Just need to talk to my friends (218)

BethL · May 20

Zetta, thanks for the prayers for all of us. I'm going to pray for us too. Prayer changes things. You mentioned Anne Frank and visiting the house. What a sad ending she had. There is a novel based on her life. It's called, "When we flew away; A Novel of Anne Frank before the Diary." I think you would enjoy it. You also might like "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas." Such a good read (but it's not joyful or happy). I just finished "Family of Spies." I did the audio book and it was one of the best books I've ever "read."

GG, you mention your doctor suggesting protein bars before workouts. In my humble opinion, many so-called protein bars are junk. Not healthy at all. I drink electrolytes when I exercise and if it's a hard workout, I'll eat a little cheese afterwards. Tomorrow I will do my "Fit for Life" at the library, then my workout at the gym, then go help with archiving of items donated to the historical society of our town, then go get groceries and go to the thrift store. I might also go to a program at the library that evening on composting. I definitely know how to compost; I've been doing it for over 20 years and took the "Master Composter" course after doing the "Master Gardener" course a few years back. I still think the class could be interesting. And I will NOT act like a know-it-all and interrupt the presenter. ha!

Have a good rest of the week and Memorial Day weekend.

Beth

ronald71111 · May 20

Carl, I did talk to several women on the bus, so maybe my hard shell is starting to crack. Don’t worry, I made sure none of them were part of your ladies. One did tell me to watch out, once the women at the center find out I’m widowed they will be after me. I don’t want any after me just because I’m widowed. I did win a little today!

Need to find something to eat now, back later.

Ron

Carl46 · May 20

Ron, talk to whoever you want. Part of no one owning me is I don't own anyone either.

That woman on the bus was telling you you're an attractive man. You will be in demand when the ladies learn you're not married. In fact, she may have been flirting with you when she said that.

Glad you won some money and had a good time! 🎲

Lorita · May 21

Thunder won!!! Series is tied 1-1. Next game is Friday night in San Antonio. This was another good game. If any of you all are able to watch the games, you should. Time to say good night.

HB, glad your mom's tests were negative.

Iris L. · May 21

Carl, thank you for explaining in detail about what made you decide to get the hearing aids. I can hear fine in a quiet environment, but I cannot hear in a noisy environment, such as on an airplane or train. I do use the speaker function on my phone. I used to attend a hearing loss support group, and the members encouraged me to try the aids. But I don't want to spend $6000 right now on hearing aids.

I stopped lighting candles after one cat's tail caught fire. Fortunately I was right there so I could put it out. If I had not been there and the cat jumped around on the furniture, in addition to losing my cat I would have had a fire in my home. So no more candles for me!

I have never used notifications. I just come straight to the board and to this thread. There is almost always a new post from the Porch!

Good night.

PS: This is from last night. I don't know why it didn't post.

Iris

GothicGremlin · May 21

Carl - for rehydration - can I skip the milk and just have the chocolate? 😄

Ron - I'm glad your hearing aids seem to be working well. That's good news.

HB - A friend of mine who lives in Jersey City showed me her weather for the next several days. 90 degrees then down to 60s, and back up to 70s-80s. Seems like a roller coaster.

Yay for your mom! No new diseases!

Your trips to get make-up reminds me that I have to do the same. I need to hit Sephora.

Lorita - the grandson is my goat grandson. 🙂 JeriLynn names a goat "GG" after me.

Zetta - it's good to hear what you're up to.

Beth - No, my doctor hates that I eat any protein bars at all! I eat one right before I work out with my trainer. I wouldn't eat them at all, but I work out with him at 9:30am, which is pretty early for me. I have a hard time eating first thing in the morning (always have), and a protein bar is the lightest thing I can eat that still gives me enough energy to last through a tough work-out, but that won't make me feel sick. I really can't face eggs or oatmeal, or really just about anything until around noon. Thankfully, I don't eat a lot of processed food, almost none. The ABCs have cured me of a lot of my bad food habits.

Iris - Interesting that you don't use the notifications. That's how I usually know to check a thread that I've posted in.

Today was nice over on my end of the porch. Sunny, almost perfect weather. It would be absolutely perfect if the pollen would just calm down. Otherwise, nothing to complain about.

ronald71111 · May 21

Good morning,

Carl, I was joking about making sure I didn’t bother any of your women. I did enjoy talking to the ladies for a change instead of myself, but I believe I’m about 50 years away from a serious relationship. Talking over a cup of coffee, if conversation is enjoyable maybe a dinner or movie, but nothing serious. Anyway, I haven’t figured out Missouri women yet, Louisiana women can be pretty hard to handle at times and usually end up winning. 🤔

Ron

jfkoc · May 21

Up early to cancel todays appointments. I do not mind getting wet….I do mind slipping!

eaglemom · May 21

Good morning.

harshedbuzz · May 21

Good morning. The high today will be about 30F cooler than yesterday. And rain. I was in the kitchen last night with an open window as the cold front came through— the sky went charcoal, the tress whipped around and temps dropped 15 degrees in the space of about 10 minutes. Most of the rain split north and south of us so we only ended up with 0.1". We've got rain forecasted until 9pm but only expecting 0.5". We need rain, but these piddling amounts aren't buttering the biscuit.

Carl— I love a storybook style house. I bet it's gorgeous.

I hope the new hearing aids can connect to your phone (some can do TVs as well). Younger folks find the public use of speaker mode beyond rude. My niece 1 holds typical of millennial phone etiquette— ringer off, not taking calls when with someone else and never on speaker around others. Mom doesn't get it— ringer on at all times (even though her watch alerts her by vibrating), taking all calls (and even having a conversation while with niece) and of course, exclusively using the speaker. When I texted her (because that's her preferred mode of communication) to let her know I hooked up mom's hearing aids and phone she thanked me profusely.

Beth— How do audio books work? Mom's AMD is worsening and she's an avid reader, so I'd like to introduce this. I checked out 2 large print books over a month ago and have had to renew one of them (The Covenant of Water) as some days her eyes aren't up to the task. Back in the day, she'd listen to CD audiobooks in her car when commuting but I'm sure that not a thing anymore. She kind of tech averse but does have a smart phone and iPad (not that she can do much with either). If there a way to set something up so she could just open an app?

Gothic G— I much prefer Sephora to Ulta but the nearest one is a hike. The Ulta near me is overrun by teens. The high school and middle school and less than 1/2 mile away. It's merchandized for acne and TikTok trends.

I thought of you yesterday. My local nursery sent their catalog which had a picture of a gorgeous "Gothic" container garden. Very cool.

Ron— I'm glad your casino trip was a success.

Lorita— I'm glad you're enjoying your Thunder. Every time you or Judith mentions them, I think of the MLB Draft League's "Trenton Thunder".

Iris— If you're open to hearing aids, you might check out Costco. I know best practice is going to an audiologist, but mom, dad and my aunt have all been happy with the hearing aids they got there. Mom's were less than $3K and she's been really happy with them. They come with insurance, so when she lost one from her first pair, they replaced it free but had so sell her a single to keep the set matched. This restarted the clock on the warranty for another couple years. Once that expired, she brought them into have the rechargeable batteries replaced which cost her $280— they sent her a new set (again) and restarted the clock again.

DH trialed a pair in the store but hated hearing all the background noise and refused to get a pair. Grrr. He says hearing aids "don't work". This is based on his late mom's frustration with hers. She died 25 years ago— technology has moved on. SMH.

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Lunch was great yesterday. The restaurant was able to search us on their covered porch and the food was stellar. Fried long stemmed artichokes, house made mozzarella fried and salads. Yum.

My bloodwork came back. My B12 is still low, and my platelets are still mostly MIA. Hematology Doc wants me to supplement the B12 with 2000mcg and retest ahead of my appointment in July. T3 is still low; endo and I will discuss Tuesday via telehealth.

Pizza for dinner tonight. Brownies for dessert. And laundry between then and now.

I hope all have a pleasant day.
HB

BethL · May 21

HB, there are various places one can get audio books. The one I use is libbyapp.com I use it on my computer but imagine it would work on a phone as well. It has been awhile since I set it up, but if you go into that site I think it guides you through the process. I think (?) you have to set it up through your library or libraries and might actually need to have a library card. Not sure.

There is also Audible but I am not familiar with it. libbyapp.com is free. Not sure about audible.

Lorita · May 21

Afternoon, cloudy mostly here but rain is North of us. The weather says we could have between 3 and 4" of rain these next few days with some places over 5". I just trimmed Stormy's front toes and will do back ones when I can. I used to trim them when he was laying on the Gators seats -so easy then. That's another reason I would like to have a UTV (I almost typed UTI - don't want that). Also sat on the front steps and trimmed my toe nails. Always put iodine along the tips. I saw the Podiatrist who trimmed Charles' nails do that.

Looking forward to he Thunder game tomorrow night and Sunday. Last night's game was so good, but rough, and they call basketball a non-contact sport.

Iris, have you seen the ad for hearing aids that Joe Namath does? Those are much cheaper and he says the are good. If you happen to be a football fan you will trust Joe. It just got really dark so guess rain is coming. Guess I should feed Billy and go to the mailbox. Hopefully m barrel will still be there.

I saw a little butterfly while I was outside - first one I have seen in a long time.

jfkoc · May 21

wonderful dark. damp day here.

Does anyone else think there needs to be a height limit for basketball players???

harshedbuzz · May 21

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/272924#Comment_272924

She'd never learn to use an app. She could— she's certainly bright enough. But she's tech phobic and avoidant on top of having worsening vision and essential tremor. Troubleshooting tech over the phone with mom is part of why I have intractable high blood pressure. Seriously; after about 10 minutes my voice is raised, by 20 I am yelling. It's not cool.

Niece 1 was trying to talk her into going back to flip phone after trying to explain the difference between texting, email and Facebook Messenger. Mom defended herself bragging about she uses her phone all the time— "I paid my VISA on my phone". Niece was impressed until she realized mom dialed a number and spoke to customer service.

That said, I was returning her overdue library books today and found out the county free library has an extensive CD/audio book collection. All I'd need is a simple CD player.

HB

ronald71111 · May 21

Just now back to my camper and had a good day. Surgery X-rays looked good and I don’t have to go back to them for six months.

I toured Mission Ridge Senior living and loved it. There is a waiting list so at first I told her I needed to think it over, I thought it over on my way home. I’m doing it! They have anytime dining, weekly housecleanings and so many other pets I can’t remember them all and the rooms were very nice. Carl at anytime you want to downsize in the future let me know. If you sign up for Mission Ridge there is a two thousand dollar bonus, you get a check for a thousand dollars and so do I.

Ron

Carl46 · May 21

Judith, I think the basket needs to be raised. I enjoy college women's basketball more than men's, because they have to shoot rather than just drop the ball in. That's a minority view, though. The NBA sells lots more tickets than the WNBA.

HB, I'm a caretaker for a disabled adult and silencing my phone isn't really an option. But when I do have to take a call, I apologize and excuse myself to talk in private. I don't sit in restaurants and natter on speaker, and I don't take nonemergency calls if I am with someone.

Iris, one of my aunts bought just one hearing aid to save money, many years ago. It was better than nothing.

I get a lot of compliments on my storybook house. DW loved the compliments, and she loved her house. We sat down with an architect and a contractor in 2008 and designed a modern house that looks like it was built in the 1920s. It cost more than I could sell it for, just as you'll never get your money back on a custom car or a bespoke suit, but it is energy star and really comfortable. I will be sad when/if I have to sell it and move to assisted living. I'll post a picture of it when the weather improves.

Ron, I've only known two Louisiana women, both transplants to Missouri. They were both pretty spicy. That said, I've never really figured out Missouri women either.

Carl46 · May 21

Thanks for the report, Ron. I'll keep that in mind when I get ready to move.

jfkoc · May 21

Ron…I am an advocate of "group" living. I like the options re meals/activities/social life.

Lorita · May 21

I just heard Jeff Bezos is worth 275 billion dollars. Amazon gets none of my piddlin'..money.

Went to the mailbox and put a cover on my still-there barrel. I had heard several very loud noises this morning so drove.down to the corner to see what was going on. They are finally working on the bridge they took out three months ago. It is just in the next County so if you want/need to get out that way you have to travel three miles instead of one. We used to go that way when the roads were bad. That County takes better care of their roads than ours does.

Maybe raising the goal would be better but that would be punishing shorter players Chamberlain was 7'1" and Jabar was 7'2" so there aren't that many uber tall players. Wemby is one inch under two feet taller than I am. To me those really talk Guys look sort of fragile? Running down the court. Not sure which is better to do. I guess whichever team gets to a really tall Player who is good lucks out.

Tick #3 but caught him while he was Still crawling. Don't know where I got him- went to the barn twice and gave Billy hay and feed walked through tall grass to check rain gauge and broke down some poke plants. Jumped on me somewhere..

Carl46 · May 21

All sports favor players with certain physical attributes. An Olympic swimming champion whose name I can't recall was teased throughout school for his long arms and hands, but that is an asset in the water and he became the fastest swimmer in the world. Slender, long-legged people have a big advantage in long distance races because they take fewer steps per mile and are carrying less weight than short-legged runners with big chests and broad shoulders.

I don't really enjoy watching boxing or wrestling, but those are sports that have weight classes so athletes compete with others of the same weight. Still, long armed boxers have an advantage over shorter armed boxers of the same weight.

Those tall basketball players may look fragile, but they aren't. Those seven-footers weigh over 200 pounds, and when they give you the elbow you really feel it.

One of my friends played volleyball in an amateur league that had three classes based on ability. He said it was flat bellies, round bellies, and big round bellies. 😄

Lorita · May 21

Carl_ Alexa says Wilt Chamberlain weighed 275. I can remember when I was in high school and the boys were playing basketball and the noise they made running up and down the court. I can imagine how it would sound with guys weighing 275 pounds.

Tonight is Stephen Colbert's final show. I really enjoy his shows but won't be able to see it because Directv is having trouble with Griffin Co. Who owns the tv station he is on. Hate that.

jfkoc · May 22

Lorita…Walton family 430 billion but that is not why I will not shop there.

Lorita · May 22

I know you don't shop at WM but don't really know why. It's just about my only option since our little town doesn't have a.grocery store. Otherwise would have to drive 25-30 miles south, north or West to a grocery store. Dollar General does have a few things.

We had two nice ones and when WM came one closed a few years later and the other changed owners three times but couldn't compete, so closed.Both store.buildings are now department stores. One has been in town probably since the town formed over 100 years ago day.The other is new in town. This Is probably more than anyone wanted to know This Is not .my.hometown.but I shop

Good night sleep tight..

GothicGremlin · May 22

Carl and Ron - So now I'm curious - what's the difference between Missouri and Louisiana women? I know the reputation that California girls have … but I'm guessing your states are different.

Ron - I'm glad you had a great day. You were due!

Carl and HB - I had to look up "storybook style houses". I found this page … OMG, they're all so cute. I definitely have a soft spot in my heart for turrets.

HB - Man, that's some mighty dramatic weather you've had.

Fried long stemmed artichokes? If you ate the stems too, that would be "cardoon" (spelling?) in my family. We always had them at Christmas. Very Italian.

CD players are easy to find. I got one for my sister when she was in memory care.

Judith - I'm a fan of group living as well. When the time comes I will have no issues moving into assisted living.

Lorita - do you usually have a lot of ticks?

Today was pretty perfect weather wise - 72 degrees and sun! We're getting overcast skies and rain in the next few days, but that's okay. We've had the sun today.

Today was productive - I got my latest blog post up. My post this upcoming Tuesday will mark number 40. If I stay on schedule, I'll be done by mid-August.

I did my Thursday afternoon DJ session. It was well-received. And gym was good. Any day I get to do the earthquake bar is a good day.

Tomorrow is World Goth Day!! Tomorrow night we'll either go to Mercury (a goth club) in Seattle, or stay home and listen to the special World Goth Day Death Guild. Either way it'll be fun.

Iris L. · May 22

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/272900#Comment_272900

Ron, I was told that Louisiana women know how to make potions, especially love potions.

Thanks for the advice about hearing aids. I don't think I'm at that point right now.

Iris

ronald71111 · May 22

Good morning

Ron

harshedbuzz · May 22

Good morning. Sunny and cool at the moment. We're expecting dry conditions all day.

Ron— I'm glad you had a good report from the surgeon. Mission Ridge looks lovely and seems to be very well-rated. A friend just moved into a CCRC near Virginia Tech and describes the lifestyle as an elevated college dorm. She's ridiculously social so it's been great for her and her pups.

Carl— I can appreciate the need for you to not silence your phone. Your situation is different. I rarely silence mine, but my watch vibrates so I do know a call is coming in. Between mom, my aunt who stresses whenever mom doesn't answer (and mom rarely answers on the first call— DH and DS makes bet on whether she'll answer before the 4th try and whether it'll be cell or landline) and DS (semi-special needs these days but typically wants me to pick up Chipotle)

I can't wait to see a picture. There are a couple of storybooks along the river in the nicest section of the lovely next town over. They look to be built between the wars with a Tudor influence. They've been resold in the last decade and are as stunning inside as out.

Good point on body type and sports. It sounds like you were describing Michael Phelps. He also credits his ADHD hyperfocus and hyperactivity as assets relative to training.

Lorita— I enjoy late night programming but not staying up late to watch. I catch the highlights on YouTube; that might be an answer.

Judith— Walmart systematically killed many small town's downtown businesses. Certainly, they contributed to the decimation of the town where DH grew up. I rarely go to Walmart; my town fought tooth and nail to keep them and McDonald's out.

Gothic G— Happy World Goth Day!

Cardoon is a word; it's a related plant. These were small and sliced lengthwise. Probably steamed before they were breaded, sauteed and served with a lemon cream sauce.

Iris— Another relatively reasonable option would be Apple Airpods.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/120992

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I need to sort out a CD player for mom today. It looks as if this will need to be an online purchase as none of the stores near me actually have them in-store. She was leaning towards a portable with ear buds. SMH. Between her hearing aids already occupying her ears, her already carrying a POC everywhere she goes and the fact that her essential tremor causes her to drop things regularly this seems like a terrible idea.

I should probably hit Costco today as well. We're low on beverages and out of grapes which is evidently an emergency at my house.

HB

BethL · May 22

Artichokes? I have never eaten one and don't know how! Maybe this book would help! The book is called, "She taught me to eat artichokes." I think it's an ode to friendship.

I have a lot of garden work to do today. I have already crushed Tums and dug them in beside my tomato plants (calcium prevents blossom end rot) and added Miracle Grow to water and watered it into various plants in the garden and the pots. I also need to work on one of the composters; it's a flimsy one and keeps wanting to fall apart. The new one I got is much better but I need two - well, I really need 3 but don't know where I'd place another. I have an iris to transplant and part of an irrigation head that hubby found in the yard when mowing needs to find its way back to wherever it belongs. I want to thin my marigold and zinnia seedlings. When I thin I try to transplant them elsewhere rather than discarding the excess. I am thinking I will have a lot of zinnias this year. What else is planned for today? Bake a sour cream raisin pie and an apple crumb pie and hopefully find time to go to the gym.

Beth

NannyG55 · May 22

This morning's coffee was accompanied by 3 sets of baby geese, 7 total; the white bunny rabbit that was grazing in the wildflowers (I'll pick up Rabbit food at Tractor Supply today), the Barn Swallows feeding their new babies in the nests on the porch and a frog in the drain spout discovered by Oliver the Cat as he was drinking the dripping water. High entertainment and enjoyment.

I've got 25 plants to put in pots for the patio. It's been raining cats and dogs here. Rain is predicted into next week. The patio is partially covered so I can do the re-potting there. My potting bench also needs work.. it's a mess.

Today is shopping day, so we're loaded up to go. Also taking everything I have packed for great granddaughter to leave for camp next week. Hopefully she doesn't raid all the scented bath products before she leaves. I bought extra just in case.

Hope everyone has a good and safe day. Ron and Carl for some reason the song "Witchy Woman" is playing in my head. 😂🤣😘

jfkoc · May 22

I shop local with an occasional order from Amazon or Target. It is important to me to travel a bit farther to keep my community going. This time of year I keep my eyes out for farm trucks. I get in the car for something almost every day. Luke always liked to go for the ride. Often we would stop for a walk and a picnic.