Ah, my dear JERI, you are getting that trip to Scotland I had planned some 40 years ago, when Doug and I had our wedding planned. He had never been to his father's islands and wanted to make it our honeymoon. I believe I have mentioned the brain tumor and his death 5 months after our hurried ceremony in a civil office so I could officially make decisions for medical care. So you must make copious notes and tell us all your details when you return.
I have realized how many errors I am making in sentence structure and spelling, and some don't make any sense at all as I finally read them a day too late! I apologize, and I suspect I fall asleep several times while composing my lengthy posts!
JACKIE, of course I know how you feel about the crazy course this country has been on for the last year or more, and today beat everything when I learned of an official being fired 2 days before his retirement, and being deprived of a life's work benefits!It's an upside down world when a single powerful person can undo so much achieved by previous far more knowledgeable leaders. And he still will not admit he lied about Obama's birthplace! I just feel so helpless as he gets away with breaking every rule regarding presidents! Excuse me for ranting, please. We saw a movie tonight way off the beaten path. "Call Me By Your Name" was the title, and I believe it was mentioned for various Academy Awards. The photography was magnificent, and the various inventive uses of it just striking. I did a bit of squirming at the subject, but then I was never comfortable feeling I was peeking through keyholes. However at the latter part, there was a "speech" made by a father that made me very glad I did not leave early, because what he said was something I will mull over many times and hope I fell into his category as a human being and a parent. Actually, I have been judgemental more than I care to admit, but I may be more conscious of it after this movie's message!
LIN, I hear the same vibrance back in your post that I thought was missing with the bitter weather you were experiencing. Your enthusiasm is inspiring!
ANNE, you are doing splendidly cutting this, that, and the other and losing at just the right rate! You should be very pleased to have that control!
PATSY, how did your Doctor's visit go?
AND SANDY, how did YOUR adventure end up?
MARIE, a quick hug, and the same to BARBIE and I see midnight crawling up quickly. I missed the dreadful news about the brand new bridge collapse in Miami, so perhaps I'll catch some details shortly.
Buzz
................................Always Believe Something Wonderful is About to Happen,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Jeri ~ Our old friend from a couple of weeks ago, the Beast from the East is visiting again this weekend so yes, I can believe you are still getting snow in your part of the world too!! If you haven't visited Scotland before I'm sure you will love it..... scenery to match yours and charming people. Of course you'll take your camera!

Sandy ~ You'd have my chooks living the high life wouldn't you! LOL Don't think I haven't looked at such chalets and fancy houses for them but somehow think they'd still make the same mess that has me regularly sweeping out and replacing bedding! As I'm not a gambler I'd say coming home with the money you took to the casino is a win since you had such a good time with your friends.

Patsy ~ One thing I learned when working in the community was that as we get older the best thing we can do is keep moving, keep thinking and most importantly, keep laughing! As for the rest, it's everything in moderation. Those I met that chose to sit in front of the tv and vegetate daily rapidly faded but I don't think any one of us Sneakers is that way inclined.

Buzz ~ It's not just your country that's on a crazy journey right now but as Anne commented, there's something either in the air or perhaps their teabags that has our world leaders behaving in egotistical ways and getting away with it. At least you have your 25th amendment should you ever need.... not sure that would work in China or Russia!!

This morning I've had a swim for an hour and am now in the midst of housework before my friend arrives, hopefully not during a blizzard...... (reminder) lag the outside tap again!!

Jackie

Hello! The physical went fine. EXCEPT when I fell getting out of the car and really twisted my knee. Like I have voiced before, suddenly Life changed! I am now hobbling around, cussing my way around the house. John is trying to handle my part of our daily chores. He is a champ. However this morning my knee is just a tiny bit better! “What a revolting development!” This was! One of life’s little challenges to work through.

I am not sure what and how much I should do on my knee. Called my Doc but his suggestion didn’t suit me. No I think a jug of painkillers is not the answer, but he is trying to help ease the pain. Wrapping and a good knee brace is the next plan. Then while I find a good orthopedic doc, I will research this. Isn’t it funny how dogs understand we are having problems? Katie is right at my side with John. She sniffing my knee and bringing me her chew bone. With all this support, I will be okay.

Yes Jackie, the key is to keep on keeping on. An interesting note here. Both John and I have lost weight. We do have a very healthy diet. But we have given up an evening meal. We have a piece of fruit as a sort of bedtime snack. We have our main meal at lunch. Doc is a bit worried about John’s weight loss. Even though he exercises daily, he seems to be losing muscle. I have not lost as much muscle. We are now also looking at ways to deal with that. Challenges!!!
Patsy

Very sorry to read about your impending move SANDY. It's always a problem with renting isn't it. I'm forever asking M and M if they want to sell this house, but so far they tell me it's mine as long as I can manage. However, one worries about being a nuisance or burden. I really am sorry though for your predicament. You know, I'm going to stick my neck out and wish that you and Babe and Daisy could sell up and move near your daughter in warm Florida. Well away from his own trouble maker child! Believe me, if we'd ended up in the states instead of Canada, I would have considered it. Think how the little grands would love visiting grandma and playing on the beach! I know; mind your own business Anne, but I love happy endings! Hey, BUZZ would be over the moon as well!
Wishing you a smooth transition whatever you do, and again, I really sympathize,
Anne.

Oh I love little Lucy’s the spider[url="http://"][/url]

Hoh! Hoh! Hoh!!! I know tomorrow is St Patrick's Day and NOT Christmas, but I just love ANNE's fantasy! It would solve so many problems.....or create too many others! The greatest might be what caused SANDY's rift in the 1st place: BABE's inability to cut the umbilical chords and take back his own life and bride!!! However, it's an intriguing thought!
I just had to delete well over 3 full pages of the letter "p" since I muat have dozed off at that point!
I took advantage of our bus driving over to St Jude's funeral parlor for visitation to our wonderful secretary's husband's death, very unexpected. I'm afraid it took more out of me emotionally than I realized, so I apologize, but I seem to be having a problem concentrating and remaining awake! I enjoyed everyone's posts this evening but somehow my computer keeps blacking out and I need sleep badly! Will return tomorrow!
Buzz
............................Always Believe Something Wonderful Is About To Happen!........................

https://youtu.be/VrS6akzR3sk

Lucas

Although chilly, the back garden is sunny and sheltered so the Bean and I have just spent a whole hour cutting back dead foliage. The snowdrops are indeed decimated after the coldest and longest and snowiest winter I can remember. Just the one brave soul. Not sure about anything else at this point. We both so enjoyed pottering instead of being huddled up against the bitingly cold winds. I hope my honeysuckle made it. At least tiny buds are showing on the lilac and pear tree.

Of course, everything is aching now! Sympathy sent to PATSY and all joint sufferers.
Anne.

I'm considering the outer Hebrides PATSY as a future abode. But I'd probably need a rowing boat to get there! Anne.

I was right; sauerbraten will never be a replacement for corned beef and cabbage. I barely ate yet i was too full at the end of the meal whatever that means, and tomorrow is a huge buffet at noon. Who cares? I'm not hungry!
SANDY, I don't think your landlady has a leg to stand on regarding less or more than the 60 days. She is breaking the lease (is there anything written in the actual lease?) that runs to August and I don't think she can charge you for more time than you remain, and if you do not move prior to August, I doubt she can throw you out! She would have to get a court order and it could take many months before a court date and it would cost her more than her mortgage to do this since you would have already moved by the end of August and she'd be stuck with the cost of the court date and no tenant to throw out! It's unpleasant, but perhaps she will discuss it in a non threatening manner so you can remain on good terms.
LIN, I recall how available you were for your Dad, despite his being incapable of feeling appreciation. That was so sad, but typical of dementia! You were a wonderful daughter. Every family handles aging parents differently. Mike and I made our decisions based on looming age and the desire to not burden children (who are close to your ages!) who do not live close. We are Floridians, whereas they live in Virginia, NY, Germany and wherever they might land next move. All are busy people and we love one another but evidently do not need to be close by (at least not so far!). My dear sister, on the other hand, moved to Colorado and loves being physically close to 2 of her 3 kids,(both very controlling, but my sister has learned to roll with their decisions!) and a huge bunch of grandchildren, great grandchildren (Her son-in-law married into her family with 5 children, now grown, married and very productive!) We are both happy with our choices, though now they are beginning to look for a place like mine and finding they don't exist in a lifetime care form! CCRC(Continuing Care Retirement Community) has tremendous advantages over rental communities, including large tax advantages.
PATSY, good luck with the knees. I remember when SANDY had her surgery, and her recovery was amazing! I am now bone on bone, and I can always predict weather changes!
ANNE, where the heck ARE the outer Hebrides?
I'm afraid to go back to the former page, and I recall JACKIE"S lovely long post but not the details, so hugs, dearest JACKIE, and I'll make up for it!
Buzz
..................................Always Believe Something Wonderful is About to Happen! .................

SANDY, take note of what BUZZ writes. Did you prepay the last months rent when you became a tenant? This means if you give 3 months notice you live the last month free because you've already paid. However, if you leave earlier than the three months the landlady can keep that months rent. That's how it works here. Don't be rushed into something for your landladies convenience! You need time to think things through and to find another desirable residence. Make sure the family are behind you on this so you are not pressured. Very wise to trust the Lord, he always comes through for me when I have a tricky situation to deal with. All seems lost and then the light bulb suddenly comes on! The very best of luck and know we are all behind you in thought.
Another busy day and then relief next week. Nothing drastic this week, just family chores etc. I went into the garden again for another hour or so of tidying up. I love gardening, but the body is starting to protest. I suppose one day I will be reduced to plant pot gardening. Jilly had a marvellous time. She loves the great outdoors and yapped at every passing squirrel, dog and person. Then she went to bed early which gave me peace to watch the TV which turned out to be lousy so I read instead!
I guess JACKIES friend showed up in the snow. Enjoy your week Jackie! LIN will be getting ready to greet her friends at church. I wonder what PATSY and JERI are up to a few days before spring springs officially on us?
Family day for me,
Anne.

Great news SANDY, very pleased for you.
Anne.