HostTracy

Mine too Asha! It gives me energy and a positive feeling 😊! 

Sue I have learned to love potted flowers! That is an excellent idea and renter friendly too. I love it because I can still play in the dirt and grow beautiful flowers all while being able to rest on a stool or chair. It's exhausting otherwise and because I no longer can squat it's safer. Bending over with my head down and lifting up and then back down a couple of times will send a very dizzy me to the ground! Down on the ground I'd be pretty safe but may have to make camp for lack of getting myself up again lol. I so much agree with you abiut color. I'm a pretty neutral lover but it's the pillows, the art on the wall, the throw on the couch end, the home decor scattered about, etc. That's where I love to throw in a pop of color. My pallette will include blush pink, a rich blue between royal and navy, and splashes of deep blue green ocean (think deep carribean). These intermixed with shades of gray and beige... Farmhouse aged white washed and weathered. 😂 I am doing some heavy day dreaming over here! 

That's an awesome message Asha...one that many here would find strength in. Thank you.

Simply beautiful. I agree with Asha....you have a rare talent for making words dance and tell a story. I know I would want to read more! 🙂 Thank you.

Kelli I love you... You make me smile inside. I am pretty sure that the coming of spring bouncing to life will have a good impact for you. That of course doesn't make all better but there is some truth in "spring fever". I can only imagine right now being in your shoes. If I do I can absolutely understand where you are. I'd probably be similar and question the same things. 😉 You are always positive with everyone... I know it's genuine but that doesn't mean that your same moments dictate how you care for others (I feel that is a really awesome attribute... we don't all have this great ability). Give yourself permission to to have the feels you have at the moment. During this be really good to yourself and always know you have a whole network of support with fluffy pillows to curl up in. I am here for you as a friend. I absolutely do not doubt you'll be passing along the positive abundantly! Thank you for sharing... It feels good to let it out. 🙂 (((hugs))) 

Sue beautifully written. 44 years... You know a thing or two about marriage. A well earned right. I can't even imagine your view... Thank you for sharing it. Wisdom from a long memorable marriage is something so many need to hear. In America it is the norm rather the few who divorce... me included. I smile when you speak of Ray and that your marriage was work, filled with ups and downs, the "things" you guys did for each other. The reality that is now... it's lonely, you miss your partner in life, everything always brings you back to memories of your life together. Wise - wisdom. I truly hate that the now has you meandering this life without your Ray. My heart goes out to you Sue. I see you as an inspiration for many. 

I am praying for you, that all your upcoming medical choices all go through without any issues. Have much fun with your visitors coming. Those days will be filled with memories to carry along with you. Thank you for sharing. 

I second that applaud!!! Caregivers never get the credit they deserve imo. My daughter was 19 in college full time and worked full time and all at once had to care for me. I don't know where I would be today without her. The overwhelming responsibility of this trifecta still affects her life today. My baby quit school, got into a toxic relationship and moved out just to be left alone in a year. I can never repay her for her service and love to me. I am humbled every day. I love her to the moon and back! I am grateful and blessed. 

(((HUGS))) You know I stole this from you! Ithink of you everytime I use it. I feel it's the perfect "virtual hug".

Sue we are here for you during thick or thin. For me and I am sure so many you have been a blessing of support and gratitude. Who am I if I can't be the same for you. The scariest moments in my whole life have all been the unknown. I needed those around me, for me to have some sense of grounding. You and I both know easy is not a useful word in these times. For that knowledge, I send prayer to comfort you when you most need it. Know that I am here and hope you'll allow those of us you have so kindly supported to do the same for you. Stay strong and feel the love, support, and prayer sent your way when doing so may be so difficult or scary. Prayers from afar...now let's go kick some c word butt!!!

Janelle I hate that you deal with this too but I'm ok that I have company. Well at least it makes me feel less like a do do bird lol. The past 5 days have been totally weird...I have been exhausted 24/7. Falling asleep around 8 with my light on, waking up at like 1am and take my meds, do something mindless because I am now awake a little, fall back to sleep with the light on, wake up at 6am and have to get up-get coffee-mix an egg bowl with cheese, salt, pepper-eat-and then fall asleep in the recliner till about 10. 😬 I can't say I won't nap in between that time and dinner! I keep thinking I must be getting sick but thankfully not so far. Perplexing. 🤔

Janelle I know what you mean. For the past month my sleeping routine has gone out the door! First I am having serious problems with getting to sleep...I'm talking get to sleep by 4am because I am now thoroughly exhausted, set my alarms (4) for 10am because I need to GET UP! I have meds, a daily schedule I plan, and I want to be tired or able to sleep earlier the next night. So I sleep through all 4 of my alarms, wake up around noon or 12:30, take my meds at a not good time, feel frustrated with myself, have daytime sleepiness for the rest of the day (try not to take a nap...I'm not always successful), get into bed around 10 but do things to keep my head quiet, try multiple times to turn off the light and get comfortable and fall asleep, and eventually turn on the light and do something to get me exhausted until I can fall asleep. It's a whole cycle. 😐

🙂 Pam so glad your biopsy came out good. Funny how a little scare will welcome next year's dreaded testing. I think I have felt the same way for probably about 15 years (that was my breast cancer scare...prompted my first mammogram...scariest few days of my life). Ladies...check your boobies every month. It's important! 😉😘

I know I do that. I find it the best way to see my strives and how far I have come. I also do that sorta by keeping a very detailed planner. My speech therapist spent many weeks helping me to build a habit. I can see where I made leaps of improvement and in more recent times overlooked improvement. It's all filled with good and bad. I am glad I have these.

Oh Pam...I feel for you friend. I needed round the clock protection right after the stroke but then things seemed to act "right". Up until I had a cold. Coughing, sneezing, OMG just seeing the toilet has got me several times. I was hospitalized about a year ago for 4-5 days and on oxygen, had a blinding headache, couldn't sleep. It was awful and I begged for a sleeping pill. Which they did give me. I slept (once I got to sleep at 4 am) until the next day at about 6pm. When my daughter came in to visit. I had been unconscious the whole day, no food, no drink, as far as I know no vitals (I know that is not true). Either way, I woke up with my hair wet on the back of my head. 😱 I had peed a bazillion times through the diaper thingy. My whole bed was wet, my back, my clothes, yes I took a bath in pee. How do i come out of that with a little dignity. Thankfully, I don't remember a whole lot right after the stroke in the hospital. I do remember this (ok fellas this may be too much tmi...just saying. Pop out now if you wanna skip). I could not communicate but for a few single words not thoughts. I lay in that bed unable to walk without having someone on both sides to just the bedside potty in my room. Each time I cried and said "blood". No one understood, and they didn't see any blood until day 2. I went potty and the nurse was like oh my goodness did you start your period. I just started crying and said "blood". You see I had been having female issues and a month long period. 😑 I had a 2 day old tampon still there. I couldn't even fetch it myself. I was given these mesh hospital panties with an enormous pad insert. Hell I just prayed I'd make it back to bed, much less pull anything up or down or replace the inner diaper. So many times I got back in bed with those mesh panties falling off my butt because no one would help me and I couldn't do it. There was no dignity to be had...I was too unable to do more than cry about it. Anyways, I wasn't too exhausted to let the nurse go fish out the old tampon...I was thinking you need a little gross to touch your day. I still have to keep a supply of protection for the occasional need. I'm glad I can complete the needed steps needed to accomplish this. I've been there though...and it doesn't feel good. Dignity loses. It never feels quite right when you need precaution. Being women it is common after childbirth and after years but it still never feels right. Add in what stroke managed to weaken and well...their is no good follow up here. I hope you get it sorted and help when needed. Pam I think I have a little monster in me...I'm just like well no one wants to help me...let's see what happens. 😡 That is lack of dignity talking. (((Hugs)))

Very wise words Pam. Each day is a renewed appreciation for life. 💖

Heather I hear you!!! I live in the southeast of US...😰 weather/climate is just one of those things very disagreeable with me here. Winters are typically semi mild and above freezing but we get those severe northern dips in the jet stream that bring freezing rain, sleet, ice, snow, or just plain freezing temperatures. OUCH my fingers, toes, and joints. Spring and Fall are usually really nice...bright warming sunlight, flowers, a burst of green everywhere in the spring and crisp (usually bright days), mild everything, gentle breeze, sometimes chilly nights, and a spectacular view of trees bursting into reds, oranges, yellows, and browns as they get ready to shed their leaves in the fall. Then dreary winter...damp, windy, grey, empty, dead vegetation, less daylight, and cold snaps (southern talk lol) with to me dreadfully cold temperatures (sometimes winter precipitation) and tons more rain. On the opposite side...summer starts with typical 80 something degree weather, blue skies, green and lush...it then gets hotter and hotter and dryer and dryer. Typical July-August temperatures are in the 90's and almost every year there are moments of 100 degree heat. We also have crazy humidity during the really hot summer months. No typical southerner gets up without the use of their choice of deodorant/antiperspirant. You're gonna sweat here.😓 It's one of those "I feel like writing days 😁... hence the long post.

Oh Pam I am so happy for you. (Catching my breath) May the blessings begin!!!!! 🙋🎇

Tranquil...Auspicious...

Aspire

Ok...three words. I am open-grateful-look forward-feeling inner peace (even if at moments). 🙏

🤔 I suppose it is called winter there when it is called summer here. LOL ok it's still hard for me to take in this fact. I thought about that because Janelle you said it was a hot summer but rained today. LOL it's silly I know, I do get it...our world is an interesting place. 🙂

Here...here!!!! 🙌

I couldn't agree with any of you anymore than I do. Thanks again for allowing me "to get it out". It helps me. Thank you for being a friend to each of you. 🙂

Sue I just had thoughts of fireworks on the 4th of July in the snow. 😰 4th of July around here is filled with cookouts, outdoor get togethers, picnics, and bathing suits/sunscreen/the river/boating and shorts and tank tops. I've always wondered where to vacation in the winter...now I know it must be in the southern hemisphere (warm, sun filled days on the beach is my jam lol). Nothing too extreme...it does exist how easy we forget to remember when we have not experienced something. 🙂 Oh my goodness we'll have to exchange Christmas cards and other holiday cards! You know they will be so different! Awesome!

Kelli I love what you said too...and visual aids - always a plus. I have not really practiced Buddhism but I will tell you that I do and have found inner peace in writings. Beautiful writings...good for anyone's soul is my thought.  Thank you 🙂.

Janelle I forget you guys are opposite of us climate wise. It's hard to wrap my head around lol. I suppose snow flakes and happy snowmen are fun change of pace. Something about the holidays that just puts things into perspective. I'm glad mass lifted your spirits. This time of year for me is a double edge sword sort of. I love all of the spirit in the air but it is also cold, barren, and blah (case of winter blues). Anyway, my joints and hands really do not like it. It will wear off come spring 🙂🌻.

Blessings to you and your family Janelle.