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

Teka i agree... watched the interview n i liked it, he doesnt back down, doesn't matter they will find something wrong with all of them.

My apologies ladies --- I dumped a piece in here that should have gone else where.  Teka, I have to say though --- he really isn't boring but not too bright either.  Just finished a really late breakfast --- so much sometimes to do in the morning that the meal gets later and later now and then.  I think I'm going to have to try and find some way to re-arrage a few things. 

Does anyone here basically only eat two meals a day?  I always mean to do better but just don't seem to accomplish it.  We tend, for the better part of a yr. or yr. and a half, have been having some what late breakfasts, then a sort of snack in the afternoon, sometimes two depending, and then supper.  I have to say it seems to work for me --- not putting on wt. though I admit I don't lose it as well either.  My energy is not what it once was, but neither is my age --- meaning I think I'm ok in that department too. 

It's a combination I think of what needs doing in the early morning here, and then getting out to town to feed cats, and then on workdays, I continue on to where I work and make breakfast for my employer.  That is sort of what got the LATER breakfast started here for sure. 

On to some more fun here -- not really as its actually called work.  I'll check-in later.

Jackie

This is the true joy in life, the being used up for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; the being a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances, complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy.  I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the community, and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can.  I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work the more I live.  I rejoice in life for its own sake.  Life is no “brief candle” to me.  It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for a moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.  -George Bernard Shaw

I missed something, Jackie.........what happened???!!!   Hope you are okay!

Ok, I'm back.  The fire was at a friend's house in town.   There was some sort of short in the wiring in her attic.  I think in some of the older homes ( it may have been gone by then ) squirrels, mice, or whatever can sometimes get through the eaves or air vents and cause issues.  Anyway, the fire really mostly involved her bedroom --- and the minute she smelled smoke she got outside.  But her home is not large so there were damages to the kitchen --- it came down too a lot of tedious rewashing of what is in the cabinets, all of the cabinets themselves, stove and fridge, inside and out, floor which while difficult to clean looks very savable.  Packing up of some items -- figuring out what was good enough to keep and what needed to go.  The work seems endless. 

I should be done in a few days now.  I'm sandwiching this in-between my regular job.  My regular job is two mornings a week and one night ( either Fri. or Sat. ) on the week-end.  So, I have three mornings to give to my friend.  I don't go on the week-end days so I can catch up to my work around home here.  One of those deals where I might catch myself coming when I think I'm actually supposed to go or something like that.  It will all settle down again and then I'll be bored. 

Did I mention I replaced my dishwasher about a week or a bit more ago.  I had a Kitchenaid that I thought was on its last leg 4 or 5 yrs. ago.  I got some dishwasher cleaner and ran it through a couple of times and it made a great difference.  Anyway, the thing was 21 yrs. old.  Some of the push buttons are missing --- so I was reduced to having only one usable cycle.  Still, though it seemed ok for now, a dishwasher came on sale ( the sales can be different at the Sears Hometown stores ) and it was a Bosch.  I think about a med. priced one.  Anyway, since it was time to get the new models in --- this one was put on final mark-down at $238.00.  Dh called me and I finally went for it.  Here's the thing --- it operates a bit differently than my other -- but all in all its fantastic.  Dh and I both have to nearly put our ear on the door to actually hear it running.  My old Kitchenaid was not too bad, but much louder than the new one.    Anyway, I've only used the new one twice since it was installed.  Un-like the older washers, this new one actually has a button for if you want to do half a load.  I sure like that part.  Dh and I don't use that many dishes overall --- and some of my dishes are odd sized --- so, if I can do a half a load --- that's great.

Jackie

H all,
It is good to hear about the wonderful summer activities going on.

So here is the good news...I had my 4 year mammo and it was all clear. I am grateful.

Carole, your summer home seems to keep you busier each year as you add friends, a boat, and favorite places. Your trip to Thunder Bay sounds wonderful. I've always wanted to explore more of Canada.
The embroidered placemats sound really special.

Puffin, I cannot help but admire your beautiful flowers with some longing. My only flowers are deer rejects...all purple (Russian Sage, lavender, cat mint, and salvia. I have planted deck-high flower boxes but after my 12 days in CA, I lost some of the dahlias. I hope to make a rock garden this fall; but I don't know what will survive the deer. They are once again chomping rhodedendron leaves in the height of summer when there is plenty of browse. They are suburban lazy deer.

Termite, I used to have a cakes - to - order business from home. I gave many cakes away over the years. I was advised to consider a "gift" as just that - and not take compensation. The reason is, people could then think I would make them cakes for "cost' of materials. In your case, if you are not selling cakes, then a suggestion for a donation of supplies sounds fair. Gum paste is quite costly. Do you have photos to share of your flowers?

Jackie, how nice that you can help your friend recover from the lasting damages of fire in her home.

Monday was my return to full time work day. The guys I work with have decided to rearrange my work space and dedicate to a different use. This will never work for me; and I don't know if I have any support from my department chair to stop this. I am forced to compromise; however, while I was on summer leave, someone rearranged and discarded many things. I awoke at 3 AM and anxious thoughts began to fill my head.
I feel powerless and invisible right now; but there are many good things I can focus on. Just not right now! DH has lost patience with me and does not understand why I do not rant and demand to be heard. I am being assertive; however, I am realistic and know that change is inevitable. He handles life so differently than I do. After 47 years, you would think we could embrace our differences. My colleagues are all guys who are younger and self-promoting. I suppose they think I am retiring. Surprise. I am not. No one else with my job in any science department has been required to give up his/her work space. I could go to my union; but one of the colleagues is the union vice president. It is clearly discriminatory; however, I have not documented well enough.

I hope I catch another hour or two of sleep.
I will miss summer....my last two weeks off were spent sick with a bad upper respiratory thing, and then 4 very busy days caring for my grandaughters in MA. That was followed by a visit by DD and kids the day I arrived home. Instead of the beach,I was changing beds, cleaning baths, and food shopping. It was not the lazy summer "finale" I had hoped for.

Jackie, your quotes are strong with guidance about letting go of self and living life for the greater good. I want to do that; and I pray for insight and a new positive focus. But it is slow to come, and my human-ness reigns! We are all put in situations that challenge and inhibit our good intentions. Any suggestions?

Good morning,

I am going to work soon, but I so enjoyed hearing about Puffin's long week-end ( family is a wonderful part to share of us ) and the fun.  Joan, I also enjoyed your entry.  You always seem so cogent ( together ) with your flowing thoughts and detailed descriptions.  I will think a while ( since I'll have some time at work that is a bit solitary ) and hopefully be able ( whether it is worth something or not ) to give you a few ways of thinking about life with the enormous hope that it will help you awaken some answers within yourself. 

So, see you all after work this early afternoon.

Blessings to all my fantastic friends,

Jackie

Anne, you have so much to feel such great concern over.  I'm amazed that this little girl ( Victoria ) seems smarter than her male parent.  As far as another baby --- that is an amazing thing and causes me to wonder why ( is there an unrecognized reason ) someone who doesn't like being pregnant nor babies and toddlers etc. in particular would allow a pregnancy to happen --- apparently encourage it. 

Of course, all new life is welcome, but this does have it seems, some capacity ( maybe a lot of it ) to create further burdens in many ways. 

I can't quite remember, but thinking Nancy is Phil's mother.   That would be a really wonderful thing --- if Phil could be talked into taking that offer Nancy presents.  It is hard to imagine two adults --- attempting to live in the fashion Phil thinks is right but putting two older children and one infant in that situation seems way, way over the top.  I'd like to think Jaime could find some way to present Nancy's offer in such a way that you almost couldn't say no --- but this man seems rather solid about his dislike for what he sees as other people trying to enforce normal rules and regulations --- so hope he doesn't feel Nancy is hoping to exert some control. 

Though I don't think I've helped one whit --- I am so glad you had us to rant too Anne.  Sometimes just sharing something that bothers you takes a bit of the edge off.  Deep breaths and hoping you will find some mental peace here soon.

Jackie

Checking in...thank you for your listening ears and words of support.

Carole, I love to read your vacation posts! You pack a lot into a day. And your words paint a lovely picture of life at your homestead.

Work today did not seem so bad. I am staking out space and furnishings which I do not plan to yield. I am getting rid of some large items and will make sure I can maintain a professional workspace.
One of the guys was in today and it actually felt better to speak with him in person. I am trying to focus and to choose my most critical arguments. I have several options to do some creative projects at work this week, which I think will help.

Anne, I do not have answers. I am happy that you choose to be positive, no matter how your common sense is protesting. Victoria is just beautiful and perceptive. You are such an important part of your grandkids' lives and I am glad you are there for them. Love is so powerful and can sustain us through the darkest times. It would be good for all if they settle near family.

This seems to be a "bumpy" week for some of us. Sometimes it is enough to just vent a bit to sort out our thoughts.

My brother just called with an update on his wife's emergency diverticulitis surgery. She has multiple progressive diseases is truly a miracle. But Thursday she was standing briefly with my brother and the nurse, and she had a full cardiac arrest. They revived her over 5 minutes or so, and she has no notable damage except diminished hearing. The hospital wants to discharge her to a nursing home but she is so weak and needs a lot of specialized care. I know it is an insurance thing. They must look at diagnostic codes and make decisions without knowing anything about her other serious conditions. They are in Ohio, and I wish I could be there for my brother.
I am so grateful that I visited them in the spring when she was well enough to go out for dinners and to the art museum with us. Sometimes our timing is just right.

And it sure makes my issues look small in comparison.

This is not normally what I put in as a quote, but I read it last night and it said so much to me.  Hoping you might like it as well.  It is from Riska Jane.

THE BLACK SPOT

One day a professor entered the classroom and asked his students to prepare for a surprise test. They waited anxiously at their desks for the test to begin. The professor handed out the question paper, with the text facing down as usual. Once he handed them all out, he asked his students to turn the page and begin. To everyone’s surprise, there were no questions….just a black dot in the center of the page. The professor seeing the expression on everyone’s face, told them the following:

“I want you to write what you see there.”

The students confused, got started on the inexplicable task.

At the end of the class, the professor took all the answer papers and started reading each one of them aloud in front of all the students. All of them with no exceptions, described the black dot, trying to explain its position in the middle of the sheet, etc. etc. etc. After all had been read, the classroom silent, the professor began to explain:

“I am not going to grade on you this, I just wanted to give you something to think about. No one wrote about the white part of the paper. Everyone focused on the black dot – and the same happens in our lives. We have a white paper to observe and enjoy, but we always focus on the dark spots. Our life is a gift given to us by God, with love and care, and we always have reasons to celebrate – nature renewing itself everyday, our friends around us, the job that provides our livelihood, the miracles we see everyday…….

However we insist on focusing only on the dark spots – the health issues that bother us, the lack of money, the complicated relationship with a family member, the disappointment with a friend etc

The dark spots are very small compared to everything we have in our lives, but they are the ones that pollute our minds.

Take your eyes away from the black spots in your life. Enjoy each one of your blessings, each moment that life gives you.

Be happy and live a life positively!

Interesting story about the black dot, Jackie.

Today I stayed in the camper all day and was quite busy. I got started on my embroidered placemats project. First I cut the background fabric into 8 rectangles. It's a cream-colored broadcloth. Then I selected the designs I wanted to use, each design a pot with an herb, and ironed on the designs. Then I began embroidering one of the designs, Chive. I had bought a variety of embroidery threat but no purple and I need purple for the chive flowers. So back to the quilt shop for more thread.

Tonight it's supposed to get down into the 40's. Good sleeping. Then tomorrow we ease back into more normal August weather. DH and I are looking forward to driving to Fargo and meeting up with Puffin and her dh. We'll also make a stop at Sam's Club.

Greetings to everyone.

Emma (((( Beautiful )))))

Jackie

Home from work and got my bills paid, dinner done ( haven't cleaned the kitchen yet ) and watched a couple of stories on t.v. about former Pres. Jimmy Carter.  It seems he has a rare form of melanoma ( thinking skin cancer here ) which put grew a tumor in his liver --- and he was operated on and the hope was that all would be well.  He announced yesterday that tests as of late revealed 4 spots in his brain.

Though we stay out of the area of politics here and hopefully always will, I do feel the need to express my sorrow for this wonderful man that I thought ( his 4 yrs. were rough ones ) made a good Pres. I think he stands out for peace and for his ability to work as a common man for the common man. 

I'm so hoping that they are able to either eliminate or cause inability of the four spots to continue to generate harmful cell abnormalities.  Former Pres. Carter though having concern is willing to deal with whatever comes. 

Jackie

wrote this Wednesday night...it never got posted....

Emma, you have done a beautiful job with those flowers. I have not done anything like that.

Carole & Puffin, I am so happy you will get to meet up again. Happy embroidering, Carole. It's so relaxing once you get the pattern set.

Today was a very busy day, but I am much more focused and determined to get things in order so I can be prepared for whatever comes.

I love these waning days of summer.

And another day in August is almost over. I made more progress today at work cleaning out files and organizing. My class is under-enrolled andd I'm hoping we get enough
It was so warm when I got home but it was breezy outside. I took kitty outside for a supervised walk and let her explore under my watchful eye. She loves to be out, but she is not "outdoor cat material" - she is slow to move and a bit naive. She is an overly well behaved cuddly couch ornament.

The past 2 days were beautiful with tall puffy clouds moving constantly across the blue sky.

Anne.... I read where you were worried about what is happening with your finances......

We sent through this, trying to stop all the bonds, investments....etc.....And since they weren't paying any interest like they used to be, I started transferring all of that mess into my savings account. WHAT a MESS! I got most of it done, except for one investment, which THEY said I could only take out a certain percentage quarterly!

That's not what I was told in the beginning. I hate investing! Sorry I ever did.... at one time, you were paid a lot of interest, but not anymore. Then just last month, I got the LAST fund, to pay the balance off, which was only $2,000. Now all of our money is in our savings, and checking accounts. They are all in our girls names also. So if something happens, THEY can use our accounts to help pay for our medical, etc.

We also paid for our cremation.... We do have a will, a living will, and the girls are our POA, and DPOA.... So actually there is no need for our will.

My Brother and I simply divided all of our folks assests when our Dad passed away. The house was in our name, so we put it up for sale.... then divided what it sold for.

We put our house in their names, with a quit-claim deed a few months ago..... and it is recorded. We will still pay the taxes..... but this way it doesn't go through probate court. So things are all taken care of............

I realize these things can't work if there are problems within the family......... Also, I've been helping out our youngest.. (54) Daughter once in awhile.... just because we have it.... She is single, Mom of 2 cats, and just the sweetest, caring Daughter you could ever ask for.... So instead of waiting for us to kick the bucket, we can help her now! Our other one is doing great... probably better than we are.... Ha! But we have "enough".....

We also know that when the time comes to sell this house, it will probably be scraped.... as all the old homes are in this neighborhood... This one was built in 1886, and it would take a LOT for anyone to try and buy this, with all the potential issues, such as plumbing, etc.

We only paid $24,000 in 1971.... Now, this West Highlands area, is selling homes for over 1 million! We are always getting calls, and letters, saying we would get $350,000 for this old place.....

But we don't want to go ANYwhere else.... As long as I can work in the yard, and enjoy doing it, that's all we want.... And I thank God for every day that we have together..........