Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
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Home from work and got my bills paid, dinner done ( haven't cleaned the kitchen yet ) and watched a couple of stories on t.v. about former Pres. Jimmy Carter. It seems he has a rare form of melanoma ( thinking skin cancer here ) which put grew a tumor in his liver --- and he was operated on and the hope was that all would be well. He announced yesterday that tests as of late revealed 4 spots in his brain.
Though we stay out of the area of politics here and hopefully always will, I do feel the need to express my sorrow for this wonderful man that I thought ( his 4 yrs. were rough ones ) made a good Pres. I think he stands out for peace and for his ability to work as a common man for the common man.
I'm so hoping that they are able to either eliminate or cause inability of the four spots to continue to generate harmful cell abnormalities. Former Pres. Carter though having concern is willing to deal with whatever comes.
Jackie
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Jackie- I also have a great deal of respect for Jimmy Carter. He and his wife have devoted their lives to helping others. I think that he has done more in his post-presidency years than anyone else. He is a wonderful example of someone who selflessly works for the good of others. I hope he is able to live many more years while continuing to experience a good quality of life.
Lynn
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wrote this Wednesday night...it never got posted....
Emma, you have done a beautiful job with those flowers. I have not done anything like that.
Carole & Puffin, I am so happy you will get to meet up again. Happy embroidering, Carole. It's so relaxing once you get the pattern set.
Today was a very busy day, but I am much more focused and determined to get things in order so I can be prepared for whatever comes.
I love these waning days of summer.
And another day in August is almost over. I made more progress today at work cleaning out files and organizing. My class is under-enrolled andd I'm hoping we get enough
It was so warm when I got home but it was breezy outside. I took kitty outside for a supervised walk and let her explore under my watchful eye. She loves to be out, but she is not "outdoor cat material" - she is slow to move and a bit naive. She is an overly well behaved cuddly couch ornament.The past 2 days were beautiful with tall puffy clouds moving constantly across the blue sky.
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We spend most of our time and energy in a kind of horizontal thinking.
We move along the surface of things going from one quick base to another,
often with a frenzy that wears us out. We collect data, things, people, ideas,
"profound experiences," never penetrating any of them. . . .
But there are other times. There are times when we stop.
We lose ourselves in a pile of leaves or its memory.
We listen and breezes from a whole other world begin to whisper.James Carroll
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Anne.... I read where you were worried about what is happening with your finances......
We sent through this, trying to stop all the bonds, investments....etc.....And since they weren't paying any interest like they used to be, I started transferring all of that mess into my savings account. WHAT a MESS! I got most of it done, except for one investment, which THEY said I could only take out a certain percentage quarterly!
That's not what I was told in the beginning. I hate investing! Sorry I ever did.... at one time, you were paid a lot of interest, but not anymore. Then just last month, I got the LAST fund, to pay the balance off, which was only $2,000. Now all of our money is in our savings, and checking accounts. They are all in our girls names also. So if something happens, THEY can use our accounts to help pay for our medical, etc.
We also paid for our cremation.... We do have a will, a living will, and the girls are our POA, and DPOA.... So actually there is no need for our will.
My Brother and I simply divided all of our folks assests when our Dad passed away. The house was in our name, so we put it up for sale.... then divided what it sold for.
We put our house in their names, with a quit-claim deed a few months ago..... and it is recorded. We will still pay the taxes..... but this way it doesn't go through probate court. So things are all taken care of............
I realize these things can't work if there are problems within the family......... Also, I've been helping out our youngest.. (54) Daughter once in awhile.... just because we have it.... She is single, Mom of 2 cats, and just the sweetest, caring Daughter you could ever ask for.... So instead of waiting for us to kick the bucket, we can help her now! Our other one is doing great... probably better than we are.... Ha! But we have "enough".....
We also know that when the time comes to sell this house, it will probably be scraped.... as all the old homes are in this neighborhood... This one was built in 1886, and it would take a LOT for anyone to try and buy this, with all the potential issues, such as plumbing, etc.
We only paid $24,000 in 1971.... Now, this West Highlands area, is selling homes for over 1 million! We are always getting calls, and letters, saying we would get $350,000 for this old place.....
But we don't want to go ANYwhere else.... As long as I can work in the yard, and enjoy doing it, that's all we want.... And I thank God for every day that we have together..........
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Just sitting here thinking ---- now a lot of cars cost more than your house did in 71' Chevy. Isn't that kind of amazing -- though I know that as things go, back then $24,000.00 was big money. Isn't it great to reach that time in life when you know you have had enough for a long, long time and your appreciation for a lot of those things that money can't buy just continues to increase.
I envision a down-sizing going on here for quite some time. I've forced "losing" some by giving it away to someone who had almost nothing and surprised myself with how easy it was to actually do it. Because I'm much more interested right now in what money can't buy --- I've already bought it all anyway --- so much that I thought I had to have and then never used.
I can't wait to hear echo's in my house --- that's what I'm lacking and that cost nothing to fix.
I hope you are all going to have a super day. I'm going to work later ( went to the house in town this morning ) and will sit with my little lady. I'll be checking in again after work I think. See you all then.
Jackie
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Yeah, that's true Jackie! Back then, we didn't have any spare money.... So hard to even make a $250 a month house payment.... I wasn't working, but part-time, and we were raising 2 girls... But we never bought anything new.... always used, or handed-down... It's funny, when you don't HAVE it, you just make do with what you have.... We got paid every 2 weeks, and I would plan a menu out for 11 meals.... including left-overs, and that's what we would spend at the store with that $80.....
We had everything we needed.... maybe that's why I save every thing I have... Ha! Just cleaned out my 2 under-wear drawers... WHY can't I throw something away, when I buy something new? I DID it.... a little anyway! We learned to "save" a little appliance, just in case the new one quit working! I got this from my folks, and my Grandma... NOW I spend money on things I want, and not only what we "need".... But I'm donating a lot of kitchen-ware, and baking dishes I won't use anymore....
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Wow !!!! If we all lived closed to each other --- we could trade. Bring everything we didn't want to one place --- everyone ( some people would like to have some things that others have grown tired of ) could pick out what they wanted, and the left-overs could go to a really worthwhile place or Salvation Army store.
I think I am just going to have to be really, really ruthless to get this done. And you reminded me --- I have a closet full or un-worn clothes and un-huh, a couple of underwear drawers too --- I think I just increased my work load dramatically.
Jackie
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We have a lot of "buy nothing" facebook groups here. They are arranged by geographical area. Mine is planning to split because we have over 2,000 people. People post things they want to get rid of and people post if they want them. If a lot of people want the same thing we use a randomizer to pick. People are also encouraged to ask for what they need. I know one single Mom got everything she needed for her baby. It's easier to give to a person who wants it than to send it to Goodwill. Some really nice things have been given away.
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Wren, that is such a great idea. As we are a small town, we usually give to the Salvation Army. They help people with their food pantry and I'm sure a lot of other things here --- especially when it comes time for school and many of the needs for school supplies. However, when I dug out so much for my neighbor -- two truck loads ( several furniture items so it was not THAT much ) I did feel a great deal of satisfaction that I could give the things to her and she would not have to "pay" anyone -- not even a greatly reduced or token price. The one pub table and stools was solid oak --- so I've always wondered --- had I taken it to the Salvation Army --- would it have made it to the sales floor ???or not. There was also a wicker-type kitchen table -- clear beveled glass with four chairs, a couple of small end type tables, a couple of lamps. a nearly new pressure cooker. She really needed things.
Some times in life things happen where we are next thing to having to start over -- so giving away good usable items makes so much sense to me. We live with such a 'wealth' of items now as there is a handy gadget for everything and many people have more than one set of dishes and silverware and sets of glasses. I did get rid of my heavy Phattsgraff dishware and switch over to Corelle. Just got so tired of dealing with the heaviness of stoneware. I did love the old fashioned pattern of it though -- it was the Tea Rose pattern.
Well, turns out I will go to work tomorrow night instead -- sort of a last minute change. I was so happy that I'd have Saturday and Sunday off --- but I'll work again tomorrow in town --- I need to take off Wed. so I'll be working most of the week-end after all. Yikes !!!! Well, I'm pretty close on the house in town -- so it should work out ok.
See you all later.
Jackie
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Self respect cannot be hunted. It cannot be purchased. It is never for sale. It cannot be fabricated out of public relations. It comes to us when we are alone, in quiet moments, in quiet places, when we suddenly realize, knowing the good we have done it, knowing the beautiful, we have served it, knowing the truth we have spoken it.
Whitney Griswold
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Chevy, good to see a couple of posts from you. It sounds like you have your investments in order so that you have peace of mind.
Jackie, it sounds like you gave away some nice items. The dishware sounds really nice. I have a set of Pfaffgraf (sp?) dishes that we use at home. I still enjoy using them after a lot of years.
Wren, that's a good idea to give unwanted things to people who want them and have a use for them.
It's overcast here today and the temperature is back to normal for August. High 60's this morning. It's supposed to rain this afternoon.
I am enjoying my embroidering.
More later as it is time to go to the gym.
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Had a fun time with Carole and her hubby. Here Lew is giving them their first Segway lesson:
And here they are cruisin along all on their own in a nearby parking lot.
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When you live in the present moment, time stands still. Accept your circumstances
and live them. If there is an experience ahead of you, have it! But if
worries stand in your way, put them off until tomorrow. Give yourself
a day off from worry. You deserve it. Some people live with a low-grade
anxiety tugging at their spirit all day long. They go to sleep with it,
wake up with it, carry it around at home, in town, to church,
and with friends. Here’s a remedy: Take the present moment
and find something to laugh at. People who laugh, last.Barbara Johnson
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Thanks for posting the pictures, Puffin! You can see the concentration on my face! I can truthfully say that operating a Segway is a unique experience. I wonder if your day is as nasty as our day is so far. Wind gusting and light showers. Our thermometer indicates that it's in the 50's outside. I ran the furnace a few minutes when I got up and just turned it on again to take the chill out of the camper.
My plan was to do laundry today but I'm not inclined to go out in this weather. If things improve, I may load up and go out later.
Hope everyone is having a good Sunday.
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How interesting!!!! Carole, that may be concentration which I think we'd all have if we had never ridden one of those things before --- my take, once you've got it, you've got it. Seems like most of what can go well for us --- like riding a bike. If you get the 'real' feel of it, you can become natural and comfortable -- and it sounds like Lew and Puff really are.
Looks like something I'd like to try.
Our weather has been sort of unusual for late August. Cool, rain, lots of fog this morning. The heat isn't over yet, but lots of signals for Fall. Walnuts falling out of the tree --- a few pretty early brownish leaves in a couple of our trees. It is just the time when all the parts of shrubs, trees, grass, bushes are starting to look tired. Summer seems to go so fast --- and most of the time the winter/cold weather tends to feel like it is lingering.
Balloon Fest this yr. was pretty much rained out. Friday -- first day was fine, but afterward it was on and off rain -- so no balloons in the sky and I'm sure the vendors set up didn't do the amt. of business they normally do. As I was working --- didn't go anyway so it is ok, but I do usually want to go the first night for the fireworks --- and to get one piece of pottery to add to my little collection. Sigh !!!! Maybe next yr.
Hope you all have a really good day.
Blessings
Jackie
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Wow termite! Your flowers are pretty. You are good!!!! I think you definitely should charge something for them. They are certainly worth it!
Wren...wonderrful idea about the Facebook giveaways. I always have a lot that I send to Goodwill every year and I always wonder how much it is appreciated and how much help it really gives to somebody. With your group, you know who needs it and wants it. Such a plus!
Carole, we were thinking alike. I made a pot of chili, too! I really hate to see summer come to an end. I love the pic! What fun! So glad that you got to get togther again with Puffin!
Chevy...So glad you posted. I miss you!!!
It's dreary and cloudy here. We were supposed to have a mixed golf scamble this afternoon. It's one of our last ones for the year. I really wonder how many will show up for it. Many of us prefer to golf in good weather.
Anyway, I need to get moving. Hugs to all of you!
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Here I sit at the laundromat. I was able to get my clothes into washers with no wait. Yay! It's always good to get this chore done every two weeks.
Nice to hear from you, Rita.
Jackie, sorry the balloon fest didn't work out for you.
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Wow, a whole lot of memories there. A few things I didn't recognize -- likely as they were probably from a very different part of the country --- and we had some limited contact with the world then --- not all the radio and t.v. stations of now, certainly not the Internet, and at a certain time -- we gave up a lot of our time to chasing boys.
A couple of them ( along with a great picture of Elvis ) that made an instantaneous impression on me was the part showing Flip Wilson as the character " Geraldine ". Use to not miss that show as at the time I think no one was funnier than Flip Wilson.
Oddly enough --- the Aunt Jemimah ( sp ) pancake box. No one would dare depict a person of color these days, but back then the picture inspired something you felt good about and trusted. It seemed natural and welcomed then.
Hula hoop --- hmmm, yes. I think due to my size -- tall but extraordinarily slim, I could keep a hula hoop up about as long as I wanted. I tried one in the gym a few months ago and lets just say it wasn't pretty. But that was ok. A lot of wear and tear since the days of my youth. Roller skates and a bike --- hmm, think I'll stick to walking now. I can still do that one ok.
Jackie
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James Dean - I thought he was the sexiest man alive.
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The week end went too fast...back to work in a few hours. It has not been easy there. I have to focus on what I need to do and try not to take it personally when a few people make it not fun.
My new kitty is sick....Sneezing and stuffy nose. She is miserable. I was really worried but she's been up and down and eating and drinking so I think she will be OK for the night.
A vet call or visit may be in store tomorrow. It will be hard to leave her when I go to work. I could bring her...there is nobody in my office. But I want her to be comfortable.
Carole & Puffin, it looks like you had a lot of fun. How nice that you can be together!
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Yay! The sun was out when we got up this morning. It's cool again, in the 50's outside. I turned on the furnace and pulled on some sweat pants and a sweat shirt. The weekend was rainy and blustery. Looks like it's still breezy out, which should help dry things out.
I'm very irritated about problems we're having with our gym membership. For most of August our fob keys haven't been unlocking the door of the gym to allow us to enter and exercise. The young goofball woman back in LA who accepted my check for a 4 mo. membership has not done something right. When I called the main office of Anytime Fitness last week, our acct. was characterized as "pending." We had been using the gym in July without this problem. I have written an e-mail to the man at the top of the business and I will be calling again today. Thanks for listening to me gripe.
I finished one embroidery design this weekend, thanks to a lot of sitting time. I'll take a picture and post it The main fun is working with the embroidery thread colors. It feels creative. I don't have a color "scheme." It's all free embroidery guided by whim.
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People who take the risk make a tremendous discovery: The more things you care about, and the more intensely you care, the more alive you are. This capacity for caring can illuminate any relationship: marriage, family, friendships--even the ties of affection that often join humans and animals. Each of us is born with some of it, but whether we let it expand or diminish is largely up to us. To care, you have to surrender the armor of indifference. You have to be willing to act, to make the first move.
Arthur Gordon
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Joan, sure hope kitty will be fine. Not sure about your little one, but here it is almost like the felines ( a couple of the dogs too ) react a bit to big weather changes and the seasons. My kitties usually have a "period" as Spring is gearing up and again in Fall when they sneeze, lay around and seem just a bit out of sorts. With a little patience then it smooths out and they go back to their ?less snuffy selves. Fingers crossed !!!
Hope too things will get better where you work. I hope quietly for the most part having and doing it your way -- doing your best to fulfill your own needs will clean up the situation. Just thinking out loud to a degree, but having an 'end' product in mind and holding as steady as possible --- hopefully will garner some strength that will just drop away any pressures felt from others so you can accomplish what is right and good for you.
Carole, big bummer, huh !!!! You did everything to make things go in a successful way and then find they are anything but. Hopefully there will be ( sounds like you are getting a hold of the right people ) a quick fix from someone who can see how things were set up to PROGRESS and he can make it happen. I would be 'loud' in this case too and agitated.
Back to work at my friend's house. Getting close to the end I think -- washing walls and ceiling today so that the room can be painted. Sure be glad to get this off the plate so I can do more at my house.
Need to run, but I'll be checking in later. See you all then.
Blessings
Jackie
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We are doing fine. In fact, Mike is doing great! He was actually mowing the back yard earlier today...first time in over a year. Of course he had to rest often, but the fact that he had the energy to even consider it is amazing. He brushed against some branches and came inside with several gushes of blood. He bleeds so easily these days.
Yesterday was his 68th birthday. Our group of friends had our regular get together which was a surprise birthday party for Mike. It was bittersweet since it could easily be his last birthday but I kept that to myself and enjoyed the evening. Best of all, he had a good time.
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Sandra,
Wonderful news!!! Happy Birthday Mike!! You are now my age-:)
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Sandra - so glad you were able to celebrate Mike's birthday with your friends. And wonderful that he felt that he wanted to mow the yard. Keeping you both in my thoughts.
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Many Happy Birthdays to Mike:
Celebrate, celebrate, celebrate.
Blessings
Jackie
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Happy Birthday to Mike. He looks great. Feeling good enough to mow the lawn must have been a boost to his morale.
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