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

Lorita · May 14

Mint, just read your post. I'm having problems/pain in my left hip area to the point I'm trying to not lay on that side. Years ago my dexascan showed osteopenia in that area. Took calcium for a few months the it improved, hurting stopped. I'm back on Calcium again and hope it helps. I can't do much either without tiring. Need to transplant violets and make the sweet potato vine hanging basket.

Got the meds down the GPS - had to almost shake them to awaken them.

Iris L. · May 14

Good morning. I am leaving for my trip now, I'm on the way to the airport. I may not be able to post much. I'll be away for 10 days.

Iris

Lorita · May 14

Safe travels, Iris. Hug a baby elephant for me!

jfkoc · May 14

We will miss your posts….please check in when you can.

Lorita · May 14

Already, 90 degrees and muggy. I dread the hot weather..

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Fridsy.They will have lunch at noon.Darwin isn't feeling well today but wants to go to the lunch, then home. I would rather just go to the funeral, graveside I hope. Really don't want to.be inside around so many people eating.

.He said he talked to Ronnie getting directions, etc. For an hour and is worn out. I may have to call him. but he is hard to understand for me. Our Church never had lunch before the service and for my.parents and Charles the services were graveside. Will be for me also. I think that is much easier for everyone. Thinking about a nap, have a.bit of a headache.

jfkoc · May 14

Lorita…check the obit/funeral home. There may be a visitation which would not have many peopla and might be closer to home.

harshedbuzz · May 14

@Iris L.

Have a wonderful trip.

Lorita— lunch before the service is unusual. I have only seen that once. One of our scoutmasters died which was not unexpected as he'd been ill. The next afternoon his dad had a fatal stroke, so the family decided to do both services on the same day with the luncheon in between.
________________________________________________________________

I managed to hand off the crib mattresses successfully. It was raining really hard when we transferred them from one car to the other. I got soaked to the skin in the process. They were in boxes and sealed in plastic so they should be fine.

One thing I found amusing is that the 2 mattresses have been leaning against the wall in my office. When I asked DS to load them in the car, he asked me where they were. Every night he rides his stationary bike 6' away and facing them. He got an A and a B in his classes this semester which makes me wonder how. Seriously.

I was able to pick up a prepared meal at Costco so I don't need to do more than heat it and set the table. Chicken Street Tacos. I hope they're not awful.

HB

Carl46 · May 14

I went to the Senior Center today to see what they have. An Office of Aging organization called Senior Age Daily Bread serves lunch each weekday for a suggested donation of $4. Tomorrow they are having lasagna, salad, green beans, and peach cobbler and I think I'll go get some. $4 for food, very reasonable. Someone to talk to while I eat it, priceless. My parents did this 40 years ago and enjoyed it. I could never interest DW in going, but now that she is eating her meals at MC, I'm going without her.

The Center also has Tai Chi, with a new class starting in June, which is something I have wanted to try. And pool tables, card games, bean bag toss, etc. They even have a travel club. The next six outings include three to shows in Branson, MO and three to casinos in Oklahoma in towns with Indian names like Wyandotte and Quapaw. I have heard that the Indians are really annoyed that it took them 500 years to figure out how to defeat us! 😂

HB, if your DS can read but can't see 6' in front of him, I would have his vision checked. 😱

Hope you all get to feeling better. My strained knee from picking up tree branches has about healed, and I think I'll go weed the flower beds some more. It's 80 degrees and humid, but the breeze is about 15 mph and I can work in the shade.

Carl46 · May 14

Canoe trips: We mostly canoed on Truman Lake in MO and in rivers in southwest MO and northwest AR, like the Buffalo River National Scenic Waterway. The two weeklong trips we took to the Minnesota/Ontario border were in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, a designated wilderness in which motorboats and large groups are not allowed. We didn't use the Boy Scout outfitters because our scoutmaster found a private outfitter in Ely MN that did an excellent job. We drove to Ely, picked up the canoes, tents, and other gear, and paddled into the wilderness. The kind of people who are willing to paddle their own canoes are also the people who don't scatter beer cans around, so if you saw a gum wrapper it was unusual. Plus the area is huge, so you can go days at a time without seeing anyone but your group. You paddle down the lake, portage your canoe and camping gear to the next lake, and repeat.

Standing on the dock at the end of one trip, we saw a Girl Scout troop returning. They were paddling in unison and chanting in rhythm with the strokes of the paddles. As they neared, we could hear the words of the chant: Piz-za! Piz-za! Piz-za! A week of freeze-dried food and fresh fish will do that to you, if you're a teenager.

ladyzetta · May 14

Hello Front Porch Friends.

Lorita. I'm glad you survived the trip to the vet. I'm sure that wore you out. It would be nice for you and Darwin, to go to the funeral. I know you prefer to stay home, as I do, but getting out would be nice for a short time.

JeriLynn. So sorry to hear about your bird, he was so pretty. I had a friend who had two of those, I used to go check on them and spend time with them when she traveled. They talked, they would tell me hello and good by. I think they were at least 20 years old. She got up one morning and found one had died. She moved a few years ago, far as I know he's still alive. If he outlives her she has already made arrangements , with her family to care for him. Your grandson is so cute, he brings a smile to my face.

Ron. I'm sorry no operation, I hope they can find something to help control the pain.

GothicG. I love your potty mouth bird. I bet he was fun.

HB. It won't be long before the splint, will be off your arm, but don't get too anxious just be careful with it. I hope your mother remembers the talk, and gets rid of her high heels. I have had the tacos, from Costco, and I liked them.

Mint. I also like green grass. My DH, planted grass, in Oregon, he was told where we lived it would never last. HA HA!! It lasted 30 years and was still green when I sold our home 2 years ago. Now in Arizona, I have real green grass, only thing is, it's not real.

Iris. Have fun on your trip, keep in touch if you can. Be safe.

Carl. You sound young, with a lot of get up and go. Enjoy your self and have fun.

My kids, daughter and SIL, have been sailing for 2 weeks now. Thier ship will be returning to London, Saturday, they will get on a plane and be home Sunday. I did OK being here with 2 dogs and 3 cats, they keep me busy.

I also enjoy bird watching. I am still watching the bald eagles, the 2 young ones, Sunny and Gizmo, are about to take their first flight, could be anytime now.

Hug to all Zetta

Lorita · 12:36AM

Zetta I checked in on the Eagles this afternoon. They have grown so much. Would be fun to watch them fledge. Your grass will never need watering or mowing so that is good. Mine is better - looks like it could have been baled. It will look better when the daffodils leaves fue back so he can mow everywhere. They are so afraid they'll cut down flowers so miss places they could have mowed.

Judith, the obit wasn't in the paper today, maybe tomorrow. The town isn't far away but not sure where the cemetery is, closer to us I think.

Carl, that sounds good - being with people if you want to and good food. I didn't do diddlysquat today. Did watch a video about how to walk without falling. Pretty good.

HB, lunch before the funeral is common around here, just not our Church. We tend to take food to the home but not the meal.

Darwin just called. Ronnie came and got him and took him to the Church, then to the cemetery. He said be was exhausted by the time he got home. It would be two hours at the Church, then the funeral and then to the cemetery. He said he didn't think he could do it. I said it would be okay because he had been with Ronnie and I had talked with him. So, we won't go. Ronnie will understand- we aren't spring chickens

Lorita · 12:41AM

I lost the previous post then it returned when I clicked on post so won't fool with it.

Will say good night. Sleep well.

Carl46 · 3:16AM

Sleep well, Lorita. I don't blame you a bit for skipping the funeral. We missed DW's cousin's funeral a couple of years ago because the roads were icy.

Zetta, I'm 78, which is older than I ever thought I'd be. But I'm not old enough to want to spend my days watching the pretty girls on TV and cussing the government, so I'm looking for things to do. I may go back to tutoring 2cd graders who can't read well, after the dust settles a little. Of course, I'll need a dog and a pickup like the other retired men. And a Sam's Club membership so I can get one of those good $2 hot dogs.

Tomorrow I'll eat lunch with the seniors and drive to the MC to meet with DW and Becca the hospice social worker. TTYL

GothicGremlin · 5:14AM

I've had a good, productive day. It started out at the gym. This one guy who works out at the gym (usually around the same time as me) is a Duran Duran superfan. I've never met a superfan of anything until I met him. Since my temporary trainer is also his old trainer, he put on Duran Duran music for us to listen to. The Duran Duran superfan was SO happy. I like that band too, so I was happy to work out to The Reflex, Rio, and Hungry Like The Wolf. They're still catchy some 40+ years later, and it made the hour go by pretty fast.

Then home to work.

HB - Hoping you get the splint off in two weeks like you hope.

Also, I hear you about your mom and her high heels. 😱 There are just some things we shouldn't do as we get older.

I hope you had a great time with your bestie today!

eaglemom - I'm glad you've had a great time with friend. Relationships that cover that many years are very special.

Iris - I hope you have a wonderful trip!

Carl - your senior center sounds pretty cool.

I hear you about being older than you ever thought you'd be - I certainly feel that way. I've been told by a couple of friends who are into astrology that I'm a typical Capricorn. Apparently Capricorns are old beyond their years when they're children (true for me). But then, the older we get in years, the younger we become. Also true - I still go out to goth clubs, something I never thought possible. Now I'm at the point where I'm getting ready to reinvent myself for my third act.

I hope you have a great day tomorrow.

Zetta - I hope your kids had a great vacation. It sounds fabulous. I bet you'll be happy to see them when they get back. I'm also hoping that the weather cooperates and isn't devilishly hot.

Lorita - I am firmly of the mind that it is perfectly fine to periodically do nothing all day. Sometimes it's just good for the soul.

Lorita · 5:19AM

Can't sleep.Took an hour's nap this afternoon so guess that's why. Even the Chinese Zen music isn't working.

Carl, I didn't know the lady who.passed away and only met her son once. I was only going to take Darwin . He's 86 and gets confused if he has to drive somewhere he hasn't been. Better he doesn't go, too.

I'm glad you have things you want to do. That's good for you. You are still A youngster. When I wss 78 I was still running cattle, feeding and sometimes pulling calves if the. Vet didn't get here in time. Wish I.could still do those things. Going to see if I can find something to watch on TV. Good night.

ErSt

't

JeriLynn66 · 9:15AM

Morning,

Seems I am back in the "wake up at 2:30 am" cycle for whatever reason. I have an inner ear infection and my ear is throbbing. Who gets those at this age?

After jogging DH's memory, he tells me Pretty Bird was probably at least 20. We are now down to just Oliver the Kitty Man in the house. He mostly sleeps. He's 18 this year.

Iris, I hope you have a wonderful trip. Be safe and post when you can.

HB, marking my calendar for splint removal day and sending good vibes.

Beth, Mint and Carl: I set out a peony. It was fully bloomed out. Now the flowers are dead. How do I deadhead the thing? I've never had one because they seem so persnickety and are a little intimidating to me. HELP!

Lorita, glad the visitation issue is resolved. I find those events so awkward, but feel duty bound. I'm glad it worked out.

Ron, hoping you find helpful alternatives to surgery. Are you still thinking about moving?

GG the Gym Rat, lol. I remember aerobics in the 80's. Such cute outfits. Now it would take layers of spanx under the spandex for me. I need to take a picture of your GrandGoat for you. She is absolutely beautiful.

Zetta, I know you are looking forward to your family's return.

Judith, what are you up to? How is the flip house coming along?

Eagle, I spent yesterday on the patio cleaning. There is a huge potting bench that DH uses to toss any/everything on. It is reorganized and functional again AND he is forbidden to put ANYTHING on the bench, lol. I ordered 2 new outdoor rugs. We have a new (well it's a 2 year old, still in the package new) sunshade to hang. DH is finally getting around to putting up the lattice around the pool deck. Then we paint.

My sweet Aunt down the road is coming to the realization it is time she no longer lives alone. It is so sad. She keeps telling me "My mind is just gone, I can't think anymore". Unfortunately, her son and DIL are not inclined to be proactive. They were still letting her drive when I finally had a little "Jeri Fit". She doesn't drive now. The DIL and I do not see eye to eye. I try to be "nice" and not meddle too much but …. my cousin and I do what we can.

More patio and pool work today while the rain holds off. The strawberry season has ended due to rain. This is the second year in a row they have lost their crop to rain. Some cotton will probably have to be re-planted. Farming is hard.

OK, what can I get into that won't wake DH? The patio lights are on so maybe I'll head out there. TTYL

Mint · 11:34AM

good morning

JeriLynne I don’t care that much for peonies either. I just cut my flowers off when they need it. Then late summer my foliage gets to looking I cut it off down low. Someone may have better advice than me. full of now and of course this is the rainy season. So almost every year I don’t really get to enjoy them because the rain ruins them it shatters so that’s why I’m not such a big fan of them. If you live somewhere where that didn’t happen they’re pretty.

Lorita I can only speak for my area, but I don’t think a lot of people put the obituaries in the paper anymore because it’s very expensive. But you do usually not always find them online. So if you know the name of the funeral home, you could go to their website. If you don’t know the name of the funeral home, but know the name of the person usually you can enter their name and their city and state then their obituary will pop up. But I know like mom we’ve told him we do not want any obituary published. There has been people I know who passed away and I never seen an obituary anywhere.

harshedbuzz · 12:06PM

Good morning. Misty and damp here. They're forecasting dreary until Sunday around these parts.

Carl— DS got new glasses less than a year ago. He's just cursed with his dad's Male Refrigerator Blindness.

Funny how good a motivator food is. Our troop did the hikes at Gettysburg with the newly crossed-over Tenderfoots each spring. If the older boys hadn't told them about the KFC at the end we'd still be out there. Funny, too, the difference between boys and girls that age. DH and I used to walk the trails in the local state park before my knee issues. In summer, the X-Country teams train under their team captains. The boys run in a single group that is silent except for their footfalls on the trail. The girls run in clusters, at the same pace, holding conversations. At the end the boys jump in the creek and the girls roll their eyes at them.

Lorita— When you capitalized the E in eagles, I was wondering if you meant the NFL franchise or the rock band. In fairness to me, I was still letting my tea steep.

Gothic G— Work out music is its own genre. There are things I would listen to while walking are generally fun oldies with catchy tunes that I wouldn't listen to under any other set of circumstances. I used to wonder why I came away from my yoga practice hungry until it dawned on me that the instructor played the same music as my favorite Indian restaurant— I was having a Pavlovian response.

Jerilynn— I'm sorry about the ear. I picked up a random virus about a year ago that left me with OM in both ears. I'd never had an ear infection before aside from a bout with swimmers ear when I was life guarding. One ear cleared fairly quickly but the other took a good couple of months. My hearing was impacted for even longer which was crazy-making.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________

I need to pick up a couple of things ahead of the shower Saturday. I'm getting my hair cut tomorrow, so it needs to be done today. I've been looking for something that says "mom-mom" on it— a mug, apron or tea towels. My BFF has elected to be called that. I can't wait to hear what Thing 1 and Thing 2 decide to call her instead.

For the longest time my oldest niece called me "that". Seems my parents had a large portrait of my sister and me. They'd hold her up to look at it say "There's mommy and who's that?" My name has a couple Ls in it, and she mispronounced them adorably but was already self-conscious about it. So I was that for a couple years.

HB

eaglemom · 3:27PM

Good morning,,,,,,, our friends decided to stay another day!! Ahh the beauty of retirement. We are having a wonderful time. As DH & I got in bed last night he said to me "how can we talk so much & and about everything?" I thought for a second and said because we are all comfortable and love each other. DH said "well the world need more of this." I couldn't agree more.

Later, let's be safe everyone. Our 100 temps are not fun this early.

BethL · 4:12PM

JeriLynn, To deadhead your peonies after they bloom, cut to remove them at the first leaf below the flower. By cutting off the flower, the plant will not expend energy making a seed capsule and will put more into next year's flowers. I had maybe 10 or more peonies at our last home. Have just one here. I do plan to dig a division of the peonies on my parents' graves when I visit them for Memorial Day. Below, wish I still had these!

Lorita · 4:23PM

Hot and humor here, too. Cleaned the AC filters and turned on one. Not really too bad outside because of the breeze.

Left !ower side is hurting. Hope it isn't diverticulitis again. I have the Flagyl but will wait a bit.

Glad you are having a good time, Eagle, with your friends. Friendship means everything .

I think Darwin has decided to go to the. Cemetery tomorrow. I don't feel like going. I learned the woman who passed away is the sister of a girl I sort of knew in school. She was several years older but we rode the same bus.

Didn't sleep well and have already fallen asleep in my chair a couple of times..

Groceries were delivered early and got them put away. Gave the GPs their Amox and Prednisone. It looks like the lantana might grow again but not sure about the daisies. Will keep the planters watered. I need to spray poison ivy around the tree stump, but not today.

Lots of storms of all kinds predicted this weekend, Monday and Tuesday.. Maybe it will cool off, Eagle, but there is summer coming. Think I will lay down a while, maybe the bedroom has cooled off some.

Lorita · 4:47PM

Pretty peonies. I had one beautiful soft pink bloom.Guess I need to cut off that sprnt.bloom Any idea why there is only one bloom?

Bedroom feels good so am laying down. Guess it will be bland foods and water for me.

jfkoc · 5:39PM

OK, are the white peonies a tree peony? I have onky one peony left and it is looking woogy. My everyday friend here who defined herself as a gardener had no idea that peonies were fragrant.

Flip house? After getting the ex-son -in-law out we are just breathing

Watch the Supreme Court hearing today…not easy to follow but loved when Kagan said she would not have brought the point being argued up in the first place. You gotta love the off hand remarks. I understand at a least a little on the complexities and how important the issue actually is.

Carl…I frequently paint at my Sr Center.

Iris is on her way….very long plane ride!

New porch rockers…please post some more.

BethL · 9:26PM

Judith, the white peony is 'Star Power.' It is not a tree peony. Sure had a lot of blooms!