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Post by nybuckeye on Mar 2, 2019 12:23:58 GMT
This is a thread devoted to those in their 50s & 60s and beyond who don't have children or grandchildren but live rich, full lives. Please feel free to join our stroll thru life and come back often for support and to share. ***** Happy Birthday to Desi Arnaz. Google has a cute doodle.
Liz, it must have been a hard week, since we didn’t hear from you. How are you feeling physically and mentally? Is Gary better? How are the pups?
Karen, how was the sleep last night? How is the BP doing? Is it still raining?
Kathy, last major Saturday shopping! WooHoo!
Becky, Kenneth must be a determined person to come back from his stroke so well. Farmers usually are strong willed.
Linda, will you get updates on how Micki is doing while you are away like you did last time? I hope your shot approval comes through soon. I hate air travel so I will be happy just to drive around North America. Iggy is keen to go to the Hudson Valley.
I am doing better. I just feel a little weak from not eating the past two days. Iggy is still coughing, so we are staying home today. I think we will venture out tomorrow. We can’t find any of Iggy’s ties and he should have one for his interview.
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Post by texasless91 on Mar 2, 2019 13:44:51 GMT
Kathy, I hope you enjoyed your celebration dinner. Where did you go? I know that post-retirement stress and it took at least a month for it to wear off for me. I definitely recommend the latest Grinch movie. It is also animated and includes quite a few really cool CG effects. I also recommend watching the bonus features that explain a lot of how it was made. This Mary Stuart remake is somewhat dark and a bit dry. It does go well beyond Reign with the fire that killed Robert Darnley but not much about her son growing up. They killed off David in Scotland instead of France. But it has more of what happened in Scotland than Reign did. Thursday was my regular grocery shopping day before the foot surgery and will most likely be again after I'm healed. With most of the ads starting on Wednesday, shelves are usually still adequately stocked with stuff on sale but the crowds are a lot lighter than Wednesday or Friday, at least here. Did you see this morning's Space-X launch? Thanks for the start, Chele. And happy birthday to Desi, Sr. Google doodle is cute. I was always a Desi, Jr. fan from his days with Dino, Desi, and Billy. So Iggy drove to the interview to be told it was postponed? It's a shame nobody called so he could have saved the trip. I can understand how your appetitie could be off. I'm keeping tabs on the BP because mine is usually within about a 20 point range on both the systolic and diastolic. I think all the sitting around with my feet propped up could responsible for the low readings because that can happen post-surgery (diastolic after surgery was 69). But the high readings typically only happen in the doctor's office when I have had to wait for a very long time. BP seems to be about normal this morning so far. I seemed to sleep pretty well last night, with 36% either REM or deep sleep. So I think foot pain was to blame for the problems I was having. Get some healing GBOMBS back in the diet today so you can get your strength back Can't find any of Iggy's ties? That's curious. Linda, I think the sitting around is the most likely cause for my low BP. I sure feel like I've been doing enough of it. Regarding sitting for a few minutes on the high reading and trying again, that's one of the problems with my former NP's office. They always say they're going to retake it but have yet to do so. But she threatened me with BP meds nonetheless, which won't be happening. Sorry Bob is disappointed, but those trips take a lot out of you and with some of your physical issues, it's difficult to really enjoy yourself when you arrive. I remember the trip to Paris 15 years ago a few months after the torn MCL and it was just painful but I kept on pushing through. I don't think I could do that these days. I hope the doc using different suture material will allow the left foot to heal more quickly than the right has. The incision hasn't completely closed (I can tell because the betadine still burns when I put it on) but the steri-strips are starting to pull already. Are you going to call about the shots next week? I didn't think it had taken more than a few days to approve the last couple of times. Good plan to ease Micki back into daycare. 56 sounds downright seasonal, Becky. I'm glad you go to spend some time outdoors and hope that can be a regular thing for you for the next few months. It's awesome that Kenneth was so determined to recover and I think my friend's DH really wants to get back out with his clubs, so I think he will be determined as well. He was into rehab about 48 hours after the stroke and she told me yesterday that he has limited ability to use a spoon in the affected hand, so that's a good sign. Liz? I heard from my friend and the "stomach cancer" cells appear to be dermatological, so that's a lot better than having it internal. Some dexterity in his arm is coming back, so that is also hopeful. Dale will be running the neighborhood this morning. I need to get up enough steam to make a batch of savory oats and ran out of soy yogurt this morning. So I will have both Instant Pots going at some point during the day. Our local PBS station is broadcasting Ken Burns' National Parks film this morning, so I am tuned into that. I have always been in awe of the national parks but am more so now that we live practically at the front door of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Happy Weekend!!
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Post by lizzyr092 on Mar 2, 2019 14:55:42 GMT
Good Morning Chicks and thanks for the start Chele, Chele - I hope you and Iggy get your systems back in sync and are feeling and sleeping better soon. I will keep my fingers crossed and send good karma for the Tuesday interview. I was a fan of Lucy and Desi Sr. in I Love Lucy. I'm fairly shot mentally and physically am doing somewhat better with the knee but just need to be careful as I think I am good and then do something and it screams at me. I am still wearing the off loading brace every day to work but have gone back to commuting on my normal routine of train, subway, bus and walk. 98% occupancy at the hospital and our ER has been in "surge stage" all week with too many patients and struggling to get them beds. I really just didn't stop this week, and found myself just getting home and making something for Gary to eat, giving some attention to the pups, taking Wally out and then trying to get to sleep. It can be a vicious cycle as I am sure you know. We have about 5 inches of snow right now and a mixed bag of what will come next from the weather guessers. Karen - I hope the BP issue wasn't a sign of anything wrong and that it has stabilized now. You do need to not push yourself which I know is extremely hard for you but your body does need to heal! Chele is right that low BP that continues is a problem after surgery; it's how I ended up 3 extra days in the hospital after my hip. Did Dale get his truck battery resolved? How is the incision coming along? How is Arya doing with mommy and her new boo-boo ? Gary is doing well and his tummy did resolve earlier in the week; he ate something hinky at the lodge and voila! We booked the beach road house in Kitty Hawk for May which won't be as warm certainly but should greatly diminish any chance of hurricane evacuation. The employee I had mentioned is just being contrary and I'm really not up to dealing with the cr*p, she really thought that they would make me change the PR and that was not going to happen. I am mightily disappointed and hurt by her behavior but unfortunately people will be who they are and that's a shame sometimes. I'm so sorry to hear about your friend and the load she is carrying; and yes it does make much of what we deal with seem trivial in many ways. I loved the Dr. Seuss books and loved the original Grinch movie. Linda - as a fellow Osteo sufferer I can empathize with you immensely. I am a walking osteo stick unfortunately with many symptoms that are similar to a high functioning athlete many years later according to my primary. I have gotten some definite relief with the Gel One shot which has been much more effective than the 3 shot series that I had to pay for out of pocket. I know you love the browsing and adventuring of being in Europe but those plane flights are killers! I hope you hear from the approvers soon on the next shot. I am finding some overall relief by taking the Curcumin/Turmeric supplement that I started. It's allowed me to cut back substantially on the OTC anti-inflammatories. Kathy - CONGRATULATIONS on the retirement!! YAY and Hurray! I am sure as the others have said, it will take some adjustment before you realize that it's not just time off or a vacation but your new adventure! I imagine doing all that out-bounding was tiring and cumbersome. How was dinner out? Where did you go? I will have to beg encouragement and support from all of you to continue my fight with the forces of evil. I am much too far away still from being able to leave and have a life that is doable. Any plans for the weekend? Becky - so happy to hear the weather was better and you got out to walk! How has the back and knees been feeling? Great job on continuing to use the recumbent bike! I truly wish that the Nu-Step even reconditioned wasn't so ridiculously expensive as it would be a terrific machine to have at home for all of my joints. How are Kenneth and the fur babies doing? Are you up to any thing in particular this weekend? How is the tracking going since you switched back? Well dear ladies, I need to get the car cleared off and warmed up so I can get to the pet store and grocery. Have a safe and good Saturday; ciao for now~
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Post by retiredinaz on Mar 2, 2019 16:12:28 GMT
Liz, what brand tumeric? I tried it once and got stomach upset, but maybe it was not that. I guess effectiveness varies a lot between brands.
Saw a travel thing I will get for next tune we go back east...A cloth foldup swing for your feet or legs that goes over the tray table! I always wish I had a foot rest.
nice weather here but cloudy. Ihave to go be a docent this afternoon for a historic house buikt in late 1800s, the last remaining adobe one in what used to be the barrio. no other plans.
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Post by kaycee on Mar 2, 2019 17:34:22 GMT
Chele, thanks for the start. That was a cute doodle on Desi. The I Love Lucy shows still make me laugh. I'm glad you're feeling a little better and hope you and Iggy are back to normal soon. I hate it when things go missing like that. The only time I see people wearing ties anymore is for interviews, so I'm guessing Iggy hasn't needed one for some time. I hate flying anymore too, but I also love to get away. DBIL was talking about going back to Ireland, so I think we will do that at some point. Getting my passport renewed is on my to do list.
Karen, we went to De La Vega which is a tapas bar. You would love it since they have a whole vegan page on the menu. That's the second time I've been there and it's been excellent both times. I woke up to a rumbling noise from the launch right before 3am and looked out, but couldn't see anything. I'm not sure if we had too much cloud cover here or if I was just too late. It takes awhile for the sound to travel, so I was probably too late. We toured quite a few of the national parks when I was growing up. They are all awe inspiring, but the Smokies park is still my favorite. I saw some previews for the new movie on Mary and it did look dark. Reign had a lot of humor running through it that I'm guessing this one doesn't.
Liz, good to hear from you! Pretty picture in your avatar, but looks cold. I knew it must've been a rough week and I hope you can relax some this weekend. I do feel like I'm just on vacation at the moment. I think the offboarding was worse since I was working at another company's site and had to do some things there and some at my employer's building. I hadn't been to my employer's building for 5 years or so, so it felt really strange to go in there. I saw a glimpse of my old office area as I was turning in my badge and they are just rows of cubes in a drab grey color. I am feeling a mixture of relief and gratitude that I don't ever have to venture back into the lab where my last job was. I know I'm very fortunate to be able to do this now. I wish you could vanquish those forces of evil once and for all, but we're all here for you for encouragement and support. The grocery store is on the agenda for today, but not much else planned this weekend. My focus this month will be on taking care of transitioning benefits from my employer. I'm glad you've rented a beach house and think May will be much better than September for you. Plus it's sooner!
Linda, I'm trying to figure out how there would even be room for your feet to go up on a typical flight! I don't know how really tall people do it and it's even more cramped if the person in front reclines their seat. I don't blame you for not wanting to go on the longer flights anymore.
Becky, I'm glad the weather was good enough for you to get out for a walk. We're getting a little cool front this week and should have some nice walking weather next week.
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Post by texasless91 on Mar 2, 2019 19:12:45 GMT
Liz, good to hear from you! Sorry work has been such a grind and that retirement is a faraway dream. You live in one of the priciest places in the country, so you might be able to make your retirement dollars stretch further in a part of the country with a cheaper cost of living. I worry about the amount of stress you are under day in and day out. I have no doubt that the employee thought she could pitch a fit and get her appraisal revised in her favor. Guess she needs to figure out how the world really works. Or maybe we're the ones who need to figure it out because the younger generation appears to have other ideas and things seem to be going their way. I think the BP issue has resolved itself and was probably what Linda mentioned about too much sitting around with my legs propped up, which you are correct that it is extremely difficult. Last BP was 127/74, so not bad. Truck is on the charger again so we'll see how it goes. It's just about a trickle charge so I think he might be better to jump it off and let it run for a while. But it's his problem and not mine. He plans to go to Auto Zone tomorrow and I reminded him to take the AAA card just in case. So happy you booked in Kitty Hawk. How many rows back from the ocean is it, or is it on the sound side? You'll be close to everything there. We used to go to Tommy's and get everything for low country boil and made enough for 2 or 3 meals. Although we have had really strange weather of late, you probably have a reasonable chance of not getting evacuated in May. That's when we used to go, usually the week before you're going. Speaking of weather, I was afraid you were going to get some of the latest storm. BRRRR...to your avatar.
I had to look up De La Vega, Kathy. They definitely have the variety and you are right that it is a place I would enjoy.The Vegan Hibiscus Tacos and Vegan Enchiladas are especially appealing. Hope the grocery store isn't too zooish today, but it hopefully will be the last trip you will have to make there with the masses. If the Space-X rumble woke you up, you're probably correct that you were too late to see the launch. From what I heard on the news, there are anticipated to be more launches if this one works like it was intended. So you should have many more opportunities.
Linda, I take the Jarrow Formulas Curcumin 95 and have had no problems with it. Another option would be to take the New Chapter Zyflamend Whole Body, which is an herbal blend that I have used successfully for several years. In addition to Turmeric, it also has Rosemary, Green Tea, Ginger and several other herbs. Amazon has both of them. Enjoy your docent time. Like Kathy, I was trying to figure out how that fold up leg swing would work without your being pretzeled into your seat.
Savory oats are finished and in the fridge and everything is sitting out to make the yogurt while I'm cleaning up the kitchen after dinner. I need to leave it in the Instant Pot for 14 hours and found out the last time that 14.5 hours is too long and it was a bit runny. Tennessee men are playing Kentucky shortly so I will have to go root them on. They have had a good season, which is good because the women may not even make the NCAA tournament for the first time ever. I'm trying to support my team but it seems to get harder every week. New avatar is a view from Clifftops in the Smokies. I didn't take it but hope to see that view for myself some day.
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Post by borntexan on Mar 2, 2019 21:59:13 GMT
Chele Thanks for the start.Google does have a cute doodle.I remember watching I Love Lucy but never cared for Lucy as much as I did Desi.Yes farmers are strong willed.Since we don't have near the cattle we used to it's easier for him but there is always fences that need fixed and the one thing that sill bothered him was he couldn't use a hammer with his right hand.A few months ago he was able to use one but I don't think he could use one all the time.It cramps his hand.He told me last night he has been doing hand strengthening exercises.He holds the affected arm behind his back and grasps the good hand with that.He says it hurts like heck when he does it but it feels better after he does it.He still lives with constant pain in his arm,wrist and shoulder.I don't know how he does it but he does.I'm sorry you are still feeling weak.I hope you both feel better soon.
Karen I hope you are feeling better today.I did walk today but it was only 50,cloudy and breezy but I was able to do it anyway.I probably won't get to walk again until next Thursday when it gets warmer.Kenneth was in the hospital 2 weeks before he went into rehab but he wasn't in the hospital for a stroke.He had a very extensive double hernia operated on and the 2nd day he had the stroke and the 3rd day he got pneumonia and they didn't know if he would make it or not.
Liz I hope you start feeling stronger mentally and physically.I can understand why you aren't considering your work circumstances though.My right knee will always hurt I'm afraid.The last gel shots didn't do much.My upper back will remain an issue also as I have osteo in my spine also.All exercise machines are too expensive now it seems.My recumbent bike doesn't work as well as it used to so I don't get as good of a workout on it like I used to but it will have to do.Kenneth and the fur babies are fine.Last night was a 2 cat night.Scooter slept on her chair part of the night and slept a little with Kenneth he said.I'm interested in what brand of turmeric you use also.
Kathy Has retirement sunk in yet or do you think you will notice Monday when you don't have to go in?We are getting a cold front either tonight or tomorrow and our lows are supposed to be freezing Mon-Wed.Hopefully Thursday will be in the 70's.
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Post by retiredinaz on Mar 3, 2019 0:26:24 GMT
No approval yet on the knee shots...looks like I will have to start in April not to miss a week...like Nov.
We had a good turn out for the historic house day in Tempe. There are four. ours had 136 people in four hours and I got a tee shirt!
Went to Ted's hots dogs for late lunch early supper...had it on the brain driving past three times in a week. It is an outpost of the famous one (1927) in Buffalo. Had a white hot and real chocolate malt. So I am good for another six months!
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Post by texasless91 on Mar 3, 2019 16:48:42 GMT
Becky, I forgot that Kenneth's stroke was a post-surgery complication. No wonder he was in the hospital as long as he was. I hope his arm pain is decreasing over time and that the hand exercises will help as well. Your temperatures have been up and down this winter like ours have.
What's a white hot, Linda? Sounds spicy. I don't even think I want to know how many calories were in that chocolate malt. Hope you enjoyed it and it didn't have any after effects.
Chele, does Iggy have a tie now? Dale has an entire storage bag of them over the garage. I could have sent you one and saved you the trip. I agree with Kathy that interviews are when most ties are worn. I didn't even see that many of them at DM's funeral, other than the preacher, DB, and a couple of others. Are the two of you getting over your germs and are the appetites returning?
We have more rain and it's supposed to be worse here this afternoon. So Dale decided, wisely, to postpone the trip to Auto Zone because of the draining effect headlights and wipers can have on the battery. I'm doing a couple loads of laundry and Arya breakfasts for the next 3 days. Dale will be running to the grocery store for a few things as I still cannot wear shoes. It's always an adventure when he goes to the grocery store by himself. I know what I put on the list but what comes home is sometimes quite different, not to mention all the extra impulse buys he tends to make.
Waving to the rest of the gang. Kathy, don't forget to un-set that alarm for tomorrow morning.
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Post by retiredinaz on Mar 3, 2019 17:14:05 GMT
Weather channel is showing nasty storm with tornado warnings in SE...hope all is ok there.
I only drank 1/3 of the shake they make with real ice cream instead if that fake oil stuff at fast food places. White hots are bland, light gray, German sausages. You do not usually see them.
no plans here, but lovely weather so I might pick up a few flowers for pots. The neighbors did a lot of that yesterday.
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Post by kaycee on Mar 3, 2019 20:36:33 GMT
Karen, forgot to mention that that's a beautiful picture in your avatar. My DM pulled out some family pictures yesterday and one of them was of me, DS and DM when we were at Grotto falls. That's a nice hike off of the Roaring Fork Motor Trail, but some parts of the trail might be flooded right now with all the rain you've had. There were a couple of places with water running over the trail even when we went. There will be many more launches here if things go well. Looks good so far for this one, so hoping the reentry goes well too. Dale sure is having a time with that battery. I hope any surprises he brings home from the grocery are pleasant ones.
Becky, no I don't think retirement has really sunk in yet, but it sure will be nice not to have to go in to work tomorrow. I do feel less stressed than I usually do on a Sunday. We're supposed to get into the 40s sometime this week with highs in the 60s, so that's going to be quite a switch. I plan to enjoy the cooler weather while it lasts. It's supposed to get up to 87 today and my AC has been going all afternoon.
Linda, that's great on the turnout for the historic house day. I bet that malt was worth the extra calories. We have a local chain called Steak 'n Shake that's been around since 1934 and makes real milkshakes. I rarely have one, but they are wonderful. Looks like the worst of that front is in between me and Karen. We might get some weather from it though and Karen will probably get even more rain.
Liz, hope you have your feet up and are relaxing today. How was the store yesterday? Ours was pretty busy, but no lines when we checked out.
Chele, I saw Sumo Citrus in the store yesterday and thought of Iggy imitating a sumo wrestler. How was it? I have a couple of navel oranges I need to use up, but may try one of the sumos next time. They aren't pretty! How are you and Iggy feeling? Hope you found a tie for the interview. I always feel for the poor interviewee since everyone else is dressed casually. Wishing Iggy good luck on the interview.
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Post by retiredinaz on Mar 3, 2019 21:20:26 GMT
Karen, where is that picture taken?
No plants...decided to go to Costco before church got out to get another pair of linen/cotton pants before they were gone and another solar spotlight since theirs work so well.
Ha ha....do not go there on the last day of coupons! It was like the week before Xmas! I had to drive uoand down for parking. Then it was bumper car carts inside and all checkout open with 14 cart lines!But I got the last pair of tan pants in my size, found dh's Udon noodle kit in fridge section and the spotlight.
It took fifteen minutes find the car as for the first tine ever I could not remember as I had driven around so much. I was about to call dh to put the stuff in his car and drive me around! There must have been 50 dark pewter mid-sized SUV's five exactly like mine!
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Post by borntexan on Mar 3, 2019 21:30:39 GMT
Karen It's been 8 years since Kenneth had his stroke and barring a miracle he will always be in pain.It doesn't seem to make a difference whether he is cold or hot either although he does better I think in warmer weather.He will just keep on going.This winter has been up and down.It's still 43 but the temps will continue to drop through the day and expecting 3 mornings of freezing temps and then by Friday I think the high is expected to be 79 so go figure.Definitely TX weather.No rain but it's cloudy and very windy so I know I won't get a walk in today.Marcie keeps going to the kitchen window looking for sun and then turns around to look at me like where is it?
Linda I would like to have some of your lovely weather.We haven't seen the sun in days.
Kathy I'm glad you feel less stressed today than you normally would.Hopefully you can sleep later in the morning.87 is too warm for this time of year for me but it's not getting out of the 40's today and is going to be really cold and windier tomorrow I think.We won't even get into the 70's until Thursday.
Instead of going to church this morning we decided to go grocery shopping.It was crowded but not as busy as they would have been after church.Since it's going to be so windy tomorrow I didn't want Scooter to have to stay out in it while we went grocery shopping tomorrow and she doesn't like staying in with the cats anymore.Who knows why with her.She saw me put on my jacket and came over and jumped on my lap.I guess she thought if she was on my lap I wouldn't go anywhere.
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Post by texasless91 on Mar 3, 2019 23:44:30 GMT
Linda, the picture was taken at Clifftops, one of the trails in the Great Smoky Mountains. I have another view from Clifftops as the wallpaper on my phone and it's incredible. There are several very photogenic places in the Smokies, especially at sunrise and sunset. Probably 1/3 of your shake was sufficient. I've seen those sausages but didn't know what they were called. I'm glad they aren't spicy. Get your flowers in when you can before it gets too hot. I got an email from one of my master gardener classmates saying that his raised beds are all ponds and reminding me that the rain is leaching nitrogen out of the soil. I responded that it's probably why my lettuce seeds that I planted 2 months ago are only about an inch tall. What kind of udon noodle kit do you get? I usually get the dry udons and make my own. I guess your car is a popular color for there. I started paying very close attention to where I park after I lost my car in a mall parking lot a few decades ago and it took me 20 minutes to find it. Sometimes if I hold the remote as far skyward as I can, I will hear it beep, but I'm usually on the right row by then. Those must have been some valuable coupons to have drawn that much of a crowd.
How cool to see those pictures, Kathy. I've heard about Grotto Falls and you are probably right that it's a bit wet there right now. The park rangers have taken to the local TV stations and FB to remind people that there are lots of places close to the water that may be flooded right now, so be trail aware. Oh, yes, Steak 'n Shake shakes are awesome! We have them around here but I stay far, far away. I remember back in my working days having to go several counties away for a meeting and I was coming off some kind of stomach virus and hadn't been eating for several days. I stopped at SnS for a large shake and it was so good. I think that may be all I had that day, but it was enough. And I haven't had one since then. Yes, we are expecting more rain and colder temps. Looks like it will be cooling a bit for you as well. That should help your AC bill. They are saying possibly some snow for the higher mountains and we are under a black ice advisory here in the morning.
Becky, the things we do for our dogs. Nice of you to get your shopping done today so you could let Scooter stay in tomorrow. I think you were colder than we were today. And then nearly 80 by the end of the week? We're still on that weather rollercoaster. It's a shame that Kenneth will probably still have the pain as long as he lives, but a little pain probably beats the alternative, given how ill he was. Enjoy your windy day at home tomorrow.
I'm going to have to be extra careful with my foot for the next few days because the steri-strips came off in the shower today. I still think it's a little early but it's been 11 days. Hopefully it's healed up enough that there won't be any problems. Planning to do a load of towels tomorrow and that could be about it. I'm getting very bored of the inactivity but have one week til the next doctor's appointment.
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Post by borntexan on Mar 4, 2019 0:27:01 GMT
Karen It's just now gotten down to 40 degrees but on KXAN they said they had sustained winds in downtown Austin of 24 MPH with gusts 30 MPH and higher.It's supposed to be 28 in Austin in the morning so that means it will be colder out here so it sounds like a good day to stay home.I think we may see some sun but if it's that cold and windy I won't be walking.I do wish Kenneth wasn't in so much pain but it does beat the alternative.I can imagine how bored you must be.Just staying inside this afternoon I've been bored.
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