Friday 3-14-2025

Trijnie Huizenga-Pinterest

Our son and I will go to our local bank today to deposit funds and move them around. We have done reasonably well on selling things in the past few days. We will continue to do that as we can before we leave.

I did get confirmation that people in Philadelphia received our passport applications and payments, so things are in the works. Basically, we can pack and buy tickets when we get them, leaving all remaining here for the auctioneer.

Today I’m hoping to see two friends. One is Linda, my dear friend who now lives in a retirement place locally. I usually see her when I get my luscious monthly massages, but since I got sick, I’ve changed so much my visit to her got lost due to my inability to handle things, drive, etc. I hope to be able to see her today. I have a really snugly throw I want to give her and hug her neck.

I want to take some really good canned meats I found recently, plus a quilt to my friend Nora and visit with her, as well. She has been a friend for years and years, and I would like to spend some time with her today.

I’ll make another pass at deciding what will be packed. I still haven’t decided what I’ll wear for the trip. Our son said to be sure to wear layers, since some places we’ll have layovers may be cold. I’ll figure out what to wear, what to take for a change of clothes in my backback for sure today. Then I’ll start trying on clothes to make SURE all is good – and organized – so it’ll be easy for our son to see if I’m taking too much in one area, or forgetting something else…

As each day passes, it’s a combination of tears and joy. I hate saying goodbye to our life here, but we are simply not able to handle it all anymore. It feels so freeing to be able to walk away from it. I’m excited about ‘moving to another planet’ in effect, with different weather, completely different lifestyle, new people, sights, sounds. Things to learn, new foods to try, new ways to shop and more. I look forward to learning some basic polite Thai words. The list is endless.

One of the best things to look forward to is our son getting a computer up and running for me so that I can continue to write the blog. He has a backup of everything now on both of our computers. My husband may want to ‘build,’ one, so I’m hoping mine can be a laptop, or something relatively quick and simple to set up.

I wish you something that brings you joy wherever you are, that brings a huge smile to your face and fills you with happiness.

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Thursday 3-13-2025

MyInfo-Pinterest

Sorry to be so late in writing today. We were out selling stuff, and then our son was making backups of the data on our computers today, so I didn’t have access until this evening.

We sold a bunch of stuff today, sad, yet freeing. The things we were selling weren’t appropriate to be sold at auction, so we gathered up stuff, this morning and then again this afternoon, to sell ourselves. We didn’t get home until almost dinner time.

I also had a good friend come and play, “Freezer Dive,” today. I can’t tell you how happy it makes me that I can share some of what we have with people I care about. AND I got a couple of hugs.

Things are starting to come together now. I got a good start on figuring out what I’m going to take with me when we leave. The backpacks our son ordered for us arrived today. They are only really meant for the trip to Thailand. He says they sell really good ones that we’ll get when we get settled. We’ll wear these when we go on our walks, buying fresh food from the Farmer’s Market type stalls and things from the mall. They’re meant for us to use as carry-ons, with a change of clothes, overnight stuff, tablets, etc.

He also ordered one suitcase. We’re going to use it for my husband’s packing, and then figure out whether this is a good size or the 2nd one needs to be a bit larger.

Our big errand is to go to the bank tomorrow. Otherwise, I’m going to make decisions on tops – one to wear on the flights, another as a spare for the backpack, and the others to be my main clothes until further notice once we get there and settle.

I’m going to try everything on to be SURE all are good before they go in the ‘take’ group. Only summer stuff, except for the flight day. Our son says the airports, restaurants, waiting areas, and even the planes sometimes, are cold, though the airplanes may provide a blanket.

This is a big transition for me. I’m the one who buys two of everything – one to use and another as a backup so I don’t run out. This is a good exercise for me in learning to be more minimalist, and take only what I need. (I did admit, though, that I’m taking a small teddy bear to bring ‘home’ with me.) Our son smiled and said that was good. I also said my husband should take his little bitty pillow that he prefers, plus a couple of extra pillow cases, in his luggage, as that will help him sleep better and be a comfort to him.

Just a reminder – HandmadeHavenbyLinda, my Etsy site, will be shut down soon. If you would like anything, please make your decisions as soon as possible so we can be sure to get them mailed to you before we go.

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Wednesday 3-12-2025

omalij.bsky.social-@omalig.bsky.social

My heart just melted when I saw this cute little guy.

Things are moving right along here. My husband and son are handling some errands while I hold the fort here this morning. This afternoon a friend is picking me up so we can have coffee and visit. I’m really looking forward to that.

I’m starting to make decisions on what I’m going to take with me. Some of it is easy. No cool or cold weather clothes! No boots, coats, sweaters, etc. Only hot weather clothes, except for the actual flight. I’ll start putting things out later today, where I can see everything.

I’m probably going to wait to call for the oxygen guy to come get his supplies and equipment. I haven’t used it in a week, or at night, or even when we walked so far at the hospital yesterday, so I don’t think I need it anymore, but there is no reason to rush thing, either.

Lots and lots of details left to handle, but our son is handling things calmly and carefully, so we’re in excellent hands.

Are you doing anything fun/exciting/challenging? I would love to hear about it.

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Tuesday 3-11-2025

Karin de Haas via Pinterest

We had a very active day today.

I had an appointment with the pacemaker installation doctor’s office today. Our son has a problem when driving long distances, and he discovered that we now have Uber! We drove to the communal parking lot in the space where the main road in Greenwood meets the highway, so we parked there and then called Uber. We had a nice ride to the hospital. I was delighted at how well the man drove and how clean the vehicle was.

We found the doctor’s office without problem. After waiting awhile, the end result was that my pacemaker is working perfectly and should be good for 10 years. I’ll take it!

We then had to walk the entire length of the main hospital through a maze to reach a window with a phone on the wall outside of it. I called and explained that I wanted the meds that the ER people had collected and given to them. I showed my ID and soon had my meds in hand. After walking the whole length of the hospital back to the entrance, I was pretty wobbly, but I only had to stop and sit once, which was pretty good. We called for another Uber and were brought back to our truck.

We did our other errands and brought home a cheeseburger which my husband devoured with great enthusiasm. Since I’m trying to be a good girl, I ate a sandwich our son made for us.

I got an email confirmation from the passport people that they were working on our new passports and estimated 2 to 3 weeks.

Our son is working on where we will live. He is also juggling countless other details, plus taking complete care of us.

Things are coming together now. I’m am starting to get serious about deciding what I’ll take in my one suitcase and backpack. I’ll put it all out and then have our son look at things, tell me what I need to change, etc.

We stopped at our local grocery on the way back from my doctor’s appointment. My favorite clerk, Nina, was there. I told her ‘hello,’ and then ‘goodbye,’ and told her our plans. We hugged each other. She was happy for us, but we’ll miss seeing each other.

My friend Carla is going to pick me up and take me for coffee tomorrow afternoon. She wants to be able to visit and find out what I’m thinking, how I’m feeling, etc. I’m looking forward to the time with her.

I hope that you are doing well and that you’re enjoying some nice weather.

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Monday 3-10-2025

Julie Van Meter-Pinterest

Things are moving right along here in our efforts to move to Thailand to be with our son.

Several years ago our friend Carla gave us a riding lawn mower that really saved us a lot of work. We enjoyed using it, and the mowing of the lawn didn’t stress him the way the walk-behind mower did. It finally developed problems that couldn’t be fixed, so we bought a new one. It’s a nice one with zero-turn radius, and my husband almost grin when he uses it, though mowing the grass around the house is still a stressful proposition for him.

When we decided to move to Thailand to be with our son, it was a no-brainer who the riding lawn mower should be given to. We know we won’t get top dollar for anything in the auction, and we wanted to complete the circle by gifting it to Carla.

We did this yesterday, with my husband driving the mower first down our gravelly, STEEP driveway, then down the road about 2 miles from our house, where Carla lives. She cried. It was a really wonderful moment to return the joy of the gift she gave to us year ago. The mower will be appreciated and enjoyed. A true gift for all of us.

Today we have the auctioneer coming to the house at 11:00. I’m not sure what will happen, other than our signing contracts with him. I’m hoping we’ll get an idea of the plan on the auctions, time line, etc.

We have some errands to run after, and then I’ll continue going through things, throwing sensitive stuff away each week, trying to start putting things out in preparation for packing my one suitcase (still to be purchased) and my backpack that will be my carry-on. (ordered). (I finally had the energy to put all the laundry our son has done for us back where it lives and bring the laundry baskets back downstairs.)

I figure I’ll call the oxygen people at the end of this week or the first of next week to come get all the oxygen and equipment if I don’t need the oxygen at night anymore.

Thanks for all the birthday wishes yesterday. You made me feel special. :0)

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Sunday 3-9-2025

giphy

Today is my birthday. I’m 78. I’m especially happy to celebrate today because I almost didn’t get to celebrate this one. Because of the weird circumstance of being admitted to the ER because of shortness of breath and low blood oxygen, I was in the proper place to have good people there when my heart stopped twice on February 6th, plus the cardiology department who gave me a new lease on life with a temporary, then a permanent pacemaker. So, I’m celebrating today with a super-happy, ear-to-ear grin. If I can find a piece of chocolate cake with chocolate icing, you can bet I’m snarfing it down with pleasure! :0)

Kudoboard

Things are moving at a rapid pace around here on trying to get ready to move to Thailand to be with our son.

Our “emu” planters went to live with some good friends yesterday. They will need a coat of paint and some new googly eyes; but my friend loves them and they’ll have a wonderful home at her house.

I’m still busily canceling things like subscriptions, automatic renewals, automatic orders, etc., plus making lists of things to cancel when we are in Thailand.

We have a busy week ahead, sewing up lots of details, meeting with people, doctor appts, and more, but also have visits with friends scheduled and unscheduled as yet to enjoy.

Our son ordered backpacks for my husband and me to use as carry-ons until we get to Thailand. He will also order a suitcase for each of us, since the only ones we have weigh a ton and are older than he is. The new ones only have to live through one set of flights, so we should be able to get something at a reasonable price. We will each pack one suitcase and the backpack. That’s it. All else we let go.

The auctions may or may not happen while we are here. Our passports should be here in about two weeks, so we’ll be leaving soon after that. I’m concentrating on gathering as much energy as I can for the 23 or so hour trip.

I’m hoping that your life is going well, and that today – especially – you have a good reason to smile.

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Challenges 3-7-2025

I should be getting a call back on trying to cancel our house security system. I’ve tried twice, finally managed to leave a call back number after waiting for over 10 minutes on hold. Fingers crossed that they do it this time. The call is supposed to come any minute now.

Update – after countless transfers to another department, a man was finally able to cancel our account and give me a confirmation #.

I will finally get my much rescheduled haircut tomorrow morning. I look like a much-used dandelion gone-to-seed and maybe stepped on now, with my hair going every which way, with no plan in sight. This will be my final haircut with our wonderful hair stylist. I will tell him we are moving to Thailand, and invite him to freezer dive after work or on the weekend to give him more of a thank you.

I will soon shut down my Etsy site. It’s sad to do this, leaving a lot of stuff here at the house that will simply be auctioned off, but it’s one of the many things we’re ‘letting go.’ If you would like to take a look and see if you would like to order something soon, the Etsy site is HandmadeHavenbyLinda I’ve had a wonderful time making things for the site. Our spare bedroom has been a fun place to try to learn new skills. I look forward to finding a class or two in Thailand where I can watch what they’re doing and maybe start a whole new chapter!

Our son MAY have a line on a condo for us in the same building where his is. He contacted them yesterday and expressed interest in putting money down on the condo. All my appendages are crossed that we can get this one. It’s light, airy, and has plenty of space. The kitchen area is a little small, but we’ll be taking walks to get fresh stuff, or having it delivered, or even prepared for us.

Have a wonderful day.

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Letting Go

TypePad

We are learning to let go.

Some of this is easy. We are giving a lot of things away to good friends. We have always tried to be proactive and stay stocked up in case we get stuck up here on top of our ridge line for one reason or another. In lots of cases, we did a lot more than we needed to…

Some things are more difficult. They connect to our image of our ‘self.’ Like my husband’s gun collection, the tools we’ve worked with for years in our shop, making our yard critters, mailbox decorations, etc. For me, closing down my Etsy shop will be the end of an era, and a piece of my identity. I have found, though, that when we get settled in Thailand, there are groups that get together to make art! I’ll be exposed to new people, new techniques, and maybe open up a whole new chapter on my art, too.

My friend Shelia gave me some good advice. She said it helped her to save some treasured things that mean home or comfort so that you in effect carry your home with you wherever you go. I have a really small, soft, teddy bear that has had a place on the shelf to my right for some 37 years as I type and work at my computer. He will go in my bag to indicate home and bring me comfort if things feel strange. My blog – and being able to get back to it after the move – will be my other treasure. Our son has promised to save our data from our current computers and build each of us a laptop as soon as possible so that I’ll be able to get back to you. He knows how important this is to me, and I’ve promised myself not to bug him overmuch about it, but I assure you this will happen just as soon as we can make it happen. (We do need to find a place to live and get settled a bit first).

The hardest thing for us will be our animals. I called our vet, who has cared for our animals and us for as long as I can remember. I explained our situation and asked him if he was in a position to help re-home them. We want them to have adopted families who will treasure them as we have, and give them the best possible life. He agreed, and I sent him pictures of Amber and Jet (aka as Monster Cat.) I also told him we have extra food, toys, and a cat tower that will go with them.

Thankfully, we’ll be able to keep up with friends and family via our phones. We will need some type of SIM card to transition from here to Thailand, but that shouldn’t be a big deal. I’ll be able to receive and send gmail, messages, etc.

We are busily handling lots and lots of details each day. Trying to get our belongings down to one suitcase and one backpack each will be quite the challenge. Our son has promised to guide us, and I’m relieved we’ll be handling this journal into our future together.

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Details 3-5-2025

Freepik

I’m trying to do a bit each day in our efforts to get ready to move. Most of the details will be handled by an auctioneer who has a really good reputation and has worked in our area as long as I can remember.

My task lately has been to go through a four-drawer file cabinet to see if there are things that should be destroyed or saved or left for the auction company. Added to the task is the stuff we got from our safe deposit box at the bank.

I think I’ve finished going through the files. I’m still trying to make my way through the pile that is now on my desk. I will try to finish that today.

One of the nice things that is happening is that as I tell my friends we’re moving, I’m inviting them over to either freezer-dive, taking whatever they would like, and/or giving them things I think they would like. It makes me happy to give people I care about a bit of a boost. :0)

Our son is trying to help us clean up our habits, otherwise. I’ve been snacking like a fiend on Ritz Crackers like they won’t be made anymore. Actually, I don’t know if I’ll be able to get them in Thailand or not, but that isn’t the issue. The issue is eating between meals and I need to stop that – particularly eating things like crackers. Our son is cooking us some really nice meals, and I’m going to redouble my efforts to hold my eating to those.

My husband is ignoring all that, of course. Last night he had a bad night. We were up over and over with him being sick. So we talked to him when he came downstairs this morning about letting his stomach rest, and eating sicky food today. So what does he do? He got a jar of jelly and a knife and proceeded to eat the jelly straight from the jar. We have thrown up our hands now and he will do what he will do.

Our son has researched and found some supplements that he thinks may help my high blood pressure, so I’m embracing that change. Hopefully in time I will regain my strength, continue to lose my lard, take the new supplements, and resume my exercise schedule once we recover our general health and then recover from the grueling flight schedule to Thailand.

We will all fly together and we only have to do it once, so I am gearing up for that.

It’ll be amazing to ONLY pack things appropriate for the summer. In Thailand they have summer, wet summer, smoky summer, and more summer. That will be interesting to get used to. :0)

I hope you have a nice day today.

Take care.

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Big News

Caroline – Pinterest

I’m still feeling pleased that I FINALLY reached my 50-pounds-down goal this past week. I am now into my 5-more-off-goal and have managed to get one more pound off. A large part of the credit goes to our son, who is doing all the cooking for us while my husband and I continue to try to recover from his flu and pneumonia, and my flu, bronchitis and follow up ER stay and pacemaker installation.

I have some big news in regard to our future. We are going to move to Thailand to be close to our son and to make the rest of our lives as comfortable as possible. I look forward to sharing our new lives with you here on the blog.

We have applied for expedited passports, and will basically leave as soon as we have those in hand and our tickets. There will be a block of time between our arrival there and the setup of a laptop where I can write to you again, but I hope that time will be short. I hope you will bear with me during the change.

I am looking forward to a new life as we handle many, many details of leaving here. I hope that you are celebrating changes that bring YOU joy in your lives, too.

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Sassy Squirrels

Aintright-@aintright.bsky.social

A squirrel is just a rat with a cuter outfit! ~ Sarah Jessica Parker

Artologica aka Michele Banks-@artologica.net2

You can’t keep a squirrel on the ground. ~Mary Lasswell

Dreamcatcher-@dreamcatcher01.bsky.social

I just need green. I need to wake up and see grass and squirrels. I don’t want to see skyscrapers. ~Andre Leon Talley

froggy-terri.bsky.social

Sometimes big trees grow out of acorns – I think I heard that from a squirrel. ~ Jerry Coleman

jon5cents-@jon5cents.bsky.social

The highway of life is filled with flat squirrels that couldn’t make a decision. ~ John C. Maxwell

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Sunday 3-2-2025

Journaling Happiness-@alcycarmstrong.bsky.social

I love this photo. To me it means that the possibilities of the path ahead are endless, full of opportunity, wonderful changes and chances to reshape our lives.

I am definitely feeling stronger this morning. I still can’t sleep flat on a bed without panicking over being able to breathe, but I spend some time up there each night, staying as long as I can, then finish the night downstairs in my recliner with the oxygen. It’s working for me, and hopefully I won’t need it much longer. I’m already going the whole day without the need for oxygen, so am hopeful this part of my recovery is well on its way.

With all that has happened over the month of February, I was surprised to see that I finally reached my interim weight loss goal of 5o-pounds-less-of-me-than-there-was-before. I don’t recommend doing it the way I have, but I’m happy, none-the-less. I’ll continue using MyFitnessPal.com to track my progress, making new goals for daily eating (once I figure out what they are), but I’ll be concentrating on heart-healthy whole foods, lots more fruits and veggies, etc. I’m setting my next 5-pound-increment goal and will see how things stand once I’m fully recovered.

I’m so grateful that our son dropped everything to come take care of us. He has done all the cooking, cleaning, shopping, laundry, etc. since he came home. He has been truly wonderful. We are more and more able to enjoy our time together as we feel more like ourselves. I’m sorry that it took my husband and I falling apart at the same time to have him home, but I can say that we’re cherishing every minute together. He is coming up with all kinds of things that are good for us, in food, drinks, and vitamins, so I’m embracing the changes.

I hope that things are going well for you, too. Reach out to those you love and let them know how much they mean to you. There are no guarantees for any of us, and time is of the essence.

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Priorities

Jamie Hart-Pinterest

I went without my oxygen this morning for a while, paid a bill online, and am now writing this as if I were a regular person! This is a big step for me. It still doesn’t take much to knock me flat, but I’m gaining on things.

What I wanted to stress today was how important you are. Yes. YOU.

I have always valued you, and spent quite a while each day collecting things that I think are wonderful to share with you. But I wanted you know know that since my husband and I got sick in February and our world was turned on its ear, the ‘valuing’ has become much more personal.

I thank you for the comments and messages. The welcome-backs. The honest concern. For checking on me. These are all priceless.

I hope that I will be able to write TWO posts tomorrow, and soon be back to holding myself to 4 blog posts a day one day soon. :0)

Take good care.

Linda

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“Ch-ch-ch-ch-anges…”

Elizabeth Westfall-Pinterest

I am still among the land of the living and am finally feeling strong enough to try to get one blog post written this morning.

There are lots and lots of changes going on around here, due to the sudden events of the past 2 weeks or so. I appreciate your bearing with me on things I’m having to do differently as I adapt.

To summarize the events of February, my husband and I both were diagnosed with Flu A (husband flu plus pneumonia. Me flu plus bronchitis.) at our walk-in clinic on the 6th. The doc there strongly suggested I go to the ER due to low blood oxygen. We went home and I called a friend, who drove me to the ER. I was admitted there, transferred to the ICU, had two operations in three days due to my heart stopping beating, one for a temporary pace maker and the other for a permanent one. I was released on the 12th.

I asked our son to come home from across the world from us. He dropped everything and traveled 24 hours to get here. He has handled all the cooking, cleaning, medications, animals, taking care of us beautifully. I honestly don’t know what we would have done without him.

We are both improving very slowly. I am on oxygen, but am trying to wean myself off of it as I can.

Yesterday our new bed came and the fridge guy came to look at the ice maker in the new fridge. The bed will be fine, though we both need to do some adaptation. The tech ordered a part for the fridge, so that will be handled eventually, too.

The most impactful thing from all of this is that my husband and I have always planned carefully for future scenarios, not wanting to be caught flat footed. We honestly hadn’t thought about the fact that I could croak first. This has upended everything. We also never planned for both of us to be sick at the same time, and that upended anything that was left. I have to admit I am rocked down to my core on this one. I could handle being the survivor, but I seriously worry about my husband’s ability to function by himself.

This will take a lot of thinking and replanning, and possible scenarios we never even considered before.

Again, thank you for taking the time to read all of this. I hope to be able to get back to the regular blog posts starting tomorrow. I’m trying to give myself some slack, though, since I tend to give out at the slightest effort, and will need to work to build my stamina again.

Meanwhile you’ve been on my mind and I hope you’re doing well.

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Day Of Celebration

Brenda Beaudet-Gaba-Pinterest

Good afternoon. Just one message to you today – if you’re reading this, thank you!

My life since the 6th has been a scary one – dignosis of both my husband and I at the walk in clinic in Greenwood of (Flu A with pneumonia with my husband and with Flu A with bronchitis for me.) My blood oxygen level was so low at the clinic the doc there insisted I go to the ER in Ft. Smith. My friend Carla took me because my husband was way too sick. From the ER, I was admitted to the hospital because of my labs and symptoms. 3 days later I woke up with a group of nurses around my bed, asking if I was “all right.” They told me then that I had techically died several times that night, my heart simply stopping for several seconds each time. They arranged a transfer to ICU, where in the middle of the night I received a temporary pacemaker. 3 days after that I received a permanent pacemaker. I was released home on the 12th.

My husband is home, too, and is making good progress after a 14 day course of antibiotics.

When our son asked if we wanted him to come home from across the world from us, I selfishly said, “yes.” He has been here, taking wonderful care of us for a few days now.

I am on antibiotics, steroids, stopped several of my regular meds until further notice.

Yesterday at my follow up primary doc’s office, I simply collapsed trying to stand long enough for a chest x-ray. As of yesterday afternoon, I am on oxygen. I can now breathe for the first time since being released, (maybe a slight exxageration) and I slept for the first time. Breathing should not be underrated. I enjoy doing it a lot, but prefer it not to hurt and to get enough not being afraid I’ll faint. )It was fabulous last night to be able to lie back and really relax, getting the air I need, shut my eyes without nausea and then panic panting trying to catch my breath over and over all night long.

I am definitely in celebration mode here. Happy and relieved that my husband is a bit stronger each day. Relieved and grateful to Carla who dropped everything to get me where I needed to go. Delighted our son is here, taking good care of us, and able to concentrate on being happy I am alive to type.

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Still Alive, but in Hospital

Quick note. I am in here until further notice. I have FlA, bronchitis, shortness of breath, low blood oxygen. I went to the emergency room yesterday and they admitted me to the w. I have no clue what the plan is. They are giving me breathing treatments. I ate last night for the first time since last Thursday I will try to send messages

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Health? Update

Orange Dots-Bandcamp

We are still a mess. We spent most of the day coughing, trying to sleep, coughing…. I also had waves of a cough, then getting really short of breath. We dug out some Theraflu, since we seem to be past the sore throat stage now and into the just coughing one. We managed to make and eat some soup this afternoon, and that was it for the day. Hopefully, the antibiotics will bring us back to life a little at a time. Meanwhile, we’ve made a pact that we won’t ever both be sick at the same time.

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Quick Update

We’re home from the doc. I have Flu A plus bronchitis. My husband has Flu A plus pneumonia. He will have another chest x-ray in two weeks. We are both on antibiotics now. We feel awful and will sleep as much as we can until further notice. I’m rescheduling things as much as possible. Will be back when I can.

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Still Sick

We weren’t able to get help Saturday. We’re still a mess. We’re planning to try to be at the walk in clinic at our regular doc’s office at 7:30 tomorrow.

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We are Sick

Thursday I woke up with a cough an aches. Friday my husband did the same. Today the two of us together are not worth shooting.

We drove to an urgent care in Ft. Smith at 7 this morning, only to find out that there was only one doctor, there would be at least a two hour wait, and that they would probably want chest x-rays and were not set up for that. The man at the counter told us about another urgent care that was also open at 8, so we headed there. To indicate how bad my husband felt, he asked ME to drive.

We got to the second place only to find that they would’t be open for another hour. That was my husband’s breaking point. He demanded we go home. We both fell into our recliners and are just now waking up again.

I will try to fix us some soup. Just wanted to let you know what was happening around here.

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Search

Pinterest – no attribution

I finished this raccoon yesterday and listed it in my Etsy shop. If I start to feel better, I’ll see what trouble I can get into in my art room this afternoon or evening. :0)

_____________

I called the store where we bought the fridge just a minute ago to ask what they suggested on getting the transparent plastic film off the stainless steel. The man who answered was very nice. He said he didn’t have any magic bullet, but that HE started at the outer corners and pulled inward toward the center of the fridge. He also suggested that we use the Allen wrench that came with the fridge to take off a handle on one side and see if that helped. These suggestions, plus continued use of the hair dryer, might yield some good results.

The throat spray I’m using to numb the back of my throat seems to be working better today than it was yesterday. I’m not in as much discomfort. I took aspirin and used the spray this morning. Hopefully, if I can arrange a bunch of rest during the day and sleep better tonight, I’ll be my usual sassy self soon!

I’m hoping that I can report still more progress on my computer tomorrow, plus progress in whatever is leaking on the second floor.

Hang in there!

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Filed under Thoughts on a ________

Beautiful Bird Photos

Michele Muse-@michelemuse.bsky.social

“A heart without dreams is like a bird without feathers.” — Suzy Kassem

Nature Art by Gibson-@azgibsonz.bsky.social

“Every bird, every tree, every flower reminds me what a blessing and privilege it is just to be alive.” — Marty Rubin

roadrunner-Patrick-@watchinthesky.bsky.social

“Wherever there are birds, there is hope.” ― Mehmet Murat Ildan

Royal Tern-Structure and Function-@aaronsimages.bsky.social

“If you want to fly, give up everything that weighs you down.” – Anonymous

2 Comments

Filed under Awe-Inspiring Photography

This is What I Call a Path – 4

Beskrajne Mudrosti-Pinterest
Christine Jacobs-Pinterest
floormat by Laura Bybee-KateBackdrop.com
Thomas Ritcherson-Pinterest

1 Comment

Filed under Decorating Ideas

Friday 1-31-2025

Nature Is Amazing – @AMAZINGNATURE on X

This little guy made me smile.

_______

This has been a super challenging month for us. First we studied our finances and decided to order a new computer for me. My husband of course wanted to build me one, rather than get one that was essentially ready to use. We’re closing in on being able to do the switch from the old to the new very soon.

Second, my side of our air mattress failed. We had to buy a new bed. It will be delivered February 26th. Until then, I’m sleeping in my recliner, on the sofa, or in the guest room.

Third, our ice maker on the fridge died. That resulted ‘somehow’ in the freezer below failing, as well. The tech came and went yesterday, unable to fix it, can’t get parts for it or a new ice maker. So we drove to Ft. Smith, to Jarry’s Appliances, and bought one that is much like the one we have loved here since 2006. To our astonishment, it could be delivered yesterday after 4pm. Then she called, asking if they could come in 30 minutes! We had eaten a quick lunch and then I cleaned out the failed fridge, stashing everything either in the pantry fridge or the pantry shelves. The delivery came, the guys took the old fridge, and then the clean up began. I had to mop the floor because the old fridge had been harboring water from the ice maker, I guess. Then we moved the stashed food to the new fridge.

We are still trying to get a plastic transparent coating off the stainless steel. We’re tackling it with a hair dryer, but I’ll call the lady at the store this morning and see if there is some better method.

Finally, when we were leaving to go look for a fridge, we saw a water stain on the living room ceiling. :0( I called our plumber and he will be here sometime today to see if he can find and fix whatever is leaking on the 2nd floor. And then, we’ll need to do something about the stain…

I am hopeful that nothing MORE will happen. I thought the saying was, ‘bad things happen in 3’s….’ We’ve had more than our share.

To add injury to insult, I have a sore throat now. I’m not running a fever, but I feel as if I’ve been run over by a truck. I’ve been taking aspirin and spraying the back of my throat with a ‘soothing spray’ that is supposed to numb the soreness. I’m also sucking on sore throat lozenges. I’m resting as much as I can, hoping I can throw this off. I really can’t remember the last time I had sore throat or flu-type symptoms. I didn’t need this. :0(

Enough griping. The good things are –

  • The computer changeover is almost finished. I’ll have a new faster computer with Windows 11 and won’t have to worry about Microsoft not supporting my operating system. Once I learn to deal with the things that are different, I should be a very happy camper.
  • We are in the position, with a lot of juggling and decision-making, to HANDLE the failing of things all around us. We’re slogging through, getting new things installed or scheduled, old things taken away.
  • The rain yesterday was RAIN – not winter stuff that would have snowed us in again.
  • I think if I can rest enough, I will feel better soon from the sore throat.
  • I have a warm, mostly dry house, the plumber will be here today, so that fix will be handled in time, as well.
  • My husband and I are pulling together in all this, helping each other make the decisions, balance the load, handle the details.

I hope that you are able to handle whatever is happening in your world in a way that makes your life better. I wish you strength, resolve, and a supporting hand.

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Triumph and Relief

Tina Ann

I have told you that our son lives across the world from us. We communicate daily via a chat program he set up for us, plus a conference call program. This allows me the illusion that he is NOT across the world from us, but only a message away. We chat daily – sometimes several times a day.

We’re setting up my new computer and I wanted to get the chat program on it. I had a real problem, though, in that my current computer gave me a message that the chat program wanted to “verify it’s you.” To do that, I was supposed to give it my username and password. I did, and it tried to send a confirmation email to the address – but that address is no longer active. I tried to change it, but it wouldn’t let me. AAAAAAACK!

I left a message for our son about the problem. Thankfully, he sent an email inviting me to sign up using the new computer. I used the new computer to follow the directions and finally got it working.

Our son helped me change the user name and password. He wanted me to display a picture with my account. We haven’t been able to move my pictures to the new computer yet, so I looked at what was available so far. In an old picture group, there was a picture of my husband and me, sharing a chair in my parent’s home back in the 60s when we were dating. I used that. Our son LOVED the pic. Apparently, he hadn’t seen that one before. He sent a smiling emoji and said he thought “we ought to go steady.” I replied, “we did, and over 55 years later….” It was a fun memory.

I then was able to move the program to the browser I use for that, so we’re all set. (We will tackle what we need to do to enable the conference calls later. We need to enable camera and microphone, and who knows how we do that.)

I am feeling triumphant that we were able to get this done this morning. Things are looking up.

I got a call a while ago from the tech, saying he was on his way… Fingers crossed about the ice maker.

4 Comments

Filed under Cause for Celebration, Challenges, Changes, character-building exercises

Saving Bird Wood Sculpture

Saving Bird Wood Sculpture – Etsy

7 Comments

Filed under Saving Bird Wood Sculpture - Etsy, When Wood Comes Alive

More Rugs as an Art Form

EtsyDE
JustBePerfect.com
Wayfair
Snorider Fashion
Walmart
Word of Rug

5 Comments

Filed under Decorating Ideas

Thursday 1-30-2025

Leah Rina – Pinterest

The appliance technician is due here between 8 and 9 this morning. Fingers crossed that he can repair the ice maker, order parts to fix it, or order a new one for us, rather than our having to buy a new refrigerator. I am having my husband handle the service call for many reasons. Fingers crossed things go well.

__________

5 News

This is our weather map this morning. If you look right in the center, you’ll see Fort Smith. Greenwood is just south and east of there. We’re due for 2 to 4 inches of rain before the rain stops and are under a flood watch. We’re on top of our ridge line, so we don’t have to worry about flooding, but the tech may have trouble getting through Greenwood. I am glad it’s RAIN, rather than sleet, freezing rain, ice, or snow.

____________

I finished the raccoon wood burned and painted piece last night. I’ll post a pic of it later today or tomorrow.

I hope that your day is wonderful. “Arise, Go Forth, and Conquer!”

3 Comments

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Survival Wish

Susan Allen – Pinterest

1 Comment

Filed under Funny Signs - Humor

Beautiful Drawings

Kedi-Aski-via-Emma-Pinterest
Colin Ventura-@colinwoodart.bsky.social
drawyager.com
pixelorbyt.com
Raine-@Raine_draws-X
Meriem-Pinterest

7 Comments

Filed under drawings

Purple Flowers

Antonio-Pinterest

“Happiness held is the seed; Happiness shared is the flower.”– John Harrigan

GreenRiverTropics-Etsy

“Love is the flower you’ve got to let grow.” – John Lennon

BoriFruitTrees-Etsy

“If you look the right way, you can see that the whole world is a garden.”– Frances Hodgson Burnett

BestaMarket-Etsy

“Love is like wildflowers; it’s often found in the most unlikely places.”– Ralph Waldo Emerson

3 Comments

Filed under Favorite Quotes, Favorite Things