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

petite1

CindyNY, Good morning. We are under a freeze warning, but it didn't get as cold as predicted. But colder tomorrow.

We loved the model. Much to think about.

IllinoisLady

"If you want to dedicate your life to a cause, dedicate it to love, for that is equivalent to planting the seeds of everything great."

- Camille Lucy

CindyNY

ChiSandy - I'm at 158, lost 8 pounds from when we left NY 11/30. In past few years I've gotten down to 152 but it was work to keep it off and not a lot of enjoyment. I'm 5' 8", shrinking towards 5' 7". Find your happy place, weight loss goal to 155 is awsome. Plumbing - Google it & watch a YouTube. You'd be amazed at the info on DIY repairs are out there. You can do it!

Petite1- our house has dropped, on its own, to 69. I think it was 53 this morning, 50 overnight. Up north we'd open the windows to air out the house!

IllinoisLady

To love means being 100 percent responsible for your
experience of living, to not be a victim or a martyr,
and to be 100 percent accountable for the quality
of your life, which includes the amount of love, joy,
and growth you create in your relationships each day.

To love is the ability to remain strong, stable, and
committed through difficult times, changes, and
challenges. It means being gentle, kind, and
supportive of your potential, goals, and aspirations.

Harold Bloomfield

petite1

Good morning. It was 30 degrees when I got up. I did stay in bed longer than usual. It was so nice and warm. I am still dealing with my mom's estate. I am meeting with an estate sale person next Monday to do another appraisal. I think this is the 4th or 5th. The others have said it is quantity and not quality and not worth their time. This lady seemed nice, so maybe it will finally come together.

The chemotherapy cream the Dermatologist put me on for precancerous lesions is as bad as radiation. I have painful red spots on my face. The right cheek is the worst.

MinusTwo

Petite - I'll be interested to hear what the estate people tell you. The last few friends who tried around here couldn't even get companies out to quote unless there was $10,000 PLUS worth of "stuff".

I hate the chemo cream. I now go in every 6 months for a full body exam & ask the derm to just freeze the precancerous lesions. Hope it gets better soon.

IllinoisLady

Petite I'm wondering if some of these companies have high prices so need to a more "expensive" home inventory. I do know here it presents some difficulties. We had to transport the household goods to a local auction warehouse and even at that they took 35%. Still it was better than the yard sale prices we otherwise would have gotten. That is not "estate" type for you but something for which you might have a 'comparison' of some type. Don't know if you have local auction type places. They could be one and the same. The only other option that I saw used which might be something you could consider was having a knowledgeable ( she knew antiques and well made furniture etc. ) would be having someone able to help you 'price' things and then you, someone in your family, or some trusted friends hold your own 'private' estate sale. If there is a lot of "stuff" but nothing antique etc. the last option of pricing and you and friends just doing it yourselves. I hope the last lady may be the one for you otherwise.

We are still pretty coldish here. Yesterday was highly tolerable as their was sun and no wind, but today was a bit windy. Makes so much difference when it is freezing or below.

Tonight is Taco night at the Moose. I'd stay home, but Dh hates to miss. We didn't go last time, so I feel like I don't really have good reason. Last week ( seems like forever ago now ) Impeachment articles ( the only time I will say anything about politics ) were being voted on and since I was working for the last two I didn't want to miss seeing this event, or at least the beginning of it which would be a first. I don't mind so much going, but it is dark and feels much colder on the way home. Oh well. The cold won't last forever. I think it is due to warm enough on the week-end it could rain. I hope that could be the beginning of keeping some of the warmer temps. They won't be balmy though that is for sure.

Puffin2014

I spent 2 hours cleaning out the rest of the attic today, many trips up and down those fold down stairs. It's such a relief to know I NEVER have to go up there again!

Chevyboy

Morning girls.... Just reading about dealing with your Mom's estate Petite, brings back memories of my folks stuff.... Mom died a couple years before Dad got sick...It was hard just removing her "things" from his home... but he was so heart-broken at the time, he just wanted everything "gone".... So hard....

But then when he got sick, and passed away, my Brother joined me in San Francisco to help with everything... I couldn't have done it without him... We were just lost... both of us from other States, not knowing what to do...

We finally asked my Dad's old buddy if he could help us... I put everything I wanted to keep in a special place, and old Jim brought all the neighbors to help "take anything you can use".... I was cleaning out Dad's closet, took his old raggedy work pants down, and just fell apart on the bed.... Jim's wife kindly asked everyone just to leave... I couldn't take it anymore....

My brother and I went to the stores and got big boxes.... came back and put everything else in them, and out in the garage... Then the neighbors would come take all of that....! Met with a Realtor, got that all straightened up, and we left one last time for the airport...

I remember the agent was checking my luggage, because it weighed too much... I had my suit-cases open, trying to adjust the weight, and just started crying... there was Dad's pillow, and I explained "My Dad just died, and I wanted to take home some of his stuff!" He said... "I'm sorry... just go ahead and zip them up...."

Been 21 years ago.... and I still remember how much it hurt...

Just take care of yourselves when things are over-whelming... you need close friends, and someone to hold you up when going through these heart-breaks.... sometimes we just can't think straight....

petite1

Good morning, ladies. It is warming up, 51 degrees. Mom's estate is mostly antique. She lived in the house for 61 years. There are many antique dealers and estate sale people in St. Petersburg, but they are picky. We did sell pieces to 2 of them. The first guy thought it would only bring $3000 and not worth his time. The 2nd and 3rd guys did buy pieces, but ended up being over $1000 and we still have 99% of the stuff. The 4th guy only wanted to do million dollar estates. I have talked to several which requested pictures, which I sent and I have not heard from them. So, I have been calling the people that come out and do estate sales. There is a Midcentury Modern dining table and hutch. It is in amazing condition, considering 3 kids and cats, etc. There is a Victorian drop leaf dining table, also in amazing condition. 1940's living room furniture and both bedroom sets are in decent condition. She had a large assortment of antique glass pieces, china, vases, tableware, figurines. She collected small tea cups. Anyway, I think it will do very well in an estate sale. You could fill an antique store. If that doesn't work, yard sale time. I thank everyone for your comments and support. It is a rough time.

IllinoisLady

It all depends on how we look at things,

and not on how things are in themselves.

The least of things with a meaning

is worth more in life than the greatest of things without it.

- Carl Jung

ChiSandy

Can't believe I'm 69 today--I remember thinking in my 20s that when Y2K rolled around, I'd be ancient at 49!

Cheated a bit at pre-birthday dinner last night at Everest. (Forgot to take or bring my carb-blocker, but except for the dessert chocolate souffle and the sorbet palate cleanser, there was little starch and what there was was easy to "eat around."

At Target the other day, I picked up a cute bronze puffer jacket on sale for $13--it was a size S! I wore my Chico's size 2P Travelers knit crepe tank and pants, plus the size 1 floaty jacket. The pants are too big (even at my fattest I wore a 2 Short in pants), but I already had them hemmed, so I reordered them in size 1 (probably can get away with 0 in that style, but why take chances? They were out of 0 anyway, and 00 is not in the cards for me--not with my tummy).

IllinoisLady

Hope your birthday is simply spectacular.

IllinoisLady

Rained most of the day here, but the mild amts. of ice from overnight melted quickly once the rain re-started after day light. Good thing for us. We went today to Marion to have another CT of my lung nodule. The good news for me is that it is ( for now and I hope it keeps up ) is actually growing smaller. The aneurism is still the same size so that is good too. Pulmonologist has already made me another appt. in 6 months. He says he checks for about three yrs. if the nodule hangs around and then turns you loose.

I do have to now see a Urologist. I seem to be having UTI's with no pain but some hematuria. So, okay. I wonder if it could be due to the fact that I take a Plavix/or Aggrenox -- 2 a day since I had a stroke about 17 0r 18 yrs., and the UTI's are maybe something that chose to come along with getting older. Seems easy to blame age for things.

Anyway, I'll keep going I guess and see what I might be able to come up with when I find a good Urologist.

Anyway, likely maybe some frosty or ice overnight, but hopefully no more than I saw this morning. There was some light dusty snow in the yard that had a very non-lasting quality to it the minute the rain started.

Hope you all had a really good day.

CeliaC

Happy Brthday, ChiSandy!

Petite - Not sure how this works, but have you looked into Marketplace on Facebook to sell estate items?

Wren44

Happy Birthday, Sandy. At your age you can celebrate for a week. Take advantage.

ChiSandy

Thanks, all! We went out to dinner again tonight--a Michelin-starred brewpub practically in the neighborhood. Unpretentious, not that expensive, and imaginative cuisine (and they brew all their own beers & ales). Jackie, hope all is well with your lung nodule (sounds like an "incidentaloma," especially since it's shrinking) and that your UTI clears up.

Snowed most of the day but because we stayed above freezing, it didn't stick (not even on our cedar tree). Rain tomorrow, but snow again at night & through Saturday.

IllinoisLady

To me, the essence of keeping the soul nourished is obedience to one's conscience. I don't think that the soul can be nourished unless people have a strong sense of conscience that they have educated and developed and soaked in the universal and timeless principles of integrity and service. This way, the individual's soul becomes part of the universal soul of service, contribution, and making a difference.

Stephen R. Covey

petite1

CeliaC, My brother is checking into facebook. He has a facebook account. Thanks

Wren44

We have a new weather system coming in every day this week. Temps from 45-50 and rain every day. Time to plan our Hawaii trip!

Di2012

Happy Birthday Sandy! Do not put off cruising to Alaska.....we have cruised to Alaska in spring, summer and fall for many years.....at least 10+ years......I love Alaska....glaciers, whales, dolphins, and Glacier Bay.....and yes some of the glaciers are melted into "gravel pits", 2 I can can remember being ice meeting the Bay....but no more

Di

IllinoisLady

Walking takes longer than any other known form of locomotion except crawling. Thus it stretches time and prolongs life. Life is already too short to waste on speed. -Edward Abbey

Walking exercises the whole person. It exercises the body-- it gives the arms and legs a workout. It stimulates the flow of blood; expands the lungs. It is gentle and relaxing. It exercises the mind-- it shakes up the brain cells. It fills them with oxygen; drives out the cobwebs. A famous scientist says he does his best thinking on the two miles of sidewalk between his home and office. Walking exercises the emotions. It gives you a chance to observe and enjoy the world. Open your eyes to beauty. See the homes, the trees, the gardens. See the shining faces of little children. Listen for the church chimes, singing birds and the laughter of happy people. -Wilferd A. Peterson

IllinoisLady

Have awakened to a gray morning. The rain should be all gone, but snow flurries may come. Should be scant if they do, but I'd rather not have them. Of course, you all know I crave sunshine more than anything so I'm trying to be patient until we can get some. Maybe tomorrow or the next couple of days.

Going to be otherwise quiet. How are you doing Puffin?? Bet you are loving the adventure of getting acclimated to your new home. Hope all is well. Still not a word from Anne. I continue to feel worry, but I realize life can have curves that may cause big interruptions in how you have done things for a long while. She will stay in my thoughts and prayers.

Saying hi to everyone else and hoping your days are going well. After seeing ( though always knowing it ) the above quotes in my in-box additions I have decided now that my arm is all but mended ( still have to do the home exercising ) I need to get serious about my walking program that has been sometimes skipped, but rarely left out all-together. Many things that I need to adjust back to what I had going before arm issues, winter, and Dh retirement, made structure look a lot different. A striving to focus on good wellness activities.

Have a wonderful day.

petite1

I am having trouble getting back into my walking. Working on my mom's estate and the chemotherapy cream the dermatologist put me on has interrupted my routine. I have gone on my walk once in the last 10 days. It made my face hurt since it was cool and windy, plus the sunblock stings. Well, this too will pass.

Nice and warm, today.

IllinoisLady

The surface of life is also in a state of constant flux, with good days and bad, victory and defeat. To maintain, as the ocean does, a deep inner calm, while the storms of misfortune, reverses, fears and worries lash at the surface of life, is to discover the secret of serenity.
Years ago, when Thomas Edison's factory burned down, he wasted no time bemoaning his fate. Immediately after the disaster the reporters found a calm, quiet man already at work on plans for a new building.
When Emerson's home was destroyed by fire and his precious books were being reduced to ashes, Louisa May Alcott came to console him. The great philosopher said, "Yes, yes, Louisa, they are all gone, but let us enjoy the blaze now. Isn't it beautiful!"
Some people are ocean personalities. In their inner depths they are not defeated by what happens to them.
The towering waves of circumstances cannot reach us when we go deep within to seek the peace that passes all understanding. While the surface of life is in turmoil we can find an inner calmness to see us through.

Wilferd A. Peterson

IllinoisLady

Here this a.m. singing about the sun which is out. I'm a very happy camper. There is a heavy layer of frost on the car, but that will soon be gone so all will be well. I was not at the bank of windows which light up in orange as the sun comes up, but I'll be watching tomorrow. It always tends to take my breath a bit in such a great way. I think there are some natives in Peru who go out and watch the sunset every day -- a part of their wellness. I think it is fantastic and once I read that felt like my love of watching the sun come up has some kinship although I didn't know about it until much later on.

Nothing much planned for the day, but it will warm to about 40 so anything could be a possibility for that reason. Still I don't anticipate anything much outside.

Wren, your Hawaii escape sounds great. My hat is off to you for being able to get through so many rainy days in a row. That would surely be a great encouragement to me to look for somewhere nice, as well as nice and sunny, to visit as often as possible.

Di, I hope you are doing well and getting lots of good movement back after your surgery. Can't recall if you said any rehab was in the works for you or not, but in any case I'm sure you see the past surgery as a blessing for getting movement back.

Petite -- I don't feel so bad for not keeping up some of my routines. Seems at times ( is this an older age thing ) it doesn't take too much to throw us off the game. I'm encouraging Dh to walk now -- I think if he does it more, it will surely help me feel some inspiration too. We are going to get there. An obstaclwe now and then but we can find a fix.

Chevy -- where are you??

carolehalston

Day two in Locust Grove, OK, visiting my youngest brother and his wife, whose mother lives with them. The sun has shone both days.

Yesterday we drove about two hours to the small town where the Pioneer Woman from Food Network has a store and restaurant. The old Mercantile building that was renovated to house the business is a handsome old structure.

I didn’t buy anything but enjoyed looking around while we waited about an hour to be seated in the restaurant. The food was good but nothing special.

Tomorrow we plan to head home.

IllinoisLady

Carole, that sounds like a nice side trip for you and family. I would have enjoyed the 'store' visit for sure. Doesn't the Food Network get a bit esoteric in some of their recipes or is it just me with more of an appreciation of regular home and pantry style food. I might be more of the Cook's Country type. I would have likely looked in that store for cookbooks. Sigh !!!

Have a safe trip home.

IllinoisLady

As I look back upon my youth I realize how important to me were the help, understanding and courage, the gentleness and wisdom so many people gave me. These men and women entered into my life and became powers within me. But they never knew it. Nor did I perceive the real significance of their help at the time. We all owe so much to others; and we may well ask ourselves, what will others owe to us? You may be sure, that the effect of your own life on those around you is—or can be—great indeed. - Albert Schweitzer

IllinoisLady

No sun yet but it is suppose to come. Sure hope it does. Not as warm today but w/o a wind we will be okay. Did half my work when I got up, so not so much to do today, but I'll stay busy anyway.

Hope you all have a realy good day.