Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
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Happy birthday, Carole & Petite. Welcome home, Betrayal—looking forward to photos.
Went to temple last night for the annual membership anniversary service. We don't have a permanent rabbi—the cantor conducts services and delivers sermons. Last night's was about staying calm & grounded among the increasing chaos, and volunteering in any way we can—especially for immigrants/refugees and people who've lost their Federal jobs.
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An optimist is the human personification of spring.
Susan J. Bissonette
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Good morning. I like what your cantor had to say Sandy. I think staying calm right now is a real challenge, but helping others is not only the right and noble thing, but I think makes us stronger when we pull together instead of separately.
Went out yesterday to return a purchase to Aldi's — and of course can't go in without coming out with a lot more than I took back which was one pr. of jeggings. Well, it was all edible so no returns to be concerned with. I needed milk anyway and took the time to revisit some of the isles that I by-passed the other day when I was there.
Nothing special today this first day of daylight savings — just going to see how the day goes. Always seems like the 'extra' tends to be felt more towards dusk — I get up almost always while its dark and likely still will as I did this morning. Our living room windows fast East and I love seeing the sky start to glow orange and slowly the orange (quite heavy in the middle) changes to blue. It's something I always enjoy and never tire of it.
Hope you all have a great day.
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Thanks for the birthday wishes. We forgot to change the clocks last night. Dh and I would just as soon leave the clocks the way they were, but nobody asked us our preference.
Aldi's bought Winn Dixie and converted some stores to Aldi's but so far our WD is still WD. There is an Aldi's in the general area but it's not conveniently located and I have not shopped there. There is also an Aldi's in Park Rapids in MN. DH and I went there once and found it odd. Not exactly sure how to describe it. I do like their not using plastic bags. I wish all supermarkets would change to reusable bags.
Happy Sunday to all.
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After weeks of rising early for excursions or to eat breakfast in the dining room, I woke early yesterday and again this morning. Leo, my oldest cat, really missed me and because he is a momma's boy has been super clingy since I got home. Making up for lost snuggles I guess.
Have pretty much put away all items from trip except need to return jewelry to jewelry chest. Doing some laundry and feel like I am getting back into the daily routine/rut? again. Definitely will miss having someone else clean, cook and do laundry for me plus providing multiple choices for each meal. Had one dish on trip that I had never tried before called risi-bisi which actually is Venetian and will try to replicate it at home. It was arborio type rice with peas in a creamy type sauce which barely coated the ingredients. I would have loved seconds but love that in spite of all the meals (portion controlled for the most part), I actually lost several pounds on the cruise. I did have a salad for lunch the majority of the cruise (24 of 27 meals) and love when someone else makes my salad for me. I forgot my potassium pills (bagged them to take and left them on my pill tray, duh) so compensated by eating a banana every day. The bananas they get onboard are small so it fit the bill.
Planning for 50th wedding anniversary party in May. It will be about a month after TKR so I should be able to walk. Guest list small so are planning to reserve a room at a local restaurant and hope to do that tomorrow. We have dibs on the smaller room but will most likely need the larger room.
DH finally admitted he hears better with his hearing aids which he "felt he did not need" for years. Finally put my foot down and said I was tired of him asking me to repeat, getting wrong replies to questions and him leaning in to hear what I was saying. He always blamed his inability to hear on background noise, etc. and not the fact that he had failed his hearing test but was too stubborn to admit it. I think he finally realized just how much he had been missing out on as well when we were in group situations.
Need to make a Costco run and thought I could wait until Tuesday but that's MRI day so will go tomorrow afternoon. The rest of the week is busy on Wednesday and Friday but can't wait until Thursday to restock.
Need to get donations to Green Drop out this week. Had purged closets before I left but was planning on donating to a Domestic Abuse store but they never returned my call. It's a shame because much of what I am donating is professional work clothing. Trying to get DD's old room and guest room back in order since they seem to collect overflow. Sometimes it is hard to just let go of items that have an emotional attachment but they need to go. So I will just close my eyes and pack them up.
Sunny with temps to be in the 50's today, no breeze so it will be pleasant. Hope everyone has a great day.
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happy birthday Petite
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Sandy - your cantor’s sermon offered wise advice.
Betrayal - so happy to hear your knee held up with your travels and that you had a wonderful trip. Good luck with the PT prep for your next knee replacement.
Thanks to all for the empathy regarding my home ‘renovations’. I know many of you have been through this and worse. We did buy a new refrigerator yesterday and delayed delivery until the house is ready. Abt Electronics was having their semi-annual sale this weekend and they have a large selection. The place was crazy with hundreds of customers and I was surprised by how many people brought their (well behaved) dogs. It didn’t bother me but I did not know that was a thing. We knew we wanted a counter depth, French door fridge and weren’t really concerned with the brand. I figure many of the appliances are made by the same contractor manufacturers and only the brand name changes. We purchased an LG. Our current model is a Maytag and we’ve had it somewhere between 15-20 years. Anyhow, it was a pretty quick and painless process except for the cost.
The contractor will return on Monday morning to check the moisture levels in the house. The expectation is that everything should be dry by tomorrow which is day #6. They had estimated 3-5 days to dry everything out. We have a dozen fans/dehumidifiers going in the house so it’s very loud. I won’t be sorry to see the fans go.
Today was a beautiful day - mid 50’s and sun. So we headed out for a hike at one of favorite parks. I’ve had a cold for the past week so I was a bit slow on the uphills but it was wonderful to get out.
I have my quarterly appointment with the GYN oncologist on Tuesday. My bloodwork looks good although we are not sure the CA-125 is accurate for me. I’m not too concerned. Wishing everyone a good start to their week.
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Belated Happy Birthday to the special ladies.
Betrayal, you will be busy. Travel as long as you can!
Thanks for the hugs. I know both of us are way past denial and trying to be realistic. I'm hoping our daughter will come for my birthday in May but she has major issues with flying so I'm trying not to count on it until I meet her plane. I am disappointed that she can't seem to get her life organized to get here but it always seems to be something. I do have a wonderful group of friends here as well as you ladies to express my concerns. I will be in touch, Petite.
Hugs,
Taco
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Delayed delivery from Abt sounds like a fine idea. We got the list of unsalvageable property for which State Farm is compensating us, and it includes all 5 window A/Cs (bedrooms, den, living room, attic). We've been buying all our appliances there. Our fridge was the biggest LG French door they had, with a see-through beverage door and regular ice maker (they hadn't yet started offering "cocktail" ice capabilty). We bought it in 2018. I definitely prefer that configuration (even though it's a pain bending down into the bottom freezer chest) because of the wider fridge shelves, deli drawer and two crispers. The side-by-side here is ok for storage but useless for prep, as the shelves are too narrow,
We've also been advised to replace the Cuisinart & Vitamix, as well as the burr grinder and the hopper on the espresso grinder, because plastic (even hard plastic) retains odors and can't be effectivey "ozoned" like furniture or, say, polycarbonate luggage.
I'm up at this hour because socializing and the time change Sat. night threw me for a loop—I then slept till noon. Spent awhile trolling eBay for dulcimers and was quite frustrated; the ones listed in the best condition and US-made either had (wooden) friction pegs or lacked the "6th-1/2" fret necessary for playing all but the simplest most traditional Appalachian tunes. Will have to suck it up and go out to the storage warehouse to rescue at least my standard-tuned 4-string and my 6-string baritone so I can resume practicing, Also need to replace my harmonicas, which are by their very nature unsalvageable (due to the reeds—you wouldn't want to put a smoky one up to your mouth.
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Every morning, when we wake up, we have twenty-four
brand-new hours to live. What a precious gift! We have
the capacity to live in a way that these twenty-four hours will
bring peace, joy, and happiness to ourselves and others.
Thich Nhat Hanh1 -
Thank you Teka. Sunshine will be very much missed.
Sandy — how interesting about the things that cannot be salvaged through "ozone". I've known a number of people who have had fires (even one where I worked and was the first one to sound the alarm) and I never realized that there were possible un-cleanable items. I recall our work fire (very small in the attic and mainly quite smelly and smoky) and after the tenting process and being able to re-use the building myself and another worker had daily headaches for about three months. Fortunately, they were not bad, more of mild nuisances and finally resolved.
Taco, sure hope your daughter can make it. I hope she is not put off by 'planes' falling out of the sky, running into each other and other things happening lately. Hopefully this will be a non-issue by the time she is to come. I felt discomfort a few yrs. ago —well, it was a long time now, with flying. Beginning with going into the service I flew a lot — and was quite comfortable, but then a lot of yrs. elapsed and the next time I flew it was not all that comfortable — nothing I could point to for sure — just a general dis-quiet and I was so glad when the planes landed — going there and coming back. Harder to get around in the airport as well.
Some chores and bill paying today, but otherwise nice and sunny and warm. In fact, the week will be warm all week with I think 75 expected on Friday. We are in summer weather for now. I can now look for all those Spring things — the little bushes that leaf out first, the lilies and tulips. and the little buds sitting on the tree limbs — springs full throated hello is about to appear, and I am thrilled. Winter seems so long until it's over.
Hope you all have a wonderful day.
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teka - appreciate the sad update on sunshine. She will be missed
Taco - I hope your daughter can make it. This certainly seems to be a point in your life where you need her support. I used to fly almost weekly between the late 80’s and up to 2008. There was a point around 2000 when I started having panic attacks when flying. I needed therapy and meds to get through that period
Sandy - I can’t imagine what you are going through. Smoke will permeate everything. I didn’t even think about the damage to your musical instruments. I hope you can rehab the dulcimers
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I'm glad I took required distribution from our retirement accounts in early January. I know inflation was high during the last administration but the stock market was healthy and the economy sound. I hope the foundation is stable enough to withstand a lot of disruption.
Today I was amazed to see that our income tax refund had already been deposited into our bank account. I wondered whether the cuts to the IRS would make the refund slower in being paid. I probably need to stop withholding as much for income tax. I went online to see if there was an option in my Social Security account to change tax withholding but apparently I have to get a form and send it in.
DH took my car to a tire business this afternoon to get new tires. The car is a 2014 and has the original tires. The mileage is only 51,000 miles but it was time.
I'm sorry to hear about Sunshine's passing. Condolences to her family and friends.
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Went to PT for first day of pre-op assessment and first round of exercises. It went well and it is so nice to be greeted by the staff when you walk in. Scheduled for 3 days per week and she wishes I could have started earlier but I only have weeks due to vacation and surgery date but will make it work.
Ran to Costco afterwards with DS and spent a small fortune on things for freezer. Since DH doesn't cook and refuses to learn, so I do not want to rely on take-out for post-op meals. So I bought things that he can heat in microwave or oven with minimal prep needed. So we are stocked and if I need a run in April or May, DS can go for me.
We are changing eating habits with better portion control like we had on the ship. He gained over 10 pounds while I actually lost 1-2 due to meal choices. He will squawk but that's okay, he needs to lose more than the 10 pounds and I would like to lose some pre-surgery.
Bought some flower pots there that come warmer weather, I can take tops off, add water and have flowering pots for the patio. I probably won't be able to do much this year but hoping the patio will not look too naked. I also bought some bulbs (irises) there and will have DD plant them for me. All in all, cheaper than Home Depot.
DD saw on FB that my one niece has been dx with aggressive form of breast cancer and her sister started a Go Fund Me page. She is undergoing chemo at present and that is all I know. She is the DD of my second brother and my brother has not been in contact much after he got his check from my mother's estate nor have I heard from her after she got her check. Contact before that was difficult due to his religious preference and his political leanings. He did let me know he was having open heart surgery but never heard another word about that either. Not strained, just non-existent which is fine when one wants to avoid drama and stress. Sad when a death divides a family but blood doesn't always mean family.
Trying to plan party for 50th wedding anniversary but unable to get first choice venue because they will not accommodate a group of 16 in a private room on the weekend! So their loss and I will notify management that this is a poor decision. Did manage to get second choice with a larger room but must spend a minimum amount that they preset. I am sure we will spend that amount easily. So now I can get invitations out and plan other details. They are sending a contract and a menu for us to consider. Once that is signed, I'll work on invites.
It was a beautiful day today. The daffodils and hyacinths are pushing their leaves up so it is getting to be spring time. The time change is still an adjustment since we went through them several times on the cruise going and returning and then came home to another within 24 hours. I was programmed for early rising for excursions and I find myself still waking at those times. Temp now is 61 degrees and it was sunny with a slight breeze. Hopefully it stays this way for a few more days.
Sandy and harley07, the finished product will make all the inconvenience and waiting worthwhile. Sandy, can they install central air during the restoration? Wasn't sure I would like the French door refrigerator after having a side by side for 22 years, but I do like the wide shelves but wish one was a split one so I could put items that are taller like a gallon jug in the refrigerator. Like the split crisper drawers.
Hope everyone had a great day.
I did not know Sunshine99 nor do I recognize her name but her loss affects all of us. May she RIP.
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afternoon walk interrupted by stopping for tea! Still cool out but nice to get outside.
View from tea spot.
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Carole: One of my good friends also has to pay taxes this year and wanted to add deductions to her social security payments. She called Social Security and they were able to add these while she was on the phone.
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hi betrayal! Lots of hyacinths coming up here on my walk along the Songhees. I need to get into a routine. Far too slight for over a year now.
planning a 50th can be just as big as planning the wedding! Dang venues need to get onboard if they want people coming to their establishments.I hear you about blood relatives vs family. I have more contact these days with my cousins from my dad’s side of the family than I do from my own family.
Here are sone more flowers from my walk today.
this last one showing the cherry blossoms isn’t mine but it’s too stunning not to share!
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Thank you all for the Birthday wishes. It was a good time with my niece and friends. Ate too much, though.
I love all the picture posts. Especially the cookie. (I gave them up for Lent)
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Sandy, I wholeheartedly approve of your cantor's advice. Maybe you could do some pro bono legal work? Glad you are going to retrieve your dulcimers. Getting back into the music can ease frustrations.
Betrayal, I never again want to see a certain cousin for the rest of my life.
Tippy told me he wanted a bath, but, instead, he wanted to play chase.
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Love that the tea rest stop had very pretty individual single flowers on the table with pretty flower containers. Almost would make me want to 'go' in for tea — but I am much more addicted to coffee. I also enjoyed the pictures so much — and the water was fantastic.
I think in time eating a little more on the light (less) side becomes fairly easy. That said I admit that my salt restrictions had me eating too scant for a time, but it did help to curb a fairly large appetite over-all. Now I do pretty good and often can't finish all my dessert portion — when I have dessert. Hopefully it will all work out at your house Betrayal.
I have some cousins I don't see often. No true argument, but one has become a Reps. and one is a bit too Christian for me which results in being I think heavily judgmental. She is nice enough, but it dawned on me one day that I was likely a 'subject' many times over. None of us can match the expectations often of family we are around because we all do things differently but we don't all easily critique and criticize. I don't care much for being around people who appear to look at your faults quicker than your virtues. So, I chose to spend less time and have enjoyed every minute of not having to wonder — because I don't hand out any ammunition if I don't come around.
Sandy, I know you don't have a choice, but I still need to say I admire your patience and tolerance for the situation you are living through. All of you ladies are amazing.
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Chris, I hear you about not wanting to talk to someone. That would be my 3rd brother's wife. She badmouthed me in front of 2 of my brothers (one was her spouse) but in my defense he told her to shut the f*** up. However at my mother's funeral she made a rude remark about me in earshot of others and for that I will never speak to her again. Do speak to DB though since he did stand up for me. She no longer speaks to my SIL because she talks to me. Family dynamics are sometimes strange.
Love the mixed message from Tippy. He really is smart.
canarycat, are you in Victoria? Also do you have a canary or cat? I have both and other animals as well. Loved the flowers.
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Canary cat, what is the drink in the cup? It looks delicious.
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Petite - I sent you a pm. Thanks.
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hello. I was having a matcha latte with a vegan gluten free chocolate chip cookie. Yum. Yes I live in Victoria. We are expecting several days of rain, so I’m glad I got out for my walk today!
Mar just changed our clocks to DST and I’m having a hard time adjusting. Ugh midnight and I’m wide awake. Might take an extra half mirtazapine!
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You don't have a soul. You are a soul. You have a body.
C.S. Lewis
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Good morning. I was up way too early this morning. About 3 a.m. this morning the wind blew a small branch onto our roof and sent the dog into a real tissy. Turns out Lil. Red is a great watch-dog which I appreciate quite a lot — but not so much at 3 a.m. over a loosened limb flying through the wind. I took my little purple pill so I wouldn't forget it later and came out to my recliner in the living room. Finally, all was quiet, and I was able to sleep for a bit longer— but not long enough to suit me. I'm still yawning having gotten up at 5 a. m.
Definitely nothing special much on for today.
Hope you all have a good day.
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Love the flower pictures, bulbs blooming is a definite spring has sprung moment.
The last guests that stayed with a neighbor left yesterday. We had a big gathering at Doc Ford’s on Sunday for a late lunch, that ran about 3 hours.
Yesterday we had a baseball game, a HOA meeting and a surprise birthday party. LONG day.
Baseball game was delayed by an hour due to rain. It was windy, gusts 29-35 mph, with scattered rain during the game. The sun tried coming out a few times but couldn’t get through the clouds. We left in the middle of the 8th and it was 4:30 already. Phillies were winning most of the game 4-0; final was 4-1.
Condolences to Sunshine’s family and friends.
Tippy is a hoot!
Family - when my half brother passed my sister and I were not mention as existing; but nor was his full brother. It’s on his wife and children for writing the obit; we survived. I in fact sent a lovely garden basket to his wife. It is what it is. (needless to say, they won’t be in my obit either HA!)Ladies, from new appliances, to ruined musical instruments - you are stronger than you know. Resourceful with the “can do” spirit.
Taxes, I owe less than last year, which was a nice surprise. I set my payment date about 4/7 I think. I too had to mail in forms to get $ taken out of SS. I went to the FL office and they wouldn’t accept the form; mail only.
Did I mention having printer issues when trying to print my taxes? Well, it was operator error. HA! The other day I dragged my feet turning in the computer to deal with the printing issue. It turns out I was trying to print on the Cannon 4500 series, which is located in NY. I needed the Cannon 3500 series to print from here in FL. UGH some things are so simple but remained elusive. I blame the stress of doing taxes and my haste to print them immediately… it’s all on me. 🤷♀️3 -
Today I have a 2 hour dental appointment to do stage 1 of a crown. Not looking forward to the two hours or paying half of the cost ($800) when I depart. Then the long wait for the permanent crown and hoping it fits right. I've been through this process before.
Minus, I withheld too much for federal taxes. I want to decrease the withholding. I'll try calling Social Security. I read today that Elon closed down the Houma Social Security office in Louisiana. That shouldn't affect me. But dh would have to be present during the call to change his withholding.
It's sunny and 46 degrees outside. Will warm up during the day. Spring is definitely here as far as pollen is concerned. Yesterday I saw patches of yellow pine pollen on the carport.
Happy Tuesday to everyone.
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Back again for a rerun. What a beautiful day we are having. I am able to be out in the yard with a short sleeve polo shirt on and it is fantastic. I pulled away a lot of leaves from the edge of the deck and may spend a fair amt. of time the rest of the week taking blower and moving them all down to the ravine — or what I can. We should be using (not me because I've never been on the riding mowers) the mulching blades on the mowers, but no one seems inclined to summerize them (excuse my made-up word) so doing things the old-fashioned way for now.
It is 75 with a mild breeze. Earlier I went out to sit on the deck and just listen to the birds chattering to each other. They seemed to be having a truly delightful conversation. Well, I think Spring is good for everyone. Brings out the eatables for all the wild-life. Good time to tear up some breadcrumbs (heels) for the birds. A lot of time I eat them but when it seems like it will be nice I do save a couple for the birds.
Hoping to get SIL to change my headlight (he says it's the dimmer part but I don't know for sure how he knows) on the front left. I don't go out at night much but I really don't want to use my car right now. Also, I have to renew my driver's license ( will have to drive for that) later on this summer. The other headlight needed changing already a couple yrs. or more back, so I knew this one was due to go and just more a matter of when. There are some other items on my car that need attention. Not sure, bearings, struts, or some other not TOO expensive parts and my son in law can change them out — so that is needed as well before my test. I will also have the car washed and cleaned thoroughly in the inside again.
I know the people administering the test are happy when they don't have to do so in a stinky, dirty car. In fact, the lady giving me my test last time commented on how enjoyable to "test" in a clean car. So, knowing they like it and I generally don't let my car get too dirty. I will see that it is as nice again. We'll both be happy that way.
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It is a beautiful day with temp at 63 and very sunny. Agree that spring is popping up all over. Can see the dreaded flowers forming on the tulip poplars; they are pretty but messy when they are smashed.
Had MRI today and one tech wasn't so pleasant. I am tired of having to complete the echeck in MRI check list for the MRI and then being told I have to complete the same form for the tech to read. Really, can they not read and review what is in my record? Plus they have a whole verbal litany of repeat questions asked and answered on the forms. I am not a fan of excess duplication and need to find who to direct my displeasure at in this health system. The techs have no control but someone does.
The procedure itself is very uncomfortable so my chest and shoulders bore the brunt and were very sore afterwards. This will be the last one I will ever agree to so hopefully it is negative. Sent contract to restaurant for 50th anniversary party. First one was told we were canceling and they asked why? Reason, simply could not get a room that would hold more than 12 because it was the weekend so we needed to go elsewhere. Menu selection for second one is great and everyone will have a choice of entree course plus a choice of the pasta and sides we decided on. Will have the room for 4 hours though we feel it will not be needed for that long.
Niece diagnosed with BC is only 49 and has 4 children with the youngest probably in their late teens. She has 7 siblings so she will have a good support system since they are all close. Hope chemo is the answer.
Tomorrow is cardiology appointment after PT and I was able to land a teeth cleaning appointment from a cancellation. Mine was scheduled for April but had told hygienist I most likely would have to cancel but landed one at the end of March. After TKR surgery they insist you wait 3 months so July would have been next available, but they are already booking into September. I do think the dentist needs to hire more hygienists to cover her current patients that need quarterly cleanings since they are near impossible to schedule now.
My list of "to-do's" from this morning is done and I even added another task to it which is also done. Ran to Produce Junction after MRI to get cabbage and potatoes for St. Patrick's Day dinner plus got some other vegetables including asparagus, cauliflower and eggplant. I even picked up a calla lily. My wedding bouquet flowers were white calla lilies that at that time they had to "force grow" since they were out of season.
Hope everyone had a great day. I am just glad to be able to sit for a bit.
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