Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
Comments
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This morning went to yoga at the Y, then walked a couple miles on the treadmill, stopped by a nursery on the way home and bought a perennial mum plant, will have Lew dig the hole for it tonight. Did some weeding, watered flowers, And now I'm resting after having a little lunch.
Finally got the recall notice on my Honda Civic for the problems they've been having with the air bags killing people with shrapnel when they expand. I took the car in yesterday and the young lady said they'd call me when the parts came in. I asked her if they were going to provide me with something safer to drive in the meantime and she looked at me like I was daft and walked me over to her supervisor, who promptly called Enterprise and arranged for a rental car for me to use as their loaner cars were all out. he figured it should only take 2-3 days, and since they're paying for my rental car I'm sure they'll try and get it done as quickly as they can.
We're going this weekend to granddaughter's high school graduation party (it had to be postponed after Lew's mom died). Made arrangements this morning to stop and see another granddaughter on Friday on our way to Minneapolis and we'll take the 2 great grandkids to the park for awhile.
Time to move onto next project of the day, maybe working on Alaska photos.
Anne: good decision, one of Lew's favorite sayings "your inability to plan ahead does not a problem for me make" (he likes Yoda).
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Octogirl - We must be neighbors. I live a few miles from the southern gate to Yosemite. We moved here 21 years ago when my husband retired. I was born in Tulare county but lived in Southern California most of my life.
Welcome to BCO. I don't post often, but usually follow a few threads.
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hi Jan69; neighbors indeed, at least in relative terms. I am west of the 140 entrance. I love the area up by Wawona closer to where you are...good to meet you here.0
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Jan69 -- feel free to come anytime you would like. Octogirl, my folks ( both deceased now -- Dad in 96 and Mom in 98 -- lived in the foothills of the Sierra's in a little town called Borough Valley. This was outside of Fresno which would have I think been on the inland side rather than ocean side. They were there for 8 yrs. before Dad passed away and as it was a rugged trip for us many times --we didn't go often and I didn't learn as much as I might have -- so maybe it would be more apt to save I think they were on the western side of Fresno.
At any rate, it was very pretty there --- usually pretty hot during the day, but ok once the sun starting going down and it was a nice drive -- always interesting going up the Grapevine which I think was around Bakersfield. Just the way you have said a couple of things makes me think you maybe were not so far away from there.
Don't cut back too much on your coffee --- just drink an extra glass of water or two. My Dr. told me to try and drink a glass of water for every cup of coffee. I think part of the reason was to dilute the acidity and the other was that water dilutes and rinses the body anyway and we should have a lot during the day anyhow. It is said 8 glasses --- I use to drink 8 or 12 glasses a day but got turned off during chemo and I still haven't been able to get up to the levels I once enjoyed. At least water did start to taste just fine to me again. Can be happy about that.
Anne -- how funny. I toyed with the Carolina's for a while, decided I was wrong --- then though nah --- why would I think it that long if it wasn't right. I was afraid of losing my post if I went back. That would have made me scream and cry -- a lot. So, I just kept right on. Georgia --the minute you said it, of course, it flooded back to my memory. Dare I say this -- two days from now if not sooner --- it could be gone, but I sure hope not. I accept my sort of poor memory but it does give me fits now and then.
The container thingy is I think some sort of large packing crate. I saw in??? a magazine -- Reader's Di9est or??? about very small houses being made now. Basically, no wasted space etc. In some ways I think it is a great idea. We hoard and hang onto so much --- and it is more to take care of, or keep up with in some way --- to have to dust, wash, wax, polish -- or whatever. Think how much time could be saved. I do have to admit a fondness though for lots of my "stuff" and like most people --- the majority of it is not worth much, important only to me and if I'd just let go of some of it ( I've worked on that and will continue ) soon I think I'd be wondering what took me so long. I think I mentioned to you all here washing, polishing and buffing a couple loads of furniture and odds and ends for our neighbors who had to leave so much of their stuff behind ( had a yard sell for what they couldn't bring ) and I was so thrilled --- and I'm doing just fine without that stuff. Anyway, I do thing a couple of box-car type containers, maybe could likely be a home if you are truly handy -- the grid idea, well --- if I were a whole lot younger and didn't mind massive work maybe I could do it. Didn't the pioneers ( same style isn't it ???? ) work from sun-up to sun-down. I don't think I REALLY want to do that --- I mean the washing in the river, pounding my dirty clothes on rocks. Nah !!!! As bad as it may be for the Earth I have come to adore electric lights and hot running water and gas cook stoves --- and furnace heat in my living quarters and oh , yeah --- no Sears and Roebuck catalog disappearing when one has to answer Nature's Call. I'm going to hang in there on these things.
Puffin -- interesting reaction on your car. I can see that the dealer would maybe be quite anxious to get your car fixed since he got caught out without a loaner. I would imagine yours will be put ahead of the people with the loaners. Good for you. You sure do a lot though it does keep us out of trouble doesn't it. I like Lew's saying.....smart man. Problems are meant to be solved by the person having them. A small amt. of help, a shoulder to cry one now and then is ok, but really --- there is nothing that can prove more and give a sense of satisfaction like taking your lemon and turning it into the sweetest drink one could have. Also, once one has a success or two under the belt, it is great encouragement to trust yourself and to realize that you, capital, YOU have it in you and don't need to run to others, but can deal with a challenge and overcome it.
Ok, off and running to another post or thread. Got to get caught up this afternoon See you all soon.
Jackie
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I am visiting Long Island, NY this week while my grandson is playing in a baseball tournament here. It is nice for my husband and I to get away for a little while. I do hope that the deer don't party in my garden while I am away from New Hampshire. I have tried many deterrents, but the deer continue to munch on the hydrangea, garden phlox, and hosta. There must be a family of chubby happy deer running through the woods.
Lynne
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Hmmm Carole, nice RV, esp wit the deck!
We got home from Montana Sunday night , then had 4 grands plus a friend from Maryland for the last couple of days. Took them swimming at our daughters yesterday and to see the Minions( I like them too!) today. Didn't cook , went out for suppers. Was so hot and humid the last couple of days, and no AC here except in our bedroom, where we have the TV and our recliners. Spend most of our time there. The "master suite" haha! Cudnt keep the kids overnight , as we only have 1 bedroom in our little log cabin. So were also trecking them back and forth from my exes summer place on the lake about 20 miles from here! Guess my daughter is stoppping by on her way to pick up her kids on Saturday, since we were gone when she brought them up.
My new gluten free diet made the traveling interesting. It seems to be helping my digestive issues, but between that and going caffeine free for the tachy cardia, everything I like , it seems I can't eat! Oh well have ost a few pounds on it.
Welcome to the new ladies!
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50'sgirl -- Long Island sounds like a good place to go, especially if it is to cheer on a grandson. I'd be there too. I'll have to ask my neighbor on the other lane what he is doing to keep deer out of his tomato patch. They have a tomato garden right by their driveway. Anyway the Dh read somewhere ( maybe the Internet but I don't recall ) about some string looking line to tie around four poles/stakes at the four corners of the garden.
Shame on me -- I didn't say anything but sort of silently scoffed that such a thing could work. Lo and behold -- their tomato bushes are getting quite tall an are chock full of tomatoes. These lines/strings -- whatever it is --- have just somehow managed to keep the deer completely away I guess. Anyway, hopefully I'll remember -- and anyone here then can have the magic for themselves. I'm rather astounded -- because like anything --- you hear of lots of home remedies so to speak and often, no matter how promising it may sound and seem, you are disappointed.
Bonnets, I'm sure glad if you can travel better on that diet. Sorry though that it is difficult to find enough "tasty" food. Probably likely an issue with many different kinds of diets. I've often thought I should do that D.A.S.H. but just reading it over makes me feel I would face major hurdles to be even partly successful. Here's hoping you can find a happy medium somehow.
It is going to get into the 50's here tonight Dh told me. Almost hard to believe and maybe some rain --- ???? tomorrow. Wasn't paying too much attention to the weather this morning. Not a bad day here as our humidity let up again. I sure love those days.
Hope you all have a fine evening.
Jackie
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We finished covering our backyard with landscape cloth, then covered that with 20 yards of TaGro, which is uhhh dirt (sort of) - it's actually biosolids from the city sewage that have been disinfected had ground up yard waste added and then recycled for use. Supposedly it's the best stuff to grow and is for sale directly from the city (and in bags in every hardware and yard store in the city) for a really good price. The website said it was virtually odor free. Unfortunately, there is a bit of a difference between odor free and "virtually" odor free. Fortunately, it's cooled down a bit, as the yard kinda stinks right now, and without AC, it's a real chore to keep the house cool enough when you also need to keep the doors and windows closed to keep the smell out. Hopefully it will fade away over the next few days (it's already faded a lot, and it was just put down yesterday, so I'm very hopeful), as the temp seems to be going up again.... Our neighbors didn't descend on us in droves, so I guess it didn't faze them (either that or they're just being nice).
Anyway, the plan is to plant a bunch of shrubs that don't need a lot of watering or upkeep = as I plant them I'll cut out the landscape cloth from underneath. I did this at our last house, but instead of TaGro I put down bark. We found out (the hard way at the last house) that hubby is quite allergic to bark, so this time we did it differently.... This should keep me busy for the foreseeable future....
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We are most like God when we forgive.
- AnonymousYou may call God love, you may call God goodness.
But the best name for God is compassion.
- Meister EckhartThe key to forgiveness is to forgive from the heart -- not from the mind.
- Sheri RosenthalForgiveness does not change the past,
but it does enlarge the future.
- Paul BoeseUnconditional forgiveness is the path to your own inner peace.
- Jonathan Lockwood HuieSo many good ones today I couldn't decide so here they all are.
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GG, been wondering where you were and what you were up too. I'm fascinated by your TaGro. Of course, we haven't heard of such a thing here, but it does seem that time and circumstance have produced lots of options for people --- and if you can find a way to use something that seems highly UN-usable or that should be, sort of, then all the better.
Like you, it sounds like there is no smell after all is settled in well. Here's hoping that very soon ( would be nice if they would tell you on the package that it may take a day or two ) you are back to odors you are well accustomed too so that doors and windows can stay open whenever you want them that way. I also bet you end up with a fantastic yard. Here's to fragrant plantings that make those open windows a totally pleasant experience during blooming seasons.
Probably won't take the shopping trip today. This week-end ( starting early Fri. morning ) I will go stay with my patient 24/7 until Sunday night. I have a lot of loose ends to try and manage and so think shopping can wait. Besides -- I'll actually turn around and do the exact same thing the very next week-end --- so even though there are bills --- I would have some extra shopping money anyway. I'm not in a real hurry.
Thinking of all of you and hoping you have a really great day. I'll be back later checking in.
Blessings
Jackie
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Mornin-
Jackie, you hit the nail on the head about "off the grid". One night while Nancy & family were here, we were all sitting outside, and our neighbor asked Jamie what exactly they were going to do on thisproperty. Jamie's answer, with some stumbling around was "farm" it. Further questioning revealed they plan to have chickens and a fish farm at the very least. I can't talk from personal experience, having been brought up in the Bronx, but I have always heard chickens are very dirty animals. I can see them using the eggs, but I cannot see either of the grandchildren eating an animal one of the parents have killed, even if they don't witness the actual killing. I also cannot see Jamie having the patience to pluck a chicken or filet a fish. Regardless of her husband's lofty goals, both of them were raised in normal suburbia, where each of the 6 grandchildren asked somewhere between the ages of 4 and 6, if we were getting a grocery store turkey for aThanksgiving and not the gobble, gobble kind from a farm. Jamie actually ended up in tears that night, letting us know she is not really in favor of this whole idea. The nearest schools are 20-30 miles away, and home schooling is not an option since Jamie, along with all her other issues has some serious learning disabilities. Her husband has read select portions of the Bible and uses them to control Jamie. She was raised in church, but reading is tough for her, so she has read just enough of Genesis to see God as a law giver and judge, then her husband shows her the passages where it says a wife needs to be submissive, but doesn't show her what the husbands part of that is. He very rarely participates in any social activity except for his own children's birthdays.
I might add that he and Jamie dated when she was 15, the relationship ended quickly and horribly when he shot a friend to death with Jamie standing right there. No charges were ever brought, although we all believe they should have been. I cannot tell you how messed up Jamie was, but I can tell you she was home bound for schooling the whole 3rd quarter of her senior year. They were apart for over 5 years, then met at a random party one night and 3 weeks later she was pregnant. Never thought I would approve of my child having a child without being married,but I was still happy when they had their second child 3 years later. They finally married ( the wedding was a fiasco) 7 years after the first child was born. Both grandchildren still have our last name
Oh, they are barely hanging on with the two they have, but he, once again, has shown her where God says we are to procreate, so she is no longer on birth control. "They" have decided it is their duty to accept however many children God sends.
Do any of you still wonder why I agonized so much about the possibility of her and the kids moving in? HE was not part of the deal. Having her away from his constant control and manipulation for a year? He would have still been part of their lives, just not on a 24/7 basis. Remember, he works from home.
Anne
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Anne, you need to read about the Quiversful religion which is what the Duggars practice. I usually view this as sort of political in a way so seldom say much, and indeed, I learned most of what I did learned from the Duggars coming up in political articles. At any rate --- while I usually wouldn't say anything -- this thing about women being submissive to men, having way too many children ( and it makes the woman more and more dependent on the man ) is just not ok and in your daughter's case with her issues, even more so I'm sure.
She really needs to be away from a man who feels like he does. You might also check out Dominionism which is similar if not nearly the same as the Quiversful. Either way --- separating your daughter from others like that -- and huge control through selection of only certain things that HE chooses to HELP her understand is on my behalf a frightening and dangerous way to live.
The Duggars chose fame so had a far better structure in general ( after all they were on t.v. ) and they were both bright enough people -- though it is done with now. I do not think people ( The Dominions wish to populate the world enough to take over government and run the world by the Old Testament ) which is the shortened version, should be having numerous births as you don't know what will happen. The t.v. program was taken off the air as the one adult child, Josh Duggar, with the help, blessing, and participation of his family, kept the fact somewhat secret that he had molested some of his sisters ( four I think ) and a young baby-sitter, and nothing was let out until after the statute of limitations had run its course.
Sorry for putting this all out here, but it is a scary proposition. I hope this situation can end well.
Jackie
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Anneb: sorry you have to go through that...no words, other than, I'm sorry. You must worry so much for those grandkids!
Jackie: Borrough Valley is indeed in the foot hills about 35 miles northeast of Fresno, making it southeast of me perhaps 90 miles via the highway...it would be less as the crow flies if there were roads that are more direct, which there aren't. Will have to do a road trip to check it out one of these days! There is a good Wikkipedia article on it if you want to check out more of the history and natural history...
Weather report from the Great Central Valley: the central road to Yosemite (Highway 140) has been washed out with a mudslide following heavy rains! Here, 75 or so miles to the west, I don't think we even got a drop. Yesterday was cloudy, today the sun is out.
Off to the Big City (Fresno) for my first post op apt with bs. Wish me well and more later!
Best and hugs to all
Octogirl
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Ocogirl --- here is many wishes or a really great outcome and perhaps even a bit more freedom for clothing and other things. I'll do the Wikipedia search because I have lots of reason for it to be interesting. My former brother-in-law still lives in the modular that is right next door to where my Mom and Dad were living -- long story but I think I mentioned Dad passed in 96' and my Mom brought him home here to bur him and decided she would come back and stay. We still had lots of family here --- and she did and Dh and I followed very soon after. BIL and sister stayed where they were in Borough Valley on Tollhouse Rd.
Mom was only here for almost two yrs. to the day --- so the last yr. and a half of her life I had the greatly satisfying and deeply wonderful duty which was not a duty at all to me of being with her through Dr.'s appts., hospital stays, helping at her home, and spending lots of great time with her. Eleven days after Mom passed away and a day and a half after my sister's return to California --- coming back from having been all night on Table Mountain at the casino there ( this was almost a daily or guess I should say nightly activity of my sisters life ) she either had a heart attack, or a diabetic coma. The car left the road, no skid marks, and ended up edged between two rocks and some trees. Took three hours to cut her out of the car but they feel she was "gone" before the car left the road-way.
Though it would sound un-Christian to a degree ---- I didn't shed a tear though her husband did. I was still reeling from losing my Mom -- and the sad truth is my sister had no real conscience. She didn't like me and what little and it was little, that she ever did for me was I think because she knew how bad she would look if she didn't.
A lot to say here but just for back-ground about familiar areas in common to a degree Octogirl. I likely should really say too that while we talk about anything an everything here -- other than an occasional reference and statement, we for the most part don't get into politics and pushing our individual religions to each other. A few comments are fine but these things do seem to spark a lot of miss-understandings. I say this as I did say abit to Anne and got into a bit but I was concerned. Should have done a pm for her but I wasn't thinking --- had totally forgotten until after I was done.
My personal view is that just like here --- some people seem so much better for themselves and others, for having the experience of sharing a religion together. I'm not at all against that. For myself I see myself as more spiritual then actually religious since my Church is the great outdoors and all of its marvels and wonders and beautiful surprises -- and I have done it both ways -- being heavily aligned with a Church and Church family --- but in my later years have discovered that while the other was wonderful, I feel and seem to do as well if not better in my more solitary habitat of worship and continue on with spiritual studies that remain exciting and worthwhile to me. Not for everyone -- but it is our differences that often delight and bring some flexibility rather then the sameness.
Anyway -- off to get some things done. Next beak time I may be right back.
Jackie
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Anne, that would drive me crazy to have a daughter who believed she should be submissive to any man, husband or not. He sounds like a controlling "nut case." Religion can be exploited in so many evil ways. I feel sorry for those children. Goodness knows what their state of mind will be once they become adults.
Octogirl, hope all goes well with your appointment. I'll be interested in what the dr. says.
GG, I found your explanation of the fertilizer made from human waste very interesting. We put landscaping cloth on two big flower beds in the front of our house some years ago, maybe 5 or 6 years. It still seems to be doing the job of keeping down weeds. We keep a covering of pine straw mulch over the beds.
We bought two geranium plants at a nursery. They are really spectacular. DH loves geraniums and this is a good climate for them. They don't like our hot summers.
This morning we worked out at the gym in town, had breakfast at a café, stopped by the Wed. farmers' mkt., and ran a couple of errands. This afternoon we're going to Bemidji with another couple with a trailer here at Pine Hollow. They're "foodies" and like a pizza restaurant in Bemidji. We'll eat there and then go bowling. DH and I aren't bowlers but we'll give it a try.
Happy Wed. to all.
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Hello ladies,
It has been ten days since I was here, and I have four pages to read.
I did read the last, and am concerned for you, Anne. I will read back later.
Anne, you are your family's rock - traveling rock - and it seems at times you are being pulverized to gravel. I guess we cannot be the solution to our children's problems. We can be a support, but eventually, they have to figure it out. Thinking of you.50s girls: Welcome to Long Island (my home) -- but I am not there right now.
Octo and Jan: I am in the Bay Area and Monterey; but tomorrow I am traveling to Mammoth - where I've never been. As a geologist, I can't wait to see the volcanic features and geothermal areas. I am visiting my son, and it is his favorite destination from Berkeley.
We have spent time in Yosemite in the past few years and stayed in Mariposa. Yosemite is definitely a must-see for anyone who can get there.
It must be wonderful to live in the area.
I am concerned about the rain and floods. I will keep an eye on the forecast.
Carole, I am so glad you are enjoying your time away. Deck? Awning? This sounds more and more like home!Jackie, thanks for being there every day no matter when I check in. It means a lot to me and I think to many others.
I am off to the Monterey Aquarium!
XOXO
Joan0 -
mommarch, you are in our prayers! Love all of you as I feel blessed to have everyone of you in my life. Thanks. Shuf
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Hi everyone
I guess now you can understand why it was so hard for me to say no to my daughter about moving in. She met this guy in HS. She was 15, he was 18 and had dropped out of school- we had no idea, till much later. I have beaten my head against a wall trying to convince her that a accidental pregnancy three weeks into a relationship does not necessitate a marriage. He convinced her that they had to stay together for the sake of the baby. Jamie's emotional radar is really screwed up- she really doesn't like being touched and freaks if she is surrounded by a crowd. She has admitted that as much as she loves her kids ( and I believe she really does), cuddling with them to watch a movie is very hard for her. She says every 15 minutes or so, she has to make an excuse to get up and away for a few minutes.
I would describe myself as a Christian, although I no longer attend church regularly. My DH and I were very involved with church as we were raising our family- both in the activities part and the Bible study part. I know enough about what the Bible says to know her husband is picking and choosing what he "teaches"her. We got into an argument a couple of weeks ago. BTW- she is the only one of my children I get into screaming fits with. Anyway she was talking about this submissive stuff and I tried to tell her that that concept is two- fold. The wife is to submit to the husband, BUT he is to put her first in everything. When I argued that living in a 2bedroom shack without central air in So. Fla was not putting her first, she screamed at me that I have been spoiled all my life. I said no, I just happened to spend my life with two men who really lived that principle every day- first my dad, who worked two jobs every day while we were growing up, then my husband who worked massive amounts of overtime so I could be a stay at home mom.
He has her convinced that any "comfort" she has that women in third works countries don't have is a privelige that she should be very grateful for. So what if some windows in the house are broken, and have been for years- women in third world countries don't have any windows.
His ideas are so bizarre it is unbelievable. But somehow, he has managed to get her in his grip and won't let go. If there were ever two people who shouldn't be together it's them. Putting aside his bizarre beliefs, he is ADHD, which means he starts a thousand projects and finishes none, and she plans the themes for the kids birthday parties two years in advance.. He's definitely a spur of the moment guy - like putting the house up for sale with no plans beyond that, she needs time to adjust to any change, much less not knowing where they are going to live in 6 weeks.
They have been back together for 11 years now. Neither one has had a real job in all that time. She mystery shops and he covers remotes for game systems with different covers. He does this in their carport. They broke up once shortly after their second child was born, but he convinced her they couldn't succeed as single parents and needed to be together for the sake of the children. I could go on for pages with the stuff he has put her thru, but she stays.
I finally had to accept that she is an adult and entitled to make her own decisions. I have bit my tongue till there is almost nothing left so that I keep access to the grandchildren. My heart breaks for Jamie - she is adopted and before we got her at two years old she was abused, physically and sexually, abandoned and neglected. She also had a wild ride during her teenage years, experimenting with drugs and boys, which led to being date raped by two guys at the same time, and two abortions before she was 18, which I didn't know about till much later. She also lost two very special people in her life, one to cancer, one in a horrific car accident, both within 6 months of the shooting she was involved in. But she lives an almost "normal " life except for buying in to his wierd lifestyle I took her for counseling several times as a teenager, she would never open up, and to this day will not seek any help.
Three of my other 4 children are totally with me and my decision, but my oldest daughter does not. My oldest son thinks her even asking to move in,is a plan on her husbands part to get control of this house. All I know for sure is if I hadn't had the cancer, and was my old self, my answer would have been yes, without hesitation. For the grandchildren. Unfortunately, I am not strong enough, physically or emotionally to deal with the chaos that surrounds her on a daily basis.
Sorry for running on so long but it really helps me clarify things in my own mind when I write it out.
Anne
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Anneb1149, trust your self. This not something you are responsible for. They are adults and must take their beliefs and decisions as their own. God bless you! Shuf
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Jackie: Lew gets to use his favorite saying a lot. He helps college students with their senior projects in the engineering lab (as a volunteer, he's retired), and there's always a handful of students who procrastinate till the end, and are then in a panic when the machines are all scheduled up and they think he should come in on weekends and whenever to help them finish their projects.
I worked out at the Y this morning, then picked up a friend who recently moved into assisted living.I've been helping her unpack and get the boxes out of her room. Her new computer desk was delivered last week, it was fun to see her room finally all arranged and put together. We went out for lunch at a new German restaurant downtown, Lew hopped on his Segway and joined us - delicious sausages. Then we went to a free 1 hour concert by one of the Navy bands at the library. The Blue Angels are performing in an airshow here in Fargo this weekend, and this week has been declared Navy Week. The first half hour was a wind quintet and the second half hour was brass.
I like to toss a handful of blueberries on my cereal every morning, so carefully watch the sales this time of year. Blueberries are down to $1.50/pt so I stopped and picked up 24 pints, came home and spread half of them in a single layer in cookie sheets and cake pans in the freezer. Later tonight I'll scoop all the frozen berries up and package them in ziplock bags. That way they don't freeze together in one big solid lump. Will freeze the other half later night, and tomorrow go buy another 24 pints.
I took a tumble off the back step last night, my foot twisted as I stepped down and over I went. The fall felt just like the one in my backyard a couple years ago where I broke my wrist. This time I landed on my elbow and forearm, doesn't seem like anything is broken, just a little bleeding. I lucked out on that one.
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Jackie, Burrough Valley, Tollhouse, and Table Mountain Casino are all very close by. This is on the west side of SJ valley, east of Fresno. There's no direct road to Yosemite from the Tollhouse area. You need to go north 20 or so miles to get on the highway into Yosemite. It's a nice area, but, like all of us around here, in a high fire danger zone. All vegetation is dryer than dry and ready to burn. We've had several wild fires that are difficult to contain. The 100 ft tall ponderosa pine trees here in the Sierra are dying. Forest Service says they expect 50% of these trees will be dead by summer's end. It is so incredibly sad to watch. We had to have 5 of ours taken down to the tune of nearly $5,000. And it looks like more are dying. You have to know we are all praying for El Nino to come early and stay late. I'm sorry that your memories of my area are imbedded with the death of your sister.
Joan, we do feel fortunate to live in such a beautiful area. We never get tired of Yosemite. About 20 years ago Yosemite had a great flood. The park was closed for an extended time. When it reopened we drove in and walked around the valley where it is usually filled with tourists. Park personnel posted signs of high water marks on various buildings. That, and very few people, made for a very sad visit. Your visit to Mammoth should be wonderful. Just watch the weather reports. We've been having some wild weather. My brother lived in Hampton Bays for many years, and I was able to visit several times. Love, love, love eastern Long Island. And that says a lot for Southern California native.
Humm, I seem to have written a book today. Perhaps a travelog. Jan
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I do recall the California wildfires -- very treacherous and extremely frightening. I recall the one that was so near Goleta/Santa Barbara area. We drove through afterwards and just felt sick for the people who had lived in the homes we saw -- mainly charred materials and lots of ash. The ground around the homes was all blackened and it has such a ghostly feel knowing that just a few days before the whole area was vibrant with life -- before the wildfires got to it. I can't imagine the devastation and sense of loss and I would think even the most well adjusted persons would still have some time spent in feeling though thankful to be alive just shredded from the loss of a life that may have been comfortable and cherished that went away in almost a heartbeat.
I do remember the Fresno area as being pretty and often wished my husband and I might have been able to make that move with the rest of the family. I wasn't sure I'd like the weather but it is one of those things you would be ok with in a short time if you were living there all the time. I've always thought of California as a pretty wonderful place --- you can find so much there as it is such a big state. The big Redwoods are just mind numbing to me and so beautiful, in another part of the state, the Joshua trees. The deserts which can be quite pretty and the salt flats around LA Mirada. Loved the Catholic missions around Solvang, and also San Juan Capistrano. I still miss the missions at Solvang. My mother loved it too and often we would take a picnic and go there. She never tired of this -- I think she felt a deep kinship in some way there and she often wandered in and out of the stone structures that were a part of the mission. I've always thought maybe she caught some little glimmer of a past life lived during that time or something --- but she felt lots of peace and contentment while roaming the mission grounds.
I regret that I never got to Yosemite and I'm sure I would have completely fell in love with it. I like the natural park areas -- like the Grand Canyon and so I would have felt likely very much at home at Yosemite had I made it there.
Hope you all have a delightful evening.
Jackie
p.s. I adore travelogs.
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I love the California Missions also...and feel a real affinity for them (and no, I am not Catholic). Someday I want to do a road trip to visit them all over the course of a few weeks.
I also love travelogues....0 -
Octogirl --- my mom's goal was to see all the missions --- think there may have only been one she missed and like you she felt peace/affinity while there but especially so when at the one near Solvang --- I'm thinking Santa Inez, but think that may have been the ?valley where it was located. Been gone from California too long now I guess. I'll have to look that up and erase my "fuzz". We are not Catholic either --- that feeling you get is much, much bigger than that.
Jackie
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Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit.
Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever,
even if your whole world seems upset.
- Saint Francis de Sales0 -
I'm sure I likely mentioned something here earlier, but I will be going into town early tomorrow morning and staying there at work until Sunday night. I will miss chatting and leaving quotes and even checking in briefly several times a day, but know you will be on my mind many times a day while I am gone just the same as happens when I am here.
Though I'll miss my routine, at the same time I feel so fortunate to have good work that I enjoy. These times are not truly numerous so it helps so much when I can keep up with bills, catch up with some that may have lagged a bit, and once in awhile pay ahead a slight bit. It keeps my life moving better and as always, I wonder how I managed before I started where I am now.
Thought it seems long, I'm well paid and it is a joy to have the experience of living in a huge home for a few days. It makes not feel cheated in any way when I come back to my much, much smaller and easier to deal with home. Guess you could say it is the best of both worlds.
Will see you all as soon as I return.
Blessings,
Jackie
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I finished buying my fresh blueberries today and have them all frozen, 23 packages of 5 cups/bag.
Honda finished installing my replacement air bags so will get to drive my own car tomorrow to Minneapolis for the weekend. Tomorrow will take 2 great grandchildren to the park with their mom, and then drive on and spend the night with my Dad. Saturday we'll drive to White Bear Lake for granddaughter's high school graduation open house.
I went to a Silver Sneakers class this morning, then walked 2 1/2 miles on the treadmill, forgetting that tonight was our monthly Livestrong reunion class. So Lew and I also went to 45" of chair yoga after supper.
Waiting now to see how bad the storm turns out that weathermen tells us is on the way.
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Good Evening.
Had my port surgery today. I was very impressed with the new anathesioligst. He gave me a mild sedative by IV and I have not had any of that awful feeling. Everything went well. Now to the Chemo tomorrow in Odessa at 1:30 PM. Hope this regiment will put this beast back into remission. No promises. I think if I feel OK we will leave early in the morning so we can get some shopping done before Chemo and have a bite of lunch. Will let you know later on how the chemo has affected me.
Ann. I know where you are coming from. It is a hard thing to make your kids be responsible. When our daughter got remarried and moved to Florida, when things were not going well and it was because of her drinking she would call and want to come home. I said NO you have a husband who dearly loves you and you need to figure it out. Well after almost three years I think It is getting better. She has been sober for 4 months.
Hugs to you all
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Puffin, that was some strong wind we had last night about 2 am. DH got up and rolled in the awning, which was whipping in the wind and shaking the camper. He said this morning that he heard a roaring sound for about 2 min., but I had gone back to sleep. One of my beautiful geraniums was blown off the deck onto the ground and mangled up. The saucer is gone. The other geranium looks battered but it stayed on its table. The neighbor behind us had his awning ruined. It's standing up like a sail on top of his camper. This morning it's calm outside.
I guess I should pay more attention to the weather forecasts.
Mommarch, I hope the new treatment works and doesn't cause SEs as bad as the last treatment. I'll be thinking about you.
Wishing everyone a good Friday.
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Just checking in to say Happy Friday to all. It is a beautiful morning here: it has been sunny, but cooler than normal, a good thing in this area.
So, tomorrow is DH's 60th birthday. Yes, I married a (slightly) younger man :-). However, being just a bit over a week post surgery and tired, I really can't do too much to celebrate and I feel bad about that. Other than giving him a card, and encouraging all of our friends and family to send greetings, any brilliant ideas for something I could get on one quick grocery store trip that he might like? He doesn't drink, so a bottle of wine (which I'd love) doesn't work. He does like chocolate, so that is always an option....
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