Debi is one of my five daughters.  Number 4 of the 5.
Debi and Steve are Maria's parents.
Maria is the elder of their 2 children, both of whom are daughters, the other being Kathryn, who is Ava's mom and who is away for the weekend.
Chip is one of my three sons.  Number 3 of the 3.
That makes Chip Maria's uncle.

Mary Page.   Just read what was happening in your family. I thought Tornado bad. One can't think anyplace is save anymore. Have to be alert to anything around you. Bad people do not stand out like the use to.  Could be anyone.  I take extra caution now. Lock doors. No eye contact. Park in safe place if out after dark and never walk alone. Been on my own now 50 years and never thought things would get so bad.
Things happen more now in my City more in what they use to call the best parts of town then they do in the Poor areas.
Your family will learn from this experience. Good no one got hurt.

I've been to church, SS, stopped and filled up with gas, stopped at the grocery to get some fresh fruit for John. Now I need to go put in a load of towels.

Mary Page, I'm so glad Maria is going home with Debi for a few days. Melanie had a break-in to their house years ago, but they were at work, so not as frightening as for Maria.  Still, she felt very violated and is somewhat paranoid about keeping the house safe and alarmed, etc.  I'm just glad that they weren't physically harmed. Things can be replaced.

It was 88 when I came home from church. That's supposed to be the high, but I bet it isn't. They say we have had 74 days of 90 degree weather this summer, 1 more than last summer. I hope yesterday was the last one we get. Our weatherman is cautiously predicting that it is. Hurrah!

John had a good time at his reunion and was to leave for Mel's this morning. He will spend the night there and then head home tomorrow, but it is about at 10 or 11 hr. drive.

I hope you are all having a good day, but remembering the 9/11 survivors, first-responders, and victims.  Sharon

Late morning Greetings!

I've been working on Latin but that's now over...class started today for them, so I can retire back to the shadows!   

Beautiful morning here, laundry is in, Ray's at the golf course, and I need to get to the Court House to pay our first 1/2 prop taxes.  I think I'll walk down...it looks to be cool enough and lower humidity.  I need to stretch out after being at the computer all morning.

Have a great Monday....already nearly mid Sept!

jane

Hi everyone, A great friend from church passed away yesterday afternoon. I had the opportunity to visit him last week, we talked about many things including his fear. I reminded him that Jesus was waiting for him and would come for him, that he would no longer be in pain. He told his wife about our visit and slipped into a coma on Saturday. I told him of a couple of family members experiences when they were with some on who passed. I am so glad that I got to see him, listen to him and talk with him before he went home to Jesus.

Hi Buddies, This is just a quickie as Tim is here and has helped me get back to Seniors and Friends for which I will be forever grateful (until I forget it!). 

He's still here checking out my computer, but I will be back later today.  I've missed you a heap!

Sue

Jane, glad you got your Latin duties finished.  It's cooler here today too, only 79!!! But cloudy and supposed to rain some--I hope.  I have laundry in too, but most of it will wait till tomorrow till I get all of John's to put in with mine.  He gets home tonight.

Marilyn, I'm sure you were of great comfort to your friend. Sometimes people need to be reminded that they aren't alone and that others are waiting for them and that Jesus is there too.

I went to the neurologist today. He said he could tell a big difference in my tremor and gave me some tips about juggling the dosage, so that was encouraging.  I also dropped some special recyclables off at the Lake House. They do a once a month collection of items not recycled by the sanitation people. They collect clean empty egg cartons that go to the local farmers who raise chickens and sell eggs. They also collect wine corks to go to an acquairium for something. Also hangars to go back to the cleaners, cell phones, eyeglasses, etc. It's a project by our flower & gardening club.  I also picked up some books there at the clubhouse which are free loan and dropped off my library books. I still am in the middle of a Grisham novel but it's not due till next week.

I went over to visit Ms Frances last evening since the couple that usually cooks dinner for her then is out of town. Another friend stopped in too, so she had a little company. Tonight I wanted to be home when John gets here, whenever that is.  He hasn't called me yet today to give me his ETA. I told him not to call when I would be gone.

Molly, we haven't heard much from you lately. How are you doing?  And Mohamed?

Ginny, you too, check in!  We miss you guys when you don't post.

Sue, hurrah, hurrah, you're back!  So glad. We've missed you so much. Come back and fill us in on everything!   
Sharon

Buddies...I know you are prayer warriors...I have a special request please..my DIL. Has just had a lump removed from her breast. Which is cancer.  The Drs checked lymph nodes and it had not spread.But it is aggressive type...she meets with onocolost Thursday...so my prayer is she want have to do chemo....but of course don't know what they will recommend....thank you in advance.  Darlene/Candy

Darlene, I'm so sorry to hear this. I've added her to my prayer list.  However, chemo isn't too terrible, or at least it wasn't for me. Naturally, it's to be avoided if possible, but it is doable.  ((((Darlene))))
Sharon

Thank you...her name is Karen....Sue so good to see your post.  Darlene

Candy....I had the same thing 27 yrs ago....an aggressive cancer but no lymph nodes involved.....i did chemo as that was the recommendation then after my mastectomy...and here I am 27 yrs later!


Sue!!!!!  HURRAH     It's SO GOOD to see you!!!

My internet is down....and it's down for some 50,000 people!!  I'm at Library now, so will get back down here as I can.  Don't worry if you don't hear from me for a day or two or three.
jane

Sue! HURRAY!!!  HURRAY!!!  We're SO glad to have you back.  You've been sorely missed.

Darlene, so sorry to hear about Karen.  It's tough and scary.  We're all with you and Karen.

Marilyn, I  know your visit was appreciated.

Sharon, I hope John got home safe and sound.  Happy Laundry!

jane, sorry about the computer glitch.

It sounds like most folks are cooling off - at least somewhat.  Mornings here have been lovely, even with the daily highs around 90.  Today was a usual Monday - including a haircut.  I had fair cards, but probably didn't get into the top four.  No money is involved in any case - just bragging rights.  Nothing much scheduled the rest of the week.

Again, Sue, it's so great to have you back.

Darlene, There Will Be Prayers!  Count upon it.

SUE!  Woo Hoo!  Doing my little happy dance here!

Darlene add my prayers for Karen as well.

Good Morning....

Windstream Tech Support said "nobody" has reported an outage....find out 50,000 people were without internet in this area....and neighbor said he reported, too, and was told..."nobody had reported an outage"....ah...tech support in states far from ol' Iowa.  My guy was in Colorado...at least not Philippines or India or who knows where.

However, my local guy who'd given me his cell # after my last catastrophe with the company...when they deleted my account and took away the "pin" that is needed outside the house to connect to the internet...texted me the outage was big in this area.  He texted again this am to make sure I could get online.  Now THAT'S customer service!!

Storms overnight and to continue today, so the ol' joints aren't happy.  We need to make a trip to Cedar Rapids for some items and a stop at the car dealer where Ray got his car...we have company coming in Friday for the weekend...nephew we're so close to. He's going to do a couple of outdoor chores we can't manage anymore.

Back later.

jane

Jane, so glad you're back on line.  Your tech guy sounds like a keeper!  Your provider, not so much.

I'm having a slow morning/day here. Nothing really on the agenda, so am relaxing.  John got home safely last night in time for dinner.  Bunny went bonkers!  He's her play thing and she was missing him.

Sunny for now and low 80's. Perfect day. Wish I could get out and take a walk, but I wouldn't make it far.

Hope Sue gets back in today.  Hi to MaryZ, Mary Page, Jeanne, Ginny, Darlene, Marilyn,Joy, Molly and any others I've left out. Sharon

Hi Buddies!  It's a quiet day here.  Just Silver Sneakers and a trip to Walmart on the agenda - and that was done before lunch. 

I hope jane can get things squared away with her computer quickly.  Sounds pretty incompetent with your server, though.

Sharon, glad John got home safely.  I hope he had a great time - even without bridge.  LOL

Hugs to all!

Here I am, Buddies!  I had my bi-weekly cleaning lady this morning, so had to stay out of the way and wait for her to finish.  I am just not yet up to doing a thorough cleaning.  My right leg is in a brace and most of the time, use a cane to get around the house.  My yard outside is not its usual lovely self, although I had my occasional yard man here cleaning things up in the front yard last week.

Here's the straight scoop on my disappearance from S&F (and everywhere else, too).  On the last Saturday of April, while cleaning leaves off the roof, I leaned too far out and fell backward flat onto the ground.  I wasn't unconscious, so was able to call to my neighbor who was outside in his yard.  His wife had just gone inside, so he rushed in and told her to call an ambulance.  One arrived in a few minutes and she rode in the ambulance with me to the emergency room.  My neighbors sat with me (5 hours) before I was seen by a doctor and when I had an MRI.  The people ahead of me in the ER were the kind without insurance who come to the hospital on Saturday for whatever they need and are treated in the order of arrival.

I was placed in the SNIFF unit--I think that means skilled nursing something or other.  One of my church friends (Laura, Brad's mother) was on duty and put me next to the nurse's station and kept watch over me.  In a few days I started rehab in that unit and all was going well when I passed out after going across the hall for some rehab exercise.  Then I was soon sent to Columbus, GA, to at least 3 (I think) different facilities.  I finally ended up in a wonderful rehab hospital and had about 3 weeks of rehab and was doing well enough to be discharged.  Tim arranged for me to spend a month at an assisted living here in Auburn.   My meds were dispensed to me (as to all other residents) by a nurse after breakfast, so I didn't have to worry about that.  Now Tim prepares 2 or 3 weeks of the meds for me and again no worries.  I am taking Zarelto, ferrex (iron supplement), levothyroxine, and a vitamin. I feel well, but don't have much energy or much of an appetite.  I am doing a minimum of cooking and trying to eat healthy food.  I've lost about 13 or 14 pounds. (mostly in places I would like a bit more!)  I am seeing my GP on the 27th and my Oncologist in Montgomery for my annual check up.  Tim would like me to start seeing a local oncologist because of the distance, but I don't want to do that.  Maybe I'll see about getting my mammos here at the local hospital. 

I'm playing bridge at least once a week.  My bridge buddies pick me up and bring me home and I hosted one of the clubs here last week.  Tim came over the day before and set up my card tables and came the day after to take them down and will do the same the week of the 28th as it's my turn to host that club.

I have joined a local organization, "Village Friends, Village People", which for an annual fee provides transportation to the grocery store, bank, and anywhere else I might like to go.  I call them and they put my request online to members who've signed up to help and so far I've been able to get to Kroger when needed.  I have an appointment with my GP on the 27th or 28th (I'd have to go into the kitchen to check) and Tim will take me to the appointment and also to see my onc in Montgomery on Friday the 30th. 

I'm so happy to be back.  I hope everyone  is well and have had a nice summer. 

Sue

Sue it is so good to "see" you again. You do know that all of us were worried about you and wondering if you would ever make it back to this forum.

Today is My Hospice Class, I will be going in just a few minutes. I am enjoying the class and can't wait to get a Hoospice Patient to visit.

We switched our internet back to Charter from Frontier because every month I had to call them to dispute my bill. We were on a two year contract for 39,99$ per month . But they kept charging me  either 5 or 10$ more every darn month. I called and told them I was through with Frontier forever.

Sue, it's so great to have you back.  You really have had a tough year, but it sounds like you (and Tim/Kris) are getting things in order for you to manage at home.  The organization to get you to your errands sounds like the answer to prayers.  We all hate the idea of having to give up our wheels - and just hope we recognize when it's necessary and can find ways to manage.  Good idea about your meds management, too.  Again, mostly we're just glad to have you back with us.  Hugs!

Marilyn, hope you can get more satisfaction from the other cable system.  They can be so frustrating sometime.

Yay, Sue!  You go, Gal!

We have missed you so much!

Sue....so happy to see you back...we have missed you...I hope you continue to improve daily..do take care...Darlene

Marilyn....lousy service from Frontier..Glad you could get out of the contract!

Sue....hurrah!  We've been so worried about you, as Marilyn said.  I'. So glad you're there where Tim can help you out and that you're back home.

Very uncomfortable day here, pain-wise.  Hope it's better tomorrow when this weather front moves on.


Jane

Sue, it is so good to see you back in and to hear that you are managing at home with various helps. I'm so glad Tim is nearby to help you.  Do you think you will have to give up your ladie's basketball games when they start?  I do hope arrangements can be made for you to go. You've always enjoyed them so much.

Jane, sorry you're hurting. Hope the front moves on soon.  We are in a rather unstable pattern here too and I've been feeling it today.

Marilyn, I hope you get satisfaction from visiting hospice patients. It must be hard though. John used to be a hospice volunteer.
Sharon

So happy to see you SUE. You were very much missed. 

I was feeling dizzy the other day so didn't get out with my best friend from grade school. We were in 1st grade together and went through elementary school together. She is a sweetie. 

I am able to move around better so I will call her tomorrow. Have another friend on the calendar for tomorrow. She is to pick me up, so no worries about driving. 

Prayers being said for all of us and all of our families and all of those in the need of prayer.

Hugs and prayers back to you, Ginny. Sorry you missed your luncheon. Hope you enjoy today's.

It's bright and sunny here today, supposed to reach 88 before getting cooler the rest of the week.

I finally received a back traction thingy I ordered from QVC. It looks like a handlebar with pads that rest on the thighs. You lie down with your knees bent and feet close to your bottom and the you place the device on your thighs and use the handlebars to push away from you. It is supposed to stretch the spine in an easy, non-invasive manner.  I just finished doing my first bout. I could definitely feel the stretch. We'll see how it works. I have 30 days to return it.

Nothing much else going on here. I picked up some books yesterday at the clubhouse. One of them is The Martian. Have any of you read it?  It was on the NY Times Best Seller list and a movie was made of it.  John is going to read it while I read the other books I picked up, then I'll read it.

I hope you're all doing well today.  Sharon

GinnyAnn...enjoy your day out.

Sharon...hope the device helps your back.


Beautiful, clear day here and now in the high 60s....and the rains have passed on by...until tomorrow. 

Ray's gone off to play some golf, and I'm headed out to the same place for lunch and bridge in an hour or so.


That's our day!     He's prepping this afternoon for that dreaded colonoscopy, but then it'll hopefully be the last one he ever has to have.  He's never had problems before, so get this over and hope the results are the same.  It's a routine one.

jane

Sharon.  Be careful using that device. I got one a lot like it few years ago. Only time I ever put my back out. I threw it away.  Try it very slow. Not to many at a time. That is my problem when I start any type of exercise. I go to long first few days.  Hope you find it helps.

Sue.  So happy to see you posting. What a time you had. But again just take things slow. Now did they give you a time that you could start driving again or will it be up to you knowing you feel comfy again doing it.  I know you had plans to travel this summer but always next year. You have the fall and winter to just get well again.  Getting back to your home is the main thing.

Our three-year old Mateo (12/12/12) had his very first visit with his dentist today.  Mateo lives in St. Louis, Missouri.
Apparently my granddaughter Judith had briefed him carefully about what to expect, so he climbed up into the chair and made himself comfortable and instructed the dentist:
"You can count them, okay?  But NO FLOSSING!"
Sounds just like Judith at that age!  A very confident little Hoot!

MaryPage, I'm sure Mateo made the dentist's day - and a story the staff will tell for years. 

Life is starting to come together for me.  Almost all the financial stuff has been transferred to me and to my financial advisor.  And I have an appointment with an attorney to update my will and various other legal documents. I'll have to make a few more decisions, and then maybe I can coast for a while.

Happy Hump Day, Buddies