Alpiner1, every time I stop by to check on y'all I want to give you a big thanks for putting a name to that photo of your 1926 touring, it is the same model my brother had/built during WWII. He & Dad scoured the junk yards for all the parts & pieces, took them quite a while, but something Dad loved and of course my brother ended up with one of the few cars of his own in high school during those war years. The man across the street was a commercial artist so he painted cartoons & little signs all over it, was quite a sight. Didn't help that my bro had a lead foot & a little old lady that lived on the fastest street (blacktop) on the way home called the police every time he speeded past her house. Got so they just came by the house to warn him AGAIN. Since they never caught him in the act they didn't give tickets. I asked the daughter of the artist at one of our class reunions if her dad had a photo in his collection of that car. She didn't know but her brother got all the photos so she would ask him. Anyway, I never knew what vehicle to look for & you provided!

Many years ago I mentioned that I quit having "Pap & Mammy" & I though y'all were going to never get over my lack of brains. Even back then I had so many problems with side effects of medications & anything used for surgery, I had made the decision I would just not do anything if the big C hit me. I didn't even get thru cataract surgery this spring without a couple big strikes, but at 86 I'm satisfied it's been a good life so far.

I did have Covid for 2 & 1/2 weeks, sicker than a dog & live alone. I was a concerned but my kids dropped food off at the door & the one out of town ordered food in for me. At that time (late Oct/early Nov) the shoppers at the 2 stores she ordered from were not experienced so was not something I'd do again. Anyway, I do have the antibodies (Dr ran the test a few weeks ago so I could join the family for 4th of July) and don't plan to get the shots since they can't take out the juice if it backfires. Like I told my kids, you don't walk down the middle of the highway & not expect that 18 wheeler that hits to NOT hurt! I had open heart surgery (3 bypasses & new aortic valve) 8 years ago with no pain meds after except for old faithful Bayer 325mg. I don't take the normal meds for heart surgery patients & will just "wing it" until one day I don't wake up. That's okay with me.

I had & still do have a great life doing more than most my age. It's called choices & my doctors charts are full of "Patient refuses", but they seem pleased it's working so far. I do avoid big crowds, wear a mask when in stores & can clean the whole ME up with the Clorox wipes as soon as I get back inside my car. I do appreciate hearing about all of the different problems each of you have gone thru, totally understand the choices each of you made & still make. I think we all have the same goal, to make it thru by doing the best we can with the facts we know for each day. My kids have heard me say all of their lives, "NO regrets. You made the best decision on that day, with the facts in hand...."

Always good to hear from you, Shirley.

Sharon, how great that your procedure worked. I hope it holds.

It's been a great week. Folks are trying to get things organized - and we head for home tomorrow.

Hugs and Happy Weekend to all the Buddies!

Shirley  my husband brought home the rusty parts & pieces which would become our touring car on Easter Sunday . He said he "resurrected it ."

how to know the resolution of my monitor

haha, Alpiner, that is so funny. I do remember seeing my brother sitting at the steering wheel with 3 or 4 of his buddies carrying the back end of the car home (more than once). And we have NO photos of that car at all. Dad went to Rhey's Auto School in KC, 2 or 3 years 1915-17, I think, as well as 2 of his brothers. They loved cars until they died.

Hi, Mary, been thinking of you "and the way we met". My daughter & husband flew into Seattle today for a week of visiting their favorite spots. They lived there (both Boeing employees) 2 different times so had friends to visit & things to do. Covid restrictions are causing a little problem but like you, she bulldozes right on. Sounds like you've had a good time.

Sharon, pleased the procedure has worked so well for you. Amazing what "they" can do now. It has been a long day & I'm ready to kick off shoes & chill.

Home, sweet home! Always good - no matter how good the trip. Getting back was hard - even if I didn't do any of the driving. Traffic was awful - had to get off the interstate a couple of times. And we went through some incredible (although brief) rain patches. But Kate & Jean still got me home safely! Another great week with family - and already looking forward to next time.

Good Sunday Morning all y'all Buddies. Did a couple of loads of laundry, walked the dogs and nothing else.

Keith is laying on the sofa listening to the TV. He had his breakfast and thinks it is time to go to bed, I had to tell him it is still morning.

Welcome home Mary glad you got home safely.

I bought a new bed, Queen size and some expensive sheets and mattress cover. I will feel like I am living La Vida Loca. (the crazy life) more like a life of luxury.  It feels good to have nice things that I bought by myself. I also orders a plush blanket with a wolf head  and some small pups under the chin. I will take pictures when I get it all put together.

Sharon It must feel absolutely wonderful to be able to write nd eat without all the tremors.

Yes, Marilyn & everyone, I am so happy to be able to do all the things I couldn't. I wish my left hand were cured as well, but you can't have everything. I just feel blessed that my right hand is well.

Shirley, you have had quite a time of it, but I like your motto of no regrets. Do you remember the Edith Piaf song, Je regrette rien (I regrette nothing)? I've always liked that.

Mary, I'm glad you got home safely and had a wonderful family time. Did you eat lots of seafood for me?

Jane, I hope you get back safely also.  So nice everyone is able to catch up with family again. My tiredness is pretty well gone now, so all's well here.

John is heading to IA Tues and returning Thurs night. So I'll be on my own for 3 days. I decided to let him take the car and park at the airport rather than me having to drive him both ways. So guess I'll go get my manicure and pick up a couple things at the grocery tomorrow.

Guess I better go do my meds for the week.  Have a nice week everyone!
Sharon

 

I echo Mary's Home, Sweet Home.

I, too, had rain the first day, but then only some fog this morning, and much less traffic than Sat.

Marilyn...I'm glad you're getting some new furniture and  linens. The new place should be better for your lungs, too.  Does K realize the cats are gone?

Sharon...wonderful news on the tremors gone on the right side.  Those essential tremors were so frustrating for Ray, too.

We're about to go back to hot weather...90s this week.

Stay safe,

Jane

And we have another week underway.  I did get up early and got a walk in while the temps were still manageable.  Then off to get my mail at the PO, renew my library card that had expired at the Lib., and two grocery stores for refilling my fridge.
 

Now to get to laundry and relax a bit this afternoon.

Stay healthy,

jane

Hello Buddies...haven't posted much lately...my stye is about gone...was really sore for few days..Jane see you are back home..I also got my walk in before it got hot...Sharon glad the procedure helped your tremors...Mary how was your beach time....It sounds like Marlyin is getting settled in...I would have sooo much stuff to get rid of if I had to move...here's wishing everyone a great day

Debi & Steve brought 5 year-old Ava by to see me today.  She is a truly enchanting child.  Going to be quite tall.

Tomorrow I go early to my primary physician.  Have to fast for a blood draw.  Errruggg!  I always get all my shots; have done so all of my life.  But I could happily do without.  Averting my eyes while I pretend to myself I am screaming at the top of my lungs makes the whole bit go by in a hurry.  I think to the shot-giver "If you just KNEW how loud I am screaming!" as I thank her or him.  I think more people would get their shots, deed I do, if only they would cease and desist from SHOWING all those needles going in all those arms on the telly.  I really think there ought to be a law that favors we squeamish.  The other night I counted TWELVE shots going into shoulders in less than one minute of the news!  Twelve!  Now you know, any reasonable person would say that's over kill.  Besides which, it makes my stomach lurch each time!!!

What was it that guy used to say on TV eons ago?  "Have Mercy!"

My Cleaning Ladies come Wednesday!  Dancing a happy jig.  Me, not them.

Sweet Dreams to all.

Mary Page...reminds me of what my late father told me about his para platoon soldiers having their vaccination's - inoculation's it was those tough looking big-set guys down that line who were the cry-babies and would pass-out at the very sight of the needle coming towards them...

Good Tuesday Morning, Buddies.  It's so great to come in and see Darlene, MaryPage and V-J!  I'm still trying to follow Darlene's pattern and get my walk in early...well, early for me.      Yes, I'm "walked" for today. 

Hope everyone is safe and healthy.

jane

I so enjoy watching the morning walkers here in Chesapeake Harbour (the name with the correct spelling of our community of condominiums here. If you have Google Earth you can search for 2010 Quay Village Court 21403 and you will see us and our marina and beaches and pools and tennis courts and new pickle courts and the mighty Chesapeake Bay), some walk slowly with dogs, some briskly alone or with partners, some jog and some run as though they are in the Olympics.  I feel I know each one of them, including the dogs, although I do not.

I like to walk close to the beginnings of sunset. Usually the tide is coming in and the breezes are strong, so no matter how high the heat, my body feels caressed and almost cool.

Went to see my personal physician this morning for my three-month checkup. We pretty much check off a list, and I told her of my anxieties re no mammograms or oncologist. So she examined my breasts herself and gave me an order for a mammogram and said she would give me a referral to Dr. Werner if I want one. She is not insisting I get the mammogram, but just giving me the tool to do it with if I wish. I love my doctor!

My dear, dear friend who is in a Hospice facility asked her niece yesterday if there were a letter from me.  I had the niece's email today when I got home, so I have addressed the envelope and now have to launch into what to say.  When I lose her, I am going to feel as though an arm or a leg has been cut off of me. Impossible to stop the clock. We and all things, not only the living, but the inanimate, experience a beginning and an end. I expect that is one reason we find babies and small children so irresistible. It sure helps assure we won't kill them when they wake us up a number of times during the nights in those early years of their beginnings.

MaryPage...the pain of losing dear ones seems to be the "order of the day" these days.  I lost my dear Texas friend last winter and miss her cheery...and cheeky...emails.
 She was one of a kind...and let's say you always knew what was on her mind! 

I did get my lazy bones out and my walk in early as the temps are going back up and humidity as well.
 This weekend plus it's to be above 100 heat index. 

Nothing exciting here at all this week. 

Stay safe and healthy,

jane

Marilyn, I forgot to say, that your house must look really nice now with all your new things and you will be able to keep it clean like I know you like to, with new floors and rugs. I feel sorry about K. Have you tried playing music for him? I've heard that helps some Alz. patients.

Jane, you and Darlene make me feel like a slug with all your morning walks! Yesterday, for the whole day, I managed .64 of a mile and that's the most I've gotten in since my knee surgery. I did walk up to the lake path with Bunny at noon today, so I'm gradually working up to it.

Played bridge yesterday. Not too good of cards till the last hand when I had all 4 Aces! I had no biddable suit but bid 1 NT and my partner took us to 3 C which was all we needed for game and he made 6 ! Good ending.
PT guy is really working me out trying to strengthen my leg, which is good but tiring. Cleaning girl was here today too, Mary Page. So a happy day for me too. Sorry to hear about your niece. We seem to lose more and more as time goes on. Sad.

Glad Mary & Jane are safely home from their jaunts. John made it safely to his sister's.

All for now. Have a nice evening. Sharon

Sharon...no reason to feel like a slug.  We each have to do what we can do...we're not in competition.  I know what it's like to be in pain.  Thank heavens for the prednisone which has me pain free mostly now, but that can't last forever!

I got a card that says I'm in the jury pool for Sept.  I doubt they'll want someone my age on a jury, but we'll see.

My car is out for service, and manager brought me back home as they got a customer in...on a wrecker...not how they were expecting that car.

So, I'm waiting now for her to call this afternoon when my car is finished. 

Stay safe and healthy,

jane




 

Hi everyone...been cleaning house a little...not my favorite chore..Sharon..I agree with what Jane said...no way are we in competition..some days I am a slug....wonder where Jeanne is...haven't seen her post lately...does anyone ever get a update on Sue?..well almost lunch time here...Hi to any looking in...stay safe

Jane, I was on a Medrol of steroids after the brain thing, but it didn't do much for my back, a little for my shoulder and leg. I asked the dr for an NSAID to take daily to see if that would help. She said she would prescribe Daypro but was very reluctaNT to do so, so I hope it's not such a low dose it doesn't help. Here you don't have to do jury duty after age 65.

My alarm didn't go off this AM and I slept till 9:30 with the PT coming at 10:15! Boy, did I scramble. I've only 2 more weeks of PT and then I'm done. He is primarily strengthening my leg, working on balance, etc now. I have full motion back.

My neighbor had a group of us for bridge last night. It was fun.

John just called from the Des Moines airport, so he'll be home this evening for dinner. I will pick it up from the dining room since he will be late for service.

Hi Darlene. No I'm not in competition, just in envy. If it weren't for my back, I could do a lot more.

All for now. Hi to everyone. Sharon

Darlene...I'm with you....I don't like doing housework.

We're getting warnings about the heat and humidity for today through the weekend.  You all know where I'll be...INSIDE with AC!  I think I probably need to get the sprinklers going for the poor plants, too. 

Our little group of 5 usually goes out on Fri nights, but the oldest one...now 93 is now in the nursing home for some rehab and my friend Kathy is having dizzy spells so I don't know if they're on or if I'm going to be home tonight.  The dentist office that called to remind me of my appt on Thursday called this morning to move the appt to Aug.  Whew...a month's reprieve!

Stay safe and healthy,

jane

I posted a quiz on-site for those who wished to play. The same rules apply.

https://www.seniorsandfriends.org/index.php?msg=201415

Thanks, Patricia...something to take our minds off the wildfires and heat and humidity.   


jane

Good morning..have a wonderful weekend

I've got laundry going as usual on Saturday. I also went to Pineville for a dermatology appt. I had a basal cell on my neck that he froze off. Somehow in the going and coming I have lost my right hearing aid! I noticed it wasn't there when I took off my mask in the car so went back up to the office but no sign of it. Couldn't find it in the car or here at home. So upset. They are so expensive.

Very hot here too and smoke from the West affecting air quality.

Nothing exciting happening here. Staying in the AC too. Have a nice weekend everyone.  Sharon

I got a notice saying my oncologist was leaving & I would have a replacement .  I really liked her & have been waiting to be contacted about the replacement .  I had an appt. coming up but she was to leave before that time .  I got a call & will be seeing her a few days later .   I have been seeing her for about 4 years , have had good test results so I'm hoping she will tell me I won't need a follow up dr.

I  am not suffering from all the fires, being on the coast with the wind going to other way  sure is bothering all y'all though.

All the suggestions on my Facebook post re being a caregiver and being tired. I really can't comment there. I can't get  the Medi-call ( medicaid) to pay for Keith's care because of the $$ from the sale of the house. In California you are only allowed to have 2K  in the bank if you are on Social security. I would have to pull it all out and keep it at home or put in into a safe deposit box.

I have applied to Medi-Cal and the bank statements they ask for  are before the  title company had sent the check. So we will see if I an get him on Medi-Cal.I am still not ready to place him into a memory care facility.However there was still a  lot more than the 2K allowed.

Marilyn...I know you're checking this carefully, but if you're not applying for Medicaid (Med-Call) for yourself but just for K, it appears you could have the" community spouse (the non-applicant spouse of an institutional Medicaid or HCBS Medicaid waiver applicant) can retain up to a maximum of $130,380 of the couple's joint assets, as the chart indicates above."  I know that's the number they use here in Iowa, too.  It's $2,000 for K, as I read this document:
https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-eligibility-california/

Alpiner...I, too, lost my oncologist soon after my chemo, and I was taken over by the surgeon who'd done my mastectomy, and I've seen him every year since for a mammo and check up.  That's 32 years now.

Sharon...Ray lost his hearing aid on the golf course a month or so after he got it.  His hearing aid center had a one time replacement for $400, which was a good deal as we'd paid over $3,900 for that one ear.  We then added it to our house insurance policy.  I hope John had a good visit with his sister and got home without difficulties.

Very hot and humid here.  These are going to be inside days, for sure.

jane

Sorry to have been AWOL.  I have been keeping up, though. It's definitely been the summer doldrums around here - settling down after our week at the beach. But we've had temps in the mid90s and high humidity for the past week - and predicted for next week. Typical July/August for here.

I did go out to dinner last night with Margaret and the son and daughter-in-law of one of my dearest friend. We went to Red Lobster - wouldn't have been my first choice by any means, but my dinner was delicious - a plate of mussels steamed in butter/wine/garlic. I ate every one, and dipped garlic toast in the broth. Yum!!

Jane, sorry you're getting some of these temps, too. Glad you had a good visit to Wisconsin.

Sharon, I hope John had a good visit with his sister, and is home safely. Sounds like your PT is still going well - even through the hard work.

Marilyn, so glad you're not dealing with the fire and smoke. It's just an awful scenario. But my heart goes out to you for your dealings with MediCal and the finances - to say nothing of the day-to-day issues with Keith. My Margaret helps out a church member who is on TennCare (the version of Medicaid in TN). Margaret has control of her finances, and she says it's a balancing act keeping her limited income and bank balance in line with the TennCare parameters. I hope you're able to work something out.

Darlene, glad you're getting in your walking early in the mornings.

alpiner, hope your visits with the doc goes well. And, if needed, you get along with the new doc.

Hugs to all the Buddies!

Marilyn, I am feeling the deepest sympathy for you regarding the Medicaid mazes erected to snoop innocent folks out of their necessary help.  I remember the 1st time I ran slam bang into that was when a dear friend called crying because her stipend had not been put in her account one month and she called to find out why not and was told her account had, oh, I forget the amount, but it was around $900 in it, and this had been from a yard sale or some such, but they didn't ask or care, they just weren't going to allow her to cheat, and no questions as to whether she had or not!  Right then and there I learned that it is True that the rules are stacked against the very folks who need help the most!  JFK was famous for saying that Life Is Not Fair, and at the time, I resented him deeply for saying that, thinking who is he to say that when he has it all?  Now, looking back, I realize that despite all he was born to, he had quite a lot of horrors plop right down in front of him and make his trip through Life quite hazardous.

Every human being can use a little help skirting the unexpected; and if those in the know could just take a moment to help or to warn or to explain, it would make for a more pleasant trip for us when we are like salmon having to swim uphill and jump over chasms and falls.

But no, they will cut you off with no explanation.  I would suggest you cut them back just as severely.  Set up an account in your name only and put any excess money in there.  I believe this is legal if it is YOUR money and not your husband's.  If it is money owned jointly. but you have Power of Attorney, you have a right to treat it as money put into your safekeeping.  I think.  This is not free legal advice, because I am not a lawyer.

Oh, but it is not advice that comes with a bill, either!  I repeat:  I  Am  Not  A  Lawyer  !

The quiz has re-opened with each person allowed two more answers.

https://www.seniorsandfriends.org/index.php?msg=201571