Just need to talk to my friends (205) May 2025

GothicGremlin · May 4

Today was a mega-cleaning day. I finally got through the last box from when we cleaned out my parents' house. Finally. We had started going through everything right before the Covid lock downs, but events got in the way, and then there was everything with Peggy …. But now, my goal is in sight! Once the few boxes of stuff we're donating is out of the house I can declare victory.

Mint — all I can say is nachos….. yum…… 🙂

Beth — I remember the photos of your garden from your previous place - it was so gorgeous. You have a wonderful green thumb. I'm glad you guys are out of drought in your area. Drought is something I'm always aware of, being from California and all. I've kept my water conservation habits even though it rains all the time in my neck of the woods in WA state.

Zetta — I hear you about Costco. I'm glad it's there, and I'm glad we can buy in bulk and save, but man, so many people — all with tank sized shopping carts. Ugh.

I hope your daughter and her husband have a wonderful trip to the UK!

Carl — It sounds like you had a good day today, a very good thing.

Funny, every time I think of "fluffy clouds" I think of that song "Little Fluffy Clouds" by The Orb. It's mostly an instrumental with some samples of an interview with Rickie Lee Jones. It's kind of a happy song where she talks about the clouds being red and yellow and purple when she watched them as a kid in Arizona. There was a copyright controversy over the unauthorized use of her voice .. they eventually settled with her.

Lorita - I hope you're starting to feel better. I hope you have a better day tomorrow.

Mint · May 4

good morning

Lorita I hope you are feeling better today

It rained a lot of the day yesterday but no storms. Just nice gentle rain. I’m not sure how much we got. they’re giving rain again today.

Yes Carl, the nice young men that come into where your wife is will be appreciated by the residents. Where my mom is, they just hired a new maintenance man and he’s 18 years old. They got rid of the older guy and hired him and he is so much better than the older guy. I don’t know who trained him, but he is pretty amazing for 18 years old. I hear a lot of older people put down the younger people that bothers me. When I hear an older person do that I say I know a lot of younger people who are very dependable and have jobs. Anyway, all the residents love him, and some of them referred to him as their teenager. He’s getting married. I’m not sure when but I hope that him and his bride stop by that would just make the residents day . That’s the other thing he really seems to care about the residents there. Last Sunday I dropped by after church at lunchtime. He was there helping get the food and stuff passed out in his suit. One of the resident said to me is that my teenager. I said I’m not sure he’s dressed differently, but it was the teenager lol. One other weekend when I went in, he was there doing activities with the residents. Maybe makes a little extra pay that way I don’t know.

BethL · May 4

Caro Lynn, $29 for a nail trim seems a lot to me. My dog is groomed: bath, haircut, nail trim every 6 wks or so and I pay $53 for all.

Lorita · May 4

Morning, thanks Mint. I hope I feel better, too. Don't like to feel bad. Still in bed so can't tell yet. Supposed to.be pretty today and tomorrow, then rain again. Back later.

Caro_Lynne · May 4

Thinking about you this morning Lorita and pray you feel better xo

Lorita · May 4

Thank you, Caro Lynn. I feel. Better but not up to par. I am up and dressed. Not sure I will feel IIke taking the GPs to the vet tomorrow. I will try to trim Stormys nails today and may try Sheenas. Will brush them and maybe that will alleviate some itching. If she would get in the car and I didn't have all of Billy's feed in the back of the car, might try.

jfkoc · May 4

perfect day!

eaglemom · May 4

Good afternoon. Absoutely picture perfect day here today. Everyone I know is loving it because we know summer heat is coming and it will be a zillion outside soon!

I went to a nursery yesterday afternoon. It wasn't too crowded. I think everyone was there earlier in the day. I did find the plants I wanted so that was a win. I came home and got them in their appointed pots. I was quite proud of myself. I have more I want to do, but even this little dash of color looks great. I've already seen several bees and a butterfly on them, just what I wanted. The negative is I can barely walk today, darned stupid knees. So today will be a recovery day. Not what I want, but I will sit on the patio and enjoy it so far.

Lorita don't overdo. I'm sorry your not feeling yourself.

Does anyone do Wayfair? I watch for Wayfair Days and usually order things for the patio. I've never been disappointed. The last time I ordered two large cantilever offset umbrella's. The 'usual' price was $259, on sale for $159 then since it was a Wayfair Day $69. each. I've ordered all of my outdoor rugs from them also, and several inside large room rugs. I've been happy with things I've ordered.

I can't believe its time to fix lunch. It seems I'm constantly in the kitchen, DH eat constantly. At least he's very appreciative. Let's be safe everyone.

jfkoc · May 4

I just got a delivery from Wayfair!

Lorita · May 4

Hi, never ordered from Wayfair but looks like they have nice things.

I just trimmed Stormy's nails and brushed both he and Sheena. I think getting loose hair off will help with itching. Stormy doesn't like to be brushed but this time he stretched out and enjoyed it. I'm bushed! I will rest a bit and try trimming hers. She loves to brushed.

I need to get the vinca in the bathtub. Bought two sweet potato plants but not sure where to put them. I did sit the lantana in a pot in the sun, didn't plant them. I doubt they'll make it. Can't decide where to put the daisies, maybe by the fence. Need some more dirt in one big planter where the caladiums will go and need some rocks and dirt in the pot I plan to put on the elm stump. Guess a trip to the barn is in order to get rich dirt but I do have two sacks of potting soil.May put three vinca in it along with the lantana, not sure. But, that may be for tomorrow. I do wish rain wouldn't come back for a few more days. It is absolutely lovely out today, sun and no wind and not hot.

This tablet just prints weird things. Twice it said I need to get the.Honda in the bathtub. Opened the pkg. With leash in it doesn't look as long as I thought it would be. Don't feel up to trying it out today though. Too much to do.

ladyzetta · May 4

GothicG. Your so right about the tank size shopping carts at Costco. That's the reason we go at opening. We usually finish before they get to the check out stands. My daughter and her DH due a lot of traveling, she works for a cruise line, so traveling is one of her benefits. The cruise line, is right there in Seattle. Holland American Cruise Lines.

Beth. I also remember the pictures of your gardens, they were beautiful. I'm sure you're smaller garden, will also be beautiful.

Carl. When my DH was in MC, at times the AL, aids would come visit MC. A few would read to them, plays games with them and just watch TV with them. I think they did that just to get away from the demands in AL. They loved the residents in MC. It was a sweet thing to watch.

Good day to all. Hugs Zetta 🫂

jfkoc · May 4

Lorita…dogs with double coats (Luke) need to be brushed 2-3 times a week .Our vet said to get one like this

https://www.anseladams.com/pages/ansel-adams-timeline

Carl46 · May 4

I'm enjoying my visits to MC. DW scoots around the room in her wheelchair, and I visit with a table full of ladies. We tell stories about how one woman's mother ran a cafe in Galena, KS next to the police station, and she waited tables part of the time and met her husband there. DW stops by my chair at intervals, then she is off again. They play catch with a big ball and throw darts with Velcro tips. There's a piano but I haven't heard anyone play it yet. One woman who doesn't say much beyond "Hey Baby" and "Hardy Har" sang "Amazing Grace" with an amazing alto voice. I can think of worse places to spend time.

Actually, MC is a lot like visiting here, except that in MC I answer the same questions repeatedly and nobody's been to Costco or taken any trips recently.

Lovely day today. My iris and peonies are blooming like crazy, and the roses are starting to bloom. "What is so rare as a day in May?"

A fire truck just stopped in front of my house. They're just picking up a fireman, who was watching a game with his grandfather across the street. That's a relief. Someone's having a bad day, but it's not me.

Lorita · May 5

Carl, sounds like your wife is settling in and glad you enjoy visiting her.. Always makes a person feel.better when the loved one seems happy.

I have one beautiful, pink.peony blooming. It not very big but there is another bud. Funny, I found, in a big vase, a big bouquet of pink.peonies. No memory of when I bought them. I could put them out with the real one and no one would know the difference. I have two clematis blooming on the light post in the yard . Several years sho I wrapped it with plastic fencing and they grow on it; two varieties and so pretty.. I feel better today but kind of weak. I did take down the trash and shoveled some gravel to.put in the.bottom of the round, black pot. The lantana didn't make.it so guess I'll put vinca in it.

Hope everyone sleeps well tonight.. Sleep tight.

Carl46 · May 5

Oh, this is Star Wars Day. May the fourth be with you!

GothicGremlin · May 5

Mint - A few months before my sister passed away, her memory care facility hired a new assistant activities guy. He was probably 23 years old (ish). He was great with the residents.

One day as I was walking toward the door to leave, one of the other activity assistants called me over to where she and the new guy were standing. She spelled out the word "matinée", and then asked me to pronounce the word and to define it. I did. The 23 year old was shocked that I knew this word. He'd never heard the word before. I'm guessing it's an age thing? (which I don't want to contemplate).

But then the next day, I saw one of the residents hitting him with a towel, and then she started hitting him with her hands. He was so great with her! He was gentle and soothing, and she calmed down. So, maybe his vocabulary wasn't fantastic, but he was sure good with that resident!

GothicGremlin · May 5

And before it's too late — May the fourth be with you!!

Iris L. · May 5

I'm sorry I've been away for so long. My little girl cat Seven was a little sick last Friday, stopped eating on Sunday, felt better on Tuesday, but expired on Thursday. I've been in mourning for her. I'm having her cremated. I'll try to catch up tomorrow.

Iris

harshedbuzz · May 5

@Iris L.

I am so sorry to hear your little Seven has crossed the Rainbow Bridge. You two were blessed to have each other.

HB

Mint · May 5

Good morning

Carl it sounds like getting help with your wife has freed you. I understand that feeling. It will be a little bit yet before all those flowers are blooming here, but it gives me hope. I enjoy visiting where my mom is also and the other residents will get forward to seeing you. Residents have told me your mom has no idea how lucky she is. What they’re referring to is my sisters and I visiting.

Iris I am sorry you lost seven. Know it leaves an emptiness.

Lorita hope you got a good nights sleep

harshedbuzz · May 5

I spent the weekend locked up in Porch-Post Jail. It's nice to be back.

LOL, Star Wars Day. Even the NYT honored the occasion with a Star Wars themed crossword. It's also known as nerd day. Coincidence?

Judith— It sounds like your studies are coming along. How many trainings do you do on a new exhibit?

Eaglemom— I'm glad you had a nice lunch out. DH and I are fortunate to have a couple we meet for dinner often which is nice.

It's funny. My late MIL was an Alfred Dunner girlie. Birthday, Mother's Day and Christmas I'd send her all the pieces of one coordinating capsule wardrobe. She'd get pants, a skirt, a top or 2, a blouse, sweater and sometimes a jacket. MIL lived in a very small town and considered herself beautifully dressed and would brag about her son and DIL spoiling her. If mom happened to be with me on one of these shopping excursions, she'd sneer and threaten me with being disowned should I dare buy her such things.

Zetta— I hope your daughter is enjoying her cruise. London is a favorite city of ours and we'd love to make a trip. I'll need a new knee first. Maybe next year.

Mint— It must be nice to have someone to have meals with and especially who appreciates your efforts.

Caro_lynn— I feel like animal medicine has gone up drastically in the last 10 years and is almost on par with costs associated with human medicine. As it is, you're using a vet or vet tech to do a groomer's job when a groomer might be less expensive. I used to take my last cat to a groomer for a quick mani-pedi. She loved cats and so long as she had an assistant in, she'd fit us in. Then she'd borrow him to go visit the folks in the office next door. I think she charged me $5 and I tipped her the same.

Carl— I'm glad the visits are pleasant for you both. That's huge. Your story reminds me of one of the gentlemen at my auntie's MCF. He'd been a cantor and would sometimes sing or recite prayers. In that moment, he'd transform from a cranky old man he was usually.

Lorita— I hope you get the nails taken care of. It's so hard to have a pet you can't transport. Mom's cat was like that.

Gothic G— Matinee is not that exotic a word. Although, to be fair, the movie industry has moved away from the concept of a 2pm or a "Saturday Matinee" as something kids would do. I usually only hear the word in the context of a Broadway show or euphemism for a noontime tryst. DH grew up in the era of spending all day Saturday at the movies; they weren't much of a thing when I did. Last night he showed me some meme of a Class of 65 HS yearbook claiming all girls from the era looked exactly like one of them. He said "Didn't all the girls you went to high school with look like this?" "Um, no. All the girls I went to school with had long hair, a shag or an afro".

Don't feel bad about the boxes. I still have 2 from my auntie's house. Mostly papers and such. One I haven't even opened. Ugh.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

It's a busy week. Mom's got 2 appointments today. Echo in the morning followed by her eye injections at 3pm. It's going to be a looong day. Wednesday is a quick haircut for her and Friday she sees the derm about her hair loss which seems to have stopped. It's a 9:30 appointment which makes me extra-salty but I need to put a stop to her nattering on about Nutrafol. It's $88 a month for some vitamins she already takes but she sees this crap on TV and gets sucked in. This happened with the Crepe Erase. When I set up her current house, I found a dozen boxes of the stuff she had on subscription. She said it was very good stuff but she doesn't like to wait for it to sink in, so she doesn't use it. Grr.

I woke up yesterday with what looked like a cyst on my cheekbone. It was domed and almost an 1" long. With hot compresses it's improved but not 100% gone. If it's still there tomorrow, I guess I'll have to see somebody about it.

The wrist is a bit better, but the splint is awkward. Everything takes twice as long with it. Yesterday I managed to make a lovely fried egg, which I promptly dropped on the floor so that was fun.

Be safe out there.

HB

JeriLynn66 · May 5

Morning everyone

After a solid week of rain we’re expecting 2 days of sunshine. Then back to another week of rain. April seems to have her timing off. I still have planting to do; so maybe we’ll get it done.

Speck is walking but still a little wobbly. She’s graduated to the patio and backyard.
TRIGGER WARNING ⚠️ We lost one of the bottle baby goats. Don’t know what happened. He was fine at evening feeding but gone at morning. Sometimes no matter what you do, these rejected babies just don’t survive. Very sad.

Iris, I’m so sorry about Seven. I know you loved her and will miss her terribly. Sending you big hugs.

jfkoc · May 5

up….will read later

ladyzetta · May 5

Good morning Rockers

Lorita. Have you been to your doctor lately. It may be time to have things checked. It seems like you have been tired a lot lately. I also need to go and have things checked. I take so many vitamins, I'm not sure if I need them all, seems like it's been awhile since I have had any blood work done. Sometimes when i get up I feel a little lightheaded, i need to get up slower. Please think about it.

HB. My daughter and her DH are having a great time, in London, I feel like I'm with them, I get so many pictures, I'm also enjoying the trip. How is the Cyst doing and be careful with your wrist.

Carl. I'm glad your enjoying your visits to MC and seeing how your DW is adjusting. I also enjoyed my visits to MC when my DH was there, I also enjoyed all the hugs I got from the MC residents.

(((Iris))) im so sorry you lost Seven, I know how hard that is. She had a very loving home. I still cry when I think about my kitty who passed away a few months ago. 😢

(((JeriLynn))) Sorry about the baby goat. You gave him so much loving care. Good news that Speck is walking a bit.

We are suppose to get a little rain today, the sky is gray and it's 64 outside, so I'm looking forward to rain.

Hugs to all, Zetta

Lorita · May 5

Morning. Iris, I am so very sorry about Seven. I know how you feel because we have lost so many of our little friends. I had never heard about the Rainbow Bridge before I came on the forum. It's a good thing to think about. There will be many waiting for me. We have to be thankful, and I know you are, that we had many years with them. Something awakened me at 3 again and it took an hour or more to get back to sleep- nights are the worst for thinking.

I woke up at 7:55 and Darwin hadn't called so that scared me. He said he had another bad night and hadn't awakened at the usual time. His wife has alz and has nightmares and wakes him screaming. That never happened with Charles who had vascular dementia. Both mother and my sister had alz but I was never really around them at night. Has that happened with any of your loved ones?

JeriLynn, glad Speck is up and around. Hope the improvement continues. Sorry about the baby goat. You gave him every chance possible- sometimes nothing works and we don't know why.

HB, you are such a blessing to your mother. I know she appreciates it. How long do you have to wear the cast? I'm sure it makes everything you do harder. Mint, it's so good that your mother is in a good place and seems to be adjusted.I know it makes you feel better. Did you get to go flower shopping? I need to plant flowers today and those bulbs. It's work but brings enjoyment when they bloom or leaf out as with the. Caladiums.

Carl, nice that you can visit your wife and know when you're not there she is cared for. . You have such a good sense of humor. I enjoy reading your posts.

Beautiful day here but rain the rest of the week. Yard is growing up but maybe by next weekend it will be dry enough for Bryon to mow. Looks like the little tree I transplanted may not make it. Guess I'll watch for a !little maple seedling, put it in a pot this summer and transplant it this fall. Did that once and now it is a big tree.

Zetta, I saw my doctor a short time ago and had all my lab work done Everything was normal. I get down about how things are and what to do. I doubt I can sell the farm and still live here because I would be against change or something they might do. I don't want to leave here so that's out unless I have to. No family to talk to about it. Just thinking about what to do gets me down. Thanks for thinking about me, much appreciated. I'll be okay.

Wonder what happened to David?

BethL · May 5

So sorry for the loss of Seven, Iris, and the bottle baby goat, JeriLynn. I know it is very difficult but you did your best to give them a good life. Hugs, Beth

Caro_Lynne · May 5

Iris, so sorry to read about Seven crossing the rainbow bridge, I know how loved he was; sending you and JeriLynn hugs. xo

loveskitties · May 5

Dear Iris, so sorry for the loss of your dear Seven. I know you were a good caretaker and did all you could to give her her best life.

Carl46 · May 5

Iris and JeriLynn, I'm sorry about the loss of your animal companions.

It sounds like Darwin needs more help. My wife woke me every three hours, or more frequently, with bad dreams or for bathroom visits. That lack of sleep wears you down. Maybe Darwin's wife would benefit from an antidepressant or antianxiety medication, so she doesn't have such terrifying dreams. She might also be better off in memory care, because Darwin can't do this forever. 24-hour care was killing me, and Darwin is at least my age IIRC. Darwin isn't asking my advice, but if he were, I would suggest he do what I did. I have had better sleep the past week than I have had in years. Now I can work on getting my blood pressure down so my kidneys don't fail or I have a stroke like my younger brother. I'm not too young to die, but I do have people to take care of.

Lorita, have you thought about a reverse mortgage? You could live in your home, control the use of your farm, keep Billy, plant trees, and borrow enough money to maintain your home and live comfortably. The lender would be repaid when you are gone over the rainbow and won't care anymore, or if you changed your mind and sold the farm. I am thinking of doing that with my house when/if I need the money. I don't need a big house, but I love it here and I have good neighbors.

HB, you have to admit, Alred Dunner does have some really cute floral blouses. I'm sure your MIL received many compliments from her friends in Flat Wallet or wherever it is she lived. Just tell your Mom you'll bury her in a black floral AD outfit if she disowns you. 😁

GothicGremlin · May 5

Iris - I'm so sorry about Seven. It's so hard when they leave us. But you know what? You loved her and gave her a great home - she had a long and happy life with you.

HB - it was kind of funny — yesterday I stopped by I saw that you had posted (in my notifications). When I clicked on the link, I got the message that the post couldn't be found. So that must have been when you were in Porch-Post Jail.

And Alfred Dunner! Peggy's friend M (part of Team Peggy) and I found Alfred Dunner pull on pants on Amazon. Neither of us had heard of them before, but they became a staple for Peggy. They fit her perfectly every time. The only thing was that staff would wash them in hot water (for reasons) and they'd get shorter and shorter. When they reached a certain level, we'd bring in a new pair. They were perfect for memory care. 😈

I finished up the boxes! I win!

In terms of the "shag, afro, or long hair", I was the long-haired one.

Zetta and HB - We love London too. A favorite place of ours that you all can visit next time — The Muffin Man. Easy to get to via the tube. Best.scones.ever. Plus, it looks like a place Miss Marple from the Agatha Christie books would visit while she was solving crimes. I like to bring back some of their Muffin Man tea - so strong. It'll smack you around in the morning.

JeriLynn - oh no! I'm so sorry about the little baby goat. I'm glad Speck is doing better.

Zetta - thanks for the tips on Costco. I'm getting there as soon as they open next time we go. And I hope you get rain (and some relief from the heat).

Lorita - I'm sorry your sleep has been interrupted as of late. Do you ever drink chamomile tea in the evenings? It very often works for me.

For Carl and Lorita — be careful about reverse mortgages. I'd talk to your financial people just to make sure there are no surprises.

I just read about Sketchers being sold to a private equity firm. Time to buy a pair of Sketchers before the sale goes through.

And today? It's absolutely gorgeous out today. This is the first real day we've had where it's just perfect. It's 68 degrees, not a cloud in the sky, and everything is just green, green, green. I'm going outside now. 🙂

Just need to talk to my friends (205) May 2025