Uplifting and Lively Messages. No holds barred..
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Michelle, I absolutely cannot stand the heat. Frankly I think the anti estrogen meds have made it way worse. If I'm going to do anything outside I go out as soon as I can in the morning, or in the evening after it has cooled down. I feel like I just go from my air-conditioned house, to my air condition car, to the air condition store or wherever else I'm going. Lol. I agree I think the heat is stifling and oppressive. On another note ladies, my dip nail manicure is going on 14 days and still looks great!. It's starting to grow out so I used a clear neutral to kind of just fill in the area where it's starting to grow out and it looks almost brand new again. I highly recommend it if you're thinking of treating yourself. Taking some time off next week. Hoping to get some projects done that I've been dragging my feet about. We had fun recently at a family reunions for my husband's side of the family here in town. One of his cousins has a Lakeside home with dock kayaks paddle boards all these fun things. I'll try to post some pictures. My two daughters had a lot of fun.
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I am off prior to the crack of dawn for the annual pilgrimage to Portland. All is ready and I am really psyched to have a comfortable sleeping pad and appropriate sized duffle bag. It's all in the details, and have to say it was a pleasure to take all the non-working gear to the bin last night. Tested the IPA yesterday and it will be a fitting incentive to go the distance. (Reminder not to forget the incentives in life.)
On the fabulousness side, I got a thumbs up on Facebook from my 20-something admirer.
Will let you know if I succeed in doing 12 in a row. As a point of reference, I did have a wonderful time chatting with a group of early 30s guys last night about the finer points of a successful ride. They were duly impressed with the eleven so far.
Dinner awaits, and now it's Portland Baby!!! - Claire
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Clarie - love the skinny dip suggestion! We have a pool and skinny dip often after the kids are in bed. It's refreshing! That's the best part about having a pool and a DH! ;o)
Our temps have been in the 80-90's it doesn't bother me. I hit the park mid day Monday when it was 95 for a quick run then went and got the 3 y/o grandson. We played outside all evening. He has the biggest personality! Tuesday met my hest friend for coffee and sat outside. It felt so good to catch up with her and unload alot of unnecessary baggage. (We both had "crap" to get off our minds) Wednesday and Thursday I delivered Meals on Wheels. (Every thought about volunteering with MOW in your area Michelle? It only takes about a 1 to 1 1/2 hours and you can do it as often as you like) yesterday was pool day with the same dear friend and her kids. Today grocery shopping and pool party for 6 y/o granddaughter. I'm down 16 pounds and feeling fabulous. Claire - I think you rubbed off on me!
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Not looking for more to do, just trying to get through the summer from hell. My mom's death and 95% humidity in corn country. Going off tamoxifen to take an antibiotic, messed with my moods. Doing better.....excessive heat warning today and had to move around some collector cars because of hail and thunderstorms. The dog got a bath and I am doing some hand laundry. Going to the movies in a bit, which is quite posh with recliners.
I have volunteered for 20 years starting programs at hospitals, running sports organizations and finally, becoming an USA Junior Olympic volleyball coach and running a large club for 8 years. My focus has always been keeping children safe after birth and during sports involvement. Not looking to do more volunteering, just having more fun and getting organized.
GK, do you have the corn sweating where you live? It is phenomenon in Illinois and adjacent states and makes enjoying the outdoors a challenge during the summer. Here is an article discussing the topic.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/weather/2016/07/22/...
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Hi everyone! I start Tamoxifen next month. I’m 39, so it will be for 5 years. I am enjoying summer so far and happy to be alive and cancer free x 11 weeks. Last boost radiation treatment (15 whole plu 5 boosts) is Monday! Woohoo! And I was even able to wear a soft bra today and not feel like a hippie.
I’m a mom of 3 and an RN x 10 years, who loves reading, writing, running, yoga, pilates, and gardening. I’m looking forward to focusing on those things again instead of the big C, and my short term goals are starting my BSN online, plan a fall garden and start figuring out when I will be running my first marathon & how to raise $ for BC while doing it! I am really interested in helping single moms with BC somehow. We are also moving back home from MD to VA this month, hopefully for good, as my DH is active duty.
Sending LOVE and power to you all!
-Caroline
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michelle - don't have corn sweating where I live, but in the summer it is rare for the dew point to drop below 70 and that is the coolest part of the day, so I understand how uncomfortable it is where you live. Today it was in the 90's and it rained - ugh. I am organizing the non-AC cooled garage as a surprise for my DH who is with his sisters in the mountains of NC this weekend - they lost their mom about 6 months ago and needed a weekend together - and keep having to come in and try to regulate my temperature.
sweetcaro I was an active duty USAF spouse for 28 years, last duty station was here in Tampa and my DH still works for Special Operations Command. Where are you moving to in VA? We lived in Springfield and Newport News.
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SpecialK - thanks for your support.
Sweet - welcome to our group. We discuss a variety of topics, and how we are doing in our daily lives. We have sources for inspiration and the women on this thread are amazing.
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Michelle - I should have known suggesting something like Meals on Wheels to you was to simple and down to earth for your life style . I do apologize.
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Varga,
My volunteerism has always been directed toward children. MOW is a great organization, just not a fit for me. I am better off using my background, to start grassroots efforts directed in areas that I have knowledge. My sisters are the caregivers in my family and I am the business/legal/organizational person. We each have our roles and gifts, and one on one is not my strength. I think it is wonderful that you are able to fill that role in your community. My specialty areas are post partum depression, children's welfare and physical/mental well being, and youth sports.
After the gubernatorial election in Illinois, I plan to address either Rauner or JB Pritzker, with findings from my research on cdiff infections and reporting in Illinois. I have been conducting due diligence since February on this topic, along with some nurses. My mother died on May 12th from that disease, which she contracted at a physical rehabilitation facility. A total of 3 people died over a 6 week period, her 60 year old roommate and the 67 year old across the hall. I may not be a good candidate for MOW, but I can try to fight for the health of many, through my efforts.
Everyone has their own unique talents and can serve their community in meaningful ways.
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Here are some things that I am working on....Van Gogh's Almond tree miniatures, with german glass slivers and jeweler's resin covering.
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Caroline welcome to the group! I have my BSN. I work part-time as a nurse for the University of Iowa. Been there for 30 years. My last five years have been in the ENT Clinic. My passion is cochlear implantation and helping the deaf hear both children and adults.. I'm lucky enough to work with two world-renowned doctors in that field.
Michelle yes we have the corn sweating. It's bad.
I'm taking a vacay this weak. One of my big goals is to find my mom a new vacuum cleaner. She has an ancient old canister one that is honestly duct taped up and pretty much Beyond repair. It's even hard to find bags for it anymore. I need to find her a lightweight upright that will be easy for her to push with her arthritic back. She is 85 years old and still lives independently. But grew up in the time period where women were really judged by how clean their house was. (unfortunate). Would like to find something Bagless yet easy to empty. If anyone has suggestions let me know. I hope everyone has a great week
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Made it to Portland, so now 12 in a row!!! No small feat as I had 2 flats on Day 2 plus was cycling in 100 degree temps. Wherever I spotted a hose, I hosed down. Thankfully people were out there to help out with water and hoses/sprinklers. I will post pictures later.
As for vacuum cleaners, I think that bagless is the greatest scam ever. Because what is the first thing you do when you dump the contents??? You put them into a bag. Far easier to start with the contents in a bag for you to dispose of easily and neatly. I had a bagless for a number of years, and when I moved to a larger place, I happily ditched it.
The newer vacuums are very easy to maneuver and the bag is a cinch to change. You pull a sliding seal over the hole in the bag, and toss. So easy, so neat.
Dragging a bit now, but also elated. Not sore, just depleted. Other than I don't want to see a bicycle seat anytime soon.
Met the most delightful lady on the bus back. She lives near Vancouver BC, and is a bit younger than I am. Wonderful chat. She is able to do these rides through will and lots of training as she has some sort of disability. Perhaps I can get her to ride the Tulip Pedal with me next spring as about an equal distance. She hasn't done it before.
I see my MarathonFoto ride pictures have arrived, so need to check them out. - Claire
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Claire, thanks for your input on the vacuums. My issue with the bags is if you have a vacuum long enough you just eventually can't find bags for that model anymore. That's kind of the issue she's having now. She doesn't have a computer so she can't just just go in and do a search and find something. Even for my sister and I who have computers it's getting increasingly difficult to find the right bag for her vacuum.
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Here is the first picture - the one of me crossing the Finish taken by MarathonFoto. More to come. I can see how strong my legs are in this shot. - Claire
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Yeah, Claire....you go girl. I am proud of you.
Tip of the day: If you or someone you know does not have prescription coverage, go to Goodrx.com. You can find coupons for just about everything for pennies on the dollar. My sister, who is partially blind is waiting on her prescription benefits to kick in. She had pneumonia and needed levaquin. It was going to cost $150 cash. I found the website, downloaded the coupon, met her at the pharmacy and it was $8.90. I checked to see if it covered Tamoxifen, which it does. For some people, it might be cheaper to use those coupons than to use their prescription coverage. You can still reimburse yourself out of your Health Savings Account.
The corn sweat // corn dome is making everyone sick this year. Lots of coughing and pneumonia in this area. Can't wait until the corn starts to dry out, then less moisture will be brought out of the ground and into our atmosphere.
As far as vacuums go, I have several Dirt Devils. My Dirt Devils are bagless and cost $59 on sale. I used to have fancy vacuums, but my kids would steal them for college etc. I ended up giving them to my husband for rental properties. My entire house is hardwood with tile in the kitchen/eating area and baths. I do run a Hepa Filter by Honeywell to keep the dust out of the air. I think my house is less dusty when running it. I like to use wet mops to clean.
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Catching up on other things. EW on corn sweat. On a funny note, someone here produced corn vodka. I had a taste and it was exactly like the runoff from our silos back in the day. BLECH!!!
Love the latest heart jewelry, Michelle. Just stunning and so modern looking.
I have carpets, so need a good working brush head for my vacuum. Much prefer hardwood floors, but carpet is what I have. Not to mention that light carpet and mud aren't the best of combinations.
Made a warm scallop and arugula salad with toasted hazelnuts for dinner tonight. Should help the body recover. Feeling a lot brighter than earlier today.
Still a bit warm to hit the hay, but do need to clean up. Lots cooler than Portland though.
As for the ride, I am proclaiming a triumph!!! That's my story and I'm sticking to it. - Claire
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Hellllllloooooo, from the corn dome....
I won't be complaining of the cold weather, and did get outside a bit yesterday as it was decent. Ran some errands, spent time with my DH and DD, and dd (dear dog). Keep scouring the kitchen sink and the large insulated cups keep appearing....thinking they are coming from DD room. Need to wrap a large deluxe picnic basket with all the trimmings for my friend who was married in May. It took me a while to figure out what to get them, as they registered with a business that is closing. They like to borrow some of our muscle cars and do little around town trips. I thought they could have a picnic basket to take with them on their trips.What is everyone else up to?
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I was thinking the same thing last night when the mosquitos were attacking. I can't wait for them to leave!!! Thankfully, a lot cooler today.
Yesterday was my last official day at the nonprofit, and I got to do a lot of clean up from the old offices. I crashed towards the end of the day, as still recovering from the Big Ride. This usually takes about 4 days, so still dragging a bit. I still have handoff work to do, but won't be there on a nearly full time basis anymore. Don't worry, I have some database work for my business to do this morning.
This afternoon will be a haircut which is overdue, but I keep my hair long to prevent sunburn on my neck during the ride. Then onto the wine bar to continue the celebration and show off my Finisher medal.
The party was lovely, and the cake delicious. I got a glass trophy with an inscription thanking me for my many years of work there. Plus wine, and a few other things. Need to write a Thank You note.
One thing on my list is to locate the 2 books by Colette that I bought for those days that I knew I would be on the couch during chemo, and finally read them. Plus get out my new lawn chair and head there with the books. Perhaps my journal. I need to get to work on my 30-60-90 day plan. However, this will wait until after my Recovery Hike that I think I will do on Saturday. I will visit the other farmers market in Duvall on Thursday for the first time on Thursday. Different group of vendors, and I have never been there.
Still going for the "non-binding fit" in my bottom half of my attire. But need to move on from functional to fabulous today. Enjoying how fit my body feels. Now to rock a killer look and mark yesterday's milestone!!! - Claire
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Hey, girls.... what is everyone doing this weekend? I know Claire is in recovery from her long haul bike ride,and I am in recovery from a sinus infection just diagnosed yesterday. Do we think we will see an early fall? In Illinois it feels like late August right now. Still putting the finishing touches on my closet and I promise pics when I am finished. It has been on heck of a year, that is all I can say. Whew.... Looking forward to the rest of 2018.
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going to Galena with my younger daughter tomorrow. Then on Saturday driving to Indiana to my moms. My whole family is going. Going to spend the night at Mom's on Saturday and on Sunday attend my niece's baby's first birthday party. I'll be bringing the new vacuum to Mom so let's hope she likes it. Michelle, I hope the rest of 2008 teen is better for you.
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Gk, I know the rest of the year is going to be amazing. I was thinking today, that you can only lose two biological parents, which I have now lost. I feel a sense of closure and moving forward is the next step. I am helping my sister cope, as she was my mother's primary caretaker and is completely lost without her. I am going to rope her into some beading and design work to keep her mind occupied. My other sister has about one month off before returning to her teaching duties. We are celebrating their birthday next week, as they are twins.
Have fun in Galena!!
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I made a list of everything that I have been through in the last two years. My cancerversary for my diagnosis is coming up soon. I would have to say, that the cancer part, was probably the least harsh aspect of my life. But, the emotional aspect of being diagnosed, facing surgeries/treatment, empty nest, losing my mom, is going to require some retrospection on my part. I have accomplished many tasks, which have helped me to stay directed. I wonder how everyone else deals with the emotional aspect of what we have been through?
I did work on some very tiny projects today, but did not sleep at all last night due to sinus/chest meds. Will continue organizing myself and working on small projects this evening. My MIL now has the virus from hell that lasts 5 to 6 weeks. Hopefully, I am at the end of what Claire would call the "creeping crud."
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I went out today for my annual Post STP Recovery Hike. Just glorious with amazing views of flowers and mountains. Struggled a bit as quads protested. Thankful for hiking poles. Promise pix tomorrow. Off for a steak dinner.
Working on my dinner with my wine bar crowd which I am doing just 2 weeks from now. Menu will depend on temperatures as I do not have AC, and neither do my friends. This will be a hoot. I do know that I am making a raspberry tart with pastry cream and a pate sucree base. My wine bar friend is already pairing with a dessert Semillon.
Loving summer vegetables, not to mention fresh peaches.
Hoping you are at the end of things, Michelle. More later. - Claire
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Claire, wait......you had me at no air conditioning? Are you serious? I feel like Illinois is in the tropics this summer. What is your weather like?
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I am quite serious about the no AC, Michelle. One of the reasons I live here. It seldom gets really hot here and when it does get hot, it's soon over. I cope by swimming in cool/chilly rivers and lakes. Right now, it's in the high 60s so fine for sleeping. Similar to growing up in Vermont, when I used to go swimming at the end of a hot day.
This said, we have two hot weeks ahead. Hoping this breaks in time for my dinner party. But if not, everyone will be "chill". The Tour de Lavender will be cooler as on the Olympic Peninsula and right on the coast. I have my tent spots booked.
Steak dinner was amazing with leftovers for steak salad. Thinking about mussels for tomorrow evening. I got elk meat this evening just in case there are no chicken legs at the market which is one of the entrees I am planning. The elk meat would be for elk ragu Bolognese.
Dessert will be raspberry tart. Still working the appetizer and entrée depending on weather. I do know that I will be using the morel mushrooms and fresh veggies from the market. Plus butter from Cherry Valley Dairy. I will be asking that my friends bring fresh bread from one of the Seattle bakeries.
I have enough room for everyone to crash just in case we manage to finish all 6 bottles of wine. I am thinking I might want to get chocolates to go with the raspberry tart.
Onto the mundane tomorrow..... - Claire
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well mom likes the vacumn so mission accomplished! Went to church with her this morning. She always enjoys introducing us to her church friends.
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Fabulous, fabulous, fabulous..... our rivers and lakes are not crystal clear in Illinois. They are more of a muddy cloudy mixture. Are your lakes blue and clear? Your climate sounds so amazing. You are much farther north than we are, and it looks like the border to Canada is not very far from you. I did not realize there were so many trees and mountains in Washington state. By the time the water rolls down the Mississippi // Illinois // Missouri rivers, it has come from Canada, through many states before it gets to us. We are only 700 miles from New Orleans and the Gulf of Mexico.
Your food choice sounds so devine. I am a chicken, fish and occasional hamburger person. Not into red meat, but sometimes need it for iron. Claire, you could so do a cooking class, when you are free from your office obligations!!!! Hugs to you and have a great day.
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Gkbuser... my friend has bilateral BAHA implants, so I certainly appreciate your work! Right now she is down to one because one of them is broken and she can only get replacements every 5 years. She has had that one for 4. But she’s adjusting to one sided hearing. She has worn some kind of hearing aid since she was about 18 months old. (This was back in the day when the way to go was to just put them in a home. So thankful her mom wasn’t having any of that!)
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taRenee, blessings to your friend. I love my BAHA patients! Yes, there was definitely a shift of culture from let's just hide this child away and pretend like nothing is wrong, to I'm hand holding my child and bringing them into the clinic and I'm going to do everything I can for their hearing. I'm so glad that her parents pursued helping her with her hearing.
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Did I miss something on cochlear implants? Two of my nephews were born completely deaf and both received grants to restore their hearing. They are doing well. One implant may have to be replaced in the 2 year old because it stopped working. It has to be coordinated with the Cochlear company, as one of their techs has to be in the surgery to program. The nephew in the 7th grade is making excellent progress in his studies. Their older sister, my great niece, now 16, who has shepherded them their entire lives, is in the top 5 of 500 in her class. I can say that hearing in that family, has become the central mission and my niece, who is a bank exec is the breadwinner. Her husband has to take the kids to all of their specialists, speech therapist and occupational appointments. There was never any question that they would be hearing children, but an incredible amount of sacrifices have had to be made in a four child household with two parents. I am so proud of all of them for nurturing and developing the skills necessary to make hearing successful in their family.
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