'Cafe Eclectic - Thursday, October 31st

[diane]

Welcome to Café Eclectic! The Café is a place to come and share good times and bad times. We are a group of women and have been together since 2002. The Café is open to everybody. Newcomers are always welcome - just jump in and post. Some people are regulars and visit daily, some pop in now and then, some stay to chat, some just listen. All are welcome. Post a personal message if you can. If you can't, that's okay too. You will find lots of support and encouragement here, and hopefully you will enjoy this thread as much as the rest of us.

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Quote of the Day: "Anyone could see that the wind was a special wind this night, and the darkness took on a special feel because it was All Hallows’ Eve." Ray Bradbury, "The Halloween Tree"

[Grammaof4]

Happy Halloween all! This isn't my favorite holiday (to put it mildly). I've never been into masks or spooky movies. I like seeing the little ones dressed up when they come to the door but that's the extent of it for me.

We've had a super busy week. Tuesday was insane! I had a 9am hair appointment so I pulled sloppy joes from the freezer that I had made last week and stuck them in the crockpot for lunch because I knew there was a whole crew working that day to get the trusses up. The wind cooperated, although it made things interesting at times. The crew arrived at 6:45am and the boom truck was there by 7am, all before daylight. At 12:10pm, the last truss was in its place. They worked fast and did a great job. I had gone to my hair appointment and at 10:30am got a call from my Uncle Kenny asking where I was. He and my Aunt Sis were at our house. I told him it takes awhile to get beautified and I'd be there as soon as I could. I got home just after 11. They were standing with Joe over at the house watching the trusses go up. We all came back over here and I had set the sloppy joes, chips, snack cakes and drinks up on the counter in the garage and that worked great. I just don't have a lot of sitting room here anymore. We moved all our extra lawn chairs and folding chairs to moms garage months ago, expecting to be out of here by now. But, we made it work. And the sloppy joes came in super handy with my aunt and uncle being here for lunch too. It worked!

My aunt and uncle stayed until after 3. It was really good to see them. Mom had a funeral at her church but came by to visit when she got home. The weather was great and we all sat outside. Nice visit.

After everyone left, I cleaned up the kitchen and got ready for the girls basketball game. While there, my phone rang and it was the buyers wanting to talk so I told her I'd call her when we got home. They are super excited about the house. She told her parents that they are buying it and everyone is so happy, including us! I can't tell you what a relief this is to get buyers that are just so nice. They'll be a great addition to the neighborhood. We got off the phone and I took some cold medicine and went to bed. I'd had a sore throat all day. I've been blowing out all the sawdust at the house every evening and with the wind I think I just injested too much dust. Well, the cold meds had me up all night long. UGH! Yesterday was a long day.

I had reconnected on FB with a friend that we got close to when we lived in Kansas City and we made it up with one another to get a chat in yesterday morning. We talked nonstop for 2 hours. They are permanently living on Anna Maria Island, on Bradenton Beach. I hope to visit her someday. Anna Maria Island is a bucket list destination for me. But she suggested we wait at least a couple of years because everything is in such a mess after the last 2 hurricanes. They didn't get terrible damage but most others did. The beaches are a mess now.

I made an extra nice lunch for the Feldmanns yesterday, which was also our main meal of the day and I took a plate to mom. (Roast beef, mashed potatoes, corn and green beans with rolls and a box cream pie). There is enough left for our supper again tonight.

The girls had another basketball game last night so we went to that. Our great niece sang the national anthem and I'm just so proud of her. She's so brave. She asked the coach if she could do it. Great job, Ellie! So we stayed to watch her performance then came home to answer the door to trick or treaters, which we only got 4. No one in the neighborhood had their lights on and its really dark down here in this part of town so...consequently kids just usually go to the bigger subdivisions.

We had a rainy start to our day today. No one has showed up yet to work at the house and they might not. Working on a wet roof probably wouldn't be the best idea. They got several sheets of plywood on the roof yesterday but still have a long way to go to finish that.

After temperatures being in the mid 80s all week, the rain has cooled things to low 60s for highs today. We are supposed to see the sun this afternoon. I have a pot of chicken noodle soup on to cook. I'm undecided if I'll make grilled ham and cheese sandwiches with the soup or just boil hot dogs. I'm not even sure the Feldmanns will be working today.

I slept much better last night but still woke with a sore throat. I took a cold pill and my nose started running like crazy but my sore throat went away. And I seem lots better at the moment so the meds must be working. I've washed my hands a bazillion times, as to not spread my germs. Thankfully, I don't have a cough or sneezing or any of that. I think its probably a good old fashioned cold. I did covid test before the game last night and it was negative.

Today we have mass for All Souls Day tomorrow. Then we'll hand out candy for any trick or treaters that might come to our door. A lots more low key day on tap. I'm ready!

Have a great Thursday all!

Barb: I've said prayers here for safe travels for you and Robin today. You are much braver than I. Don't think I'd attempt driving a big vehichle like that. Have the best time at the lake!

Lauren: I'm still doing the happy dance here for your great news this morning!
We had the game on and saw the Yankees hit all those home runs. Thought they were going to pull it off.

Annie: I'm so glad you are seeing some progress from PT!

Peggy: Have fun with your Halloween festivities!

Karen: Your Thanksgiving sounds absolutely wonderful!!! It is unreal that our grands can be 16 years old and driving already!

AZSue: Do you get trick or treaters where you are?

Maggie: Do trick or treaters make it up that hill to visit you on Halloween?

[aviemore03]

Good morning, Café friends,

Going over my list of things to pack and finishing up the bills that are coming due. I’ve already scheduled most of them that aren’t on autopay. I need to check to see if the water softener is scheduled to be changed. Tracy works from home on Fridays so it shouldn’t be an issue if this is the Friday they are to come.

Tracy’s jaw is really hurting but she went to work today as she needs to make sure things get ordered and she is available in case anyone is having issues with the Cubex system (the one for dispensing drugs). She slept a lot yesterday, and of course she also had a migraine last night. I think the ache in her jaw triggered it, but we’ll see how long she lasts today. She may get the critical stuff done, then come home and go back to bed. Her cat seems to know that she’s not feeling well as she just curled up beside her all day yesterday and didn’t ask to play. She did yell loudly when it was time to get fed, though, haha.

Lauren - so happy with the results of your scans. Your prayer warriors will continue to pray for your complete healing!

I have to run - Robin is packing up stuff in the truck. I’m not even dressed yet and trying to decide whether I need to wash my hair or not. I can shower in the motorhome, but I’m always so conscious of conserving water that I usually do a sponge bath. My hair won’t last all week, though. Will check in if I can get a signal, but don’t count on it!

[marwood8]

Hello Cafe Friends,

I was supposed to be here hours ago. But that my life of late and everyone else's as well.

So yesterday was Soooo Lonnnngggg! 9 hours of waiting with breaks for tests. The bloodwork went fine as always. Those RN's know their stuff. Then the brain MRI was next YUCK. The noise inside that machine was deafening. They give you headsets which is a joke because you can't hear the music over the noise of the machine. It was 30 minutes without contrast followed by 10 minutes with contrast. I couldn't wait to be done. The machine is housed in an axillary trailer that has an elevator lift. Brought back bad memories of my PET scan at my local hospital in March. I remember being is so much abdominal pain I could barely stand during the ride up. From there I went to have my CT scan done. More waiting and then drinking a 16 oz bottle of water and more waiting (30 minutes). But all scans were ready and waiting for Dr K at 3:30. There's a lot to be said for that. The tech said they get a STAT on them so they are read first.

DH and I have never seen this side of Dr. K. He walked in with Halloween candy for us and was just all smiles. I guess this is a man who is used to delivering bad news to his patients and delivering my news was a welcomed change for him. I also think he was patting himself on the back for the decision to keep me on this protocol and not switch to immunotherapy 3 months ago. Well that is a deserved pat on the back. The man is a genius and definitely more a researcher than anything else. He has a patient who he just saw last week who is entering her 9th year of being on these meds with excellent results. He compared me to her before and he admitted that he nor any other drs on his team know why it is working so well for her. Most patients can be on this therapy 12 months before going to immunotherapy. I know he is watching my case closely, perhaps to write a paper on the 2 of us. I'm jumping the gun here. But I love the comparison with this woman. Her heart was also in danger 9 years ago as was mine and that is where our cases are so similar. I remember my surgeon telling us that Dr K couldn't wait to get his hands on me and my surgeon needed to be sure I was strong enough to start the protocol. I started a bare 2 weeks post-op where most patients start at 4 weeks. Dr K and my surgeon compromised on that start date. Again, Dr K was right, my body immediately reacted in a positive way. It is all very uplifting. I came out of there renewed. I can't thank you guys enough for the prayers and positive vibes sent my way. I am tearing up because I know how hard you are all pulling for me.

So one entertaining moment in the day was the costumed dog parade of the Moffitt service dogs. OMG! It was led by a yellow lab (about 100 lbs of dog!) dressed as Superman. Then came a wagon of maltapoos dressed in red, white and blue as was their wagon and lastly were the 3 dogs in the wagon decorated as a spider that lit up. These dogs just hung out in their wagons, waiting to be pet. They went in and out of all the clinics greeting patients. That definitely put a smile on my face and many others as well. Moffitt is amazing!

I got home and lied down. After calling Fran and Audrey who relayed the message to others. I was wiped. I didn't nap, just lied there taking it all in.I ordered in dinner, DH wasn't hungry but I was so I got a Greek pita, something he doesn't like.

We watched the Yankees lose after being ahead 5-0. Alex Rodriquez said it best, it was the worst melt-down he has seen in 40 years. Stupid Little League errors.

Okay, I may go over to Audrey's and hang out a bit. They are playing cards but I declined but I'll go over and just see everyone.

Enjoy your day.

Lauren

[kem1956]

HAPPY HALLOWEEN !
Good afternoonn,
We took off early this morning to do a couple of errands.  Got those done ate a bite of lunch and here I am.  

I don't expect any trick or treaters tonight.  We have rain and high winds here today so I doubt many will get out at all.  There were lots of trunk or treats the past  few days kids could go to.

Yesteday I went to exercise then came home and did a couple of things.  Then headed off on our bus route.  low number of kids last night.  A stomach bug and pneumonia are going around the schools.  Seems attendance was dow last night with car riders too.  

I am heading to the church at two to do the bank statements then have a couple of easy chores to do here this afternoon.  Tomorrow I will be here all day and will get my mopping done and maybe a few more windows.

I need to get moving.

Have a Blessed Day,
Count your blessings,
Karen

[anniehewgill]

Good afternoon. I had trouble sleeping last night and was up reading for a couple hours. When I came back to bed, Greg was snoring. After a bit, I just put my ear plugs in and hoped for the best. I woke up at 10:53!! I don’t remember when I’ve woken so late. Anyway, I’m having a very late start to my day. I’m going to finish those little pumpkins today and send pictures. They are turning out really cute. Greg is carving pumpkins today using my dremel tool. He has gotten very creative with the pumpkins the last several years.

Janet, I don’t like scary movies much, especially horror, but I love Halloween. For me, it’s not about all that. I love to decorate the front yard, but it’s more whimsical than scary - we have skeletons drinking tea and beer, dressed up in hats, tie and scarf. And I love seeing all the trick-or-treaters, from the little ones in strollers to the teenagers. It’s the one time of year we send our children out, trusting each other to treat them in a loving way. We smile and laugh and share our homes, well, our front yards and give our treats to the people who come knocking at our doors. A lot of that we should be doing year round. That’s my philosophical take on Halloween and why I love it.

I’ve been having a heck of a time getting my weight to move. Lots of reasons, but I just haven’t been moving much because I’ve been so dar depressed about the shoulder situation. This week I decided to track my food for a while. I’m just tracking, not trying to change my eating exactly, but you know how that goes. When you track, you do change without even trying to. I’ve lost 3lbs this week. I’m so happy to see the number on that scale move. The first day it may have been water weight from being on the prednisone, but it stayed off and continued lower. I’m very pleased with this.

The dogs really want to be outside helping Greg with the pumpkins lol. Ryleigh keeps hitting the outside button, but she doesn’t want to be in the run and can’t be where Greg is working. She’s gotten quite proficient at the button presses lately and expects to get what she asks for. If possible we do what she asks, because we want positive reinforcement, and mostly it’s reasonable. We have the buttons for them to tell us that. So, when we have to say later she has a hard time accepting it. We’ll let them be the clean up crew. They’ll like that and pumpkin is very good for them.

Have a good day and a happy Halloween.

Annie