Hi everyone...I had written a post earlier...don't know what happened to it...so if this is double problem...u know why...Jane...very hot here to...yesterday and today...you will probably be glad to get back home and cooler temps...safe travels for yall....I had a renal Doppler exam and echocardiogram test done last week...both test were normal..so I'm thanking God for that...I am thinking of buying a 2014 Toyota Highlander..from a friend of mine..has 63,000 miles on it...nice SUV...leather seats...do any of you have or had this type vehicle before?...I always heard Toyota last a long time...well better get busy ..cleaning out closets....Hi to all Darlene

I've driven SUVs for years...and I won't drive anything else.  I find them much easier to get into and out of than a regular car.  I don't know anything about Toyotas, however, though I think others here have had them and loved them.

jane

Darlene.  I have ridden on one. Nice.  even though it has quite a few miles on it you know the people selling and so can get a good record from them.
I am looking out for a use car also . Stay about 2014 with around 40 Thousand. One owner in town. Insurance to high for me newer than 2014.

I know several folks who love the small SUVs.  I don't know that I'll ever replace my car, but I'll consider one if I do.  Mainly, as jane mentioned, because I'd sit a little higher and it would be easier to get out of.  Drive the one you're considering and see if it "fits" you.  I really think some cars are more comfortable for individuals than others.

Today was a busy day - at least I got off my posterior more than usual.  I went to the rheumatologist this morning for a regular appointment.   When asked about my pain level, I was surprised to answer "less than 1".  I don't know whether it's the warm weather, or just that I've been so sick with the damned allergies that everything arthritic just faded into the background.  In any case, they recommended I try one of the Coricidin HBP products for symptom relief.  I had planned to stop at the drugstore on the way home anyway, so it was a chance to get some.

I was going to stop at the drugstore mainly to get a TDaP shot, which had been prescribed by my family doctor.  She says insurance won't pay for it if she does it in her office, but it will at the drugstore.  Go figure!  Anyway, here I am at almost 81 years old getting a tetanus shot and a DPT booster.  Oh, well… And my pain medicine Rx had been called in, too.  So I was able to get a 3-fer with my drugstore stop.
This afternoon, our Chef Christopher had the first of planned monthly programs called "Chef's Corner". He was going to prepare a dish for watchers to taste and decide whether or not it would be added to the menu list. His choice today was Tuscan Shrimp Pasta.  A simple dish with shrimp, pasta, and a sauce of garlic, spinach, dried tomatoes, parmesan cheese, and cream.  It was absolutely delicious! And I do hope it will make the menu listing.  This was a fun thing for him to do, and  it went over very well.

Happy Thursday,  Buddies!

We had our 'farewell' get together with 4 other couples, and tomorrow we're meeting one of those couples for lunch as they're leaving for WI on Saturday. 

We'll check out the weather forecast for next week on Sunday and see when our best window is to head north.

Jane

I'm on my fifth Toyota--kept each for at least 10 years and for a number of years, gave the used one to Jon to use as a work car.  Now he buys his own Toyota that is less than 5 years old and drives them quite a while.  They are great cars, easy on gas mileage and comfortable.

I've been out to our last Women's basketball home game.  After a very hairy first half, finally came to life in the second and won by about 10 points.  I can't remember the exact score.  We were playing LSU.  It's a miracle that we won, though, as the Refs definitely had it in for Auburn!

It's bedtime here for me.  My young friend is picking me up at 9:00 for grocery shopping.  I don't need much, but it's nice to have her pick me up every Friday.  Her oldest child, a son, is in 3rd or 4th grade and her youngest, a daughter, is in preschool M, W, Fr, and the pre-school is close to Kroger.  After she brings me home with my groceries, she takes hers home and puts them away before having to pick up her daughter.

Sleep well, Buddies.
Sue

Sue.....I sent you a pm....Darlene

I guess I've been negligent in posting. Nothing important going on here. Did the grocery shopping yesterday and a load of laundry. Fixed a center cut ham slice and acorn squash for dinner.

I have been in bad pain with both back and knee contributing for the past 3 days. About a 6 or  7 level!!  A little better today. My knee isn't bothering me as much.

I have my lasst load of laundry in. I swear the dirty laundry imp lives in my house!!

Darlene, both JOhn and I have Toyotas although not high mileage yet. Love them. Ours aren't SUV's though. Hope you don't get the 100 degree weather. Way too early for that. Good news on the medical tests.

Jeanne, I hope you can find a good used car.  Our Sun City website frequently has good used cars for sale but we're too far away for that to help you.

Jane, had to laugh at your odd menu comment. I can imagine.  I hope you find a good weather window to head home.

Mary, wow, I wouldn't know how to live with only a 1 pain level. Mine is never less than 3 even sitting.  Glad for you. HOpe the meds help your allergies.  I think it is important to get those vaccines at regular intervals. I think we got ours in 06 before our african trip which means we are probably due for another one. Yuck.  Your chef sounds like he is really on the ball and wanting to please everyone. That dish sounded like a winner! 

We talked to Braeden (Brian's oldest) on Tues night to wish him a happy birthday. He is 18 and sounded so mature in his comments.  Where did my little guy go? Bet you can relate, Sue, with Nick.

Sue, glad your gals won. Always fun.  Nice that you got a ride to the grocery again.

Not much else happening here. I need to make myself work on taxes this afternoon. I keep procrastinating.

Marilyn, that was the cutest picture of Freckles in the bear at the library.  So sweet.
Sharon

I have a small SUV a Subaru Forester, LL Bean Edition.

It has been snowing here on the Oregon coast this morniong, Quite a surprise. I didn'\t go to the gym  because of the iceey streets, so I made bread in stead. I went in  the kitchen to check the bread machine and good thing I did because I forgot to add the water. It was still in the microwave so it was still warm, I poured it in the machine so the bread is now a dough ball. Hopefully when it is baked it will be a  good ,loaf of bread.

My vision is getting so bad that I have to use a magnifying glass to read my phone.

So jane your winter vacation is  over and you are going back to Iowa, I hope the weather at home if nice for you.

Sharon, Freckles is such a sweet loving little dog and ;loves going to the nlibrary or anyplace there are kids. She loves her "job" of giving love to everyone.

Marilyn, I'm not sure we don't still have a chance for snow in the next few weeks.  The worst winter weather around here sometimes comes in midMarch.

Sharon, I was totally surprised when the tech asked my pain level, and I realized I really wasn't having any.  Amazed, in fact.

jane, the "clean out the fridge" meals can be quite creative, can't they. 

I was all dressed and ready to head out when I just got a text from my duplicate partner saying she couldn't make it this afternoon.  I could go by myself, but just don't feel like it.  Oh, well - maybe I'll get a good nap this afternoon.  LOL

We're continuing to round things up and Ray's just taken the second box to the PO to mail home.  It seems we acquire a lot of things while we're here...esp. clothing, so need to get that extra home that won't fit in the car now.  It takes us longer and longer to do these things, it seems.

jane

Think we have lost our summer weather today. Sort of dreary and So windy.
I have been running around every day this week. Just kept Kitchen and Bathroom tidy.
today I am just going to head out to the Movies and See "Lion" Everyone says its good.  Starts at 2pm.  Will stop at the crocery store next door to it and then Home. That will be it for my day
Just showered and did my hair. I will go out in the wind and that will take care of the hair.
I am looking out the window and all the trees seem to be budding out already. Which mean the wind will bring down the buds and cover the porch. Hate that.

My young friend, Julia, picked me up at 9:00 to take me to Kroger.  She's a dear and is so patient when I seem to take longer to get my shopping done.  I'm thinking of making some gingerbread men next week and inviting her with her son and daughter over to decorate them.  It will depend on how many appointments I'll have--Tim has them written on the calendar.  We went to see my GP on Wednesday.  He told me that I could take the Aricept or not.  So far I'm opting for not, but will see the neurologist next week and will also discuss it with her.

Darlene, I'll check out my personal message page shortly. 

Jane, good luck with the packing.  I hope bad Ole Mr. Winter doesn't surprised you with a big storm on the way home.

Mary, I'm with you for an afternoon nap--it always hits the spot!

Marilyn, good luck with your bread.  I'm sure it will be OK.

Sharon, I'm so sorry you're having so much pain.  It's pretty tough to always be hurting.  Nick is a senior in H.S. and I think will be going to LSU next year if he gets a good scholarship.  All the state U's around here have gone way up on tuition.  Auburn as well.

I'm rereading a Norah Robert's Irish trilogy and am enjoying them again.  I'd love to take another trip to Ireland as well as one to Cuba and lots of other places--but all that will have to wait until everything gets to some semblance of normal.

Hi Jeanne.  You were posting while I was getting ready.  I'm sorry it's dreary and windy up there today.  I'm afraid all this spring-like weather we've all been having is going to turn to bad storms soon.

Have a good day, Buddies.
Sue

Just got back from seeing the Movie "Lion"  Fantastic. I cried all the way through.

WAs at 2pm but place full.   Mostly all people with silver hair.  I sit way up in the top so can look down.  Soon will be 2 more good movies out.  "The Zookeepers Wife"
I have the LP book ordered.  And one called.  "British Kingdom" Something like that.

Sue my bread turned out perfect. Today I made a Chocolate Fudge Mocha cake with vanilla Frosting.  Keith still likes to have his cake and eat it too, (Twice a Day) Every n ow and then I also have a piece.

I've walked Freckles twice already today, because tomorrow it is to rain again. I try to walk her at least 3 times a day when it is not raining mostly 4 times though. It helps both of us to keep our girlish figures.   

I have to lose at least 5-6 lbs before the wedding in August, I want to look my best. Keith's youngest son is getting married Aug. 21, with me being the step mother I have to look fantastic.Right??

Darlene, I couldn't find a personal message from you.  Did you send it to my springcreek55@bellsouth.net address?  It wasn't in the personal message place here at seniorsandfriends.org.

Jeanne, I haven't seen out local movie schedule recently, so I hadn't heard about Lion or The Zookeepers Wife.  Did you enjoy Lion, and have a good cry?

Marilyn, I envy your baking talent.  I used to love to bake, but now I just say, "oh, well, I'll pick something up at Kroger".  Plus my next door neighbor brought me a huge tin of sugar cookies which someone gave her husband for Christmas--and I've been dipping into them fairly often. 

I'm waiting up for the 9:00 PBS show with Judy Dench.  It's usually pretty good and I do enjoy that British dry wit.

Sleep well, Buddies.
Sue

Sue....yes to spring creek..add. Darlene

Today is serious gather up and pack day.  We're leaving for home tomorrow, so I won't be around much for the first part of the week. 

We have the Farewell Dinner tonight.

jane

jane, hope you have an uneventful trip back to Iowa.

Nothing new going on around here.  It's cooler today, but sunny.  Crazy weather.

Jane, hope you have a good safe trip with good weather.

Marilyn, I wouldn't have the will power to do all that baking without eating it--a lot. I used to love to bake also.  Good for you walking Freckles so much. Wish I could do that. Good luck with getting down a few pounds for the wedding. I doubt you'll have any trouble doing it. I would like to lose some weight before the reunion next Sept, but unless the stim works well enough that I can start exercising again, it's doubtful.

Mary, it cooled down here today also but to be back in the 60's tomorrow.  It was really chilly when we left for church & SS.

Sue, I haven't been to a movie theater in years.  I did see The Accountant On Demand when Melanie & Sangmin were here but that's the only recent movie I've seen.

Just usual Sunday laundry going on here.  I did get the taxes all organized yesterday & ready to send to the accountant.  Glad to have that off my "to do" list.

Take care everyone and have a blessed day.  Sharon

Well here it is 2:53 my time here on the west coast. No one has posted here today. Jane is traveling today headed toward home, Hey Jane if you look ib n Safe Travels!!. If you get a chance check in tonight  during your layover where ever that is

I got in a good 45 minute workout this morning cam hom and right away took Miss Freckles out for a walk. I wnet to see my hospice patient yesterday, she was sleeping. the nurse told me that she has stopped eating and drinking so I think she doesn't have much time lecft. She is mostly sedated on Morphine to alleviate any pain.

Hi Buddies.  I walked around the block early this morning as it looked like rain--and it started shortly around noon and is still raining.  Tim came over about 2:00 to look for any income tax info so that I can get it to my accountant soon.  It's not all here yet. 

I had leftovers for lunch and then lay down on my bed to read.  I got up when Tim arrived and he's coming back tomorrow or Wednesday to print out some of my tax stuff.  My cleaning ladies are coming in the morning, so he'll wait until after lunch to show up.

I hope Jane and Ray have good weather for their trip home.  I think they take a couple of days to get back.  I guess we'll hear from them when they get home.

Darlene, I'll check out my springcreek55 e-mail account and see if I can find your e-mail.  I haven't checked it for a while.

Mary, I'm surprised at your sunny weather.  We had lots of clouds early and then rain starting about noon and it's still raining.  Is your Y pool near opening yet?

Sharon, Bonney and I like to go to the movies--we have 2 large theater complexes in Auburn and Opelika, but haven't been to a film since my fall.  I've been watching old Oscar winners this month on TCM.  I started one with Jack Benny tonight, but it was pretty silly, so am listening to classical music now.

Marilyn, I'm glad your hospice patient is able to rest and is pain free.  It will be sad for you when she passes, but will be a blessing for her.

I'm off to bed to read.  I'll probably need to get up a bit earlier tomorrow as Tim is coming to print out more of my tax stuff so I can mail it to my accountant.

Sleep well, Buddies.
Sue

Mondays are usually busy for me.  The pools at the Y are open again, but today was the first time I got back to my regular class.  I'm finally starting to feel well enough to start doing stuff again.  Also, I had a regular appointment with my optometrist.  All is stable in that department, and that's always a good thing. 

I had thought about playing bridge this afternoon with the group I used to play with, but the timing just didn't work out, and I would have had to kill too much time, plus the rain had started.  So  I just decided to go home.  I did play duplicate tonight, but we didn't do well, and came in 9th out of 10 couples.  Tomorrow will be a quieter day.

Marilyn, you're so faithful with your exercise and work with Freckles and your patients.  Good girl!

Sue, we didn't have any sunshine today.  We had about 1/2" of rain this morning, and low clouds the rest of the day.

Happy Monday to all the Buddies!

Hi Gals,  I was supposed to have an appt with my podiatrist to check my toe, but I got there and there was a closed sign.  I called them and asked what was going on and they checked and said that somehow my appt got scheduled for the Lancaster office (25 miles south of the Indian Land one). I was pretty ticked, but said that I had my original appt in IL and no one had said anything about me changing, so I wanted to see some one there in IL. Anyway, have to go back this afternoon.  I don't know if he will go ahead and do the other toe today or not.

Marilyn, sorry about your hospice patient.  Glad you are able to stay motivated to do all the exercise.

Mary, I know you must be thrilled to be back with your swim group at the Y. Sorry your evening bridge wasn't so good.

Sue, I have my tax stuff all ready to send in but I want to go over it with John first. He needs to learn how to do it. I've done the taxes or the organizing of taxes are entire married life, so he needs to know how.  It was overcast all day yesterday here but is sunny now. Supposed to be in the 70's today. 

My hibiscus that I brought into my sunroom is blooming today!  Looks so pretty.

Hope Jane & Ray are having a good trip home.

Hi to all.  Sharon

I hope you can get your feet taken care of, Sharon.  How frustrating about the appointment mixup.

John always did our taxes, until I finally got him to use a CPA about 20 years ago.  I never had anything to do with it.  Now, I still use the same CPA, but I just take all the stuff I think is necessary or marked "important tax document", put it in an envelope, and get it to her to deal with.  I sign what she brings me, write a check, and send it in.  LOL  When she stops doing it, Margaret says she's going to take it over for me.

It's been cloudy and foggy all morning, and started with lightning and thunder and rain an hour or so ago.  Tomorrow, we're supposed to be under a severe weather threat, though.

Happy  Tuesday, Buddies!

It is pouring down here and suppose to keep up all day.  Always happens when I have a Appt. Down town. Hard time finding parking close to building and so not going to even bother with my hair.

Sharon. You say appointment for toe was in Indiana/Illinois. Are you visiting there right now?
I cant take of doing my feet like I could for years.  Don't have problem other that cracking heals but do think it is time for me to get a Podiatrist to take care every so often.  Hard to even paint nails good. Do not want to go to the people in the Malls.
My hands i can do fine. No idea why so hard now to bend to do my left . Even putting on hose. Not put on a tummy or weight.

No, Jeanne, I'm not in Indiana.  I live in an unincorporated community called Indian Land. It is an area originally owned by the Catawba Indian tribe.  There is still a reservation not far from here.  As to the toes, I have trouble too in taking care of them.  I found out that podiatrists will not cut your toenails, etc unless you have diabetes because Medicare won't cover it.  In the summer, I go to a salon to have mine cut and painted because I like to wear sandals.

Mary, we have used a CPA since we had our pharmacy. A necessity then. We have continued to use them even since we retired.  I organize all the papers and the deductions and then send them to the CPA.   Hope you don't have any severe weather with your storm.  We need some rain, but don't want severe weather & tornados.  Sharon

Hello Buddies, Not much going on that is interesting today. this morning I went to the gym walked Freckles 2 times and created an image for Carnavale, Vacuumed  part of the house, now my back is klilling me and I am taking a break.

Sharon.  Oh! now that is where you are.  I thought you lived on one Of the Sun Cities.  Are no more Indian Reservations there now? Seems they lost so much land.I have visited quite a few Reservations and really for sorry for the Race.

Well tornado time has come early this year.  Weather men are cutting into the TV every 15 minutes.  They have hit close but so far not enough for me to worry about.  Wonder if they will keep cutting in while the Pres. doing his talking. That has taken over every station.  He sure will be ticked off if he hears that they did cut in.  I have a DVD I will be watching.

Hope Jane is home as the Tornado's are pretty much over on the South West  of us at the moment . Sure if they are on the road north they will be hearing and watch whats happening.  Pull of if they need to.

Sharon...I've also been the one who gathers all the tax stuff and does the family "bookkeeping."    We use a CPA firm, too.  Doing taxes myself would have my stomach in knots.  No thank you!

We're in Wichita, KS, tonight and have had dinner at a favorite of ours here...PF Chang's and are back to our motel and watching the people going in to the Chamber for the President's speech.

Our weather has been great, and getting thru Fort Worth and OK City went fine.  Last big city for us is Kansas City, but we now go north of the city and then head flat out for Iowa!  I don't know of we'll get home tomorrow or Thurs.  It'll depend on how we're feeling when we get to Des Moines.   I hope the weather continues clear, though we know it'll be a lot colder than we've had so far. 

Good to hear you're all doing ok.

Jane