Hi Buddies.  Nothing was decided about the bonds--Tim just brought me home and went home to work on something.  I don't know if it's a project or a leak he's found in their basement.  My problem is my growing checking account.  I didn't take much of my salary when I was teaching in the public school in Union Springs.  Bob had gone with me to the teacher retirement system and learned how to put at least 3/4 of my salary into a retirement account--and it did make and is still making a lot of money.  However, the Retirement System is trying to pay me back on what they figure is my life expectancy--and it's just sitting in my checking account making very little interest.  I know this sounds like a worry about nothing, but it does worry me. 

My cold is still with me.  Runny nose, headache, not much of an appetite.  I did get my walk in this morning as soon as I finished breakfast.  It looks like it might rain--which I would welcome.  I really should go outside and cut back my last shrub whose name I have forgotten.  It looks like rain, though, and I have a book calling me to my bedroom!

I hope all are well and having a good day.
Sue

Sue, I like the way my financial counsellor handles accounts.  Several of my widow friends go to her and she does the same with them.  She keeps your (my) money in three "buckets" - one for money that needs to be easily accessible without penalty; one for money that you might need in a larger quantity, but that might have more of a tax penalty if withdrawn early; and the last for money to be kept for a larger return for a longer period of time.  I'm not as concerned about where it is specifically, as in having it set up in this type of arrangement.  Anyhow, the girls and I think it is going to work well for me.  Good luck with your decisions.

Freckles and I had a visit this moring at on of the facilities just up the street from us.  The people there are always so happy tpo see the dogs. Since it is raining today there won't be any walks for her. I didn't go to the gym today so I haven't   done  my exercise either. I will go to Tai Chi in a few minutes.

Drizzly morning here on the beach.  Cousin has left, bed is changed and towels, too....and we'll be heading up to Harlingen to the airport about 1:00 or so to pick up the next company.

I got my morning walk in before getting ready for bridge at 12:30.  It was very cloudy and looked like it would rain any minute, but unfortunately it waited until my friends picked me up for tonight's Lady Tigers game against U. of Tennessee.  We got wet on the way into the arena, but our gals put on a great show and won by more than 20 points.  It was slowing down when the game was over and may not rain more tonight. 

Mary, thanks for the ideas about "3 buckets" for money.  I've taken notes and will share it with Tim.  We'll talk more about it tomorrow after I have my last visit with the Clinical Oncologist which Tim will sit in on.  I'm going to take him out to lunch after the conference.

Marilyn, it sounds like you've had an interesting day with the visit with Freckles and going to Tai Chi.  How often do you do Tai Chi?  It sounds like a good way to stretch and get some gentle moves in.

Jane, it sounds like you've been pretty busy with company and will be even busier soon.  I always love company, but hate doing the extra bedding and towels.  I've worked into a daily routine which includes one small load of undies, shirts, socks, and other small stuff and the next day a load with towels and wash cloths.  I do the sheets and other linens when I change the beds.  And long pants take another load. 

I'm going to go to Kroger tomorrow morning at 9:00.  My young German friend will pick me up every Friday until I can drive myself.  Her husband is on Sabbatical at AU in soils science.  She takes her pre-school daughter to Day Care before she picks me up and we both shop and she helps me bring my bags into the house. 

I hope all have had a good day.  Sleep well this evening.
Sue

Sue I go to Tai Chi for balance  twice a week and to the gym 4 days a week when I have  Wednesday visits. on the weeks I don't I go 5 days a week to the gym. Today  they were having birthday cake for one of the clients so before my workout I had a small piece of cake.

I took Keith to the Clinic for a blood draw this morning before going to the gym. He has another Dr ,appt on Monday to check his prostate again. It was swollen  at the Dr visit a month ago and the PSA was up that is why he is having a recheck.

Hi Gals, I'm back from getting my hair cut and styled. I went to the black girl that I found when my regular girl had a stroke last year. After she came back to work, I felt I needed to return to her. That was about 6 mos ago, but the last time I was in, she did a really slipshod job. Consequently, I'm back with Felicia. She seems more knowledgeable about handling my thick curly hair that has a mind of its own. She did a good job. I think I will continue going to her now.  She has always done a better job.

I also cleaned & filled the bird bath and finally got the bluebird feeder out. And did a load of laundry. That's it for me today.

Marilyn, do you think the Tai Chi really helps with your balance? I have thought about doing it, but somehow can never convince myself to sign up. I don't have a problem with balance under normal circumstances, but I think all of us could use help in that area.  You really are being disciplined with all your exercise.  I need someone like you next door to me to roust me out & get me going!s

Sue, glad your girls won!  I agree with Mary's 3 buckets. We do that sort of also.  The bulk of our money is in annuities, some of them tax-sheltered that I took out when I was teaching, so that requires a minimal dispersal every year.  I also keep too much money in the checking account, but even in the savings account, it only earns 1.5%.  Maybe the interest rates will start rising now.

Mary, have you put out your blue bird feeder yet?  It sounds like you have a good advisor for your finances.  So important at our ages.

Jane, it sounds like renting a nice place on the beach in the winter is the way to get lots of family visits!!!  Enjoy.

Hi to Darlene, Ginny, Jeanne, Joy and whoever else I've missed.  It seems strange not to have Molly or Mary Page posting anymore.   Sharon

Sharon, glad you found someone to cut your hair that you  like.  Always an important thing.  LOL  I got mine cut today, too - by one of the gals I like.  She cuts it a little shorter than usual, but that's no problem for me.  I won't put out bluebird feeders for a while.  We're not anywhere near the end of winter around here.  I put some suet stuff out Tuesday, and nobody's touched it so far.

Marilyn, I hope Keith's PSA will be okay on the recheck.  It's certainly nothing to ignore.  The Tai Chi is a great thing for balance.  Our Silver Sneakers instructor stresses balance, too.  That's another good non-impact exercise program, too. 

Sue, congrats to your Lady Tigers.  Our Lady Mocs are doing well, too. I don't guess I'll get to any games this year - just don't feel motivated to go by myself.  And I don't know if I'll renew next year.  There are plenty of tickets available in any case.

I went to duplicate this afternoon.  My usual partner didn't show up - don't know why, but I played with another woman who didn't have a partner.  We came in in the middle of the N/S pairs, and actually one 1/3 of an MP.  And we had some interesting hands.

We got lots of rain last night, but today was a lovely day. And it's supposed to be warm for the next few days - then turn cold again by the end of next week.

Happy Friday, Buddies!

Hi Marilyn, Sharon, Mary, and whoever else is looking in.  I'd just finished breakfast about 8:00 when the tornado siren went off over at the city hall/fire station complex.  I took a large cushion from my love seat and my coffee into the hall and waited until the all clear was called about an hour later. 

I've been outside since it stopped raining.  I picked up downed limbs and put them out on the curb, then walked down to Samford Avenue and back (3 blocks each way).  I decided that vegetable soup was just right for today, so I have a large pot going with every veggie in my fridge plus a brat I'd planned to use in a sandwich.  It's smelling pretty good now, but I'm going to wait for about 30 minutes to be sure it's cooked just as I like it.

Marilyn, my neighbor Sandra goes to the Auburn City Rec. Center and does Zumba and I think they may have Tai Chi classes.  I have a Tai Chi video somewhere, so if I can find it I'll see if I can get myself motivated to try it at home--I would have to get a ride to go to one of the gyms here in Auburn.

Sharon, I mentioned the Tai Chi video--I bought it when Bob was getting too weak to walk outside.  He did several weeks of sitting down and at least doing the arm exercises--but he became even weaker and it was not long until we were staying at the Birmingham hospital in the unit for those who were not going to recover.  My former neighbor Anna who was approaching 90 went to Tai Chi for several years before she moved and is still doing it in her assisted living near Norfolk, VA.

Mary, thanks for the congrats to our Lady Tigers.  I was shocked at how many points we won by.  Tennessee has some really tall players and good 3 point shooters, but they had problems on Thursday night.  Our gals played hard and were able to steal the ball quite a bit--our little point guard is fast and clever about getting the ball quickly.

Hi Jane, GinnyAnn, and every Buddy who might be looking in.  I'd sure like to hear from MaryPage soon. 

Have a good day, Every Buddy.
Sue

Hi Gals, I've come down with a cold.   Started dosing up last night with Vit C & Coldeez & antihistimine. I don't feel terrible, but just lethargic & achy. Anyway, I didn't go to church, although John did.

We got almost an inch of rain in the past 24 hrs, but nothing severe. I thought we were to have rain all day today, but the sun is actually out. Maybe the severe storms predicted will be later today.

IU & Butler both won yesterday, so we're happy campers. Butler was ranked 13th last Tues & IU wasn't even mentioned.    John is unhappy that so many of IU's games are broadcast on the Big Ten Network which we don't get, but he doesn't want to pay the extra to add it.  Oh well, his choice. I don't watch anyway.

Sue, I know I should do Tai Chi, but like all the other exercise things out there, I can't seem to motivate myself.  I know that I couldn't do the standing ones or at least more than one or two before my pain kicked in.

Mary, glad your bridge has been going well and that you're finding compatible partners most of the time.

All for now.  Sharon

Sharon, sorry you're under the weather - that's no fun.  I hope your treatments work quickly.  Re the exercise, there are seated tai chi and seated yoga usually available.  I've not done either one, but do know they're out there.  Offered here at the Terrace on M/W/F (when I swim) is a seated program with a DVD.  I did do it once, and it's an excellent program of chair exercises.  It's called Zookinetics.  I know the DVDs are available on Amazon, and you can watch a sample on YouTube.  You might look it up.

We've had a lot of off-and-on rain with some thunder - and mixed with periods of sunshine.  Supposed to get back to winter this weekend.  Just a quiet weekend around here.  Lots going on nationally, of course.  My granddaughter and her husband went to the Women's March in Washington yesterday, and John's niece-in-law and grand-niece marched in LA.  Needless to say I'm very proud of them.

Hope your day is a good one, Buddies!

I had a post but it's disappeared!

Warm and windy day here...we've got our walk in and now relaxing before the two big football games come on. 

We've had a great visit with our company. They fly back to MN tomorrow.

Niece is doing very well post brain surgery...able to walk a mile twice a day...and doesn't seem to be in pain.  She now wants to get off the meds she's on, of course, but that will take time. The doc explained about the numbness in her head as a result of having various layers numbed as they operated and that can take time to wear off, as does the swelling and clogging of her ear, etc.

jane

jane, glad to hear your niece is doing so well.  The area around my knee still has some surface numbness - three months post-surgery, so tell her not to be concerned about it.

Jane.  Just heard that there was a shooting at the Mall in San Antonia. My goodness one doesn't know where things are going to happen anymore. I like that Mall when down there.  Just to walk around. Never seem to buy anything.

Yes, I've heard that on the news...1 dead and 5 injured.  It's scary....makes one leery of going to any mall.

Sharon, I'm sorry to hear about your cold.  Yuck!  I hope you can shake it soon, but they usually last at least a week to 20 days.  Take it easy and rest as much as possible.

Mary, we had tornado warnings yesterday about 8:00 a.m.  This afternoon I was picked up about 1:30 for our Lady Tigers game against Kentucky and when we got inside the arena, the game was postponed as another tornado had been sighted.  The game started about 2:15.  Our girls played well, but Kentucky won by about 6 points (I think).  So far I haven't seen news about any damage, so perhaps the tornado didn't touch down nearby.  Good for your niece and husband  attending the March in D.C. and John's niece in-law and grand niece marched in L.A.  I'd have loved to go to D.C., too!

Jane, I'm glad you've had a nice visit with your company and that your niece is doing so well following her brain surgery.  I'm hoping she'll continue to improve daily.  Her walking routine will help her regain her strength.

Jeanne, I am sorry to hear about the shooting in San Antonia.  I think some people are just simply crazy these days and are looking for attention as well as wanting to hurt as many as possible.  These shootings make me afraid to go many place in public.

It's getting up to my bedtime.  I just watched The Pink Panther on TCM and think I'm going to stay up for the second in this series.  Peter Sellers is hilarious as the detective Clousseau. (might be misspelled)

Good night, All.  GinnyAnn, I hope you've had a good weekend--and MaryPage, I'd sure love to hear from you.
Sue

Afternoon, Buddies!

Beautiful day here...and we've all had our walk.  The MPLS-Harlingen flight has been delayed a few times.  There must be staff issues or something, since they delayed it 2 hours before it ever was scheduled to leave Mpls.  In the winter it's a down and back, nonstop flight.  So, we can have a nice lunch here before heading out to the airport.

We're having supper tonight at a fav restaurant with our Iowa friends who are leaving tomorrow to go home.  He had another "episode" Friday night...falling and not being able to get up and not knowing where he was. Luckily her daughter was here...having just flow in for a week...and was able to get Jim up.  He's come out of it now, but Joan wants to get him home while her daughter is able to help drive them home.  I'm sorry to see them go, but we'll be in touch once we're all back home. 

jane

Howdy everyone. I took Keith to the dr this morning for a recheck on the prostate, His PSA has gone down from 10 to 5.8 in just one month. He will go back for another PSA test in 3 months. Dr. want to keep a close eye on what is going one there. However his Dr is leaving to  work part time in the Wound care center at the hospital so Keith will see the PA next time.

All is well here, not much going on, I went to the gym this morning and will go to Tai Chi  this afternoon.

Hi everyone...yes Jane...beautiful day here too..Even though I'm trying to get over a UTI...I did walk today....if the antibiotic doesn't work...may have to go to urologist....I haven't read all post so can't comment...but hope all looking in is healthy and having a great day.  Darlene

Sorry about your UTI, Darlene - not fun.

Marilyn, glad Keith's PSA went down - I hope it continues to do so.

Happy Monday, Buddies!

Hi Buddies.  It's chilly and windy here today, so I bundled up for my morning walk.  Tim came by about 10:30 to tell me he'd spoken with Dr. Canfield's nurse about my new medication, so I expect to get it from Express Scripts by the end of this week at the earliest, but more likely early next week.

I've done laundry, fiddled around with the crossword puzzle from the paper, reheated the last of my vegetable soup for lunch which I had with a banana covered in peanut butter with a dab of mayo, plus a glass of milk.  I'm already thinking about what I might make for my supper.

I've been reading since lunch and finished In the Castle of the Flynns by Michael Raleigh.  He's a Chicago author and the story is set in Chicago.  The young hero is an orphan due to a car wreck which killed his parents and he's living with his Grandparents and lots of other relatives live nearby.  Some good adventures, lots of happy times and some sad ones, and an easy read.  I'll return it to Merilyn on Wednesday at bridge club.

Not much else going on here today.  I did make a much needed haircut appointment for Thursday morning.  I'm off to look for todays' sports page to choose the basketball games I want to watch this evening. 

Darlene, I also hope you can get rid of the UTI soon.  I've only had 2 in my lifetime that I can remember and one of those was while I was vacationing in Ireland.  YUCK!

Sue

I got this from my Home town in the UK today.  Was a funeral for a little 5 year old boy. Looks like the whole town turned out. http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/107668/streets-lined-for-the-funeral

What a turnout, Jeanne!

I've been out and about to shops I hadn't visited yet, since it's such a nice day and Ray's off golfing.  I can't believe the prices in one shop.  I don't know anybody who pays $175 for a pair of white capri pants...but they were on SALE...for $150.  hahaha...they're still on the rack.

I stopped at a fav place for their chicken salad fruit plate. Chick salad in a martini class and fruit and veggies around the bottom of the glass.  Super good!

Now I'm in for the rest of the afternoon and doing laundry and will read.

jane

Jeanne, what a nice send-off and tribute for the little boy.

jane, glad you're having such a good day.

Glad you didn't have any damage from the storms, Sue.

I've been to the orthopedist for a checkup and x-ray.  All is doing well.  I saw my FP yesterday, and she says I'm good for another six months.  Then to the dentist tomorrow for cleaning.  Obviously, it's a doctor week.

Jeanne, they did something similar for a little boy in Charlotte. They dressed him in his superman outfit for burial and asked everyone who could to dress as super heros.  So touching.  It must have meant so much to Josh's parents to see the turnout.

Mary, I hate doctor weeks!  Glad that the news is good though.

Jane, sounds like you had a lovely day. I agree that even $150 for capris is insane for ordinary people.  Ivanka or Melania maybe. 

I just got back from the grocery where I got a red velvet cheesecake decorated with "Happy 90th Birthday"  for our bridge friend tomorrow.

I finally got my old cell phone reactivated and working!  It's only taken 2 months!  That's a relief.  The gal on the phone told me it was unrepairable. I went on line today to see if I could get a different answer.  All she had to do was put in the new sim card # and activate it!!  So I still only have a semi-smart phone, but I think I will just keep it for a while longer.

Sunny, windy, and 63 degrees here.  Supposed to get cold for the weekend though. Wouldn't you know it would when Melanie & Sangmin are coming.

Have a nice evening.  Sharon

HI Buddies.  I thought my cleaning ladies were coming this morning, so I got my shower and dressed before 8:00, had my breakfast, and when they weren't here by 9:15, walked the 3 blocks down to Samford and back.  When I came home, I got my clothing ready and dressed for my once a month bridge club.  My ride came at 11:00 and off we went.  Our game is held at an Assisted Living facility and about half of the members live there.  I had a nice lunch--roast pork, collard greens and black eyed peas as well as a salad and pecan pie for dessert. 

I had So So cards all day, couldn't do much with them, so ended up with low score and received a dollar for my efforts!

When I came home I changed into comfy clothes and walked up the hill and down around the street behind mine and back up my street.  I picked up some of the downed limbs from Saturday and Sunday storms.  I need to get out there again tomorrow morning before I need to shower for my Wednesday bridge group. 

Since then I finished reading an old Harlan Coban Myron Bolitar (a sports agent/amateur detective) murder mystery.  It's an old one I've read previously--actually several times.  Still is good.

While I was reading I watched the South Carolina-Auburn men's game at Columbia.  Carolina won and I wasn't sorry that Auburn lost.  I'm still a Gamecock!  Now I'm watching the Kentucky/Tennessee game and surprisingly Tennessee is ahead by 4 points.  So GO VOLS!

We're supposed to get cooler weather tomorrow.  I have my Wednesday bridge game at 1:00.  Terri will pick me up and then pick up Helen about 12:40.  We're going out to one of the first housing developments in Auburn--about 3 miles out of the city limits.

Sleep well, Buddies.
Sue

Hot day here today, so our walk is done.  We need to go shopping, and that's our agenda for today!  Life at the beach?   

There have been a report on TV about the norovirus going around.  That's nasty stuff.  We had it on our Alaska cruise.  It's a real HIT and RUN....comes quickly and is awful and then it's gone.

Stay well!

Jane

Good Morning or afternoon wherever you are. Not much new here Keith is going to the AARP drivers class tomorrow.  Then he has 2 weeks to go to DMV to take the written test and make an appointment for the driving test. I will be so glad when all this is over as he tends to put things off un til the last minute which is the exact opposite of the way I do things.

I've been to the gym this morning and will go to Tai Chi this afternoon. Plus walk with Freckles a few times too.

Good noontime, Buddies.  I've just put a load of wash into the dryer and think it'll be dry before Terri comes to pick me up.  If not, it won't matter as it's just my clothing to wear when working inside and outside.  I pruned my last lantana after my walk.  I still have more pruning to do and will try to get it done before the weather changes.

Marilyn, I hope the AARP drivers class helps Keith with his driving skills.  Also hope he does well on the written test and the driving test.  I haven't been able to drive (or at least my sons don't want me to drive and I do have the brace on my right leg, so I understand that).  It really stinks being prohibited from driving--and having to get someone to take me wherever I need to go.  (This is enough whining for the next few days!)

Jane, I envy you your winters at the beach.  I loved going down to Gulf Shores and Destin during Thanksgiving weekends.  I've seen that report about norovirus, too.  I sure hope it is not around hear.  How long did it last when you got it?

I'm off to check on my laundry.  Have a nice day!
Sue

Hi Gals, I'm back from bridge & lunch at the club. Mary Ann was very pleased with her cake & card.  I came home with my $.   It's been a while since I had the booby prize.  I was doing okay until the last couple rounds when I got lousy cards.  It's no wonder though since I was playing with only 4 hrs of sleep.  I've got to find an answer to this. It has suddenly gotten so much worse.

Jane, sounds like you're having a great time.

Sue, we're pals in getting our dollars back.  I hope you have all of your branches, etc picked up. With all the wind, I bet it was a big job.

Marilyn, good luck to Keith on his class and tests.  My bil let his license expire and now has to take the written test. Since he is somewhat challenged, he has failed it twice and is trying to study for the third time--and he won't let his wife help him study.  Rather like cutting off his nose in spite of his face.  I hope Keith isn't like that.

Hi to Ginny, Darlene, Mary, Molly & Mary Page & Joy & Jeanne if you're looking in.  Sharon