Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
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The sun is so beautiful today with no clouds to dull it. Lots of relating to posts today. The driving thing. Dh, (in spite of what I say) seems to only upset me when driving my car. He seems not to be able to judge well in it. Sometimes parks cattywampus even. I got to the point where I always drive when we go together in my car because I'm stressed out even on short jaunts otherwise. Neither of us want to drive to the city though. The interstate system across the river is something of a mystery and unless you are super sharp you may easily end up in the wrong lane with lanes that merge you onto other directions automatically. BIL has GPS and knows it so well that we have him take us to appts. over in Missouri.
I too will be waiting to see Puffin's bird pictures. Another form of vacation for some of us home-bodies and just very nice as a vicarious hobby.
Living where we do, I'm not too surprised by some of the wildlife we encounter. Fortunately, we are a bit of a distance from the lakeshore so usually don't see much for poisonous snakes (water moccasins) but during really hot and much dryer years we do on occasion find a snake traveling through our yard. They are generally coming away from the lake so I figure they are looking for the darker shade provided by the heavier wooded area around the house. I'm okay with them as long as they keep running from me. They along with possums and raccoons really do provide balance out here . I think I've mentioned -- in California ( beach areas) where we lived for so long there seemed to be very few bugs. Here in central/southern Illinois that are soooo many. They can be sort of pesky as well when you try to sit out on your patio/deck. A whole lot of flying things of all kinds, not to mention the ever present (so much water close-by at the lake) mosquitoes. I think with the 'globe warming' issues we are likely going to have to consider getting tougher about better solutions so we can enjoy the outside a lot more.
I go to the car-wash during the winter months Carole. Not sure actually if I'll be up to car washing this year. I don't seem to have the drive and the energy so much this yr. and will have to wait and see. Interesting what your detailer said. Not sure of the veracity of the statement either. Most of the cars I see having issues are pretty old. I also note there are a number of advertised products that are supposed to restore faded paint. I've come home from the car wash and found dirt still on my car so maybe that soap wasn't strong enough. I've always done my car because I figure I'm as good as any detailer and I like making sure that what I want clean really gets clean. It is surprising how much dirt can get in your car (mainly thinking door jams areas) in just a few strips around town. Also goes for SUV's with back hatch doors.
Hope you all have a great Sunday. I will be making my grocery pilgrimage to Walmarts later on.
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Mary - glad to hear PT is underway. Hope it helps get you ready for your knee surgery. Are you getting books and movies ready for when you recover? Mavericksmom - thinking of you as you get closer to your exchange surgery. I doubt if I could get my DH to sell his 17 year old Camry. It’s low mileage and we just use it to drive around town. Petite - enjoy the concert today. I’m also looking forward to spring Jackie. My favorite season. The cruise sounds delightful Puffin. I’ve never been on a cruise but have been to several places in the Caribbean, most recently Puerto Rico several years ago. It was still recovering from hurricane Maria. Cindy - we always loved SW Florida, the beautiful foliage and weather. Use to visit twice a year when my in-laws lived in Cape Coral. Carole - I’ve never had my car detailed. Usually just take it to the car wash and get DH to vacuum the inside for me. Sandy - hope Happy is doing better.
Babysitting a 5 month old was tiring, but we enjoyed it. She’s very chatty and happy, smiling and making lots of eye contact. DD and SIL got a chance to go out to a movie. Hopefully they’ll ask us to do it again. We’ve had great weather, sunny and 50s. Spring is here. Crocuses and daffodils in the front yard are coming through and we have one lonely crocus in bloom. Have a healthy and safe evening.
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Sounds like lots of you have travel plans. Enjoy!
First day with two shoes. Went for a short walk - 20 minutes - and my foot is sore, but I don't think it is swollen. It is really now just the area around the second toe (top, bottom and the toe). The walk I did normally wouldn't take more than 15 minutes. It felt great to walk. I will take a couple walks tomorrow - but keep them to this distance. Tomorrow morning, the plumber is supposed to come - time frame is 9am - 12noon. Our bathroom sink is clogged and even with a snake, DH could not get it unclogged. This plumber also does our main drain to make sure the old clay pipes don't break from tree branches as that is quite an expense to repair. A problem many, many houses in my neighborhood have to deal with.
Finally got my mother's china out of the cabinet - lots in bubble wrap and some in china containers. Going to wash it all and start using it. It's Mikasa - white with a silver ring around it. Quite plain yet classic.
Happy to have the long week-end.
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Mary - what is your fb name? Can I send you a friend request? When is your surgery?
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Sandy, your news is sad indeed. Everyone feels your pain. Our furry friends have a shorter life span, and it is always hard to see them go. In retrospect, they are brave and accepting, for the most part, and it almost feels even worse to us because we feel they deserve so much more. The have been such rich and stalwart friends through the years, creating such joy and love for us. I'm generally convinced that they do know a bit more perhaps than us about letting go and they know the right time. The biggest thing you have done for Happy is that you never abandoned him but stayed by his side as closely as he has been by yours. To be loved right up to the last moment is something to cherish. Peace to you both.
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Done. No date yet. Will be glad to see you on Facebook, so I don't have to worry when you don't post here. Worried that you are procrastinating too much on retirement, although you do have an ideal situation.
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Sandy, Sorry to hear about Happy. You have been loyal companions for years. Hugs.
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Bone broth from one's own body part?? Strange.
I am looking at the groups. Thank you for the reminder.
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Taco: Yes, I did the Christmas bird counts for many years, but haven't the last few. My hips just couldn't handle hiking through snow past my knees in subzero temps. My current life list count is 1363.
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Ah, a reprieve it sounds like. Happy to hear this Sandy. I do know (thinking especially cats here) that some animals are so small that if something (medication or food) starts to work it can be fairly dramatic. Here's hoping for botgh of you.
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Puffin - very impressive! You should really enjoy your trip.
I hope I don't have to give up driving at 80 either and I will get a real push-back if DH can't drive around our subdivision. But so far this is working for us. My Dad drove until he died at age 81 and Mom drove into her 90's although she probably shouldn't have.
I can't get my Irish relatives "across the pond". How neat to have been able to do so. My GGM seems to appear out of nowhere when she marries my GGF in 1857. I've been through all the Irish famine books. I have her birthdate (from tombstone) and Dublin. She married my GGF at 31 as Margaret Ward (certainly a common enough name) but I don't know if that is a birth or married name. There is also a 7 year old girl listed in the household in 1860 that is claimed as a "daughter" but doesn't fit. My GM told my sister that GGM had "stolen" an Irish girl and brought her to America - and that girl was a witch. Can't find her after 1860 either. Wouldn't I love to track all that down.
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Family legend has it that my great grandmother and her sister came over alone. A cousin of mine says they were half sisters, and she has the names of her parents. They either left from Waterford, or came from Waterford. I have a DNA match with someone with the last name in Waterford, but I have no idea how long it will be before she checks back in. They apparently left somewhat after the worst of the famine.
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GGM used proof of birth for marriage license application in Philadelphia. I have the original marriage license as well and my GGF's wedding band with his initials on a plaque attached to ring. It is unusual in that edges of ring are raised. Took it to a jeweler many years ago and he told me it is a very good quality gold, so don't clean it up but leave it in its current condition since it is "softer" gold. Initials are worn but visible with magnifying glass. I wasn't able to get beyond her parent's names and being they are so common, it is too hard to trace records. Have naturalization record for GGF but that is as far as I got in tracing him. He was from Northern Ireland, County Down. Someone put death date of GGM on GGF's ring but unable to even discover who. GGF died leaving her with 2 boys and limited circumstances. She did remarry but even that marriage ended tragically after birth of 2 more children who failed to survive. Husband killed in accident so really unlucky in love. Wish I could add more to her story but keep plugging for new leads.
Paternal GGM is also a mystery; Catholic who married a Protestant and is buried in a Catholic graveyard. Need death certificate on her as she died unexpectedly and young. Has a grave marker but it has sunk to the point where it is difficult to read. Keep finding obscure clues about her life that are enticing but not very informative. Just keep plugging is my mantra.
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Sandy, I am glad Happy is doing better.
Cindy, Lots of snakes in Florida. Sometimes they get in my screened lanai. I have had a coral snake twice. I worry, because Midnight Louie will attack it. He has had a close call twice. I have a gap under the door that small snakes can get in. I try to keep it blocked to prevent unwanted creatures from slithering in.
Jackie, Betrayal, the concert was great. It was the Mystics. Those guys look great for being their 80's.
The sunrise was foggy this morning. I am hoping it clears before my walk. I am getting my hair cut today. I would like to grow it out a little, so I will just have her trim around the edges.
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Sandy - glad to hear Happy has improved and is eating again. Glad you're able to get out and about Karen. Hope you have good weather where you live, so you're able to get out and about on a regular basis. Hope the snow passes quickly Mary. Betrayal - WY sounds amazing. Looking forward to seeing photos from that trips. Sorry to hear about Smudge. Hope she improves now that you're home. Glad you enjoyed the concert Petite. Are you all done with your testing Jackie? Keywestfan - bone broth soup from a human hip? Um - no thank you for me. Sounds like your new hip is doing well. Are you getting close to surgery Mavericksmom? Tomorrow or next Wednesday?
I have no Irish ancestry (Eastern European) but DH has lots of Scottish ancestry. Haven't tested our DNA. We have lots of ancestry information about DH family, dating back to 1600s. My DB is into genealogy and has collected all sorts of interesting documents and pictures.
Hope everyone is safe from snow and wind or enjoying the warm southern weather.
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I’m 80% Irish, family didn’t come here until early 1900. Three grandparents born in Ireland, 1 born in Sweden. I’m second generation US born. My partner is 50% Irish and has traced both our families on Ancestry. He’s more into it than I am. The last time we were in Ireland, 27 years ago, people thought I was 100% Irish traveling with a Yank. Oh how I laughed at that.
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Yesterday 62F This morning 13F and feels like -2F. We've hit the high for today. Snowing in Denver but so far only a dusting but northern CO and the mountains may get up to 2 feet. Tonight -9F.
The principal saw my email last night and responded, so my kiddo will get greeted. I said I would put the time in true pay when I got to work and she said no reason to as its just a late morning. Wait till I tell her I have my hematologist next week at 8:30 and then my teeth cleaning the following week at 7:45! I work 7:25 to 3:30 and sometimes meetings after work till 4. I'll wait till close to spring break (last week in March)to tell her about Passover days I'm taking as well as my medical oncologist right after that plus follow up on my new hearing aids that day after work but I'm going to change it to work day so I'll probably take the whole day off. I think then, I might be done. First year I'm putting myself as a priority and scheduling appointments during the work day,
Stay safe and stay warm.
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Good morning. It is a foggy 62 degrees, but going to 83 this afternoon. I have my labs at the cancer center tomorrow. Today, I have a meeting with social security and my grief group. In between that, I will finish the taxes. Hope everyone has a pleasant day. Stay warm and safe.
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This week looks like summer jumped over spring. Yesterday tied the warmest Mardi Gras Day at 82 degrees. The rest of the week will be warm/hot. We had the a/c on last night and set at 68 degrees for comfortable sleeping.
I played 18 holes of golf yesterday and my back seems to have survived none the worse for all the swinging. The breeze kept it from being too hot. The main enjoyment of golfing these days is the company. I have lost the passion for the game. My interests have always followed this pattern. Pottery, stained glass, fresh water fish and plants, gardening. Accumulate a library on the subject is always a stage.
I'm not into ancestry at all. I know someone in my father's family has done some research and the same with dh's family.
Happy Wednesday to all.
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Wow, so much to catch up on!
Sandy, I have to say I think your ancestors who left before the Holocaust were incredibly brave! I realized just how brave people are to flee their homeland when I briefly considered leaving the USA due to the growing hate and division from a previous administration. It occurred to me that I didn't want to go anywhere else, and if I would be forced to do that, most likely I would have gone to Canada. Not an easy transition by any means. I didn't consider moving for long, but long enough to deeply appreciate the tremendous challenges of those who were targeted in the Holocaust, as well as those today fleeing various countries in the world. How incredibly brave people are, to flee their homeland! I don't think I am that brave, but I guess we never know how brave we are until we face those challenges. It makes me think of a plaque my BIL gave me when I had cancer the second time. It said "You never know how brave you are, until being brave is the only choice you have!" I believe that is very true!
Ancestry DNA says I am: 45% Germanic Europe, 40% England and Northwestern Europe, 11% Sweden and Denmark and 4% Ireland. My ancestors came to America before the USA was even a thought. I have names and records of my ancestors on MM side fighting in the Revolutionary War, and every war since. No matter when, how incredibly brave to come across the ocean to an unknown world to start a new life. How great the persecution or disease to make that journey be a better option!
My DH is lucky to have been born. His PGF along with a brother, came to the USA sometime late 1800's and arrived in NYC. They stayed at a boarding house where the owner took a liking to them. Apparently, they were approached by a man with the promise of a job, but the owner warned them to leave immediately as the job was in some kind of mine, I think a salt mine but not sure, and those who went there never lived long. So they fled south, and then somehow made their way to Michigan where they got jobs, and eventually bought farmland. My DH's home farm is recognized by the historical society.
My DNA did not come with any surprises as far as relatives I didn't know I had. There are a lot of very distant relatives, but cousins and second cousins etc, I already knew. I wanted my DH to do the DNA test but for whatever reason he and my siblings have no interest. Some are still afraid or leery of the government knowing too much. Of course, for me, my DNA is already out there as I did genetic testing at two different companies via my oncologists.
Karen, are you a school psychologist or guidance counselor? I can relate to your need for time off and the issues involved. I had the same concerns before I retired. I planned to retire in June, but the fact that I needed a second, and possibly more surgeries, made me realize that it was better to retire now, for me, and for my students! This is only my second week of retirement, but I don't think my job was filled which makes me sad, but it is out of my control.
For whoever asked, my surgery is March 2nd. It should be much easier to recover from and I honestly haven't had much time to think about it other than preparing for things to be done while I recuperate. I hope I will be able to drive soon after, but not sure. I also hope I don't end up with any drains! Normally they don't put drains in, but my surgeon said there is a small possibility I might need one due to the fluid issues in my body. It is helpful that I just had my mastectomy with expander in October so I know what to expect and how everything at the hospital is set up. I will say that my October surgery experience went so well, that I have very high expectations of it going equally well this time around!
Sun is out but not for long. I am going to run an errand in a short while as the afternoon is supposed to bring rain. My area lucked out because yesterday there was a tornado that went through a residential area just across the river in NJ. We had a few gusts of wind, but nothing like other areas close to us. I have a feeling these storms will be the norm as time goes on.
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MM - I'm a School Psychologist.
Regarding leaving your country of origin, to me there are two reasons. One my family left Russia and Austria after the Pogroms in Russia and Austria (which is now part of Russia) before and after WWI - so they were looking for a better life and they all went to Canada. The other reason is that you want by choice to live in a favorite place (or to marry) as my youngest daughter did. She moved to Israel during her gap year after high school. That is where her heart was and continues to be. My aunt (her late husband was my mother's brother) moved from Copenhagen to Montreal when she married my uncle. Yes, I agree with you that it brave, courageous and takes great determination. Actually, when I think of it, my older DD moved to Toronto to marry her love. Because I grew up in Montreal and still have family in Montreal and Ontario and a first cousin in Banff, I don't think of Canada much different than the US as so many things are similar yet they are two separate countries. So, I have 3 kids, in 3 countries on 2 continents!!!!
Went for my labs this morning at 8 for my hematologist appointment next week. You know it's not good news when they call 4 hours later. The hematologist's nurse called to tell me that my Calcium is higher than the fall - and it was elevated then. Told to stop all calcium and vitamin D and mentioned Zometa. I can't take Zometa as it is hard on kidneys but I'm on my 4th year of Prolia. Then the nurse said I needed to go in tomorrow or Friday for hydration and more labs. Don't know what the other labs are - todays labs were related to MGUS, CMP, CBC and tumor markers (the latter 3 for my medical oncologist appointment mid April. I called DH to tell him the news and he asked if I was worried and I said NO as I wasn't when talking to him. But after I hung up, I started to be concerned. So I'm going at 8 tomorrow morning for IV hydration (to help lower the calcium levels) and more labs. Thankfully, the principal where I'm covering for a maternity leave is very understanding. She was like "do what you need to do" and don't worry about putting the time in "true pay" - our payroll system unless its a whole day. I have about 650 hours sick leave so its not an issue for me, but her understanding made me feel good.
Petite - good luck with your labs tomorrow and your support group.
Maverick - I had my bilat on March 1st in 2006. That anniversary doesn't bother me like anniversary of diagnosis. I'll be thinking of you on the 2nd.
Card - no its not unusual for Colorado to have a significant different in temperature and weather within 24 hours. Denver didn't get much snow, but it is bitter cold. It is currently 2F with -5 for a low tonight with wind chill -15F. Tomorrow 22 and then on Friday 40 and the week-end the 50s
Wow - have I rambled on and on.
Everyone stay warm and safe or stay cool and safe.
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Love all the ancestor stories. I think a lot about what motivates folks to leave a place. I too wonder if I would have been brave enough. Or maybe afraid enough. But then I wonder if I would have been brave enough to "join the resistance" too. Haven't wanted to do any DNA testing either although my genealogy friends want me to. Part of it is making my identity too public and part of it is not wanting to "meet" a thousand cousins.
I got marked down on a term paper in ethnic studies when I argued that I was just an American but can now prove that both sides have been here many generations. Many of my English ancestors came with the Winthrop Fleet in 1623. The Dutch were in New Amsterdam when it was still New Amsterdam. Dad's folks went to Virginia very early and are listed on the Plaque at Boonesburough. In Kentucky until 1920 when they went to Illinois - as near as I can tell reason was economic. I have a picture of his grandparents in front of a very small wood cabin in KY.
It seems to me that we have seldom treated immigrants well and now is no exception. When I read about Afghan translators still being held in camps (I mean military bases), I get very frustrated. I would swim across the river if I thought gang members were going to kill me or my children. Instead we expect them to have a sophisticated enough watch to make an appointment with an immigration officer to seek asylum after they have asked for it further south. I'm with Jackie - we're all part of the human race and should be treated that way.
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There is no such thing as race. There is cultural identity and heritage. DNA only gives us a framework and there are hazards to overinterpreting it. My father was 25% from a small fishing village on the coast of Maine, they had been there well before the Revolution, 25% Irish, and 50% German, from pre-Civil War days, they came from a town in Southern Illinois that was almost totally German settlers. My mother was half a mix of New Amsterdam Dutch and English from before the Revolution, and half English.
There is a four foot drift outside my bedroom window. We have four more inches predicted before it ends, and the wind is about 15 miles an hour. I took Tippy out to pee, and he looked around and decided to come back inside. The pee-pads are ready.
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I am loving hearing your heritage stories. I have traced my husbands and my family history back to the 1500 in some cases, here in UK . There is very little evidence of migration but some slowly moving a few miles over the years . Most of our ancestors were agricultural workers until the 1800s. I enjoy looking at the census, as they reveal so much information..
For all of you struggling with poor test results or weather my thoughts are with you. Try and find something to enjoy today, even if its snuggling under a comfy blanket
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-10F or -23C now at 5:45am High will be 19F/-7C 40s tomorrow 40s and 50s by Saturday through Tuesday then cooling again and maybe more snow.
Have a great Thursday
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It is to be 70 degrees today and the daffodils, crocuses and other bulbs are sprouting all too soon. Several of the daffodils have flower buds visible so they will not make it until Easter this year. Odd winter for this area this year.
Regan did well in second class of Intermediate obedience but did speak to trainer about possibility of moving her to another class. There are 2 dogs who constantly on edge in class with nonstop yipping and lunging behaviors. One owner is responsive and removes dog temporarily but the other (mom/daughter) are totally clueless that they are to be in control of their dog. No attempts at correcting behavior using "off" command, etc. They just ignore the behavior which clearly doesn't work. We recognize Regan is reactive due to her past experience of being attacked at a dog park so are concerned that she can't learn if "on guard" during class. We will give it one more week and see how it goes. Trainer did address behaviors with mom/daughter indirectly but not sure they got the message. Firmly believe there are no bad dogs, just bad owners past or present that cause them to be labeled "bad" because they had no boundaries or correction. She is exhausted when she comes home and sleeps. She has made so much progress since we got her in September but still has a long way to go to be comfortable in her environment that includes other dogs.
Here are the last of the South America photos:
The tango.
Sea Lions in Uruguay.
Rollercoaster bridge.
Green parrot (apologize for focus).
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The happiness which brings enduring worth to life is not
the superficial happiness that is dependent on circumstances.
It is the happiness and contentment that fills the soul even
in the midst of the most distressing circumstances and the
most bitter environment. It is the kind of happiness that grins
when things go wrong and smiles through the tears. The happiness
for which our souls ache is one undisturbed by success or failure,
one which will root deeply inside us and give inward relaxation,
peace, and contentment, no matter what the surface problems may be.
That kind of happiness stands in need of no outward stimulus.
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Loved all the pictures Betrayal, but especially the parrot in the pinecones. I hope things work out for you and Regan. I feel for the couple (mother/daughter team) who are not responding well to their pooch's needs. It sounds like they really don't get it and maybe need a 'detailed' explanation. Perhaps their objective was never clear to them when they started the class and they are finding it all quite awkward. Hope it can all smooth out.
Having sun today, thank goodness. My sneezing has abated, but still more nose moisture than I like. Overall though I feel a world of difference. Not sure what we will get but there is plenty of wind outside and likely between that and sun stirring up pollen as we speak. I stayed in yesterday and pretty much vegged out save or cooking breakfast for the household and keeping up with the litter boxes. Sandwich lunch for ease. We were still full at suppertime so just munched on some left-over fried chicken dipped in sauces.
I hope all are staying well and I sure hope frigid temps. settle down for those having them. I'm anxious for us that the decent (well, what passes for decent) weather remains for us into the Spring.
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I hope those getting snow are at least seeing sunshine and winds are slowing down. We’ve had 70+ degree today and sunshine. Spring is here. As we walked the neighborhood, we saw all sorts of trees with buds and spring flowers in bloom. Hope you had a nice lunch Carole. Love the photos betrayal. I’ll never take a trip like that, so I’m glad that you’re sharing the photos. You’re right about irresponsible pet owners equal poorly trained dogs. Had my yearly breast check. All is good and I’m on yearly appointments. Then I went to my eye surgeon to discuss my upcoming cataract surgery. Decided to go ahead the get my astigmatism fixed (out of pocket costs). I’ll still need to use readers for close up, but otherwise won’t need glasses. Surgery is 2 weeks from today. Hope everyone is safe and doing well.
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Sandy: You are listening to Happy and catering to his needs. Any pet owner can identify with that and support your decisions for his well-being. Did not know that IBD can lead to lymphoma and hoping that Smudge can hang in there. She is eating but had to give her appetite stimulant today in addition to steroid. She is being clingy and I make it a point to sit with her and cuddle. Hope we can get her to a more normal plateau so she is comfortable. They wanted to do a biopsy on her but DD demurred as we were away. Glad because I do not want to torture her, just let her dictate what works and gives her qol.
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