Hi Buddies.  I've spent the morning looking through my recipes on cards--finally found the one for my French herb mix which I like to take to our second Thursday bridge club where we exchange gifts.  The first year I took the herb mix I gave it to everyone in small about 2 inch tall bottles.  If we get a new member, I give her the bottle, but I give the long timers enough to refill their bottles.  Every one seems to like it--and a little goes a long way.  I have a list of herbs I need to replenish and will probably make the mix on Friday or Saturday of this week.  We're playing on tomorrow, but will exchange gifts in 2 weeks.

We had a bit of rain last night with about 1/8 of an inch in my rain gauge.  However, it's just finished raining and it was a very SHORT downpour, so I'm hoping for more rain out there.  It's very dark and I'm planning to lie down with a book and read.

Mary, I'm so glad that you are cleared to go to your swim class.  I know you've missed it.  I like to swim, too, and do at Tim's in the summer and also Auburn has an outdoor pool near me.  The only indoor pool is run by the hospital and has a fairly high membership fee.  I should probably check that out, but the driving is still a problem.  I think I could drive those short distances, but Tim doesn't agree, so I'm still confined to calling Village Friends for rides to Kroger and other places.  So far I've only asked to go to Kroger and twice out for haircuts.

It's nice and dark following the short storm, so I hope it rains again and soon.  I'm off to my bed to lie down and read!

Have a good day, Buddies.
Sue

News is awful today. Fires. Tornadoes. Murders. ( got another one just 2 streets from me Monday. That is 3 in 2 weeks. Going to stop putting news on.

But we did get good news here. MaryZ driving again. Thats great Mary. Not bad. What is it A month since your Operation.  Hope Julie  can drive soon.  She does a lot of the driving at her house. Husband having a hard time with one eye at the moment but he doesn't car for Night driving either.
I never thought of it until last night when driving home. Once I got out of town that is well lit up.  It was about 6pm and really dark.  Decided I don't think I like driving on these winter nights also. Got to remember when I leave late in afternoon to make short trips.

Thanks, Jeanne - my surgery was 20 October - so yep, a little over a month. 

Bonney called me about 3:30 this afternoon to remind me when she will pick me up for bridge and reminded me that we were to exchange gifts tomorrow.  I usually make the herb mix that I received the recipe for on my trip to France about 8 or 9 years ago--I didn't have the ingredients at home and called my neighbor Sandra.  She drove me over to Kroger's and I bought the herbs and came home and spent an hour making the mixture and putting it into baggies to give out tomorrow.  I misunderstood when we had our bridge group two weeks ago and thought I'd make the mix  this weekend.  Two weeks from tomorrow we'll be playing again and I just assumed we'd exchange then.  Not a fun thing today, but I'm so glad Bonney called and reminded me.  Whew!  What a relief!

Sue

Hi Gals,  Mary, so glad you are cleared for driving and the pool. I know that will make you feel more back to normal.  Hurray for all the rain you got. I, too, hope that it helped dampen the forest fires, but with all the wind they were talking about, it might not.

Sue, glad you got your herb mix done and ready to give.  Hope you get the clearance to drive soon.

Jeanne, I don't like to drive at night either, especially in the country. Our church is about 15-20 miles from us and mostly on a curvy country road, so I don't belong to any of the night circles or activities.

Yesterday, we got our tree trimmed, so we are all decorated now.  I also did some online Christmas shopping.  Today, I've been to the grocery and will take Bunny to the vet for a recheck at 4:30. She also has been off her feed some, so don't know what is up with her. I hope the UTI is cleared up now.

I need to get my Christmas letter written and organized, but doubt that I'll get it done today. Sharon

Hi Every Buddy. Not much is new here on the Oregon coast. Just taking it easy for a few days. I have the Wine Walk booth tomorrow evening with two other teams. Keith is going to the usual Friday night dinner with one of the guys.

I have to call the chiro this afternoon and get an adjustment=and see if that will help my knee. It is very painful when I bend it as much as it will bend. Yike the pain is terrible., It doesn't bother me to walk though.

I finally applied for a Medicare advantage program I have to wait until CMS approves the plan. I still can't get Keith to sign up for insurance. I bet he would agree if I would pay for it but that ain't happening.

Hi everyone...just checking in...quite here...rain and colder temps for the weekend...candy

Sharon, glad you've gotten your Christmas decorations to your satisfaction.  Do you have an appointment with the pain management folks yet?  Did you get any of the bad weather that hit around Charlotte?

Marilyn, I hope you can get some help for your knee - the bending is what I'm having to work most on.  Ouch!

Always good to hear from you, candy!

I  know jane and Ray have gotten to SPI - hope they're having some good weather.

Sue, I hope you get the release to drive soon.  Maybe you should consider trading for a car with automatic transmission. 

It was a lovely cool day today.  Margaret came over and took me to Walmart - my first trip post surgery.  I still rode in the cart, so that wasn't different, but it was nice to have her to bring the purchases in for me.  Then we went for a visit with the financial consultant.  We have just a few loose ends to tie up - and hopefully will get that done before the end of the year.  I love that Margaret is staying on top of all the financial stuff with and for me.  And she knows that Sue will take care of the medical stuff.  I have my first outpatient PT on Monday, and am set up for that three times a week for several weeks.  I know that will hurt, but be ever so helpful in the long run.

Hope everybody is heading into a good weekend.

I did some shopping on Amazon last Sunday. Just 4 things I needed . I am amazed how fast they are delivering right now.  I don't have the yearly thing that does free. Don't buy from them often and if I do see that it is over $50. 3 have been delivered already . Didn't come on same orders. I notice now that everything for Illinois gets shipped out of a Warehouse in Kentucky.. They say they now have warehouses all over the country so gets shipped faster. I even got a Email on Monday saying had been shipped and giving a tracking number. Got the stuff Wednesday.  (My Fruit cake was on of them.). The only one didn't get was a CD by John Owen Jones. The Welsh singer. My favourite. Say will be delivered late date in December. Must be coming from UK.  Just looked at my others by him and they come out of Wales.

I decided that I would just go ahead and get one of the Lifeline emergency Response Machine and Button.  I live on the outskirts of the city but within 2 miles of both Hospitals but for 40 years have been use to have friends close but now there are none around and with family so far away it good to have some contact.
They write off the activation as a have a VIP Advantage Member ship with the one Hospital. Get a lot of discounts through it. Specially on Glasses, Ear aids when or if needed. Lots of Restaurants. And can eat in the Hospital Cafeteria for 50% of. Food there is usually good.

Bridge was fun today although I didn't have good cards very often and didn't play them well when I did have them.  I was so happy to see my friend Ethel back because she'd gone to the Chicago area to be with her daughter up there (who works at one of the University system campuses and does the same kind of work my son Bill does.  They meet at meetings occasionally.)  She has been gone almost 2 months and I've really missed her.  I only had so-so cards, but enjoyed my friends.  In 2 weeks they'll be coming to my house for our last game of 2016.

I just watched U. of South Carolina's women's basketball team Vs. Texas.  We won by about 10 or 11 points.  Both teams played well, but our Gamecocks won out.

Tomorrow morning I'll be picked up by a church friend who is also a volunteer at our Village Friends.  She's taking me to Kroger for my weekly shopping and she'll be doing her own shopping.  We'll meet up after we check out at the registers.  So that'll be a chore I needed to finish before the weekend starts.

Mary, even if I had a car with an automatic transmission, Tim would have a hissy fit if I tried to drive.  My neurologist said maybe next year--which I hope means after Jan. 1.  The brace I have to wear daily on my right leg is very cumbersome and the neurologist and my GP both don't think I'd be safe driving with it.  I have at least graduated to using a cane inside and out, but the brace does slow me down.

Sleep well, Buddies.
Sue

P.S.  I hope Jane and Ray are having safe travel to Texas.

Hi, Gals! 

Good news on Maryz behind the wheel, and Sue getting out with her bridge friends.  I'm glad you're listening to Tim and the docs about driving. 

Thanks for thinking of us as we drove down to our beloved S. Texas.  It's been beautiful..70s and delightful, compared to the 30s we left.  Today we move into our condo and domthe massive grocery shopping needed for 3 months in a new "home" with no groceries, etc.

We've been to two of our fav restaurants already so all is good. 

I'll be back when I get my laptop set up and get some bookkeeping caught up once I'm on a secure WIFI. 

Jane

Sue. I prefer not to use a Automatic also. Love driving a shift. changed to auto on this last car. I can see it being hard for you with it being your right leg in the brace. You use that leg to do all the shifting. When I had my leg in one for 6 months I then had auto shift and even though rigt leg I managed to turn my foot and manage the peddles. Could never have gotten anyplace otherwise.
Soon will be cars that can drive themselves.  Wonder if people will have to still get a driving License and take a test.

Hi Gals, I'm just now getting in because I was up till 3AM and then slept in till 10:00!  I've made a few phone calls. Called to make an appt with my dermatologist, but they will have to call me back Monday. I have something weird that has appeared over a brownspot on my face that looks like a cancer and I want it checked asap. It's small, but I want it taken care of while it is small. This has come up since my regular whole-body check in August!!

I also called Time Warner to come out and check their setup here. I have a cable that is hot and my wi-fi keeps going off and I have to reboot it, etc.

Then I called Tracfone. I recently bought a smart phone that is connected to tracfone and it is either defective or I am, so I am having to transfer my # and minutes back to my old phone so that I can send the new one back. What I hassle.  I am so disappointed that the new phone doesn't work for me.  It seems to be a cheap knockoff.

Sue, I agree with Mary or whoever suggested that you trade your current car in for an automatic.  I can drive an automatic and have had them in the past, but now I prefer the automatic.  Your situation is a case in point.

Mary, we didn't get the effects of the storm at all, but there was a small tornado that touched down about 15 miles from us where we shop.  I'm so glad you are back to driving.

Marilyn, I hope your knee is better. Have you tried an elastic brace on it or any kind of topical ointment?  I have very painful knees when a front comes through and sometimes just because!      Those are my solutions. Yours sounds somewhat different though if it is just painful when you bend it. You might need to go to an orthopedist or physiatrist for it.  I'm so glad you are getting insurance supplement to your Medicare.  I have had it since I went on MC and it has paid for itself many times over.  I hope Keith's refusal to get any doesn't come back to bite him.  At our ages, it just makes sense.

Jane, I'm so glad you are moving into your condo today and can enjoy life for the next 3 months!  70 degrees definitely beats 30!!

Mary, the pain mgmt hasn't called me back with the insurance acceptance yet. She said 7-10 days. Once that is in, they will have to schedule me for a psych eval, so who knows when that can happen. Finally after those 2 things are complete, they can schedule me for the nerve stim.  I figure it will be after Christmas before that happens.  I bet if it was them hurting, it would go a lot faster!!   I'm so glad TN got so much rain and that it has helped with the Gatlinburg fires. The pictures are just devestating!  And to think that someone intentionally started it!  They caught a guy in NC who set 2 of their fires.  Said he guessed he was just bored and wanted to see something exciting!  How sad that there are people like that out there.

Nothing else going on here.  Hi Jeanne, Darlene, Ginny and whoever else pops in.  I miss Molly and Mary Page.  Sharon

Hi Everyone.  I had a "Village Friend" pick me up about 9:30 for a trip to Kroger.  She's also a church friend and she didn't shop, but dropped me off and went to the library which is between my house and Kroger (all within about 5 easy blocks).  Before my fall and in good weather, I often walked over to the library to browse and select books.  I haven't been over there since coming home from the hospitals and the Assisted Living. 

Jane, I'm glad you had a safe trip down to South Texas.  Do you always get the same condo?  When Bob was in phase 3 of flight training we lived about 9 months in Corpus Christi.  On weekends if he wasn't scheduled to fly we'd pack up picnic things and Bill who was a newborn--so took along a little car bed--and drive down to the beach where there were only 2 or 3 homes--he'd fish, I'd read, and hopefully Bill would sleep.  I haven't been back to that area since, but I'm sure I wouldn't recognize it as so many homes and condos are built there now.

Jeanne, I only have 43,000 miles on my Corolla and I don't want to sell or trade it in as I'm hoping that I'll still be able to drive it.  When Tim takes me to doctor's appointments, he parks his truck in my driveway and drives my car.  I usually keep my Toyotas at least 10 years and they are so reliable, good on gas mileage, and easy to park if there are parallel spaces--so I wish friends would quit telling me to trade it in for an automatic. 

Sharon, I hope you get into see your dermatologist soon.  Those spots need to be checked ASAP!  Too bad, also, about trying to go to sleep and not being able to.  Do you have a bedtime routine that keeps you alert--like watching TV programs that run into the wee hours?  I sometimes stay up late to watch a Hallmark Christmas movie or two and find it more difficult to get to sleep after that.

I'd like to hear something from Molly and MaryPage, too.  I hope we'll hear from them soon.

Mary, your daughters have really stepped up to the plate for you.  I know you appreciate their help with the end of life issues as John's death was totally unexpected.  I'm so sorry for your loss and know it's not been easy to adjust to a new life without him.  Your girls have been just wonderful to spend time with you and help you with what needs doing.

I've put away the groceries, had lunch and read the newspapers, so I'm off to my room for a nice reading session on my bed.  I hope you all have a lovely afternoon.

Sue

Sue. If you can I would keep my car.  You are so use to manual like I was. After changing you really don't find it easier to drive a car with Auto. I found myself missing using the Clutch. Kept reaching for it.  They sure are nicer to have in Winter and snow also. Not that you get snow.
Today I decided to let them put in a LIfeline Emergency system. You can remove anytime. To much going on in my area anymore and I live next to the Interstate.
Takes care of Police, firemen.. Sheriff Dept. and Hospital. Hospital is just down the road and as I said it works through them. Will feel better in the Winter having it. I don't know anyone in the area anymore. Only took 10 min. to hook it up.

Good for you, Jeanne, for getting the emergency system.  It gives a nice sense of security.

Busy morning for me, but slug afternoon.  I went to coffee, then got a haircut.  It'd only been 2 1/2 weeks since the last one, but my hair had gone crazy (my friend says hair grows faster when it's cold ).  Anyhow, it's much better now.  I picked up a prescription at the pharmacy, and then went to see about getting a handicapped plate for my car.  I've got the placard, but decided, with only one car, I'd get a handicapped plate, and keep the placard in my purse for when I might be in someone else's car.  Unfortunately, I went to the wrong place first, and had to go about another 10+ miles to the right office.  I had to wait about 15 minutes, but had a place to sit, and the wonderful clerk even changed the plates for me.  I had just renewed the old plate, so there was just a small fee for the change-over.  That was certainly enough work for one day, so I came home, had lunch, and took a short nap.  LOL

Mary. Bet it feel good being able to run around and get things done again doesn't it.  Just don't overdo. I don't think Illinois is very big on giving out Parking cards after having a knee replaced. Says would be to many been used. Guess the figured you got a knee done so could walk better.
I am trying to let my hair grow a little. Want a Bob back. Hope winter does help it. although mine grows pretty fast. But was really short.

Jeanne,  I've had a handicapped hang-tag for about 5-6 years - for severe osteoarthritis - it isn't just because of the knee replacement.

Good morning, Buddies.  I woke up about 7:30 and it's chilly here today.  I ate breakfast and read the paper.  Afterwards I walked the 3 blocks down to the big corner and back up the hill--so that will probably be my exercise for today.  I've been reading and trying to stay out of one of the candy gifts I received at the bridge club on Thursday.  It's chocolate pieces with salt.  Yummy! 

Jeanne, when I visit friends at the hospital, I have a small hang tag that Bonney gave me a couple of years ago.  That lets me park on the first floor of the parking garage, but no privileges anywhere else.  But since I'm still not driving, Tim or whoever else takes me somewhere usually let me out at the door or close to the door so I don't have to walk that far.  I really don't mind the walking as I always have my cane with me.

Mary, it sounds like you had a good day yesterday.  How nice that one of the clerks put your new license tag on for you.  I guess that means you won't need the hang tag when you are alone.  What a good idea to keep the hang tag, though, for when you're in some one else's car. 

Not much going on today except basketball games on TV and the SEC football championship game--Florida Vs. Alabama.  I don't like either team, but would prefer a Florida win.  I'm past ready for Nick Saban to retire!

It's damp feeling and chilly this morning.  I wore jeans, a long sleeve shirt, sweat shirt, and my jacket for my walk and I was still cold!  I'd like to see some sunshine today.

Have a good day, Buddies.
Sue

P.S.  MaryPage, I sure hope you are feeling better and will check in soon.

I'd like to hear from Molly, too.  Has anyone heard from her lately?

Sue

It sounds like everyone is keeping busy!  Mary, in SC, you can only get a handicapped plate if you are wheelchair bound.  I have a handicap hang tag and have had for several years.  I'm sure it is more convenient to have the plate though.

Jeanne, I think you are wise to have the life alert button.  I think it is a good idea for anyone our age living alone.

Sue, it sounds like you got a lot done yesterday. I can understand not wanting to sell your car, but it depends on how long they prevent you from driving.  Another option would be to just have the transmission changed out for an automatic. That isn't a major deal.  Brian did that himself to his old junker when he was in HS!

I got my Christmas letter written, but need to put the pictures in before I print it out.  I hope to get it done this afternoon.

Marilyn, how's your knee? 

Hi to everyone.  Sharon

MaryZ.  They must hand those parking cards out easier in your area. Hard to get them here. I don't need one but Parking down at the Senior Centre is all Meter parking. Keeps lots of people from joining as it cost $1 a hour to park. I did volunteer at one time But quit. Not going to pay $4 to park. The city gave them 2 cards to hand out allow free in front of Building but always 2 men who get there and want them. I think the give one to a lady who teaches knitting one day a week.

In Iowa you get  a handicapped tag with a letter from you doctor saying temporary or permanent.  The DMV does not question the doctor's word.

Beautiful day here on the beach...hot, actually.  I walked a bit but the heat got to me...the southern winds are really bringing in the unusually hot.  That's to change later this week.

I'm also still fighting the internet issue in this condo.  I finally got through to the maintenance man it's NOT my three devices, when I showed him I could connect just fine with the internet next door.  Now he can try to figure it out, I guess.  It has something to do with the modem the owners bought that must not have something right...though he could connect on his phone.  WEIRD!

Nothing else exciting here....

jane

Jane. Which server is wired up in that Condo? Is the TV . working on a Modem . Mine does along with Desktop and other WI FI things. Once in awhile I have to unconnect the Modem and connect again.
Not to bad yet here in Midwest. 40 today. They are say maybe little snow tomorrow.  Glad you are getting it nice and sunny.

It looks like a mishmash to me, Jeanne....but it seems Netgear route is connected to the modem that runs the phone. [  I get upset when they tell me it's MY equipment.  Really?  2 ipads, one PC laptop and an android phone....won't get internet here though it says it's connected, BUT I can get internet from the neighbor's Netgear router.]

Jane

Then they are just not paying to have your condo full WiFi.  Maybe can just get phone.  At one time that is all that worked in my house but then I got the router and put TV on to my Comcast. So gets any that are used now.  Even my daughers phone and IPad would not work prior to getting that.
Just nag the Owner. You are there for over 2 months. You need it.

It seems strange the wifi connects to the two men's phones....one Android like mine and one Apple.  The Mgr said he was sending someone else to us tomorrow.

Hi Buddies.  Olyne picked me up this morning for Sunday School and Church and then brought me home afterwards.  I had leftovers plus a newly made Waldorf salad which I enjoyed far more than a BK Burger--although I do miss my church buddies who eat there every Sunday.  However, my home is on the way to Olyne's so I'd rather come home and not ask someone at BK to bring me home from there.  Most who eat at BK go in the other direction.

I've been watching some women's basketball games since I ate lunch and cleaned up the kitchen.  LSU beat a Texas team and UConn is ahead of #14 (U. of  Texas), South Carolina is behind Duke at half-time.  Tennessee lost and to Baylor--I was still busy with my lunch and didn't have that game on until the end.

We've had a bit of rain this morning and it seems to come and go.  I'll have to put my trash out on the street before dark, so I hope the rain slacks up.  Not much going on here, but will continue with women's basketball games until the evening news programs.

Have a nice day, Buddies.
Sue

Jane. Now I though that WIFi Connection took care of all.  Android which is on most tablets it seems and then Apple and all they have.  I have all here in the house.  I spoke to soon Yesterday Jane.  I think your area getting snow.

Well we are getting our first big snow.  Been coming down all day and heavy but I don't think will stay. Sort of that Wet snow. As long as it doesn't freeze will be.O.K
I have not even gotten out of my "Evening clothes" today. Daytime Pajamas they call them. Feels good.

Sue. Now have you lost a lot of weight due to your accident?  Missing those BK should help.  I thought you were getting a lot more rain. According to our Weather man they are having a lot in the South.  Sometimes wonder where he gets his info.  You dont get snow do you?