Hi Everyone. It looks like we will be having a cloudy day with a good potential for rain. I have nothing on the schedule for today except to take it nice and easy and get some extra rest as seem to be very weary this morning even though I had a good nights sleep.  Yesterday as I was driving home from picking up a large online grocery order from Walmart Scott called and said he would be out shortly and would help get the groceries into the house, which he did and I very much appreciated.  We visited for awhile and then he installed the new Brother's Color Laser Printer and seeing it was connected to all of the computers.  I hope to never ever buy another inkjet printer cartridge.  We will keep the two inkjet printers in place to use for scanning only at least for now.

I am going to ask for a bye today on individual comments as just don't seem to have the energy to do so today.  I have read all of the postings since I posted yesterday. 

Gloria, it was Progresso Chicken Noodle soup I told Amy about.  It has a lot of noodles and chicken and the noodles are short which I appreciate.   If you have the chicken stock, you can make your own soup - if you want to go to the work.  You would know how much noodle and chicken you want.  But try the soup.  It is nothing like Campbell's soup.

We have the threat of snow by evening as the temp is only 34 degrees now.  I noticed when looking at the Soo locks yesterday that they had flurries that did not stay.  I haven't gone there yet this morning.

I think I'm not done reading so I'll post this and see what is ahead.  The only message was from Larry and I had responded to that in Norm's Bait and Tackle - I hope you feel more energetic soon, Larry.

Mary Ann

MaryAnn,  I like the Progresso soup, but it all has so much salt.  I know when you make your own you can adjust the salt to your own liking.  I never had a problem with salt,  but since I had the swelling in my legs and ankles,  I have been trying to watch the salt.   I tried Mrs. Dash and didn't like that at all.   I have found that Old Bay Seafood Seasoning does not have that much salt in it,  which really surprised me..  I have been using that to season things.  I don't use enough to make anything that spicy.  Just gives a little more taste to things. 

Larry, I mentioned over on Norm's page that I am sorry you are not feeling all that "chipper" today. So, I hope after resting today, you will feel lots better.

Gosh, I have been using the computer way back since one of my grandson's grandfather gave him one. He was maybe 10 years old at the time.  He lived with us and after it all got set up, I would fool around on it.  That really got me interested and I got my own not long after.  That was over 20 years ago.  And, Amy,like you mentioned,  I can go all over the world.   And, I,too, have made some very good friends over the years.  Most of my friends are not interested in having anything to do with a computer.  I kind of look at it as being a kind of lifeline for me.  It can calm me down when I am feeling kind of "antsy:".

Jane,  hope this busy Friday will not be too stressful for you.   I so envy that you can get so much done and I  get tired reading about all you do.  I  have to get my act together and look for some of the energy I had a while back.  Just having a hard time getting motivated again.   Hopefully, it will return soon.  Just have to  make myself get moving again.

Hope everyone will have a nice afternoon.   It is kind of a dreary day here on the east coast.

Joy

Joy, I learned the computer at work before I retired in 1986.  I bought a Tandy 1000 and printer while I was still working and I've been computing ever since.  I don't remember when I went online but Norm was part of the Aardvarks on Prodigy and I don't recall how I got there, but if I got online in less than a minute, it didn't cost him anything.  I bought the computer because I wanted to put genealogy on it.  Well, I have genealogy on the computer and lots of it.  I don't know how many computers I've had - a few desktops and several laptops.  But 1986 was 32+ years ago.  I bought my first laptop to take to Florida when Norm and Dot were there in the winter and Norm didn't want to share his computer (desktop) for long.  He was driving down then and took the whole outfit in his trunk.  I liked the laptop so much that Norm decided to get a laptop too and that's all he had after that.  It amazes me that we have people in our groups that live in Israel, England, all over the US, Canada, Japan, New Zealand and Australia (did I miss a country?). 

I don't notice the salt in the Progresso Chicken Noodle soup but I don't use much salt anyway - just a sprinkle on meats.  I am not one who salts before tasting and even then, I may notice the taste is off but it doesn't occur to me to salt anything until someone else salts their food.  Crazy taste buds?

Mary Ann

Good Afternoon Everyone,  from the
cold,  windy and a bit wet,  rocky
coast of Maine. 

I am learning about pulled muscles
and  how hard it is to deal with them,
and how important it is to deal with
them correctly or they will not heal well. 

My problem is minor.   It is my right arm.
(The arm that I broke last year... which has
healed well,  and working fine.   Not as good
as new,  but good enough.)

I did some "hand laundry" here in my
kitchen a couple of weeks ago.    I 
hate going down to do laundry in the
laundry room,  so I hand wash things often
here in my apartment. 

Well,  apparently .... while wringing out
some of my underwear,   I pulled a muscle
in my right arm... (all the way up to my shoulder)..
It didn't hurt right away but started giving my
trouble about a week later,  and has continued
to do so for the last few weeks.

The biggest problem I believe,  is that
I did not realize just what harm I did to
it for many days.    So many days went by
that I couldn't remember hurting it...  I kept
waiting for the arm to feel better and it
just never has.    Probably because I
haven't been treating it correctly,  not
realizing just what I did.   

Dummy,  huh??? 

Well now I know and I will be very
careful of it  from now on.     When I
read up about pulled muscles/tendons
on the internet,  it stated that it could takes
weeks if not months to get better, if
miss handled because of being unaware of
the problem.... 

Fortunately,  it is my arm,  and not my
back or my legs....  so I can pamper it
by just being very careful...     

I hear  people talking about  other parts
of their bodies that are hurting and I am
grateful that it is only my arm for now.... 

Best wishes to all who are struggling
with parts of their bodies that are hurting....

As they say  "Getting old is not for sissies!!!!"

Best wishes,  Everyone ..
Sandy 

Mary Ann, we did have Kelly for a long time, from the isle of Man. I think we also had one from Scotland, She wrote a lot about Edinburgh

Gloria, I keep chicken broth in my freezer all the time, I use it in a lot of my cooking, I do not use salt when making it, but I do use  chicken bouillon which I did not check for salt. My next door neighbor buys a lot of roast chicken from BJ's. He gives me the carcass but leaves a lot f meat on the bones. I just cook it up with a lot of veggies

Jane, I hope your day went better n=then a few days ago at work

Hello Everyfriend!  I'm home from work and I was wet, tired and droopy when I got home.  So I took the doggies out, fixed them a little snack and heated up a pint of my "just-made" veggie soup.  Boy! Did that ever taste good.  And now I have on warm clothes, my bedroom slippers and I'm ready for a nap.  I think if I go take a nap now, I might get some crackers dipped later.  (Still having "dippy" days!

I drew 2 of the busiest registers in the store this morning but it didn't get really bad until near time for my break. 

I hope everyone who's feeling droopy, feels better soon.  I hope everyone who hurts, stops doing that soon.  I hope everyone who is being rained on gets dry!  I hope everyone who's hungry, eats.  I hope everyone who is lonely, finds a friend.  Anything else that is bothering you....go away!

Now I'm going to sleep if the doggies will allow it. 

Dear Dippy Jane - sleep away and I hope the dogs don't bother you.  Here you hoped for easy registers and you got busy ones.  I have a cat that thinks nothing of jumping on the bed, then me, expecting some attention, not caring that he woke me up. 

Gloria D, I don't remember who might have been from Scotland, but I do remember Kelly; he's been gone so long that I don't count him now.  I did forget a couple and had to go back to include them.

The winds at Grand Haven have picked up and there are numerous whitecaps and the window by the camera is foggy.

Mary Ann

I guess it's almost 2 months since I moved into my retirement cell where I will spend the rest of my days.  I can't remember how many times I have started this post and then cast it aside because it seems full of self pity and that is the last thing I want to convey
The accommodations here at the retirement home are fine and my sons did an excellent job in their selection, so it remains for me to adjust to my new lifestyle. Most of my treasures I was able to retain (including my cd collection), but my books are gone and other items of remembrance; painful reminders that one man's treasure is junk to somebody else.
But let's not dwell on the past. The here at Chartwell the staff are friendly and for the most part, helpful. My fellow residents make sure I don't lack for wheel chair assistance, and when,for example, I wheel up to the dining room, any number will get up from their places to wheel me to my place. These are the gestures that make my new home welcoming. There are ongoing activities in which, I am embarrassed to say, I have not become involved, but will in the future. Most significant will be a visit from Santa coming in a few weeks. I am looking forward to that. Unfortunately, my forgetfullness has not abated, nor has my ongoing fatigue, but I plod on. I will attempt to post more frequently, but I have said that before haven't I, but I mean it. Bye for now.

YAYYYYYYYYY Don, I am so happy to read your post!! We MISSED you!! My day was going sideways but reading your post sure picked me up!!!

Are you getting this snow?

Don, it's always good to hear from you, so keep your promise to post more often.  It is obvious you are trying to accept your situation and so far, you sound hopeful.  Maybe next year you can be Santa for the group and they won't have to hire an outsider!

Hi Amy.

Mary Ann

Don, so good to read your message.  Sounds like you are trying hard to adjust to your new lifestyle.  It is hard making changes,  but you will soon be familiar with all your new surroundings.  Sounds like a nice place and I am sure you are making some nice new friends.  You always seem to be a very personable  guy. I am sure that is from all the years you were on the radio. 

Joy

Don, so good to see your post.  I am sure it takes time to adjust to new way of life and also new surroundings, Do not forget you still have all your cyber friends, we are hear when you want to talk. close your eyes and Bubble and you can see Bubble,not so far away

HOORAY!!!!!!!  DON's here!  It's so good to "see" you!  Come back often!  We miss you!  And you do not sound like you are complaining.  You sound like you are trying to adjust and finding kindness where you are.  Keep it up!

I had my nap and I'm going out and put chocolate to melt and then feed the doggies their supper and get some for me, too.  By the time we finish, the chocolate should be ready to begin.  I'll be back later to let you know how far I got through the spread crackers.  I've decided not to try packing them tonight.  I have a nice container that will fit in the fridge and I'll pack tomorrow.

I've signed up to be a part of RISE AGAINST HUNGER.  They pack meals for school age children in countries where this is needed.  Beginning at 7:30 a.m. with set up (I'm not doing that) and ending at noon, they claim that 40 volunteers can pack 10,000 meals.  I wonder.  They have a gong that is struck every time we reach a hundred.  We have people from our church and following their practice, the entire swim team from Bucknell University will be joining us.  Isn't that neat!  I think it will be fun...also tiring for an old lady but I'm doing it!

Gotta go feed the stock!  Later friends!

Snow,snow and more snow!! I have shoveled out back and just did the garage apron and left the driveway. Heavy wet snow...just great for making snowmen and snow balls!!

Came in to see if Shirley has posted anything on Andy.. Will keep checking ..

Jane, I have 4 gumdrop loaves in the oven, one is for the neighbours Mom for her 93rd birthday.

AMY, I think I might like gumdrop bread but I can't figure out about the gumdrops.  Every time I see gumdrops on the shelf or someone checks them out through my line, I think of you.

Quick note tonight, have been working myself silly trying to get ready for winter around here.  Breaking records tonight so have the pool pump running day & night to make sure nothing freezes.  Pool man will be here frist part of the week, depending on weather.  Furnace man can't get here until Nov.26th & at least, the RV is taken care of and I've brought the rain gauge in so it doesn't freeze.  Got to put the canvas cover over the AC... all these things Andy has helped with the last 5 years so am having to double check with him that these other people do things right.  I paid him what these other people charge, most of the time more because he does extras when he's around, but he did go teach his classes at the college today.  His wife took him & had access to Wi-Fi so she could keep up with her teaching (math classes).  She took off 2 weeks so we'll all pitch in driving him for 2-3 more weeks.  His lung hasn't filled out yet but Dr said it may not for months.  A long way to go but so far seems to be doing okay.  Don't know how long they'll keep the picc line in for antibiotics, but he is taking all of the instructions serious. Thanks to all for the prayers... we are most grateful!

Don, when my father had to go into "assisted living" we had my brother's daughter fly back from the east coast where she lives, to check on his medication.  She has a doctor's degree in geriatric medicine & we were concerned that he seemed to sleep so much.  She explained that the meds he was on was what they recommended for the patients in the 3 clinics she headed up, "so they didn't hate to get up in the morning".  Could be you are having a problem with something they are giving you & maybe could change?  Or maybe they can give you less, we aren't all alike so hang in there, I'm sure you will find a way to brighten everyone's day.  Sorry it is taking so long to feel at home, sounds like a nice place.  Come visit more often, we do miss you. 

Amy, we just had a dusting of snow that melted on the streets & driveway as fast as it fell... a little lingered on the grass but was gone pretty quick. Will have to get the snow blower ready one of these days.  Right now it's time to feed cats their "midnight snack".... I do love winter but not quite ready this year.

Sweet dreams & God Bless.... prayers for those in need, especially with the terrible fires in CA. 

For Amy

https://www.seniorsandfriends.org/photos-and-more/photos-old-and-new/msg143486/#msg143486

I'm up and ready to greet the day...I think!  There is snow in our forecast today.  I'm hoping that it won't amount to much because I think my SIL has to do one more swipe of my yard with his mulching mower to take care of the leaves.  And I have to get out there with a rake and rake them in from the fence so the mower can chew them up. 

Today is the day my church is doing the RISE againt hunger project and we want to be sure no one stays home due to the weather....including me. 

I'm off to get dressed and find a baseball hat to take along.  They said "bring a baseball hat to wear or wear one of the nets we provide.  I really dislike nets! 

Have a good day, get things done...or not.  Whatever pleases you!  The day is YOURS!

Good morning everyone...

Shiver me timbers, it is 26° F out there and high winds to help the cold through you!!! Laundry will not be hung on the line today.

We will head north to a wee hamlet to a craft show and to pick up daughter in loves quilts. They are back from the quilter and my friends daughter brought them this way. Then home to do more baking and laundry.


Jane, what a wonderful thing you and other are doing. No doubt there will be lots of laughter  too.
I don't care for nets either but had to wear one when working at the Quaker Oats..happy to take it off at the end of my shift!
Did your electrician come?


Better scoot and get ready to go, first I have to wrap the gift for the neighbours Mom.


Enjoy your day everyone.


Larry, hope you are feeling a lot better today and the zip is back in your step. If this keeps up maybe a visit to your Dr might be in order. Low iron maybe??


Shirley, happy to read Andy is coming along. Just hope he doesn't push himself to the limits. All your work will get done in time..seems over whelming now but one day at a time..

Just a quick good morning.  A pretty sunny day, but very windy and chilly.   Have turned the heat up to take the chill off.

Jane, what a great project you will be doing today.   I know you will enjoy making it a good day. 

There is a nurse coming at 11 a.m. to finish my discharge.  Will be a quick visit just to take vitals and finish filling out the paperwork.  They all have been very nice and really have kept up on everything.

I will probably check back in later in the day.

Enjoy your Saturday.

Joy

Hi Everyone. The morning starts out cloudy but we are suppose to get some sun this afternoon.  Our temperatures will get only into the mid too high 50's today and tonight they have a freeze warning posted for our County.  I will have to say goodbye to my blooming azaleas that I have been enjoying for the last few weeks.

I had a totally wasted day yesterday as spent most of it laying down or just sitting in my easy chair. I had another good night's sleep and feel reasonably refreshed this morning.  However, I am going to try to stay in today and will skip my Saturday meeting.  I want to feel up to attending Sunday School and Church tomorrow. I did an online order from Costco for some non-perishables and that should be delivered sometime today. To get the free shipping the order had to equal or exceed $75 but that isn't hard with Costco. This will cut down on some of the big items we need to pick up at the store like paper products and a large box of coffee pods.  I look forward to watching some college football games this afternoon and early evening and later this morning I want to call my good friend over in Georgia.  I had told him I would call yesterday but just didn't have the energy so sent him a text begging off until today. There is nothing else on the schedule that has to be done today.

I have written long replies to several of you in Norm's B&T, which I usually read before coming to the Soda Shoppe so will try not to repeat myself.

Joy, I have used computers almost from the beginning starting with the Atari 400 many years ago.  Several years later Pat decided she wanted to see how the computer worked and she and I tried to share a computer, but that didn't work out well so it wasn't long before she got her own computer.  We set it up in my office but that didn't work out well so soon moved it into her sewing room.  Then the laptops came along and that is now the main one she uses with only the iPad up in her sewing room.  I have never regretted learning to use the computer and now can't imagine life without it. I tried to interest my Dad in it but other than to play a few games on it he had no interest and they never owned a computer.  Like Mary Ann I have long lost count of the computers I have purchased over the years.  I do know that the next laptops I buy will be the lighter weight ones although they will be more expensive.  I am toying with the idea of my next laptop being one of the small iMac's.  I really like the Apple products and no longer have many programs that will only work on PC's. 

Sandy, sorry to hear that you are dealing with a pulled muscle.  My wife mentioned this morning that she thought she had pulled a muscle in her shoulder area as it was hurting last night and still this morning but had no idea how that would have happened.  I hope your pulled muscle soon feels better. 

Jane, taking a nap if you were tired sounded like a much better idea than dipping crackers.  Do the managers have any idea which will be the busiest registers or is that just something that happens?  Maybe folks so enjoy going through your line that they line up to have you help them.  That sounds like quite a project to pack so many meals.  Glad there are some young people who will be coming to help with the project.

Don, what a pleasant surprise to see your posting yesterday afternoon.  I was glad to read you were able to take your CD collection and most of your other treasures with you so you can continue to enjoy your wonderful classical music. Change can be difficult when you have lived in one place for a long time.  As you said we can't dwell on the past and have to make the best of each day that we can.  It sounds like you have met some very nice people and sure it must be nice not to have to worry about fixing your meals?  I hope you will try out some of the activities available to you.  My father would never take in any of the special activities they had when he was in the nursing home but preferred to stay in his own room.  Will you be the Santa visiting the residents there?  I do understand about fatigue taking away our interest in doing things.   

Amy, are you throwing snow balls at someone or just entertaining the idea?      I saw the pictures that Bubble posted for you showing the snow.  I sure am glad I live in the South where we don't have to anticipate snow. 

Shirley, glad to read that Andy was up to teaching his classes at the college yesterday.  So glad that he seems to be recovering.  Glad he is taking his medical instructions seriously. My grandparents took the Arizona Highways magazine for many years and I used to like to look at the pretty pictures.  I do think when the humidity gets up about 50% in the house it may have something to do with how I feel.  We have been having a few days where we didn't need to run either the AC or heat, which helps keep the humidity down.  However, most of the tiredness comes from what I may have done that day or the day before and how much angina I have had.  The nitro pills always seem to leave me feeling a bit tired.   

I'm home from the church and the food packing.  Not including set up and cleanup we packed 10,000 meals in about 2 hours.  I'm amazed!  And we did have people of all ages there to help.  I think the youngest was about 8 years old and I'm thinking I might have been the oldest at 83.  I had a sitting job and it was pretty much fun and pretty easy to do.

I did learn that all the food this group packs goes to school children or learning centers for the parents of the children.  Also, if you signed up on line to help, they let you know by email when your food is shipped and where it goes.  That's pretty neat!  Kind of made my day today to do that.

Now I'm going to feed me and the doggies a noon snack and put the chocolate on to melt and get in some "dippy" time.   Enjoy the rest of your day!  I'll let you know how many crackers get dipped.  It won't be anywhere near 10,000 in two hours.  That's the amount of time I set myself to work on them.

AMY snow is pretty at first,  thanks for posting, ah! your pretty flowers. Did you have to dig out? WE have to keep our walks clean.  ( the reason from management is the ambulance might have to come in) Now you know you are living in a senior park

Shirley happy to see Andy is up and about. Prays do help

Mary Ann and Bubble. Thank you both for bringing back memories of those that have gone before us.....I always admired Katie....she had spunk ! And Papa John and Cornelia were so devoted to each other. How I miss them. P.Roe was another one who knew who she was and was proud of it. Good kind folks and I pray we will all meet again in Heaven. I wonder if God has a special corner for those of us that love one another Unconditionally.

I am staying home today.....looking through some old books and memories,and I have a t.v. diner that sounds like it needs to be tried out. It is a Lean Cuisine brand, Parmesan crusted fish with pasta in a fire roasted tomato sauce topped with cheese. Then I will have a light supper of cottage cheese topped with canned mixed fruit.

Tonight at 6:30 we will have Mike Chamberlin playing and singing songs of WW11. If I am not too sleepy, I would like to hear him.

I hope you all have a happy, healthy day with much to be thankful for. Love you all, June

June your TV dinner sounds yummy, I am going to try a new stir fry chicken dinner, Also frozen.

That singer sounds like he will sing my songs also. Hope you get to go downstairs

June, I think I have had that fish dish and probably enjoyed it.  I try to get frozen fish dishes because Tom doesn't like fish and I don't know how to fix fish.  I hope you feel like going to the entertainment tonight as it sounds good - our kind of music!

I am watching golf right now but I think I'll take a nap.

Mary Ann

Gloria de, no we didn't have to dig out..I left the driveway alone and just maybe tomorrow the sun will do the work of removing the snow.

Snow is so pretty, dresses the pines in a fine lace..

Amy, as long as I don't have to go out in it, I like the snow, especially on the pine trees.  A heavy snow makes them look so beautiful.  But I remember the days of driving 15 miles to work and 15 miles home on snow-covered roads.  The Road Commission does a good job of clearing main roads and expressways and I now leave the driving to Tom.  On the north side of our building there is snow but the sun has done away with what is on the south side - our front yard.

Mary Ann

MARY ANN (and anyone else who is interested) I'm not "dippy" any more.  I finished dipping all the crackers today and tomorrow I'm going to become a "bag lady".  I'm planning to get all the crackers packaged and into the cold room to wair for giving.  However, I did put some in the Hidey Hole for all of you to try. 

After my morning of packaging food and my afternoon of dipping, I'm tired.  I think I try to get to bed early tonight and I'm not going to do anything that takes energy.

JUNE, your musical program tonight sounds like something I'd like to hear.  I don't suppose you could listen twice...once for you and once for me?

I think I'll play a couple of games and then go watch a Christmas movie through my eyelids.  I wish you all a pleasant evening, a good sleep and a great tomorrow!