Community Chat

[snappyfrappy]

Anu, thank you for the comments. I had neurological testing in 1988. The results were abnormal, but inconclusive. I was tested for a mild form of MD, but didn't have it. Doc said I have congenital myopathy. The upcoming test seems to be looking at circulation issues. A Doppler study of my extremities. Our quite Christmas plans may not happen. There are emails back and forth now to change our family get together to Christmas Day in the afternoon, but GS and his wife have made other plans for that day, and so has DD#1 and her hubby. Ah dear. It will work out. Glad you get to come here for Christmas. As you know, the weather will probably be perfect, although once in a while it rains. I remember some very warm ones too. Sorry you have to attend a party for your hubby's work. Just an obligation. It will pass. It's exciting to know you will have a new niece or nephew, but I know of what you speak. The control is absolute, and has nothing to do with the our rights as Americans. The daughter of one of my friends married into that faith, and their baby had to be hospitalized. My friend was made to leave the room when "they" gathered to pray for the child. Scary.

Selah, I've not been tested specifically for MS, but for auto-immune problems in general, and that was negative. The 45 pounds I lost a couple of years ago has helped. My low back hurts most of the time, so carrying around that abdominal fat was a strain. Keeping it off is a constant challenge. We will be praying as you have that surgery and recover from it. Maybe things will be easier this time. At least they know what medications do to you....

DeLaney, by now I hope you are safely at your parent's house. Can't even imagine what a blizzard is like except from TV news coverage.

We had more rain last night, but today it's sunny and pretty much dry. Beautiful white and gray clouds. Went out to do some shopping. Carts give lots of support. The Lord helped me with a good parking space and a nearby cart storage place, and I thanked Him.

Take care everyone,

snappy

[agnesann]

Happy Friday, friends! Here we are, just 20 more days until Christmas. Are you ready? I am ready for some time off, beyond that.... Not so much prepared! Will decorate a bit this weekend, now that the waterproofing is complete in the basement, and I did change that lock last night. Have a few things for Jacob that I ordered, which still need wrapping and I found a good deal on the airfare to Denver. I'll let him open his gifts here before we leave and I will shop there for my family and ex-inlaws. Flying out Friday evening (19th), so will have the weekend before Christmas to pick up those few gifts there. I'm thinking nice ornaments and frames for Jacob's school photos, since my budget took a huge hit. Won't have to rent a car, since Mom is graciously lending me hers. Hope the weather will be nice!

The hormone panel testing is ongoing, but has somewhat proved my suspicions already. Fluctuating! But a kind of relief to know it's this, and not something worse. I'm taking a new rx for the migraines that seems to help, but wouldn't you know, the side-effect is drowsiness! Already I'm tired so much of the time. Hope that improves once I adjust to it. Until then, caffeine is also helpful sometimes with migraines.

Thanksgiving at the French restaurant was very nice, but the funniest thing was - after all our practicing to order in French, our handsome waiter was Italian! He spoke perfect English with a slight Italian accent. He was a good sport though, as Jacob ordered for the both of us in his version of French. He also agreed with him, it would be helpful if the menu had photos! Nice to read all of you enjoyed the holiday, too.

Prayers for Selah's next surgery and recovery, Snappy's testing and treatment, DeLaney's weather - wow, be careful! And all of your needs and intensions. Have a lovely, safe weekend!

[SelahG]

Hiya, Agie! Glad to hear your basement's fixed, your trip home is still a GO and your migraines are being better controlled! Those gifts you have planned are my favorite kind. I bet you and Jacob could even make a few ornaments---with photos, yet, that your family members would treasure. I have finished my shopping and most of the wrapping. Just have grocery and stocking stuffer shopping and getting my cards in the mail. Not bad considering ... But it seems I'm usually more ahead by now while working full time. This pacing yourself thing will take better planning. Thank you for the prayers, sweetheart and right back at ya! I know ALL ABOUT fluctuating hormones ... no picnic, but it will pass. Keep repeating that to yourself and I hope your doc recommends some things to ease the symptoms. So cute that your French waiter turned out to be an Italian---a hot one, too! Was he single, by any chance?

Snappy, good on ya for dropping the weight! I don't know yet if I've lost (or gained ) lately. My appetite is decreased from the lack of much activity, but then the lack of activity ... Maybe have lost some muscle, which is never good. I hear you on supporting yourself with the cart. Found myself doing the same, when I usually only depend on those for holding coats and handbags, not to mention merchandise. That was me who said it sounded almost like a case of mild MD during your childhood. Have a good friend/neighbor who has suffered with that from birth. It did not progress to disable her, but did and does limit her. I will have to google "congenital myopathy"---never heard of this. I think with some disorders, the best they can do is rule out things. Process of elimination. Hope they find some answers for your blood flow issues with the Doppler.

Where are you, Joy? Still decking the halls? Missing you here!

I'm keeping two of the grands occupied while making chili and cornbread, since baby---it's COLD outside!

Hope you're all having a fantastic Friday!

[agnesann]

Hi, Selah! What a beautiful snow angel!!! Don't hate me, but I actually envy your snow. Growing up in Denver and spending most of my free time on the slopes, I feel something is definitely missing here. Well, a lot more than snow, but just sayin'.

No, I'm sure I saw a wedding ring on his handsome hand.... Guess that would have been too good to be true!

I think Joy is still catching up on Delphi's forums a bit in the evenings. Saw some recent posts from her there. Likely decking halls, too. You know Martha2!!!

Get some rest, my friend. Sounds like you are way ahead of me with Christmas prepping. My outdoor lights will consist of candles in the windows and a lighted wreath. Ho, ho, ho!

Love you!

[snappyfrappy]

Hi agnesann, thrilled to know the waterproofing is complete and that you can still go to CO for Christmas. Win win. And I like your gift ideas. For sure there are much worse things that hormone fluctuation, but it's still a pain. Most women go through it, so we understand. How nice that the Thanksgiving meal with Jacob went well. A special day of memories.

Selah, my days of wandering from one end of a department store to the other sans cart are over, but it's fine. BTW, your chili and cornbread sound LUSCIOUS! What could be better? I've been a yo-yo dieter all my adult life, so I hope this time I can keep it off. It's lots easier on my back. Congenital myopathy is just a fancy way of saying that I was born with a weak muscle system. My PC doc thinks that was a convenient thing for the neurologist to say, and may or may not be the problem. I do know I've never had much strength and was just not able to climb like the other kids, or swing on the rings, or throw well, or run, etc. Just couldn't do it, but felt it was a flaw in me. At this point in my life I don't care about those things anymore, just want to be able to get around and stay on my feet. So many elderly people fall, break a hip, and pick up some awful disease while in the hospital. I want to stay out of those places. Praying for your soon coming surgery.

Hi to everyone. I'm sure "Martha" is decorating up a storm.

snappy

[DeLaney]

G'evening all! Just stopping by to wish you all a nice weekend. Doubt I will have a signal from home and must try to get there in the morning. Will try to group txt from there, but don't worry if you don't hear from me until Monday. Supposed to snow straight thru the weekend. I would gladly send you some, Agnes! Lol! Love and Peace to all friends here!

[LurkyLoo]

A good Saturday to good friends! Has warmed up enough to rain here again. It's a Snappy kind of day! It seems that lately we get all four seasons in the span of a week or two. No wonder so many are sick with colds and flu. Heard on the news yesterday that this year's flu vaccine will not protect us from the most popular strain going around either. Seems they (CDC) guessed wrong. Take care, friends and stay well, I pray.

Going to take the "tour" of my old house tomorrow after church. Have my gifts wrapped to take and a tin of Christmas cookies. Was going today, on the tram to finish the last of my Christmas shopping, but it's just too bad out there for me. The shops will be less crowded on Monday anyway. I like the smaller shops, and did prefer those, even when walking wasn't troublesome for me. However, if and when I'll require a motorized buggy (look out world!), I expect I'll have to shop the bigger department stores then. Most places are wheelchair accessible, but the little shops have no room to maneuver. There are people living here that own the scooters and drive them to the grocery and drug stores- even to nearby restaurants. Don't think I'll ever be that brave.

Well, what do you think of my tree, girls?

Of course it's one of the community trees here, and to our right, you can see my church's steeple lit up. Just beyond that, behind the tree is where my old house is.

This is down on the grounds:

We are surrounded on three sides with a park like setting and they've really done a beautiful job with the lights. I couldn't walk it all and you can't see all the displays well from a car, so my great-niece's boyfriend pushed me in a wheel chair as a few others walked the grounds with visitor passes through me. Some of the botanical gardens can be seen from the main road, and actually the oldest parts of the gardens predate this community. But now, the public requires a pass since the land they're growing on is owned by this community. There are stand alone homes here, too, but that is more than I need now.

This snowy trail (private road) leading to the houses is especially for Agnes:

I would miss the snow, too, though I never skied- it's been with me for my entire life. Gives the illusion that the world is clean and fresh. I'm so happy for you, Jacob and your family, that you will still get to go home for Christmas! Anu, too- safe travels and much joy to you and yours in CA!

Did your family settle on your plans yet, Snappy? Hope they will be easy and peaceful for you. Let us know how the testing goes. I have to take a pill twice a day that helps with circulation and my BP. The PT I take aids the core muscle groups- though I didn't believe it until after.. Could feel that soreness of strengthening. Is supposed to help me better maintain balance. Time will tell, I guess, but when the joints go.. they will need replacing. I will cook and have Christmas Eve dinner at Geri's, then spend Christmas Day here. Easier on me if the younger family members drop by here later that day, or the next. Will go to the chapel services here, then the big community feast in the dining hall. Have exchanged Christmas cards with so many here- just drop them through the mail slot, that I've lost count. I'm thankful to those who included a photo, as I'm still trying to learn many of my neighbors' names. So many invitations to tea and such.. I'll just do what I can. I was never one to go from house to house much, unless I am needed. Hope they won't think me snobby!

My prayers go with you on Wednesday, Selah. I figure they may keep you through Friday, at least and I'll pray for good weather on your round trip, too.

Hello to Joy, HiLo, Rowan, DoubleJ, DeLaney and all who drop by! Wishing you each a most blessed Christmas season.

[snappyfrappy]

DeLaney, hope you were able to get home, and that you won't have a problem getting to work next week.

Lurky, your place is gorgeous! What a special spot. So glad you found it and that you are settling in well and meeting new people. Who could think you were anything less than a wonderful friend? Of course I'm also not someone who ever "drops in" on other people, and I don't appreciate having that done to me. I'm sure you are looking forward to seeing how the new people have fixed up "your" place. So nice of them to want you to see it.

I can see you zipping around in one of those scooters. Being independent and able to get to shops and restaurants would be wonderful. We don't have places like that close enough to this house. This is a bedroom community with very little in the way of shopping. TONS of nail salons and Asian eating places. We have a service that one day might be handy for me. For 50cents, a cab would come and take me anywhere in the city. So if I couldn't drive to my doc or the bank, I could get there. And another 50cents coming home. I think it's wonderful.

We had more rain in the night. Didn't hear it, but there are puddles. It's sunny today in the 60s. My sis sold her mobile home and will move in January. She is supposed to come visit me on Friday, but the weather people say a heavy storm may hit us then, so I don't want her driving in it.

Our family is getting together at DS and DDILs for Christmas Eve dinner which means that DD#2 and I will have Christmas day to ourselves. That has never happened, but we are looking forward to it. I bought us new pjs, which she doesn't know about, so maybe we will sit around in them and have brunch and watch old movies.

DSIL has an offer on his unit. Not as much as he wanted, so they may counter and see what happens. They will need to rent a storage unit for his things and some of hers and then decide whether they want to buy another more updated unit or remodel hers. She only has one bathroom. Lots of changes, and she knows how stressful remodeling can be. The Lord will lead them.

Glad you have plans for Christmas. I need to get a few gift cards and then wrap what I have, and of course make the pies and DD will make the stuffing and take that. I didn't do Christmas cards again this year. And I've only received one news letter. Maybe that custom is ending. Everyone just emails or texts or tweets these days.

Take care and hi to everyone. Enjoy your weekend,

snappy

[Rowan72]

Hi, Q-Friends! A blessed Sunday to all. Relaxing a bit after church services, while hubby gets his famous clam chowder going. Having a few friends over to an early dinner. Thought I would check in here and it's nice reading everyone's good news and holiday plans! We'll have Christmas Eve dinner with my in-law's family, then spend Christmas Day here at home. My parents will be here, and as is kind of our tradition, Dad, hubby and our oldest son will do most of the cooking. Their own family recipes, with son mostly helping with prep, clean up and serving (his same part-time job at a local seafood place - his dream is to own one!). We ladies are in charge of breads and desserts. My favorite parts anyway! Then that evening, I'll help out at our church's crisis center, manning the phones, for the most part. This time of the year hits some especially hard.

Lurky, what a sweet idea you had to share some of your local Christmas cheer! I agree with Snappy, that you've found the perfect retirement community for yourself. Close enough, too, that you don't have to lose touch with your old friends, while making lots of new ones. Regardless of location, it's the people in our lives that make it special and your new neighbors will come to accept and love you, and your shy ways. I am not so extroverted either, so I relate to what you're saying. It can be confused with snobbery, until people come to know us.

Here's a glimpse from home - our historical fishing village remains pretty true to its roots, though many do incorporate their own individual tastes. I try, but did feel rushed this year, due to so much time spent with my classes' projects and displays at the museum. Didn't get around to making many original things this year.

Hoping everyone can share a little beauty from their local areas!

Prayers for your medical issues to be properly diagnosed and successfully treated, Snappy. The quiet Christmas Day with your daughter in your new pjs sounds lovely! Congrats to your sister on selling her place and best wishes to your SIL in getting a better offer on his.

Will be emailing the rest of you in the coming days! Praying HiLo continues toward complete recovery.

Oh, Selah, according to my last message from Joy (Martha2), she is in N.C. for the weekend - down at the Biltmore Estate with friends. No doubt giving them decorating tips! Will call you tonight to see if you're being naughty or nice!

Grace and peace to all.

[snappyfrappy]

Rowan, thank you for sharing the pictures of your lovely area. Beautiful. What a charming place to live. As I interact with you who live in the east, I realize there is a very big difference in the way we live. Apart from the missions here in CA, there's not much history. We are a younger place. We don't treat landmarks well...except for the HOLLYWOOD sign which everyone has seen on TV. We are more likely to tear down old things and build new ones. I'm thrilled that the Coliseum is still here. Built for the Olympics.

Thank you for your concern for me. Tomorrow I'll call the imaging center and make an appointment for the ultra sound of my legs, and one to see the ENT doc who is close enough for me to drive there without needing the freeway.

My SIL has put out a counter offer to the potential buyers of his unit, so we will see how the Lord leads. We are expecting a big rain storm on Friday so I'm hoping my sis won't try to drive here to see me. It would take her an hour each way, and it's freeway. The big trucks throw up so much water it's hard to see. Today is her 74th birthday. She was one year old when Pearl Harbor was attacked and I was 7. Remember it so well.

Praying for Selah as you has her surgery. God bless and keep her.

snappy