Junee - So good to hear from you! I hope you are feeling well. Do you see your daughter often?

Jenny - Sometimes it helps to write things down. I do that during the night when I have a problem I can't get off my mind. If I write it down I can go back to bed without obsessive thoughts. I call it "changing the channel".  Good luck with your surgery!

My body may be falling apart but I have a very busy brain! 

Marilyne - How far are you from where the "bomb cyclone" hit on the coast.

MaryPage - Where were the fireworks you watched on BBC? I managed to stay up long enough to watch the ball drop in New York City.

Beverly - We live about 20 miles inland from the Santa Cruz area, where the "Bomb-Cyclone" hit.  It caused some serious structural damage there.  The main wharf in Santa Cruz, where all the commercial fishing boats are docked, was damaged and the entire wharf has had to be evacuated.  Lots of historical seafood restaurants there.     Ten miles South, of there in Capitola, an old beloved pier was destroyed, plus a marina with fishing boats.   At least two people lost their lives there, but likely many more when they have a chance to assess the damage.  Another storm expected overnight  tonight and tomorrow. 

Jenny - So glad that your blood work was seen by the oncologist, and that there is no sign of any blood cancer!     Now you can concentrate on recuperating  from your shoulder surgery.    Hoping and praying it will be successful, and you will have more and better use of your arm when everything has healed. 🙏🙏

A Good Friday HELLO‼️

My surgery was yesterday and overall I am doing good.....unfortunately there was too much scar tissue around the Axillary nerve so they were unable to proceed with the transplant 😩  I am very disappointed and have a little pity party now and then but know that I at least had the opportunity to try to fix it, and it was not meant to be. I am sad that Bob will have to continue to help me every day to meet my needs, but it is what it is😩. The best thing I can say is that my surgeon did his best to accomplish this but knew when to call it off so I would not loose any of the ability that I currently have.  I could tell that he was equally disappointed that he had to tell me this news as I was to hear it😩😩

I thank those of you who have given me your total support....through out all of my trials in life....it means the world to me that our friendship on here can help so much.

BEVERLY, I agree and understand what you are saying....changing the channel describes it well.  🥰
MARILYN, I thank you for your kind and supportive words.....and I know you will always be there with your thoughts and they mean so much to me.

I wish you all a good day and I thank you for sharing your day to day lives with me.....

Jenny

Jenny, I'm so sorry about your shoulder and happy about your blood work results.  I'm sure Bob will lovingly look after you and you'll be able to adjust to the "new normal" with time.

Junee, how great to see you here!!!  Hope things are well in your world.

Beverly,    at your comment about your body vs. your brain.  My spirit and mind (most of the time ) are willing but the old bod keeps saying, "Umm...don't think so!

Marilyne, I read that the "bomb cyclone" was caused by the Pacific Ocean "roiling" (I think that's the term) which was due to a 3 year La Nina.   Our gurus try to instruct us about the storms that will "sweep" across Oklahoma but can't quite agree on which part of the state will be affected.  I plan to just look out the window and go from there. 

Jackie, hope the results of your MRI are good.  When do you find out? (Or have I missed that news?)

DIL Mandi had good news this week; all of her blood work was normal - no issues with those liver enzymes that had given her so much trouble.  I think she has a body scan sometime this month to see if the spots (she doesn't call them tumors) have shrunk.

Have I mentioned that Miss Emily,the chiropractor,is officially engaged?  She's busily looking at "Wedding Venues". (Heaven forbid today's brides should be satisfied with a plain old church or back yard garden! ).  I'm sure her Dad, at least, is grateful she isn't looking at a "Destination Wedding" on some Carribean Island or tropical resort.  Guess the date will be determined by when an "acceptable" one is available. 

Stay warm and well, Everyone.   

Having internet connections and no landline, BT engineer coming next week..

I've been checking for your news as well, Jackie.... praying as good as can be!

Hi to all, it is a breezy and very cold day here in central Kansas. Sun is bright but even the birds are hiding out from the wind. Won't be long before the warm up begins so might as well enjoy what today has to offer, right? Think I will throw a load of clothes into the washer & curl up for a quickie nap! 

Junee, my heart pitter-patters when I see that bright red bird. I've had quite a few parrots (small ones) and parakeets over the years but they have all been green. Happy to see your post & hope life is good to you.  Shirley/Tisie

Oh, don't tell me Verizon has messed up in England too, Jackie

Sorry, couldn't help that snarky comment. My sister is having the same issues here. Her TV has been pixelating and freezing off and on for the last week (this time). Yesterday, her internet and phone went out too. Turns out that Verizon is dealing with some major outages on the East Coast from New York to Washington DC at least. She has been almost beside herself. Fortunately, it doesn't affect her cell service. Getting to a live body in customer service was a major frustration. Not only that, when she finally has someone coming out to check out possible wiring problems affecting the TV (which has been an ongoing issue for a while now, the appointment that she set up for Tuesday is showing up as for this afternoon. They were supposed to bring out a new box for the internet/landline phone, but later texted her saying that her problems with those are caused by the outage, so no one will be out for that unless she still has problems after they fix their mess. Sue is having withdrawal pains from not being connected, so I was getting calls from her all afternoon.

The other day, I was taking another look at the local Humane Society pages where George's cats were taken after his death. I never saw a thing about them. But the other day I hit the jackpot. On one of the posts that pop up every few days showing available pets for adoption, I clicked a spot where it said Recently Adopted Pets which took me to a Petfinders page--and there they were. All three have been adopted. They all looked good, and Scotch, especially, looks like she gained weight. Roxie was listed as a sibling, but she is actually Mom to Scotch and Soda. Since they were listed separately, I can't tell if they were adopted together or not. I really hope they got a good home(s). I always felt (still do, really) about not taking them in, but I just could not handle six cats at the time.

One more news item. The week is the annual Farm Show in Harrisburg. So naturally, we are expecting some snow tonight. It is a weather phenomenon here, that Farm Show Week always turns messy with snow. Even after they changed the dates by a few weeks, the snow followed. Fortunately, we are only getting around an inch with no other snow forecast (so far) the rest of the week.

MarsGal --- Be aware, Verizon does not operate in England.

I know, Rammel. I was being sarcastic. I am not a Verizon fan. Sue called a little while ago and reported that her internet and phone are working again. She called Verizon again to make sure her TV tech was still coming out, but apparently not. However, the CSR she talked to this morning had her go and disconnect the cable from the box and then reconnect it and the TV is working again too. She will still likely have to call again in the not to distant future since the pixelation and freezing is likely a bad connector somewhere at the set or out at the main line. I used to have that problem with Comcast on occasion. They always had to climb the pole outside and put in a new connector. I actually forgot about pulling the cable connector and then reconnecting. Otherwise, I would have told her to try that. When I have funky problems, the first thing I do is disconnect the power, wait 30 seconds and then reconnect.

Anyhow, I guess it will be a few more days before we hear from Jackie. I hope she will have good news from her MRI by then.

Jackie posted this morning
https://www.seniorsandfriends.org/index.php?msg=229270

Callie, I have been overcome for simply YEARS now at what my granddaughters' generation are expecting in the matter of weddings!  But in the last few days, I have been following "ASK AMY" in the newspaper, and now feel I've heard it all.  They want, nudged on by their highly paid Wedding Planners, weddings in One Color.  In other words, every member of the wedding party itself AND every guest must wear the same color, in the case chosen as an example, yellow!  It is supposed to make wonderful and memorable photos!  I'll bet!  Amy responded that she would be a guest, not a prop!

Me, I think there is nothing sweeter than a small town or countryside wedding in a little white church with a steeple. I will not wear a bride-dictated color, however.  What IS the world changing into???
 

"What IS the world changing into???" --- After that is accepted what more will they go for?

I forgot to ask Emily what colors she was thinking of.  Have never heard of expecting everyone to wear the same but can't imagine that she would do that; however, if she should do so, I'm sure her two grandmothers will abstain. 

Apparently, wedding venues have become a popular thing to build and she/parents/fian?? (is he a fiancée or a fiancé? (} have looked at several within driving distance.   I was amazed that available Friday or Saturday dates were scarce for the next year!  One she really likes has 2 dates available in August and another had nothing until April,2024.

She invited me to go with her/her mom to look at wedding gowns and has picked a day when her sister in NYC has a day off and could shop along via FaceTime or Zoom or something.  Technology!!!   

I read and dozed all afternoon so think I'll head to the kitchen and mix up some what we always called Icebox Cookies to wrap/freeze for future baking.  Easy to cut a few slices and bake when needed.

Stay safe and warm - and sleep well.  CUL8R

Ten Little Tips to Feel Happier Right Now


1. Smile. Raise the corners of your mouth. Soon your smile will become genuine. The smile that begins as an effort and a pretense quickly grows to become genuine, And given time, a habit of happiness.


2. Breathe deeply and slowly. Focus your entire attention on each in-breath and out-breath. Imagine drawing in new clean energy  through the top of your head on each in-breath, and expelling old stale energy out the soles of your feet on each out-breath.

3. Take a quiet walk by yourself. Focus on each step and on your breathing. As stray thoughts enter your mind, thank each one, and quickly release the thought and return to a focus on your breathing and your steps.

4. Count your blessings. Make a gratitude list. You have thousands of reasons to be thankful. Be thankful for those who serve you. Make a list of those you depend upon. Everyone has many people who help along the way. Don't forget those who grow and deliver your food, keep your electricity and telephone running, provide emergency medical care, and protect the safety of your community and your nation.

5. Forgive someone for something right now. Release the resentment and anger. This practice is for you to become happier. Telling the other person that you forgive them is completely optional, and is merely a bonus.

6. Stretch your body. Do yoga, do qigong, or just stand and stretch. As a simple stretch, stand and hold your arms out to your sides forming a cross. Gently bend each hand back at the wrist until the fingers point straight upward. Twist each hand and arm in a wringing motion as if you were operating a screwdriver.

7. Turn on happy music and dance. Don't stop 'til you're tired. Dance with someone or dance all by yourself. Choose music that makes you want to move and keep moving.

8. Spend some time with a furry friend. If you don't have your own, borrow a cat or dog to love today.

9. Be of service. Find someone who has worse troubles than you and do something nice for them today.

10. Have a conversation with God. Approach the conversation with an attitude of gratitude rather than neediness.

May the world be kind to you,  and may your own thoughts be gentle upon yourself.

Got an emergency cell phone ALERT around 6:30 am, this morning, to prepare for possible evacuation because of flooding in my area?  It's raining steadily but no wild wind?      Looks okay outside here, but I know things can change quickly, so we will be watching local TV weather reports, and hoping this latest storm will be over soon. 

MaryPage - I also read that story on Ask Amy, about the bride's request that all wedding guests were to be dressed in  the color YELLOW, for the wedding.   The world is so crazy now, that somehow it didn't surprise me.   I immediately pictured in my mind, a church full of people in yellow.  Sounds mighty dreary looking to me?   Not a very flattering color for most, but especially us older ladies! 

Callie - Here's hoping that Emily won't read that newspaper column, and get any ideas! ha ha!   It's always  been trendy for the wedding party (bridesmaids) to be dressed in the same color, but not necessarily the same style.   My niece had a fancy wedding, and the entire wedding party and both mothers,  were dressed in black and white.   It really did look spectacular!    I'll send you a couple of pictures if I can find them.

Jackie - I remember that it takes a long time for you to get results from the various tests you have to take for your MS.  Hope you will here back soon about your MRI.

Hoping the Winter weather doesn't get any worse for anyone here in S&F?  Looks calm outside here at the moment.

Bubble - just saw your message.  It posted  while I was writing mine, so haven't
had a chance to read it yet.   Looks like some good ideas and advice that I could use right now!

Merry Monday!

Marilyne, I think of you every time I see another news story about the California weather.  Surely do hope you don't have to evacuate.

I "caught" Emily on Facebook and messaged her asking what colors she planned. She replied, "Eucalyptus green, navy blue, cream and "a deep blush" pink".  She sent a picture of a bouquet using those colors and it was very pretty.  (Now trying to think of a nice way to tell her that if I get anywhere near eucalyptus, my eyes water and I start to sneeze  )
I like the trend of the attendants choosing their own style of the bride's color choice.  "Back in the day", the bride chose the style - which wasn't always complimentary to the individual.

Weather is sunny here and "warm".  I need to do some errands and have been trying to decide if I should get them out of the way now or wait until the housecleaner is here this afternoon.  (I know what I should do but am getting better at procrastinating.  )

(Get up, Callie, and GET BUSY!    )

Stay warm and stay safe, Everyfriend.   

Marilyne, one of my granddaughters had an all black & white wedding eons ago; I would guess 20 years ago, or nearly that; but it was just the decorations and the wedding party group.  It did not include the guests or what they wore.

I cannot wear yellow, and own nothing yellow.  So I would have to buy a new outfit to a yellow wedding such as they described.  I would simply have to decline to attend, actually.

I've been watching the weather news from California and I'm worried about Marilyne. Hoping we hear from her soon.

She usually posts in the late mprning but not today. Could be a power outage.  Hope it is not a flooding problem.

she posted yesterday about the Calif. situation.  They were being attentive to instructions as some places were getting people out of the areas.

Beverly, Marilyne's post just before mine yesterday began:

Got an emergency cell phone ALERT around 6:30 am, this morning, to prepare for possible evacuation because of flooding in my area?  It's raining steadily but no wild wind?      Looks okay outside here, but I know things can change quickly, so we will be watching local TV weather reports, and hoping this latest storm will be over soon.

Supposed to get to 72º here this afternoon!  I didn't even need a coat to do errands this morning.  Think I may air out the house mid-afternoon.

 Power outage here. Trying to send this on my cell but not sure how   Wind and rain overnight was epic!  Blew down large branches of our redwood tree onto neighboring rooftops. Also our deck mostly gone. Not complaining as others have it lots worse. We were lucky!  The mountain Areas surrounding us are a disaster.   Mud slides boulders blocking the highway to Santa Cruz.

Thanks for posting Marilyne! Sorry to hear you've had some damage. Has to be scary. I saw videos of the mudslides on the highways, flooding, etc.. I heard more storms are coming so stay safe!

I haven't had much to say lately because of almost daily headaches, some severe. Went to the ER and a CT Scan shows everything is normal, no aneurysms, etc. Some possibilities but no answers yet. Today has been good so far!

Sorry you are suffering those headaches, Beverly.  I am sending all manner of good wishes and high hopes your way.  Want that pain to go away AND Stay away!  love to you __________

Beverly, sorry to butt in here but wanted to mention that when I had severe headaches it turned out was because I ate too many meats (hotdogs, pizza, deli slices) anything with any preservatives in...after a year without any, I decided to try with 2 slices of bacon & almost to the hour, 24 hours later the headache started.

Seems research had proven I was right about MY diagnosis, and discovered later that a lady I mentioned this to that was about to have some kind of surgery on her head, tried & NO MORE HEADACHES. So think back over what you have been eating, I never thought I ate that much with preservatives but so many foods now do come with nitrates & nitrites included, can sneak up.

I am back to being able to eat all of the stuff sparingly again but still keep track. I did notice I had a kick back after eating a lot of corn on the cob... they do something to keep those bugs & worms out ... so got to keep track of how much I do eat. Good luck & hope you find it is a simple fix.

Marilyne, thoughts of what you are going through & prayers for a more peaceful tomorrow.

I spent over $8000.00 in hospital bills due to anaphylactic shock and lost a friend over this because she thought I was grandstanding. I now carry an EpiPen because I am allergic to chemicals added to food to prolong shelf storage!

Headaches plus other symptoms due to preservatives and other chemicals in food are the fastest-growing allergies in the world. Please pay attention to Shirley; I wish someone had told me beforehand that it's like a bee allergy and builds over time. Even if it's not food-related, it's your body signaling that something is urgent.

Anaphylactic Shock --- You do NOT want it.

I've been thinking about it a lot lately, because I have been reading and reading and reading what the folks schooled in the Natural Sciences are telling us we are doing to ourselves in the matter of adding to and/or preserving foods, and poisoning our air, water and soil. I have gone through many phases of reaction summaries, and now feel a huge relief to know I will not be around to see the worst of the results of our folly.  At the same time, I deeply regret my beloved great grandchildren and soon to appear on the scene great great grandchildren will suffer those results.  It is so hard for me to come to terms with the fact that MY species is so selfish and so hell bent on becoming rich at the great cost of many lives of others of us.  A mild sort of depression has been the last phase to sort of settle over me, accompanied by a kind of giving-up acceptance of it all.  Well, we have these relentless storms now; storms wreaking havoc with our Never-Never Land of California, and we are told all of our weather patterns are going to be permanently threatening.  This planet, not through a thought process, because it does not own one of those, but through the Ecosystem it has built up over the millions of years, is trying to kill us.  Our Homo Sapiens.  And it has all of the ammunition to succeed.  Covid is another of its tools.

Good Morning everyone!  It is a much better morning here today, than yesterday.  The storm has calmed for now, but all media sources are telling us to brace ourselves and prepare for MORE over the weekend!     

Thanks to all of you who posted messages of support  yesterday.  Our power came back on at 2:00 AM last night, so it was out here for approximately 24 hours.  It seemed like much much longer! We were lucky to get back, as there are millions of people in CA, who are still without any electricity, because "the Grid", is down in many areas.  I haven't seen pictures this morning yet, but heard the Santa Cruz coastal area is destroyed?  Fishing boats and main docks and wharfs, as well as the beloved Beach Boardwalk, with all the fun rides that draw visitors.

Enough said:  I want to return later today and comment on all of your messages - especially the ones on Anaphylactic Shock!  I've been there, and it's not a good place to be.

Good Afternoon Everyone,  from the dry
and cool,  rocky coast of Maine. 

Today being January 11, and we have no snow
in sight,  only rain and wind. 
This is a very rare winter for us who
usually is stuck with lots of snow. 

They are predicting for the next 10 days,
no snow again, only rain ... Our weather is
much warmer than usual. 

My diet these days consists of mostly
low sodium foods.    Which is mostly foods
on the  sides of the groucery store. 

Freh fruits and veggies,  boneless skinless
chicken,  fresh fish ...  Low sodium
and little dairy  (I can eat yogurt, low fat)

I do eat a lot of fruit smoothies,  which
I do love. 

When sticking to this diet I am beginning to
loose wight witch is my ultimate goal.   

I am wishing the best for everyone here. 

Hugs

Sandy