Good morning everyone,  looks like we might get sunshine today, HOORAY. I see the ground is starting to dry so there is hope.

HAL  I know how you feel. I do not have the “git up and go” anymore either. That lack of interest is one thing I am fighting. This place that had social activity when I moved here now seems to have lost that and I did enjoy being with others Now every one seems to just stay in their apartments.

CALLIE  be thankful you can still cook. Something I can no longer do. Would love to have my sons come over for a meal.

JUNE  my favorite place to be lately is on the couch with the TV on and the remote close by.  I do try and get outside to walk a little every day but not when it is raining.

JANE  I hope that later shift does not get to you.

GLORIA de  I am so glad to see the end of all that rain.

JOAN  I will enjoy a breakfast buffet.  Will be great to have a bit of every thing. Looks like little Joey did not learn much at the fire hall. Love the Master Carpenter. Beautiful quote by Mother Teresa. Thank you for all today's goodies.

LLOYD  like you I always think of others first. Fo you it paid back with wonderful folks who you helped at times.

JOAN  hope you get all your errands done today, do not rush back to us. Enjoy the time away.

LARRY  keep writing your books. Always interesting.

Good Morning Everyone!

Cool this morning, but not cold.  Suppose to be sun and lots of it.  Another front coming through but not going to cool thing off much.

Lloyd, I must say thanks for reminding us that we should always keep others in mind.  Our attention to self is important, but not to the point that we always come first. 
Anyhow, I have found through experience we don't do a very good job of taking care of our-self.

Coffee is ready, who wants a cup?

LLOYD HAMMOND...
....hope we can agree to disagree but, I didn't think my comment was up for discussion as to whether we agree or not.....we are not in a debate room...

If you are ever unlucky to get MS and find you have to deal with it by yourself you might feel differently...so until one lives in somebody else's shoes....

Jackie, I don't have MS, but as a lifelong disabled person, I understand what you mean. If you don't stand up for yourself, you tend to get lost in the shuffle and not be able to get the assistance, education, and services you need. I do not look disabled, and there were those in my family who thought I was coasting by relying on those who helped me. And that I wasn't trying when others were doing things for me. You have to put yourself out there when you are disabled or have a disease. You have to be your own advocate when others don't understand or accept the issue.

I can see where others mistook your meaning. I have had people all my life who sincerely believed I was too defensive or misunderstood what someone was saying or only that I wasn't listening. I remember such a person, my aunt who took it upon herself when I was thirteen, to come with me to the handicapped services office, ready to interpret and correctly arrange things.

She kept trying to take charge, assuming that was all that was needed and then she was shocked to find that no, they didn't help with that and no there was no money to do that, and no nothing like that would help even if there were money available. She was quite shocked and indignant and yet I had been saying that all along.

Good morning, Gloria.  The fog here burned off, and we have bright sunshine, albeit cool.  It's too bad the social activity at your complex is no more.

halkel--Good morning.  I will join you for a cup of coffee.

Hi Vanilla-Jackie.

Good morning, angelface.  Only a person with a malady knows some of the facts.

Good morning.
Sorry I was MIA ,I would come in and try to read a bit but then had to make a hasty retreat.. I think I am up for the day,no more talking on the porcelain telephone and I don't feel like I have been run over by a Freightliner truck.
Will just do the necessities today, easy lunch of soup.and a light supper tonight.
Joan ,thank you for breakfast..
Enjoy your day everyone. 

Good morning, for at least another 30 min.

Good morning, Joan.  Hope you won't have any problems getting your errands done today.  It is a beautiful sunny day here in my part of the world.  Central Maryland.  Have not seen any sunshine for several days of fog, clouds, misty rain, wind and some scattered snow flakes.  So, the sun sure is welcomed here today.  I think it is supposed to be in the 50's with the cold coming back for the weekend.

This Sat. is the annual Polar Bear Swim down on the Chesapeake Bay for the Special Olympics.  I know it is one of the most popular charity event in the state.  Last year, I think they had to postpone it because of the terrible freezing cold weather.  There are many brave soles who participate and they raise a lot of money. 

Gloria,  your place sounds exactly like where I live.  So many activities have been either stopped or curtailed in one way or another.  They had to stop Bingo, because "someone" complained about them playing for money.  10 cents a game with very limited jackpots.  Someone called the zoning board, and they were told that with that small amount of money, it was perfectly legal. But, the management had it cancelled.  They tried playing for candy bars, but that didn't last long.  It had to be someone who lived here that complained, so they hurt not only themselves but all the other players as well.

So many other activities have been stopped.  I think the main cause was there was just not that big of participation,.  So many complaints about this and that,  it wasn't fun to go to anymore.  They have tried to get some dominoes games started up, but so far, I haven't been to any of them.  And, I have not been playing cards much anymore either.  I think everyone is just tired of all the complaints and nit-picking that goes on.  The moral is gone way down.

I met a lady this morning, when I went down to get my mail, who is in the process of moving here. She asked me how I like it, and I really didn't want to sound that negative. I just told her that, like most places like this, you have some complaining and conflicks.  She seemed to accept that ok.  Most of the people here are very nice, but a lot of them have just started keeping to themselves.  Not very good attendance at the periodic luncheons we have, either.  Kind of sad when you really think about it.  I know there are a few people here that should be in assistant living places.  But, the management cannot put someone out for that reason.  It can be a little depressing at times.  And, the ambulance comes just about every week for someone.  Sometimes they will take someone out, or it might just for help getting up from a fall. 

So, I guess all these types of places have their good points and their bad ones.  I think, probably, a lot of ones kind of feel like this is the last place they will be and that can be depressing in itself.

But, you just have to keep taking one day at a time and try to adjust to your surroundings. 

I see that it is almost lunch time, so will have to look for something to eat.

I am waiting for an order from Schwans today.  I do know that I will enjoy a piece of the tilapia filets that I have ordered.  I wish I had the makings for a salad, so I will have to find some kind of an alternative. I have plenty of things in my pantry, just no fresh greens. I need to get to the store this week end. 

Have a great afternoon.

Joy

Amy--You were missed.  I am glad you're feeling better.

Joy--No problems doing my errands.  Those are brave, hearty souls who participate in the polar bear swim.  I guess many places like yours have their own set of problems.  Last year my sister moved to a similar place in the Rochester suburbs.  She's mentioned some of the same problems you have.  I have the makings for a salad, but no tilapia.  Too  bad we couldn't get together and share. 

There is always that 20% who does everything for the other 80% until they burn out. Gloria and Joy's experiences are the same here as well.

Good afternoon, The sun is still trying to shine, and still windy. I am waiting to be taken to my primary doctor to day.

As i have said I live in Glenwood Village, a mobile park, we have over 500 homes here. We have a ladies club  and rec. club that are all still well attended. We have a lady that does trips, and there is generally a waiting list. picnic in the summer are also a big deal. Of course management  pay for beer and soda.
At this age I wish that there was a place like June, lives in. The only one is beyond my means.
Have to go my ride is here.

angelface--It is that way in organizations as well.

Linedancer--I hope you get a good report from your doctor.  Your park sounds like participation in activities is good.

We have that kind of participation in our condo board.  I was on the board for 12-14 years and decided that was enough.  I didn't have any problems, just got tired - I was the first secretary, then took over as treasurer.  We now have one woman who has been on the board since I left and she has been both president and treasurer; it is like she is a permanent treasurer.  She does a good job in handling the condo finances, so I have no complaint, but she should not have to be a permanent fixture.  It is my thought that someone from each condo unit should be on the board for at least one two-year term so they know why and how things operate.  It will never happen, however.  It's a case of "let George do it". 

Mary Ann

Mary Ann--In every organization I've ever belonged to the "operative" words seemed to be "let George do it".

It was just announced that Mary Tyler Moore had died today at age 80. She was certainly a television Icon.

Most organizations or gatherings seem to run on the principle of that old saying about  SOMEBODY, EVERYBODY, ANYBODY and NOBODY.

It was a job ANYBODY could do
EVERYBODY thought SOMEBODY would do it
but NOBODY did.

I'm sure glad we have SOMEBODY named JOAN around here who does the job none of us wants to do.  THANK YOU JOAN for taking such good care of us.

angelface--I just heard that on TV, too.

Janie--It's my pleasure.

Larry:  A while back you asked me if I knew about the Missouri  Star Quilt episodes, yes - I like to watch that on utube.  A week later, I am answering you.   

June:  Love your "holy communion coffee with brandy".  Keep on - keeping on!!!

Lloyd:  Good deeds come back sometimes further down the road - take care.

Gloria: - Joy :  Are there any people you can meet or invite in - just one-on-one then add another who may be interested.  Anything - talk about books, or play cards, or just visit.  I hope the best for both of you. 

Angel:  Glad that you did have your aunt's support - I hope you have all your needs cared for now as well.  Stay warm this winter. 

Amy:  You have a heavy load now - we all wish we could be there to just be a friend.  Take care of yourself as best you can. 

At our dinner with 3 friends here last night, I was whining about the price of a ham since I need a ham bone to make the split-pea soup Don has asked for - over a month now.  Who else has a doorbell ring with a young man carrying a cut-out ham bone to hand over to us?  It is great!  Ask and you shall receive! 

It will freeze tonight.  We have covered three little trees with double cloths.  Off now to take the car in for a check-up. 

Jane S.  Thanks for reminding us to say Thank You Joan

Bis, both The Master Carpenter, and the message from Mother Teresa, made this day perfect. Thank you. We just never know how God works in fulfilling the needs, and how thankful I am that God does.

Lloyd, thank you for sharing the goodness that you find in your life. It makes me so happy for you, and so happy to hear of the kinds shown to you.

Janie, I didn't want to start my day..slept till 6 a.m. when my first pill was delivered to me in bed. Next thing I knew it was 7 a.m. and the nurse was back with four more pills and two big salt tablets. Felt like staying in bed, but thought of all those chemicals down there in my stomach doing "what ?" so decided to get up and have some food to soothe my gut.

Gloria, do you have hallways you can walk it when the weather is bad. I feel it is important that we keep the body moving well, and my apt. is so small it doesn't allow for a good walk, so I use the hallways. I also practice standing straight when I walk with the cart, as that cart makes if so easy to slump.

Hal, I agree, we tend to pray and do things for others,but our own "self" gets put to the side, which is foolish..very foolish..on our part. When you think of how God put us together, and how intricate and delicate some of our "parts" are…including our minds as well as our bodies….we should be so appreciative of what He has done for us, we should tend to take care of what He has done. In other words..do we own ourselves, or are do we belong to our Creator, and take better care of what he has given us

It seems that all programs that call for volunteer works eventually fail. I started a Fire Monitors program, where I lived before, and that dwindled down to just two of us, so I disbanded it. The Red Hatters seem to do well though, where ever they are. We do well here because we have hired people directing the varied programs, and they like their jobs, so do well at them.

Gloria de, where I live now is just a few hundred more dollars than the place I lived in Hemet..that was run by a huge, money making Conglomerate, whereas this place is run by the Quakers, and they are non profit. I don't know if the Quakers have other places in other states, but I hope so. If people that own their own homes and have a good, and I mean GOOD friend, they may consider teaming up with them in their private home. That way you are not alone, you can share expenses, and have good company.

Well not intentionally but it seems my honest statement has caused somewhat of a debate..... I made my statement as to Mycheals posting...quote: " be your own best friend first "....and as I stated, right or wrong, I now live my life where I put myself first....and I make no apologies as to whether this sounds selfish....I am a survivor and I will survive any way that I can, I have survived this long so far....even when others have turned their back on me...In this day and age, if you dont look after yourself, who else is going to do it for you...no one knows all my personal life, so please dont judge...there is only one person who has the right to do that, and that is my maker...just respect my personal and honest opinion, and my personal view, as I respect yours...nor will I question or debate yours...I still remain loyal to those who remain loyal to me...

Jackie, the quote "be your own best friend" when googled will yield 10,300,000 results.  So evidently it is a well used expression.  And one where many have their own opinion of what it means.

HALKEL...
...be wary, as we dont want to be starting any new debates...as to the meaning of " be your own best friend " I can see this is going to go on and on....

Carol--You're welcome.

June--Glad you liked those readings. 

Vanilla-Jackie--I'll try my best to adhere.

Hi halkel.

I am going to go watch the news.

This has been a good day. My doctor was seeing her patients downstairs. We had a good chat, and she gave me some good answers to my questions. Three "goods" is a real plus. My B.P. was a bit raised, which is natural, and my weight is a bit down, 108, but I think we lose muscle mass as we age and muscle weighs more than fat.

I placed an order with Amazon for a couple of things, but didn't get the potting soil I wanted. I really don't need another plant...I think I feel the Spring urge to grow things, even if it is not a big garden, it is a new life of sorts.

Oh, well..........

My Gary did his usual good job of Bible teaching today, and he played his guitar and we sang a bunch of religious songs. He is so well liked. We have another young man that will do alternate teaching with Gary...one week on and one week off. Then I had lunch with another nice lady tenant. She was going to go clothing shopping with her daughter this afternoon.

Nothing doing tonight downstairs..game night...but I feel the day has been full enough..I may go down for Music Bingo tomorrow at 10a.m. I should feel alive by then. 

Nearly time to heat up some left overs for supper and just relax.

My Apologies for causing a stir in but wishing June to be her own best friend

There are many meanings as we all know, however mine being as it is read~

Mycheal

Mycheal, I feel no need for you to apologize for your kind words. The problem with the written word is interpretation by the reader. There is a lot self-interest in each one of us,unfortunately, in my way of thinking. If we are thankful for our lives, if we realize we are never alone, that others suffer in their own lives, in their own way, for their own reasons, all we can do is feel sorrow for them. We cannot heal their various problems,we cannot even understand in many instances. But for some reason our words are mis-interpreted in ways other than we intended. We should not feel the need to apologize for something we did not mean. Am I correct ? I feel you understand what I am saying Mycheal.

Today was spent running around town and giving my money away to various bill collectors. Unfortunately, my wallet seems a bit threadbare.

We are having a low of zero today and a promise of more snow. Perhaps surprisingly to you Southerners, (Which basically includes everyone stateside.); during the last two weeks of fifty to fifty-three below, North Pole, 26 miles to the south and Delta Junction, 95 miles south had lows of minus 72 and minus 76.

However, they are on a plain, divided by three rivers and we are cocooned by foothills and mountains. This will be the winter that was for many military families and newcomers.

Now we are expected to warm up even further.

Maybe I misunderstood but I thought these "forums" were also called "discussions".  If you gather 20 to 30 people together in a room, you are bound to have lively "discussions".  That's what keeps us alert and learning.  I've learned so much about so many things from all of you, that I would feel lost without this place.  All of you are so intelligent and so willing to share and all our lives are so different that we can't help but be learning from one another every day.  Wouldn't this be a dull place if we all thought alike?  Thank you all for your differences and for your ability to share that difference.  I'm constantly telling my family something that one of you has taught me just by posting here.  And I love the look of wonder on my daughter's face when she watches my face when I talk about all of you.  Do you know what an amazing place this is?  Please don't ever change that.  Keep on being who you are and sharing who you are with me.  This place is my anchor!

Janie, yes, all of that!     

MICHEAL...
...well that is what I am doing," being my own friend..." 
******************************

I just dont need anyone telling me they " disagree " ( as the term LLoyd used, ) with the way I am dealing with or handling my life, my choices, just need them to understand, and of course voice their opinion on theirs...our lives are so very very different...
I certainly would not have the right to tell anyone that " I disagree " with the way they are dealing with theirs...

Just wanted to say HELLO to EVERYFRIEND tonight. 

I have been faithfully reading all the posts, but seem to have to leave before I can post.  At any rate I have enjoyed each and every post and I, too, want to thank you, JOAN, for all that you do for us here. 

I wish you all a good night of rest, and for those of you that are just getting started....JACKIE....I hope your day is a good one. 

Jenny