Among Friends

[Issy379]

Hi Bathina.  So happy to see you here, and I always love hearing about what is going on with little Hal, although he is growing up so fast.  Time marches on. 

Sorry to hear about your fall.  You may have missed the post but last year, I fell outside of my office.  I went flying out of the door, head first.  I tried to stop my fall, and I hit my cheekbone on the pavement.  At least I didn't knock any teeth out.  This little lady from an office across the street literally picked me up from the sidewalk.  The left side of my face was swollen twice the size, and I looked like someone out of a horror movie.  It was an awful experience.  One that I will never forget.  Now wasn't that cheerful?

Anyway, come back and chat soon.  Miss you.

[Issy379]

Hi Lurky.  I am so happy that you and the KS ladies had a wonderful time together.  The fires in CA are simply devastating, but I am not near the danger zone.  It just seems to be getting worse these days.

Take care, dear lady.

[Issy379]

Hi AgnesAnn, Rowan, Selah, NAES, Hilo, Delaney and all of the fabulous ladies of the Q.

Hi Cute; we miss you.  

[LurkyLoo]

Happy Friday, hello friends! 😍 I know those of you who are still employed full-time are happy to see it come. Our girls (KS ladies) are at the beach, and they all leave for home tomorrow evening- and then back to work on Monday. I have to live vicariously through them and others when it comes to traveling. Still love the travel shows on TV, too, for that reason. If I have but one regret, it's that I didn’t travel more back when I was able. No point in dwelling on that now, though. I'm very thankful they took the time, and made the effort to visit with me! So many of my neighbors enjoyed it, too, and couldn’t believe how close we'd grown just thanks to the internet, including FaceTime. Many here are not online at all. Very tight budgets and/or fears about technology in general. I'm not that savvy myself, but so far, so good with my limited experience. I've only met very kind and honest people. ❤️

Heard from Anu that the group (including some of their parents, children and grandchildren and a few friends) rented four beach houses near Nag's Head. It's actually less expensive and more convenient than getting all those hotel rooms and traveling to the beach each day. They walk/ride bikes to the shops and restaurants. The men can fish from the shore early in the mornings, before the swimmers hit the surf. They also chartered a boat for deep-sea fishing, and apparently Selah's hubby won the prize for biggest catch. He didn’t have to clean his fish then. 😎 Lucky Luke!! I used to enjoy fishing from the bank, and eating them, of course, but never enjoyed cleaning them- or cooking them in the house. 

@bathina, I sure hope you don’t have to deal with those horrible hot-flashes for too long. They are especially troubling at work! I had them there, too, but they seemed to begin in my core. Some nausea proceeded the heat- that radiated outward. A kind of warning that a big one was coming. Since I worked in the hot kitchen of a school cafeteria, you can imagine.. So embarrassing to have to excuse myself and dash to the lady’s room all aglow and towel off. I can recall my mother actually passing out during a couple of hers. I often felt I would, but never actually did. 

You are indeed so very blessed to have your dear mother still with you! I miss mine every day, until we meet again, prayerfully. I know you will continue to enjoy and treasure your time together, and how nice that little Hal is able to bond with her, too. 😊

I went and registered at Zulily! Getting emails now on the 70% off sale items. I'm seeing a wide variety of gift ideas and many items that appeal to me, too. Thank you for the reminder to check them out! I'm widening my shopping horizons. I found some nice things on sale at the Smithsonian store, thanks to another thread here started by dooBdoo. Still like the Q and HSN for certain items, and love Amazon for most things.. but I get concerned when one huge retailer tends to take over as they (Amazon) are. With little to no competition, they'll up their prices after the other retailers fold. We'll be left with little choices then. I try to spread it around a bit, and still find incredible deals and great service on eBay, too. 

Thank you for the sweet compliment! I love your nickname here, too- very stylish like yourself! I never would have done more than lurked here on the forums, were it not for this group of wonderful ladies- plus Hilo, who I guess still can’t post. They all welcomed me while I was in deep grief after the loss of my daughter, Angela. I'll never forget that kindness and I pray for you all, and your families daily. 🙏

Enjoy your weekend! 🤗

❤️ Ruth Ann

[LurkyLoo]

@Issy379, I'm so thankful to know that you (and Snappy) don’t live anywhere near to those destructive fires! I do remember that terrible fall and the injuries you suffered. These memories stay with us forever, I think. I'm so thankful you recovered and your lovely face healed. 

Sorry you (and @MsLomo) didn’t get the Heidi jackets, but your watch is beautiful, I'm sure. And what a mark down! I love a bracelet watch, especially those that clip on around the wrist with no fasteners. I have trouble with clasps of all kinds now. Enjoy it when it arrives and have a great weekend! 

@snappyfrappy, how frightening that the check was stolen from the mail! Scrubbing it, and attempting to rob your account. What won’t thieves try? 😡 So thankful you stopped them in their devious tracks. Yes, it's all the Lord's wealth, but not the devil's minions to loot from those He's blessed with using it for legal reasons in this world. I hope these thieves are caught, if that's what is needed for them to repent. Takes the hard way for some, obviously. 

I'm happy for you and DD that you didn’t need any indoor work done this year- and blessedly those annoying ants are gone! Sorry you required the spraying on your face and body, but better safe than sorry with these spots. They will drop off or fade away now and you'll look as lovely as ever soon- as beautiful as we all know you are. 😊

I saw it on the news.. about the arson, and the unfathomable tragedy of the great grandmother and those precious babies. 😢 There are no words, and I pray the guilty one(s) are apprehended before they strike again. The naturally occurring wildfires are horrific enough, without any help from sick people. I saw on the weather channel that Redding actually had a fire tornado! Don’t think I've ever heard of those before. 😳 

Meanwhile in Lynchburg, VA a dam is ready to go and people are being evacuated ahead of 7' of flooding. No where on this rock is safe forever. One thing we can all depend on is trials. 

Hope you hear from the contractor soon, and you have a little break from all the Dr. visits now. Good news about your eye- it's no problem at all to enlarge my font. If this #5 isn’t big enough, just let me know. It still appears smaller than yours on my device. Can’t guess how it looks on yours. 

Have a nice and relaxing weekend! 

❤️ Ruth Ann 

[snappyfrappy]

Hello, Lurky...greetings from the ant free zone! What a relief.

I am able to read your post with no trouble. It's kind of you to think of that.

My inner clock is all messed up. Maybe when DD returns to work, and gets on her usual schedule, I will too. Last night the stomach ache hit at 4, so I got up and had my instant oatmeal and poof, it went away. DD was still unable to sleep, so both of us stayed in bed until well after 11. I did get a shower today. Not easy, but still can.

Where the doc sprayed my face and arms, scabs are looking like they will come off soon. With a little "help" I know they would, but I try to leave them alone especially on the face.

DD#1's hubby had 12 places sprayed yesterday. Two biopsies. His doc thinks there is cancer on his hand and somewhere else. If so, it will require MOHS. He's very fair, and like the rest of us, didn't use sunscreen, even if it was available which it wasn't in our youth.

You can be sure I'll keep an eye on my bank account. When I reported the theft to the bank's fraud line, the man said the name of the woman sounded familiar to him. Perhaps she is already on their radar. I hope for everyone's sake, hers included that she is caught. It's a felony and really is upsetting.

I need to write checks, and will, but it's a bit scary. From now on, DD will go into the PO to mail everything except birthday cards with nothing in them like a gift card.

No word yet from the contractor, but we know we will have to call him again. On Wednesday, someone is coming from Lowe's to help us pick out a new front door. We want one with windows in it, but only up at the top so nobody can see us standing inside if we don't want to answer them.

They are very pretty and will allow some light into the entry way.

This is DD's last week off work, but she has appointments and is also having lunch with her sister on Tuesday.

Sunny is a month old. Her mommy sent me a picture of her at 2 days wearing a onesie, and now wearing the same one. You can see that she is filling out and growing. Such a blessing.

Looks like her eyes are still blue and she is quite fair.

Her mom is a hazel eyed redhead, but her daddy has dark brown eyes and hair.

Star is more 13 months old now, walking all over the place, getting more red hair all the time.

My son and DIL are looking into going on SS when she turns 62 in October. He is 64. They could work part time, but have to make sure they can afford their bills.

Glad the KS ladies are enjoying their time, and pray for safety as they go to their homes. What a nice thing. Sort of like summer camp.

Sleeping in means that the day is almost over when I'm just getting going. DD has gone to do some more shopping, so I hope to clean the bathrooms before she gets back.

Gave my house plants a drink which should have made them happy.

Take care of yourself. Hi to HiLo, cute, Issy, Bathina, and all who read here.

snappy

[LurkyLoo]

Snappy, glad you are able to read my posts with no eye strain. I worked in the little gift shop today, then went to PT. The last part wears me out and causes temporary pain, so I will be brief. Finally changed my Spring avatar to a Summer one.. and Summer will be over before we know it.

In case you miss the thread, there is a poster “halfpint” searching for and missing you. I wanted to tell her she is welcome to chat with you (and all, if she likes) here, but I don’t know if she would feel comfortable. I know there are many friendly chat threads here, but I would feel as though I were maybe intruding. Others may, too. If you think she would like to join us, invite her. I know from her posts in Wellness she lives alone and struggles with that. She would be welcome here, as far as I'm concerned. Hate the thought of anyone suffering loneliness and feeling left out.

What does your doctor think causes these terrible stomach pains? I hope you don’t have an ulcer or something. 😟 It's bad when it wakes you from your sleep. 

I recorded to watch the Lonesome Dove miniseries again, so will start binging on that tonight. I think that's my favorite western of all time!

I'll certainly pray for your SIL- if there is skin cancer, that they get it off of him quickly. Those who work outside are especially vulnerable as they sweat off the sunblock, even if they use it. I certainly never used it back in the day while gardening, mowing the lawn, etc. We didn’t know of these risks, which seem to be increasing as our atmosphere changes. 

Happy to hear both babies are thriving so well- beauties that they are! 😇😇 I know you treasure the photos/videos, and I hope they'll drop by and visit you soon. 

Yes, the KS ladies and their families all get on so well and share similar interests. That makes vacationing together such a joy! I hope everyone has made it home safely by now, but have only heard from Winona so far. She posted about what a nice time she and her family had with some beautiful photos on the private site. 

It's a very good sign and a possible lead that the officer recognized the crook's name who stole your check! They'll get her eventually, but dropping off your mail directly at the P.O. is the safest bet. This morning I received an odd phone message “verifying” that someone from another local apartment complex had received my application, but they needed more financial info that I would need to present in person. Of course I've filled out no such application. 🙄 The manager here is looking into it, as to whether it's an honest mistake (I fail to see how, when using my name and ph. number) or a possible attempt at identity theft. LifeLock has not notified me of any new threats so far, but I'm a little uneasy. 

Take care of yourself- you and all of our dear friends here. I'll be back soon. 

❤️ Ruth Ann 

[Rowan72]

Hiya, Q-Friends! Looks like you've all been keeping quite busy while some of us have also been away on vacation. I'm so sorry to read of @MsLomo's dreadful fall! 😟 Sounds so painful, and I pray your recovery is coming along as well as can be expected. What a lousy way to end the Summer, and yes, @LurkyLoo ... it's wrapping up quickly. I do look forward to Autumn, though.

I'm grateful that our private school allows for the additional week. Classes don’t resume until after Labor Day. It used to be the same for the public schools, way back when I was a student here. Families would often choose that time to travel, or plan reunions, etc.

I will be busy like @snappyfrappy's DD beginning next week with preparing the classroom and lesson plans. Then Orientation the following week. We all took advantage of the outlets in Asheville for some back-to-school shopping. In that way, it was sort of a working vacation - shopping is work! 😓 Even if a labor of love. @Q-Anu, with the two children and herself to outfit for the coming semester, bought so much she had to ship it all home to TX separately. Hope it arrived okay! 

I think we all swooned when entering a couple of the galleries: Gallery of the Mountains and Seven Sisters. I know I will return to both for much of my Christmas shopping. Our parent's tree arrived in terrific order from the Q! How about your wig, @LurkyLoo? Did it come and do you love it? I think Luke has successfully talked Selah out of the super short haircut for now. She settled on a deep trim and more fiery auburn highlights. Perfect for Fall! 🍁

I'm glad we were so cautious about warning the kids, including my big kids, of the shark attacks around the Outer Banks. There have been over 30 in the last few years - including one on Sunday, just after we left. 

“BALD HEAD ISLAND, NC — A father pulled his daughter to safety and out of the water along the North Carolina Outer Banks after she was bitten on the calf by what local authorities believe was a juvenile shark.

The girl was bitten on her right leg around 10:30 a.m. as she was swimming on the east side of Bald Head Island Aug. 5 and started screaming when she reached a sandbar, according to reports.

Her father was able to reach her on the sandbar and got her to shore on a surfboard. A witness called 911 and she was taken to a hospital in Wilmington for treatment.”

I had to txt that news link along to Joseph who had poo-pooed me and my warnings. I think he was trying to impress the young lady he brought along. A fellow university student that he's currently dating. Rather seriously, for the first time. She was smart and respectful enough to not be impressed by his silly bravado, which in turn, impresses me! 👏 

Lonesome Dove ... we have that miniseries on DVD. Gotta love ol' Gus and Woodrow. I confess I have a real soft spot for poor Pea Eye, too. Return to Lonesome Dove was watchable, but lacking the same depth. It did tie up the loose ends between many of the characters - including their criss-crossing paths, but in the doing, reduced all the myth making of the original to a western soap opera. 

I've been catching up on the Sharp Objects series on HBO.  Extremely difficult viewing, and at times, painfully slow. Yet I remain intrigued. I believe in the end, it will culminate to being more of a dysfunctional character study than a murder mystery. Anyone else here watching? 

@snappyfrappy, it's wonderful to hear that your eyesight continues to improve! So happy the stem cell treatment was such a success for your bad eye, and that your good eye will benefit, too, if and when it’s needed. Did the socks help relieve the pain in your sister's feet? I hope your son finds an affordable healthcare plan to tide himself and his wife over until they are eligible for Medicare. So relieved Sunny's colic has been remedied - so quickly! That was super fast, since our youngest brother, Nosh suffered with it for months. Prayers for your oldest daughter and now her hubby's skin cancer treatment. 🙏

Hello to @bathina and @Issy379! So nice to see you here. Hope that cute t can check in soon. We have a thunderstorm coming - what else is new? 🙃 

Enjoy the rest of your week, friends, and what is left of the Summer. 

Lots of Love,

Rowan 💙

[snappyfrappy]

Hi Lurky, thanks for the info about halfpint. I always read that thread, but it's very long because the pictures take up a lot of room, beautiful as they are. So I may have missed a message from her. I'll go back and visit her.

I do appreciate the larger font. My glasses are meant for my vision the way it used to be, so I can still use them for reading, but they blur the computer screen. This works for me. Thankful for all who understand that.

Glad you are still having PT. I know it hurts at the time, but do hope it helps in the long run.

The stomach pain began in 1980. The doc I had then did an upper GI looking for an ulcer. I didn't have one, but did have gall stones. So they removed the gall bladder the old way. But, the pain continued and still does. I believe my PC doc thinks it's IBS. I do know that drinking water or eating something gets rid of it. Sometimes immediately, other times it takes longer.

I also know that stress plays a roll, and there's a lot of that.

Thank you for praying for my SIL. No word yet about the biopsies. For sure, he's spent a lot of his life outside, and the sun is strong out here in CA.

Got some new pictures of Sunny, taken by a photogropher. She is wearing powder on her face for them. And a strand of very large pearls. On one, he is lying on the blanket I made for her. A double blessing.

I don't know when I'll see them again, but they are both doing well as far as I know.

So glad you had sense enough to know the that person who called you for financial informatiton was a crook! So many of them and they prey on the elderly.

My girls are having lunch together today. Later on our friend is coming to cut our hair which really is needed!

Tomorrow someone is due to come to help us select a new front door with a window in the top. Have wanted that for years.

Friday we go to see my BFF. She has moved since we were together last, but I still see her in her old place. She's making lunch for us.

Take care. Glad the KS ladies are okay and doing well.

snappy

[snappyfrappy]

Hi Rowan, it's a treat to read some of the news about your trip and shopping. Glad all is well with everyone. Yes, DD has been to the teacher's supply store and also her favorite spots for clothing and has come home with things from each of them. She scored a good deal on a designer piece at a lower priced store. I think it was only something like $7.

She actually bought a dress! And nylons. I haven't been in those for decades nor has she, but Back to School night will be here soon.

I don't know whether or not my sis bought the socks, or how she is right now. Need to contact her.

I'm also glad that Sunny is thriving. Maybe first time parents get too worried about things. But she is growing and still has blue eyes which surprises me.

Thank you for your concern about my son and his wife. Don't know if he found health care for them. They went for years without it until she got the job she just lost. It was during that time that my son had thyroid cancer which went undetected because they couldn't have any testing done.

I think this may turn out to be a blessing for all his family.

It's hot out here again. SO thankful for AC that works. No word from the contractor about building a new patio cover and painting the whole thing. And nothing about an AC person.

DD will have to call him again. Not something either of us likes to do, but it seems to be the way he rolls....

Hi to Issy, Bathina, MsLomo (praying you get better soon) cute, and the KS ladies and anyone else reading here.

snappy