Good morning, Buddies.  I've been hoping the volunteer who signed up to take me to Kroger would call this morning.  I'd like to shop today as the fruit I'll buy for the fruit bowl I'll take to the family breakfast on Saturday needs to be cut up and made today or at least early tomorrow.

I have the furnace set for 68* and it comes on at about that temperature.  I wear lots of clothing as I hate to be cold.  This morning it's Jeans, knee socks, undershirt, turtleneck Tee shirt, and a Christmas sweat shirt.  I just took my morning walk and wore a fleece jacket and my baseball cap.  My favorite professor when I attended AU to get my Masters degree was driving out to deliver goodies to his family stopped as he had a plate of cookies for me.  His wife is not well, needs help with walking, bathing, etc.  They are both such sweet folks and I am sad for them.  He is doing most of the cooking and one of his daughters-in-law helps out as well.

Jeanne, my house was built in the late 60's, is brick with no insulation in the walls.  I did have all the windows replaced when I bought the house--so have double paned windows in every room--and at least 3 windows in each.  Even with double paned windows, it is chilly to me.  In the evening while watching TV, I shut the door to my den and turn my little deLonghi heater on low, so am comfortable.  I keep the thermostat set at 68. 

Sharon, it sounds as if Miss Frances needs a night time sitter--is she OK during the day?  It's so hard when we get older and forgetful (which I am a bit since my fall).  I don't need a sitter and Tim stops by almost every other day and he also checks my calendar and reminds me of what I need to do (which is irritating--I do check it every day but sometimes forget).

I guess our other Buddies are out shopping, or cooking, or writing Christmas cards.  I have one more I need to send this morning--a long time friend of Tim.  Evidently they've moved and have a new address.  So I'd better go and get it into the mailbox before my mail lady arrives.

Have a good day.
Sue

Good Morning Buddies. Freckles and I had two visit assignments yesterday and a meeting  for  a Hospice Conference,. Every two weeks   I have to attend a meeting  to report in person on my Hospice client from the way our visits go and heart the assessment of his condition from the  other members of  the team. I al,so do a written report after every visit.

I am thinking that I will  make the french bread today and put together the manicotti dish for Christmas eve  supper in  Ca. Then I will have all day tomorrow to do the last minute things and load the car, get it arranges so everything fits in neatly so it won't be sliding around as we go down the road. It has been copld enough that I can even load the food tomorrow.

A friend gave me a cute nice warm coat for Freckles  and also a rain cost for her. One of the other Furry Friend members gave it to her for her pit bull but he is too big so she gave it to me after asking the friend if it would be ok to give it to Freckles.

I'm checking in, but nothing's really happening around here.  The sun is shining today, and it's in the high 60s - quite a change from a couple of days ago.  I've been to PT this morning, and will play a few hands of bridge tonight.  Sounds like everybody else is doing well.

Stay warm, Buddies!

Sharon. Now doesn't Miss Francis have the System that goes around your neck and also a box sits by the phone. She should not have to dial 911 at all.  I just decided to put Lifeline in as it works along with the Hospital down the street. Can't see needing in soon but just might as well have it in.
If I would need and push the button it would ring my Fire Dept. Police Dept and they come out and also they do the 911 Ambulance if needed.  If I hear anyone trying my door at night works for that also.  So all bases covered.

Sue, Ms Frances needs to be in an assisted living, but her daughter thinks she's better off at home and would like to have someone in to stay with her, but Frances doesn't want anyone else there, so it seems like a stalemate at the moment.  Jeanne, she had a Life Alert pendant for a while, but didn't think it was necessary and too expensive, so she sent it back!!  When you're as old as she is, you get set in your ways, I guess.  I did get her to the beauty shop and back and got my groceries while she was there.  I'm exhausted, but that's nothing new.

I got some darling pictures of little Harrison yesterday from Jocelyne.  I so wish we could see him soon.

Mary, it's really warmed up here too.  Sounds like you are on your regular schedule with PT & bridge.

Marilyn, how nice of the friend to pass on the jacket, etc for Freckles.  It sounds like you're going to be busy today and tomorrow getting ready to leave.  Have a safe trip and a merry Christmas.

Sharon

Warm and foggy day here at the beach.

This was treat Jane today...mani and pedi this morning, then lunch with Ray at an outside new restaurant on the Bay, and a stop to look around a store that always has interesting things.

I'm amazed when I see children in getting manicures. Today little girl couldn't have been more than 10...getting a manicure!  I was well into my 60s when I had my first professional one!!

Back spasms are bothering me today...so going to relax and let Flexeril work.

jane

Mostly the same old same old here.  However, Ray did do something to his back and now has nerve  pain in his back. He did go to a chiropractor who has helped some. Ray goes back tomorrow for another adjustment.

Hi to all the BB.

Many thanks for all the birthday wishes! I did have a nice day with some of my family.  Daughter made her specialty---
gumbo, (she is such a pro for that) potato salad, wonderful
cake for dessert, and presents.  Got home about 8:00---worn out.  (It doesn't take much to wear me out)
Glad birthdays come just once a year
Joy

GinnyAnn....hope Ray gets relief soon.

Joy...it sounds like a wonderful day for you!

I walked the beach this morning and saw a lot of star fish...my first time to see them on the beach! 

I just saw a man on the neighboring building sitting on a platform outside a window, apparently fixing it.  He must be on 9th or 10th floor.  I couldn't do that!  It makes me nervous to just watch him...He has a harnace thing on...but I can't firgure out what it's connected to!

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k175/janeiowa/IMG_0047_zpsmue4qam6.jpg

Oh my, Jane, I'm with you, just watching him would make me nervous.  I've found a few star fish on the beaches, but not many.  They are so interesting. I agree on how inappropriate it seems to see small children getting mani/pedis.  They even have a princess pedi chair for little girls at my spa.

Ginny, I, too, hope Ray gets some relief from his back strain.  Maybe his Dr could give him an Rx for Flexeril.  That usually helps a lot.

Joy, I envy you the gumbo!  I figured you would have a nice family gathering.

I went out and filled my bird feeders today and then baked a mince pie for Christmas. It is John's favorite. I also wrapped a last minute gag gift for him. He loves Soduko and only wants the "Extreme Soduko" which is very hard to find, but lo and behold, just in time for Christmas HT had it yesterday when I was shopping, so will surprise him with it.  He is so hard to buy for, I jump at anything I think he will like.

Jonathan, our oldest grandson, called this morning and had a nice chat. Today is Christmas at their house since his fiance is working the next 2 nights. She's a nurse. At 4, the boys don't know the difference anyway. Their big present was a cockapoo puppy.  So cute.

A couple days ago, I connected with one of my former students on FB. He was in Melanie's class and I hadn't seen him since their graduation. We had quite a chat. It turns out he got a degree in French summa cum laude and spent a year in France.  He thanked me profusely for instigating a love of French in him.  It's so nice to hear that.  I'm connected with at least a half a dozen former students and it's so nice to hear what they are doing.

Tomorrow, we are going to an early Christmas Eve service and then out to eat at a new restaurant John heard about.

In case I'm not in again before Christmas, I want to wish each and every one of you a very blessed Christmas and a very happy, healthy 2017!


Sharon

Jane.  Use to see Window cleaners doing them in those type highrises. The must have safety harnesses they trust. Would take more than that for me.
I still think what happened to Sue when climbing the ladder.  Not been on even a stool since.
See where TExas got some cold weather but hope by now you are getting it nice.
I didn't realize you rented a Condo in a building with so many. Thought was a small on on the Beach area.

I went to the pool this morning, and played duplicate this afternoon.  My partner and I came in last (just 3 tables).  I know I'm not an expert player, but the gal I've been playing with on Fridays is really not a very good player.  I don't know how to get out of playing with her, since she was the one who asked me to play with her.  Sighhhhhh.

Ginny Ann, I hope Ray gets some relief for his back.

Joy, glad you had such a good birthday.  I love gumbo, too.  How are your Baton Rouge kids doing?

jane, I wouldn't watch the window guy, either.

Sharon, good for you, finding the Sudoku book for John.  My John loved mincemeat pie, too.  I miss having some.

Merry Christmas to all the Buddies - and safe travels.

Hi Buddies...just finished making pralines...weather warm and cloudy..I have 2 kids and some grandkids coming tomorrow so my plans to go out of town changed which is ok with me....probably want post for few days..so Merry Christmas and a great 2017...Darlene

Darlene...enjoy your family!

Jeanne...very few "small" buildings on the beach. This building has 118 units, not all of which are rented out, an indoor and outdoor pool and indoor and outdoor hot tub, 24 hour personnel at the desk and maintenance men available 24/7. There are a few old single family "beach houses" at this end of the beach...holding out for big $$$ I'm sure.  At the north end are some three story houses where they sell each floor separately.  You, too, can have one if you have a MILLION or so $$ around...and then there are the taxes, insurance, home owners' fees, etc.  Shall I send you info on one?   
That building next door is all Mexican owned and so vacant most of the time we're here.  Families there will come up between Christmas and New Year's.  They do not rent out their units.  [I've been told that for many, owning here if they can afford it...is a personal security issue...having a place in a location they can get to easily if things in Mexico go belly-up...and there are banks here they can have funds in, etc. 

Mary...hard to get a different partner now. 

Ray and Jim had a good time golfing.  I think that would do Jim a world of good.  Ray said he moved slowly and his eyes are bad, but he was a pretty fair golfer. 

jane

I just posted but it didn't take because Jane was posting.  I didn't understand that it didn't post.  I just wanted to tell you we had brunch at Ard and Dave's home this morning.  Tim came over at 8:30 to take me to their home in Opelika.  He made his oatmeal/blueberry casserole for the breakfast, I brought mini-cupcakes which I brought home as only one was eaten, and Ard made an egg/cheese casserole.  Afterwards we exchanged gifts and sat around and talked.  Ard/Dave's grandson Ronnie and his wife came over after we ate and visited.  Ard/Dave's son/wife (Ronnie's parents didn't come--his mother is a pill!)  It probably would have been the last time Ron could have seen Dave.  We don't think he'll live much longer.

Olyne had called me while I was over there and when I called her back she invited me to go with her to this evening's candlelight service at our church--and I will.  I much prefer going to the Episcopal service, though.  Our church is very Spartan--all white, no color anywhere and the Episcopal church is colorful and "Christmasy".  The past 2 years I've gone to the Episcopal service by myself and have enjoyed it.  I was an Episcopalian by choice and Bob tried to go with me, but he found it complicated, so I decided it was best for us to attend Presbyterian and/or Congregational Churches (some places didn't have Presby churches) when we made our Navy moves.

Merry Christmas/Happy Hannakuh to all.
Sue

With the bad storm on the west coast, I hope Marilyn doesn't have any trouble with her drive to California.  Do check in when you can, Marilyn.

Today's been gray and rainy, but not particularly cold - and it's due to be around 70! tomorrow.  Our Christmas at Margaret's didn't happen.  Jesse had had a bad cold, and Margaret started coming down with it this morning.  We all decided it would be smartest to just stay home and try to get together sometime later.  So things will be very quiet around here.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!

MaryZ.  The flu is so bad around here. Both hospitals a full. Nurses working double shifts.  I aim to stay home. Was going to go to dinner tomorrow where there will be lots of people.  Not going.
On the news it said that only 47% of people in the US have tken the flu shot this year.  Crazy as it is so easy to get.  They said they were not giving the one that goes up the nose because doesn't work as good. but if people don't want a shot they will just use it in order to keep the flu down.
Better you are staying home. I am sure you will have company there.

  Merry Christmas  and  Happy Hanukkah!   

Merry Christmas/Happy Hanukah, Buddies.  I've showered/shampooed/dressed to go out to lunch with Tim and Kris.  I expected them at 11:00 and it's now 11:15.  I hope nothing has happened with Dave--surely Tim would have called me if Dave had to go to the hospital last night or this morning. 

I skipped church this morning as I was expecting lunch at 11:00 with Tim/Kris, but no show and no phone call.  Maybe he thought I'd go to church and they'd come over at noon.  I did go with Olyne to the Christmas Eve service.  The church was packed--lots of visiting families.  The music was beautiful and the sermon was short and to the point. 

Sandy, your granddaughter is beautiful--and looks so happy in her picture!

I'll talk to you later today, Buddies.
Sue

All quiet here.  Margaret and Kate are both sick, so I'm glad we called off our get-together.  Jean and I skyped, and that was good.  It's a lovely sunshiny day, with the temperature hovering around 70.  I've got my door open, enjoying the fresh air and the birds singing.

Happy Holidays to all!

Sue 
This picture is of my Great Grand Daughter "Fe"(Orphelia)  and she is in her eighth month and she is a very happy,  good natured baby...
A joy to be around.   

Sany

 
Mary, I'm sorry you won't be with family, but if they're sick, it's better not. I hope they will have some activities scheduled at your center.  It's 63 here, but no rain.

Sue, we went to our early Christmas eve services at 4:00 and then out to dinner.  The service was lovely and complete with communion and lots of carols and a short homily.  Dinner was excellent also.  I hope Dave makes it through the holidays at least.  Nice that you were with them all yesterday.

We had our traditional quiche breakfast, watched Bunny tear into her present to find the turkey that was inside, then opened our few gifts.  John got me a nice gown and a new Seiko watch that is solar!  And a book I wanted  + the printer I got last week.  John liked his gifts too.

I have the standing rib roast in the oven and we are snacking on some Brie and whole grain bread.

Both girls have called, but I imagine Brian will call this evening.  We have yet to call John's sister and cousin.  That's pretty much it for us.

I hope everyone is enjoying a special time today.  Sharon

We're home from dinner out with friends.  The restaurant we went to is just 2-3 blocks from our building, so Ray and I walked over.   I'm hoping to Face Time later this evening with my sister and her gang. 

I hope Marilyn and K had a safe trip back from CA. 

I just saw the weather report and the midwest didn't look good.  I missed what they said about the west coast.

jane

Tim and Kris got here about 11:15 and we went to an Oriental Buffet.  The owners are Thai, I think, but they have wonderful dishes from a number of cuisines in the East.  I ate too much, so am just snacking a bit this evening.  When they brought me home, we sat out on my deck and enjoyed the sunshine.  They left about 2:00 as they were invited to a party later this afternoon.

I'm watching TV--when we were little our Grandmother had the Pollyanna books and before we could read, she read them to us and we read them many times after we learned to read.  PBS had a very good version on this afternoon and I enjoyed it a lot--also had to keep the hankies ready--some sad parts and happy ones that caused a few tears.

I hope you've had a good Christmas Day.  Merry Christmas!
Sue

Sue . Pollyanna was my favorite book as I young one. Didn't know was a shoe made. It was so good. Liked it better than "Ann of green gables" little girl was better in Polyanna also.
I did she'll a few tears. Did you.?

Poured down here all day. I was glad to stay home. All the girls and family have checked in so spent day on the phone.
Glad holiday over seemed like been hearing Christmas since holloween.crazy.

Yes, Jeanne.  I had a good 3-hanky cry although of course I knew that it would have a happy outcome.  Did you know that Pollyanna married the orphan Jimmy Bean when she grew up?  Grandma had at least 5 of the books.  I wish I knew what happened to them when she died.  I was hoping to get them--perhaps they were sold.  Neither of my younger sisters got them as far as I know.

I stayed up late last night to watch "It Happened One Night" with Clarke Gable and Claudette Colbert.  It didn't start until midnight, so I slept until 10:30 this morning.  I think I've watched that movie at least a dozen times.  Amusing comedy and lovely romance. 

I hope every Buddy has had a good Christmas and the Day After.  We're having pleasant weather today with sunshine and not much wind.  I did my usual 3 block walk down to Samford Avenue and back up the hill to home.  After that a short nap, left-overs for my lunch and cleaned up the kitchen.  So a pretty good day, so far.

Sue

Did any of you watch the "Call the Midwives in Africa" episode last night. It was really good.  It had the usual cast going to a mission in So Africa to help out in an emergency.

I've done a couple loads of laundry today, set up my 2017 calendar with birthdays, etc marked.  And a few other things here and there.  Nothing earthshaking. We had a nice day yesterday.

Sue, I've seen that movie too, but I'm unlikely to stay up that late to see something I've already seen. 

Quiet in here.  Have a nice evening.  Sharon

I had such a slug day yesterday, I decided to go to the pool this morning.  Not as early as usual, but close.  One of the other swimmers was there, too, so we got in some good talking and then some coffee afterwards.  I felt a little better spending the afternoon knitting and on the computer.  LOL  I'm about to finish a sweater I'm knitting for my Sue, and then I have another project to start (also for her).  They keep me busy.

I hope all travelers get to their destinations safely.

It was a very nice Christmas and Boxing Day.  With FaceTime I was able to see and talk to my sister's children and grands and great-grands we're usually with as Christmas.  They all had colds, she said, so I was glad we were 1750 miles away. 

I couldn't believe 84 today.  Ray tried to fly his kite, but there wasn't enough winds.  I got out to some shops, and was surprised that the banks here were closed today, as were some shops. 

jane