2021: Think Positively for a Better Year!
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Ooh, Pam, cupcakes!!!! Sounds wonderful!0
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I'm closing in on repairing as much of the CROM data base as I can. In spite of the fact that he caused the problem, DH has been little help except looking over my shoulder and asking annoying questions. The good news? I think the next mailing will go out as scheduled and most of the world will be none the wiser. There may be a couple addresses messed up but overall I think I've recovered most.0
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I’ve been with the same dental practice, more or less, since the 80’s. My original dentist joined forces with 2 others and opened a joint practice. When he was nearing retirement he split from them and opened a solo practice because he wanted to upgrade to digital equipment and modernize and his partners were resistant. His reasoning was that when they retired it would be easier to sell their practice if everything was updated and modernized. I went with him to the new practice which was much closer to me and was very happy there. Sadly, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer and began treatment. He continued practicing dentistry until he had a bad reaction to one of his chemo treatments and died suddenly. The practice was sold to a young’ish couple that I didn’t care for. I saw them for about a year but they weren’t able to keep the practice going. At that point I returned to my original dentist’s group practice and saw one of his former partners until he retired a couple of years ago. A new young couple have bought that practice and DH and I both like them a lot. Since I really only get cleanings twice a year, my dental needs are pretty minimal. I care more about whether I like the dental hygienist more than whether I like the dentist, lol!0
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I don’t know if I mentioned the dental group I’m now going to is 5 minutes from my house. Big difference from a 3 hour drive each way. Add an hour in the dental chair plus the ride home and it was about a 10 hour day. Coming home, we’d usually hit rush hour traffic going through Providence, RI. I liked the hygienist and the cleaning was easier than I expected. She started with ultrasonic water and finished with manual scraping. I usually go every four months so I was expecting the worst after 10 months. DH snagged a cancellation for Wednesday instead of the November date he had. Judging by the cancellations, some people must really hate going to the dentist. Their fear worked to our benefit.0
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Liking the dental staff has the most impact on whether to stay or go. I had seen the new dentists in the practice and liked them. I had been using a few of the hygienists for a few years and they were great. It was only the distance that made changing practices attractive. In my younger days, I didn’t mind the drive but it became more fatiguing as I got older. That’s so sad that your former dentist died from the cancer treatment meant to prolong his life.0
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Weird though it is to say, the hygienist is what keeps me going back to the same dentist. They used to have me see someone different constantly and they each had their own procedures they wanted you to follow. When I actually retire I'll have to get practical and switch to a blue cross participating dentist. It's actually not that smart to be paying for dental insurance and not go to a participating provider.0
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Oh, and my dentist has to use nitrous oxide. I've looked at web sites from time to time and a lot seem to be using pills now. You can't drive yourself home from those places.0
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My visit with the orthopedic PA went well this morning. It was kind of nice to see her and talk about what’s changed over the past 5 years. She just had her 4th baby 10 weeks ago. I think she had just had her 2nd the last time I saw her. Apparently the pain I’ve been feeling is arthritis and something I’ll just have to get used to. The good news is that she said the heavy orthopedic boot really doesn’t help much, but she did recommend either an ankle brace or compression sleeve, both of which I happened to have at home. I’ve worn the brace most of the day while I’ve been grocery shopping and working in the kitchen on cupcakes and deviled eggs. Now I’m sitting down for awhile and trying the compression sleeve to see how it feels.0
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I hope the PA’s suggestions give you some relief. At least you don’t have to have any follow up surgery. Have you tried any pain patches or arthritis creams on it? That might give you some relief. Part of the reason I liked the hygienist is we got a little into politics. We both think Trump was a loser who botched the handling of Covid. And we can’t understand how intelligent people can refuse vaccinations. She tiptoed into the vexing topic and I assured her I shared her views. Plus she did a great job. DH’s appointment is tomorrow but I think he has a different hygienist.0
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Pam, how are you feeling today? My pain relief yet? DH had his dental cleaning yesterday. He has a different hygienist than me. He liked her. I told him to mention his periodontal treatments of a few years ago. She scheduled him for another cleaning in November before we leave for FL. And we both have cleanings scheduled for next June too. I think both hygienists would have stuck to 6 months schedules except they listened when we explained our cleaning needs. We went every four months with our old practice. I appreciate their flexibility. It tells me we made a good choice with this practice.0
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I was on my feet a lot yesterday because of the birthday party, so my feet are not feeling great today. I do think the compression sleeve I’m wearing is helping, but I overdid it yesterday and am paying the price today. I’m hoping it will get better with a little rest. Luckily today the only thing on my schedule is my semiannual Prolia injection this afternoon.
The party went well last night. I made slider sandwiches and deviled eggs, both of which were very easy and didn’t take much time to prepare. Most of my guests also brought an appetizer to share, so we had plenty of good food and variety. I had also made cupcakes for the birthday girl and they were a hit. I had beer and wine and a slushy frozen drink that was also very easy and was really delicious, and I think everyone also brought wine, so there was plenty to drink as well. I did as much as possible ahead of time, and DH helped a lot with cleaning and getting the house ready for guests, but we were still really tired when everyone left. All that had to be done was washing up all of the glasses and a few serving dishes so once that was done we were both ready for bed. Partying is hard at our age!
Here’s a pic of the cupcakes.
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Some weird (to me anyway) holiday traditions we found when we moved "south of the border" (LOL)
They have these bright yellow metal boxes that they deliver by truck to parking lots. The size of a small storage unit. Close to the 4th they open them up and they are selling fireworks (not even legal where we come from)
People reserve spots along the sidewalk to watch the parade with chairs. And apparently they don't get stolen.
Some real estate agency drives around and puts little flags on everyone's lawns. Funny how people react. Some people leave them there. Some move next to their mail box (so they can mow I assume). Some take down immediately. One house at the end of the street has apparently saved them for years and they must have 20 or more out front.0 -
Pam -
I'm so, so sorry you're in pain!
Given the arthritis in my hips and knees and ankles and the lingering pain from a broken foot and broken heel walking for me can be painful, especially if I sit too long. I really, really, really miss pain killers but I decided I like living better, even with the pain, and the cardiologist was pretty adamant. Being old(er) is the pits! LOL!
Those cupcakes look fantastic. Too bad there isn't really a Star Trek transporter, I'd have beamed down to grab one!
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Helene - you don't live in a high rise when you're in Florida do you? That's just an amazing story and some of the parallels to the Towers are just inescapable. But apparently these folks had warning.0
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Very Maryland weather today. Sun, then rainstorm, then sun, then rainstorm, now sun again (and it's not quite noon). We're supposed to get really bad storms later this afternoon.
I'm working today and then hoping to take 4 days to slog through some of the other stuff on my "to do" list which has been sadly neglected for the last 16 months or so.0 -
No, our house is a single family home. We’re about a quarter mile from the beach. The house is on pilings because the whole island is a flood zone. Sanibel has very strict building codes. Nothing higher than 3 stories is permitted so there aren’t any of those huge high rises you see in Miami. Plus our house is wood, no concrete. So we feel pretty safe there.Helene - you don't live in a high rise when you're in Florida do you? That's just an amazing story and some of the parallels to the Towers are just inescapable. But apparently these folks had warning.
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I think we’ll just be taking it easy today. It was hotter than normal for a couple of days but today is somewhere in the 70s. The town had fireworks scheduled for tonight but postponed to tomorrow because of a rainy forecast tonight. Rain date is tomorrow. Normally, there’s a family picnic before the fireworks. That’s been canceled because of Covid but the fireworks are on. We generally watch from a shopping center about a mile from the high school. That way, we avoid all the traffic.0
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Pam, those cupcakes are magnificent. Nice way to do portion control too. Try to rest your leg as much as possible this weekend.0
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My arthritic foot is feeling much better today. I haven’t even worn my brace or compression sleeve and am having very little pain. I think wearing the sleeve for three days and resting it for the past two has really helped. The other foot is a different story. Everything I’ve read and been told is that it takes a very long time for plantar fasciitis to heal, so I think it’s going to be awhile before it improves. I’m trying to remember to do the recommended stretches but that’s about all I can do for it. It’s not hard to remember to do them before I get up in the morning, but I forget to do them throughout the day until I need to get up and start walking and the pain hits.
I had my Prolia injection yesterday and that went well. The nursing staff at the infusion center where I get the injections are very nice. The injection itself only takes seconds, but they have to take a health history first every time, check BP and heart rate, and then I have to wait 20 minutes afterward. They check my BP again before I am allowed to leave. I take my ereader and they always offer me a soft drink or water while I wait. Yesterday they told me I could remove my mask if the curtain was closed, so I did that so I could sip my drink more easily while I read to pass the time.
Today has been cool and rainy. I pity the folks in the Pacific Northwest who have been experiencing the heat wave. We are having unusually mild weather. Today has been cool and rainy and our forecast for the weekend is more of the same. I can’t remember ever having a 4th of July when it wasn’t temps in the high 90’s or even triple digits. Not that I’m complaining — I’m really enjoying this weather and wouldn’t mind if it continues all summer. But I know it won’t, unfortunately.0 -
We’re having gloomy weather as well. We had periods of drizzle yesterday and rain overnight. After hot weather last week, we’re about 20 degrees cooler today. A handful of towns planned fireworks but all but one cancelled because of the weather. We’ll probably watch Boston’s display on TV. Normally the Boston Pops does a big concert on the Esplanade and the city ends with a fireworks show in Boston Harbor. The Pops moved the concert to their summer home, Tanglewood, a hundred miles west of the city. And the city moved the fireworks to Boston Commons. The changes are to cut down on the crowd size. Normally, people stake out their spaces starting at 8 AM for a hoe that starts 12 hours later. The crowd is normally in the hundred thousands. People will be so glad to have my celebration that even 2 venues will be fine.0
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No, our house is a single family home. We’re about a quarter mile from the beach. The house is on pilings because the whole island is a flood zone. Sanibel has very strict building codes. Nothing higher than 3 stories is permitted so there aren’t any of those huge high rises you see in Miami. Plus our house is wood, no concrete. So we feel pretty safe there.Helene - you don't live in a high rise when you're in Florida do you? That's just an amazing story and some of the parallels to the Towers are just inescapable. But apparently these folks had warning.
I'm glad to hear that. Stilts would be different though. Everything here has basements.0 -
I hope everybody's weather picks up a little. I've been so engrossed in piles of paperwork that I haven't really noticed the weather except for yesterday morning when I fed. No rain then.
After working 7 days a week for 16 months I decided to give myself a 4-day weekend from work to see how much paperwork I can plow through. Had to add something to the pile. Our government form although mailed before 11/15 arrived 11/23 so I got a penalty notice. Really people? With the mail slowed down for the elections, half or more of the IRS not in the office even processing mail, and the winter pandemic surge, it surprised them that things were not checked in when they should have been. REALLY? Now I have to go through my file and see if, under all those conditions, and right around when Dad died, I actually filed the post office receipt.
But overall I'm making a lot of progress and am excruciatingly bored.0 -
Pam - I hope your foot continues to feel better.
My back isn't great today. We ordered a new window AC for our upstairs (where the central air isn't the best). Which meant we had to get it upstairs. The weight mostly falls on me since DH has a bad back. What do elderly people do?
When I was growing up, if something like that needed done Dad would call John Jacobs, who'd bring whatever was needed and install it. Now you're supposed to order stuff online, hope Fed Ex at least brings it to the porch (sometimes they don't) and then you're on your own.0 -
That stinks about the IRS penalty. Darn the Post Office under Lajoie. That’s right during the time mailed in ballots were overloading the mail flow. We got a notice from the IRS penalizing us for underpayment. IWe had taken some of the principal from an investment account. We were careful to tell the financial advisor not to take it out of interest earned so we wouldn’t increase our taxable income. Our accountant submitted additional information to the IRS and the reversed the penalty and even gave us a small additional refund. So look for that receipt and get that appeal in.0
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After 2 weeks on Noom, I’ve lost 3.5 pounds. That’s the best progress I’ve made in a few years. I’m just taking it day by day, logging on, keeping a foos and water journal. Doing exercise is still lacking but I’ll get there eventually. Baby steps to start but I’m headed in the right direction.0
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That stinks about the IRS penalty. Darn the Post Office under Lajoie. That’s right during the time mailed in ballots were overloading the mail flow. We got a notice from the IRS penalizing us for underpayment. IWe had taken some of the principal from an investment account. We were careful to tell the financial advisor not to take it out of interest earned so we wouldn’t increase our taxable income. Our accountant submitted additional information to the IRS and the reversed the penalty and even gave us a small additional refund. So look for that receipt and get that appeal in.
It's not like it isn't sort of what I do for a living. It's just annoying. And in the aftermath of Dad's sudden death, who knows if I properly filed the receipt.
I guess that answers one question we had at work, though. And that was "will the IRS assess penalties for events during the pandemic?" You'd think the answer would have/should have been "no".0 -
After 2 weeks on Noom, I’ve lost 3.5 pounds. That’s the best progress I’ve made in a few years. I’m just taking it day by day, logging on, keeping a foos and water journal. Doing exercise is still lacking but I’ll get there eventually. Baby steps to start but I’m headed in the right direction.
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Great job, Helene! I remember that you did well with NOOM when you did it last year. Good luck with it going forward.
That’s a shame that you’re being charged a penalty, Maryanne. I hope you find that receipt so you can prove that you did mail it before the deadline. DH is so paranoid about that that he always takes our tax return to the post office and pays to send it certified mail. He refuses to file electronically, so this is his way of ensuring that there is no penalty.
I am going to have to figure out what I’m going to do to try to start losing weight again. As of this morning I have hit an all time high and I am not happy about it. I know I need to commit to exercising and eating better, but mentally I’m not there yet. Exercise in particular seems daunting, given my pain issues with my feet now. The arthritis is improving, if that’s actually what it is. I have my doubts due to the suddenness of the onset of that pain.0 -
What about chair yoga or chair exercises? You can find some of You Tube until your foot feels better. I’m finding it helpful to log my foods. This site has a food diary that’s easy to use. It tells you how many calories you have left after each meal. It also shows carbs, fats, sodium etc. That showed me which food choices were less healthy and I often picked a different food. I’d search a food and then check the nutrition box to see the components. If they were okay, I’d add it to the log and eat it. Noom is similar in some ways but it just shows calories. I have to look at the nutrition box on the food if I want to know the sodium count. I also added in snacks once or twice a day. I tend to go too long between meals so doing a small snack in between keeps me satisfied with a smaller meal. Maybe try the log for a day or two and see if it helps.0
