The New Water Cooler
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Halen Rea Major has arrived. She came in to this world at 4:04am AK time on 12/14/2020. Halen (short A) weighs 7 lb 4oz and is 20" long. Parents and baby are doing well but very tired. I can't wait to meet her through Facebook Portal later today (hopefully). They are all sleeping right now.
Jenny
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Wonderful, wonderful. Congrats Gramma! What a strong momma.
Prayers for an easy recovery and post-partum time.
Blessings!0 -
Halen is perfect! We saw her on the Portal last night. David holds her constantly and seems to be in awe of her. Do you remember that feeling when you first held Z and C and thought, "we created this little being"? Such a miracle. They are all tired but enjoying relaxing together, learning to change diapers, breast feed, etc.
I finished my Christmas shopping today. I've never been done this early. Since we chose names I went small for other gifts and did buy stocking stuffers.
How are you progressing with Christmas?
Jenny0 -
My Christmas progress is non existent. I only have a couple of things taken care of. I am just stuck.
So excited for your most amazing gift.0 -
It was hard to buy for the boys when they were young. They really wanted cash so I would put $100 in an envelope for each of them and put it on the tree branch. Then I bought them flannel pj pants, book, new video game they told me they wanted. Their presents were never a surprise when they were teens of early 20's. Two of them liked nice clothes like a sweater, soft crew neck sweatshirt to wear with jeans, and/or nice flannel shirts.
This situation with my brother is so over whelming. He will be discharged from the nursing home on 12/24 in the morning. He will go to my sister's house but not sure how long he will stay there. She has this idea he will die within a few months but I think he has longer than that. We haven't seen him in 6 weeks so we have no idea what to expect. I spent an hour on the phone today with the palliative nurse. She had a meeting today with Steve and then called me to fill me in on what they talked about. It was confusing and still leaves a lot of unanswered questions. She said that usually her initial meeting ends with a care plan in place but that didn't happen with Steve since there are so many unanswered questions. He rejected the idea of going on Hospice right now. She doesn't think he understands that his treatments are palliative for comfort, not a cure for his cancer. He has been told many times by his medical team that they are for comfort and he has said he understands that but I think his goal is to do all that they say and buy another 2 years. Doubtful he has that long but who knows? He can't live at my sister's for more than a few months and he probably can't live alone. He is as cheap as the day is long and will not want to fork out money for assisted living but he may need to do so. My sisters and my mother have always walked on egg shells with him. He has lived alone his entire adult life and has had no need to compromise with others. Well that time has come to an end in my opinion. So this should be interesting going forward with him at my sister's house.
I'm drinking a gin and tonic. I may become an alcoholic by the time this all ends. So stressful!
Tomorrow we go back to his house to pack up all his clothes and bring them to my sister's house. We need to make sure he does not go back to his rental home and see what we have packed up and tossed.
Maybe instead of gifts you could plan a family vacation again that the boys could look forward to after the vaccines are available? Would you all like that since you couldn't go away last spring?
Well I hope you figure out the holiday. Why is it the woman always has to do it all?
Jenny0 -
My sister and I packed up all Steve's clothes today and removed them from his house. They are now in bags in my sister's garage and she has a duffel bag full of clothes to wash that he will want to wear when he gets there. She received a call from Kim, Social Worker, that Steve made the decision this morning to go on Hospice. This is a huge surprise to all of us. From what I understand the social worker/nurse, whomever at the rehab facility told him he has about 6-7 months left (mid summer) and hospice would take care of his medications, pain management, etc. This is the first we've heard a prediction of how much time he has. Not sure where those numbers were pulled from and who was the source. Very odd!
All I know is we can't tell him what we are doing at his house. He just doesn't get that we aren't dusting and cleaning toilets. We are hauling out boxes of crap, packing up hundreds of books (weird books) and sorting through years of papers, boxes of mementos, etc. Tossing, packing, sorting and then we will get a dumpster and have a cleaning service come in and clean as best as they can. Then he can give notice to his landlord that he is moving out.
This motivates me to purge more stuff and clean up my files. No one should have to do this for another person beyond what is normal amounts of stuff. It's just too much!
Well I have a mammogram tonight. Yes, this clinic does evening appointments. 7pm is what they had available so I decided to get it over with before Christmas. I'm over due and didn't want to miss a year. Better late than never.
Our snow is suppose to melt as temps rise in the next days. Boo hoo!
Well it's almost TGIF,
Jenny0 -
Good job on the mammogram. I am needing to get mine scheduled for this year as well and have been avoiding it - just because I don't really want to go to the hospital. I know, it's fine. I will get it done before my next annual doc appointment - I have until September.
I finally wrote out a bunch of Christmas cards this afternoon. Ouch. There is no picture or letter (I always do a newsletter and some sort of picture collage). Just didn't happen. But I just felt so bad about not sending anything out especially for those that did send. So at least I got a card and the good wishes. It's something I guess. And YES - why does it all have to be me? I have to do the cards (and announcements, invitations, gifts, thank you's, etc, etc, etc). All that stuff. Bah humbug. And if I don't do it - it doesn't happen. And no one ever looks at him and says - why didn't you do it? But I get the side eye.
Love the pics of your beautiful lil' girl. So precious. Bet you love checking in on them.
That has been a lot you have had to go through cleaning and figuring things out with your brother. But, I bet you guys are relieved he has decided to do hospice. That should be a big weight lifted off of everyones shoulders. I mean, it's obviously sad because it means an end will be coming. But it seems like most people feel hospice does a good job. Hopefully you feel the same way.
Happy Friyay
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I finally found a vintage/antique crank phone at a price point I was willing to pay. I have been wanting to get one for a gift for my sister for years, but they are usually $200-$300 - but I found one in a town close to us and got it for $100. Still a quite a bit more than I would normally do for a gift, but it makes me happy to have found it and think it will be something she treasures. Our grandpa had one very similar to it in the basement of the farm and while all us grandkids played with it, she was always his favorite and she and I always thought she would get it. It didn't happen that way so I have always wanted to get one for her. She's really into antiques anyway. A few years ago I got her an old pop crate for some bottles she had pulled out of the grove. I bought a couple of gnomes yesterday that seem to be so popular this year. They are cute. I have plenty for mom, dad, Michele, Dan (brother-in-law) and nephew. Still stuck on niece - may have to fall back on shopping my closet for apartment starter stuff, like some cake pans, spatulas, towels, bowls, etc. That was Michele's only ideas for her - she will be graduating from college in May. I guess it's ok. I just usually have a better idea for her. I think for the boys I am just going to tell them I am going to take them to the 'good' shoe store Browns for a proper fitting and nice new pair of tennis shoes. I can't believe the difference it made when I did that a couple of years ago. I was wearing the wrong size completely. They are pretty spendy though. I don't know, seems kind of lame I guess.
Hope things are going great for the baby and you are doing ok with your brother's stuff.
Later.0 -
Hi, it's been a few days since I checked in. Friday I was preparing for Rory's arrival and he got here on Saturday. It's so nice to have him hear no matter how short a visit. He seems to really like Hannah, the girl he has had some dates with. I would love to see him have someone special in his life that provides good balance and is not controlling of his time. Stay tuned...
Our snow is melting as the temps rise. I'm hoping for some new snow before Thursday to freshen it up and make it feel like Christmas. We won't be snow shoeing as I hoped but white is better than a brown landscape. The sun rarely shines here due to the moisture from Lake Michigan creating cloud cover in the winter. As the lake cools off the moisture accumulates in the air. Thus the rain and snow that we get but also just gray days.
I'm watching the morning news. A new variant on the Coronavirus? What the heck? They are discussing the vaccine's effectiveness. The variant strain is now in the UK but I'm sure will be here shortly.
It sounds like you've made tons of progress on Christmas. You seem to be a very thoughtful gift giver. I think the shoe idea with the boys is a good one. Two of my boys liked their tennis shoes to be nice and wanted certain kinds. It got to the point that we paid a certain amount and they paid the difference unless it was a gift. Funny what boys vs girls like. Do you and Bernie exchange gifts? We don't so no pressure there. Our house and all we've spent is our mutual gift this year. Getting settled and small updates have added up.
My brother gets discharged Thursday morning and goes to my sister Becky's house. I'm nervous going forward. What condition is he in? How much more weight has he lost? Is he going to be demanding and irritable or be willing to compromise while staying at Becky's? It will be difficult on both sides as he deteriorates. It's so sad to see someone that was vibrant and independent become weak, frail and dependent on others. I guess it is the circle of life but I don't like it.
Rory and Russ are going to my brother's house today to bring back 4 pieces of furniture that I'm going to put in my basement room. I need to clean it up and bring back to life. Right now they have years of dust on them. They were all my parents' furniture and Steve took them when we sold my Mom's condo. He isn't going back to his house or living alone again so I will salvage and fix them up.
We are going on portal tonight with Jeff, Karah, David, Chantrelle and Halen. We haven't tried with everyone yet so we will see how it works. Jeff and Karah will drive up here on Wednesday. I just need to pick up pies at the bakery, make an artichoke dip for Christmas Eve, and make some coffee cakes and egg bakes, then I'm done with my responsibilites. Presents are wrapped, baby stuff has been put in a cute basket, but I need to make the guestroom bed and stuff stockings. I'm ahead of the game this year since we have a simple plan for all.
I think it is very normal that the wife does it all! Russ only does what I delegate and it is just easier to do myself most times. I know some husbands that doe the Christmas letter/card but very few. I will do a Happy New Year letter summarizing our year in January. It 's easier for me to get that done when all is over and I think people like the surprise of the letter at that time of year.
Well I've run on so signing off. Have a good Monday.
Jenny0 -
As usual you have so much going on! Did your brother change his mind about hospice and is going 'back' to the staying with your sister? Either way - I'm sure it will be difficult. I hope you all take care and get through it well.
I bet it is wonderful having Rory around and looking forward to Jeff and Karah.
I have read about the COVID variant. Good grief. Please no more. No more.
I worked Monday and Tuesday (done for the day now) and am taking tomorrow for one of my remaining personal days and then have Thursday and Friday as holidays. I am still stressed with not being all done (or feeling completely great) for gifts - but excited about having the time off. Maybe I'll be productive for a nice change. ;>)
Enjoy your family time!0 -
Happy Christmas Eve! Looking at my few gifts and need to get them wrapped. Fa-la-la-la.
I made 'monkey' bread with canned cinnamon rolls. Pretty good.
Hope you are loving your family time.
Hugs.0 -
Merry Christmas Marla!
It's been great having the kids here. It really improves Christmas. Rory leaves tomorrow and Jeff and Karah are here until Wednesday. We've had lots of food, relaxation, baby discussions, etc.
How about you? Did you figure out Christmas for the boys and have some time for yourself and to relax?
Off to cut pies for all. Dinner was yummy and we are sitting by the fire.
Jenny0 -
Well Christmas is once again over and looking at a sad Sunday going back to work. But, yay for another short week!
We got together with the folks and sister and family on Christmas day up in Wayne at the folks house. We'll see if it was a mistake or not. I enjoyed the time we spent together and obviously my folks were blissed out, just still feel like we did something wrong with all the calls to not gather - and of course if anyone gets sick it was a mistake. Ah well. Let it be Marla.
I'm so glad you have had such a nice time with your boys. Wonderful, wonderful!
I went to a couple of stores yesterday looking for a leftover marked down skinny tree. No luck. Guess if I really want I will have to shop earlier next year - I am looking at a few online sites right now too, but I kind of want to be able to eyeball it because some of the ones I looked at were really terrible looking and don't want to risk a horrible looking tree. Even on sale they aren't cheap.
Having the long weekend has been bliss.
take care and enjoy the family time!0 -
It sounds like you had a nice Christmas and you won't get COVID since you probably still have some immunity. I wouldn't feel guilty. You've been careful and it wasn't a huge gathering. Russ and I and the kids (5 of us) had our own Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. My 3 siblings were at my sister's house and my oldest sister spent some time at her daughter's house in the morning to share Christmas with her grand daughter.
Rory left last Saturday the 26th to go back to MPLS. If he gets laid off in mid January due to winter slow down, he may come back in February to visit. I hope so. Jeff and Karah leave tomorrow morning early. We've had a nice time visiting my brother at my sister's house and hanging out here. They are both quiet so it is relaxing. Jeff and Rory were helpful carrying in heavy furniture I wanted in the basement and today Jeff helped bring in photo boxes and photo album stuff for me. I need to finish the photo book I started before he graduated from high school so he can have his baby pictures and compare to his own baby boy arriving in March. That is my project after they leave. I found David's book to send to him. Rory's will be the last to finish. I also found a box of "Jeff's Keepsakes" today. There were some cute little boy sun suits, etc. so they will take them back to Atlanta. Hardly worn and in good shape.
You may search out artificial Christmas trees online through Amazon and specify slim. Or search target and walmart online and see if they are also in the store too. Ours looks real but we were able to pick it out in person.
Karah and I are making a triple berry pie today. The pie filling is done and the dough is chilling. After dinner we will roll out the dough and construct it on the pie plate. Bake and eat! They can take half or more home tomorrow.
I'm hoping to do some snow shoeing soon if we get more snow. It's been a white Christmas but it's not deep enough yet. I would like to get out and exercise and enjoy the outdoors even though it is cold.
I'll write more in the next couple of days. I have to get my house back in order and buy my colon prep stuff for my colonoscopy to do on Sunday for Monday's procedure.
Stay warm and well,
Jenny0 -
Oo - colonoscopy - I do say I am not looking foward to that particular test.
We are having quite the snow today. The forecast was very vague of "3-6" but it definitely seems like more has come down already. I made it in to work in spite of being out before most of the plows - and coming home was a little better. Hopefully tomorrow morning is ok. Thankfully the boys scooped our driveway. They did a great job. I just pulled in.
What a nice visit for you guys!0 -
trying to get things filled out and processed for Caleb's passport on the off-chance his Europe trip isn't canceled next summer. Sigh. He wants this so bad. I want it for him. Come on world.0
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Happy New Years Eve!!
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Happy New Year 2021! May this year be much better for all. Hope C does get to take his trip in 2021.0
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Happy 2021. Just be better. Enjoying a lazy day. I stressed myself worrying about filling the forms out right for the passport and how hard it would be to get an appointment for the passport and how long it would take. Well I spent way more time being anxious. I got him an appointment yesterday at the post office and we did spend a good amount of time trying to fill out the form correctly - and then Bernie took him and his documents to the post office and they were done in about 15 minutes. I really didn't think it would go that fast. Hopefully it comes back smoothly.
Have a great weekend!0 -
another blissed out lazy day. Sad day tomorrow - last day off. Then back to 'normal'. Boo.0
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I've been lazy since Christmas. Russ asked that we keep the tree up a week past New Year's. He likes the lights and ambiance. I'll start putting things away next weekend. I've been reading, made some roasted pecans for my brother that I delivered, and taking naps. Jeff and Karah went to an 3D/4D ultrasound place on Saturday and were able to see their baby in the womb, facial features and all. Jeff has not been able to go in to appts with Karah due to COVID so she scheduled and paid for this procedure so they could both see the baby. The detail is amazing and you can see what he looks like. They sent me some of the best pictures. He was either sucking his thumb or holding his hands on his cheeks or chin. Lots of funny facial expressions that make him look like he is thinking deeply and pondering a problem. He may be just like his parents! So exciting and amazing what they can do with technology these days.
Today I am doing colonoscopy prep so no food for me unless it is clear jello, broth or bouillion. I start the Dulcolax at noon, again at 5pm and drink the Gatorade and Miralax solution between 5 and 6pm. Then I have to get up at 2:15am and drink another round of the Gatorade solution with 8oz glasses of water following. I haven't had this procedure since I was 46. I've had screenings that were negative but since it has been 13 years my doctor wanted me to have the whole procedure. The prep is way worse than the colonoscopy itself. It will all be over by noon tomorrow. Today I see naps, reading and TV on my agenda while running to the bathroom frequently. Happy Sunday!
Well I hope your holiday week was wonderful and relaxing.
Jenny0 -
Last day and then back to heck. Ah well. Can't say we accomplished anything, just enjoyed the time off and being around my boys was very nice.
I'm so glad you got to see the enhanced ultrasound and really get that peek at your g-baby. How special. What an amazing time in your life.
Good luck with the prep.
Gotta try to get my eating under control. The scale is going to break if I don't reign it in.0 -
Colonoscopy was normal so happy about that. That prep before was nasty but I didn't get too hungry due to all the fluid intake. I slept most of the afternoon and then went to bed at 9:30 last night. I had a dull head and back ache from the procedure and anesthesia. Thank God I don't need one for another 10 years.
Has Z gone back to school yet? I'm glad you got time with them. It was nice having the kids around at Christmas and now the house is so quiet.
My brother turns 72 today. I took him chocolate chip cookies and a card. We are going to have pizza night Saturday eve to celebrate with him. No cooking, no clean up, just pizza and salad that Russ and I pick up locally. My sister is making a carrot cake. Easy peasy!
Russ' foot and ankle are really hurting. I think he has over done how much he is on it. He walks Charlie twice per day and has been in the pole barn building work benches in his shop. He has also grocery shopped and made trips to Home Depot. I pointed that out but he doesn't think it has anything to do with it. Men are in such denial about their issues.
Well cheers to another work week. I need to get started on my projects such as painting furniture, finishing Jeff's photo scrap book, and putting carpet pads on the wood steps leading downstairs. Lazy me!
Jenny0 -
My digestion is struggling to get back to normal after the colon prep. Yesterday I had half a sandwich and some Costco Chicken Noodle Soup for lunch and left over stir fry with steak and asparagas for dinner. I drank a diet Pepsi so all in all I experienced stomach/intestinal cramping/bloating by 9:30 at night. I'm afraid to eat this morning. I'm drinking coffee but my stomach is still gurgling now that I put something in it.
I am working on gradual weight loss by reducing portions, thinking twice about second portions and eating small amounts of food more frequently so I don't overload my system. I'm also trying to increase my water intake. One walk a day with Charlie (half a mile at this point) needs to happen for some movement. If we get more snow I want to snow shoe our property and other trails. Since we moved here I have lost 19 pounds but each pound is a battle to lose. Laurie and I are suppose to start exercising again sometime this month. That will help burn some fat.
Jeff and Karah are getting married next Fall in Ashville, NC if they can find a venue. They hope to have moved to Ashville by then too. I want to be another 20-30 pounds down by then. I was very over weight in David and Chantrelle's wedding pictures and I hate looking at myself that heavy.
Russ' foot is better today and he says he will take it easy. He's using his cane to give his foot some relief.
I portaled with Chantrelle and Halen last night. She really looks like David this week. She is a sleepy baby during the day. Chantrelle and I talked about the adjustment to having your first child and how it changes your role and routines. She is use to independence, outdoor adventures, and going constantly.
Well I hope your work week is going well after the holidays.
Jenny
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I'm glad your friend is almost ready to start exercising again. And congrats on the weight loss you have had! That is tremendous! I am back up to where I was a few years ago, and so mad at myself. I am trying to get back on track. I am wondering if I am having the 'lasting' Covid issues because I am having such a hard time getting back to where I was in terms of exercise. I mean I wasn't an athlete or anything - but I was doing a solid 40 minutes on my machines five days a week and now I am dying trying to get to 30 on the easiest tension.
Glad your colonoscopy went well. I only have a couple more years until that one.
Zach is going back Saturday. He is so excited to see his friends again. He has friends!!! After so many years of him dreading school because he felt all alone, this feels like heaven. Love.
Also love that the boys (Caleb finally relenting his long held desire to punish Zach for not playing with him enough when he was little) spent hours and hours over break talking and playing cards. Love!
It must be so hard not to have snuggled that baby in person yet, but so glad you at least get to 'see' her in video.
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I'm sorry you still feel like you aren't back to normal. Do you get short of breath when you exercise or just feel weaker? I believe my gradual weight loss has been because my appetite has decreased and I'm not accessing fast food 5 days per week while working from my car and going to people's homes. Yesterday I used my walking sticks and took Charlie up on our acreage to hike through the snow and let him run. I was out about 30 minutes or so. Certainly not aerobic or long lasting but I was moving and using my weak leg muscles. I just need to do this more often. I am considering purchasing an e-bike with the battery operated motor assist. I could ride the trails around here that are very hilly with a little more ease and get some aerobic activity. Those bikes are expensive but my knees don't hurt to ride a bike and if I continued to lose weight that's a win for my joints. I'll have to see if any are available. I know they were hard to find last season and COVID is still here.
Do you get a lunch break at work where you can go outside and take a 10 minute walk? That may be a way to add to your aerobic exercise in shorter increments. I've read that 3-4 10 minute walks is as effective as 30-45 minutes consecutive on a treadmill or elliptical.
Good news for Z to have friends he enjoys and to the boys for having some fun together. It just gets better as they get older. It's also fun to observe how they mature, listen to their own developing viewpoints, and see what their life decisions will be. You are at an amazing stage of being a parent. I remember 10 years ago when they were little you would get so frustrated about school performance and how they spent their time. Now you can see that all progresses and they grow in to amazing young men.
Well it is a crazy time in this country. What a broken political system/government we have...
Jenny0 -
I know - so much hope for 2021 - it's not starting out too swimmingly! Just have to hold on - some more.
Hard to do a full week after two short weeks. Also hard because the Z kid takes off tomorrow. Sniff. Nah. Only a little bit hard. I so love how excited he is.
Just got all sorts of anxious and stressed. Came home to two letters - one from the homeowners insurance company saying it hadn't had it's bill paid (always paid via the escrow) and one from the new mortgage company saying we didn't have homeowners anymore and they were purchasing us some and giving us a penalty. What the *&^! So after a couple hours of calls (and a CRAP load of anxiety). Delayed mail processing, the change in loan processors, not getting the bill - blah, blah, blah -finger pointing - Yes, the loan processor is sending the money in the escrow to the insurance company today and no, I am not currently without coverage as the letters made it seem. GAWD. It better go through. I shouldn't have to unscrew their wires.
I think I deserve a cocktail.
Happy Friday!0 -
You have had more than your share of stuff happening these past months. I hope your home owners insurance gets worked out.
My sisters and I met at my brother's house today. We started on the lower level. It will take us several more trips to get that level in some semblance of order. I was so dusty with dust bunnies hanging off me that I stripped in the laundry room and went straight to the shower when I got home. I've spent the day watching documentaries about people in the music industry. Right now I'm watching one on Bob Dylan. Strange guy! That whole era in the 60's and 70's of LSD and other hallucinogenic drugs was something. How many brain cells did they extinguish?
Russ made an amazing dinner of pork loin, rice and a bok choy side. He's been cooking really healthy meals from my healing cookbooks and others he finds. I told him he should keep them in a folder on his computer and recycle them every two weeks. I don't feel too full and typically feel pretty good after I eat the meal. They don't make me feel lethargic and over fed. I'm trying to not eat second portions but tonight I did because it was so good. I still don't feel full.
Tomorrow I will take down more Christmas decorations and on Sunday I will pack them up in their boxes. I have a good start. We have our birthday dinner for my brother tomorrow eve. I imagine it is his last birthday so that feels sad.
Tomorrow is suppose to be really nice so I'm going to take a nice hike with Charlie again.
Enjoy your weekend and try to forget about work.
Jenny0 -
I'm sorry that it feels like your brothers last birthday. That is so hard.
How nice that Russ is cooking so much and they are delicious and healthy. What an amazing combination!
Have a great weekend hike with Charlie and maybe you will also get a good lead on the electric bike.
The C kid was so tired last night. It was the official end of 1st semester so he had a HUGE week with tests and projects and also worked too last night. I can tell how tired he is by how much he talks. He talks more, the more tired he gets. He wanted to talk and talk and talk last night at 10 p.m. He was also hungry and still had an essay still to do (not due until midnight). So I said I would cook something for him if he would get to work so he could get to bed. But he just sat there and talked and talked. I love talking to him, but knew he was just shot. He ate and drank a mountain dew and then finally got to work. Still breaking out in conversation randomly. He's such a hard worker.
Good luck at your party.
Hugs.0 -
Oh - don't know if I had talked about thinking I was losing more hair than normal, possibly due to a stress reaction from COVID, but just discovered Bernie is also rocking a pretty big bare spot too. Yikes. I wonder if some supplements are in order. He has always had a thick head of hair.0
