Good Afternoon.  This has been a tough week!  First, the dryer kept "telling me" the vent was clogged and the cord broke on two of five blinds on the back windows so I have had to tape big garbage bags over the bottom half at night.  I made appointments to have both repaired but had to reschedule because...
Last Sunday I had swelling and sharp pain in my right foot that kept me in the recliner mainly because I could not get in to see either my doctor (or anyone else in the clinic) or the podiatrist until later in July.    (Most drop-in clinics here don't have labs on site and I thought I might need blood work)  so decided to do the RICE treatment. 

Pain went away by Wednesday and, although the foot is still puffy - I've been able to walk "normally"(which isn't an accurate word because of the braces I have to wear).  Have gotten dryer vent cleaned and rescheduled blind cord replacements (am doing all 5 "just in case").  Have also caught up on Domestic Duties.
 
Then got some worrisome family news that I can't talk about, yet. 

Roley,  I love ancient British history and thoroughly enjoyed my two tours - one general European tour with 3 days in London during which I went to Dover Castle and the other that actually started in Ireland, crossed to a bit of Wales, went up the west side of Scotland from Liverpool to Inverness - then to Harrogate, Salisbury and London with stops in between.
I particularly enjoyed the cathedrals and museums - especially when we had a free afternoon and I coud go on my own and take my time looking at details.
Wish I'd had an opportunity to tour the southern part but am enjoying your videos very much.  Thank you for sharing.

Won't try to respond to everyone's post but am reading them all.  Thank goodness for Tablet on which I have favorite webcams, e-books and websites...except for Facebook, which I use mostly for keeping up with The Grands.  ;

Stay cool, safe and healthy, Everyfriend.   

 

Like the old HeeHaw song says: If it ain't for bad luck, I'd have no luck at all! So we all seem to be having some of "that kind of luck".  Here's my story: Last Sunday morn woke up with a black eye. No reason I could think of then, but texted pic to my daughter, who said I had to see the doctor so I make an appt. (she'll see me Wednesday) she checked me out and said nothing to worry about. I recalled while I was there I had an awful coughing spell during Sat. night, and she said yes, that would cause it. Daughter was happy (that I didn't have a concussion from a fall that I couldn't remember (ha ha)So, everything's good until Thursday evening when I go to take the recycle bin out for next day's pickup.  Coming back in from the gate, which I have done probably 50,000 times in 59 years here, I tripped on the 2" concrete patio stepup, fell, split my eyebrow open, skinned both knees.  Call my neighbor friend to come right over as I was bleeding badly from that eyebrow laceration, and we tried and finally got it stopped.  Again protective Daughter wanted neighbor to take me to emergency room. I've had experience with ER's and wanted no part of that at 10 PM.  Next morn, huge hematoma on 1 knee, a genuine black eye, so I agreed to have neighbor take me to E.R. They did CT Scan on my head, the orbit in the cheekbone, and Xray of left knee.  Spent four hours waiting various times, first to see a doc, then to get scans done, then to get results from scans.  No head fracture, no brain bleed, no busted knee, no cracked orbit checked out just fine and sent me on my way. Made it four years + one month since I had fallen in my living room and busted my humerus and left wrist.  I think I need to buy BubbleWrap by the roll and wrap myself up securely before I attempt anything.  Bah, humbug on getting old and injuring yourself which never happened when I was young!

That sounds so familiar with my balance and low blood pressures issues. How's your blood pressure?

Tome, so glad the test results were okay but sorry you had to go through so much to find that out. Modern technology may be more informative but the time it takes and what our bodies have to go through to use it makes me !

Tome, dear me what a time you have had!!! Yes, wrapping you and Patricia up in bubble wrap to keep you both safe..
It has been said old age isn't for sissies and they sure have that right.

Callie, you have also had a time of it. Hope the swelling and pain has gone from your right foot.

I'm sorry some of you seem to be having such problems but I sure hope it isn't going around!  I'm going to be watching my feet and my head even more than usual in the coming days.  Right now, I wish you all a peaceful night's sleep and a happy-er tomorrow.  Please stay safe!  Good night everyfriend!

Well, girls, I'll say a prayer for all the boo-boos & bad luck. I was doing pretty good until I went out to water the trug & some little trees in pots while ago... and came back inside itching all over again. Darn, they feel like chigger bites but don't think that's what they are. Not fleas, haven't seen any kind of biting critters.

Tome, when I went to the ER, actually not ER as such, my doc sent me to the hospital near to have an X-ray of my chest because I thought I might have pneumonia, had it before & had been coughing for quite a while. (This was last year). Usually he has his own X-ray person do it & I questioned his reason for sending me someplace else, "can't you just LISTEN to my chest?"  So I went & when I mentioned having passed out & slid down to the floor & found myself just looking at the ceiling ... they threw a fit & wanted me to go across the street to another part of the hospital/chain to get my head checked. I flat said, "NO"... and had to sign a paper that I took full responsibility for not going~~ Told 'em I would know if my head hurt, I must have just slid off the bar stool had been sitting on. Anyway, they'll play **** getting me to go again! No pneumonia.. either. Glad you checked out okay.

Callie, so sorry about the foot hurting, seems like they could check you sooner than that!  What is it, do you know?  My right foot has been swollen for weeks, one of the reasons I went to see MY doc last time. When you have a heart problem it's easier to blame everything on that BUT I asked him if "only one foot would be swollen if heart"... and did not get an answer. I did end up getting an appointment with the same cardiologist that my son uses but not until July 20. My old one retired at the end of last year & I didn't want the one recommended, I have my reasons!  Extra prayer for that "worrisome family news". (((hugs)))

Amy, one more question about the trug garden.... should it be watered more than once a day?  Last evening I watered because the lettuce & spinach looked like it was trying to come out if the "chrisp" stage it went into one super hot day. I water every day. It looked like I could have a nice salad tonight so I headed out to pick as soon as I got home the the family gathering, bowl in hand. Stopped in my tracks, it was chrisp again. I watered again in hopes it looks better in the morning, no sign of let up of this heat. So far I've only had 2 small salads, gave some to my son & wife & sent some to CO with the boys... and gave a bowl full to the neighbor that gives me eggs all the time. Crazy summer, sure didn't grow like last year & is/was new dirt.

I'm going to grab a bite to eat & go to bed. Been a super long day & I worked hard!

Good night, Janie... and all. Sweet dreams & God Bless.

Patricia, my blood pressure is fine, under control with meds, but it would have shown up much better if I hadn't had to wait for so long.  The E.R. I went to is in the hospital.  My doc's office is in Bldg.#3.  It's really a huge medical complex.  I know a lot of you familiar with Dallas have probably heard of Presbyterian Hospital, which now goes by the name Texas Health. Just to indicate how busy their ER is, the CT Scan guy said he had run 200 CT's in one day. That seems a bunch to me, but I guess when they think you need one (maybe) it's best to find out if you have bleeding on the brain, or busted bones in your leg, etc. (that was just regular Xray).  All of the people I dealt with there were friendly, professional, helpful with great attitudes. Awhile back, the Critical Care folks were building a lot of neighborhood CC offices. After many people locally had really bad experience with being charged gigantic bills for something simple like a shot, they got bad publicity and one-by-one they closed up.  There were two or three within 2-3 miles from me, and would have been handier to go to, rather than the hospital proper. 
Patricia, my balance is not always the greatest because of an inner ear problem, but this accident wasn't balance, just being slew-footed. Your old standard trip-and-fall.  It could have been a lot worse.  I have been catching heck from daughter and two neighbors for not having my cell phone on me. (I tell them I will not be tied to that phone..basically I hate it)
In the ER waiting room, everyone was staring down at their phones, playing videos or live conversations at decibels I don't even use on my stereo, plus the various annoying ring-tones.  Oh, well, I have griped enough about everything except the world conditions, and I don't think I'm up to that just yet.  We are supposed to be in the 100 degree plus for most of next week, with no real chance for cooling or rain. So will just sit in the A/C, read and binge movies and try not to fall over the furniture!!
My best to all who are having real serious health problems. As I said Grace today, I asked for blessings for "all my Seniors & Friends". (I did manage to make me a fairly tasty, nutritious supper - that's why I was asking blessings during Grace instead of regular prayer time). I love you all, and my life is richer from being able to read all the posts here. It's like having a "girl-friend" party right here in the living room! 

Good morning..

Happy 4th to you..

Love these cooler temps!! C/a off, windows open..nice! Playing catch up today then finish a binding and that should be the day.

Shirley, I water only once a day and not always each day. Water thoroughly so the water drains out the bottom. If you can get grass clippings and put between the rows that would help hold in the moisture..or try some peat moss.

Tome...we go from needing soothers to cell phones    I dislike my phone but know it is a life line for help if need be. Hope you're feeling better today..

Enjoy your day and stay safe.

Good Morning Everyfriend!  I pray for everyone who needs prayers every day and I ask Him go be with you if you need Him!

AMY, congrats on the juice!  I'm sure glad you're enjoying it.  I'm going out and get my breakfast now.  I wish everyone a great day...better than yesterday but not as good as tomorrow!

Happy Independence Day to all around the world. From every mountaintop, river bottom, prairie vista, city park, suburb, garden, balcony, from every cliff, from every phone, from every computer, from wherever you are watching, learning, caring, and sharing, let freedom ring! May you have a heavenly day, now and many forever's
 Mycheal

                    

Good morning, everyone, nothing is new here other than my internet slows down and is intermittent, but all you hear is, "They're aware of the issue, and they're working on it." Everyone seems to be having issues as I was on hold for one hour and forty-six minutes. I almost missed their answering as I had the phone set on speaker and was playing Mahjong on my Kindle.

Joanne, thanks for answering me. I guess we're just wearing out these bodies one way or the other.

I hope everyone has a nice holiday and a safe one!

"I nicknamed everyone in the gym. It was easier than remembering their names."  Gold's Gym Founder Joe Gold

"The racecourse is as level as a billiard ball." Former Jockey/Television Pundit John Francome

Insurance claims of the deeply distracted:  "The accident happened because I had one eye on the truck in front, one eye on the pedestrian, and the other on the car behind."  Actual insurance claim

"The past is malleable and flexible, changing as our recollection interprets and re-explains what has happened." Socialogist Peter Berger

Patricia, thank goodness I had my eyes in front this morning heading it town. A beautiful doe made me slam on the brakes and we didn't kiss!!

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!!!

The kids are coming over for supper pretty soon so I have to put this thing away before that happens.  Mikey likes to inspect!  Hope you're all having a good day!

The flag is in, fireworks winding down... they have been amazing (that word gets over used but NOT IN THIS CASE).  I stopped to watch as I gathered up the branches & brush the workers cut down last Monday, they did take one large bundle with them to dump but I said I could get the rest out. So tired I'm about cross eyed. Will have a bite to eat & go to bed. I do feel sorry for all the wildlife & pets that don't understand and are afraid.

Wishing all sweet dreams, kind thoughts and all problems solved tomorrow. So what would we talk about?  Janie, I'm going to snag that photo of you & tell everyone it's me (not that they will believe me), but you look like how I wish I looked!  On that note I am heading to bed. God Bless Every One of You and all the family members YOU love and we love to hear about.

Frustrated as I get with these computers, gotta love 'em 'cause they brought us together.... and Big Thanks to our buddy in the background that keeps us going plus his helpers that never get enough credit for the time they spend keeping us in line.

Yes, thanks to Bubble who is always there for us!

Sure nuff, Patricia..... and I really am going to eat a bite & go to bed!  Was reading the obits in the newspapers where a lot of relatives live and where I grew up. A classmate died, we had a very large high school class, 7 elementary schools dumped into a single building that held from 8th thru Senior year of high school. I think I knew everyone in my graduating class of 1953, but some I hadn't seen since then. You can turn out the lights!

Good morning..

Beautiful soft rain falling.   We are off to the city, not the chocolate and cheese one but the other way. Meeting up with Bri to exchange goodies. She has two flats of raspberries for me and I have jars and a surprise for her.

Better get everything ready.

Enjoy your day and stay safe.

Morning all, Today's 'armchair walk' is a place called Bramber Castle.

Hope you enjoy.

-Roley (peter)

new game: find ...

https://www.seniorsandfriends.org/village-clubhouse~place-for-fun!/trivia-quiz-and-more-games/msg220343/#msg220343

Hello all, head still a bit mixed up. i have found this site, would you like to have a walk with me, and we can look around this castle together.

We live just a few miles away from this Castle in Sussex/Kent border.

Best wishes,

Peter aka Roley.

I am back from the clinic. My symptoms  and fatigue of the last few days explained: the Corona virus found me!
I don't know how, since I haven't been out of the house for so long and did not have visitors or see anyone.
Illy and Aviv  test almost daily because of work and school rules, and they are negative.

Well it is a one week  isolation, not that it will change anything.
I don't feel sick, just tired.

Bubble - So sorry you've contracted Covid!!    They say this latest variant, that has recently started up here in California, will end up getting to all of us eventually.   Our local health department head announced yesterday, that apparently all the shots and boosters we've had, are worthless against this particular one, but do give us some level of protection.
Hope you feel better soon.     

Roley -  Just want you to know how much I'm enjoying all of your walking tour videos.    I especially like the last two Castle walks. 

The rain is still soothing the ground. Our day was amazing!Didn't start out on a good note though..as we went to pull out onto the road I noticed  the kit.....the two little critters I saw last week but couldn't get a good look are kits....now down to one Came back in and got a shovel and got him off the road..

Met up with Bri and she gave us 24 23 now containers of delicious raspberries. We surprised her with a tea wagon.

Now to sit and relax..for a bit then freeze some of the raspberries.

Bubble, so sorry to hear covid visited you. Take it easy and get lots of rest.

It's been a long and busy day!  We did lots and in between I did some knitting and playing with doggies.  The kids didn't come over today because Emma had a dr. appt.  Jim went and stayed with a sleeping Mikey while Ali took Emma. 

We had a repair man here to fix the dryer and then a cleaning lady (or 2) to clean the house and we had to stay out of their way!  Now we're all ready for bed.

Loved the walk for today!  Thank you Roley/Peter!

I'm off to get myself ready for bed, read a couple chapters of my book and then get some sleep.  I wish you all a peaceful night's sleep and a happy tomorrow.  Be safe. Be happy!

Got to make this short. I just finished watching the videos of the castles so late to bed for me!  Thanks, Peter, I have thoroughly enjoyed the walks & am going to try to send the links to a friend my age that has never been to England but fascinated by the history & devours the information and walks.  The summer heat has been so awful this year it really does help to have these adventures to make one feel like we've actually been outside. So happy to have you back.

It seems like the early part of the day was long ago, I did get out to clean the pool and water flowers before it got too hot, the rest of the day a blur of miserable heat.

Bubble, so sorry Covid found you.  Do hope it doesn't last long or hit hard. I don't think anyone will get by without one version or another and believe more & more after effects will be discovered as time passes. (((hugs)))

Sweet dreams and God Bless each and every one.