Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?

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Comments

  • cindyny
    cindyny Member Posts: 1,319
    edited December 2022

    I caved in and put our heat on. First time since we bought the house in Nov 2015. The house was 66 and nothing needed to. E cooked, so it felt chilly. With guests I won’t let them be cold so turned it on. A good burning dust smell let us know it was on, and it felt good.

    We 3 girls ran down to the Edison Ford Winter Estate to see the lights. We went early so the temperature wouldn’t kill us. We were in thick fleece jackets and not frozen but very cool. Always beautiful.

    image

  • 1946taco
    1946taco Member Posts: 299
    edited December 2022

    You ladies are so smart - I couldn't even figure out the copy and paste thing after someone told me about it. I seem to be more and more computer impaired. My Family Tree Maker and Ancestry are doing strange things and I tried to update our Guidestar rating and keep going around in a circle. Will send it to one of our younger board members tomorrow.

    Quiet holiday with too much good food. Our Boxing Day luncheon got cancelled due to Ann's illness and I have been totally lazy (other than fight with the compute and one dog walk).

    Hope you are all managing in this crazy weather. DD broke down and got a hotel room for a night because her house got so cold. Her cats, particularly the older one, certainly weren't happy about it. She was calling generator places already this morning not realizing that it probably was a holiday for most businesses. And even if she finds one she probably can't get it put in until the ground thaws.

    Has anyone heard from Keywestern lately? I seem to remember that this time of year was particularly hard for her.

    Have a good week.

  • carolehalston
    carolehalston Member Posts: 8,190
    edited December 2022

    Petite, sorry that you and your dh are ill.

    We have been blessed with sunshine through the cold weather. Tomorrow back to 70 by early afternoon.

    Happy Tuesday.

  • petite1
    petite1 Member Posts: 2,291
    edited December 2022

    Good morning. I am not 100%, but better. DH, not so much. It is warming up to 59. I am going to uncover the plants we attempted to save.

    MC, the hot tub sounds interesting.

    Cindy, thanks for the photo. The house looks smaller than I remember, but it has been a long time.

  • mavericksmom
    mavericksmom Member Posts: 1,275
    edited December 2022

    taco, I am right there with you! I am not tech savvy! Glad your DD got a hotel room!

    Petite, glad to hear you are feeling better! Hope your husband feels better soon!

    We didn't mask on Christmas when we were with my DD and family, but I will when I go for my hair appointment today if it is crowded.

    It's official, I put in for retirement. Last work day will be Feb. 10th. I just can't do it anymore. I was going to try for mid-March, but I don't want to wait that long. I haven't told my boss yet, but will when I go back to work next Tuesday. Also, HR. My pension is with the state so I got the ball rolling there. I only need to give two weeks notice at work, but I want them to be able to look for a replacement as soon as possible.

    Cindy, the photo is beautiful! We keep our heat on 68 during the day, 66 at night when we are sleeping. A few degrees does make a difference and we go by what works for us. I would have cranked up the heat if I were you too!

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Member Posts: 39,545
    edited December 2022

    Going back to the origin is called peace; it means reversion
    to destiny. Reversion to destiny is called eternity. Those
    who know eternity are called enlightened.

    Lao-Tzu

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Member Posts: 39,545
    edited December 2022

    Count me in Taco and Maverick. I am somewhat computer illiterate. I held off until we moved back home here in 1997. Now that is starting to be a long time ago now, but a lot of life was intervening in those years. Despite that, I've managed to be able to do okay -- no prizes won mind you. I still have little insight into just what is going on, but at least I don't sit down already wondering how long til' I make it blow up accidentally.

    We bought a computer service that could fix anything much over the phone, but they gave up the ghost. Apparently no longer profitable for them. I go to a local little computer company here in town that repairs and sets up new computer systems to your specs. They also do a marvelous job and their prices seem very, very fair. They have a few 'standard' fees, but if they don't do much, they don't charge much. I've been in there expecting to turn over at least a $70.00 bill and paid nothing. My Dh accidentally messed up one setting when I was in the hospital and I had to take it in when I got home. Charge $ 0.00 The guy saw it right away and within two minutes -- issue solved.

    We keep our heat set on 72 here. Mainly due to letting our indoor/outdoor cats in and out -- several times a day. I would like it cooler at bedtime but getting Dh to do it just hasn't happened. He is stubborn about certain things, and around these parts that is also known as rail headed. He refuses to try it to see if he could sleep better. My room naturally stays a bit cooler from shutting the bedroom door which I do faithfully. That makes it tolerable for me.

    It is sunny today but not a lot warmer. I think it will get to maybe 38 with q small amt. of breeze. Thankfully is it is not near as consistent as it was when we were having zero and below temp's taking place. It will warm up. I'd like it sooner, but it will take about a week.

    Tomorrow, Dh goes for two more places on his head to be operated on and then in the afternoon I will have an appt. in Mt. Vernon with Dr. Madhari, the Cardiologist. It is so great that he comes to Mt. Vernon now and I don't have to drive all the way to Marion. Not sure about the how's and why's on that, but I'm sure it is better in many cases. Also less expensive. I don't know much about the contracts used to set up and allow V.A. patients to make use of outside Dr.'s when they are 40 miles or more from a V.A. facility/hospital but I'm sure it comes to less to have some of the specialists go to the satellite offices and meet their patients there. Sure makes a big difference for me. Anyway, they told me they were trying it out -- likely considering a number of values, but I do think it would cost a lot less and just makes sense to me that you get primary care directly from someone who has access to your shole record.

    Well enough chatter about all those things. I don't think there are a lot of V.A. people here, so it won't mean much to a lot of you

    I hope you all had wonderful holidays, are enjoying good health. and that all tests and other health issues turn out well.

  • cardplayer
    cardplayer Member Posts: 2,051
    edited December 2022

    Sorry to hear you have the flu petite, but glad you were able to spend Christmas with your family. I hope you feel better soon.

    Glad the snow tire is working out Mcbaker. Does it bother your knee to ride your bike? That tub looks interesting.

    I try to avoid our Walmart, Illinois. It's usually crowded and not stocked early in the week. I really like super Walmarts. Wish we had one here. Glad you and DH are getting medical appointments taken care of. I hope DH places on his head are nothing serious.

    Beautiful Christmas lights Cindy. Thanks you for sharing.

    Taco - My older brother handles all of our ancestry.com updates. I like to see the updates, but don't want to be responsible for all the work that he's done. It's a lot of research to track down relatives. Hope you DD is back home.

    Mavericksmom - glad you put in your paperwork to retire. I'm sure you're relieved to have that finalized.

    I started programming in 1984 and began using a PC in the early 90s. Both DH and I are computer savvy as are our kids. Our neighbors joke that we're technical support. We're usually able to troubleshoot most problems. Spent part of this afternoon getting an arterial doppler of my arms. My Raynaud syndrome has gotten worse lately and my rheumatologist decided to do this test. I think it's because I recently stopped taking blood pressure medication, which helps Raynauds.

    Weather is warming here. We got to 38 today. Hope it continues. Have a wonderful evening.

  • cindyny
    cindyny Member Posts: 1,319
    edited December 2022

    Petite, you might not remember it but that was Edison’s study. The garden behind it is called the moon garden, or some similar name. The houses are much larger.

    We are in Duck Key now. Heading to Key West tomorrow to spend the day. This place has a pool in the backyard but it’s not heated so very cold. We didn’t get in today but have hopes for tomorrow. Looking down from our balcony into it. Nieces daughter can’t wait

    image

  • carolehalston
    carolehalston Member Posts: 8,190
    edited December 2022

    Petite, glad you are feeling better. I hate being sick. When I am, I tell myself I will appreciate how great it is to feel good, but then I take feeling good for granted very quickly.

    I am fairly computer savvy as a user. I had one of the first personal computers on the market. I think in the 1980's. I used it to write romance novels under my pen name Carole Halston. That was before Windows, which made using computers much, much easier. I needed a computer repairman a couple of years ago to replace the fan in this laptop and found one who worked out of his home. He was much more reasonable than Best Buy.

    DH is playing golf today. I had the opportunity to play with a women's group but chose not to play. I will go to senior exercise class.

  • keywestfan
    keywestfan Member Posts: 367
    edited December 2022

    1946taco, I've been lurking, keeping up with everyonecindyny, I'm so envious you will be in Key West. We've been going every January for 15 days for the Key West Literary Seminar, but my September hip replacement knocked that out. Will go in March and to Palm Springs for a week in the middle of Feb. Though I am walking freely without cane or anything, I am afraid of being jostled in a crowd and very cautious with even slightly uneven surfaces. Everyone saying I should use a wheelchair in airport but jeez, even though I'm old, the thought of it makes me feel too old. However, must be careful not to fall. It's funny, but the hip stuff and the going off Arimidex after 3 years, with a 7% chance of recurrence in 10 years, has put BC as a major concern secondary to finding a way to get my socks on my left leg. The hip will eventually normalize and if I don't soon have to have the other one done, I'll be back to BC being my major concern. What I didn't realize about the hip surgery was the emotional component of anxiety, depression, loss. Ugh!

    Sandy, we will be at Regalia for New Year's Eve too but at the ungodly hour of 5:15. It strikes me as funny, but it is so.,

  • wren44
    wren44 Member Posts: 7,928
    edited December 2022

    Keywestfan, A lot of airports will meet you with a motorized cart rather than a wheelchair. Lots of older people take advantage and you don't stand out like a wheelchair would. It seems like airports make sure of maximum distance between gates. We got a ride in Denver or we would have missed our plane.

  • mavericksmom
    mavericksmom Member Posts: 1,275
    edited December 2022

    Keywestfan, so glad to read your post! So Awesome that you will be traveling again soon! Not sure if you were serious about putting your socks on or not, but after my shoulder replacements and two mastectomies, getting dressed has been a challenge for me. I am good with putting on socks, pants, but upper body can be a struggle, therefore I bought front close bras, and a dressing stick (Amazon) which I use quite often. I bought my husband a long-handled shoehorn as he has difficulty getting heel in shoes. They actually make long handle gadgets to put socks on, also saw them on Amazon, which I thought were clever.

    This year everything we bought or received as gifts had a purpose in mind. One thing I just received, not as a gift, is a home shopping cart, to help me bring in groceries from the car. I am not supposed to lift more than 5 lbs due to my arm lymphedema and I try not to, but almost impossible not to lift more than that. So I find ways of minimizing the load. I buy 2 half gallons bottles of milk instead of a cheaper gallon, all due to weight of container.

    The other day I thought it might be nice for people to post about gadgets that make life easier to deal with. When I opened the page up, McBaker posted about the portable tub. Interesting, but I cannot sit low on anything as getting up becomes too difficult, but it was still fun to look at the link!

    Wren, good to know about the motorized carts at the airport as my husband needs a cane to walk and we want to fly out to see our DS and family after I am fully healed from surgeries. I saw my PS today and no issues with cellulitis and no more fluid build up! Good news as next week I might be able to schedule my surgery!

    I saw my dentist today too, and I have a cavity in an upper tooth. Going to have it taken care of on Tuesday after work. Glad it was found now while I still have dental insurance. Our Medicare Advantage covers eyeglasses and exam, but not dental, which I carry from my employer. Now I need to look into different dental plans for my DH and me. It may be cheaper just to stick with what my employer provides.

  • chisandy
    chisandy Member Posts: 11,408
    edited December 2022

    Judy, joining the "welcome back" chorus and delighted to hear you can travel again. I bet we'll cross paths Sat. night, while you're leaving Regalia & we're walking in! Somewhere I still have my "sock aid" from when I was released from rehab (Bowman Center) in Dec. 1996. I just saw one in CVS' "mobility aids" section yesterday. There is a brand of shoes called Kizik into which you can step, and the heel springs back up so you needn't bend down to "unfold" it. Skechers just brought out its own version.

    The kids headed down to Katy, TX (near Houston) to spend a few days with Leslie's parents at the family home before driving back north Thurs. Gordy's temporary bridge fell out Monday, so they had to stop en route in Austin for a visit to an emergency dentist to cement it back in. (Sat. night I'll make sure he doesn't bite down on anything hard).

    Hard to believe it hit 45 today and will be 55 tomorrow. Rainy through next week, but I'll take it.

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Member Posts: 39,545
    edited December 2022

    In spite of illness, in spite even of the arch-enemy sorrow, one can remain alive long past the usual date of disintegration if one is unafraid of change, insatiable in intellectual curiosity, interested in big things, and happy in small ways. -Edith Wharton

  • 1946taco
    1946taco Member Posts: 299
    edited December 2022

    Kaywestern - I'm younger than you but am very grateful for wheelchairs in airports. We always seem to be at the farthest gate. In Philly this fall, we had to change terminals on a bus. Also gets me through security faster. Since my knee replacement 3 years ago, I've used a cane when walking to take a little stress off a painful knee. Sounds like you are doing better with your shoulder.

    It's part of a philosophy that says if one can make one's life a little easier, it's OK. To make someone else's life is easier is even better! That's why I volunteer.

    Rainy and cold (for us) this week. There's an international golf tournament for girls 14-21 at our club this week and I really felt sorry for them out there.. And they will be disappointed in their scores because they are REALLY good golfers.


  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Member Posts: 39,545
    edited December 2022

    So good to read all the entries. I'm glad to hear airports have the motorized carts as well. I don't travel but have older friends and I think they would be happy to know. Thanks. As of yet, I don't need canes, walkers, etc. Just fortunate for me, although Dh is 6 yrs. older than I am so if not now, likely not far around too many corners, that we may be looking for things.

    Long day spent mainly in Mt. Vernon. More surgery for Dh Spot today was a negative one so that was great. My visit with Cardiologist went well. I don't have to go back for three months, but I did get a medication change on the Losartan. A full pill twice a day now rather than a half twice a day. I'm bushed.

    Not as cold today at all but still windy, but at least the wind didn't have a bite. That was nice. Sun too. Hope you all had a wonderful day.

  • cindyny
    cindyny Member Posts: 1,319
    edited December 2022

    Carole Halston - you know I'm a reader and I was tickled pink to look you up and see 38 romance novels listed on Google! (Goodreads)

    Keywest - we had a great time there today. We walked over 5 miles and loved every minute of it. My things to make life easier are from my hamstring surgery, I have a “grabber" (actually have 2) to help pick up things I dropped. Now that that's pretty much healed I use them to pick thing up off of high shelves. I put a grab bar in the tub and there is an over the tub handle (bar) that I've kept on there - the fear of slipping in the tub is real.

    This is us on the opposite side of the marker. It was the last stop before heading back to the car. We're in Duck Key, Hawks Cay. 55 miles laid ahead of us.

    image

  • mcbaker
    mcbaker Member Posts: 1,833
    edited December 2022

    I started on computers when I was writing my thesis. That was ~1983. I got it finished so far as my limited skills, then handed it over to a department secretary to clean it up. Saved me a lot of money. Also used them for writing reports as a school psychologist.

    Just woke up, still having difficulty sleeping, but it is gradually getting better. Resumed rinsing my nose and using nasal sprays to minimize morning headaches. I should be able to get out and about on my bike today. No, the tire has not yet been installed.

    Yes, I hope the bathtub works for me. I have bars around my tub, and if all else fails I can hang a rope cord from the curtain rod to help me stand up. In fact, I could do that the first time. I did switch models of the tub for an elongated one which will fit better in my "bathtub" and make it easier to get up. I get up from sitting on the floor by moving into a spider position, then upright.

    The party went well. We did not expect anyone to show other than the three of us, so we invited our friends. We had a gift exchange, and soon after that we started cleaning up. Our friend who does not cook took the leftover food home, so that the non-participants couldn't benefit from our work. My feet hurt like they were Chinese lotus-feet. Yes, and I never wore heels.

    Carole, your history as an author interests me, although I don't read romances. I am invested in my celibate status, and I find myself skipping through sections that disturb that.

    I got some news yesterday in one of my gifts.


  • carolehalston
    carolehalston Member Posts: 8,190
    edited December 2022

    I haven't been to Key West for many years now. It was a charming place when we visited. The ceremony at Sunset was not a huge crowd. There were some tourists, including us, but not big crowds.

    My laptop is confused this morning. It says 54 degrees and Sunny when the view outside is actually overcast and gloomy. We're having light rain. The freezing temperatures have already become a memory. I feel a lot of sympathy for the residents in Buffalo, NY.

    Taco, I am thinking about volunteering. I thought I would check with the Cancer centers about opportunities.

    I've been trying to remember the manufacturer of the personal computer I owned in the 1980's. It was a Rainbow 100 and I had to learn DOS to operate it. The printer I used had paper that was one continuous roll and I had to rip the pages apart. The dark ages of computers. LOL. The plus as a writer was sending the publisher floppy disks instead of the printed manuscript.

    It's Thursday so I will plan to go to Chair Yoga at 1 pm. It's quite a good stretching routine and very relaxing.

  • keywestfan
    keywestfan Member Posts: 367
    edited December 2022

    CindyNY,Carolhalston,Maverick’smom,Sandy- Thank you all for your helpful understanding responses to my airport dilemmas and Cindy, I love the picture of you and DH at the Marker in Key West. One of my trepidations about going in March is whether I’ll be able to walk all over the island as we always have,5-8 miles a day. I do remember taking a motorized cart in Denver airport. It’s such a schlepp there, but it didn’t make me feel old the way a wheelchair at O’Hare will. PT says just use a walking stick. We’ll see. Mavericksmom, my great accomplishment of the week has been putting my socks on. I wasn’t kidding. I can get my slacks,pants on now without the grabber. To be able to put the dressing stick, sock aid away, out of sight( til maybe the other hip) feels like progress and victory. Sandy, I do wear Kizik’s- have them in gray and black, though not really enough support, but can’t reach enough even with the Faber4 maneuver to put regular shoes on yet.. Will keep an eye out for you at Regalia, but think we’ll be out of there before you get in..Happy New Year everyone!




  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Member Posts: 39,545
    edited December 2022

    Real success requires respect for and faithfulness to the highest
    human values--honesty, integrity, self-discipline, dignity,
    compassion, humility, courage, personal
    responsibility, courtesy, and human service.

    Michael DeBakey

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Member Posts: 39,545
    edited December 2022

    What a nice day today. It was warm -- about 57 degrees. There was a lot of wind again, but it wasn't cold. My only gripe was that it was a gray day. That wind will likely bring us some rain. I was surprised we didn't get any through the day. I seem unable to get on here in the morning hours like I used too. Not sure why. Need to do another major cleaning around my desk. I am a total slob about all the mail and ads that come here. Going to have to figure out some arrangement where I can keep items like, mail, bills, ads, in separate spots.

    Mary, sure glad your friend fell heir to all the leftover food. I bet she was highly appreciative. Few times something has gone wrong, and Dh and I had to eat out for a week or more, t ended hp craving home-cooked food. I can't imagine having restaurant type food a majority of the time. Sorry about the foot pain. I can change shoes once in a while to make that better for myself but the best help is when you can just get off your feet all together for a good while.

    Hope you all had a wonderful day.

  • 1946taco
    1946taco Member Posts: 299
    edited December 2022

    Keywestern - sometimes I feel old and need to act like I am. A five mile walk would be out of the question for me, even with a cane!

    Mary - I remember punching computer cards and leaving them overnight for results. Got my degree in 1970.

    I bought a Mac in 1986 when I was running for office. Typed the entire voter list into it - thank goodness Maine had lots of legislators and small population so it wasn't tens of thousands. Started using a PC at my next job in 1992 but went back to Macs about 5 years ago. I know part of my problem with computers is that I don't have patience with detail. I also am more of a visual learner so sending me a list of written instructions or sending me to a help page often isn't helpful.

    MM - take time for yourself and then the right volunteer opportunity will open up for you. There are so many groups that need help. Figure out what your passion/issue is and what your skill set is. I told the ED at the food bank that I didn't want to fill food bags but I had some non-profit experience he might find helpful. After working in national and international organizations, I also knew I wanted to work at the local level when we moved here. I helped start a domestic violence shelter early in retirement (my DD was in an unhealthy situation at the time) and have loved seeing the food bank grow. I will also add that Ken is a very supportive spouse and has taken on many household tasks which has freed me up to be out and about while he is happy here at home with his dog. What I'm trying to say is also consider how much time you have to volunteer. Your life is a little complicated right now. Congratulations on valuing your own health even if you have to leave your students.

    Happy New Year Everyone. Hope 2023 keeps us healthy and safe!

    Marge

  • carolehalston
    carolehalston Member Posts: 8,190
    edited December 2022

    It is storming here this morning. My Weather Bug app keeps sending warnings about lightning strikes. I don't mind rain but the lightning can move on quickly.

    Not a restful night's sleep last night thanks to waking up about 2 am and discovering that dh had moved to his recliner in the living room. He isn't feeling rested this morning.

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Member Posts: 39,545
    edited December 2022

    I will greet this day with love in my heart.

    And how will I do this? Henceforth will I look on all things with love and
    I will be born again. I will love the sun for it warms my bones; yet I will
    love the rain for it cleanses my spirit. I will love the light for it shows me
    the way; yet I will love the darkness for it shows me the stars. I will
    welcome happiness for it enlarges my heart; yet I will endure sadness
    for it opens my soul. I will acknowledge rewards for they are my due;
    yet I will welcome obstacles for they are my challenge.

    Og Mandino

  • illinoislady
    illinoislady Member Posts: 39,545
    edited December 2022

    It started raining sometime last night and sounds like it will be with us all day and for the next several days although, after today, more on and off. Temps. will be higher (near 6o even) but not entirely pleasant for the rain events that will stay with us. Hard to go from freezing outside to almost summer type temps.

    Hope Dh starts to feel better Carole. Sleeping in a recliner which will work is still not real optimum. Interesting that now and then sleeping requires a sitting up sort of change of gravity to work.


  • cardplayer
    cardplayer Member Posts: 2,051
    edited December 2022

    Cindy - love Key West. We took the kids there when they were younger and stayed for several days. The hotel had a heated pool, but we didn't realize it was right next door to a bar with a busy dance floor. Love the picture.

    Wow Carole. You're quite an accomplished writer. How did you get started writing romance novels? Sorry DH isn't feeling well.

    Glad to see you back posting Keywestfan. Future trips to Palm Springs and Key West sound wonderful. So glad that your hip has heal. I used a wheelchair for several trips before I had my hip replaced. I would not have been able to do all of the walking around the airport. Made the trip much easier for me. Enjoy the Regalia.

    Mavericksmom - one of the gadgets that I have is a rubber jar opener. Much easier on the hands. I also have a lot handled sponge for putting cream on my back.

    Illinois - glad you and DH got good results from your medical appointments.

    Mary - sorry you're having trouble sleeping. Glad the party went well. Hope you're able to get out on your bike today.

    We've been having nice weather and able to take walks outside. Today it's already 57 and the sun is out. Was able to FaceTime with both kids yesterday. DS and DIL are in Marrakech, having returned from 3 days in the dessert. DD, SIL and GD we're home in VA.

    I had my post-mastectomy massage yesterday. Still having pain in one of my implants. Been doing stretching exercises and had lots of PT on my shoulders earlier in the year. Had REIKI this morning, so I'm feeling pretty relaxed.

    Have a wonderful day.

  • mcbaker
    mcbaker Member Posts: 1,833
    edited December 2022

    Jackie, good suggestion about changing shoes. Or just taking the shoes off if at home.

    MM, don't overdo the volunteering. I know that you are dedicated to the service of others, but retirement is also time to learn to value yourself for being yourself.

    I just bought another brand of gummy. Hopefully they will work better.

    The bike tire is not finished. Mechanic will be over tomorrow. He only has bike transportation and therefore has to work around weather conditions. Today is chilly. Tomorrow will be good, but the three days after that will be messy.

    Tippy has been grouchy today. I slept later than usual (I turned off the alarms)-- retirement is a time for letting go of self-discipline) and he likes routine. I had a shower which really upset him. I put on his "jewel"-- the remote control so I could reduce the barking. I brushed him. I gave him his morning snack. He cleaned my cereal bowl. I took him out for walks. He has dog music on YouTube playing. He is finally curled up on his favorite chair. I hope he is not sick. We had a dead rabbit in the neighborhood--probably elderly and killed by the cold weather.

    I have some wide-leg silk pants to make for my sister. It is noon, maybe time to start on that.

  • mavericksmom
    mavericksmom Member Posts: 1,275
    edited December 2022

    Lot's of catching up here. I really love reading what everyone shares!

    Mary, so interesting to read you were a school psychologist! WOW!!! I am impressed! My district has one school psychologist, but every school has guidance counselors, who spend most of their time acting as psychologists! When I went to school, guidance counselors spent their time recommending colleges, and trade schools. They were only in the high school. Now all schools have them and I told the three at my school some days I want to remove the "Guidance Office" sign and put up "Psych Ward!" Not being unkind, just reality. So sad that so many kids can't be kids because of the home they live in, and I live in a fairly affluent area. Sometimes I look at the trouble kids in my school, times # by # middle schools in district, times by districts in the state, then country and it is no wonder we have so many school shootings and suicides! I wish I had answers, but all I ever could do was listen to students and try to get them to go to the guidance counselor. I always told the kids that before they confided in me, I would keep our conversation confidential as long as what they told me couldn't hurt them or others. If it could, I had to report what they said. Surprisingly I never had a student then say they didn't want to talk to me.

    I won't overdo volunteering, but your point is well taken. I did like the suggestions Marge gave! I will definitely do some volunteer work. Actually, my first priority is just to get healthy again! I have an appointment with my orthopedic surgeon on the 10th of January because my shoulder is acting up again and I have to stay on top of it! Also, have a surgery coming up in late February or March. Hope to get a specific date on Wednesday.

    My DD called today and wants to get together once a week after I retire, at lunch time (she works from home 3 days a week), preferably when kids are in school, so we can have adult conversation without feeling little ears are tuned in. We hope to walk in her neighborhood too. I look forward to that.

    Carole, first, I am soooo impressed that you are an author! My brother, who turned 80 last summer, taught English and writing classes at PSU. He published some children's books. I love to write, but articles, although I did write an unpublished book on my experiences with breast cancer. I don't normally read romance novels, but I might have to read one of yours! I am a geek, and my thing is non-fiction, especially historic non-fiction, like the letters between Adams and Jefferson. I went to Rider University to add to my prior degree ~ 2006, and took classes in Modern Middle East, Terrorism and Political Violence, Radicalism in 19th century America, Juvenil Delinquency, and others.

    EVERYONE, definitely read about Buffalo NY, "feel good" story Google Kenmore mechanic heralded for saving lives by breaking into school! Or google CNN and put in search. I saw it on TV and it was so heartwarming to hear! We get so much bad news, nice to know good things do happen too!

    Cardplayer, I am interested in your post mastectomy massage. Who do you see for that? A special therapist? How did you find out about it? Having had two separate mastectomies and both shoulders replaced, I have issues too. I still have the expander in my recent reconstructed breast, (other was done with my own tissue and it is more natural and less issues). I will have my implant exchange and lymphedema mapping of my opposite arm soon.

    As for gadgets, walkers, canes, wheelchairs, I am for anything that makes life easier! Also, so good to put away temporary gadgets after they are needed! They are definitely signs of accomplishment and healing!

    Wishing everyone here a Happy New Year!!!!