KarenK

Dee, it sounds like Bob was ordering fajitas for dinner. They are served that way. I was probably around 8 when my aunt and uncle got the first tv in the family. I was told that I sat for hours in front of it(as I do now). I was the only one who could stop the picture from rolling. Everyone else was hesitant to touch the various buttons on the thing. Boy have we come a long way! My cataract evaluation is on Dec. 21. Then I'll find out if I can afford the surgery and go from there.

We used to enjoy going to our favorite Mexican restaurant(same one for 40 years, although there are tons of them here). Same for you when you lived in Albuquerque probably. My favorite is mixed green burro, enchilada style. Ron liked Chile rellenos. Did take out a few times after he left, but it's too pricey for 3 of us, so we get stuff from a small drive thru place nearby. Food is okay, but doesn't compare. I wonder if your walker is the source of all the prolonged pain after all. If so, what can you do? Robert got all the stuff for our Thanksgiving which we'll have on Wed. as he's off that day. I'll never forget all the great dinners Ron fixed for us. Now it's just another day with a lot of food. Then Christmas is looming. Oh joy!....NOT. Always a puzzler trying to figure out what to get the guys. I'm sure they're sick of sox and underwear. Can't think of anything I want or need except a new set of eyes and teeth. Age showing for sure.

Dee, ESP is in the air! I was just thinking of you and wondering how you're getting along in your new home in the beautiful forest. I often think of my cowgirl days in Wyoming as the perfect time to return to and start life over. I hope I would do a lot of things differently and a whole lot smarter. lol

Marg, glad to hear the new BP med is working. For the most part, my BP is ok but still tanks sometime. I know when to stand up and when not to. Have never been to a class reunion and doubt I would go to one at this late date. It would be interesting to see how we all fared in life though. I'm sure many of my friends were lost in Vietnam. My drawback would be lack of teeth. On rare occasions when I leave the house, I'm saved by the mask. Don't even know if the dentures still fit right anyway. lol If it weren't for the guys, I probably wouldn't cook. It would be Stouffers and take out, a well balanced diet. Take care

Kay, I'm certainly not a dog expert, but I think dogs live in the moment. After a short time, Jazzy probably didn't understand why her loving mom was treating her that way. Not sure a long punishment does any good and given no water is cruelty. Just my opinion.

Gwen, I would think if a serious problem appeared on the X-Rays that the office would let you know right away so it can be fixed. Hopefully it's a good thing they are dragging their feet, although I know how frustrating it is for you and disrespectful to boot. I would be angry as well. Holding you in my heart as you light a candle for Steve.

Yuck to the rat! I guess if Mel were home, it wouldn't last long. It sure wouldn't around here. Tatum's surgeries were for torn ligaments in her knees. It's called CTL in dogs as opposed to ACL in humans. I think hip and knee injuries are pretty common in big dogs. Hope you're able to get hers fixed soon Glad to hear there are other support options available. Maybe some help getting the X-Ray done.

I had the option of talking to the insurance person at the office now or waiting until after the cataract evaluation. Evidently there are different types of cataract surgery(with upgrades?) to be discussed then and I'll have a better idea of the cost so I chose to wait. I remember when I was hospitalized in Kentucky for 8 days and saw many doctors that I didn't pay anything at all, so that's a positive sign. Sorry the taller walker is not feasible for your home. Isn't that always the way of things? What's the status of Mel's injury? Is surgery still on the table?

Gwen, were you ever able to get the taller walker that you mentioned a while back? That might be one thing to keep you from hunching over. I guess the upcoming holidays dump a bit of darkness on us all. My would be 49th anniversary is coming up on Nov 19. I often think of the crazy way we met sitting at the stoplight. Fate is a funny thing. Finally got around to making my appt. for the cataract surgery evaluation. First available appt. that fits with my son's schedule is Dec 21. Will also have to discuss the financial aspects. If insurance doesn't cover all of it, I'll probably have to forgo the surgery. I pay a high premium for my insurance so will find out if it's worth it.

Marg, I think that each of us who have lost our soul mates will always sail stormy seas. Some waves are bigger than others. Feeling blah is sort of the new normal. Take care and check in when you can. Sending good vibes and warm hugs.

Make sure you turn off your porch lights. That should discourage the kids from knocking. The hardest part of Tatum's surgery recoveries was keeping her calm. Dogs don't know they are hurt. She wanted to run and jump. Wipe that idea of never seeing Mel again right out of your head. It just may be longer than you expected. A bummer about the grab bars. I know they have ones that stick to the wall, but I'm not sure I would trust those. Have you told the doctor about the pelvic pain? Don't read the internet. Lots of misinformation out there. Sending a BIG hug.

Gwen, I'm so sorry you're having such a lousy day, especially with the added sadness of the particular date. What an awful thing for poor Mel. I hope she is getting anti inflammatory and pain meds. We've been through knee surgeries on both of Tatum's back legs. It is a long recovery and quite expensive. I hope her surgery will not be extensive. I know how bad you feel for her. Not sure I understand the logic of removing your OT resources if you're not progressing fast enough for them. Obviously you're making progress or you wouldn't be moving around at all. Ron had a shower bench, but it had no back support. Do you have grab bars to help you get up? I'm hoping an aide is nearby at least for the first time you try it alone. Don't know how you feel about shorter hair, but it could be a help to you for now. I gave up my long hair a lifetime ago. Sure wish your days would get brighter.

My mother had one of those Singer black portable machines. It was small, but mighty. I remember her sewing something canvas on it. She wasn't as domestic as her sisters were. They did a lot of sewing, crocheting, canning and such. My favorite aunt made a ton of polyester pant suits when those came along. She'd make one for herself and a matching one for my mother and always put a hundred dollar bill in the pocket. I crocheted a few baby blankets, but haven't done any for years.

Ironing was another non favorite of mine. When I was a kid, it was pillowcases. In Wyoming, I ironed the wranglers' western shirts for pocket change. I ironed a lot of Coast Guard whites for my ex. Those were a bear as they had to look perfect. And all those clothes for work.....I'm happy to never see another iron(although there's one around here somewhere).

Gwen, I don't think there's an easy answer as to why all these things are happening to you. Many times over the years there have been time periods where something bad seemed to happen every day with no recovery time in between. Nothing devastating, just things that upset the norm. In 2000, my mother had her disabling stroke, Ron had most of his right foot removed, and Robert's wife blindsided him by meeting a guy online, hopping a plane, and flying off to meet him. Those things were devastating. Losing 2 of the 3 most important people in my world a year apart was so much worse. I think back over my adult life and realize there has always been some measure of drama and tragedy, some of which I brought on myself, some that just happened. As you say, I think it's just life. The outcome depends on how we handle it all. Some of us hit a lot of bumps in the road, and some have smooth sailing(or so it seems). I had a friend who used to compare it to always landing butter side up. I don't think people are "paid back" for anything in this life. That comes in the next one, if it exists.

Marg, when Debbie was that age, I decided to make her some simple sundresses. I went to Sears and ordered a basic cheap sewing machine. They delivered something out of Star Trek.(Remember this was 1967) It had double needles and bobbins and a box of design cams for embroidering. It was worth 3 times the other machine. I tried to return it and was told to keep it. It was their mistake. I figured it out enough to make a few dresses. Ugliest little things you ever saw. A seamstress, I'm not for sure. The space age machine came in handy for mending over the next forty years until I sold it.

Sending all the good vibes I can muster, Gwen. Easy for me to say, I know but please try and remember that worrying about all this stuff does not change the outcome and only makes you more miserable. That bit of advice is sent with love.

Had to go back a really long way for this one James, but there was life before Ron. The phone was an important thing then. It meant I might get a call asking for a date. lol I guess that's what texting is about now, but I think they call it "hooking up". Each to his own, I guess.

James, working for the telephone company for 40 years, I spent the majority of my day on the phone. When I got home, the last thing I wanted to do was talk on the phone. It was the way for me to keep in touch with my parents and daughter though. I was never into long winded conversations as some people are. Now the phone is just a pain in the ass. I have no one to call. Any calls are robocalls or solicitations. I NEVER answer the phone. The only reason it's plugged in is on the off chance that it might be something important. I have free service as a retirement benefit. I had a cheap cell phone to call my daughter across the country or use at our cabin. No use for it anymore. I don't understand the fascination with texting. It's as if people are afraid to talk to each other. Afraid I'm too old or stubborn to change with the times.

Dee, you're so right about family heirlooms and generations. My son and grandson have no interest in quilts or embroidered pillowcases that my grandmother made. I managed to send my mother's beautiful Noritake China home with Debbie when they drove out here right before Ron died. I noticed it in her display cabinet when she died the next year. I hope it went to someone who loved it. In the end, what difference does it make? Someday we will only be a memory for a short time to a few. Makes me rather sad.

Dee, actually the dolls for Michelle are my Madame Alexander dolls. The Kachinas are another matter. Hoping Robert will want them, but I doubt it. Debbie would have appreciated them. Silly me! I really thought all of these things would grow in value over time, but of course Arizona is rife with them so why would they. I would make a lousy investment counselor. lol

Interesting life no more, Ruby. In much younger times, we were always on the go. it was normal to hop a plane to San Diego for shopping and dinner. We loved road trips to nearby states, loved exploring new places. After we retired, we had grand plans to travel throughout all the states. In 2008, our daughter got cancer. Her well being became our main focus. Those trips weren't important anymore. In 2012, he got cancer. In 2013, he died. She died the following year. My whole life was turned upside down. It has yet to right itself. After they were both gone, I had visions of getting in my truck with my new dog and hitting the road. Just one of many stupid visions I had back then. Grief plays tricks with your mind. It makes you do really senseless things. Took me a long time to get used to staying at home. Dismal lack of finances helped a lot. So many folks don't watch tv. It is my constant companion. I go nowhere, see no one except my son and grandson that live here. "Interesting" left by the back door and took my heart with it.

We have at least 4 or 5 tv's. Not sure if any of them are smart tv's, but that's above my pay grade as all new electronics are. I rarely buy DVD's or music CD's anymore unless it's something I really like. I got rid of at least 400 DVD's after Ron died. Still have about 200 and 200 CD's. Anything I buy going forward is just more stuff for Robert to get rid of when I'm gone. Hoping he will send my dolls to my granddaughter. I look around at all this expensive Native American stuff that we collected over the years and wonder why we wasted thousands of dollars. You're right Marg. Can't change it so will quit worrying about it!

Kay, so sorry about Peggy. What a tragedy that she wouldn't seek medical help as some strokes can be stopped or reversed with medication if given soon enough(about 4 hours). I know she is a real trial for you at times.

Gwen, mentioning your dad makes me think of mine. He's been gone a long time, 44 years. I was the last person he spoke to before he died. For the longest time, I had dreams of him that were so real, I almost expected him to be there when I woke. He looked his age and I remember walking and talking with him. He always seemed to be helping me in some way, just as he did in life. At the end of each visit, he would always say "You know I can't stay" and poof, the dream was over and he was gone. Not sure why our minds work this way. Maybe they come to us when we need them the most.