Just need to talk to my friends (202)

David1946

Goodmorning the temp

is 34 and going to 38 feels like spring. Just looking out the window ( view of Boston) waiting for WICKED to start.

Mint

No snow here yet but my aunt in Atlanta had snow this morning she sent me a picture.

David, we all have those moments.

Yes Judith that’s gonna be a problem for anybody who’s house is still standing. The neighbors across the street from me had a fire when I first moved in here, and the cleanup went on for many months.

thank you for the giggle, Eagle

The liaison from CarePatrol suggested that after my mom was at assisted-living for a couple of months to apply to the VA for assistance for my mom as a beneficiary of my dad. We will see how it goes. He was very nice. He said my mom’s kind of on the border as to whether she might qualify or not and that it can take up to a year.
My sister and I are not gonna sweat it or let it stress us. If it hadn’t been for the liaison we would’ve never even tried because we would’ve had no clue. So if she does end up qualifying at some point, it’ll just be a very pleasant surprise, a bonus.

Iris L.

The winds have died down and will be low throughout the weekend, but are predicted to start up strongly next Monday. There is no rain in sight.

Firefighters have the Palisades fire 6% contained. Other fires are under more control.

So far ten deaths have been reported, but the Police Chief says he must wait for the fires to be down before a full report can be made by the homicide investigators. They will have to bring in cadaver dogs.

Air quality is better today, I can see much of the sky and there is less visible ash. But ER and UC visits for respiratory distress are still high. Microscopic particles are still a danger. Some businesses in my area, thirty miles away, have closed temporarily due to poor air quality.

People in affected areas still have to boil their drinking water. It will take at least 48 hours to get the technology working and the water quality tested to standards.

The National Guard is here to help maintain order. The District Attorney and the Police Chief have strong warnings against looters, no bail if arrested. Being in an evacuated area is a misdemeanor, looting is a felony. Twenty caught looting so far.

Government and private services are directing evacuees towards services.

The water drops were continuing until the wing of one airplane was hit by a drone and had to be grounded. Repairs are underway. These water-scooping airplanes are borrowed from the Province of Quebec, we don't have our own.

The state of California has decreed a moratorium on insurance cancellations and non-renewable from October 9 2024 until January 7, 2025. This should enable some protection and financial aid to many people.

Iris

Lorita

Morning, we had 9 or 10" of snow. It's light and fluffy and there'\s snow on every branch of the trees and fences. About a foot on the liquid feeders. The girls are standing around in the garden south of the house so went out and filled the water tank for them. They need feed. Had to clear off the directv dish- No reception.

Eagle, what Madison thought of the snow is so cute. Just the opposite for the GPs. I was outside about 45 minutes and they were out longer. They love snow.

David, you have a pretty view and have some nice plants going.

Mint, how good that would be. Hope she qualifies.

Girls need hay and feed. Darwin just called to tell me a neighbor North of us said someone is setting out hay. I know it will be a job feeding cattle in the snow. Done that many times.

David1946

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/233533#Comment_233533

Thank you, the small one is real all the others are fake so I can't kill them

Carl46

JeriLynn, you do take some great sky pictures!

David, I hope you enjoy "Wicked." We saw the stage play several years ago and it was really good.

Eagle, I can understand Madison's reaction to seeing snow for the first time. We were in Las Vegas right after a snow (rare event there, I'm told) and the newspaper was running pictures of children seeing it for the first time in their lives. They were holding handfuls with puzzled looks.

Iris, that is a total disaster. Boiling water with the electricity cut off would be a problem for a lot of people. I guess that's another reason to keep a week's worth of bottled water in your house.

I have it easy. I got 6-7" of snow and the county plowed the road, so I could shovel my driveway and go out if I wanted to. I have chosen instead to eat Cheerios with bananas and milk while watching the birds at my neighbor's feeder. I think my wife is waking, so TTYL

Carl46

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Out The back door

David1946

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/233545#Comment_233545

It was an excellent movie 10 stars

JeriLynn66

Good afternoon- cold on the porch today!

We got 4-5 inches of snow and now it’s sleeting. We haven’t been off the place today. The GPs are loving the snow and chasing each other around the back pond.

The Mamas and babies are warm and dry. Here’s some pictures for you: Goldie had triolets: 3 girls. Betty had twins, a boy and girl. Flopsy and Flopsy Too each had boys. We have several more on the way.

The babies are already nibbling grain and hay. Mama’s get fed twice a day sweet feed, grain and hay. And of course, a few vanilla wafers, lol

Y’all stay safe ❤️

ladyzetta

Hello All.

Lorita Yes I do remember you have cats named Sammy and Lilly, but I had forgotten. So sweet they are mother and son. Our third cat is Timmy. When my daughter gets time I will have her show me how to send pictures of our critters.

JeriLynn. Your pictures are beautiful, especially the sky.

Iris. So sad what is happening in L.A. Hopefully California is strong enough to recover. It's going to take a long time. I'm glad California has put a stop to some insurances being canceled. As far as the looters go, hopefully someone taks a gun to them.

Mint. Would be a blessing if the VA can help your mother. In my case, my DH qualified for Medicaid, if it had not been for that, I don't know what we would have done. You and your sister took good care of your mother when she was home. Please be careful when shoveling snow, you don't want to mess your back up.

David. I hope that coffee did not burn you. Maybe get a cup with a lid on it. That is a beautiful view of Boston. And how lucky you are to have that view out of your windows. Hopefully your not up too high, that you can't see movement below.

I'm sorry for you all suffering snow and ice. I spent 30 years in Oregon, now that I'm in Arizona, the sun has been out everyday, some days we get lots of wind. But I do miss Oregon.

Take care all, Hugs Zetta

jehjeh

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/233569#Comment_233569

I'm loving the sweet baby photos! Thanks for sharing.

Lorita

Love Cheerios bananas and Milk, Carl. I like the chocolate and chocolate peanut butter cheerios. Have you tried those?

JeriLynn. , my.GPs had a great time in the snow, too. I told them they were acting like puppies. Those babies are precious. How I would love to have a couple. Will the Brown one stay that color? A neighbor tried raising sheep a few years ago but coyotes got them.

Iris, I didn't realize there were so many canyons around LA. Makes firefighting really hard.. I heard the wind speed was going to increase again. How awful that will be.

Snow didn't melt much today. I spent quite a while outside running water for the girls and feeding birds. Talked briefly with Mike this afternoon. He was feeding hay somewhere and Bradley fed here. Glad to see that but imagine the girls will come to the barn tonight and they will have water. May have to cut ice in the morning. The weatherman just said there will be another cold blast with possible snow next weekend..

The news said there was snow in Atlanta. Did you have snow, Dunno?

I made a loaf of bread today. First I have made in some time. Been eating French and Italian bread. Both are really good. I think I might have a slice off the top with peach butter after while.. Darwin gave me a jar of peach butter and one of peach jam and they are delicious. There is a huge peach orchard north of here and they make everything peach. Hope everyone is well and warm.

Zetta, glad you are missing out on the cold weather. Do you miss living in Oregon?

Talked with.Jerry, Charles' brother to day,. He lives in the Texas Panhandler. He said they had snow but the sun is shining today. It began to shine here about 3. Really was pretty on the snow.

Sandy, did you all get snow ? If so, I bet.it's pretty.on the mountains. Hope you're well. Talk with you soon.

Sleep well everyone

Dunno

yes Lorita we might have 3” on the ground. No ice 👍 everything looks great though.
nice picture folks!

Dunno

from the back porch. We’ll see what it looks like in the morning ☀️

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Carl46

GREAT critter pix!

Dunno, that's a pretty nice spread. Is that a horse barn?

Lorita, that homemade bread with peach butter sounds delicious. I like all that kind of stuff. My father developed a taste for orange marmalade while he was in England during WWII, and that's pretty good too. Marmalade is surprisingly good on a peanut butter sandwich.

Now I'm hungry. Think I'll get a peanut butter sandwich with strawberry jam, and then head to bed. Sleep tight.

Dunno

Carl… I agree! Marmalade is one of my favorite pb&j treats too 👍

The Barn is actually an art studio..although the last few years haven’t seen much product 🤷‍♂️

Mint

Good morning

The baby goats are so sweet looking.

Zetta my mom will at some point qualify for medicaid too I believe. Did you use an attorney to apply for it? This is all a new world for me.

Very nice picture Dunno. I was also wondering if it was a horse barn.

We just had a very light snow. It’s still dark but from what I can tell I don’t think we even had an inch. They did make the roads a level one around think it was 1130 last night. Hopefully though roads are now pretty good because my sister Is making an early trip to Columbus this morning.

I got up at five, so I put my roast on. I was going to put it in last night, but it didn’t work out. I made some Coney sauce yesterday evening. So I hope to have a Coney with coleslaw today.

Iris I missed hearing from you this morning. I hope everything is OK. Usually when I wake up each morning, there’s a little message there from you.

harshedbuzz

Good morning.

We got another dusting overnight. It's pretty but not inconvenient.

Iris— I feel so much for those folks who have lost not just their homes, but their livelihoods and communities. I imagine living so close if a source of anxiety even if you aren't in harm's way directly. Take care of yourself.

Judith— The homeowners insurance issues are why mom ultimately sold her little place in FL. Even though she was in the middle of the state, homeowners' insurance was rising dramatically each year and the new flood maps showed a tiny corner of her guest room in a 100-year-flood-zone. Add in termite coverage and she barely broken even renting it.

Lady Zetta— I hope you're adjusting to your new glasses easily. My first bifocals were progressives, and I had no problems. I was used to them by the time I drove home for the eye doctor. DH transitioned from traditional lined bifocals and it took him a couple weeks to feel comfortable with them. We went to Jamaica and did the Dunn's River Falls climb in his brand-new glasses and it did not go well.

I giggle every time I see you post "Lolita" picturing our Lorita in a pair of pink heart-shaped sunglasses.

Jerilynn— Those are some lovely pictures. The new kids on the block look like toys.

Carl— I'm sorry your parents had a bad experience with State Farm. We've not had problems with them. When our home was destroyed by a flood, the FEMA policy we had that was administered by them kicked in quickly. They had an agent hunt us down (we were staying at my folk's house) to deliver the first $10K check for immediate expenses. I hadn't even called them yet to start the claim.

When mom lived in FL, she canned all kinds of marmalade from the citrus trees in her neighborhood. The lemon shred and grapefruit were outstanding. It's not quite as good when you use commercially available fruit— I don't think it gets quite as ripe.

Lorita— GP are made for snow. Nothing made our old St. Bernard happier than a snow-day. He would morph from an arthritic old-man dog to a crazy puppy with the first flakes.

Mint— What's a "Coney"? Is it a hotdog?
__________________________________________________________________________________________

It was a pretty quiet week here. I got my house undecorated except that DS needs to disassemble 2 of the trees and box them up in the basement. It's time to get out my heart wreath and hand towels and call it done.

I took mom's cat back to the vet. She says the cat's lungs are a little clearer. Mom is down to 2l of oxygen on exertion and none if seated. The vet thinks the cat has asthma. Likely stress induced. The cat does not handle crating well at all. FTR, mom has stress induced asthma. The cat is now on steroids. I wonder if she'll get a crazy as mom when she's on them. Yet another recheck in a month. My bestie is lending me a carrier bag to see if the cat tolerates that better than a carrier. I'll probably give it a trial run next week.

One of mom's friends isn't doing well. She's been doing poorly for several years. Mom's been getting phone calls from the friend's number but no one is on the line when she answers. Mom can hear people moving around and talking and then the call ends. This was happening several times a day, so I encouraged her to call the DD and ask after the mom. I think she wanted me to do it, but it's her friend so I kind of bullied her into it.

It seems the friend has had another series of falls at home and is in a SNF after being hospitalized over New Years. I knew she'd had strokes and T2D, but it turns out she in severe CHF. They'd been talking AL after the last fall in the shower but hadn't made real traction around it. The DD works fulltime, has her own mobility issues and a DH with MS at home. I suspect that ship has sailed on AL, and she'll need to be in the SNF. I've been offering to take mom to visit for over 2 years but she'd actively avoided it. Now she wants to visit asap. Mom has eye injections on Monday, so it'll need to be some other time.

HB

ronald71111

Just saying hello to my front porch friends! Praying for California!!

Ron

Mint

HB to me a Coney is any hotdog with like a meat sauce on the top of it. The meat sauce varies but the one I made yesterday is just hamburger ,onion., Pinto beans, chili powder, salt, and pepper had a little water and let it cook and then today when I’m ready I’ll stick my hotdog in it and let the hotdog cook in it.

Regarding your mom’s friend and placement. When I got my mother placed, I had the help of someone who owns a franchise called Care patrol. To find someone in her area she would simply google Care patrol in where ever they live. They work like an insurance agent and some people seem to find that offensive. I did not find it offensive. I was very thankful for it because it made me aware that I could put my mother in assisted living. There are two assisted livings in our community who will take patients that other assisted-living facilities wont. At these assisted living facilities like where my mom is they actually take patients that are bad as my sister and I say they’re really a nursing home functioning like AL. Where J was at she complained that the staff there was not able to care for the level of patients they were taking. I also observed that and that they also had very little staff, the staff wasn’t real visible.That being said the cost is based on what level of care Your family member and that can vary during a year. Level of care is based on a point system they have. It is assessed monthly first three months and then after I think it’s every six months they recalculate their points. They made the process much quicker much easier because they work with those facilities. They set up all our meetings they were one right after another. It was beautiful for me so it’s just a suggestion if they are open to that when they’re ready to make the leap. They will also work with you from home. You do not have to be in the they are not attached with the hospital at all. Though the is the one who made me aware of them because she realized what I wanted and she knew how to get me that. For that I’m ever thankful that she was helpful and that we were provided with her. The two facilities who provided this type of assisted living very quite a bit in their cost.

BethL

Good morning Friends!

JeriLynn, your sky photo is beautiful! We had a pretty sunrise this morning ourselves. I just love nature. God gave it to us to enjoy. The baby goats are adorable. Do you milk the goats (I hear goat cheese is a big thing) - or possibly make goat milk soap? In other words, what do you do with so many goats? Just pets?

Lorita, you got a "ton" of snow. Wow! We have a little on the ground from a 1-2" snowfall this past week. COLD is the weather word here. Your homemade bread sounds so good, especially with peach butter or jam (what is the difference?).

Carl, your snowy scene is gorgeous! Enjoy the beauty. Don't overdo with any snow removal.

Eagle, you don't normally get snow, do you? If I recall correctly you are in either the DFW area or Austin. My daughter lives in Houston. They have had snow, but very rare. When they come up here to Iowa at Christmas, her boys always hope for snow. The last 2 Christmases we haven't had any and they were disappointed.

Dunno, when you have a chance tell us a little bit about yourself. It looks like you live out in the country and have a beautiful barn - do you have horses? Never mind, I just see that you use the barn as an art studio. It's lovely.

Mint, my MIL qualified for Medicaid. We had sold her house, and it had a lien on it for some improvements she had done to it so there was no $ for nursing home care from the sale of her house. A person at the nursing home basically took care of the Medicaid application process (we provided her with information on assets and income). No, you don't need an attorney. You just need documentation that there is a "low" amount of assets (I'm not sure of the amount they allow you to have, may vary by state). You may want to talk to someone at the facility. I will say, in my state, Medicaid doesn't cover AL or MC. Only nursing home. That would be something for you to check into so you are prepared if your mother would need to be moved.

Iris, I am so very saddened by what is happening with the wildfires. Tragedy beyond words. Glad you are safe. Hope Jo is safe as well.

HB, you just reminded me that I need to get out Valentine's Day decor and my one Valentine garment, a shirt with a big heart on the front. I do see Val. Day candy in the stores. I resisted buying the cinnamon jelly hearts at the grocery store, but I'll get them sometime. I have always like those plus also orange slice candy. And chocolate, of course!

Ron, thinking of you. I hope and pray 2025 is a better year for you.

Yesterday was kind of busy. We took the dog (miniature Schnauzer) to the groomer, went to the bank and cleared out some stuff from our safety deposit box, stopped at a coffee shop for a latté, and got groceries. The little dog looks so cute with her haircut. I'll have to snap a photo to share.

Do you all make New Year's resolutions? I made simple ones this year. 1) Be kind and generous; 2) Exercise 5 days a week; 3) Don't overeat (eat healthy).

eaglemom

Good morning. The sun is shinning here and the snow / ice is melting. By tomorrow it will only be a fond memory! Someone ask, yes, we are in the DFW area.

I think I'll undecorate the tree from Christmas and redecorate it for Valentine's Day. I've ever so slowly been putting Christmas items up. DH just doesn't like me putting them away, he enjoys them too much. However, if things disappear one at a time, when he doesn't see me doing it he does just fine. Just another caregiver way to adapt to what helps our LO best.

Back later to check on everyone. Be safe.

Lorita

Morning. Bright. sunny and 28 degrees here. Haven't been outside but the GPs are. Birds all around the porch feeders so will need to feed them.

It's really beautiful out with snow still on the tree branches. Hopefully a lot will melt today but then we have mud. Looks like the pond is frozen but may thaw some. Girls are up around the hay so can wait a.bit before checking the water tanks. Bradley came up to.get a.bucket to water a cow yesterday and his truck really made some deep ruts in the snow. I imagine feeding was not easy.

The GPs are scratching like crazy so when I can will have to get their allergy shots. Sheena needs nails trimmed They seem to grow so fast. I can trim Storms but not hers. Both are shaking their heads so ears need to be checked and I found a big probably 3",, cyst on Stormy-s chest and on top of that my hands are itchy. Forgot- Sheena has bilateral hygromas and that may be why she resists stepping up very much. What is going on?

Carl, I like to mix peanut butter with peach preserves and eat it with toast. Delicious. I.checked WMs price for peach butter. Probably won't be buying that. Like ten dollars a jar. Better enjoy what I have but it is addictive. I think jam is.probably thicker than butters. I love apple.butter, homemade; I think the store bought has too much spice. So. I have made myself hungry. Think I might have a slice, or two, of my bread, made in a machine, with peach butter.

Just remembered - the cyst is not a new thing. Mike has checked it, but it seems bigger. Better stop, Stormy says it us time to come inside.

Ron, goid to see your post. Dunno, the barn is beautiful. I love barns!

jfkoc

Carl…Dundee's and you kept the container for coffee/pencils.

Dunno….what is your preferred medium?

Ron …thank you for checking in. How are you? When people ask me that I always say fine but many times Ido not feel fine.

The snow is melting. I have enjoyed it and will miss the "cross country skiers" going down the street,

PBJ with Welches grape jam please.

Think I am going to have to do something about he flip house and getting my ex son-in-law out. He never even asked if he could move in or said thank you. What a sad human being he is.

Bit the bullet and called Nespresso and they walked my grandson through resetting it. I would not bother except it really makes good coffee.

The Pacific Palisades house is up a canyon at the end in a cul de sac. Not a blade of grass at any of the 5 houses there has even a damaged blade of grass. Maybe the wind coming over the hills in back kept the fire away.

Iris…how is your air today? Do you think the quality is going to be a problem for Jo?

I need a baby goat!!!

Lorita

Judith, is your flip house finished? Is the guy living there the one who helped you with it? Good luck with your problem.

It is do cold here Went out to feed the birds and there's a south wind blowing over the snow and it is flat out cold. Haven't Been out to.check the water tanks because the girls are up at the hay. A bout half a dozen have been walking around the edge of the pond, on the other side, probably looking for a thawing place.

I don't make resolutions but do want to walk more or use the recumbent bicycle we bought years ago for Charles to use. Jerry, my.BIL, uses a bicycle to keep his legs strong. He's 94 and says he can get up out of his chair without pushing himself up with his arms. I have trouble with that maybe because I always have something in both hands.

Ron, I'm right there with you - it's four days from the day I lost Charles ten years ago. Everything reminds me of what was happening. We had snow on the ground then, too. I would come home, feed dogs, cats and cattle and go back for the night. Just too any memories sometimes. I don't think I will ever get over the loss of my.best friend. I know how you are feeling. Ron. Many of us have been through the same thing.

The peach preserves and peanut butter on the toasted bread was so good- only one slice, for.now. Eagle, do the Chiefs play this weekend?

Mint

Beth that’s a beautiful picture also. Thank you, because I knew at the hospital it seems the social workers kind of Helped people with that process sometimes. It’s a small facility but when her assets start running out, other than her monthly income, I will check into that. Thank you. I believe they take Medicaid there because the lady we worked with from CarePatrol told us they don’t advertise it but they do. I also know that I saw a review on them where someone mentioned getting on Medicaid there so I think that’ll work out. I know the first place told us they did but you had to self-pay for two years before you could go on Medicaid. Guessing they may have the same rules there. We’re kind of planning on paying two years and then trying to get on Medicaid if mom is still there.

Iris L.

I've been staying up late watching fire coverage online or thinking about the devastation and other things, so I've been sleeping poorly and waking up late. Personally I am fine. I don't remember where I put my N95 masks, but I've been wearing the regular cloth or paper masks when I have to go out for necessary errands.

Jo C is already compromised by serious lung disease, so I hope she is able to remain indoors. There is instruction on how to set home air conditioning systems to recirculate indoor air and not to allow outdoor air in order to avoid microscopic particles and other air pollution.

I had planned to board my cats later this week but the kennel sent an email that they were closed until further notice due to poor air quality and workers were told to stay home. The air is better today, but how will it be next week when the winds pick back up?

The Palisades fire which began in the mountains and that has destroyed the entire town of Pacific Palisades, now had come down to the San Fernando Valley and is threatening Encino and surrounding areas. Parts of Encino have evacuation orders.

Otherwise, everything is the same, meaning still out of control. Firefighters are doing the best they can to put out smoldering areas and to stop new fires.

Evacuation orders have not been lifted, so some evacuees who attempted to return to their homes if still standing were told to leave, they can not come back yet.

Electric power is still out in over 400,000 homes. They have to use generators, which use gasoline or propane, or use candles, more fire hazards. Not many have solar power or solar lights. Food in refrigerators and freezers is spoiling. Water still needs to be boiled if they have a gas stove.

Water runoff is full of toxins, this water flows into the ocean. People are advised to avoid the beaches especially no swimming or fishing. There are many sea animals who will get sick or die, of course fish but also seals and sea lions and dolphins and many sea birds, including seagulls, pelicans, and others.

We are not in a rehabilitation or rebuilding stage yet, we are still in an active crisis/active disaster situation. If you have friends or family in affected areas, they may say they are okay, but they are traumatized, and will need as much support as they can get.

Iris

Lorita

I haven't been off the porch today. Fed the birds a Couple of times. It has been in the forties but to me it has been colder than yesterday when I was out a lot. It has been the south wind blowing over the snow. Snow has melted off roofs but from inside cannot tell snow on the ground has melted much.

Watching world news about the fires in California. Looks like the winds will be coming back. Iris, what about downtown areas? Have they burned, too? Good that you're wearing masks. Can you have things delivered so you won't have to go out?

Next weekend. After 57 on Friday, we have arctic air coming back. I went to sleep in my chair and felt lousy when I woke up. Got my fleece pjs on and they are so warm, really too warm to sleep in.

Better stop and find something for supper. Hope all of you sleep well tonight. See you tomorrow.

jfkoc

Thanks for the report Iris. They say an area has burned the size of San Francisco. 180,000 thousand have are homeless aready. I think OK can only mean uninjured..

Dunno

Jfkoc, I’d say my preference is mixed media. 🤷‍♂️😊
Right now, I’m trying to get squared away to try my hand at acrylics. I’ve done some airbrush work, but mostly metal, glass, and woodturning. I’m hoping to get my head screwed on straight—it’s been a while since I’ve done anything.

Here’s a quick look at some stuff.

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