Sherry I did discover there is a bus to Portland and to Eugene that runs  a few days a week. Eugene is not quite half way to Portland. Keith's boys and families are now living in Vancouver Washington which is just over the bridge from Portland. However Keith doesn't want to spend the $$ for round trip fare for both of us to  go on the bus. He won't admit that but I know how he doesn't like to spend $$ if there is another way.

I finally got him to sign the Durable Power of Attorney last week, When I texted Craig he texted back "Good Job" made me laugh. Now I have to take it to the county courthouse in Coquille, to have it recorded, I will do that  when I take Freckles to her Vet in Coquille and kill two birds in the same trip.

Marilyn, Hooray! for the legal stuff.  I know that's a great relief.  It might even be worth having to drive through Portland.   

Good job, Marilyn!

Sue...nice visit with your Bill.

I planted some white geraniums outside today to bring some color to the landscaping there that's basically various shades of green.

Tomorrow is bridge, and I'm looking forward to that.

jane

Storms overnight and some heavy rain, but all is clear and bright this morning. 

Have laundry in and I'm looking forward to going to bridge in about a half hour.

Have a good Wednesday!

jane

lMarilyn, that is great about the POA.  Not so great that he won't agree to the bus. I think I would tell him if he wants to go up there, then he should be willing to pay the bus fee. If you had an accident in the heavy Portland traffic, it would cost a lot more, not to mention your peace of mind.

Jane, sounds like you have finally arrived to spring or summer. I bet your beds look nice with the white geraniums.  Hope you get good cards today.

I'm off to the dentist in a bit. Then will drop off all the wool sweaters and some shirts at the cleaners and stop at Publix for just a few things. Will do the rest of the shopping Friday or Sat at HT since they have a $15 off coupon.

Not a lot going on here.  Sharon

It's already 5:00 and time for the local news.  Bill left this morning about 9:00 and arrived in Oxford, AL, about 10:45.  He called to let me know he was there and hoping to check into his hotel early.  He'll be up there 2 or 3 days depending on whether the SIUE team wins or loses.

I've just putzed around today--did a few chores, but mostly finished one library book and started another.  Having Bill here Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday was nice, but did keep me busier than I usually am.  I've missed my daily walks and am behind on laundry.  Bridge was canceled for today as our 98 y.0. had another fall and she had arranged to be the hostess at the University Club today--so it was postponed.  I needed the day to catch up with household chores, but mostly I didn't do much except fix my breakfast and lunch and read!  Right now I'm reading CHEAP SHOT, a Robert B. Parker mystery, but written by Ace Atkins--so that must mean Robert B. Parker may be ill or deceased!  I should finish it before bedtime.

It was sunny and pleasant here today, but pretty warm.  I still haven't felt the need to start my AC, though.

I hope you've all had a nice day with pleasant weather.
Sue

Good morning, Buddies.  It's almost 11:00 here.  I've a load of wash in the dryer and need to do another load of wash.  I've been out to walk and its HOT!  Going to reach 90* today according to our weather man/girl (we have both!).  It's already edging up out there.

I'm planning to move some things around in my fridge--put cantelope in a smaller container and discard some tomato aspic after I eat some for lunch.  I'll have to read one of my paper backs this afternoon as I've read all 5 of last week's books from the library. 

My cleaning ladies were here on Tuesday when Bill and I went to the Lady's potluck luncheon.  I took tomato aspic and brought most of it home.  I'm going to eat one more serving with my lunch today and throw out the rest.  It tastes good, but I'm tired of it now.  After the luncheon, Bill took me to my bank which is near the church and I was able to withdraw "walking around" money for the next week or so.  Tim will be glad to hear that as going to the bank is an extra stop when we go to lunch, library, and Kroger on Friday.

Have a nice day, Buddies, and I hope it isn't too hot where you're living!
Sue

It's hot here, too, Sue - high 80s the rest of the week.  It's beginning to sound like the "phone-in" summer forecast - hot, hazy, humid.  Not too humid or hazy yet, but soon.

Margaret will come over this afternoon (in time for us to go to supper).  She's bringing hanging pots for my deck, and do other stuff for me.  Tomorrow morning, we're heading out to spend the weekend in SC.  We're having lunch with a friend in Aiken, then on to spent Friday night and Saturday with Sarah & Carson in Bluffton (near Hilton Head).  Sunday morning, we'll head up to Charleston to spend the day with Paul & Katherine.  Then come back here on Monday (probably stopping in Atlanta on the way home to see Matt & Clair).  Lots of grandchildren for Mother's Day.  Sue (my daughter, not SCF Sue   ) will be joining us for part of the trip - we can't visit her children without her.    It's supposed to be in the low 90s over there, but with humidity only about 50% (not too bad).

Mothers or not - I hope we all have a good weekend!

That sounds like a wonderful weekend, Mary.  I was going to ask you to stop by here for a visit since you are somewhat in the neighborhood, but it sounds like you have too many places to go in too many directions.  I wish I could see some of my kids or grands, but it's only 2 weeks till we go up to Brian's for the family get together.

We're going out to eat with our neighbors Sunday late afternoon and of course, church.

I just got back from taking Bunny to the vet to have her "drained".  She took out 60 cc which is quite a lot. They did't have to sedate her this time.

I had 2 handymen here today to do some caulking and to fix the closet install to allow the stairs to come down from the attic. That was necessary so the inspector could inspect the AC installation.

Sue, you are a readaholic!!  It's a shame you have to throw out your tomato aspic, but a little goes a long way. I'm not very fond of it.  I'm going to go in and read and see if I can get my book finished for church book club.  I'm over halfway through it.

It's high 80's here and supposed to be 90 tomorrow. I could do without that.  80 is good, 90 is too much.

Have a good day.  Sharon

Thanks for the invitation, Sharon.  If we ever get near Charlotte, I'll let you know.  It's not close enough to our "track" on this trip.  Who knows where the next one will take us???

We just had  very short, severe bit of weather blow through.  Thunder, huge rain drops (maybe some hail), and about 0.5" of rain - all in about 15 minutes.  Temperature dropped about 15*. Wow!

Hello Girls:
Regarding getting access to cash money------One of the "perks" of living here at
Williamsburg is that every Wednesday they go to the bank and they will cash checks for us.
JOY

Evening, Sue, Sharon, Joy, Mary

Mary...have a great weekend!

I hope Ginny Ann and Jeanne are ok.

We’ve had an outdoors day.  I raked out an area where I’d planted ivy from the house where I grew up.  They’d didn’t clean that out when they did the yard and gardens, so I did it today.  Then Ray and I went looking for flowers.  We drove 20 miles to an Amish greenhouse,  but they were closed for Ascension Day.  So, we came back and went to another place I tend to forget about, because it’s also in the country.  We got some plants and then back to the greenhouse here in town and got impatient...about the only flower that works in our shady back yard. 

Nothing else much new here.  I’m tired tonight.

Jane

Mary, we had the same short severe storm pass through right after dinner.  Remember that the welcome mat is always out if you can come.

Jane, I love impatiens, but our yard is too sunny for them.  I bet you're exhausted after all that yard work and planting.

I went in to read my book about 3:00 or so and fell sound asleep and didn't wake until 6:15!!  Very unusual for me, but I've had to get up early and have so many appts lately.  But because of the nap, I'm still awake at 1:00.  Grrrrr!

Joy, that is a nice amenity for you to get checks cashed without having to go to the bank. The nearest BOA that we use is in Fort Mill, but fortunately, they have an ATM in the shopping strip next to us, so I can deposit checks or get cash on my grocery runs.

Jane, you're right that we haven't seen a post from either Ginny or Jeanne lately.  Check in, Gals.ll
Sharon

Good afternoon, Buddies.  Tim came by about 10:15.  We returned my library books and I checked out 6 more, so should be set for next week.  We went to an early lunch at (?) forget the name.  I had a cup of loaded potato soup and a yummy green salad with lots of veggies. He had a loaded baked potato.  We'd come home from Kroger first so I could put away the things that needed the freezer and refrigerator.  He is driving somewhere to check out some things he thinks he can sell on E-Bay.  He and Kris are picking Ard and me up on Sunday a.m. about 10:45 so that we can eat at a restaurant before church is out and every place is super crowded.

Not much else going on here today.  I'm going to lie down on my bed and read shortly and will go out on the deck when the sun moves away from the deck--probably about 4:00.

Have a nice day, Every Buddy.
Sue

I got an new student in my Tai Chi class today.  Slowly but surely the word is getting out and new people are coming, I have 11 students now. The new lay gave me a wonderful compliment today. She loves the way I teach and doesn't want to go to anther class she has asked me about attending in the afternoon earlier. She prefers to come to my class as the the afternoon class is taught by a different instructor, and is the one I attend. This is Tai chi for Seniors ad is called Tai chi for Better Balance so we aren';t doen't some of the complex movements.

Yesterday Freckles and I went to the Coos Bay Head start school to do a presentation of Responsible  pet ownership and Safety. The little ones  mostly love the see the dogs, so the lesson is short then the dogs do some tricks and we tell them about our dogs and let the kids pet them.I always tell them that Freckles is a an Australian Cattle dog also called a Blue Heeler, and  is supposed to head cows and sheep but we don't have any cows or sheep at my house so she herds my 5  cats.

Marilyn, I didn't realize Freckles was a Blue Heeler.  My son-in-law, Randy, worked at his first job after he and Sue married managing a herd of show Angus for a guy in NC.  He had a couple of Blue Heelers (sequentially) to help him.  They are really good dogs.  Glad to hear you class is going so well  I'd love to be taking it, too.

Sharon, We're staying in the Hampton Inn right next door to the Sun City in Bluffton.  That is a huge complex!  Haven't seen anything of Bluffton yet - we got here about 6 this evening.

Sue, glad you and Tim got your errands run.   He does take such good care of you.

jane, take it easy.  I wish I could have impatiens.  I love them, but it gets way too hot on my deck for them.

Joy, it's good to have that check-cashing service.  Our bus takes folks to near-by banks and other errands a couple of days a week.

Hi to Jeanne, Darlene, and Ginny Ann - and our lovely lurkers.

Good morning, Buddies.  I'm up early this morning, just can't seem to sleep later anymore.  It's sunny already here and expecting higher temperatures today.  I need to eat breakfast and get out for my walk before the temperature gets up much higher.  Right now, it's still pleasant.

I'll probably start another C. J. Box novel after my walk.  I finished the other one last night.  The ranger had special duty in the Aspen district, had to leave his family at home, and lots of difficulties while there. 

I'll do a little weeding and leaf raking if I can get some energy going early.  Afternoons are just too hot for that kind of work.

Have a nice day, Buddies.
Sue

Marilyn, I'm so glad your class has taken off. What a nice compliment from the lady.  I'm sure the kids loved the presentation and the chance to pet all the dogs.

Mary, I know that Hampton Inn well. I took Weight Watchers classes there and that's where we put the kids up when they visited as we only had one guest room.  Enjoy Bluffton. It is a funky, arty type place that is fun to visit.  If you see the Bluffton UMC, that was our church down there.  It's across from the historical Episcopal church. The food is great there too or at least Bluffton & Hilton Head.

Sue, you're right about doing yard work in the morning now.  It is supposed to be 92 here today. I slept in, ate, read the paper and my SS lesson before getting dressed, so by the time I got outside it was really oppressive.  I did fill the sunflower seed feeder and watered and deadheaded some plants. I had intended to plant some more flowers, but it was just too
hot for that.

I had a nice surprise delivered from Brian this morning. A beautiful white & yellow flower arrangement along with a box of Russell Stover chocolates!  Signed: from my favorite son! He's such a hoot.

I have been running so hard all week that I'm planning on relaxing today.  Hope everyone else is enjoying some down time too.   Sharon

Marilyn....sounds as if your class is coming along splendidly..

Yesterday, another cold, rainy day I went with Kathy to a nursery owned by a woman with three children who are all in powered wheelchairs with some forms of muscular dystrophy.  Josh, the oldest, is their hosta and other plants specialist.  I don’t know what the other boy does...he was there, but not interacting much with the customers like Josh does.  The girl, believe it or not, graduated from college with a dance major...and teaches dance....from her wheelchair.  She’s also the only one married.  The mother finally divorced the father....their place was so run down, and her folks owned a farm and built her and the kids a new nursery and home on a highway that is paved and much easier to find than that old farm.

Believe me, you leave there grateful for your health!

It’s same ol here....50s and raining.  We did get the coral bells I bought planted and
Ray got his wildflower seeds in the bed our yard guy tilled Friday.

Jane

You're right, Jane about being grateful. I can't imagine having 3 kids in wheelchairs, but how wonderful the girl has done so well and the one boy has found his niche.  Sounds like your plantings are coming along.

We went to SS & church. It was graduation Sunday as well as Mother's Day.  We had a number of graduates to be proud of.  Since then, Lori called, and I am expecting Brian to soon.  We are going  out to dinner with our neighbors later.

I hope you all are having a good day.  Sharon

Stormy overnight here...again.

I need to call the local clinic at 8:00 and see when we can get the shingles shot.

Not much else going on....body doesn’t like this weather.

Jane

Jane---
Just a tip-----Recently, when my GP ordered a shingles shot he told me to go to
Walgreens for it ---would be much cheaper than if I got it at the Clinic (where he is
a physician).  You might look into that.
Joy

Joy, I thought Medicare paid for it.?  I got one about 10 or 11 yrs ago, but I think they have a new one out now.

We're supposed to hit 92 today!  Way to early for that.  But then we have rain forcast tonight, Tues, & Wed.  Whoopee

I just got back from getting my bone scan but won't know anything for a while.

I'm almost finished with my book for church book club tonight, so finishing it is top priority this afternoon.

We had a wonderful dinner last night.  I had the Mother's Day special which was a filet mignon with some lobster pieces, hollandaise sauce, asparagus and browned potatoes..  So yummy.!  I hope the rest of you had a nice day too.  Sharon

Joy....our Clinic called and told Ray to go to the drug store for it, too!  They (the Clinic) apparently doesn't know what the cost is (seems odd), and that insurance doesn't cover it.  My neighbor got it...the new one...and he was told Medicare doesn't cover it...which seems odd, but that his supplement...Tri Care would.  I don't think our Supplement will cover anything Medicare doesn't, but we'll get the shots anyway.   Ray called our pharmacy...there are 3 in town...and they won't have any until end of week.  Jonathan said it's flying off the shelves.

Who'd guess the doctors are sending us to the pharmacies for medicines!!

I've been to WalMart, but need to go back for another 4" fan.  I have one on my night stand for those night time "flushes" and I want one for downstairs, too.

jane

Hi Buddies....I had a wonderful Mothers Day weekend..all 4 of my kids were here plus some of the grandkids..we all went to church together and dinner..before some of them had to leave...was blessed just st to be together...of course. Flowers and other gifts...now the fun of remaking 4 beds...after laundry is done...Hi to any looking in..Darlene

Good (almost) afternoon, Buddies.  I slept late this morning and haven't accomplished much.  I have one load of wash in the dryer with some damp towels waiting to go in when the lighter things are dry.  Tim came by as usual to check up on me and we made a date for our usual Friday lunch out, library visit, and Kroger shopping.  He's really a HUGE help to me and I'm very thankful he lives nearby and is so willing to help me.

I had a phone call last night from the V.P. of our garden club.  She and another board member have arranged for our final meeting of the year.  It will be held at the University Club tomorrow, so I've been notified to call our District President who lives in Opelika (near where Tim lives) as well as other Garden Club members.  It would have been nice to get this information before last weekend, but I'm used to these last minute messages.  Now I'll have to be on the phone this afternoon when I'd rather be lying down on my bed with my library book!

Tim and Kris took Ard and me out to lunch yesterday.  We had a good time and I was pretty full when I came home.  I finished a Jayne Ann Krentz novel about people living near Phoenix, but in a mostly touristy area.  Not much different from her other novels about that area.  Some mystery and always a villain!  I prefer her Paper Backs under the "Amanda Quick" label.  I think the plots in those are more plausible.

I have changed the water in my outdoor bird water bowl and later on when the sun is behind the trees I'll go out on my deck and read.  I'm in the first third of a Baldacci murder mystery and will probably finish it sometime today. 

Bob paid into a Tri-Care for Life fund after he retired so that if he pre-deceased me, I'd have Medicare plus the Tri-Care for Life to pay for my meds.  It's really been a plus for me.  I don't know if all military veterans can do that, but those that do really help their spouses when they become widows or widowers.  I still have to pay for some things, but much of it is discounted by his pre-payment plan.

Not much else going on here.  It's too hot to do anymore than the watering I've done this morning.  I'll probably have to do more in the morning. 

Have a nice day, Every Buddy.
Sue

Re the shingles shot - I got one a number of years ago.  But my rheumatologist told me a couple of months ago about a new one that I should get.  AND he recommended that I wait a year until I get it.  He never recommended a drug the first year it was out, just in case some unforeseen problems developed.  I'm sure he'll see that I get it when he deems it necessary and appropriate.  When we got ours before, we got it at Walgreens, and there was no out-of-pocket cost (medicare and a supplementary insurance).

We got home about 4:30 this afternoon.  What a great weekend.  We got to spend time with three of the six grandchildren (and their partners) and had some great meals.  Sharon, our special meal in Bluffton (Okatie -right ouside Sun City) was at an Italian place called Nonna Rosa - fabulous meal!!  And our meal out in Charleston was at a really shack-y looking place called The Wreck, right on the water of Shem Creek (famous for its restaurants).  Really good local (of course) seafood. And our trip home was uneventful - the best kind.  Everybody's home safe and sound.

There was an all-time high record-breaking temperature here today - 92* - breaking the old 130-year-old record of 90.  But only in the 80s next week, with chance of showers almost every day.  Margaret brought me hanging baskets and a couple of hibiscus plants for my deck, so they'll like having some real rain to get settled in.

Good to be home.

Jane, MaryZ, etc.
I went back in my checkbook re: the Walgreen's shingles shot.  I got it in May, 2017
and the cost was $47.00.  Do not know what it would have been at the Clinic, but
was very glad my doc.  recommended Walgreen's.
Joy

Morning, Gals...

I think we may have a mostly dry day today...a nice change.

Usual chores....laundry, etc. 


Have a good Tuesday!

Jane

87 degrees here at 10:46------going up to 93 tonight.  And it is only MAY.