April chitchat thread

[agate]

Here it is, April Fool's Day! I hope nobody plays any jokes on anyone here.

I once recall seeing a sign in an airport saying, "Any jokes made beyond this point will be taken seriously."

So what's been going on in your life? Are you managing to get groceries all right? Or are there shortages? There are still shortages here, at least in the store where my shopping happens.

And what about spring? Any signs of it? Robins???

Maybe Sunshine will feel up to starting a Keep On Moving thread.

Ralph in the Midwest is still talking about snow but he's also entertaining a regular herd of deer right outside his windows. I'll try to post the photo and his message shortly.

Guess we'd be hearing about snow now and then from Peg too if she were still here. I miss hearing about the tarpaper shack and the sacred cows.

Anyone reading anything interesting or watching any interesting movies?

I'm watching the 7th season of the "Brokenwood Mysteries." The book I'm currently reading is political and so I'll just say that much and no more. I'm not sure it's very good reporting and I may just give up on it.

How are gardens growing? StillstANNding just received a bunch of seeds, and Linda probably has all kinds of things growing already. I'm happy to say that my 4 pots of hosta plants all survived the winter. Last fall I divided two plants into 4 and now here they are. You have to love perennials. They keep multiplying.

[Ikoiko]

Do you know where I can watch Brokenwood for free or cheap? I have Amazon Prime, but they still charge.

[Virginia]

Thanks for this Agate!

It is mostly Springtime weather here with a little cool and yesterday was a lot of rain. If everyone remembers I got all new plants in my yard back in the Fall. There is one little one that has so many white blooms on it that it is drooping from the weight. It seems funny to see so many blooms on such a small plant. A couple of them have opened. I don't know the name of the plant, but the blooms are beautiful. I just hope all of them live.

I am mostly doing wordle and I am also reading a book by Amor Towles. It is a tongue in cheek kind of funny, about mostly 3 boys who had been together in a correction school. They get into everything without even meaning to. Pretty good, but I would not say excellent.

I have seen two Red birds outside my house this week. They are so pretty. The pollen is so bad I don't even know how the birds stand it.

I went in the rain yesterday to get my car inspected. I've been meaning to do it all month and yesterday was the last day so I had to do it. Thankfully, you can pay the Dept of Mtr Vehicles on line so I got that done late yesterday.

Wednesday I went to eat with family. First time for that in a very long time. Little 8 month old addition is so cute. He chewed on a few french fries and then he had quite a lot of sauteed squash and zucchini. He is a fruit and vegetable eater. I think his favorite is mandarin oranges. I think he likes chicken nuggets, but they say that they are sometime breaded too much, so they stopped giving him those. He will find his way back to that sort of thing when he gets a little older. But he does like food and is on more solids and less milk I believe.

[Earth Mother 2 Angels]

((((((Hugs to All)))))) ~

agate ~

Thank you for starting the April chitchat thread. I hope your arm is healing, and the pain is subsiding.

Our weather is gorgeous! It may warm up a bit more to the upper 80s in a week. I stopped to admire the sky and the beautiful panoply of colorful flowers in our neighborhood yards, when I brought in the trash bins this afternoon. I am grateful for the smidgen of rain we had last week, but we could use more.

It appears that the European red roses in my front yard are going to produce abundant flowers soon. I fully expect our Agapanthus (Lily of the Nile) will produce elegant lavender flowers as they always do
in the Spring. Here's an example of Lily of the Nile, a very popular and common flower in California:
Screen Shot 2022-04-01 at 3.23.26 PM.png


For anyone, who has Apple TV+, I highly recommend the film, "CODA," which won the Oscar for Best Picture recently. CODA stands for Children of Deaf Adults, and in this family, the wife, husband, and son are deaf, but the daughter has hearing. This is a fishing family in Gloucester, Massachusetts. The daughter interprets for her parents and brother, so they are dependent upon her for translation. She wants to go to college and become a singer. Her parents and brother don't realize how beautiful her voice is, of course.There are plenty of humorous moments as well as poignant ones. It certainly deserved the Best Picture Oscar.

I called my dentist's office today and scheduled an appointment for 4/14 in the afternoon. The office manager was so happy to hear from me, which was comforting. I told her that I had sent a lengthy email to the dentist about my life over the past several years, so that she would understand why I haven't been in for so long. She took care of me and Jim and tried to find a dentist to serve Jonathan many years ago. They know our family well and love us. So, I'm sure that she will be sad to learn that Jon and Jim have passed. I'm also sure that there will be many tears among us, when I first go in. They all adored Jim.

The good news is that she is contracted with Delta Dental, so thank you, agate, for sharing your experience.

Virginia ~

How wonderful that your new plants are blooming! That didn't take as long as we expected! Would it be possible for you to trim off some of the flowered branches and put them in a vase for inside your home?

Oh, your precious nephew must be a wonder to behold! It sounds like he has an excellent appetite, and I love that he is a veggie and fruit guy! I'm so happy that you had time with him and your family. How are Eric and his wife and family holding up? My thoughts are with them and your entire family.

Healing, positive energy and prayers for all!

Love & Light,

❤️❤️❤️❤️

Rose

[agate]

Rose, those flowers are beautiful! I've been meaning to ask you how your place is shaping up after you did quite an overhaul a while back? Are you now able to think of it as a home where you can relax and enjoy your surroundings instead of what sounded like a construction site there for a while? From the looks of those flowers, I'd say you must be at that point.

Ikoiko, I'm watching the Brokenwood mysteries on DVDs borrowed from the local library. They have an outreach program where they mail out material on request. I request lots of movies on DVD through them because they're free. Maybe your local library system offers something similar. I checked on Kanopy but they aren't offering "Brokenwood" though they do have quite a few movies available in streaming form, for free.

[Virginia]

Rose, my bushes are pretty small yet. I didn't know I had a flowering shrub until the blooms came out. I just hope it lives. It is right by my front door steps so when I come and go I can't miss it. I am going to try and find out the name of it. I would not want to cut on it yet.

Eric and his wife are doing alright. Eric is having a little hard time getting together everything for the insurance company. When nearly everything in your house is affected it is hard. His wife said there was not a single item that doesn't have soot on it. It is all over the house. I asked about the appliances and Eric said they have to go out to be cleaned. He has a concern about a bunch of Grayson's golf equipment. It stayed in his office and has got to be replaced. Grayson had some clubs that were gifts. from back when he was in tournaments. Eric knew that they were expensive, but he priced the replacement cost on just one and it was between $6,000 and $7,000. He thought it was about $3,000 until he checked on it. He said he could just hear the insurance company when they saw the price of some golf clubs. He has to have all his ducks in a row to get everything paid to tnem.

He is doing a lot of running between their house and rental, because he has to meet so many people at their house, then he has to go back to rental and try to work on his business and reconstruct taxes - both their's and Grayson's.

I expect you are getting your place in good order now. What you can't do John will help you with it. I wish my brothers lived that close to me, especially Eric. He keeps a car so I can get in it. His wife has a suburban and my other brother has 3 suburbans. Until recently he had two and a car and I thought they would keep a car, but they didn't. Kind of hurt my feelings since it is only two of them. However, I want them to have what they want.

[Earth Mother 2 Angels]

((((((Hugs to All)))))) ~

agate ~

Our Lily of the Nile have been in the front yard for decades. They usually bloom in May and last for a couple of months, depending upon the heat. John and his friend had to thin them out, when they reconstructed the brick retaining wall. Unfortunately, they tossed out what they removed, because they could have been replanted elsewhere.

I am nowhere near having my home as it should be. The destruction/reconstruction project from the leak occurred in 2020, immediately after Jim passed. I still have lawn and leaf bags filled with clothes and linens, which need washing, in the garage and stuffed under Jon's hospital bed. Boxes of clothes to donate. Boxes of medical supplies to donate. All of Jim's clothes in the master bedroom to remove from an armoire and donate.

There are numerous repairs needed inside and outside. Too many to list.

Why haven't I attacked any of these things? After the reconstruction project, I just couldn't bear taking on another one. It was so soon after Jim's and Jon's passing, and I was exhausted and extremely depressed. Also, COVID ~ I didn't want strangers around me. I haven't been emotionally able to attack the bags of laundry, and I'm not sure that my machines will hold up to the massive amount of it. I need them to work for my needs at this point.

It takes all of my energy just to do the basics of maintaining my home. I think about tackling the big jobs, and it overwhelms me, and I wilt.

Yes, John is a blessing, and he is willing to do anything to help me. He constantly asks me if I need anything, if he can help me with anything with the house. He's well aware of all that needs to be done here, but he is also keenly aware of my fragility. He always says to me, "Whenever you're ready, we'll do it."

Next week, Jon's 3rd Angelversary, followed a few days later with Jim's 2nd Angelversary. It might seem like I should have progressed more than I have, but I do the best that I can everyday to find strength, peace, and comfort, to help me move forward.

For me, taking care of my dental needs is a huge step in the right direction. Once all of my oral health issues are under control, I am sure that I will feel better in many ways.

Virginia ~

The world is turned upside down for Eric and his family. It must be so stressful and chaotic. I do hope that insurance will cover Grayson's clubs. Golf is a very expensive sport, and for the pros, it is even more expensive. My heart goes out to them.

I hear you about having a vehicle, which is easily accessible. I have noticed that John's car is comfortable, but I'm having difficulty getting in and out of it. I have a feeling that the same will be true of the car, which he's giving me to drive. I realized also that I feel claustrophobic in a car, because I am used to the space in the van.

Enjoy your blooming shrub. It must be happy to be there for you!

Love & Light,

❤️❤️❤️❤️

Rose

Pray for Peace!

☮️☮️☮️☮️

[Virginia]

Rose, I really feel you will get use to the smaller space in the car and especially when you are in it alone. I do have to pick up one of my legs and put it in my car, but in SUVs I just simply do not have the strength to get up in them. I use to could pull with my arms and manage to get my legs in. It was a little difficult but I could do it. However, now I just can't. No matter the leg exercises I do it is just not enough, I cannot get my legs to go up high enough.

Rose, I knew you had some bad time coming up this month. You will be in my prayers.

[Earth Mother 2 Angels]

((((((Hugs to All)))))) ~

Virginia ~

Getting in an out of a vehicle can be a challenge. I'm so sorry that you have that challenge. People, who don't have physical limitations, find it difficult to understand what it takes to get in and out of any vehicle.

I don't drive the van, because it has 2 steps to climb/descend. This is why I couldn't transport Jim to his appointments, because Jim wasn't able to climb/descend as a passenger. John has an SUV and 2 cars between him, his wife, and their daughter. So, we tried all 3 of them to see which one was easiest for Jim to access/egress. It was not easy for Jim with any of them. One of those cars is on my driveway waiting for me. So, we'll see.

Also, I haven't driven since 2020, so I'm rusty, and I'll be venturing out in a car rather than the van. It makes me nervous to think about it. Nonetheless, I won't be driving anytime soon, since all of my appointments will be dental over the next few months. I need an eye exam and new glasses, before I will feel safe driving.

Thank you so much for your prayers. I haven't been sleeping well recently, but thankfully, the past two nights I slept better with dreams of Jim, Jon and Michael. I know they are with me, watching over me, and I feel their presence.

I try to think about our physical separation in terms of the shifts, which Jim and I took to care for Jon and Michael. I had the day shift, and Jim had the night shift. Now, Jim has both shifts, and I am supposed to take care of myself.

Thinking of and praying for you and your family, Virginia. Stay strong, safe and well.

Love & Light,

❤️❤️❤️❤️

Rose

[Virginia]

I lost someone who had been very important in my life March 24th. It had been a very long term relationship, since beginning in 1987. This person had lived in Wilmington, N.C. for a number of years, but there had been the phone, both his and mine to keep us in contact. I have gone around with it on my mind for the last few days. Whatever I do it is there. I know that it will take time, but I also know that time does ease the pain. Rose we will pray for one another.

I went out to the cleaners today, stopped at the bank and then went to the grocery store. There were lots of empty shelves today. Going for a few things now cost like one is doing their weekly shopping. I did treat myself to something that I thought reminded me of Ann. It was in the Deli and came from New York. It is chocolate fudge with walnuts in it. Later I remembered that it is brownies with walnuts that Ann makes. Of course, I had gotten home before I remembered that so now I have to eat it.

When I got home a lady with a dog stopped by the trunk of the car and wanted to know if she could help me bring my groceries in. She was a very attractive lady and we just started talking. She works at a nearby school. She loves the kids. We talked so long that another neighbor that I have known for a long time came up and started talKing. they ended up bringing my groceries in. I enjoy meeting new neighbors and getting to know them. That is especially true now that I can't go for neighborhood walks like I did when I first came here.

Sleep well everyone.

[agate]

I'm so sorry you've had sad news about a dear friend. The older we get, the more people we lose, apparently, but that's just another way of saying that aging isn't for sissies and doesn't do much to improve your spirits.

Maybe that chocolate fudge with walnuts will go a little way toward being comfort food. There are times when just the right food makes a person feel better all over.

[Ikoiko]

Rose, you can have a laundromat pick up your laundry, wash it, and return it!!! It is less expensive than you would think. I even did this as a poor grad student.

[SuzE-Q]

I'm so sorry for your loss, Virginia. You've had a lot of stress recently, please take good care of yourself. So glad you enjoyed a nice chat with your neighbors, hopefully everyone stayed a safe distance. I so enjoy friendly conversations and helpful people. I hope your family is slowly rebuilding. Babies are the perfect antidote for a sad heart.

One step at a time, Rose, it is unfortunate that a dental visit is a difficult place to have good conversations, but I think it will be cathartic for you to connect with people who knew Jim, and you are able to share your recent lived experiences with people who knew the family. You'll feel so much better after you take care of your pearly whites. Even seeing better will help improve your outlook, literally AND metaphorically. Virginia, Rose, the flowers & bushes sound beautiful!

I thought I'd fixed my car troubles, but my starter needed more than one turn to start the engine the other day. I already replaced the battery plus changed some other part. It was fine for a bit, but now the problem continued. The last time, if I jammed on the brakes a few times, it would start, so the part was supposed to fix that (brake switch?). The dash lights all come on, so it's not the battery. Any ideas, Howie???

ANN, hope your mom continues to improve and you aren't overdoing it. Hello to everyone else, happy April! Looks like covid #s are rising again, please stay safe everyone! Virginia, I don't think you can have too much walnut fudge, plus it freezes well!

[Virginia]

Suze-Q, what does the alternator do? I haven't the faintest idea, but my Father owned two service stations with bays in them. My brother said he could work on or rebuild alternators better than anyone he knew. I know I just hate when I think something is wrong with my car or my computer. My car just had a birthday March 31st. It turned 15 years old and has 37,500 miles on it. Still low mileage. When the pollen stops falling where I live I am going to treat it and get it a bath.

Well, I am back to having to start looking for a new cleaning lady. Meredith came today and while here she said she was looking for a full time job. She said this (cleaning houses) was just not working out for her. She said she had hoped it would, but that it just isn't enough. She says she needs benefits. She has 3 teenage boys. Next year they will all be in the same school and she has applied for a job there as receptionist. I understand her position and I am glad she gave me a heads up.

Eric called this afternoon and he sounded kind of down. He said all the work he did getting receipts for stuff was for nothing. The insurance company wants everything on their forms and in a certain way and with pictures and on and on. The people who are to rebuild the house have permits now but can't start on anything until the insurance company goes out and gives them the o.k. He is having a hard time getting his two


to get tax extensions because they are so busy due to April 15th being so close. On top of this he has work. So now he is back to saying he brought it about. I keep telling him it was an accident and accidents happen. He insist on coming to drive me to the Doctor Friday. He says I can not walk from the parking building into the Doctor's office. He is probably right about that. I just hate to see him trying to run in so many different directions and under so much stress.

So that is about it for my house. I hope Ann's Mother is doing good this week. I have been thinking about Dar and Renee lately. It's been quite awhile since we heard from them.

[agate]

Virginia, taking you to your appointment might be a welcome break for Eric. He's probably getting bogged down in all of the insurance red tape and would like to feel useful to you, I'm sure. And while you're riding there and back, you can chat with him unless he doesn't talk while driving.

I've noticed that most drivers can talk easily while driving though a few can't, or it depends on the traffic.

What I completely don't understand is drivers who think they can talk on their cellphones while driving.

Van drivers sometimes are in touch with their dispatchers while driving but they keep it short, and they've been trained in ways of doing that safely, I'm sure. People on phones routinely in their vehicles are another matter. What if you were driving and answered a call and it was someone giving you very shocking bad news? How safely would you be driving just then?

I'll get off my soapbox now so we can return to our regular programming....