It was 16* when I got up this morning, and now up to 44*! But almost all the snow from yesterday is gone - and the sun is bright. I don't decorate for Xmas any more - haven't in years. But I still enjoy looking.

We're still working on "coming out" of our lockdown. Still getting meals served in our rooms, but are encouraged to mask up and walk in the halls. At least this means that I can get my own coffee thermos-cup filled and my own mail.

I'm wondering when - or if - we'll be getting a vaccine here. Wonder if they'll make it mandatory for the residents. I'll definitely take the shot if it's offered.

Happy Decorating to those who do!

Our granddaughter took herself to the ER a few days ago , she had an anxiety attack with chest & back pain .  She was given some thing intervenously & was given a mediation to take .  Her husband is in another state working & they will all be moving there soon hopefully .  She is home with their 2 children who are autistic .  Mean while her husband is living with his dad & step mother & step mother is at home on hospice . So much stress for both of them !  She is going to the dr. this morning because she thinks her blood pressure has gotten higher .  Mean while she is also packing . The stress never seems to stop for her !                   

Alpiner...it sounds as if your grandaughter is about up to her neck in stress...and her husband, too.  I hope things even out for them soon.

Mary...it's good to be able to get out and walk about, even if just to get your coffee and mail!

I, too, had an attack of cabin fever this morning, so went down to look for a special candle for Kathy and found one that will work...she likes the coffee flavored ones for her kitchen and then I stopped in a pub for lunch.  Only two fellows there, so had my lunch and brought half home...crispy chicken salad I've been hungry for.  Then took myself out to a place called Real Deals...a franchise of all sorts of items...and was given a 20% discount on an item, so bought myself a "winter" mask...buffalo check I think it's called...red and black checks and a bit heavier than my other masks. 

Also made a stop at the liquor store to get some wine if we decide to do "desserts" again on Friday night.  Gary brings his own red wine since that doesn't last after opened, and I buy Chardonnay for Kathy and a sweet wine for Kay and John. 

So, also tried a short walk and it was very short...knees, hips and fingers just too achy today...so back home.

Stay safe and healthy,

jane

Just stopping in to say a quick hello to every buddy. I put my little tree up and decorated our dining room table.  Still  thinking hard an trying to get things together that will go with us to ca. Also trying to figure out how to get rid of all the accumulation of Keith hoarded things. He knows we are moving, still doesn't want to go to stay bur just to visit. Well he is going!!!> to stay. Or he will go into memory care here, he doesn't want that. He would never see me again  at least that is what I told him.
When we were at Jo's for TG, Keith swears that there were 3 or 4 other guys there who spoke with a lisp. Not So. Just the 5 of us were there.

Life must be so exciting that nobody posted here at all yesterday.  My excitement today is supposed to be a visit with the podiatrist to get my toenails trimmed. Wow!!  Wish I could get out to get a real pedicure, but...

Marilyn, it sounds like you've gotten to the point with Keith that you just need to agree with him, but go ahead and do what you want o what's necessary. He won't remember, and it forestalls arguments. I remember when we went to the Alz. Support Group, we all talked about how it was necessary to learn how to lie. Just to say something will be one way, and then do what needs to be done anyway. My heart goes out to you.

alpiner, I hope those new fires aren't anywhere near you. I know they're in southern CA this time. Scary stuff.

It's warmed up some here (44 this morning, instead of yesterday's 22), and just some rain. I think we're supposed to start having meals in the dining room again tomorrow. That'll be nice - and get some exercise walking for me.

Happy Friday to all the Buddies!

Hello Buddies. All is well here on the Oregon Coast, Sypposed to get up to a big 61° today. Well Hallelujah for the higher temps. 

Yes Mary Keith is getting to that point. I wish our Alz group would get started again. I really miss that group.

Marilyn...I think Mary's advice is wise...say whatever you have to to keep him calm.  He doesn't remember anyway and it keeps him from upsetting you, too. 

Nice day here, too.  I need to get out and walk, but not in a rush to do it.   

I'd marked on my calendar that the school baseball team was doing a fundraiser of taking in beverage cans for redemption.  [Here we pay 5¢ a can.  You can take them back to a redemption center to get your money back, but it's been closed because of the virus and some management problems.  So, they pile up for people who drink a lot of beer, soda/pop, etc.  I just had one garbage bag, but I'm tired of it in my garage, so wanted to get it to them. ] I forgot until 5 minutes after they'd supposedly closed. It was only open from 10-11 AM, but I went over and they were still loading huge bags into a livestock trailer.  Glad to be rid of those and to a good cause. 

This morning I finished canceling some things that have been annoying me.    I'd subscribed to the Washington Post digital last year for $50.00 a year.  Soon after they offered it for $29.00 a year and have for most of this year.  I canceled it and they won't renew it in Feb.  Then I tried to find my New York Times account and no luck...only places to sign up.  Finally got a chat guy and got that canceled as of January.   

Nothing else exciting here, Buddies.  As Mary said, I hope Alpiner is safe from those awful fires in S. Calif. 

Take care and stay safe and healthy, Buddies,

jane

Hi Buddies....I didn't walk today..kinda damp and cool...so putting out a few more decorations....the virus count is high in the town I have to shop in....so trying to be extra careful...but just have to get out some..Jane I agree with you and Mary's advice to Marlyin....hopefully when they get moved...it will be easier to cope..Sharon hope things are good with you ....haven't seen Jeanne post lately...hope all is well.....take care yall

Well, we were "out" for four meals - and now back in two-week room quarantine again.  Oh, well... 

Mary...what happened?

Jane

jane, I don't know. It was so sudden, I guess that somebody in the building must have gotten Covid19, but the RAs usually won't tell. I'll keep trying to find out, though. Usually I can get enough hints to find out (nosy person that I am).

Addendum:  The morning gals were just in, and I asked. A "worker" has Covid, and that's why the quick lockdown.

Hi Gals. Sorry for my absence. Just busy. I finally got my printer to speak to my computer or vice versa today, so I have my Christmas letter printed out, but now, I can't get my mini computer to work with my labels on it. It's ready to donate. I tried to figure out how to set up a label sheet on Word, but it just wanted to repeat what I put in the first box. Grrr. I finally sent Lori an email and asked for help. She does that stuff all the time.

John went out to get a haircut and see if the computer guys we used before could tell him how to fix his bridge program. They couldn't, but did say they would remotely ck out my printer problem & fixed it in 5 mins. John also stopped at Lowes and picked up a poinsettia for me.

Marilyn, I agree with all the others. Agree with Keith and then do what needs to be done.

Mary, you have sure had a lot of Covid problems on the staff. I'm glad you're getting out for coffee and mail at least. Ugh SNOW!

Cold here--down to freezing, but snow only in the mtns. Lots of rain.

Jane, I'm glad you are still out walking some. I skipped our lake walk this week. The Osteo Arthritis is really spreading in my body and getting more painful. My hands and toes are affected now too.

Alpiner, it must be almost as hard on you must worrying about your daughter and son's family. Sending prayers.

Have a good week and stay safe.  Sharon

Cold, dreary, and generally gloomy here.  I put in an order to WalMart this morning and chose 5-6 pm for pickup today.  I can also get curbside prescription pickup too.  Win-Win.

Stay safe and healthy, Buddies,

Jane

Morning, Buddies!

I learned there's much activity at the 5-6 pm WalMart pickup, and that I don't like driving in the dark.  😜

So, I'll plan better for next order.      

I need to go to FarmFleet for some bird seed, but that'll be daytime. 

Nothing more exciting here. 

Stay safe,

Jane

jane, I tried that 4-5 pm time, too. Obviously that's when folks stop on their way home from work. Like you, I only did it once. And I quit driving after dark (morning and night) long before I quit driving completely.

Sharon, we're locked down again, so somebody will have to bring me coffee with my meals. It's okay - they bring enough to last me through the day, and I have a microwave for reheating. 

I wonder when we'll wind up getting the vaccine. I know our state is on the list for getting some as soon as it is released, but don't know what that means for facilities like ours.  We shall see..

Mary...I think the new Medical staff will be working to get it out, but I suppose working with all the governors, etc. can be a strain, based on the current Administration's refusal to coordinate with or admit the new admin that's coming in.   

I do think the health care people and first responders, etc. should be first, and then the "civilians, as I think of us. 

I hope Jeanne and Darlene and Alpiner and Marilyn let us know they're all ok.
Take care and stay safe!

jane

Hi friends.....sorry I've not posted...we are having summer temps this week.. so been outside a lot..I'm sure a cold front is on it's way...my brother...older than me had to go to the ER a week ago...his pulse dropped to 30...no other symptoms..but my niece had to drive him to the closes facility which took an hour....I ask her how she kept him from passing out..she said her and my sister in law..just kept him talking...they made it ok..put in pacemaker...was in hospital 3 days...is home now..very weak but feeling better..had us worried..Mary sorry u are under quarantine again...stay safe..Hi Sharon...and Marlyin...haven't seen a post from Jeanne lately....we are not planning a big Christmas....mabey 3 or 4 at a time....Take care yall

Glad your brother is doing well now, Darlene. That was scary for all. I hope his pacemaker works as well as mine does. It's still cold here - not like jane in Iowa, but definitely December-like.

Hugs to all!

I've got to start coming in more often. I have trouble remembering what people say when I catch up.  Anyway, we're fine and I've seen a couple posts from Jeanne on FB, so presume she's okay.

I had Bible Study here yesterday. Fortunately, the cleaning girl came first. Today, I go over for the BS video that we will discuss next week.

The kids are all okay. Lori is interviewing for a new internal job. Needs 7 interviews and has had 3. I'm so glad I never worked corporate jobs.

Marilyn, glad things are ok for now for you. 

Mary, that's a mess not getting to go to the dining hall or walk and get your coffee. We don't go to the dining hall daily, but it's nice to be able to when we want.

Jane, you've really had cold weather. Ours has been down to freezing overnight and up to 50 or so daytime, but supposed to rise to 60's this weekend.  We've had rain too, so my arthritis has been screaming!  I know you have rheumatoid and lots of pain too, but apparently not in the back and knees which prevent walking much.I've found Tylenol helps as much as anything. But I still hurt.

Darlene, I'm glad you will be able to see small groups for Christmas.We will be alone and just Skype.

Alpiner, hope things are better with your kids.

Stay safe everyone, Sharon

Hello every Buddy. I have been thinking hard about what to get rid of by just giving things away. I am not one who participates in yard or garage sales.  I am seriously trying to clean up the sofa and chair in the family room so we can at least take it with us, It is great shape  as it is never used, but the cat pee  will  predicate wether or not it  goes. If I can get the smell out then it will, if not it goes i a dum pster with the other furniture.

My stuff is no priblem there isn't very much of that left. y treasures fro m my china cabinet have never been unpacked here since my china cabinet has been i nthe garage for 12 tyears. n ot taking it with me. So far all I have done is collect empty boxes. I think I will donate moset of my yarn and only keep full skeins of those I like and think I will use.

This hasn;t been a good day for me.I couldn't get keith to get out of bed to shower un til  9:50. He has been sleeping in his clothes and  smells so bad I have to  hold my breath to put the clothes in the washer immediately after he takes them off. The smell gags me. It is so  hard to get him to showser once a week and I try to get him to shower at least twice a week. I have to threaten to leave him home on friday night and not take him to dinner unless he showers.

h Well enough of my rant for not. excuesxe all the typos I started to edit and almost lost the whole thing.

Weather has had me being a slug.  Like Sharon, it makes this body hurt at every joint.  So, today the only thing that got accomplished was cleaning my oven.  I only had to press one button!   

We went for supper tonight and very few in the restaurant.  I had a pizza and have plenty I brought home for tomorrow.  Gary drove us through the "light show" at the fairgrounds.  It's new this year.  Holiday lights and some @nimation sponsored by various businesses. It was nice.

It rained most of the day, but turned to snow about the time we went into the restaurant...5:30 or so.  That's to continue through Sat.

Stay safe and healthy,

Jane

It's just a gray, drizzly day here today, but not too cold ... so far.  Next week, we're supposed to have highs in the 40s and lows around 30 every day. Oh, well - it IS December. 

Marilyn, I'm sorry you can't get some help with Keith. We can't help in person, but can at least listen. And we're glad we can do that for you.

Sharon, sorry the weather is doing such a number on your joints (and jane's). I have osteoarthritis pretty much all over, but the weather doesn't seem to effect me that much. Just lucky I guess.

Darlene, enjoy your family visits - even if they're smaller than usual. I don't know what we'll be doing.

I've been told the residents here could be getting our first vaccine shots by the end of the year.  I hope that's the case.

Stay warm, Buddies!

Let it snow, let it snow!  Yes, we have beautiful white stuff over everything, but roads are clearing.  My neighbor girl has cleared my walks and driveway, so, while I'm not going anywhere, the city will be happy! 

Three of us went out last night and we were the only ones in the dining room we were in for most of our time there.  I ordered a pizza, so I have plenty left over for today!   

Mary...hope you @nd Sharon can get shot soon....tee hee...you know I mean the vaccine!



Stay safe and healthy,

Jane

We're to find out Monday what the vaccine plans are for us, but I think it should be soon. I'm sure they will start with nursing, alzheimers, assisted care and finally us in independent care. But we will still be in the group after the health care supporters. I will feel so much safer when we get that 2nd shot.

Yesterday, I went to UPS and had them print out all the letters because it takes so many cartridges. While they did that, I went over to Walgreens and did a little shopping. There was hardly anyone there. When I finished there & went back to UPS, they had just finished the printing.  John and I divided the addressing of envelopes last night and he folded the letters. Today, I stuff and wrote a couple lines on most of them.  However, we still have a major problem, Nov 20, I ordered all my Xmas stamps plus some regulars on line. I still haven't received them! Can't cancel the order, so will have to take them and keep till next year whenever they get here. In the meantime, we will have to go to the PO and buy them, put them on the envelopes and mail them while we're there! What a hassle.

I need to get busy and do the laundry, but have been working on the Christmas letters all morning.  I emailed our letter to all our church friends.

The weather here is in the  60's and sunny. John's going to take Bunny for a long walkie, but unless the Tramadol I just took works, I won't go, and I know I should.

Marilyn, I don't envy you the job you have ahead of you  It nearly killed me sorting everything out.  And I had help.

Jane, too bad we don't live nearby and could commiserate with each other! The pizza and light show sounded nice.

Mary, I can't believe you have so much arthritis and no pain to speak of. Hope they are getting your unit cleaned out now.

Darlene, I would love to be outside doing something in the yard, but unfortunately can't.  Good idea on the small groups for Christmas.That is what my sil and nieces and nephews are doing. My sil will be 90 Feb 15, but they all decided it was too risky to have a party for her which is a shame.  Maybe later in the year they will have it and I will be able to fly down for it. They all are special to me, and hopefully, I could work in a trip down to Mel's new house in FL. It's possible, she would drive up for the party. She lives north of Tampa about an hour and my sil and family live in Tallahassee.

No other news here. Stay safe.  Sharon

They ran in-house COVID tests here this evening. I was negative! Didn't hear of any positives in the building (keeping fingers crossed).

HURRAH for Mary....NEGATIVE!!  That's good news for you and your neighbors.
 

Nothing much going on here.  I did a FaceTime last night with Wisc family who were visiting son and dil and grandboy.
 She'd gone in to stay with him while parents had to go back to work, so "grandpa" joined them and they stayed overnight.  Baby seemed fascinated by the facetime and kept trying to touch my face.  They're talking about doing another one on Christmas Eve...but Zoom since everyone will be in their own spaces.


It's in the 20s, so pretty chilly...snow sticking around, obviously.  It's really pretty and feels like winter now.

Stay safe and healthy, Buddies!

jane

Nothing much new here. My electric cook-top  went POOF with a burst of flame this morning. So I cooked the bacon in the air fryer and the eggs in the microwave. I am getting ready to start packing up , I found a place I want in CA. a double wide, 3 bdr, 32 ath with a new roof, vinyl windows  and new carpet all done within the last 3 yrs. Also the plumbing has been replaced with copper/. They've already come down 5K to 84.5K.Maybe I can get them down to 80K. I will look at it wile I am in CA for Christmas. Going down oin the 23 returning here on the 27.

Nothing much happening here. My laundry is finished and folded and I have to go cook supper as this is Sunday. I skipped the long walkie with J & B. My cards are all ready to go except for the stamps.

Hurrah, Mary, for a Negative test. A friend of John's sister passed away from Covid a week ago and he was in his 60's. Was like an uncle to the kids (grown of course) and his sister lost her husband 2 yrs ago, so not happy out there in AZ. He got it from visiting his mom in a nursing home. We're so lucky to still be healthy.

Jane, I don't envy your snow.

Darlene, I forgot to mention your brother. I hope he is still doing well.

Marilyn, hang in there. You just posted after I did. I hope the double-wide is what you want and that you can negotiate the price. Crossed fingers!

Everyone stay safe. Sharon

Marilyn...that place sounds perfect for you.  I hope you can get the price where you need it to be. 

Sharon...I actually like the snow.  It's so pretty and the crisp cool air kills a lot of "bugs" as you know from living in IN.  The roads are clear as are the sidewalks in this neighborhood. 

I put in a grocery order last night and picked it up this morning. What a wonderful way to shop.  I keep a list all week and when I have $35.00 (the minimum here) I send it off and pick my pickup time. 

 I then took a drive on the highway as I hadn't driven this one car very much.  I want to keep the battery charged and keep it in good running order, too. 

Nothing else exciting here.

I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy!

jane

The scams have already started re the vaccine. Remember

1. You likely will not need to pay anything out of pocket to get the vaccine during this public health emergency.

2. You cannot pay to put your name on a list to get the vaccine.

3. You cannot pay to get early access to the vaccine.

4. No one from Medicare or the Health Department will contact you.

5. No one from a vaccine distribution site or health care payer, like a private insurance company, will call you asking for your Social Security number, your credit card, or bank account information to sign you up to get the vaccine.

6. Beware of providers offering other products, treatments, or medicines to prevent the virus.

7. Check with your health care provider before paying for or receiving any COVID-19-related treatment.

8. If you get a call, text, email — or even someone knocking on your door — claiming they can get you early access to the vaccine, STOP. That's a scam.