I'm glad to hear that some folks have been getting cooler weather.  It certainly is not doing that here.  We've been over 90 every day for a couple of weeks now, and the next 7 days are predicted for into the 90s.  And no rain!  Not entirely true -there have been isolated scattered showers, but none at my place.

Yesterday I got the chance to visit with a second cousin I had seen only once since we were children.  My grandfather and her grandmother were siblings.  She lives in Kansas, and was in the area visiting her son near Nashville.  She made the effort to come here to see me.  And it was a treat to renew a kinship that might turn into a friendship.  A special day.

Today was much quieter - just Silver Sneakers and home today.

Enjoy your "coolness", Buddies!

Just read all the interesting posts and it surely sounds like folks are busy.  Mohamed just called to let me know that he'll be laving Maryland tomorrow morning to return here in early afternoon.  He's enjoyed catching up with the Maryland/Washington DC friends, consulting with his former Dr., doing a bit of shopping and checking the car to make sure that it will be ready to travel back here tomorrow.  He's helped the wife of a good friend set up her new computer and visited some of our former Maryland neighborhoods, so he's had a good time.

Our weather here has been really pleasant, cooler than a few days ago and enjoyable.  Happy weekend to all Friends!

Good very early morning! It's 3 AM and here I am again on the computer instead of asleep in my bed. I tried and tossed and turned till about 2:30 and gave up and got up. Grrrr!

It was lovely here today too. Barely reached 80. We got almost a half inch of rain Mon. night & was cloudy today, but the temps are to go up to the upper 80's for the next week or so with a chance of rain each day, emphasis on "chance".

Jane, I hope Ray's skin graft goes well.  Sounds a little scary but maybe it isn't. Glad your weather has been nice.

Mary, how nice to renew a friendship with your cousin. I hope you are able to keep up the connection.  Sorry you are so hot.  Usually we are about the same.  We had about 10 days of 90's but that run seems broken now, thank goodness.  Do you feel your Silver Sneakers class is helping you with your flexibility and strength? I hope so.

Molly, I'm glad M has had a nice visit in Md. I know you will be glad to see him home tomorrow, er today.

Jeanne, I hope your cool air holds for your cleaning flurry tomorrow.  Take it easy if it gets too hot though. It will wait.

Have a nice day everyone.  Sharon

Sorry you were up, Sharon.  Turns out I was, too - only not for the same reason.  The fire alarm went off here about 4:45 a.m..  Since this was a swimming day, when I'd usually get up at 6, I didn't even try to go back to sleep.  No nap, either - so I'll probably be dragging by mid-evening.  I do think the Silver Sneakers has helped some with stability and mobility.  I'm able to do a lot of movement in the water that I'd never be able to do on land, but I knew I needed some gravity-based movements, too.  If you have access to one of these programs, you might give it a try.  Our instructor (and I assume it's true throughout the program) is very insistent on doing only what you're comfortable with.  About half is done standing and half sitting, but some of our folks are only able to do it seated - and that's okay.  No pressure to do anything more than what your body can handle.

Marilyn, I don't usually comment on your Freckles - don't know why - but I'm so impressed with how well you both do with your hospital and nursing home visits.  I know how much it means to some of the folks here, and I know you're appreciated in your area.  Keep up the good work!

The Terrace has a new management company (as of April), and an interim executive director (after they fired the existing one).  This afternoon, the interim had a meeting with the residents.  I think it went very well.  The room was crowded (YEA!) and the questions and comments were pretty much kept to generalities (usually a problem).  She spoke well, explaining the immediate plans and some of the long-range plans, and answered the questions satisfactorily.  I think she was able to put some of the residents' minds at ease, and definitely opened the lines of communication.  One of the things I appreciated was how she kept referring to The Terrace as our "home" - which indeed it is.  I hope this was a sign of good things coming.

Happy Wednesday, Buddies!

Marilyn...I'm sure the folks enjoyed Freckles visit.

Maryz....any idea what caused the alarm to go off?

Sharon....hope you could rest today and get a good night's sleep tonight.

Molly...hope M got home without a problem.

MaryPage...enjoy the nice days and beautiful flowers.

Jeanne...did you get the water thing fixed under your house?

The skin graft was easy and really fascinating.  I got to watch.  It's attached by four steristrips!
Then the gauzy wrap and then the elastic wrap and he's to be a couch potato....no unnecessary walking and keeping it elevated a lot.  However, Dr. said also he wasn't saying "bed rest," but just don't do any unnecessary walking.

I played bridge and the cards were mediocre, but it's fun and our group has grown. 10 were there today.

It was a nice day...in mid 70s so AC could be turned off and that's always nice!

No big plans for the next few days either.

jane

jane, glad the graft procedure went well.  I hope Ray behaves and that all goes well with the "take".

I think the alarm going off was a drill.  They have to do middle-of-the-night drills, too, to be sure the abbreviated staff and the less-than-mobile residents know what to do.  Sighhhhhh

Trying to get back to my normal schedule. I'm a bit 'out of sorts', but that can be normal after a vacation (right?)

Thinking of Sue. Miss her posts. Does she have a way for me to be in touch with her?

Jane I hope your Ray is doing well and getting better day by day.

Always good to hear from you, Ginny Ann.  Where did you go on your vacation?  Hope you had a good time and good weather.

I'm having a "Sharon" night.  Went sound asleep at 11:15, and woke  up at 12:45.  Now at 1:30, here I am in the chair, wide awake.  I will probably get back to sleep, though. 

Hi Gals, I managed to stay awake most of yesterday altho I dozed in front of the TV. When I got to bed I died! I slept soundly and didn't even have to get up for a potty break for 8.5 hours. So nice.

Mary, I hope they don't have those night-time drills over once a year!  How disturbing.  I'm sorry you had another wakeful night last night. Hope you got back to sleep eventually.  Glad the new administrator for the complex seems good.  We don't have a SS program, but there are other exercise classes I could take if I would!  I just hate having to keep a scheduled activity.  Lori wants me to go VEGAN!  She read somewhere that that was good for fibromyalgia.  Yikes, don't think I could tolerate that.

Jane, so glad to hear that the skin graft was such a simple procedure. I hope it takes quickly.  Glad you had fun at bridge.  Good that the group is growing.

Ginny Ann, welcome back from wherever you were. I was wondering why you hadn't posted lately.

I've got to go to the grocery and the library in a bit.  My nerve block is tomorrow.

Hi to all. Sharon

I did finally get back to sleep about 3 - and slept until 7:30.  I'll probably take a short nap this afternoon.

Glad you got a good night's sleep, Sharon.  One of the reasons I've stuck with the swim class is because it was regularly scheduled and because a bunch of us got to be friends.  So we keep checking up on each other.  The Silver Sneakers class works for me because it's here in the building.  I know I need it, so I make myself go - and it's a way to chat with some of the other residents.  I could probably eat a vegetarian diet, but I'd have to practically go back to school to learn all of what's required to get a balanced diet.  And it's not something that offered here.  So it wouldn't happen with me, either.  LOL  I hope the nerve block goes well and you get some relief

GinnyAnn....Did you go to Canada with your friends?  I know you've always enjoyed that.
The Buddies have been sending cards to Sue at her son's address as his daughter-in-law suggested to me. She said they'd be sure Sue got them. 

I'll email it to you.

Sue sent me a note by snail mail and said she was in an Assisted Living place and hoped to go home in a week or two.  That was dated June 8.  I guess she's still there since I don't think anyone has heard from her recently.  I'm going to get another card in the mail to her.

Sharon....hoping that nerve block gives you pain relief!

Mary...enjoy that nap if it's needed!  Good to see the new Interim Director held a meeting for all the residents to keep them "in the loop."

I ran out to three places for groceries for us for the next day or so and it looked as if rain would come at any moment.  The clouds were so dark, and the air felt as if rain was imminent, but they seem to have blown over.  Rain is predicted for this afternoon.

Ray's doing fine.

jane

Hello every Buddy Not much is new here on the Oregon coast. Tomorrow night is the monthly wine walk in downtown Coos bay. I am in charge of that for the Furry Friends table at an appliance store. We do not serve wine or food, we are there  to display our dogs and let the people pet them . We do put out brochures about the group and have a donation jar is anyone feels like donating. wWe take no more than 4 dogs each month because of the lack of space.

I went to the Dr. yesterday about the pain in my side an it is all related to my back problems and muscle fatigue from sitting in one place for a long time driving. I also went to the ENT on Monday, I may have the balloon procedure done on the sinus ducts, in the meantime I am rinsing my sinus's with salie solution, it sure does help. I haven't had much of the drainage  since i started doing that.

Mary, glad you got back to sleep.  If I nap, I'm guaranteed not to get to sleep at night. I should really get myself in gear and go to a water exercise group, but I just hate the hassle.  You're right about needing to get re-educated in order to eat A balanced diet if vegan.  I picked up some frozen vegan meals and will see if they are at all palatable. I have a friend who turned vegan after she had a heart attack. She really lost weisght and had a lot of energy. She was VP oof tthe magazine, so haven't seen her much since I quit. She recently lost her husband very suddenly, so maybe she would enjoy teaching me how to eat that way.  I'm inclined tho to go vegetarian if I have to and have fish and eggs, just no meat.  Forgive my typing. Tremor has kicked up.

Jane, glad Ray is doing well. I need to send Sue another note too. You must be pl.anning some big meals if you went to 3 groceries.  One was my limit.  I did go to the library and stocked up with about 8 books. I buy them from their used book sstore, then I don't have to worry about due dates. I spent 11$. It helps their program and me too. Then when I'm done, I donate them back to them, so they win twice.

Marilyn, you didn't mentionn that you have a pain in the side with your back. That is what is really killing me.  Send me an email with your details and what the dr. said, please. My drs have kind of brushed mine off.   Sharon

No, no big meals planned.  I had to go to three places to simply get what I needed.  Our local grocery, for example, had no #4 brown cone coffee filters nor any sugar-free Oregon Chai liquid...so I have to go to WalMart for those.  We wanted home-grown lettuce, so needed to go to the small produce and bakery store that's only open spring thru fall.  They bake pies, rolls, etc there, carry local produce, and other such things.  The owners used to have a grocery store in town, but now just have Bushel and a Peck.  We don't have the big grocery stores that carry everything.   

We've had a bit of rain, but could use more.  Now the humidity builds. 

It's hard to believe this is the last day of June! 

Jane

Sharon I had the pain  in my abdomen down below my appendectomy scar, very l.ow when I was driving the long distances earlier this month and if I sit for a long time . I was very worried about that pain but now that I know it was mostly muscle fatigue it am no longer worried.

Well, here it is July the One, and Chip has brought 2 large casseroles down from the top shelf of the kitchen cabinets for me.  We are having our huge family crab feast on Sunday afternoon at Debi's.  Becky arrives at BWI on Saturday.  Greg is bringing one of his lovely tenderloins.  This way, no one has to be on the road on Monday.  We can get up and put our flags out and jolly well pad off back to bed if we want to on the actual Fourth!
I can now officially report that June was unusual for these parts.  Every bit of it was heavenly.  Temps mostly in the seventies, lovely breezes, and when it rained, it did so mostly at night!  My darling favorite month of May was SUCH a washout this year, so June was like a sweet, sweet apology from the weather makers.
Today will be quiet and calm, as I have finished just about all of my chores, excepting some first of the month check writing.  Will mail those on my way out to lunch.  Chip has promised to take me to Grump's for that meal, leaving here at one.  Gorgeous day here on the bay.  Love & kisses to all from MaryPage.

Okay, now I understand, Jane.  Occasionally, I also have things I can only find at WalMart or Publix but usually do it on a different day. WM has opened one of their grocery stores in Fort Mill right by the turn we take to & from church, so it i handy now to stop if I need something from there.

We got almost an inch of rain night before last, non predicted for today but 40  % chance for the next several days.

Marilyn, I guess your pain isn't where mine is. Thanks for filling me in.

Mary Page, you have indeed been lucky with your June weather while the rest of us sweltered or were rained on.  Have a wonderful time at Debi's Sunday. I know you will. Sounds awesome.

We went out to dinner last night to hear a timeshare-related company tell us how to get rid of ours. I hope it works.  I'm dressed and ready for the doctor's. Not looking forward to it.  18 injections is a lot!!!  Just praying it works this time.  Sharon

Sharon - fingers crossed for you.  A young internet friend (age 40) has severe RA.  She recently had a similar number of injections.  It took a while - several day, maybe as long as a week - to get relief, but she finally did and says she is doing better than she has in a long, long time.  I hope you get results as good.

Nothing going on around here - just hot.  The southern half of our county has been put in the "extreme drought" status...and we still have nothing but minimum chances for rain in the upcoming week.

Today I had a hard time getting going. Ray is concerned about me because I didn't get outside and it was a beautiful day.  I may have to see our family doctor for a recommendation for a psychiatrist. They are the docs that can write scripts when needed.

Our vacation was in Canada visiting with friends who live in their 'cabin' in the summer and their home here in Ohio for the rest of the time.

Ray got the lawn mowed today. Now we hope for rain to get it to grow again. 

Sharon I sure hope the shots work for you.

We have a Walmart, but often get better deals from a local chain store. They have good produce.

Ray and I have no special plans for the holiday.

Hi Gals, it's 1 AM, so thought I would check in.  The dr decided that if the injections he gave me the first time didn't work, there wasn't much point in doing them again. His only other option for me was a spinal nerve stimulator that would be implanted in my stomach or buttocks. There is a trial option that is temporary for 3-5 days to see if it would work.  I'm not totally on board with that but considering it.  I really think I need to go to Mayo's for a complete workup before I do anything like that.

On top of that, I've come down with a really awful cold. Why, I don't know. I spent all evening blowing and sneezing. I've finally got that stopped with Flonase and have taken Vit C & Coldeeze, so I hope I'll be better tomorrow--provided I can get some sleep tonight. Right now, it doesn't look promising.

Mary, I'm glad your friend finally found some relief. Sure wish I could.  We're in the same boat weather wise--hot and dry.  We are about -4", I think. Some chance over the next week, but not a big one. Kind of hit & miss over the area.

Ginny Ann, I'm so sorry you weren't able to get out in the nice weather.  Perhaps a psychiatrist would help you come to grips with your grief and other problems. It's worth a try. I'm glad you got up to Canada. I know it's been a while since you were there.  I don't shop at WM on a regular basis, just for a few items occasionally when it is handier than my usual chain store, Harris Teeter. I definitely agree on the produce. WM's usually isn't very good here.

No plans for the holiday, but that's a good thing since I'm sick with this cold.  I hope everyone else will do something fun.  Sharon

Sorry about your discomfort, Sharon - maybe a complete workup at Mayo would be worth it - and you might get some answers.  Other that, a trial with the stimulator might be at least worth a try.  Hugs and support whatever you choose.

Ginny Ann, always good to see you.  Depression is SO hard to deal with.  Maybe psychiatrist or psychologist could help you.  Glad you got to go on your Canada getaway.

Nothing goin on here.  I've been enjoying watching the birds on the feeders this morning.  I finally got some cayenne pepper and put some in one of the feeders, to see if I could leave it out all night without the squirrels and possums getting into it.  No problems this morning.  We'll see what happens over a couple of nights. 

There are fireworks going on almost every night around here - several from downtown.  I could see those from my deck - except for the thick trees in the way.  I should be able to see them very well this winter (Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years). 

Have a good holiday weekend, Buddies!

We had humongous storms last night, two separate and distinct visitations.  It did not rain.  The heavens poured buckets straight down upon us without mercy.  Ah well;  it passed.
And what a description of Life that is!  We are flayed without mercy, but in the morning comes the sunshine.
This is a sparkle plenty day.  Bay waters are just too glittery to look at.  There are some sails out there, braving the blazing, but mostly this bright yellow and blue and green and white day is quiet and peaceful.  This is an Always day.  When we are forced to suffer ugly grey ones, we can flip the pages of our mind to this sort and enjoy some happy memory smiles.
Sharon, I hate it that you are suffering.  Waving my magic wand your way and chanting: "Be well! Be well! Be well!"
Beginning to be afraid Sue has discovered that her life goes on just fine without us.  Blast!  OUR lives are much in disarray due to her absence!
I have a nice, quiet schedule this sunny day.  Tomorrow will be up at the crack of, to dive into furious rates of activity in preparation for our Big July Fourth Family Gathering.  As previously stated, we are doing the 4th on the 3rd and collapsing at home on the actual 4th.  Chip & I don't even plan to go downtown for the parade and all the other doings.  I think I'll even skip the fireworks.  We can see the high in the air ones from my bayside deck, anyway.  I am very contented with these plans.  Oh, and I won't neglect to put the flag out on the real day.  Speaking of the real day, Chip and John Adams and the History books say that should be today, July the 2nd!  Well, that's another story, and I think I'll just sign off for now.  Toodles!

Hi everyone. Just got back from a 4 day visit with daughter...so a quite holiday weekend for me..wishing everyone a safe and Happy 4th....Darlene

What a change in the weather here today. Went down to 54 last night.  We had good rains during the last 2 night. Farmers will have a good year this year.( Not that they will admit to it). Perfect rain to Hot sun. Corn will be in early.
Hope the Parade and Fireworks will not get rained out again. It was last year.

I tried something yesterday. Not done it before.  I love this time of year to just do a quick pickle of Cucumber and Onions. Love them with cheese. Well all I had were onions and Zucchinis. So just tried them. I really like them better than the cucumber. More crispy I think. Just did one jar but will make more. They almost give Zucchinis away in Summer time. 

Sharon.  You seem to be having a hard time with your sleeping these days. Doesn't your Dr. Tie you pain into maybe that part of problem.?

Now on the trial one. Does that mean that they still implant something into the body or just it stays on the outside. Must be something strong to take only 3 -4 days to work.  I would get a second opinion  before transplanting any thing connecting to nerves. Maybe Mayo would be worth a trip. Does he suggest they get involved?

MaryPage.
I am sure that Sue is more into getting herself well enough so she can get back home an out of Rehab. That takes a good part of her day. Then also when one is doing this they really don't want to be writing or reading as to what is happening elsewhere.  I can just have a cold and know I don't even look at a computer.

I wonder and hope that her yard and things are being taken care of. I know how she use to have to do so much weeding and it has been like lots of places. A rainy year.
I have never seen my grass looking so green this time into the year.  Even my car stays cleaner.  Only problem it is sort of getting a little damp smelly.  I bought stuff yesterday to put under the crawl space . Also got some of the New Resolve to sprinkle on all the indoor Carpet. Such a nice smell now.
Allergies have hit everyone bad this year.  The ENT dept at both our 3 big hospitals have a 2 -3 week to wait for appointment.  All are trying to hire more Dr. in those department. I have been trying mine in order to check skin and it is 3-4 weeks. for Dermatologist

MaryPage...wow, you really got the wet stuff!

Sharon...sorry the injections are off the table, but it makes sense if it didn't work before. 

GinnyAnn...it sounds as if Ray has a good idea. You've had so much to deal with that maybe a good medical provider would be able to offer some relief from the depression.

Darlene...glad you had a nice visit.  Did you get to the beach at Aransas?

Mary...enjoy the quiet holiday.

Jeanne...Lovely cool morning here, too.

Marilyn...glad the pain was just muscle fatigue.  Always a concern when new pains appear.


I walked and lots of trucks and whatever going by with canoes and kayaks for a day on the river.  The lots by the river were full of kids and adults with tubes and kayaks.  I did a bit of weeding and deadheading my geraniums and that's it for that work. I also washed a couple of windows that needed it badly! 

Nothing else planned for today.  Tomorrow is our city's 150th birthday celebration with lots of stuff going on at one of the parks.  I may walk down for that and see what's going on.  Tomorrow evening we're doing a cookout with friends.  Nothing special planned for the 4th on Monday...just enjoy the back porch, I think, and our books.

This morning Freckles and I went to visit at one of the Rehab facilities the is very near here so we walked up and back. Then we came home got the car and went to the dog park for play day. But I think she was too tired to play and stayed under the bench keeping her eyes on me.

After lunch I got a loaf of bread going that is now in the oven.  We need to go pick up Keith's BP meds at the drug store and are thinking of going to Safeway to get a couple of nice steaks to have for the 4th. I will be  at the Fire Dept family fun day. The Furry friends group will have a spot to show off the dogs and hand out brochures. It is a 4 hour deal.

I just hope I can get a parking place that does not have me walking up the steep hills surrounding the park. I don't think I can walk up such a steep hill and still be able to breathe. COPD is not easy sometimes. Most of the time I am fine rarely have to use my rescue inhaler.

Jane. Postponed trip to coast till Sept.....Darlene

After all these 90 deg days for 3 weeks. it sure cool today. Even getting cold in the house. Will have to put on a heavy robe tonight if I want to sit and be comfy.
Hope things dont get rained out for the town over the 4th. That happened last year.

I have Lawrance Welk on at the moment. Could get up and dance around.

Marilyn...better take that inhaler with you, in case you have to park far away...or have Keith drop you off and come get you in 4 hrs.   

Darlene...good idea to wait for fall.

Cool here, too, Jeanne...in the mid 60s this morning...feels wonderful to be able to be outside and breathe!!   Enjoy it, Fellow Midwesterner....to be back to high 80s and 90s next week.

I've watered the front since we're back to a dry spell.  All our rain is going south to Jeanne!!

I need to get out and walk and stop by the park to see what the 150th celebration is all about. 
I also washed our mattress pad this morning, so need to get that in the dryer and then get the bed remade.  Sundays are our day for that here.

I also need to taste the potato salad I bought (I learned last week all the old cooks...former "farmer wives" say they buy the potato salad at a local grocery and then "doctor it up a bit" with more onion and/or mustard as per individual taste.  I was surprised to learn this, so am doing the same thing!  They all know I'm NOT a fancy cook.)for our cookout with friends tonight.  Friend's husband told me..."buy it at Fareway and doctor it up a bit with onion and mustard...that's what my wife does..."  Sounds good to me!  We're also taking some "smokies" in cocktail sauce....so EASY PEASY. 

Have a safe and happy July 3!

jane