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

Chevyboy

Anne.... I have that layer of plastic/barrier... out front on the parking also... I still have to spray weed-kill over the rocks once in awhile, or pull up the little weed sprouts! The seeds land on top, and then find some way to root themselves... Hope those guys came to clean your place!

But yes Jackie... It's got a lot of work to be done around here, but nothing that HAS to be done! I would like rocks, or cement out in back of our fence, like for our drive-ways... but don't know if we will do that...

The guys that are moving all that torn-down house have used the drive-way by DH's car, to turn around to back in to that empty lot now... They smoothed it out a little, but those heavy trucks really sink down into loose sand!.... Maybe give DH some incentive to have it done right???? Ha!

We went up to gamble today.... None of us won, but we were only there a couple hours which was enough... The boys & their Papa walked around the town, and that was fun for them.... Bought an order of fries & onion rings for the way home...

But we always have fun together... The rest of them are going up to Boulder for dinner... See them tomorrow, and they leave here about 2 for their trip to Orlando.... Seems like a whirl-wind trip they had.... but we all enjoyed each other....!

bonnets

Anne and Chevy,

Outdoor work being done here this week too. Had a crew working for the last 2 days and due to come back on Monday. Finally decided to do something so I wudn't have to weed so much. DH doesn't weed , he mows and weed whacks. My back and knees just can't take it anymore. SD suggested river rocks, so that's what we are going to get, where we can. Also the walkway needs to be redone. Had 2 great days for the crew, but Monday they now forecast rain. Hope they get finished before it starts. We have about 5 acres and DH mows most of that. Weed whacking is getting to be too much for him though. Cuz of his back problems. Going to see of I can get SIL to do that for him. DH hates to give in, and not do things he used to do, but as we say, " old age is such fun."

bonnets

Anne and Chevy,

Outdoor work being done here this week too. Had a crew working for the last 2 days and due to come back on Monday. Finally decided to do something so I wudn't have to weed so much. DH doesn't weed , he mows and weed whacks. My back and knees just can't take it anymore. SD suggested river rocks, so that's what we are going to get, where we can. Also the walkway needs to be redone. Had 2 great days for the crew, but Monday they now forecast rain. Hope they get finished before it starts. We have about 5 acres and DH mows most of that. Weed whacking is getting to be too much for him though. Cuz of his back problems. Going to see of I can get SIL to do that for him. DH hates to give in, and not do things he used to do, but as we say, " old age is such fun."

IllinoisLady

Only the wise person draws from life, and from every stage of it, its true savour, because only he or she feels the beauty, the dignity, and the value of life. The flowers of youth may fade, but the summer, the autumn, and even the winter of human existence, have their majestic grandeur, which the wise person recognizes and glorifies.

Henri-Frederic Amiel

IllinoisLady

Hmmm, about that old age. I tell myself I'm no different, but ( I'm not sure if it is due to all the medical issues of last few yrs. ) I can't organize like I once could and have found that even making a list seems to throw me --- things are in the wrong place and I don't always catch on until I'm half way done and this yr. due to work issues --- I'm having to just do the smallest of cycles right now.

I'm starting today to take care of my friends' house and kitties while she is gone for a week, plus my house and feral cats and going to the Manor for at least 3 hours a day ( I will be timing it to meal and therapy time the next few days ) and then starting tonight I will go to the house where I work with my patient two or three times a day to get the little doggies out to play and exercise etc. while their masters are gone for a few days. I might also have a lady calling who needs some help with her husband at another nursing home here at meal time a couple of days a week to feed him.

I think what I see here is I don't actually have to worry much about getting old --- I don't have time. So -- that's pretty good if I do say so myself.

Anyway, I'll see you all later. I hope you have a fantastic Saturday.

Jackie

lindab142

Jackie, it's great that you're so active.

ChevyBoy, I enjoyed the pictures, especially the yard.

I had my first lymphedema massage. Feeling a little lighter. My therapist is working on getting me bras and stuff thru my insurance but told me to get a compression tank. I'll search for that this weekend at Kohls. Surprised I didn't get a coupon and I'm trying to find my gift card that has a few dollars on it. It might be in 1 of those special place, ya know?

Today I'm going to visit my friends who live near O'Hare and we're going to some kind of shop festival in Park Ridge. I'm so excited ... need to laugh ... haven't felt well for the past 2 weekends.

Also, I'm getting my jewelry and kippah designs priced for a show on June 5. I'll be at the Greater Chicago Jewish festival that day. One of my friends is going to help me carry stuff and set up. She's so great. And, I know what necklace to give her as a gift, too. She's been eyeing it at 1 show she helped me do.

It looks sunny outside and I can't wait to play, so I hope you all have a wonderful day.

Linda

Anneb1149

Mornin all

Well, the pressure cleaner didn't show yesterday again! Exact repeat of last Mon! Couldn't reach the tech, etc, etc. I told them I was going to put my experience on Facebook, Twitter and any other social media my kids might be on. I called a new place. Now I am really confused - he had me on the phone for close to an hour telling me how God he is. I told him about the other company and he says he's never heard of them. He asked me what they were charging. I said no way- give me your quote, then I'll tell you theirs.

His quote to do the same job, except he won't seal it because we are in the rainy season, was$300 total. The other place was $1300. And he swears he will do as good or better job than the original guys. He called me back - he was looking me up online to "check" me out, and wanted to know if I had a daughter that is a lawyer in Miami. He would ha pave refused the job if I did. Now I am totally confused. Thankfully my DD knows a neighbor who had her driveway, etc done. She paid $1500. So what do I do? She doesn't remember the name of the company that did it.

Today is Nissa's shower, and I realized last night that I have gotten rid of all my "dress pants" so off we are to shop for a pair, then home to shower, dress, and head to North Cuba. That's what Floridians call Miami now - even the people living there. And to me, it might as well be another country. I know how to get to the Port of Miami for cruises, although it's been a while, and how to get to the Miami VA. That's it. One of my DD's is driving.

Hav a good weekend

Anne

Wren44

Anne, At least call the Better Business Bureau to see if they have reports on either of these people. There must be someone competent, but neither of these sounds like they are.

Chevyboy

Yes! You can look the company up on the Internet... Google them.... Look at their reviews! Sorry about the whole thing! I look at reviews before I do anything.... even when I buy from Amazon!

IllinoisLady

If we could but recognize our common humanity, that we do belong together, that our destinies are bound up in one another's, that we can be free only together, that we can be human only together, then a glorious world would come into being where all of us lived harmoniously together as members of one family, the human family.

Desmond Tutu

Teka

Just finished breakfast while catching up on chitchat and pics, but have to get going!

Anneb1149

Mornin all

Thanks for the advice. I did check the first company's website. The reviews look great. But the good news ( I hope) is that my DD talked to a neighbor and got the name of someone she likes. She got the naMe from our local pool supply store. I left a message early evening Fri, so I am hoping for a call back tomorrow.

Meanwhile we went to the bridal shower. It was "high tea" at the famous Biltmore hotel in Miami. Much classier than any shower I've ever been at. We were served things I have never heard of, like deviled eggs infused with anchovies, ham roll ups with jalapeño sauce. Everything had one ingredient I recognized and at least one I didn't. I know what anchovies and jalapeños are, they are just examples. It was nice, but I thought a little sad. My 2 DD's and I (along with my 10 year old and 2 mo old granddaughters) were the only guests from the grooms side. I know their were a few ladies who are the significant others of Tim's friends, but they are also Nissa's close friends also. Tim told me when they got engaged that the wedding was for Nissa and whatever she wanted was fine with him. I don't even know who is on the guest list for the wedding itself except for my kids and my brother and his kids. I love Nissa- I couldn't have chosen better for Tim. I just didn't expect to haVe no input in the preparations at all. It is going to be a very classy event.

Lots of running around today. Went and bought $400 worth of makeup at Macy's Fri. My DD came home and said "Oh hell no!" I wear full makeup maybe 2 or three times a year. MaYbe for church I will put on blush and lipstick. We are going today to return everything except the foundation. We went to Walgreens yesterday and got blush, eye shadow, and lipstick. My 2 DD's agreed that I cannot go shopping alone for things unless I go, knowing exactly what I want. I did the same thing with my car. It said it was due for service. I dropped it off, and went to meet Jamie in the parking lot with a $600 bill in my hand. She went back in and said " Does it really need this, what about that?" I had no idea what any of it meant. I got only what they did for free.

Anne

MinusTwo

Anne - Like Wren said, check with the Better Business Bureau website in your area. Any company will post only the good reviews on their own site.

termite

Hi ladies,

Welcome to all the new ladies. Hope everyone is doing ok. We moved in our house. No one is on either side of us yet or across the street. We met a few of the couples on our street. Some have already headed up north for the summer. We also met the lady that will live next to us and the couple that will be moving in across the street. We do not have Comcast as yet. They kept telling us we were not in their system yet. The lines were finally put in last week after 5 weeks of calling them daily. One of the building managers was out checking the housed being built and noticed we were not set up for cable. DH bought something so we could finally use our computers. We are mostly settled in. Two rooms are painted and set up. Kitchen is mostly done. Living room and dining room are half done. We have couch set and dining table but still need the coffee and end tables and a buffet for the dining room. We have recessed lighting so not worried about lamps until I find what I want. Everything just seems to take so long to find. Went to dinner at a couples house the other night. The next day the man was sick and Friday I did nothing but have the big D and vomiting. Still not feeling too well but at least I can eat a little. We will be heading back to Illinois to pick up another load of things and bringing two grandkids back with us for the month of June. That should keep us busy!!!

Hope everyone is having a great day.

jnu3

Thank you Teka - and good morning to all even though it's a few days late. Following the comments regarding the last AARP issue I will make a point of reading it now instead of later.

Mentally I do not feel old. I feel really funny talking about having to sign up for Medicare for December's birthday. I am still working full time and will be for a few more years. Planned on maybe retiring at full retirement, but have a few projects in the fire at work that won't be complete until a few months after that point. I am not one to leave things undone.

I am surviving the Anastrozole and am watching my weight. I am having right knee replacement in June to match my left knee replacement of May 2012. Neither of which were age related; I fell up the stairs at work in 2003. My MO gave his okay and I am on the surgery schedule. I will drive my DH crazy while he is caring for me following knee surgery.

IllinoisLady

Life is unlimited - it expands with the generosity, compassion,
inventiveness, and service that you contribute.
-Jonathan Lockwood Huie

carolehalston

Termite, good to hear from you. Glad that you're settling into your new home. I know you will enjoy the visit with the grands.

IllinoisLady

Saying a quick hi while I take a break and have coffee at home. Been out since a bit before 9 a.m. and $ p.m. now. Two more rounds for the day and I'll be done. Well, it is ok I think. Had some extra things to do today but hopefully all will be back in control tomorrow. Weather has warmed and it is so pretty, but we will have to pay with about four days of rain. Sigh !!! The rain -- well, ok if I have to, but the gray that will come is what I am already dreading. I will check in later for a bit hopefully.

Jackie

carolehalston

Today has been a busy day getting ready to leave tomorrow. I hope we luck out with some good travel weather for our trek north to MN. Fingers crossed that our camper has survived the winter and we don't have to deal with any problems on arrival.

IllinoisLady

Life rushes us along and few people are strong enough to stop on their own.Most often, something unforeseen stops us and it is only then we have the time to take a seat at life's kitchen table.To know our own story and tell it.To listen to other people's stories.To remember that the real world is made up of just such stories.Until we stop ourselves or, more often, have been stopped, we hope to put certain of life's events "behind us" and get on with our living.After we stop we see that certain of life's issues will be with us for as long as we live.We will pass through them again and again, each time with a new story, each time with a greater understanding, until they become indistinguishable from our blessings and our wisdom.It's the way life teaches us how to live. -Rachel Naomi Remen

ritajean

Travel safely, Carole! You may be driving in some rain depending upon how fast it moves through the area.

ChiSandy

Well, wasting the one sunny warm day this week waiting out on the deck for the tow guy--my car is not responding to either of my keyless-entry fobs (no other way to unlock the doors--can’t even jimmy the window open because there are no manual lock buttons or hood-release inside either) and Subaru roadside assistance says it’ll have to be towed to the dealership. ETA is an hour and a half away, and dealer is half an hour north, so they may not even be open to give me a loaner. I’m beginning to hate our all-digital, all-electronic society.

ChiSandy

AAAARGH!!! The service dept. at the dealership closes at 7 pm. The guy I spoke to says he’ll tell sales (open till 9....if the tow guy even gets me there by then) to put away a loaner for me. To say I am frustrated and furious (and about to start dropping f-bombs) is the understatement of the century. If the loaner isn’t there, no rental agencies will be open by that hour--not Hertz, Avis, Budget nor Enterprise; and though I am covered for the tow I’m not covered for the ride home in the truck. So I’ll be lucky to get an Uber to pick me up in Skokie and drive me home.....and you bet I will stick the dealership with the bill. The closest CTA stop is three miles away from them, too. When I bought the car, the dealer was in Evanston two blocks from a CTA stop--but they moved to bigger HQ in Skokie. (I always hated the suburbs but now I have good reason).

Chevyboy

And don't ever think that cancelling out a Sprint account, and taking back the phone will be easy! After 4 phone calls, and taking my old phone back to a store, I had to call one last time, to make sure this service was CANCELLED! You just get so FRUSTRATED!

But I LOVE my new Android from Motorola... Getting used to it... and you can TALK into it, instead of TEXTING!!! I love that!

Been working in the garage.... What a MESS it gets to be... It's a garage, but a storage garage for us... The only car that would fit in there is one of those match-box series cars. Got so much STUFF in there, but it is getting organized again!

Chevyboy

A judge was interviewing a South Carolina woman regarding her pending divorce and asks, "What are the grounds for your divorce?" "About four acres and a nice little home in the middle of the property with a stream running by."

"No," he said, "I mean what is the foundation of this case?"

"It is made of concrete, brick, and mortar," she responded.

"I mean," he continued, "what are your relations like?"

"I have an aunt and uncle and 12 cousins living here in town, as well as my husband's parents."

The judge took a deep breath and asked, "Do you have a real grudge?"

"No, we have a two-car carport and have never really needed one cuz we don't have a car."

"Please," he tried again, "is there any infidelity in your marriage?"

"Yes, both my son and daughter have stereo sets. We don't necessarily like the music - all that hip hop and rap tap - but we can't seem to do anything about it."

"Ma'am, does your husband ever beat you up?"

"Yes, he gets up every morning before I do and makes the coffee."

The judge asked, "Is your husband a different race?"

"Oh, hell no, he's as white as you and me!"

Finally, in frustration, the judge asked, "Lady, why in hell do you want a divorce?

"Oh, I don't want a divorce," she replied. "I've never wanted a divorce, my husband does. The damn fool says he can't communicate with me."

bonnets

Sandy,

Had to respond, can't believe it, couldn't start my keyless Mitsi yesterday. This is the third time for the same thing. Hate these keyless wonders. Today called their roadside assist, it only took an hour to get here. I did not charge the battery this time, had to jump it to get it on the flat bed, but figured they shud see it as it is, DEAD! Both previous times they cud find nothing wrong. Told them I don't want to hear it this time, SOMETHING IS WRONG! We are contemplating getting rid of it, and it only has 18, 000 miles, even though it is a 2011. We take hubby's truck most of the time, but I shudn't have to start it every week! I just drove it Thursday, and the battery is new replaced 2 months ago when this happened the last time. Keep me posted on your saga. I'll let you know what happens with mine.

I was a Chicago girl, lived on the South side. Afraid to venture there now! Mom was from Wilmette and I took my nursing in Evanston, at Evanston Hospital. Hearing those places mentioned always brings back memories.

IllinoisLady

OMG --- I hope I always remember ( though I'm hoping this car a 2011 Chevy Equinox LX, will last the rest of my driving days, not to get a keyless car. Or, maybe by then they will have figured out a far better answer than having to have your car owed to a dealership to get it opened. I am incredulous.

Bonnets, since your problem is nearly the same -- I have the same feeling ( about keyless features ) for after you ARE inside the car. SOMETHING is wrong if the computer can't tell the car it has to start now that the key has been inserted into the ignition. I guess it is just me because there are in fact a few parts I like where the computer is concerned, but overall, the older cars were I think far less frustrating. I so loved the old Volvo I once had. It had this really long gear shifter coming up from the floor --- but the really nice part was that when you raised the hood and looked in to the motor --- you could see ground down below everywhere you looked. Progress is great a lot of the time, but it always feel odd to me to look at a car with the hood up and not see even a half inch of ground.

Got my fingers crossed. Anyway, got to go feed Dh who is just home from work.

Jackie

Ramonica60

I am 59, with BRCA 2. I did a risk reducing mastectomy with diep flap reconstruction 2 weeks before my 59th birthday. On one side they had to do free tram.

I am 5 months out. For various reasons, I suspect the breast surgeon who did the mastectomy was a little sloppy. He has moved to another facility in FL. I will find a different breast surgeon and ask if any tests can be done to see if he left behind too much breast tissue. I did nipple sparing and lost some pigment on the right. My sister also has brca. She did the same surgery at a different facility and they found dcis stage 0 in one of her breasts.

We feel blessed to have found this out. Unfortunately, my daughter got tested and she also has brca. She will do surveillance for now. Such a curse this is.

ChiSandy

Went online to find out how to deal with the problem, and thought maybe both fob batteries were dead. Nope--but the little release lever on them pulls out an emergency key for getting into the car (yes, there’s a keyhole lock after all). So I was able to open the door, but there’s no corresponding keyhole for starting the engine manually. Everything in the car was deader than Jacob (or Bob) Marley. After FOUR hours, the tow guy arrived. He was able to pop the hood & jump the battery, but it wouldn’t hold a charge. (It has just under 19K miles, is a 2014 Outback, fully loaded, that we bought in 2 yrs ago this week, as a lease return--the orig. lessor put 5K miles on it before being transferred to Europe--so we actually put only 14K miles on it). By the time he drove it onto the flatbed, the dealership was closed, so no loaner (and the only rental agencies open that late were at O’Hare or Midway). He drove it up to the dealership and left the keys in the dropbox. I will call in the morning--it’ll need at least a new battery, if not a new contacts/circuit board cover (the tow guy said if the fuses had been stolen it couldn’t even have been jumped). If it has to remain overnight, then my housekeeper will take me up there to get the loaner; if it can all be done tomorrow, she’ll drive me up there to pick it back up (in which case it’ll likely be late in the day and I probably will have to miss the LE presentation--and my support group friends will have to make their own way up to Glenview).

So I made lemonade out of lemons--walked to CVS to pick up my Benicar refill, then to Whole Foods for some fresh Copper River salmon and edamame/spinach salad. Fired up the grill and ate & drank on the deck till the bugs began to hover around the porchlight.

bonnets

Sandy, Haven't heard from my dealership. Tow guy dropped it off yesterday morning. Last time they had it for 2 days and said they cudn't find anything wrong with it. Battery in mine is new from 2 months ago when this happened before. This time We didnt even try to charge it, so they cud see it dead! An outback sport with 17,000 miles on it. See if they call me today. Don't tell me they cant find anything wrong with it!