Norms Bait and Tackle

RAMMEL · December 07, 2024, 11:37:50 AM

Quote from: MarsGal on December 07, 2024, 09:49:04 AMHe goes nuts over the treats, so I have been giving him some right next to his wet food dish. The treats seem to be enough to get him to eat his regular food.

So Oscar taught you a new trick.

Marilyne · December 07, 2024, 12:13:11 PM

Good Morning everyone .. . hoping today will be better than yesterday around here. Husband AJ, woke up yesterday with a sick stomach, and running a low grade fever. He's feeling better today, but not back to normal yet. So many flu's and other virus's out there this year.
Younger daughter Sandy, was sick all week, and missed the yearly Christmas party at her work on Thursday. Her doc at Kaiser sent her to the lab for tests, and turns out she has TypeA Influenza. Yes, she had her annual flu shot, but turns out that this years vaccine does not have antibodies against A . . . only TypeB and other lesser types. So be aware, that even if you had a flu shot, it may not be effective. I'm hoping that RFK,Jr. will get Senate approval. We need an overhaul of our health care system - especially Big Pharma.

https://www.webmd.com/vaccines/news/20241004/the-flu-vaccine-might-be-less-effective-this-year

Mars, you've been having a problem with that crown, for what seems like many months? Hope it will all soon come to a happy ending. I also have one of those cysts in the corner of my eye. It seems to come and go, and so far I've managed to ignore it. I saw my eye doc in August, and she recommended warm moist packs, followed by prescription antibiotic eye drops. I wear glasses, so I think the nose thingy irritates it to a certain extent?

Hi Callie . . . I think we were posting at the same time.

BarbStAubrey · December 07, 2024, 04:25:27 PM

Callie for what it is worth when I get the I don't wannas I change my head wording from I gotta to I get to and if I get to does not fill me with a better outlook then I look hard at what I get to do and figure out how important it is to me - is it something that allows me to feel I'm playing or is it something expected and if so, by whom. Some things I dump and others I realize how important they are to me and if my energy is low than I break it into as many tiny tasks as possible from as simple as - get the broom out of the closet or pick up the paper and look at it or bring the box of stuff out onto the table and then do just that much - if that does not make me feel like doing more I take a nap and start fresh after drinking a whole glass of water.

Today my I don't wanna is the laundry - started yesterday but got caught up in other things - 2 more loads to go plus the hanging and folding etc. for some reason it feels overwhelming - thought it through and realized I want it finished because I like the look of a cleared laundry room and fresh clothes hanging in my closet - even put the one washed load in the dryer and so I'm at the take a nap stage even if it is after 3: in the afternoon.

till later after my snooze...

RAMMEL · December 07, 2024, 04:37:10 PM

That reminds me of the old saying - "Always put off till tomorrow what you don't have to do today".

CallieOK · December 07, 2024, 04:43:32 PM

Barb, the 2nd load of laundry is in the dryer. Nothing needs to be hung or folded right away so....

I did hang some Christmas towels in guest bathroom and put a winter carpet mat at patio door. Decided other things would be a good Sunday afternoon project
Rammel,you posted while I was typing. Im good at that.

MarsGal · December 07, 2024, 07:14:24 PM

QuoteSo Oscar taught you a new trick.

Yup!

BarbStAubrey · December 07, 2024, 11:30:03 PM

Well being stubborn or whatever - my plan for I don't wanna do whatever, at least for me, worked - by the time I made sure the house was OK with me napping - locking doors etc. it was going for 4: and can't believe I slept sound till almost 7:30 - I had to have been tired - no wonder I didn't want to finish the laundry and it felt overwhelming - traced back and I can see now I put out more energy then I realize when I have an unexpected visit as I did the evening before from Son and Daughter-in-law and received a plant with no indication who sent it so I was on the phone tracing that - did not find out who but did learn whom ever was sending the same plant to many others suggesting to me it was a business, probably new insurance agent - but now I see the unusual and unexpected is an energy drain that I never gave much mind to before - This aging thing is all new providing surprise after surprise. Next trick getting to bed tonight at a fairly decent time - ah so and such is life...

Marilyne · December 08, 2024, 11:00:06 AM

Barb, A surprise gift of a plant or anything unexpected, is always nice, and fun trying to track down who sent it. It doesn't sound like a business of any kind, or it would have the name prominently displayed?

You mentioned getting stuff from Whole Foods a couple of times, and I'm thinking seriously of signing up with them for delivery. I was looking on Amazon to buy some "still water", and If I order it, it will cost $9 extra, because it comes from WF. I live close enough to a small WF here in town, where I can shop, but they have a limited selection of everything. I know Amazon owns WF, so I guess I thought it would be free delivery, because I have Prime?
I had never tried still water, until last week. My husband had a routine appointment with his doctor, and when he was at the desk making his next appointment, the assistant handed him a can of "still water" as he was leaving. It's called Open Water Still Water - non carbonated with electrolytes.
So we drank it when he got home, and I liked it, and want to buy more! other brands are available on Amazon, but I want this one from WF!

BarbStAubrey · December 08, 2024, 06:58:43 PM

Marilyn my experience with Whole Foods is they may be owned now by Amazon - that happened before I moved out of Austin the home of Whole Foods - however, I find Whole Foods has managed to hang on to most of its special products as well as, the service and a cut above in so many ways... I love our HEB, our Texas chain of groceries that does have good fresh veggies and fruits since they have always featured Texas homegrown but even the veggies and fruits at Whole Foods are a cut above -

As to delivery cost - HEB is 7.95 for the shoppers and packers but they would like for the delivery people to receive 10% - it used to be only a year ago $5. with shoppers and packers getting $5.95 - regardless the total I've settled on $7 except if I have more than 21 or 22 items according to how many trips from their vehicle to me I may go as high as $8 - compare that to Whole Foods that yes charges the $9 to pack but the delivery is still only $5 - you can up that but at least they accept and still delivery directly to me standing at the door for the $5

And what I love is their cold products are delivered in an insulated sack and they never use plastic grab sacks as does HEB or other grocer's that deliver. Also their delivery is on the internet with a link from the email they send saying it is on the way - you can follow exactly where the driver is which gives me time to be at the door waiting - now I must say HEB does not have an internet link but their delivery window is shorter and they are so sweet the guys always put the groceries in my front hall for me.

As to being a Prime member - there are certain products available at Whole Foods that are as much as a dollar or even 2 dollars less to only prime members. My go-to product that only Whole Foods sells is Bar-K probiotics - I get the six pack - it is not inexpensive but online being a Prime member it is $5 to as much $7 less then normal store price. I find that most meds and if I need to use Colloidal Silver (form of anti-biotics - allergic to penicillin as well as most mycins) they strip my stomach of good biotics that neither yogurt or sauerkraut will renew.

The other that I like Marilyn is that most Whole Food's stores are not all that big - I can more easily manage and always could - without the crowds of a typical grocery I can think and make better decisions about my choices - good luck as you try out your local store.

Grandson just called while I was writing this - nice - we ended up talking about cooking pots would you believe...

Ciaobella · December 08, 2024, 10:58:53 PM

Rammel, thank you for the tip on the size and bold type font. Without my reading glasses I can't read most small print so it makes sense we should use larger fonts. I'll have to take a peek at the Book Shelf page.

MarsGal, yes, I finally managed to find and sign into the site. How wonderful to chat with all of you. Ugh... so sorry to hear about your dental issues. My hubby finally took the plunge and went and had partials for all his back missing teeth and this has been an ongoing process for him. The dentist said it would take up to at least 6 months from beginning to end. He is so happy to have a full set of teeth, but he is still trying to not sound like he has something impairing his speech in his mouth. Most of the time he sounds fine. Am I hearing you live in Pennsylvania with the mention of Hershey? I don't drive much anymore since hubby retired so I shudder but admire you tackling the drive. Good luck with the traffic and all.

Callie, it is so nice to see you here. Congrats to your granddaughter Emily, on opening her clinic. You should be very proud of her! Since before covid my doctor was so busy I could never get an appointment with him, the office said to go to urgent care, so I use urgent care for non-emergency health issues. How old is your Oscar?

I generally put my Christmas decorations up just before Thanksgiving, so I am able to take family pics the kids use for their Christmas card orders. I have been scaling back a bit each year and plan to donate boxes of decorations to our church rummage sale. I'm presently in the process of making crocheted Christmas bulb covers, printed tees, and photo Christmas ornaments. It's going to be a homemade gift Christmas along with their wish list items.

Do you all still send out Christmas cards? So many families and friends have stopped mailing them the past few years, so I am struggling with if I should continue. We shall see.

Ciao for now~

Marilyne · December 09, 2024, 12:08:11 PM

Barb, Thanks for the response. I've been shopping at Whole Foods since before they were bought by Amazon. In my opinion, WF has stayed true to their promise to provide fresh, organic produce, and all the other high quality products throughout the store. The WF here in town is small, but they're in the process of building a brand new store a few blocks from the old one, that's going to be very nice and very big! Supposed to open sometime after the first of the year.

My favorite of their probiotics is the Jarrow brand, especially the Jarro-dophalis capsules. They have to be refrigerated, which is a pain, but keeps them fresh. Of the regular vitamins, I usually get the Solaray brand. Right now I'm focused on the "still water" so I plan to drive to the store later today and hope to buy some for here, and to give to my adult kids. If my husband's oncologist gave him a can of Open Water, that tells me there must be something good about it? I'm guessing it's becasue it's only available in an aluminum can . . . no plastic!

CallieOK · December 09, 2024, 02:58:22 PM

]Ciaobella, MarsGal is the one who owns Oscar. I have 4 "Granddogs" and 1 "Greatgranddog" and enjoy them - at their houses!!!

I started ordering groceries delivered during Covid. The nearest supermarket is locally owned Crest, who uses the company Shipt for delivering.
Shipt is very good! Easy to use and shoppers are well trained. Shipt delivers from other stores, too - including Walgreen's, Target, Office Depot and Lowe's. They acknowledge order, when shopper begins and send receipt = all by e-mail. I have mine on credit card and have no problems with giving them the number - which I usually don't do. Shopper will communicate with you during shopping trip by phone or text. Shopper will also bring sacks into kitchen if requested. I'm thoroughly spoiled.

Speaking of which, my Favorite Shopper (yes, you can choose one or several) just texted she's ready to get my order from Walgreen's.

Enjoy your day, Everyfriend

BarbStAubrey · December 09, 2024, 04:04:41 PM

Glad to hear of your experience Callie - it appears several of us have our groceries delivered with good experiences. But here you have several other stores that will also deliver - I never did shop Walgreens or Target however, I should look into it and not only see if they deliver but what products they have to offer - Office Depot was a regular for me when I was working and yes, they often had a shipment of a product of two that we used in our homes as well as in an office that were sold at unheard of low prices - and I love Lowe's - I wonder if they deliver here and I wonder if they deliver from their garden center - always found their plants easy to raise after planting - thanks - you've got me on the trail of what else I could have delivered rather than either doing without or asking my son...

Marilyn I think the Jarrow Brand is what my son uses - and yes, the real pro-biotics do have to be kept cold - from what I understand, I forget what they are called but the working part of the pro-biotic dies if it gets warm - it is the 'still' water that is new to me - need to look into it - when I look it up the information simply compares still water to sparkling water but from what you are saying there is another level of water - Marilyn when you pick it up would you please share the name of the bottler and if it says where the water comes from - thanks for sharing.

Marilyne · December 10, 2024, 11:17:51 AM

Barb, I went to WF yesterday, and bought a 10-pack of the water. The brand is Open Water. AFter reading all the information on the carton, I think I understand the meaning of "still". It refers to distilled water. (That's no-brainer, but it never occurred to me!) This water is distilled first, and then infused with electrolytes, etc. There were other brands at WF, and Amazon, that are also "still". Supposedly there is new evidence that we humans now have lots of plastic in our systems and of course that's not good. I think the reason the doctor is giving a sample of this water to his patients, is because he believes in getting away from plastic bottles and plastic packaging of all kinds.

Grocery delivery to the house, is only available here from Safeway and WF. I'm not even sure that Safeway still delivers, now that the Covid crisis is over? However the store is only a few blocks from here, so easy to shop there for small amounts of food that I can manage. I think they still have pick-up, where you drive to a designated spot, and call a number, and someone comes out and puts the groceries in your car? I'm not sure if any of the pharmacies deliver or not?

Ciaobella · December 10, 2024, 12:45:04 PM

Callie, oh dear forgive me for overlooking it was Mars who has Oscar. I had to giggle with you mentioning "4 "Granddogs" and 1 "Greatgranddog" and enjoy them - at their houses!!!"

I have my Australian Silky Terrier who just turned 3 yrs. old and as much joy & laughter he brings to my hubby and me he is like having a toddler and shadow at the same time. He insists on using his nose for everything, so now that the tree is up, he noses the bottom ornaments and then barks at them. He could probably win America's Funniest Video if I ever sent one in.

I haven't had groceries delivered to my house as of yet. I do like to use my Kroger app and order all the groceries and my hubby will pick them up since the store is literally 5 minutes from our house. That is such a time saver. I tackled The Home Store yesterday after noon mass and phew that place was packed as if it were a weekend. Got what I needed and got out of there as quickly as possible. My kids/grandkids send me links for what they want as gifts, and I just order online, and it makes life so much simpler, even though my dog hates the Amazon and UPS trucks!

Question for y'all... do you still send out Christmas cards and do you get many in the mail? I was going through my past years of cards as I was about to begin making out this year's and it seems a bit sad that the amount has dropped off drastically. Looking back at each card was nostalgic and comforting. I had to crack up because Bill O'Reilley was talking about writing out Christmas cards and he said, "Don't do the email card or use the typed signature, hand write a little message of cheer and sign it." My hubby and I got a good laugh out of that.

Ciao for now~

MarsGal · December 12, 2024, 07:05:25 AM

Not me, Ciaobella. When Christmas cards and postage got more expensive than I liked, back when I was counting pennies, I switched to the free email cards for a short while and called family and friends on the holidays and birthdays. Now, we meet for holiday dinners out, or call each other on special days when in person meets aren't feasible. I haven't even seen any cards from businesses I have used recently, except this year, I got one in my grocery order from the gal who delivered the order. Not personalized, but hand written and a nice touch from someone who hasn't delivered here before.

It looks like the sun will pop up soon. The sky is starting to turn peach. Right now it looks like it is mostly clear and the temp is just at freezing. Looks like the next few days will not out of the 30s. No wildlife sightings recently except for squirrels (but not the white ones) and a few birds. I did see a white cat with a few black patches wandering about in the cold rain the other day.

I've been checking the Marine Traffic website to see if there is any action regarding the Tim S. Tool which ran hard aground just before Thanksgiving on a shoal in the St. Lawrence river on its way to Quebec. They originally tried to pull it off, but that was a no go. Last I heard they were considering offloading some of the cargo to lighten the ship. Last night I saw that there is now a dredger and a large tug parked beside it, so maybe some action today. No news yet that I have seen as to the cause of the grounding. Maybe someone will brave the chill and video some of the action.

Marilyne · December 12, 2024, 12:49:59 PM

Mars and Ciaobella, I feel bad that the exchange of Christmas cards is soon to be relegated to a quaint custom of the past. So far this year, we have received 0 cards. I can't complain, as I haven't sent any either. There's no one left in our age group to send them too, and the younger generations don't believe in greeting cards of any kind. Waste of time, money, and paper, so they say. I still send Condolence cards and Get Well cards, but that's all.

I'd love to get out and do Christmas shopping, but I'm sure I could no longer manage the crowds, and especially standing in the long lines to pay. It is so impersonal to order gifts online, but it's the wave of the future and I do it just like everyone else. Major department stores are closing, so we will soon have no choice anyway.

BarbStAubrey · December 12, 2024, 01:06:27 PM

Only thinking about Christmas cards - as I've unpacked this year found a couple of boxes of cards and really ought to send them - nice cards but like all of you I've been doing the online Jacquie Lawson cards that tell a story - I think they are out of Britain and there is an annual fee but yes, I agree the young are not even into sending electronic cards any longer... they seem to have a good time with each holiday but do not celebrate with the traditional activities that we, our parents and grandparents held dear.

While writing this just decided - my mailman is a dear but I'm thinking instead of a Starbucks gift certificate for Christmas I think I will do it for Valentine's day - if there are others who leave him a gift it would most likely be Christmas and so I have not completely decided but that is my inclination and the Garbage pickup men I think instead of Christmas when they are in a rush to get through as early as they can I will wait for the New Year's pickup - I usually leave them a fresh batch of home made brownies.

Till later...hugs to all...

CallieOK · December 12, 2024, 02:08:04 PM

I've addressed and stamped left-over Christmas cards and have used them up. I think this is the last year I'll do that because I mostly exchange them with "next generation" nieces/nephews and cousins and we usually text during the year. So far, I've gotten 3 - two business and just one friend.

I've given gift cards for several years since I can't walk through stores to shop. I've tried to get them on-line this year but things have changed and most places want them to go via e-mail.
Tried to have them sent to me but they text to my cell phone and I can't print them out from there. I think I'll have to give IOUs and forward web sites afterwards.

This whole week is really mixed up!

BarbStAubrey · December 12, 2024, 05:15:11 PM

Tech maybe fast and easy but it takes all the merriment and delight away... sad

MaryPage · December 12, 2024, 08:50:16 PM

I think I recognized the fact last year, but, my memory being so poor these days, I cannot state with positivity that I knew last year would be my very last with greeting cards.
Well, it was!

I have received about 5 cards so far this year,& have been delighted with them. MOST of my friends are dead, but to see the shiny faces of my kinfolk is a huge plus for me. I have been sending e-mail thank yous full of effusive thanks, by way of encouragement. The more of them I hear from & about, the merrier MY Christmas, & that's a fact.

I simply adore the Christmas card tradition, & never really thought it would end for me; but needs must. I send checks to my 8 children, but they will not be enclosed in greetings of the season this year. I rather expect they care only that I have not made any nullifying mistakes with them, as I tend to do these days.

Debi has decorated the white picket fence with golden lights & green fir pieces & bright red bow ribbons.
Looks divine, & she is now hard at work on the inside. She plans to decorate all day tomorrow, while Steve has a friend who will pick him up & take him over to the Eastern Shore (pronounced Show in these here parts) for the day & I plan to listen to The Great Courses lectures on the pre-history of mankind. I am on Lecture Number Four of, I think it is 26 in this course. I have mebbe 15 or so of these left, courses, that is, & when I have finished with the histories, my favorite subject, I will dive into Quantum Mechanics & Calculus.
I have always sworn I would conquer both before I pass. That remains to be seen!

It does turn out that one of my occasional "baby sitters" from down the street has long had the same ambition re the calculus. I have promised her the 4 courses re that area of mathematics will be hers, whether I have conquered it or not.

Recently, I had a most welcome notice from that endeavor I have previously invested thousands of dollars in.
They are ceasing their DVDs & going entirely digital, & are selling off their leftover DVDs for $30.00 each! There were five I wanted, & so I stayed up late & got my order in. Yeah! I nabbed all five of them!

Marilyne · December 13, 2024, 09:59:26 AM

Mary Page, I admire you for sticking with your Lecture Series! It's very satisfying to learn something new at our age. Maybe a better word is "enlightening"? The last couple of days I've been reading The Soul of an Octopus, and enjoying it so much. I think you were one of several who recommended in the Library~Bookshelf discussion? The thought of an octopus, hadn't entered my mind since around 1942, when I saw the movie Reap The Wild Wind. The finale being when the ship sinks, and shows Susan Hayward, drifting underwater to the waiting arms of an octopus. Needless to say, that made a lasting impression on me . . . about eight years old at the time.

MarsGal · December 13, 2024, 11:55:54 AM

I must not have seen that movie. I do remember, however, the outsized squid(?) from Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. That may have been my first encounter with James Mason.

Marilyne · December 15, 2024, 12:14:39 PM

Yesterday was a busy one for me, so I never got in to say 'hello', in any of the discussions. A Big family party at son and dil's house, with lots of out of towners, and plenty of delicious food and lots of talk.

Barb, some folks at the party mentioned the Caspian News Report, which I see you recommended yesterday in another discussion. I plan to find it today, and take a look. I want to know more about Syria, and the Druze population, and also want to know more about Assad, and his refuge in Russia? As you said, none of this is reported in our news, although it directly affects us.

Phyllis, if you happen to look in today, thanks for telling us about the 1440 News Report. Like you said, I also no longer trust American news agencies to be unbiased or trustworthy. I think there will be some drastic changes in the MSM in the next couple of months.

so_P_bubble · December 15, 2024, 12:45:40 PM

Bashar Assad transferred 135 billion dollars to Russia with him when he fled

That's why he didn't mind leaving Gucci Louis Vuitton and all kinds of other expensive things at home!

That's why the Russians are so hospitable.

Marilyne · December 16, 2024, 12:37:33 AM

Bubble, $135 billion is a shocking amount of money! I'm sure that you and all Israeli's are reeling from the latest news on Syria and many of the countries in the Middle East. I was surprised to learn that Assad is only 59 years old! I thought he was much older.
Lots of new sources for getting the latest news now. Thanks to Barb for posting about the Caspian News Report, and Phyllis of telling us about the 1440 News Report.

MaryPage · December 16, 2024, 01:50:50 PM

I enjoyed a very sweet whiff of Norm over the weekend. And Dot. After Bob died, in early 2006 that was, I grieved & then began to write. The result so far, & most likely the final, came to two & a half books. I sent the two complete ones to N & D, and, as I say, their responses were sweet to my eyes & ears & of enormous help. This past weekend, Debi & Steve took off over to the Eastern Shore for an overnighter, & my oldest daughter, Betsy, who is now Elizabeth, came to take care of me. I pulled out a large file of emails to search through them for a couple we had referenced in one of our non-stop conversations (and found them both) & it was there that I found Norm's e-mails. I swear, the experience was nothing less than a sense of a beautiful melody of old & dear friendship wafting in from some far-off distance.

patricia19 · December 16, 2024, 02:44:16 PM

I am so happy for you, MaryPage!

I only knew Norm through various emails here and there and through the site, but he was an interesting man re his emails, even though Maryann stated he wasn't like that offline.

But then who really is?

BarbStAubrey · December 16, 2024, 10:33:57 PM

Marilyne you started something

I'm finding out more and more about water after your suggestion from a doctor that still water was worth drinking - so far nothing available at HEB included the brand you found at Whole Foods - have not tried Whole Foods yet... but did order 3 different brands of 'still' water from HEB - tried the first today, Healsi and yes, the taste feels clear and clean - looked it up and it is from of all places Portugal from some deep vein of water that is naturally high in Silica with a natural PH - hearing Silica made me nervous but evidently Silica naturally in water is a plus...

"Silicon-rich water can help blood arteries keep their strength, and enhance their flexibility, lowering the risk of heart issues. 2: Drinking silicon-rich water aids in the removal of aluminium from the body."

However, Silica added to water or food (for added shelf life) especially if we breath it causes lung disease and Silica added to food or overly used in water can lead to chronic inflammation and autoimmune responses. - Sounds like a fine line between what is natural and what is introduced - I wonder how much of our food has silica added? And adding more, even if naturally in water is actually not helping. I do like the bit about it lowering the risk of heart issues and removing aluminium from our body. Well 2 more brands to try and learn about... thanks again, Marilyne

MarsGal · December 17, 2024, 07:03:43 AM

I wasn't aware that silica is added to any foods. Found this article in WebMD about it. Interesting. https://www.webmd.com/diet/foods-high-in-silica Learn new things every day.

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