Gloria, do you mean you have had only one inch of snow this entire season so far?  I don't know how much we've had, but I read at one time we had had 25 inches.  We do get a lot of lake effect snow, but snow is snow, regardless of the source. 

I should get out to activities as you do, but with no car, I don't get out.  I do make it a point in summer and good weather to get out on the deck.  I hope to be able to get to the mailbox in the summer too.  Our today's mail is still in the mailbox so I hope Tom will think of it when he returns.  He should be back before 10 pm.

Mary Ann

I just got back home,(10:48, my time); and it has been raining since about five PM! What a winter we're having! I was out at Alan and Dora's for dinner and a visit, and it was nice to reconnect with them.

Bonnie's diabetes has seemingly become routine as everyone is now more familiar with vets and pet care. Both cats were running all about and then falling asleep in different laps. I wish I were allowed here to get a friend for Farrah; I think it would be good for her and me!

The Interior is said to be amidst a flu epidemic, but that's not what I have. What I have is a minor cold, more stuffy nose and slight drainage than anything. I do appreciate the kind thoughts!

I'm going to wish everyone a good night and see everyone in the morning!

Hi Everyone.  We are to have a cloudy day with no rain forecast and a high in the lower to mid-50's.  Nothing of importance to write about this morning so will just check in for today as had a very quiet day and will have the same today.

Mary Ann, I am keeping the sofa cushion at my back as willing to do whatever it takes to lessen the time of the shortness of breath that seems to occur just by moving.  Our outside trips are also probably going to be pretty limited to doctor's appointments and hoping getting out once or twice a week to get something to eat.  However, my appetite is mostly gone and I am eating very little.  I know that Pat needs to get out also.  Right now she is having to do the driving.  You are right that life does get complicated but we have to take life on life's terms.  I think the reason I like basketball so much is that is about the only sport I ever played in high school and there are now basketball games aired every evening and all afternoon on Saturday and Sunday.  I will be watching again today as most of the top rated teams are playing.  The recipe that Pat used for the 15 bean soup required her to chop up a lot of vegetables and ham whereas I remember her making it with a lot less effort before but this was very good. Pat has the 6 qt. Instant Pot. 

Marilyne, your description of why you don't care for basketball is why I don't really care for the pros.  At least with college these are still pretty much kids and they don't make every shot.  I also like it because it is a live event and not scripted.  Isn't sort of bad weather a common problem at Pebble Beach.  I see where the round had to to suspended yesterday due to water puddling on the greens.  My current cardiologist is the only doctor I have ever had that dictated her case notes in the room and when I mentioned to her that I really liked that she said she did it as was tired of having to do this at 2 am in the morning at times.  

Patricia, enjoy your warmer weather.  Glad to read that your cold hasn't turned into one of those really bad ones.  Cheer leader has almost become a sport unto itself.  Nice to see you could spend some time and share a meal with Alan and Dora.  I know you must be a very interesting person to talk with and spend time with. 

Lindancer, I have eaten my breakfast and lunch at the computer for years but they sit on a side desk I have so really no danger of spills or crumbs getting onto the keyboard.  Like you I don't know what I would do without the computer although lately in the afternoon and evening am finding I really don't feel up to doing anything on it such as a jigsaw or crossword puzzle.

This morning I woke up to very dense fog outside. The moisture-laden freezing fog looks like millions of tiny suspended raindrops.

Larry, I'm sorry you're still feeling bad but its probably good to take a break and mostly rest, at least for now.

Another update from Michael this morning...

Another update for everyone... A new version of the forum system has recently been released which fixes quite a few bugs and such, so I will be upgrading the site again in the next week or so. The changes won't be nearly as drastic this time around and there shouldn't be too much of a disruption. I'll post again when I have a better idea of when the upgrade will take place.

"The Best Photos of the Sony's 2019 Wildlife Photography Competition,"  https://www.livescience.com/64719-wildlife-photography-shortlist.html?utm_source=ls-newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20190208-ls

"Something Is Not Quite Right In the Universe, Ultraprecise New Measurement Reveals.
' Something isn't quite right in the universe. At least based on everything physicists know so far. Stars, galaxies, black holes and all the other celestial objects are hurtling away from each other ever faster over time. Past measurements in our local neighborhood of the universe find that the universe is exploding outward faster than it was in the beginning. That shouldn't be the case, based on scientists' best descriptor of the universe.'"

https://www.livescience.com/64724-hubble-constant-measured-precisely-with-quasars.html?utm_source=ls-newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20190208-ls

We woke to a beautiful, but cold, morning - sun shining and 1.6 degrees at 7:30 am.  It is now up in the 20s, quite an improvement.  Tom and I went to the New Beginnings restaurant for lunch.  He has a Bible study there on Fridays so they know him.  This morning I wasn't quite ready to order and the waitress apparently forgot us, but Tom hailed another who took our order and brought it to us.  I had a Stacked Roast Beef Sandwich which was very good. 

Tom is going to Holland to see a friend this afternoon, then come back to GR and drive for Uber.  He drove a lot last night as it was busy and it was worth his while, however, he did not get in until 3:30 am and he slept in this morning. 

Larry, it is good to hear from you and it's nice to hear you are minding your doctor!  I imagine it is hard on you to be so restricted but I know that you know that is the way to go for a while. 

I see I have posted 5000 times and this will be 5001.  What a blabbermouth!

Mary Ann

Mary Ann - don't be so hard on yourself!  It matters not that you have posted 5000 times! We all enjoy your messages, so please keep it up! Those of us who post in two or more folders, have a high count, compared to those who only post in one folder.  When I last looked at my stats, I think
I had the highest number of hours spent here in S&F! I think it looks worse than it actually is . . . I tend to open S&F to read the messages, and then just leave it open while I do other things.  Or, I start writing a message, and then get distracted or whatever, and it sits there, racking up time, while I'm thinking about what to say, or rewriting it a number of times. It's comfortable for me to do it that way, but does rack up the hours spent on line. Oh, and once I was here before going to bed at night, and forgot to go out of S&F, so it was open all night.  So that's about eight hours right there.  I decided it's best to just not look at my stats anymore! ha ha

Marilyn, I had never looked up my stats.  It said I had been on 54 hours but it did not say in how many days,  It doesn't bother me, but from being a shrinking violet, I have become rather vocal.  I don't mind my having a lot of posts, but I see I have more posts than almost anyone except group leaders.  I probably will not remember to check my stats anyway.

Mary Ann 

I had to look up my stats, something I haven't done before. I have been on 60 days, 13 hours and 64 minutes. Counting this one I have 7, 405 posts. And that is for only four forumns or topics.

I just checked back and see that the message I wrote earlier has disappeared.  Or, maybe I didn't hit the "post" tab,  I sure thought it was here, but doesn't seem to be.

I Can't remember what I wrote and I won't try to write another message right now. I will stop back tomorrow, hopefully.  My grandson is coming in the afternoon and bringing his 3 little ones.  I still have their Christmas presents, so it will be a fun day. He will go down the road to MacDonalds and get lunch.  They will love that.

I also have a couple little chores for him to do for me.  I have not seen the children since Thanksgiving and it is always neat to see how big they have gotten and how much smarter they are. The oldest one is 6 and she is in first grade and the youngest girl is 4 and I think she must go to pre-school.  The baby is a boy and he is about 1 1/2 now.... running all over the place.  I have a set of little cars for him that I know he is going to have fun with. You give them a head start and they run a good ways. Since I don't see them very often, he is a little still a little shy.  They are all so cute.  They love to ride the elevator and know exactly what button to push and know exactly which door to come to. Anxious to see them.

I watched two good old movies this afternoon.  Yankee Doodle Dandy and Calamity Jane.  Need to get some dinner now and have a new book to start. 

Have a good evening.

Joy

Joy, how nice that you will see your greats tomorrow.  Tom went to see a friend in Holland but was going early enough that he could stop at James' to see the twins.  They see him often enough that they know who he is.  I don't feel they really know who I am, but they do not seem shy around me when I am there.  I have an idea their church activities let the girls be used to a lot of different people.  It's nice your greats know which button to push and which door is yours. 

Mary Ann

 am going out of my mind trying to fix my computers. Ever since I got the new W10 desktop and had everything for the old one transfered over to it nothing works. I use Comcast and my desktops all tied into a couple of Passwords. My Desktop, Ipad, Amazon Fire and another tablet I dont use to often. Just for books. All come up saying wrong Password . Even would not let me in my Seniorsandfriends today. I am working to try and now get them all using the same User Name and Password. So far taken 4 days trying. Need to give all a rest until I fix.
This bad weather not helping me at all. That and my car still not running. Hope spring gets here soon before I take a hammer to everything

Mary Ann. My printer that I really liked also not wired up to new computer. Have to buy a new one as it Is a Dell with the 8inch cartridge and Dell does not do Printers or sell ink anymore for my machine. Sure lost without one.


Technology seems to be driving me a little crazy these days. Maybe time to get back to doing other things. Maybe they are changing things just to much for me.

Just saying a quick Good Morning.

I was up early and just have a couple things to do before I go get dressed.  I am so anxious to see my little great-grands.  I know we will have a fun day.

They are still calling for a wintry mess for most of Monday into  Tues.   I think I will just wait and see what the schools decide to do before I determine whether I will get to my doctor's appt.  Hate to cancel as it is always a hassel trying to get another quick appointment.  Will just have to wait and see what develops.

I hope everyone will be feeling better this morning and have a pleasant day.  Stay warm and dry!!!

Joy

Hi Everyone.  It is going to be another cool and cloudy day.  This will just be another quiet day of rest.  Yesterday was like the days before where my my concern was being able to get my breath.  I did watch a lot of basketball yesterday and expect to do the same today.  I am going to encourage Pat to get in the car and perhaps go through a drive thru to get our Sunday main meal.  Unfortunately my appetite is not good at the moment and I am not eating very much.  I made a decision last evening that I am going to get another Chromebook, which is very lightweight, as my laptop with the board to set it on have become too heavy.  The one I think I may get weights only 2.6 pounds, is very thin and has a lighted keyboard, which would be helpful.  There also is no maintenance on it as that is all done by Google.  I have had a Chromebook before so know what I will be getting.

Patricia, thanks for the info on the impending update of this software. 

Mary Ann, I don't have much choice but to follow my doctor's order as right now I am not in any condition to do otherwise.  I hardly have the strength to get around the house. I am just sad not to be able to do what I have routinely done around here that has now fallen on Pat.  Fortunately she is still strong but being on her feet is painful to her. 

Joy, a tip for you to perhaps not lose your postings (I know this from my experience a few time).  Each time you post here be sure to scroll down and see if there has been a new posting made while you were writing.  If so you can see what it is and then scroll back up and hit the Post button again and then scroll down to see that there isn't another intervening message. 

I have not tried to reply to everyone this morning but know you understand and I have read the postings.

Good morning.   Another cold Winter day here. Freezing rain, with snow again on our surrounding hills and mountain tops. This is the same storm that's been hanging on in Washington and Oregon, this past week. It doesn't look like it's going to go away any time soon. I haven't liked anything at all about this Winter, or about the year 2019, so far. I'll be glad when Spring arrives, and maybe things will change?

Joy - You're probably having a good time right now, with your three little great-grands. I miss spending time with ours, but they are no longer babies or youngsters.  All of my great-grands are teenagers now, and they live too far away for me to ever see them anyway. What are the names of your great grands?

Larry - That's a good idea, for Pat to go to a drive-through restaurant to get dinner for tonight. The only two that we have here in town, are McDonalds and Jack-In-The-Box. I prefer Jack, (and I also enjoy their TV commercials), so would like to go there some night.  Tomorrow I have a late in the day appointment with my opthalmologist (sp?), at 4:15.  So by the time I get out of there, I may consider stopping at Jack's and picking up dinner.

Good afternoon, sunny, no wine but cold

Yes MaryAnn, we have only had about 1inch of snow this whole winter. Unbelievable.  Although we are suppose to have snow for Tuesday.  funny I was born in a blizzard on a Tuesday. As I was told my father had to dig a path for the doctor to get in to delivery me.

Patricia, I always enjoy reading your post. Even my picture of Alaska has changed

Joy, Larry is correct about checking after you think you have posted.  I learn the hard way, I just wondered what happen to my post when i discovered someone else had posted at the same time

I'm not suggesting that others do what I do, but I'll tell you - When I finish posting, I click on POST and if the message comes up about others posting in the meantime, I click on POST a couple of times at least so my message posts, then I go back and read the other posts that occurred when I was writing. 

Tom drove last night and got in late.  His church still does not have power from our latest storm so he was able to sleep in this morning. He went to find a place open this morning for breakfast.  The Cholesterol Pit was open this morning so Dot and I did our usual.  Our minister said he was without power yesterday, but now has power.  Church had power so we were comfortable.  With our complex having power, I did not realize that so many people were still in the dark and cold.  I am sure our underground wiring contributes to our good fortune.

Mary Ann

Larry, I sure hope after this time of rest that you are somewhat better.  Sending up a prayer for you and Pat. 😊

Today was a lovely day.  It is almost 70 even now at 4pm CT.  The kids were over today and we had so much fun playing Mexican Train.

Joy, I hope your day with your grandson and great grands was enjoyable,

A couple of nights ago, I fell and hit my nose and, boy, do I have a couple of shiners.  Yesterday I needed to go to the store so I wore a pair of big sunglasses to hide them.  I didn't want people to think my very kind husband was guilty of poking me in the face. 😀. The strange thing is that there was a lot of blood but it never did actually hurt—-just a little sore if I touch it.

Marilyne, I spent several months in Victorville with my sister in 1955.  I was invited to go with a youth group to a "snow camp" up on Bear Mountain (southern Calif.)  We didn't get much snow in my hometown in south eastern Virginia, and it was my first time on a toboggan and I had the chance to try skiing.  We got snowed in and had to stay an extra day.  It was so much fun.  I also loved my visits to Santa Cruz when my daughter lived there, but we were always fortunate to have great weather while we were there.  So I have many pleasant memories of your state.

Mary Ann, I'm glad you and Dot were able to enjoy your usual visit to the "Cholesterol Pit". I guess you had your usual cream pie which really sounds good to me at this moment and wish I had a piece of that pie.

I'm glad, GloriaDe, that you didn't have too much snow.  It's good that your neighbors are so kind to look out for you.

Well, I'm going to go and see what snack I can find—getting hungry.

Don't let your computer hurt you

Ergonomics important for heavy digital users

Marc Saltzman

Special to USA TODAY

Quickly, calculate how much time you spend in front of digital devices, such as computers, tablets, and smartphones. Be honest. According to a recent Nielsen report, American adults now spend about 11 hours per day on technology – that's about two-thirds of the time we're awake – and the number climbs higher for those who work in front of a monitor at the office. Americans are now sitting an average of 12 to 13 hours a day, says Ergotron, a manufacturer of office-related products.

If this sounds familiar, you bet your bitmaps there are health concerns with our sedentary work culture.

And so, take heed to these following "ergonomic" tips to healthier computer use, whether it's during your 9-to-5 work life, 5-to-9 downtime or both.

Nice mice

Reduce the odds you'll suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive stress injuries. Choose a computer mouse that's comfortable for you. Mice should have a curved hump that fits the contours of your palm. Many today are designed for both left- and righthanded users. Wireless mice provide fewer movement restrictions than wired mice, allowing you to place it on the desk in a comfortable position. When you use a mouse, try to limit your wrist movement. Instead, move your forearm, and with your elbow pivoted.

If you use a laptop with a trackpad, connect an external mouse for better comfort.

"Ergonomic" mice are designed with your body in mind. The latest from Logitech is the MX Vertical Advanced Ergonomic Mouse ($99), a unique PC accessory with a 57-degree vertical angle that allows for a "handshake" grip for greater comfort. The mouse also straddles the line between design and performance – what the MX series is best known for – and it's precise and programmable, which is important to gamers, too.

If it's still uncomfortable to use a mouse or if you experience wrist discomfort, try a trackball instead, as you simply roll your fingertips on the top of the peripheral.

The key(board) to success

On a desktop computer, choose an ergonomic keyboard that could help reduce wrist strain – these typically are curved to more naturally fit the angle of your wrists (place your hands on a desk and you'll see they point inwards). Some ergonomic keyboards have a split keyboard, too.

If you're on a laptop you can always plug in a larger and more ergonomic keyboard when in one location for a while (though not ideal for an airplane, of course). Keep in mind, some small Chromebooks and iPad cases with keyboards generally have smaller keys, which could prove uncomfortable.

Try to keep your wrists almost floating above the keyboard so your hands can easily move to reach far keys (e.g., the G or H keys) rather than trying to stretch your fingers to reach them because your palms are mounted. You might consider a padded or gelled wrist rest that sits in front of the keyboard.

Finally, learn keyboard shortcuts to reduce the need for keystrokes.

Recommendations include Microsoft's Surface Ergonomic Keyboard or Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop ($129 each), both of which offer a natural arc and slope.

Have a seat (or stand)

It won't cost you much these days, so be sure to pick up a decent office chair with lower back support. And your mom was right – posture is important, too – so stop yourself from leaning in towards the monitor. Instead, sit back all the way.

If you can, choose a chair with wheels so you can better position yourself for added comfort. Learn about the adjustment features of your chair, if it offers any. Look for one with armrests.

Your feet should be flat on the floor. Vertically challenged folks should use a small step-stool or milk crate to rest your feet on under the desk. Your keyboard and mouse should be at about elbow level, so adjust your chair's height accordingly.

To avoid neck problems, those who work from home should avoid working on a laptop while reclined on a sofa or in bed.

An increasingly popular option is a standing desk. Standing rather than sitting promotes more muscle use and better blood flow. There are also Sit-Stand Workstations that sit on top of a traditional desk and balance ball chairs, which some employees swear by.

'Monitor' your health

When in your chair, be sure to swivel your chair so you're facing the monitor straight-on so you're not putting strain on your neck. Your monitor should be at eye level and should tilt left and right and swivel up and down to help you find the most comfortable angle.

There are also wall mounts, including retractable and adjustable monitor "arms" from companies like Ergotron.

If you get to choose your monitor for work, get a larger screen (24 inches or more) so you don't have to squint to see the font on a small monitor (at the very least, increase the font size). Have adequate overhead lighting so you're not straining your eyes to see the monitor.

Prices vary, but for $299 you can pick up a large 32-inch LG QHD LED IPS Monitor (model # 32QK500-W). For gamers who want something bigger, wider, and faster (to keep up with action games), there's the top-of-the-line 34inch LG GK950G UltraWide Curved Gaming Monitor ($1,399), with sphere lighting on the back.

Look away from your monitor every couple of minutes and close your eyes every few moments to give them a break, too.

"Dry eye" is becoming a common condition and it is being attributed, in part, to our reliance on digital displays, as we're focusing on screens and blinking less often. Symptoms include a stinging, burning or scratchy sensation in your eyes, eye redness, sensitivity to light or perhaps some stringy mucus in or around your eyes. Over-the-counter eye drops such as Systane Complete Lubricant Eye Drops ($10) provide instant hydration.

More 'ergo' tips and tricks

Take frequent breaks. Get a drink of water, stretch and do some minor neck, back and arm exercises. You can also gently rub your muscles when you need a little break.

Perform these short stretches and exercises repeatedly throughout the day, even if it's rolling your neck around, reaching up to the ceiling or walking around the office to stretch your legs.

If you use a phone all day, buy a hands-free headset, so you're not trying to hold the phone between your neck and ear while typing at the same time.

Jean, staying over an extra night in the snow may have been fun, but when you live in snow country and get snowed in for several days, it becomes "old hat" and you can't wait to be free.  With our recent ice storms, many people have been without power for a few days.  We have been lucky and I think having underground wiring contributes to our good fortune.  I admit, if things were snug, I could stand staying in a snow cabin or what was available.  I've lived in snow country all of my life!  As for Dot's and my usual, besides the cream pie (whatever is available), we also have a Tuna Melt, splitting it between us.  An occasional alternative is for Dot to get an olive burger and I get a hamburger.  Those we have very seldom.

Jean, I can commiserate with your black eyes.  It was Christmas Eve Day 2000 and I was in the shower; it was Sunday morning and I was getting ready for church.  While washing my hair, I realized I did not feel good, so I got out of the tub/shower and sat on the floor and put my head on my arm on the side of the tub.  That is the last thing I remembered until I felt my head going down and I hit my head just above my left eye.  I knew I'd have a black eye, also that I would not be going to church.  I had a black eye and the blood under that eye.  Within a few days, the blood had crossed over my nose and was also under the right eye.  Dark glasses did not cover a thing and when I went to the doctor the next day, a nurse saw me and said, "I'd like to see the other guy".  I was quite a conversation piece for about a month.

Don, that is quite a lot of advice about using computers.  One thing I noticed was the suggestion if you use a laptop to use a mouse.  I have always used a mouse with my laptops rather than the touch pad.  I think I'll save that piece.

I've been watching the PGA Tour and I think it is nearing the end.  I also think it is time to find something to eat.  I haven't eaten since noon at the Cholesterol Pit (I know we'd be banned if the owner knew we call it by that name - actually, it is Mr Burger).

Mary Ann

I also have a  black eye story. I have always had very low blood pressure, and one time in the nineties when I felt the tell-tale warmth and dizziness, I foolishly tried to make it to a chair in the kitchen instead of sitting immediately on the rug. I was already blacking out when I hit something hard and fell backward.

When I awoke, I had two black eyes and realized I had hit the corner of an upper kitchen cabinet just right. My poor nose was broken and bleeding, I had been out, and had blackened both eyes. My neighbor took me to the hospital, and I must have looked bad as she kept sneaking odd looks.

Of course, the nurses kept trying to tell me I was safe and could tell them who had done this. It took some doing to convince them it wasn't an assailant or disgruntled boyfriend but my stupidity. They had to use something to stop my nosebleed, and I had a concussion. I spent the night in the hospital and eight days off work. A costly way to learn not to walk off low blood pressure!

Patricia and Jean, I'll bet there are a lot more "black eye" stories out there if anyone wants to admit them!

Mary Ann

I have a black eye story too, but I'll save it until tomorrow morning.  Don't feel up to any computer time tonight, so think I'll get ready for bed and call it a day.  Hope you all sleep well, and I hope I do too!

This gives a whole new meaning to the phrase "Snack Attack". https://www.livescience.com/64679-wwi-hand-grenade-potatoes.html

Good morning. It is a real mess here this morning.  Not sure whether I will get to my doctor's appt. today or not.  It is still snowing pretty steady.  They keep saying the temperatures are going to go up past freezing by about 10 a.m. and then go back down this evening over night.  Almost all of the schools around have decided to close for the day, after first saying a 2 hr. delay.

Just not sure what to do.

I had a really fun day yesterday with the great-grands.  They have all really grown up a lot since I list seen them.  Their names are Addy, who is 6, Kinsley, who is 4 and Aaron who is 20 months. If you ask Addy her name, she will tell you her name is Adalyn Grace,but they call me Addy.  And, she is sooooo dramatic when she talks. So cute. And, the girls both do well in school.   They are all so cute.  We had carry-out from MacDonalds for lunch and then they just played for a while. I have a bookcase with lots of little knick=knacks and they love to rearrange all the things.  That keeps them busy for a while.  Not, I will have to get everything back in place, but that is ok.  I like to watch them arrange all the different things.

I need to get dressed and then decide what I am going to do.  It will depend on what my DIL thinks. I do hate to have to cancel, but it might just be for the best.

Have a good day.

Joy

Hi Everyone.  We have an overcast, drizzly and chilly day today.  In a few minutes Pat will drive me to the Podiatrist for a standing appointment.  She is going to let me out at the door and then stay with the car until I call her when I am finished.  This appointment usually takes no more than 30 minutes. That will be it pretty much for the day.  I did have a good nights sleep last night for which I am grateful.  I did order my new Chromebook computer and a new laptop table for it.  They both weight just a little over 2 pounds each.  I hope to have it tomorrow or Wednesday.

I don't have time this morning to read and leave any comments on the postings since yesterday so will come back later this afternoon to do that.

I've just gotten up for the second time; it is nearly 9:30 now but I've been up for about a half hour. 

I bought a new Quicken yesterday and I will see about getting information to that and I am also working on taxes.  I think I still  have 1099s to come. 

Joy, it's good to hear you had such a good time with your greats.  Annie used to like to rearrange my knickknacks too. 

Larry, that is what Tom and I do for most of my appointments - he lets me out at the door, then I phone him when I'm ready and he comes to pick me up.  If it is any distance, he waits in the car, but with my hair cut, he goes to the restaurant next door then I join him for breakfast.  The dentist is almost across the road so he comes back home to wait for my call.

It looks like it is nice outside and I think we won't have snow or rain today.

I'll be back when I wake up!

Mary Ann

Nothing on tap here today, except for my late afternoon appointment with the eye doctor. He's on the other side of town, which isn't far, but, will be right at the commute hour when I get out of there and start driving home with my dilated pupils!   Until then, I have the whole day ahead of me, so I'll try to accomplish something worthwhile. 

MarsGal - I haven't looked at your link, but will check it out when I finish this post. 

Mary Ann - I admire you for doing your taxes every year.  I'm ashamed to admit that I have never done anything in the way of taxes, except to sign my name at the bottom of the page.  AJ does it every year, and loves it.  He's taught Sandy how to do hers, but still checks it for her before she sends it in. She works part time or temporary jobs throughout the year, so there are a lot of forms to go over. 

Joy - I like your great-grand's names.  The girl's names are pretty, and I've always like Aaron for a boy.  Seems like so many young couples make up names for their children now-a-days.  Some of them are very odd or difficult to pronounce. Celebrities seem to have started that trend a number of years ago.

Larry - glad you're getting out today, if only for a podiatrist appointment. You'll probably be exhausted when you get home, but hopefully it will be a first step for you to slowly resume some of your activities.   

MarsGal, regarding the genrade and the finding of the WWII grenade, it sounds so American to bring a grenade to Taco Bell!

Larry and Joy, we have the same drizzly rain and snow here. It's been going on all week but no accumulation. We've had the twenties and thirties for both lows and highs, temperature wise.

Morning Marilyne and good luck later in your commute!

Marilyn, my taxes are easy and I've always done them.  If I had a husband, I might not be doing them!  You can't have two people doing the same taxes - at least to send in.  I will have one thing to vary the routine this year - I sold a stock.  I've sold stock before but I think the rules have changed about the basis for the purchase, however, I did get rid of all of the shares, not just "some".  That particular company did things differently than what I was used to and they wanted to charge me a yearly fee which I don't pay on Mutuals, so among the man's suggestions was to sell the stock and I told him to go ahead. 

I like Joy's greats' names too.  We have Avery (girl), Johanna, Eleanor and Isaiah.  James and Alicia wanted good-old-fashioned names for the girls and Geoff and Charissa chose Isaiah for their son.  Avery is a darling little girl and her middle name is Michelle, otherwise you'd think she was a boy.  Going back a few generations, my mother's name was Merle, chosen by her father before he died of typhoid fever.  And she had no middle name because he thought it not necessary.  I have seen both men and women with the name, also different spellings. 

Patricia, I thought I read where the grenade went from France with some potatoes to Hong Kong.  What a discovery!

I had to finish up the golf game this morning.  Yesterday it was halted because of darkness but had been delayed because of rain and hail!

I just had a robo call and thank goodness for Caller ID.

Mary Ann