Janie--The paraphernalia isn't too bad--unless one gets tangled up in it and falls.  My breathing continues to get worse. and I must do a nebulizer treatment 7 times a day.  They take between 15 and 30 min. 

Joan, I have 23 years on you; I'm a member of the 90+ club which surprises me that I've reached that age.  Since I live at home, I'm not sure what I would do if I lived in an Assisted Living facility; both June and Gloria D do more than I do but since I don't drive, I don't even think about outside activities.  As far as I am concerned, I'm getting along fine.

Our church had a bazaar until several years ago.  It used to be such a big thing, but I wonder if the younger people don't appreciate handmade things as much as we used to.  You can buy nice things for little money and many people today don't want the handmade things (doilies, for instance). 

Our condo used to have breakfasts at a restaurant once a month and that petered out.  We also used to have picnics once a year and we no longer have those.  We started out with older people but now with younger ones who work outside the home, I think they are too tired for extra curricular activities.  As treasurer, I used to know everyone in the complex and I recognized all of the cars as they drove in, but I know very few any more. 

Mary Ann

My trailer has an island between the kitchen and living room.  I can get to any place in either room from any other place in the trailer.  The main problem is paying attention to which way I got there and make sure I return the same way.  Other wise I can receive a sudden jolt from the canula when I reach the limit of tube.    

Mary Ann--I am 79.  If you had 23+ years on me that would make you 102+.

Jeanne Lee--I understand exactly.  I try to be so careful, but apparently not careful enough when my legs/feet got tangled in the tubing and I took that hard fall.

If I had to remember how I got there and to go back the same way, I'd never remember what i went there for in the first place.  I already have that problem.  Maybe that's why God left me off the hook on that one.  He knew I'd always be tangled up in the tube.   I don't mean to make light of your problems.  I just have to laugh at my forgetfulness.

I went out to dinner with my neighbor/friend tonight.  We never stopped talking so you can all stop worrying about world affairs.  We dealt with that and with local affairs. 

Now I'm going to check out the TV and maybe watch some through my eyelids.  I need to make an appt with my chiropractor.  My back has been giving me some twinges and the twinges are turning into great big "OUCHES".  I called her and left a message today and I'm hoping for an appt on Monday if I can wait that long.  Don't know what I did but it was SOMETHING!

Joan, I'd better knock off 10 years of that; 92 is bad enough, let alone 102!  So I have 13 years on you.  I really feel good for my age, it just surprises me that I got here!

Mary Ann

Mary Ann, I no longer do anything outside Rowntree, unless I am forced to see my doctor in her office, which requires treatment she can't do here. I am content with what I have here.

Bis, I doubt you will have another fall because of the tubing…once burned twice shy, and you are a wise lady. I can associate in a way, because when I was having an i.v. in the hospital, they gave me enough tubing to do short walking, and I had to remember to turn back in the same direction as where I came from, I sure didn't want to pull that needle out of my arm.

Jane, it seems we don't have to do very much to get these "ouchies". I was going to go down for balance and mobility class, but told myself to take a pain pill and stay home. It makes no sense to try and prove to myself I can do things as before.

I'm going to heat up some left-overs from lunch and just relax for the rest of the evening.

Mary Ann. I'm not even go to contemplate reaching 93, just thankful I made 92. From here on out it is going to be "One Day at a Time Sweet Jesus."

June, the only age goal I had was 92 because my paternal grandmother was 92 and three weeks when she died.  I wanted to pass that age and I have more than done that.  I had a cousin die at 97 but unless I get close, I do not have that as a goal.  His mother, my aunt by marriage, died at 100 and a few months.  He has one sister left and she is 89, to be 90 in March.  I feel at 92 I am more able than my grandmother was, however, she had a much harder life than I did, living in the late 19th century and early 20th century. 

Mary Ann

Mary Ann, I feel you have a great attitude..you are interested in what is going on, and it pleases me that you and Dot live near one another and have your Church and breakfast on Sundays. That is a  boon for both of you. I think I have reached an older age than any of my close relatives, and it is kind of lonely feeling. I'm thankful I have kids, and I'm thankful you have Tom. We are Blessed.

Well talking about age, I know I am one of the babies on here at age 65 March being 66 but I am aware my MS illness will knock some years off of me...and I am also aware that I have now outlived in age, ( my birth mother ) both of my adoptive parents, ( my father being my birth father, ) all my aunts and uncles, about seven of them, on fathers side, my mother ( not birth mother ) didn't seem to have any relatives that I know just a cousin I once met as a child, I only outlive my father by a few months, so maybe I will be the exception but somehow  dont think I shall be living nor reaching my 80s or 90s if at all I reach my 70s, unless my strength gets me there.....but you know what, our GOD works in mysterious ways, as my late father would always say, and another he would always say was..." never say never..."

Life is good if you have your health...and a little money to enjoy it, also helps...the two go hand in hand...

Mary Ann I turned 79 aug,27 th last, I am even with the last illness enjoying Life mostly. I say I enjoy most of you people most of the time. I have lots of friend's here in S & F and close neighbors. two friend's  in Particular,drop in daily and doing the feeding of cattle now as I am recuperating. I thank God and
wife and friends for the quality of life I enjoy. Have a great day everyone.

Lloyd

Forgot to add, we work so long all our working life, and wait for retirement so we can enjoy it, then when we reach there our bad health problems puts a stop to it all, you know what I mean, all those things you wanted to ever do, like bungee jumping, or sky diving, ok I jest....That is when our hospital life kindof takes over, usually after retirement, when we are free with our time to do them.....

Good Friday morning, Everyfriend.   There's Spanish omelets to accompany your coffee or tea. Make it a good day!!




Mr. Frobisher always scheduled the weekly staff meeting for four-thirty on Friday afternoons.

When one of the employees finally got up the nerve to ask why, he explained.

"I will tell you why. I've learned that's the only time of the week when none of you wants to argue with me."





Courting the King’s Favor
By Arie Leder
Scripture Reading: Esther 7:1-7

If I have found favor with you, Your Majesty, and if it pleases you, grant me my life. . . . And spare my people.
Esther 7:3
Haman, who enjoyed the king’s favor as his most powerful official, was thrilled with the invitation to dine again with Queen Esther and the king. But in the past day he had also endured the shame of publicly honoring his enemy Mordecai, who had also found favor with the king (Esther 6). Soon Haman would have an even greater surprise.
This man who was plotting to destroy all the Jews in Persia had no idea that Queen Esther was also a Jew and a relative of Mordecai. What’s more, if anyone had the king’s favor, it was Esther, and she used her position shrewdly to advocate for her people. “If I and my people were only sold as slaves, I would not have disturbed you,” she tells the king, in effect, “but this vile Haman wants to annihilate us.” As the king’s favor turns to rage against him, Haman knows his only chance is to beg Esther for his life.
Xerxes’ terrible power could snuff out Haman’s life. As such, the king of Persia would be God’s instrument against this enemy of the Jews.
Fearing a king’s power is smart, even wise. But fearing the God who has power over body and soul is wiser (Matthew 10:28).
On the night before Jesus died for our sake, he broke bread and poured wine, saying, “This is my body . . . [and] my blood . . . for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:26-29). Come to the banquet that King Jesus has prepared for all who seek his favor.
For the favor you have given me, Lord, I thank you with body and soul. In Christ’s name, Amen.


“There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured with what is right in America.”

~ William J. Clinton

Good morning everyone.

We are off to the city for a chemo day, weather is not going to be nice today. I hope the weather behaves till we get back home. Snow squalls are in effect which will make the drive interesting.
Going to make this short as we are to be on the road soon.
Joan ,thank you for breakfast.
Enjoy your day everyone.

Jackie, you mention people working many years, waiting for retirement when they can do what they want etc - I am fortunate in that I have been retired for 30 years and I was able to travel for at least 20 of those years.  Actually, I took my last trip in 2012, not long ago.  Even now, with someone else driving, I get to Indianapolis, Indiana (250 miles away), at least once a year, to visit family.  One of the young people there is getting married in May and I have been invited, so if my health holds out, I will be there.  I do think I've had more ailments in the last ten years than I had in the previous 80, but none of them are serious.

I can feel for you and your MS, I know it holds you back but you have a spirit of trying to overcome the roadblocks.  Before you find "you can't", you try for "I can".  Keep it up.

Mary Ann

Hi everyone on a clear but chilly 40 degree morning.  We expect to reach only the low 50's this afternoon.  This is going to be a busy day for me as I am going to drive the 1 1/2 hours to Madison, Georgia to meet with several of my men friend's for lunch.  We have been meeting at the Steak and Shake but today the group wanted to eat at Cracker Barrel so that is where we will meet.  I am looking forward to it as I haven't seen them for probably nine months or more.  The housekeeper will be here while I am gone. 

Gloria, are you going to get to keep the different CNA that you had a couple of days ago? On the handicapped placards here in South Carolina (and they were doing it in Georgia) they have a picture of the person from the driver's license.  However, that is not on the handicapped plates, which we have on both cars and no longer have the placards.  Thanks to you and others who remember Pat in your prayers.  She is getting better but keeps pulling different muscles that give her a setback. 

Joy, I didn't realize the people went back in the cold water every hour for up to 24 hours.  That sounds like torture to me. 

deAngel, one of my pet peeves is eating in a restaurant that serves delicious bread and a frozen pat of butter that won't spread.  We had that at Longhorn Steakhouse earlier this week.  We also use real butter and not oleo and have for many years. 

June, does your health insurance cover any of that additional cost to your monthly bill? 

Mary Ann, our church has an annual bazaar that raises quite a lot of money.  They also have a bake sale where things sell very quickly and are about the only thing that would appeal to any of the men who attend. 

JaneS, sure glad your neighbor and you took care of the world affairs for us.  Sure hope you can get in to see your chiropractor.

Amy, hope the weather up your way didn't create problems for you today in getting to the chemo for your husband. 

Good morning, Amy.  Safe travel to and from chemo in your bad weather.

Mary Ann--Good morning.  You are fortunate that you are able to travel.

Good morning, Larry.  It's going to be chilly here for several days, so they say.  Safe travel as you go to meet your male friends in Augusta.

All my equipment was working fine when I first posted this morning.  Then I lost the internet and my phone.  I called Spectrum (used to be Brighthouse), and they have already been here and fixed everything.

MARYANNE...
...thank you for the confidence boost but when you have electric shock sensations running through the top of your leg that the sensations can change within seconds or minutes, and this is every day....I will only go out walking when I can trust my body and legs, and it feels calmer but even that can change within seconds, minutes....Here is a link to just some of many MS symptoms we can suffer.....where the main ones I suffer with every day are....

LHERMIITTE'S SIGN...it is there..

BALANCE...is not so bad..

BLADDER & BOWEL...several times a day..

FATIGUE...often..

FOOTDROP...at times..

MUSCLE & MOTOR DISTURBANCES...yes..

PAIN...yes, top of right leg, groin, and sometimes lower stomach of which I often say is food related, usually made worse after I have eaten..I call this the stomach bloat...

SENSORY...nerves, yes..

SPASTICITY...yes..

TREMOR...in the past...

NUMBNESS & TINGLING...right hand and toes, ( hand numbness, toes drives me crazy with burning and pain )...every day...

MUSCLE SPASMS, TINGLING, STIFFNESS AND WEAKNESS...definitely moments of stiffness, at times hard to maneuver my legs ( spasticity, ) spasms in the past, tingling in the right hand...

Oh almost forgot dizziness and vertigo...on occasions when out...

Link...


http://www.ms-uk.org/mssymptoms

https://www.mstrust.org.uk/a-z/lhermittes-sign

There was no opening at the chiropractor so I took 2 ibuprophen and did "Our Own Dr. Shirley's Treatment"....the towel soaked in epsom salt water and a heating pad.  I just did it once and I think there is already a bit of ease.  I can at least straighten my shoulders and I'm not walking like Harpo Marx. 

I'll do it again later and we'll see.  SHIRLEY, if you look in...Thank You for the info.

Good Morning Everyone from the so so cool, rocky coast of Maine.   

Kelly got a new puppy....   
His name is Cliff....

Click below: 
http://www.seniorsandfriends.org/gallery/89-270117092133.png

He is the sweetest little puppy...
A cross between a Chihuahua and a Dachshund, the Chiweenie is a small breed.

Good morning, Vanilla-Jackie.  I have a friend in NC who has MS and has many of those symptoms.  She fell this week and broke her hip--so will have to go to rehab now that the surgery is done.

Janie--Good morning.  I am glad the ibuprophen and Shirley's treatment gave you some relief.

Good morning, Sandy.  Cliff is very cute.

JOAN...
..so you know first hand something about this debilitating disease, not very pleasant, so sorry to hear of your friend who also is suffering with it, and worse still that her fall caused her to break a leg.....Yes falling is another symptom of MS which I forgot to add...I haven't had too many falls, touch wood...but as I mentioned my MS is Primary Progressive, no remissions just will get worse...There are some other MS symptoms, the MS hug, is a tightness above the waist, and of speech and swallowing, and of memory loss, thankfully I dont suffer any of those, yet...

Good morning everyone, boy am I late today. Had one of those nights I slept about an hour and woke up. Couldn't get back to sleep so got up and read a few hours and finally went back and woke at 9 am. Cloudy again, Had sun about an hour late yesterday and it clouded up again and all of a sudden the rain was hitting my windows with the wind. I think that wind howling all night is what kept me awake.

JOAN  no one would ever be able to replace YOU.  YOU ARE THE SODA SHOPPE.  Like back in the NEST you were the MAMA BIRD that was in charge. I  wonder who would have the patience you have to talk to everyone who posts here. I have been getting a lot of calls this week too. I do not pick up, I let the machine answer. Most have hung up but a few tried selling something.

JACKIE  like you I am in pain all the time, why bother others about it, nothing they can do and no one likes a complainer. Mentioning it once in awhile is one thing but if that is all  ever talked about who would want to see me coming?

JANE  I am with you, we WANT JOAN.

MARY ANN  my sos are like your Tom. They will not use my handicap tag. They will drop me at the door and go park. They both say that someone else needs that spot more.

JOY  I have not had Pumpernickel bread in a long time, I do like that and a good Rye bread. There used to be a Polish bakery in the next town where you could buy a half loaf and both I enjoy both. Like most other ethnic bakeries here they are gone now. Family owned and the younger generation has no interest in them. It is cloudy here and the wind is still howling. This building is all electric. There is a big kitchen downstairs with 2 refrigerators one is used just for soda. They cook in there and have all the dishes and silverware needed. Well stocked with every thing but food. At Christmas the company that owns the building has a big meal for us, catered mostly. No activity director here. Think I will get those cherries next order. Like you I have mostly canned fruit in the winter months but in summer I love fresh. Thanks for your reply. Thanks for the link, adorable.

JUNE  we might not agree with each other but we do not argue either.

GLORIA de  I can get to Conn. Is less that 30 minutes from where I live. Chia who posts here occasionally lives not far in Mass.  Margarine has too much in it for me, I will use butter any time.

MARY ANN  there are several new people here and I have not even seen them yet. A few passed away and some went to nursing homes. We have 1 99 year old lady who went to Arizona at Christmas. Another 98 year old who goes out twice a day-weather permitting and walks laps in the parking lot, she is almost blind-but very independent. A couple others in their 90's, one is now in Florida.

JEANNE LEE  hope you are good at remembering the path you walk.

JANE  hope you get that appointment for Monday.

JOAN  never had a Spanish omelet so will try a bit of it. Good reply in Chuckles. Thank you for today's goodies.

AMY  hope the day goes good for you and your hubby.

LARRY  I would love to keep that CNA and there is one other I had that I ask the lady in charge if I could have her the other 2 days I am supposed to have help. Both good workers but I am stuck with the regular one. Today there is not much for her to do so I think I will try getting her to cook. As long as I watch what she is doing so she does not mess up it might work.I usually send her to the market on Friday but really do not need anything. Have a safe trip today and enjoy seeing your friends.

How that I have a book here I will close.

GLORIA...
I hope you are not referring to my post as a " complainer..." if you can find any word or sentence where it states I am complaining, just stating some MS facts, and the ones I most suffer with to Marry Ann, re, her posting to me, or anyone else who does not know much about the illness, that might be interested to know more about it...Also having a friendly conversation with Joan over her friend on the same subject...I would really appreciate some respect from you...

Quoting Gloria: " JACKIE  like you I am in pain all the time, why bother others about it, nothing they can do and no one likes a complainer. Mentioning it once in awhile is one thing but if that is all  ever talked about who would want to see me coming?..."

Good Morning Everyone!

Kinda cloudy and very cool here this morning.  They say we might get some lite rain tonite, whatever that means.

Our cleaning lady is here, working away.  She never stops it seems, wont even have/accept a cup of coffee.  Wife has left for a hair appointment and then has an appointment with her eye doctor this afternoon.  Eye doctor, you can depend on being their for at least 2 hours.  Out of that you see her for about 10 minutes, the rest is taken up with techs and waiting.

Amy, hope your day goes well and the roads stay clear and unfrozen.  I know your day will be long.  Maybe a nice lunch.

Janie, hope your aches and pains go away.  I wonder how Shirley is doing.  I hope her cold (?) is clearing up and she is feeling better.  I started to suggest to her she should have headed for the nearest ER.  She didn't sound at all good.  At our age (I am 84) things can happen so fast.  I know you are all the same, but it seems everyday some one we know (in same age group) just ups and passes away. Things to seem to happen fast at our age.

New subject, but have you noticed more and more folks are opting for just a memorial service and not a full blown funeral?  I think it is because funerals (at least here) have become outrageously expensive and so far cremation is so much less.

Joanie, thanks again for the food for the soul and tummy.  Enjoyed both.

Beautiful day here and it will be cooler, too.  Yesterday was nice but with temp. at 73 it was really strange for Jan. 26th.  Better than snow, though.

Hal, Tom and I both chose cremation.  We had a very small memorial service for him with just family and a few close friends and neighbors.  When it is my time I have told my family that it will be their choice as to whether there will be a memorial service or not.  As for me, I don't think that a memorial service is necessary.  And that is a personal choice and in no way is meant to criticize what someone else might choose.  Those who are my family and friends will remember me in their own way.  Also, I've asked my family to "mingle" our ashes and take them to our favorite place in the Blue Ridge mountains and spread them on the wind.  It isn't just the expense that has guided me.  I just personally view funerals as morbid.  Would rather be remembered with love and pleasure rather than with sadness and gloom.

Take care, everyone.

Phyllis, I have much the same thoughts as you do regarding funerals and/or memorial services.  Those are for the living anyway.  I have left instructions for my family as to what I want and if they do otherwise, there is nothing I will be able to do.

Jackie, that paragraph of Gloria's you copied was written about her - she left an "I" out and it changed the meaning, but you notice she did say "me" at the end, not others.  I thought I was complimenting you on your good attitude, but I see you took it another way.  I'm sorry.

Mary Ann

I cant seem to win here, MaryAnn I posted in responce to you, quote: " thank you for the confidence boost," just followed it with some of my personal issues re, my MS that are, do, or have been hampering me from, your comment of..quote: " you can't", you try for "I can" ".... oh how you all stick together and back one another...how right what somebody else once told me...

Gloria--My sleep was on and off last night, too.  Spanish omelets have salsa in them.

Hi Vanilla-Jackie.

halkel--Yes--funerals are costly.

Phyllis--Ray was cremated (his wish).  However, we had a Mass for him in Arkansas and that spring we had another memorial Mass in Syracuse.

Mary Ann--I think mostly what folks decide to do after a loved one passes away is another "whatever floats your boat".

Joanie, Mary Ann and Phyllis, you are all right, it is what "we may desire" and when left up to family their desire.  I personally have told my family I want to be cremated and my ashes taken to our local national cemetery (Ft. Sam) and if they want a memorial service to hold it at my church.  I am not sure what my wife wants, she keeps changing her mind.
I definitely do not want to be embalmed.  Just a personal thing.

What brought this all to mind was that we were told last night of the death of our friends Mother that attend church with us.

Jackie, I don't know how to really say this without offending, but we all know you have a dreaded incurable disease.  We also understand gives you much pain and distress.  But you must understand many of us suffer a lot of pain and medical problems that are not solvable.  And which I might add the pain is as bad or worst that what you suffer.  Some on our forum have to use walking aids or sticks and still have difficulty maneuvering. So please remember we all care for you and only wish the best for you but also please take the chip off your shoulder because we do, as stated above, do care for you and your health just like we all care for each other and our families.

Or better yet I can always tell you about my political views.