or give me a screen to ACTUALLY change the password and resume use. I need a nerd for sure. Well, I may go to our local computer repair and see if they are aware of anything I can do .
I did find in a search that there are some free mail programs that operate ( from the pictures and diagrams I saw ) possibly much like IE, but I'm not at all sure they are right for me. First off, my current service ( web ) won't help if you have a problem and then since I'm so challenged by electronics, I may not be able to work with ? who tends these mail programs. I did note it seems as well they are not located here but foreign countries.
Hoping you all have a good day.
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This thread made me smile. It's funny to see how some women identify with "older", when I see their age and think they are youngsters. As we know, BC does not discriminate about age. I am 69 y/o and my secret for staying young is to remain permanently immature. Carry on Kids!
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Jackie, I've been using Yahoo.com for my email for many years and have/ have had no problems. It's free and its home page has news. I usually read some articles before checking my email.
I find Google irritating now because it ignores your real search in favor of showing ads that are somewhat related to the search. I've learned to scroll down past the ads. The same ads pop up as you look at additional result pages. I guess someone has to pay for the free use. I am often looking for recipes and a lot of food blogs pop up. They are filled with ads, too, but I can usually navigate straight to the recipe.
Today is a scramble and luncheon for the women's golf group at our club but I am not participating. It's cold for golf this morning and I'm not about to join a large gathering with the local hospitals full of Covid patients. I understand that many cases of Omicron are like bad colds or the flu but I would prefer not to have either if I can avoid it.
I do continue to attend senior exercise classes despite the risks. It's a calculated decision based on benefit versus risk. I maintain distance and wear a mask until the exercise begins.
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Yes, I know it is the clavulinate that is the issue with Augmentin but some clown added Amoxicillin to my drug allergy list in addition to the Augmentin and it is murder to get it removed once a supposed professional adds it. Then when I think it is finally gone, it pops up again and I go through the same hoops to get it removed because I do not know who added it initially and only they can permanently remove it. Seems stupid to me.
I went to the dentist today and was surprised to see that one woman opted to not wear a mask. She was on her way out so I asked the hygientist about it. She said they cannot mandate masks since the state hasn't put it in place. I told her I had an issue with this since they cannot clean teeth unless you remove your mask and I felt vulnerable. I see that some are relaxing mask use when our county has declared an emergency due to the unprecedented numbers of Covid cases and one hospital system (4 hospitals) is suspending all admissions (unless a dire emergency) and surgeries. There are only 9 local hospitals so this really places the burden on the others to handle those with Covid. Surrounding counties are also experiencing issues so not the time to have a medical emergency.
Jackie, I must have missed the announcement about the new kitten. Congrats and many happy purrs to you.
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I was volunteering with cats and occasionally got bitten. The doctor wanted me to take Augmentin. Luckily I knew that it contained amoxicillin and I'm allergic. I'm pretty sure allergies are at the top of my medical chart. So I end up with doxycycline for cat bites. Hate that I can't have milk in my coffee for the duration.
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Betrayal, the new kitten actually found it's way to our house via my daughter and where she worked. Her story is that a lady brought the kitten inside ( fortunately a very short while before my daughter was due to get off her shift. She put it in her sweatshirt as it was shivering. It was little and it ws very cold that night. I had not even been released from the hospital yet. At any rate, it has done well here, but I suddenly got ringworm a while after I got home. All the other cats were here.
We blamed little Charlie. Today at Dr. Britt's we find that the kitten does NOT have ringworm. This was a huge surprize and it turns out his kitty exam didn't turn up anything. We were sent home with a dewormer and advised to come back in a month for his booster and they would nueter him at the same time. We do not allow any cat to be here who isn't TAKEN care of so that will definitely be an item in his near future.
We can't figure out the ringworm and whom I could have gotten it from, but it doesn't seem like Charlie Brown was the culprit. Well, mine is nearly all gone so I am not going to worry about it at this late date. Just glad that I won't have to keep distance now where the cats are concerned.
Just to add -- my daughter has the same kind of heart that I do when it comes to cats and abandoned animals and while it could have happened just as she said -- that a lady found the cat on the lot and brought it inside --- she may be stretching some facts as far as something could be stretched.
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Love your soft heart for the animals, Jackie. My daughter fosters kittens for a local shelter - between the time they are weaned and are neutered and had shots and therefore ready for adoption. This week she adopted one that she fostered over 2 years ago - now a lovely 3 year old. One of the two sisters that she's had for 10 years needs to be put down so she feels it was meant to be that Jingles came back to the shelter.
I know it will be inconvenient but I hope the Kroger workers win their case. Debbie works in the deli at her local grocery and it certainly sounds like they aren't very worker friendly. Three people in her department have had covid recently and nothing has been done to sanitize at all. They are short staffed. Gave employees a small raise but said it was only temporary. She will be looking for something else as soon as she gets her "cat situation" settled down.
Golf weather here in AZ. Don't miss the snow at all. We are "hunkering down" though. I cancelled the book club meeting scheduled at my house next week and have been a "no show" at a couple of meetings because people aren't masking much here. I'm not too worried about myself but think even a mild case would be very hard on Ken.
Be safe, everyone.
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I have a question for those in cold climes. I see ads for winter boots online. The people are either wearing no show socks or are barefoot. There's an inch or 1.5 inch between the boot top and their pants. Do people really wear them like that? I wear wool socks that extend under my slacks and can't imagine deliberately leaving an uncovered spot on my legs. And if people do, why?
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Wren44: If I wear no show socks in my snow boots I make sure my pants can be tucked into the boots. I do not want a gap at all. When I was working I would wear the socks over my knee hi stockings and remove them when I put my shoes on. If my feet are cold, then so is the rest of me and vice versa.
Jackie: Thanks for filling me in. That is how I got my youngest cat. My DD saw her at her BIL's and he was threatening to either move her to a place where she would most likely be killed (he works at a shipyard and she weighed less than 3 lb) or to kill her outright because he did not want it hanging around his house or children. Both the mom and the other kitten had disappeared and she was licking grease from his grill off the deck she was so hungry. So DD was animal/house sitting for me while we were on vacation and she ended up in my powder room so she did not mingle with the 2 other cats or dog. My DD had taken her to the vet for primary care and told me (I think her fingers were crossed behind her back) that she was "actively" looking for a home for her. So of course she ended up never leaving but the deal I struck was that she is responsible for all vet care and she has cat insurance on her plus she has had to take her to the vet on occasion prior to Covid. She drives the other 2 crazy but she is quite entertaining so no complaints here though I guess I am 1 cat closer to a future "crazy cat lady" designation, LOL. Now if I could only find her missing collar and tags which we know are in the house because they are all house cats.
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Wren, They sell winter boots down here in Florida, too. I can't imagine why, especially those fuzzy lined ones. Maybe it is Florida boot models. LOL I do wear ankle high boots, sometimes, but not fuzzy lined and with socks.
I am feeling better. Yesterday my joints hurt and I just wanted to lay around and read. That is exactly what I did.
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