Tornadoes around New Orleans, moving towards Alabama and Montgomery.  Sue and Joy, I hope you and your loved ones are all okay.  Check in when you can.

I just ran out to Walgreens to get some stuff and heard about the tornados. I second Mary's wishes for Sue & Joy.

Sandy, I agree whole heartedly!  I have had 3 close brushes with death, so no matter the # of years, it's better than the alternative.

It's bright and shiny here for the moment, but the wind is picking up and the clouds are gathering, so maybe we will get our predicted rain this evening.
Sharon

I totally agree Sandi and I am going to celebrate every last one of my birthdays. We went out for an early dinner to a place called Coney Station in  Coos Bay.  The steaks were outrageous sko we decided to have burgers instead. We had a humongous Mushroom burger that must have been at least 600-700 calories each plus the fries. e both ate too much and washed it down with local beer.

So today I ahve been cathing nup on a few image that I had to create, went to the gym and have walked Freckles a couple of times anda bout about to take another walk with her while it isn't raining. Tomorrow i must  make arrangements to visit my new hospice patient.  I got her paperwork on Monday so I need to get over there and there is a Furry friends board meeting that I want to attend.

We had a big rain with wind about an hour ago and the weather man is telling me that it could get bad tonight and storms also expected tomorrow.  If one is approaching us, our very LOUD siren at the fire station will go off and I'll go sit in the hallway.  I spent the afternoon reading on my bed and didn't have my radio on, so the only storm I knew about was the heavy rain. 

I'm still very involved with M.M. Kaye's book Far Pavilions.  Set in India in the mid 1850's, it is a great yarn with lots of loops, secrets, great characters and involved plot.  Perhaps some of you saw the series on PBS during the 70's.  Unless there is a great movie or super basketball game tonight, I'm going to turn on my classical music station and read.

Have a nice evening, Buddies.  GINNYANN!  Where are you? 
Sue

Glad things are okay at your house, Sue.  Stay safe.

Keep enjoying those birthdays, Marilyn!

Louisiana is again flooded, demolished , etc. Tornadoes yesterday destroying sites in New Orleans, Donaldsonville, and
others---homes DESTROYED, trees down and over houses, etc., etc. Before people have had a chance to return to their
homes from the Great Flood of 2016, more destruction. Baton Rouge was not hit, but cities all around

So sad about all the damage in NOLA, Joy.  I'm glad to hear that you and yours are all okay, though.

Coffee with the swimmers this morning (but no swimming, yet).  The folks at the Y say the pool is scheduled to reopen on 20 February.  Hope springs eternal (as they say). 

Warm and cloudy today, but nothing severe. We had about 1.25" of rain Monday/Tuesday.  It's supposed to get cold again tomorrow - up and down - it's no wonder so many people get sick.  We've got lots of school systems in this area closed this week due to illness.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed. 

Stay well, Buddies!

Stay well, Mary!  I've seen several reports on TV about how bad the flu is some places. 

We did the "company coming" grocery shopping this morning. My sister and BIL will be here about 5:30 tonight for a week. 

jane

Although another storm was predicted for us today, none showed up, so we bit the bullet again.  Joy, I'm sorry to hear about the damage in your area.  I talked to N.O. daughter-in-law yesterday and she and son Nick were safe--no damage there.  My son, Jon, is still in Arizona for the Rocks and Minerals show and had also called home to see if all was well.

I played bridge today.  I didn't have many good cards and didn't win any money, got the quarter for low score--which I put in my quarter jar when I came home, so will have one ready when I need it.  I had fun, though, and enjoyed getting out.  Terri picked me and Helen up and took us to Merilin's and home again.

I hope all had a good and also safe day, weather wise.
Sue

The doctor's office called this afternoon - the echocardiogram "showed no significant changes".  Always good to hear.

Good news from Sue and Mary this morning!!

My company is here...so I won't be in much for this next week.

Stay safe, Every Babe!!

jane

Hi Gals. Just home from my weekly grocery shopping. Glad to have it over. Also finished lunch of some bean soup I had in the freezer.  It is sooo windy today! It blew my trunk lid down lower than usual and when I bent to get something out of the trunk, I banged my head on it. Hurt like the devil, but is ok now.

I've been working on a financial information sheet to be filled out by John's sister & husband before they get any worse on memory. No one knows anything about their finances, so this is to have for "just in case".  John will be going up there in May with Don's sister to have a gathering of the minds. I sure hope they are able to get things straightened out.  At our ages, everything needs to be written down and easily accessible for family.

Mary, glad the echogram was good.  Hope the pool opens soon.

Joy, so sorry that NO has had another weather catastrophe, but glad it didn't impact BR this time.

Sue, sounds like you're keeping busy with bridge & reading. Glad Jon's family is safe.

Melanie & Sangmin came down with whatever cold/flu thing that is going around and haven't been able to do much on their vacation. Melanie sounded absolutely horrible with terrible coughing yesterday.

The storms were primarily north of us last night, but there was some lightening that scared Bunny. She doesn't like being in the den with the big windows and the door closed if there is a storm. She's fine in the great room though.  Of course, it required me to get up twice to get her situated. Grrr.

Have a good day.  Sharon

Sharon.
Now I am different. Love going go grocery stores. I just go to often. spend to much on groceries it seems. I am always running out of milk as I use a lot. Good thing about 4 of my stores are within 2 miles.

Today though I am staying home.  We got some snow last night, not much but enough to cover my car.  Sun is out now so maybe clean it off.

Don't want to drive anyway.  After doing the MRI last week the have me on 2 diff drugs that are really making me tired and a little sick feeling.  Trying to take care of that nerve problem I have had for quite awhile down the left side of left leg.  Strange thing.  4 Dr. so far have been involved in this thing.

Hello from the Southern Oregon Coast. The sun keeps coming and going here, I dixd take freckles out for a walk and it was misting on us, Now the sun is out once again.
Not much new here, We went out to dinner last night in stead of tonight with the usual group of Keith's High school friends.

Tomorrow the Furry friends group is  hosting the Canine Good Citizens testing in the mall for the public to get their dogs tested, we will also be promoting the Furry Friend Therapy Dog organization. All of our dogs have to pass this testing before they can become Therapy Dogs. Freckles won't get to participate this time as one of the friendly dogs to go into the ring and walk around  with me to test the friendliness of the dog being tested. But I will be part of  a crowd of people going into the ring to see how the dog will react to a lot of people being in the same space as the dog and it's handler. The dog being tested will  have to demonstrate that  it can obey the 7 basic commands  at the owners request. Sit, stay, heel, down, off , no, come. Plus the Sit stay, and the down stay while the handler walks away.

Hi to all the Buddies
Since Feb 2 was both my Mom's and Son's birthdays, I was feeling sad.  Saw the eye doctor and need a new script. Ray didn't want to get it filled at their office. He thinks we will get a better price at Pearl Vision. So, I don't have the new ones yet.      

We have snow on the ground, but it isn't snowing at this time. Since I don't like listening to the nightly news, I often miss hearing the weather report.

Ray got Outlander: Season 2 from the library. We have been watching it.  We both enjoy it, a lot.

Hello, Buddies.  My young friend, Julia, picked me up this morning for our weekly shopping at Kroger.  Her son is in 3rd or 4th grade and daughter goes to 9-12 day care program near Kroger, so she likes to shop then, too.  She and her family are from Germany.  Her husband is teaching at AU, I think on Sabbatical, but might become permanent.  I learned about her from Village Friends, the organization I joined in order to receive their services.  So far I've only asked for transportation for groceries and hair appointments.  My church friends see that I get there and Tim takes me to doctor appointments.  Bridge friends take me to the 2 bridge clubs I belong to.  Wednesday after next, I'll host the Wednesday club here.

Mary, woo hoo on your echocardiogram report!  I know you must feel good about that.  Any progress on the pool at the Y?

Jane, enjoy your company.  I hope you have good weather for their visit. 

Sharon, I made split pea soup yesterday and ate some more today.  Soup is one of my favorite meals.  For supper this evening I made scrambled eggs and a frozen waffle with peanut butter.  Not much cooking goes on here, though.  Next week when Bill comes, I'll be working a lot more in my kitchen, although I know we'll go out some and probably get a pizza from the nearby Marco's.  One thing I need to do is clean my oven tomorrow.  It's a mess and I'd like to have it spic and span before he gets here.  His wife, Dawn, is a very, very NEAT person!

Jeanne, how long do you think you'll be on those drugs?  I am not allowed yet to drive because of my leg and I feel handicapped to have to arrange for others to take me where I need to go.  Otherwise I'm stuck inside except for my daily walks.  I hope the drugs work for you and you'll be able to drive again soon.

Marilyn, I admire you and Freckles for all that you do for your community.  Will Freckles go to the event with you?  I guess if so she will sit quietly and wait for you to test the new dogs. 

GinnyAnn, Feb. 2 was my Dad's birthday.  He died in 1983 the first day I had a job at a new school and I had to get permission from my new principal to miss the other days of the pre-school orientation.  He was only 85 which seemed fairly old to me at the time, but I'll be 80 on March 15.  My, how time flies!  I hope you get your new glasses soon.

On Friday evenings, I watch our NBC national and local news, then turn to PBS to watch their news.  Now I'm watching a Hallmark movie until 9:00 when I'll turn back to PBS for the Smokey Robinson special.  I loved dancing to his music back in the day.

Sleep well, Buddies.
Sue

Sue, I'd forgotten your birthday was a day before mine.  I'm 364 days older than you are.  LOL.

And I've just gotten some lovely news about my birthday.  Sue and Margaret have rented a large VRBO house in Chattanooga the weekend after my birthday, so it looks like I'll be having a good birthday party this year.

Most of today was about bridge.  I went to a "play and discuss" class this morning before play this afternoon.  One of the more experienced players is leading these free, informal classes.  She sets up the hands, and then we bid, discuss the bids, play the hand, and end with discussion of the play.  I really like that as a learning situation.  It sticks much better for me than just showing hands on a sheet of paper or blackboard and talking about it.  My partner and I were in the middle of the pack at the end of afternoon's play.  But with 53.7% takeaway, we each won 0.21 MP.  So it was a pretty good day.

We had lovely clear skies and I have a great view of the full moon.  I watched for an hour watching for the partial eclipse, but never noticed any change in the moon.  Oh, well.....

Jeanne, I'm with Sharon - I hate going to the grocery store.  I've always hated it.  And I'm SO glad that I don't have to do it any more.  8^)

Ginny Ann, anniversaries are hard to deal with, but it's good to hear from you in any case.  I hope your new glasses work well for you.

Marilyn, have fun with all your activities this weekend.

Happy Weekend to all the Buddies!

Mary, your birthday sounds really wonderful.  My sons are great at remembering my birthday (their wives remind them!) but we don't celebrate much.  Bill usually sends fudge or flowers, Tim takes me to lunch, and if I'm lucky Jon remembers it happens on the 15th and he'll call next day!  Actually Bill's wife Dawn takes care of the fudge or flowers.  I don't know if Kris reminds Tim and who knows about Jon.  His wife Stacie usually sees to sending me something.  BTW,  what is 364 days in the great scheme of things?!!

Yesterday, I spent more than an hour and a half online trying to order See's Valentine boxes for Alex and Nick.  I tried to do it all online, but that didn't work and finally had to talk to 3 phone helpers--and still had a problem.  I hate that and of course the boys won't get the candy before Valentine's Day.  I've been sending them Valentine's and Halloween candy from See's for years.  I'd like to find a different place to use for ordering.

After Bob retired, I never went to the grocery store.  He'd visit his Mom and before his Dad died, both, every Thursday.  He took them to lunch and helped with their grocery shopping.  Then he'd stop in Montgomery at least once a month and buy our staples and bring them to the farm and usually get them put away before I got home from school.  After his Dad died and then before his Mom had to move into an assisted living in Montgomery, he still drove over there to take her out to lunch and then a bit of shopping and then to the commissary at Maxwell AFB. 

That all changed the day I got home from school before he came home from his last trip for shopping.  He asked me to put the groceries away.  He was sick all that night, but got up the next day and went to town to stop at the church to pick up some paperwork and then to the Exchange Club where he was the Secretary/ Treasurer.  He came home that afternoon VERY sick,
That was the start of his diagnosis of Colon Cancer--and although he had 2 years--and in 1998 we were able to go to Ireland for a nice trip, it returned and was fatal.  He died in 2002.

GinnyAnn, I've not seen the Outlander DVD's but I've read the first 6 or 8 of the books.  I heard about them on an Elderhostel Trip Bob and I took and when I came home, read the first at the library and went on to read the others while at the farm and after moving up here to Auburn.  I can't remember the author's name, but she is a prolific writer with a great imagination!

I've just finished cleaning my very yucky oven!  Whew, what a job.  I haven't used my oven more than once or twice since I came home in June, but Bill stayed here and must have used it a lot while I was in the hospital.  My mind was so muddled that first month after I fell, I don't remember that he'd visited me!

I'm watching basketball now and will turn the channel.  I kept coming into the den to check on the KState/WVU score while cleaning the oven and WVU won handily.

Have a nice weekend, Buddies.
Sue

SCFSue.  Now do you like going to the Big Mall? I don't. Sure enjoy grocery stores more.  If I need the mall I know what I want. Go right to it and back out.  My eldest Daughter picks her vacation around the big Malls. Loves them.

Now I need to get into my oven. It must be 2years at least since I used it. It is now storing skillets and things. Must be awful in there. I have 3 crock pots. Toaster oven and I large size Convection oven and they are what I use. Also a bread machine if I need bake bread.  I don't do such things a big Turkey etc anymore.

I am not  driving my car at the moment either. Still having the problem on the left side of left thigh. 4 doctor have been involved in this thing .Started with primary. sent to Neurologist he did all his testing. then to another who tried Phy for 3 times. Decided to send for MRI.  1 hour 45 min. in that. Then on to Spine and pain Dr. He put me on 2 meds for 3 weeks. All went over the MRI along with me.  I am like a  ball being tossed around. They all put you through the testing and I pass that.  So lets see what these drugs do. Sure makes me feel so that I would not drive a car.  Maybe after a week on them will get use to them.
Its not painful  but just a Tingling and a burning down the leg.  I only get weird things.

Hi Gals, guess I've missed a day or two.  Jeanne, I hope you have adjusted to the new meds and that your leg is doing better.  I know you love to cook, so I imagine that's why you like to grocery shop. I like to cook but don't do a lot of it anymore due to the time I'd have to be on my feet.

Ginny, glad to hear from you. I know that anniversaries of deaths or birthdays of lost ones are hard. I'm glad it's behind you now for this year.  I don't know anything about the Outlander series, but I'm glad you're enjoying it.

Mary, that sounds like a wonderful class!  Especially if your partner is taking it with you.  Anything over 50% is pretty good! The birthday party sounds great!  I love big family do's.  Looking forward to Brian's retirement party when everyone (hopefully) will be together.

Sue, that must have been a very difficult time for you when Bob got sick. I can remember much of what you posted then.

Our kids always remember our birthdays, but we have a no BD gift policy unless we're together. Just too many people in the family now. Of course the little ones still get gifts though till 21.

Marilyn, your dog is so well trained.  Bunny can do a lot of that, but not all, but it's my fault, not hers. I just haven't taught her some of the finer points. Glad you got out for dinner last night.  I think we are going out next Sat with our neighbors to have a late Valentine's dinner.  We don't go out very often.

Jane, I hope you and your sis are having a wonderful time and good weather for their visit.

Jeanne, just saw your new post. Your pain sounds kind of like sciatica. Did they put you on prednisone?  I hope you feel better soon.   As to malls, I used to love them but now if I go at all, I park outside the store I'm going to and get what I need and then right back out. I just can't walk all over a mall anymore.

Nothing happening here.  Sharon

I just don't care for shopping at all - doesn't matter what kind.  I enjoy an art show type event, but that's an "art" thing, not "shopping".  Oh, well - different strokes, as they say.

Nothing going on today.  It's been cloudy all day.  I've watched some TV programs I had recorded while knitting.  I'm doing some pink hats for John's niece and her daughter who are going to a march in Sydney, Australia.  I just got a text from Margaret.  She's going to a basketball game in Knoxville tomorrow afternoon, and will stop here for supper on her way home.  Always fun!

Glad your event went well, Marilyn.  I know your solo tomorrow will be great!

Happy Sunday everyone...had a great time at my daughters..we had manicure/pedi...went shopping and enjoyed a shrimp lunch".today attended the annual widow/widower valentine  dinner...after church...given by pastor...deacons and wife's...of course the women always out number the men...but it was very nice...so now I'm on the couch doing nothing..hope all are doing ok...didn't read any posts....Darlene

Marilyn.  You sure keep busy. That good.  I get sort of lazy in this kind of winter

Sun is out and 45deg. Going to force myself out to the library. Not far so will trust my driving. Wind is terrible.

Sharon. I thought Sciatica at the start. But all 4 Dr. don't seem to think that. Never any pain, Just the Tingle and burn.  MRI shows a wearing away at the very bottom of spine where nerves come out to leg. So far thinking that problem. Try the Pills for 3 weeks.  Hope it works.

My solo at church yesterday went very well. I was even able to get enough air in my lungs to hit that long very high note at the end,  surprised myself. i got lots of compliments that too surprised me, nut it was all about praising the Lord and He helped me hit all the notes perfectly.

Yes Jeanne I do keep busy, I don't let any grass grow under my feet and that's for sure.

Hi Gals, I just got back from the podiatrist. He removed the cuticle from the side of one of my big toes. The other one will need it done too, but it wasn't as bad.  So far, no pain, but I'm sure once the novacaine or whatever wears off it will hurt some.  Wearing sandals now.

Marilyn, I'm sure everyone was pleased with your solo. I'm sure you practiced hard to do such a good job.  I can't carry a tune in a bucket.

Jeanne, I've never heard of that except when it was sciatica, but I'm sure the doctors have.  Hope the meds help.

Darlene, I'm so glad you had a good time with your daughters. That is always so fun.

Nothing else going on here.  Sharon

MaryZ...I'm having an echocardiogram Thursday...how long was the test.....they told me fasting...Darlene

Darlene, I didn't have to be fasting - interesting.  It took less than an hour, and is not an uncomfortable test.  I hope all is okay with yours, too.

Jeanne, I hope your medication works for your problems.

Marilyn, congratulations on your performance - I know it was greatly appreciated by the listeners.  Brava!!

Sharon, I'm glad you got your feet tended to.  My nail tech does a great job of caring for my weird feet and toes, and I'm happy to have her continue to do so.

I went out to dinner with Margaret last night (Mexican - yum!).  Today has been pretty much a slug day.  But I am going out to play duplicate tonight, so I won't be totally worthless.  LOL.  Valentine's Day is when my financial counsellor gives a tea (luncheon) for some of her clients.  I'll be going with my two swim buddies/co-clients, so that'll be fun.

Well, I just got a call from my Monday night partner, and we're not playing tonight after all.  Turns out they're having a "team game" event, and you have to be a four-some to play.  And we're  not.  Oh, well - now it's a totally do-nothing day. 

Hope everybody has a good week coming up.

Mary...I looked at my paper...don't have to fast for echocardio...but do for a renal Doppler....wanted to correct my self...Darlene