how about drinking?

Good morning ladies- I hope everyone is having a good start to the weekend. The cool thing that is happening is that I had not one but two opportunities come up through this volunteer work I am doing. Not right away but things that are related to tech and other things I can do. I am excited about this as I want to do something that helps, and makes a difference.

Pest control back yesterday and have a plan approved to mitigatet the mouse issue. They have gotten braver and are running around my back yard now, on the patio and seen one heading towards the house. The pest control people are back on Tuesday to help me deal with this. I have made the decision to not seed feed the outdoor birds anymore. I have had several different problems with this the past five years and just feel done with it. The outdoor hummers will still continue to get feed through the feeders.

Enjoy the sunshine if you have some today!

Beaver- that is my bigger concern, the attraction of snakes. I live across the street from a canyon where there are rattlers and although I have never seen any down here in the development, I know things will find there way in. The feeder in the back came down months ago. I have had it in this spot for a few years with no issues, but something changed.

I asked my pest control guy a bit about what he thought was happening, and he said "I expect the mice moved in from another location as they tend to do." What I think is the root cause of this is from next door. My neighbor to the south of me is an older woman who has not really been able to take care of her home and property for awhile now. I have watched the decline with both her and her property for a good five years now. She is recovering from a recent fall and asked my help to do a bit of watering in her back yard, which I agreed to. When I went back there, I saw years of neglect and starting things this is where the mice may have moved in from. There were issues years ago with pigeons that were nesting under the eaves of her house. Sick pigeons ended up in my yard from that too. I did talk to her about it (and also anonymously called the City about it) and when they had damaged her roof, she finally did something about it. She was a good neighbor for years but the past five years have not been good.

Anyways, I can take away the food source here and we will have bait boxes to deal with the infestation. Beyond that, my hope is that she will find her way to a better living situation where she has the care she needs. Her family has told me she refuses to move or make any changes, and I was there once to with our mom. My mother was like this too and dug in her heels and then put a lot of demands on others to keep her going at home until she had something happen and could not go home. I hate to say it, but it will probably go down the same way next door.

That is my mouse theory and I am sticking to it!

My housekeeper started as Gordy's second baby-nurse when her MIL got an assignment doing eldercare and I got PPD six weeks after he was born. She eventually became his nanny, our housekeeper and my personal assistant. She is family--as close as one can be w/o being genetically related. That's why we've been paying her full salary & insurance all along.

Bob learned today that a temporary part-time nurse at his Archer office tested positive and is now quarantined. (They all wear masks & gowns, and she didn't get w/in 6 ft. of him or his partner--who's in the midst of radiation for IDC). He & his partner immediately closed the office and called in a hazmat cleaning team. Meanwhile, they consulted Christ Hospital's I.D. (infectious diseases) Dept., which said they're doing exactly the right thing. From now on, nobody--patients or staff--enters unless they have no symptoms AND their temp., measured by forehead scan, is normal. They needn't get tested unless they want to. (The only place that tests asymptomatic health workers, in the Sox Park parking lot, hasn't opened yet--or at least I can't find it on any test center map, much less its days & hours).

Yes, Cami--though it's quite rare, pets can get coronavirus from close contact with infected people--but they don't get COVID, and they clear the virus from their systems very quickly. It would be interesting to study what about feline and canine immune systems allows this, and maybe harness it for humans.

Bob brought home asst'd. Japanese food after going to the Hickory Hills office, so we'll likely have some more of that La Galope rosé tonight. Tomorrow, with brunch, we'll crack our last bottle of Collin Cremant de Limoux.

NM, that's still another week of the night shift, saying it's 4 more nights makes it sound like not much longer! Not know if it's day or night, I don't think it's ever happened to me, but it did to my husband just a week or so ago. We had only been in bed like an hour. He got up and grabbed his clothes. I said what are you doing. He says I got work to do. Then he says wait, what time is it. I said it's time to go to bed, we've only been in bed an hour. The friend post I shared is actually quite healty and no lung issues, but that doesn't keep someone else safe. I can't say anything to her, as she will turn it into a debate and she is ALWAYS right. Her own DD can't deal with her and has blocked her on FB.

Jazzy, your SIL all that time on a resperator, wow. Doesn't seem like it's been that long already, and we didn't expect her to live long at all. That girl's a fighter, but not living such a great life, no quality there.....sad.

JCS, I think the itinerary sounds great. I even see a few places there that I would like to check out, I'll book mark it. I have to say, of the places I have been, Bryce was the most breath taking. If you can get to any slot canyons, do so, they are quite awesome. I too have never had a housekeeper, not even to try, but I think it would be the same for me, that they wouldn't clean the same way I do.

Oh Celia, that is horrible about your neighbors and hosting that party, it's things/people like that that are going to make this happen a second time and be even worse.

Sue, I think your DH is just trying to protect you. Perhaps he is seeing something that you don't? Like when you fall, what causes that? Are you tripping, are you dizzy, having a black out? I mean if you get dizzy, that is good reason for him to not want you to drive. Or just ask him why he doesn't want you to drive and tell him your feelings on it. But glad you got your nails done. Lubs you Doity Butt.

Cami, I am glad to be living where I do, and I feel very safe. Is Joey able to go out and hang with his friends, staying outside, keeping that 6' distance or even more and wearing a mask?

Jazzy, I rememeber you talking about helping your nieghbor, I'm pretty sure this is the same one. Sorry she won't budge and won't do anything. Those critters can really multiply and fast too. I'm always dealing with them, but I live out in the country, so they will always be here. I hesitate to use the bait things (poison) as you don't know where they are going to end up dying. So for me, I prefer the traps, but I can feed them to the ravens, you don't have that option. Another thing that helps is to put a bucket of water they can get in to, but not out. They want the water, cuz they are thirsty and when they get to water, not knowing, they just drown. But then you still have a carcus to dispose of.

Had a wonderful relaxing day yesterday, something we don't normally do. Relaxed, did some chores outside and a great dinner.

DOTD: The Wind Spinner
It has Red Stag Honey Tea, Cruzan Orange rum, pineapple and cranberry juice.

Good morning friends- we have a moth explosion here right now. It started the past week but as I went out both the front and back doors, there were a plethora of them that went flying and some tried to get in the house. Eeek. It happens about every tend years and seems to follow a wet cycle, which we are out of now. Well, I keep my limited wool things bagged up, as I have had them get in and destroy nice things, but oiy! Moths, mice, etc.- wildlife and insects are winning. I won't be sitting outdoors today, or will wait until later when the moths disappear until overnight.

Goldie- yes, this is the same neighbor and she has been there the whole time. Her only child lives with his family out of state and although she goes to see them, they never come here. She has other relatives that try to help her, but one of them has told me she won't change anything. I think one of these days, she will just have to leave and live elsewhere when living at home won't be an option anymore. I have thought it might happen before now as this all really got started about five years ago and just contines to get worse. I saw her helper friend is back over doing things for her and glad for that. I help where I can, but not getting pulled in.

I have several people I know with that toxic "need to be right" thing. Some people are always looking for a debate or argument, FB is a classic place for that. My sister does that to me sometimes too, but I have learned to just say to her that I am not interested to argue and done having the conversation. It's a bullying tactic, and I have no time for that nonsense.

Glad you had a day of rest, always refreshing!

NM- glad you are getting through those night shifts. I won't tell anyone about your breaking quaurtine, and think seeing your mom in person probably went a long way for both of you.

JCS- my mother had mice in her house in the later years of living there. I tried to get her to put out those indoor sticky traps or get pest control in, but she fought me on most suggestions. We sold her house "as is" back in 2005 and knew there were things that were a problem there, but being out of state, no way to deal with all that long distance. I never heard what the inspection report came up with, but I can only guess......

I heard that there were long lines everywhere yesterday with the 25% opening of additional retail. Some of my fav shops are opening by appt only, which is smart. I have an apt at a place on Friday.

I am also seeking places to take donations. My favorite place to donate responded to an e-mail to say they won't be opening for awhile as all their volunteers are over 60. They will start taking donations first but can't say when. I am going to check to see if the Big Brothers/Sisters truck that is over near my home and who I also donate has their truck back to accept donations. Wish me luck!

Hi goils, my bwest friends and drinking buddies! It's me Dara, where the hell do I start here? I had to poop in tonight to whine and complain and vent. Gosh I sound so fun Ha?

I have been suffering so, both physically and emotionally. I am poor. I have daily migraines with accompanying tooth pain, palate pain, hair pain and sinus pain. I have a hole in the belly (again) from a botched diep flap 7 years ago, stabbing pain under my foob, my right hand is numb and shrinking away from atrophy and now preparing to go to the hospital for surgery this coming Wednesday for part I of 2, to bix me belly! They are going to first get out the infected mesh then once it heals, rebuild my abdominal wall. I get Covid test tomorree. I am in New Jersey where the numbers are mind numbing! I have so many emotions over everything going on and frankly, I am very scared of what's to come. Oh I failed to mention that I have to sell my home or lose it to foreclosure. BRB need another Jack ~hiccup!

And oh again...make it OHMG, my grandson is back in the foster system and I am the supervising parent in charge of a five year old and don't know what I'll do if my EXDH1 won't supervise whilst mese in de hospital for up to ten freaking days. OMG OMG OMG how will mese git through all this chit?? The answer is....wait for it...

JACK DANIELS Mese bff indeedy! HicCUP~~

Well I will certainly have a lot of free time on my hands after Wednesday and hope to continue to update everyone. The main reason we all come here is for support for ourselves. Then we find that the connection makes us feel less alone which is why I have returned; I jest lubs my drinking friends and I'm glad I found my way back here.. Some of you already know my story but in a nutshell I've had implants and expanders in and out multiple times and I've had a diep flap and a lat flap with nothing but trouble with infections and with the left foob flopping (3 attempts and still a fail for a total of 17 breast/belly surgeries from 2010-2013) not to mention 2 ulnar nerve repair surgeries and both hands surgically corrected for carpal tunnel syndrome. I'm TIRED OF IT! But I still might show up on Wednesday to the OR to have infected mesh taken out of my stomach and I may have to have some of my intestines removed too since the infection seems to have traveled to my intestinal track, oh mese oh mise. Thanks Dr P Rick! I'll poop back when I'm not so furious. I really should sue that horrible doctor who is the Chief of Staff at the Univ of PA hospital, said to be the best, WTF!!!!!! I am pissed, beyond pissed at that ass, i want to hurt him soooo much like he has hurt me. Tenders take me away!

cHEErS!

Cami, interesting how much of what our mothers told us didn't make sense then but does now! My mother often said she thought the golden years were really tarnished brass...

D A R A ur back Thank God we're all here for u like crazy.

We've all missed you, but I'm so terribly sorry for what u have been going thru and any one of us would be a nervous wreck. U've always been a pillar here and u will be again. Extra prayers for you for sure. And now u have to keep us abreast <oops poor choice of words> with everything that's going on so u have to come back, I just wish it was with much better news. U should sue the pants and underwear off him, u have been thru so much with this HOLE of yours and the picture is still in my head, it's never left.

There are some newbies here and u'll lubs them and they'll feel the same way towards you I know. Who wouldn't???

Big <<<HUGS>>> coming ur way and I want to know everything word for word <well u know that>

For about an hour, we had 1/4-1/2" of water in the basement--it's receded now (nearly dry enough for the cats to use the litter box again), and the flash flood warning is set to expire w/in the hour. Meanwhile, my next-door neighbor to the east (and the one to his east) took on a lot more, leaving mud behind (which we didn't get). Our check-valve & sump pump helped.

Nonetheless, I feel it was a wise decision not to crack open that bubbly tonight. Seltzer was just fine with my leftover quiche from brunch.

Happy Birthday, Cammy!!!

NM, kind of a pain in the anatomy with the shopping after work, or should I say not being able to shop after work. When you get done with this shift you are going to need 3 days for your body to recoup. Glad you got to see your mom and good for no hugs/kisses. I think it will be ok. Last 12 hour shift tonight! Poor Sadie, tryiing to figure this all out. On your days off, are you on a normal schedule, being up during the day and sleeping at night?

Jazzy, your moth explosion reminds me of the same thing in Michigan with the fishflies, also called mayflies. My mother did not take care of her home either, or herself for that matter. And when I would go there, I always did so much cleaning and yard work. And I'm talking not about just when her health got bad, I'm talking her whole life. As for FB, it amazes me sometimes what people put out there!

Wacko, is that you? Is it really you? I'm so happy to see you, but not so happy about what is going on, although I already knew. I am so very sorry, you have way too much on that plate of yours. I thought you had the migrain thing taken care of with the botox. And what's the issue with the ex helping to take care of Logan? I'm sorry to hear this. How is he handling it? I'm glad you are getting surgery Wednesday, but skeered for you too. Will you be in the hospital for a time or is it out patient. We shall be in your pocket or hanging around the room somewhere, and I'll make sure to put some JD or perhaps GJ in your IV. Good to see you back, but not for the reasons. You have my support and love.

Cami, it is hot here, especially down in the Phoenix area. Where I am, we do have 4 seasons. The area you are thinking about, is it Sedona? I am not one for debate, on FB or in everyday life. I do not discuss politics or religion either. I like FB for the same reasons you do. You and those phones! Does his business say they operate 24/7?

Beaver, tarnished brass sounds more like it!

Sandy, sorry about the rain and flooding. Never have had to deal with those kinds of issues and of course here in AZ, they don't have basements.

CAMI...IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY? Well, Happy Birthday my friend. I hope you get lots of attention, since that is pretty much all that's allowed!

Happy, happy Birthday, Cami! I hear you about FB--I am trying to post non-political stuff there. Nextdoor is devolving into partisanship as well. The truly stupid questions on Quora are good for a laugh, though.

My housekeeper came back today! She cleaned like crazy, especially the basement. She even potted my tomato plants! Tomorrow, laundry. I offered to help, but she has a system and doesn't want me to screw it up. We both wore masks when in the same room. We also wished we could hug, but it is what it is. So except on weekends, I now need to find something to do other than laundry, cleaning, and hauling out the garbage & recycling. She asked how long it was since I took out the recycling and was amazed to hear I do it every 3 days! Between drink cans, wine bottles, cat food cans, and plastic takeout containers, our kitchen bins fill pretty fast.

The landscaper came today--planted some rosemary (I said no to sage, as I never use it), thyme, marigolds, and caladiums. He also brought some compost-starter/accelerator, and cleaned out cans & plastic that someone (not in this household!) had thrown into the compost bin. We also now have a fully-functional rear gate that locks easily. Garage door still a no-go, so Bob had to park on the street when he came home tonight. We're supposed to get light drizzle tomorrow, so will see if the electrician shows up. Wed. & Thurs. are supposed to be bone-dry, so I hope he can finish before it rains again on Fri. (& especially Saturday).

I thank my lucky stars that when we were looking to buy a house, we decided to buy this one rather than a smaller but newer brick Georgian in Ravenswood Manor...a block from the Chicago River. (We asked the precinct police desk sgt. in nearby Albany Park what he thought about safety--and he replied he lives here in Edgewater Glen! That did it). So glad we live several blocks uphill from the lakefront. And all in all, glad we have a basement, even if it does flood slightly once in a blue moon--if we had a ranch house on a slab, the flooding would be in the living area--furniture, carpeting, etc. We have the washer & dryer on pedestals in the basement.

With my potluck dinner (Bob came home late, bearing leftover fried chicken from his other office), I had a couple more oz. of that La Galope rosé. (Still sipping on it). The part-time nurse who tested positive said she's already feeling fine. But she still has to quarantine till she tests negative (Bob hasn't seen her in several weeks, but his partner, who's in her second week of radiation for IDC, has). It's the nurses & techs (and the ER/ICU docs) at the hospitals who put their lives on the line, because they have to do the hands-on patient care. Bob says nurses are the true heroes. I couldn't agree more.

This weekend is his Little Company of Mary weekend--he was off two weekends in a row because he traded with the interventional guy with whom he alternates those hospital weekends (Eid-al-Fitr is on Sat.). So he will be going in to LCM two weekends in a row. He reports that the Oak Lawn Hilton guests are almost exclusively doctors and first responders these days. Their kitchen has reopened for pickup & contactless room service, so as an Executive Gold level HHonors member he gets free dinner Sat. night and breakfast Sun. morning. The hotel had just finished remodeling its conference center, indoor pool & gym when the pandemic hit--it's losing all the events that are usually booked there.

Mornin ladies,

Thank you for my Birthday wishes, it was quiet here but that was fine. Katie, Marty's cousin came, she's been here before a very lively woman and we had Cheese raviolis, meatballs garlic bread and salad and banana cream pie.It was nice. I really ate tho and my fav thing was Joey's card <of course> he writes so beautifully how he feels and it's always so touching and loving. Katie used to hang out with Nicky a lot, that's probably why I like her so much of all of Marty's cousins. Those 2 were friends with benefits for many years and stayed good friends. So we had some fun stories to talk about. Felt good.

Dara I'm praying for you, so don't think I ever stopped. I so want peace of mind for you also. Boy ur keeping me busy, Missy so be well all the way around.

Well Kim we'll see about ur schedule won't we. I'm not preaching at all. Ahem but this should be ur last shifts for overnite and be back to normal for good nite sleep. I'm waiting.

I think more rain today must be breaking records for May.

Oh I forgot everything I read on the last page now so I can't address who I want.but u all know by now I have a goofy time with my memory so I pray everyone is doing OK. And have we heard from Illi at all, shes having such a hard time of all of this.

Try and have a good day everyone.

LUBS U ALL