Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?

Good morning to everyone. From your posts, everyone is doing well. No complaints here. Tomorrow is our anniversary. It has been 56 years since our simple ceremony at my parents house and celebration with boiled shrimp and Dixie long-neck beer. We will be going to dinner tonight with Dorothy, our friend who lost her dh last summer. I have a reservation at Boulders, a very nice restaurant in Walker, about a 45-minute drive that will take longer because we will pick up Dorothy at her house on Long Lake.

She has decided to sell her wonderful property and live year-round in Florida at their home in Fort Myers. Even though she has good neighbors and friends here, I think she isn't as lonely in Florida because of all her social activities there with other women who have also lost their husbands.

Today I plan to catch up with laundry in the morning and do household chores.

Happy Friday to everyone.

I got an appointment with an ortho at the local hospital, on the 25th. The way the appointments person was talking, this was an unusual situation. Someone must have done some hard work to get this for me. My knee doctor works there.

Just working real hard at taking it easy. Yesterday I put elastic laces on my shoes. Thought that would be all, but then I found a rotten onion, so had to clean up the whole bagful and freeze them. Luckily, I have a box-thing that chops things for me. Today I did a bit of gardening. Planted my new mint plants, did some weeding at the big garden. Tippy wants a walk, that I can do!

Happy anniversary Carole. I hope you all enjoy your dinner.

I think I wasted a good portion of the day. A gf called and I was on the phone for an hour or more. It was the gf who had uterine cancer, her chemo is done and she’s on to rads. She’s a talker on a good day, but add in brain fog and we were jumping all over the place.

Another gf called, she’s had a Polish neighbor who has lived there 30 years. He was picked up by ICE on his way to work. Crazy morning.

We’re going to a Red Sox game tomorrow on a bus trip with another couple. It should be fun. My only concern is my foot. Fear of it getting stepped on, and of the bus dropping us off far away - I’ve never been to Fenway, but anticipate a lot of walking

I can’t remember if I’ve already said - a gf’s younger sister died. She had cervical cancer and had just finished her 5th chemo treatment days before. All seemed to be going good, then the obit said died suddenly. Now her wake is Tuesday; another gf’s cousin wake is Monday. I’m sending out more sympathy cards than bday cards. Sad state, but I guess I’m at that stage of life.

Everyone sounds like we’re doing ok. Enjoy the weekend!

Happy anniversary, Carole!

Wow—first time I've heard of a non-Hispanic/non-Arab immigrant being snatched up by ICE anywhere but at Int'l Arrivals at an airport. Shocking, too, that he's Polish—I thought you-know-who was exempting white immigrants from his allied countries like Poland. My BFF is a Canadian with a green card, here for 45 years and married to (and mother of) a citizen. She was terrified to visit friends & relatives back home in NS lest she be turned away at the airport upon her return to Chicago—now she & her DH are saving up to move back there (small-town NS, not Halifax) and knows we'd have to go up there to visit her because so long as you-know-who (and his "Baby Goebbels") is in the WH, she can never come back here. The only way she'd be able to see her son & grandkids in Seattle is if they flew cross-continent, way beyond their budget. (Life in a Maritimes small town, where she grew up, is infinitely preferable to a detention center G-d knows where). I'm glad that our Polish construction crew is (mostly, except for a few minor fixture installations and fridge/stove hookup) finished, and deep-cleaned the place yesterday. And of course I fervently hope my Ukrainian housecleaners up here are "legal" and keeping their heads down.

Went over to the house Thursday to bring in the Cuisinart & Vitamix (shipped in one box I had to break down lest I blow out my knees & back); and yesterday to haul in deliveries before the porch pirates get 'em—and discovered that the Polish cleaning crew brought them in. (It was a bit of a linguistic challenge getting them to put the Keurig in the kitchen and the towel ring in the upstairs bathroom). They did a great job getting the place cleaned up—even put up my new shower curtains. I went upstairs to unload the newly-laundered table linens from the Rinse bag and replace them with some towels and nice clothing items (in my current size) for pickup last night. En route home from a gas fill-up at Costco, I swallowed my pride and went to Wal-Mart to see what was available in terms of kitchen storage and closet-accessory stuff (not ready to buy anything till I see what's redelivered that was salvageable). Did buy a collapsible multi-pair shoe storage box for the shoes I bought since the move; long extension cord for the guest room AC; and shelf & drawer liner for when I have to go back th the house.

Got home and "did" some "research" (I hate that term), only to find Care For Real will not take lingerie or any out-of-season clothes; and ThirdLove no longer has its in-store bra-donation program—I'd have to buy "take-back" bags for $20 each and get a $10 credit off my next bra purchase for each bag shipped to them. And when I got the notice that my Rinse driver was en route to pick up the laundry bag from my porch, it mentioned that Rinse was now accepting clothing donations for its charity partners, no questions asked, so long as I clearly labeled each bag as "Donation." Alas, the driver was 3 minutes from the house…but I was 20-30 minutes away. So I'll drop off the donations on my porch the day my driver is set to return my laundry. (I have 10 prepaid bags left on my Rinse account, so it makes no sense to either launder them up here only to schlep them back when we move, or wait till my washer/dryer are redievered and reinstalled at the house). I'm loath to drop donations into the big green boxes at 7-Eleven lest they end up in a landfill in Kenya.

When my "fat" clothes that had been dry-cleaned are redelivered, I will go through them. Anything in Chico's size 3 (or larger 2s) will go first to my sister (who can now fit them); the rest, especially office-ready or formal-wear, will go to the appropriate charities that serve needy women entering the workforce. And the wool or puffer outerwear will go to Care For Real when they will begin accepting winter clothes.

Just bought patio chairs & round plastic tablecloth from Amazon—they'll arrive tomorrow. (Should remind them to deliver to the deck). Tried to shop online for a kitchen dinette set, but anything satisfactory at our price point that could be eligible for "white glove" delivery service is on 3-8 weeks' backorder. Will go over today to Bob's Discount Furniture and Macy's to see what's available and eligible if bought in-person. Then will circle back with my Bob tomorrow and have him sit in the chairs to see if they're comfortable for him to sit in and rise from. Will likely go for "counter-height" (shorter than "high-top bar-height") because he's 6'2" with bad knees.

Blowing off farmers' market up here—it's 15 min. away but closes at noon. Started purging stuff from the fridge—that garbage bag's gonna be heavy!

Intolight, I'm sorry to hear about your friend as well as financial advisor. Maybe in some ways a quick ending could be a blessing, but that does little to really ease the loss of someone you really care for. You will have lots of prayers beginning now for your dh and the biopsy. Seems as true as ever that cancer seems to be everywhere now. I recall being amazed ( I originally joined a thread here that had all Illinois females on it) and I could hardly believe then how many there were and how few seemed to be right around my area. That along with a lot else (oh how those numbers have increased) has changed.

On the way here I noted that you are seeing much the same Cindy.

It has been raining, but think it has backed off for now. I just hope it keeps it a bit cooler for a short while. We are awaiting the shipment from of new filler for the cat boxes. I've never ordered anything (my daughter did this) from Walmart for direct home delivery so have no idea how accurate it is — just hoping it is accurate. My kids are also building a new outdoor pen for Lil' Red. They found some plans on how to do it with pallets and the company where they both work gets numerous pallets that build up there — so it will work out well to get "free" fence material. My SIL likes doing projects and usually does quite an outstanding job of things so I'm expecting to be happy with the results. It is time for Lil' Red to be out of doors now and then and getting used to some 'alone' time once in awhile.

Hope all will have a good day. You are being thought about even if not mentioned.

Intolight, your request for multiple prayers in process.

I had gotten a very attractive knit print cover for my futon, but it doesn't look right. Ordered some twist-pins and abused my thumbs yet again giving definition to the bend. Now fits much better than the cotton/linen one.

Sandy, you have great progress going.

The air quality today is poor, and I note that my breathing is affected. It is supposedly going to be better tomorrow.

This is just something of interest and nothing political meant:

This is an item of interest likely here. This part is about 11 miles or so from us — in the next town which is our county seat. William Jennings Bryan is a relation. Since I've never been one much for genealogy as we are Cherokee as well, so I'm not sure but would guess possibly a cousin. I don't think too far out either.

I knew this was to take place, but made no plans to go. I would not do likely too badly but I've begun to avoid places due to Dh being 86 and struggling a lot more than he realizes. I'm glad that he still wants to go — but I really think its easier if we don't try for some things. I'm willing to go to Walmart and places like that. I have him hold onto the cart with me — and we can go fairly fast. Left to his own he is slow and tedious and apt to get in the way now and then.

100th anniversary Scopes Monkey Trial reenactment Performance

Bruce Kropp

Jul 12, 2025 | 2:34 PM

By Cole Wimberly

The 100th anniversary Scopes Monkey Trial was held in the Bryan Memorial Park for two performances at the band stage on Saturday, July 12th.

What some people call “The Trial of the Century” was the court case that discussed whether evolution should be taught in schools or if it goes against common Christian belief.

The defendant, John Scopes, was accused of violating the Butler Act, which prohibited teaching evolution in public schools, by the prosecutor, William Jennings Bryan. The trial became a national spectacle, pitting the forces of religious beliefs against those of scientific views and academic freedom. Although evolution is taught in schools today, Scopes was found guilty.

Jim Koehler has been working on this project for two years and is one of the leading people in charge of organizing this event. Koehler is involved with the Salem Historic Museum and explains what a trial like this can mean to the public.

“Well, I hope that it will show that William Jennings Bryan was really a great statesman, which we don’t really have today. I mean running for president at the age of 36, just barely even old enough to be president, and running three times and losing. Bryan was the most influential loser of the United States.”

Michelle Barbee assisted in finding actors for the show, and rehearsals began on the first of May and continued all the way through the past week.

The first performance was from 11:15 to 12:30, and the second began at 1:30 and ended at 2:45. Before the trial began, live music was played honoring Bryan.

Even though there was rain for the first performance, the trial had roughly 250 people in attendance, which Koehler said was one of the biggest crowds to be a part of an event in the park. A large tent was put up over the stage, which kept the performers dry.  There were food trucks, vintage cars, and a pavilion set up with free handheld fans in case of heat.

Bryan Memorial Park is about 11 miles northeast of us.

I use the regular Fresh Step in 40 lb. bags and only pay about $14.50/bag at Costco. Stopped buying at Petsmart because they were always out of stock or only had the light weight Fresh Step which my cats hated and it made such a dusty mess. If you buy at Petsmart check out their online price and order it there, or mention this at the store. They will usually honor the online cost which can be much lower.

Yes, betrayal, those corkscrew thingies. Whatever you want, Amazon is likely to have it.

When I am sitting on the toilet, Tippy often comes in, paws at the pee-pad in the tub, and sits on it. I think he has been peeing in the tub, although I have seen no signs of urine on the pee-pad. This morning, he slept until ten, and once he woke up, he was ready to go out for a walk. He peed often.

"Work for a cause, not for applause. Live life to express and not forimpress. Don't strive to make your presence noticed, just make your absencefelt."

~ Author Unknown

Harley, you take a 15 mile bike ride, I limped around Fenway and it felt like I took many many steps, but Fitbit said just over 3k.

Bus trip was fun. On the bus I sat w gf, while my SO sat with her dh. Lots of yakking. The bus dropped us off right at Gate B, very little walking to get in. Once in we took an elevator to the third level, but I had a ton of walking to get to our seat. We came in at the top row just about, maybe row 28; and had to get down to row 9. Once seated in the blazing sun, I stayed put for sometime. So did gf dh, he has a bad back in need of surgery. While we roasted, sweating more than we could believe, my SO & gf went to scope out the stadium.

The only thing I didn’t like was a not having a constant screen - for instance pitch speed, it’s hidden with a Bank of America electronic sign, until after the pitch. We had to ask the guys in front of us if they could show us where it was. At first he said he couldn’t remember because it’s hidden, but he found it and pointed it out. Also our seats, purchased in bulk from the bus company- if you looked straight ahead the view was the first baseline and foul pole. It did look straight at the replay screen so I guess I shouldn’t complain. The Sox won and it was a super fast game at 2 hrs 9 minutes or so. It was 85 with real feel 88. Using the bathroom was like removing wet clothing, and putting it back on.

If anyone attends a game at Fenway - there is a souvenir cup for $10.75, best part it’s with free refills. We filled it with ice & water and later Minute Maid lemonade. It’s the only “deal” we found and had I not seen a man in front of me get a refill, I wouldn’t have known.

Everyone seems to be doing well, even Tippy & Lil Red.
I’ve got to get my car in for an oil change, might drop it off tonight - keys in an envelope for their drop box. I’ve got a wake Monday & Tuesday, as well as GN getting to the regents refresher both days. I hope the humidity drops. While I was baking in the sun, here at home had rain. I’m headed out now to check on plants.

Spent 90 minutes outside today. It is only 82 but humidity is high so you end up dripping sweat after about an hour. No breeze at all but it is cooler than was predicted. Too old for a wet tee shirt contest but that's how I feel when I am done.

I wanted to finish weeding the back of the narrow part of the bed on the hill and move some ferns growing in the lawn into the flower bed. That part was accomplished. We have some makeshift fencing up to protect the hydrangea, azaleas and the redbud tree. I have weeded part of the enclosure but not all and just ran out of steam to finish that area.

I want DGS to help finish the daffodil bed and the curved garden by the driveway. I've done about 75 % but can't do the incline section, too hard on my new knees. I do miss being able to kneel. Once these are done I want to finish mulching the big rock bed. I have a few plants to go in there and then it will be done. Delay is waiting for DH to finish one fencing project before we can do the next. I want to mulch the beds on the hill once he has installed the posts. The soil in these beds is so good from all the years of mulching. Introducing ferns to let it have a more natural appearance will mean less upkeep later.

Blueberry pancakes for dinner tonight. Just washed blueberries so they will be dry when I want to cook. We put butter and powdered sugar on them rather than syrup. So good and will make enough we can have some for breakfast as well. Have some sausages in freezer so will pull them out to thaw. Nope, none in freezer so DD must have eaten them while she was here. DH to go buy some.

Need a shower to cool down and to feel clean again.

cindyny, game sounds like fun but not all the walking on your foot.

carole, sorry you are feeling the effects of the Canadian wild fires in your area. News said 4 states were warned about poor air quality secondary to smoke drifting down into the states. Take it easy because the smoke particles are hard on the lungs. Glad DH got a sale for one of his bowls. Let the 5th wheel washing go to a better day bevcause even wearing a mask won't protect you.

Taco, we have spent a lot of time traveling around Arizona and visited a former neighbor of my mother's who was a transplant. She had a very nice apartment in the Phoenix area and her daughter lived in a very exclusive enclave outside of Phoenix. So close by, but not living together.

She was very excited when we called her and asked us to visit. She was a hypochondriac for most of her life taking all sorts of OTC meds to fix her "ills" and was now paying for it with kidney disease and some blood disorder. She had a very sad life.

Still plugging away at genealogy though no new disclosures on those I am seeking info. However, btight, shiny objects have lead me astray again.

Hope everyone has a great day.

Carole, sorry to hear that smoke cancelled your bike ride on the Heartland Trail. While the gym is nice, I much prefer biking outside. Hopefully you can get back out there soon.

Cindy - my feet are aching in sympathy. I can’t imagine walking down (or up) all the rows of seats. It sounds like agony. I likely would have wilted sitting in full sun. Glad you had a good time.

Intolight - I love how DD and DGD live with you. You are helping them and they are helping you.

Be humble and you will remain entire.  Sages do not display themselves, therefore they shine.  They do not approve themselves, therefore they are noted.  They do not praise themselves, therefore they have merit.  They do not glory in themselves, therefore they excel.

Lao-tzu

Hotter today at 86 degrees but not as humid. Storms were predicted to start at 2 but is is still sunny with a light breeze. No weeding today since I had PT and then a pain management appointment immediately after. Had a sprinkle on my way to PT but nothing since.

Sore from PT but able to do all she asked for without much difficulty. There's a guy there who had his knee done in May but had several post-op complications so recovery is going slow for him. I try to act as a cheerleader for him telling him how hard this second knee was to recover from initially. For some reason he felt he would be back to normal by now but I told him, nope it takes about 6 months to get there and full recovery needs a year. So he has readjusted his sights to Thanksgiving for the 6 months and May for his year. I do understand his frustration. As long as I can remain vertical, there is hope and told him the same.

So my plan for today is to ignore gardening and maybe iron later. Gardening will resume tomorrow if the weather cooperates. I do have a dental appointment in the morning but it is close by and I can garden after it.

carole, glad you got your bike ride in.

cindy, we went to a Phillies game about 2 years ago and because it was a group activity we had great seats that were on the shady side and great sight line to home plate. It was fun but seats are so expensive and who can go to a ballpark and not want to eat?

Hope everyone has a great day.