Bosom Buddies

jane · December 09, 2021, 08:48:36 AM

Marilyn...hope no problems with the xrays.

Maryz...hurrah for good dentist report...and getting beautiful tomorrow, too!

Patricia...yes, that's the explanations from my Ohio roots, too.

MaryPage...good to see you...and it's interesting the language differences...depending on where you were raised/lived.

I'm off to the rheumatologist and lab in about an hour or so.

Stay safe and healthy. Newspaper from CR says our Covid numbers are at same high as last Dec.! I'd hoped we'd be through the pandemic, but not happening here.

jane

Marilyn · December 09, 2021, 01:22:14 PM

No news from the X-ray results. I guess that would be good news. I have 2 loaves of the Sourdough bread in the oven and need to sart some new starter.

jane · December 10, 2021, 11:19:15 AM

Marilyn...does the place you got the xrays have a patient portal where you can see the results?

It was a long day for me yesterday in CR. I'm not used to being out and about for 7 straight hours.

The lab got the results to Dr. Singh quickly and he said they were good. He has me slowly decreasing the predisone now...he said every two months I go down 1 mg. He also added a new "condition" to my portfolio of ailments...fibromyalgia...along now with arthritis and pmr. And a new to me pain med...gabapentin that I know others of you have had. I'll start it tonight.

It's a windy, dreary and cold day here. Snow/rain expected later this afternoon/evening.

Stay safe and healthy,

jane

MaryPage · December 10, 2021, 01:19:58 PM

Yesterday, Kathryn called Debi & pleaded being overwhelmed, which, having a new baby on board, she is entitled to do, so Debi rushed over to St. Anne's and picked up Ava and took her to the dentist. Regular clean & check. Debi & the dentist cruised into a conversation to the effect that we must be the only 4-generation family he has, but not until our 5 year-old Kindergartner plopped herself down in the chair and proclaimed (Ava could share her self-confidence around to all comers and still have more than enough for herself) "We need to do this Quick, because I have to get back to school!"

I had my first cardiac rehab yesterday. It turned out alright and I'll be going twice a week.

Today is "for Heaven's Sake, stop piddling around and start those Christmas Cards!" day.

patricia19 · December 10, 2021, 03:33:29 PM

I received my 23&Me report today. They're more comprehensive in locations than Ancestory but only showed minor health conditions. I don't want to join for $29.00 yearly to get more comprehensive.

Unsurprisingly, I'm 99.8 European, including 97.7 Northwestern European; = 53.0% Ireland, and Wales. 35.2 Germany and Switzerland, Scandinavian 2.8%. The remainder is broad, trace amounts, Southern European.

SharonE · December 10, 2021, 04:16:02 PM

Hi Gals. I've been pretty busy this week. Bunny is home but still isn't quite back to normal. Played bridge Tues & had good cards and won. Have been working on Christmas cards. Got the church ones in the mail to the church where they will be put in the mailboxes for people to pick up. Got most of my others addressed and my letter printed out. Now need to write some personal notes on them.

I got a mani today, so that was nice. But it has been raining off and on today. We need it so not complaining.

Mary, how is Jean? that sounded serious. Glad no damage from tornado and that you got all beautified.

Jane, I have fibro too and have had for a long time. Just another source of pain and no solution. Sorry you have it too. Glad you had a nice visit with Patricia and Donal.

Marilyn, I used to bake sourdough bread a long time ago, but let my starter die. Then I made the quick French bread, the recipe for which one of my French professors gave me. Brian still makes it for special meals.Be sure to let us know what the xrays said. Since they didn't get back to you right away, I'd guess they were okay, but you never know. How was your Christmas concert?

Darlene,good luck with the Christmas cards. You too, Mary Page.

Patricia, thanks for the pictures. I had expected more snow.

I hope I didn't miss anyone. Stay safe and warm. Sharon

patricia19 · December 10, 2021, 05:04:46 PM

Sharon, this area is just inside the arctic so very dry. For it to snow, you need humidity. Now, it says to expect snow this weekend so it may warm-up, bringing more humidity.

MaryPage · December 11, 2021, 10:45:32 AM

All Clear here on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay this morning. We have not been visited by anything more than a little rain. I cannot report for the WHOLE bay, as it is huge; but Annapolis and the Bay Bridges are intact here on a misty grey morning. I am feeling so sorry for the many dead and their families, and the towns torn to bits.

maryz · December 11, 2021, 12:20:34 PM

Y'all east of here, look out. No tornado in our immediate area this morning - just watches, with heavy rain, wind, and hail. We were lucky this time. Lots of folks badly hit, though. Mother Nature can be tough!

Sharon, as I remember you said you got the powder-dipped nail color recently. How did that work for you. I still get gel nails, and am quite happy with them - just curious.

jane, I hope you're not hip-deep in snow this morning. Glad you had a good family visit.

Marilyn, are your foot and hand feeling better by now? I hope so.

MaryPage, glad the rehab session went well. Hope that continues. It'll be interesting to see what happens at your place with this weather front. Being on the water tends to be different.

patricia, the dry vs wet cold is like the dry vs wet heat - different, but can still be extreme. We do learn to deal with our local situations, don't we.

Darlene and alpiner, you are each in those dry-hot areas, aren't you.

Happy Close-to-Christmas weekend, Buddies!

patricia19 · December 11, 2021, 12:30:55 PM

I have to apologize as there are so many jokes, misinformation, and slights regarding this state. While I'm aware that many other states and regions contend with it, it seems particularly upsetting for those who live under its shadow. I guess that is why I tend to lecture, and as someone noted, it's become my go-to.

I only turned on the computer so I'll have to check the weather.

I feel bad for those injured, killed, and still going through these tornados and weather. Along with those friends on my computer, I have friends and relatives in Kentucky, Tennessee, Missouri, Colorado, Northern California, Idaho, and Kansas. This has begun to seem endless, with storms and events seemingly becoming more common and violent.

alpiner1 · December 11, 2021, 02:26:38 PM

We had a 2 hour power outage the first of the week & then some much needed rain !! It also rained all day yesterday but we still need lots more . Another rain storm is coming in a few days . We have been using the fireplace & I wore my winter nightie last night for the first time this winter . Also added 2 blankets .

jane · December 11, 2021, 04:44:53 PM

Afternoon, Buddies!

Those tornadoes were horrendous. Sharon...is Brian nearby that area of S. Illinois?

We had our first snow overnight that is slowly melting. Roads are clear.

Sharon...I'm sorry you have fibromyalgia, too. I think Dr. Singh has found a name for much of my pain.

MaryPage...your Ava is a "hoot."

Mary...I've not tried gel nails.

Patricia...I love hearing about Alaska and I thought Fairbanks was a beautiful city on our quick visit there. Interesting info from 23 and me.

Alpiner...Sorry about the power outages.

Do any of you have an alert system so you can call for help if you fall, etc. I'm thinking I may need such a bracelet ...I'd prefer that to a necklace...but not sure what service is good or who to ask.

Stay safe and healthy,

Jane

maryz · December 11, 2021, 06:59:08 PM

jane, I never used regular polish. My nails were terrible, thin, split, etc. When I started getting manicures, I tried the gel. It stayed on, never chipped, actually seemed to strengthen my nails, and they even grew. However, at about the same time, I had also quit doing anything much that would hurt the nails - no gardening, dish-washing, bathroom cleaning, etc. Whatever, I love the way my nails look, for the first time in my life. Give it a try sometime.

Everybody here has one of the "panic button" things. I never had one "outside", but I think if I were living by myself, I would probably get one. Just my two-cents worth.

Cottoncandy · December 12, 2021, 09:40:57 AM

Good morning...we had our first freeze last night...29 degrees...but sun out so will be a nice day...and no wind...yet...I have a special prayer request...my oldest son is having to go for some test...due to some lymph node swelling...if you would add him to your prayer list...thank you in advance...I'm a strong believer in prayer...our God is so good...my sons name is Johnny....well I best get moving and get ready for church...have a great day and coming week

jane · December 12, 2021, 02:36:05 PM

Mary...gel sounds perfect for you!

Darlene...Johnny will certainly be in our prayers and thoughts.

Stay safe and healthy,

Jane

SharonE · December 12, 2021, 02:52:53 PM

Darlene, I will definitely put Johnny on my prayer list. I hope his test results are good and treatable.

Mary, I was so worried for you and your families. So glad you are all okay. Yes, I had the powder nail dip (S & S) about 5 weeks ago and again Friday. It is wonderful. It didn't chip or peel or anything and strengthened my nails. It will be my go to from now on. I had very poor luck with gel nails, regular polish, and haven't had acrylics for probably 30 yrs. Liked them then, but that was before chemo.

Jane, I had the panic button thingy for about a year before we moved. I think it was First Alert, but am not sure. Awfully easy to set it off accidentally. When we moved, I got rid of it. I have a waist pouch for my cell phone, so I always have that with me. We also have alarm pulls in our baths and bedrooms and have to punch a button every morning to tell them we're okay. Otherwise they call to check on us and if we don't answer, come in to the house to check on us. I definitely think it is a good idea for anyone our ages living alone to have a panic button of some sort.

Brian is in Belleville, IL, but they only got a little rain, no wind damage.

I finished my Christmas cards yesterday and put them in the mail last night! Hurrah.

We had a coffee time before church today that was nice. We have a Vietnam Vet here with a big beautiful service dog. He sat with us and when he had to leave to practice with the choir I offered to keep Bonnie (the dog) for him and also did it through the service. She is so well behaved and sweet. I don't know what kind she is, but is white and black with long hair, kind of like a border collie but bigger.

Alpiner, glad you're getting some rain and cooler weather.

We got less than an inch of rain this week and no wind, so we were lucky. The mountains seem to block a lot of the precipitation coming here.

Hi to all. I need to go do my meds for the week. Sharon

jane · December 13, 2021, 10:52:41 AM

Sharon...thanks for the name of the alert you had.
I was fine when Ray was here, but now family thinks I need to consider something and I agree.
I try to be careful and carry my cell phone everywhere, but I do forget it sometimes when I go down to the basement for laundry, etc.

Darlene...hope Johnny gets good results.

Mary...go glad you and your girls escaped those terrible tornadoes.

Patricia...hope all is well there "way up north." I do love hearing from you.

Alpiner...and you're in the opposite weather area, I think. Hope the Santa Ana winds have stopped and the power outages. Is that from the winds or ??

MaryPage...missing your posts and hope all is well there on the harbor.

Marilyn...how was the concert and dinner out? Great of Sonia to come and stay with K.

Jane

Marilyn · December 13, 2021, 01:11:07 PM

Hello to all Buddies.

Darlene I am praying for your Johnnie

Jane I thought I had told all y'all that I was disappointed in the concert because they didn't play any Christmas music nd I didn't recognize any of the music they did play.

I am very happy that Freckles is allowed to be in church with me every Sunday. She is a fantastic Service dog (not a Pet) There is a big difference in that a Service dog is specifically trained as a Medical Alert Animal.She is even allowed to be on stage when I am singing. She just lays down quietly near me..

Sharon the dog may have been an Australian Shepard.[color]

patricia19 · December 13, 2021, 01:43:16 PM

Good morning, Jane and all who follow Darlene; I too hope all goes well with Johnny! Yesterday was minus 28 and cooling while today is minus nine and warming.

Marilyn, I understand too well about Keith's issues. My father was my mom's sole caretaker during her early years with Alzheimers. We had never heard of it before her diagnosis, and it was in the early nineties. When my dad's strokes necessitated his moving into the Pioneer's home, I took care of her, after returning from Kentucky, along with my daughter until her paperwork was approved and she joined him. He died just a month later in 1995, and she died in 2000.

There are several service dogs in this building, and when one man fell unconscious, his dog barked loudly until someone checked on him.

Thank you, jane. I don't believe people realize the unconscious bias about areas outside of the continental US. One significant part of that is seen in regular news and weather of the US but not Alaska or Hawaii. In my last position before retirement, I remember when I tried to help a customer with her return from an out-of-state Sears when I was a manager there in early 2000.

The guy in Indiana insisted that there were only Sears stores in the US. That was why he wouldn't accept the woman's return. He didn't believe I was a manager in an Alaskan Sears's store. I had to insist on speaking to his store manager!

However, I need to let go of my own bias.

I have had Phillips's brand Lifeline since 2013, when I realized my balance was unreliable. My only complaint is to remember to charge it every couple of days. I wear it everywhere, and it notified them of the fall that sent me to the hospital in February. It's necessary for me if I want to live on my own.

jane · December 13, 2021, 08:34:20 PM

Marilyn...Sorry to hear the concert was a disappointment.
My husband loved music and various musical productions. Me...uh...not so much. I hated CATS and thought it would never end. I did like Mama Mia done by a touring company in Iowa City. I guess I'm just not "cultured." It's good Freckles can be with you and gives you security.

Patricia...It's amazing how ignorant some Americans are about their own country. Friends in New Mexico constantly have to tell people on the east coast, for example, that they ARE Americans and that New Mexico is a US state. Thanks for the name of your alert system.

Wednesday we're to be near 70 with very strong winds from a rain storm coming in....60 mph gusts possible and so damage from those winds to power lines and trees. Sounds like what Alpiner faces sometimes.

Covid is really taking a toll on a lot of professional teams. I don't understand why those athletes aren't vaccinated. Football, basketball, hockey are all hit and having to postpone games, etc. Our hospitals are hit hard still.

Stay healthy, Friends!

jane

patricia19 · December 14, 2021, 09:36:50 AM

Good morning everyone! I have nothing planned for today except for incremental. Yesterday I went shopping via Dolly and Jeff and stopped at 12:20 PM to take a photo of the sun going down at minus 29. The link is below.

Today is minus 38 for a high, and it won't start warming up again until Thursday.

https://www.seniorsandfriends.org/index.php?topic=11.msg209609#msg209609

MaryPage · December 14, 2021, 10:30:37 AM

I have not been aware of any prejudice toward Alaska or Hawaii. The one place I have been made aware of was only recently, and I was deeply shocked. It was when the hurricane hit Puerto Rico so disastrously, and I was dumbfounded to find a humongous attitude that they were not Americans. Wow!There are whole classrooms of little kids all up and down and across this nation that can tell you differently. What happens to them?

Clear back in the nineteen sixties, I worked for The Bank of Bethesda (Maryland; just outside the Washington, D.C. line. It has changed hands and names during the decades since then.) We were very near NIH, Dr. Fauci's stomping grounds, and we had a lot of customers from there. I worked with a gorgeous Puerto Rican girl, college educated, who had come to Bethesda after marrying a young doctor working at NIH. I can recall being totally aware clear back then that she was just as American as I. And if you listened intently, as did most of the nation, to the national conventions on the radio, you KNEW they would call on Puerto Rico to announce their votes. What ailment is it that has hit the brains of my fellow countrymen like some sort of amnesia?

patricia19 · December 14, 2021, 11:04:19 AM

Think about it, MaryPage...

jane · December 14, 2021, 11:12:51 AM

MaryPage...I think I now understand the term "brainwashed." It's my only explanation for what I see and hear. Yes, Hawaii's population suffers too. In graduate school at the U. of Illinois, I dated a fellow who was in law school and from Hawaii. He was often told how well he "spoke English!" When I asked Wes how he ended up at Illinois for law school, he said he also checked out Texas, but, in his words, "I didn't like riding in the back of the bus." Apparently his Chinese looks made people assume his background.

Patricia...your photo is stunning! Thank you.

I'm trying to get motivated to clean out my car and get my "winter survival" bag ready for my road trip to Ohio next week. Ray was always adamant about having it in the car when we traveled in the winter, but I need to replace the flashlight and the energy bars, etc.

Stay healthy!

jane

maryz · December 14, 2021, 01:55:29 PM

patricia, we spent most of the month of August in Alaska many years ago. It was the almost constant daylight that took some getting used to. John had a problem with SAD, so he would really have suffered during the winter-time. (Remember the guy dealing with it with the light visor in "Northern Exposure"?)

jane, I worry about your predicted high of 70, followed by extreme winds. That what was happening in this area causing the awful tornadoes last weekend. Be vigilant. We always kept an emergency kit in our car, too. Good plan!

Nothing exciting going on around here. I am getting psyched to go off for a few days for grandson Paul's wedding. Daughter Sue and SIL Randy will pick me up Saturday morning to go to Barnsley Gardens in GA for the wedding on Sunday. This will be immediate family only (about 16 people) and I'm the only grandparent left. I'm looking forward to seeing Sue's family, and meeting the bride's family.

Happy Tuesday!

jane · December 15, 2021, 11:45:15 AM

Mary...I'm trying to be prepared. I've brought in hanging feeders, garbage and recycle bins, etc. I've put snack food and such in the basement and I have a refrig there with iced tea, etc. Flashlights are at the ready and I'm charging my cell phone.

jane

patricia19 · December 15, 2021, 01:30:47 PM

Jane, I hope you and everyone here and elsewhere are spared from more of these storms. The incredible damage, loss of life, and politics are not to be believed.

Mary, I know many families new to the state, such as some from the five military bases close here, that have issues using foil or black-out curtains everywhere. They've, doctors, have come a long way in understanding Sad. Medical personnel has realized that most cases come down to a lack of vitamin D3. Since the vitamin is oil-based rather than water, it stays in the system, so you can overdose if you self-treat. You must be medically tested.

Many women, especially northern women, lack the vitamin when tested. The doctors usually prescribe 15mcgs daily, preferably from actual food. Some doctors recommend upping that to 600 in the winter. Locally, some women, myself included take 2000IU, (50mcg); daily. You do need to be tested by a doctor for the amount in your system so you don't overdose, but there is no need for expensive lamps or other procedures, and many are managed not by pills but by diet. Unfortunately, I'm not one of them.

The two solstices govern the Arctic, increasing and decreasing light. We can have 24/7 daylight for a week in the summer, sometimes more before the June summer solstice. And in the winter, the less daylight, the colder it gets and stays longer due to lack of light until the winter solstice on December 21st.

The last few weeks leading up to the winter solstice are usually five or fewer hours daily, with two of those hours dusky rather than bright. That's what you see in my noon photo. We lose or gain 5 to 7 minutes daily between solstices. We celebrate both solstices with many events, which are more important than many other holidays and less understood elsewhere.

The light governs temperatures, people, crops, and other necessities. We celebrate cloudy days in winter because on a clear day, the heat escapes into space and the cold entrenches, worsens, and stays longer. There are more house and vehicle fires in the winter and your vehicle system can freeze and leave you stranded in severe weather. It's all due to the curvature of the earth and the loss or gain of daylight, heat, and cold governed by the solstices in both hemispheres. It affects everything, people, crops, animals, the SAD condition, everything.

jane · December 16, 2021, 12:46:20 PM

And the winds continue, but blue sky and not the dark threatening clouds of last night. I came through the storm and high winds with no damage, thank heavens.

Only thing I have today is a fluoride (sp?) varish at my dentist for my sensitive teeth.

The drop in temp from 70 to 29 has my body very unhappy.

Stay safe and healthy,

jane

maryz · December 16, 2021, 02:02:54 PM

Glad you got through the storm with no problems, jane. Those sudden weather changes do take their toll on the body, though.

Tomereader1 · December 16, 2021, 04:51:10 PM

Was worried about you with all those high winds!

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