Foggy Thursday morning greetings! Ray's off to golf and I hope it doesn't get to 89 degrees, as predicted.  A cool down to 70s coming and will be welcomed.  I have the balcony door open and can hear the people in the pool. 

I should get dressed and get a walk in before coming back to shower and picking up Joan for lunch somewhere. 

Sue...glad it was Tim checking your account.

Mary...enjoy time with Margaret and others.

jane

Hi Gals, nothing much going on around here. Just PT and more PT + another UTI!! I had to go to the Dr again yesterday and give a urine sample and get another RX.  Seven days of an antibiotic (generic) cost me $43!!  While I was out, I dropped by my beauty salon to give a card and bonus to her for Christmas as I wasn't going to go in until next week.  I think she is my favorite beautician of all time. She's African American and filled in for my former gal. I was worried she wouldn't be used to doing hair like mine, but she is better than all the rest and very sweet as well.

Mary, I can't imagine your friend having one knee done at TG and the other now and coming straight home!! Is she a lot younger than we are or just in really good shape?  I feel like I have done really well with mine, but I'm sure not ready to think about the other one yet, even though I know it needs it.  I'm glad Margaret feels up to driving you to KY for Xmas. It's nice that you all live close enough to get together for the holidays.  I know what you mean about your hair being fine one day and awful the next. Mine too!  Your nails sound great.  Mine are in such awful condition, all I put on is a pink strengthener. Not very festive, but needed.

Jane, glad your weather is going to cool to the 70's. That sounds much more pleasant.  We actually had one 73 day this past week!  High of 57 today. We had rain all day yesterday and probably got around 2" too, but I haven't checked.  Enjoy your lunch.

Sue, it sounds like your bank is staying on top of things for you. I would ask Tim to tell you in the future if he checks it.  Have a good haircut, lunch and ice cream!

I talked to Lori yesterday after her big weekend with her son and grandson.  The first night, they hosted a party of her friends with Jonathan doing most of the cooking. He is really a chef, although he's had no formal training.  He served rack of lamb among other things.  Everyone was wowed.  The rest of the weekend was for little Leyton. He's 5 and a half now, so they made a gingerbread house, cookies, visited Santa and went to the "KrisKringleMarket" there in Chicago.  He had a ball.  She will be going down to her sister's for Christmas and getting to see little LIam!  I'm so jealous!

The grocery war is really on in this area with both Aldi's and Lidl, the new German store added to the mix, so HT, my store had a $20 coupon off of $100 purchase!   Anyway, it doesn't start till tomorrow, so our grocery day is put off.

Darlene, hope you have a happy Christmas with your family.

Marilyn, I hope the treatments help your eyes. It's good it isn't too serious.  When do you leave for CA.? I hope you have good weather for the drive and a good visit.

For those of you leaving early, have a very Merry Christmas!  Sharon

Sharon, my friend is my age (81).  She had a second major back surgery a year ago, and bounced right back from that, too.  I don't know what it is with her - determination? high pain threshold?  But she does keep going.  An amazing lady!

We leave for California Saturday returning on Tuesday.

Just checking in before going to bed.  Tim was printing copies of my investments at my bank and some other thing I needed for my taxes--Sherrill has asked both of us to start getting things together for her.  Bonney and I went to lunch at the Pub and then to the nearby ice cream store and stopped at one of the bank branches on the way home.  These 2 in Opelika and Auburn know me and Tim, too.  The message came from the large bank in Montgomery--and when I stopped at the branch bank, they had it straight and also cashed a check for me.  My printer is out of commission and Tim is collecting the things I need for my accountant (Sherrill).

It's bedtime for me--and tomorrow is lunch time with Tim and shopping at Kroger.  I have to pick up a new Epi-pen which Dr. Canfield ordered from Kroger Pharmacy after I saw him last week.  If I'm lucky like I have been recently, I won't have to use it and will get him to replace it after my annual physical next year.

Good Night, Buddies.
Sue

Marilyn...have a safe and wonderful trip to see Gilbert and grands.

Sue...good to start on the income tax stuff.  It seems a lot of my stuff doesn't arrive until late Feb or early March.

Sharon...you've done so well with your PT!

Mary...your friend is amazing.

We walked for an hour this morning on the beach...and glad we're back in the AC.  It's  a warm day with a nice breeze.  4 or 5 ladies are out baking by the pool and another 4 or 5 are in the pool. 

I imagine a lot of Mexicans will be arriving for Christmas through New Year's.  It seems many come then...though the businesses say their businesses are down since many aren't coming.

We need to get to the store in a bit for a pork loin roast Ray wants to cook tomorrow or Sunday.

We talked to neighbors in Iowa and both are down with bad colds/upper respiratory flu thing.  Her lungs are still bad from that cruise they took in Sept. and all the smoke from the fires in WA and OR. 
She's been on a couple rounds of antibiotics and steroids for asthmatic bronchitis. 

jane

Hi Gals, I'm back from PT and waiting for JOhn to get back from bridge to go to the grocery.

Yes, Jane, I think I have done well with PT and healing since it is only 8 weeks since surgery, but I sure can't compare with Mary's friend. She is astounding.  I will be doing well if I have my other knee done in a year or two.  It sounds like you're enjoying your stay. Hope you find your groceries.

Mary, I guess some people just heal faster than others and your friend must be one.  However, I'm happy with my progress now. The first month was awful, but since then so much better.  Have a good trip to KY and enjoy your family.  Special wishes for good health for Margaret.

Marilyn, have a wonderful trip down to see Gilbert and family. Drive safely. I know you do though.

Hi to Sue, Darlene, Joy, Ginny Ann, Alpiner and whoever else I'm missing.  BTW, yesterday was Joy's birthday. I wished her a good one on FB.  Sharon

Kris met Tim and me at a sandwich/soup place near my home and Kroger.  I had a cup of soup and a salad and they each had a loaded baked potato--which was huge!  Kris went back to work and Tim and I shopped at Kroger.  I got the usual groceries, plus wine and champagne for Christmas/New Year's Eve, plus candy for stockings, but I forgot the nuts, so hope I can get Olyne to stop there on the way home from church on Sunday.  She may have her grandson's family coming in on Christmas Eve.

I've set the table for Christmas dinner with my Christmas China.  My tree is up and looking good and stockings are hung, but empty.  Mrs. Santa (me) will put a few goodies in them on Sunday evening.  So not much else to do now.  I'm hoping the weather is nice tomorrow morning so that I can walk to the library.  They will only be open until noon tomorrow.

Sharon, thanks for the update on Joy. 

Joy, if you're looking in, Happy, Happy birthday!

Jane, Tim has talked to my accountant and  we are watching my mail for anything I need to save for her, so I have a head start on that. 

Mary, I can't remember when you are planning to leave, but hope you have a lovely family Christmas with your girls and their families.

Marilyn, have a safe trip and let us know when you return.

Hi to Alpiner, GinnyAnn, and anyone else looking in.

Sue

I'm much better after the 2nd bout with the flu . I see the dr. the day after Christmas & will be having a bone density x ray soon , I'm waiting for a call .
Hubby took great care of me & is happy I have resumed my regular activities . I cooked dinner last night & hubby said it was the best meal he has had in 2 weeks .

Glad you're better, alpiner - you've been missed.  I love that Hubby is appreciative of your cooking. 

I'm at Margaret's.  She picked me up about noon, so we beat most of the rain getting here.  She's feeling good - no pain, just the expected irritation at the underarm site of the node biopsy.  The pathology report showed clear margins around the tumor and negative nodes.  She sees the surgeon again on 2 Jan and the radiologist on 8 Jan.  They hadn't set up the appointment with the medical oncologist yet. She's hoping the surgeon will release her to go back to work on 3 Jan.

Happy Holidays, Buddies!

Hurrah for Margaret!

Alpiner...it sounds as if you’re doing well, too.


Jane

That's good news about Margaret, Mary.  Thanks for sharing and I hope things continue to go well for her.  Keep us posted.

Alpiner, I'm glad you're feeling better, too.  Any news on when you'll be having the bone density x-ray and the further tests about the breast exam?

Hi Jane, you are here later than usual, too.  I'm having a glass of wine and then am off to bed to read a while.

Sleep well, Buddies.
Sue

No news .  I'm suppose to get a call about the bone density x ray , doubt I will get a call until next week . I see the dr. the day after Christmas so she will probably have some answers .

Alpiner....have you had the bone density test before?  It’s easy. 

Windy morning here...and cold front has come in....58 this morninf.

Jane

Good morning, Alpiner and Jane.  My neighbor, Sandra, picked me up a little after 9:00 to take me to Kroger so I could get some nuts (a variety) to package up for Tim which I will put in a bag along with a check for Christmas.  He's the last one I needed to shop for.  I have to wrap his and Kris's gifts today and I will be finished.  I've mailed checks to Bill's family and Jon's family and they've all received them.  And packages have arrived from Bill's and Jon's families, so I'm all set.  I've also set my dining room table with Christmas China and have Christmas Cookies and ice cream for dessert.  Tim and Kris are bringing dinner over here.

I'm planning to read and watch football and basketball games today.  It is a bit dreary here and might rain, so I am going out shortly to walk around the block and call that my exercise for today.  Sandra told me she and Rob are going to the beach tomorrow for about 5 days and the young couple on the other side are moving things today to the new house they bought recently.  Their house has been sold.  I'm hoping the lady I talked to when she was looking at the house bought it.  She seemed very nice.

I need to get outside and walk before the rain sets in.  Have a nice day, Buddies.
Sue

Hope you  have a good walk, Sue - and nice new neighbors.

jane, I hope you're not too warm down there by the beach.

It's supposed to get much colder here tomorrow and Monday, but just rain today.  I think the worst of the storm line missed here (lots of flash-flood warnings in the area), but it is grey and rainy.  We're having our Christmas today.  Matt and Claire will be here in a couple of hours (coming from the Atlanta area).  Jesse worked last night, so he's asleep.  Margaret is busy in the kitchen, and Tennessee basketball is on.  I'm contributing by staying out of the way. 

Happy Saturday to all the Buddies!

Hi Gals,  I slept in today and haven't done much other than read my SS lesson which we won't actually have Sunday. We  are having a 10:00 service in the morning and the Christmas Eve services at 4:00 & 6:00. We will go to the 4:00 and then out to eat.

John's last gift finally came this morning, so I will have to wrap his gifts today.  I've taken a tramadol and then will go take my walk and do PT.  Bunny is really enjoying her walkies, no matter how brief.

Mary, that is great about Margaret. I hope she gets by with just radiation.  I had to laugh at your contribution. That sounds perfect!  Have a wonderful day with everyone.

Alpiner, I'm glad you're feeling better. I had to laugh at your husband's comments, because mine made similar ones when I started cooking again or at least helping him.

Sue, it sounds like you are all ready for Christmas and can relax now!  Neat that Tim & Kris are bringing dinner to your house.

Sharon

You all seem to be pretty busy Getting ready for Christmas. Hope none of you have to travel Far.  As all mine are over 1100  miles away I am happy to be staying home as they are now saying that we are going to have really cold weather and about 4 inch snow. Would not have been able to travel anyway. Finely have been out a few times and feeling less tires.
They did finely decide that I had asthmatic bronchitis. So still using the inhaler and sleeping in the small bedroom with the warm air machine going.  They say it takes time. So much flu around here. about 5 schools were closed last week and a couple nursing homes got something going around.
Jane. Yes I heard that it is getting warm in Texas now.  Weather is so crazy there also . Houston was in the 36 deg at night last week. Now 89 during the day. Still would not want to move there. You enjoy it.
Every one stay well. I have lots of food in. Good books, Lots of movies on DVD and will do as they say. Lots of rest. Cant wait until 2018. 2017 not the best of years.

Hi Jeanne, wondered where you'd been.  Sorry you've been sick. Glad you're on the mend.

It was 68 here this morning, and near 40 now.  Good time with family, and then opening some gifts.
Special times!

Good morning from Texas....wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and an awesome healthy 2018....Darlene

It's damp and chilly here this morning.  I need to call Bonney to see if she can pick me up for this morning's church service.  Olyne's son from Texas is here and they are staying home.  Otherwise, I'll watch the Presbyterian Church in Columbus's TV service at 10:00 a.m. here. 

I've had a sad message in this morning's obituaries.  Charlie's aunt, who is a dear friend, has died--she was 91.  A funeral will be held at the Methodist Church in Opelika on Wednesday and I would like to go, but none of my friends here in Auburn knew her and I probably will have to stay home.  I'll have to e-mail Charlie this morning--although I think he probably already knows.  I doubt he will come for the funeral, though, as he didn't show up for the other aunt who lived in Montgomery several years ago.

I hope all is well with all Buddies today.  Enjoy the festivities and I hope you have a very Merry Christmas.

Sue

Darlene, glad to hear that all is well in Texas.

Sue, sorry to hear about Charlie's aunt's death. Sorry you won't get to attend the funeral.  It's been a tough month at The Terrace - four deaths that I know of (including my next door neighbor and my friend's mother-in-law).

Sounds like you and John have things well in hand, Sharon.

Marilyn, are you on your way to CA?  Hope it's a good visit.

jane, I hope you have some nice weather, too - and not TOO hot.

It's in the 40s here this morning, and still grey.  It's quiet, too.  Jesse is sleeping (he got home from work about 9 am.  Matt & Claire and their dogs are sleeping in.  Margaret has dressed and gone to church.  It's just me in the quiet with the cat and dog.  Obviously, it's a very animal-oriented household.

Merry Christmas Eve, Buddies!

MERRY CHRISTMAS, BUDDIES!

It’s a foggy, wet Christmas here.  We’re meeting friends later at a restaurant for dinner.

Merry Christmas, Buddies!  It's pretty chilly here, but I'm going to bundle up and at least walk around the several blocks of my neighborhood.  I'm expecting Tim and Kris about 10:30 and I need to have the oven turned on as they are bringing Christmas dinner and need the oven ready.  It's about 8:45 here, so I have time to get out and back before doing the last minute chores.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas with family and friends. 
Love and hugs,
Sue

It sounds like everyone is with the people they love and having a nice Christmas.  Indiana even had a white Christmas. Though not much.

It's in the 40's here and slightly overcast.  Don't know if I will take a walk this afternoon or not.  We're having dinner about 3:00, a half leg of lamb, mashed potatoes and gravy, broccoli, & pecan pie (bought). It's pretty quiet here too.

We went to candlelight Christmas Eve service at 4:00 last night and then to a small Italian restaurant for dinner after.

We didn't have any deli turkey in the house, so I put pieces of cheese in Bunny's gift!  I wrap up the same Christmas bear every year in tissue paper and secrete pieces of goodies in it. Then I put it under the tree. She really rips into it and gets every bite!  She starts sniffing under the tree as soon as we put it up!  She's a little gut bucket and will remember and do anything for a treat.  Usually she only gets kibble, but at Christmas, I give her a real treat.

I hope everyone continues to have a nice day.  Merry Christmas once again.  Sharon

MERRY CHRISTMAS, BUDDIES!!

We left Margaret's about 7 this morning, ate at Waffle House before getting on I-24. Then we drove to Nashville to pick up Jean and her friend, Kay.  We headed to Kate's in western Kentucky, getting there about 11.  Lots of good visiting.  It had been a while since I'd been to Kate's, so it was good for all of us. We had a nice dinner of lasagna, artichoke-heart casserole, home-made French bread, and even some mincemeat pie tarts for desert.  We got back to Margaret's about 7 this evening.  It's never been more than about mid30s, but we did at least get to see some good sunshine - first in about 5 days. It made for a nice Christmas present.

I hope the rest of the Holiday Season is good for all the Buddies!

Glad you had a good Christmas Day with your girls, Mary, and sunshine to boot!

I hope everyone else had a good day too with family or friends and that Marilyn and Mary will have a safe drive home.

For some unknown reason, I had a bout of diarrhea & nausea at bedtime last night. Didn't sleep soundly till after 2:00, so not feeling that great today. I don't have any problems at the moment other than fatigue & general yuck, but I cancelled my PT for today.  I go in Thurs anyway.

We talked to all the kids yesterday which is always good. Jonathan called on Friday.  No other news here except cold and sunny.  Sharon

Not much news here, Buddies.  We had a nice day yesterday, Tim fixed our dinner here--roast pork, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and chocolate cake for dessert.  We exchanged gifts while the food was cooking, drank mimosas while waiting, and had a good visit.  We took a walk in my neighborhood as it was nice and sunny, although cool.  When they went home, I finished cleaning the kitchen and spent the afternoon reading.

I hope you all had a lovely Christmas with family and friends.

Sue

We had a nice Christmas as well...dinner with friends and then phone calls and text messages from family in Montana, Ohio, and Wisconsin.  It was -9 in northern WI.

I’m back from run to grocery and WalMart and have things put away.  I’ll rest for a bit and then pick up Terri at 11:30for lunch somewhere.  Her husband and Ray are golfing today.

I hope Mailyn had an easy drive to CA and back.

Sharon....for me that means something I ate went down ok, but digestive track didn’t like it...at all! 


Jane

I got up this morning to 6 deg. Say not going to get up above 13 deg and below 23 for most of the week. Feeling much better now and need to go out to the store but my car is buried in the snow. Going to risk and dress warm and clean the car off.
My Christmas was quiet. Lots of talking on phone to family. Sure glad I am not traveling any. 
Lets all look forward to 2018. 2017 was not to great.  It ended with a phone call to say that the DIL of  a friend who was expecting her baby on 12 /24/17. lost it. Was still born little boy. Was to be her first Grandchild. Such sadness happens .