Just need to talk to my friends (209)
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Good morning. We have another ridiculously lovely day on tap here— sunny and warm with low humidity. It's unusual for this time of year.
Lorita— My nana had a dish of cukes on the table with dinner. Sliced with slivers of red onion in cider vinegar with a couple ice cubes to keep them cool. In retrospect, she had very high BP and probably ate them for their diuretic properties as much as flavor. The result is that I love cucumbers. If we go somewhere and get salads, DS and DH quietly slide the cukes onto my plate.
Eve— However lacking your potato salad was it can't be as bad as the stuff one of DH's old friends used to bring to potlucks. He once shared with me that the secret to his potato salad was to make it the day before and let it "marinate" on the counter overnight. Eek!
What's special about Hatch chilis? I noticed recently that my fancier grocery store had an end display featuring mild and hot chilis. How could I use them? My DH and son like some heat.
Iris— I've had similar issues with editing and fingers slipping. So annoying.
That station is gorgeous and I kind of like the mobiles (or are they stabiles?). I love how your city is looking forward to welcoming visitors, whereas mine is reducing service across the board and raising fares ahead or World Cup and the 250th birthday of the country. It's been a miserable week, many kids in the city rely on Septa to get to school instead of school busing and a lot of routes have been eliminated or reduced to hourly service (and overly filled busses). Regional rail has taken a hit— no more express trains, hourly service during the rush hour with some of the more heavily used lines to be scrapped entirely in a few months.
I'm not doing any specific treatment for the platelet issue as they're still trying to sort out the why. The rest of my Heme Profile is in normal range and my liver and spleen are fine. They're doing a deeper dive into infection and revisiting the B12 and some other stuff. So far, the tests that have come back from a different lab have confirmed the low platelets and ruled out Hep C (I was negative when I had my knee done) The kicker is that the levels are low, but they're not so low that they'd likely treat at this point anyway.
Gothic G— Good on you for slaying the troublesome bugs. Out here we also squash the Spotted Lantern Fly which is invasive but really, really pretty. I could imagine a Hermes scarf with a SLF print would be gorgeous.
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Pizza tonight. DH and I need to rehang a curtain rod that's pulling out of the wall. I did the initial hang and didn't get deep enough into the wood I suspect. A handyman rehung it and now it's coming out again. DH and I do not do home projects together civilly and I am not looking forward to being snapped at. He's out of his depth here and gets stressed. Normally I would just do this, but he's decided to make it a group project. He's a brilliant man with almost no practical skills.
I want to change the panels anyway. The ones hanging are really heavy and yet let a lot of light come in through the east-facing windows. I may see if Ikea has something that would work or maybe I'll see if I have enough white canvas on hand to whip something up.
I hope all have a pleasant day.HB
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Morning, cloudy and 66 this.morning. I still wear a mask when around someone, inside or outside and keep a bottle of sanitizer in my purse. With the cutback on eligibility to get vaccines, taking precautions on our part is going to be important.
I really don't care for cucumbers too much especially in salads. Charles liked them in salads so I included them and it seemed I always got most of them so slipped them to him. Hope all of you have a good Friday.
Hard to believe Labor Day is almost here. Karen and I went to work at the VA Hospital 64 years ago the day after Labor Day. That seems impossible - where have those years gone? Back later.
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Here
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Good morning!
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Good morning. Its damp and drizzly here. Yesterday it was 101 and the heat index was 109 with blazing sun. And now 79 and grey.
I've got a Sam's order to pick up and grocery store pickup. I will stop at the farmers market for fresh fruit and veggies. Since I'd planned on being away I let my shopping slip up.
I've got to fill out the paperwork for the travel insurance. I did laugh at the first line - it asks you to reach out to the Vrbo host to see if they'd be willing to refund your money. Somehow I don't see that happening. I did do that - he's failed to respond. I take his failure to respond as a response.
Iris I believe you ask about DH's cough. 90% of the time its a dry cough. He's not coughing constantly, but once he starts coughing its quite a bit before he can settle it down. Funny but not - last night he was coughing and the dog shot him a look, stood up and defiantly walked out of the room! I died laughing which in turn made DH laugh while coughing. He was a mess. The dog had put herself to bed in her crate. She'd had it listening to the coughing! Smart girl.
Time for my pickup's. Everyone let's be safe out there.
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Good morning Friends!
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up…going to bank and to order some window shades
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good afternoon
I also use hand sanitizer when I’m out. When I get home, I wash my hands with soap and water. Here soon probably somewhere close to the end of October. I will start wearing my mask when I’m out and when I go over to where mom is. I hate doing that, but I think that’s only fair to the residents and probably to myself also.
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Good morning.
The LAX/Metro Station artwork is called Distance of the Sun by Glenn Kaino. It consists of a series of vessels, both real and imagined rafted together to create a spiral pathway suspended in the air. Spacecraft embody universal dreams of spaceflight from cultures across the globe. Inspiration was drawn from contemporary designs, ancient motifs and images created by young people. The artist worked with an origami master to translate drawings into paper sculptures which were scanned and 3D printed to create this monumental project.
I paraphrased the above from the pamphlet given out to explain the artwork.
Construction is being done on a People-Mover to transport passengers directly to the airport terminals without having to ride a bus.
Lorita, your spider bite sounds like it could have been from a brown recluse spider. Their bite can be very damaging and painful.
HB, that moth would make a nice Hermes scarf!
It's nice to see that your doctors are investigating your low platelets. My doctors have shown no interest in my low platelets. I hope your platelets return to normal spontaneously.
An annual Labor Day bridge walk has been cancelled. People will have to find other fun things to do. I have chores and errands to do.
Iris
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Good morning Front Porch Rockers. Hugs Zetta
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HB - After you roast Hatch chilies, they take on a nice smokiness that really adds nicely to their heat. We use them primarily in our "loaded" quesadillas. Our quesadillas have cheese, fresh corn (when available), Hatch chilies, and mushrooms. On my s.o.'s side of the quesadilla he'll add chicken. After they're plated, we'll add a dollop of guacamole and a dollop of salsa.
We've also used Hatch chilies in enchiladas and draped some over salmon while it's baking. I can imagine them being tasty in tacos too.
I've read about the spotted lantern fly, but have never seen one. Out here we have murder hornets. I think WA state has eradicated them though (thankfully). Those guys are really evil looking creatures.
Lorita - I can take or leave cucumbers. If they have their skins on them, I like them in salads. Without their skins, they're a little mushy.
Mint - when I used to visit my sister in memory care I always masked and used hand sanitizer. I did it for me, but mostly for the residents. The last thing I wanted to do was walk in and infect everyone. I always wore a cheery mask so as not to frighten anyone.
Hey Beth, Zetta, and JeriLynn 🙂 I hope you're all having a good day.
I finished boot camp today. Yay! He gave me my two favorites - the earthquake bar and the lat machine. We joked that I'd been eating my vegetables all week and so I deserved some dessert. Trainers. 😄
I'm going to spend the rest of the day writing, and then tonight we're contemplating driving into Seattle to go to Mercury, the local goth club.
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Masks - a man at the senior center told me yesterday that another man had asked him why he was wearing a mask and he had replied "Protecting you." Two days later, he was in bed with covid, so he had been infected at the time of the conversation and actually was protecting others. My response is "Soap and masks are optional, but some of us still use them."
We are having a warm, dry Labor Day weekend to close out the driest August on record, less than 0.2" of rain. No muddy roads here!
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Hi again, with the change in who can get a covid shot I think masks will be very important. I'm wondering now about flu shots and who will be able to get them.
Drove down to the mailbox and was pleasantly surprised about the road. They put in a culvert,although small, east of my driveway and another long one diagonally from West of the driveway. Wish they were bigger around. This negates tearing up my entry to put in another one. This would also entail moving my mailbox - just had it put into quik set last fall.My culvert is probably 16-20" around but it is stopped up. To put in another one would cost $250 plus a load of gravel. Now if he will put small gravel on top of the rocks the road will be man good. That is how Dakota fixed my driveway. Cost $3500 but worth it.
Tried to hook up the battery charger to the PU but can't get the things over the battery charger. Bryon plans to come in the morning so maybe.he can. I have done it a dozen times.but this is a new charger.
Been cloudy and cool all day. Cannot. beat this weather for the end of August.
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"Grampa, what was life like before vaccines?"
"You're about to find out."
It will be September next week. I think I'll see what vaccines are available for me. At my age, I should be able to get covid, influenza, whatever.
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Hello from Virginia! It’s been quite a while since I’ve posted. It seems that summer has flown by in a flurry of doctor appointments and medical tests. I had a stroke in May and lost mt peripheral vision on thr left side for both eyes. It has caused some problems with depth perception and balance. It has caused a lack of confidence for walking outside or going to restaurants or activities out of the house. I’m always concerned that I’ll not see what is on my left side and that I’ll walk into someone or something. Trying to work on that. Now shortness of breath has caused more walking issues, I had a stress test, ct, Im wearing a monitor for two weeks but of course most of the symptoms seem to be going away.
We were happy that we had visits from the girls. My son’s daughter and three of my daughter in law’s girls were here .My granddaughter is getting her masters in chemical engineering at Wisconsin University and the others are from Vermont, Boston and New York. Busy busy. The weather was great while they were here but it has been unseasonably cool the last week with more cool weather to come. We could really use some of Lorita’s rain.I have two bird feeders outside of my window that always attracts the wildlife in the area. In spring the deer ate all the leaves and buds on the hydrangeas so we had no flowers this year. The plants have sprouted some new leaves and now one of the mamas have brought their twins to snack on them each evening. If I walk up to the window, they just look at me and keep on eating. I did have a bear right next to the window looking in, that was a little too close. We have three draft horses and two mules. They were all rescued from the meat auction. One of the horses, his name is Chaos, had a hoof infection and had extensive surgery. He’s been in rehab for two months. We’re hoping he gets his walking cast soon so he can come back home. Appolo and Zeus miss him. I rescued a turtle from the pool. Poor thing was treading water. We have a ramp in the pool so any animals could get out but I don’t think they are smart enough to use it.
As always, I read every day and seem to be living vicariously through the trips, trials and busy days everyone has. Thank you for your posts. I’ve been here for fourteen years and even though I don’t post often, I feel that I have friends here. I didn’t know we would be living in such an isolated area. No neighbors or ways to meet people. This thread helps. Take care and have a good weekend.Sandy
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@Carl46
Getting a COVID vaccine, or not, could be dependent on where you live. It looks like DH, mom and I are about to do a little medical tourism across the bridge to New Jersey. We're seen at the same PC practice; they'll be offering flu shots but not COVID. Grrr.https://www.axios.com/2025/08/29/cvs-covid-vaccines-kennedy-rfk
HB0 -
Good afternoon/evening all
Busy day, took husband to VA appointment as he’s complained about leg pain. Another thing I appreciate about VA is the one stop care. The nurse arranged for X-rays right away, ordered a medical alert ID tag, and is arranging physical therapy that should be closer to our home. Good to be home though!
HB - honestly my potato salad WAS horrible! Refrigerated but horrible. I’d have a hard time eating potato salad that hadn’t been kept chilled.I like the flavor and heat of Hatch chiles. When I’m season I roast, peel and freeze them in the same types of foods as GG. I make a chile rellenos casserole, enchiladas, add diced chiles to soups and egg dishes or even in some sandwiches. True Hatch are grown in New Mexico.
Thanks for the link about COVID shot availability, I had no idea they weren’t available to all.
EagleMom - I’m sorry about your husband’s cough, sometimes I’ll get a tickle in my throat that starts a coughing fit. Luckily it goes away. I must admit that I got a kick out of your dog putting herself to bed in her crate.Sandy - Hi from California, I’m new here as if this month it sounds like you have quite interesting visitors! I live rurally and experience deer, coyotes, mountain lions and smaller critters but haven’t seen a bear yet, though they’re here. We’re also isolated with few remaining friends here and no family close by. In my early 70’s and find it difficult to make new friends.
Dogs are so amazing. About this time every evening he reminds me it’s time to walk, because then it’s dinner time
Have a good night everyone, the dog awaits~Eve
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Sandy, so very good to see your post. Hope things medical have settled down for you. I didn't know about the turtle. How did you get him? Are all the girls still there? We didn't have rain today but looks like there will be some this weekend and Monday.
Talked to our County Commissioner this afternoon. He is going to put smaller gravel on the road plus three or four more culverts and raise a few places and gravel. He has been in the hospital and had surgery for a greatly enlarged thyroid that was cutting off his ability to breathe. Sill hoarse but improving.
Isn't it awfully early for flu or covid Shots? I normally get mine in October but things aren't normal now. Maybe should get them when we can. I did hear today that covid cases are on the rise. Good night
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Walgreen enclosed an ad for flu, covid, pneumonia, and RSV shots for people 65+ with my most recent prescription refills. They are putting out the plastic skeletons and candy corn too, so they may be rushing the season a little.
I don't know what CVS is doing. I have to drive past Wal-Mart and 2-3 Walgreen stores to get to CVS, so I don't shop there often. From HB's chart, it appears State regulations vary as to whether the vaccines are permitted without prescription, or at all. Strange.
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I get my covid and flu shots st the Health Dept. I will call Tuesday to see if they're going to have the vaccine. I think I got last years Covid shot at WM though. I saw today there are some states that won't have the covid vaccine. So far, Oklahoma isn't one of those.
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Missouri has a law forbidding pharmacists from questioning prescriptions for that sheep worming medication some used to treat covid. We haven't yet banned vaccines. Maybe we should get our vaccines while we can.
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Welcome back Sandy.
My throat is tickling. I'll get a Covid test tomorrow.
Iris
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Sandy, it was great seeing you in your rocking chair again.
The past two days have not been good days! Thursday no sleep at all, nose running like a dripping faucet and hard coughing all night. Friday I went to urgent care in Springfield and after seeing something he didn't like on ekg, I was wheeled down to ER. After they finished everything in ER, me laying there begging for water, they come back wanting more blood for enzyme test again. Luckily nothing to serious and after 7 hours i swung by the VA pharmacy to pick up antibotic and steroid medicine and headed home.
Carl you mentioned the guy wearing a mask for everyone's protection. I did the same, even though I believe mask should be optional, if you know your sick, you should have one on.
Everyone stay safe this holiday weekend.
Ron
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Good morning to those who are awake on this Labor Day weekend.
Eaglemom— I got a chuckle out of the dog side-eyeing your coughing DH. I hope you collected all your pick-ups without any complications.
Judith— Blinds? Did you pick out anything fun?
Lorita— I'm glad the road situation was remediated without having to disturb your driveway. A friend has a similar situation to what you're describing— a roadside culvert (her tube was 24") the passes under her drive that was clogged. She ended up hiring someone to clean it out which was several thousand dollars. She was able to avoid tearing out a section of her paved driveway.
It's generally suggested to do one's flu and COVID vaccines in late September/early October. September is the day after tomorrow. Mom's pulmo is willing to "prescribe" a second flu shot as a booster in flu seasons that drag into the spring.
Sandy— You do live in a gorgeous part of the country as I recall. I had to take my feeders down for a similar reason. In addition to the deer cleaning me out nightly, they attracted hawks who were they seeking prey. That's not my idea of entertainment.
Ron— I'm glad you're home; I hope the meds kick in for your quickly.
One thing I noticed since that hurricane destroyed the facility in NC that manufactured most of the IVs used in this country, is that routine use in the hospital is a thing of the past. It used to be that mom nearly always got an IV started once settled in the ED to avoid what you experienced. Now, if we're lucky, they bring her ice water.
Eve— I'm glad the VA was able to take care of everything in one-stop. I hope your DH does well with PT. Dad did great when he was with the therapist but could not be compliant with his homework when he wasn't so he was dismissed.
Iris— Fingers crossed for no COVID. You've got places to go, things to do and posts to share with those of us at home.
Carl— The CVS stance is interesting. I know my smaller local one has been chronically understaffed; they often have randoms from other locations filling in. Administering vaccines interrupts the workflow of filling prescriptions when it pulls the pharmacist or tech away from the bench. I'm going to see if mom's indie pharmacist does them and whether he requires a prescription.
Earlier in COVID, when there was more of a we're in this together mindset, this was a PR move worth making, but perhaps now the reimbursement from Medicare isn't worth the hassle or impact on serving prescription customers.
FWIW, I can walk into my local feed store and pick up Ivermectin for the asking. No worms in my sheep, or brain, required.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________I'm still waiting on most of my labs to come back but my PCP did reach out and switch out my BP medication. Again. The stuff I'm on isn't buttering the biscuit, so she's upping the dose. This is the 4th one in the last 15 months.
HB0 -
Lorita, I think it is a little early for flu shots.
From Prevention magazine: (online article dated Sept 5, 2024)
"When is the best time to get a flu shot?
It’s hard to figure out an exact time to get your shot. However, the CDC usually recommends getting your shot by Halloween, aka the end of October.
"Infectious disease doctors say it’s possible to get your flu shot too early, and making this move could raise your risk of being vulnerable to the flu before influenza season is over.
Doctors generally agree that right now is too early for a flu shot. “The concern is that the protection will wane,” says William Schaffner, M.D.,an infectious disease specialist and professor at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. “If you can wait a bit, that’s better.”
Infectious disease expert Amesh A. Adalja, M.D., senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, agrees. “The influenza season can last into mid-spring,” he points out.
October is when I recommend getting the vaccine as there is more actual influenza activity then—there is very little now,” Dr. Adalja says. “The vaccine will last further into the season if administered in October.”
Also worth considering: It takes about two weeks after you’re vaccinated for your body to develop antibodies against the flu, per the CDC. So if you have a big indoor event coming up sometime in late October or November, you may want to plan to get your flu vaccine a few weeks ahead of that, just to be safe.
But if now is the only time you can get vaccinated, Dr. Adalja says it’s better than nothing.
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Carl, Just because the pharmacies are encouraging it doesn't mean it is the right timing.
- Many pharmacies are already encouraging people to get their annual flu shot.
- Doctors say that timing is important with your flu shot.
- It’s best to aim to get your shot in a specific window of time this fall. (See what I posted to Lorita from Prevention magazine)
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Good morning!
I watched the Diane Sawyer story about Bruce and Emma Willis last evening. It was good. I also watched Season 2, episode 2 of "With love, Meghan." I find it is kind of fake. She films in a rented mansion (doesn't want anyone to see her home). At that mansion she and her guests often walk out to the most amazing garden you can imagine and harvest things to cook with. That's not hers either. She seems to imply that it is. Hmmmm…..
We're planning a fun day. Driving to Iowa City for a birthday bash for a friend. Then heading back and on the way stopping to purchase some home canned goods from a farmer and stop at a new BBQ place.
Went swimming on Thursday as per my usual routine. I'm getting kind of tan, even though I am careful to use sunscreen.
Ron, hope you feel better soon.
Beth
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Ok, once more. I just thought of a question for GG:
- What is the difference between your usual routine and boot camp?
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up…will potter around today
HB….just looking for plain, inconspicuous roll up shades for my son when he comes to visit. The existing draperies let in too much lite…ugh!!!
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good afternoon
that’s how I feel GG. Where mom is had one outbreak last winter, but they handled it very well. They only had to stay isolated about a week at the most. But it’s still hard on some of them like my mom , they really like to be out in the lobby and know what’s going on. Unfortunately Carl you might be right. I hope you are, but you know there are people who will cut off their nose to spite their face, especially under the right circumstances.
Sandy I think my sister c/o the deer eating her hydrangeas too.Yes Ron it sounds like you and I both believe in common courtesy and respect for others. There are many people, including young people, walking around out there who are so very vulnerable to illnesses. Many of them have children and they’re trying to work. I wish we had a kinder, gentler country.
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