Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?

IllinoisLady

You were trying to be simple for the sake of being simple. I wonder if true simplicity is ever anything but a by-product. If we aim directly for it, it eludes us; but if we are on fire with some great interest that absorbs our lives to the uttermost, we forget ourselves into simplicity. Everything falls into simple lines around us, like a worn garment. -David Grayson

IllinoisLady

It is rain here today. Likely all day and possibly into the morning hours tomorrow. I don't think it will be downpours though -- just long lasting time-wise. I'm okay since I continue to have plenty to do.

Wren, Dh and I did something of the same thing. We went half on the entire series of Hill Street Blues t.v. episodes on discs. Something we likely would have kept slapping our hands over at any other time -- but Xmas is sort of special -- and we could barely wait each week for Hill St. to come on. I hope after these many yrs. we end up being as thrilled watching it as we were back then.

We don't recall if we started at the beginning -- or found it a bit later on so we may be making discoveries about all of this. That should lend a bit of excitement as well. Yrs. ago we watched more t.v. at certain times. These last few yrs. with how we have worked and had to catch up with home life at odd times, we haven't fallen in love with any series programs like the old days. We are lucky to catch something ( the entirety of one program ) now and then and never became addicted to anything. Sort of miss that anticipation.

Hope the less than wonderful weather doesn't make too much affect on your day. Sandy, hoping that you work thru the pain issues better too. Sounds promising.

Wren44

Our problem with TV is that the best programs come on at 9pm or later and we're in bed by then. I wish we had a recorder so we could watch the next night. On the other hand, we have plenty to do without the TV. We're both readers.

IllinoisLady

Courage is not the towering oak that sees storms come and go; it is the fragile blossom that opens in the snow.

- Alice Mackenzie Swaim -

ChiSandy

We have a DirecTV receiver with built-in recorder, as well as TiVO on the expanded bssic cable (which we keep because it's bundled with phone & internet and comes in handy when storms, wind & snow render the satellite inoperable). We also have E.& W. Coast network feeds on the DirecTV, a remnant from the days when satellite services could not carry local stations and our antenna couldn't receive reliable signal from local stations due to our proximity to highrises (and even some of the repeaters the cable companies used didn't have antennas tall enough for good signal). The local O&Os signed a statement that their signal to our block was subpar. So I get to "time shift" to record the later W. Coast airings.

carolehalston

We have the Direct TV recorder, too, and I can't imagine doing without it. It's so much better to watch a program recorded so that you can skip the commercials. We watch programs on Amazon Prime most nights. For a couple of years we watched Netflix.

No golf today. Rain yesterday made the golf courses too wet and sloppy. I did some shopping and was back home by noon. I have one more gift card to buy.

Plans to have dinner out with former neighbors tonight fell through. Dh and I both were just as happy not to go out. Restaurants are very crowded on weekends, but especially during the holiday season.

IllinoisLady

Joy is what we are, not what we must get. Joy is the realization that all we want or need in life has been etched into our souls. Joy helps us see not what we are "going through," but what we are "growing to"--a greater sense of understanding, accomplishment, and enlightenment. Joy reveals to us the calm at the end of the storm, the peace that surpasses the momentary happiness of pleasure. If we keep our minds centered on joy, joy becomes a state of mind. -Iyanla Vanzant

IllinoisLady

Wet all day yesterday ( periods of rain and when not that, very heavy mist ) and I think rained most of the night. Due to stop later on and maybe even partial sun. That is hard to 'see' right now with the deep grayish color of the outdoors. I'm sure hoping though that the weather report is right. I could really use some sun. I think some sun is coming tomorrow and past as well, but I don't count on too much with all the strange weather we have the past few yrs. Just surprised that so far we are basically having rain leading up to Xmas rather than the snow.

So, still working on things inside and hoping the sun does make an appearance. Hope you all have a wonderful day.

Wren44

Just as I was reading your post, the sun came out here. It's been dark and rainy for the past week and is supposed to start again tomorrow, so I'm looking forward to today. My friend and I are going to see an art exhibit that has some paintings by my classmates and then to an awesome bakery for a slice of cake. The cake will be my dinner. DH is playing with the samba group at a party this evening and will leave early because it's quite a distance away. It's a surprise birthday party, so imagine a samba band with fancy dressed dancers (think Mardi Gras). We had really strong winds here last night. I grew up in OK, so it takes quite a wind to impress me. Walking to the bus stop, it was difficult to keep moving forward with the wind against me.

IllinoisLady

If you send out goodness from yourself, or if you share that which is happy or good within you, it will all come back to you multiplied ten thousand times. In the kingdom of love there is no competition; there is no possessiveness or control. The more love you give away, the more love you will have. -John O'Donohue

IllinoisLady

Warm here today and sun...maybe 54 degrees. Over-night was pretty cool so will take a bit, but sure will be nice. I'm likely more interested in the sun since it always gives me a giant boost. Nothing special planned other than to enjoy the sun. Plenty to keep me busy otherwise this time of yr. We don't do a lot, but I'm always working on some project or other.

Hope you all will have a really pretty ( sunny too ) Sunday.

IllinoisLady

I believe that the rendering of useful service is the common duty of humankind and that only in the purifying fire of sacrifice is the dross of selfishness consumed and the greatness of the human soul set free. I believe in an all-wise and all-loving God, named by whatever name, and that the individual's highest fulfillment, greatest happiness, and widest usefulness are to be found in living in harmony with his will. I believe that love is the greatest thing in the world; that it alone can overcome hate; that right can and will triumph over might. -John D. Rockefeller, Jr.

IllinoisLady

Hope you all have a beauty of a day. We will here. Just feeling free and easy and hoping the whole day stays that way --- for everyone.

carolehalston

After a rather gloomy day yesterday, the sun is shining this morning. Nothing exciting going on today. It's time for somebody to do some housecleaning and I suspect that somebody is me.

My Christmas wish is for a house cleaning person to "happen" in my life.

ChiSandy

Third day of sunshine and high 40s in a row. The magnolia tree out back is confused as hell--it's budding again despite having lost its leaves. Out front, our arborvitae has grown pretty tall, so we hung battery-operated LEDs on it and our banisters so we'd have more than just the wreath on the door. (We hung a battery-operated string of dreidel lights for Hanukkah next to the door...and they glowed for the entire 8 days & nights).

IllinoisLady

We are in such haste to be doing, to be writing, to be gathering gear, to make our voice audible a moment in the derisive silence of eternity, that we forget one thing, of which these are but the parts—namely, to live. We fall in love, we drink hard, we run to and fro upon the earth like frightened sheep. And now you are to ask yourself if, when all is done, you would not have been better to sit by the fire at home, and be happy thinking. To sit still and contemplate . . . is this not to know both wisdom and virtue, and to dwell with happiness? -Robert Louis Stevenson

IllinoisLady

Bright sun outside which I so love to see. My happiness quotient raises about 10 points just looking out the window. Have had it nicer for several days now so at some point -- it will either come some rain or heavens, even snow if the temps. drop low enough. Well, it is 'the' season after all, so I'll just keep smiling no matter what.

Getting my small menu ready for the holidays. I am going to enjoy I think doing this at home. I so appreciated being able to not only have Thanksgiving over at my friend/employers home, but also the fact that they supplied everything. It had some difficulties but they weren't bad ones -- just a wee bit stressful. In the meantime, from the time I had been going there several times a wk. to care for my patient, the old fridge had to be replaced along with the cook-top. So, had to figure those out as well as I had forgotten after that time period which were the well-sized serving dishes etc. So, here at home where everything is basically on automatic it should flow a bit better.

I hope you are all going to have a bright beautiful day too.

carolehalston

Jackie, I forgot to ask about your Thanksgiving dinner served at someone else's house, the food cooked and prepared.

I have my appointment with the podiatrist today at 10 am. I'm curious about his reaction to the status of my big toe. It hasn't been painful but looks pretty much the same as the 2nd day after the procedure when I took the bandage off.

Tonight is a Christmas dinner party with my golf group. I'm bringing an appetizer that I will make today and serve on a small Christmas platter that was a gift last Christmas.

IllinoisLady

What we say and what we do
ultimately come back to us, so let
us own our responsibility, place it
in our hands, and carry it
with dignity and strength.

Gloria Evangelina Anzaldua

IllinoisLady

Going to be a warm, sunny day here ( for near X-mas time ), I think about 56. Of course I'm thrilled, but it is doesn't do too much to HELP you think of the holiday so rapidly approaching.

As for Thanksgiving Carole ( at friend/employer's house ) it was wonderful. All I really had to do myself for the most part was to make a small pie and some Cranberries In The Snow the day before -- then pick up the meal ( already cooked ) and get it to the house. My employers have a fantastic home. I will admit that it is VERY large. Seven bedrooms, two offices, three baths and one half bath. Master bath is huge as well, with one big room being a walk in closet with extra storage and enclosed rm. for the toilet and bidet. The home on acreage was a gift from the Dr.'s children who have all done quite well as adults. Despite this, these people are among the most un-assuming people I know and believe in helping others -- not to excess, but I have found that if I'm not careful in how I converse about things going on in my life, I have a check or a lg. bill thrust into my hand as I go to leave to help me out. They truly appreciate and are grateful for the fact they themselves have done well in life and so pass it on. I have seen a fair amt. of this but have not experienced it so directly as I did when I went to work there. That has I'm sure helped me to understand the need to be grateful for all the blessings I receive -- so when I talk about sunny days or the beauty of spring, or a special time shared with someone, it is my recognition of all that is a benefit to my life. It truly does make, pretty much, everyday I'm given a holiday.

My BIL's may be coming to X-mas at my house. One BIL was planning on going to his daughter's in Missouri so likely he won't bother. He is BIL by marriage, just as I am SIL by marriage, so he likes to have things his way and do things differently, especially since his wife ( the only other female left ) passed away. I think doing something here is too tame for him but I'm not sure. That's okay -- he can at times be hard to take, though I try to be agreeable most of the time. Dh and I are of a different political persuasion from the rest of the family and my one and only rule at get togethers is no political discussions, at least once we are all together. Some don't like this, but I will pick up my dishes and leave if it is started and this was put to the test -- and things have been okay ever since.

I'm looking forward to the day ( a Tues. this yr. ) though I likely will be a little exhausted. It is okay. I'll do some things ahead and that will help a lot.

I hope you are all going to have a gorgeous day.

Wren44

We're having dinner at our house for DD and SIL who live in town and my best friend who has no family here. We only do presents for children and now there are only 2 of those, both in Oregon. We saw them a week and a half ago and aren't going back for Christmas.

Like many, we decorated our little artificial tree and have massive boxes of Christmas stuff left over. I don't know if Goodwill can get them out in time for this year, but I hope they try. So far the senior cats have left the tree alone.

carolehalston

Good report on my big toe. The podiatrist said it looks good. The visit cost me $80 out of pocket for a pair of nail scissors and a kit of two different products to treat nail fungus. No return visit unless needed.

It's rainy and gloomy here today. I'm regretting that we are to attend a Christmas party tonight. I would rather turn on the cheery little gas fireplace and stay home. But my golf friend Linda has gone to a lot of work and planning, I know. She posted a picture on Facebook of an asparagus tree on a platter that will be part of the dinner food.

My cheese spread appetizer is made. I'll do the final step of spreading on a pepper jelly mixed with chopped toasted walnuts.

IllinoisLady

In the rush of daily living it's easy to forget all the remarkable people, real or fictional, who have been a part of your life. But if you just imagine they are near for a moment, you will realize that anyone who ever touched your heart is always with you, patiently waiting to emanate warmth and support whenever you remember to think of them. -Barbara Sher

IllinoisLady

Glad you got good news on your toe Carole. Did your Podiatrist hazard a reason as to why this issue came up for you ? I'm curious since all of my toes got fungal issues going after my chemo txs. So, have had issues since then. I went to V.A. Podiatrist who said getting rid of the fungus would just cause more problems down the line -- meaning a return. I talked to another Podiatrist later on who seemed surprised that I had done nothing to 'kill' the fungus but if it will just return then I'm not sure why I would or should. The V.A. seemed to think it better to leave it alone. I don't like that it makes my lg. and second toenails ( lg. very thick ) and ( second misshaped growing in somewhat a wedge pattern with the middle part of the wedge growing way outward. Hope you don't mind my curiosity!!

Drizzled all last night and this morning. Quiet now, but I think the chance for a continuation is high. Not going to be a nice day ( too gray for me ) but all those great warm sunny days we had recently I knew would sponsor this -- just a matter of exactly when. Sigh !! Lots to keep me busy though so I won't be focusing much on the outside.

Hope you all have a really fine day.

MCBaker

At least we are getting snow-melt. I hate it when the snow gets higher and higher all winter, then melts in a rush in the spring.

Wren44

I got some of the OTC paint on fungus medicine. It didn't cure the fungus but it made my toenail look much more normal. Now it's just weird because I have a bunion. I was happy because I could wear sandals without having to use nail polish.

ChiSandy

Jackie, your second toenail sound exactly like my second and especially third nails on my L foot (the R is absolutely normal). My nail tech says the cockeyed orientation is due to having injured the nail beds when I fractured those toes a decade or so ago; Bob says the thickening is due to aging (it's not uncommon for the lower layers of the nail to be part of the skin, with the danger of bleeding & infection if clipped instead of filed).

Sunny & 50 the past three days--high 40s now but clouding up, with rain expected tonight. Tonight will be most of my shopping. Gordy is coming over Sat. night for early Christmas Eve; he's sleeping over and will take an Uber to O'Hare early Sun. morning to meet up with Leslie in Austin before they head down to Houston, from which they'll be returning on the 28th. Bob's working Christmas Day till 9pm. Friends are making a goose for Christmas dinner--will bring their presents to them. My contribution will be the wine and a side dish--gonna try grilled smoked-maple-syrup-glazed carrots. Bob wants dinner nonetheless, so will probably meet up with him late that night at the Fireside, which is open till 3am with a holiday menu.

IllinoisLady

Could a greater miracle take place
than for us to look through each other's eyes for an instant?
- Henry David Thoreau

We are all different - and we are all one.
Take time to understand, and to appreciate.
- Jonathan Lockwood Huie

carolehalston

Isn't it interesting that we live our lives with NO knowledge of a subject like toe nail fungus until suddenly WE have toe nail fungus! My instructions are to keep the unattached edge of the toe nail clipped and to apply a two-part treatment of the nail twice a day. My two big toe nails, both of which are new nails that replaced old damaged nails, looked unsightly. But I didn't have a clue why they were funny looking. I just got pedicures to cover them up with nail polish.

Now I realize I should have asked my podiatrist more questions. Will this expensive treatment ($60 for the two little bottles of liquid) cure the fungus? Etc. Apparently it isn't life threatening so I'm not overly concerned about it. I do wonder why the only source of the medication is my podiatrist. If this is a good medication, why can't you get it with a prescription? I suspect that Sandy's physician dh is right and toe nail fungus is another result of getting older.

Wren44

I think it may have come from Viet Nam with returning service personnel. I had never heard of it before then. I know that my uncle who was in the Navy during WWII had foot fungus for the rest of his life. If the medication is effective, it should be widely available. Of course it could be a function of getting older in that our immune systems decline with age.