I get so aggravated that I am unable to reach past the 1st
shelf (and hardly that) in my kitchen cabinets.  My girls
took the little stepstool away because they were so afraid
the little stool would topple with me on it.  The 2nd and 3rd shelves are utterly useless for me (I am barely 5 feet tall).
I just have to wait until one of the dtrs or other help come
in and do the reaching for me. I can remember when I was
5 ft./2 in., but I seem to be shrinking.
I realize it is best that I follow their wishes, but--------JOY

Now I am just 5ft. 1" also. In my kitchen I can reach the bottom shelf of my high cabinets but now the high shelf.  Don't have to get much of there these day.  Fact. As soon as possible I am just going to clear out a lot of the glasses, Dishes. etc. that are up there. Start storing a lot of the things I don't us to often that sits out on my cabinet top around the sinks and bottom cabinets.  same with the underneith. Full of pans and cooking things never use. I always have loved kitchen gadgets and go so many now.

I'm SO sorry to hear about Sue.  Any of you who talk to her, please give her my love.  And also  a scolding for getting up on that ladder - although I'm sure she's gotten plenty of that from her family.  I know she'll work hard at her rehab, but it won't be easy.

Margaret picked me up this morning and we headed out.  We stopped in Norris, TN, (near Knoxville) to have coffee with our friend Missy, who has moved there.  Then we got back on the road.  Tonight we're at a motel in Beckley, WVa.  We came here to go to the Tamarack Arts and Crafts Center.  It's a great facility on I-77/64, that showcases only juried work from WVa craftsmen.  We didn't buy a whole lot, but did contribute a little bit.  And we had supper there - food supplied by cooks from the famous Greenbrier Hotel.  Yum.  Tomorrow, we're off to see the bridge over the New River Gorge, and then on to Alison and Joe's in Annapolis.

Y'all take care - and stay off of ladders, please.

Prayers for Sue. I have to go one step to fill my humming bird feeder. Guess I should lower it. Hope everyone has a great day. Darlene

Sue:Be obedient, please, to what they tell you to do! It may
be hard, but the end result will be valuable!
JOY

Thinking about Sue, too!

I'm shrinking, too...used to be. 5' 1 1/2” ..now 5' 1/2”.  No idea where that inch went....maybe horizontally around me?  I need the horizontal to shrink and add to my vertical.  Probably not going to happen.  Thank heavens Ray is still 6'3” so can reach those high shelves.

We've cleaned out and replaced our cooking things...gotten rid of the "teflon" coated stuff and now have ceramic lined or carbon steel or uncoated.  Ray uses a lot of kitchen things, so we really don't have any "unused" stuff, any more.

I'm in a Barnes and Noble cafe with a chai latte and my Ipad while he's over at the dental college here in Iowa City.

[The place is overflowing with adult coloring books, colored pencils and markers, etc.  Have any of you tried those?  They're supposed to be very relaxing, I'm told. ]

We'll stop at the co-op we belong to...sort of a whole foods kind of place, on to Olive Garden for lunch and then home.  He's battling a cold and hopes the gal will do a quick clean and he can be on his way. 

Tomorrow it's back to the allergist.  The nasal spray he gave me a sample of isn't covered by my insurance and would cost me several hundreds of dollars a month, so I'm hoping he has alternatives.  It's one of those "new" meds that really isn't new....the company has combined two older drugs into one and raised the price!  Bah Humbug on the Pharmas!

Jane.  Now I got into the Adult colouring books. They are relaxing. Give it a try.  Now here both libraries have class meetings along with the Senior Centres. Also Parkland College started a 6 week one.  Now must have put them off until fall.

I couldn't stay in the lines on the Childrens book when my girls little and also the Grandchildren made fun of me.  They were so much better at about 4 years old.  But this adult way. I was amazed at how many people show up.  All sit around and nice way to meet.  I will go back in Fall.  Have to. My Granddaughter in New York Had Barnes and Noble send me 2 of their best books with a big set of the Pencils. I had bought some less expensive ones.  So now have to show the GGs there that I am as good as they are.

That reminds me of painting  by  the numbers that was so popular once upon a time.

Oh! I loved painting by numbers.  Did a couple of great Murals on our walls in the first house we built. One in the dining room wall and another going up the sides of the stairs. Came out great. It was just Ivy leaves branching all up the wall. Quite pretty.  Did a couple of pictures also.  They had all levels in what you could do. 
I knew one couple who loved India and did a big one on their Living room wall. Mostly in Black and Red.  Had a hard time getting it covered when putting house up for sale. Fact had to rebuild the wall.

Hi, Buddies!  We're in Annapolis now - got here about an hour or so ago.  We drove a lot in the rain and on some interesting back roads in West Virginia, but at least the traffic around DC wasn't too bad. 

I've shrunk from 5'7 1/2" to about 5'5 1/2" - didn't lose mass - just spread out.  LOL  Please, everybody, stay vertical.

Hi Gals, glad to see the activity again. Sounds like everyone is keeping busy.  I plan to call Sue on Sat. At that time, I will ask her if she minds if I give out her #.  I'll also pass on your good wishes.

I still use a 1 step stool to reach my top shelves in the kitchen. Occasionally I use the 2-step stool if John is around to hang onto me. I never use a stepladder.  He uses an 8 ft one to change our air filters and smoke alarm batteries, but that is all. I am about 5'6". I used to be 5'7". I'm sure I have lost it through my spine compression.  John's only 5'9", so he can't reach a lot higher than I can.

I had my toenails trimmed and painted and went to the grocery. I had to use a power cart though. It is kind of a trial to use it on Sr Day when everyone from SC is there.

Mary, it sounds like you're having fun. The art/craft place sounded great. Enjoy your visit with Allison, etc.

Jane, we've pretty much gotten rid of kitchen things I don't use. Still have some dishes to pass on to the kids that I don't use, but not much else.

Jeanne, I used to do the paint by # kits when I was growing up. I can't do anything like that or the coloring now with my tremor.  It does look like fun though.

Very cool and overcast with a few sprinkles here today but supposed to be back up to 80 on Sun and dry.  All for now. Sharon

Mary, just saw your comment. Ha!    I'm trying, but I'm still spreading!

NBC News tonight ... Need to change passwords on emails....again....

http://www.nbcnews.com/tech/security/hundreds-millions-email-accounts-hacked-traded-online-says-expert-n568491

Well, MaryZ is in town, and the weather is drab and dark and very unpretty.  I could die!  I so wanted her to see us at our loveliest, which normally we are in this very gorgeous month of May!  Not Fair!

I will see her with her family for lunch here at Sam's in Chesapeake Harbour on Saturday.  Well, we shall have a blast, weather or no!  But my splendid view!  I wanted to be able to show off every detail of THAT, and it may well be fogged in!

No, it is NOT fair!

I spent most of the years of my life, from age 13 onward, at exactly 5' 3¾" in height.  Then along came osteoporosis and arthritis and collapsing spinal cord.  I am now 5' 2", and not at all reassured the shrinking will not continue.  Almost two inches lost so far.

The weather here in Annapolis is cold and rainy, but lots of love for warmth.  I didn't bring warm enough clothes so will be heading to Walmart or Target tomorrow to get a sweatshirt or two.  I should know enough to check the weather forecast before a trip - don't know why I didn't this time.  Our trip through WV was lovely, rainy, with some very interesting parts, but you'll have to read the blog to get it all.  At least we're here.  Looking forward to seeing MaryPage on Saturday, no matter what the weather. 

And here I thought I had been keeping you apprised of our weather conditions!  I also thought you might have checked with Alison.  Well, My Bad!

It is POURING this morning.  I cannot see the Bay Bridge, or the shores of Kent Island.  What a soppy mess for Mary to come to visit in!

Well, Chip has the day off due to the rain and will go to BWI to pick up Becky, who is arriving from Missouri this afternoon.  In the meanwhile, Debi and Steve are in their 3rd day of guest relatives of Steve's here from Italy & Switzerland;  boy, they picked a bad week for their first ever visit!  Debi & Steve are throwing a big all family party, HIS side of the family, not ours, for them tomorrow, and were counting on a pretty day.  In the meanwhile, Debi is at St. Mary's teaching all day and Steve's mother is in hospital with a sprained ankle and just discovered brain tumors.  They don't know whether they are malignant or not, but say it does not matter much, as she is 89 and extremely frail and blind.  Steve has three siblings, but he is the main person who looks after his mother.  So he is extremely stressed this week, and Becky will be a big help.  Oh, and Steve has Parkinson's, which we see taking its toll on him almost daily. 

Did someone say something about "Golden Years?"

MaryPage, I ALWAYS (well, almost always) check the weather at our destination.  Definitely my bad for not doing so this time.

We'll be heading out shortly to get me a sweat shirt or two, and to pick up Sue at BWI.  We're going to visit Alison's workplace (Smithsonian Research Center) this afternoon, and then eat seafood at someplace near there.  We had tapas last night.

Sharon, I have both of Sue's phone numbers, but I won't call either until you check with here again.  Thanks for keeping us up to date.

Hugs to all.

Jane. I have yahoo as my email.  Wonder if we should find another. Cc

Darlene....I don't know. There are so many rumors around about yahoo and their financial situation.  I use gmail and really like it. I also have a yahoo account, but it's for things I need an email for, but I rarely check it.  I get ads from Michael's, and other sites there.   You might want to establish a gmail account....just in case.  I'm sure there are other places, too, but gmail is what I know and use.

We had a good visit with the allergist...now to get his prescription to jive with my insurance who doesn't think I need as much medicine as he does. AND, of course, the insurance company would know, wouldn't it....never having examined me or talked to me about my situation, while Dr. Moore has done both....but he's just a certified MD and allergy and asthma specialist!  GRRRRR!!!!!


jane

Thanks Jane. Think I may try G mail...CC

Do u use google search to get to gmail...cc

The days disappear and I don't know what I've done.     Having spring allergy symptoms.  Visited my family doc and he has me getting a bone density test and blood work. Went for both and discovered that I needed to be fasting for the blood work! So I scheduled it and the bone density for the same morning.

I hope Sue is doing okay with being cooped up. My heart goes out to her. Any updates?

I am into adult coloring and have been for quite some time. I call myself a 'Colorist'.    It is relaxing. I have some art supplies so I didn't have to go out for them. Although I may check to see about the colored pencils at Walmart.

My height has also dropped.    But having osteoporosis can and has done it to me.  It seems when my body is down I think of Doug more.   

Ginny Ann, it's SO good to see you back with us.  Glad you're doing the coloring - it's fun.

Darlene, just go to the google home page (google.com) and in the upper right corner, there's a little pattern of 9 black squares.  Click on that and you'll get a google menu.  Click on the e-mail one, and it'll talk you through setting up the account.  Very easy!

We've been to Target, to get Sue at the airport, to an Amish market for shopping and lunch.  After that, we went to where Alison works (SERC - Smithsonian Environmental Research Center), some sightseeing, some antique shopping, and dinner at an on-the-water place for various seafoods.  Now we're back home for the night.  Off to see MaryPage tomorrow.

Target is in Annapolis Towne Center in an area called Parole since Civil War days.  All new in this present 21st century, it has fabulous shops and restaurants with expensive condominium homes above them all.

The Amish Market is in Annapolis Harbor Center, and I go there often.  They are only open Thursday, Friday and Saturday (until three), and then they go back home to Pennsylvania.

Can't figure where you went for dinner.

Overcast Saturday morning here, and looking like rain, though the forecast says no.

Happy Meeting Day for Maryz and daughters with MaryPage!!

I hope Sharon can connect with Sue and find out how she's doing. 

GinnyAnn....good to see you found us!

No big plans for today...resting up after two days spent traveling to doc and dental appts in two different cities.  I do need to get out to WalMAart and see if they got my 'script ready. 

Some laundry going already, and I will probably watch the Ky Derby late this afternoon.  Those horses are always so beautiful.

Jane

Another dull dreary day here for us also.  Hate them on weekends. Just hope Sunday for Mothers Day will be a little brighter.  I have to drive out of town. Just 30 miles for me and then Daughter and Hubby will do the driving. Going to a Luncheon/Theater over in Indiana.
Went last year. Really a good place. Both shows and food usually very good.
Today I have to find someone to set up a new phone system.  They are getting as bad as Computer setups now.  I could never do this one. Went on line to get the manual. Has 81 pages. Don't need most of them. I don't put all the fancy stuff on. Mostly the answering system needed. Have all these Tech smart Grandsons. Where are they when you need them.

Hi Gals, just talked to Sue briefly. She was on the way to the bathroom with help from her nurse. She said she would be glad to hear from you and gave me her hospital #. I will email it to you. She said that she hasn't been able to get on BB's because it won't accept her password. Said she would need help with it from Jane when she gets home.

Had to chuckle Jeanne at your frustration with the phone and the need for your techsavy grandsons. That would be me too if I got a smartphone.  I have a semi-smart phone--a step above a fliptop, but not a full-fledged smartphone.  Sorry it's raining there. Hope it clears tomorrow. Have fun in IN.

Ginny, good to see you here.  Hope your allergies clear up soon.  They have been really bad down here. I have a bone scan this week too. I was on the cusp of osteoporosis 2 yrs ago. Glad you enjoy coloring.

Jane, the doctor can insist that they cover whatever med he wants you to have & usually they will give in. I plan to watch the Derby also. I love horses.

Mary, it sounds like you are having a wonderful time in Annapolis.  I envy you the fresh seafood! Hope you and Mary Page have a great visit today.

I don't have much planned for the day. John is out cleaning the winter dirt out of our garage. Has everything piled out on the driveway. I'll get the email out to you all next.  Sharon

MaryPage, families, and I had a great visit and lunch today.  I'm off with the kids, so I'll let her tell you about it.  I'll send photos to jane later today. 

I thought our visit was a huge success.  I would like to have had hours more with Mary and her wonderful family, but needs must.  The missing sun came out a little bit, a very little bit, so Mary had to see my many shades of grey view rather than the bathed in sunlight one.  Bummer!  Well, the weather will be what it wants to be, whether or it pleases us, or not.

Mary's daughters Sue and Margaret were fascinating women, and I enjoyed them hugely.  Also found her granddaughter Allison and her husband Joe totally delightful.  They have managed to do a LOT of Annapolis stuff in just two years.  All in all, I was truly impressed with the whole family group.  It was a most pleasant luncheon!

I just spoke with Sue, she said to tell all y'all she is feeling better, but she has a long way to go. they are getting her up to walk a bit, so far that is all the  therapy she is doing. She will have to have help when she gets home which is tentatively set at May 18th. Her son has been there sometimes twice per day and her daughter in law went to her house and finished cleaning the gutters.

Mary and Marypage great photos.