Best,Worse,What did I learn today..chat with friends old and new..come sit a spell..

Same here with the rain..a big burst of rain and wind..then it turned to light showers for a bit ..then stopped. It was so pleasant outside after the rain. Things had cooled off. I invited my eldest son for a BBQ steak dinner last night. It was so nice to have him all to myself. My daughter is away..and the rest of the family are doing other things. I was awake early too Betty. 4:30 am
My garden helper comes this afternoon. I cut the grass before he arrives, then he does all the trimming. Then he is going to dig out the fire pit and put more bricks around it. I just have him for two hours a week. Can you believe I am still finding things to put out in the garden? This nome was made by my daughter in law for me for Christmas many years ago. I call him Normy.

He is so adorable, which garden do you have him in?
Think I asked before, are you still maintaining all of those hidden gardens?

Devon came yesterday with his wife, I couldn’t find my loppers so he went in search and found them hung in apple tree. I should really get out of this lazy mode and go cut grass, trimming is done before it pours.

Know what you mean to have son all to yourself..I too love the one on one with my boys...they are sooo busy, Greg will often drop in after work and get comfy while we gab and falls asleep but that is ok lil

Sent out itinerary and budget for trip and got a few calls this morning, more concerned how weather will be, if storms will hit east coast so need to go check weather..

Betty I just didn't sleep so was up with you. I'll be dragging by late afternoon.

It looks like it wants to rain but it isn't happening.All the short burst of rain did was bring even more mosquitoes out. I noticed Diesel snapping at something and the poor guy came in from outside covered in skeeters.

Looking forward to going to the Farmers Market tomorrow morning. I hope the locals have produce to sell. Betty does Barrie have a big FM? I seem to remember going to one when we had a show there.

LK when do you go to San Antonio to the doc's again ? Does the heat have an effect on your heart ?

Karen your photos on FB of the grands bring a smile to my face. Missing the lake at all ?

Deb I don't blame you for thinking of cancelling any dog shows in this heat. This heat is just brutal for the TH.They won't swim just paddle at the lake's edge. I was seriously thinking about buying a kiddie pool for them.

When do you leave Betty ?

Liz it was great to see you poke your head in. Don't be a stranger.Earthquakes have an effect on you and Kenny ?

Stay safe, well and cool.



This message was edited Jul 12, 2019 8:46 AM

I go next week Friday for testing. Then back on the 29th for results. My test next week, will be a calcium score. That is a CT scan to see if I have any calcium around my heart. Then I have to do a breathing test, to rule out any problems like COPD.

That is a lot of testing LIndakay..best get them to check everything and get a good bill of health..lots of driving though

They were showing New Orleans, the photo they are showing is the corner where our hotel we stay at, Place D’armes..my heart breaks for them.

Dianne we leave 2 weeks today at 1:00 as Suzanne has to work till then..have to agree the skitters are so big and so many they could carry us away..don’t they leave soon? No flies yet..

Deb did you decide not to go?

Dianne you just reminded me, we have a small community market on Friday evenings,must go..

Because the big Roxodus concert was cancelled I believe the elmvale flea market invited all the vendors to set up for free..might have to take a ride tomorrow.

Turned A/c off, had company so we walked the gardens and all commented on how we felt a little chilled, likely the dampness.

Sitting cutting out fabrics for the thanksgiving bench pillows (6) and decided I am hungry..Drats, no bread so ordered a western..off I go,should be ready by now

Betty, the Secret Garden is not what it used to be. I have one nook area. Others have filled in with spreading goutweed and ferns and weeds. The one area has a swing in it..even that one has lily of the valley all over the path to it. As I was cutting the grass back there I kept coming up with thoughts on how my helper could make it a little bit prettier. So much needs doing after neglecting it for two years.

Diane (I hope I have your name right Kidneyguy) looks like rain here too..but just cloudy and breezy. Grass has lots of brown patches

Linda Kay..hope you get good results.

Liz , do you still keep in touch with Judy?

These photos are from 2015.

Cheers, Carol

I think I'll go to tomorrow's show, and then decide if I want to go back Sunday. Today is warm, but not too bad, yet. The show is less than an hour drive.

Deb an hour’s driveisnt too bad, if you find it unbearable you can just go back home..is it for major points?

Can you tell me why I’m watching cartoons. Lol. I know, busy doing cutouts and not taking time to change channel. Lol

Went out and looked, grass far too wet to cut, didn’t check to see if still calls for rain tomorrow..

So pretty Carol, I will take a photo of a flower or weed that stands about 5’..not sure if it’s a weed or not..if a weed I’m think they should be pulled before it multiplies or drops seeds at some point..

Going to do that now

Ooh SHARON said mom called her a few hours ago and spoke like they never had workds..I’m surprised Sharon even answered. Wonder if she will call me..

Weed??

Photo shows how tall they are, other photo shows big leaf

Hi - typing this from the hospital. Got admitted yesterday. Blood clots (multiple) in my lungs again. After my Echo in March (clear) and 2 & 1 week ago of x-rays (clear), they finally found them Thurs afternoon when they did a CT Scan on me. Admitted right away. I'm feeling better today, but I was pretty terrified. Started feeling pain in my rib cage Wed night & took Tylenol, That worked a bit, but when I broke into cold sweats that soaked my housecoat, I told Bob & I called 911.
I will be in for about a total of 3 days, apparently. I'll let you know as I know.....

Sorry to hear that Susan, best place for you to be..blood clots are a dangerous thing..bob must have been terrified..rest now and update when you can.

he was ready to take me to the hospital - nope, nuh uh!! I called 911

Dianne, I miss the lake only because of what it meant to the kids, grands, & greats. I haven't been able to manage the hill to the lake for several years and the winter up there was brutal. The kids were coming less and less as they have other interests so it just felt like time to let it go.
We are loving the weather here in TN. I get cold in the house with the air on but we have a lovely covered porch I can go sit on when I need a warm up. I have a denim shirt I wear in the house or when I go down to sew. I don't suppose with my blood, I'll ever be truly warm, but this is much better here.

Susan, Hugs to you. Get well soon.

Betty that "weed" looks like a plant I have. It does get quite tall and blooms yellow flowers that resemble a carnation type flower. I have a big patch of them but not in bloom yet. They spread.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/zGXiwFdYAmWYv4Uf8
Photo of tall plant with yellow flowers

Starzz, what's the pretty pink flower in front of it?

Looks like some sort of sunflowers?

Susan, please take care of yourself. Glad to hear you called 911.

Karen, you sure won’t miss our winters!

Going to listen to CNN to see what they’re saying about the storm hitting New Orleans as well I believe it’ll hit Baton Rouge where are Mary is.

Went to town and had breakfast with Sharon then went shopping, Home depot had planters on a sale shelf, didn’t look that bad so thought I’d bring to Home and revive them then off for groceries, was sunshine when we went into the grocery store but torrential rain when we came out so I am soaking wet chilled to the bone’s have bath running once I’m warmed up yes I’ll be back into my jammies only difference is I’m going to go and sew downstairs

Send the rain here Betty.

Karen I am so glad you moved farther south. Michigan winters are like Ontario winters long, cold and icy.

I didn't go out at dawn to start the sprinkler so must remember to do so at dusk.

Oh Susan you have had a real run of not so good things happening to you. Sending positive thoughts and prayers.

The TH have had 2 walks neither as long as they would like but it will have to do for now.

Keiran cut me a path through the field down to the lane where I walk the TH. I'll be more careful and keep my eye out for more wild parsnip. Even with antibiotics this burn from the dreaded weed is taking its time clearing up.

Sending positive thoughts for our Mary..... she is right in the line of fire from Barry.

Need to get showered and off to a BBQ lunch with friends.

Stay safe, well and cool.

Pat that deep pink flower was Bee Balm (Monarda).
It has clouded over here..Hope we don't get rain as my next door neighbour is 76 today. His family is doing a BBQ and bonfire later. I am invited. Starts at 4pm.

Thanks Dianne - healthwise, you're right, but I'll be right as rain again, soon

Well, I am finally here. All is well. When you take care of someone for close to three years and then they die, you are left with nothing to do. No food to cook, no laundry to do, and it goes on and on. The first few days I was surrounded by friends and family. He died at 10:30am on Thursday, May 30th. By Sunday at 4pm I had had enough of all the fuss and told everyone they needed to leave because i just wanted to be alone. They fussed but they left.

I had so much food in our pantry and freezer that I do not eat. So the first thing I did was give that all away. Then I went grocery shopping for me. Not much to buy but bought to much. After about 3 weeks, the housekeeper told me to stop buying groceries because I wasn't eating it and it was going to waste.

I kept the caregiver that helped with Vern for one day a week. She helps me prepare the dogs chopped vegetables for the week. She also cleans all of the vegs I eat so I only have to reach inside the bag. I know that sounds crazy but it is a lot easier to eat if it is already clean. And I always took my pills when I grace Vern his pills, so I forgot my pills for about 3 days until I felt terrible and checked my pill scheduler.

Saturday, a week ago, my sister's husband died. He was 89 and got shingles. It took him down in 5 days. He was not ill but frail. He got pneumonia and then heart failed. They spread his ashes today in the Pacific Ocean. She is coming Tuesday for 3 weeks.

I have been gardening but only about an hour a day. Too hot. There is so much to do but I will just need to be patient and get to it when I can.

I love my home and probably will not be moving but I am going to eliminate a few areas that are landscaped that are in hidden areas of the garden. I call them my secret gardens but they are to much work.

My tomatoes are doing great and loaded with tomatoes. I had tomato worms but caught most of them early with my blue light. The Juliette's are over producing and delicious. My sister loves fresh tomatoes, so she will be happy.

The landscape looks good from the street if you are driving by but up close and personal, it needs a lot of work. Ivy needs to be trimmed.

I have been lurking for close to 30 days so I have kept up with you.

The kids got me an Apple watch. If I fall and do not respond to the questions on the watch, it calls 911 and them. I ask them why now. Vern couldn't help me for over 2 years, if I fell, and he could not use a phone, so why now? And they also set up GramBam which is a group text which includes Tracy, her husband and their 5 kids plus 2 husbands. So they keep in touch about daiky just checking in from where they are and what is going on.

Hannah's husband has reported for his ER Residency in Grand Rapids, Michigan and Sarah's husband Adam, start med school in St. Louis, Missouri in three 3. Thy have been in Europe for 4 weeks. Will be back the middle of next week. They decided to go now while they were still young. Adobe said she could work Remote, and he will attend school and they are trying to start a family. They purchased a condo in St. Louis and rented their condo in Provo and had to be out June 1. Good thing Adam has relatives they could live with in Provo before they left for Italy, Japan, and finally ended up in Hawaii.

Anyway, I will take some photos and I am glad to be back. Hugs to you all. I am going to copy his and place it one other thread.
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And I especially want to thank our founder, Betty. She contacted me by Facebook messenger many times to keep me updated and delivered many hugs. We are so blessed to have such a fine human being in our group.

I totally agree, Sharon - Betty is not only the founder of this chat, but truly CARES about each & every one of us. We've never met, unfortunately, but I feel her hugs & loving heart whenever I see her name & read her posts.

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This message was edited Jul 14, 2019 12:01 PM

Yes, Sharon, I agree. Betty is a special lady. My condolences on the loss of your husband.

Glad to see you posting Sharon. Losing a loved one is never easy, and learning to be on your own is a chore. But you can do it. Just do it one day at a time. Sending our condolences for your Sister's loss as well.

Susan, what's going on with you post. It went through 14 times. :)

Most of us have had the pleasure of meeting and hugging Betty..she is truly a dear friend.

Sharon, Many hugs to help you through. I know it doesn't go away but hoping you can have some times of peace.

Sharon it takes a while for us to set a new pattern and schedule for being alone. I am glad to hear that you kept the help one day a week. I would not have been surprised if you crawled into bed and slept for most of the next few weeks while your body works to recover from the long stressful hours you have kept these past 3 years. Be gentle and patient with yourself.

This evening about 6 I decided to go outside and deadhead the oleanders and the roses. I worked until dark. About 7:45. I cut branches, roses and old blooms on the oleanders and threw them on the ground. Tomorrow I will rake them up in a large pile and the landscape gardener can pick them up on Monday. Better him than me.

I am up late tonight but now going to bed. At 6pm the temp is about 90 but no direct sunlight, so it is actually very pleasant. You can do much more when you do not have to clean up. Heheheh....

I hired help today, 2 of my neighbors boys. They pruned suckers off Maple tree, disassembled 3 of my storage racks and put them up in the loft. cleaned up the piles of weeds I had pulled and the pruning I had done. I had them taking the dresser out of storage and swapping out one in our bedroom, desk into my rig & off to donate etc, etc. Awwww young strong legs!! LOL

Good morning everyone, did my walkabout, everything is so wet, skitters I’m sure sent an sos saying dinner is served so didn’t stay out as long as I wanted. It will be a high of 76 today, get hotter Monday the a few days of rain with a feel like 105..yikes

Sharon, so glad to see you posting, it’s a difficult road for sure, a long lonely road but having friends sure makes it easier.your sister is going through same, time when you both need each other and yet you both will need some alone time as it’s necessary for the healing process.

Will be nice having Vern’s caregiver one day a really thought of everyone to keep you safe.

Looking forward to photo’s..hugs

I too wondered what is going on with Susan’s posts, perhaps if she is in the hospital still she presses send and doesn’t show as sent and keeps sending?

Susan are you feeling better and home? When does Susan come for her visit? Maybe she will not come with your not feeling well..

YOU ALL KNOW you are not just on-line friends, a truly value your friendship and to me you are family.

Good morning,

Betty and her sis Sharon, and Mom are definitely my family. Just love them dearly.

I have had a couple busy weeks and everything just went kapootz. Gardens are blooming nicely but I need to go dead-head about 10 rose bushes and 10 mini roses also.

Seems beautiful out today, I want to go to a craft show but not alone. Just too tired and caught the body aches. All day Wednesday and Thursday at Docs and friday was 10 tubes blood. Blah!!!!

Betty, I will plan on visiting girls, but much depends on my 2 kitties. Both with illness and no one else can touch them to medicate.

Susan Feel better!

Sharon, big hugs to you ....I hope you can enjoy your gardens.

Waving to all, Hugs to all
Debbie

Beautiful photos Debbie. What are the pink blooms?

LindaKay it is a straw flower, I have it in yellow too. You can use them in dried flower pics and such

Thank you Debbie, sure hope you can go..planning a day trip to Eliza and St.Jacobs on the Saturday, pretty towns.. here is hoping all,will,work in our favour.

Your straw flowers are beautiful, do you just cut when dry for floral arrangements right?

You just reminded me, must go deadhead my roses..do you just cut the flower off or somewhere below..you know me and roses..not my forte..

Was at Home Depot, they had a shelf with some not 100% quality perennials but salvageable as they will come up next year..gave me 14 no charge..if they die, oh well lol

Got to go cut grass..rain this week for several days so should cut it today or won’t be till end of week.

Laying here while typing, could sooo nap

LK - sorry about the duplicates!! The wifi here is flakey, so I'm going to blame it lol

I'm still here at the hospital - no idea when I'll be going home. I don't want to go home until I'm properly able to. In the meantime, I have this dry cough that was just confirmed NOT to be pneumonia. My Heparin has stabilized, so that's good, but my cough is wearing more than a BIT thin...… no expectoration though, just a dry cough. They think it may be that my lungs are irritated by everything else that's going on in them.,

Some good news Susan..it’s great that you aren’t pressing Togo home..know when I was I’ll the minute a started to feel a tad better I was asking to go home. Your in good hands so just let them heal you.

I got the grass cut, had 10 minute shut eye, trying to talk myself into making a Ruby applesauce cake, that is taking more effort to convince myself than cutting grass lol.

Running another bath, 3rd today, helps ease the pain which is getting better, a good thing,maybe once I’m warmed up I just might bake.

Thank you, Betty :)

Filled tub, yikes way too hot to I decided I might as well make Ruby’s cake while I wait for it to cool..here is hoping I don’t get in the tub and forget about what’s in the oven 😜

Was just thinking, between Joyce’s crock pot roast beef and Ruby’s cake one can’t go wrong..