Sue, I finally put my CD into a savings acct that earned a very little bit more interest and was liquid in case of need.  Good luck in finding something profitable.  You haven't mentioned Anne. How is she doing after her back surgery? Well, I hope.  I know you enjoyed having Jon visit as well as your lunch with Tim. You're so lucky to have him close.  Our kids are all so far away.

Jeanne, there is a sync app that you probably downloaded with something that is copying from all your electronics to each other. It is done by bluetooth. Now don't ask me how it works, but that is my understanding. Good luck with your Ny's resolution. 

I did my grocery shopping yesterday but after being up till 3:30 the night before, it took everything I had.  I sure slept well last night.

Nothing major going on here. I did hear from the psychologist who said my ins is being vetted and then they will call back to make an appt.  It shouldn't take 10 mins to ck my ins since I have MC and MC supplement that covers anything extra over MC.

It was 71 yesterday and supposed to be warmer today, but back down in the 50's tomorrow and back to the 60's on Sunday.  How crazy is that.  Our average Jan. temp is 50!  Not complaining, just sayin'.

Hope everyone else is doing well. Hi to you all.  Sharon

Good morning, Buddies.  I've been to Kroger and have put the groceries away.  My young friend Katrina takes her little girl to nursery school on Friday a.m. and had picked me up after dropping her daughter off.  She's one of our Village Friends volunteers.  Her husband is on Sabbatical at AU.  Last week she told me she likes to shop on Friday and if I'd like she'd pick me up every week.  What a blessing this is!  I don't need to call Village Friends to schedule another volunteer for Grocery shopping.  I don't know how long her husband will be here, but as long as they are I'm certainly happy for her to swing by my house and take me. 

Sharon, I renewed the CD as Tim thought that was OK, but we made an appointment with their investment advisor for next Tuesday.  We'll see what he has to offer, what the fees are, etc.  I've been banking with this bank (or branches of it) since we moved to the farm in 1979. 

I called Anne on Monday or Tuesday of this week.  We had a nice talk and she said she's feeling well--the surgery seems to have eliminated the pain.  Bone chips were removed from 2 vertebrae and she is happy about that.  She's started her walking outside and is playing with her Canasta club every week and seems to be doing everything she usually does. 

Jeanne, the CDs don't pay much, but I have been rolling them over.  I am hoping the investment advisor can recommend something better.  I do have investments with national companies that are doing well.  My teacher's retirement system also has investment opportunities and I did that while I was teaching.  Now they are trying to pay me off according to their idea of my life expectancy--which I think is much farther away than they do.  So we're hoping to invest these retirement funds, too.

I don't have much planned for the rest of the day, so will browse through the books Tim has brought me from estate sales.  They are mostly mysteries and I usually enjoy them.

Have a nice day, Buddies. 
Sue

I wonder if anyone has heard from MaryPage. Not posted in quite some time.

Just a quick hello...not much going on for me..I am going to a firemans banquet tomorrow night...casual dress and good food...the fireman are volunteer...it is warm here..just talked to SIL in Kansas..said they were having ice storm..Hi Jeanne..Jane..Sue..Sharon and Marlyin...and Mary Z..I was also wondering about Mary Page...and Hi Ginny any anyone else I missed...since Monday is a holiday..guess bank and post office be closed...CC

MaryPage is taking a computer break.

I have heard from MaryPage a couple of times.  She's fine, just isn't participating right now.

Terrible cards at duplicate this afternoon.  All the north/south hands were awful.  In 14 hands, I bid (not opened, just was able to respond to my partner), only one time.  Not a great deal of fun.  Oh, well...

Morning, Babes!!

Just back from a walk on the beach...lovely day here, so lots of families here for the day or weekend...kids running in and out of the water and squealing and laughing! 

We have a week of company coming up beginning Tuesday, so I'll be in and out. 

I see Iowa is due for the ice storm, too.  I hate those things...they really bring things to a standstill.

jane

I didn't walk on the beach, but did get my walk (not quite 3 blocks) down to the corner and back this morning.  I was supposed to meet Kris's family at 11:00 for her birthday lunch at the Depot (it was originally the passenger train depot).  However, when Tim came to pick me up, I sent him on with Kris's birthday gift.  I have terrible sniffles this morning and I don't want to share a cold with them, especially not her Dad who is pretty frail now.

Passenger trains don't stop here any more--so I go to Birmingham (or did when I could drive) and catch the train to New Orleans.  I haven't been since I fell as I can't drive to Birmingham.  I hope I can drive soon, but so far, no doctor is giving me permission!  The neurologist told me I might have to wear this brace on my right leg another year.  Yuck!

I may do a little more pruning outside today, but might just watch basketball instead.

Have a good day, Every Buddy.
Sue

Sue sorry to hear that you won't be driving any time soon. I don't know what I would do if I couldn't drive anymore, Keith has problems driving so I do all of the driving.

We've made our weekly Walmart run this morning and there is still ice on the parking lot in the shade and on our street. It should be melted soon since the sun is shining so beautifully today, before the rain starts again tomorrow.

I didn't have any Furry friend visits this week nor do I have any the  last week of the month. I worked it that way so I would have 2 free weeks to do pother things. I went to the gym 4 days this week and I think I  need to go back to the chiropractor. I have some problem with one of my ribs popping then causing my shoulder to hurt and a pain in my upper back.  I have to figure out exactly what I am doing that causes that to happen.

Weather to bad here today to even go to the Mailbox. Icy Rain.  I did manage yesterday to clean up a lot of the leaves that had blown up against the Porch. With the wind again I don't doubt some are back. I have some in bags for tuesday pick p. LOts of limbs down in yard. they can stay for nicer day.
I don't like driving on icy roads and even foggy out.  and so will not go to library today. See what tomorrow looks like. Alse 2 movies I wanted to see. first being the Lion but it will stay on next week.
Have a shepherds pie in the oven. It is smelling good. 3 servings will go in freezer. Leaving a few mash potatoes that I can make into Broccoli , Cheese and potato soup for later.
Sue. Start taking something. Weather so crazy that Flu going around bad here. Up at granddaughters in Connecticut all 3 children down with something. Been in their schools since New years. return.

Last evening Ray and I visited with friends. We met at a favorite chain restaurant, then went back to their place for cards and desert. They are fun to go out with  we enjoy our time with them. It has gotten late! so good night my friends.

Ginny Ann, glad to hear you and Ray got out and had such a good time.

Another very quiet weekend here - warm temperatures.  Just laundry, newspaper, knitting, catching up with recorded TV programs. 

Have a good Sunday, Buddies!

Sunday morning greetings, Babes!

It's also warm and to be a bit windy here again today.  Nothing big planned...football games for me, and maybe a walk before the winds pick up this afternoon.

Jane

Still icy here but looks like melting. I am going to head out. Need to hit the library when they open at 1pm today. A concert on at 2pm and parking will be bad. I won't stay but will pick up the DVD on the shelf for me.  They will be closed tomorrow for MLK day.
I had better go and chop the ice off my garbage can lid.  I don't believe the get MLK day off tomorrow.

Glad you are getting it nice jane down in Texas. I know that Houston has had some cold weather this year but seems O.K this weekend
Things will be getting into the 50s for Iowa, Illinois about Wednesday for about 4 days. Should help in Chicago a little.  Weather has been terrible there all year. Us being about 120 miles south make a difference. Lots of sickness going on around us though. I am trying to stay away from places.

Hi Gals, Ginny, so glad you got out and had some fun. That always makes one happier.

Jeanne, your weather has been awful this year. I watch Chicago's and Indy's because of my girls, so I know you all have been hit hard.  Do be careful.

Mary, life doesn't seem very exciting here either. Same thing different day! But at least we're still hanging in there.

Sue, it is so nice you have a regular gal to take you to the grocery. It's a shame you may have to wear the brace for another year!  But if that's what it takes to heal it, then you have to do it. You seem to stay fairly active anyway.  I'm glad you have Tim to help you out with things and to advise you on finances.

Darlene, hope you had fun at your firemen's banquet. Sounds like fun.

Jane, I hope the wind, etc, isn't making your joints more painful.  Our fronts have changed back and forth so much.  Night before last, I had to get up and take a tramadol about 2:30 because I was hurting so bad. But I was able to get to sleep then, but I am keeping the tramadol handy even in the daytime.

We're back from SS & church, stopped and picked up an Rx I had forgotten about for my thyroid. Almost out and can't skip that.  I have a load in the washer and need to go in and start my pot roast for dinner.

It's about 68 out today, seems like spring!  Sharon

Sharon...pot roast here, too, for supper.  It's one of Ray's favorites.  I walked this morning before the winds came up.  I'm looking forward to the Cowboys-Packers game in about an hour. 

GinnyAnn....good for you getting out.  That really helps me.

Jeanne...wise to wait until the ice is gone.

Mary...our days are like that, too, but I prefer it to some of the "drama"  some of our friends are dealing with in their lives and their family's lives.


Jane

Hi Buddies.  I slept well last night, but woke up with a doozy of a cold.  I took some aspirin and mostly sat around and read, although I turned on the SEC channel and watched women's basketball games.  Some good ones, some not so good.  All were SEC teams.  Then about 6:00 I went to Dillard's Department Store online and spent a lot of time ordering a wedding gift for a young friend who will be married in February.  I had the gift wrapped and asked Dillard's to mail it to the shower location where I'd been invited.  I won't attend the shower as my friends who take me to church and bridge games haven't been invited to this one as far as I know. 

My cold is worse--headachy, nose running, and just plain tired.  This is the first cold I've had in several years and it's truly a pain in the neck!

I hope all is well with you today.  The weather is nice here and I should have worked outside--I need to cut more shrubs back.  Yesterday I cut the butterfly bush down and also one of the ? .  The name has slipped my mind and I can't recall it.  I have been having trouble with this kind of thing.  It's very frustrating.  Hopefully it'll come back to me and I'll remember to write it down.   We have not had much rain all summer and are still on water rationing.  I've kept my houseplants alive with my rain barrel.  It runs off the roof and directly into the barrel.  So far it seems to stay about 3/4 full.

Sleep well, Buddies.
Sue

Martin Luther King Day...and things are quiet here at the beach.  The weekend people have gone home and just a few kids are out with their surf boards. 

We walked earlier but some rain drops started so we cut it a bit short.  I have an appt at 3:00 for a hair cut so Ray's going along...he will read in the car or go into the library...right across the street from the salon and then we'll head to the grocery for a few items. 

An, as always, with a limited selection of clothes here, there's always laundry to do.   

Our morning newspaper had several nice articles about Martin Luther King Day.  Some of the churches, both black and white, are having special services today.  We've not had much traffic on our street today, so I'm assuming most of my neighbors are enjoying a day off. 

I slept late this morning, probably due to the Ceterizine I took last night before going to bed.  I enjoyed the sleep, but unless I spend too much time tossing and turning tonight, I'll skip it.  I am coughing a bit, but it is a dry cough so I'm guessing it's OK to forego any meds unless it gets worse.

I hope all you Buddies are having a good day. 
Sue

Sue.  I thought I would wake up with a cold today also. Last night I took some cough med. Usual smothered my self in Vicks and took to bed. Slept 8 hours. got up and after about3 hours fell asleep again.  Seems to be O.K now.


Must be so nice to be enjoying 70 deg weather.  I waited today for the fog to lift until 2pm . Still hasn't but I had to go to the closest store which is for me a Walgreen's. 3 blocks.  In the fog could see with car lights on just about 30 ft. Traffic bumper to bumper. bye me you get onto the Interstate and I can see cars all backed up bumper to bumper. Be some accidents tonight. Reminds me of trying to get home from work in the UK.  Such fogs we would have.
It is suppose to warm up and stop raining tomorrow.

Good morning I see I haven't posted in a day or two. the weather here was so nice Sunday and yesterday it warmed up some and I got out 4 times to take Freckles for her walks. On sunday I took a pretty good fall slipping in the mud But I am not damaged I think I worked out the soreness at the gym yesterday., It sure feels good to be back at the gym. However when taking Freckles for all those walks yesterday I spaced out going to the Tai Chi class That's two classes i  a row that I missed. Last wednesday and yesterday.

It started raining this morning after I took Freckles out to potty at 5:30, By the time I started to get out of my pj's it had started to rain, I could hear it on the skylight in the master bath.

On of the Daughter i n laws sent us a package with some organic seed packets and little  pots to plant them in it is all part of a set she got from Amazon. My goodness I don't know what I am going to do with all those seeds. There is Cilantro, Thyme, Basil, Garlic Chives (I have some of those in the front planter), sage, Rosemary, etc. I woluhld need a large garden space, witch we do not have, they will have to be in containers.

Marilyn...you may want to plant them in cycles as they can get used up pretty quickly in containers, but they're sure a lot easier to use if in small containers and handy to your kitchen. 

I'm off to the first Ladies Luncheon today at the old Radisson hotel...now called the Isla Grand.  Ray's cousin is to arrive sometime this afternoon...driving down from Austin...and we're going to be eating out a lot in this next few days!

jane

It's warm again, today, Jeanne.  I put on a long sleeved sweater over a turtle-neck shirt this morning.  I just took my 3 block + walk and I'm pretty warm, but am going to the bank with Tim shortly to talk about investments and it's always chilly in there.  I think it must be at least 75* right now.

Marilyn, I think Jane has a good idea about planting just a few in small pots.  I have a small raised bed out in my back yard and for the past few years, I've been planting herbs there.  Tomatoes don't do well in that location--just bush beans and the occasional pepper plants.  I'll continue to plant herbs, but I'm not expecting good results.  I should probably have another load of top soil put in that bed.

Jane, I think eating out is a great idea--I miss my weekly Saturday nights out with Bonney.  I think they are a thing of the past as she is starting to cut back on her night driving due to night vision problems.  My vision is great, but driving is still a NO NO for me.

My cleaning lady and her new helper were here at 9:15 this morning.  They did the usual thorough job and were out of here by 10:15 which included the 2 bathrooms and the kitchen.  Dusting, vacuuming, wiping down the slatted blinds (I can't remember how to spell Venetian!) and picking up stuff.  Usually for the first few days I have to search to find some things.  The younger one was in training.  My regular lady has been working for the company a long time and she has recently been selected to bring a trainee along.  That's fine by me.

Tim is coming in about 20 minutes to take me to my bank.  We are going to talk to one of their investment counselors hoping to find another place to earn some money.  My regular bank employee suggested I do this.  I've been keeping too much in my checking account and my CDs at this bank are paying very little.  (And I think this is probably true of all banks now).

Have a nice day, Buddies.
Sue

Hi Gals,  I think I have skipped a day posting also. Just not much happening around here.  I couldn't get to sleep last night till after 3:00 so slept till 10:30 today. Haven't accomplished much of anything.

Sue, I hope you find something good to invest in. Not much out there right now that is safe. I hope your cold is better. Too bad you had to miss the party.

Jeanne, I'm glad you didn't get a cold. Sorry about your fog. That can be really dangerous.  We were supposed to have one early this morning. Don't know if we did. It is pretty overcast today but supposed to reach 65.

Marilyn, I'm so sorry you fell but very glad everything seems to be okay. That can be scary.  A friend here in Sun City was out walking and fell flat on his face on the cement, apparently passed out. Someone took him to the ER and they patched him up and I guess he will be okay. I worry about John when he goes off on his walks. He refuses to take his cell phone.

Jane, hope you have a nice visit with Ray's cousin. I think eating out is the way to go with guests. I guess I'm going to cook a couple meals while Melanie & Sangmin are here, but I'm dreading it.  I think I will make a lasagna ahead that can be put in the oven when they arrive.  I know Mel will help out, but I hate to have her have to do that when she gets down here so seldom.

That's about all from here.  Take care and have a good day. Sharon

Sharon:   When you have people with different food preferences, gluten sensitive, and other food issues, it's just so much easier to go out and pick up the check. 

The luncheon turned out ok...but the hotel had messed up the reservation.  The gal confirmed it yesterday for today...24 people...she wanted two tables of 12, etc.  We got there...woman said oh, no, you're coming on the 24th!  NO....there are 24 of us here now.  They got things set up, and everybody ordered, etc.  and then they dropped a whole big round tray of prepared food! 

jane

Oh, jane - what a mess.  Really the only thing you can do when something gets messed up that bad is to laugh.  I hope y'all were able to do that - eventually.

Marilyn, glad you didn't hurt yourself when you fell.  Like Sharon said, it's something we all have to be careful about.  Working on balance is something our Silver Sneakers instructor always stresses. How great to have the herbs.  They're good to grow, just for the smells (and I don't care for artificial scents).  And you can dry them and store for later use.

Jeanne, glad you don't have a cold.  They can be SO nasty.

Sharon, I'm with you on the "not cooking" - or at least I was - unless it was to cook ahead and freeze (like  your lasagna). 

Sue, I hope you had a productive meeting at your bank.  Glad Tim is going with you.  Margaret always goes with me, and she keeps all the paperwork.  I just smile and sign things.  LOL.

Nothing going on around here.  I made an early trip to Walmart this morning for a few things - mostly bird food and some other non-food items.  BTW, Sharon, what sort of feeder do you use for your mealy worms?  I've never put them out before, but saw them and got them for bluebirds when they show up again in the spring.

Our temperature got to 70! today.  And it's supposed to be that warm until sometime next week.  Crazy!

Hugs to all the Buddies!

Sue. Let me know if your bank come up with anything better than what the banks have been doing for past 2 years.  They are loaning so much out on Home Mortgages this past year. Can't see why they can't give better interest.  In Champaign County alone last 2 years 3000 homes sold . More that in the last 20 years.
Both of the banks I have show how much profit they earn a year.  Makes me mad when I read that.

Didn't even go out today. Have to tomorrow. Suppose to be dry and in the 40s

Jane, you're right about food preferences, etc.   Since Sangmin is Korean, he doesn't really care for American rice and isn't too enthusiastic about potatoes--hence the pasta casserole.  They were gifted with a whole beef tenderloin at Christmas and cut it into filet mignons and are going to bring 4 of those with them for one night. Then we'll go out the other night.   What a debacle your luncheon was.  Guess that's a restaurant to cross off your list for future luncheons.  Like Mary, I hope you were all able to laugh about it eventually.

Mary, my feeder is a special bluebird feeder. It is a round plastic tray with a rod that runs from the center up that supports a sort of plastic umbrella that is adjustable in height.  However, some people put them out in yogurt containers or other flat feeders. The benefit of mine is that you can adjust it down so that the bluebirds can get into it but the big birds can't.  However, we have a mockingbird that is sort of an acrobat and can manage to hang down and then wedge into it enough to steal the worms.  Last year was the first year I had ever seen that.  Wrens get in occasionally, but I don't mind that. They aren't as greedy as the mockingbirds.

Yes, Sue, we would all like to know if you find something that is profitable for an investment. I agree with Jeanne.

It is almost 3 AM again and I am still wide awake.  We have some family problems that may or may not impact us and I can't seem to clear my mind of them. John's sister has early Alzheimers and her husband is also having some mental problems. They have no children and no one in their town for support.  It is a possibility that we will have to bring her down here to live with us as they have a limited budget that would preclude an assisted living. All this is still up in the air. John is working with his sister's husband's sister about her taking him and us taking her.  What a mess. It hasn't reached a critical stage yet, but...  Anyway, you can see why I'm awake for the 2nd night in a row.  Prayers needed for a good solution.  Sharon

Sharon....Wow...you do have a impending situation that would keep any of us awake at night. 

Enjoy your visit with Melanie and Sangmin. 

We're having a bit of rain, so I think I'll head down to the exercise room and walk on the treadmill. Ray and Cousin Chuck are out and about...Ray showing him the Island, etc.

jane

Sharon, sorry to hear about your sleepless night.  I agree with jane - y'all have some hard problems to deal with.  Dementia (of whatever type) is so hard on the caregivers - and so constant.  Good luck with whatever situation happens.  Enjoy your visit with the kids in the meantime.

I've been to swimming, but that's all.  I was going to get a haircut, but there were too many ahead of me (senior special day).  I'll go on Friday when I probably won't have to wait.  We have some sunshine today, so our temps will probably be warmer than predicted.

Happy Wednesday, Buddies!