September Chit/Chat

[Earth Mother 2 Angels]

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

Today, the skies are white and smoky, and the sun didn't break through until mid afternoon. Fortunately, the fire nearest to me is moving north into the forest away from structures. So far, it has burned over 26,000 acres. It is 6% contained. The amount of ash falling here has lessened, but I can still smell the fire.

Air quality is poor/unhealthy, and we're advised to avoid being outside for any length of time. I haven't taken my morning walk for several days now. Although I wear a mask on my walks, I doubt that it would be effective against the smoke. Regardless, I don't want to be out in it. I do miss my walks, but it isn't pleasant in this situation.

While this fire moves farther away from me, I'm still nervous. This is fire season, and I remember last year, when fires very close to us sprouted up. We are in proximity to a natural preserve, which is bone dry, and that is always a concern.

The predicted strong winds and excessive heat turned out to be incorrect, so that is a blessing. It reached 90 here today, with 20% humidity. It was in the 60s during the night and morning.

I'm keeping all of the windows closed, so the house feels stuffy, but at least I'm not letting in foul air. So, it's the lesser of the two evils, I guess.

It has been 6 years since our major earthquake, and I continue to be prepared for another jolt. It's inevitable. Just like fire, you never know that it is coming.

I have lived here the majority of my life, and there is no question that fires and earthquakes have increased in frequency and intensity in the past 15-20 years. How anyone can deny that this climate change is the result of our mistreatment of our planet boggles my mind.

In addition to this, I've been quite aggravated by Bob Woodward's revealing tapes from his 18 interviews with the resident of the Oval Office. And yes, this is political. Nearly 200,000 lives lost, and all of us living in fear and restriction, because he lied to us about it repeatedly and refused to do anything to prevent the spread of COVID.

I saw a news clip today where a reporter asked one of his supporters at a rally, why he wasn't wearing a mask. The supporter shouted, "Because it's a hoax! It's a made up hoax meant to destroy our country."

A hoax? Tell that to the millions of people, who have had COVID, are still recovering with long term effects, and the families of the hundreds of thousands of people, who died from it.

Every single member of BrainTalk, whether active or in absentia, is at high risk of being severely ill or dying from COVID.

Who planted the idea in that man's head that this virus is a hoax?

Our planet is dying. Our people are dying. That is death and politics. And it affects all of us.

It is just too much stress constantly. It's starting to get to me, as you can tell. In the last 6 months, I lost my beloved husband, two of my dearest friends (one is John's mother), and I haven't processed my grief for them or Jonathan or Michael. My home was torn apart and in chaos. I have dozens of things I need to do to get my home and life in order.

All of this, and I'm worried about fire, earthquakes, and COVID.

And, today is 9/11.

Screen Shot 2020-09-11 at 4.22.29 PM.jpg

We Will Never Forget

Thank you so much for your concern for me. I will try to keep you updated, so you don't worry about me. I love you and pray for you all every day.

Love & Light,



Rose

*Virtual Hugs Are Germ-Free!

[Virginia]

Rose, thank you for updating us on your situation. No one needs to tell you how unpredictable fire is, so please as I can tell how stressed out you are, take a moment to breath, but think about packing a bag and sitting it by your door. Just leave it there for a few days. If you don't know where to go ask John or someone you trust.

Agate, I am again concerned about you. It appears that since your last check in earlier today the fires in Oregon have gotten much worse. The air quality in Portland, according to the news, is the worse of any city in the country. I understood the news to say that the fire had reached the outskirts of Portland. I assume your son and family would take care of you leaving. That is an assumption on my part because I don't know their situation with this fire either. Please get your things together and consider packing a bag like I asked Rose to do.

Rose, I too am very upset about the recent revelations that have been on the news for the past couple of days. I just can't imagine any right thinking person not being, but there is only one thing we can do, and we can't do that until November.

[Virginia]

Howie, home looks pretty good tonight doesn't it? If you are watching any news about Calif or Oregon I think you will be glad we are here at this time.

Give Sam a hug and tell her how glad you are to have her laying across your lap.

[agate]

Virginia, thank you for your concern. My son and DIL and grandson are in a much riskier area right now. They are at Level 1, meaning that they should be on the alert in case they get to Level 2 or 3, but they're very close to areas that have already been evacuated.

My area isn't even at Level 1 so far though the air has been smoky for several days now. The cooler weather that came today might help the situation.

The neuro appointment was brief. She suggested Baclofen for stiffness and spasticity. I gave it a pass for now.

The appointment was scheduled for 11:30 but when it got to be 12 with no call, I went to the "patient portal" and found it listed for 12:30. When it got to be 1 with no call, I called a number that was suggested when I called another number and the recording said they were at lunch but if I needed to contact the doctor now, I should call this number.

I figured that I need to contact the doctor now because I'd waited quite a while but I got chewed out for dialing an emergency number. I didn't know it was an emergency number.

I was told that the doctor would call me when it was convenient for her. She called at 1:45. She kept getting my name wrong even though I told her how to pronounce it. She seemed not to have concerned herself with many details about my situation either.

Neuros probably don't want to bother with long-term MS patients unless we're on one of the MS drugs or having a treatable problem.

I'm really glad I don't count on neuros for anything at all and hope I never get tempted to.

[Virginia]

Sorry this happened with the neuro appointment Agate. I am glad you are not in anymore danger than you are. I hope it doesn't change except to get better. Hope things get better in your son's area also.

I feel sure Nuthatch's daughter and her family has had to evacuate. When I talked to David about 10 or 11 days ago her bags were packed and sitting by the door, but she was still hoping she would not have to leave. I expect that changed for her and Tula and Dahlia and her husband.

Hope all goes well for everyone over night.

[Virginia]

Agate, thanks for checking in through the Tom Cat thread. I am seeing really bad pictures of Oregon and it is frightening. To see people loose their homes and everything they have is so sad. I always wonder if there were sick people who lived in those homes and had to try and find a way out even though they were not able. Or the elderly.

Maybe Rose will check in soon.

[agate]

Virginia, some have died--and this story tells about a couple of people in shelters. It's comforting to know that shelters are in place but I'm sure some won't be able to get to them.

Only registered and activated users can see links., Click Here To Register...

[Earth Mother 2 Angels]

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

agate ~

I am so sorry that you are in the midst of all of this, because Oregon also has a lot of fires happening concurrently, like California. I hope and pray that you and your son and family will be safe.

I feel so sorry for the woman, who lost her homes to hurricanes, and now this threat. She has COPD and asthma, so this smoke must be awful for her. I feel sorry for everyone affected by these fires.

This afternoon, John called to check on me, and we discussed the fires. He isn't getting any ash now either, but the skies are still very smoky and everything smells like smoke.

He wants to visit in the morning to drain Michael's pond, since he's concerned about algae build up. I've done my best to scoop it out, but it reaches a point where it is too heavy to lift and awkward for me to reach. It's precarious, and I shouldn't be doing it.

I mentioned my concern about the smoke, and he said that he'd wear his mask, and that it wouldn't take more than a half hour. I think he's underestimating the time, but he really wants to do this for me, so I said, "yes."

Then he asked me if I wanted him to bring me a decaf and a doughnut. I thanked him for his sweetness and kindness, but declined. I make 16 oz of decaf every morning, and I don't eat doughnuts any longer. He knows this, but he's always looking for a way to spoil me.

I don't know where I'd be, if John wasn't watching over and protecting me. He has done so much for me, for Jim, for Jonathan. My greatest fear about old age was that there would be no one to help me, advocate for me, ensure that I received proper care, etc. And then, John appeared, and that fear has now abated.

So, should a fire break out near us, or if we have an earthquake, John will be here within 10 minutes to rescue me, depending upon obstacles he might encounter on the way. But, I know nothing will stop him from getting to me eventually.

Thinking of and praying for Jeanie, and for everyone here and your loved ones ~

Love & Light,



Rose

*Virtual Hugs Are Germ-Free!

[agate]

Rose, I'm so glad that John is such a good friend and so thoughtful.

Is there some way of removing the algae without scooping it out? Are there some fish that eat algae, for instance? It does sound like a difficult process.

Yes, it would be good to know how and what Jeanie is doing. I think she'll be back here as soon as she can.

[Virginia]

Thank you Agate and Rose for checking in.

[Sunshine 2]

So much suffering. Seems like since the past 2 years, so much suffering here on our board. THe fires are horrible: is it biblical? Pestilence, Death, fire, flooding...all brought to you by our politicians. When will we unseat the Pharoah?

My health has been horrible. So, I am not on here posting much. Still swim at least 3x week. Today it was as the sun came up and a great horned owl called three times and then flew over the pool. That was a nice distraction.

Agate, time t get a new neurologist , just like I said to Howie re his unresponsive doc re Gabapentin rx.

[agate]

So sorry you've been having such an uphill battle lately, Sunshine! Does hot weather mean worse times for you? If so, maybe the cooler weather that is coming along now will come to your rescue.

I agree that the neuro should be replaced. I thought that neuros would want to keep an eye on those of us with MS who aren't on MS meds even though they might just be tracking our decline but apparently not.

This neuro's practice is the only one allowed under my insurance but I'm hoping to just skip the neuro indefinitely and hope that the primary care doc doesn't notice that I haven't been "seen" by a neuro lately.

I typically take all problems to the PCP. Several times I've had sciatica episodes that were bad enough to seek medical attention. The PCP has sent me for physical therapy. She can also take care of any other problems that come along like infections. I'm just another patient who happens to have MS at this point. Since I'm reluctant to venture into medicines that are new to me at my age unless absolutely necessary, I probably wouldn't take any medicines a neuro would suggest.

I passed up her Baclofen idea, for instance, even though it just might help me. I know that people my age react differently and sometimes badly to medicines, and we're better off if we can get by with fewer meds.

[Howie]

I just got in from a dump, bank, and store trip. I really had to talk myself into it, but I'm back, got everything, done. Sam is outside. I had to prop the front door open to carry everything in, so out she went.

I also made a fresh batch of coleslaw. I'll eat later. Now cooling off, and see what's on TV.

Everyone have a great day!

[Virginia]

Sunshine, your bad time just keeps going on and we are all so hoping it would let up. I agree, this forum has seen it's share of problems this year. Love that you sound ready to get rid of the Pharoah.

Agate still concerned about you. I saw Senator Merkley on TV and he said winds were due to shift and I think he said strengthen this afternoon. Anyway, it was not a good thing. I am hoping your son and family have not had to leave their home.

Rose, I know you take a lot of Sundays off, but today would be a good time to check in please.

I have been hoping Agate would hear from Jeanie's son again maybe today.

Howie, hope Sam came back in on her on and quickly. Be careful about letting her out very often. She might start wondering further and further.


P.S. I didn't sleep very well last night. No reason for it. Anyway, I took a two hour nap in my chair this afternoon. I'll see if I go to sleep tonight.

[Earth Mother 2 Angels]

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

Sunshine ~

I wish and pray so much for your health to improve and your life to be easier and less stressful. Are you still taking MMJ, and if so, does it help you at all?

The Pharaoh is holding rallies, where at least 80% of attendees are not wearing masks, crammed together, shouting and screaming. I suppose they don't believe what he said in his taped interviews with Woodward about how "deathly" COVID is.

What is happening now certainly does feel Biblical. As a friend and I were discussing this recently, I said, "The only thing missing is locusts." And she said, "Actually there were locusts somewhere in Africa, and don't forget about the Killer Hornet."

Healing prayers on the way for you ~

agate ~

Michael's pond isn't a fish pond, and there is so much algae that we'd need a shark-sized fish to gobble it up. I can't use chemicals, because birds bathe and drink in the pond.

We gave up on neuros for Jonathan and Michael, because none of them could offer more than trying another seizure med. We'd already gone through too many of them.

It's quite distressing that your neuro doesn't take an interest in you. I think that is shameful. We went through that with dozens of neuros, and I just wonder why they even became physicians. I'm grateful that you have a responsive PCP. We did/still do, too.

Keeping the prayers going that you and your son and family remain safe.

Howie ~

I hope Sam didn't have a rendezvous with an alley cat! Cole Slaw ~ Yay! Enjoy!

Virginia ~

How are your dizziness and balance issues these days? Your shin pain? I do hope that this is all subsiding. I hope you have an excellent, restful sleep tonight.

My Update

The fire, which is nearest to me, has changed direction and is moving out of the forest toward the suburbs. Mandatory evacuations for some cities, while others are on alert. I think our distance is still far enough away that it won't reach us, but if we get strong winds and sparks fly, that's another story.

John arrived this morning to work on the pond and handed me a doughnut wrapped in paper towels. He said he knew I probably wouldn't eat it, but he thought he'd give it to me, so I could throw it away rather than him. I thanked him, and I threw it away. I just can't eat junk food, nor do I want to eat junk food.

When John opened the door to Jim's workshop, he said, "Rose, we have a problem here."

I walked over and there inside the workshop at the door was a pile of feces. I'm sure that it is possum. John cleaned it up, then he went into the shop and saw that two floor boards had been lifted up, which allowed access. He used a long piece of wood to put them back in place, then, he put a heavy can of nails over it. He figured that the critter wouldn't be strong enough to move the wood with the nails. I hope he's right.

He checked around the shop to make sure that the possum was not in there, and he said that the feces looks like it's been there awhile.

It took 2 1/2 hours to complete the project, including John going back to his house to get needed tools/equipment. The amount of algae and dirt was just astonishing. It is 17 years old, and it's located under two large trees, so it will never be pristine again. But now it is clean as it can be, algae free, and the fountain and waterfall are working beautifully.

John's phone never stops beeping. He answered a few calls, and explained that he was at my house helping with the waterfall/fountain. Finally, I asked, "Do your friends know who I am?"

John smiled, "All of my friends know who you, Jimmy, Jon and Michael are."

"Wow! That's a lot of people! We're almost famous!"

"Pretty close," John winked.

When John arrived, I had the Packers' game on TV. It was surreal to watch football for the first time without Jim. Last year, Jim and I missed watching football with Jon. This year, I'm missing them both. And Michael, although he wasn't as interested in sports as Jonathan.

Everything has a first. And this is one of them.

So, that's my story for now.

Thank you all for your love, caring and support. Please know I keep you all in my prayers.

Love & Light,



Rose

*Virtual Hugs Are Germ-Free!