Among Friends

[WaJa61]

Hello, @MsLomo ~ thanks! Yes, I try to take care of my feet in hopes they'll take care of me. Looks can be deceiving, though. I still have a couple of small surgical scars on the bottoms. Have tried coco-butter and everything else to help fade them. Consider myself lucky, though, to be pain-free there at least. Nagging sciatica is another story, but swimming helps most of all. C'mon over and jump in ~ the water is nice and soft! 🏊‍♀️

I will check out the recipe you found on What's Cooking America. We still entertain a lot. Mostly family and a few local friends, including our pastor who has some restrictions, my boss, Bruce (BB) and my brother, Eddie.

Eddie will be coming this weekend to check out an old farmhouse he found online. As I said... looks can be deceiving. We know of this property and he should either keep looking or build a new house for a lot less than restoring that place. He'll be retiring soon and figures he'll need something to do. He has lived in an apartment since his wife died, and apparently forgotten that with any house and property ~ acreage to be maintained ~ there's ALWAYS plenty to do. I think this farmhouse reminds him of our grandparents home ~ the design is similar. Romanticism/nostalgia. I only hope he snaps out of it when he sees it in person. He's already survived one heart attack several years ago. That's why the dietary restrictions.

I usually have fruit salad around for him and others, but if I can make the low-cal desserts, nobody would feel left out. For us, I just figure those richer ingredients which are divided several times per serving are okay occasionally. Until we're met with restrictions, too. I do have to avoid too much salt. I love garlic salt on most meats, but can only use a pinch after cooking. 

I was looking for autumn boots by NAOT, but haven’t found any I really like so far. I considered these: 

“Love,” but not crazy about the soles. Thermoplastic Rubber. Would have to try them on at my local Nordies, if they have them. Lately here their pickings have been slim. Hope they're not going under, as many are. 

Online, these Gentle Souls are offered: 

“Ella bootie” at $259. Not sure I would get my money's worth, though I love the pattern. 

My DD on route to the Med off Greece, sent me these out of Morocco: 

NAOT “Zafra” ~ very comfy. Wearing these today at work with my turquoise maxi sundress. 

She got herself these: 

By NAOT (yay!) and she either called them “Mad” or meant that she was mad about them. You know how busy, young people text. 😜 I like them, but can't find them anywhere here or online. She said NAOTs and other popular brands cost a lot less there (Morocco) which is somewhat surprising. In fact, I suspected they were boycotting Israel's products. Live and learn! 

It sure is sad about Shirley... terrible for the whole family. She is one who loves life and has so much to go on for. I'm always cautious to keep most of my feelings to myself when dear ones are trying to cope with this... We've all been there and we know; there are no words anyway. I'm thankful for the beautiful faith our Snappy is graced with, and the love and support of her family. PRAYING! 

For dear Hilo/Lois and her son, Ron, too. 🙏 

~Joy 💜

[WaJa61]

Hello, @Q-Anu! No wonder you bawl at that song. I'll have to check my mascara after that one. Don't want to scare people with raccoon eyes. I had never heard of this performer, Jimmy Wayne. God bless his gentle soul. I did find the book Marcia spoke of ~ now I may buy his latest CD.

Thank you for the Chicken Waldorf Salad recipe! Another easy one ~ perfect for summer. I'll pick up some seedless grapes and make it for dinner.

How are you feeling now and what did the Dr. say yesterday? There’s a big storm heading for FL, so you may not have to go. Logan either, if his work involves launches.

I'll be so relieved when DD and crew get home. No telling what they'll have to travel through. They aren’t even going ashore in Greece she assures me. Suits me fine! It’s not what it used to be. Is anything?

They won’t have to move if and when she begins the new job. Another advantage and no added expense. I know her husband will be so thankful when her travels end. Other than those they do together. He's a worrier ~ like me. The lab is connected to the university. She'll be doing the research that others will be teaching. BTW, her team witnessed a giant octopus 🐙 like those being reported on lately. I wonder how numerous they actually are, and what caused this unbelievable growth spurt all of a sudden.

I hope all goes well with the Scottish Terrior mix. They are so cute ~ and smart! How is your dog and cat? Ms. Sophie still finds clever ways to harrass our dogs when she's here. Can't let her near the chickens ~ she'll stalk song birds at the feeders, too. She can't jump the pool fence, so I keep her in there with me, or in the house. I can't keep up with her as well as Gracie.

I'm getting the “unexpected error” message over my post. I'll try to post what I found out at P.C.last night below this... if it goes through. 🙄

~Joy 💜

[WaJa61]

Peruvian Connection: 

First of all, I found their jewelry line way overpriced for what it is. A lot of brass, which I can't wear and wouldn’t gift to others.

BARRAKKA DRESS

Aubergine ground climb the romantic tea-length dress. In drapy viscose (95%) and elastane (5%) jersey, it's shaped to flatter with a faux wrap v-neck and seamed waist that releases in asymmetrical pleats to a fluttering, angled hem. Hand wash/dry clean. $249 (I didn’t purchase. Can find similar in local boutiques for half the cost with fall approaching.) 

ZOE VELVETEEN JACKET

The cropped velveteen jacket is trimmed with leather piping at the notched lapel and collar. Tailored in cotton (90%), polyester (8%) and elastane (2%), with a single button closure, shapely seaming, vented sleeves; lined. Machine wash delicate. $299 (Purchased this. Should match last year's boots.)

WINDSOR TOP

18th century German botanicals pattern our romantic top in dappled burgundy, gold and red. Sewn of drapy pima (51%) and modal (49%) jersey, with slim sleeves and an angular, floataway hem. Hand wash/ dry clean. $59 (Purchased this to test in machine “hand wash cycle” ~ if too long will give to Suz'.) 

CHELSEA DRESS

Year-round useful, the feminine jersey tank dress is strewn with florals from an antique Chinese carpet in faded pinks and golds on black viscose (95%) and elastane (5%). A bestselling silhouette, shaped to fit through the bodice, releasing at the curved waist seam to a flirty, flounced hem. Hand wash/dry clean. $179 (Purchased this ~ same fabrication as dress Agnes wants. Will test in machine's “hand wash” cycle.) 

ORLA DRESS

Pretty wildflowers climb the emerald ground of this casual jersey dress. Year-round wearable in travel-ready pima (51%) and modal (49%), it's styled with a boatneck, pockets and back yoke with box pleat for an easy A-line shape. Machine wash delicate. $108 (Purchased this. If too long, will give to Jodi.) 

PAINTED DESERT PIMA COTTON WRAP

A collectible work of art, the Kaffe Fasset shawl is intarsia knit by hand in blocks of richly tweeded chambray, gold, coral, navy and bronze pima. Tassel trim. Dry clean only. $498 (❤️ but can't justify that price. Will check back for sales.) 

MIRANO CLUTCH

Crafted of Italian leather, the petite clutch is embossed with botanicals. Detailed with an envelope snap closure and chain shoulder strap; lined. Made in the U.S.A. $169 (Purchased for my sister, who is having a birthday soon.)

In search of why hand wash/dry cleaning items:

-Modal is made with cellulose from beech trees and is essentially a variety of rayon. It is about 50% more water-absorbent than cotton. Modal fabric has softness, good drape and is said to breath even better than cotton. Garments made in modal have anti-crease properties and are relatively easy care.

-Viscose is a cellulose fiber ~ plant derived, much like cotton. It is often blended with oil based fabric (polyester) and that's were you have to be careful that the primary component of the finished fabric isn't majorly polyester (you'll sweat more!). Look for “made from bamboo” on the tags.

-Spandex, Lycra or elastane is a synthetic fiber known for its exceptional elasticity. It is a polyether-polyurea copolymer that was invented in 1958 by chemist Joseph Shivers at DuPont's Benger Laboratory in Waynesboro, Virginia. The name "spandex" is an anagram of the word "expands".

-Pima cotton produces fiber of exceptional strength and firmness and that was developed in the southwestern U.S. by selection and breeding of Egyptian cottons.

@Q-Anu ~ meant to tell you in my previous post. I'm reading: “Under Currents,” by Nora Roberts. A good summer or beach fictional novel. Sara recommended it. It's available for Kindle, including on audio. 

My love to all, 

~Joy 💜

[HiLo]

My dear Snappy:\

Certainly understand what you're going through now; it is certain, everyone will face something similar in their lives in God's time.  The most important thing in this life is our relationship with God and it seems Shirley has that. I want to hear that she's comfortable and at peace about what will happen to her son.Praying for  you and all the family as well. Your sweet nephew is one of God's most precious children and He will surely take care of him!  Having a little Downs Granddaughter has made all the difference in my understanding of what a blessing these children are!.

We're off to Hopkins again later today for a visit with another specialist for an additional problem that has arisen from my son's cancer. We are considering the natural route from now on for any more problems.....some make out even better that way than with some of that poison they inject in us these days but we could yet change our minds.after speaking to the Doctor..  Rob did surprisingly well with the thyroid surgery but it has definitely spread.  Our sincere thanks to everyone who has prayed for our family as we continue on through this long and difficult journey.  My younger son is my human rock and comfort.   My Catholic friends have been some of our most loyal supporters....I praise God for some of the lessons He is teaching me through them as well.

Much love,

HiLo

With love, HiLo

[snappyfrappy]

Dear HiLo,

Your son must have a different kind of thyroid cancer than my children do. Their's had also spread, but the radioactive iodine they swallowed post surgery took care of it. DD had one other treatment years later. She saw her specialist today and he said she can come back in a year which has never happened before. It's been 27 years for her, and we are grateful. Sorry you have more complications.

snappy

[snappyfrappy]

Friends,

On Wednesday night at approximately 10:30, my sister passed away. Nobody was in the room at that exact moment, but very soon after. We are all grateful her suffering here is ended.

She had faith, very little Bible knowledge, but we believe she had put her trust in Jesus which is all we need to do.

There's a certain numbness which all who have experienced loss know.

Everyone is very tired. We don't know what her son undertands. He wanted to go to work yesterday so he did. Two of my nieces are no charged with going through all my sisters things and having a sale and then finding a buyer for her double wide mobile home which is sort of like the fabricated homes. Not in very good condition and not much equity in it.

I'm seeing my PC doc today and next week the eye doctor and the infectious disease person and a new cardiologist since mine is no longer with the group.

Thank you for praying for my sister and all of us through this time. It's unreal to me.

snappy

[Issy379]

My dearest, Snappy.   I am so very sorry to hear this news about your sister, Shirley.  She was a very courageous and faithful servant, who was an example for all of us.  My heart is very  heavy right now but I want you to know that I love you very much and continue to pray for your family.  

It is tough right now, but thank you for coming here to let us know what is happening.  Just know that you are deeply loved by all of us.  I hope that things go well with your appointments.  Please take care of yourself.  

[bathina]

Dearest Snappy, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your sister. It sounds like she fought a very brave battle. Sending healing thoughts to Shirley's children, you and your family. May loving memories sustain you now and into the future.

[HiLo]

Snappy:  Shirley fought the good fight and is now with her Lord.  In spite of the sadness that's always involved with the death of a loved one, that part is good news.  Know you can't wait to see her and your dear husband again.  The older I get the more I long for Home!  Prayers that the presence of the Savior will be real to all of you during this very trying time.   Please keep us posted on Shirley's dear son Snappy.  He is very dear to my heart! Sending cyber hugs to each and every one of you!

[MsLomo]

Dear Snappy,

I am so sorry.