Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
Comments
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Petite, prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Being busy with laundry may help with the stress; who knows.
Fort Myers beach is flooded, I’ll upload a picture. Downtown Fort Myers has started to get flooding, with high winds, but so far ok. My neighbor walked around outside her house videoing - some puddles in between the homes, fake lake looks pretty full, ducks are out & about. She had the news on the tv in the background - talked of coastal flooding and bridges from coastal areas inland are closed. I’m assuming all along the coast, folks were advised to evacuate yesterday. So if Fort Myers is on the fringe of the storm, you know the bend will be hit so much worse. Fort Myers as a whole is also under a tornado watch.
A note I saw yesterday was a reminder to run dishwasher now, and make sure nothing was hanging out in the garbage disposal. Electricity may go out.
Prayers.
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Petite - keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Cindy - hope your property makes it through with no damage
Hope all will be safe in this storm.
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Remember, what you possess in the world will be found at the day of your death to belong to someone else, but what you are will be yours forever. -Henry van Dyke
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Petite — thinking of you while Fla. is battling with hurricane Helene. I feel concern and wonder every time a big storm comes how much global warming have had to do with it. Hoping you have power and you and your house guests are safe and as comfortable as it is possible to be in current circumstances. Of course, the storm will pass and go onto others along the coastline past you, and I hope they too will do okay.
Cindy, hope your property stays safe. Must be hard to wonder if you will have a mess on your hands at your return to Fla. later on. I hope all stays pretty much okay for you.
We woke up to rain this morning once again. I sort of hoped we were done with it for a little while, but not so. Having to chuckle as Dh asked me had I seen a weather report his morning. I said no, but when I looked out the window it was raining — would that do as a report. He didn't smile…. hmmm.
Nothing special today anyway which is good with the weather as it is.
Saying hi to Carole and everyone. Are you still on the cooler side Carole? Are you thinking of packing up yet??
Taco, Harley, MM and everyone — stay well.
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Surprise, surprise. Came back to mention that my WJBD (one of our local radio channels here) had pictures of a destroyed car under a tree that up-rooted in the wind and another that had damages. The description paragraphs said it was remnants from Helene ( all the way here in mid-central Illinois) and told of some other things with guy wires and transformer. I now presume this is what our rain is all about and it is continuing as we speak. It has waxed and waned a time or two, but even when lighter it has been pretty constant.
Somehow I did not think we here would feel an effect at all. Still this is more like just a normal rain to us for the most part and certainly nothing to speak of up next to Fla. and the loss of life that they have listed — not sure if the number was 30 or 33. I'm hoping everyone I know was able to come though okay while hating that lives were lost.
The report did indicate that it is the strongest storm yet to ever come through the region it did. People are being rescued in other states as well since the storm is on-going. I think it mentioned Georgia and the Carolina's. Prayers and hope for all.
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My Florida home is fine. They said we had more wind than rain. But our downtown was flooded. And poor Fort Myers beach… what can I say - all the sand that was trucked in to replace what Ian took out to sea, is now on San Carlos Blvd, the road next to the beach. I’ve heard the Margaritaville pool is full of sand, it’s right on the beach so that's pretty much expected. I think the Pink Shell resort pool is full of sand also. I have not heard of any loss of life in my area, which is a blessing.
I’m guessing we won’t hear from Petite for a few days as I don’t think the area has power. Last I heard 4.4 million were without power. With Ian at some point they put satellites up to get some cell service, where cell towers were destroyed - hope they’ll do that again if necessary.
I was out for a walk today, on the late side, near 11 AM. But the weather was perfect, and lots of walkers were around. I put my audio book on and totally enjoyed myself.
Lots of ducks and geese in the ponds too.
Jackie, I hope your rains stop. I didn’t think we were going to get any remnants from Helene, but tonight’s forecast mentioned rains late Wednesday & into Thursday from Helene. Low 40% chance but still a surprise to me.Carole, I’m hoping any of your friends and family stay safe too.
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The highest reward for people's
toil is not what they get for it
but what they become by it.
John Ruskin0 -
Overcast here this morning after likely a good amt. of rain all day yesterday and overnight as well I think. The sky does not look promising for clearing any time soon. I admit since so many trees surround us we can't always see A lot of sky from our windows.
Cindy, I so enjoyed the pictures. I am so fond of any water pictures and the ducks were really neat. They have the same high regard for water that I do — for different reasons, of course.
Good to hear that things at your Fla. home seem to be pretty much okay. I think there is a lot of suffering going on there and people that were lost. I know people will be taken care of with federal help, but at the same time — more Insurance woes. Sad that weather has become so perilous that people can't live where they want to but must go where they can get Ins. for their property. A real sign of our times.
We have had a bit of wind here and some still. The deck is littered with leaves from out of the trees and a couple of small twigs. Though so costly, I am thrilled we had the tree people out this past early Spring. It has sure made a huge difference in the yard debris after a storm. I presume at any rate the wind and water is still being attributed to storm Helene
I am thinking about Petite and hoping all is well with her and her guests. You are likely right Cindy — that she doesn't have power or enough cell towers etc. Here's hoping and praying.🌈
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It's been said that to wonder is to begin to understand. Wonder most definitely creates possibilities! Where's your sense of wonder? Have you gotten so bogged down in the minute-to minute "stuff" that life has become dull? Bring forth your curious, creative, sense of wonder and dust if off -- lighten up and wonder about everything! We are all amazing and awesome beings and our world is extraordinary even when days may be dark. A sense of wonder reminds us of just how vast the unknown is and how much we have to learn each day.
Beth Burns
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Raining again as I went to bed and I think more will come today. Is this still the end of that storm?? I would have thought it far past by now and so surprised that it even reached us here. A day or two of drying likely before we start yard cleaning. Mostly mulching the leaves out of the trees with the lawn tractors —I think we have two tractors with the right kind of blades.
Hope you have all stayed safe and well.
(((Petite)))))
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Yesterday we went to the Big E. My partner, niece, grandniece and I walked our feet off but had a great time. I don’t think we saw everything. I’m positive I didn’t because I take the grand niece to the midway for rides & games. We were gone from home for 10 hours. Beautiful weather with some cloud coverage - saved us from sweating.
Today I got in another walk at the park. I’ve still got over 2 hours left on an audio book. I’ve had this book since I was in Florida! It just felt slow, and I wasn’t into it. Plus I only listen to it when I walk alone. Had I read it, I think I would have liked it better, and been done.
Cows; the farmer clearing a field; more ducks on a back pond.
I get more energy from walking, so once home I started to clean out a small section of the garage - it’s where all pool stuff goes. There are floats, noodles, chemicals, and more. I think I’ll focus on small areas so it doesn’t overwhelm me. I even nailed some pickets on the 2’ gap between my garage and the neighbors property. I think they’re good until we come back next May. Then I’ll borrow a nail gun.
That’s it from here. Weather cooling off, but not too bad.
Petite: I’m hoping they’re all safe.
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Thinking of all who have felt the effect of storm. And another one coming it looks like. We should have listened to Al Gore and Greta Thornberg! Still VERY hot here - another week over 100 degrees. Someday this area won't be inhabitable but by then I don't know where anyone can go.
I've been here but feel as if I'm leading an uneventful life. Ortho said I was doing well. Think I'm doing with doctor's appointments until Dec. Can't do the dentist until then either.
I seem to be having a geography brain freeze. Where in Florida does Petite live? Carole, I thought home was Lousiania for you.
Anyone heard from Chris, Sandy, or MM?
Have a good week.
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I believe that the first test of a truly great person is his or her humility. I do not mean by humility, doubt of his or her own powers. But really great people have a curious feeling that the greatness is not in them, but through them. And they see something divine in every other person.
John Ruskin
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Will not even attempt to read all posts since 9/4 when we left for Switzerland. Of course, as we are leaving we discover boxes I store door wreaths in garage have puddles on the lids. Not sure where the water came from since the area is below pantry but-out. TG, DD and DSIL are house sitters for us. Seems unbeknownst to us the freezer ice maker has been leaking into the crawl space and behind the built-in refrigerator. Water from crawl space was leaking through cement block wall into the garage. That explains the musty smell in the basement I kept complaining about to DH. So they had to deal with insurance adjusters and service companies while we were gone. Came home to find that refrigerator is sitting in the kitchen, the recently painted wall in the garage has been removed, the kitchen hallway wall is half gone Looks like some framing may need to be removed as well) and the area will require some mold remediation so the hallway is sealed off from the rest of the house. The laundry room is in this hallway so access is limited. Unlike other travels, no animals died or had to be euthanized before or after. This I can deal with but not for long since my 3 year sojourn with the last needed house restorations.
Did better than I expected with walking on trip but avoided climbing too many stairs or walking at my pace to see sights. Really emphasized need to get left knee replaced since it gave me the most trouble.
Marvelous weather for the most part and 2 really talented tour guides. As with any tour, they are not vacations in the true sense of the word since sleep is not on their agenda, unless you nod off on the bus between sights. Will talk more of travels later.
petite1, I hope you were able to escape the hurricane's wrath. Harley, I hope your chemo has been completed. Taco, glad you are doing well with your knee. Those were the only comments I saw so forgive me for not mentioning others. Did anyone hear from puffin?
Gray and overcast today with temps in low 60's and lots of laundry to do. Will try to straighten out what I can around the house. Leo, my love bug cat who sleeps with me, was cuddling and kissing me (butterfly kisses since his tongue is not rough) all night he was so pleased to see me. Have a good day.
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Sunny morning today when I got up. Billowy fairly white clouds so maybe we will begin a dry out. I think it is about time. Hoping as well that others will begin to see some progress in moving away from that awful storm. Oops, sun just muted somewhat — hope I didn't speak too soon.
I do know that over 90 people are no longer with us attributed to the storm. That is horrendous and doesn't speak to the turmoil and clean-up after waters recede and damages assessed. While I've been mere inches away from a flood (next door neighbors) I know that the aftermath can be so time consuming and tedious. I know federal help is already available, and I'm thankful for those affected, but just sad at all they will have to deal with to try and get whole again.
Odds and ends, my usual. Some things I put off that really can't be any longer.
Thinking of all of you and hugs to Petite.
As to some of the others, I don't know about Chris and Sandy, but MM likely won't be posting here. Just doesn't feel it is a good fit for her, I think. Sandy likely is possibly over-whelmed with seeing after her repair details of her home and perhaps Chris too might feel posting here is not quite for her.
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Taco, dr appointments are part of life as I know it. Feels like we live around them. My partners SILs ashes are being interred and we were going out to Buffalo for it. But the date was changed and you know it…I have my mammo and ultrasound that day.
I think Petite lives up in the panhandle of Florida. Although I don’t know exactly where, and hope not located in the bend.
Betrayal, welcome back, I look forward to pictures and stories of your trip. Sorry you came home to the refrigerator issue. It’s a good thing DD & SIL were up to the task with the insurance company.Jackie, I’m glad it seems your rain has stopped. It gets to you when there is too much. Plus the early sunset is getting to me. Last night I think I was showered and in jammies by 7:30! It was pitch black out and I felt dirty from garage work. (my justification story!)
It’s gloomy looking out and a whopping 61. I’m throwing on clothes and getting a walk in. Enjoy your day ladies!
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Betrayal, we must have both been posting at nearly the same time. Welcome back and so glad that you did it sounds, fairly well, considering you still have one 'bad' knee, and one not judged fully ready for prime time for a few months yet. Never thought about it much, but you are right — many vacations are not really vacations, but more of a different (hopefully more enjoyable) lifestyle for a couple of weeks.
Sorry you find yourself re-living your own nightmare of torn-up areas of your home from damages of some sort. I'm just glad it all seems somewhat confined and not as nearly as extensive as your prior storm damages that went on so mind-numbingly long. I have to admit, how wonderful to come out of things with a basement that smells like any other part of your home.
We missed you and sure are glad you are back.
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Illinoislady and cindyny, thanks for the welcome back. I did miss reading the postings here and feel I am now in a "catch-up" position with all that post here. Hoping I can get back into the swing of things soon.
Last night I realized what a trying year this has been for me personally and physically. I was hoping to catch a break after the disastrous years of restoration (and long delays) from 2019-2023, but God said (to quote Sandy), here hold my beer. Not that I would wish ill-luck on anyone but having dealt with the complications from my December surgery until March, then having my knee surgery prep and post-op from April to August, I thought maybe I would catch a break. Nope, I am living in a construction zone/restoration area yet again. There are zippered partitions closing off the back door hallway between the kitchen and also the laundry room, the rear closet is sealed off, the hall wall is half gone and DD was telling me they discussed removing the kitchen cabinets abutting the refrigerator as well. Now that presents a real dilemma because it would mean removing the granite counter top, destroying the tiled back splash and let's face it, it would never go back as it was and would most likely result in an even bigger restoration. I just had the natural cherry cabinets refinished in the past year and I would have to hope no damage to them. As it is, they propose repainting the hallway but not the kitchen because the visible wall ends in a corner seen from the kitchen. However, the kitchen was last painted in November 2019 (removal of cherry paneling and replacing with dry wall was underway when the trees hit the house) and you know it will not match.
DB is supposed to come today and since he is a general contractor he can tell me what needs to be done and how they should proceed. Half the wall he just painted in the garage is also gone as is the exterior flooring area under the pantry. So every where I look there is a mess. The 3 Rubbermaid shelving units I had in the base of the pantry are in the family room, the laundry room litter box is in the powder room, and during the day we need to leave the back door open to air out the mold. DD learns a spray they used on the mold is toxic to birds and Bumble Bee (canary), Mama and Papa and Uno the parakeets, are all located in the eat-in section of the kitchen. She expressed her anger when she learned this.
We are still waiting for SF to send us the quote on restoration so we can determine if what the restoration company proposes will be covered. So a hurry up and wait situation yet again. Did I mention how much I hate restoration projects?
On the plus side, I slept better last night and feel leg pain from the night before reflected all the walking I had to do on Sunday. Suitcase is unpacked, contents put away, laundry done, some early Christmas presents are organized for storage and I have a sense of accomplishment there. Changed my purse from summer wear to fall and plan for today is to iron what I washed.
Our France tour guide was actually British and trilingual. She was so kind to me, knowing I had mobility issues and was very discreet in asking what my plan was on several tours. At the Abbey of St. Michel there were 375 steps in both directions so she explained the local guides do take frequent breaks in the climb, but did I want to try? I told her that 750 steps would be the death of me due to my left knee still needing replacement, so I would pass. The town is quite hilly so we did explore some and had lunch there, did some shopping but did not attempt the climb. Later she was discussing Cointreau and expressed how much she liked it. We found a bottle that was about pint sized and gave it to her on our next to last day recommending she use it for "reflection and relaxation". She was so pleased. She was so thoughtful she made sure that my journey through the Paris train station, customs (British and French) and to the train itself was with wheel chair assistance rather then having to walk the very long distances. We were scheduled to be in reserved seats on car 3 and when we entered the platform we were at car 33 so you can imagine how long that train for the Chunnel was. I also passed on the chateau day where it was a 10 minute walk from the bus to the first of 2 chateaus with visits to many floors in each. I used the day to rest my legs and it meant the next few days were better tolerated.
Today is again overcast, with temps expected to hit 70. DD and DSIL are planning to decamp today for their home. It will be quiet without them and we will miss the hum. Hope everyone has a good day.
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No one can get inner peace by pouncing on it, by vigorously willing to have it. Peace is a margin of power around our daily need. Peace is a consciousness of springs too deep for earthly droughts to dry up. Peace is the gift not of volitional struggle but of spiritual hospitality. Peace is an awareness of reserves from beyond ourselves, so that our power is not so much in us as through us.
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Good morning. Sunny once again and seems like we made it through the night w/o additional rain. Despite that the ground is clearly moisturized as of yet. I still feel such concern for the states beyond me all the way to Florida. Not sure why, as so many have been very bad, but I've felt such stronger empathy with people in this storm. I always feel it, but maybe age is giving me more perspective on the toll it takes on everything and everyone.
Wow. I may have spoken too soon. Betrayal, you are facing a lot. Un-fortunately not very much time has elapsed since workmen from the last restoration finally departed for good. I so hope this time it all goes a lot better for you. Till things get started I know it will be hard to tell. Glad your brother is going to be able to be your guide to how it all should proceed and through to the end product. That is sooo invaluable.
Your trip sounded fantastic and what great fortune to have a guide who was able and genuinely wanted to help you enjoy all you could. I'm a great believer in often finding un-expected answers to prayers we weren't even totally aware of beforehand, and she was one for you.
As always, many prayers for all who have been affected by Helene. I do think age and time have made me a bit heart-weary that it always seems like the storms now bring more devastation and loss.
Nothing much today but paying some bills and working my list. Made some changes yesterday and trying to figure if they will work well. Giving it some time.
Hope you all are well. Thinking of Puffin too.
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Betrayal, you’re very fortunate your brother can assist you with his knowledge as a contractor. It’s too easy to get things overlooked.
Jackie it does seem to hit us in the heart strings more as we age. I just found out a gf has a brother living in Asheville. She did reach him and he’s ok but he said everything is closed or destroyed.
I worked on my garage cleaning again yesterday. Last night was trash pick up, so I stuffed a bag into our bin. It was overflowing the sides. I put an old bag chair and a lawnmower bag from a long gone mower, on top. This morning they were on the ground, didn’t take them - could have fallen off as it was in the mechanical arm.
In my garage cleaning I found dish wear my partners mom left us. It’s a desert rose pattern, “Franciscan” hand painted in California in the early 1950’s. None of the grandkids wanted it, so he washed what I’ve pulled out so far and we’re going to start using it. We think this was his mom’s wedding dish set - there are so many pieces! I just hope to not be the first person to break anything.
I went for a walk this morning back at the park. Although I cut it short, I got about 2 miles in so not real short. My left shin was bothering me yesterday when I was almost done and today started hurting earlier. I walk fast so it felt like a shin splint. I think I’ll skip a walk tomorrow, and stretch my legs. Also will switch my orthotics to a new pair of sneakers.Great weather to be outside. Temp up to 72, was 65 while I walked. I’ve got my grandnieces soccer game at 4:15 and dinner with a gf afterwards. Have a great day ladies!
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Thank you all for your concern. I am ok and my home is ok. My friends have a mess. Their breaker box was destroyed during the storm and they had to replace that before the power could be turned on. There was about 10 ft of storm surge in their area.
They have a stilt. There are 5 trees down. One on the steps and on on the roof. There is a foot or so of black mud everywhere that stinks. Their air conditioner is not working. They did leave today, after they got into an argument. He wanted her to stay with me until the air conditioner was working. She refused. I told if it is too bad, just come back. My other friend had no damage and returned after 2 days. I am in Citrus county, the Nature Coast. I live in Homosassa. Crystal River is the next town north of me. They had much flooding. It is so overwhelming. The destruction over so many states…3 -
Petite, so glad to hear from you and to see that you’re ok. ❤️ Your friends arguing is just the overwhelming stress of it all, I get it. Glad at least one of your groups home was unscathed. So much to consider when the house has been flooded, my heart goes out to that couple.
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We are all capable of living lives characterized by great joy. Within each of us is an amazing human spirit that is strong enough to overcome pain and disappointment and no matter what our current situation happens to be, or what beliefs we may currently harbor about ourselves, we can tap into that inner strength and wisdom and move forward to create more joy.
Salle Merrill Redfield
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I echo the sentiments here. The devastation to all is heart-breaking. So good to hear that you and your home are fine Petite. I think we were all holding our breath a little bit. I'm sure Cindy is right — great stress for your friends causing harsh words, very understandable. Hopefully they can get their breaker box/a-c issues handled timely. It does sound like things are livable for them once that is dealt with.
I too likely would want to begin as soon as possible a/c or not, to try and get my home and surroundings clean and orderly.
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Free 4 covid tests at: special.usps.com
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cindyny, thanks for the info on covid tests.
DB came today to finish painting in garage and to do some odds and end repairs around here. Did not need to replace exhaust fan in primary bath as expected. He just cleaned it and the one in the hall bath. He will be back to put new cedar shingle roof on the gazebo and do any repairs necessitated by carpenter bee damage. Gazebo is over 35 years old so roof and it has held up great.
Did some straightening up now that DD and DSIL have decamped. House will appear cluttered due to having items not in their "place" until repairs can be started and finished. Hate living like this but realize it is a temporary state but hoping not for a long time.
Unfortunately insurance not paying much towards repairs but will need to get restoration company to give us their estimate for the job and go from there. Sort of a whatever it is, it is situation.
Another gray day but saw young buck in woods and hope to get a glimpse of how his rack has evolved. Temp did not reach the 70 degrees as predicted. Tomorrow is supposed to be sunny and looking forward to that. Hope everyone had a good day.
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Petite - so happy to hear you and your home are OK. Wishing the best for your friends. The devastation I have seen online is awful. I wouldn’t know where to even start the clean up.
Cindy - our free Covid tests arrived yesterday which was just a few days after DH ordered them.
Betrayal - welcome home and glad to hear you had a wonderful trip. It sounds like you travelled smart and within the limits of your yet-to-be replaced knee. I’m so sorry you came home to a mess. You’ve had a tough year and could really use a break. I hope this restoration is quicker than the last one.
We are having beautiful autumn weather here and I’m loving it. High 60’s to low 70’s. Making the most of it by getting outside as much as possible.
Have a great week!
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I had forgot all about the free covid tests until my FL HOA sent an email.
Harley, your temps seem close to mine. But boy soon as the sun starts going down it cools off quickly. I closed all the windows.
I didn’t walk today because I hurt my knee late last night. I was doing much of nothing, walking haha, when I think I just turned fast. Wee oh, pain. Today it’s swollen and I was going to go to the walk in orthopedic office but instead I’ve iced it on and off. I have a physical with my PCP tomorrow morning - I’ll see what she thinks, and if necessary after it I’ll head to the orthopedic walk in - with a book because it’s an easy 1-2 hour wait.
My grandniece is staying over tonight. Her mom and gf’s are off at a high end hotel on a lake for the night. It’s an inopportune time for my knee to act up - and this is my good knee! We’ll be fine, she’s old enough to wait on me if necessary.
Betrayal, you’re back between a rock and a hard place with insurance. Ugh! If anyone’s up to the fight, I’d put my money on you.
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Good news, Petite.
Betrayal - you and Sandy haven't had any time for your beer. Thinking of you both. Glad you had a good trip and good guides, Betrayal. They can really make or break a trip.
Just made an appointment for our fall shots. We haven't had any SE in the past. Hope that continues to be true.
Also scheduled a painter for the 20th. Hope it will cool down enough so we can have the house open. Ella is off the week before and we plan to have her spend time helping us get ready. They said to expect 4 days to paint the interior. We've done virtually nothing since we moved in 10 years ago. Other things need replacing and I'm hoping the new paint will make DH see what needs to be done. He's still dragging his feet but I told him I planned to stay here after he died and I wanted to enjoy it with him for a time. He does seem to continue to slip, both physically and mentally.
Be safe everyone!
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