Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
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A friend called today to tell me she'd had a Scarlet Tanager come to her heated bird bath (we got 4" of snow yesterday and today). I went over to watch her bird bath from her kitchen window and he showed up again. Have no idea why he's still in the area, he should have left long time ago. Today is the first day of Christmas Bird Count Week, so he'll be the first tanager ever on our count. Someone will have to see him again Saturday to be counted on the official Count Day.
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Puffin, I am not really a bird person so my first thought was that he would have food. I then realized that if anyone had a heated bird-bath they would automatically put food out. Also, since I don't know much about birds he seems from the picture to be healthy enough. I hope someone else will come see him and I hope he is enjoying his stay there in your friend's yard. Now I'll be worried that he will have to stay through the winter.
Anyway --- he is a really pretty bird. Glad to see the picture. I sure hope he stays ok.
Jackie
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My thoughts exactly. I hope he has food and will be OK!
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We don't know what the Tanager is eating. Normally Scarlet Tanagers eat mainly insects along with some fruit and tender buds. Their invertebrate diet includes ants, sawflies, moths, butterflies, beetles, flies, cicadas, leafhoppers, spittlebugs, treehoppers, plant lice, scale insects, termites, grasshoppers, locusts, dragonflies, dobsonflies, snails, earthworms, and spiders. They don't eat the seeds that birders would be putting out for the birds. With 4" of snow, about the only possible food is whatever frozen crabapples or plums that might still be on the trees. We do have robins that overwinter and live on fruit trees around town so we'll see.
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Maybe put a piece of fruit out and hope it attracts insects?
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When you commit yourself to living love, you feel at peace
with yourself because you are at harmony with the flow
of life. Viewing life from the highest perspective, you feel
confident and secure. You realize that no matter how
things may appear, you are loved and protected. You
know you are one with God, and you bring your
peace with you wherever you go. You're not
looking for love, but for opportunities to love.
Susan L. Taylor0 -
Well, hoping that the tanager ( such a pretty bird ) is able to do ok. I think I'll have to try not to "think" too much. I tend to have the same soft spot for all living things as I do for feral cats etc. For many yrs. I have chosen ( if I do it at all ) to suck up spiders ( ick ) in the vacuum --- telling myself that they have maybe some sort of chance to survive which they wouldn't have if I smashed them or sprayed them with something.
I guess I feel everything that is on the Earth is beneficial in someway to something else. Truth is around here --- it is likely my housecats will make small work of insects. The ones that get close to the floor at any time, anyway. They also help with the few mice that actually are able to find a small hole and get into the house. Anyway, I'm something of a push-over for living things though there are a number of them that I try to maintain a distance between us that seems healthier for both or all of us. Like possums, raccoons, snakes, bobcats, mommy deer with babies and other animals like that. I'm careful with the feral cats but probably not as much as I should be. I've become more careful around dogs, but likely not as much as I should be there either. I think only because I've confronted them more often in order to help them.
Going to be much cooler today, and some cloudiness with maybe the sun peeking out a little bit on an inconsistent basis. As long as it doesn't rain. Starting to think we may have a rainy Christmas rather than a white one. We will see how it goes.
Hope you will all have a good day.
Blessings,
Jackie
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Jackie, You're probably safe with the feral cats. You're not trying to pick them up or confine them, so they're unlikely to perceive you as a threat. I'm sure you know a bite should send you to the doctor immediately. They can get badly infected.
We have rain here today, tomorrow, Sat, Sun, etc. DS just sent me a photo of their snow. 7" so far.
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Wren, I do know that cat bites are really awful. I don't pick the feral cats up too often. Most of them that I have are so squirrely about it and un-comfortable that when I do it, I don't hold them close as I would like, but out away a bit so that they don't feel "trapped". Even then I can sense they are humoring me somewhat but not enjoying it -- so after 10 to 20 seconds I put them down.
A good many have gotten to where I can fairly easily pet them, but someone they don't know walking up or disturbing noises around them and they are 'on alert' and I won't bother them as long as they feel they might have to defend against something. I've got one now that is starting to stand close to me when I put the food down, but he is VERY carefully watching exactly what I'm doing.
Dh got bit once, by one of our house cats here. He decided to ignore it and a few hours later ended up in the emergency with telltale signs of blood infection. Had to have an IV of antibiotics. That taught me to be a lot more cautious then I had been being.
Jackie
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The Scarlet Tanager showed up at my friend's bird bath again today. We do have some robins that overwinter that survive on the crabapples and plums still on the trees, hopefully this little guy can find some fruit trees too.
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I bought a couple of hand-stuffed "on the spot" cannoli in Taormina today. Put the bag down on a bench to get a good shot of Mt. Etna. Turned around and saw an adorable feral kitten (first cat I saw this whole trip) had stuck his head into the bag and was happily licking & nibbling one of the cannoli! (Smart cat--left the chocolate chips alone). Broke my heart to have to flush that half of it down the loo! What was left was the best cannoli I've ever eaten (and having grown up in Brooklyn, I "know from" cannoli)!
My axillary seroma is shrinking, but it seems to have jumped over to the other side and down to my foot: after all that walking, I've developed a humongous blister BENEATH my bunion callus. It's always something....
Linda, we have an Israeli Reform rabbi (apparently a rara avis over there) on our cruise. He did a lecture on Hanukkah & the Jewish calendar tonight--he joked that this was the first time he'd ever given a presentation with a Christmas tree on the stage next to him, and aren't we glad he isn't Orthodox?
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ChiSandy, how fun to have a rabbi with a sense of humor on the cruise.
Today, I had my second rad treatment. It's OK, EXCEPT I think I'm having a reaction to Aquaphor. Skin is red. RO called my breast surgeon to see if it's a skin infection. I'll talk to them tomorrow. Nervous ...
Puffin, lovely bird. I love it when the sparrow line up on the electric lines. But I'm a crazy cat lady, but I don't do feral; only shelter rescues and take in the homeless ones. But we're FULL.
It's getting colder here in IL, 30s.
Off to figure out something to eat,
Linda
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Those cannoli do sound very good. Poor kitty must have been really hungry but I am sorry that it got into your food. Sorry too about those foot issues. I hope it can all be better soon. It is always something --- that is being alive for the most part but I think many times more pronounced when it comes along with the dx. we have. It all turns out ok, but sometimes getting to the ok part feels like a hard climb on a cloudy day. Enjoyed hearing too about the Rabbi and Christmas tree.
We are cold here too ( thank god not cold enough for snow, yet ) but in the 30's as well --- especially early mornings. No sun peeking out today so it never felt great, just passable with a sweatshirt and coat. Linda I'm really glad you do shelter rescues and homeless. It is all good to my way of thinking. I likely would not be doing ferals had my friend not ask me to help her once and then after I had seen all those furry expectant faces, she abandoned their care and left it all to me. I frankly didn't even know about the feral cat colonies that were here. You know what they say, ignorance is bliss and I would have ridden off into the sunset never knowing.......but, she knew once I saw them I would not be able to walk away. In her defense she was older than I was at the time and actually finally passed away last yr. but I have been visiting these colonies for nearly nine yrs. now. Long time --- but until I find someone who can't stand it any more than I, I will be getting in my car everyday and taking them food. Hope when I can't do it anymore there will be someone who can and will. I'm fine for now but the day will come.
Hope you get the skin infection/Aquaphor question settled quickly so you don't encounter too much un-rest over it. For many of us rads were somewhat boring and time consuming in that you have to put it in your daily schedule for at least five days of the week. Here's hoping for you.
Jackie
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What riches are ours in the world of nature, from the majesty of the distant peak to the fragile beauty of a tiny flower, and all without cost to us, the beholders! No person is poor who has watched a sunrise or who keeps a mountain in his or her heart.
Esther Baldwin York
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So true!
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Sun is out today and I sure hope it stays. It will warm as well. Was reading somewhere ( mental faculties not allowing me to recall where ) that we are, due to El Nino' , going to have a warm winter. That does not surprise me. In fact, in some ways would likely make me happy, but I do love it when we have a White Christmas. It just does seem more like Christmas then.
I did learn to enjoy non-white Christmas when we lived in California and likely that accounts for liking it so much more here when we do have a snowfall for Christmas Day and or before. We will see. Sometimes we do get some in our warm winter times. I know my kitties out at the feeding stations will likely be happier if no snow. In past years ( I wonder how many times I may have said this ) I take along a snow shovel and dig out the areas where they actually eat and sometimes have to clean out right up to the fence where they come through --- always hoping the other side is clean enough as well. I think I've often had to clean up more than a fourth of a block so if I get a year off or most of a yr. off I'll be happy. At 70 it is getting a bit un-appealing to want to have to do so much.
We are getting so close to Christmas now so fast. Dh said you know --- just about a week left and I was shocked. I think I've been so into doing things, going to the Manor to see my little lady and other things ---- I just wasn't paying attention. I have so much to do and can't always allow myself to be doing count-downs as I think I'd get too edgy over it all. Better to give myself some ignorant bliss territory and not get ineffective at the wrong time.
Hope you all have sunshine where you are. I know Chevy has snow but hope streets are clear in case anyone needs to go out. I'll see you all later.
Blessings
Jackie
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You should be here.......lights are strung on Palm trees! If I am out tonight, I will take pictures. But, it really is about the reason we are celebrating!
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14 days and I WILL be there, my sunshine.....not that I'm counting or anything! :-)
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I'd be counting too if i were going some place warm. Jackie iit's so good of you to take care of those poor hungry kitties, we have 4 so we're at the limit.
Surgeon can't tell if it's an infection but she's treating it like it is and i have to pick up scripts for antibiotics and anti-inflammatory. No rad for me until she clears Me on Tuesday i see her next. Hope to take a quick nap.
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Linda, we have about 21 cats ( all neutered & spayed ) here at our house and five dogs. It is a zoo --- but we are used to it. It is pretty much round the clock cleaning or feeding, or cleaning, or petting, or chatting or cleaning -- but we got used to it long time ago. We do our level best to 'encourage' others to take in a stray or two because some day before we are tooooo old and gray we would like to retire from the cat and dog rat race and have some time to ourselves. Other people our age and semi-retired have hobbies --- we have a zoo. Sigh !!!! Still, we feel we have a commitment to the ones who are here, but we really do try as best we can to NOT take in more.
Worked today all afternoon so going to hit my recliner although I won't be alone in it....I usually eat up with two dogs and a couple of cats --- guess that is something else to look forward too as well --- sitting in my chair alone.
Jackie
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Jackie, Bless you! If I won the lottery, I would open an animal santuary!
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It's 32 in San Antonio tonight. Nice and cold. We appreciate cold weather while it lasts and don't usually have too many weeks of it. Once in a while we have a nasty ice storm, which paralyzes the city. Rarely we get some snow, which is fun. Our snowmen are about 8" tall with lots of grass mixed with the snow, but we're proud of them and take pictures! Silly, I know, but fun. Celebrate while you can because it will be 80 a few days later.
It's time to pack for my Chicago trip to visit daughter Allison. The forecast is for pretty warm weather and no snow so I'll pack accordingly. I'll be there from the 20th thru the 30th in case any of you are in a "get together" mood.
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According to the law of Dharma, you have a unique talent and a unique way of expressing it. There is something that you can do better than anyone else in the whole world--and for every unique talent and unique expression of that talent, there are also unique needs. When these needs are matched with the creative expression of your talent, that is the spark that creates affluence. Expressing your talents to fulfill needs creates unlimited wealth and abundance. -Deepak Chopra
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Another pretty sun-filled morning. Ground is "hard" this morning from the cold outside, but it will thaw a bit with the sun. We aren't doing bad for the fact that it is so close to the big day. I really do think --- I see Chicago is going to be warm too, we may have a 'California Christmas' this yr. with no snow. Sandra that sounds so funny the good ole' hot Texas has one or two days where it may actually be colder than Chicago. I do hope you enjoy your time there.
I am about four to 4 & 1/2 hours or a tiny bit more south of Chicago. Pretty long drive for us to go there and we have only been a couple of times. One yr. for an Illinois Ladies Christmas party ( another part of this blog ) and one time previous when we went to Vernon, Ill ( Chicago suburb around the airport ) to pick up a dog. I'm sure it is fantastic with sooo much shopping, but after living in our tiny town -- I'd be either intimidated or overwhelmed or maybe even both. Part of that is age too. We somewhat older people can lose some of the adventureness we felt while much younger.
Speaking of that even now I recall leaving home at 18 -- going to Anniston, Alabama ( the only place they trained WAC's then ) and then onto to San Antonio, Texas. I loved it all, but it was really far out of my comfort zone. There were 200 people in the town I actually grew up in at the time. I was truly pushing it -- but now, I'm not near so eager to have new experiences while seeing the world. I made lots of changes and chances to learn and grow and I did do a lot of that, but it is time to enjoy where I am in life while contributing what I can.
Nothing special planned today --- just hoping to make some inroads in the things I'm trying to accomplish around here at home. Hope you are all getting a taste or more even of some warmth and sunshine. By the way --- Sandra, I love hearing about the fun of making a snowman full of grass. Hopefully I'd be trying the same thing.
Blessings,
Jackie
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Hi ladies, it is finally cold here, but no snow! It's supposed to be around 60 on Christmas. Crazy weather!
I'm an old Chicago girl, but havent been back in about 5 years. Things have changed so much in my neighborhood, sad! My dad grew up in Danville, also a big change. Are you near there?
Nothing planned for today. Just finished vacuuming. My excitement for the day. Quiet Christmas. My DH daughter lives near, his son doesnt talk to him! All my kids are away, Vegas and Maryland, with grands in Austin Tx.
I do check in every day , though I'm not on much. Hope everyone has a blessed Christmas. Jean
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Hope is the companion of power, and mother of success; for who so hopes strongly has within him the gift of miracles. ~ Samuel Smiles
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Morning,
Well, been watching weather reports and it truly does sound like we are going to stay in the 50's for this Christmas -- so it will be a California one. My first Christmas in California was sort of wacky and wild, but fun and interesting without snow. As I had transplanted myself from Detroit, Mi. it was actually a lot of fun to do w/o some of the seasonal harshness that was often the case in Michigan. That wore off pretty quickly though. Not that we never enjoyed Christmas -- though we didn't do it, many times we could have eaten dinner outside on a picnic table. It just didn't have the REAL aspect connected, as it often seems, from the North Pole where you automatically think of real cold air and snow.
In fact save for a bit of very occasional rain I think we are going to stay in those 50's all the way through Christmas Day. We have a fair amt. of wind outside right now so the 50's won't feel great, but not too big a 'bite' since they will come and go.
Nothing special planned today -- but a spot of work here and there. There is always some catch-up for me somewhere.
Jean, I think we are about 168 miles or so south of Danville, Il. I think if you spend much time away from anywhere now-days it may be a bit hard to recognize. When I went back to Ventura, California after my cancer txs. were all done, and having been away since I left there in 1997 I could have very easily gotten lost had not someone else been driving. It was difficult to recognize much of anything -- even in the general neighborhood of where I had lived many years. I was stunned and nearly in shock at feeling such a huge amt. of un-familiarity.
Have to say that upon returning here to home --- I didn't totally recognize much of it either. And there again could have easily gotten lost, but felt more concerned for the fact that they made some one-way streets that were not here before. I had a lot of nervousness going that I'd "turn" the wrong way and end up in a real jam or worse. Didn't do that, thankfully and though I shouldn't speak ill --- I have to say the drivers here seem to be some of the worst. I did not learn here -- didn't learn till I was almost 30 and learned in California. There at the time you had to get it right -- because often, the speed limit could be more what everyone was going on the freeways. If 85 or so -- the police usually wouldn't bother unless you were constantly changing lanes. As long as most kept up the pace it was fine.
Coming here people change lanes without looking -- and on the one-ways often turn rt. or left from the middle lane -- and oh my, the first couple of times was 'breath-taking' to me for sure. So, I'm constantly on my guard around here since I hate to say --- too many drive like they are still on the farm and they are the only ones around.
Hope you all have a great Sunday. Back later.
Blessings,
Jackie
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Jackie, When we lived in Houston, I wanted a green tree and a white flocked yard. I've actually only had a couple of white Christmases in 75 years. Kansas and Okla get snow, but rarely on Christmas.
You have to drive on the defensive anywhere. If they're not turning from the middle lane (and I have seen that in Seattle), they're texting or talking on the phone. We did the 2 day AARP driving class and felt it was worth the money. They suggested lots of ways to compensate for slower reflexes and poorer vision.
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It was a chilly day for our Christmas Bird Count, around zero with a nippy wind. We were out from 7:45 until 4:15. Our team found 30 species for the day, a little above average. The shared total of all teams was 59 species, 1 which has never been seen on the count since it started in 1909, one which has only been seen one time since 1962 and 1 which has only been seen one time since 1969. Sadly, no sighting of the Scarlet Tanager. It wasn't looking very good the last time it was seen on Friday afternoon, and considering how cold it got Friday night we suspect he froze.
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Your bird count was really interesting Puff. I don't know if I could have made myself stay out that long though I'm sure you had breaks going on, but a long time to be in the wind in that 0 temp.
Feeling sad for the Tanager. Perhaps he was older anyway -- maybe why he didn't migrate with the rest. At least I hope so.
Our wind let up --- often does around late afternoon/nightfall. It may rain some tonight. We don't count on what we hear too much on the weather report as here in our section of the country ( even with fancy radar ) the wind currents can change things enough for you to be missed completely, or bombarded. You can't always tell how it will go.
Jackie
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