Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
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Betrayal, I am so glad you are going to become a larger influence in her life. The homeless outreach seems to be a great option for her. And the fact that her son and WFH (?) live with her. She definitely will have to re-learn how to take care of her own needs after what she has been through with her mother and her husband.
My order of fabric is finally on its way, and I am on my way to completing the big job. Been working on it since December. Will be nice to finally get paid.
I have been doing too much lately, and it interferes with my sleep. I cut way back, and hopefully will again sleep well. Need to work instead on my exercises. In physical therapy I am making progress, although it makes me feel like a three-year old. I have mixed feelings about having read that article from Mayo and finding out that there is an answer.
Sandy, you have options now, and will probably take two of them so you can make your choices based on the weather.
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Good morning. I saw a deer in the woods behind the house. I have not seen one in years, especially with all the building going on. Yesterday my wonderful lady that helps me and I worked in the yard. My large Bird of Paradise is now only about 3 or 4' tall. We hard 2 hard freezes below 26 degrees and it did not do well. We also planted some small plants and cleaned up the side of the house with the most foliage. It was bad. So many pine needles and oak leaves. We must have removed 2 miles of Virginia Creeper and Kudzu. Today, the well and irrigation people will be out to replace the sediment filter, a few sprinkler heads, and better coverage in one section. Before they get here, I have to run and pick up Miss Felix's thyroid medication from the Vet and a few grocery items.
Sorry to hear about so many sad things going on.
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Mary, WFH means work from home. I think caring for her mother did prepare her for the care required by her husband but her mother was a tall, birdlike woman (ate like a horse darn her and remained reedlike) and her husband looked more like a line backer. So the size disparity and his confusion, combativeness and hallucinations were the real challenge. It was really tough when he became less able to communicate normally. He could communicate it was just for the most part, not appropriate to the topic and a lot of it was yelling. Even though her DS lives there, his Dad's condition scared him so he was not much help except when needed for physical parts since he is also a large guy. At this point it will take her a while to determine/regain her own identity and I am sure she will have much support from her church and people who live closer. I think our relationship has always been solid and that she can discuss feelings freely that others may not be able to understand, so I'll remain her ear. We have been friends for over 56 years and have celebrated many highs and lows together.
Glad your big job is nearing an end. what's the plan for your new fabric?
Sandy: It sounds like your wedding plans are in the final phase and that your wardrobe issues are settled. I hope the wedding turns out to be very pleasant and the weather cooperative. I love NO especially at this time of year before it gets to be too humid.
petite1: The deer you saw is it a white tail or the ones native to the Keys? Our herd of does comes every day to raid the bird feeder. So we are anxiously waiting for the greenery to erupt so they will switch to that.
Gray today though it is supposed to hit the 70's and then thunderstorm like crazy tonight.
The tile guy finally installed the sill to the master bath yesterday so that room is finally done! Yeah! He was in the neighborhood so he called and asked it he could swing by. We were home and were agreeable. Now they can finally start on restoring the floors in the living room and painting the stairwell, foyer and living room. I have a feeling they will need to refinish the oak steps to the basement and the oak steps to the upstairs due to them being covered with heavy construction paper for the past 2 years. Grit has gotten under the paper and I am sure has done a job on the finish. We'll see when they finally do the uncovering. I will be glad to see that paper go. Have a good day.
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I am going to be making linings and belts for my client's items. These fabrics are usually fairly sheer and translucent. Linings picking up on a bright color will add a glow to some of the fabrics. I am getting all of the remnants. I have them posted for sale but have sold only one. One of my best friends manages most of the local craft sales. I am seriously considering making the remnants into display pieces for craft sales. I have been wearing them fairly often, as a gentle form of advertisement. I have been making scrunchies out of some pieces, to get people interested in what I have. Then I will have to order some packages of saris from India. It is sort of scary, but I have made an investment, so I have to follow through.
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Good morning. It was a white tail deer. We had a lot of rain yesterday and I am not too sure about the walk my BFF and I had planned for today, I am afraid the bugs would be biting. Maybe we will just do lunch and a trip to the library. Hoping everyone has a pleasant weekend.
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I made a trip to Joe's Family Shoe Store yesterday which has been in business 40 years and has a huge inventory. I have been a customer for quite a number of years. Recently I bought a pair of SAS sandals from a seller on Amazon. I discovered that the price was at least $10 more than Joe's price. So it's worth getting in the car and driving 20 minutes. It had come to my attention recently that prices on Amazon can be higher than at other sources.
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May every soul that touches mine—be it the slightest contact—get from there some good; some little grace; one kindly thought; one aspiration yet unfelt; one bit of courage for the darkening sky; one gleam of faith to brave the thickening ills of life; one glimpse of brighter skies beyond the gathering mists—to make this life worthwhile. -George Eliot
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Let me add my wishes for those recovering from loss or illnesses or just from being worn out. You know, sometimes older age can be hard work. I hope if you are having any tests or procedures that they go well for you. Dementia in any form is hard for everyone. Hoping for those undergoing the role of caregiver, hope you are able to find an outlet for some relaxation time for yourself. I know that can be hard to come by but I'm hoping something presents that gives you some respite.
I went to see the Urologist on Tues. Set up an appt. for the scope on 4/5 and then in the afternoon after a call from my PCP ( her tests read as Congestive Heart Failure ) took a trip to the Marion V.A. Hosp. Stabilized well and just got home this afternoon ( Fri. ). I have chosen after seeing the Cardiologist at the V.A. that it is imperative that I change and start seeing her. I worked with her once and the difference was amazing and seeing how I lost all confidence in the Cardiologist from our hospital here, I told Dr. Rueben I'l be returning for care to the V.A. She is willing to see me as often as needed and to make as many med. adjustments as necessary to give me the best chance to keep my heart health as stable as possible with as little deterioration as possible. A far cry from see you in 6 mos. and if someone else gave you meds let them take care of it, even if it is for your heart.
So, I will go and have the scope and cross my fingers, but I am concerned. Otherwise all is well and I'm once again feeling great. It is so good to be home. The care in our V.A. Hosp. is pretty good and the facility is nice and clean and it seems like most of the staff shows a lot of care and concern. I really couldn't hope for more.
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Lady - sorry to hear that you've been having more health problems. Pleased that you are comfortable with the care that you are now getting. My brother really likes the VA hospital that he uses.
Spring break went by quickly, but did get a lot done in the kitchen.
Have a good week-end.
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Looks like most of us are finding our way back. I "bookmarked" this forum and also the TP one which I still support. Sister and BIL are here for a long weekend from Boston. The three of us went to the zoo this morning. My knee is really throbbing tonight. Good dinner at our country and the four of us are just "doing our thing" separately now. Have a good weekend everyone.
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A few days ago, I felt unwell. I thought it was the beginning of flu or covid, but with the extended-release Tylenol I am taking for my knee, I really couldn't tell. I did a phone interview and made an appointment yesterday morning to get tested. Negative on both strains of flu, and nothing seen on covid. With all the Lent activities at church, I must have just been unnecessarily fearful of getting out and about.
I have been making a conscious effort to walk less. I had a few days, a week or so ago, when my knee was relatively pain-free. Started walking the dog, especially our walk around the park, and overdid it. One day we were horsing around and I rammed my hand onto his open mouth. I have one shallow cut and several other bruised areas, but no inflammation. My fabric order arrived.
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The important thing is not to stop questioning.Curiosity has its
own reason for existing.One cannot help but be in awe when
one contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous
structure of reality.It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend
a little of this mystery every day.Never lose a holy curiosity.
Albert Einstein0 -
Mary, glad your tests ( flu & covid ) turned out negative for issues. I was un-aware until using the emergency rm. that now two tests are required. Had no idea that you could test for flu. Like you, I still have fears. We will have ( thanks Reps. ) covid in some form with us for a very long time. I do hope enough people finally get the necessary number of shots and that we do reach something of a saturation point on it but I know we are definitely far from that yet.
I am fortunate to be from a small area and best I can tell, they have ( local health depts. especially ) set up boundaries for those who test positive and seem to have kept good control of any outbreaks. Knock on wood -- no one in my household has gotten sick. The numbers here of hospitalized or ill people has gone down pretty significantly, but I sure don't see us being able to venture out anywhere w/o protection of masks. Outdoor dining would likely be okay when the weather is better.
Hope your knee gets back to no pain again. Always making adjustments, huh !!!
I am fine today. Sent home from hospital w/ great digital scale ( I have the old fashioned kind ) and it is hard to read the correct numbers -- at least as far as needing to be spot on for medical purposes. Called the hospital and told them --- all we tried and the new scale would just not work. Monday they will send us another one thru the mail. Seems the one they gave us is great. Has a very wide area to stand on -- un-like the older non-digital scales -- and it feels quite heavy. Anyway -- my old scale now reads me at 144 rather then the 157 I was staying at before. The V.A. really took a lot of water off apparently. Of course, I do think my scale is not actually REAL correct -- but I can go with it as I can still calculate a rise in the number which would indicate my taking on water I shouldn't. Two lbs. and I have to call in --- if it is 5 lbs. I just go straight to the emergency room. I think I'll be okay for now. They are hoping the pills will now suffice to keep me in check.
Hoping for a little sun today ( a bit out there, but fairly muted ) as it said cloudy all day. I haven't kept up with weather here and in the hospital I could only find fairly local forecasts for that area and not mine. It is nice to see though all those little tree shrubs that get their green leaves first. Easter lilies are up ( I likely missed the tulips ) and gracing areas where sm. clusters of them abound.
Hoping you all have a beautiful day.
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Jackie, glad you are more satisfied with your care from physicians.
There is hardly a mask to be seen in our vicinity. I keep a mask in my purse but I have stopped wearing it. DH called about the 2nd booster shot yesterday and it's now available. So we both will be getting it. I ordered the free covid home tests and we have four on hand. The pollen is really heavy and I tend to get a sinus headache every day despite taking three allergy meds. Fortunately the Tylenol for Arthritis relieves it.
The leaves have popped out and the delicate spring green is visible everywhere you look. Also the spring blossoms: azaleas, bridal wreath, wisteria. We have two large wisteria shrubs, one on either side of the driveway, and they are gorgeous this year. The bees are loving them.
Wishing everyone a happy Saturday.
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Jackie, missed your presence on the forum and was just about to sound the alarm that you hadn't posted recently. Glad that you have switched to a cardiologist who gives a damn and not one who wants others to do his job for him. He should just retire and save his other patient's from his lack of caring. Digital scales don't lie so it should help you with an accurate weight and the ability to monitor your weight to the nth degree. I really want my scale to lie to me but that is not the way it works, darn. I have plateaued and can;t budge from where I am even though I am more active and watch what I eat.
Sunny today but only in the 40's but I will take the sun. Working on genealogy after a brief break and that keeps me busy and occupied. Doing laundry and will vacuum and dust later. Have a good weekend.
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Jackie, hope all your scans & tests went well and the scope is uneventful.
Well, in the "if anything can go wrong, it will" dept.:
First, went to the cleaner to pick up the pants from the pantsuit--and they are still insanely long. They are 2" longer than the ones I brought along for reference--and they won't be ready again till 4:30 WEDNESDAY! (Mind you, I was supposed to start packing Tues. night or Wed. morning for our early-morning flight Thurs). So I might have to bring the Dillard's size 16 dress after all (and have people ask if I've lost weight).
Then, went to get more cat food at Petsmart and got a nasty paper cut as I was reaching for some cans on one of those little corrugated cardboard flats. I had to pull a sliver of paper out of the cut before I used the last Band-Aid in my purse.
Then I went back to the car--and the low-tire-pressure light came on: BOTH front tires were low (Subaru under-inflated them when they installed them 2 weeks ago). Was lucky to find a brake shop en route home that could inflate them properly.
And Happy has begun vomiting and having loose stools again. We warned our landscaper (who will cat-sit if our HK comes to the wedding) he's got IBD and will have to be administered a steroid pill and probiotic cap daily--but I don't think he knows what he's in for re: the digestive issues at both ends. Not to mention when he feeds Heidi (who insists on keeping her own erratic hours) he has to watch her food like a hawk and keep turning the dish for her so she can see the food through her cataracts--not to mention Happy stealing any leftovers. Oy.
At least we did land a private room for Sunday brunch, at Palm & Pine on the edge of the Quarter. (So no need to roll the dice on walking in to Mulate's--and Palm & Pine, which is southern/Latin fusion farm-to-table, can easily accommodate one of our guests' cardiac diet). Party of 22 went down to 14 last night but back up to 16 today. They need final headcount, signed contract & menu/drink package choices tomorrow--just got the deposit out of the way.
Oh, and it's snowing again here, with severe storms predicted for NOLA on Tues. and Wed. (when the kids fly in). Karen, you know the saying "mah nishtana halayla hazeh*," appropriate for the season as well.
*(For the rest of you here, that's the intro to the Four Questions at the Passover Seder: "Why is this night different from all other nights?" Customarily asked by the youngest kid in attendance. First attendee to answer "same old, same old" has to stand in the corner).
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Sandy, i agree fully with you. -- Oy !!! When it rains it pours.
Hope it all works out better than anyone thinks right now with the long list of not rights.
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Jackie - I’m so glad the got you back on track. We used to weigh my dad every morning, part of the wake up ritual.
MCBaker - glad you tested negative on all counts.
Sandy - I had a ‘step mother of the groom’ dress taken up in the shoulders, seemed fine. By end of the night my underarms were sore. Seamstress never checked and I was oblivious, by taking up the shoulder it raised the dress up into my armpit. That’s a dress I donated, because I’ll never wear it again.
We are both scheduled to get our second booster today. I’m at 11:30, he’s set for 5 pm. We’re going to our last spring training game today in between boosters. I’ve got to run, have a great Sunday!
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I'm so envious you get to see spring training! (Grapefruit League as opposed to Cactus)?
Planned to go out this afternoon and get Bob a nice pair of gray pants to go with the navy blazer he'll wear to the wedding (the navy pants he owns are a different shade, and he has no actual suit that fits him because he's had no need for one for over 2 years). So I went online to Men's Wearhouse, Kohl's, Nordstrom, Macy's and even Target to see what was in stock in his size (34 inseam isn't easy to find these days except in a 40+ waist at Big&Tall shops), and NOT "slim" or "modern" fit. Well, I came up dry. Nothing available for pickup before Wed. (we leave Thurs), and delivery wouldn't be until after we get home. I thought this "online-only" or "not sold in store" crap was only for women's stuff. What DO these places carry in stock anymore besides jeans, T-shirts, and sweats?
Bob brought me a new NEJM article strongly urging that postmenopausal Luminal A patients stop AIs after 5 years--the risk of fractures, diabetes, hyperlipidemia and cardiovascular events seriously impairs the quality of any extension of life (and the side effects of bone-strengthening drugs pose their own problems). The article was written after a study at the University of Vienna (Austria, not VA), so I imagine there might be pushback from American MOs. Nevertheless, I'm not waiting till my 4/22 appt. with my MO--I will patient-portal-message her in the morning. I've been on Letrozole for almost 6-1/2 years. Not gonna stop until she agrees--but also in no hurry to renew my prescription. (I'm sure she reads the NEJM, not just oncology journals).
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Good idea, Sandy. That is too long.
I have had two cups of coffee, and checked out the news. I woke up, checked my watch, had some coffee, checked the news, checked my fitbit. I am going to go back to bed.
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Find joy in simplicity, self-respect, and indifference to what lies between virtue and vice. Love the human race. Follow the divine.
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Hmm, I slept for hours last night. By that I mean that I dosed thru all the nighttime t.v programs we had on. Dh went to bed and I 'stayed' up to watch more t.v. Fell asleep and got up at 1:30 a.m. to go to the bathroom. Came back to take my melatonin, turned off the t.v. and promptly fell asleep.
Today looks cloudy now -- not sure what we will get. Last night I had to send Dh out for another blood pressure cuff. The one I got from Walgreens a few yrs. back ( not all that long though ) failed and right now I really need to keep tract. Hmmm -- scale we brought home needs replaced. The V.A. is sending out a new one for us today. I hope they will overnight the package. Then the blood pressure cuff goes. I could have brought home one of those as well. The V.A. is excellent at getting different items of equipment into the hands of people who might otherwise go without. I have hearing aids ( new replacements coming on the 13th. ) shower chair, did have a blood pressure cuff, and will have a scale. They will also send out some cardio equipment soon which I can have -- even if I decide their cardio re-hab is not for me. No idea when I signed on with them that they take that kind of care of you. I am fortunate and grateful.
Nothing much planned for the day but to pay bills and otherwise continue trying to do catch-up from my recent hospital stay. I hope you all have a fantastic day.0 -
I resolved last night to get up early and drive to the Outpatient Clinic for blood work that SHOULD have been included in previous blood work. My sleep was disturbed by dreams of getting up early. I kept looking at the clock during the night. Finally I was awakened by the coffee pot making the morning coffee. I got up and was on my way about 6:40.
I passed up the clinic and had to circle back. The doors hadn't opened yet and five people were standing there waiting. Not a face mask to be seen inside the clinic. Even the techs were bare faced. When I grumbled a bit about having to make a 2nd trip for blood work, the tech said my doctor's nurse was "the worse" for not getting things right in blood work orders.
The good news is that I was home by 7:33 and walked into a house that smelled wonderfully of coffee.
My Evil Bathroom Scale is digital. I bought it some years ago. I usually weigh less on a doctor's office scale but Less is not Good.
No plans for today other than senior exercise class at the gym at 11:30.
The forecast is for the possibility of more stormy weather tomorrow.
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I have re-calibrated my scale. I hadn't used it since the broken knee, but the other day I tried it, and I haven't gained any. I am sure Tippy has. I think my salads have helped a lot. Just so eager to get back to walking him around downtown. But right now around the block is plenty, even he wants to go further. I did not get back to sleep. I got up and changed the bed, then gave Tippy a bath. The two things are connected. No accidents, just doggy.
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Grapefruit league it is, we go to Hammond stadium, home of the Minnesota Twins. Because I see them so much down here, I've continued to root for them during regular season.
We both got our 2nd boosters yesterday. Mine was to be at 11:30, but once I was called up to the counter I didn't have my vaccination card on me. Ugh - I use a small fanny pack to carry over my shoulder on game days. It had all my needs for the game but no cards. We ran home to get them and then went off to the game. The pharmacist was willing to let me get my shot when partner got his, at 5 pm. It didn't hurt, but after I showered it appeared swollen. During the night it was painful if I tried to sleep on it. Just noticed it's still swollen.
I weighed myself on my digital scale and I'm down 3 pounds. I've started to cut out all of my snacks. I'll have a Fiber One brownie or maybe a piece of dark salted chocolate, but no more eating half a bag of kettle corn from Aldi's. And I'm skipping ice cream (w chocolate sauce & whipped cream) after dinner every night. Life is less enjoyable, hahaha, but I'd like to live for some time left to come. I'd like to get back to pre-pandemic weight (another 9# to go) and tone up my body again. So I'm off on my bike ride, better late than never, which takes me to the gym. Have a great day ladies
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Carole, per the NYT Louisiana has the nation's lowest COVID transmission rate--more than twice as low as Cook County. So I'll be safer in NOLA than I am here. They still have their indoor-mask and proof-of-vax mandates, whereas Chicago lifted ours four weeks ago. I am packing a navy blue KN95 for the wedding and a burgundy one for the brunch. For the rehearsal dinner I will stick with black (I couldn't find any in dark green), and black or gray for travel. I keep a sealed N95 and spare KN95s in my purse and the pockets of all my coats & jackets.
So I checked the gray dress pants (bought with his navy blazer) Bob wore to work yesterday and swears are fine. Obviously, he looked at only the front--there are two prominent rips on the R butt-cheek (likely snagged on a nail or splintery wall or molding). He never noticed it (nor did his colleagues) because he wears his hospital consult coat over it at work. The blazer won't cover it. If I didn't have a friend coming over to pick up some back pain meds I'd fill the kibble dish and hotfoot it to Men's Wearhouse (assuming they've got those pants in stock in his size).
I wish I could cut back on late-night snacks.
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Jackie - glad to hear that you are doing better
Mary - glad that you didn't have the flu or Covid
Sandy - it will all come together how its supposed. I'm sure you'll will look lovely in all the clothes as mother of the groom. The count down is on.
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GRRRR....I just lost an entire post when, after hitting "submit" I got kicked back to the log-in page. I'm tired of having to copy & paste every post to my Notes app.
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Got my second booster, which is a misnomer because it is a full dose, not a partial dose of vaccine, today. Checked on line and was able to schedule one for this evening. Was in and in in less than 20 minutes and I was the third one in the injection line. Hopefully I will not experience any side effects because I have been lucky to not have had any with the other 3 doses.
It was a sunny but cool day so I ran to the grocery store for some staples. I have been eating salads for lunch and have been loving it even though it seems the same meal, it always tastes a bit different. I get my veggies in and vary the veggies so it isn't boring. Add hummus to up the protein and vary that as well.
Tomorrow I'd like to run to a local landscaping supply to see what is available from EP Henry and Techo Bloc for our new sidewalk. They are open early but also close early so this may be our after breakfast run. I found one place that carries both so that's where we will head.
I ordered some small red flags like the utility companies use to identify their lines, etc. because I have naturalized daffodils that need to be thinned. If I mark the larger clumps I can take my time in digging them up once they finish flowering, can spearate them and replant in areas where I can encourage them to naturalize. Initially I planted about 100 of them on one bed over 20 years ago and I now have them planted in satellite areas due to prior thinnings. I am loving my yard right now but hate that it is for such a brief period even though they bloom at different times due to varietal differences. The hostas (deer salad) are erupting and they will need some thinning as well. So I will mark them as well. I have some bulbs coming from Brecks for planting now and then will get some more in the fall. I prefer perennials for established beds and use annuals only for the patio. Some of the beds have either vinca vine or pachysandra as ground cover so I don;t have to do as much weeding or mulching. I used to love to mulch but I am getting too old to be slinging those heavy bags around. As you can tell, I am itching to get working in the garden but it is still too early.
Sandy, enjoy the wedding. It sounds like your husband and mine have something in common as far as the back of their pants. He was always ripping his wallet pocket or the side pockets by catching them on something. I hope you can locate replacement pants before you go.
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I found a Men's Wearhouse in the S. Loop that has those exact same pants and will hem them to 34" inseam for me to pick up tomorrow.
Betrayal, which vaccine did you get? All four of mine were Moderna--the first three were full doses, the fourth one a "booster" dose (or so Walgreen's told me).
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