The problem with Dorian is that it's so unpredictable. Got up this morning to find it had increased to a Category 5.

Close friends of ours were on a cruise to Puerto Rico but never made it there. They returned home yesterday.  I haven't had a chance to find out the details. It's the second time they've tried to go to Puerto Rico and failed!

Jean - How well I remember those hurricanes in 2004. We had only been here two years. We had two palm trees out front and it was the first time I ever saw a tree horizontal instead of vertical. They survived! In fact they grew so tall we had them removed. We now have a beautiful Sylvester palm that I would hate to lose. They only grow 20/30 ft. We're prepared for whatever happens.

I hope this is all over before next week-end. We're scheduled to fly north on the 7th.

Just had one of my muffins with coffee and it was pretty good.

Hope you all have a good day and evening.

Jean, I haven't had time to look after the weather today because shortly after I got home and looked at the computer, I decided to take a nap.  i woke up about 3:30 so I know I slept more than my usual one hour.  I feel good now!  While I was sleeping - half asleep then - I heard a noise from my living room that sounded like the cat urping.  I sat up in bed and there he was, sleeping at the foot of my bed.  So it was not Kendrick.  Then I heard noises from my neighbors who usually entertain on their patio weekends.  I think what I heard was someone coughing. 

Beverly, I hope you don't lose your trees.  Norm had one tall palm and tried to grow a small one that fans out from the ground, but that one did not survive.  I doubt that area would have many hurricanes, but as you said, they change.  I even heard a suggestion it could get to a category 6 and that would be awful!

We have had a bit more rain this afternoon, but only a shower, nothing serious. 

Mary Ann

I checked with my sister in Wilmington, NC a little while back. She has her fingers crossed. As it stands now, it will hit Wilmington at about a category 2 or maybe a little less. I don't think they have plans to evacuate, yet, but the last one they did and all they lost was a gate. They traveled up here with their cats and were here a week, before they could get back into their home because of flooding on the surrounding roads.

Every time the Arthur M. Anderson has come by on the StreamTime Live cameras I have missed it. But last evening I found this lovely drone footage of the ship leaving the river andonto Lake Huron. What is neat is that it is 360^o, and you get a view of the lighthouse and and the area on both sides where the StreamTime webcam can't see.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GsVPbaUxxfE

Oh, and guess what! When I was talking to my sister I mentioned watching the ships at Duluth Harbor. I could almost hear her eyes widen. She saw (or read) something recently about the Harbor Bridge, including that it is the only bridge of its kind.

MarsGal, I have seen the Arthur M Anderson once on the St Clair River, probably on the Marine City cam.  Thanks for the clip because we don't often see the other side of the ship unless it is going in the opposite direction.  A few sailors were shown on the ship and they looked so small.

MarsGal, I hope your sister has no damage from Dorian. 

I noticed a welcome to a Valtermar and I sent a welcome along with Bubble's welcome.  It is the first time I've seen a new member and we need new members, so put in my 2c worth.  I mentioned both B&T and Soda Shoppe. 

Mary Ann

A great Sunday HELLO to ALL 💐

It is a HOT one here in the Mile High City.  We even broke a record for the temperatures for the 1st of September.....and it is going to be hotter tomorrow, the forecasters say.

MARY ANN, always happy to read that you and Dot did your Sunday usual! 

JACKIE, please understand that we do not see it as "rambling" when you share your thoughts with us......we can ONLY listen and let you know tha5 we care.....so please feel free to talk💞

BEVERLY, thank you for the Birthday wishes for my brother.  Nice you can think so fondly of your auntie on what would have been her 109TH Bday.  Bob's Mother lived to 102 and she was mentally and physically fine until a stroke a week before she passed.  Now that is the only way I would ever want to make it to any older age!  I know you may not be hit direct with the storm but know tha 🙏🙏 are being said for our southern east coast friends and families!  I saw a thing on FB that said, "just because Dorian has her right blinker on, do not trust her to turn", and boy isn't that the truth with hurricanes?  They are as fickle as a cat ca; be!  You just can not trust them!

MARILYNE, I do not know how my sweet neighbor, Pam has been able to keep her spirits up either.....she has been fighting this awful mess for years with infections in her feet/ankles..started with blisters...eventually leading up to the amputations over two years ago, and then she finally was well enough to walk on her prosthetics, only to have more infections causing her to have a couple more surgeries.  She is a very strong lady, a divorcee that raised two beautiful daughters on her own.  Husband took off with his secretary 😩😢. Her daughters are VERY supportive....they come over often to check on her and do things she needs....but the rest of the time she is alone🦋. She deserves a break for sure.  Michele will have the last chemo this coming Wednesday....the gamma knife to follow in a couple of weeks, then radiation after that is all done🙏🙏🙏🙏

JEAN, things are starting to come together in Panama City, but it has bee; slow for sure and it seems it will never be the same......just looks like a war zone.....housing shortage for the working people has made it very hard to get employees hired for the places that have tried to open up......I am sure you are aware of this.  It is just heartbreaking what these terrible storms can do to any area they hit.  Certainly will pray for all of our friends and families on the southern east coast. 

I am off to finish my chicken soup I started this morning.....did not know if I wanted to put noodles in it or ??  Noodles it will be.  It sure smells wonderful....glad the A/C is pumping away as it is still HOT as ca; be out. 

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday!

JENNY

MarsGal, I had an interesting time with Arthur M Anderson.  I saw where it would be at Marine City soon, so went there.  The cam was on automatic and no ship appeared.  I looked at chat and they wondered why there was no operator.  This went on for some time and no change.  I happened to look at the LIVE button and it was not live.  I changed in a hurry and was able to get the tail end of the ship.  I watched for a few minutes, then went to rewind and was able to see more of it.  I went back to see what ships, if any, were on any of the cams and saw something was coming from the south toward Algonac and went there in time to see the Arthur M Anderson going across the screen.  So I saw that ship twice.  I still have not found the Appledores anywhere, not in Bay City, not on the Lake and not at Toledo.  I'll keep looking, just for my own satisfaction. 

Mary Ann

Good morning all!

We have cloudy skies with a promise, unfulfilled so far, of rain, and there is cloud lightning with distant thunder just now. Temp is 70^o. Ah, here comes the rain now. A pour-down, for sure.

I checked the Tall Ships Challenge site this morning. Brockville is the last of it with today being the last. Picton Castle already shows next port of call is Montreal. There is a live cam at Montreal so perhaps I can get another glimpse of her.

After I posted, Mary Ann, I did see Arthur M. Anderson, heading downriver at Marine City. Was a bit bummed that "Otto" was operating, but only until it was past the webcam site. So I still got to see the back end of it. Forget to check Algonac. Did you hear the salute at Marine City? There were a lot of people gathered to see it go by.

 

Thank you  MaryAnn for welcoming Valtermar.
He also knew our Karren (originally from Alaska), do you remember her? She was such a pro at Paint Shop - I do miss her.

Yes it would be great if we got more new members...
I hope Valter will also post photos from all the places around the world send, by his work.

Bubble, there may have been some, but I've never seen a person welcomed, other than by the host of the program.  Since we want new members, I thought I'd welcome him.  I had no idea whether he was male or female (thought male) but I thought it was interesting that he is from Brazil and we haven't had anyone from Brazil.  He writes very good English.  His name sounds German.

I hope others will welcome Valtermar along with others that might sign in.

MarsGal, when AMA went by, Dale was on another cam and didn't realize Marine City was not covered.  He's the one who showed up to run the camera at the last moment.  I have not looked to see what is happening with the ships yet.  I did hear the salute at Marine City, in fact, I think I heard three of them.  Yes, there were a lot of people there, many taking pictures.  It is a fine looking ship and I noticed they did not put the pilot house at the stern when they refurbished it. 

Mary Ann

Mary Ann -
Very nice of you to welcome Valtermar.  I'll say hello to him, after I finish this message. I hope he isn't discouraged by the lack of men here in S&F?  Rick (RAMMEL), and Lloyd, are the only two men left who post on a fairly regular basis.  There are a few others who look in, but not like it once was.

My new desk chair arrived yesterday from Office Depot. I like it okay, but disappointed in a few things that are not comfortable for sitting here at my desktop computer.  I'll continue to try it out today, and if I don't start liking it more, we'll have to return it, or maybe AJ will use it. It seems to fit his desk, and computer size, much better than mine.

Beverly and Jean -
I'm glad you're both away from the path of Hurricane Dorian - now moving up the coast to GA and the Carolina's.  I don't think anyone here in S&F lives in those states, but I'm not sure?  I hope we hear from Johann, that she and Windell are safe?  I'll look on Facebook, and see if there are any recent messages from Shirleyn?

This holiday weekend has seemed especially long for us, and I'll be glad when it's over. All family members who live near us, are out of town until tomorrow, so it seemed like we were really alone.   It's extremely hot here - still in the 90's - so we've been staying home and inside. 

Yesterday I watched the sweetest old movie from 1945, called, Our Vines Have Tender Grapes, starring Margaret O'Brien, with  Edward G. Robinson and Agnes Moorhead as her parents.   The story took place in a close knit Norwegian community in Wisconsin.  Such a gentle, kind movie - a pleasure to watch!  I wish they made movies like that still, but they don't, and they never will again.     

Marilyn, I did not mention the lack of men in the folders I read, however, there are several more folders that may hold his interest.  I did tell him that we are from 50+ on up in age.  Bubble seems to have gotten more info about him than what I read.

I am ready to spit nails but I think I will come out OK.  I have a spreadsheet on Excel and I wanted to update it.  I brought up the file and clicked to go to a line at the top and I lost the whole thing.  It is a file I've kept for years.  The reason I think I can come out OK is that being an old file, I have it on another computer and also on an external hard drive.  I enter new figures and formulas takes care of the rest.  If I have to start over again, I think I'll pass, but I think I have it to copy.  I'm not always so fortunate.

Mary Ann

Interesting from a antivirus site, concerning smart and or video doorbells. They own the rights to the video streams and not the homeowner.

"Earlier this month we learned that Amazon was talking to law enforcement agencies about potentially giving them access to the video stream from the doorbells both as a way to help make decisions about how to deploy emergency personnel as well as to potentially create "crime news" posts for Amazon's neighborhood watch app, Neighbors."

Patricia, no word about how Amazon would use the information to improve their product?

I don't know if they have a good idea or not, but there is so much of technology today that invades the privacy of the users. 

(Tongue in cheek) I hope the hurricane doesn't reach Alaska.

Mary Ann

I downloaded the Neighbors app from Amazon the other day thinking it was the one my sister has. Wrong. She has Neighborhood something or other and it is a neighborhood chat site for exchanging info and such with your neighbors. Ex: recommendations on local businesses, recipes. It is from Google. Since I don't have, and don't want a Google account, I guess I won't be getting the app.

Anyway, Neighbors is limited to Ring products?  The company sells the video doorbell things and other security products. I did notice that my local law enforcement has signed on to it. I don't have any of their products and will probably remove the app soon. Okay, Business Insider has an article back in 2018 that says Amazon bought startup company Doorbot for $1Billion and changed its name to Ring. Interesting that there is no mention of being an Amazon affiliate on their Website. Wonder why? The app is available from other sources (like Windows Store and Google) too. 

Hi, Friends! Wanted to let you know that we are OK. Windell is legally blind in his right eye now and almost blind with macular degeneration in his left eye now.  He is also VERY hard of hearing, has hearing aids but has difficulty keeping them adjusted so communication is a bit of a challenge and both disabilities make it difficult for him to process information.

I have made reservations for us in Florence, SC, about 75 miles inland, from Wed. thru Friday so if our coastal area loses power, we won't have to deal with it. Usually the power people restore it fairly quick.

I had a mammogram 8/22 and got a call last week that they want me to have an ultrasound and it is set for tomorrow (Tues). They may call tomorrow and postpone it but I just don't have time to worry about it right now. Hope it doesn't show a problem.

Will try to keep you all posted from my telephone this week.

Miss Larry's posts! Seems like we have lost SO many old friends from Sr Net in the past year! Glad that all of you are still here! 🤗💖💕

MaryAnn, according to patents, all info from smart devices remains Amazon's or Google's property. There is already an uproar over Amazon and Google having shared with police overheard information from intelligent devices such as Alexa and Google Home Assistant. It has the propensity to be sold for advertising or whatever as those companies also hold the rights.

I hope we "don't" end up with Dorian either as while there are signs of yellow in the foothills; we have beautiful days in the sixties and seventies. Dorian is now a category five, so it's horrible right now.

Johann, so glad to hear from you as we were worried. Stay safe!

Johann, thanks for letting us know your plans.  We mentioned your name a day or so ago, wondering about the hurricane.  I've been watching a bit on TV but Dorian has barely hit land yet, except the Bahamas where I guess it did considerable damage.

I'm sorry about Windell's problems especially since I seem to be headed in that direction.  I'm not as bad as Windell, but I have trouble reading and my hearing is not good.  That's what happens when we get old! 

Keep us posted when you can.

Mary Ann

Johann, have a safe trip inland. My sister is up in Wilmington NC. So far, they don't have any plans to evacuate this time. Last time they were delayed getting back home because the surrounding roadways were flooded. Other than a busted gate, their house did fine.

Shan was "treated" to some fireworks (not too near but still hearable) and this morning it was a thunderstorm. He was not too happy. He goes into hiding for the fireworks, but just looks a bit nervous with thunderstorms - so far. Wait till one crashes overhead. I remember a few years back, before Shan, when the summer was full of thunderstorms forming up pretty much overhead and beginning the show with some hefty booms.

Tom has a friend who lives in Jacksonville FL and sometimes his job takes him to the Bahamas where he also had a home.  I say "had a home" because he lost it to Dorian.  He told Tom he would not rebuild but take the money.  When he needs to be in the Bahamas, he will rent. 

I was just thinking I had not seen any mail today.  Then it dawned on me - no mail today! 

Mary Ann

We have discussed the lack of new members in S&F for some time.  This week a friend of Bubble signed up and a couple of us have welcomed him.  His name is Valtermar and he is from Brazil.  He writes excellent English and says his wife does not speak English.

His last post told of his interests.  I wish some of you in this folder would read his post, then maybe reply to it.  Besides being a "body", he is a male and we need both in S&F.  We could have some interesting discussions.

Mary Ann

i hope everyone enjoyed their Labor Day!  It did not seem like a holiday around here.  We did pretty much the same thing we do every day.....a little bit of this and that and before you know it the day is over! 

MARY ANN, I have looked and looked and I can not find the post from Valtermar.  I sure do welcome him, and hope that he will join in our group.  I am sorry to read that Tom's friend lost his home in the Bahamas to Dorian's damage😤🤬

🎈🎈🎈🎈 WELCOME  VALTERMAR 🎈🎈🎈🎈


I wish every one a good evening.

Jenny

Oh Happy Day! Someone to talk with about Science Fiction. A Very Big Welcome to Valtermar.


Mary Ann, I got to watch Algoma Innovator pass by at Port Huron last night. What a sight, all lit up with halogen lights ablazing, including headlights and three rear lights. Shortly before, Saginaw went by, also lit up. That is the first time I've seen those two after dark. I wonder how the hurricane will affect the ship scheduling for the Salties traveling the Lakes.

Welcoming Valtermar

https://www.seniorsandfriends.org/index.php?topic=741.0;topicseen[/size][/font]

Marsgal, it looks like that hurricane will be heading for Wilmington.  I remember reading your sister lives there.  I hope the storm fizzles out but it is still bad even 'tho weaker.

Gigi and Jeff had a wonderful vacation in D.C.  they took in as many of the sights they could.  Whew, we got through the week with the doggies without any problem.  They were good but made a lot of trips to the door looking for their owners.  They really missed Gigi and Jeff.

I feel so bad for the people in the Bahamas.  I can't even imagine being in a CAT 5 hurricane for so long.  That place must be devastated.

Mary Ann, you mentioned some time ago that Jan had left Hospice for a different job.  Does she like her new job?

Marilyne,  several years ago we got a couple of really comfortable desk chairs from Staples, but after a couple of years the artificial leather peeled and they looked terrible.  We went back to our original "secretarial"  type chairs.  Now Larry uses his laptop in his comfortable easy chair and I mostly use my iPad while sitting in my easy chair.  Those original chairs are plenty good for no longer than we spend at the desktop.  Last year my daughter ordered a nice desk chair from Amazon and she loves it.  Her job is hours at the computer so a comfortable chair is really important.

Joy, I read your note in the Photos Folder.  We are so thankful that we will be missed by this hurricane.  Hope our luck continues.  Hurricane season ends Nov. 30th.

Have a good day everyone.

I bought arm chair covers for
my desk chairs that are awesome,  and pervent damage
to the chairs.

got mine at amazon a few years back:

https://smile.amazon.com/Sunnors-Armrest-Elbows-Forearms-Pressure/dp/B07K4CFT77/ref=sr_1_12?keywords=chair+cover+for+office+chair+arms&qid=1567529066&s=gateway&sr=8-12

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Mary Ann - Looks like you had a nice time today with Jan and her mother.  You're fortunate to have friends and relatives living close, so that you see them often.   I hope your arriving storm is not destructive.  Sixty mile per hour winds sound pretty bad to me. We're still having the same weather here that we've had for the past couple of weeks - temps in the mid 80's to mid 90's, but does seem to be cooling down more at night.  The Hurricane Dorian, seems to be moving very slowly, as it continues to do it's dirty work.  One of the newscasters was saying that it was only moving about one mile per hour . . . I'm sure he was joking??  Hurricanes are a weather phenomenon that we don't get here along the West Coast.  A few occasionally hit the coast of Mexico, but they're mild, and cause no real damage.

I hope we hear more from Valdevar?  In past years, I've encouraged friends and relatives to join S&F, and Senior Net before that.  None of them have ever given it a try, and usually say that it's too complicated, or people aren't friendly, etc.  I remember way back in Senior Net, I wanted my cousin Kay, to join us on the movies, TV, music, and Broadway  boards.  Those subjects were her passion, but she just never could get past registration! Also, my brother would have loved the old Bait and Tackle, when Norm and Papa John were here.  Plus, he was interested in sports and outdoor activities, and was a friendly and outgoing guy.  He wasn't a big computer user, so I think that was his excuse for never joining.  Well, both Kay and my brother are gone now, so too late.

Jean - Unfortunately, I'm not going to be able to use my new desk chair.  It seems too big for me, and the comfort that I felt in the store, is gone, after about a half hour.  AJ is using it, but I do think he'll return it, because he's happy with his old chair and doesn't need a new one.  Yes, I can imagine the fake leather, peeling away after a couple of years! ha ha! The chairs at The Big Box office supply stores, are not the best quality, but when you go to nicer stores, the price jumps way up - higher than I want to pay!   I'm glad your travelers are back home, safe and sound.  We used to take care of our son & dil's Labrador retriever, whenever they would go anywhere on vacation during the year.  He liked visiting us, but was always happy when they returned.  Such a sweet dog - I do miss him, now that he's gone.

My posture chair has a fabric seat and back.  I used that sort of chair all of my working years so continued with that style after I retired.  I don't use the chair now because I have a laptop but I did use it for many years and the fabric did not deteriorate.

Marilyn, James and family lives 40 miles from us and Tom sees them when he goes to Holland.  One of his lady friends also lives in Holland but he doesn't see them at the same time.  Annie lives about 10 miles from us and we see her least of all because of her working hours.  Jan lives about 10 miles from us too but in a different direction.  Tom's working hours are probably the most flexible but everyone works and we don't get to see them as often as one thinks.  Dot lives in the same condo complex and she and I see each other weekly.  Jan's kids are far from home.  Jan is figuring on being the family care taker.  Right now it is her mother, with help from her sister and nephew.  She has an aunt she has offered to take in but the aunt has different values and habits than Jan and is more set in her ways than I am! Jan's son is a film writer and lives in North Hollywood.  Her daughter lives in Indianapolis with her SO and they have plans to move to Minneapolis in a couple of years.  Things sure are different from when I grew up and family stayed within driving distance from each other. 

I've never encouraged friends to join me on the computer but always told how much I enjoyed it and told where all of us come from, hoping someone would join.  One problem is that I can't think of any friend who uses a computer like I do, in fact, most of my friends have died and the friends who do have and use computers are here on the computer now!

I can't get over the feeling that today is Sunday.  I know better but maybe it is that I was out for my haircut, then we had breakfast at the Brandywine, similar to our Sunday activity.  One change from Sunday is that Robin is coming today.  After she finishes, she and Tom will go to a Bible study and I'll stay home. 

Jean, you asked if Jan likes her new job - she does.  There is a lot less stress than she had at Hospice.  She is a Triage Nurse and works from 3 pm until midnight.

It is to hit 81 degrees today and my thermometer already says 80 degrees. 

Mary Ann

Strange things are happening around here.

Yesterday afternoon, the lamp beside my chair went out.  I could not reach the bulb in the linen closet so used the overhead light in this room.  Later my computer quit with a note that the battery was low.  I have my computer plugged in so that was strange.  Tom came upstairs shortly after that, so I asked him to get a bulb for me.  He screwed the new one in and still no light.  He also realized the hall and kitchen lights were out and we still don't know what blew the circuit.  He did get the circuit going and we were in business. 

I got up about 4 am and noticed our porch light was on and turned it off.  I asked Tom if he had left for any reason and he had not, then we connected that outage with the other.

On an entirely different matter, Tom washed my rubber tub mat in the washer.  We have a front loader.  He now cannot get the door open.  He's left for a while so that will give him something to do when he gets home. 

As I wrote - Strange things are happening!  (Red Buttons?)

Mary Ann

Mary Ann
Be sure to check under your bed
to see if there are any green men
hiding there!