Hi Mars!  Good to see you posting here.  I refuse to give up on Bait & Tackle, so will always try to respond if anyone posts a message here?   I'm not one of the  members who was active in the early B&T, but I enjoyed the later years, when Mary Ann and many others posted here. (Who are now no longer with us).  It's only been you, Jenny, Mary Page and occasionally Sandy in the past year.  That's okay, as there's just a few people in most of the S&F folders now. 

About your Yellowjackets!  Are they similar to wasps?  We had a wasp infestation here a few years ago, and tried all sorts of way to get rid of them.  They were coming into an upstairs bedroom, through a opening  above the window.  Long story short, we finally called an exterminator, and he reached up and inserted a spray nozzle  into the hole and gave a couple of quick sprays.  I don't remember the cost but it was low.  Said to call him if they returned, and they never did. Then we had to clean up the area in the closet where they had established their "nest".

I agree with your comment that Amazon deliveries have slowed down considerably, an d the packages arrive dented and torn, and sometimes the contents are damaged as well.  I have heard that orders are  backlogged and they can't hire enough people to make timely deliveries?

When is your sister's surgery?  Hope it will be successful, and that she'll have an easy recuperation.

We haven't heard from Mary Page in a long time?   Last she wrote Chip was arriving home from Seattle, and would need some recuperation after his long stay in the hospital?  Hoping they are both doing well.

Yes, Yellowjackets are a wasp. Very aggressive normally, these are not. I assume that is because it is because the weather has cooled down. Their favorite nesting sites are in the ground, but they will nest elsewhere if it is suitable. They must have found something they like about the corner of my roof. Since my roof space if rather holey, I occasionally get birds in there, Nice place for bats too, but I haven't seen any. I have found the occasional dead mouse and wonder why the squirrels haven't taken advantage. So, I am spending more money and getting the thing sealed up. I rather suspect they won't find all the holes.

Sue's surgery is on Nov. 3. I expect I will have to drive over in the dark. They seem to like to schedule these things in the morning. She is not allowed to bring anything in with her; it all has to stay with me until she is out of surgery and assigned a room. It will be a long day.

Good Sunday morning to ALL.

Our week was super busy.....a doctor appointments nearly every day‼️

Pain doc on Monday......released me until I need him again.  My epidural shots seemed to do a great job this time....the most relief I have ever had, and I a EXTREMELY happy.  It is not gone by any means but so much more bearable 🙏

Bob saw the new cardiologist regarding his frequent A-fib.  He will see the doctor that would do ablation next week to see what he has to say.

Had my dental appointment Friday.  I liked the office and everyone involved very much...bad news is they could not find anything wrong with my tooth... they tapped and tapped and pushed on gums... nothing.  Xrays showed nothing so I now need to see a endodontist and let them see if they can come up with something🤷  As he was tapping and pushing on all the gums... all I could think was PLEASE DON'T CAUSE IT TO START HURTING AGAIN‼️

We got our Covid Shots on Friday.  All vaccines are now up to date. 

Saturday I had my Mammogram......

 I got my report back from the Color Guard test and it is fine‼️‼️‼️ Yea, no colonoscopy for me‼️

That pretty much catches me up on my news🥰🥰

It is official .....we have qualified as the "all we do is go to doctors" club‼️.....we are hoping to move on to something fun, but it just never seems to end‼️

MARS, I am sorry you still have the Yellowjackets still trying to board with you.  Glad they are not as aggressive as they could be.  Best of luck yo your sister on her surgery.  I know she is thankful to have you helping her through this🙏

MARILYN, I am sad that we do not have more posters here in Norm's😩😩😩 Thank you for keeping us going🥰🥰

We are going to Dave's today for dinner and suffer through the Bronco / Cheeseheads game.  It is a beautiful day here in the Mile High City......perfect football weather.. GO BRONCOS 🏈🏈🏈

Getting some snow, Denver? 

Hello Marilyne, time on my hand and I went searching. Has been so good to hear from you and have been reading news of Denver, Mary page, Marsgirl and all. I am still here in Aged Care, and looks like another Christmas coming up.  I was surorised that I was able to get in.
Bubble, have you and your family very much on my mind these days.
What a turmoil the world has turned into.  I once believed that WW2 was the War to end all Wars.  I have a Great Grand daughter,Ruby, 18 years, who has been of great interest to me as she has grown to this age.  In Australia at present there are many huge bushfires after much flooding .   Marilyne how are your hands these days. i have a couple of fingers that lock often and this reminds me of your troublesome hands.
Thought of Norm today when I went searching, and remember well the day we met him when
I was with Wimzy and we were travelling along the shores of Lake Michigan.  Have great memories to look back on of my visit to your country.  Keep well,dear friends,    junee.

Junee..
...good seeing your post this morning 

Jackie UK

Confession time!  I have been experiencing some senile dementia, and what with that and the upsetting changes in climate we are having to deal with, not to mention the disturbing breakout of wars and killing and, like others of us, I was so sure World War II would put an end to hatred, and have been so disillusioned to find that not true, and we have just had our five hundred & somethingth mass shooting, and Hey!  They are not leaving a gal a chance to breathe, let alone view the world as a happy, sunny place for her now 28 great grandchildren to live in.

Hey There, Junee!  Always good to hear from an old friend.

I sure did not know that about eucalyptus!  Did y'all?  Wow!

Yes, I think of Bubble and her world quite often.  How brave she is.  Well, HAS to be!

Jenny, I have followed with fascination your saga of pain and the resulting shots that seem to have finally taken hold for you.  So Glad!  So Glad!

I now suffer what I believe to be bone pains, as opposed to muscle pains.  I don't really know, and will ask my doctor on my visit next month.  These pains are both lower and upper back, and especially in both hips when I wake up mornings.  I tell you true:  getting old never fails to pile on stuff.  But I'd rather be Here than any place I know!  (Old song.)

Chip is taking good care of me.  They won't let me have so much as a grain of sugar or salt these days.  Bummer!  Chip is wearing a medical boot (don't think rubber or leather, but thick cloth he has to sort of ribbon together) and will have that until he gets back to Seattle for the final ordeal of surgery.  He plans to stay with me until the life force leaves me, with Abigail coming here to visit occasionally.  Then he will wind up a citizen of the state of Washington.  Fortunately, if there is such a thing in these circumstances, it is his left foot that is in so much trouble, so he can drive me to doctor's appointments, etc.  Speaking of which, I have now had all 3 of the shots I was advised to get:  RSV (my voice constantly says RSVP, and then I have to correct myself in order to prove, or try to prove, I am not a complete idiot.), and COVID 19 (HUH?) and this year's flu shot. Oh, and speaking of A-Fib; I "have that" and asked my doctor several months ago how to tell when it is acting up and he replied, and I confess I haven't sorted this out yet, "Oh, you are in A-Fib ALL THE TIME!}  Scheesch!  Another question for my next visit.

As for the great grands, Cleo Age Two next month being the youngest and Emily, who turned 30 this month, begin and end the list.  Sam has graduated college and is headed for grad school.  Emily earned her degree and is a successful architect.  Simon is a Freshman this year, as is Darling Leah.  Different colleges entirely.  Bella will graduate in May and head for Law School.  I am no doubt forgetting someone, but perfection is not my scene, darn it!

And there you are!  I am fairly lucid at the moment, and so urge you to know I'm still 94 and planning on more!  Lots & lots of love to each one of you, and here's to this old planet righting itself in every way.  I want what YOU want: an end to our mass shootings, an end to all the hatred, an end to all wars, and for the 4 seasons to right themselves and behave as we are accustomed to their doing.

Mary Page - SO GOOD to hear from you!  I was worried about you and so were many of your other friends here in S&F.  Good to know that you're doing reasonably well for age 94, and that Chip is healing from his recent surgery.
Yes, we are all concerned about the sudden turn of events in the Middle East, that has escalated into a full scale war.  I have four different TV channels that I check throughout the day, and a map of Israel, so I can see what's going on where.     

Bubble -  I pray for you and your family, that you will all remain safe and far from danger.  I don't know exactly where you live, but remember that you said you were in the North?   Lots going on there now also.   My great-granddaughter, was in Israel during the month of August this year!   They stayed at a Kibbutz somewhere for a couple of weeks, but I know not where? (Not the one that was invaded.)  Then toured around different areas of the Country.  She loved it there, and wanted to return. 

Junee -  Good to hear from you again, and glad that you're going well - now at age 101.  Yes, many of us here are also old enough to clearly remember WW2, and how grateful we were when it finally ended.  I recall that you served in the Australia Women's Army Corp, during the War Years.  I like reading your posts on Facebook, but better here!  Hope you return soon.       

Here is where I am: Me

You can see the alerts we get all the time, but nothing near my town TG.
That is about 30/35 Km from Tel Aviv.

Snow on the ground and freezing temperatures outside so it is time for me to slow down and get caught up here in the Soda Shoppe‼️

TOME, today is the first snow for Denver but the mountains have been receiving a lot and some of the ski areas that make snow are going to be opening soon.

So good to read all the posts and to catch up with what all you are doing🥰

This was another super busy week.  We are clicking off a lot of medical needs and that is good.  I will be having my neck surgery as soon as it can be scheduled.  Doc said two to three weeks....scheduler sad 4 to 5.  Nothing I can do but cool my heels 🤣🤣 I am not looking forward to it, of course, but it is getting more uncomfortable by the day😩

Bob did see the new cardiologist yesterday and we REALLY liked him.  He spent so much time explaining exactly what A-fib is as well as many details pro and con and we felt very good about our decision when we left his office.  Because I hope to have surgery before the end of the year, Bob will continue on his current meds that were changed at the last cardio visit and so far he has not been in A-fib since.

As I mentioned before we have started with a new dental office and so far have been so happy.  They are very thorough and extremely respectful and caring.  As many of you know it is not only the pain of doing dental work but the cost is frightening‼️  We do have some insurance but it is not the
best and the front office lady was so kind regarding costs etc. and has offered to see if she can find a different one for us to switch to next year. We go back next week for further treatments. 

JUNEE, it is so nice to see your post. I am so happy you have such wonderful memories of your time here in the US and the people you and Wimsey were able to meet.  I often think of those who have passed and how blessed I was to know them either online or in person.  I sure miss many of them so much❣️


MARYPAGE, enjoyed your post so much, as always.  Happy Chip is continuing to feel better after his unexpected medical issue.  Glad that he is able to continue to care for you and drive whenever necessary. I had a few great days of no pain in my lower back, but unfortunately it is starting to come back already.  I was so hopeful I could be one of the lucky ones that it would last at least 3 months😩😩. We all know cortisone shots are just a band aid but some have very good luck with them😩 My hubby quotes quite often, "as sad as it is to have to deal with our health issues....we must continue as the alternative is not what we want to deal with either"😩😩😩 I think of you often and always hope you are not in too much pain and can enjoys your self🙏

On that note I need to go start some dinner.  I am taking a weekly shot for my diabetes....Ozempic and it makes me so nauseated I can hardly think of food.  I am on a sample from my doctor right now.  So far I have not seen much change in my blood sugar level's and even worse no sizable touted weight loss.  With as little as I am able to eat I should be dropping weight with out the drug.  My cost will be in excess of $600 a month....'I do not think I am dumb enough to take this on with the two major things about it being so negative 😩

Hello MARILYN, JACKIE and MARS.  I  hope I have acknowledged everyone that post here🥰🥰
Thoughts and prayers for you and your family and friends BUBBLE.🙏

Good Morning all!

Weather today will be in the high 50's with rain most of the day.

Another pest control guy was here on Friday to check the attic for signs of wildlife. He found some bat droppings, but not very recent. Said it looked like only one had been there. Now I am waiting on the "exclusion" guys to come out and plug up any holes (from the outside) they find to keep the birds, bees and rodents out. The wasps getting into the house proper have declined by about half so far.

Oscar had his annual last week and I got my mammogram and my eyes checked. This coming week, I have a dental appointment and Sue has her surgery at the end of the week.

I want to get into the back room to clean more stuff out but not until the wasp situation is cleared, so I am concentrating on other rooms. So far, I have another bag of cloths, a fan, and more books to take to Goodwill. I also need to find someone to take my kitchen/dining table and chairs and a big cedar armoire. Most of the charities do not pick up now. Some have or suggest haulers that will come get them for a charge. I am not sure about Salvation Army yet and Habitat for Humanity never called me back after I left several messages. Lots of other stuff to haul away that will go to the flea market or junkyard, but that will have to wait until I pay off the the tree removal and additional pest control costs.

Well, that is about it, I think, for now. Hope everyone is doing well. A special wish for Bubble and family and friends to stay safe and well.

Bubble -  Thanks for posting the map.  I didn't realize you were so close to TelAviv.  I remembered from pictures you posted when Don was there that you were along the coast, but I thought it was further up by Haifa.  I will be watching and hoping that you get no strikes or alerts!

MarsGal and Jenny -  you two are so good about keeping up with doctor visits, and the many  tests that have to be, or should be done. Once I got into my 80's, I became very lax.  They no longer recommend mammograms here after age 80, unless you have a history of problems.  Also, no colonoscopies after age 80, unless there is a definite reason.  The others, like ophthalmologists and dentists, I have no excuse for missing.  Just putting them off until "next week" all the time.  I did get my annual Flu shot yesterday, so at least I got one thing taken care of!
   

Hi, everyone.  I'm reading but have sprained my wrist on my right hand (dominant hand) and am wearing a soft brace until it heals, It's challenging to try and brush teeth or eat as a "leftie" ! Managed to type this but can't do replies.  Will be back when I can.

Could someone please put this in the soda shoppe?
  

Callie -  So sorry you sprained your wrist . . . especially your right wrist!      Hoping you heal quickly and will be back with us ASAP!    I put your message on Soda Shoppe. 

Ouch, Callie!  

Yea! The strike must be over. The shipping is moving through the canals on the St. Lawrence River. There is quite a stack of them (nose to tail) going through the Welland Canal now from Lake Ontario. The ships outbound from Lake Ontario are still mostly waiting, but there are a few on the move in the canal. It looks like most of the other canals have cleared. Still a lot of ships hanging out at Montreal.

One of my dearest friends, one whom we all count as family, as she is actually an aunt to two of my granddaughters, due to my daughter Elizabeth marrying her brother, lost her husband several days ago.
 The family has rallied round, as only they can do.  Someone has been with her at all times so far.  Wish I could be, but some things are just no longer possible.

I read a long article written by Scientific writers the other day, and it was more than slightly terrifying.  They spoke of the fires in Maui (Did I spell that right?) and said that Climate Change will be bringing much more of that all over our planet!  It curdles my blood.  I will not be around for most of that, but my darling, adorable, above average great grands will!  I tell you, I wish I could send you photos of some of these.  I think Miss Cleo, who calls herself EE OH, will be ruling all 28!  She will be two (2) on November 9th, but she goes to one of those schools they did not even have when we were young.  A nursery-daycare that teaches.  Miss Cleo knows all of her colors and tons of other stuff, most of which my dementia makes me forget.  She can count to ten in both English and Spanish!

A couple of weeks ago, she went shopping with her Mom.
 She saw a snow suit and cried out:  "Burppull!  Burppull!
 Wear!  Wear!"  Burppull is her favorite color.  So, of course Kathryn bought it for her.

Cleo is a fabulous dancer, has a shoe fetish, and will have a hard time choosing between Dancer and Stylist when it comes to a career.  I worship them all, but Miles, age 8 now, and Cleo tickle me the most, which keeps the juices rolling along in my veins which is a happy outcome.  Please pardon me for worshipping my great grands in public!

I had to make a hasty trip to the doctors office on Monday, and I saw a nurse practitioner.  She was great, so I asked her about the A-fib that my heart man told me I am "in" all the time and she shrugged and said that some people are in it all the time and some part of the time and some infrequently and so on and so forth, so I sort of gave up.  I will ask my retired nurse daughter, if I remember to do so.

Lots of love to y'all.  I miss the old days, too; but am so grateful to have some of us still around for our news bulletins. 

First time I have been able to get into SandF for a long time. Seems to let me in some of the discussions but now many where I can go direct to the last postings.  However now happy to see Junee long letter and knowing that she is well.  I was able to get a Email to Bubble 2 weeks ago but no longer. Happy to see here this week that she is posting. She knows how we are all watching what is happening in her country. Praying all will end soon. Seems all the world has gone wrong. Hope that all the talk and Jolly times of Christmas does not start soon. I sure don't want to hear it just like all is normal.  Thanksgiving will be accepted

Hi Jeanne, have been able to come in here lately and pleased to see your message here. I often wondered uf you were still posting.  I am in Aged Care, and thst is not much fun but time came for this to happen.  Are you still in your home.  Take care.

Jeanne P and Junee..
..welcome back and happy to see your postings together..

Good morning form Northern California, where we've had unusually warm weather for early November.  Mid to high 70's all week, and today is supposed to hit 80.  Yes, it's been pleasant, but as usual, we need RAIN!  Not a drop since a few sprinkles in May.  Predictions are that we may get a small amount this weekend, but not a sure thing.

JeanneP and Junee -  good to see you both here!  Junee,  I'm  sure you're  enjoying Spring in Sydney,  and looking forward to Summer?  I often think of you at Christmastime, when we're bundled up against the cold, and you're enjoying warm days and outdoor activities. 
JeanneP - Are you still living in your same house?  Do you still drive?  Hoping you'll see your two daughters and your grandchildren during the Holidays?

MarsGal -  Today is surgery day for your sister.  Thinking about you both, and hope that everything will run smoothly.  Let us know if you have a chance to write.  Also hoping your wasps/yellow jackets are gone for good, or at least for the Winter.

Jenny -  Looks like you're up and down again with your health problems.     I didn't realize you were having your neck surgery so soon?    I wish you could wait until after the holidays, but probably best to get it out of the way.    Did you finally adjust okay to the Ozempic?  I hear it's the new wonder drug, but takes a while to get used to it?  Keep us posted on how you're doing.

Mary Page -  I love your long newsy messages!  Especially fun and interesting to hear about your great grandchildren!  I have five "greats" . . . three girls and two boys. I hope to see them all at a family Christmas gathering on December 17th at our son and dil's house.
Our oldest daughter also has A-Fib, along with other health issues.  She had the heart Ablation surgery about a year ago, but it was not successful, and the A-fib is back.  Now she has a monitor implanted next to her heart, that sends messages back to the doctor.  Amazing the treatments that are available now to treat heart problems!

A special "hello" to Jackie and Callie!  Hope you are both doing well, and that your wrist is healing, Callie?

Always positive prayers going out to Bubble!  I think about you and your family every day, that this War will soon be over, and that you will all remain safe until it is.

Good morning 🌞🌞

So nice to read your delightful post, MARYPAGE. You can "brag and share" all you want about your special grands.  We have always enjoyed the fun things you share about your family with us❣️
I am sorry for the loss of your dearest friends husband.  I am most sorry for YOU not being able to be with her during these difficult days😩 Thankfully the family is able to help out.

Happy to see your post JEANNE.  At times I have issues getting to the latest posts as well.  We are always happy when you join us🥰


I am in the process today of trying to get my neck surgery changed from Nov. 20th to December 4th.  Found out we have a surprise birthday planned for hubbies #80.   A wedding to celebrate on Thanksgiving and a Nutckacker Ballet for my Birthday on the 3rd of December.  No time for surgery....I am hopeful the date can be changed 🙏🙏🙏

MARILYN, as of yesterday I am no longer taking my Ozempic shot.  I did it for four weeks and yesterday I was to double the quantity and with ALL that is going on I just felt overwhelmed and extremely tired of feeling so lousy.....so I am a QUITTER😩😩 I can hardly eat much at all, and what I can is not necessarily the best for me.  Soups and vegetables are about it.  That in itself does not sound too bad, I will admit, but I can not eat most meat at all?  If chicken is very small in soup but that is it.  Overall
I am extremely tired and being nauseous all the time is just not something I feel I can no longer deal with.  The thought of paying in excess of $600. a month to feel this way is even more sickening 😩🤯. In addition I have not had much weight loss and my blood sugars have not improved😡 Thank you for listening to me belly ache‼️😩‼️

CALLIE, I am sorry to read your issue with your wrist....and the fact that it is your dominant hand makes it even more concerning.  I do hope it is improving🙏

Love and hugs to you, JACKIE❣️

Thoughts and prayers for safety for Our  BUBBLE🙏🙏

MARS, I feel so bad for you dealing with the pest issue, but it sounds like it is all being taken care of the best it can.  I hope the hopes are sealed by now. Special thoughts and prayers for your sister.

We had our dental appointments on Tuesday.  They gave us  an approximate guess for the dental work they would like us to have.  After we picked ourselves up off of the floor we got the paperwork and headed out the door. UGH‼️‼️🤯🤯🤯 At nearly 80 and 76 years old we just do not think it is in our best interest to take any of this on.....for one thing, the projected time frame to get implants done we could be dead before they are ready to be installed. The office was not pushy at all and did not make us feel pressured, which we were thankful for.  Invisiline is part of my recommended plan.  I have lived with crooked teeth my whole life....so why try to do anything about it seems unreasonable😩😩

Today is our granddaughter's 14th birthday.  We will all gather and celebrate her tonight. 

I hope you all are having a good Friday.  Enjoy your weekend.  We plan to as we are to have beautiful weather.  That being said, our oldest grandson is going skiing tomorrow as our mountains have plenty of snow and have opened early.  It would not break my heart IF you mountains got TONS of snow and we could just get rain‼️‼️

It certainly is amazing the gadgets and machines and pills and drugs and stuff to drink we all get prescribed and dosed these days.  But it is These that are preserving us up into, in my case, at least, this terrible old age.  I wonder, sometimes, whether it is relly worth it.  Actually, I wonder that about all of the time now.
 Thank you for your kindness, Marilyne.  We have had unusually mild weeks for this time of year, as well and all.  A few cool nights, and ummmm, how I love to snuggle under a lovely comfort and breathe in that cool, while being warm as toast!
One of my Favorite things!

I have just found out that Justin Glenn PhD decided to turn his attention to the descendants of the American branch of the Washington family and try to list them all.  Well, so far he has discovered some 63,999 of us!  Whee Haw!  He found a publisher, and I and mine own are in Volume Seven, Part One and we comprise Generation Eleven of the Presidential Branch.
 Hot Diggity!  Now all of that makes no nevermind in the rest of this nation, but in Virginia, and you know the drill:
 I live in Maryland now, but I AM A VIRGINIAN; well, in Virginia we amount to royalty.  Sort of, kind of.  At least, as far as family lines are concerned.  And we don't wear those walking down the street.  So make no mistake, I have never had the extreme pleasure of being treated like Royalty.  But I have wondered what that might be like!

I did not have a chance to correct my post.  Really is spelled Really, and it should be 63,000 descendants, not 63,999.  Thank you!

JENNY, we are twins in one matter!  I cannot digest meats these days!  I eat soups and veggies.  I particularly enjoy the frozen creamed spinach and mashed potatoes with beef gravy Chip serves me.  My doctor also has me drinking Boost for the proteins I am missing with the meats and seafoods gone.  I get TERRIBLE indigestion from those.  Really serious stuff:  desperately ill!

One more trick, JENNY: You know those red & white cans of Campbell Soup?  There is one called Beef Boullion.  It is Not condensed.  Open a can you have kept in the fridge for 24 hours or more and empty that into a bowl.  It is like a Jello now.  Take one of those little bright yellow plastic squeeze bottles of lemon juice. Eat some spoonfuls of soup, squeeze in lemon juice, eat some more, and so on.  This may be an acquired taste, but I really love it. /color]

Mary Page - I'm going to try the cold Campbell's Buillion with a squeeze of lemon.  Sounds like a tasty way to get some much needed protein.  Another easy Campbell's recipe, is the old standby - Tomato soup, dilated with only a half can or less of water. When heated hot, pour into a bowl and place a slice or two of white cheddar cheese on top.    Get the high quality cheese slices like Sargento or Tillamook. (Not Kraft)   

Thank you, MARILYNE. I read just the other day that not only should we not use processed meats to get our protein, but the processed meats are actually very bad for us!  Well, we learn as we go, and that is the best we can manage.  Me, I am trying to live long enough to see how Miss Cleo, also known as 28th great grandchild, turns out.

She will be two on the 9th, and they are having her first birthday party today.  For her nursery school class.  Ten babies her age, their teacher, and their parents.  I will be staying home and eating up the details when Debi gets home and calls me.

I love tomato soup with bread in it.  I know what you mean about the cheese.  The real thing is good for us;  processed is bad.  The real thing tastes better, anyway.

Wrist is better but still not able to do a lot of motions.
Wanted to chime in on soup...

Hadnt thought about jelled bouillon in years but could "taste" my mother's serving it when MaryPage mentioned it!

Tomato soup heated with a can of milk will give you some protein.
I'm partial to Tomato Bisque heated that way.  It's sweeter than plain Tomato and I love it.

I know Just what you mean, Callie.  My memory is of being served the bouillon at my great grandmother's home.  She was quite the grand lady, and I visited with her often from about age five.  She served (her cook fixed and her serving maid served) it in fine white china with a gold rim and a gold monogram.  And lemon slices were served separately.  No plastic in Those days!