It looks like everyone who posts in this folder, has come in to say "hello" this morning.  I'm the last one here, dragging my feet, per usual.  It looks like it might be finally be warming up here in NorCal.  The sun in shining, but the wind is still very nippy.

Joan - our weather is usually similar, but looks like the GNW, is much more pleasant than the SF Bay Area.  I hope that you're still feeling well, and enjoying your newly purchased clothes?  I also hope that Candy is doing better, after finally being given a diagnosis, and treatment from the clueless doctors. 

Mary Ann - Wonderful that your cardiologist gave you a clean bill of health, and dismissed you for a year!  As I mentioned a year ago, my cardiologist retired, and he told me at that time, that everything was looking good.  I never went to a new one after that.  Did you ever eat your picnic food?  I know you had lots of other things to enjoy over the weekend, so you probably never had a chance to eat it?   If not, then it's probably still there to have for lunch or dinner today.

Jenny - Good that Michele is feeling well enough to be up, and joining in family meals.  It's a shame that she isn't strong enough to celebrate their 25th Wedding Anniversary.  That is a milestone, and I hope that they can plan something in the future, when she is feeling better.   You mentioned the Farrah Fawcett special on TV, and I'm sorry I missed it.  However, I do remember when she was so sick, and there were lots of stories in the media, about how she was struggling with her cancer, plus she was having lots of problems with her son, and with her husband Ryan O'Neal.  I remember that he  had leukemia, but here he is, still living, and unfortunately she no longer is. 

Jean - I didn't realize that Larry was in the military.  During the years that you lived overseas, I assumed that he worked for the government, or for a private company.
It sounds to me, like your weather is just about perfect in Niceville!  Never too cold, and doesn't seem to get as hot and humid as the rest of Florida?  Well, I just looked at your message, and see that it was 90 degrees yesterday, which is barely tolerable!     I used to love it in the 90's when I was young, but cannot deal with it anymore.

I'll return a little later, and say hello to everyone else.  I've been sitting here too long, and need to get moving.  Lots of things to be done around the house today.       

Joan, good to see your post.

Marilyn, on the way home from the doctor's office, we stopped at a Wendy's so I still haven't fixed my picnic lunch.  I have two days - Wednesday and Thursday - to do it.  The tomato really is the only thing that could go bad.

I think I want a nap today, maybe in a few minutes.

Mary Ann

FlaJean...
...there are pluses and minuses as to whether i manage to stay here or will head towards back home in the future...A plus would be if I stay here is that I am in a holiday coastal spot, or not far from the coast, the sea, also I am tucked away in a beautiful out in the country spot, and I feel that if I do end up staying here it would be ideal for my grandson, great grandson and his soon o be wife ( told me they will marry next year ) to come visit, stay for a holiday or weekend visit, as I will have a spare bedroom, it might encourage him to come see me in the future, maybe next year and thereafter when all solicitor business is over and done with, If I venture back homewards, yes I may see him as we will be nearer but he is busy working and I may even see less of him, even my daughter doesn't drive...I just have to do what  will be best for me, all will depend on my finances as to whether I can afford to stay here, or whether I will need to free up some money...At the moment I cant even think that far ahead, just see how things pan out really..At the moment I dont even know what I want to do....I need-want to be around people, talk-laugh, I dont like this isolation...

Marilynne,  am doing well these days.  Even got a bit sight back in my right eye.  Nice to have it. 

Mary Ann, am here often just cannot rad all that is written.

Sorry, someone asked about Candy earlier and I cannot remember who.  She is fine and the surgery has helped her.  She goes back to the surgeon on the 3rd so we will see whazt he says.

Today was a quiet one. We did some errands this afternoon and ate leftovers from yesterday for dinner. Tomorrow and Thursday I have doctor appointments.

Mary Ann - Glad you had a good report from your cardiologist. I do eat sauerkraut but not because I like it. I eat some raw sauerkraut every day....the kind that's in a jar in the refrigerated area.......not the packaged kind.  It's a good probiotic and helps with digestive problems.

Larry - I'm so sorry about the loss of your friend. I find driving against the sun nearly impossible. I'm quite short so the visor isn't much help. I really should have a cushion to sit on.

Patricia - Thanks for the link telling how Memorial Day celebrations started.

Jackie - It's a good idea to take your time and explore all options before you decide where to live.

Joan - You must be so happy that Candy is doing better since the surgery.

Hi Everyone.  We are in for another very hot 100+ degree day.  There were a lot of fires yesterday along the highways and other places.  A pretty good stretch of I-20 for past the exit we have to the Walmart and other businesses close by was closed all afternoon, evening and is still closed this morning for at least 17 miles here in South Carolina and several other places nearby and some over in Georgia.  The humidity is very low and the temperatures so hot.  It is apparently a real mess. 

I didn't sleep at all well last night as had that old heart related cough probably the worst I have ever had it and shortness of breath goes along with it.  I got up at 4 am this morning, not because I wasn't tired but to stop the coughing and that has worked but I still am getting shortness of breath upon much exertion so just have to sit quietly for a few minutes to rest until it gets under control. 

I have been working on little things I can do in preparation for this evening when the family will be here to fix my TV up on the wall, fix the oxygen lines and I have decided I want to go ahead and move my computer desk into the corner by my bed.  I was going to wait but can always bring in my laptop from my easy chair and work on another little table that is a part of this desk setup so can still use my office.  I don't know whether any of you use that blue or white rubberized type matting that keeps things from sliding.  I have used it for years and this morning have been fixing my two bedside tables with it as well as the table next to my easy chair.  I know Pat isn't crazy about it but goes along with me as particularly now it really helps.  Just yesterday we knocked off the TV remote, which got under my table by my easy chair.  Fortunately we had pads put on all of the legs of things to save our wooden floors when we moved in and the table and chairs slide pretty easy although neither Pat nor I really should be even pushing them but Pat did and we located it.  I still have a number of very small things to do that I can do sitting here at my computer in the office so will try to take it fairly easy the rest of the day and will try to get some rest or sleep this afternoon before the folks come at supper time. This is our last Wednesday night dinner until fall from the Church so Scott will stop on his way out and pick up the three meals we order as there is a special program after the meal and it would be very late for dinner if the kind lady that has been bringing them did so tonight.  She called and suggested this, which was a great idea, and I knew Scott would be most agreeable to doing that.  We will give the girls money so they can go get whatever they want for their dinner, which they prefer to having to cook something here and Pat is not going to cook when we have our meals for the night being delivered to us.  (I apologize in that I never seem to know when to stop sharing all of this but from what you say you don't mind and no one is required to read any posting here they don't want to.)


Patricia, interesting info on how Memorial Day was started so long ago.  It only takes one or a few to establish something good like this remembrance day.

Jean, yesterday was a good day to stay in and do something quiet and cool.  A book is always a good choice or an audio book.  We also like Kielbasa and sauerkraut. I agree with you on the evils of way but they have always existed and I suppose they always well until the End Times.  Some of our war efforts seem to never end like Korea or Iraq and Afghanistan.  Glad to see you know of the help from Hospice when it is needed. 

Mary Ann, great news from your doctor about coming back in a year.  I am glad I have been able to give my neighbor things he can use.  I am pretty sure he wouldn't accept money payment and I have always preferred to give things away than try to sell them as I have never been a good salesman.  You are right, and I have said this to Pat several times already, I have never felt this free in all of my adult life.  I probably spent around $9,000 on my co-pays and deductibles for my medical care just last year and I have very good health insurance so that is like a big raise not having to bear anymore medical expenses. I am feeling better than I have for a long time and enjoying eating again with food tasting as it should and the prospect of being able to resume doing some other things I have had to give up these last 5 months when my health suddenly took a very bad downturn.  I have been emotional since my first heart surgery more than 30 years ago and now it is the worst I have ever had.  I have to keep Kleenex handy where ever I am.  Most of these are tears of job and not sadness but of course sad things also turn on the tears. 

Joan, glad you are having some great weather.  Store a little of it up for use the remainder of the summer.  Hugs back to you. 

Marilyne, nice to be able to take our time to get things done and if most don't get done until tomorrow, so what.  It sounds like you also have a strong heart just as my Pat does.  She was all checked out right after we moved here and was told her heart is very strong although there is some rapid heart beat that she treats with medicine.  Her back back assure that she really can't overdo very much or she really pays the price.  Fortunately, she feels reasonably well when she is sitting in her easy chair.  I have a similar easy chair and am hoping I don't eventually have to give it up for a lift chair but would do so if needed.  When we got these chairs at the time we moved here we got the ones with the motor that lifts and lowers the foot rest and I highly recommend them versus the old manual type. 

Jackie, you are now at the point where you can reasonably think out what will be best for you.  Remember a decision made today, which may be right as things currently exist, can always be changed in the future if the occasion calls for it.  It does sound like you live in a beautiful place but just wish you had more flat ground.  Maybe an electric wheelchair or scooter will be in your future that would allow you to venture out more.  My daughter had both over the years and she went all over Atlanta on buses and trains with it. As you know decisions should be made when we are ready and able to do them.  I know you have a computer, obviously, but have you ever looked into using Skype or one of the other video programs available for free that opens up the world.  While not as good as being in the same room as someone else it is the next best thing.  I do this with my best friend at least weekly and have encouraged my good Al-Anon friends in the Atlanta to do the same with me rather than doing a long drive back and forth to just have an hour or so of conversation.  Several years ago my best friend and his wife were in Australia on a crusie and he called me on Skype and the picture couldn't have been clearer and he showed me the big ship that was just outside the window of their motel room.  I can't get my wife and sister-in-law interested in using this great tool and they prefer talking on the phone, which they do a lot of as they might not look as presentable.  Guess that is the difference between men and women.  I have talked to my good friends several times when I have been in bed or when he was in the hospital and the smart phone for me allows me to do this where ever I am as keep it with me all the time. I would be happy to be one of your video friends, just as I am happy to be your friend with just the written word, although things are a little hectic for me right now but I expect to be much quieter during this coming week as everything gets set up the way I want it in this house. 

Joan, what exciting news that even a little sight has returned in one of your eyes.  Do you have any of the special computer equipment like a very large monitor and special keyboard to help you.  So glad to read that Candy has now found a surgeon that has helped her and hope all that can now just become a bad memory or forgotten so she can get some joy out of her life. 

Beverly, I just ran out of energy to write you a personal email yesterday but it is on my schedule in response to your private message you left.  I do better with email.

Larry, I answered your Soda Shoppe post and should have waited until it appeared here.  So I went there and copied my post!

Larry, I am in awe at your attitude about your situation today.  I am sure while many of us would like to think we'd be so positive, when push comes to shove, we probably would not be.  I told the PA yesterday that I do not have a walker or rollator yet and he asked me how I did walking in the house and I told him "walls and furniture".  This place is small enough that I can touch something almost everywhere.  I do walk freely around here and that is about all I can do.  Tom and Dot both watch me walking to or from their cars to make sure I get from Point A to Point B.  Steps are my big trouble and I rely on the railing by the steps, but it isn't easy.  I appreciate that you, Larry, are concerned about my walking.  Thank you.  I'm amazed that I've made it this far - to 95.

I don't know what I'd do if we had such hot weather so many days in a row.  I never had an a/c until I moved here but I was younger then and could cope better.  That is bad about the fires.  We have had fires in the UP in recent years but as long as we have a reasonable amount of rain, there is no threat.

You said you are giving your king=sized bed to your neighbor.  You had mentioned the bed was two twin beds.  I hope you have a bed left for Pat to use.  When they were in Florida, Norm and Dot had a king-sized bed setup like yours. 

Tom is out for a while and should return soon.  He picked up friends at the airport last night/this morning.  Their plane from Chicago was delayed about an hour because of storms and he had to take them to Spring Lake which is near Lake Michigan.  I must have woke up when he returned but did not realize it. 

Marilyn, I saw Paul go by in the mist at Marine City.  Those ships look a lot different in fog than they do in plain light!

Mary Ann

Stiil have a few minutes to say Good Morning.

It is a pretty sunny morning, but scattered thunderstorms in some areas could be coming in later today.

I have a doctot's appointment at 4:30, so hope we can get to it in between the rain, if they appear in my area.

I also wrote a message to Larry in the Soda Shoppe. 

Mary Ann, that was a great visit to your cardiologist .  I have to see mine in July.  It will have been 6 months since I had seen him.  I am supposed to have COPD and A-fib, that they told me when I was in the hospital last fall,  But, after I came home, I had appointments with both the lung doctor and the cardiologist, but both were not really sure I had either.  I do not take any medicine for the COPD, but do take Eliquis for the A-fib, but my primary doctor told me she didn't think I would have to stay on it for too long.  So, will see what the doctor says in July !

It is now getting onto lunchtime, and then I have to get ready to go to my appointment. I am hoping that all will be ok.

Have a great rest of the day.

Joy

Mary Ann, I missed Paul, this time on the Marine City cam, but I did catch him last time he was there.  I really like that camera, because it shows all the ships for a long time, from different angles, up close as well as full distant shots. Yesterday I watched that cam for a long time, and saw the Canadian ship, Baie Comeau, from all angles.  I don't think that's one that ever goes to Duluth?

Tom is certainly nice about picking up friends at the airport, and transporting them to different destinations in MI. I've noticed how often he does that, and is also how accommodating he is when it comes to driving friends to Holland, or other cities.  Is he still driving for Uber?  I guess that's a job where you can come and go as you please?

Larry - Sounds like you're arranging things in the house (the table mats) to help your day run smoothly, and keep things from getting tipped over and onto the floor.  I hope nobody misunderstood my comment yesterday, when I was describing my ethnic neighborhood?  One has to be so careful now-a-days, to not say anything offensive, and I'm afraid I might have?  I was only trying to point out how this area has changed over the years, and how AJ and I have lived long enough in this neighborhood, to have become the minority.  Something that never occurred to us would happen, when we moved here in 1971.

Jackie - No need to be in any hurry to leave your comfortable and familiar surroundings right away.  I know that you're lonely now, but you can look forward to the future, when everything settles down a bit more. Given your disability, I am wondering if you have considered moving to a facility in town,  where meals are provided in a dining room, or you can cook at home if you choose? Usually those places have lots of people to socialize with, plus medical staff on duty.

Beverly - good to see you posting regularly!  I hope you come in every day, and let us know what and how you're doing. Interesting about the sauerkraut.  I do take a probiotic capsule every day, or I drink Kefir. Sauerkraut would be nice for a change.  How much of it do you eat in one day?

Hi Joy!  I see we were posting at the same time, which seems to happen a lot!   

Tom just left to teach and will be at two school tomorrow.  Robin will be here this afternoon to help with the Computer Room mess.  She alternates and next week will be Cleaning, every other week for both.  I haven't done much to sort computer room stuff, especially lately.  I received a bill I did not expect and it went to a credit card that has since been closed.  The bill included a late charge and interest and I was furious when I saw it.  I had probably the lowest blood pressure reading at the doctor's and the bill may have doubled it!!  Then I went to the credit union to check, maybe change my information and it won't let me enter a password.  I hate to call them again (I did yesterday with the late bill).

Tom does some Uber driving but he lost hub caps because of our awful roads and did not want to drive without them, not because of driving but because of appearance.  He has a 13 year-old Camry that he loves to drive and he feels he should put his best foot forward when he picks up someone; one hub cap doesn't do it!  I don't know what he'll do this summer because school is out for the summer this week.  He doesn't think he'll be able to sub this summer because regular teachers would be the subs.  He is making contact for next year, however.  Teachers can contact him if they want him to sub for them so that is a plus.  I told him if he would get a regular summer job I would not take any appointments during that time, however, I did want to take the ones I already have. 

Jackie, I am sure when things settle down for you, you will be able to think things out and make a good decision as to whether you stay put or move.  Does the view and comfortable home win over familiar territory - that is the question.  Lots of time to think.

Joy, I do have A-fib and that is why I take Eliquis.  I probably will take it the rest of my life.  I had been seeing my cardiologist every six months until I saw him last year (only the second time I had seen him) so he most likely gave the PA the OK to make it a year again.  It sure makes my day!

It's only 60 degrees here and I feel that is too cool to sit out on the deck.  I amy let Kendrick out, however, as he likes to listen to the birds; they don't land where he can get at them but it does give him some exercise stalking them.  He likes it inside better anyway - wherever I am.

It isn't hazy outside here, but it is at Marine City and Grand Haven.  I wish the link to Grand Haven was more bold because I think no one notices it. 

Mary Ann

Larry Hanna...
...I do have an electric mobility scooter but wouldn't be able to get it out by myself, the front-way path leads to the parkhome road which is on a slope, I am at the top, or centre if one includes the long road leading into our site which has a steep slope down...There are no handrails at the end of my front pathway, also has a pavement to step off, not high but without holding onto anything and walking my folded up scooter would not be possible to consider stepping off the end pavement step...nor unfolding my scooter and driving off that step, well not on a slope, it would be dangerous...

Larry I am sure all things will work out eventually, one way or another....

Marilynne, I am doing super fine at 86 years young.  Candy is doing quite well since the surgeon cleaned out all the old incisions and stuff.  Shas had numerous surgies thru her abdomen including childbirth so that problem is done now. 

Cannot remember which year it was, but I was living up in Sela at the time.  Anyway some law passed in WA State and most of the GOOD Doctors moved out of the State.  Slow replacing them.

.
How to find cheap and free ebooks from your library and other lenders;
https://www.techlicious.com/tip/free-and-cheap-ebook-sites/?utm_source=Techlicious+Newsletter&utm_campaign=eb39e5957f-&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_5ee95b0b14-eb39e5957f-189582833

Larry, yes is rather exciting.  I kept hoping some of my sight would return.  Am not familiar with strokes so had no idea what to expect.  Glad it is better now tho, hope for more.  LOL

Patricia, the book link is good, but with my eyesight now, reading is something that I cannot enjoy. 

It's a so-so day here so far, 60 degrees.  I'd like to sit on the deck with Kendrick but it's a bit chilly for me.

Mary Ann

Good evening, Yes FlaJean my DIL is here for a little while longer With one family in Mass, and Jo in Florida it is good I am in this wonderful Hospice plan. . I can call them day or night

Patricia, thanks for your postings

Mary Ann I have to laugh when I got post saying I do not have to pay anything for a year. they would not say that if the knew my age If I had not had my hospital stay last month and Hospice had not approached me I would not have know about there nursing plan

GOOD AFTERNOON......

Another day of threatening storms are in the forecast for today. The moisture is wonderful and so appreciated however, the damaging wind and hail is not!  We have been lucky in that we have not had any of this bad stuff, but many we know have😢.

LARRY, what a wonderful post from you today!  You know we like to read ALL that you share with us, so thank you. 

JACKIE, I think about you and your living arrangements a lot.  Yes, if you can possibly stay there it would be nice for Daniel and his family to come and stay with you, and it is true you may see more of them living away in a beautiful area then you would if you were much closer.  HOWEVER, your overall happiness and ability to enjoy your life is the most important thing.  IF only you had someone you could count on to come and help you to be able to get out and about, you staying there to me, might be the best.  It is that IF that is the problem.  Of course you have to take into consideration the cost of living there too.  I know this weighs heavily on your mind.  I can see it is not going to be a easy decision to make. I can not imagine not being able to have my Bob here to help me, and I am not nearly as unable to get around as you are😢😢 Continued good thoughts and prayers for you💞

MARILYNE, I understood everything you were saying in your post yesterday about your living situation and understand how careful we must be these days to not offend! 🤬 Please do not give it another thought....I think your point was/is very well taken. 🥰

MARY ANN, I certainly hope Tom can get something more permanent for the summer.  Are the schools on summer vacation now?  I bet he will continue to get offers to teach as folks do want to take advantage of getting away in the nicer summer days too.  I understand his concerns about needing his car to look as nice as it can when he is Uber or Lyft.

JOAN, I am so happy for you that you have had some of your sight return.  Thank you for the update on Candy.

GLORIA, happy to read your DIL is stil there visiting with you. 

Thank you, PATRICIA, for the link about getting books to read.  I am sure many in here can appreciate getting this information.

Enjoy your day.....be safe💐💐
Jenny

Beverly, yes I am.  They have been giving her the run around for two years so glad one thing is taken care of now.

Larry, special equipment is costly so no, do not have anything special.  An touch typist so do not have to see. 

Denver, thanks. 

Jenny...
...I have had some financial good news recently, I had an Age UK helper help me put in a claim for an allowance several weeks ago, and I have now been granted a regular monthly payment, the same person also told me about another claim I should be entitled to and told me yesterday I can do it over the phone..These are government help claims, this claim, these questions took 20 minutes, all freephone so didn't clock up money on my phone, and hey presto, I was granted this payment too, and more good news, both monthly payments-allowances are to be back dated to the day Richard passed away...So all in all, I will have sufficient monthly money topping up my state pension...I will now be able to cover my monthly bills, utility bills, food-household stuff, this is one less worry...I should soon be in a position of taking over the monthly or annual bills instead of counting on the solicitor of dealing with them from paying the bills from the monies from Richards will, as and when they release his money....our solicitor charges are extortionately high.....

good eveni
Larry the only one I would like to look at when I am talking would be grand daughter inn Tenn. We were lucky to have a lovely week end


Jackie, glad to see you got a little good news

Jenny hope everything starts to get better for your Dad and the rest of your family still prays  Also WJoan, hope things pick up for you and your family

Good morning all!

I was't going to drop in today, but I just ran across this website. I was looking for tracking info on the new StarLink Satellite configuration and found this site which also has links to other sites for tracking satellites, GPS tracking, and space objects. Thought some of you might be interested. https://www.n2yo.com/?s=74001

Jackie, I am glad to hear that things are looking up for you.

Hi Everyone.  Another very hot day here in South Carolina and more roadside fires and a big plant burned down yesterday in Thomson, Georgia due to the heat and running out of water. 

Once again I had some difficulty sleeping last night and really very short of breath and moving very slowly this morning.  I expect the aid to be here around 10 am this morning to help me with a bath and the nurse will likely be here sometime today as she hasn't made it out here yet so we can meet her.  
Scott and Elizabeth got the TV mounted onto the wall at the foot of my hospital bed and this afternoon and evening will work on the oxygen lives around the house and moving my office desk into my new bedroom.  I still plan on using my office, especially in the morning as it is a lovely room with a lot of sunshine but know I will enjoy having my big computer and monitor and B&W laser printer available in my bedroom.  The room will accommodate it well and it shouldn't be in the way.  I have had a lot of time to plan things out exactly as I would like to have them and Scott and Elizabeth are making these ideas come to life.  Am I a lucky man or what?


Mary Ann, I read both discussion groups daily so if you have written in one to me don't bother with copying and adding you comments in both places.  Sometimes I think of something else I want to say so may post individual comments to another one of us in both.  Obviously I usually use the same opening comments in all three discussions I follow unless a lot of time has passed during the day and something new has happened.  Glad to read you having railings on your porch steps as it at least gives you something to hold onto if you have the energy to climb up.  Don't forget about trying walking down backwards one foot at a time holding onto the railing.  That way if you were to fall it would be forward up the steps and not downward.  My Dad did this for a number of years after he moved into a home with his first basement and was pretty feeble but never had a fall (that I am aware of).  He was a very stubborn man (I am sure I didn't inherit any of that quality    .  We are not moving the king sized adjustable bed from your master bedroom and when her sister comes to visit us she will have a nice adjustable bed to use that has plenty of room and you can control your own covers.  We also have a pull-out bed in a nice sofa that isn't the most comfortable bed but certainly usable.  We used to use that for Stacey when she was able to come out and say overnight. 

Marilyne, I certainly didn't see anything offensive in your comments and I hope none could be seen in mine.  It is what it is and I hope we still have the right to be honest with our friends.  Our country seems to have lost any sense of humor it once had.  Personally I never try to take myself very seriously.  I don't have to agree with what someone may say about me but honestly I don't care since I have no control over another person and can never know what they are thinking. 

Jackie, I certainly understand about your landscape layout and your concern.  I would feel the same way.  Right now I can't venture into our garage but will keep working at a ramp until there is one satisfactory.  I have another one, a foot longer in the box and we will return the 3 foot one, which is light weight.  My next step would be to contact our Church as they have a ramp building group for members who need it.  Most of these folks couldn't afford to have one built.  I certainly can and if the committee doesn't want to accept pay beyond the cost of the wood involved then we will make a donation to our ministers discretionary fund or whatever the group may prefer.  You are so right that things will eventually work out as they are met to be so just take one day at a time (as we practice in Al-Anon) as I have found often when I wake up the next morning some seemingly unsolvable or worrisome situation doesn't seem quite a bad and my viewpoint is clearer.  We also seldom think too clearly when we are very tired.  What wonderful news on the government help claims and hope that takes off some of the pressure you have been feeling.  I find there are many resources available that we just don't know about as haven't needed.  Keep asking questions. 

Joan, that must have been a great law if it caused the good doctor's to leave your State.  Just someone being a politician sure doesn't mean they are necessarily smart in many fields of knowledge.  Years ago I had a lady working in the accounting section I had to supervise and she had suffered a stroke and after some time passage you really couldn't even tell.  I think each State has a society for the blind or visually impaired that help provide this specialized equipment.  It is something you might want to explore someday or ask Candy to check on for you. 

Patricia, I know about the cheap or free lending from our local libraries and both Pat and I have used these provided services for many years, Pat especially with first books on tape, then disk and now download. 

Lindancer, we are both lucky to have learned about Hospice and about the same time and so we can compare notes as we go along.  So far they are great and just had a call from the aid saying she was about 10 minutes away and will be here shortly to help me with a bath, which I need. 

Larry, I know you post both here and in the Soda Shoppe and I know your first paragraph is the same in both folders.  But I know of some people who post only here - or there - and that is why I copied the post.  The subject matter in both folders is different and I seldom post in SS but I do sometimes, like today.

I'm sorry you didn't sleep well last night and I hope things improve today.  If I don't sleep well, it is because I go to bed trying to solve a problem that could wait and doesn't get solved anyway.  I hate it when I find myself awake at 3 am, maybe 4 am.  I can take a nap later if I wish.

Larry, there is one step between the porch and the sidewalk.  When I go down, I stand sideways and put my right foot down.  There is enough room for my left foot.  I then put my right foot on the sidewalk, followed by my left foot and I am able to walk along the side of the garage to Tom's car.  Going up is different because of my arthritic knees which don't have a lot of oomph to pull me up from the sidewalk to the step to the porch.  Then, of course, there is the step into the house where I hold onto the door jamb.  We do have to make plans for everything, don't we?  Including one step.

It bothers me sometimes that the politicians seem to butt into our lives, making decisions about things they know nothing about.  I feel in long past years that they acted for the general public but now it seems they are working toward re-election.

Robin was here yesterday and is a big help in helping me get rid of stuff.  Even though she gives me things faster than I can sort or dispose, we have made great progress.  She was worried about the narrow lanes I had for myself and I was satisfied if I had room to walk to my chair.  I have a large computer work station in here and I'd either like to turn it 45 degrees or even get rid of it.  Probably neither will take place in my lifetime. 

Tom came home from subbing a half hour ago, surprising me.  He will go back around noon for a couple more hours, then go to Holland for the rest of the day.  He is resting now (I think!) and I hope he gets home early enough tonight to get a decent night's sleep.  Aunts worry about people, too.

MarsGal, I saved the satellite line.  I have a smattering of interest but not like that of you and Patricia. 

I think I've "shot my wad" for this time; I will be back later.

Mary Ann

Mary Ann, I don't think I have posted this site. The Bodo Port in Norway is an active port with a lovely marina. It is sprawled out somewhat. Mostly I see small boats, including a smallish cruise ship the other day. Across from the Webcam, at mid swing, there is an island that the boats often behind. If the ship is tall enough, you can see it pass through to the open water beyond. https://www.webcamtaxi.com/en/norway/nordland/bodo-port.html

Sorry I missed the Paul in the fog. I did see one the other day in the fog, but I forget which. Kind of spooky seeing it come out of the fog and glide on by, especially if you have the sound down. Reminds me of some of those old ghost ship stories.

I am hoping to get a little weeding in if it dries out enough before this afternoon's thunderstorms.

Larry and Mary Ann - I didn't sleep well last night either.  I woke up off and on starting at around midnight, and at 2:00 AM, I was so restless that I finally just got up and read until about 3:30.  Sometimes, that's the only way I can clear my mind, and start to relax. I did go right to sleep then, but woke up at 6:30 and I do feel rested and ready to face the day.  I don't seem to need as much sleep as others, and never have.   AJ goes to bed at exactly 11:00 every night, falls asleep immediately and sleeps soundly until about 7:30.  He does get up a couple of times during the night for a bathroom break, but falls back to sleep right away.

As you have heard me say many times, this house is a split level, and I have a steep staircase (14 stairs), that has to faced whenever I want to go outside in front, into the rooms downstairs, or to the garage to get into my car.   Our main living quarters are upstairs . . . kitchen, living room/dining, laundry room, three bedrooms, and two bathrooms.  The downstairs consists of a very large family room, one bedroom, a bathroom, a full basement and a garage.  The bedroom used to be our oldest daughter's room, but is now a storage space for many boxes of "stuff" that she brought here after her divorce.  The family room looks as it always has, but we never use it, and haven't for many years. There is a door that opens out to the front yard from there.  The basement is AJ's work area, plus our storage area.  We do keep two cars in the garage.

Why am I going into all that detail . . . I don't know?       All I know is that I have to maneuver those stairs a number of times a day, if I want to go to the garage, the basement, or out to the mailbox. Sometimes I go down backwards, always hanging on tight to the railing.  Fortunately there are also two outside pathways on both sides of the house, to get upstairs or down, and I use them a lot during the day, and when the weather is nice, so I don't have to do the stairs.

Sorry for the long post - seems I sometimes get started, and don't know when to stop!

MarsGal - I plan to send that satellite link to AJ.  He loves things like that, and will enjoy looking at it!     

Good morning from the Interior. Today is cloudy, and while we are in the mid to late seventies, we have one or two rainy weekdays.  From CNN;

"960+

The number of tornadoes that have been reported this year, according to the National Weather Service. That's way above average. The month of May has been an especially busy period for tornadoes as well, with 500 reported tornado events coming in the span of 30 days. ''

MarsGal, thanks for the Norwegian cam and the satellite tracker that I've saved!

Farrah has been very affectionate lately, grooming my head and laying partially on top of me. I guess she believes she's my caretaker?

I still have trouble sitting at the computer, but I'm hoping that I'll be better in June with more stable weather.

I spend time on YouTube looking at real estate here, nationally and abroad. Some of the Italian and or French chateaus are incredible!

Jackie, I'm not sure if they have them in England, but I live in disabled independent housing. There are seven buildings, all for different types needing aid scattered around town, but this five-floor building is for disabled seniors over 62.

There are mostly 850 square foot one bedroom apts with four studios on each floor with two elevators. On each level is a social room with books, puzzles, computers, and plants. There are also stairs on each end. The laundry, social room, and elevators are in the middle with two wings of apts off of that area.

There is 24/7 maintenance and security with locked doors and a mail/security room and manager's office by the main entry. Also on the first floor is a significant social room with a kitchen and to the rear is an enclosed dog park. Each level has two laundries and a drop in the wall for trash. Each floor has recycle bins by the laundry area. There are cameras throughout the public areas, so you feel safe and phones in each apt for either company calling,(You can accept or deny these calls);  or security letting you know you have a package. There is also camera feed available of all entries and exits.

Of course, you pay for this but some here have government assistance, and it is otherwise like any other apartment building. You are allowed one pet under twenty pounds, and there is a staff person on hand to help you with any paperwork if needed, and the main floor social room has events, games and or holiday meals if you wish.

Each apt has a four-foot walled balcony with rock overlay sides. You have the choice to be social or not, and there is VanTran available for those who need it or free bus services over sixty. I'm sure there must be similar programs in England.

Larry, I have managed so far so will continue to do so.  At age 86 I am not looking forward to many more Birthdays.  LOL   Just no reason to stick around, kids are taken care of and they will be fine afterward. 

Via YouTube, Presque Isle arrives at Duluth in the fog on 05/25/2019.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XINot2gkZM