Norms Bait and Tackle

MarsGal · October 24, 2022, 03:04:24 PM

Sandy, I plan on moseying over to Best Buy tomorrow. I called them yesterday and discovered that the local stores are no longer taking calls. When did that happen? It must have been recent. The answering CSR did tell me that they do have sim cards available at my local store, and a lot less expensive than I expected. A lot less! He also said that they will set it all up for me, but I will still have to contact TracFone to finish up. The CSR sounded like he was very familiar with the problem. I sure hope that the sim card was the problem and not the phone itself or something at their end (which is what it sounds like to me). If it doesn't resolve soon. I will just tell them to cancel my contract and would they like their phone back.

This week I am going to be in and out a lot, what with three appointments plus lunch with my sister. Next week Oscar goes to the vet for his annual.

CallieOK · October 25, 2022, 11:28:59 AM

Good Morning. I'm dropping in to share some Good News!

Dil's CT scan yesterday showed that all cancer spots have shrunk!!!!! "Plan C" (3rd chemo med) seems to be working. Doctor isn't ready to say "remission" but indicated dil is close.

Off to do desk work and errands (including filling in and mailing absentee ballot).
TTYL

MaryPage · October 25, 2022, 11:49:31 AM

Our local Elections Office has deemed me a true, blue Ancient now and put me in a category I previously had not even imagined existed: that of "Permanent" Mail-In Ballot voter!

Well, it is a Good Thing! I cannot possibly even totter to the polls, much less stand in a line. And I require my own chariot with chauffeur, as I no longer drive. Suits me, and I find it best all around!

Marilyne · October 25, 2022, 02:12:13 PM

Callie - Great news about Mandi's CT scan! I remember that things were looking bleak, the last time you posted about her, so it's so good to hear that the chemo med is working. We'll be hoping and praying that she will soon hear that wonderful word . . . REMISSION!

Mary Page - So you've reached the status of "Permanent" Mail-In Ballot voter!" Sounds good to me, and if I haven't landed in that category yet, I'm sure I soon will. This afternoon I plan to mark my ballot, and mail it in within the next couple of days.

MarsGal - Hope you got your TracFone problems all taken care of at Best Buy! Enjoy your lunch out with your sister.

Sandy - Always nice to see a message from you. My older daughter also has the Jitterbug Smart3 cell phone. She loves hers and the fact that it's so affordable. She must have the same plan that you have?

Shirley - Good to see you posting here in B&T! Come back again soon, and join in the conversation. Things have been quiet in here recently, but will be picking up again, as we approach the Holidays!

MarsGal · October 25, 2022, 04:46:34 PM

Smart phone works now. Hurry! All the Best Buy guy did was put in a new sim card. I could have done that myself. The guy I talked to yesterday made it sound like he had to do something more. Came home, decompressed, called TracFone and after a few tries with that darn automated answering idiot, got a real live person who programed in my new sim card and then we tested the phone.

Callie, that is indeed good news.

Tomereader1 · October 25, 2022, 06:32:54 PM

Oh, the day, the day! For once I got an early start. I'm not usually an early bird, but I needed to get to Kroger and use my digital coupons before 5 of them expired. Got there, found a good parking space, they even had baskets in the lobby area (I mention this because lately, you go up there, there are NO baskets, and obviously no one to bring them in from the parking lot). But I digress. Got all the aisles covered, got most of my coupon items (two were not currently in stock). Found only one human-being checkout person, so got in line (I despise those self-check things, they defy me every time I try). Put my treasures on the belt, turned to see a lady in an electric cart behind me. Recognition happened, like a bolt from the blue! I recognized her first, then she recognized me, even with my face mask on; said "Oh, my God" got up from the cart, grabbed me in a big hug, kisses on both cheeks, more hug! This is a lady I have known since she was a small girl, I worked as secretary for her father for years. Both my daughters were in her wedding as flower girls! We spoke rather quickly, from necessity and I helped her put her shopping on the belt. Then the day fell all (pardon my french)to hell. She asked did I know that M _ _had died. This was also a friend I had worked with for those yearsand I had been in touch with her as late as this last October. I was gobsmacked! I knew she was having health problems, but assumed she was going into assisted living. I had called her phonefrom November of 2021, December 2021 and Mother's Day this year. Only ever got her voice mail. The both of us nearly went into a crying jag, but managed to hold that off. And this is a day that dawned clear, cool, beautiful blue sky. Then a fog of sadness when you least expect it. (sorry about the changing of the font)

Marilyne · October 26, 2022, 11:33:52 AM

Earthquake here yesterday! It was a 5.1 magnitude, followed a few minutes later by an aftershock of 4 something? The epicenter was in South San Jose, about 10 plus miles from here. They always startle the heck out of everyone, because there is no warning. After any quake, the Bay Area TV channels and radio stations go off regular programming and straight to earthquake news - taking phone calls/reports of any damage, etc. This magnitude was quite high, but very little damage and no one hurt. So that was my excitement for the day yesterday. Most likely, those of you in other parts of the country, didn't see any news stories about this one?

Joanne - How sad for you to find out so suddenly about the passing of your old friend! What a shock it must have been for you, standing in the check- out line at Kroger! The only good thing was that you reconnected with another old friend who you had lost contact with, so hope you will be seeing her in the future.

Time to refill my coffee cup, and have some breakfast. It's about 8:30 here now, so a long day ahead. I hope to make the best of it, and get something done around here?

MaryPage · October 27, 2022, 11:45:06 PM

I had to have Chip (my son) help me with something in Google and found I was missing my Favorites List and could not get in here without it! Oh Well;
I had to take the long way in. For now.

Denver · October 31, 2022, 01:18:30 AM

Happy Hall🎃ween Eve.

We had Sunday Dinner with Dr. Dave and family then enjoyed watching the kiddos carve their pumpkins 🎃 We all enjoyed our time together very much.

Yesterday we spent time with our other two Colorado Grands. We are feeling pretty blessed to have this fun two days in a row🦋🦋

MARILYN, I thought about you when I learned about the earthquake. Our son called immediately after....his phone went off warning of the quake just as he felt the rock he was sitting on shaking. Thankful that there was no real damage as it was a pretty good size quake. I prefer to not expierence one while I am there please🙏🤪

CALLIE, what wonderful news you have shared regarding Mandi's latest test results. Thanks be to God for this good news.

Doctoring, keto dieting etc. have had me not in the best frame of mind recently, but I am trying my best to concentrate on only the positive things. We will get out of here in another week and hopefully I can leave my blues behind! No doctor appointments, no oxygen needed I am beginning to smile already🥰🥰🥰

Pleasant dreams to all.

Jenny

MarsGal · October 31, 2022, 07:18:35 AM

Morning Everyone!

Dealing with another emergency. Shan developed a P problem on Friday. I took him to the vet only to be told that he needed to go to the emergency vet in Harrisburg (the only one left in this area). He has bladder stones and needed to be flushed out. Yesterday morning I brought him home, minus $4300, with meds and instructions. Yesterday afternoon I went hunting for prescription food to try out on him. The prescription food is outrageously high, BTW. Because he was mostly taken care of by the night staff, the med timing has me mostly up between midnight and 2AM, so this is going to whack out my sleep pattern. Shan doesn't get more meds until 10am so it is a nice break, but now I am wide awake. Shan is being pretty good about the whole thing, bless him.

We've had some nice weather and it seems we will be in the 60s and low 70s for the next 10 days.

Marilyne · October 31, 2022, 10:46:24 AM

Good morning everyone. It's only 7:30 here, so still very early. I see a long day ahead, ending in Trick or Treaters that start around 6:00 o'clock here. I have to make a quick trip to Safeway or Walgreen's, to get a few bags of candy before it's all sold out.

MarsGal - So sorry you had a such a serious emergency with Shan, but glad he is doing okay. Now you'll spend this whole week tending to him and his medicine schedule. I'm shocked at the size of your vet bill! $4300 is a huge amount of money, but I know Shan is worth every penny. I remember way back when you rescued him when he was just a tiny abandoned kitten.

Jenny - Good to see your message, and to know that everything is going well with all the grandkids. Interesting that your SF son got the earthquake warning on his phone. Lots of people on my Next Door mentioned that they got a warning, just a few seconds before it hit. I guess we'll have to look into getting that app for our phones? A few seconds is better than nothing.
I hope you got my email? I sent it to your Jenny Hardin address.

Hoping everyone has a Happy Halloween!

MarsGal · October 31, 2022, 12:55:18 PM

Huh! I have been noticing the last few days that some of the ships traversing the Great Lakes have changed their ship destination designators to and US in front of the shipyard destination. Ex: USCLE for Cleveland, USTOL for Toledo.

Shan just had his liquid med a half hour ago. He won't have any more meds until 6pm. Think I will go take a nap.

Marilyne, of course I had to go buy an expensive ceramic water fountain for the little bugger, and prices for prescription dry cat food start at a little over $50 for 8lb. Ouch! The wet stuff is close to twice the price of regular high end canned cat food.

Oscar goes in for his annual on Friday, so they are making room for Shan if I need to bring him along for a post-op check-up.

Denver · October 31, 2022, 08:25:01 PM

🎃 HAPPY HALLOWEEN 🎃

Looked back to see something and lost my entire post😩😩

MARILYN, I realized after I went to bed last night that I did not comment on your daughter moving to Palm Springs. I am sorry she will be further away from you but I hope she loves it there. We really liked it after visiting Mark and family. I still look at real estate there. I do not remember a email from you recently, but I will go and look🤪

MARSGAL, I am sad to read about Shan's need for emergency vet service. Sorry for you also as it is hard to see our fur balls not feeling well not to mention the horrible cost😩😩. Why did you have to buy a ceramic water bowl? Was the material in the one you had the cause for the bladder balls?
Sure hope Shan does well on the meds and will not have to go in with Oscar.

I bought my Smokey Cat a new fountain that looks like a water faucet as he loves to drink out of our sink. Do you think he drinks out of the drip?? Absolutely not....he drinks out of the bowl as far away from the flowing water as possible‼️🤪

Have a good evening.

Jenny

MarsGal · November 01, 2022, 08:18:25 AM

Cats always seem to throw us for a loop don't they Jenny, just when you think you have them figured out.

The emergency vet recommended ceramic bowls over plastic. She also noted that many critters just do not like stainless steel (mine didn't). I found this article explaining the differences. https://www.thesprucepets.com/food-and-water-bowls-551963 Oscar had a problem with blackheads, so my vet recommended I switch his food dishes to ceramic. It worked. The clincher for me was that it is dishwasher safe. I suppose I could try stainless-steel again. Might have if I had read the article, but Oscar and Lucy were not fond of the one I got them. Also, I was concerned about possible radioactive material which had been reported in some stainless-steel products from China several years ago.

Marilyne · November 01, 2022, 01:37:20 PM

MarsGal - Welcome to my basement! You can pick and choose a variety of sizes of ceramic soup bowls, serving bowls and old clear or white glass mixing bowls. All leftovers from my years of working in the antique biz, and specializing in dinnerware, china, glassware, and kitchenware!
For water, my cats preferred the smallest size glass Mixmaster mixing bowl. The straight sides and the height, made it easy for them to drink, without bending down. I used to joke that they had preferences for various dinnerware patterns and colors, for their regular meals.
My cats also didn't like stainless steel. I never tried plastic, so don't know how that would have gone over? I dislike plastic, and have none in the kitchen that I use for food.

Denver · November 01, 2022, 11:14:33 PM

Good evening 🦋

The first day of November is in the books🤪

I had a call this morning from my internist office saying there are concerns on a lab test and he wants me to set up a telehealth appointment. Now I get to try to figure out HOW to do this and wait to hear what the issue is. I am grumbling.....why can't they just talk to us like they used to do?

You are absolutely right, MARSGAL. Cats will always have us questioning their motives. 🤪🤪. I looked at the article you shared. Interest and low and behold when I looked at suggested fountains and there I see is the one I bought for Smokey🤪🤪🤪 Hope Shan is showing big improvement🙏

Pleasant dreams to you all.

Jenny

MarsGal · November 02, 2022, 07:31:03 AM

Thanks, Jenny, he seems to be. Yesterday morning he was a bit lethargic but perked up in the afternoon. He is pretty lively this morning too. I think the Purina UR salmon in gravy is a hit. I'll have to get more but I hope I can get it in 3oz cans rather than the 5.5oz cans. Neither cat cares much for day old, refrigerated food even if I heat it slightly. So far so good on the new ceramic water dish. I like it and Shan, who likes very much to play with his water, has not gotten it all dirty with cat litter like the previous dish. If he starts getting it and his paws mucked up, I will have to move the litter box out of "his" room. That litter is a real pain to clean off his paws. It gets like cement.

Like yesterday, but without much success, I intend on doing some more cleaning and hunting for more stuff to get rid of.

After not watching most of the summer, I am back to checking out the Nuuk, Greenland airport cams. I had not realized that they were building on to the airport until the other day. The new runway is well on its way and may be close to being done. The paving appears to be finished and all the runway lights installed. This morning they had a drone flying over the new runway with all its lights on. The new terminal is still in progress. Meanwhile, it looks like one of the buildings across from the cam site is partly dismantled. What was really neat, aside from the drone, is that the webcam looking South showed what I see out my front window before dawn - Orion and his trusty hunting dog, Sirius. This time of year, the constellation is just about directly in front of me around 4-5am. I'll have a ring-side seat if Betelgeuse decides to explode in the early morning hours during the fall/early winter months.

MarsGal · November 03, 2022, 09:48:39 AM

Mighty quiet in here for the last 24hrs. Everyone doing okay?

This morning I ordered one of those cat litter systems using pellets instead of litter. If they take to it, I will get another. The plastic cat litter boxes are old and could use replacing. Also, Shan seems to think the water dishes are fun places to play and splash around in enough to get the water dishes dirty right quick. The regular litter is getting too heavy to cart up and down stairs when I completely change it out. The lightweight cat litter is getting dragged all over the place, especially with Shan's long hair. So, time to try something new. I am still trying to find a vet prescription cat food that Shan will eat. He is not eating much. He didn't touch any of his food this morning. He was very quick to note that I was trying to get his piles down him by crushing it in his wet food. He is also managing to spit out most of what I chuck down his throat. My sister told me to try what she called a pill shooter; it works well for her. I found one on Amazon that is well rated, much better than what PetSmart sells. Also, PetSmart doesn't sell 3oz Purina UR cans which work much better with my cats They don't seem to like the cat food if it sits in the can for a day or two. Royal Canin comes in a 3oz chicken flavor, but Shan doesn't care for it too much. Needless to say, I am wasting a lot of money and time trying to get him to eat and to take his pills. Tomorrow they both go to the vet for a check-up.

RAMMEL · November 03, 2022, 10:20:19 AM

Quote from: MarsGal on November 03, 2022, 09:48:39 AMThey don't seem to like the cat food if it sits in the can for a day or two.

Could you take the left over, food left in the can, and put it in a glazed dish, cover, and refrigerate? There should be no residual taste or smell from the can. Set it out ahead of time to warm up naturally (no microwave). If covering with plastic wrap is no good, try a flat dish over it.
When we had Max (our cat) if there was a pea in his food it would be left in his dish when he was finished.

MaryPage · November 04, 2022, 12:45:21 AM

Oh, but that is So funny! I had a cat that did the Same Thing! I have not thought of that for years. Thanks for the memory.

Vanilla-Jackie · November 04, 2022, 01:45:51 AM

Rammel - Mary Page - MarsGal..
...if you want fun, try hiding a pill - tablet in a piece of food that has to be given to a dog or a cat...Cats and dogs , you cant fool them...they still eat the food but, spit out the tablet..

Marilyne · November 04, 2022, 01:29:42 PM

Jackie, yes - I remember that too. Dogs and cats both. Somehow they are able to consume all the food, leaving the pill intact, and then spitting the pill across the room. You can't help laughing when you watch, and then hear it hit the floor.

CallieOK · November 04, 2022, 02:13:56 PM

The only way I could prevent our cock-a-peke-a-poo (cocker/Pekinese/poodle mix) from leaving a pill in his dish was to crush it and mix it with - of all things! - vegetable soup!!!! Soup didn't have to be heated but he loved it.

Our temperature started the morning at 72º. About noon an Arctic front(Thanks, Patricia!) came through and dropped the temp. to 48º-feels-like-43º. Rain has, so far, stayed west of OKC but the southeastern part of the state "may" have tornadoes later today.

I've switched from a long-sleeved tee to a heavy sweatshirt and gotten the very warm throw positioned in the recliner.
Guess how I'm going to spend the rest of the day.

MarsGal · November 05, 2022, 07:46:41 AM

Both cats got the thumbs up by their vet yesterday. Shan is still not eating the special food. I did mix some regular in with it yesterday evening and he ate part of it. Vet says it is okay to let Oscar eat it if Shand doesn't. This morning Oscar ate both plates, the little pig.

New cat food came in yesterday, so I will try that later today. Mostly these are those "cuts" things with gravy. The best I can usually hope for is that the gravy gets licked off, I have even tried smushing the cuts into bits, but Shan still won't eat it. Rammel, I am trying out removing the leftovers to another container, but I don't think it will have any effect since he won't even try a newly opened can. I may have to resort to buying the non-prescription urinary health cat food.

Today, I am to get the new litter system and another cat food case. Some of these I am trying I couldn't get in single cans, therefore the case, and probably a lot of wasted money. I am also expecting a pill "shooter". The vet said Shan doesn't need the pills anymore (he has not shown any pain or signs of irritation) so it will at least be on hand for future events.

Today and tomorrow, we are expecting record highs, going up to around 77^o. There are leaves begging to be raked, and a ton of pine needles out back begging the same. Oh, my aching back! Meanwhile, in the house, more laundry, dishes and vacuuming (another back killer). On my future buy agenda, a new vacuum that is easier on my back, and a new dehumidifier before next summer. I may have to put off some of the house upgrades I wanted next spring until I pay down the kitchen remodel and the vet bills.

Next week Sue and I may try out the new restaurant that opened in the former Hoss's building. They are calling it the Enola Diner. So far, it is getting good reviews although some people were disappointed that there wasn't anything "fancy" (my word) on the menu. Well, what do they expect from a place with Diner in their name. Of course, Sue may decide she needs to feed her Chinese food habit instead.

Marilyne · November 05, 2022, 11:19:56 AM

MarsGal - The name, Enola Diner, immediately caught my eye. It reminded me of the Enola Gay, the airplane that dropped the Atomic bomb on Hiroshima. I looked up the name Enola, and see that it is a palindrome . . . Alone, spelled backwards. The bomber airplane was actually named after the mother of the pilot. I hope you and your sister decide to eat there. If so, let me know if there is anything significant about the diner?

MarsGal · November 05, 2022, 01:07:05 PM

Marilyne, I doubt there is anything significant about the diner. I am curious to see how they decorated it inside, but I don't expect a lot of difference since Hoss's had it decorated up with lots of local historical photos and such.

Enola was the daughter of a local farmer who, after selling two acres of his land to PRR to build a flag station, was given the honor of naming the new train station. The town that grew up around the station and yard took on the name Enola.

Okay, so for the new Breeze potty box system initial thoughts. First, the cats have not discovered it yet. I have it back beside the other box and put a few little deposits from the other box in it so they might get the idea of what it is for. The instructions said to let the old box get really dirty since cats dislike dirty potties. That should be another encouragement to use the new one. Also, I might like to add some of the pellets in with the original box so they can get a "feel" for them. Hmmmm! The thing came with two 3.5lb bags. I was under the impression that I only needed to use one, as it stated in the ads. Unfortunately, they did not state that that amount was for the smaller boxes. I had to use both bags in this one. Also, the two bags do not entirely cover the whole bottom of the box. Turns out the bottom of the box slopes toward the middle so that any liquid runs off into the bottom tray with the pad. Solid waste does not get buried, so must be scooped frequently. As with regular litter, change pellets monthly. At some point I will remove the old box from the room, especially if I see them using the new-fangled thing. They still will have the box out on the porch and the one down the basement. However, the instructions say to remove those too and get another of the fancy system so that they are forced to use it instead. For some reason, I am not optimistic.

Marilyne · November 05, 2022, 03:24:04 PM

MarsGal - I didn't realize that there is a city named Enola! So of course the new name for the Hoss Diner, is the Enola Diner! I was looking for something cryptic or special, in the name. ha ha. Well, it gave me a chance to do a little research on the name, and the plane . . . both of which were quite interesting.

Denver · November 06, 2022, 12:04:09 AM

Good evening. Just want to say HELLO and see how you all are doing?

Tonight we have to FALL BACK and change the clocks AGAIN. I keep hearing ever so often that we might be done with daylight savings time, and yet once again here we are changing again 😩‼️

We have had our first official snow fall. Unfortunately we made the national news telling of the horrendous 100 plus car pile up do to the quick temperature drop and black ice forming to cause it. 😩

The time is passing quickly and we are getting close to departure date to CA. I have to admit I am more than anxious to be out of here.....away from doctors and tests etc.‼️ Another issue has come to light from a blood test and 24 hour urine. The doctor has requested a telehealth call to discuss. UGH..... I just want to run away‼️

I had to laugh at the comments about trying to hid pills for cats or dogs....never an easy task. Last time we had to do this we just opened the mouth...threw the pill in and held the mouth shut until they swallowed....it worked ‼️‼️

MARSGAL, I was looking forward to hearing about the new litter system you ordered. Sounds like you are doing your best to get the kitties to learn to use this new box. Glad Shan is doing so much better.

Time to head off to bed....pleasant dreams to all.

Jenny

Vanilla-Jackie · November 06, 2022, 01:34:14 AM

Jenny...
... never worked for me, as soon as my hands came away ( no matter how long they had been there ) out spat the pill...

Marilyne · November 06, 2022, 06:20:47 PM

Looks like it might actually rain later tonight? $:-\$ Keeping our fingers crossed that it will happen. It's been a long time, and the earth is parched and dry. Fortunately we've had a cooler than usual Fall, with lots of fog, and a couple of light rain events in the High Sierra mountains, so the wildfire season was not as bad this year as in years past. Grateful for that!

Jenny - Being as it's Sunday, you probably haven't had the Telehealth conference with your doctor yet? Hoping it will be something that can be taken care of quickly and easily. You have been through enough this past year with health issues! Keeping positive thoughts going here for you! 🙏🙏

Callie - Your cock-a-peke-a-poo, sounds adorable. I know how cute those small dog mixes can be. We had the sweetest little cock-a-poo named Thumper. She was a wonderful pet.
Glad to hear that the tornado was not close. Hoping we all stay clear of destructive weather events this year.

MarsGal - good to hear that Shan and Oscar are both in good health and ready to face the Winter!

Hi to Jackie, MaryPage, Rick, Tome, Sandy, and all others who look in and read this discussion!

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