Congratulations to your team Angela. That will be fun for you to watch the games.

I made an apple cobbler today from the Honey Crisp apples Kathy dropped off yesterday. There are a ton of apples left but I was able to use up 8 of them. I tasted a sample and the cobbler is really good. I will have a bowl later after I zoom with my knitting group in MN.

I didn't go to aquafit this morning. I was coughing and had a sore throat during the night, couldn't use my CPAP and decided to stay home, clean and bake.

I went back to studio yoga yesterday. It felt so good but I could tell my balance was not as good, deterioration of core strength, as it was last spring. I've signed up for next Saturday too. Then I will miss two weeks while we are in FL visiting the kids. I am aiming for minimum of 4 times per week exercise moving forward. My friend with pancreatic cancer said her doctors told her that because she is in such good shape and stays so active with exercise, she can handle the treatments better than most. She is getting good results with her treatments so far. She encouraged all of us, her friends, to make a point to exercise 5 times per week for stronger bodies.

I went to my cousins house for dinner last night. She invited Russ and I, my sisters and cousin Polly who lives her year round. Russ didn't go but I did. My sister Lynn had an eye exam this past week. Her first in many years. She needed glasses and was told she has early stage Macular Degeneration. My paternal aunt had it in her later years and my cousin Polly also has it. Another thing to worry about but Polly says it is correlated with smoking. All three of them were or are smokers and I am not. Hopefully I avoid that diagnosis. Growing old is something no one really talks about and is an eye opener as you merge into these later years. When you get to age 55 your doctor wants you to get the pneumonia shots, shingles shot, annual flu shots, RSV shot, colonoscopies… It never ends.

Darrin, our window washer, is suppose to arrive in a bit to wash the exterior of our windows one last time before winter. They collect a lot of dust, bird dew, bird feathers, etc. over the summer.

What are you both up to?

so - I made myself call my mom Saturday to check in and chat. (I hate talking on the phone). Most of the chat was fine, but at one point she asks about work and I just said, "it's not…. great." (Historically, expressing negative opinions get me reminded to be happy I have a job.) So, I do know better than to say anything bad. But, I'm also not going to lie, so I try to keep it neutral. Anyhoops. Her remark back was, "you still can't handle the grind, huh." Hmmm… I don't think that's true or fair. I have been grinding pretty much since I was going on 16. I didn't stay forever in all my jobs, and I know that comment is because I don't work as many hours as Michele. That's not what drives me. I'm not trying to prove anything, just support us. But it always come back to that. Like the visit when I admitted I had put in a couple of resumes at places and was bummed I didn't even get an interview (because that was really hard for me and a big step). I'm still stinging from the comments that I just wasn't trying hard enough. Which then makes me throw up in my mouth because I was doing some of the same to Zach when he was not working after graduation. Though that is somewhat different. I do believe there is some difference in him starting out and maybe being too slow to lower his sights to 'any job' to get his foot in and me not wanting 'any' job. But what would hopefully be a 'better' one. Sigh.

It also sounds like my dad is just dragging her around constantly for his medical stuff. But, also, again - if Michele isn't ready to push for them to be assisted, I'm not going there.

And dad was 'fit' enough to be out at the farm bugging Dan on the harvest, so - status quo. He always has enough time and vigor for the farm.

I keep seeing these weighted vests that people are wearing when walking (or running) recently. I wonder if I should look at one to wear while I walk on my machine. I know weight lifting is really important for future health, but I'm not much into it and walking on my machine is about all I'm going to do - for now anyways.

You know, I actually think the increased fiber/omega supplement may be helping? My blood pressure has been lower recently (aside from the doc offices obviously - b/c they all still think I'm lying even though I show them my at home readings). I have actually been feeling a little wonky some days b/c it is getting lower than normal. The ground flaxseed and ground oats I have been adding is the 'new' thing I have been adding and those have a good amount of fiber and omegas. We'll see if that continues.

Sorry I haven't got on here in awhile. I've been busy and having late nights watching the Jays in the World Series - No I did not watch all of the 18 inning game. I turned it off after 9 (which as 12:45am) saying I couldn't take AN other inning. I woke up 4 hours later and looked at my phone to see the score. I was sad they lost and then did a double take at how many innings at took 18!!!!???? Wowzers It is the Blue Jays longest game in their teem history

I've been busy trying to get things ready for this weekend. The Missions Conference at my church starts tomorrow. On Saturday, we do a banquet. I am doing the decorations for it. Sunday afternoon I had one my friends 2 daughters over (12 and 14) and they helped me pre-fold all the napkins and put together the favours. I still have to make the center pieces. I need to do that tonight when watching the Jays game.

Sunday I broke a tooth. It's the one that mostly root canal. I broke what little tooth is left. Since there it is mostly root canal, I can't feel it. I don't want to get an implant there. It's way to costly. I have the money, but just because I have it doesn't mean I want to use it for that reason! I have an appointment Monday for an extraction.

I didn't watch the game but was amazed it went 18 innings and figured it had to be exciting to watch. Good luck with your Mission Conference and decorating for it. It's nice you had help from the younger set.

Angela, I had a molar pulled a couple of years ago. I was sent for a root canal and they said they couldn't do it. I don't remember why. They told me the molar had to be extracted and I would need an implant and crown. I chose not to get the implant due to cost and the open space doesn't bother me.

Russ and I worked out this morning and then I had my haircut and pedicure for Florida trip next week. I'm tired from my flu and Covid vaccines yesterday so I've been watching Hallmark Christmas movies all afternoon. Tomorrow I will go to aquafit and visit Sarah at the nursing home.

I am also amazed at how fast the months are passing by. September and October went so fast.

We get some candy to hand out. There are not very many that come around, but it's cute. I think those 'trunk-and-treat' things that have become so popular the last few years have cut down on some of the door to door stuff.

I don't blame you for being concerned about traveling. As an anxious person anyway that would really get me going. I have so many big thoughts about all that is going on. I got into a couple of yelling matches with Bernie recently. I used to consider myself conservative, but obviously the things going on now are not aligned with that. But Bernie can't even take a big picture look at things. He just keeps spouting 'it's all the Democrats fault'. I just have had it. I don't have big love either way, but I will not silently stand by and not say the hard things. The 'stupid' democrats are trying to save people and his party (and unfortunately mine) are trying to raze all but their precious few.

I really don't like party politics. I am a registered Democrat (enemy of the country I guess) but I just vote with what I believe and my bleeding heart is more aligned with the Democratic party. My parents were Indiana Republicans but the party was so different in their era. I don't think either party cares about those of us in the middle class that just want a comfortable life. They are all filling their bank and investment accounts. Makes me angry. I wish we could vote them all out, start over and build this country to what it should be.

We are driving to FL. Leaving Monday morning so packing has started. I have my list, clothes, etc set out to pack and will make final decisions tomorrow as to what I take. I'm taking my bigger suitcase since we aren't flying.

My FL son, Jeff, turned 36 years old today. Wowzer! David will be 38 in February and Rory 31 in March. Time has flown by so fast. How old are Z and C now?

safe travels!!!!

Good luck with the dentist Ang

Hope your drive is going well J

at least it's Thursday!

My insurance covered 80% of it. With the limit on my dental work I can have a year, and the amount I have had to have done this year, I was pleasantly surprised I had that much covered. I was expecting to have to pay more.

Today I feel like I need to eat to make up for 3 days on a soft food diet and not feeling full enough. Not a enough of a reason.

With Tuesday being a holiday, I took Monday off from work to give myself a 4 day weekend. I am looking forward to it. This weekend I am going to a popular local Christmas craft fair. This year they changed their tickets for going. You must purchase them in advance. You also have to purchase for them for a 2 hour time slot. You can come at any time during that time but you have to leave at the end as they close the doors for 15 minutes between time slots. If you want to go back, you have to purchase another ticket. Good thing I am mostly after just a couple things - my calendar for next year (I got a cat calendar from the people I got Wesley from, who also see cat toys) and fudge.

oh no - dang virus. Did you run a scan to make sure nothing was corrupted? If it was your phone, usually the anti-virus you put on laptops will have a few licenses - like my McAfee has enough I could put it on my phone. I haven't, but if I thought I needed a scan I would.

Yeah - g-baby time! Enjoy all those sweet hugs, stories, exuberance and fun.

SCREAM - my typing just disappeared again!!! ARGH

We've seen the kids every day and eat together at night. Today we are treating them all to a great seafood restaurant where you eat on the pier picnic table style. If it rains like it may later, we will eat inside. It's nice on the pier because Miles and Layney can get out of their seats and peek over the railing to the water below.

I walked a little over 2 miles this morning. I do not tolerate humidity and I was dripping sweat by the time I returned to the rental. Felt good to move though. Too much sitting between travel and visiting. This next week, Russ and I will plan a couple of outings for us.

Our yard in MI has at least an inch of snow this morning! Possible 2 more inches are expected. I hope it is gone by the time we get home. Not ready for winter yet.

I love Scotcharoos! Enjoy your Sunday.

Sorry you don't feel well Marla. Russ doesn't feel well today so we will see how that plays out. Have you had vertigo before? I feel like my balance is off lately. I know it can mean a vitamin deficiency of some kind or just the inner ear acting up.

We toured Flagler College yesterday. I wanted to see the Tiffany windows that were placed in the building when it was built back in the 1800's. They are beautiful! Quite the Hogwart's feel but beautiful too.

We are walking to historic downtown today to meet Jeff for lunch/brunch and see where his office is. Karah and the kids are walking with us. St. Augustine's Light Up the Night for Christmas begins Saturday. They have been working for days to put all the Christmas lights up for the kick off of the holiday season. I guess downtown gets very crowded in the evenings during the season due to how beautiful the lights look. We are going to look at it from the bridge over the intercoastal after dark.

Time for my coffee. Feel better soon Marla.

Russ was in bed all day yesterday, very fatigued and digestive issues. I'm guessing he caught some kind of bug. It has happened before when we travel. It's almost like his body has a hard time with schedule change including meals, car, sleep changes, etc. Eating take out and meals at restaurants doesn't help. Portions are so huge and a person can eat more than they really need. We really need to share a meal at restaurants. Neither of us can eat a whole meal with the huge servings so too much waste and too much money spent.

I went to visit Jeff downtown with Karah and the kids. We saw his office (beautiful view of the intercoastal, bridge to the island and boats), walked to a bagel place for bagels and cream cheese of our choice, and then their favorite coffee place downtown. These places have the cutest outdoor patios. I guess decent year round weather warrants cute outdoor places. There is a small interactive pirate museum and the kids were intrigued by a treasure chest outside the house that hosts the museum. They are really into pirates and spooky things right now. I went over to their house for dinner last night.

Not sure what today will be. Russ was planning to cook dinner tonight but I'm guessing that will be postponed. I need to do a load of laundry and get outside since it will be 70 today.

I hope you are feeling better Marla. Drink fluids!