Just need to talk to my friends (200)
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Iwill take some memories ,pics of my late wife,my current wife photos of my kids a s step children and coffee cups of both of my wives a d family friends and who knows what else when I pack.
I am also Vietnam Era veteran USN. I also was stationed state-side I got out in 1968.
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Ron you were a nice looking young soldier.
Judith I like Velveeta in just about anything, soup, dip, mac & cheese, grilled cheese, on a burger, looking forward to it.
Lorita you mix powdered milk, unflavored gelatin and boiling water. Then you add grated cheddar cheese and blend. Pour into saran lined mold then pull saran up around mixture and refrigerate 12-15 hours. Actually pretty easy.
David it sure has went fast. I wish you the best and hope you are rocking on the porch with us a long time.Beth hope you guys have a nice trip.
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Wonderfully interesting recipe for homemade "velveeta." What are the measurements you use for the basic ingredients . . . I would be at a loss and make an awful mess just trying to figure it out.
Weather in the 70's here, quiet and nothing happening which in my thinking "nothing happening" can actually be a very good thing considering what "something" can sometimes turn out to be . . .
I have had through necessity had to slow down a LOT . . . joints are not working well nor is the rest of the body. I am grateful for what does work and am grateful for the life we have, all of that is definitely a true blessing. The "slows" are not dreadful, just "slow" and often quite inconvenient and somewhat uncomfortable, but at our phase of life, I understand. Gads!
I have had to start taking a bit of prednisone for various reasons; not happy about that, but thankfully it is a low dose. I will, based on past experience, in all probability will retain fluid like someone is paying me to do it, and sleep will not be as deep or easy, but I am still deeply grateful for so much.
Looks as if our daughter will be flying in for a visit in a few weeks and will probably be able to stay for two weeks. Will be lovely to have her here; we are very like minded about so much and have interests in many things similar, so there is always something we are talking about and quite often laughing about!
Gosh, I have had some wonderful long sleeve nightgowns - satin on outside, soft on inside - lovely lace trim on the bodice with embroidery - cannot recall the well known name at this instant, but they are awesome and are generously cut so they fit very comfortably. Drats, that brand name is still escaping me. I will probably wake up from a sound sleep in the middle of the night and say -"AHA! The brand of that nightgown is . . . " Have had them for quite a long time and they are now beginning to show wear a bit on the arms; wish they were still made, but they are not. Quality is harder and harder to find.
We are gliding closer to Thanksgiving. I cannot do the holiday dinners any longer. I was the one who did the WHOLE Thanksgiving and most of the other celebrations including setting a fine table with special items and we all had a great time and truly DELICIOUS homemade food . . . . it was all a labor of love and I too benefitted from the goodness - nothing like excellent homemade and family. Ah well; it is a blessing to have the memories for not only myself but for family. We are now scattered and the only one who can cook as I did lives several states away. Still; what wonderful memories to have and I am sincerely and deeply grateful to have them.
Have had to be on Prednisone awhile and finally just had it lowered a bit for which I am grateful. Hopefully I will be able to get off of it soon and not need any further. I had a cough and then persistent chest irritation, that seems to be pretty much down now. Hurray.
For me, it seems odd that we are in the middle of November - holidays already breathing down upon us - EEK! Frankly, we do not wish to put up a tree this year - the "putting up" would be gosh-awful taxing these days; it is the taking down and storing which would do us in at this point. Kids are out of state. I did take a year and paid a nice person a good sum to help put up and then take down the dec's. Did not work well. I am done with trying to do that and it was costly which would be worth it if not such a fuss and muss. We have some very fine and awesome decs for the holidays; each year was wonderful and such a joy. I miss it - BUT - all in all, I am very grateful that we have had the multiple years experience and were blessed with such joyful times and things in our lives in a warm and cozy home with family for the holidays. Boy; ironing those tablecloths and napkins - WHOO! Last year I did that, I sent the extra long tablecloth to the dry cleaners for pressing. Wish I had thought of doing that in earlier years; it made a difference.
DH is doing okay; he has his "ouchies," but is doing well on most fronts and blessing to be certain, we are thankfully both healthy from the neck up for which we are grateful. Hope it continues in that manner.
We will not be decorating the outside of the house this holiday season - we used to go to the moon doing that. We have a courtyard in front of the house with wide brick pillars and wrought iron spans between them, a wide sidewalk with steps leads up from the city sidewalk, so we are nicely contained. Lights and decs on the wrought iron spans has always been done as well as the lights on the eaves of the house on both stories. DH should no longer even try to do the first story eaves much less the second story at this time of life. Heck no, I would hide the ladder (as if I could even lift it - Ha!) A nice wreath on the front doors and a bit of fluff on the porch light and free standing mailbox will do it this year if even that - we shall see.
In past years I did a small tree between the dining room and living room - table top all crystal decs and tiny white lights - lovely. The family room has always had the big and it is a really big tree - wide and tall - all colored lights and happy, happy decorations. My one rule has been , NO plastic decs - so most of it is that wonderful old fashioned glass - forget what it is called - not see through glass, but colored items and homemade items from the children and grandchildren. Also when all decorated including colored glass icicles, then strings of real popcorn went around the tree top to bottom and always; the topper has been a colored construction paper angel with wings of a folded doily and yarn hair one of the children made at school years ago, Still have it and still love it. Old fashioned ornaments and homemade items from kids and grandkids and of course other old fashioned colored ornaments - nothing plastic - and finished with those strings of popcorn. It has been an awesome tree with many compliments which is an added bonus as it is about family. We are now done with that endeavor; we are neither one of us up to snuff to do that, so the memories are golden.
DH just called, tummy hungry and he is putting the dinner together, so off I gratefully go . . . .
J.
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David…are you signing yourself on to this site. If so it will be the same at the VA. If not we will share with you the easy way to sign on.
Beth…Where are to off to? We wouls love an itinerary so that we can travel virally with you.
Mint…that Velveete sound better than the store bought.
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I don't remember how I got onto this site it's been so long.what is the easy way in case I can't get on.
If I recall I set up "an account "
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Thanks for your service to all our veterans on our thread and the forum. I spent over 33 years working for our veterans so they mean a lot to me along with Charles being a veteran. Our hospital always had a big event for our patients and had American flags all across the front of the hospital.
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Beth, have a fun and safe trip. Pictures, please.
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Bon voyage, Beth enjoy your cruise!
Jo C, enjoy your daughter's visit!
Iris
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Good morning
Line loaf with plastic wrap leaving excess to hang over sides. 1/4 oz packet unflavored gelatin, 6T dry milk powder, 1C boiling water, 16 oz cheddar cheese shredded. Place gelatin and milk in food processor or blender. Add boiling water and blend. Add cheese and blend til smooth. Pour into mold. Smooth into an even layer. Fild excess plastic wrap over cheese pressing it against surface of cheese. Refrigerate at least 12 hours. Im going to start with 1/4 recipe.
JoC i know prednisone is rough, feel for you. Glad your daughters are getting to come for a visit. Clothes shopping is no fun at all. Very hard to impossible where i live to find quality clothing. Nice to hear from you. Think of and pray for your grandson.
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I hate clothes shopping. My wife has gained about 35 pounds, and it is all on her waist, which means pants that fit at the waist are baggy in the seat and tops are too wide in the shoulder. She hates them and tells me about it daily. I have some of her slacks at Alterations Unlimited now. They will make them fit better, but not like the Evan Picone suits she wore years ago.
My clothing is no problem. Men would buy clothing at a driveup window if we could. "You want socks with that?" "Yeah, gimme some socks."
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I'm taking DW to the clinic to get a blood test today. She takes a blood thinner so we have to test it every month or so. Wednesday I'll take DS to the optometrist again to get his glasses adjusted. Thursday is my birthday, but there won't be a celebration.
I always thought I would live 70 years, because my father and grandfather lived 70 years, but here I am turning 78 in reasonably good shape. I'm at 111% so every day is a bonus. I'm spending those extra years as a caretaker so there's that, but any day above ground is a good one.
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Good morning all.
It's a quiet day for me after a crazy day of driving mom and DS hither and yon. I did the college drop followed by eye injections for her and then circling back to collect him. Today I should make a run to Costco.
Lorita— I hope you get your electrical issues sorted out soon. It much be maddening not to be able to have the Gator available for use.
Mint— Have you made the Velveeta yet? I might need to share that with my friend Jean Louis. He's back in France now but worked with DH after grad school in Texas where he developed a love of Tex-Mex cuisine. Years ago, we visited him for a few days on a trip DH had to Alsace. Ahead of the trip I asked if there was anything he wanted us to bring. His answer was a very specific battery from Radio Shack and "zee nacho cheese". It took me a while to figure out he wanted Velveeta which I smuggled into France in the bottom of my carryon. That stuff is heavy.
Beth— Bon Voyage! I hope you have good weather and can complete your intended itinerary. I have a friend diving in Belize and she was hoping water clarity is good as storms have been churning up conditions in the area.
Jo C— We've discussed Cuddleskin before. You can find vintage Barbizon gowns on ebay and etsy. There's quite a resale market for them.
Carl— I am dying at the notion of men buying their clothes at a drive-thru. That would be my husband and son. When I first met DH, he was working as a research scientist and was required to wear both safety shoes and glasses. Once a year the shoe truck would come, and he'd get a pair of new steel-toed shoes on the company. The shoe guy had a side hustle selling socks so DH always picked up a bunch of those as well. A few weeks later, the eyeglasses guy came, and DH selected his new pair from a range of about a dozen ugly styles. He wore both on our first date which caused me to wonder what he expected to happen that he needed that kind of protection. Once we became serious, I got him into normal glasses, shoes and improved his wardrobe generally. He's very tall so it's a challenge to dress him and he doesn't enjoy it at all. He once asked me to trace his feet and buy him shoes and was pretty salty that I made him come to the store with me. DS isn't much better. I took him shopping a few years ago for my godchild's "casual" outdoor wedding. The younger guys were wearing dress shorts and casual shirts, so I took him knowing he'd think his cargos and a graphic tee were appropriate. When we went to get him shoes, he grabbed some 10 1/2s to try and complained they were all too tight. It never occurred to him that he might actually wear 11s. Boys.
I don't think anyone is still wearing Evan Piccone suits. You might find knits more forgiving for your wife. Lands End has a line called Starfish that features fairly traditional knits and khakis with elastic waists that might work.
I hope all have a pleasant day. HB0 -
Goodmorning, am on my way to have lunch at the local agriculture school they put on a lunch for the seniors a couple of times a year and it is very good food. The servers are students studying to be chefs.
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Morning, another gorgeous day on tap. Have to get my flu shot today. I read in the AARP magazine that they hope to have the flu and covid shots combined into one by next year.
I think 90% of my clothes are from Denim &Co. On QVC. I really like them and it's much easier than shopping in stores.
I have worn L'Origan perfume and cologne by Coty for 60 years but can't find it anywhere now. Just wondering if any of you might know where I can get it. I have some left but it's getting low.
I know two electricians in the nearby town who have done work for us but still haven't been able to get either of them to do the work. One is working on a new housing development so maybe when he finishes. I do miss using the Gator.
David, I don't think you will have trouble finding us when you go to the Veterans Center. I remember when Charles was in the hospital, it was easy, just like at home.
Wish I didn't have to go to town today but need to get the shot. Don't think the Health Dept. . has the covid vaccine yet.
Enjoy your day, everyone. I heard on the news that only 53% of eligible.voters in Okla. Voted this year, lowest in the Nation. Awful!
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Lorita…Amazon has L'Origan…$196
Off to downtown to consult with my daughter on a job she is doing. Her husband owns commercial property and she is responsible for the decorating.
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Too steep for me, Judith, but thanks anyway. Maybe there's another fragrance that might be similar. Appt. For flu shot was at 2:30 and thought I would stop at the Dollar Store first. When I got there, looked at the car clock and my watch and they said 3:05. Hurried down and they reminded me about the time change. Did not think about changing the car clock or watch. Now to figure out how to do it, in the car.
Stormy has had loose stools for a while so Mike told me to change his diet to Science Diet. Did that but still has it. Called to see if I could pick up meds for it but I need to take him in. Appt. At ,9:30 tomorrow, before clinic opens for patients. When I go in and there's lots of people and dogs and cats Stormy has a seizure so Mike sees him before they get there. He is messed up -'you haven't lived uǹless you've tried to clean up the back end of a 90 lb.long haired White dog who has diarrhea. Did the best I could but it embarrassed Stormy. It will have to do. He and Sheena are outside and won't come in now. Don't blame them because it's so nice out there.
I also need to get medicine for Max. He will eat and vomits within ten minutes.
AND, on the way off the farm discovered my trash I took down for pickup had not been picked up. Called and they told me the driver said the road was impassible and had sent them a picture. Second time this has happened. The County made a road bed and opened ditches but never put down gravel. Instead gravelled the road south of me that has very little traffic. Two counties share keeping the road north of me in shape. Someone fouled up!
My arm hurt some on the way home so iced it when I got here. It will be okay. They will have covid vaccines later this week so may get next week.
I have had one heck of a day.
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Lorita, I had that same surprise because I had forgotten to reset my car clock, but now all the clocks are synchronized.
I have not gotten my COVID or flu shots yet. I have to schedule them.
One of my cats, Adam, has been having spontaneous vomiting for years. Usually there are large visible hair balls. Yes, he is a long haired cat. I am supposed to be combing and brushing him daily, but alas, I am remiss. It's on my to do list.
Fortunately none of my cats have diarrhea. But my female cat, Seven, also a long haired cat, used to get feces matted into her back fur. After her shaving by the vet, this is no longer a problem. But I know her fur will grow back, so I need to get on the ball to comb her daily.
I just returned from my cardiologist visit. He says my LDL is too high, and he wants me on Zetia. I don't know why it's so high.
I saw an interesting saying at the doctor's office: "If you don't make time for wellness, you will have to make time for illness." By Joyce Sunada
What a concept!
Iris
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Iris, I know what you mean about brushing. I need to brush the GPs every day, too, but don't. Stormy doesn't care to be brushed but Sheena loves it.
Got a letter today from the Election Board. After all the trouble my ballot wasn't counted because I failed to date the affidavit envelope.. At least I made the effort.
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Beth's Travels
On Monday, November 11th we got up at 3:00 a.m. and left the house by 4:15 a.m. to get to the airport. We had a 6:00 a.m. flight. I don't like those early flights but it was what was available that would get us to our destination prior to 10 p.m.!
We changed planes in Washington D.C. (Reagan). Flying in, those of us on the left side of the plane could see the tidal basin, Washington monument and another monument - not sure if it was the Jefferson memorial or Lincoln memorial. Those on the right side of the plane had a view of Arlington and the Pentagon. From D.C. we flew to Fort Lauderdale and went to our hotel. The temperature was in the low 80's. We sat by the pool awhile and had a nice dinner.
This morning (November 12), we took a shuttle to Port Everglades (cruiseport). We got on the Emerald Princess. This ship carries about 3100 passengers and 1200 crew. We sat by the pool, ate lunch and dinner and are now relaxing in our stateroom (cabin). We set sail around 3:30 p.m.
to be continued tomorrow….
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Had VA appointment today and got the flu and covid shot. Arm is sore but I'll get over it. Had more xrays of my chest and primary care was going to put a consult in for pulmonary function test, but he changed her mind after seeing i had a appointment with pulmonologist on December 3rd. She said he might want to do something different.
Ron
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HB I haven’t made the Velveeta cheese yet. I did buy the ingredients today. But I’ve been very busy and bleeding money this week. Hopefully maybe later in the week or the weekend will see though there’s already stuff I Gotta do on some of them days too. I’ll let you guys know. I’ll send you a picture if it turns out right.
Lorita I panicked one day recently too, because I forgot to change the clock in my car.
My mom is walking some now. Today she told me this is her home now. Its a pretty place and she can see outside everywhere. The furniture is nice. Hope she continues to feel this way. Think she likes all the attention and people.
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Oh no, Lorita! What a shame that your vote wasn't counted!
Beth, the hard part is getting to the cruise ship. But it all should be nice now.
Ron, good for you in getting your vaccinations.
Mint, are you able to get more rest now that your mom is at AL?
Tomorrow I'm going on a day trip to Los Angeles, looking at Art Deco architecture. I love Art Deco, it's prominent in New York.
Iris
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Have 8 more days until I more to the VA. I am terrified but it is the right move because it is getting difficult for my wife to take care of me. Please pray that the transition to be easy.
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Mint, glad your mother is doing some better and she seems to like the place and people. I know it's a load off your mind. Hope it continues. Isn't it an awful feeling when you're an hour off? About Velveeta; I think I may have mentioned that when Charles and I got married in 1971 the big box of Velveeta cost 79 cents would often go on sale for 59 cents. Now it's over $7.00.
Beth, what a day you've had. Hope you can get a good night sleep so you'll be ready for tomorrow. There are almost as many passengers on your ship as are in the town I go to. My hometown has fewer than 200! Have fun tomorrow.
Ron, my arm is sore, too, and I only got the flu shot. Will get the covid vaccine later when they get it. Iris, have fun tomorrow. I thought you lived in LA. Sleep well tonight, everyone. Tomorrow is another day.
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I love Art Deco too. There are several good examples of it in theaters and hotels in downtown Kansas City; I remember seeing "The Producers" a few years back and enjoying the theater as much as the show. I have even seen it on tombstones from the 1920s and 1930s.
David, the waiting has to be awful. I'm praying for you. I think you will like it once you are there. You will be in the company of other men who took an oath to serve their country. I can think of much worse places to live.
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good morning
David I’ll be praying for you for your transition. I just placed my mom in assisted-living and she likes it and she’s doing well. Hope you have the same experience.
Hope you have a nice day today Beth.
Lorita my arm got very sore from the flu shot. I don’t know what Covid vaccine you guys will have available, but I got Novavax and my arm was barely sore at all for just a very short period of time. If you have the option of Novavax it seems people are having less reaction to it than to the mRNA ones. Novavax is a protein-based vaccine.
My sisters and I are taking a day trip to Amish land today.
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Mint— I am so glad your mom continues to be settled at the AL. I often think my own mom would have a better quality of life if she weren't so hellbent on being "independent". She's the adorable little-old-lady with the spiffy outfits that nurses and techs dote on, and she laps that stuff up. LOL, I'll be at the dentist today and she will be asked after by the dentist, the hygienist and the office manager.
Enjoy your outing today. Will you be shopping for anything special or enjoying some Amish cooking?
Lorita— I hear you on the challenges of cleaning the southern end of a northbound dog that size. Our St. Bernard had a touchy tummy and stolen charcuterie always led to a bath for him.
That's a shame about your ballot not being counted after all you went through to exercise your right to vote. In some counties here, if you mail-in ballot is rejected for an outer envelope irregularity, you will be contacted and allowed to cure it if caught in time.
Beth— I will be traveling vicariously through your posts. Enjoy your travels.
Iris— Long haired cats are kind of a lifestyle. My persian and himmies were groomed as kittens and saw it in a positive light. I used to give them each a small dose of Laxatone to help them with furballs. Mom's part-Maine Coon is iffier about combing/brushing. Mom gives her Whiskas Temptations "Indoor Cat" treats. The package is blue and has a cartoon of a cat cleaning on it. It seems to help a lot.
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DS should get his car back tomorrow sometime which gets me off the hook driving him to work this weekend. So yay! I see the dentist at 1pm. I think I'll get there a bit early and have DS take the car to campus for his chemistry lecture. If he's out early and my appointment runs 90 minutes, he can collect me on his way home. Otherwise, I might Uber home.
Mom's been making noises about getting her hair done and a pedi. I'm curious whether she'll actually follow through and call for an appointment. I'm also curious to see whether she'll get her toes done at that salon which is something she fights me on. She prefers the one near me which does a spa pedi with massage for about $5 less. I asked her to Uber the appointment— we'll see how insistent she is about the fancier/cheaper place is she's paying to get there instead of me driving her.
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Trip "downtown" went well. Walked more than I had in a long time.
Will go to the meat market today hoping for an Italian meatball sandwich…
David…you will likely be happy at the VA. If not, leave. We will pick you up…lol
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Morning, back home from the vet. All went well. We were there before the rush and stayed out of the waiting room. Also asbthey hot the meds together. Stormy did well, after I got him out of the car. Medicine to give.both GPs and Max. Will write more later. HB, it's okay about the ballot wouldn,'t have made a difference but I voted anyway.
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Commonly Used Abbreviations
DH = Dear Husband
DW= Dear Wife, Darling Wife
LO = Loved One
ES = Early Stage
EO = Early Onset
FTD = Frontotemporal Dementia
VD = Vascular Dementia
MC = Memory Care
AL = Assisted Living
POA = Power of Attorney
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