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

termite

Anne---Your tree is so pretty

Sandra--Love the lollipop tree. It is so pretty

Sailingwind-- I like your Merry Christmas graphic

Teka---the cat under the tree is adorable.

Wishing everyone a very Healthy and Merry Christmas

My elf name is Squeezy Plum-Pants

IllinoisLady

I got it now --- I'm Puddin Pickle Pants.  Magic Bean --- that thing is way too cute.

Jackie

Teacher64

I hope y'all have had a wonderfully blessed day. Merry Christmas

camillegal

Good Morning Well Christmas is over, kind of mixed sentiment----It's really a lot of planning and work, but it still has magical feeling to it and soon all the decoratins come down, then it's just darkness outside and I don't like that, I love to see all the houses lit up. Oh well every year I go thru this.

Jackie u have a phone, if it weren't or work I'd use my phone about once maybe twice a day, that's it. My sister and my cousin--that's it.

Well I hope everyone has a nice relaxing day today--I'm planning on my scary movies and munchin on all the leftover. Joey slept by my other DD's house last ite and I miss him. He did get a windows 8 for Christmas and he was programming it yesterday for a while and it's touch like on my csi shows. Of ourse kids figure out everything right way, I just stare in wonderment.

BTW Sandra that tree looks beautiful/

Have a good day everyone.

IllinoisLady

The moment you start seeing life as non-serious, a playfulness,
 all the burden on your heart disappears.
 All the fear of death, of life, of love - everything disappears.
 - Osho

IllinoisLady

Good morning,

I'm glad too Cammie to have the LARGE part of Christmas out of the way.  People here leave their lights up a fairly long time.  At least the outside things.  Don't always turn them on as much, but they are there.  I think there is some sort of holiday nearly every month and people like to stay decorated till it is time to put up something else for whatever is going on that month.  Even when I could do more -- I never had the patience to leave things up too long.  My house was never big enough so most DECORATIONS were in the way a lot of times.  I'm over that and just enjoy every one else's. 

We too will be working on left-overs here which is great for me.  I like them sometimes even more the second day.  We did manage to have a good time Christmas Eve over at my BIL's and then Christmas over at my cousin's.  Nice to come home when you are stuffed, wash up and jump into pj's and just veg out in a recliner.  So, after having done that for one night and one afternoon -- I will try and get things organized here for the most part.  My kitchen is pretty good as I did up all the dishes as I dirtied them while cooking for our outing at BIL's. 

Hope you are all going to have a somewhat restful day -- though some will have returns and things like that to do.  Hope it doesn't take long and you can be back home and relaxing in no time.  See you all later.

Blessings,

Jackie

 

carolehalston

I'm humming a happy little inner tune:   Christmas is over....   All the work is done....   Now we can get back to life as normal....

As for leftovers, I had a delicious sandwich for lunch with leftover roast pork.  BUT I also had a slice of chocolate cake and a piece of fruit cake.  Sugar is definitely addictive. 

I enjoyed getting outside today and playing 18 holes of golf with a woman friend.  It was cool starting off but quickly warmed up into the 60's and the sun would pop out occasionally. 

I appreciate other people's outside lighted decorations and I'm glad to know that they're the ones to have to take those decorations down and store them!  The prettiest decorations I saw this year was at the Beau Rivage casino in Biloxi, MS.  The lobby was gorgeous.  It was a pleasure to walk around and gaze upward and in every direction.  Not one Christmas tree but dozens of beautiful trees.  And gigantic decorative balls hanging from the high ceiling.  There was a long line of people with children working their way toward Santa Claus.  We paused and watched a cute little girl getting her picture made with Santa.  Some of the stores have nice decorations, too. 

There is plenty of Christmas color and dazzle for those of us too lazy to haul out the lighted Christmas tree and the decorations bought in past years. 

Hope everybody had a happy Christmas day.

And now life can get back to normal!

 

 

 

 

IllinoisLady

Carole,

Sounds like as least three of us are in the Happy/Glad corner of being good with having the holiday mainly done with.  It is a lot of work.  I cooked ( and it was all very easy foods ) just for Christmas Eve at BIL's house and it was at least five hours of cooking.  That is a lot for just one meal.  Since we do very, very little I can barely imagine what it is like for those who host big family meals and  likely more than one or two days of decoration.  Added to that shopping and wrapping gifts while doing Christmas cards. 

No wonder it was so easy for me to give up all of that.  Well, I did do it for years and I wouldn't trade it, but it is nice to be low-key now -- as if I probably could be anything else.  If we did not have the animals etc. I'm sure I would want some sort of ( not too large ) tree.  I actually do have a fantastic spot for it in this house -- but just won't happen anymore. 

I'm busy cleaning out a big bathroom cupboard which will lead to a clean out of the one in the hallway as I'm re-arranging how we use the storage in both.  I discovered that Dh had items in all three shelves, three drawers and even a few things under the sink.  He was crowding out the towels, wash clothes and bath mats -- not to mention leaving me very scant room for some of my things.  Hmm, whose says we women have too much.  Dh puts me to shame on this I do believe.  Was able to get him to throw out half a trash can full of "things" that he tried, didn't like, but would put on those shelves and leave there -- for whom, I can't say.  So, it looks far better and we once again have room for both of us in there. 

Jackie

termite

Finally home for the day. Went into work at 7:15 am and told I could leave at 10:30 am if I wanted too. Of course I left. Not many children in the center today even though most of our class sign that they would be there. I went shopping for a few gifts to finish up our Xmas shopping since we are have our celebration on Sunday. 2 of our ds worked on the 25th since their place of employment does not close (government jobs at the Jail and Airport). Now I have just finished wrapping the last of the gifts and am relaxing. Tomorrow I will clean a little, dh does the cooking and I clean up the kitchen. It just doesn't seem like Xmas this year for some reason. Weather is in the 50's today but they say we will be getting a cold spell with rain/snow starting tonight.

Hope everyone had a great Christmas and are relaxing now.

carolehalston

Jackie, I'm in the "re-arrange" mode, too.  I've been looking at my cabinets in the kitchen and realizing that I'm not using the storage to best advantage.  I have a big bottom drawer that's full of things I use often, like measuring cups.  The drawer above it has bowls that I don't use as much as the items in the bottom drawer.  It hit me one day:  Why not switch the contents in these two drawers?  Light bulb going on!  So far I haven't gotten around to doing it.  Maybe tomorrow.  It's supposed to rain so should be a good day to putter.

blondiex46

yes I am glad that Christmas is over its been sad for the past couple days because I'm really upset because they can't afford to buy any my grandchildren anthing and I understand that they are getting things for other people I just feel like a bad for grandmother something although I know I'm not. 

Chevyboy

I guess we can always find things that make us sad.... or happy.... But I'm glad the Holidays are almost over.... One to go.

I would be happier if it were a little warmer out.... Only 24 degrees, and it snowed yesterday and last night about a foot over here.... Went over to feed the Chickens and their Cat, Edith! She was all warm and cozy in her basket-bed I had made for her... with the little "warmer" connected in between the blankets.

She gets her kibbles, and I take canned food, or something like Salmon or Mackeral...to add to it. And I pet her when I go over.

Damn people ANYway... She is the sweetest cat, but stays out-doors, or in their garage, going in and out through their cat-door. So they treat her like a visitor! And they have had for for at least 10 years! Her Sister Cat, moved herself to another house down the block.... But haven't seen her lately.... People should NOT have pets, if they can't treat them like "pets"....

And that's all I have to gripe about.... just wish it were warmer....

IllinoisLady

Blondie, you are a wonderful Grandmother I'm sure.  I am sorry though the other "adults" seem un-concerned about seeing to it that the children have a good Christmas.  I too would be sad at this happening.  I do feel like though that youngsters often understand more that we think they do -- and in time will have a rational understanding.  They will know this is not what their Grandmother wanted for them --- and they very much will understand that you were not able to do anything any differently at this time.  I'm sending lots of hugs to you and hope for better times.

Jackie

Chevyboy

sandra4611

Continuing with our kitty theme, we have Christmas visitors. Daughter Allison who drove down from Chicago brought her two orange fur-babies, Joshua and Toby. I expected some complaints from my three cats but other than one time my male 12 year old Jeffrey chased one of the whippersnappers up the stairs, the house has been "fight free." The girls, Rosie who is 16 and blind, and Emily, the youngest at 9, have merely hissed if Allison's boys get right up in their faces.

Yesterday Joshua got into the garage and out a small opening in a broken door. We were frantic when we realized he wasn't napping somewhere upstairs and feared the worst as we searched the neighborhood. I had visions of him lying dead in the street, having been run over by a car. He was gone six hours! My son Ryan thought he heard a cat outside and investigated an unlikely spot we hadn't looked in. Sure enough there was Joshua, happy to be stretched out in the sun. The Chicago cat was enjoying our 72 degree San Antonio day. He was in the backyard the whole time I guess. We all took a collective breath of relief and finally felt like opening gifts. Dinner wasn't all that good because the turkey was overdone, but I got it together and we had a meal.

Today I haven't even bothered getting dressed. I've napped off and on, exhausted from the events of the past week. Mike isn't doing any better. I think the effects of the blood transfusion he got last Wednesday have worn off. He has no energy so his hemoglobin is likely in the toilet again. Fortunately Allison is here to make sure her lazy parents are still breathing once in awhile.

gardengumby

Sandra, have they figured out the reason for Mike's anemia yet?  They are still trying to ascertain mine.  Today I had an abdominal CT scan and a bone scan.  Hubby got out the Geiger counter after we got home.  I was well into the "dangerous" zone, so when his daughter asked if we could watch the babies for them so they could catch a movie, we had to reluctantly say that we couldn't until I was no longer radioactive - which I think will be Sunday night.  I have a week off of testing, and then the following week I get an upper and lower scoping...  blechhhh.  I can't tell you how much I'm dreading it.

Wren44

Oh GG, How much fun (not)! We're kid sitting now so DS and DIL can go out together. They were planning on a movie - not what I would choose. Hope they figure this all out and it's just something little they hadn't thought of before.

We're headed home tomorrow in the copious rain. They're forecasting 12-20" snow in the mountains which means a lot of rain in the lowlands. Hoping we'll get home before the worst of it. DD and grown GS came down for Christmas. Really fun to have both kids with us for Eve and Day. Oldest GS works at airport, so he had to work. I may try to clean DIL's keyboard which is just full of crumbs. I'm amazed any keys work. The space key works about half the time.

blondiex46

Sa dra how is ds. Hugs 4 u

Glad dd is there... just tell mike tovrest

HUGS

Teacher64

Last night I cut all the meat off the turkey carcass. It wasn't surgical precision but good for sandwiches and a pot pie I'm making tomorrow. I love Christmas and all my decorations but it was good to wash all the kitchen towels and pot holders to put away til next year. The outside lights won't be coming down til weather dries. The next few days are supposed to be "raw."

Miminiemi

Oh Blondie - Yes it is too bad the other adults did not try to make Christmas better for you grandkids. But I can tell you that your love for them will not be measured by that day. My husband had many similar Christmas Days like that as a child, but his love for his grandmother never failed. Gifts really only bring temporary happiness and your love for them is strong and eternal. They will know that by the tenderness you constantly show.

Well ladies, I too am working on the left overs. But the gifts of a pretty sweatshirt that is way to small has inspired a little healthier eating for me. The kids are gone, but my pup Peggy and I are enjoying the tree and a fire in the stove. I got a gift card to Barnes and Noble so have a new book to read on my Nook. A delicious two hour nap this afternoon means I may be reading late into the night. I stayed at the lake house and am "vacationing" a little longer. Every day I am thankful to be retired. And thankful that social security keeps sending a check each month. Hurrah!

Waiting to hear if there is good news about Sandra's husbands health.

Chevyboy

Meemers! Do you 'belong" to Barnes & Noble? You can download free books onto your Nook! I have done that so many times, and I really like the short stories also! I have downloaded the "books" onto my computer, and then I can sit and read them on this big 23" screen!

But never mind if you are doing all this on a phone... instead of a computer...

IllinoisLady

 
I will be generous with my love today.  I will sprinkle compliments
 and uplifting words everywhere I go.  I will do this knowing that
 my words are like seeds and when they fall on fertile soil, a
 reflection of those seeds will grow into something greater.

 Steve Maraboli

IllinoisLady

Well, ahem ---- no sun today, but I had it yesterday, all day so that will suffice for now.  Mimi, I loved what you said to Blondie.  People can become in time so resilient with the things that happen to them.  Also, I think because the world moves so much faster now that though kids are "small" and it takes time to gather thoughts and reactions, that often an understanding and acceptance comes  in much deeper ways than we might have had two or three cycles back. 

Got a sore back ???? this morning --- must have lifted too many towels out of that bathroom cupboard.  A little aspirin therapy and heating pad and hopefully I will mend quickly and sufficiently.  Ah, well.  Do have to keep on.  I start this afternoon taking care of my friend's felines while she goes to Florida for  four days.  Good for her -- she can use the rest away.  Even retired she has a fairly busy life going on.  Always glad I can help her out when she needs to get away.  It is never for long.  Likely will work tonight as well.  That is ok with me too.  It is all "normal" for me and at my age "normal" keeps me grounded and feeling like all is right in the world.

Hope you ( someone anyway ) will have some sunshine and warmth today.  Wren we had some rain overnight and maybe some more sometime through the day....and it will stay colder for the next week.  Snow????  Just don't know for sure, but so far, very odd winter season. 

Blessings,

Jackie

blondiex46

Thanks sweetie makes sense

Jackie hugs....55 today here, weather is making people sick

Teacher64

We have had such a gray winter so far. I long for some sunshine. Heading to the kitchen to make turkey pot pies Which means my dog will have to get up in case I drop something

Miminiemi

Chevy - I do download some of the free books, and know I should also do that from the library. The library is less attractive because they have a return/due date. But I belong to a book club that reads more recent books. Thanks for the reminder about the free ones! I spent today with pup Peggy quietly here at the lake. We were outdoors a little cleaning up her lawn bombs as the kids call them. Then I practiced my face paint a little and started thinking of packing up to go home.

This morning I received a fun invitation to stay with four clown friends in Wisconsin and participate in the Circus Parade in Baraboo Wisconsin in July. Then we will head to camp together to learn even more about clowning. Crazy to already be making July plans with friends. The parade happens to be the weekend just before we will all be together anyway at camp. The friends are from Texas, New York, Wisconsin and Scotland. Quite a varied group in age, too. But friends nonetheless. My daughter agreed to watch pup Peggy or the cost of a kennel for that long would be huge. Since she and her family will be at my lakehouse it seems the least they could do. Ha ha.

I may need to tell my family you call me Meemers. I rather like the sound of it. Thanks Chevy!

Puffin2014

We had 4 inches of snow overnight. Good thing this part of the country is prepared to handle snow, roads were cleared and we didn't have any trouble driving to see Lew's son and the grandkids today and had a lovely visit.

sandra4611

The temporary boost the blood transfusion given to my husband Mike last week has worn off. Except for going to our friends house for Christmas Day Brunch, he's been in his recliner or in bed all week and eating almost nothing. His hemoglobin must be back down and I suspect it's even lower because of his lack of interest in anything. I read his discharge notes from the hospital and the consensus among all the doctors he saw is that he may never have had hemolytic anemia. (That's an autoimmune disease caused by the brown recluse venom that 30% of patients get. It causes the body to kill it's own red blood cells faster than the bone marrow can make new ones.) The tests they did in the hospital do not support that diagnosis now so while it's possible he did have it back in the summer, they think it's been something more serious all this time. The spider bite in April may have masked his real illness. That's just conjecture since the bone marrow biopsy is not back yet from the three labs it was sent to. I've been reading quite a bit about the worst case scenario that his hematologist told me about, myelodysplastic syndrome (bone marrow cancer,) so I'll be prepared when we see the hematologist Jan. 7th. If his diagnosis turns out to be something less, although still serious, I'll be delighted. It's a bit of reverse psychology. If it's bad, I won't be shocked because I know the protocol for most people who get this diagnosis and the prognosis. I'll still be crushed for him, but my head won't be reeling by the unknown and I'll be able to be strong. Apparently with the most minor version of the illness, he is likely to have weekly blood transfusions.

MinusTwo

Sandra - Sounds like you prepare the same way I do for all eventualities. I sure hope the results are something less dire. Hugs for you & prayers for Mike.

IllinoisLady

Life is not a competition with others.  In its truest sense it is rivalry with ourselves.  We should each day seek to break the record of our yesterday.  We should seek each day to live stronger, better, truer lives; each day to master some weakness of yesterday; each day to repair past follies; each day to surpass ourselves.  This is, simply, progress.
 
C. Smith Sumner