Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
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At least my husband's nothing like Frank Barone! (Although he’s from just over the city-Nassau County line in Bellerose, Queens…practically L.I.). I’m a Brooklyn-brat myself. Old Brooklyn, Brownsville/E. Flatbush—not the “hip” part. but the “hip-hop” part. My old ‘hood is unlikely to ever be gentrified like Bedford-Stuyvesant or Bushwick. Neither will East New York. Maybe Canarsie. (And 10 yrs ago nobody dreamed those would go the way of Williamsburg, DUMBO and Greenpoint. When I was 13 and we decided to move out of Brownsville because it was too rough, we used to say “at least it’s safer than Bed-Stuy, East NY or Bushwick”).
I recently looked at Google Maps and was shocked to see how close the neighborhoods all are to each other—when I was a kid, it seemed that E. Flatbush was almost a suburb, and once we moved there we never set foot in Brownsville again. Blew me away to discover on the map that we’d moved less than a mile!
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I lost my younger son, somewhere between Germany and Scotland. He traveled to Europe and sent a cryptic text one day, then disappeared. I had the Embassies looking for him. I was beside myself for a good ten days, total stress. Only to finally get a text that his phone didn't work where he was visiting a friend and he was on his way home. Probably aged my heart ten years. That was seven years ago. He doesn't tell me much now because my need to know is way overboard.
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Whatever did we parents do before cell phones?
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When he was a user on my credit card I could track him,but now he's got a good job and has his own card. There is no way for me to check on him unless he gets a new girlfriend
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LOL! I’m a joint account holder on his checking accounts, so I can top them up online to prevent overdrafts (and monitor for any suspicious charges—such as one a few months ago for vertical blinds in Pakistan). But he can’t access the joint accounts my husband & I have, from which we replenish his accounts. He is an authorized user on Bob’s Amex, but he's never used it (never even carries it).
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Simply give others a bit of yourself; a thoughtful act, a helpful idea,
a word of appreciation, a lift over a rough spot,
a sense of understanding, a timely suggestion. You take something
out of your mind, garnished in kindness out of your heart,
and put it into the other person's mind and heart.
Charles H. Burr0 -
It is a beauty of a morning here. Rain from yesterday is gone, and won't be back till the week-end. I'm back to my regular schedule after emergency help at former employers home yesterday. They needed some hospital tests so put brand new puppy in crate. Little Leia was in-happy and showed it by howling. How can a puppy that only weighs 1 & 1/2 pounds howl --- very pitifully. So, they called on the way to get the tests done and asked if I could go over. We always knew that things ( fair variety ) would come up so I was asked to keep the door-key.
I am also allowed to go over whenever I wish to interact with the puppies. Makes it good for me as I am out everyday to feed feral cats --- so am about two minutes from their house. Makes it very good for me.
I have been able mainly to be sensitized to what my kids ( adults ) are up to, but it was a long haul to get there and I admit -- there are conditions when all bets are/would be off. Like my daughter recently needing a biopsy on each side ( much like my first diagnosis ). Hers along with my very recent one turned out to be the fatty cystic type ( whew !!! ) but while I'm fairly cool most of the time --- I can still be reached.
Hoping every one has a fantastic day, but prayers, thoughts, and positive energies to Texas and next door LA. Calling Carole. How is your family members there??
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I just can't stop from watching the news. We lived in Houston from 1960 to 74. I can't think of anyone I know still living there. The last house we lived in had a flood that reached the middle of the yard, so I assume it was underwater this time. I'm hoping Velvet Poppy is still ok. Her last post said they were an island with exits blocked. The rafts of fire ants are a person's worst nightmare. They are so dangerous and the sting/bite? is so painful. I think they have killed a few unlucky people in the past.
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OMG—didn’t know ants could float. A friend went down to Orlando a few years ago, put his suitcase down on the ground while he opened the door to his timeshare. Enough fire ants hitchhiked on the valise that he ended up in the ER on a Benadryl drip.
Illimae & Minus Two are still hanging in there, dry so far.
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Every act has its effect. To do nothing is an act that stems from feelings of hopelessness and despair. Please remember, no matter how dark the future looks, you can make a difference. When you live the true life you were sent here to live, the difference you make will enhance life rather than destroy it. Do not spend time worrying how big a difference you make. Anything that enhances a life makes a difference; helping one individual recover from a broken heart; easing one person's pain; helping one ugly duckling discover his or her beauty. Keep working as long as you live, and live as long as you can, and when you finish your marathon they will hang a medal around your neck that says, "You Make a Difference."
Bernie Siegel0 -
Just wow !!! That amt. of water is just so devastating. I'm getting almost reluctant to watch the news as it is so down heartening and even though I know few people in Texas, my heart is heavy for all those trying to survive -- and so many with nothing left at all. Storms are truly fearful and my prayers will continue on.
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We have an exit... no rain for more than 24 hours. H & I drove around the country yesterday. A lot of flooded pastures & homes with water all around. Hard to tell if any got inside. Most back roads are clear, but you can see where the water came up. The current in the pastures was so strong from the wind that it made little waves. We had 40-45 mph tropical winds yesterday; still windy today, but not as bad. Sunny. H & S on roof clearing limbs & checking for damage.
Rescues still going on in Houston. Beaumont, Galveston & Louisiana getting it now. Many under-passes still under water.
H & I drove to Lowe's this morning. Roads are clear, but we aren't sure how far in. We live in Fort Bend County and it got hit pretty hard. I have a friend in Fulshear who can't get out yet. We have been told not to expect mail service until at least next week; don't know when trash will be picked up. We are going to venture out to Kroger to see if we can get some groceries tomorrow. Some stores are open, some not...same with gas. The Pilot truck stop off the freeway here ran out of gas Friday, but stayed open for the truckers & locals through the storm. We went up to Arby's in the truck stop for dinner last night and were told they had 17,000 gallons of gas delivered that day. The truck stop across the street is still closed.
Yes, fire ants float...they are like the cockroach; nothing will kill them! High waters also bring in snakes & alligators.
~Wren~
We are hearing on local news that areas that have never seen flood waters and are considered to be out of the flood prone zones are flooded.
~Sandy~
Have you heard from your friend in Sugar Land? The exit ramps, under-passes and parts of Highway 6 can flood really bad. I missed two radiation treatments in April 2016 because of what they call the Tax-Day Flood. I was able to get to where I needed to be, but couldn't get off the freeway because of the high water. My doctors are in the Methodist Hospital complex off Hwy 59/I-69 in Sugar Land.(I know we can't use doctor's names here, but is it okay to name the treatment facility & location?). I guess if this is deleted I'll know.
Glad to know Illimae & MinusTwo are okay.
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I saw a list of open grocery stores in Houston and area. What a great idea, to give people a destination that will be open if they can get there. I think floods are my worst case disaster. Of course, I haven't been in a severe earthquake yet so that opinion could change. Fires and tornados are over much quicker. But just the idea of a house full of stinky mud turning to mold horrifies me.
I'm glad our people in the area are OK and dry.
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~Wren~
I think I'd take the flood. I have been through a few hurricanes since moving to Texas and while this was the worst (and we came out safe & dry), I was never more terrified than when we had to hide in the closet & bathroom Saturday because a tornado was heading in our direction. Fire would probably scare me too because I saw (during a live broadcast) how it can "jump" when the Hill Country had those horrible fires a few years ago.
Hurricane & flood you can prepare for & get out of the way (most of the time). I do agree with you about the stinky mud. I have leaves, twigs & mud in the utility room from this mess and everything smells like a big, hairy, wet dog...including my dogs.
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My friend is okay—her home is still dry—and tweeting.
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~Sandy~
Glad to hear she is okay.
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Velvet, I was thinking more house fire than forest fire. Forest fires are truly terrifying and very unpredictable. We had massive fires in E. WA and there are still people without homes from those. I would probably take a flood over a forest fire.
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My SIL called Red Cross this afternoon. Apparently they have a number on site that the funds will go directly to Harvey victims. I understand the items in Houston Food bank are OK. The officials just can't get to the building. But in any case they will need to re-stock & need help distributing so Lacey's thought was a good one. My nephew & niece went through their closets to find clothes & bedding they could spare, then stood in line to at one of the rescue centers to turn it in. Below is a link from the NY times about how to donate and how to avoid scams.
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/28/us/donate-harvey-charities-scams.html?mcubz=3
If you have a favorite cause - such as diabetes or pets or children's diapers or blood - there is a need. I'd pick something that you relate to and try to get in touch with that group.
Sorry I can't be more helpful I haven't been out of my neighborhood, so I don't know much more than what you're seeing on TV.
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Just received this information from "crimestoppers".
Giving to Charity. As a non-profit, it is wonderful to see so many giving to charitable organizations doing wonderful work at this time. Please remember to:
- Give to known organizations
- Give directly to the organization itself, there is no need to use a third-party
- Investigate the charity first – the FTC (FTC.gov) has posted useful information with links to charity watchdog groups called Wise Giving in the Wake of Hurricane Harvey.
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~Wren~
Yes, a house fire would be scary, but I think I would still take a flood. We have smoke & carbon monoxide detectors all over the house. We are one-story and (you can laugh if you want..others have) H keeps a bat near his side of the bed to break the windows for escape if needed. S has one in his room, too.
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We were living in a house with a holly tree/bush right below our window. I knew, for a fact, that could and would jump into that holly if there was a fire. Do you have the tool to break car windows if needed? I don't and should.
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Jackie, thanks for your kind words and acknowledging the loss of my friend.
I have been saving many of your quotes and hope to post some of them in my classroom as students come in.ChiSandy, thinking of you and the nasty prep…soon it will be over and hoping for uneventful reports.
The story of your friend who passed away is quite a mystery.So sorry that you did not get that visit from him.Maybe you will hear what happened. I use that shocking story about the Litvinenko polonium poisoning when we study radioactive decay in my classroom.I doubt this is the case for our friend, but who knows…..
I have had "missing" big kids on 3 occasions. I did not get nervous until the police started asking me what color socks and shoes was he wearing? All ended well. My 2 daughters traveled to Rio and did not come home! They got caught up in partying and extended their stay without telling me. I called the airline and they would not tell me if my kids had missed or changed flights. When my son disappeared at college the campus police did nothing. I found him by calling the numbers on his cell phone bill.Anne, what an ordeal with the BP.I hope it is stabilized.I had my first high readings last month on 2 occasions.I was baffled.Hoping for the best for you.
Velvet, I am glad you are an "island" in the midst of the storm.You seemed so calm; but I know that sheltering for tornado warnings is extremely stressful. In terms of disasters, hurricanes, floods and even blizzards seem to give the most warning. Earthquakes, tornadoes and fires are something that don't allow preparation or decisions. When my son moved to Berkeley CA, he met his neighbors when they held their annual earthquake drill.The group of neighbors has emergency supplies, 2 way radios, and an organized approach to checking on one another.
My heart goes out to all those affected by the storm.Watching the news reports brings me to tears.
I have a BCO friend (annettek) who lives in Pecan Grove.They were an "island" for awhile then suddenly were under mandatory evacuation.She lives alone with her autistic adult son who was amazingly calm through tornado warnings and eventually wading through chest-high waters and climbing into a boat.
They are safe now…just one of thousands of stories.My prayers go out to all affected by the storm.
Carole, as the storm travels ENE, I am thinking of you and hoping you are not affected by the rain bands. I hope all is well.
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My housekeeper will be accompanying me to the colonoscopy (I’ll drive there, she’ll drive back). Hope the valet is still on duty when I check out, because it can be a long slog through the parking garage otherwise. She’s leaving at 2 am for a weekend in Birmingham—tag-teaming with a friend who’ll take the first 300 mi. shift. I’m anxiously watching the weather reports for the I-65 corridor, but the storm should be well to the northeast by tomorrow night/wee hrs. of Fri. Bob is working tomorrow night (sigh) and Gordy is directing a show. So I’ll have my neighbors on speed-dial just in case.
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Oh, crap—latest models show the storm passing over Birmingham (and as far north as Nashville) Fri. morning. By the time it moves out to the Atlantic, it might have caused flooding in the Mississippi, Tennessee and even Ohio R. valleys.
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Passion doesn't come from business or books or even a connection with another person. It is a connection with our own life force, the world around you and the spirit that connects us all. You are the source. Books, work, music, people, sunsets all provide sparks, but only you can light the fire.
Jennifer James
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Storm is now starting ( through LA ) to move to other places, but it sounds like it will be a month until many can begin to find homes w/o water still in them. I learned to be okay with earthquakes, though have to admit after being back home here now 20 yrs. now and only having a couple here ( who knew -- I never felt any known ones when I grew up in these parts ) I'm no longer sure I'd feel confident or competent to go through them. In general -- they were usually over with fairly quick, though not the aftershocks. I have felt more frightened the couple of times we have had straight-line winds here.
Sandy, fingers crossed for your house-keeper and the Alabama trip. I pray the possible flash flooding will not cause serious issues for people. Hoping all who need to will heed and take precautions. I would be terrified of being caught up in a flooding situation. Things have been bad here a time or two for excess water, but it has been a long time and I was not living here then. We have lots of creeks and the Kaskaskia river somewhat close.
Hoping for test results you can be okay about too.
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Hi all,
I know hurricanes - especially the really bad ones, including Harvey are too serious to laugh about, but I had to laugh at the texts I got from my daughter in Ga one night this week. It started out with OMG, Mom - do you and Jamie have evacuation plans if anything like this hits FL? Guess she wasn't worried about her sister (who lives with me) or her brother who also lives locally. This is from my daughter who grew up in So Fl and lived thru Andrew, Wilma, etc. (She- the daughter that doesn't cook, was making bacon and eggs, and Mac and cheese on her outdoor grill during the aftermath of Wilma when we had no power for weeks). I told her that each Hurricane is different, but I did have some basic plans. I would evacuate if it were a Cat 4 or 5. I would consider evac if it were a 3. I would evac if there was any major flooding east of us. My plan would be to drive to the closest open airport and fly to her. It took several texts to get to that because she was not satisfied that my response was that it would depend on the specific storm. Finally Jamie is responded with"You all know my husband- he is prepared for the Apocalypse so I think he can handle a hurricane." That made us both laugh. She panicked at the possibility of the one last year, and drove to Atlanta and back in less than 4days- with her MIL, 2 children and her infant daughter. She went to someone her MIL met once, never even thinking of going to her sister. She did get to spend one day with her sister, but her MIL was not happy about it. Nancy reminded her of that, and that was the end of her participation in the texting. And that hurricane turned and didn't affect us at all.
I had a needle location biopsy on my left breast the day before Hurricane Andrew hit. The next morning, our Pastor called to see how I was doing, and he asked what I thought about the Hurricane about to hit. My answer was "Hurricanes come,hurricanes go" and he said "What??" I repeated what I had said. Then he asked if we were prepared for the storm. I said "I think the girls went to get some bread?" He realized at that point that I was still under the influence of the anesthesia the day before. Then he said "Hold on, there's a update on the TV" He started to tell me about the update, then said "Do you want the update?" Then he said- "No you don't" and I said -"Not really, hurricanes come and hurricanes go" Thank God I had my husband and some of the kids were old enough to take control, because I couldn't. That was probably the worst one we've been thru, and it turned about a half hour before it was supposed to hit landfall, and devasted So Miami. Hardest part for me was I had a drain in that was supposed to be removed on Mon- the surgery was Fri. There was no way to get to any Dr, and I had been told not to remove the gauze dressing, but it started smelling really bad. I finally called 2 friends who were RN's and they both said I could very carefully change the gauze, being very careful not to touch the drain. It was maybe 3 or 4days later that I could finally get to the Dr to have the drain removed. It took weeks to get the results, because there was no mail service for at least a week to 10 days.
Hoping all our friends in Texas and Louisiana are safe,
Anne
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~Wren~
Interesting question. I gave a tool like that to S when he went off to college. It will break a car window & cut a seatbelt. He used it several years ago when he was in a terrible roll-over. But I don't have one for myself or H. Good gift to give to self & H!
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~Joan~
Thank you for the complement that I seemed calm. I thought I was, too. I wasn't afraid (except during the tornado warning) and I thought I had it all under control. Until my son pointed out that every time he saw me I was eating. I think I stress ate for three days.
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I think I put one in the glove box of the Fusion, but Bob drives it now so I think I’ll order another for my Outback. As for breaking my home windows, I have a meat pounder and golf clubs, and I’m not afraid to use them. (Can’t imagine why one would want to break a home window to escape, because doing so would cause a fire to flash over).
My engineer & his wife live between the Kaskaskia and Mississippi—fortunately, their B&B is up a hill (so is their farm, but the house & studio is downhill, a few feet above their pond). They’ve never flooded.
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