Good morning from the plus twenty, (high expected to be plus 32); with freezing rain and falling snow Interior! We are expecting an inch of each. It seems as if we aren't cold than we are icy and wet! There is a 6 AM to 6 Pm freezing rain advisory, and caution urged in the foothills.

Larry, it was good to hear from you that your visit went well and you now have some answers, and you're already feeling a bit better. Take time to rest and don't rush back into things.

Joy, I'm sorry that the cards didn't go your way last night.

Marilyne, I'm at that stage where I'm starting to have hearing issues, and it's frustrating. I feel like people are always mumbling!

MaryAnn, perhaps Tom should rest more too. I'm glad he's enjoying teaching! Singing is certainly not my thing. While my mom and daughter had beautiful voices, mine is flat, and I couldn't find or hear a tune if it knocked me upside my head!

Larry - I join everyone else in this folder, in being grateful that the new cardiologist has found the reason for your weakness and feelings of being unwell. I am one who believes that the doctors prescribe too many meds to seniors, and probably to everyone. When a persons system is filled with that many chemicals, things are bound to break down eventually. I understand that you need to take lots of meds, but maybe they can drop one before adding yet another. I hope you continue to see this new doctor, as he sounds more interested in you, than your old doctor did. 

Patricia - I wonder which one of us has the worst singing voice - you or me? I think I would win. ha ha  My problem is that I have no range whatsoever.  I can, or could be able to carry a tune, but my voice cannot rise much above middle C. I love music, and used to play the piano, but could never sing - either in a group, (church), or solo.

We are having a sunny but chilly day.  We must have had at least 50 plus birds around our feeders and in the yard a little earlier.  We used to see more varieties of birds in Ocala summer and winter, but here we have birds mostly in fall and winter and not many in summer.  We do have bluebirds here which we never saw during the 28 years we lived in Ocala.  Hopefully, we will have bluebirds nesting in our boxes again this year.

So glad to see Larry posting today.  Larry, Sure hope your doctor gets your medication adjusted properly.

Marilyne, my hearing is still good, but I always have a background noise that sounds like cicadas.  I don't notice it so much during the day but I do when all is quiet at night when I go to bed.  A few years ago I saw The ENT doctor for an ear infection and he said it is probably caused by some medication I take.  As Mary Ann wrote, old age isn't for sissies.

Marilyne...
...it wasn't my hearing, but it was my eyesight that awoke abruptly to flashing lights through my bedroom window...

Not sure whether to laugh or feel sadness that your hard of hearing makes you now oblivious to all manner of outside sounds which gives you a decent nights sleep...

We can always turn a negative into a positive...

Ahh, singing voice... you haven't heard me singing yet...I can either sing low or at a rather high pitch, and often out of tune... I will never fit in a church choir..

There aren't many posters who have posted more than I have and I always swear I am not going to reply to every post, but it always seems there is something I should respond to!  So, here I go!

As for singing, I am an alto and I find my range is decreasing.  I do not sing the melody in church because most notes are too high for me.  I do have a strong voice, even speaking and I was questioned once if I really was my age (at the time) because I didn't sound like a person of that age (90s at the time).  I played the violin in grade school but it was during the Depression and was a school instrument and my parents could not afford the amount to buy the violin.  I took piano when I was younger and did well enough that the teacher had me skip a grade and it was boring so I had my parents stop the lessons.  I could play the piano for my own benefit, but no one else's.  The piano is downstairs and I don't do stairs now!  Norm played the piano, bought an organ that he had at the time he died.  Both of my folks played the piano; Mother was the better of the two and they often played duets.  The piano I have is the one my folks had.

Jean, birds are one thing we don't see much of.  There are plenty of sparrows so it is discouraging trying to feed birds.  I used to see male, female and young cardinals but not now.  I hear them occasionally, same with blue jays.  I have a bird feeder but I haven't put it out in years. 

My hearing is bad and I don't always understand what is said because the speech is so garbled.  I have to pay strict attention to the person so I can get the drift of what they are talking about.  I have hearing aids, but wear them usually when I am with someone and even that doesn't always help.  It is time to have my ears checked and I'm thinking of going to a different place.  I just have to get a "round tuit".

Patricia, telling Tom to get more rest is like talking to the wind.  He knows what is needed, but if someone asks for help, he's there to help.

Mary Ann

That brings back memories...I once asked someone 40 odd years ago what " a round chew it " was...in-case I wanted to get one....we live and learn...

Good Afternoon,

Jackie,  One winter when we lived in Colorado and #2 son was a toddler, he kept waking up about 4:00 in the morning.  Didn't want anything - just woke up. I finally got into his room soon enough to see the rotating light on the snowplow flashing in the windows as it went by.  I turned his bed so he wasn't facing the window...and he stopped waking up.
   at your misinterpretation of Round To It.  My husband refused to admit his hearing was bad and some of his misreplies to questions made it very hard to keep from laughing.

Larry,  Sounds as if you have a winner with this cardiologist.  Hope her suggestions work and do so quickly enough that you won't get impatient and try to hurry things along.

Mary Ann,  Oh, do I understand about hearing but not understanding!!!!!  Not only the enunciation but also if there's a lot of background noise. Hearing aids are supposed to cut that out - but don't.  I finally took them out while playing Bridge at a restaurant yesterday and then, of course, I couldn't understand what the other 3 at the table were saying. <sigh>

Joy,  sorry your cards weren't so good.  I did win High at Bridge but that was mainly because my hands fit with my partner's.

I noticed today that the "wild growth" has been trimmed away from the other side of the back fence. The property owners behind this complex are responsible for that area and have balked at trimming it up.  Glad they finally found their Round Tuit. 


I had planned to spend today and tomorrow being lazy and "dining" on soup/cheese and crackers or scrambled eggs.  However, #1 son is coming after work because dil has somewhere to go and both sons will come for a business appointment tomorrow afternoon.  Don't need to provide lunch tomorrow but did find some Freezer Fallout to have for son's dinner tonight.

Temperature was 21 degrees this morning but the sun is shining and it's warming up. Supposed to be 52 tomorrow.   

Marilyne, my singing voice is not only completely flat, but I don't even recognize a tune when I hear one so I rarely play music. I do enjoy instrumental jazz or the blues from the nineteen thirties or forties.

I have spent roughly a half hour trying to get into an investment site to get my tax information.  They require a security code which they send to me - four times so far.  The code lasts 5 minutes and each time I put down what they sent within the 5 minutes.  And each time I was told the number was not correct.  I'll try again tomorrow.

Tom came home and said his teaching went well, but he felt worse than he did before so he went to bed for the rest of the day.  If he makes an appearance yet today, I will suggest he go to the ER.  I wish I could drive to get him there, but I haven't driven in three years and I've never driven his car, which is a sedan and not one of the larger cars.  If he does get up, I'll call Annie to have her take him - if he agrees!

It has been snowing here all day.  The amount doesn't look like much, actually it looks like a fine snow, but it covers everything and is beautiful as long as it stays white.

Mary Ann

Mary Ann - I'm also concerned about Tom, and will be worried about him until you let us know that he is feeling much better.  I hope when he wakes up that he'll be back to normal again.

I had my hair cut this afternoon, and I've been extremely cold ever since I got home. Strange, because the outside temperature went up to 65 here today.  The house is warm, but I'm sitting here feeling like I'm having a chill.   I'm not much of tea drinker, but it sounds good, so guess I'll make myself a cup and see if that helps.

Marilyn, I can't say that Tom feels any better, because I think he does not.  But he came upstairs when he woke up and fixed us some French toast.  Being at a school all day long really did not help, but it was the particular class that made him go to school - it was the band class he had the previous day and he really enjoyed it. 

He has some cough medicine and I just found some cough drops I knew I had ordered recently.  I seldom use them and had forgotten about them, so he has those now.

My thermometer reads 11 degrees, a far cry from what you have.  I hope by your feeling cold that you are not coming down with something.

I've finished watching my Friday night TV programs and will play around on the computer and I'll also spend some time with Kendrick who likes my company.

Mary Ann

Good morning all!  No sign of Larry yet this morning.  I hope he's doing better, and is recovering from his health setback? 

Mary Ann - We always get these warm spells in January, but it will go back to cold again, in a week or so. I hope we get more rain before Spring arrives.  I think the reason I felt so chilled yesterday, was because as soon as the temperatures get up into the mid 60's, we all tend to dress in lighter clothing.  I had changed to a thinner pair of pants, as well as only a light sweater when I went to the hairdresser . . . but it's still Winter, and cools down very fast if you are outside, in the shade, or in an unheated room or building.  Businesses here, have their AC set to go on at much lower temps than most of us would have at home. Not unusual in January, to walk into a store, office, or business and feel a blast of cold AC air . . . just because the sun happens to be shining outside.

I'm hoping that Tom is feeling much better, and that he'll take it easy today?

Marilyn, I don't know yet how Tom is feeling, but he is up as I hear noises in the lower level.  At least he's up and not spending time in bed - to me that is a good sign.

This morning I looked in at the Two Harbors site and saw a couple of men hauling something behind them.  At first I thought it was a sled but eventually they stopped and  took something out of what they were hauling.  It was a huge drill to drill through the ice and it was obvious that the ice was not thick enough for them to fish, maybe put up a shack, so they walked back to the truck and put everything away before leaving.  Another pair came from somewhere, also hauling something, and they passed the hole the first man drilled and came toward them and went to their vehicle and left. 

A few years ago, Lake Superior froze about 90+% and I wonder how it will do this year.  Lake Michigan that I see has only a little of it frozen.  I think the current has to do with how far out it freezes.  I think I read where Grand Rapids has had 20 inches of snow so far this season.  It was 2 degrees at 6 am when I got up and is all the way to 10 degrees now.

Marilyn, you'll just have to remember that when it warms up in January that you have to wear warmer clothing.  One thing, in Michigan, we wear the same clothes all winter long - January thaw or not!

There's that cute Shan in the Random Image box beside this copy. 

Mary Ann

Hi Everyone.  It is a beautiful sunny and cold morning here in South Carolina and we are to enjoy the sun all day long.  I had another cup of Camomile tea last night before I went to bed and had the best nights sleep I have had for a long time as slept at least 10 hour.  Wish I could say I have more energy this morning but that is not the case but will just take things one day at a time.  I don't have anything I need to do today so sure I will be watching some college basketball games this afternoon. I see in my posting yesterday I was confused and it wasn't the statin drug but the blood pressure drug if my blood pressure was below 63.  This fatigue is affecting my mind I think. 

Mary Ann, I have switched back to the cardiologist that I really liked.  I don't know how she is able to function as she if dealing with aggressive breast cancer and still have one more round of chemo and then will have radiation.  However, she is continuing with her practice.  She looks very tired and aged about 20 years it seemed.  She did say it appears the cancer has been removed so hopefully she will have a long career. 

Joy, I don't have much choice but to rest as my fuel gauge is at near empty. 

Patricia, that was a dreary forecast for yesterday even with it warming up a lot.  I may have overstated things yesterday when I indicated I was feeling better as am very weary. 

Marilyne, I also wonder about doctors prescribing too many drugs.  My heart doctor is a woman and she is great. I wasn't disappointed with my other doctor but just not being able to get through to him.  It wasn't an emergency situation but I needed help. 

Jackie, better safe than sorry regarding a possible fire situation. 

I am going to have to stop further comments and postings from yesterday and ahead of me this morning as I don't have the energy to continue.  I have read through the postings.

Larry, even tho you still are not up to par,  it is still good to see you here this morning.

Just rest as much as you want to and not rush things.  You do sound better, tho.

Joy

Good morning from the Interior where we are the same except no rain. It is very aggravating for the sinuses and my arthritis with the warm than cold than warm again weather and the rapidly shifting barometric pressure.


Larry, it takes time to rebound from illness. Give yourself permission to rest and then rest some more, baby steps.

More tech companies are warning about the big breach I posted about earlier. I had two on the list that I had to redo passwords for. One was for Microsoft's Outlook email and the other unsurprisingly was Yahoo.   https://techtalk.pcpitstop.com/2019/01/18/latest-data-breach-exposes-2-7b/?collection1leak=&utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=january_newsletter_4&ad_id=505870&share-ad-id=1

If you use W7 Microsoft has announced a support cutoff date.

"Microsoft has released plans to end support for Windows 7 on January 14, 2020.
What Does this Mean?

The end of life (EOL) of Windows 7 means Microsoft will no longer provide any security patches, software updates, or customer support to Windows 7 operating system (OS) users.  Fortunately, users have plenty of time to update their systems to Windows 10.  For many home users, updating to Windows 10 will not be a major issue.  Businesses, however, may face larger complications.

As some may know, moving a business over to an entirely new operating systems may lead to major complications.  This may be due to legacy systems that aren't compatible with Windows 10, training new employees on the new system, ensuring IT staff is available for the actual transition as well as the transition period, and the cost associated with all of the above.  In addition, some of the recent Windows 10 updates have created more problems than benefits.  This in itself has left businesses in no rush to migrate to this particular OS.

Unfortunately, there are few options available for these businesses running Windows 7."
 
https://techtalk.pcpitstop.com/2019/01/22/microsoft-ends-windows-7-support-2020/?eolwin7=&utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=january_newsletter_4&ad_id=505868&share-ad-id=1

Patricia, I'm sorry to hear about the end of Windows 7 as that is on this computer I am using now.  I don't know what is on my next older computer, but I thought I had info about my investments on this one and nothing is here.  I hope the fund is listed on the older computer.  I must have lost the information during an update. 

Tom is feeling about the same but wanted to go out to lunch so we went to Denny's where he had eggs, hash browns and pancakes.  He will be home this evening and he will do a lot of sleeping.  I had a turkey club sandwich on 7-grain bread that had a lot of texture and I really liked the bread. 

I'm going to take a nap when I finish here. 

It is good to see a post from Larry.  All I can say beyond what has already been said, is to rest and take things a day at a time.  If all you can say is 'hi', we know you are up and around. 

Mary Ann

Hi Everyone. Just checking in today.  I just don't have the energy to make individual comments.  I am reading the comments and that will be it for today.

Larry, thanks for checking in.  It's always good to hear from you and I hope you'll soon feel up to posting as your usual self.

This is a cold, icy morning and Dot's neighbor's niece warned her that the roads were icy so we did not go to church today.  The weather and his health did not not stop Tom because he did go to church and will pick up our groceries afterward.  Tom knows how to drive in bad weather, so I don't worry about him, but I do worry about other drivers who don't care what they do to others.  Tom should be home within the hour and I think he'll stay here - I hope!

Mary Ann

Mary Ann - I can see why you and Dot decided against going to church this morning.  Hard for me to relate to weather that is so freezing cold and icy.  I do hope that Tom stays home all day, and takes care of himself.  He would be a good match for my Sandy, who has to be doing something all the time, regardless of her health, weather, time of day, etc.  I think she is lonely and bored, and just wants to get out around people and anywhere that there is something happening.  I think she's coming over here today to do her weekly laundry, but not sure.

Patricia - I read your link about Windows 7, which makes me happy that I have, and always have had, Apple computers. (Actually only three, since 1996.)  They last for years, with no problems.  You can upgrade or add memory if you choose . . . or not.

Larry - Good to see you checking in.   I'll be looking forward to when you're feeling better, and can get back to your usual routine.  I like reading about your daily activities.         

After church, Tom picked up the groceries - and it was a shorter list than usual - he put them away (it's his kitchen and I let him put things where convenient to him and not to me) then went downstairs to sleep.  He had ordered some ginger ale (I hope it was Vernor's originated in Michigan) and honey and I think he was going to combine them to help his throat.  I might get myself a bottle of the ginger ale - just because.

The thermometer in this room reads 12 degrees and the sun is shining brightly.  I'm watching golf from San Diego.  I know it'w warmer there, but their sun isn't any brighter because they don't have a white surface on the ground - known as snow!

Marilyn, I don't want to brag because things can fall apart at any time, but I have had HP computers and printers for years and I won't say nothing has gone wrong, but it's usually been something I could overcome and if I can't, I call on Tom, but I try to solve the problem first.  The thing that gripes me at the moment is that my printer is not compatible with this computer.  I am sure they worked together for a while, but not now.  Both are about five or six years old, maybe older.  My next older computer is the Windows 7 and that is one that is compatible with my printer.  Printers are not expensive ($100 range, maybe lower) but I still hate to have to buy a new printer just because I changed computers. 

The reason I bought a PC in the first place is because there were no genealogy programs for the Macs and that was what I wanted to do on the computer.  Now I think most programs work on either type.  My first computer was a Tandy 1000 and my favorite was Windows 98 - and I still have that computer only it will not connect online.

Tom is a Mac person and I have used his computers but it took some getting used to for a few days.  His computers cost a lot more than minedo.

I think Lake MIchigan at Grand Haven is frozen beyond the outer lighthouse, but I doubt the ice is thick enough to walk on.  Give it a few days and it will be walkable.

Mary Ann

Good morning from another warm, in the thirties, similar day as yesterday in the Interior! Farrah has eaten and bathed herself, and I've showered and am enjoying that first cup of coffee. I reset my computer yesterday and today will be spent getting everything squared away.

I finished my abnormal psychology series of classes, which were not something I'd repeat as the courses are not easy! Or at least not for me. I did sign up for another PSP class as in two years, I've gone, (In this group and class series); from beginner and now starting in advanced courses. I'm going to take a break from further Udemy classes, at least for now and concentrate on my PSP.

Larry, it is good to see you checking in. Enjoy an excellent long healing rest as everything will still be here when needed.

Marilyne, I've only worked with Apple computers back in the late eighties and nineties when I worked at an art gallery slash import/export store called Alaska House and Xanadu. I was there for twelve years and loved it. Unfortunately, it closed as the owner developed abdominal cancer. I probably would have still been there otherwise.

It is often not only the system as much as it is the age and physical condition of the PC. I had to buy another computer in 2006 after a well cared for computer no longer served as the newer programs would not work on it. And the stolen passwords are not just from windows.

In any case, it is a good idea to periodically change your passwords. I use a password manager that generates new passwords, and I also have a list written out. The password manager reminds me of a set schedule to renew specific passwords and to always use two-step authentication.

MaryAnn, it sounds as if Tom is not going to rest, so I hope he's feeling better. We're all different. I enjoy both my own company, interests, and solitude as well as being occasionally with friends. I'm an introvert.

My neighbor across the hall is constantly on the go. She smokes so there are periodic trips each day with other smokers to go off grounds for a smoke. There are also numerous trips downstairs to the common room for meals and visits as well as people constantly knocking on her door and calling her name as she has a hearing loss, for visits. For me, that would be exhausting. People as a whole are so diverse.

My first computer was a Gateway and a total lemon. I sent it back for repairs under warranty several times, and it would work for a while only to quit again. Finally, they revoked MY guarantee saying I had to be doing something to it. I took it to a local shop, waited for three months and spent almost what I originally paid for the equipment, and had a second full hard drive inserted.

The original problem was instead of investigating, Gateway just copied the original configuration and sent it back out.  That was the computer I had until 2006. The issue was two incompatible parts and Gateway's error. I never purchased another Gateway.

Patricia, that's interesting about Gateway because I had at least two Gateways and loved them and had no major problems that I know of and I don't remember about any minor problems, but I must have had some.  Yes, because I remember Norm coming over and hooking up with Gateway so they could see for themselves what was going on and they fixed it.  I will say for any computer I have, I do not use a lot of the "brand's" systems and workings so it may be that I am now not using Windows 10 but Firefox. I bought directly from Gateway and now buy directly from HP or wherever they direct me.  I did not like Vista (forget why) and I did have an Acer computer (and that may be where Vista was). 

Tom is home for the day as far as I know.  His throat is bothering him more than anything else and he took a small bottle of ginger ale (is is Vernor's) and a bottle of honey with him in hopes that will soothe his throat.  He's sleeping now.  When well, he burns his candle at both ends and I am trying to get him to slow down.  I'm thankful for the job he has that lets him be very flexible so he can take me to the few medical appointments I have.  My retiree friends are not meeting during the winter and will resume in April or May.  Then Tom goes with me and eats at a separate table while we women gab. 

We're still at 12 degrees and that is colder than Alaska.  In the summer we often are warmer than cities in the south 48.  Go figure!

I had a nap and got up because it was time to get up.  I probably could have slept more but after an hour, it is time to do something other than sleep!

Mary Ann

Good afternoon, sun was shining but now only clouds, no wind.

Marilyne, my voice is so bad, I think folks would pay me not to sing. Victoria, which I watch every Sunday is on and also the 3 brothers that found it other after years, I want to watch that doctomentery.

MaryAnn, I hope and pray that Tom feels better. 

Gloria de - You and I and Patricia, should form a singing trio!
I haven't watched Victoria, but I probably will watch it On Demand.  I did see the documentary about the three brothers who found each other after searching for many years. It was very good, but emotional.

Patricia - everyone is different, when it comes to socializing.  I used to think I was very social when I was young, but looking back, I can see that it was not necessarily the case. In a large group of people, I was much more of a listener and observer, than a participant.  I liked to be around people, but was NOT "the life of the party", by a long shot! In family gatherings I joined in and contributed more - probably because I felt comfortable.

Sandy is a lot like me, in that she likes to be out and around people, but is grateful to be home again. In her lifetime, she has lived with a couple of her bf's, but she says now that after a while it drove her crazy to have them around all the time, and pretty soon she just wanted them to move out.  Now that she's pushing 50, she wishes she had been more tolerant and accepting, etc., in the past.

Mary Ann - Sounds like Tom has a bad cold.  In freezing Winter weather, he will get well faster if he stays home - but I know that's difficult to do, if you have a job to go to. He will probably get up and go to work in the morning.      

Our high today was 53 but no wind.  Went to the grocery story an hour ago and it felt pretty good.  I don't like windy days.  We had the same temperature the other day but the wind made it feel much colder.  We've driven across country several times, and I never liked driving through those areas out west where the wind was constant.  I'm looking forward to spring!

Jean, my dad and I took several trips out west and we shared the driving.  One thing I noticed was how windy it was after crossing the Mississippi.  I don't think it ever quit.  I also noticed we'd be by grain elevators and looking ahead you'd see the next one about 10 miles away in the next town and looking back, you'd see the town you had been in, also with grain elevators.  Of course, the railroad tracks were beside the elevators and this was before Interstates.  I doubt the wind stopped until we go to the Rockies.  I loved it out there anyway and until 2014 I had not been as far west as California! 

Tom is staying home tonight but hopes to drive for Uber in the morning.  He has been walking around the house a bit, made sandwiches for our supper and sounds better than he had.  I know if he does drive in the morning and he does not feel well, he will come home because someone might want him to drive to Detroit and I know he's rather not drive that far.

Our weather for tomorrow doesn't sound or look bad, but we never know what will be on the ground.  I'm happy I'm retired and no longer work.

Marilyn, I've often said that with one or two people I can monopolize conversations, but with more, I'm happy to sit in a corner and watch people and listen to them. I'm kind of an introvert too but I can mouth off if I have to and if you want an opinion I'm likely to give you one, even if it isn't what you expect to hear.  Mostly I keep my opinions to myself.

Mary Ann

Speaking of out west...From CNN

"Arctic blast heads to the Midwest
The winter's coldest air is forecast to drop down by Wednesday from Canada, bringing below-zero highs to cities including Minneapolis and Chicago. The Windy City could see some of its coldest readings in a decade."

Also, "NFL Pro Bowl kicks off
The league's best players (who aren't in next week's Super Bowl) take the field at 3 p.m. today in Orlando; watch on ABC and ESPN. And speaking of the big game, the New England Patriots and the Los Angeles Rams (with an asterisk, some say) arrive today in Atlanta."

 I read somewhere that if each person who saw the game today or next week's game, either on TV or in person, or heard it on the radio; gave one dollar to their local food bank, it would make millions for food for those in need.

Good morning everyone. I looked out my front window a little while ago. The half-moon is right in front, with Jupiter and Venus trailing a little way behind. Venus is still shining brightly, but Jupiter is fading in the early dawn light.

We will be getting our extra blast of cold on Wednesday and Thursday with night temps to drop to around 2 above. After tomorrow, temps will not get above 30 until Sunday or Monday.The water company has already sent out its warnings and recommendations regarding pipes freezing.

I can't think of anything interesting to report today other than I have been keeping half an eye on the scrub-brush patch behind the bar below my house. I believe there is a feral cat colony growing in there. So far, I have counted five individuals, though I haven't seen them all at once for over a week. Two blonds, which I don't think are Shan's siblings, one ginger (may or may not be his mom), a black, and a mottled grey/tan. I wonder if someone is feeding them because they all look healthy and well-fed.