How Are You?
I wrote the other day about how I came across this "Check on your friends" message on a telephone pole. It prompted me to check in with a couple friends, which turned out to be an enjoyable addition to my day.
Of course, my social circle also includes you, my readers. So many of you have been reading the blog for years and regularly share your life celebrations and troubles, even when they're unrelated to nonconsumerism. So I ask:
How are you these days?
What are you doing to stay afloat during these trying times? I'd love to read what's going on in your lives -- whether it's good or bad. Let's take a moment to come together to support and lift each other up!
Well, you asked… lol. Life kinda sucks for a variety of reasons of reasons. A crushing workload at work, not being paid enough for the crushing workload, a new, inexperienced (and doesn’t care, to be real) demanding and somewhat arrogant and clueless boss, significant grown kid problems, and not enough $$$$$ to deal with all the above… lol. Still, I am alive, have running water and electric, roof over my head, and a way to make a living. So I consider my problems to be minor compared to what folks are suffering around the globe. At 66, I would like to retire but it is not in the cards at the moment!!! It is what it is!! Not complaining, just being real. Are you sorry you asked…. lol.
Yes,Cindy. I have your life recently. I'm 66, not able to retire for 2 years. I do have a small pension, and a job. Enough to pay the bills but not enough to feel secure. But, I too, have a roof over my head, water, and electric. And so many are way worse off. So thankful
I am keeping my head up. Staying positive. Only catching news headlines to keep updated (and then staying away from news except for recent Artemis crew stories and splashdown!
Love them!) Enjoying my recent retirement, my rescue dog I adopted last summer, reading, bargain shopping. I enjoy your posts,
Katy. We are of like frugal minds.
How am I? Part of me wants to say, "Terrible, thanks for asking!" But that's because of the state of our country and world. Personally, I can't really complain except for the increasing number of planes flying over our house (felt like a day-long bombardment yesterday and we're 20 miles from MSP) and an incomprehensible, devastating family estrangement coming up on two years. I know how lucky I am. The timing of your question goes nicely with a weekly newsletter I receive. Check out this thoughtful and humorous post if you can; it's free: https://theisolationjournals.substack.com/p/not-to-complain-but
Thanks for sharing that link. Reading the 2 essays, I feel better already. Sorta
I too feel better after reading the two links - and sorry I told my husband to stop complaining about something minor lol. I'll try to say "I get it" next time.
I'm just trying very hard to prioritize what matters as to where my money and resiliency goes, the latter being so important. It's still a long 33 months ahead unless karma intervenes, and I wake up daily wondering what new chaos the assholes in Washington created or ignored.
I think focusing on the positive, and being grateful for what we have, is definitely the way to go! I'm incredibly grateful that: 1) My kid got 1 of 15 slots available at his school for their summer program. 2) That we have a savings that will cover the upfront tuition cost for this ($1,800 is nothing to sneeze at!). 3) That my husband agreed our couch has seen better days. We bought it used and we both hate it. It's too worn in. Super uncomfortable. Far too large. etc. So we went shopping at a new place about an hour away from home. And we agreed on the exact couch AND fabric immediately, and got it ordered in under 2 hours. 4) That next to that store, we saw a costco next door and got done with our shopping for the next few weeks (the store would have been closed by the time we drove back to the one by our house yesterday!) 5) That I have a specific talent that benefits a nonprofit I love. And I'm grateful they're allowing me to share that talent with them!
I like that reminder stapled on the post!
There is a story about authors Kurt Vonnegut and Joseph Heller at a party at a multi-million/billionaire's home. Vonnegut points out how much money the man has, and Heller replies that Heller has the one thing that man can never have-- Enough. I am most fortunate that by temperament, upbringing, and life choices, my family has enough. I don't want excess, just enough.
A great many things are not the way I would wish, most of all medical issues that have no symptoms but are identified through "tests". I made it through a bone biopsy last week and am amusing myself by considering it a UFO kidnapping while I wait for results. The nurse holding my hand and telling me I was doing great was very helpful.
Thank you, Katy, and others, for posting often and sharing your lives! I like the expression "We're all just walking each other home." Ram Dass.
True comment , Heidi!
Yes! Most of us have so much more than we really need. Enough is a word that says so much more than its definition.
Heidi Louise, I'm thinking of you and hoping for the best. I agree and am also content with enough. That quote is lovely.
Along with others here, I've had better years. I'm as angry about the state of the US and world as many of the rest of you are, and I still fiercely miss the pre-Alzheimer's DH every minute of every day. Plus which, I took a bad fall late last week from which I'm still recovering: I was picking up branches at the foot of my back yard, tripped over a branch, and did a faceplant onto a rough patch of ground. I'm extremely lucky that I got away with facial scrapes, some facial swelling (which has since receded), and generalized body pain (which settled into the right side of my torso over the weekend). Still, my friends are starting to give me the side-eye and recommend various "I've fallen and I can't get up" devices. Which I may actually need. 🙁
But when the going gets tough, the tough get thrifty. Herewith:
(1) I started zinnia seeds (my good old "Cut and Come Again" variety) on Saturday, and will be starting the mini basils I grow for drying and two types of kale later today. I used to do a lot more seed starting, but in my old age, I stick to things that I know I can't find at the Regional Market.
(2) I made a pizza yesterday for the first time in ages, mainly to use up various ancient ingredients (the last of a bottle of pizza sauce bought on sale, plus some mushrooms, a small onion, and some kalamata olives that weren't getting any younger). I'm calling this one the Geriatric Special in honor of my own and the ingredients' age. 😛
(3) I signed up for updates on the Signs of Justice website that another commenter recommended, and sent postcards to my senators and representative on the suggested topic late last week (which was, appropriately, either invoking the 25th Amendment or impeaching). I used three of the endless blank postcards I've been finding during the preliminary cleanout of NDN1's house, plus some of the oddball numerical postage she saved from the pre-Forever stamp era. I've been buying her various things she needs in assisted living as we go along, so I don't feel bad about this. (And a PSA about the USPS: Rates are going to go up again in July--from 78 to 82 cents for first-class Forever stamps and from 61 to 65 cents for Forever postcard stamps.)
(4) And since it's raining just enough today to keep me out of the yard and gardens even if I were entirely sound of body, I took myself to Second Time Around (the Monday morning pop-up shop in a disused bowling alley that's run in aid of a local food pantry). I worked in stops at a gas station that accepts my Price Chopper store points (gas for $4.09/gal. is pretty good here at the moment) and the ATM at a branch of my local bank (so no ATM fee). At STA, I found two summer tops, two pairs of pants (one NWT), two Vera Bradley bags in excellent condition (JASNA BFF and JASNA Panera will be delighted), and an LL Bean men's belt (which I'm ashamed to admit I need), for $20 total. And the usual day-old bread giveaway was happening; I found a lovely loaf of Wegmans challah, which I hope to share with the Bestest Neighbors.
Oh, A. Marie! Thank heavens you are okay after that fall. Would your insurance cover a senior fitness class or fall prevention training with a physical therapist? PT really helped when my bad knee was messing up my balance.
I must confess to chucking the food budget out the window this month, due to a combination of stocking up and buying whatever soupy treats it takes to get the cat to eat.
So glad you came out of the fall with no ER required but sorry you fell and got hurt. Both Hubby and I have tripped and fallen recently. He went to ER because he hit his head and had gashes on his face. I was able to self treat at home. Scary but not an uncommon thing. Our son had us put "Find My" on our phones and list each other but of course we don't always have our phones on our bodies.
A. Marie,
Ouch! I hope you recover "soonest" from your fall. I think we are the same age, and I share your worries about balance. No more ladder climbing for me! And I am lots more cautious walking in my yard, since it's so uneven in places. The older I get, the less funny those "I've fallen and can't get up" memes are. Anyway, I hope your soreness goes away right away.
Oh no A. Marie! I'm so sorry you had a face plant fall. All falls are awful but the face plant kind bears its evidence on our faces and invites curious minds to ask " Did you have a fall?" Aaarrrggghhh!
The Geriatric Special pizza sounds divine though. Glad you gave yourself a treat.
I have a bum knee (old injury) that decides to rear its ugly head now and then and gives me balance issues now that I've reached the Golden Years.
Take care.
I am so glad you're almost okay and didn't hit your noggin!
Our senior center has tai chi classes on constant rotation, they are so popular. There is classes on you tubes also. The rain is the universe telling you to stay in and rest up.
I'm so glad to read that you weren't seriously hurt, I don't think I could take that! Sending a gentle virtual hug your way.
Thanks to all for the good wishes and suggestions. And Betty cat and I send greetings to Ruby and Dora, Fru-gal Lisa and Snuggles, and all other members of the NCA Cat and Dog Club and their humans.
That's really hard, Marie. I'm glad you have a place to vent and get support (here!). Keep on truckin' my dear--you are doing great!
Reading your blog is one of the treats of my day. A lot of your ideas aren't practical for me, since I live on the 48th floor of a huge high-rise building, but I always draw inspiration from your actions. Your writing style makes me feel as if I've known you for ages and we've just not seen each other recently...
If you come to Chicago, dinner is on us!
love,
Janice
I lived in Chicago during the summer of 1987, while in college. I lived in the Roger's Park neighborhood and worked at the Northwestern University Settlement House, which was fun. So many fun kids. Sadly, haven't been back since then.
That's awesome! I live in Evanston just footsteps away from Rogers Park. My DIL works at Northwestern, and my son holds a Master's degree from NU.
I live in a 100-year-old building on the third floor (no elevator) and I'm two blocks away from Lake Michigan. I love it here!
I've never been to Portland, but my grandson is in Eugene right now, and my other son lives in the northeast corner of Oregon, in Pendleton. Plus, I have friends in Portland, so all things considered, I think I'll make it there someday.
Janice, I live in sub tropical, inner city Brisbane, Australia, in a vertical retirement village 79 compact 1 bedroom units( bedroom with en suite, living room, compact kitchen) We have a drying yard, so nearly always dry outdoors, a small gym, library, craft room, community lounge with an excellent kitchen, and a lovely outdoor barbecue area, plus a small community green space/ garden. Excellent recycling options, and a “ giving table”for unwanted items. 5 minutes walk to local shopping. I tell people “ If I go to heaven when I die, it will be a downgrade!” I always wish people would include a general location, it’s so often relevant, clues often suggest the majority are US based, but , surely, not all?
So glad you are ok A. Marie! Falls are no joke!!!
Brisbane sounds fantastic! I do think there are several in Canada and the U.K., as well as various other parts of the world. I am in the deep southern part of the U.S. and work about an hour from the Florida state line so it gets pretty warm here in the summer.
Hi Katy, just found your blog and it is just what I have been looking for. In the last year or two I’ve been trying very hard at buying junk I don’t need. Plus trying to use up stuff we already have like soap, lotions, makeup, etc. This week I joined a health club that I discovered is free with my health insurance. Last week my husband and I went to an art exhibit at the Senior Day that is one day per month at our city’s art museum.
We make just about all the food we eat such as sourdough bread, granola, kimchi, yogurt and seldom eat out or go to coffee shops. I make almost all of my own clothes and recently found some big lengths of cotton material at a thrift store for $3.99 each.
We are taking the light rail and buses as much as possible for light rail. I have started cutting my own hair (yikes) because the least expensive cuts in town are about $70.
Our community center has a ‘little free art gallery’ (like the little free libraries) where you can leave a piece of craft/art and take one. I have been leaving stuff I make like jewelry from recycled beads and things from fabric scraps.
I love the idea of keeping in contact with longtime, or new, friends and relatives. It does brighten my day .
Oops Should have reread my comment before posting. It is supposed to be ‘Not’ buying stuff we don’t need. Plus added the art museum day is free:)
We are currently temporarily living 100 miles from home as my husband had a kidney transplant on March 23! He was discharged on March 27 but we cannot go home due to 1) the frequency of lab work and follow up appointments; and 2) the necessity of returning posthaste if something would go wrong. Needless to say we are hemorrhaging money. He’s 71 and I’m 66 so I’m not beating myself up over this. There is zero energy left at the end of the day because this is a lot. I’m doing the best I can. Admittedly some days it’s not great.
So much going on for you and your husband, Peg!
Yes, you must be exhausted at times, even while you have miracles to celebrate. Your best is good enough.
So great to hear he got a kidney. My stepson was on the list for 7 years during which he underwent dialysis 3× a week. But he got a kidney and has done well. The appointments and meds, etc. are a lot at first but gradually ebb away to a few times a year. Things will ease up. Best wishes for his recovery.
I feel you! I helped shepherd my younger sister through a double organ transplant in 2014. The medical staff was wonderful. But going to “clinic” is a lot. It’s a journey and I wish you both well.
I feel you! I shepherded a family member through a double organ transplant a decade ago. It’s a journey for sure. I recall that the medical staff was amazing (everyone should get such talented care) but yes - it’s a lot to absorb and all those clinic appointments are a LOT. Best wishes to you both l
Besides the dog, I go for days on end not seeing or talking to anyone other than when I go to work, or hire someone to come work at my house. I think if I dropped dead no one would notice except if the bosses came by, or sent the cops, to check if I didn't answer the phone after being no call/ no show... but I doubt they would even do that, they'd just fire me after 3 days. I have quit church after several unfortunate incidents made me feel like even more of an outsider than on the first day I walked in. Guess I need to search out another congregation but the last time I tried, an usher was wearing a lapel button that said Trump; I never went back to that one. Such is life in a deep red state. I'm still trying to get help about the downed tree incident but no one cares, law firms won't take the case, city officials and cops don't return my calls and it seems like they all want me to drop dead. Sorry if my post is a downer but you folks and the folks at Frugal, Girl and Snuggles the dog are about the only ones I communicate with any more. Bless you all for caring!
(((Hugs))) More liberal churches are thin on the ground in red states, but you might look for a United Church of Christ (often referred to as Congegational churches) or a Presbyterian Church USA. The evangelical branch of the Lutheran church also is big into loving and serving every one.
I concur with the endorsement for UCC. I worked for a UCC-affiliated college for several years and found the people broad-minded and kind.
Lisa, you definitely do not want to go to a church where someone wears a Trump button.
Congregational. I cannot spell today!
Thanks for the info!
Evangelical Lutheran here. Thanks for mentioning us! I'm in a very blue state but trust me, there's still a lot of Trumpers around in every walk of life. I think most people at our church though, just live and let live. Frugal-Lisa, hope you can find a similar place to worship.
I do care. Glad you have Snuggles. And for him I am glad the thunder is over.
I promise you are never forgotten...I look forward to your comments every day. Love the ones about Snuggles. Don't give up on church. God is always everywhere you are.
Fru-gal Lisa, I follow you, and look forwards to posts, miss you when your busy nurse life eats up posting time. I saw a Ram Dass quote recently “We are all just walking each other home” , and resonated with that. I’m a 78 year old atheist, feminist, perpetually curious person, grieving the loss last year of my only daughter , from cancer, but still finding contentment in daily living. I live in sub tropical, inner city Brisbane Australia, and , like most Australians, feel so deeply sorry for the hell you are living through. I’m cheered by the ousting of Victor Orban in Hungary, I think Europe is, collectively, moving towards isolation of world domination projects, but so much pain is being inflicted in the mean time. Our small communities here, and yours, show that kindness and caring do exist, that greed isn’t the only option, I hope that we can spread the infection of “enough” far and wide!
@Fru-gal Lisa - it must be tough to live where you live. I hate to think of you being injured/having a medical incident with no one checking. And what would Snuggles do? Do you get mail delivered to your home? There are good USPS employees that would make a call.
As to churches, which I personally avoid as I might burst into flames, I'd also add checking into a Unitarian Universalism church.
Fru-gal Lisa, I am so saddened to read your comment especially about the church situation. No one should be wearing any kind of political button in church, especially Trump. I'm not even sure of the details of what happened but my cousin told me about Trump's attack on the Pope. So horrifying. Everything is upside down. Please take good care of yourself, Lisa. Sending you peace.
I enjoy your posts - your insights and intelligence particularly. I hear you about a church home - I don’t currently have one although I attend occasionally. I fault Christians for facilitating and encouraging the mess with we are in politically. So that rules out many congregations. I do a wonderful zoom book study with a church my childhood friend belongs to. It is a UCC church (a denomination that others have mentioned).
I wonder if your local library is a place to build community or be among people? My library has wonderful mostly free programs that I occasionally sign up for. Sometimes I just hang out at the library and read. It is my happy place - where I went to escape caregiving when I could over the past decade.
I joined a garden club last year and enjoy volunteering with them - we sell plants from our small nursery (which requires a lot of care and volunteers). All the proceeds go to local community organizations and charities.
Relying on the good I see to negate the horror of our politics. Good people, good food, good weather, good thoughts.
And there is good! I am grateful to the good people who are doing what needs to be done to change the directions of the horrors around us.
After 9/11, a lot of appropriate attention was paid to celebrate first responders. During early covid, it was for health care workers. Military service people and families deserve care. Now I am conscious of thanking career government /civil service employees who do things I have not before had to think about-- weather service, disease tracking and prevention, national park and forest management, statistics gathering and future predicting, environment protecting, and so on. I hope it does not take long to get our professionals back to full strength after the unnecessary attacks they have so wrongly suffered.
Amen. Thank you for putting my thoughts into words.
I am good and my sweet kitty Dora, who has been very ill, got the thumb's up from the vet this morning with regards to her health improving. I have gotten little done the past week except intensive nursing care for the cat. It turns out she had a rare type of reaction to her annual vaccinations. Today she felt well enough to eat her breakfast and scamper away from us when she saw the cat carrier. This is good!
I can just barely bring myself to squint at the news headlines, and soothe my soul by weeding the garden.
Glad sweet kitty is doing better. I lost my orange boy Simba. and I really miss him. Had DH put a new spring flag on his grave yesterday (lol, not new,bought years ago at Salvation Army thrift store).
Orange boys are always just wonderful cats, so loving and so much fun.
I'm so sorry about Simba. They take a piece of our heart when they leave. Honoring him with a Spring flag is beautiful.
So sorry to hear of Simba's passing. Hope he comes back to you in the reincarnation of another of his 9 lives.
For the last year and few months I have been filled with outrage and obsessed with social media. I kept thinking that if family members or friends could really see what was happening to our country then I could change their mind. My husband cautioned me and tried to get me to be aware of our predicament but also enjoy life. I am happy to say that in the last few weeks my mental health has improved tremendously and I have, while still being aware of things that are happening, been able to find joy again and dare I say, move on? That doesn't mean I still don't have problems - our car died so we purchased a new one (we share one car) and then my husband backed over a large boulder so we have only driven it for two weeks and we're renting one again - but in all I'm doing much better. So thanks for asking, Katy. It did me good to reflect and ponder and realize all the good in my life.
I myself am passable, but I'm just back from ER with dd who has a raging case of mono. She's 26 and really suffering. My mother's dementia is increasing. MIL is dying and her care is appalling (she's not in the US, but is in a Western European country). Meanwhile I am sewing to keep my sanity. I'm keeping up with my therapist, and with my gardening and garden friends. These are not the most frugal of times for us, surrounded as we are with pressures. The upside is I'm not a stress eater, so food budget isn't outrageous (despite the prices!).
We left our Trump supporting church years ago, and have found a reconciling and affirming congregation at the United Methodist church, which we attend very sporadically. I know one of the commenters mentioned they were looking for a decent church.
I'm prioritizing caring for myself, my family, and if I have anything left in me, my community. I continue my economic boycott to the best of my ability. I grow food for the food bank and attend protests as I'm able. But I'm feeling pretty low.
I'm Methodist as well!!!
Dh is on the church board and I've planted the idea to include, "All are welcome" on our sign in front of the church.
Doing ok. Just got back from Boston. I went there to visit my daughter, son-in-law, and five month old granddaughter. It was a pleasant drive up there from Virginia Beach, but the drive back was stressful. So many backups and I can’t forget the hit and run that happened right in front of us on NJ Turnpike. I was grateful to get back to my sweet home in one piece. Gas prices and grocery prices have me a little concerned, but I’m doing what I can to save money. I teach at a private school and I don’t get paid over the summer. I’ll definitely be watching my pennies. Thanks for all you do, Katy! I’m a long time reader, but I tend to just lurk in the background. You are so inspiring and I hope you know how much you’re appreciated.
I try to just focus on the fact that I have what I need and try not to.watch the news. I still make calls to my US representatives but do it when the offices are closed. I would rather do post cards but I have none and refuse to mail anything unless its absolutely necessary but the mail is so slow in my area that it takes forever to receive or send. I also applied for a passportsine my name has been changed from my original birth certificate just in case the Senate passes the SAVE Act passes so I can vote. It probably wont pass but I want to be prepared if it does so I can vote.
Things could be better. I’m in a rural area helping out with a family member who is in hospice. It’s difficult, especially since this family member is letting us see some of the more negative aspects of their character. I knew who they were all along, and I hate that I was right. On the other hand, my husband now “gets it”, so that’s good?
Financially, things are pretty good because I’ve been eating lots of whole grains and legumes from the Winco bulk bins. The worst financial hit I’m taking is the occasional trip back to Portland, fueled by $5 per gallon gas.
I regularly read and rarely comment but I thought it was lovely that you are checking on everyone. My recent win was something, I think you would like. We have a few spaces under the fence and I have been wanting some stones oe bricks to fill in the gaps. A neighbor was selling some bricks which I happily bought. The entire project took more than I thought but it looks nice and was happy to give the bricks another life.
The bricks sound pretty, and useful!
Bless you for asking. At 81 and bedfast for the most part some days are hard. But I look forward each day to read about my "use it up" friends. Thankfully still have life's necessities and a very DH to help me. Am frugal through necessity but always enjoy ready tips from all of you. DH brings me fresh flowers from our yard which brightens my day. Prayers for all of you.
You and your husband made me happy today. I also have a very sweet husband. We were very ill a month ago. We are fine now. Yay for the flowers your husband brings you from the garden. Thanks for sharing your story.
My biggest accomplishment last week was to place my every other month order from Sam's online for pickup. Much easier to avoid all of the "I want that!" Moments and actually get home with just what I needed.
Infrequent commenter here. Katy, your blog is the first thing I check every morning. It makes my day! I also enjoy all the comments from other readers.
Thankful DH and I retired from Federal service when we did (12 years the end of the month). We are grateful for all we have - a paid off home, older, but functional, vehicles, food on the table and good health.
The news out of the nation's capitol and the world in general seems to get worse each day. I'm trying to stay positive but it's difficult.
A little stressed. Concerns for AI and what it will do to my husband’s career. I’m a mom of a not yet two year old and we are hoping to try for a second child, but I am scared of that, and scared to do so under the current political climate. Luckily I am in a blue state where reproductive health has less restrictions.
We are doing our best! Cutting back where we can and focusing on what we can control to the best of our abilities.
I'm okay and will make it through but the thought of Trump, Vance, Hegseth, Miller and all the jellyfish (spineless creatures) in Congress who are afraid to disagree with the Dear Leader and his henchmen is always simmering below the surface. I've never felt this way about our government before. I like the balance of Democrat and Republican ideas and have been willing to listen to Republican leaders in the past, even when in disagreement. But this Orange Man is cra-cra and I fear for our democracy as I never have.
I'm doing okay. Going in for a procedure this Friday which will hopefully pinpoint a medical issue I've been dealing with. I need general anesthesia for it so it's a little worrisome but mostly I am frightened of the diagnosis. So there's that. Our kids and their families are all doing well so I know how lucky we are. Financially we're okay too. Much thanks goes to Katy and the Tightwad Gazette for keeping our heads above water during tough times. Also to all of you for sharing on this blog what works for you.
I wish you the best of luck on your procedure and diagnosis. I am pretty fearful about medical issues, so I hear you loud and clear. Stay strong.
Thank you Beth. Keeping my fingers crossed.
Thank you for asking! It's been a tough few days, beginning with a terrifying lockdown at the high school where 2 of my kids are, followed by news that 5 local teens were involved in a car accident that killed one of them. He was 17. A hard, hard weekend for our community.
That said, I'm doing better today. Remembering that all we have is this moment and holding all of my loved ones a little tighter.
Love and light to you, Katy, and the commentariat (as A. Marie calls us).
Thanks for asking Katy,
I am doing "okay" physically but mentally I sometimes feel like I am floundering between anger and extreme sadness over the state of our country and the wider world. I contact my reps and feel like it is not doing anything but getting more junk mailings from them all touting what they are doing for the orange assholes agenda.
I live in a very blue state and sometimes feel very lonely with my political leanings.
I live not far from an Ice detention facility and 2 detainees have died, but the people in charge say they are getting good care??????
I do have friends that think like me so we can commiserate and do what we can.
I am still on my buying nothing unless I absolutely have to streak.
Being retired and home most of the time does recharge my batteries, now if I could just quit worrying about the world my grandchildren are growing up in.
I continue to plant flower seeds and have most of the veg garden tilled, will fill it with good things to eat and spend time tending it for my mental and physical health.
The good news is that DH79 had a Watchman implanted in his heart to control a-fib and he’s doing well - but isn’t allowed to lift more than five pounds for a few weeks. That means I pour his milk for him like he’s a toddler. And carry our dogs up and downstairs. And whatever he cannot lift or carry.
We have the same cardiologist and I saw him last week for my annual visit. Everything looked good until I mentioned that I had developed bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome shortly after my retirement a year ago at 65. He thought nothing of it until that evening and he was prompted to speak with some colleagues. Apparently bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome can be a red flag for a condition called amyloidosis. He scheduled me for a heart scan later this week. Of course I googled amyloidosis and freaked myself out. The treatment is usually chemotherapy in the early stages. Right now I’m focusing on data that shows a person can have bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome without underlying disease.
The bad. My best friend's sister passed away over the weekend at 59 from cancer. She lost her husband a little over a year ago from a heart attack. Our neighbor's DIL has been having lots of health problems for the last year. She had her pancreas removed in January. They have 3 young kids. Both have lots of medical bills. We are thankful to be in a position to help so we have been.
The good. We are all healthy and employed. Our kids are all doing well. We are going on a cruise next month and can't wait. We haven't been on one in 16 years. We put 3 kids through college and got 2 married. We paid the mortgage off last year so we are debt free. This is our reward. We can't wait.
As everyone has said - thanks so much for asking!
We are fortunate to be doing ok physically and financially in our mid 70's but the angst over what is happening to our country due to the elected leadership in Washington is enough to bring despair if I let it. On top of that I still haven't found a group of friends and purposeful activities after moving 3 years ago. I am lonely after moving yet again after having built community once again where we lived before.
I'm trying very hard to focus on what is good - closeness to sons, DILs & small granddaughters. A cozy home and walkable community albeit in a very expensive area. The ability to have a small impact locally by supporting initiatives and organizations. Kind and friendly neighbors. A very sweet dog. The ability to keep trying to find community and also enjoy online connections/community.
I do not allow the current world & US problems to ruin my day. Worry does not change the situation. We have had past decades of such problems. When I was in high school the Vietnam war was raging. Some of my classmates were drafted. College protests with shootings were occurring. The oil embargo & American hostages held in the Iranian embassy when I was a young adult. Clinton lying to all about his affair w/ Monica Lewinsky in the 90's and faced w/ impeachment. It goes on & on. I think about life during WW2 w/ all the fear & uncertainty. For self-care I attend my church regularly, pet my sweet cats, tend to my newly planted roses, bushes, and trees. I reflect on all the things I am grateful for. I get up for work on Mondays & Tuesdays at 4:30 AM. I'm too tired when I get home after a 9 hr day and a 45-50 min commute to worry about anything. Exhaustion can solve some problems. I am enjoying the cool temperatures in Texas. Soon it will be hot as blazes.
When you showed the sign, I made a note to paint a rock and place it on a popular path. It kind of reminds me of the commercial where the guy says, you could call someone instead of scrolling...
Rains and rainbows today. Rain makes pulling the weeds so much easier!
I am fine. My mom has goid days and really bad dementia days. I am so glad I retired when I did, I live taking care of her.
My foster son, just known as my boy...a gift for sure! His birthday is today and that sweet knucklehead asked for breakfast for dinner and a sleep over. He brought 5 friends and they are debating how long to fry bacon. He is making it the way he likes it (crisp). He gets 25 candles on his cake.
He wants to play games and listen to all of the popular music from the year he was born.
This is one of 3 blogs I read (Kristen and the other one is a quilter), you are a bright spot in my day. Thank you, Katy.
Thanks for the rock idea!!! I am getting ready to do a gardening series at my library, and as a little haha along with the raised beds I was going to do a rock garden as a craft for adults and kids. A check on your friends will be so perfect for this!
Losing my Boo Kitty last week sent me on a depression spiral. I'm still wobbly, but trying to get stuff done. My aunt & cousin are helping me with my long-distance apartment hunt. I don't really want to move to Iowa, but I can't afford a safe place here on my own anymore & don't have anyone who can help if something happens to me.
Anyway, I'm trying to convince myself that it'll be an adventure. New thrift shops to discover; new grocery stores to explore; new places to get lost in...you get the idea.
Hugs to all!
Today I am GOOD Katy, thanks for asking.
it has been a bit of a roller coaster ( a grind going up, and terrifying going down) for a few months.
Today, however, I was able to BENCH PRESS and my broken wrist didn't hurt! I could SQUAT with a decent weight (and a compensatory bar to coddle the wrist) and I felt Strong and Fit! Very very positive move back toward where I was in December. YAY!
Then volunteering with my lovely Hospice client (who lost her husband, I am a companion and meet with her for an hour. She is a total sweetheart and makes my day, although she says I do the same for her)
Then off to run (and be elected) in local Riding Association AGM for a provincial eco-progressive political party. Not that there was actually an election, as there were 6 of us vying for 1 1 positions, LOL.
But the meeting went off with a series of hitches that were fixed (often due to some of us being the belt-and-suspenders kind of meeting planners, so for example I had a computer with me that was available when the main one ran out of batteries, and someone else brought masking tape....). I really really like the other 5 people who are now on the Executive (fancy huh?), and we will be moving forward with enthusiasm and joy.
Mom is doing better (whew), my cousin is visiting her now and soon will visit me, the garden looks to be on a good path this year, and this commentariat brings me a lot of joy.
As a dane I'm happy that we still have Greenland 🙂
I'm upset and worried about the current situation with the orange monster in charge and the urgency I feel that congress needs to oust him ASAP and it's left me feeling powerless. It's a huge dark cloud hanging over my life right now. I'm trying to go about my business as if the world isn't going to end. I know this sounds very doom and gloom but I'm enjoying my family and friends as much as possible and my life in general. I'm trying to adjust to my empty nest and as always I am missing my sweet husband. I'm thankful for everything I have and I love this blog as it gives me so much motivation to keep on keeping on.
I wish I could be more positive about things, but it's financially very hard. I work a contract job which is usually FT but worked part time hours for two weeks and now there's no work at all this week. i can apply for unemployment next week if it continues but our state has big delays in processing checks. the slowdown of work has been ascribed to the "middle east conflict" ughhh. I look for new jobs but it's very hard as i have a weird background and at 57 I'm certainly not anyone's first choice candidate. I don't drive or own a car so no door dashing for me either. It's a tough time to go through a financial rough patch with almost no safety net. I know i'm not the only one, but it feels like all my friends are doing just fine! Le sigh. Hope i can find a new job/new side hustle soon.
I am just returning from a 10 day cruise and I am livid. I have celiac disease and have found a cruise line that has a dedicated gluten-free kitchen which allows me to have a real break (once a year) from the shopping, cooking, cleaning-up grind. I can never spontaneously shop at the grocery store for an impromptu gluten-free meal or stop at whatever restaurant for a quick meal. Everything has to be planned and coordinated. Just simple weekend's away from home are wrought with lots of planning. I know these are first world problems, but I do mourn the freedom and choices I have lost. This particular cruise did not go well. I was basically given bull-shit answers by a customer service rep who didn't want to assist me over the phone prior to the cruise, provided the same bull-shit answers once on the boat, negotiated the removal of a meal package we had paid before hand and did not use during the cruise, to realize we were reimbursed a third of the fee we paid initially and charged a whole bunch of other fees. Customer service on the ship could not assist and it is impossible to speak to an agent with any kind if decisive power over the phone at headquarters. So I have to open a case report and type everything out. I am furious. I found the ship under-staffed and the staff utterly over-worked and this seems to get worse with each cruise. I am aware that cruising is terrible for the environment, but justified this choice due to my medical condition and the limited options I have, but I don't think we'll be doing this again for numerous reasons.
I am utterly shocked, dismayed and discouraged by the current American administration's actions. Each day seems to ring-up a new horror and legislature that is directly opposed to my values. Our Canadian government is constantly having to adjust policies and vote measures to adapt to constantly changing US tariffs and legislation, while trying to appease your president without completely abandoning our principles and values as a nation. I really hope enough Americans will be fed up with the current administration to flip both houses next November.
I am fed-up with work, but I will plough ahead (48 or 60 months left). I was a stay at home mom for several years, and worked low paying jobs for several years when I returned to work. These current high-paying years are really boosting our equivalent gouvernment pension plan similar to Social Security and it is the financially savvy decision for us. Thankfully, I now work 28 hours a week (4 days) and that makes the nest 41/2 years much more bearable. On the bright side, my husband has been retired for almost a year and has taken up most of the domestic chores, including prepping breakfast and lunch. I am delighted to recognize that I feel much less tired during the weekend as most chores (many meals, house cleaning and laundry have been handled).
It was wonderful reading about the NCA community's état d'âme.