Just need to talk to my friends (150)

ronald71111

Lorita, I was thinking and did a edit on my last post without realizing you might have already read it. After my last harmone shot I noticed a hard knot and was wondering if you had experienced anything like it when you worked urology. Jo. Would also welcome comments from you are anyone else that might have had experence. 

Ron

ronald71111

Who loves their pets? Took Lou and little bit for a ride, came back home, settled lou in her couch, started to get her lap blanket and our Shih Tzu ran right in front of me. I step to the side where I wouldn't step on him, he moves in front of me also trying to get out of my way and trying to miss him again I feel. Knee hurts,  bruised side of knee hip and back hurts from jar. Will probably be sore tommorow but would do it again to keep from hurting our 16 year old Shih Tzu. 

Ron

Lorita

Hi,

 So sorry about your fall, Ron.  I hope you're not too sore tomorrow.  Whenever I have a fall or sore place I use Theragesic.  Years ago we were down in Texas and I sprained my ankle. Charles' sister told me to rub it with Theragesic, three times, five minutes apart.  I did that and the next morning it wasn't even sore.  I've kept it in the house and used it ever since.  I have a tube on the table beside my bed.    Yes, we love our pets and would do anything to keep from hurting them. 

 You asked about the hormone shots and a hard knot resulting from it.  I worked in Urology but that was almost 60 years ago.  I never heard of my doctor giving any hormone shots.  Sorry.  I think sometimes when people get shots the medicine can leave a hard spot for a while.  But, I'd be sure to ask the doctor at your appointment.  Sorry I couldn't be of more help.

 Jo, thanks for the information.  I read it and told Sarah about it.  It sounds like they're kind of beginning to get it more under control.  She wasn't feeling too well when we talked but tomorrow I'll read the information to her. 

 I can imagine how apprehensive and nervous you are about your upcoming procedure.  I always was when I had to have anything done.  But, Charles would always hug me and tell me that everything was going to be all right.  Wish I could hug you and tell you the same thing.  But, you're getting a virtual hug anyway from me.  We'll all be there in the room with you - you'll feel our presence. 

 I know you'd like to be home the night after the procedure but maybe Zetta's idea would be a good thing to do.  When I have anything done the first thing I want to do is get home but a two hour long drive in heavy traffic doesn't sound good.  I've always found that the dread of something is usually worse than the real event.  Hope it's true in this case. 

 You know I don't think I've ever had homemade peach ice cream.  Maybe I did when I was little and don't remember.  I know we made ice cream often.  We had one of those hand cranked ice cream makers.  I can still remember turning the handle and tasting of the ice cream when the top came off.  Wonder if they still make those?  Now all you have to do is put the canister in the freezer and plug it in to make the ice cream.  I can make ice cream in my Ninja and have done it several times.  I've been thinking about some I made for Charles - I used milk, a little sugar and frozen mangos and pineapple.  Really good.

 My mother has told me the story of the weekend I was born.  They had a lot of company and made homemade ice cream on Saturday night.  She said she was beginning to have labor pains but she wouldn't tell grandma because she knew she wouldn't let her eat a lot of ice cream.  So, she ate all she wanted.  I was born at 9:30 the next morning.  The doctor thought I was stillborn and while he was attending to mother, grandma saw my foot move.  The umbilical cord had been wrapped around my neck so guess I'm lucky to be here.  I think she told me my eyes were swollen shut and didn't open for - Lorita said - seven days - I'm not sure it was that long.  It was raining that day or night and daddy had to ride his horse to the next town to get the doctor.  This was back in olden times!  Don't know why I wrote that - guess the ice cream talk brought it  to the forefront. 

 Almost lost this post so I'll stop.  I'm hungry for ice cream!  Luckily I bought some yesterday.

Iris L.

Yum Yum: peaches, peach cobbler and peach ice cream!  Mmm good!

Ron, might that knot be an inguinal hernia?  It's hard to say without seeing it.    Be sure to show the doctor at your next visit.  Write yourself a note.

Jo, could you get your test done at Harbor General Hospital, since they are affiliated with UCLA?  Will you be allowed to drive home after your procedure?  I was not even allowed to take a taxi for my colonoscopy, I had to ask a neighbor to drive me.

Iris

ladyzetta

Ron,   You are lucky you did not break something. You are so right about the things we would do to protect our pets. My daughter got me a little 8 week old kitten 2 weeks ago and she kept running around all over my house and I was so afraid of falling on it and hurting myself or the kitten. I thought it best for my daughter to take the baby home with her, that was no problem she is a cat person and she wanted to take her home. Molly my little dog knows pretty much where I will be stepping so she pretty much has me all figured out. I am so glad you did not break a hip or something.

Lorita,    I remember the old fashion ice cream makers. It seems like they where something like a wooden tub with a lid and a churn. We used to make ice cream at my Grandmas house. I have a lot of good memories from my Grandparents house.  You are so lucky to have all the memories you have. Especially being born right there in your house. 

Nicole,  I hope you stayed cool the news was saying it got real hot where you are. It has been in in the high 90s and got up to 107 last week and suppose to be hot this week. 

Take Care all, Hugs Zetta 

ronald71111

Iris, I dont believe it's a inguinal hernia because it is a hard knot, not soft, cannot push it back into belly and no pain involved. I have had three hernia repairs in the past, so I wondered about that first but research didn't seem as that was it.

Old wooden ice cream crank with plenty of ice and rock salt. Mom would get on a ice cream kick every so often and we would spend the afternoon cranking out banana ice cream, peach ice cream and of course homemade vanilla. What we didnt eat would go in the freezer and we had a treat for a few more days. Need to find one of those old wooden tubes to bring to the porch where we all can enjoy the old times.

Lorita, you was talking about your birth. I remember being told I was a breech birth and born dead and later almost died because I was allergic to milk.  Finally got me on goats milk and for some reason as I got older was able to drink cow milk.

I've been talkative today so better go where someone else can get a edge on.

Ron

Lorita

Ron, I had almost forgotten and did forget to mention that I was a breach birth, too.  Guess we're both lucky to be alive.

 If that knot isn't too big I bet it's the medication that didn't absorb like it should.  I've heard that does happen.  Hope that's all it is.

 I remember the ice and rock salt.  Best ice in the world where you could suck on little chunks or slivers of it.  Ice doesn't taste that good out of the freezer.  Wouldn't that be great if all of us could sit on the porch and eat peach pie and cobblers and peach ice cream - bet we'd enjoy that.  Somowhere I have a picture of Charles and Lorita's husband, Lucky, sitting on the porch churning the ice cream -they took turns. 

 There's so many memories here - 79 years worth.  I think of all the relatives who used to come to visit and all the things we did and now there's all gone and all that's left is the memories.  But, I'm thankful for them.

 Well, there's another problem that has arisen here.  I was brushing Sheena this afternoon and didn't notice anything wrong.  I know she has hygromas on her front elbows and that the right one had gotten bigger.  Just happened to notice that the one on her right front leg was sort of red and weepy.  So, called the vet and he said to put Epsom salts compresses on it tonight to help draw out the soreness.  He asked if she was limping and he said "good" when I told him she isn't.  If I can get her into the car tomorrow I'll take her in, otherwise, he'll come after the clinic closes tomorrow.  He has surgery in the morning from daylight until 8 - cosmetic surgery on a cat.  I haven't been able to get her into the car for a long time so doubt I'll be able to.  She's too heavy for me to lift.  If it's not one thing, it's two others.  I try my best to watch to make sure everyone's okay and now this with her right with me all the time.  Her hair is long and guess it sort of covered the hygroma. 

 Jo - I did get my hair shampooed - went out on the front porch and let the wind blow it dry.  For a good ten minutes it laid flat - then just exploded.  Every time I look in the mirror I think of what you said about feeling like your hair looked like a dandelion - all the white fuzz they have. 

 Just called Shaun and they got the skid loaded fixed so he said to call him Wednesday morning and they can do it that day or Thursday.  I do hope this works out this time and we don't get rain to get things uber muddy again.  We had a very brief shower this afternoon -  just enough to get things damp.

 Sarah's having more blood work this evening.  She said some of the tests were low and her BP is low. Guess it's kind of like a brittle diabetic but with blood pressure - it goes from being high to being low.  She sounds excited about going home - just hope it can work out this time.  Todd's going to go to Texas before long but maybe he can have his partner go so he'll be close. 

 Wouldn't it be great if we all had a magic wand and we could wave it and everything would be perfect - or at least better?  But, guess life just doesn't work that way.

 I have mentioned I have Morton's Neuroma, bilaterally and sometimes I have an awful pain in my second toe on the right foot - about five seconds.  If it was more it would be excruciating.  I felt of my toe a while ago and there's a little knot on the underside.  Ron, guess this is the week for knots.  My doctor has told me a podiatrist can give cortisone shots in the foot to help the pain but I don't see why he can't.  He's given one to me in the shoulder and one in the knee and I didn't feel anything.  It seems like my feet go from feeling cold to warm every few hours and it feels like there a thick piece of paper on the bottom of my foot that wrinkles when I move my foot.  Okay, enough complaining.  I'm lucky that I'm otherwise healthy - if I could just control my hair I'd be okay.

 Drove down about 5 to see the girls after I put feed in the creepfeeder.  I hadn't planned to feed Rose Bud today but as I was driving around she kept watching me so I came back and got feed for her.  Guess I'm an old softy - but that's okay, she's earned all the feed she can eat.

 I'll stop and dry my tears.  Reliving memories sometimes cause them for me.

 Sleep well.

  

McCott

To day2nite --

I was very sorry to learn that you are now caring for your husband after earlier caring for a parent.  That is a double whammy that must be very hard to deal with, and you have my sympathy.  McCott

VetEly

Ron,

Are you on zoladex or Elagard implant?

If the implant was done properly just under the skin. You can see Bill's zoladex

Just under the skin and it is hard. If it is Elagard it is implanted straight in the stomach.

Hope you are not very sore tomorrow from the fall. 

Shirley

SQBEAR50

Happy Sunday All,

Very very very hot here. At midnight it's 105* crazy. Add hot flashes.....ugh!!

Sayra, I'm so sorry about your uncle. 

Beth, your garden should be in a magazine, just gorgeous!!

Jo, I will definitely be with you on the 26th.

Zetta, my husband sends me a case of sweet red wine every month, I will bring some and sit with you on your porch. We might even get a little tipsy.

Did Judith mention Trader Joe's? Love love love love that store.

Ron, I really hope you find some help, you both deserve it. I know if I didn't have caregivers I would not be able to be a caregiver to my uncle. If im honest i will say I don't like being a caregiver. I'm so ready to go back to my life in Sacramento. Hopefully by next year.

Shirley and Rescue im so glad to hear you ar safe from the storms. I don't watch the news anymore so I only knew about the storms from everyone here. 

Sorry if I missed anyone, i'm trying to pack and get meals cooked for the caregivers and my uncle while i'm gone. 

Nicole 

McCott

Hello Lorita -- I am sorry for upsetting you and your blog followers.  Among my problems has been that with daughters, it was strange and confusing to me to hear your cows referred to as "girls."  I apologize for reacting so strongly to that.  It took me quite a while even to understand that you were not referring to actual daughters.

I hope you can get the cortisone shots from whomever.  They were a lifeline for me before my double knee replacements and then multiple back surgeries after my wonderful husband accidently pulled me down and broke my back 10/2019 because he had been overdosed with blood sugar lowering medications with no mention of monitoring. 

Cortisone is a great interim remedy, but I have learned that asking for surgical remedies -- if available -- is a better long term approach. I have now had two back surgeries and am scheduled for a third, each for a different element of my 2019 broken back.  But take them up on cortisone early and often -- many doctors will only give them every six months, which is way too brief of an interval. When I took students to Italy before my knee replacements,  I was able to get shots there every month -- no problem due to their national health service.

I am sorry for any offense I gave to you or the followers of your blog.  I only come on this site now and then because, in my case ALZ is over, and it is as if he had died of something else or whatever else.  Our children are adopted, so do not have to fear the genetic implications.  My husband's parents lived nicely each to 92 years with all their marbles -- so where did this come from?  Who knows, but in our case the genetic link is severed by infertility and adoption.  I am truly thankful for our adoption history, although experience shows that process is never easy, but otherwise where would they be? And I would be totally alone, which I realize must be very difficult for childless survivors of any disease.

Once my husband was dead, the ALZ horrors started to fall away, and I hope to have a 'normal' memorial service for him this fall as venues re-open.  He was a great person and he was the light of my life, which went out for seven years and then he died.  I know I got off a lot more easily than most people, who have had to live with this for so many more years.

I come from a difficult family, with several psychotics, and the three functional ones of us support the other three of them to keep them off the streets.  So we are doing our family duty but really do wish there was some governmental help (not even a tax deduction) before we have to mortgage or sell our houses to support them. By the same reckoning, I truly wish there was some kind of governmental assistance for the families of ALZ patients.

Sincerely, McCott

Iris L.

I have two girls and three boys.  They all wear fur and have tails.  They are my devoted family that I take care of, and who are attached to me.  Two of my young'uns are actually seniors at seventeen years of age.  I can see them slowing down.  They still eat well and take care of their business, although my older girl is deaf.  I want them to enjoy their old age.  Any ideas for senior cats?

Lorita, I stubbed my fourth toe a month ago and it still looks swollen and bruised, although it is not tender.  I rarely wear sandals or flip-flops because I always wear arch supports.  But it's getting so hot I might like to wear sandals for a few hours.  I suppose I'll have to wait a bit more before I can show my toes in public.

The Orange County Fair will open this coming Friday.  Lorita, did you ever have any cows or calves entered in your county fair? 

Iris

McCott

Iris -- I'm not sure what you were trying to say, but you are no doubt aware that pets are not children.  They do not have to get through school and make a life for themselves. 

They can be a nice little interim emotional support system for anyone, with or without children.  But please -- they are not human  children, and anyone with children, their own or adopted can explain to you why that is a very different thing.  Are we stumbling across some unrecognized divide here on an ALZ website?  

I understand the difficulty of not having one's own biological children, which is why my husband and I adopted.  The issues raised by adopted children are manifold -- in general, more difficult than one's own offsrping.  But please do not reduce anyone's children -- biological or not -- to the status of pets.  It is truly offensive and I have no idea where this critique is coming from.  Human children are not pets, and pets are not human children.  Are we agreed on those basic facts?

Or is there something else going on here?

Mint

Good morning 

I have had white peaches and they were good.  They aren’t as available here as the yellow ones.  Worked with a girl from Serbia and she was very fond of them.

Thank you Nicole.

Have never made a peach pie either but saw one being made in a cooking show and gave me a hankering.  Also hope to try a blueberry cobbler when the blueberries ripen which should be pretty soon.

Rescue Mom I bring Peonies in.  Usually cut them just as bloom starts to open up a bit.  Hope yours are beautiful.

Ron hope you are not too sore this morning.  Going to tell you what my uncle would always say to me when we hung up.  You be real careful now.

Yes Jo, too much water causes tomatoes to split.  That is why I cut the tomatoes that were starting to ripen.  

Lorita the okra is crunchy and so are the green beans but I like crunchy.  Don’t have to use much oil when I fry my zucchini as my cast iron pan is well seasoned .  Like you do not like messing with a lot of oil.  

Zetta peaches on the porch sound good.

We got about 3/4 inch rain yesterday.  Giving rain today not much.  Hope the sun shines some too.

Take care everyone

ronald71111

Iris, I hope your 17 year old child with fur and a tail has many years of joy left. I know our little bit at 16 who has atheratis and half blind still shows us the same love and affection he always has. I know our pet is not our biological son, but he is our adoptive dog son and has brought much love and affection to this house. I'll end with this, when you have been out drinking with the boys and come in late,  who do you think will run to the door always happy to see you,  your wife are your dog?

Ron

harshedbuzz

Iris-

I'm sorry about your toe. I did the same yesterday catching one in a bathroom rug that had unraveled. I didn't fall, but I have a brilliantly purple pinkie toe that is clashing with my OPI Red Hot Rio pedi. I hear you one the challenge of arch support and sandals; I have plantar fasciitis. Birkenstocks are my go to, but I know a lot of folks who swear by Vionics. (they don't hit my foot in the right spot) Vionics has some nice stuff from very trendy to classic. They're a bit pricy for sandals, but you can generally find a sale or discount.

Women's Comfortable Sandals with Arch Support | Vionic Shoes

HB

dayn2nite2

McCott wrote:

To day2nite --

I was very sorry to learn that you are now caring for your husband after earlier caring for a parent.  That is a double whammy that must be very hard to deal with, and you have my sympathy.  McCott

Thank you.  

Lorita

Morning,

 Looks like it's going to be a beautiful day.  Stormy and I took down the trash (from two weeks) and while I was out I fed Tom and Jerry (my outside boys).  Girls are up toward the MH so I'm waiting for them to come down so I can count them without having to go out in the pasture.  Stormy wanted out about 2:30 this morning and I went back to sleep and when the alarm went off at 6 I heard him barking.  I think I hurt his feelings because I didn't stay up and let him back in.  He and Sheena are out on the front porch now.  Last night I did warm Epsom compresses to her hygroma and by the last one she was not liking it much.  I will try once to see if she'll get into the car but I don't want to stress her out or maybe hurt her elbow.  Anyway, I think both of them need allergy shots and medicine again so I think I'll just let Mike come and do that this evening.  I think I'm going to have to get Frontline for the inside kids - they're scratching and I think I found a flea on me yesterday.  Just like taking care of a bunch of kids or what I think it would be like.

 Iris, so sorry about your toe - I know that must have hurt like the dickens.  You'd think hurting one toe wouldn't affect your walking but it does.  My two older boys, Kitt and Max are probably five or six so they don't qualify as elders but Barclee, my Shih Tzu was 20.  He slept a lot as he got older but always wanted to know I was closeby.  He was almost deaf and had very little, if any, vision.  so I just made sure I fed him and gave him water and kept him closeby.  He slept with Charles and I from the time we got him when he was two.  We've always had at least one small dog sleep with us.  The GPs don't get onto the bed so I'm sleeping by myself now.  Just keep your boys closeby and let them know you're there - I know you're doing that anyway.  Charles and I didn't children so we considered our dogs and cats our children and they were treated like they were - now I have six cat kids, two dog kids and 45 cattle kids and I love each one of them.

 Nicole, I can't imagine 105 at MN.  In Oklahoma during our hot summers it is usually in the 80s during the night.  We're almost halfway through July now but it stays hot here during September so we have a ways to go.  I imagine you can hardly wait to get back home for a while.  How long will be able to stay home?

 This would be a beautiful morning to sit on the porch and have a cup of coffee or hot tea.  Everything's quiet and peaceful.  Girls are grazing and babies are having breakfast.  They spent the night in the south pasture and some are still coming down from there.  They'll go through the pond and then into the barn.  Some of the little ones are in the creepfeeder.

I think I mentioned I talked with Shaun and, hopefully, he'll get the barn cleaned out this week.  I'm not worrying about the PU right now - don't need to go get feed and I have the car.  Just too much going on at one time - get kind of overwhelming sometimes (we all have those times, I'm sure).

 Ron, I hope what Shirley mentioned is what's going on with your knot or hard place but please be sure to talk with your doctor about it.  Ron, my Little Bit is growing like a weed.  He's too friendly so I have to really watch him.  I imagine he weighs around 800 lb. now and he could hurt me if he wanted to.  He and the other kids will go to town late this fall - but, I'll miss them. 

 Iris, forgot to answer your question about the fair.  I never did show any animals.  When I was in school we had 4H but I don't recall even the boys showing animals.  We had a State Fair about 25 miles away and many people did.  Our vet talks about many people show.  ing pigs at the fairs now.  Our fair closed down 30 or 40 years ago and the nearest one is probably 70 miles away so I haven't been to a fair in many years.

 HB - I've never worn Birkenstocks but my cousin wore them all the time.  I can't wear a shoe like a loafer that comes up over the heel because of an injury.  About three years ago during the winter I was wearing boots when I was outside and one day my heel hurt so I checked and they had left a strong string across the heel area from one side to the other and it was against my heel.  I can wear boots that come up higher so I have to wear mules or slides.  I also wear socks all year - two pairs in the winter.  Mostly in the summer I wear ankle socks and they sometimes bother my heel area.I've never worn Vionics but I've heard there's a "wearing curve" in getting used to them.

  Sara - glad you got some more rain to freshen up things.  Can't wait for you to get your first watermelon or cantaloupe. Hopefully, the next time I get into town they'll be farm trucks with watermelons and cantaloupes. Watermelons need a sandy soil and they grow very well in parts of Oklahoma. We have one area on the farm where daddy used to grow them. There's a town south of us that's called the Watermelon Capital - can't remember the name at this minute.

 McCott, there was no dementia in Charles' family either.  He had three sisters and a brother - the brother is 90 and is as sharp as a tack - same with his 84 year old sister so we have no idea where it came from.  My mother and sister both had alzheimers and my niece (Sarah's aunt) always worried that we might get it but Scarlett's gone and I'm getting close so maybe not. 

 Better stop and get out on the porch.  I saw the water in the pond move so I know some of the girls are in the water.    Enjoy the day.

Lorita

Back again,

 Spent a peaceful 45 minutes sitting on the porch steps watching the girls come up.  I came up three short so thought they might be in the creepfeeder so drove out to check - there were four!  So, guess I counted one calf twice.    There's a really big dew this morning and was foggy in the distance earlier but it didn't get worse - sunny now.

 I put warm Epsom salts compresses on Sheena's elbow - about six times until the water cooled.  I'll do it again in an hour or so.  Tried to get her to go out to the car to see if I could get her in it - couldn't even get her off the porch.  She's smart and knew something was up.  No wind blowing at all but it's only supposed to be about 85 today so it'll be okay.

Mint

Finn Comfort also makes excellent shoes.  Wore them for several years but like you and the avionics they started hitting me in the wrong place.  Guess our feet change over time.  These days tend to stick with Naots and Birkenstock.  Think my winter boots are Taos and really like them, but have not tried anything else from them.  Hard when you pay a big price and they don’t work out.  Makes me kind of stick with what I know.

Shirley you are such a help to Ron.  Nice when you can talk to someone traveling the same road.

Hope that barn gets cleaned out soon Lorita.  Know you and the cattle would like that.  If I lived close would like a little of that manure.

Lorita you left recipe for cobbler in cast iron skillet.  My skillet is ten inch one I believe.  Do you know if that would be big enough?

Not sure about the first watermelon that set on.  Not looking right to me.  Wondering if it is going to fall off.  The vine is a lighter green too and I’ve tried adding nitrogen to it.  Always something to learn.  Misty and gray this morning.  Got out before I cleaned house and picked in case it rains more later.  Got enough greens to freeze a few, three or four tomatoes that were turning, three cucumbers, three small zucchini, four peppers and some oregano and chamomile. Dried the herbs under ceiling fan and now they are in dehydrator.   My biggest haul of the summer so far at one time.

Jo C.

Ron, I am sorry but there is no way for me to even have a guess as to what that "knot" is in your abdomen.  I understand what you mean about forgetting to ask the doctor about things . . . . SO . . . . have a small notebook or notepaper with all your questions and concerns to be written down to ask in your Thursday appointment.    I do this with all my doctor appointments as I too tend to forget to ask questions about one thing or another.  I like taking a small notebook with me so I can write down what the doctor says.  So much going on in conversation during an appt. that some things can get skipped.  Sometimes the appointment dynamics are like a butterfly with hiccups. 

 Lorita, Wow - Sarah is going home!  I wonder; do you think it would be a plus to check with her discharge planner re what the home plans are for assistance?   Historically, Sarah has had issues with being up front with her discharge planner and with you re what is actually on the table so to speak.

 She should not be going home alone with no one there 24/7 for awhile. She will be extermely weak, she cannot fully manage all the bits and pieces for her needs during the day.  Her following prescriptions has been less than stellar and she may well not be fully capable of managing that new stoma and all at this point in time.  The stoma is still healing, evolving, is in a new place and is different from her old one -  it is shrinking as it is supposed to do which means care and appliances, etc. may need to change from time to time.   If she has been less than forthcoming with the discharge planner re her significant home risks, that would need to be addressed for safety's sake.  I recall how she refused to let the Home Health RNs into the house each time she went home, refused their phone calls and how she gave up the hours assigned to her for aide care.  That resulted in bad outcomes and caused much negatives to her health.   So hope the discharge plan is a good and detailed one based on actual truth of what is needed; checking that may be helpful.  As I recall, Todd never stayed during the return to home; he had other things he needed  to take care of with work, etc.; and of course her resistance must have been very hard for him to continue on with.   

  May all go well and things be smooth for her this time around.

 Good gosh Nicole, 105 degrees - oh my stars and garters!   And with hot flashes; this is not a good thing.   Hopefully the A/C and electricity will stay on and not fail.   With any luck you have groceries delivered or ready for pickup in your car so you do not have to roam about outside in the heat hauling groceries.  Not good for those of us who are getting more ahem; "mature."   We have found grocery pickup to be a monumental blessing.  We order online and pay with credit card online.  Things are kept in a cooler room at the store.   We have an assigned time for pick up.  Car pulls into a numbered slot, use phone to call the pick up folks. They are out with the groceries within just a minute or two; trunk lid gets popped - in the groceries go and home the car goes.  Fast with no personal contact and deeply, deeply appreciated. Tips are not permitted.   CostCo delivers to the home and if over a certain amount there is no delivery fee, but we do tip the person who delivers.   So grateful for that service too.  Both of us have issues that pretty much never leave and pretty darned painful; so as said, we as mature folks are deeply grateful.

 Beautician will also make home visits to do hair; she does not charge more for that service.   Such a sweet lady. Did it once when I was just out of hospital. I prefer going to the shop just a mile away, it is easier for her.  However; if I have a time where I am unable to go in, I know she will come to the house.   Another thing to be grateful for if needed. That kept her in good stead during the pandemic.

Iris, you are closer to the ocean, does that help with the heat?  I am perplexed by the local news reports regarding the SEVERE heat discussions and blowing it up as though we are in the midst of boiling.  Up here where I am, a bit more inland from you, the temp has been between high 80's and mid 90's.   The really BIG heat will come later in August and September where three digit heat comes and stays over us for quite awhile. Those for me are truly the dog-days of summer. Hate that.   I no longer do heat well at all when the inevitable electricity outages hit in triple digit temps.   Every year; think I'd be used to it, but nope - four months till winter.  Sadly, while winter is kinder to us, it is a nightmare in other parts of the nation with all the freezing, the snow and ice and so often, their electricity going out due to storms.  Sometimes Mother Nature is not such a kind mother.

Did I already tell you?  Got my driver's license renewed online!  No having to go into the always packed DMV; huge waiting area with chairs jammed together, people coughing nd hacking - it is like a huge percolating petri dish.  Will take a few weeks to get my license in the mail.   Cost me $42 with the two dollars being dedicated to organ transplant programs.   Worth every penny.  My driving record is clean - no accidents or tickets, so perhaps that helped me being able to do it all online.   I had technical difficulties getting through the process - the kindly DMV phone rep stayed online and walked me through step by step by step until it was all complete.  Very nice.   If any of you are coming up for renewal, it may be worth looking into to see if you can do it online.  Lovely service.

 How very human - so many of us who talk to our Loved Ones we have lost through death.   It is sweetly comforting to do so. I do not have long conversations, but do express love, gratitude and also sometimes my apologies for having not been better at what was.  I find that sweetly poignant.   I understand speaking to Charles and Dan; love never dies, it goes on unto infinity. That is my personal belief.    

 Zetta, hope your small town does not grow too fast.   Tiny towns are a blessing in many ways. I was raised in one; however, over the last ten years, commerce has shut down and Main Street where all the shops are is now nearly a ghost town.   Such a lovely town; but now only a shadow of where it had been a decade ago.  So wish there was a way to bring it all back.  Good decsion about the kitten, glad your daughter loves having it.

Well; I managed to do a whack to myself!   Several days ago,  was sitting in the office chair - it has hard arms.  I had turned the chair, but accidentally dropped my pen; I swiftly turned my body to catch it and WHAM!   Slammed/hit my left upper rib cage on the chair arm - big time -  very, very hard.  Being stubborn, I also stretched and stretched leaning on the chair arm on that hurt side to get the pen off the floor which was far from the chair - had to reach and reach - stubborn me.  Well - I have been really hurting in right upper rib cage since then.  I can take deep breaths without pain, it does not hurt at rest, but oh boy; when up moving around or doing anything, it really, really hurts pretty bad.  I so hope I did not somehow break a rib.  I do NOT want my surgery cancelled.

 I must go to my primary MD tomorrow for an H & P for surgical clearance purposes, so will let him take a look and see if it needs x-ray.  Of all the things . . . .

Still not finding the Tour de France; not on NBC again.  Probably reruns it on the weekend.  Ah well.

Oatmeal time, may everyone have a good day,

 J.

Lorita

Hi,

 Sara, the iron skillet I use is 8" - if you wanted to use the 10" you could just add more of everything, including fruit.  I've also made it in a 9x9 glass pan.  Probably could melt the butter and then pour it into the pan or melt it in the oven.  If I make it in the iron skillet, I take it out of the skillet the next day, or sooner, so it doesn't acquire the iron taste - if that would happen.

 You really had a good harvest this morning - just think - it wasn't long ago when you were planting seeds.  I checked my zucchini this morning and no blooms yet but the plants are growing.  Had some more of the squash casserole last night and froze the rest to have later. 

 I wear, when I go to town, slip on Clarks sandals with a 2" wedge - very comfortable.  Around home I wear some rubber-like sandals I ordered from Amazon.  I ordered beige and bright pink ones came.  That was two or three years ago and I've enjoyed them - amazing how many things go with bright pink.  The texture on the bottom has worn off so it's about time for new ones.  I wear short boots in the winter and they're very comfortable - Earth Origins.  Very soft with a 2" heel,  wide heel.  Can't wear the heels I used to wear when I was working and I can't wear completely flat shoes.  Guess most of us have foot issues.

 Sandy (Sasue) - I checked on the minestrone soup (Bear Creek) and it's made in a beef broth so didn't order it - but it really looks good.  Glad you enjoyed yours.

 Jo - they were having some kind of evaluation meeting today to make sure Sarah's able to go home.  I talked with the Advantage person a couple of weeks ago and she said they'd call Sarah after the referral was made to do an assessment.  She says they haven't but thinks that will be done the day she goes home.  She didn't know what time the meeting would be today so after I talk with her, I may call the Case Manager and see what's what.  I get frustrated with the private sector and their so-called discharge planning.  When I worked at the VA, both on the ward and Social Work, no one was discharged without a plan if they had been referred.  Our social workers were the best.  So sad to think that several of them have passed away.  

 I hope Sarah will be more compliant this time but I can't control that, even if I was in the house with her.  Hopefully, Todd can work out things so he can be home most of the time.  She said Home Health is set up and should be there the day of discharge.  I worry about her going home in her condition.  I think the rehab center can only keep a patient two weeks - not sure about that.

 I just ordered a great big dog bed for Sheena.  I have a king-sized blanket that I've folded several times that she lays on most of the time and a soft rug in the LR. I was thinking this morning - when I got her she had hygromas on both legs and she was only a year old.  The man who had her was elderly and I'm wondering if he had her on a concrete floor all the time.  I've never had a dog with that condition before.  I know Charles would lean on the chair arm with his left elbow and it began hurting him so much they gave him some kind of pads to wear on his elbows - maybe that would work for her - some way.  I hope the antibiotics will take care of it and he doesn't have to do surgery.  She was seven in February and when I got her she would have nothing to do with junk food of any kind.  I've turned her into a junk-food junkie.  I don't think she was well cared for when she was young.

 Jo - glad you have all those options for getting groceries.  They have pick-up service at our WM but I've never used it.  The grocery store I go to is convenient (I can park by the door) and I know where things are so can get in and out fast.  If I go early not many people are there.  I have a good supply of things now so won't have to go for some time.  I need to steam broccoli, cauliflower and carrots today before they go bad.  Carrots last a long time but broccoli will tend to flower if left too long.

 I better stop and call the vet's office so he can plan to come out this evening.  I'll be back later.  Sorry for mistakes - non time to proof read.

  

Lorita

Iris, I've been thinking about you today and your description of where you live and how convenient things are..   It reminds me of the TV Show "Seinfeld".  It seems like they're close to everything - I see them walking down the street to the grocery store, then back home with their sack of groceries.  The pharmacy is closeby and they go to lots of movies which must be close to their homes. 

 Even when I lived in town those five months after Charles and I got married we still had to drive to get anywhere.  I just can't imagine being that close to anything.  Where I live, the mailbox is a quarter mile away from the house, the convenience store where I get gas is 2 1/2 miles, the town where I buy feed is 12 miles and where I worked those 33+ years is 25 miles from our home.  People on TV call this area "remote".  It may be but since I've lived here my whole life it doesn't seem remote to me - just seems like home and like it should be.

 Just thought I'd tell you that.  I also laughed about you keeping your windows and doors closed when you saw the squirrel outside your window.  I seldom see a squirrel but occasionally there is one that stays in the trees around the house for a while.  I'm always afraid the GPs will get it if it comes down.  I think it's fun to watch his antics.

 Hope you're enjoying your Monday.  I called the vet's office and guess he'll be out after 5 if he doesn't have an emergency call.  Put warm Epsom salts compresses on Sheena's elbow several times.  She ate breakfast and is asleep now. I'll do it a couple more times this afternoon.  Bothers me when one of my kids is sick or feeling bad.  They are my kids just as your cats are yours - and the same with all of us who are alone or mostly alone.

Iris L.

McCott wrote:

But please do not reduce anyone's children -- biological or not -- to the status of pets.  It is truly offensive and I have no idea where this critique is coming from.  Human children are not pets, and pets are not human children.  Are we agreed on those basic facts?

Or is there something else going on here?

-----

Yes, McCott, something else is going on here.  

I really don't know what you are talking about.  As far as I know, children do not have fur or tails. I and everyone else know the difference. Why does it bother you so much how we refer to our fur babies?  No one was talking about children.  I believe you were the one to bring up children.

McCott, I thought you and I had made a connection somewhat because you are an adoptive mom and I wanted to become an adoptive mom.  I was a stepmother, so I do know what it is like to raise a non-biological child.  

Lorita started this thread years ago.  Now she is a dementia-widow. Some who post on this thread are also dementia widows, some are not.  This thread could have been a soft landing spot for you.  I know you are having difficulties.

One of the biggest challenges of living with dementia is the isolation from the world that comes with it.  This thread does a most needed service in  releaving that isolation.  Isolation is tough to deal with in normal times and Covid made it worse.  There is a current thread about not getting enough support from doctors.  Doctors don't seem to address the isolation and mental strain, probably because they don't have any advice to offer in this area.  

Frankly, I think Lorita deserves a NOBEL PEACE PRIZE for starting this thread!  

Where else can isolated people who are deeply affected by dementia, the most feared, the most expensive and the most devastating disease, come from all parts of the world, for kindly human interaction?  Where?  

Nowhere else. 

This thread is a piece of gold or platinum or titanium--whatever is greatly needed and rare!

I live in a city that is overflowing with animal love.  In today's newspaper is a story of volunteers who are rescuing baby terns that are too young to fly.  (Notice I wrote that and not who.)  People volunteered their boats and yachts to scoop up the little fledglings from the ocean.  Other volunteers at the International Bird Rescue Center are drying them off, keeping them warm, and feeding and caring for them until they are old enough to live on their own.  What dedication!

My city has an annual Howl'een Parade when pet guardians (not parents) dress up dogs in costumes and parade them around. Some people brought other pets, such as an iguana and a cockatiel.  The iguana wore a tiny bandanna.  We also have a Dog Beach, where pooches can frolic in the sand and in the surf off-leash.  What lucky and pampered pets!  

Have you seen pet strollers?  At first, I thought they were a bit too much, but now I'm thinking of getting one for my cats.  Then I could take them places and also enter one or two into the Howl'een Parade.  Some might say that people in my city are going overboard, but so what?  We love animals!  It's what we want to do.

Meanwhile, I will continue to share and support my cyber-friends here.  Best wishes to you, McCott.  I added you to my prayer list today.  I know you are not a believer, but I am.

I forgot to mention that I had purchased a pumpkin costume for my cats, but none of them would keep it on. Also one of my previous cats could talk. He said, "mah-mah."  I thought it was so cute!

Iris

jfkoc

" The issues raised by adopted children are manifold -- in general, more difficult than one's own offsrping"

I, as a person who was adopted, am hurt by these words . Why do you think this?

ladyzetta

Hello All,

Iris,   My daughter had 2 cats one was 17 and the other one is 15. Her 17 year old was acting normal had not been sick and 2 weeks ago when my SIL got home from work the cat sat next to him and made a meow noise and dropped over dead. The vet thinks it could have been a heart attach. So all's you can do is love them and keep them comfortable. She now has a rescue kitten that is 8 weeks old. They have no children so their 2 cats are their kids. Yes I have seen the pet strollers and they are so cute. My daughter got her a back pack to carry her kitten around in. It has net openings for the kitten to be able to see out. She plans on taking the kitten for walks.     

 Ron,    I hope you recovered from your fall and are not real sore. You are so right I never would have met my DH at the door after he was out late drinking but the little dog was always waiting at the door for him. 

 Jo,   I hope you did not break a rib or something. Yes you are right it was a good choice for me letting my daughter take the kitten home with her. Her 18 year old cat passed away a few weeks ago. She is taking her kitten to my vet for the 1st 6 months of shots. She will be back here in 3 weeks for the 2nd series of shots then she plans on taking me to the humane society to get me a baby. I told her I would think about it but chances are I will not be getting another fur baby to my family.

 Nicole,   You are welcome on my porch any time with or without the bottle of wine. I will always have some here to share with you. I believe we are in the same time zone so I am usually on my front porch at 7pm. 

 Lorita,   You are blessed to have Mike there for you. He sounds like a very good vet. one that  anyone would be lucky to have.  I hope he can do something for Shenna's elbow. I know you can't do anything to make sure Sarah takes care of herself, I hope they are very strict with the discharge plans. It sounds to me like she should be staying longer. It would be sad if she made it all bad again. 

 McCott,    I also refer to my fur babies as my kids. I have 3 human children and I do know the difference. My children are not at home any longer so the only kids I have now are my fur babies. I love them just as much as I do my children but just in a different way. I am a pet sitter and have been for 15 years and all the pet babies I take care of are referred to as kids. And believe me people pay me a lot to stay with their babies while they travel. I guess pet love is not for everyone. Please continue to visit with us you are welcome and maybe in time you will understand us. We are here for each other. I am a widow with my fur baby as my kid and I feel a lot of love on this thread. Thank You Lorita for starting this. 

Hugs Zetta 

JudeV

Shirley, I made your recipe for peach cobbler.  I used self-rising flour.  So good. We have a peach truck come to Lafayette, IN in July.  Pre-order and pay for them ahead of time and just pick them up.   Best peaches I ever had.   

Thanks for the recipe.    Judy 

Jo C.

Lorita, with Sarah returning home, and with communications with her re her ilesosomy, I have  a couple of links for you that discuss ileostomies and stoma and much other care.  It is everything in a nutshell so to speak. 

NOTE:  These are very detailed presentations, so if you feel it would be upsetting, just let it go and delete them.  If she is not tuned in to what is happening, you will have knowledge to understand.

Caring for an Ileostomy

Living with an Ileostomy

J.

Jo C.

Drats:  The link hyperextended the page, I have made contact to have that corrrected. So sorry.

J.

Lorita

Hi,

 Judith, who posted that?  I've been watching TV the last couple of hours and signed on and McCott's post was gone so it must have been her.  The post was deleted, I guess.  Sorry if your  feelings are hurt.  Sad that one person can cause so much turmoil.

 Ron, I also hope that you're not too sore today.  A fall of any kind at our age jars our body and it takes a while to recover. 

 Jo, also I hope yoor side is better from bending over the chair arm.  I've done that thinking I could reach something on the floor but couldn't.  I guess I thought I was still young and limber enough to do it.

 Thanks for the links.  I'll read them later this evening when I have more time.  I tried to call the case manager but she was already gone for the day.  Her voice mail said her hours are 7-3; I would have thought at least until 4.  I told her I'd call just after 7 in the morning or she could call me.  If I don't hear from her by 7:15, I will call.  I want to know if home  health and the advantage program are set up; also her supplies and prescriptions.  There's always a problem with those.  They leave them at WM and Todd doesn't get back in time to pick them up the same day.  We used to use a pharmacy in OKC that delivered but I understand they're closed.  It was near Lorita's home and very handy.

 Zetta,  that was strange about the cat, so sorry.  I'm glad your daughter has a new baby. 

 We are lucky to have Mike.  He's the only vet in this area who makes farm calls and answers after 5 p.m.  The other one in our town isn't even open on Saturday and doesn't make farm calls.  Mike is a compassionate person and really cares for animals.  He has lots of cattle and so enjoys being around them.  He's doing exactly what he likes and was meant to do.  I'll be anxious to see what he says about Sheena's elbow.

 From what Sarah says I don't feel like she's ready to go home either but I think she said the longest you can stay at a rehab center is a couple of weeks.  I don't for the life of me know how she'll manage at home by herself if Todd isn't there.  He has a weak stomach and isn't always a lot of help.  The only thing she can do if she has trouble is go back to the hospital, I guess.   I tried to call her a while ago but no answer - maybe she's taking a nap.

 Judy, glad you posted and let us see your beautiful cobbler.  That would really be good on the front porch tonight.  I can taste it now.  Hope you're well.

 Girls are out of the barn and in the pond to cool off.  We've had a nice day temperature wise and it's been partly cloudy.  Zetta, it looks like it's a bit cooler in your State, too.

 I'll be back later.