Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
Comments
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Sandy, our local grocery chain is named "Acme". It and Home Depot are DH's favorite shopping venues. Give him a list, hope he doesn't lose it and he's a happy man.
Darn deer in the past few days have eaten all the bleeding hearts in most of the backyard. I am really annoyed because this is the first they have done this and in the process have uprooted many of the ferns I had planted as well. I will need to replant them.
DGS is going to Dorney Park foe his class trip and called to ask if i had some jobs he could do. He likes yardwork so I will have him replant some pachysandra for me. BTW, I had offered him money about 2 months ago for this trip and he turned me down. I also offered him a reward for every "A" he gets on his final report card. He is smart but doesn't always work up to his full potential. This seems to have sweetened the pot and he called to tell me about a recent A in one of the subjects.
Was annoyed yesterday with MRI schedule because I was scheduled for one at 5:30 and the second at 6 (booking only). However I wasn't even taken back for part 1 until 6:15 and never finished both studies until 7:15.
The x-ray of my knees was not performed according to what the PA wanted. I thought it was for right knee only and she had mentioned them using a ball to get good shots for implant sizing. The tech looked at me like I was speaking Greek and then dragged 2 other techs in to chime in that they don't do that. Told me she does x-rays for this Orthopod all the time and that's what I got. Bet I have to do another set next week, sheesh! So I was done them by 4:30 and spent the next 90 plus minutes sitting in the department waiting room. Blew through the magazine I took and just vegetated because the TV in the lab area was turned off.
Illinoislady, happy birthday to your DH. Nice that DD is taking you out to dinner as well. Hope you have a great meal.
Sandy, sorry to hear about the hip issues and hope it is just something like bursitis. Glad your sister is showing signs of improvement.
Puffin, glad to hear from you. Your progress is amazing.
Saw pulmonologist for annual visit and this was a first with this physician since NP who I had been seeing for years left. He tells me this is his last day as well but he was humorous, informative and when I mentioned that the only thing I disliked about my APAP machine was no new reservoir in over 2 years. Well, he said someone slipped up because I should be receiving one every 6 months like I did with old machine. So he placed a new order. New NP named Julia will be the one I see in 2025.
Went to Produce Junction for some vegetables and got a lot of plants for the patio. I think I will have DGS help me create patio pots. I got mostly geraniums, a fuchsia, some lantana (hummingbird loves this) and another plant whose name escapes me. Also some vinca vines and some spikes. Prices can't be beat there. So now with the pots my DD got me, I think the patio will be done and manageable.
I want to put out the hummingbird feeder but the nectar has to be changed every 3 days and I am not sure DH can manage cleaning and refilling the feeder. I have a smaller feeder he might be able to manage.
DD's dog is 14 and was dx with Stage 4 lymphoma in liver and spleen. She is opting for palliative care though they did discuss chemo with her. I am trying to convince her that at his age it will not buy him much time and it is extremely expensive. He is her child so I am not pushing the issue, she has to decide.
Sun is playing peek-a-boo again but temps are high 60's with a breeze. Hope everyone has a great day.
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I had the selective nerve root block in C4 (of my neck) yesterday. Came home and didn’t do much. I did take a 2 hour nap (slept 4 at night) which felt great. But the steroid had me awake until 4 AM with wake ups at 6 & 8. I got out of bed about 8:40, knowing I wasn’t going back to sleep. Neck hurts more today than yesterday, all numbness wore off so it’s sore.
I had my 6 month repeat chest CT today. Lung nodules came back stable, no new or enlarging. But I noted on vessels, atherosclerotic disease…hardening of the arteries, of the thoracic aorta. Ugh, one more thing to ask him about.
Because of my speedy steroid still being in me, I ran all my errands necessary for the day. Plant food at Ocean State, paper products at Big Lots, allergy meds at CVS, gassed up the car at BJ’s, and more things than I thought I was getting at ALDIs.
Tomorrow is ENT appointment in a town 20+ minutes from me. It’s a straight shot up the highway but my original appointment was just about around the corner from me.Sandy, you’ve got your plate full again. I hope that your hip isn’t fractured.
Weather is iffy here, 69 and overcast, but I’m going out to putter. I have to change everything down to my footwear. These pine trees leave sap and I step in it - clumps of pine needles come back in with me.
Jackie, enjoy your husband’s birthday!
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Jackie, happy birthday to your dh. He's reaching 85 before my husband does on June 8. Enjoy the dinner out at a restaurant.
I had a delicious lunch today with two women friends at Oysters Half Shell. We each ordered from the appetizer menu, crab cakes and fried green tomato slices topped by a remoulade sauce. One friend, Norma, and I had a Cosmo cocktail.
Afterwards I went to a nail salon and had a pedicure and, spur of the moment decision, a manicure. I got clear polish on my fingernails because I don't wear gloves to wash dishes and colored polish doesn't hold up. My cuticles badly needed some attention.
I didn't get much done today on preparing to depart. This morning I started on cleaning the inside of the refrigerator. Otherwise, it was a Pamper Me day.
Hope the day went as well for everyone.
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I am back, this time with a new laptop. It got stuck in the shop for a week while he was transferring my stuff.
Again, I am not going to spend hours catching up. Betrayal, Sandy and I are here with you for that TKR.
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Thanks, Chris, I really appreciate your support. If you had spinal anesthesia with yours, were you awake or aware of your surroundings? I haven't spoken to anesthesia yet and really don't want to be awake to hear any noises from the drilling, etc. Please share if you can or PM me. How is your knee and what's up with your bike?
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I also had a manicure, pedicare and haircut yesterday. Needed a refresh and relax day. Also stopped at Dillard's a somewhat new to me store while a coastal storm tried to make a statement. The downpour wasn't bad and I got homein time for a late fast food dinner.
I had my first screening mammogram in 10 years on May 7th. No response yet. I contacted the Dr. Office on Tuesday to find out it was the Dr's first day back from her own medical leave and "please be patient." They did have prior records to obtain and review but this wait seems excessive. I got the impression she was swamped with paperwork but it still means I wait. I even googled North Carolina notification guidelines/laws but didn't get too far. I am thinking at this point it's probably OK ( it's been so long!) but you never assume. I'm a bit nerve cracked but trying to just remain calm. I think I will stick with DMs in the future. Thanks for "listening."
Sandy I thought of you recently as a friend's DH was just diagnosed with ocular melanoma. They sent him to Duke for a similar treatment that you had.
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It's beginning to look like my hip may not be ripe for replacement just yet. I've switched to taking extra-strength Tylenol 3x/day, as well as applying diclofenac gel BID (as my neuro recommended for my iliopsoas strains) whether or not I'm in pain. This morning as I was doing my standing stretches I found a trigger point on my L glute—aha! Referred pain. Still gonna get those X-rays on Sat., though (tomorrow is shot because I have a facial in the River North area midday, and the commute from there to Skokie is rough due to construction as well as the start of rush hour).
BangBang's breath is better, but I know both she & Roxy will need dentistry. Getting them to a vet will be a problem because appointments are required and the kitties' skittishness makes it unpredictable as to whether I can timely get there.
My sister's cardiologist says her cough is likely GERD, as she hadn't taken her Prilosec in a week. But my friend had another "episode" this morning—dry heaves, sweats, confusion. He & his wife spent all day in the ER and I haven't heard back.
We took the kids and our HK to dinner tonight: she wanted fried calamari and Calo (where we've been going since 1979) does it best. Her son is flying in Sat. night, the closing is Mon., and they drive down to B'ham on Tues.
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Chris, good to see you back and so nice of you to offer help to betrayal with information for her upcoming TKR.
Dreary day but won't change my plans. I need to take Kelce to the vet for a second Leptospirosis vaccine. Then will spend time on the phone with Verizon over issues with our TV! My third call to them in a week! I am in a no-nonsense mood today so I will TELL them what they ARE going to do if they want to keep me as a customer! Otherwise, I am fully prepared to get another provider, even though I know they are just as bad, but they do give good discounts to get new customers.
Rest of the day I will be doing wash, and cleaning. I do love a clean house!
Puffin, you are amazing and I admire your resilience! You've got this!
Harley, thinking of you and crossing fingers that your chemo went well.
To all who are going through aches and pains, I wish you relief!
Cindy, thanks for the laughs! I love reading your posts! Hope all is going well for you now!
Carole, wishing you safe travels north!
I hope everyone has a great weekend!
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This morning take a few minutes to reflect on how you give of
yourself to the world. Often we get caught up in the frenzy
of buying and giving things.
Look at the ways you give appreciation, friendship, energy,
time, love, and affection, and give of your own special talents
and abilities throughout the year. Acknowledge yourself for
having enriched the lives of others. Spend some time loving
yourself for the giving light that you are.
Shakti Gawain0 -
Having a spot sun this morning after last night's rain. It is not real bright, but I'm sure will awaken the cicada's again. SIL said they were all over the outside of the screen room. It was darkish when we came home last evening so I didn't really take the time to look — just hurried in.
Reader, it is the pits to have to wait for a test result. Having to wait overlong just enhances the idea that maybe all isn't quite right when it is really okay. I hope it does turn out just that way. At least now when all done you will have all updated results.
I think most pets, cats especially show a lot of reluctance to get into a crate. Seems to be solidly in their genes not to be in charge. I hope you are able to get your kitties to a dentistry check w/o too much trouble for their sake as well as yours.
Your dinner out with your HK sounded so nice. It also sounds like everything (her move) is definitely going at warp speed now. Golly, I think it such an adjustment in some ways for everyone, even knowing nothing ever stays the same. Some things may not be noticed as much during the adjustment times but I would expect deeply wistful remembrances to come soon enough.
MM, you sound so industrious about cleaning. I have been so lackadaisical and you have me now determined to push a little harder. Thank you.
We had a wonderful time out last night to Jerry's Bigger Jigger. It is an old family restaurant that seems to have been around forever. We sat in the bar area and while waiting for our food used the gaming machines. SIL did as well after he finished his meal and while waiting on the rest of us. Turns out the winnings were enough to pay for an expensive meal and tip as well as some left over money. Dh and I had some winnings as well though much smaller. Being older we are not quite as risky. We win $10.00 and quick cash out and stuff it in our wallets.
Texas and Louisiana are getting lots of watered up storms. I do hope you all stay safe and especially you Carole as you will soon be traveling.
Thinking of all of you and hoping you have a really good Friday on your way to a great week-end.
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Yes on the storms, Jackie. We had strong wind last night which blew a large tree branch down on the lawn a distance from the house, thank goodness. It was large enough that dh had to take the chain saw out and saw it up so he could move it piece by piece. Quite a few people in different areas have lost power, including my sister who lives about 8 miles from us. I have invited her and her dh to sleep here in our guest bedroom since they've been told power won't be restored until Sunday. It is steamy hot.
We decided to put off travel until Sunday because it's supposed to be stormy tonight and tomorrow. I don't mind having an extra day to get preparations done. Earlier I put plastic wrap on the toilet bowl in the hall bathroom, which serves as the guest bathroom. I'll have to unwrap it if my sister decides to come here. LOL. For anyone wondering about the plastic wrap, it keeps the water from evaporating out of the bowls and creating a big stink, literally. An alternative would be bothering someone to come in and flush the toilets periodically but we turn off the water to the house and that person would be bothered with turning the water on and then back off.
There's a lot to consider when leaving home for four months. Settling back in on our return takes place faster than leaving. The same applies to our summer "home," our 5th wheel camper. Arriving and setting up will happen in a few hours. Leaving in October is a longer process.
Hope everyone is having a good Friday.
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Congratulations to all who have both summer and winter homes. Where I live is ideal for a summer home.
Betrayal, I had general. There was also supposed to be a local, but it didn't take. I woke up with 10+ pain. They knocked me out again quickly. I think it was supposed to be a spinal. I don't remember a thing during the surgery.
Knee is great. My ankle is still a bit weak, but improving. The custom arch supports for pes cavus (extremely high arches usually caused by congenital neurological disorders) are helping immensely.
Depending on how the summer goes, I might be getting my insert changed out for something smaller. Without the bra with insert, I look extremely lopsided. I am down to 157 pounds. My belly skin and the insides of my thighs are saggy. Tippy is a very demanding coach. I will be riding my bike frequently now, though, because he does like to ride. So hopefully my weight will stabilize. BMI is 24.6.
The bike is a sweetheart.
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Chris, that bike is cool looking and I hope you have some sort of fancy helmet so people notice you on the bike. Was the weight loss intentional or ? I was hoping that I would lose more weight after my abdominal surgery than I did but I will take what I got. Unfortunately when you are older and lose weight, skin turgor isn't as responsive as when we were younger. WW used to say drink milk and this should help but not sure if that is fact or fallacy. Rather think it is the later. Thanks for telling me about your anesthesia, I would prefer general but they push spinal. I do have spinal arthritis so not sure if they will be able to inject. Hate that you only meet with anesthesia pre-op so no time to digest their presentation.
Not looking forward to post-op pain because I have severe SE to most narcotics and let's face it, OTC's won't do much.
Just spent nearly 2 hours spreading mulch near the junipers. Ten bags down and I most likely need another 10 to finish. Want DH to finish last 2 juniper enclosures before I spread mulch to finish so it has to be this coming week. I did replant the ferns the deer had displaced and DH used coyote urine on what is left of the bleeding hearts.
Waiting to see if DGS is coming this weekend to help me garden. I have some bushes that need dead wood removed, another that requires trimming because it is too high, and he can help with making the patio pots since I have the plants.
It is a cool day with temps in the high 60's and a nice breeze. Sun is not bright at all so kind of dreary. Was taking breaks on fire pit area chairs and the smell of the lilacs is intoxicating. Wish I could bottle it because it smells so sensual. My favorite bush did not like the excessive heat and the rain knocked a lot of the blooms off it. It did not last as long as I would like and I hate that I have to wait another year for a repeat.
Doing well in PT and she is still introducing new exercises including 2 today with ankle weights. I can actually fully extend my right knee now and while my knee does protest some, it is not as severe as when I started. She did a re-evaluation today and I am improving. Good news.
Hope everyone has a great day and an even better one tomorrow.
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Illinoislady, glad you won some money as did DSIL to pay for your meal. Sounds like you had a good time for DH birthday.
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My weight is apparently extremely responsive to my level of physical activity. It takes more energy to move my body, I guess. So I need to level off and maintain my weight where it is. Or eat more.
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Glad to read all the updates. It has been a pleasure to "get to know" various of you over the years in this forum. I subscribe to two others also.
Illinois I deeply appreciate your supportive comment about the joys of waiting. Today I got the words I hoped for. B9! I had never waited so long before, it's a new hospital system and I tend to worry. So your support (and anyone offering silent support which i do a lot) is meaningful. Thank you.
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My second cataract surgery went well, until this morning. I have an eye infection from an out break of Blepharitis. I am on oral antibiotics, ointment and the 2 types of eye drops. It is very uncomfortable. Rickey Bob is staying with his foster mom while I recover.
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Betrayal, I had spinals (or maybe epidurals?) with "conscious sedation" for both my TKRs. First time, the anesthesia resident didn't notice my scoliosis and when he tried to place the catheter it felt like a lightning bolt and I literally shrieked. He had to bring in the attending…and a portable fluoroscope. Second time (different hospital) the attending placed the catheter with no problem. I hadn't previously realized the extent of the scoliosis, because when I was about to have my C-section to deliver Gordy—the anesthesiologist hit her mark on the first try.
Had my facial today. My esthetician, who is French, is leaving for a vacation to Paris & Brittany to visit family. In the "it's a small world" department, her boyfriend—the chairman of the percussion dept. at Columbia College—was the drummer on my first CD 25 years ago!
My landscaper came today to pot a couple of tomato plants (we keep them on the deck so the rabbits won't get them), which are already fruiting. My chives, parsley and black raspberries are already flowering. His ex-girlfriend is a cat-sitter, so we've got that covered in case we need to travel. He's checking around for a good housecleaning service, and I signed up for a laundry service. Our hamper is getting full, so we're about to place our first order. The litterbox and the washer-dryer are in the basement, which is definitely a challenge (I'm not looking forward to getting the next 20-lb box of clumping litter down those stairs—my HK says she simply slid the box down. Ditto with the laundry basket, to which she tied a rope to haul it back up. Bob's been a good egg about taking out the garbage and recycling (the carts are out in the alley), and I take out the compost pail every couple of days.
My friend—who spent 7.5 hrs at the ER yesterday—turned out to have been severely dehydrated, with elevated creatinine. Time to refill my Stanley cup….
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petite1, sorry you are experiencing blepharitis after your 2nd cataract surgery. Hope the eye drops and ointment help clear it up soon.
DH left early to pick up DGS for the weekend. He had his 8th grade dance last night so I can't wait to hear the details. I hope he had a good time.
I can remember a class dance (year? junior high for sure) where I wanted this dress that was in the Popkin's store window. It was a sheer black and white gingham check over a white underdress and it had red rose bunches (removable ones) on each sleeve and the waistband. Somehow my parents were able to find the money to surprise me with it because my mother made most of my clothes.
Overcast day yet again with showers predicted. We seem to be in a weather time warp like groundhog day with rain, rain and more rain plus gray skies as the norm. My soul needs the sun.
Sandy, thanks for sharing about the anesthesia. This is the only part of the surgery I am dreading. I am going to request that they look at my MRI and lumbar x-rays first since I do have some degree of scoliosis now.
Hope everyone has a great weekend.
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People only begin to grow when they cease to whine and revile, and commence
to search for the hidden justice which regulates their lives. And as they adapt
their minds to that regulating factor, they cease to accuse others as the cause
of their condition, and build themselves up in strong and noble thoughts. They
cease to kick against circumstances, but begin to use them as aids to their more
rapid progress, and as a means of discovering the hidden
powers and possibilities within themselves.
James Allen0 -
Sun is out bright today. I think no rain in sight for awhile. Likely be quite hot. Dh came in from outside this morning and said the sound of the locusts is nearly over-powering. I presume they are happy as well that the rain has stopped, and they can commence doing their above ground activities.
Chris, yes it sure does sound like you need to take steps to be cautious about losing more weight. Your bike looks like such good transportation. Love the big basket for whatever you want to have with you — including sweet Tippy.
How is Kelce getting on MM. Did she get her bath? I sure miss having a pooch around but it is just not a great time right now to be looking.
Petite, sure hope your eye issue doesn't take long to resolve. Just another added hassle to deal with while you use all those drops in the eyes after surgery. Everyone though says how great to have their sight restored once they have the cataracts removed. You'll have even more pleasure maybe to have that and the eyelid infection gone. Here's hoping.
Sandy, I guess I didn't get how much your HK was doing when she came to your house. No wonder she will be so missed. It sounds like the friendship will be missed most of all. I hope all goes well for her. I wish the same for you. Hopefully, you will find people who will do good work for you. Sorry to hear your friend had to go so long at the ER. Good that they dehydration was the cause and could be fixed. I hear you about the water. I was warned to watch out since I think our hot humid weather will start coming in now — especially with all the rain.
Nothing special today as usual. Sorta good really. If I had a real list to attend to it would be peppered with all sorts of appts. so I generally do what is in front of me (the daily have to things) plus pick out something to work on to finalize — like my two boxes of donations. In a week or so it will be time to start thinking getting the cat boxes again and that is usually when I save my steam mopping routines to do.
If I have missed anyone, it is because I forgot to take notes (up late this a.m.) but know that I read your entries and likely knew what it was I might have hoped to say. If you are going to be traveling (thinking maybe tomorrow for Carole) be safe and if you are in the storm areas anyone as well. Stay hydrated and have a great Saturday.
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My birding/gardening Shirley bought my flowers for me and came over today and spent 2 1/2
hours getting everything planted - 2 tomato plants and 3 rows of beets in my raised bed, 2 pots of impatience on my patio, and then cleome and wax begonia in my bed by the pool patio.Tonight I'm going to watch a Johnny Cash program in the meeting room beside me.
Tomorrow one of the guys in the building is going to hook up my battery charger. It's a trickle charger that keeps your battery charged without having to run the car every month
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Petite - sorry to hear about the eye infection. I hope the drops clear it up quickly.
Puffin - - that’s great about the plants and vegetables. Pretty to look at and tasty to eat.
Chris - awesome bike! Tippy has a sweet ride. I miss riding my bike but will need to wait until I’m stronger to ride. Usually by the 2nd week after chemo I can start walking and using the elliptical.
I’m reading along and enjoying hearing from everyone so please know that I’m thinking of you. I’ve slept most of the last two days as I recover from Wednesday’s chemo and Thursday’s Udencya (Neulasta) injection. Bone pain and nausea are minimal and managed. The night sweats can be wicked but I’m managing by sleeping with a fan blowing on me. Both oncologists are puzzled by the night sweats but the nurse said it’s probably due to the steroids I’m given prior to each infusion. Should go away when chemo ends. Some food doesn’t taste quite right but I can live with it. Switching to plastic utensils is another option.
Weather is sunny and 80’s here - a bit warm for mid May but I appreciate the sun. Have a good Sunday!
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Friday was my ENT dr appointment. All good, don’t have to go back unless a problem pops up. Like Betrayal, I was there about an hour and a half. Hurry up & wait.
Carole, we use Saran on out Florida toilets too. I’ll be back 6/8 for dentist and will wrap them before I leave. In NY our visitors flush for us. Safe journey!
Reader, great news on the B9 results!Sandy, your HK leaving is the end of an era, for both of you. I’m sure you’ll both adjust, just going to take time.
MM - with 2 different cable providers (NY & FL) I think I’m just in saying none of them are great. Sometimes we curse at one, other times it’s the other. This year was the first time in about 5 years that the TV was back on working in NY when we got home.
Chris, you and Tippy will be logging in the miles cruising with that bike. It looks cool.
Petite, I hope your eye infection clears up quickly. Rickey Bob will be back before you know it.
Puffin, we use a trickle charger in Florida where we leave our car. They’re amazing little devices. You sound like you’re improving greatly, which is so good to hear!Jackie, I’m kind of like you gambling. Once I’m winning I’m more likely to cash out and be done. I’m glad you all enjoyed your dinner.
Harley, hoping you’re starting to turn the corner to feeling ok since Wednesdays chemo.
Today was the first day I didn’t have to get up and go somewhere in about 10 days. I loved it. I hung in my jammies longer than normal and totally enjoyed it.
The yard is coming together. Today we mowed again, got all the garden tchotchke out & installed, patio table & chairs are out with the umbrella up, deck rug out with table and chairs set up, garden hose hooked up so birdbaths are out and filled too. I even planted some zinea seeds - 3 rows, with heights 36”, 30”, 18”. Fingers crossed I’ll get something to show up. Also planted the poppy seeds I purchased at Monticello. I put them in a pot back in full sun by the pool. Miracles can happen, if they grow!
I’ve got the pool cover draining, seems real full, so I’m hoping the tree branches didn’t puncture it. I won’t know for another day or more.
All the plants my gf gave me last year - I see no sign of anything coming up. I was hoping to see something show up. Our winter was strange so who knows. I’ll go outside the fence tomorrow to do serious inspections. So much yard work as soon as we get home, my back was aching. I wonder how many years we can keep this up- 2 houses, 2 gardens. Even hiring to mow, etc, we are still more picky than hires so end up doing a lot more.
I need plants for my 3 front steps. My geraniums, I might have already told you - over wintered in the basement, 1 spindly, 1 dead (each deck rail planter held 3 plants); need to fill them up with more. Maybe tomorrow I’ll check the big box stores for plants.
Weather started out cool 63 & overcast but the sun ended up shining and taking us up to 75. Should be similar weather tomorrow.
Lastly, my jaws flapping away, I text my hair stylist and I’ve got an appointment set for Monday- cut & color. Can’t wait!
PS - my solar lights are all in the garden. If by Monday night they’re not all lighting up, they’re going in the trash. I’ve got 5 acrylic bubble lights that change colors, only 2 seem to be working. I’ll double check I have them “on” before tossing!
Have a good night ladies.1 -
Azalea blooming beautifully. Last year it wasn’t as nice.
New spinner for the garden. Like I need more to put away and drag back out! 🤷♀️
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my DS has that spinner. It’s fun to watch
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An older one I've had here before, but one I so love:
The moment one definitely commits oneself, the Providence moves, too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never have otherwise occurred. A whole stream of events issue from the commitment, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance which no one could have dreamt would come one's way. Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now. -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
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Good Morning. Cindy, your yard looks so pretty - now. Those azaleas are really pretty. The storm sure didn't stunt them at all. That new spinner is a far better decoration than a fallen over tree or huge branch. Even if you do have to put it away when you return to Fla.
It is already 75 degrees out. Starting to get to time to get out ALL the summery clothing. I always leave behind a few just in cases items for some warmth and comfort should there be odd cooler days interspersed. We are officially starting to be drowned out by the cacophony of the cicada's songs. Dh wears a hat outside now as well. Just in case. They really are abundant this year. I always complained in past years, but there wasn't near as many. In fact, next to what we are seeing now — no comparison. I'll now know what I'm really being grateful for in those off years when we don't get the double batch.
Hope you all have a wonderful Sunday.
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I live too far North for cicadas. Really miss them— would like to be south for a day or two. But I hesitated to write that sentence because I have 98-year-old aunt pretty far South of here.
Yes, my helmet is pretty cool-looking. My previous one did not have all the approval certifications.
I have decided to have something sweet available all the time.
I am making some summer clothing from my sari collection. Drafted a new top pattern. Twenty-two inches (half of chest measurement plus two inches) wide 36 or more long, neck hole (remember to place it a bit down from the center). Two half-circles, the radius the distance from tip of shoulder to elbow. Sew the sleeves on (not necessary with 45 inch wide fabric, but sari fabric is 36 inches wide). Sew the side seams starting at the end of the sleeve. This provides plenty of ventilation, lighter-weight fabrics require a camisole. I serge the sleeves, then turn them. the bottom can be selvage or serged. I use bias tape for finishing the neck, you could also use it for the sleeves if you don't have a serger. Basic pattern came from Australia, I made adaptations.
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Yesterday I ran to Lowe’s for pot fillers- used to be 3-4 different plants in a cheap plastic pot. You use your own pot for them, and if I was lazy …I’d grab 3 and my front steps of 3 pots would be done. I planned on being lazy this year, HA, but when I got there and saw the price of $16.99 each, I refused. It was over $50, that I could spend but please, these are annuals that I eventually toss. Even geraniums were $5+ a pot.
I left there and went to the next big box store. It’s quite a drive to a nursery and I just wanted quick. Home Depot had impatients 50 cents less per 6 pack; and geraniums at $2.99 - which rang up at $1.50. For under $20 the 3 front steps and the 1 deck container are done. Miracle Grow will do the rest.
I’m not sure I’m going to do hanging baskets. I usually get 2 for the back porch. I feel really old - back in the day a vinca vine, a spike, some lobelia, and some mini bells … for about $40 I could fill them and they’d be beautiful. If I had money to blow, I’d pay the $32 hanging basket (maybe $40 now!) at the nursery to have “full” plants immediately. But I used to enjoy planting my own and watching them fill out. And I had baskets on the fence, on the garage, a hanging basket heart shaped stand, and more. I think those days are over, unless I’m willing to spend big money.
Give me a week or two to settle back in at home and maybe I’ll spend the money. Until then it’s not happening. If I could keep a perennial alive in a pot over winter, not being here, I think I’d do that. Beautiful azaleas were $7 at Lowe’s- bloom done and hard to sell after their “season.”
Enough venting. It was beautiful out yesterday and it looks similar today - 67 full sun. I’m off for a cut and color, lord knows how much I need it.
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