Just need to talk to my friends (150)

dayn2nite2

Sayra wrote:

Good morning,

My mom told me that her feet and legs are bothering her a lot at night.  Do you guys have any knowledge of something she could rub on them at night that might ease the pain a little.  Feel like she might be willing to do that.  Could get it for her tomorrow.

Thank you

I also vote for the tonic water before bed.  It helps.  I haven't tried the bar of soap but it certainly can't hurt.

BethL

Hello Everyone, There were multiple tornadoes in Iowa today, none near where I live. We are out of state right now, in Colorado, enjoying the Rocky Mountains. It is cool here, 48 yesterday a.m., 64 this morning and getting into the 70s. We have gone into the national park each day. There is much to do here and we are having a good time. Lorita, thanks for your concern. As far as I know there was tornado damage but no injuries. More "weather" to come this evening, so time will tell. 

Sara, hope all went well with the memorial service. So many memories, I'm sure. Praying for peace for you.

Hoping Sarah does well at home. It's got to be hard for her, with Todd working so many hours and not being home every evening. I hope she is able to get the help that she needs, including her medications.

Jo, I share your concern regarding the Delta variant. I follow Peter Hotez MD on Twitter and he linked several articles about long Covid, how prevalent it is, and affecting children too. We are all anxious for the children to be eligible for the vaccine. Wish everyone would care about others (if they don't care enough about themselves) to get vaccinated so the pandemic can end - concern instead regarding ramping up.

Judith, enjoy working at the art center. It sounds like the perfect volunteer position for you. It was kind of you to help your grandson to get his car taken care of and let him choose a birthday gift. I'm sure you had a good time together. 

Nicole, enjoy your time away. It is well deserved. I hope you can get rested up. 

Take care. 

Lorita

Hi,

 Judith, do you feel safe enough without the alarm?  Luke used to be your alarm, didn't he?  Stormy and Sheena are mine.  Doesn't it seem like to you that something is always going wrong or having to be repaired?

 It is warm outside but the wind is blowing.  Stormy and I just came back from checking the girls - they were moving so couldn't get a count but they look okay.  I'll do better tomorrow.  Our neighbor just south is moving hay from his meadow into the long eight bale trailers.  Those are something else - eight of those huge, round bales in a row on a long trailer - you can imagine how long.   Rose Bud is standing in the pond.

 I closed gates to the corral and the one to the NE pasture and hope Shaun and his guys come tomorrow to get that done. 

 I checked the freezer when I got back and I think it's all right - the little tomatoes feel more frozen.  I won't open it again tonight.

  Dayn2nite2- I kept a bar of soap under the sheet years ago and I thought it helped.  You can't user Dove or a deodorant soap for some reason.  I don't think I even have a bar of soap in the house.  I'll check and if I do, I think I'll put one under the sheet.

 Beth, sounds like you all are having a really good time.  Glad it's cool over there for you - enjoy while you can.  How long will you be in Colorado?  I've only been to Colorado once when I was about 20.  It was late July when my mother had her vacation.  It was HOT except at night when it got so cold you needed a blanket.  In the daytime it was another story.  The only cool place we found in the daytime was Raton Pass when we were on the way home.  I really hated to leave because the Texas Panhandle is hot in July.  Good trip though.

 Glad the storms weren't close.  I haven't seen anything about how much damage there was.  Our weatherman said the Iowa map looked like the Oklahoma map usually looks.  Guess there's tornados in almost all of the states now.

 I'm worried about the Delta Variant, too  If we had kept wearing masks and being careful for two or three more months, maybe things would be different - or if everyone would get the vaccine. 

 I will be wearing a mask when I'm around the men who, hopefully, are here tomorrow.  I don't mind - and like I've said before - you don't really have to wear makeup if you wear a mask and sunglasses.  Guess after all those years of wearing makeup I don't want to keep doing it.

 Haven't talked with Sarah today so don't know how things are going.  Guess I'll cool my heels and wait for the other shoe to drop.  Hope it doesn't.

 Stormy and I got hot while we were out even though the wind was blowing - glad to get back in the house.

 Rest well tonight.

Lorita

JJudith, where is the sinkhole?

Mint

Good morning

Nicole that is how my grandma made cobbler and it was the best.  Wish I could find a recipe for that way.  She made it in along shallow old black pan, sooo good.

Thanks for the tonic water hint you guys.  Remembered hearing that before,  once you guys said it.  When I got home, called her and offered her somethings.  She said I feel pretty good this evening and refused my offers.  This morning she tells me it is her  plantar fasciitis and that she will go back to doing her exercises.  So we will see.  She is declining the tonic water at this time.  I have a hunch that there was some anxiety yesterday morning because she knew I was going to Kentucky. Guessing she worried about it all night.  Probably should have told her the night before, instead of the morning of, that my one sister would be here, and that I had given the man across the road my sister’s phone number.  She said thank you when I told her that and felt like it relieved her a little.   

We had a nice trip.  And it was good to see people.  I wore my mask except when eating.  Very few of us had masks on.  I did the best I knew to do and trusting God for the rest.  We picked up food and took it to the reservoir that took my maternal grandparents property.  Like to do that because I feel a connection there.  It is also where my grandpa took me fishing.  The last time we ate inside.  I would have preferred not to do that but what my sisters wanted to do.

Hope you hear from Sarah before too long.  Know that is hard on you.

Hope each one has a peaceful day

Lorita

Morning,

 Sara, glad you're home safe and sound and had a good trip.  I think you're your mother's security blanket and when you're not around I'm sure she does have some anxiety.  I had plantar fasciitis once and it was awful so I feel sorry for your mother.  Anything to do with your feet affects your whole body.

 I could hardly wait this morning to open the refrigerator freezer to see if everything was okay - it is!  That's a load off my mind.  Can't imagine why that happened except I know what did happen - the broccoli and cauliflower I froze had slipped down and I guess it did it as I closed the freezer door. 

 I went out and fed Tom and Jerry - they're so sweet playing with each other and rolling around when they see me coming.  A couple of days ago both of them actually let me pet them - as they ate.  I saw all the girls up toward the MH but couldn't see everyone from the house so drove up and finally saw everyone.  So cute to see the little babies together and getting up and out of the grass.  I've closed the gate to the NE pasture and the gates to the corral.  They won't be happy not being in the barn but there's shade they can be in and the wind's blowing.  It's 76 now and supposed to be in the low 90s today.  Guess where Rose Bud is! -- in the water, of course.

 Just heard that Wilma Mankiller, former Chief of the Cherokees and first woman Chief, is going to be honored by having her picture on a quarter - to be released in two or three years.  Charles really thought a lot of her, probably because he was Cherokee.

 Sara, I'm just going to let God take over with Sarah.  I can't do anything to help except be here when she wants to talk - which it doesn't seem like she's inclined to do.  I know it's because she thinks I'll remind her of what she needs to do - and I would.  Guess I need to stop doing that.  She's middle aged and been around a lot more than I have so that's all I can do.  But, I will worry.

 It's supposed to begin raining late tonight and continue through the weekend.  Next week it's supposed to be in the mid 80s until mid week.  You can't beat that in July.

 There's a new baby giraffe in the OKC zoo - so cute.  It's only a few days old and is already 5 1/2 ft. tall.  She looks so tiny next to her mother.   Just saw a news story about a cow that's two years old and only 2 1/2 ft. tall.  Poor thing looks so uncomfortable - no idea what happened to make her that way - some kind of mutation I guess.  But, she's getting around.  Looks like those white cows they have in India.

 Sheena and Stormy wanted out about 2:30 this morning - Stormy came back in but Sheena went to sleep under the holly, near Barclee.  I had to get under there and get her by the collar and pull her out this morning.  Guess she was comfortable there and it was cool with the wind blowing on her.  She seems okay and isn't limping so I'm praying that hygroma doesn't continue to grow and she won't have to have surgery.

 I'll stop and finish my juice - I need some hot tea.

 It's showing a cat that has three leg prosthesis and she's walking.  He came in to the vet with severe leg injuries and they made prosthetic legs for him.  Science can be wonderful!

 Enjoy your day.

Lorita

Sara, I have the peach cobbler in the oven. You were so right - after I got the butter melted and the batter in the skillet, I only had room for one 15 oz. can of peaches but added one of those little cups of diced peaches.  I must have made this in a 9x9" pan - been so long I didn't remember but surely thought it was the 8" skillet.  We'll see how it comes out - may run over but I put a cookie underneath just in case.   I wasn't going to make it today but started thinking about how good it'd be and had to do it.  Only takes about 5 min. to get it ready for the oven.

 About 8:30 this morning Stormy alerted me that someone was outside - looked out and it was a truck with a big trailer with a bob cat on it.  Shaun and his son had come to work on the barn.  He'd tried to call to tell me he was coming but I missed the call.  At any rate I told him what I'd like to have done and he got it all done except the big pen inside the barn - couldn't get his bob cat inside.  Later this summer or fall he's going to put in a new gate, well two of them, inside the pen and rebuild the back doors of the cowshed.  It looks so much better and even feels bigger.   I had been up to see the girls earlier this morning and they had stayed at the MH until he finished, then came down to get into the barn.  We decided it would be best to let them in so they could walk on it and make it firmer.  I'll close the barn tonight because it's supposed to rain and will keep them out while it's raining.   Also talked to him about replacing the utility room floor later this year. 

 He's a big, tall man with a long, full beard that's mostly gray - easy going and soft spoken.  I have another man who hauls gravel and takes care of our road - he's big and tall with a full beard, also easy going and soft spoken.  I'm well satisfied at what he could do to such a mess.  Bet the girls didn't know what to think.  He runs 125 head of mama cows.  He calls them all kinds of things, including girls and things you probably wouldn't want to hear when he's working them.

I was in the kitchen just now making the cobbler and saw the FedEx truck outside.  I went to the door and spoke to Colton and there were two women with him.  I thought he must be training new people - but, they weren't with him.  They were old school friends of Sarah's.  One of them graduated with her and the other went to school with her at our school.  I went to school with her parents who were a few years younger than I.  They were trying to get in touch with her and no one knew where she was.  Guess they've both been here because she said coming up the drive brought back memories.  They saw the "Beware of Dog" sign and wouldn't come in the yard (had no idea they were out there).  Luckily, FedEx drove up and they came in with him.  He's not afraid of Stormy or Sheena but they were in the house anyway.

 Not sure if Bryon and Shane will come to mow this afternoon or tomorrow.  I've let the girls in a couple of evenings and they've eaten a lot of the grass.  I need to call Ricky about mowing some for me.  The sides of the driveway have really grown up - one side is a ditch where it can't mowed and the other side is the edge of the meadow where they didn't mow.  Anyway, glad that much work is done on the barn.

 Better stop and check that cobbler - almost afraid to look in the oven.  I heard this morning that the Porter Peach Festival begins this evening.  The news said only 10% of the peach orchards had a good crop this year.

 Back later.

 I haven't been in touch with Sarah today but called and told her to expect a call from them.

Lorita

Sara - the cobbler did boil over - lucky I had the cookie sheet under it. Surely did mess up the sides of my skillet though.  Hope it comes off easily.  Your 10" skillet will probably be perfect.  I filled mine to brimmin' full and shouldn't have.   Still think a 9x9" dish would be good.  I can remember making it in one years ago and being very careful when I melted the butter.  This skillet was hot when I put in the batter and it immediately began to cook a little around the edges.   I'll have to let it cool a bit before I have some.  Will let you know.

 Are you resting up after your trip?  Knowing you, probably not.

Lorita

Well, this is my fourth post in a row - hate to keep doing this but... Sara, wanted to let you know the cobbler is delicious.  It would probably be just about as good with a little bit less sugar.  I had a dish with a little milk on it - that's the way we usually had it when I was younger - milk or cream.  Didn't have ice cream unless we made it.

 Where is everyone?

ladyzetta

Hi,

I am right here, I was working in my garden today. We call it the rock garden it is a garden that Dan and our daughter put together when she was only 7. She got a little tree to plant and they planted it and about 5 feet out from the tree they surrounded it  with some big red lava rocks. Never really planted anything in it. I went out and raked up all the pine  needles and set some potted plants I had on my porch in it and it looks good. The tree is probably 10 feet tall. It did not get real hot here today it got up to 88 thats still pretty hot for us but it has been in the low 100s. 

 Lorita,  Hopefully Sarah takes care of herself and lets the home health people in. She can't do this by herself until she gets stronger. Its good that your freezer is working, it  would have been bad if you had lost some frozen food. I bet you really liked it when you were able to pet Tom & Jerry. Your cobbler sounds real good I need to make me some.

 Nicole,   I bet you are going to enjoy spending time with your grandson. Do you all live in West Sacto?    That is where my family lives. 

Beth,  So glad the tornado's did not get to you. We are dealing with fires right now. There is a big one about 15 miles from me and I am getting a lot of smoke. They have been evacuating families to our high school in town. Red Cross is there to help, they have a lot of places for RVs to park and a lot of cots set up in the gym and cafeteria. A lot of homes have been lost. They will be taking a collection of everything, so I started putting some stuff in boxes so when we are told where to take things too I will be doing that, along with a lot of other town folk. I hope you are enjoying your vacation. 

 Sara,  I hope your Moms legs are not bothering her. It is a good thing you did  not tell her the night before you left she probably would have worried all night. I am sure she really misses you when your not around. You are a good daughter, she is lucky you are there for her. It is nice that you enjoyed your trip with your sisters. 

I have not been able to water my yard as much as I would like. Everyone is trying to keep their wells from running dry. My lawn is usually real green. Right now I am just trying to keep it alive.

I Hope your all having a good day. Hugs Zetta 

Jo C.

Los Angeles County just announced mandated masks for all indoor public spaces once again due to the surge in Delta Virus cases.    Good for them.  Now; what will compliance rate be and will there be a fine or other punishment for those who refuse to mask?  Remains to be seen, and of course if it goes like before, there will be public demonstrations of many angry unmasked.

 So wish FDA approval of the Pfizer and Moderna Vaccines would happen SOON.  I think that will help some people to accept getting vaccinated; won't do for all; but then not everyone cares about protecting not only themselves, but protecting others, and far, far too many get online to the wacky sites that perpetuate all sorts of blatantly and often bizarrely wrong information, and sadly believed by some.   Or as one specialist said,  at least used by some not to get vaccinated; perhaps better to blame the cuckaroo blathering than taking responsibility for their own fear.  Don't know.

Just saw this link  it is a visit to Ina Garten's garden.  Oh; I so want to be in her shade garden, she also has a "secret garden." (My favorite childhood book.)  I feel sure she has professional gardeners; it is all as sweet, lovely and neat as a pin in all areas.  Her garden is actually much, much larger and she has huge beds of veggies and all sorts of things not included in this short video.  

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CRWgm7kjwFW/?utm_medium=copy_link 

You know; we have this lovely Front Porch with the lovely rockers that fit every sized back side where everyone is welcome; but I am willing to bet we could also have a garden just like Ina's.  Well; maybe not "just like." Or even near it.  Sigh.  At least none of us have "fallen off our rockers" yet.  No rancor or personal gibes on the Front Porch; just kind, fine, good hearted people who have cared for LOs with dementia or who are currently caring for a LO with dementia; all of us giving and sharing the oddities and structures of our days and whatever.  We have all suffered the dementia caring significant challenges often for years; many of us having the sad and deep loss of our LOs.   Lovely respite on this Front Porch, good for the spirit and a bit of medicament for loneliness. Everyone understands.

 Thank you all you good people; I wish many blessings for one and all,

 J.

Iris L.

  

Sayra, I'm glad you returned home safely.

The mask mandate will start Saturday night--in 48 more hours.  I think fewer people will be inclined to get vaccinated if they believe that being vaccinated doesn't change anything (mask wearing) for them.  My brother called me just before I heard about the new mask mandate to tell me he is coming to visit me in September.  We'll see what's going on by then.  

For many years I have been doing leg exercises, including squats and toe raises.  Tonight, for the second time this month, I had cramps in my leg muscles and toes.  I don't know why this is happening all of a sudden.  I don't have a bar of soap to put under the sheet because I use liquid soap.  I suppose I could buy a bar.

You all have so much rain! We're in a drought here.  The governor has asked people to voluntarily cut back on water usage by 15 percent.  Why would people do that? The last time people cut back so successfully, that water revenue decreased, so they raised the water rates! I am not going through that again.

Iris 

Mint

Good morning

Have dealt with plantar fasciitis too.  No fun at all.  

Glad your freezer is doing ok Lorita and that the cobbler is delicious.

Just got a notification of flash flood warning.  Think they are giving rain for at least the next two days.

Lorita this has been a crazy busy week for me.  Yesterday got moms groceries, went to the farmers market.  When I went for yearly check up at doctor’s office Tuesday my BP was too high.  Had a new NP so had to explain again that at home I am not high.  So she seemed conscientious.  Liked that about her.  She scheduled me for a nurse visit for yesterday to bring in my machine and check my BP with both.  Well mine is accurate.  So that was good.  It actually read just a little bit higher than theirs.  

Today I am going to give blood if nothing happens.  Blood availability is an issue now.  My sister works in the lab and she confirmed it.  Told me they have been cancelling some elective surgeries due to lack of blood.  They have to keep so much available at all times for traumas.  My iron was fine this year so will go back to giving as long as I can.  Last year my iron level was low so have not given for awhile.

Take care everyone

ronald71111

Jo., I bet we could have both, Ins's garden and our rockerswe could all help with a garden in front of our porch and have a beautiful view as we talk. Can't think of a better was to relax as I care for Lou than sit on the front porch and talk with friends as I gaze out in the yard at Gods wonders.

Had my appointment with my radiologist yesterday and they have changed the mask policy where cloth mask are not allowed. They give you one of those mask that are always handed out if you don't have a mask. Dont know why the change!

The knot on my stomach could be from the harmone shot. He said to just keep a eye on it and make sure it doesn't get bigger. He also stated that next November will be my last shot if my psa still looks good. Was nice to hear that my hot flashes might get better after 1 year instead of 3 years. I was also told he hated to give me more medicine to help with the frequent urination since I was on so much medication now, but is sending me a low dose to go with my tamsuluson that should help. Also, on my next visit he wants a full bladder to run some other test. Hopefully next year this part of my journey will be over.

Ron

Jo C.

Good reports Ron, so glad for you!

Reason for giving masks to people at hospitals - that is because many people wear their own masks that are reused and considered "dirty," and some cloth ones and even purchased ones are not at all protective, so the hospital is ensuring that the mask is adequate and clean . . . . now if they could only get people to remember to cover their noses as well as their mouths!  That is a pet peeve of mine when I see it as the nose is the highest area of COVID virus incubation.  They breathe that stuff out on their nasal air currents to float on the air and find a new host.  It makes me cringe.

 J.

Mint

Got my peach pie made.  I think it is pretty.  Hope it tastes as good as it looks and think it will.  Going to take half of it to mom.

Another gray day.  Giving flash floods tonight.  I’m not complaining as know many places would love to have the rain.  Guessing our water table is back up.  The last heavy rain dumped a lot of water onto my Datura which is in a five gallon bucket.  Found probably an inch, at least, of water standing on top of it.  Am not going to buy any more five gallon buckets for growing in.  If it would have been in a grow bag would have drained out.  So moved it to edge of garage today.  When it starts raining or late this evening will just close the door so it gets no more rain.  Hope it survives.  It looks like it might but knew if that happened again would not be a good thing.

Rescue mom

Hospital admissions in my area have tripled in the last 2 weeks due to varient.  Hospitals say that 99 percent of everyone hospitalized has still NOT been vaccinated. Doctors on news say they seeing some vaccinated people with virus, but not sick enough for hospital. (And seeing many more unvaccinated people sick as well).

The thing is, the vax has been easily available, free, in my area for a couple months. Tons of places, no lines, no appointments needed. There are many, many ways to get free rides to get a vaccine. Yet so many refuse. I believe if people have not got it by now, they won’t. Maybe if a close relative gets really sick, but not in general. 

Nor do I expect our governor, or anyone, to require masks, barring unimaginable  increases. Most people don’t wear them now.

I get the politics. But I missed big on how politics would win over  self-preservation.

Lorita

Morning,

It was sunny when Stormy and I were out but now it's cloudy.  It's raining about 25 miles NE of here so we may get some - wouldn't hurt anything.  I've closed the gates to the barn and the girls are not happy.  I've had the south and north gates open and this morning they checked the south one (closed), now they're at the north to see if they can get in.  Hate to leave them out but Charles always said that's when they get a good bath - when it rains.

 Zetta, in years past we've lost everything in the big freezer, twice.  At that time there was some kind of insurance through Sears, I believe, that paid your insurance deductible so we weren't out anything those times.  They no longer have that kind of insurance - guess it got too costly.

 I haven't heard from Sarah since she was discharged except very briefly the first day and a text saying she'd call me back another day.  I called and left a message yesterday telling her friends being here - no reply - so, texted her - no reply.  I don't know what's going on.  Nothing I can do anything about.

 Not good news at all last evening and this morning about the Delta variant.  There were over 900 new cases in our State yesterday, mostly younger, unvaccinated people and most of it was the variant.  They're beginning to be afraid the hospitals may be overrun again.   I did hear about California invoking the mask mandate again.  I think I heard on the news this morning that some organization was going to ask our Governor to encourage or mandate mask wearing.  They're whistling in the wind to do that - he had the virus but never did mandate mask wearing.  Getting scary, again.

 Jo, I don't think anything will make the people who are still unvaccinated get their vaccinations.  Like you said, either they're afraid of the vaccine (like having something in the vaccine to track them or that it will kill them) or they just don't care - thinking they're invincible.  They are not.

 I touched someone yesterday for the first time since early last year. Shook hands with Shaun - the last time I shook hands was with David who put gravel on the driveway.  Kind of an eerie feeling but around here, that's what you do when you complete a deal.

 Of course, Ina Garten has a full-time gardener.  Who would have such a lovely, well kept garden without a gardener, except our Beth who does her own gardening.  I imagine Ina is too busy with cooking.  In the picture she did look a lot older than she did on the shows I've seen lately.  Creeps up on us, doesn't it?

 I think your paragraph describing our "front porch" is right on.  Such a comfortable place to be.  I'm always anxious, every day, to read what everyone's doing and to find out how they are that day.  Seems like we've all kind of become involved in the lives of our friends and that's fine- we all have a lot in common and the need for interaction with other people.

 Iris, I have leg cramps or aches every time I put feed in the creepfeeder because I climb up on a two-step stool and then on tiptoes to get things out of the feeder.  I haven't tried the bar of soap either lately.  I also use liquid soap but there may be a bar or two tucked away in the linen closet.  I have some tonic water so should drink some of that every night.  It's bitter but after a while you kind of acquire a taste for it.  How do you do the toe exercise - maybe that would help my Morton's neurom?  When I used to wear heels to work, at night if I moved my feet a certain way, my toes would curl under and hurt like the dickens.

 Sara, last year or the year before, the same thing happened to me about my BP at the doctor's office.  He mentioned that the last two times I'd been there it was a bit high.  So, I took it at home a couple of times each day for three or four days and noted the results.  Took it in the next time for him to see - all was well, no hypertension!  I told him I have white-coat syndrome.  You go in, wait until you're called, they weigh you, then immediately take your BP.  So, no wonder our BP is a bit high - he agreed.  Glad yours was okay.

I've never given blood but one of our social workers gave it every time he could - he had given gallons during his lifetime.  So good of you to do that.   I think I'd pass out.

 Ron, glad to hear everything went well at the doctor's office.  We're always apprehensive about what they're going to tell us but yours turned out so well. Hope the hot flashes diminish soon.

 It is so nice to sit on our front porch and visit with our friends.  From my front porch the view would be of the pond and our pretty, black girls grazing contentedly.  Very relaxing.

 This morning when I came in I looked up something Carol had mentioned about our home town.  So very interesting to learn what our town was like in the olden times.  It was established in 1836 when the Creeks were moved here.  The town had so many things - two doctors, blacksmith, lumbar yards, stores, banks, hotels, on and on - even a pipeline that carried oil from the Glenn Pool Oil Fields to the Gulf and a railroad with stockyards.  A tornado came through in 1917 and demolished almost all the buildings and most were never rebuilt,.  The Methodist Church was the only usable building - it was built in 1907, the year Okla. became a State and my daddy's birth year.  It's still there but no longer a Church.  When Mr. Ashley did a little bit of remodeling in our house before we moved down here, he took our the wall between the LR and dining room and there were lathes that had the name of one of the lumbar yards stamped on it - so this house was built prior to 1917.  Really has me interested in how the little, surrounding towns were during that time.  Carol and I both agreed that history is really interesting now - not so when we were in school.

 I'd better stop and get on with my day.  Hope everyone's okay today.  Sara, glad you're getting some rain - wish we could share with the people on the west coast - sounds really bad out there with the drought and fires.  This virus variant is really concerning - why not get vaccinated and wear masks.  It has to be gotten under control before we get into another pandemic with it.  Just think of the other possible variants that may occur.  We may always have this virus among us.

  

  

Lorita

Hi,

 Sara, your peach pie is so pretty and I bet it tastes as good as it looks. I know you'll enjoy it and so will your mother.  She's so lucky to have you close by because when you cook something you always share with her.

 I just had another dish of my peach cobbler with a little bit of milk over the top.  Last night I was thinking the dough/batter tasted familiar.  My mother used to make caramel dumplings and the dough for the dumplings was sweet.  It may be the same.  Her caramel dumplings were so good and one of my favorite things she made.  She made the caramel in a big, iron skillet, then dropped the dumplings in and baked them.  When they were done she turned them over in the caramel.  Those with cream over the top were out of this world.  Somewhere I have that recipe written in an old Watkin's Cook Book she had.  When my sister got married (I was five) she let her have the cookbook (maybe sometime later) and when Lorita would try the recipes she'd write notes in the margins.  Somehow the cookbook came back to us.  There's so many good, old recipes in it.  One was for cottage pudding that I used to make.  It was more like a cake and was served with lemon or chocolate sauce.  I need to find that cookbook!  As if I need to eat those things.

 Sorry you're having flooding but you needed the rain.  I just saw something about terrible floods they were having in Belgium and Germany.  Those with the drought and fires in our west - Mother Nature is angry - and she has a good right to be so.

 Rescue Mom - how awful that the virus is staging a comeback through the variant.  It needs to be gotten under control sooner than later - if it's not too late.  If people would just get vaccinated and wear masks - but I'm afraid they won't.  You're probably right - if they haven't gotten the readily available vaccine by now they probably won't.  I'm so glad I decided to get mine.  I still have unopened boxes from MW on the front porch that came Tuesday.  They ship from all over the country so best to be careful.

 Still not used to my phone.  If I miss a call, there's no indication on the outside of the phone so guess I'll have to look if I'm away from it.  Had a call (missed it) this morning from Mike.  Said he tried to call last night and I didn't answer - guess that was when I went out to close gates so I didn't know.  His friend who helps him happened by our driveway yesterday when the two girls were coming up our drive.  He was concerned because it was an out of state license tag so he told Mike and that's why he called. Since I didn't answer they couldn't figure out what had happened.  I appreciate their concern so much.

 I did call Sarah.  The woman who brought her home from the hospital answered so guess she may be staying with her some while Todd's gone.  She hasn't called back.

 After talking with Carol this morning I looked up the papers that our neighbor gave me years ago before she passed away from Alz.  One thing was a booklet-type thing from a land company touting the advantages of settling in our town - good farm land, good grazing, low cost of land, close to a railroad, etc. It said the town was only six months old.   The other was a copy of one of the newspapers published on March 30, 1913.  There were advertisements of some of the stores - amazing prices.  You could buy 20 lb. of pinto beans for $1.00.  One of the two banks had an ad - it said their capital was $25,000 and surplus was $1,700.  Sounded like it was a boom town until the tornado came through four years later. 

 Decided the rain has passed us by - looked out and the girls were standing in a shade just outside the yard and some were in the pond.  When I went out every head turned toward me and they started toward the barn, even coming out of the pond.  I don't think I do anything without someone watching me.  Really a bunch of good girls - and boys.

 Zetta - watching Gunsmoke - what else?  I'm still seeing a lot of them I haven't seen before.  Saw one this morning made in 1955.

 Renewed my maintenance contract on that Maytag washer and mailed a letter to get my car and PU license renewed so don't have to worry about those two things.  Now have to figure out how to get the PU repaired. 

BethL

Sara, your pie looks beautiful! I'll bet it is delicious too. The only type of peach pie I have made uses an already baked crust, next place fresh sliced peaches in the crust, then you cook together cornstarch and sugar (and others I can't remember without looking at the recipe), and pour it over sliced fresh peaches. It's good too. I have made a fresh strawberry pie that way too.

We're having fun in Estes Park, CO. We have one more day here, then drive home - been here a week total. We have gone to the park all but one day, walked around and shopped, went out to eat, and relaxed. Our condo faces the Fall River and we like to sit on the deck and enjoy the sound of the rushing water. There are lots of people out here; it's the height of tourist season. Usually we come in September - that is when the rut of the elk is going on and you see so many. We have not seen many, less than 5. We did see a bighorn sheep and we've seen a pika and many chipmunks and birds. We are walking a lot so that is good. We love it here but it will be good to get home too. Someone is fishing in front of our condo and he caught and released a small fish just now. I think a trout, but not sure. Fishing here at the condo is strictly catch and release. 

Hope you are doing well and staying healthy. 

telinde

Hi everyone. I sure want a peach cobbler.  Guess I need to get fresh peaches and make one.  Sara, your pie is beautiful, and I bet it’s very tasty.  It was nice you could attend your uncle’s funeral.  

Beth.  Estes Park is beautiful, with fun things to do.  One nice thing about living in Colorado is that it cools off at night in most of the state.  Makes for good sleeping. Enjoy your last evening and have a safe trip home.

We got a few nice rains this week.  We sure need them and are always thankful for the moisture.  I live on the Western Slope and we are in severe drought here.  Sure hope the few rain storms are a sign the drought is lessening.  

Lorita, I hope Sarah is doing well at home.  I wish she would check in with you so you don’t worry so much.  I truly hope all goes well and she can get back on her feet.  Glad your cobbler turned out good.  

I’ve been deep cleaning the house.  I haven’t done that since I started feeling so ad last August.  It’s so nice to get shades dusted and cob webs down.  Just finished the basement yesterday, now back to cleaning out the rest of the store room.  I’m over half way there, so I’m on my way.  I’m taking my time so I don’t wear myself out.  So far, I haven’t, and think my strength is returning.  I’m back at exercise class.  Just using two pound weights, and that’s heavy enough for now.  

Nicole, enjoy your time at home and your cute grandson.  I’m excited to see my granddaughters in August for their fair.  Sure hope Covid doesn’t throw a wrench in the fun.  I’ve got masks ready so I can protect myself.   I hope it’s enough.

Zetta, I think Colorado has been having smoke from all the fires up your way - at least that’s what the news says.  It’s not too bad today, but was pretty thick most of the week.  Hope you’re town isn’t threatened with fires burning around there.  We’re having mud slides on burn scars from the fire here last summer.  It’s causing closures on I-70 in the canyon.  It’s a pain because the alternate is a three hour trip through northern CO back to the interstate.  

Jo, I hope you’re staying calm before your procedure.  Ron, hope you’re feeling better.  Praying for everyone on here that need help in any way.

Judith, I missed the sinkhole story.  Is it on your property or on the street?  Glad you get to volunteer.  I’m thinking I want to volunteer again this fall.  I miss the interaction with people, and having a reason to be out and about.

Have a peaceful evening and a good rest tonight.  Joan

Mint

Good morning

Beth hope you are blessed with a safe trip home.  Love hearing water falls or running creeks and lapping waves.  Used cornstarch in my pie too.  Maybe when you are home and settled you could share your peach pie recipe.  

Joan so nice to hear from you and that you are feeling some better.  It feels so good to get house cleaned up.  A never ending job though lol.  

Well we didn’t get as much rain last night as they said we might.  So far we have had 2.5in of rain this week.  Looks like a little north of us got it heavier.  Giving rain today too.  Looks like we may get some dry days after today.  

Take care everyone

ronald71111

Good morning front porch friends, sitting out here in my rocking chair (which I don't have one), drinking my coffee and thinking about a dish of peach pie or cobbler and having a dip of homemade ice cream on top. Oh boy, I just gained 5 lbs just dreaming.

Lou gave me a extremely hard time yesterday afternoon and I feel it this morning. At times I just want to give up, but after a little rest and a clear head I know I need to go on for her. My brother and SIL will be here this afternoon and go to a funeral for my sister's boyfriend tomorrow.  Tommorow they will come back with my sister and hopefully all three will stay for awhile. I've been needing someone to be here for a few days where i can finish up some business i partially took care of before i found out the neighbor was stealing. 

Dont believe i mentioned it but i spoke several times with my VA social worker last week and she gave me names and numbers of several local organizations i might want to call. She is also checking to see just what all I'm eligible for thru the VA. I'm hesitant right now to get Lou involved in group activities because she has given me a hard time about the shot. I've had mine but she hasn't! I'm hoping next month on her appointment with primary Dr. that between him the nurse and i she will have it. I know its sneaky, but even if the nurse can give it to her while her jacket is off for blood pressure reading before she's realizing it, maybe she will end up vaccinated. 

Ron

Sandymac

Hello everyone…can I join you on the porch and have a piece of peach pie please?  Oh how nice that would be, with us in the middle of winter, and, at the moment, in the middle of COVID lockdown. The delta strain is running rampant and the Sydney area is in total lockdown at the moment.  No leaving your local area except for  exceptional circumstances, all construction work to stop, all retail stores except essential services to close.    We were so carefree not so long ago but it has changed so quickly.  

Our trip to Tasmania was wonderful….it is just the most beautiful state. We have both been there several times before but still found many things to see that we hadn’t seen or done.   We did cruises, heritage train trips, and visited historic sites that neither had been to…it was great….until I fell out of the caravan and landed on my tailbone…….It’s still sore!  My husband (I still can’t get used to saying that).  wants me to see the dr, …but,  as I said.. what’s he going to do…you can’t put that in a splint!

But when we hit the mainland was when the COVID outbreak hit the Sydney area again. We took a week getting home, and would have spent longer, but had to get home as my husband had an abscess on his tooth and had to get back to his dentist, and now of course we can’t leave.  We have booked a houseboat on the Murray River in Victoria for the first 2 weeks in September, so are hoping that all will be clear for us to travel by then and state borders open.

We both had our second jab when we got home so are now fully vaccinated. That’s a relief.  Our vaccination program hasn’t been very good unfortunately and is way behind what it should be.   As you know we live in a retirement village, which has several forms of ongoing care on the premises up to full dementia care, yet they only did full vaccination of the care staff this week, and there is still many staff of disability institutes who are not vaccinated. 

Well, while you’re all making lovely fresh fruit desserts I’m off to check my pumpkin soup ready for lunch tomorrow, it’s supposed to be cold and wet!  It’s been lovely chatting.

Cheers…..Sandy

Lorita

  

Morning,

 I have squash blossoms!! - not the necklace but the plant blooms.  They're on their way to becoming zucchini.  We had an Cherokee Social Worker who had the most beautiful squash blossom necklaces - tons of turquoise and silver - I would truly love to have one. But, hopefully in a few days I'll have zucchini instead. 

 Bryon came this morning at 8:30 and just left about 20 minutes ago.  Shane took the day off so he did it all by himself.  He said he didn't know I had squash planted and almost got into them - but didn't.  It was cooler and cloudy and just as he left the sun came  out.  It rained like crazy north and east of Tulsa but nothing here - hopefully, we'll get some tonight.  It's really beginning to et dry.  I drove in places yesterday in Gator that I hadn't been able to negotiate for weeks.  If it doesn't rain tonight I need to water caladiums and squash.

 Spent a good amount of time watching the girls as they came up to the barn this morning  - so peaceful and just makes you feel good to see the moms and babies so happy and eager to get into the barn.   First one in the barn was Billy the Bull.  I always say something to him when I see him - I believe he listens and looks forward to it.

 Joan - so happy to hear that you're continuing to improve and regain your strength.  Good that you're taking it easier than you normally would have so you don't overdo.  That's so easy to do - you think, just one more thing, one more thing and then it's too much.

 Glad you're getting some rain.  Our weatherman this morning said there's rain stuck over your part of the state while all around it's hot and dry.  It does look a bit cooler up where Zetta is but still dry.

 I need in the worst way to clean, let alone deep clean.  I don't notice it so much until I use a flashlight to find something.  GP hair is stuck everywhere - but, only I see it so guess that's okay until I do get it done.

 Joan, I haven't talked with Sarah since the day she was getting ready to go home (Tuesday). I did call Thursday and the woman who brought her home from the hospital answered and said she would have her call me - she didn't call.   I had suggested to her that maybe this woman could stay with her when Todd was away so maybe that's what's happening.  I don't think I'll call, just wait until she calls me.  Of course, I worry but what's new about that.

 Beth, I'm so glad you all had a nice, cooler vacation.  Have a safe trip home. I imagine you'll be glad to get back to see how your beautiful garden is faring.

 I used to make strawberry pies, probably using a variation of your recipe - with the baked crust, fresh berries in piecrust and then the cooked topping - served with whipped cream, of course. 

 Right now I'm having to restrain myself from getting another dish of peach cobbler - just so good.  You all should try that quick cobbler - so easy and so good.  I've made those for many years, usually using blackberries.

 Sara - you have had some good rain - now for a few drier days.  You could use a drill or aull (can't spell that) and make a few holes in the bottom of your five-gallon buckets so they'd drain.  Is your Datura an annual and has it bloomed yet?   How are your tomatoes doing after the rain?

 Ron - you're sounding like your old self again - glad things are going better with you. Sorry you had a bad day yesterday with Lou.  Amazing what a good night's rest will do for you, both physically and mentally.  

 I sat on the front porch with you this morning while I watched my little part of the world wake up.  The very best time of the day - at least for me.   Glad your company is coming this afternoon so you can get a few things tied up and it will give you a respite from caregiving which we all  need.

 So happy you are talking with the social worker about resources.  I've always said  - the best friend you can make is with a social worker.  They are the most wonderful people - if you find a good one.  All that I worked with were wonderful people, so caring for the veterans and willing and wanting to do any and everything they could.  I did run into one when Charles was in the hospital that wasn't worth her salt - and I told her so.  I told Charles' doctor about what she had done and he just shook his head.  Enjoy your company and your bit of rest.

 Sandra - so good to hear from our friend, downunder.  Glad you came to join us on the front porch for a piece of peach pie or dish of peach cobbler. What a nice honeymoon you and your husband had - glad you were able to do that before your Country was locked down.  Just seems like a short time ago when your Country didn't have any cases. 

 Hope you're recovering well form your fall - gosh, bet that did hurt.  Always nice to be away from home on vacation but also nice to come home to rest up and enjoy the memories.  An abscessed tooth for your husband - how awful.  I've had those and they are not any fun - maybe by now it's been taken care of and he's all right.  I remember when Charles and I got married, it took a while for me to get used to using my new last name.  When I did paperwork and requests for things the doctors had ordered I used my maiden initials so had to change to the new ones - probably forgot several times.

 I'm so afraid we're in for another lockdown - if only-- things had continued to be shut down a bit longer and that people would get their vaccinations.  I cannot understand their way of thinking.  I saw just now on CNN that fewer than 50% have been fully vaccinated.  And, the inflation rate is awful, too - everything has increased in prices.  So, guess I'm going to be staying home - just as I had been to the grocery store one time.  I'm still letting delivery boxes stay on the front porch for a few days before I open them.  Went to the mailbox a little while ago and the mail is still in the car - I will bring it to the porch and spray it and let it stay there a while. I'm so afraid we'll never be completely rid of this virus and the variants.  I heard there were 1,000 new cases every hour in our Country - and almost all of them are in people who were not vaccinated.

 Our mailbox is a quarter mile from the house and I was so pleased with the way it looked after Bryon mowed - he mows the middle of the road and the sides, then all around the entryway and mailbox.  He even mowed the inside of the west lot.  When he was here I told him how nice it looked but after Stormy and I came back from the mailbox I called him and left a message about how nice everything looked.  I feel like I can breathe after things are mowed.  He's coming back in two weeks to cut sprouts and berry vines around the corral fences and yard fence.  Guess I should call Ricky to have him mow north and east of the barn and east and south of the house.  I know he's baling hay but I'll try to call tomorrow. 

 I've written way too much so I'll stop - only had two cookies for breakfast so that peach cobbler is really calling my name.  Enjoy the day.

  

Lorita

Hi,

 I'm watching Planet Earth: Blue Planet.  Saw two, among many, amazing things I wanted to share with all of you.  There was a sail fish hunting mackerel that were in swarms or schools.  It said when the sail fish gets excited it changes colors to blue stripes.  The color blue calms the mackerel and they're easier to catch.  Who would have thought of something like that?   The other thing was about Beluga whales.  At a certain time of year they all swim to a certain area to molt.  If their babies are too young to swim, they ride on their mother's backs so they can breathe.  Nature is really something else.

 I opened the boxes on the front porch and wiped down the contents.  In one box was a bed I had ordered for Sheena to help her hygromas - laying on something soft.  I have a king-sized blanket folded to six thicknesses in the bedroom for her and a soft rug in the LR but I thought this would be better.  It's really nice - it's 47 x 33 - just big enough for her to lay down and be completely on it.  I unfolded it and brought it in and told her it was hers.  Laid it on the floor and she came over and smelled of it, put one foot on it, then got on it and laid down.  Pretty smart, I'd say.  I've told you all they know what I say to them. 

 Guess/know I should have ordered one for Stormy.  He has his feelings hurt and you can tell by the way he acts.  So, just ordered one for him - will be here Wednesday.  Sheena's is dark brown and his will be dark gray.  They're really a mat for a crate - thick and very fluffy like a nice fleece top with little things on the bottom to keep it from moving around - and they're washable.

 That's my story - just wanted to share.  Every day I see something in nature that amazes me.  If you all haven't watched BBC America's Planet Earth: Blue Planet - you would enjoy it.  Amazing how they get those pictures under the water - all kinds of weird things under there.

 It's 9l here this afternoon with a heat index of 102 - no wind so it's very muggy and sunny.  Just looked at the radar and looks like some showers are developing north of OKC - hope we get some rain tonight.

 Zetta, watched an episode of Gunsmoke today and it had one of the Baldwin Sisters on it from The Waltons - the dark-haired one.  I've seen her in two or three of his shows.

 Also saw a mother polar bear with her cub.  They are so cute - reminded me of the first time I saw Prince - over six years ago.

  Cobbler really tasted good.

ladyzetta

 Lorita,   You are so right they do understand. If I got Rascal a new toy Molly had to have one also and then she would take Rascal's away form him. I sure do miss that cat. The other day when you said the girls were not happy when you closed the gate I was waiting for you to say that you opened it for them. Looks like you help firm.  I hope that lady was able to stay with Sarah, as you know she should not be alone. You are probably enjoying looking into the history of your town. After being there all your life it is probably very interesting. My Grandparents lived many years in a small coastal town in Calif. My Grandfather built the house they lived in. As one of the many Grandchildren they had we all have our hand prints in the foundation of the house and each one of us found a pretty rock and planted it in a wall with our names under it. I know the house is still there, I wonder if these little treasures have been found.    

You talk about the GPs hair being all over the place, well with Molly being as small as she is you would be surprised how much hair she leaves all over the place. I love the smell of freshly mowed grass I bet your getting a lot of that smell now. 

Beth,   It sounds like you are having a lovely and relaxing vacation, praying you have a safe trip home.

Sara,  I am hoping you did not get any flash flooding, a little rain is good but not a flood and your peach pie look so good. I made some Banana Nut muffins today and I froze most of them in bags of 2. If I had not done that I would eat way more then I need to. 

Joan,  It is nice you are feeling better but please be careful not to overdue it. I think the fires here are dying down a bit so hopefully the smoke going to Colorado has also. 

Good Night to All, Hugs Zetta 

ladyzetta

Joan,   The news just said that Oregon has a fire going now that is the biggest in the world. And it keeps growing. I am not anywhere close to that but I bet that is where the smoke is coming from that's going into Colorado. The fires close to me are pretty much controlled now. I am always ready to leave my house if I need to. Molly and I are packed and ready to go in a moments notice.

Ron,   It is nice you are able to relax on your porch. I love my rocker on my porch, I think you need to get you and Lou a rocker. It is nice you will be having family visit for a few days. Lets hope Lou,  enjoys the visit. 

Sandy,  I have been wondering about you. It sounds like you guys got home just in time to stay put for awhile. I hope things are better by the time you guys are planning the houseboat outing. I hope your tailbone is feeling better and your hubby gets his tooth fixed. A rest will probably be good for the both of you. I live in Oregon, and I am hoping they do a mask mandate. Right now things are all open and no mask.  

Lorita,   What kind of bar soap do people but under their sheet?  You can feel safe knowing that Mike, watches out for you I bet a lot of people watch out for you.  I don't get Gunsmoke on any of my channels on the weekends. So I watched a lot of the Zoo Shows today. Sunday it is usually The Hoarders I watch.  It sounds like all I do is watch TV,      My TV is on all day and I am up and down all day. Sometimes I set long enough to see the whole show. I get all my exercise by getting up and down. Thats my story and I am sticking to it.  

The weather here is finally cooling down  a bit but it is still hotter then normal. I had to get a small AC to put in my window and it sure has been nice.  My yard is starting to get green I have not been able to water as much as I want but every day for 1 hour has helped. Now if my flower seeds will come up that would be  nice.  

Hugs Zetta   

ronald71111

Talk about a hard night with a dementia spouse!

Lou had been complaining about her back hurting since yesterday afternoon. Finally took her to ER around 3:30 and 4 nurses and myself had hell getting urine samples, blood work and ct scan. Finally gave her some medication and its quiet right now. 

Waiting on all results. 

Ron

Mint

Good morning

Ron so sorry you have more on your plate this morning.  Hope they can figure out what is going on.  Glad to hear you got some suggestions from VA and hope they work out for you.  Understand the vaccine issue with Lou.  Have the same one with my mom.

Sandy glad you and your husband had a nice trip.  Hope that tailbone heals quickly.  Sorry you guys are having to deal with Covid too.

Lorita Datura is an annual.  It self seeds though.  Have not had a bloom yet.  Not even sure if it will make it.  They are giving a week of sunshine.  If that happens hopefully it will survive and bloom.  Will move it back out of garage  today.  Will have a lot of deadheading to do today.  Has been several days of not being able to do anything from everything being so wet.

My tomatoes seem to be tolerating it ok.  See a few discolored leaves.  Will start trimming them off as soon as plants are dry.  Have gotten a few ripe ones. 

Zetta we got 2.25 inches of rain yesterday making a little over 4inches for the week.  Have not seen any standing water but a friend said they had some standing water and their creek was up pretty high, so may have had flooding in some places prone to it.

Made a peach cobbler yesterday.  It is delicious, way better than the pie.  Still had a few peaches left so I froze them. 

Ron check back in when you feel like it.

Hope everyone has a peaceful Sunday