Now I don't feel so bad, Marilyne. I have company. It has been a bad year for me. I am not used to the health issues I have been having since Spring. Yeah, I noticed crumby things seem to pile on at once. Then something nice happens and I'm all happy again.

MaryAnn.  Now where are you finding those Puzzle sites. On a App store on a tablet. I would rather get puzzles on my Big Desktop screen not my Ipad.

Just went for a walk and boy was it cold. Got dark also.  Going to have to start doing it over at the indoor Mall down the street.

Annie is going to be doing her thing now. I remember when my girls got 20.  They really seem to know it all. But they handled leaving home good.  They know you are there if they need you.  Now the have their own kids over 20s and know what I was talking about back then.
When I was 20 I knew it all.

I have a three times daily quiz question that  comes through my email and sometimes the answers are a  surprise other than the expected. Today's answer was interesting in how little we know some of our most iconic folks, In this case, Desi Arnes. Here is that answer.

"Desi Arnaz is best remembered for his role as Ricky Ricardo on the television series I Love Lucy, starring with Lucille Ball, to whom he was married at the time. Born in Santiago, Cuba, in 1917, Arnaz came from a distinguished family. His father was Santiago's youngest mayor and also served in the Cuban House of Representatives. The queen of Spain had appointed his great-grandfather the mayor of Santiago. Before that she had given his great-great grandfather Don Manuel I and his wife, Ventura, large parts of Southern California. (Ventura Boulevard and Arnaz Drive are named in their memory.) His maternal grandfather was one of the founders of Bacardi Rum. His paternal grandfather was the doctor assigned to Teddy Roosevelt's Rough Riders after their ride up San Juan Hill."

Marilyne, my old washer (and dryer) were 35 years old - how old is your washer?

Mary Ann

Hi everyone.  It is a glorious day the Lord has made for us.  One weather report said it was 31 degrees in North Augusta but my gauge said it was 40.  However, I did notice my neighbor had frost on the top of her car.  I guess it is time to bring in the garden hoses for the winter months.  I will attend Sunday School and church this morning.  I had hoped Pat would be up to going but she doesn't so won't.  Maybe next week.  I enjoyed the football games yesterday as my teams won, i.e., South Carolina, Georgia and Clemson.  I will have a quiet afternoon of listening to Don't classical music program, rest and then watching some football games later this afternoon.

The morning has gotten away from me so I will have to come back later to add any separate comments. 

#3 try.  Have you heard of a Reveal Party?  Norm's two grandsons and their wives are expecting in March so last night we went to Holland MI to a Reveal Party for James and Alicia.  Since they are expecting twins, there were pink ribbons, blue ribbons and lavender ribbons.  The ribbons were for our guesses - boy, girl or one of each.  Two large boxes were brought out (remember, twins) with pink and blue ribbons around them.  James and Alicia each pulled on a ribbon which opened the box and balloons arose out of the boxes.  They are going to have two girls.  I was pulling for one of each but it is not to be.  I'll be a 2nd great aunt to that generation.  I feel bad that Norm won't be here to enjoy them, but Tom is in seventh heaven to think that he is going to be a grandfather.  Terry and Jan are excited about their grandchild coming too - first for both nephews.

Dot and I did our usual this morning.  So far we like our new minister very much and we get to know him better at our early service because there are fewer people there.

Mary Ann

Grand Haven has lots of whitecaps and I think someone is surfing.

Mary Ann

Mary Ann - The Reveal Party, sounds like it was lots of fun! A clever way to make the announcement.  I will be interested in finding out what they name their twin girls.

I've looked at the Grand Haven site, many times, but for some reasaon, it isn't coming up for me today.  Instead, a message that says, "Safari can't open the page".  My husband uses the Firefox browser, so I'll check it out there.

He got the washing machine working again, but only on the lowest water level.  So I've done a couple of lightweight loads on low.  We won't be able to go shopping for a new machine until after the Thanksgiving weekend.  Too much going on here.  This washer was purchased in 1991, so it is now 25 years old!  Yours lasted ten years longer than mine!  Whirlpool washers were wonderful - don't know if they still are or not?

Marilyne, I can't say this party was a lot of fun, but others might be because it has potential.  Mostly we just sat around gabbing until it was time to open the boxes.  Besides the family, there were some church friends, one couple with a week-old baby girl, another baby and two young children maybe three years old.  Refreshments were ice cream and it was a very cold night.  We have had very warm weather so they probably thought ice cream would go over good.  I decided I had not had anything to eat all day which is not like me.  Alicia had some pizza so gave me a couple pieces, then later I did have some ice cream.  I enjoyed it anyway.

Whirlpool is still in business; headquarters are in Benton Harbor MI but I think their appliances are made overseas like so many brands.  They make some of Kenmore's appliances (we bought Kenmore) but this laundry equipment was made by Electrolux, who started out as a canister vacuum cleaner company.  Your washer lasted a long time too.  I think appliances are made to be obsolete the minute they leave the factory. 

I used to have trouble getting the Grand Haven site and found my flash player was outdated.  I don't like flash player because I think it is responsible for many of the problems I have, but I do want to see the Grand Haven site.

Mary Ann

Good evening nearly 9PM


Patricia, that was a very interesting write up. Now I have to tell you I just dropped and open can of cat food, which had a lot of gravey. I have cleaned it up, but i can still smell it.  I will go back again and clean. Taffy slept through the whole thing.

Not spoken to daughter today but just read her post on Facebook.  They young really seem to do everything on there.  I don't. But looks like she left the hospital for home this after noon. Sunday. That was fast. Says doing good. Got up during the night for bathroom and did not use the walker. Got into a mess she wrote. Hasn't told me yet. Has to go for PT starting tomorrow. Think they gave her pain pills to take and bet she is fast asleep now.

I am mad a myself. I decided to get new glasses in Bifocals . had just for reading for past 10 years. Got new Prescription. Spent $300 and tried to get use to wearing them for past 2 weeks.  Must have taken them off someplace and left them.No idea where. Spent all weekend checking and have gone all over the house but can't be found.  Never fails. if I buy either sun glasses and now reg. ones that don't cost much will have them for years. Pay more and loose in short time. So now back to my readers.  Will have to get them made again. (Then I will find the lost pair).

I have my reading glasses hanging around my neck so that I don't need hunting for them.  I am too forgetful for that!

Hi everyone.  It is another beautiful clear morning with no wind and it is about 40 degrees.  We apparently won't make it to 60 degrees today and have a fire warning for this afternoon as things are so dry and the humidity is suppose to be between 15 and 20 percent.  Fortunately, there is not suppose to be much wind.  There was a grass fire about 5 miles from where we live and several homes were evacuated for a short period of time over the weekend.

Pat did not make it to church yesterday as just didn't feel up to going. 

My schedule is light for today as just plan to attend my Monday noon meeting.  Depending on how Pat and I are feeling we might decide to make that trip to COSTCO that was postponed on Friday. 

Mary Ann and JeanneP, I found another jigsaw puzzle website last evening that I really like.  It has the features of being able to show just the edge pieces and also to turn the pieces, making it more challenging to put together.  After the edge is put together it puts the frame in the middle and shows all of the other pieces around the edges and you don't have to spend boring time putting them out one by one.  You can also use your own photos or other pictures to make puzzles.  Here is the link if you are interested:  https://www.jigsawexplorer.com/

Johann, sure nice to read that you weathered the hurricane well.  We never know how something we have done or said in the past will be remembered by others.  Certainly nice compliments on your work as a guidance counselor.

Joan, I will be very concerned if one day I read that Furby is sick. 

MarsGal, the CareCredit can be used at doctors, dentists, vets, and just this last week had a flyer saying if used or shown at the RiteAid drug store you could be a 20 percent discount on things purchased there before Christmas.  The only problem I ever had with it was by paying a monthly payment too soon before it had been billed and they charged me $80 in late fees as I hadn't made another payment after the billing.  While I guess that makes sense I was a bit upset and sure haven't paid in advance.  However, you can pay more than the minimum in a monthly payment, which I almost always do to be sure I get the balance paid off before the end of the interest free period.  Not all doctors and dentists use this service but many do as I am sure they get paid right away on the full balance, less whatever fee they are charged, and don't have to carry patients on credit.  Sorry to read your house isn't treating you well with a number of things needing repair.   

Patricia, I did not know all of that background of Desi Arnez. 

JeanneP, had you mentioned your daughter being in the hospital?  If so I must have missed the posting.  Glad she is doing better and was able to leave the hospital.  I sure hope your new glasses show up. 

Bubble, I keep my glasses on my nose except when resting and then they are at arms length. 

Larry, I looked at the puzzle you mentioned and started one and have saved it to go back.  My puzzles are smaller and wouldn't take as much time.  And I don't have to sort much. 

Jeanne, I hope your daughter is getting along well.  As to glasses, I go between my regular and dark glasses.  I have a case that I keep in my purse and my dark glasses are there most of the time.  When I am wearing them, my regular glasses are in the case.  I have computer glasses and those are beside my chair or on my nose.  Then my regular glasses are on a table nearby.  I'm in trouble if I can't find the right glasses at the right time!

I had Tom buy more meaty cat food and the cat ate all of it overnight so I had to put dry cat food in his dish for today.  I didn't put as much dry food in the dish as I usually do.  I think he had to get used to the difference in food when he rejected the salmon and I'll get some salmon again to make sure. 

Mary Ann

Larry said"Joan, I will be very concerned if one day I read that Furby is sick.  "  Thanks Larry, you have made my day. 

Mary Ann, on Larry's site you can change the number of pieces and make then smaller.

Thanks, Bubble.  I just played with it as it was to see what it was all about.  I did put it in my Favorite places and I'll work with it some more. 

Mary Ann

Lucky Me. I found my glasses. In the last place I thought they would be. I keep a old robe in my bathroom to just put on fast until I take out my clothes. I was getting things ready to send to the laundry today and found them in the pocket of the Robe.  I think I had just gotten out of the shower and the phone rang. Put on Ratty robe to answer and put glasses in that pocket.
I have to start watching where I put stuff. Also making a few notes if I want to remember things for later.  admit to comes with getting older

Now My Daughter in Texas had her Knee Replaced Friday. Maybe I hadn't mentioned her needing it.  Seem to be doing good. Will check soon. She is taking PT in the mornings.

Good morning from the Interior.

I am in a mood because of these issues still dragging on and my hive dotted skin reminds me of a giraffe's pelt. I will be busy all this week as Tuesday I am printing numerous building copies of committee meeting notes, I am helping to distribute Thanksgiving food boxes on Wednesday afternoon after the last spraying on my apartment done that morning. Then Thursday I am helping to serve and clean up the Thanksgiving meal for the building. Then sometime after that, I have to arrange for the guy to come and clean my apartment before everything goes back out, then to clean everything before refurnishing the apartment and washing all clothing, towels, and that sort.

Somewhere in there, I have to pick up my glasses that have been ready for the past week. That is the place past where the buses go, the taxis are exorbitant and I can't find  a ride. So I will be walking five miles with that little errand, sometime next week. Farrah is also depressed. She hasn't seen her toys since I boxed them up and she has taken to whining at the closed doors to the closet and bedroom after she sees me going in and out. All her toys will also have to be washed and dried on hot temperatures. She no longer cares for wet food, only eats about 3/4th cup of dry daily and has developed a fondness for licking shower curtains and plastic bags.I just keep everything up out of her way.

Larry, I am sorry that Pat still isn't feeling better. I know she appreciates all that you do for her. I downloaded the jigsaw link, thank you.

Johann, it was so good to hear from you and know that you weren't badly affected by the hurricane. I hope Windell and you have an easier time with more rest over the holidays. It is not easy being a caretaker and sometimes you need to just take time for you.

Gloria, I have been there with the cat food spills. And it is always, the messy, smelly ones too and in my case, often on the carpet. Two days ago I was carrying a bottle of grape juice, suddenly dropped it and of course, it splattered on the white textured wall!    I keep a good pet accident remover spray from a carpet cleaner and a good supply of wet ones, not because of Farrah, but because of my dropping or spilling stuff! I wish I could blame it on her but have to confess to my own shortcomings! 

MaryAnn, I have seen and heard of those baby reveal parties on facebook. One had a youtube of a gathering to announce triplets, two boys, and a girl. The grandmother became so excited, she ended up having to breathe into a paper bag.

Marilyne, I hope Winnie is feeling better. It is hard when you feel so helpless with a pet. MarsGal, I hope your tooth is better now. Joan, that's funny that Dan will have to watch what he says around your Furby. Perhaps you could start a curse jar? 

I don't have to worry about losing my glasses. I'd walk into walls or trip over something without them. I have had glasses since I was two.

Jeanne, a few years back I had to start making it a habit to always make sure I put stuff only in certain places. I was getting really bad at losing stuff!

I just came back from putting notices on all five floors and common rooms' bulletin boards. No turkeys were donated for a second year in a row so they are substituting a chicken. This is really sad as we have a strong, growing economy. People here have a sort of John Wayne syndrome. They will help if they think you really need it for one time and then they expect you to go away quietly and that's really sad.

The grocery stores are running a deal where if you spend over 100. this week, you get a free turkey. How many of those would be better going to the needy?

Angel.  Now have you thought about calling the place that made your glasses. Tell them you problem in getting to them. Surely they will figure a way for you. Take the bus far as you can and let them pick you up there and drop you back. You sure can't walk 5 miles. Not safe here.  Don't you have a Senior Centre close? Someone there will take you.
I sure would not feel like eating a meal cooked by all in that place you live so soon after all that spraying. Need to put fans in front of window taking the air out for a few day.

Jeanne, they didn't physically make the glasses, just prescribed and ordered from somewhere in the states. The trouble is riding the bus as far as it goes and then it is a 2.5-mile walk to the eyeglass doctor's  place and then another just over 2.6 to the next bus stop. They won't mail them because it is a physician's place and they have to fit them. There is Van Tran, but that only works after an application process and a doctor's visit. I never thought about the senior center because I never go there. I will try calling tomorrow.

There is no issue with air quality as there is an air quality system with blowers, fans and an HVAC system in place. It is five very long floors with up to date systems just this past October due to so many disabled tenants and folks with respiratory issues.You can hear the air going in and out of the apartments and hallway vents.

At 15 below, I won't put any fan in my balcony door, but they do leave the balcony door open to let it air out for a bit.

Hi everyone.  I am thankful for this new and beautiful 41 degree morning.  The sun is shining brightly and the trees now have all the colors of fall.  I did bring in my garden hoses for the winter yesterday afternoon and put my Impatient plant in the garage as it was predicted to get down to 29 degrees last night.  I have no idea whether it got that cold or not. 

I have a routine doctor's appointment at 10:30 this morning and his office is 30 minutes or so from where I live.  This GP insists on seeing us every four months whether we need to be seen or not or he will not remain our doctor.  I guess this is good for us and will comply as I do like him.  On the way back I will finally stop at COSTCO to pick up my new glasses and buy some things we need.  Pat wants to get a small turkey to fix so we can have dressing and the normal Thanksgiving meal.  I was in favor of just getting a turkey breast and a couple turkey legs to fix but was overruled. Scott is bringing the pumpkin pie.

Mary Ann, I usually like to make my puzzles around 150 to 175 pieces as the screen on my Chromebook isn't too big.  The puzzle I worked last evening took me over 2 hours so these puzzles are more challenging than the ones I had been doing.  I really like not having to sort out the edges or spread the other pieces when the edge has been worked.

Joan, your comment make me laugh a bit and we always need a little laughter in our lives. 

Bubble, was this a new puzzle site for you or have you been aware of it and used it for awhile.  It had just what I wanted in the way of a puzzle.

JeanneP, good news on your glasses.  It seems the older we get the easier it is to lose things.  I think we do things without consciously thinking about them, at least I know that I do as can lose something while sitting at my desk.  I have an idea what your daughter is experiencing as Pat had a knee replacement a few years ago and is so glad she did.  That PT is vital to a good recovery.  Glad her surgery went well.

Patricia, you have a busy week ahead in service to others.  Glad to read that Wednesday will be the last day of spraying and then you can begin to put your apartment back together again and hopefully the hives will depart.  Hope you can find a ride to pick up your glasses.  No wonder Farrah is grumpy and whining if she has no toys to play with.  Pat did have a good day yesterday and didn't even need the ice pack the first thing in the morning.  However, today it was back to the ice early.  Interesting comment about the John Wayne syndrome.  Our Sunday School class donated 20 turkeys to our community food bank.  We will donate hams at Christmas time. 

Larry I do them occasionally.  I prefer by far the BigJig program which I have installed on my PC several years ago.  It has more possibilities such as different trays for sorting the pieces. I usually do 500 to 700 pieces so it is much needed! BigJig also allows one to use one's photos, so that I often use desktop images I find online. Of course it takes several hours to complete one and can be even on two or three days when they are particularly hard.  I like challenges!


These I visit occasionally when I am tired of my own:

http://www.shockwave.com/gamelanding/jigsawpuzzles.jsp

http://www.jigidi.com/

http://www.jigzone.com/

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/games/photo-puzzle-jigsaw/

No idea why these links do not work here, but if you copy on your browser it should work.

http://www.jigzone.com/puzzles/daily-jigsaw

Here's what I copied for Jigzone.  I don't do the others.

Mary Ann

Patricia, our senior center will take you to your doctor's appointment in the bus or the Town Car. Even they said they would pick me up in the Town car, for lunch. as no way can on get on the bus for the center at 8Am. and travel all over town, doing pickups and i am over 90

I met to add, they will also take you grocery shopping once a week, and carry your groceries into the house.

MaryAnn. Are you saying that you put a 175 piece puzzle together within 2 hours. Goodness. I never was good at puzzles. So started out with 50 pieces yesterday. Took me a hour.

Glad I found glasses also.  I am not liking these new ByFocals though. Seems like make my eyes hurt a little.  It is a new prescription from my Dr. He has me come in twice a year also.  but the other Dr. want you back in 4 months. No idea why. Even the one that I just use for check BP and my yearly full Blood panel.  He doesn't do anything. Nurse take weight and BP.  But with my ENT I make them for every 4 - 6 months as it takes 6 weeks to get appt. if you have any problem. Office Managers say just make they and then if don't need just cancel and move up.
Last night was driving in the dark and notices could not see the yellow line on the highway. My lights would not come on. Turn lights worked and bright lights also. Things came up in car. So just stopped to have them checked. He kind of switche back and forth and lights worked. He is just down road from me and says to just drive up and down the road in the dark tonight and see what happens.  So I am off to do this.  Hope don't need repair to them.

Jeanne, I have no idea how many pieces were in that puzzle and I didn't do it all at once.  I found that when I left the puzzle, it would automatically save.  I can't find where I said I did 200 pieces in two hours.  I'll go to that site again to start another puzzle but I won't do it all at once.  Even my little 48-piece puzzle I don't do all at once.

Annie stopped over tonight and is now downstairs talking with her dad. 

I thought I had posted more today but I can't find anything.  I had my hair cut this morning and we didn't go OTB today because Tom had fixed French toast and we didn't need two breakfasts.  Later I went to see the Nurse Practitioner of my Cardiologist and that was a routine visit, however, they want me to have an echocardiogram in the future.  I think my last one was several years ago.  Since my dentist wants to put a crown on one of my teeth I thought I'd better make arrangements for that before I get too involved with other things.  Gee, it sure is fun being in my 90s and have all of these medical problems!

Mary Ann