Now I really did it :((

[marcy]

Hi NIRDI’s!

@missy I hope my new glasses are good for distance. He said one of my baby cataracts is an adolescent now. Rats. I am totally considering retiring; Marty is guessing it will be a month. Just sick of things at work! I am feeling okay; I would say normal for me. I still notice a little bit of a shortness of breathe and my oxygen levels vary between high 80’s to low 90’s. I think once we address whatever is causing the anemia that will level off. Thanks for asking. How are you doing? I hope your doctor appointment went well and I am sending mega dust to you. Beautiful pictures from your cycling; love seeing the pictures of the towers lit up; I heard on the news they are visible for 60 miles. Woo hoo to6 6K on your bike. Way to go! How cute the ferals are hanging out; they are waiting for you and Greg to get home.

@Austina I am glad you got a flight. One of my nieces in the Houston area lost power but it has been restored. The other niece’s place was fine and they have generators anyway. Your house is coming along! Yes, I am really finding more reasons and desire to retire. At this point in time the doctor didn’t give me anything or tell me to do anything about the anemia; I’ve been reading up on it and I have so many of the symptoms. I think if it’s not improved by my December appointment he plans on sending me to a specialist. That is awesome Bertie likes his grandma. You do have a lot to do when you get home but I am so excited for you and Colin that you can finally move close to Adam and Kim.

I did some training with that lady today; she did pretty well. I gave her about 60 pages of reports and she found every discrepancy. Tomorrow I plan on getting her on our system to do some things. Based on what she kind of said I think my senior manager has already said she has the job. It did make for a busy day though doing my work, some stuff for the senior manager plus working with her. I did still venture out to meet a friend of mine for lunch. I’m not that dedicated!

Marty went to put the stickers on his license plates we just renewed and someone must have ripped off his front plate. He went to Ford to see if it could fall off; they tried on a F150 on the lot and no way could that plate just fall off. He’ll have to contact the police and get new plates. He has customized plates so I don’t know what they’ll do about that. Such fun!

Take care.
Marcy

 

[missy]

GM girls! It's Wonderful (I hope) Wednesday.

@marcy rats is right to your cataracts growing into adolescence. If it makes you feel any better cataracts are usually a simple surgery with a straightforward recovery. Of course I get your apprehension as any surgery has risks but just so you know this one is relatively easy comparatively speaking. Thank you for all your caring words and well wishes and I am also sending you mega dust for your full recovery from your anemia and breathing issues. I saw my allergist yesterday and he is testing me (per my request) for a rare genetic disease I am concerned about. I actually spoke with my internist about this in 2018 and he did a blood test which was inconclusive but yesterday the allergist did a cheek swab which is supposedly the gold standard of this disease diagnosis. Fingers crossed I do not have this disease though it would explain my breathing issues and my not so great response to the asthma meds. Whew that was a long reply. I hope you have a great day and big hugs to you.

@Austina I am sending you lots of safe travel vibes and hope your flight today goes without incident and you arrive home quickly and can take care of all the things you have to. Woohoo soon you will be in the USA. I am very excited about that despite the fact I do not fly and that our cats are super needy so I am hoping you will be visiting us here when (will it ever be) the pandemic is over. But of course most importantly woohoo for being with Adam and Kim and Bertie. You will finally be with your entire family and that is everything. Big hugs and lots of good wishes for a safe flight.

@Jemi sending you big hugs and lots of well wishes. (((((Hugs)))))).


@mrs-b continued healing vibes and wishing you pain free days and may your surgery be over soon and this all be a distant memory. Sending you so much love and many gentle hugs. I wish I could do something more for you. But know I am keeping you in my thoughts every day. And am here for you.


@bling_dream19 hope you are having a good week and today is a wonderful Wednesday for you.

@Slick1 how is work going? Are the kids behaving? How is everyone doing with dealing with the pandemic and school? Sending you lots of good wishes.

@sarahb hope you are doing well. And life is going smoothly and everyone you love is well.

@canuk-gal hope your mom is doing well and the week going smoothly for you.

@junebug17 hope everyone is well and you are having a lovely time back here in NJ.

@MamaBee good morning, hope you have a lovely day and that everything is going well.

Hi to everyone else.
We had a good two days cycling.

Today is very hot and then storms are coming later today for the next few days.
We had a lot of storms the other night and lost power a few times. I couldn't sleep for hours because it felt like a tornado. The house was shaking something awful and the sky was lit up with green lighting. This was Monday night. It was fierce. We lost power and the generator went on and then the power came back a few minutes later and then we lost power again so the generator went back on and it was a see saw. And last night for no reason (well the reason was crews were working round the clock as many in surrounding areas and our area lost power for the full day so they must have had to shut power to our area for a but while working to restore for everyone) we lost power for a while again. It was quite the 24 hours and more strong storms are predicted for tonight and the next few days. Oh joy.

I have been remiss though and will share our past 2 days of ice cream.
No matter what happens I am sharing my ice cream with you always.

Monday ice cream.





Tuesday ice cream.





And look who we saw yesterday! Dolphins! And I managed to get a photo of him jumping. What a beautiful baby.



Wishing everyone a beautiful day filled with sweetness and love and good health.
XOXO.

 

[Jemi]

Austina, as Kurt Vonnegut once said… Changes in travel plans are dancing lessons from God.
I know how unpleasant it is to be thwarted in your attempt to make a simple voyage. Safe travels to you!

I am having such a difficult time.
For months I have not been functioning on all cylinders and it’s gotten so bad that I live in brain fog and dread. It feels very unpleasant. I believe in part it’s the ongoing result of being in lockdown for a year.
My daughter has decided to wait to go back to France and I can’t keep trying to stay in sync with her AND keep my sanity.
I have already changed my ticket once to accommodate her and I’ve been trying for weeks to help her get ready for the trip but it only causes friction between us. She has two hotel suites and they’re both chaotically full of stuff. I think she might have mild postpartum depression. She said she might go back to France in a week, two weeks, a month.
(The USDA inspection Kiné needs 10 days before travel to France was complicated (3 vet visits and a ten page form) and cost $200. I don’t want to have to do that again just so that I can go back with my daughter five days later than our original flight! Or then find out that she’s not going at all).
I feel as though I’m abandoning her if I go back without her. Basically she’d be alone with a two month old baby in a hotel room. I don’t know what to do.
And if I don’t go back to France soon I will lose my residency status and will have to reapply, which was a daunting two your process.
I feel totally at sea. Yep, just exhausted!

so if you got through all that, thank you for listening.

Marcy, I had cataract surgery not too long ago and it was less fuss than a dental visit! The surgery itself was just a few minutes and the anesthetic insured a non-stressful experience.
Literally, getting the second eye done is now less intimidating to me then going into the dentist to get a filling.

 

[missy]

Dear @Jemi I am so sorry. I wish I had wise advice to offer. All I can say is you are a terrific mom. So supportive and giving and kind and loving and generous. I am sorry for all the angst and stress and hope things resolve themselves in the best way possible. Sending you big hugs and lots of love.

Need to add one thought if I may. Do not lose your residency status in France. I am sorry for all your DD is dealing with but you cannot go through that again. If she will not go back to France with you in time I am sorry but she cannot put you through the reapplication process. That is all I wanted to add. I am really sorry you are both going through such a challenging time. Sending you lots of love and good wishes.

 

[Jemi]

Dear @Jemi I am so sorry. I wish I had wise advice to offer. All I can say is you are a terrific mom. So supportive and giving and kind and loving and generous. I am sorry for all the angst and stress and hope things resolve themselves in the best way possible. Sending you big hugs and lots of love.

Need to add one thought if I may. Do not lose your residency status in France. I am sorry for all your DD is dealing with but you cannot go through that again. If she will not go back to France with you in time I am sorry but she cannot put you through the reapplication process. That is all I wanted to add. I am really sorry you are both going through such a challenging time. Sending you lots of love and good wishes.

Thank you so much Missy, you are a dear friend. Thank you for your support. I hate to abandon my daughter but I feel I must now take care of myself, and your comment helps me believe that is the right decision.

 

[mrs-b]

@Jemi -

I can't say much, but I feel for you. Totally. I know what it is to be overwhelmed. I have one piece of advice:

Save yourself.

You go under and you're no help to anyone. As women, we're programmed to sacrifice ourselves for the comfort of others - but where does it get us? Address your OWN issues first, Jemi - it's part of being a responsible adult - which I know you ARE. Your daughter seems totally capable of going back to France with you if she chooses - so she'll make her choices and you'll make yours. In the final analysis, that's all you can do.

I hope things start looking up for you very soon.

 

[Austina]

Hello lovelies

Oh @mrs-b, I just don’t know what to say. I wish there was something, anything that I could do or say to help, I really feel for you. I’m keeping everything crossed that your surgery is sooner rather than later, because I do understand the kind of pain that makes you want to smash your head against a brick wall just to feel pain somewhere other than where it’s hurting so badly.

@Jemi, at this point, I think you need to do what YOU need to do for the sake of your sanity. Your daughter will cope, we did when we had young babies, and she’ll understand. I remember what a terrible faff you went through to get your visa, and I can’t imagine you want to go through that again, not to mention the expense and hassle of sorting out Kine’s paperwork.

Honestly @marcy, when it get’s to the point that it seems you’re at, then retirement sounds like a really good option. Your health and well being is more important than any job. Take care.

I hope you get answers from the swab test @missy, at least it would explain the symptoms you’re experiencing, not that you need any more medical issues, but it always helps to have a proper diagnosis. Sounds like you had a scary night, and fingers crossed the weather doesn’t get any worse.

We had a really early start as we decided to book a flight to Houston rather than risk the drive, then we were sat on the runway for 20 minutes because of a backlog at Houston. We finally made it, and had a couple of hours before check in opened. Colin saw a BA agent so asked her about the test dispensation, and of course she knew nothing about it So we had a worrying wait until check in opened, but fortunately the pre-check check in lady did know, and we finally managed to get checked in and hopefully on our way home in a couple of hours.

I’ll be glad to get home and get on with sorting out the rest of the things we need to dispose of before the removal people come to back up. Looks like we’ll be on our way back in exactly 4 weeks.

Big love and hugs to you all, see you on the other side

 

[marcy]

Hi NIRID’s.

@missy I hope you don’t have that disease. Mega dust coming your way. Glad you got in some lovely miles on the bike. Glad you have a generator to keep power going through the awful storm.

@Jemi i am so sorry your daughter is putting an added strain on you. Hopefully she will decide to go with you but that would awful to lose your status in France. Big hugs to you. Thank you for the engagement for cataract surgery.

@mrs-b I am so sorry you are in such great pain. I sure hope they move up your surgery. Mega dust coming your way and big hugs.

Marty has a case number for his missing license plate and has to go get new plates. I’m sure he is not loving running around dealing with that mess.

Did you see the pretty new blue iPhone? I want one. It’s blue.

Take care
Marcy

 

[missy]

@marcy what??? A new blue iPhone. OMG that is my favorite color and I am going to covet it but not get it because as long as my iPhone works I cannot rationalize the crazy expense that is iPhone. But thanks for the heads up...definitely will check that out. Thanks for the mega dust and right back at ya. Big hugs. And good luck to Mr Marty with getting his new plates.

Speaking of mega dust dear @mrs-b what can I say? I am so sorry
I don't think I can bear to watch another video of you in pain but I am keeping you in my thoughts and I am sending so many healing vibes and good luck wishes your way...may that surgery be moved up ASAP and may relief be yours very soon. Big hugs.

@Austina safe trip back home and wow, back in 4 weeks. Super exciting. That storm was crazy. Here's a photo of a tree ripped from its roots. This happened all over the shore. We still don't know what kind of storm it was...seriously felt like a tornado.



@springerspaniel so glad you and @mrs-b had a wonderful lunch together. Wishing more happy get togethers in the future when everyone is well and life is back to almost normal. Whatever that is LOL.

I will be back tomorrow but just wanted to wish everyone a good afternoon and sending big hugs and dust to all who need it. XOXO.

 

[canuk-gal]

Hello friends:

No fun news. Very difficult to type. My Mother is very unwell.

Too much suffering; here , there and everywhere. Challenging to keep it together (KIT). Alas, we must TRY.

not so cheery--Sharon

 

[junebug17]

@canuk-gal, I am so sorry; I'll be keeping your mother in my thoughts.

 

[missy]

@canuk-gal Dear Sharon, I am so sorry
Keeping you and your mom in my thoughts and sending you gentle hugs.
Praying she makes a recovery.

 

[Jemi]

Dear Sharon, I am so sorry. Holding you both in my heart this morning.

 

[mrs-b]

@canuk-gal - I'm so sorry your mother isn't well. I hope her situation can find improvement and that her doctors find ways to help. Have her numbers continued to improve? And are you able to visit her? All hospitals seem to have different regulations these days ,but I hope you'e able to get in to spend time with her.

Warm thoughts to you both. <3

 

[mrs-b]

@Austina - I hope you're home by now and getting settled. Your house is taking shape! It looks wonderful - and I love an interesting roof line like that! Thank you for sharing photos - it's a wonderful journey to go along on with you. And I'll bet Bertie is looking at you as a potential source for many, many walks! I think everyone will be so pleased to have you in Texas!

@marcy - you seem to have such a lovely life even without work - perhaps now is the time to leave the regimen of Monday-to-Friday and pursue a life more enjoyment-based? Tim has anemia, too, and it's a difficult thing - not acute enough to treat in a proactive sense, but just enough to be a drag. I'm sure you know what I mean. And what a pain about Marty's license plate! So many people have no respect for the property of others. Theft is one of those "I can - so I did" sorts of crimes - and it just sends me nuts. I hope he can get it back, since personalized plates are normally special to the person who owns them.

@Scandinavian - any news on your mother in law? Is she being actively treated? Praying for strength and peace and pain-free days.

 

[mrs-b]

@missy - I'm sorry I missed commenting on Greg's wonderful news. This is GREAT and I'm so pleased he's able to put this behind him! But in all truth, I'm counting off the months with you till December and your gyne appt. I'd love for you to have that worry squared away.

I was wondering if you could list all the names of your cats - both indoors and outdoors? I have Tommy, Gracie and Oliver for indoors - and Snowflake and Cleopatra for outdoors - but I know I'm missing some ferals, at least! I have to say, tho, they all look so well cared for!

Have you been inundated with rain this morning? We've had a bunch of rain since last night, but early this morning the electrical storm started, so that's been pretty spectacular. The new seed we laid last weekend in our back yard, of course, has been washed away. Isn't it always the way?! I hope you manage to get out today; I love being outside when it's overcast and windy. It's just wonderful to experience nature in all her different moods.

Hugs to you, AG!

@MamaBee - I've lost a lock on where you are! Still MD? But wherever it is - I know you're having electrical issues!! Were you able to get everything back up and rebooted? This is my idea of a nightmare, being as techno-ignorant as I am! If I hit the on-switch and nothing happens - my first port of call is to yell for Tim. Past that, I'm completely lost! So hats off to you being able to address your current issues!

And it's criminal, in my opinion, that not every single person in aged care has had the vaccine! The information is overwhelming at this point on how the virus is transmitted and how effective the vaccine is in stopping both spread and severity. All I can assume is that it's willful ignorance, and I hate that. Spending as much time in hospitals as I do, I can't tell you how many nurses I see with their masks down under their chins, who pull them up hurriedly when they hear someone approaching. Sends me bonkers.

@bling_dream19 - waiting for a slew of photos from you re new projects! What did you decide for your three-stone?

@junebug17 - are you back in Virginia? I'm guessing the weather is still warm, tho, in the Carolinas, so swimming and beach life must still be a possibility! I hope all is well with you.

@Slick1 - how is school going? And how are your kids going with their back to school routine? And most of all - how is Bear holding up to this change of routine?! And...<politecough>...more photos when you have some time? No rush, but...I just don't want to miss any of his developmental milestones!

As for me, I have 2 rings coming today. One is the wedder I'll wear with my new Beloved solitaire. I went back and forth on that ring to come up with the right thing - and ended up with something very simple, but elegant (I hope!).

The other ring is for Eleanor. Tim will be out in LA next week for a few days setting up our apartment. I was meant to go with him but traveling isn't an option for me right now. So he's gong alone, and Eleanor is flying out here for a few days to keep me company and (let's be honest here!) to spend time with Ballin. I've arranged a little surprise for her. To wear when she arrives, I bought him this:



It's a tie on waist coat and black tie. I know he'll rush towards the door as soon as he hears her and I've had DKJ make *this*, and will tie it to his neck with a big red bow just before she arrives :



It's an infinity ring. In my book series, there is a ceremony that some animals and people go through called a Choosing Ceremony. In the books, it was instigated by the creators of the land to forever unite the people and animals of the land, so they would respect and value each other. Eleanor has always said that Ballin is her Chosen in this world, and, were that possible, it would have to be true, because you've never seen two souls more in synch than these two! So on the inside of the ring is engraved "Rosie and Ballin - forever Chosens" Rosie is Eleanor's nickname, and the 6th book in the Prism series, which I'm currently writing, is about a homeless girl called Rosie and the dog she meets called Ballin, and their adventures.

So all that to say - those two rings arrive today.

I've also been collecting antique silver napkin rings! Obscure, I know, but it's a fun pass-time and I have a beautiful sterling silver, Georgian pair coming today. Yay! It wil be something nice to look forward to after my MRI this morning. When we have the MRI results back, the surgeon will make the call as to whether to bump someone else to bring my surgery up. We'll see how that goes.

I hope everyone is hanging in there. Love to you all. <3

 

[Austina]

Hello lovelies

We made it home, but not before we had to sit on the runway at Heathrow for an hour because our stand was occupied.

@mrs-b the infinity ring is lovely, I’m sure Eleanor is going to love it. Everything crossed your MRI went well and the surgeon will get you in a.s.a.p.

I’m so sorry @canuk-gal, sending good thoughts for better news soon.

Wow @missy, that was a big tree, they were lucky it didn’t crush the house.

Just a quick hello to all, we’re shattered, but trying to keep awake, I had to cancel my orthodontic appt today, so need to go and collect my last few sets of aligners.

Big love and hugs to you all, hopefully I’ll feel more human tomorrow.

 

[Slickk]

Holy Crap ladies. Wrote a huge post and lost it all! I replied to each of you and added pics,,, so frustrating. Will try to post again later. Ugh!!
Thinking of all who are struggling today.

 

[MamaBee]

Hi everyone..I have no more data left this month..I also have horrible wifi so it takes so much time to load..I watch the little wheel spinning for long periods of time. I’m so frustrated. I used up all my data in Maryland because I was without internet..along with cable..It was awful in Maryland this last trip…The house is really pretty with lots of character..but it’s so old..It was built in 1904..The basement has a dirt floor. We can’t put down a concrete floor as per the historical society. Sooooo we get bugs down there. We have to be vigilant with a pest control company that has to put down chemicals in the basement to keep them from coming upstairs. They do a good job. I met my bug guy after I moved in. I saw a cave cricket in my kitchen. You could hear my screams clear across the states! He went downstairs in a full ghostbusters suit. He comes regularly..I think I’ve only seen two upstairs in the ten years we had that house. We also had a run with springtales that swarm the outside of the house in the summer. They will get in the house through the skylights and the old original siding because they are so tiny. They are so tiny my husband can’t even see them. I hate bugs of all kinds so it freaks me out. I didn’t spend much time there lately because I was afraid I would see them. I suggested to my husband we should go back to the house to check on any damage from Ida. OMG…I got there on Friday evening with David. My husband always follows the same day after he’s finished with work. This particular weekend he stayed behind an extra day to do bills. Anyway…I called my mom to tell her I got there safely. I saw a fly……..I HATE FLIES……They are dirty, disgusting, germy things..I’m a little bit of a germaphobe…I killed him…after hunting him down. Then I saw another…and another…and another…It was truly a nightmare..I counted 27 flies! I called my husband hysterical. There was nothing he could do. I called Terminex..They don’t treat flies…I ran upstairs to close my and David’s bedroom door to prevent any from getting up there. We sleep on the third floor..I started sleeping there when I saw a few springtales in the MB sink on previous trips……None had made it up there. I kept trying to find out where they were coming in from. I tried to keep myself calm in front of David so I asked him if he wanted to watch a movie so I could figure out where they were coming from..The cable and internet were out. Now I’m dealing with that…and flies. My husband came on Saturday..but he couldn’t find out where they were coming from either. He had to go back to Pennsylvania on Sunday…so he left. David wanted to stay..I’m grossed out..no cable, no internet…burning up data on the internet trying to find solutions…Nothing worked. I made it to Monday evening at 7pm. I called my husband to say I’m leaving to go back to Pa..I’m never going back there…A house should be fun…This wasn’t fun. The house has lost it’s shine to me..as beautiful as it is..I will NEVER get an old house again. I have trouble with night vision..I never drive after dark..For me to get in the car at 7 and drive home where the last hour was complete darkness…showed my husband how upset I was. I will not go back to that house for a very long time. My husband is going back on Friday to get the cable and internet boxes installed..He also called a fly exterminator.
I‘m happy in my clean and bug free house in Pa. This may seem silly to most…but I feel I have PTSD with the bugs I’ve had to deal with there. I would be happy to sell it tomorrow if I could.
Sorry for the rant. I feel a little better getting it out. If I didn’t lose you from boredom..thanks for listening..

@missy I had ice cream at Brusters yesterday…Your ice cream pics made me do it!
I’m sorry you lost power...Yay for your generator for doing it’s job! Is it a whole house generator or just for necessary things like refrigerators and air conditioning?
@mrs-b I hope they move up your operation..The infinity ring for Eleanor is so pretty. I love Ballin’s new fancy suit..He’ll look so handsome..
@marcy I’m sorry you’re having trouble with anemia. I hope you feel better soon.
@Jemi I know the feeling about trying to please your children. I agree that you need to take care of yourself first. I wouldn‘t let your Visa expire..
@Austina I’m happy you are home safe. You must be so happy you got to see everyone again.
@canuk-gal I’m sorry your mom is not doing well. I hope she starts to improve soon..Big hugs..
@Slick1 Your little Bear put a smile on my face when I was near tears this past weekend. He is so adorable.
@bling_dream19 I would love to see what projects you have in the works..

My son and daughter-in-law had to bring my 15th month grandson, Noah, to the hospital in the middle of the night. He had a febrile seizure..They gave him a covid and flu test..both negative TG. His fever went to 103..That’s high but not that high to give him a febrile seizure. The doctor believes he just has a low tolerance for fever. Now I know they will be worried whenever he gets a fever again.
to everyone else.

 

[Slickk]

Ok. Trying again. Cutting and pasting from Notes so hopefully it formats correctly.


@missy thank you for always remembering me here! I hope you are well and enjoying the remainder of summer! So happy you’re still riding a lot!! Love seeing your pictures of delicious ice cream. Love the dolphins too. I am always surprised by how many dolphins we’ve seen in New Jersey. The kids bought us a dolphin watch dinner cruise in Cape May and it was truly amazing. One sad fact we learned was that they live decades in the wild and only about seven years in captivity so sad. Hope you’re feeling well!! ((Hugs)) and

@canuk-gal I’m so saddened to hear about your dear mom. I hope she turns a corner for the better today and is able to make a full recovery. Thinking of you and sending so many warm ((hugs)) across the miles.

@mrs-b I am crushed to hear of how much pain you are in. I do hope that the surgeon is able to move up your surgery. Again, if you need to chat about your spinal surgery, I’ve been there done that and I’m happy to help. As far as following Bear’s development, we should connect on IG because I post an obnoxious amount of pictures and videos of him over there. Love the infinity ring!! Sending boatloads of good wishes, health and love.

@Austina I’m sorry to hear about your delays and frustration. These bumps in the road are but minor inconveniences to fulfilling your dream of living near your DS. And soon you’ll be in your gorgeous new home!! Hoping it happens quickly.

@marcy a blue iPhone you say!? Like @missy that’s right up my alley but I can’t justify a new one yet. Hope your end of the work week is calm and your hubby is doing well!!

@Jemi what a conundrum you are in! Why do us moms take it all on? I will echo others in that you should not jeopardize your standing in France to stay extra days or a week. I just know your daughter would understand. I hope you are feeling better about the whole situation and I’m sorry for the stress of it all.

@MamaBee hi! So, I have one wedding this weekend. We are going because it is family. The thing that I am most worried about is leaving Bear with a colleague. I’m pretty sad about that. I hope you and your mom, S and D are all well!!

Hi @bling_dream19 hope you’re well!!

Shout out to anyone I missed.

As for me, sheesh, I’m pretty busy. Between work (in a mask for seven hours with no AC or fans is quite the challenge) and coming home to spend hours loving on Bear to assuage my guilt at leaving him, I’m a bit overwhelmed. I’m school, the kids are mask compliant but it’s very uncomfortable in the heat. Thank goodness I began the hrt since I do see an improvement there. I’m afraid the winter may be worse for me with all of the windows open in the US Northeast!! Covid be gone!!

Enjoy the weekend all!!

Here are some pics of Bear! The pictures always make him look bigger. He has grown but is still under 12” at his shoulders.









Yes we took him to Lowe’s and he had fun in the cart!

 

[Slickk]

Posted at the same time @MamaBee goodness that sounds awful!! I totally understand. That house is your getaway and if it brings stress or PTSD, perhaps it is time to sell…
Glad you’re home safely and away from those triggers!! Happy Bear was able to bring a smile to your face when you needed it most!!

 

[marcy]

Sharon, @canuk-gal i am keeping you and your mom in my thoughts. Big hugs to you.

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Thank you lovelies for the kind wishes for my Mother. We've just cancelled our Hawaii trip (22nd departure) as she is too unstable. Hawaii will always be there.

Healing vibes across the miles to all who need them. @Slick1 thank you for those pooch pictures--they made my day!!!!!

NIRDI shout out!

cheers--Sharon

 

[MamaBee]

HI:

Thank you lovelies for the kind wishes for my Mother. We've just cancelled our Hawaii trip (22nd departure) as she is too unstable. Hawaii will always be there.

Healing vibes across the miles to all who need them. @Slick1 thank you for those pooch pictures--they made my day!!!!!

NIRDI shout out!

cheers--Sharon

@canuk-gal I’m so sorry you had to cancel your trip. I would have done the same thing. I hope she starts improving soon…Little Bear is our therapy dog…Keep the photos coming @Slick1..

 

[missy]

GM girls. Hope everyone is off to a good FriYAY.

@canuk-gal continuing to send healing vibes across the miles to your mom and gentle hugs to you. I hope with each day she is doing better. I am sorry about Hawaii but as you say Hawaii will be there for you when you are ready and things are better. Sending lots of love and hugs your way sweet Sharon.

@mrs-b aww are you sure you want all the kitty names? There's lots of them. For our so called domestic (house) kitties we have the three you mentioned...Oliver, Gracie and Tommy and then there is Bobby.

Here is Bobby.


Just waking up he is a bit sleepy lol.

For our outdoor ferals we have a number of them and I don't think I will be able to remember everyone. Here is who I remember at the moment. Fresca, Tux 1 and Tux 2, Samson (who doesn't come by much anymore but we saw him not too far away a few weeks ago so he is A OK thank goodness), Snowflake (who tragically is gone we think), Pepsi, Tab(by), Rootbeer, Cola, Sprite, Sasha, Midnight to name a few.

Speaking of Sasha here she was yesterday lol. She is deaf and she didn't move when we drove up to our driveway where she was laying and relaxing. She did not move at all.



Any updates regarding your surgery date? Our fingers and toes are crossed for you dear @mrs-b and sending hugs and love and healing wishes.


@Slick1 Bear is precious. Love him so much. What a doll. And he should be a model. Love and hugs to you both.

@Jemi thinking of you and sending big hugs. Please hug Kine from me too.

@MamaBee I get it completely about the bugs. We had something similar with flies and the exterminator companies cannot exterminate against flies as they die within a day and are getting in from somewhere that you have to find. Ours was a door problem that Greg fixed. Our cat feeder is on the porch and it attracts them and our door had a small opening enabling them to get into our house. Once we fixed that it solved the fly issue. Hope all is resolved before you go back there and I get it 100%. Big hugs and lots of love.

@Austina glad you made it home safely and hope you had a great night's rest and are feeling strong today. You are in the home stretch. So excited for you. Sending love and hugs and all good wishes.

@sarahb hope you are having a good week and looking forward to a good weekend. Big hugs and lots of love.

@springerspaniel how are you and your DH? Sending you lots of hugs and love. Have a wonderful weekend.

@bling_dream19 sending you so much love and many hugs. Happy FriYAY.

@marcy how are you? Any updates re your anemia and breathing? I am keeping good thoughts for you and sending bucketloads of healing vibes and lots of love.

Hi to everyone else.
We had a good ride on Wednesday and yesterday was not a great weather day so we ran errands and Greg got his permanent crown. This is his first I think...our dentist rocks though and so happy we have her. Anyway today is another rainy day so just going to kick around a bit and go outside for some fresh air but no cycling.

Our Wednesday ice cream which I don't think I shared with you.



On that note wishing all of you a sweet FriYAY. (((((Hugs)))))).

 

[missy]

Oh and here is another photo of destruction from the Monday night storm. It was a short storm but it was destructive. This is across the street from us.



So many trees down. That always makes me sad to see such gorgeous old trees that withstood so many storms before (think Sandy and Irene from 2012 and 2011) and didn't make it after Monday's storm. Such grand majestic trees...crushed. And check out the fence. Bent beyond repair.

 

[MamaBee]

@missy You were right that exterminators can’t treat flies. Hubby contacted a fly removal company. He asked my husband what kind they were. When he told the guy they were houseflies…he said we had to figure out how they were getting in…catch, and kill them…I sent hubby today with cans of Raid, sticky ribbons, etc. He had to be there for the installation of all the new internet router and cable boxes. I probably wouldn’t go back until winter to make sure the flies would all be hibernating outside or dead..I have no idea what they do in the winter…I am so grossed out that they landed on everything. I will arm myself with disinfectant to wipe everything down. I hope my husband will be able to kill them today. He left a light on in a bathroom with fly catchers ….hoping they would be drawn there to their deaths..

 

[mrs-b]

Good morning

@MamaBee - I'm so sorry about the whole fly debacle! I love old houses, but they certainly come with their own set of challenges, don't they! I'm not a germaphobe but I certainly like things *very* clean, and Eleanor is full on bug-phobic, so i do get it. I hope you can find a solution that doesn't require the sale of your beautiful house, but if it's become more a source of stress than the relaxing haven it's supposed to be, then you'll do what you need to do. I just wish things could be easier for you. I often find myself thinking at this point - "Life, man...it's hard." People in the US often talk to me and Tim about spiders and snakes and sharks in Australia. Most of those things you'll never, ever see. Or you can avoid them. Or something. But flies? Ugh - Australia is awash with flies and - altho used to them - I absolutely hate them! So if you're ever tempted to the antipodes for a visit - WINTER!

In the meantime - today is Tim's birthday. I'm feeling a little better and my back isn't so acute, so I took him to our diner for brekky and he had his favorite muffin (pistachio), and fruit - as well as his normal scrambled eggs and coffee. He opened his gifts there, too - a lovely shirt, some snazzy ear phones (apparently you heat them up, shove them into your ears while hot, and they mold permanently to the shape of your ear canal! Who woulda thought?!), and a new kindle. I also took him out to dinner 2 weeks back to our favorite Boston restaurant (Menton), and am going to line him up a massage for this afternoon. So - a low key day, but nice.

My two closest girlfriends in Australia sent me some glorious flowers the other day. So lovely! Here's a photo.....

I hope you're all hanging in and that the good is outweighing the bad.

Hugs to you all!

ETA @Slick1 - I'd love to talk to you re back surgery - I need a little encouragement! Can I email you?

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

NIRDI shout out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

@missy what destruction!!!!! Unbelievable. I hope no one was hurt .

@mrs-b your flowers are wonderful! Hope you are feeling a bit perkier.

It was pretty cool this AM when I got up (4C), so we put off our ride until the afternoon. Sun came out and it hit 18C--nice day! Fall colors very soothing.

My Mom had a geriatric assessment today. My sister hasn't reported what the doc said just yet, but she scored very well on the cognitive part. But she remains physically frail--and medically complex. At least her pitting edema is improving with the compression bandages. But she was very happy when my sister brought her favorite magazine! It's the simple things. Good ole Mom.

cheers--Sharon

 

[MamaBee]

@mrs-b Please tell Tim Happy Birthday! I never heard of a pistachio muffin. It sounds yummy!

Your flowers from your friends are so pretty!

Australia is so beautiful…I never knew that they have an abundance of flies! I looked it up after you mentioned it..I saw a photo with a man that had dozens of them on his shirt. I would be in the psychiatric ward if that happened to me!
My husband is at the Maryland house putting up fly catching traps. Yuck! He thinks they are coming in from the pipes that are coming into the basement. He said he could see outside from the holes around the pipes. They are in an elevated area in the basement..It’s not an easy area to get to…I told him to stuff Brillo around the holes in the meantime..I thought that would work until we could get that area filled in..He didn’t think that was a good idea. I told him he was going to have to handle all of what would be required to get that set up…He wanted that house in that area. I’ll stay here in Pa..thank you very much..