Thanks for the reminders, patricia.

THANKS, Patricia.  The scam lowlifes have NO conscience.  I don't expect to be eligible until late spring at the earliest.  And I'll only get it at our local hospital/clinic or one of the pharmacies where I know the pharmacists.

It's another chilly morning here...mid 20s and snow lingering on.  I'm expecting a UPS delivery today. 

I think I'll be at least an 80% hermit, even when the virus is less rampant.  I like ordering online and either going to pick up groceries or having stuff delivered to my door.  LAZY is my name!!


Nothing else going on here.  Stay safe and healthy, Buddies!

jane

It turns out in our round of testing last Saturday, there were two positives in the building - one staff and one resident. So we're still in room quarantine until the 26th.  But we've been told we can leave for a day to spend with family (and the mandatory test and two-weeks afterward).  I probably won't be going anywhere. Margaret's son (Matt)/DIL/new great-grandson won't be coming, otherwise, I'd be there for sure. We've talked about it and decided that I'll just "play it safe" and stay isolated until after I get a vaccine.

Just had a fun visit - a group of preschoolers at my window - singing Jingle Bells and We Wish You... and blowing kisses.  So sweet!

I know it's nothing exciting, but I'm so glad we're all staying in. And Marilyn, I know you have to be out and about, but be VERY careful!

Mary...glad your girls and their families are staying safe.  I'm going to miss the little ones, but I'm also sort of glad I don't have the 750 mile trip in the cold and snow.  I've gotten pretty picky about when I drive and where as the years go by.   

It's another low 20s morning here and I have only been out to get some early morning FedEx/UPS packages on my porch.  I decided to finish with the stove and took everything out of the bottom drawer there...and took things I don't use much to the basement cabinets where I have those excess kitchen "things."  I cleaned it out good, so that's all nice and "uncrumbly".


I also did some rearranging in my cupboard.  I had glasses there I don't use, so moved those to basement, too, for Goodwill giving and made room for some more cups I ordered that I really like. 

Take care and stay healthy!

jane

I thought I posted this morning but it must not have made it here .
Yesterday was a nightmare !!  The power company notified  us the power would be off from 8:00a.m. until 2:00p.m. while a pole was being replaced .  So we loaded up hubby's truck with bottles & vans to take to be recycled . Afterward we took the truck to be smogged (emission testing) as required by law .  Hubby turned of the truck while getting paper work taken care of & it wouldn't start .  We called AAA & a tow truck took the truck to the dealer to be checked . The fuel pump head gone out .  AAA called a car rental for a shuttle & we rented a car .  We went through a drive through for lunch , then drove home to see if the electric company was still blocking our road .  They never came !!  So I took my car out of the garage & followed hubby to return the rental car .  This afternoon the truck is still in the shop & will probably be ready tomorrow .

Yuck, alpiner!  Cars can be such a pain. And don't you hate it when folks don't come when they say they will.  I hope all goes better soon.

Nothing new around here. Sue (our oldest in SC) has told me that she is scheduled to get her vaccination on Friday. She works in an internal medicine office with several doctors, and I guess they just got picked. She's really happy about it.  (Me, too!)

Today was a yucky, cold, rainy (almost snowy) day - temps in the low 40s. I'm just glad I didn't have to be out in it.

Stay warm and healthy, Buddies!

I come check on you girls (as you know) and had to chuckle at your comment, Mary, that ... "Today was a yucky, cold, rainy (almost snowy) day - temps in the low 40s." WE are hoping for the 40s today after some below freezing days. Sure looks different on the other side of the coin!

I was telling a friend that lives in a Senior Retirement place in KC about your Bingo in the halls. She thought that was a very good solution to boredom of not getting to visit with REAL humans.

I am happy for everyone that can take the shots to end this nightmare. I am not even considered a candidate by the doctors because of allergic reactions (would make the vaccine look dangerous & scare people), besides, it's on my records that the 2 meds used to counteract an allergic reaction are my most dangerous ones. Any of you can understand, if you've gone through open heart surgery, I had absolutely NO pain meds after except for 325 aspirin as blood thinner. Had 3 bypasses so leg split open from ankle to knee, chest open from Adam's apple to almost navel.

One nurse that didn't like having a patient alert to change dressing insisted I sit up against pillows so when I tried to lay down the tape was too short... (The next nurse that replaced that dressing was appalled, I didn't have to tell her how miserable it was, she could see).

A-fib set in about the 3rd day after surgery so didn't have a choice of that med, had no idea it was causing me to sink into a stupor until after getting home & my husband realizing I wasn't zoned in, suggested we cut that pill in half. Worked like a charm for several days & then had to cut the half in half. Few days later I stopped them & no more A-Fib or mental problem. 

Alpiner, cars can be like raising "teenagers" at times. I just got over 2 & a half weeks of the worst Covid aches & everything you can think of... every single day was a different ache or pain, open heart surgery was a piece of cake in comparison... when almost back to back phone calls were from "your car warranty has run out".... so as soon as my doctor said I was no longer contageous I headed to the dealership that had the 2021 little Encore I like (I shop on line for everything)... bought & paid for and then realized how much paper work goes into that action! Nothing can be done as usual & takes at least 3x as much effort for everything. But I got a new car warranty! Had another one of those calls yesterday so when told to push 1 to talk to someone about extending... I pushed 1 and pulled the plug on a personal alarm I keep handy & stuck the phone next to it & hope that person gets another job!

My car did pass it's 7 year warranty, only about 25,000 miles but knew the tires were original & age can cause them to split, etc... so with snow & ice on the way, I got new tires. I also didn't want everything to start going wrong with all the computer stuff inside. My kids are teasing me about never trying out the "driver assist parking" feature, the new one also has that... (little Buick Encores) & suggested I have the sales person show me how to. She didn't act too bright so I decided I don't need help parking!

I do have caller ID but also have family all over the US and friends that have cell phones with their kids names show up so I answer most calls & block the ones that are not legit or out right scams. Boy, I sound like I am at war with the world! My brain is on fast forward & fingers still type as fast as I talk or think, so tend to go on & on. Good thing I don't stop to talk too often!!!   

Nothing as exciting as Alpiner's day or Shirley's here.

I see the NE states have a lot of snow!

Stay safe and healthy,

Jane

I tried to post a wonderful Christmas video of the AF Band . It would not 'take" sorry.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS  to all

Thanks for the thought, DigLady!  I hope you have a safe and healthy Christmas.

I made a trip to the PO this morning...and yikes!...they need to get organized.  FINALLY another clerk came to the window when the line was looping around the lobby.  Bought another little batch of winter stamps to get me through until spring. 

I'm seeing more men and women wearing masks and getting out of their cars/trucks with the mask already on or are putting it on.  Good News!

Nothing else new here...oh...forgot...YES>..BIG NEWS....we were given new BIG garbage and recycle tubs.  Those of you who live in cities would recognize them...the kind the truck can pick up and dump.  They are sure hard to maneuver (sp?), esp. in snow.  I don't have room in my garage for them, so they will live outside and I'll continue to do my garbage and recycle with my in garage containers...and then fill the outside ones from those on collection day.  Recycle is now only every other week.

SO, that's the big news from here in the cold northern plains!

Stay safe and healthy,

jane

Hi Buddies.whew..been a busy week..the last of my family that visited and stayed with me left today..our Christmas together..tomorrow I go to son "2 house for another Christmas tree gathering..then I think it will be quite here on Christmas Day...I'm washing sheets and towels...so will say hope everyone is well and able to be virus free.....

Thanks, Patricia for the warnings. I had seen most of them before, but they bare repeating.

I started this post yesterday just as they delivered dinner and I didn't go back to it, so had to read all the forgoing messages. It's cold today although sunny, supposed to rain tomorrow & Monday. This all does wonders for my joints.

My cleaning lady came yesterday and I'm doing laundry today. John is doubling up on bridge games because one of his partners from Sun City who is now in Maine has a mass on her heart on which they will operate about the beginning of the year. She wants to play at 4:15 which means I eat alone and John has to heat his up. Not sure why, but he is going along with her since she is so worried. I'm praying for her health so I can put my foot down about these late bridge games! I also like her and hope it's something easily cured.

Lori did not get the job she was interviewing for, but there will be more open the end of the year. In the meantime, she still has her old job, she just doesn't like it.

I had an appt with my neurologist this week (virtual). He doubled my tremor med and it seems to be helping. He has also recommended a neuromuscular surgeon for my ulnar nerve impingement, but that's not till March. Later in the week, I had an in person visit with my cardiologist and got an A+. Don't have to go back for a year unless I have problems.  This week, I have to go to the dentist and the orthopedist. It's always something.

Staying put for Christmas. Just hoping to talk or video chat with the kids.  Don't know about the vaccinations yet. I missed the meeting because it was during my hair appt.  Like I said, a busy week.

Glad everyone is okay for now. Stay safe and get vaccinated ASAP! Sharon

Good morning every Buddy. I had a bad couple of days after I found out that my family didn't want me to travel for Christmas. However, it is better that I do not. My grand kis and their partners have a;; had Covid-19 outbreaks are their places of employment and didn't want to take any chances of  Gilbert or I  getting sick. Gilbert, Sonja's mother, Keith and I all have Pre-existing conditions. So Christmas this year is is depressing for all of us.

Marilyn...I think many of us are in the same predictment...staying alone to stay safe.

 After seeing how hard covid  hit my otherwise healthy 77yr old brother-in-law, I don't want anything to do with it.  Even my neighbor, who says he's well over it, is very short of breath with a walk up stairs, etc.  So, his lungs are still not back to par.

I just think we're so lucky to have texting, zoom, facetime, phone calls so much more readily available than years ago.
 

Sharon...this weather has me hurting like crazy.  We don't have any rain/snow, but it feels damp and my body doesn't like it. It's gotten hard for me to get out of bed in the morning.

Stay safe and healthy, Buddies.

jane

 
 

Marilyn, and the rest of us, it is tough spending the holidays without the extended family as usual. But, as my Margaret keeps reminding me (and herself), we're so close to getting the vaccine and hopefuly being protected, it'd be even worse to get the virus now. We need to keep up the distancing for a while longer.

It's definitely winter weather around here. Granted, like Shirley said, mid40s doesn't sound too cold to you folks from the "northern climes", but for us delicate southern flowers, it's plenty cold.   

Margaret drove to Atlanta today, so she did get to spend some Xmas time with Alden.  He's 8 months old now, and getting more personality. I know she'd like to be able to see him more often. And, of course, I'd like to meet him for the first time.

Goodness, Sharon - you sound almost busier than you did before you moved. Seems like we do spend a lot of time with medical issues, doesn't it.

Hang in there, Buddies!

Mary...you have me chuckling out loud over all you "delicate Southern flowers and cold temps."
 We hardy "northerners" are about to find out how tough we are...arctic temps headed this way for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. 

I do believe I see some sunshine!  There's been no sun for several days...just dark gloomy clouds. 

Stay safe and healthy, Buddies!

jane

They are saying will be 53 deg and sum here on Wednesday. No place open to go eat lunch so maybe we will make it and take to the park. Least get out of the house. I am not going into to many areas for the rest of of week. Still to many Positive and people dying here.

Our newly found nephew sent us a couple of CD's with  he & his wife singing gospel songs .  We listened to one of them on the way to church this morning .  They are very good singers & I found one of their CD"s on Amazon !    https://www.amazon.com/Reflections-Harold-Janice/dp/B0085MJDIA

Hi every buddy. Not much new here, I gifted a couple of my neighbors with some extra food I had here like Carrots, Potatoes, Onions, Squash. Apples and Clementines. I had pickef up a large food order from the Knights of Columbus yesterday. I still have so much  that it will last us for a few months. I always share whare I get with the neighbors and keep a little for us.

I gave away almost all of the cookies I made last week and made more today. I love making cokies using my new Kitchen Aid mixer and the cookie scoop it is so easy.

Here is a story I thought you would enjoy. It made me cry:


 https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Hjz8yu5MWC0

Happy Holidays

Wow!  I had never heard this story.  Wasn't he spry for 92 years old?

Thank you so much for the video. I think I had heard parts of it in the past, but not all of it.  He was an amazing man and brings to mind the story of Jesus and the 3 fishes and 2 loaves of bread that fed the 5000. I don't know if Hal was Christian or not, but he certainly had the spirit.

Jane, sorry you're hurting too. Getting up is very difficult for me too.

Darlene, I think you're about the only one who is seeing family for Christmas or before Christmas.  The rest of us will stay home and safe.

Marilyn, I feel especially bad you won't be able to go to CA, but under the circumstances is the best idea. Good for you for sharing your groceries with your neighbors.  We gave a large check to the church to buy food and things for the needy since we couldn't.

Mary, Jeanne, and all, stay safe and have a blessed Christmas.Sharon

40s here and gusty winds, but snow is pretty much melted. 

Hair appt was changed to 3:00...stylist has had two deaths in her family these last two weeks...her Mom's brother and now her Mom's dad. 

Marilyn...how nice the K of C is providing food baskets.

Jeanne...good to see you!  We're to get snow here on Wednesday but mild temps and then a high of 15 on Thursday! Brr.

Sharon...lots of people needing help this holiday, unfortunately.

Diglady and Tomereader...great to see you here and thanks for the link.

Alpiner...how nice to get a musical gift from an unknown nephew. 

I did get out to the grocery stores this morning before the next rush for the holidays. 

I did hear on our news that after the health care workers, the essential workers...grocery store people, etc and those over 75 will get the vaccine.  With the supplies unknown I have no idea how soon that will be.  Until then, it's play it safe and mask up.  With our cold temps, the mask actually feels good.  Win-Win.


Take care and stay safe and healthy. 

jane

 

From Euronews and Ethical Hackers on new hacking scams

"World-renowned cybersecurity expert, ethical hacker, author and former U.S. Marine, Bryan Seely also spoke at GITEX. Seely became recognised in the hacking world in 2014 when he became the only person to ever wiretap the United States Secret Service and FBI to expose hidden criminal activity.

Seely told Euronews that since the world went into lockdown hackers have created new and more effective ways to scam people and corporations. One way that many people have fallen victim to hackers is clicking on a phishing email link that has been coordinated with home deliveries. Seely said it is almost impossible to tell the difference from the hackers' email and the companies they are impersonating.

When asked how to be safe online, he stressed 'never click on a link from someone you do not know'. Other points he advised were to never reuse passwords and to always activate two-factor authentication. Highlighting the importance of being safe online, he said: "if you don't, you deserve what's going to happen to you"'.

https://tinyurl.com/y75g5k8r

Thanks, Patricia.

Nothing new here...spoke to niece in N. Wisc for 45 minutes this morning.  They're getting ready for the "Clipper" of very cold air coming down from Patricia's interior Alaska.

I made a run to the dollar store this morning for small paper plates to take to Kathy's for my cheese ball and crackers appetizer for Christmas dinner.  Exciting stuff, huh!

Heard on the news that maybe Feb we in the 75+ age group would get our shots. 

Stay safe and healthy,


jane

Hi every buddy.....finally finished with mailing Christmas cards...hopefully want be late...warmer yesterday and today ...so got my walk in..Hi to everyone looking in....not much going on with me to tell about...I will also be alone on Christmas Day.....hopefully next year will be better...take care

Usual quiet day here.  Lovely sunshine, though, with moderate temps.

Daughter Sue got her Covid vaccine on Friday. She said she has had no reaction to the shot, but thinks she might from the second one.  We shall see.

And, on another front, Margaret is having to self-quarantine. One of the women who put on their after-church snacks turned up with a positive Covid test. So Margaret could have been exposed. We were reallJy down-playing any Xmas gathering, so not too bad, but she was planning to spend Xmas Eve day with Jesse/Darby/Henry. She certainly doesn't want to risk infecting them. She'll get a test done next Monday - that should be enough time to come up with a
definitive reaction (positive or negative). Sure hope nothing comes from that.

Here there's saying that tentative plans are for us to be able to get back to meals in the dining room next Monday. And to get vaccines shortly after the first of the year. We shall see.

Hang in there, Buddies!

Afternoon, Buddies, from a warm but gloomy day.  The news is on now and the weathergirl has a map with BLIZZARD WARNING over much of the midwest.  I think that's to come tomorrow...so we'll see.
 The cold front is to swing through in an hour and the temps are to nose dive.  Sioux City on the western boarder has whiteout conditions now. 45 mph winds.  Santa needs to bundle up!

Take care and stay safe and healthy,

jane

Stay warm, jane and Jeanne. We're supposed to get lots of wind and rain tonight with some snow showers tomorrow morning. Then be really cold (for us) here on Xmas day - highs around 32 with wind chill in the "single digits". Yep, Shirley - that's REALLY cold for us! But it doesn't last too long - back into the 50s by next week.

I had a nice Xmas present this afternoon.  Jesse and Darby brought Henry by to see me. We stood outside the building, masked (except Henry, of course), and distanced. But Henry is such a happy baby, and has such a quick and friendly smile - just a joy to see and interact with...even if I couldn't touch him.

Happy safe and warm Holidays, Buddies!

Mary...what a wonderful Christmas present for you!

It was 3 degrees here this morning and all the way up to 12 now.  Windchill way below zero.  I've only been out to bring in my huge garbage can and put out some more feed for my cardinal visitors. 

I did make a creamcheese  cheese ball this morning to take tomorrow to Kathy's. 

Hope you're all safe and healthy and warm!

Merry Christmas,

jane