Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
Comments
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The search for security is often marked by the collection of things.
They seem a fortress against need. We get caught up in the belief
that "more is better." Piles of objects often take more time to clean
and store than they save. We exhaust ourselves taking care of our
property and social roles.
How many things do you have stored away for the future, like
squirrels with their nuts? If you were asked to give away one half,
what would you keep? When you dream about a fire, what do you
rescue in the house? Make a list. Figure out what is weight and what
helps you float. . . . When you let go of the constant urge to acquire,
what you truly need begins to flow into your life.
Jennifer James0 -
Some muted sun this morning. Temperature already at 69 degrees but we have a 50% chance of rain. Sigh. We will see what happens. We are often surprised to 'not' get the predicted weather or at least not at the times given.
Today my SIL's brother will find out if he is only has the one tumor in the colon or if there are metastasis. to have to consider. We all have our fingers crossed.
A few have too's will go on today sometime. Always out of something and we really should have gone to the store yesterday, but the lazies took over.
Carole, I enjoyed hearing about Easter meals at your parents. Simple and nice. For some reason my mom and her sisters usually cooked a lot of dishes and make of it almost a major holiday feast. Your description made me hungry for the baked beans. Your potato salad sounds delicious. I'm a great fan of diced celery in a lot of different dishes. Love the extra crunch and flavor too.
Glad that your re-implant procedure is turning out so well. Likely a relief to you since there is some dread of having/needing surgeries when we are a bit older. Younger bodies (same general risks) tend to heal better and faster. Amazing to me that anyone needs a/c as yet but I do know LA is much faster than some places to heat up and can have a lot more humidity. I'm still sleeping under my comforter. Not sure how much longer though. I recall one June for us where it got over triple digit temps. in the first week and that is pretty much what we had all summer long. That was a really discouraging summer for me.
Cindy, hope you are doing okay and not getting too warm either. Thinking of all of you and wishing everyone well and a good day.
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I read posts yesterday, and took notes, but got sidetracked and never posted. Hoping everyone enjoyed Easter, those who celebrated. I heated up a ham covered in pineapple slices, asparagus with garlic & olive oil grilled outside, mashed potatoes, mac & cheese, rolls, with a nice tossed salad as a starter, and a store bought cake as a finisher. It was a beautiful day.
Betrayal, I’m hoping you love your new washer dryer set.
Harley, your brother in the hospital is worrisome. But sometimes it’s the best place for someone.Chris, my shoe orthotic guy is retiring on 5/31. I’m now set up with his partner, who is also a PT, so I hope I’ll fare well. Glad your orthotic person was able to adjust yours.
Carole, glad you’re doing well.Jackie, I’m hoping the SIL brother’s tumor hasn’t spread.
We’re headed to Ybor city for a few hours before a hockey game in Tampa. It’s a 2 hour drive and I figure if we get on the road around 1-2 we can check out Ybor as something to do while we’re up there. We won’t back until midnight.
Enjoy the day, no April Fool’s jokes from me!0 -
Jackie, that's an interesting quote for today. We Americans can't seem to buy enough "stuff."
Cindy, your Easter meal sounds yummy. When are you heading north?
I got my house chores done but haven't taken the walk yet. A lot of day left for that.
Today is the anniversary of my father's death in 1995. His kids, six of us, still miss him a lot and also our mother, who will be gone from us four years in May. We've been sharing thoughts on our siblings text thread.
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Gloomy day after a sunny Easter with temps in low 50's but it is damp from the rain we had.
I found a Jacques Pepin recipe for asparagus in butter sauce cooked in a cast iron frying pan so we gave it a try. DD could only find thick asparagus and these turned out super tender. Will use it again. Dinner turned out well and everyone was stuffed. DSIL made a lemon bundt cake and decorated it with an Easter bunny theme. It was so cute and tasty. The grass was edible with a green apple flavor. He really did a good job. Loves to bake and loves dessert, too. I sent them home with a platter for a later meal.
Thanks to Carole, I may attempt to make baby lima bean soup with the leftover ham bone after we get another meal from the ham. I've had trouble getting the beans to soften so I'll buy fresh dried beans and give it a go.
Cindy, your meal sounds good so I hope your guests enjoyed it.
DSIL will pick up his new car either today or tomorrow. He is waiting for them to detail it. I found someone to detail my car once we get some clearer weather. DH waxed it but I am still finding remnants of wax on the car which he is unwilling to try to remove. So we'll let an expert take care of it.
DH is doing the electrical work for the new washer and dryer. DSIL washed the baseboard, wall and the floor for me yesterday and I want to throw a coat of paint on the baseboard today.
The eggs are Cadbury chocolate.
Hope everyone had a wonderful Easter and that today they were able to recover from it.
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That cake is so cute! I'd love to have a piece of it.
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I'm a sucker for lemon cake and that one with the chocolate as a part of it sounds super. I've learned to be appreciative in two ways with most desserts. As I can't have much I tend to savor it with great pleasure and have actually found that the first three bites are usually the ones that give you the most stimulated pleasure. After that it is more of a somewhat rote exercise. Very nice but the majority of the punch is past. Secondly, then I allow myself a fair variety of desserts and or cookies since I already know I'm not going to be able to pig out event if I wanted to.
So learned a wonderful appreciation for 'light' dessert eating along with an allowance for most anything.
We are having a prediction of storms tonight with threat till midnight of possible tornadoes. I sure hope this does not come to pass. Hopefullly it will miss us just as it did the last time.
As to Ray, my SIL's brother. His scans proved negative do that is very good. There is though concern yet for the size of this tumor. The Dr. says he will lose likely about half his colon. Sounds like a lot to me, but I know very little about colon cancer. He is a smoker and the Dr. said due to that he might have to tack on a bit of extra recovery time since she feels that could slow his healing down. My hope is that once this is all over he will no longer be a smoker. He feels a bit depressed and his worried — all normal reactions. I'd be concerned about him if he weren't. The other brother and only sister will be coming from Florida tomorrow some time (another reason why I hope our weather isn't too awful) and will stay for several days. They will support Ray and be helping him to plan for what comes after and if he needs to be in a rehab facility for a bit or just what. SIL will take off the next day or two — to help with pre-surgical tests and just spending time and being as comforting as he can. He is a positive-type guy and will likely help Ray, who borders on negative to take as much in stride as he can and not 'borrow' troubles.
Anyway, if any storm comes, I'll have this here so we are caught up for now. Hope everyone has if not great, at least decent weather that isn't too rocky or dismal. Sun and warmth if possible. See you all later.
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I don't go far - get here at least twice a week. Just don't always post. And I'm always sending healing thoughts to those of you in need.
Old desk is gone and "new" one almost assembled. Unfortunately, not all the screws were saved and I spent a frustrating afternoon trying to find replacements. Helpful guy at Ace (where I went first) asked if I had others like the ones I'm missing. Ella, who has been the master assembler, said no. Went to Lowe's near the skating rink, waited forever for someone to help me and then had two guys who were worth nothing.
My current plan is to take the screws that we haven't yet used with the hope that the Ace man can then figure out what I need. Unlike a few of you, I never took the time to learn my way around a hammer, much less multiple types of screws. Ken isn't much better. I've always said I would trust him with my gall bladder but not our light bulbs.
Following my trip to Lowes I went to Cosco. Was at the door before I remembered that I didn't have a Visa with me (another frustrating story). Fortunately, I discovered that they will take a check because we don't have debit cards. Don't usually have my check book with me but I guess that's the good news for the day. Was able to get the stuff I went for as well as 3 new golf shirts. I'd gotten one several weeks and loved the fit so was delighted that they now had it in several colors in addition to the black I bought before.
The first cacti are in bloom but the weather has been iffy. Today it never got up to 60 although it was warm and sunny when I golfed on Sat. We're getting lots of badly needed rain and there's snow up north which should help our drought.
Have a good week everyone. Hugs to all who are hurting.
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Good news about SIL's brother, Jackie. I saw on the news that younger people are getting colon cancer. My first reaction is to blame diet.
I woke up this morning remembering that last Tuesday we got up at 4:30 am to arrive at the hospital for 5 am. Already a week has passed. And last night I didn't even take the tylenol. But I did take it this morning since there are no SEs like drowsiness and I'm thinking I will drive for the first time and go to the supermarket for lettuce.
Taco, good luck in getting your desk assembled. I'm not sure when I will be playing golf again. Not a major thing since my passion for golf is gone. I have a huge handicap now, too, but no longer play in any type of competition where my scorecard is "public."
Slept with the a/c on again last night but I think we're in for a stretch of nice days with lower humidity.
The LSU women lost to Iowa last night. A lot of mean-spirited people in this country will be happy over the loss. It was a good game with sportmanship on both sides.
Happy Tuesday.
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Often the best way to win is to forget to keep score. -Marianne Espinosa Murphy
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Wowie, no tornado (that I know of) last night and not even a drop of rain when I went to bed. Sometime during the night waking up for my nightly bathroom breaks, there was so much lightning going on. The thunder just kept rolling through the lightning. The hard rain hitting the window right behind my bed was startling a bit. A long time ago I learned to leave one hearing aid in because I do better with balance at night when I get up —- so I didn't hear clearly but I was amazed at how much I heard. I probably was more secure not hearing how it really was.
Sun was out when I woke up this morning, but it isn't going to stay. We have a 70% chance of more rain today and it is likely we will at some point get wet again. It's okay since I need to be in and get things done here. All yesterday's running around wiped out some of the progress inside here that I hoped to make.
Taco, I am sort of giggling and sort of not. I am so with you on the screw issues. Your description: I never took the time to learn my way around a hammer, much less multiple types of screws. Ken isn't much better. just sat right down in my head. I can do a lot of things, but the mechanics of many things just cause me to automatically look for help. I know its a weak point and I don't fight it long. Glad you had some success at Cosco's. Good pick-me-upper after the frustration of the screws.
Dh just got another desk for his room. I'm trying not to say grrrr. He has been thru a lot of desks trying to find just the right one. I hope this is it. Especially for what it took to get it in his room. Had to take the roll-top off the desk and then as well the desk-top itself. Then had to take the door off the hallway furnace cubby. Nope, not done yet — had to take Dh's door off as well. Very tight fit. We have a great SIL who was cheerful about doing all this work and I'm so thankful that it was not Dh and me having to 'figure' out the 'nth' degree of having to remove doors and tops just to get one stick of furniture in a room.
Glad you are going to have a better weather period Carole. My daughter who is constantly quite warm would likely not be able to live in your area at all. She thinks the humidly here in Illinois is hideous and Dh and I barely notice it. It took a few years over-all but once we adjusted, we were okay most of the time.
Hope all have a good day and good weather if possible.
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Hi, Ladies. Easter went well. My ham was probably the best I have ever made. I did cook the ham bone with beans the next day. It was yummy. I have labs this week, the dentist, Dermatologist and PCP next week. My Sweet Viburnum is in bloom.
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petite1, beautiful bloom. Is it fragrant as well?
Carole, glad your recovery is going smoothly.
Taco, hope you can find the right screws so you can complete the desk. My Dad insisted I know how to use tools and to be somewhat self-sufficient in putting things together, changing tires (then not now), etc. He gave me a tool box when I went into nursing school and I am so glad he taught me.
Washer and dryer delivered and now on a new learning curve to figure out to use it. It has a touch screen and I followed directions but still had a problem running it. I have a test load I want to run.
Windshield washers stopped working and discovered that the squirters (don't know correct term) have fallen back in engine cavity because clips that hold them in place broke. Took it to dealer to see if they can just pop them back in and because the clips broke they have to be replaced. I have a protection plan but they are acting like they won't honor it claiming "looks like someone poked them with a stick". Well we didn't. Expensive to repair. I guess I'll have to firmly deny that happening. So appointment for next week.
Had back x-ray for back pain and the results were so grammatically incoherent not sure if I have a fracture or not. I do not have a compression fracture. Tech who took x-rays asked me if PCP had ordered an MRI after she took them. So did she see something? PCP ordered a CT. I now have osteopenia changes in my thoracic vertebrae according to this x-ray.
Regan goes for evaluation for one on one classes tonight. She missed her walk today due to delivery of appliances so she's a bit out of sorts. It's raining so she most likely wouldn't have gotten out of the car anyhow.
Rainy, gloomy day and this weather pattern will be around for the next few days. Japanese maple looks like it will leaf soon since buds are opening. Birds have been loving the new suet cake I put out and seem to like it more that the one I had in there before. I have had chickadees, sparrows, blue jay, juncos and the wren feasting on it. Steady stream of traffic from them. Looking for bluebird to see if it likes this one.
Have to get blood work done before PCP visit on 4/12. They need to be fasting so I may go tomorrow morning since I have no appointments then. Made appointment with vascular specialist to deal with lower leg edema for later this month. So again social life is revolving around either physician appointments or hand therapy appointments. Need to get working on PT for legs so I can get knee done in early June.
Right now I need to do exercises prescribed by hand therapist so I will wish everyone a good day.
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Carole, I was thinking of you when my DH and I watched the NCAA women's basketball game last night. I never watched women's basketball until halfway through this season. My 'DD and SIL took GKs to see Iowa play and they got pictures of Caitlin Clark. She is an amazing player and person. I became an Iowa fan soon after I watched them play, but only for this year because the players I like will be moving on. I really liked that Caitlin and Angel are fans of each other, and exchange positive texts. LSU has nothing to feel bad about, they played very well! Not sure what you meant by mean spirited, you must have seen/experienced something I didn't, but I enjoyed watching both teams. I only get "mean spirited" when I watch Purdue's men's bb. I have no love for one player, but only when he's on the court! 😉
Betrayal, sorry to hear about your back. You are way overdue for some good medical news! I hope you like your new washer/dryer. I know what you mean about getting used to them. I got a new dishwasher in August and it is touch screen too, but took me some time to feel comfortable with the settings. I also loved the Easter cake, too cute!
illinois, glad no tornadoes! We are supposed to have another day of rain again tomorrow.
Today was supposed to be our trash and recycling pick up, but they never showed up on our street. This has become a habit and I can't help but wonder if someone on my street did something that angered the sanitation workers. I left it at the curb as they will pick it up in the morning,
Petite, pretty flowers! Very dainty looking!
taco, sorry you had such a rough time trying to find proper screws for the desk! So frustrating!
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I'm back from my cruise, great weather, about 15 new birds, learned more than I'd expected about art (this was the free cruise I got through my roommate because she bought so much art on the last cruise). I spent many hours with her and the art people. Whole different world for me as I've never taken an art appreciation class in my life. Some of the pieces up for auction were over 500 years old, older than the Gutenberg bible. There were also newer artists on the ship with us, including the gal who painted Ellen DeGeneres' portrait, Allison Lefcort. The prices were way out of my price range, but Lynn bought enough that she'll qualify for another free cruise, this time an international cruise like to the Mediterranean or Africa.
My psoriasis didn't flare up this trip, I got my second injection a couple days after I got home, and then came down with a cold that has had me all stuffed up for several days, so far no coughing.
I didn't try and catch up with all the past posts, but was happy to see that Carole's had her surgery and is recovering well.
I'm still working on the trip photos, will post some when I get them organized
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Welcome back, Puffin! Happy to hear you had a wonderful trip and that you expanded your world with art! No need to buy any, just viewing and appreciating enriched your mind and added joy to your life!
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cHappiness is that brief sigh of a moment that delivers a glow of peace and serenity. Happiness is that tiny point of a feeling in our chest that radiates itself a million times throughout our being. Happiness is that "pause" that refreshes our spirit, allowing us to plunge back into the rigors of our lives with renewed vigor. Happiness is that precise moment that allows us to experience--even if briefly--that we are a part of a vastness our minds will never comprehend. Don't knock the brevity of happiness. Rejoice in its existence.
Anne Wilson Schaef Meditations for Living in Balance
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Welcome back home Puffin. Good news that you were able to cruise w/o psoriasis rearing up again. Sounds like the trip provided a lot to you. How wonderful to have a 'roommate' willing to share and encourage this experience for you. Great benefit.
I concur with MM. Just the joy of personal expansion is enough. You don't have to own something to enjoy it.
We woke up to sun that didn't last. More clouds and more rain chances going on today. I think it will likely be a lot cooler than it has been as of late as well. Our ground looks highly moist still and it is likely we had more rain overnight. While it does rain here during the day, I'm amazed at how often we now get rain at night. Betrayal, you seem to be having more rain as well. Partly because its Spring I know but looking dreary when the flowers are out on the red and white bud trees and the Bradford pears, forsythia ready to go, gets to me. I hope if we keep thinking sun we'll both start having a little more.
More catch up today. Ray had to be at the hospital by 6 a.m. this morning. Sounds like he is first on the list and that is good. He is worried about things but mainly I think about what comes after. Understandable. He will have many adjustments losing so much of the colon and learning to eat again. There is also the overall healing and rehab and he is not sure of that either. I guess I'm usually less apt to worry too much and just take things as they come, do what I can, and try to meet whatever challenge presents.
Hope everyone stays well and has productive days and good weather. Petite, love your picture. I've gone back to look at it several times. You are busy this week. Let all go well.
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Guests are out to Margaritaville for 3 nights so we were alone last night. Guests keep you busy, then they’re gone and I was bored.
We enjoyed Ybor City but didn’t get a lot of time there. Headed to the hockey game and partners Red Wings won so that was a pleasure too. We were home before midnight - less traffic at night.
I worked on my nieces taxes yesterday. It took forever for Norton to run a virus scan, and then there was a tax software update too. I finished the taxes pretty quickly then went to print them and our printer showed an error code. The dang printer is on the lower shelve of the end table, so onto the floor I had to go. I ended up turning off the printer, unplugging it for a few minutes before plugging it all back in. Nothing. It wouldn’t even turn on. Partner put it up on the breakfast bar so we could get a good look at it. It’s dead. Today I’d like to get another one. And if it takes the sane ink cartridge size, that would be a plus - I have a brand new cartridge unopened. You & I know the chances are slim I’ll find the same size cartridge in a new one.
I got out early for my walk. Nothing in my plans to be out early, I just couldn’t sleep so I got out of bed. It was 75 when I left; 77 & real feel 83 when I got back. Super windy, which allowed me to get the walk in. Otherwise humidity would have dropped me to my knees.
Carole, we’ll be heading to Charlottesville, VA to meet family to tour Monticello over mother’s days weekend. I have an MO appointment on 5/14, so we plan on sleeping in our own bed 5/13. Leaving FL probably May 7th.
Betrayal, our ham bone will end up in pea soup. That cake looked super cute! As to your new washer, may the force be with you! The learning curve and the new washer technology …I’d take my old washer back in a heartbeat (if it worked). Your wiper fluid sprayer, I hope they cover it. Up north they’d freeze in the old days, but I’ve never had one break off.
Taco, missing screws are common, and you’re on point going to ACE vs big box store. We always had a drawer growing up (fibber McGee’s drawer, my dad would say), I now use an old Tupperware type container, to hold all old nuts/ bolts/ and screws that we’ve ever had an extra of. I’d search it for the same or similar, then head to the local hardware store.Jackie, good news the tornado didn’t get to your area. The desk getting in sounded like a lot of work. I hope this is the “one” too! But if not, you wouldn’t have to be as careful removing it. Tee hee!
Petite, I’m glad your Easter ham was great. You’re ahead of me using up the bone. Love the viburnum!
Puffin, welcome back! Looking forward to seeing photos.MM, the woman’s basketball took place in Albany, NY - our base, we live in the suburbs. From what I’ve read the place was packed. Also read the “nothing to do” there. It being winter, and a weird winter at that, I get it. But plenty of good restaurants, shopping and the like. It’s not a “big” city, it’s a college town and government city. And if I’m honest, downtown can be sketchy at night. It was still good to see the excitement of the games.
Wind is whipping outside. Hoping to get over to the beach tomorrow. Less wind and not real sunny but good enough for me to check out the Margaritaville pool. Have a great day! Good vibes to those I’ve missed too.
OH almost forgot. Adele concert rescheduled for 11/8. Gf who was going will not be able to go, she’ll be in Europe. I paid her back for her ticket. My partner will be my concert date. He’s not super thrilled and would easily bow out if I find another GH to go. It’s far enough away, I could always resell the tickets if worse came to worse.
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Cindy, enjoy Charlottesville and Monticello! It's one of my very favorite towns, I have musician friends there, along with tons of good memories! There is a used book store there that I love called The Blue Whale. I hope it survived the Covid years. Also, Miller's bar. Great for music and drinks! I love walking and, in the warmer weather, eating outside, on the mall!
As for Monticello, Jefferson was almost killed there. If I remember correctly, he got a warning that the British were coming to get him. He mounted his horse and he started to ride up the mountain when he dropped his sword. He turned his horse around and went back to retrieve it, mounted his horse again, just as the enemy was on their way up the hill! He narrowly escaped.
I love Monticello, the tall "window doors", the bed Jefferson slept in tucked in between two rooms. He was an avid reader and loved books! I bought a copy of the Adams/Jefferson letters from the gift shop there. So ironic that Thomas Jefferson and John Adams actually died on the fourth of July within hours of each other.
I hope the weather is good while you are there and you can see the gardens. There is, of course, the dark and profoundly sad side of our history there, the slave quarters. Equally important to see.
If you have time check out some of the vineyards surrounding Charlottesville, if you can! Great wines and fun tours. Some have polo matches on the weekends in the summer.
My father always loved crape myrtle trees. I ended up stopping at a nursery in Charlottesville area on one of my visits and bought one to take home. Good thing I had a large Chrysler Town and Country mini van at the time. I put it inside the car! DH planted it in our back yard. It really thrived here and is huge now!
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Loved the pictures Cindy. Ybor looks so quaint in its downtown area. I think any small town that can capture their own charm and keep it are worlds ahead. Glad the Redwings won as well. Nice for your other half.
We are having on and off rain squalls with the sun popping out briefly afterwards. Great to see the sun if only for a minute or three. It is only 44 degrees though so it feels damp and it most certainly dreary in spite of the brief minutes of sun that brighten it up for a short while.
MM, loved hearing the history part of Charlottesville and Monticello. I had completely forgotten most of what I once read long ago. Nice to have it restored.
As far as washing machines, I think I got lucky. For the most part mine is pretty straight-forward. It has a group of pre-set settings which are standard and the other part of the 'dial' and push screen options are if you want to make your own combination of choices. Seemed like it would be tricky but didn't turn out that way. I hope Betrayal has it easy as well. I was surprised (though I only used it once) with the push screen choice of wrinkle setting. My things really did come out far less wrinkled than they ever have with my old machines. I'll be waiting to see if more than sheets will work as well.
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Hi. Having a storm that I hope clears up so I can go to the store. I have labs on Friday. With all the ham and rich food I have eaten, I hope my cholesterol is not too out of line.
Betrayal, They smell similar to Jasmine.
Cindy, When I lived in Tampa, I would frequent Ybor. I was young and there is a lot of night life. I always went with friends. My aunt lived in Charlottesville, VA. It is a lovely place.
Puffin, Your trip sounds fabulous.
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DD stopped by to show us DSIL's new SUV and it is a beaut. It's a 2023 Santa Fe SEL in an almost navy blue color. It should be fun for me to try to get into it and then gracefully try to exit. I am only 5'1" with short legs so SUV's are really not in my future. Get one as a loaner car when I need from the dealer and love driving it, just don't look good when I have to almost fall out to exit, LOL.
Sparrows and wren are having a good time with the suet cake feeder. It seems to be a hit for them and in this rainy damp weather provides them with the nutrition they need. Fun watching them land on the frame and peck away.
Stream through our property is at an all time high and moving quickly. I hope it doesn't get any higher because it would them be in my daffodil/azalea bed and I don't want them to wash away. It has been raining pretty steadily and we got the thunder storm that Illinoislady talked about yesterday. Last night the thunder was booming so loud that it shook the house. Not a good feel for me because of the tree strike in 2019. The lightning was very bright but did not last long. Don't sleep well under those conditions. Winds are supposed to pick up this afternoon and persist overnight so tonight might also be sleepless.
On the learning curve for the new front loading washer and dryer but finding the programs that I need. Love that I am able to stop the washer to add a late item like the wash cloth I missed when I loaded the towels. Last load in dryer now.
Making ham and lima bean soup with carrots and tomatoes. Took forever for the beans to finally soften so I added the chopped carrots and hope that a prolonged soak in the hot liquid will soften them. Seems beans went from still hard to almost too soft in a short period of time. DH got a loaf of seeded rye so dinner is done and DD wants me to save her some. Pulled the ham apart since it was soft enough to shred. I will reheat before we eat at 5:30 or so.
Received call to schedule pre-op and admissions requirements for knee replacement. Called back and that is scheduled. Cardiology called to change appointment so I was able to move that one up to right after my repeat echo and asked her about surgical clearance since she had expressed some risk due to respiratory status post last surgery. I am doing better but need to focus on increasing activity even if gradually.
VN thinks she may be able to discharge me next week but was dismayed to find that I still have a small opening with a small bit of drainage. She poked it today, got some drainage on the swab and still remains concerned that I have a very hard lump where my undermining was. I see surgeon on Monday. Only free day next week is Thursday between hand, physician and car appointments.
So gloomy weather is to persist so I need to find things to distract me from the gray. I have a hand appointment tomorrow, moved bloods to Friday morning and will have both afternoons free. Always something to do though.
Envy those that are having weather nice enough to take a walk. Hello to everyone and I wish you a great day.
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Betrayal we had your rain here in coastal Carolina today so I spent it in my office sorting, scheduling things and doing laundry. Hope that wound issue gets totally sorted when you visit the surgeon. What a slog for you. I am waiting to hear from someone in this new health system about getting me a shot for my shoulder which is nearly due. I'm feeling it and soon it will impact my activity level.
From my last visit to Monticello when I lived near DC, I have a plaque in my library/office with a Jefferson quote: "I cannot live without books." As DH says, "Appropriate. "
Happy end of hump day to all 😊
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The piazza was in the middle of the ship and extended up 3 floors so when there was entertainment on the ground floor people could enjoy it on the other floors as well. Since we weren't with Carefree birding we'd told our guides we could handle more difficult hikes. It took more concentration to hike trails with tree roots and rocks but we also got to see birds that like higher elevations, like the Imperial Parrot (which was a fly by so no photos). This Purple-throated Carib was gorgeous, especially when the light hit its throat. The donkeys on Grand Turk had a black line of fur down their back and down each shoulder, called The Cross of Christ, from when Jesus blessed the donkey that carried him.
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Carole - the Niners play for fun and a "little" cash. I always tell newcomers that I have the distinction of both being President of the group and having the highest handicap. I like to play well but don't seem to obsess about it much. I play for the friendship. I've always been a nerd. I remember mom telling me that my father was grateful that they only had daughters because he couldn't do sports either. My college had a PE requirement and I was seriously concerned that I wouldn't be able to graduate because of it.
So the bottom line is that I'm not good at sports or at being handy around the house. Fortunately we can afford to hire help when we need it.
Betrayal - I hope all of this falls into place for you. You are way overdue for a good surgical outcome. I'm afraid that I'm headed for the knee replacement line. My first one wasn't a roaring success and I've been able to postpone the second one through cortisone shots and acupuncture but it doesn't seem to be working this time. Have any of you done PRT for joint problems?
Even though we lived in the D.C. area, I never got to Monticello. Does sound like a great experience.
Puffin - 15 birds. That's sounds like a big number for a week's trip. Hope you are able to continue to travel.
I'm reading "The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store" right now. I'm not as excited about it as the reviewers are. A woman in my new book club is going to loan me a copy of "The Women." Really looking forward to that.
Weather moving across the states sounds awful. Stay safe.
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Taco, I enjoyed both of those books. Heaven & Earth was an audio book, and maybe that played into enjoying it so. Narrator drew me in. The Women reminded me of a tv show from years back called China Beach.
We’ve been having storms on & off since 8:15 PM. It’s 1:30 AM and it might be settling down for the night I hope. FL has some loud rolling thunder and we had lots of lightening too.We’re heading to Margaritaville tomorrow afternoon. My niece & grandniece have a room with 2 queen beds so she’s entitled to 4 wrist bands to get into the Beach Club pool. Otherwise it’s $65 a person, and I don’t think I’d ever pay $130 to get in! I figure we’ll stay a few hours and then get out of their way so they can enjoy their last night on the beach. We’ll do the park & ride the trolly, to avoid $20-35 to park and the ease.
Everyone have a good night and a great day Thursday!
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I see several of you seem to be headed for joint replacements. You are in my thoughts that all goes well and rehab is uneventful. Several of you also seem to be very handy and I’m envious. My dad tried to teach me and both my brothers to fix things but was only successful with my oldest brother. Fortunately for me, DH is very handy although he is more inclined these days to call in professional help for major projects especially since his right rotator cuff and bicep are giving him problems.
Jackie - I hope Ray’s surgery went well and that he recovers as well as possible
Puffin - The pictures are stunning especially the purple throated Carib.
Betrayal - so sorry to hear there is still a small opening that is draining. I’m sure this seems never ending.
MM - loved your information on Monticello. We took a trip to the DC area when DS was young but didn’t make it to Monticello. If we ever head back that way, I’ll make sure it’s on the ‘to visit’ list.
Taco - ‘Heaven and Earth Grocery Store’ is on my ‘to read’ list. If I can get my mind to settle and focus, I hope to read it. I just have a lot of other things going on.
Cindy - I love hearing about all your activities. You really know how to enjoy life.
Brother #2 is still in the hospital and communicating less and less each day. I’m plenty worried. They do have him in PT which I think is necessary for him to resume independent living. Brother #1 and his two kids & and their spouses are visiting on Saturday for lunch to try to cheer us up. I do hope they don’t think I’m dying. It’s a 2-3 hour drive for them and they are picking up pizza at the place down the road from me so it is an easy peasy visit for me. I’ll be happy to see them but feel guilty that brother #2 is all alone in the hospital 300 miles away.
Met with the GYN Onc and MO on Monday. Ovarian cancer staging surgery is scheduled for April 10th. The goal is to do it laparoscopically so I heal quicker and then move to chemo a few weeks later. Chemo will be 6 cycles of paclitaxel + carboplatin every three weeks. Staging surgery will determine if a maintenance treatment of a PARP inhibitor will be needed after chemo. I have a MRI of a pancreatic cyst on Friday. The cyst was found on last week’s CT scan and is a separate issue from the ovarian cancer. The GYN Onc has already looped in a GI doctor in case consultation is needed (please, please let this be benign - I’ve got my hands full with the OC). A 3rd cancer would send me over the edge.Weather here has been yucky - gray, rainy, windy and a bit of snow. Today I resorted to going to the gym to get in a workout. Tomorrow’s weather looks equally dismal.
Have a good week.1 -
(((Harley))), holding you in my heart.
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Harley, hang in there! One of my young co-workers and a dear friend was diagnosed with ovarian cancer years ago. She had young children at the time of her Dx and was afraid she wouldn't live to see them grow up. One of her children is now in college, the other in HS. She is doing great with NED. I too hope your cyst is not cancerous! Either way, I will not let you fall over the edge! We are all here for you!
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