My exciting life!

We're due to get a couple of storm fronts overnight, but no severe weather predicted. I went for my mani/pedi this morning - always a good thing.  I played bridge here at the Terrace this evening.  We played for about 1 1/2 hours, and my partner and I got all the cards.  Great for us, but not so much for the others.  Duplicate tomorrow afternoon.  My exciting life.

Good and bad

I walked more than usual at the Sculpture Fields yesterday morning, and I paid for it with leg cramps waking me up in the middle of the night last night.  I forgot to stretch before I went to bed.  I know I should do that.

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My big event today was taking my car in for service this morning.  Turns out I hadn't had it in for over a year, so there was lots of routine stuff to be done - and they always find some other things to do.  The bill was substantial, but I had spent $0.00 on maintenance on the car during that year, so I won't complain.  This 2006 Altima has been a really great car for me.

Special Tuesday

This morning, I went to the Sculpture Fields to meet with the son of our dear friends to see a new tree that the family had planted in John's memory.  I hadn't seen Kenny for at least 10 years,  so that was a real treat.  And the new tree is a redbud (one of my favorites) and already has some blooms on it.  I left them wandering around looking at the wonderful sculpture, and I headed back home - with a stop at Walmart on the way. 

We got an inch of rain in the two storm lines that passed through the area last night.  Fortunately, I didn't have to drive through either one of them, going to or coming home from duplicate.  This afternoon wound up being a beautiful spring day.

Usual Monday

Sort of back to what we laughingly call "normal" around here.  I went to swimming and coffee this morning.  Monday night was duplicate.  My partner and I celebrated her 90th! birthday by coming in tied for second.  A line of severe thunderstorms came through during the evening, but no rain during the drive in either direction. That was good, too.  More storms to come later tonight.  I bet I sleep through them.

Sunday Stealing

Sunday Stealing: The Kathy Aay Questions

1. What is the meaning of your blog’s name? It's just about my life.

2. Why did you start your blogging? I started it as a way to communicate with our children and my aunt Betsy while we were traveling.  I let it lapse for a while, and then started back up again when I was undergoing treatment for breast cancer in 2005, and kept it up since.

3. What’s your usual bedtime? Lately I've been getting in the bed about 10 or so, working some computer puzzles and watching some TV until after the 11 p.m. news.

4. Are you lazy? Absolutely

5. Do you miss anyone right now? I miss John.

6. How would you describe your fashion sense? My what????

7. What are your nicknames? Mom, momma, grandma.

8. Are you a patient person? Pretty much so, as long as I have something to read while I wait.

9. Are you tight-fisted or frivolous? I'm not much of an impulsive spender - especially since I hate shopping.

10. What magazines do you read? Not many any more - I page through the Tennessee Conservationist and Consumer Reports (when Margaret brings it to me).

11. Are you stubborn? Sometimes - it depends.

12. When is your birthday? March

13. What book are you currently reading? House of Rain by Craig Childs (about the preColumbian peoples of the Four Corners area and their migrations).

14. What phone do you have? Android Galaxy 6

15. Do you have any pets? Only the birds that come to my feeders on my deck.

16. Do you have siblings? I had one older sister.  She died in 1996.

17. Any children or grandchildren? Four daughters, two sons-in-law, six grandchildren and their spouses and significant others.

18. What do you order at Starbucks? I don't go to Starbucks.  At Panera Bread, I usually order a coffee refill and a bagel.

19. What did you do for your last birthday? It was last weekend.  Lots of family came and went to the boathouse to put the last of John's ashes in the Tennessee River where he spent so many hours.  And we dedicated a boat purchased with memorial money and named for him. It was a special time.  And then I got sick and spent the rest of the week recuperating.

20. What’s your occupation? I was a medical transcriptionist, then medical office manager.  Happily retired for many years.

21. Do you live in the country or the city? I'm a city girl - although this is the smallest city I've ever lived in.

Health care (but not about what happened in D.C. today)

I've been bopping along - dumb, fat, and happy - with my Medicare, prescription drug, and supplement insurance.  No problems.  Definitely sympathizing with those who aren't as fortunate as I.  Today things got interesting. 

I had ordered two of my maintenance prescriptions (for an eye problem and high blood pressure) which have always come as 90-day supplies.  I've taken both of them for years.  I got them today and they were 30-day supplies. This had happened with the eye medication, but I thought the problem had been fixed.  30-day supplies would mean I would be ordering meds ever week or so, and paying a monthly co-pay, as opposed to once ever three months and paying two co-pays instead of three. Needless to say, I was pissed! 

I got on the phone to Express Scripts and, amazingly, got a human on the line right away.  She quickly understood what I was telling her and put me on hold to figure out a solution.  Turns out, beginning this year, these two drugs have been moved to a higher "tier" and are only available as a 30-day supply.  These are non-narcotic, generic drugs - not the latest "hot" brand-name, highly-advertised goodies.  There is absolutely NO reason for them to be put at a higher price.  I told the gal this was absolutely unacceptable, and what should I do about it.  She told me I should call my providers and ask them to call the number she gave me and request moving the meds to a "lower tier", so I could get them in a 90-day quantity.  This is obviously just a way to get an additional co-pay for a not-particularly-profitable medication from people not savvy enough to complain.

 I now have calls in to my doctors to get into this process (of course, the offices were closed on Friday afternoon).  And is there anybody out there who thinks Big Pharma and the insurance companies don't call the shots in our medical care??

Better (I hope)

I stayed in all day today - didn't even get dressed.  But I ate three meals - things I had here.  I didn't go to exercise class or get my mail.  So far, I'm feeling pretty "normal" (whatever that might be).  And I'm planning to skip swim class, but to go to coffee in the morning.  We'll see how that goes.

Relapsing

I thought I was much better yesterday, but  knew during the night that today wasn't going to be good.  I haven't been nauseated, but I have had absolutely no energy and am achy.  I'm spent most of the day in my chair, had my lunch brought in, and had slept twice during the day (so far).  I'm invited to a surprise bridge birthday party on Saturday, but I'm planning to cancel.

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Our high temperature was 83(!) yesterday, until the storm line came through about suppertime.  There was lightning and thunder, high winds, hail, power outages, trees down, and it was over in about an hour.  I had maybe 0.25" of rain in my gauge.  Today is sunny, but temps only in the 50s - much more comfortable.

Getting better

Slept seven hours straight.

Took a shower, got dressed, and

Had some food. Better.

Birthday and Memorial Weekend

Our weekend was almost perfect.  The house they rented worked quite well and was comfortable.  The "event" at the boathouse was great.  The weather was predicted to be perfect, but it turned out interesting. Just as the family went out on the dock to put the ashes in the river, a cold spitting rain started and the wind picked up.  We just did our thing, and when we got back on the apron of the boathouse, the sun came back out.  It was still cooler than we'd hoped, but nice.  We got to take pictures of the boat named for John (pictures are on facebook) and christen it with champagne.  The Rowing Club had put out some delicious snacks.  I made a few remarks about John and how he felt about rowing.  It was good to see some of the rowers I knew and meet some I only knew by name.  All in all, it was about an hour, which was about right.

We got carry-out pizza for our dinner Friday night, and carry out Chinese for our dinner Saturday night, so not much work for anybody.  The only problem was about 2 a.m. this morning, when I woke up nauseated and started vomiting.  I spent most of the rest of the night sitting in the bathroom and occasionally throwing up.  Nobody else was sick, so I guess not food poisoning.  But if it's a bug, I undoubtedly will have passed it along to the rest of the family.

Sue and Margaret got me back home first thing this morning, and I've slept on an off through the day.  I've only thrown up once since then, so we'll see how it goes.  I'm certainly going to be staying at home all day tomorrow, too.

14, 15, 16 March

This is birthday time.

Alison and then Sarah,

Followed by Mary.

Not the usual Wednesday

Wednesday is usually a swim day. But I got a surprise after I was dressed and went to put up the bird feeders on my deck.  It was 24* and there was a light dusting of snow on the deck.  I checked the TV, and the schools are delayed opening, and some slick spots on the roads.  I know it wasn't much, and I probably wouldn't have had any problems.  But, at my age, I don't need to be out on any chancy roads in the dark on these hills.  So no swim today.

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I found out one of my bridge partners (Dorothy) is a knitter.  I mentioned to her that I knit socks.  She said she had done that years ago, and I "waxed rhapsodic" about the new self-striping yarns and the "magic loop" method.  She was eager to learn more and get started.  This morning, she bought yarn and an appropriate needle. I found my original simple sock pattern to share. I met her at a nearby Burger King, and we had a short lesson and Q&A session.  It'll be fun for me to watch her develop this new skill - especially since she will be celebrating her 90th birthday in two weeks.

Three for Tuesday

I slept all night long - woke up the first at 6 a.m.  Amazing!

For five minutes, I was the only one at Silver Sneakers this morning.

I had recorded a program about NBC's 90th Anniversary.  I watched it this afternoon.  What a wash of nostalgia over so many great programs!

Back to Monday

We had a pitiful bit of snow overnight Saturday/Sunday, and it was totally gone by Sunday noon.  Sunday was a beautiful sunny day.  Not so today.

It was cloudy and dreary until about 4, and then there was a cold rain tonight - ugh! And I was out driving in it.  Double-ugh!  I went to duplicate again tonight.  As usual, my partner and I sat N/S, and out of 20 hands, I think we bid on maybe four of them.  I know all N/S couples play the same cards, but it's still not much fun when you don't ever get to bid, much less play.  I keep saying next time will be better.  But now I'm home safe and snug and ready for the late news and bedtime.

Miscellany

I picked up my laptop this afternoon! It's working fine, and I'm SO much happier.  I'd hate to be snowed in and not have the computer.  Last night was one of those nights when I was up for a couple of hours in the middle.  I really hate those!  Usually, if I can't sleep in the bed, I'll drop right off once I move to the chair.  But that didn't happen from 3 to almost 5.  I finally went back to the bed, and did sleep for a couple more hours.  Oh, well - better luck tonight.

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I've been talking to a very old (length of time, not age) friend recently.  Many years ago, when we were living in Hendersonville, north of Nashville, I was a charter member starting a local chapter of the League of Women Voters.  I'm no longer active in LWV, although I've kept up my membership.  The chapter in Hendersonville is having its 50th anniversary in May.  I can't believe it!  They're looking for as many charter members as they can find to invite to a dinner.  And they found me - not that it was hard.  So I'm planning to go.  It'll be fun to see some of the gals from the old days.  And there are a couple I still keep in touch with.  It was an exciting time.

Working on it.

The laptop is at Staples. Should be able to get it tomorrow.

Arrrggghhh!

Windows Defender has my laptop locked, telling me it has the Zeus virus. I called the tech support phone number given. The recorded message told me they were closed, call back tomorrow. What's with tech support not being 24/7???

Three on Wednesday

1.  I saw the pulmonologist this afternoon.  She told me I have "mild to moderate COPD" and prescribed me a daily maintenance Rx  and a "rescue inhaler".  I'm to go back to see her in two months.

2.  I talked to John's rowing buddy today.  He has arranged for us to be on the dock to put John's ashes in the river at 2 p.m. on Saturday, 18 March.  This is to be followed by christening of the "John Zelle" boat, light snacks and chit-chat.  He's very pleased to be doing this, and hopefully, we'll have good weather.

3.Speaking of weather, today was a gorgeous day, after about 1.5" of badly-needed rain yesterday. Tomorrow is supposed to be lovely, too.  And then they're talking about snow (!!??!) for Saturday night.  Of course, the ground is so warm by now, nothing would stick, but still…

Tuesday haiku

Lots and lots of rain,

Now there are two squirrels.  Arrgghhh!

Lots and lots of rain!

Pay attention!

My friend, Judy, is nine months younger than I am. Last month, she had a heart attack, was taken to the hospital, and had two stents placed. 

I saw her today for the first time.  She looks great, and feels great, although she does tire easily.  I asked her if she knew she was having a heart attack.  She said she did.  I asked her how she knew, and this is what she told me.

She had gotten up on Sunday morning, gotten dressed, and was eating some breakfast.  Her husband was still asleep. She noticed some pain in her left hand, but didn't pay too much attention to that since she has arthritis in her hands.  A few minutes later, she felt some chest pain.  And then she quickly took action. 

• She called 911 and asked for an ambulance, saying that she thought she was having a heart attack.
• She took an aspirin.
• She called her daughter and told her what was happening and that she needed to come.
• She unlocked her front door so the EMTs could get into the house.

This is one smart lady, and I'm so proud to have her as a friend and to use her as a good example.

Pay attention!

Sunday Stealing

Sunday Stealing: The Questions of Age

1. By a certain age, women should stop dressing like 20-year-olds.

2. By a certain age men, should stop acting like 20-year-olds.

3. When I was young I thought by now I would have more sense.

4. Now that I am older I wish I had taken better care of my body.

5. You know that you are too old to do an activity when everything.

6. You know you are too young to do an activity when ? - I'm older than dirt - not much I'm too young to do.

7. When I was in high school I listened to the music of big bands.

8. When I was in college (or the next four years after high school) I listened to the music of big bands still.

9. These days, at my age I find myself listening music of chamber music groups, "elevator music".

10. For my last birthday I had a very quiet day.

11. On my next birthday I want to spend time with family.

12. The best birthday present I ever got was ? It's never about presents.

13. The first time I felt that I was an adult was when  I get out of bed every morning.

14. The last time I felt like I was still a kid was when - that just doesn't happen any more.

15. I would sum up 2016 by saying Aaarrrggghhh!  Glad it's over!

16. I hope I will sum up 2017 by saying in December "It wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be.  And I'm still here."

17. So far in terms of age, I feel my first big milestone was learning to live by myself.

18. As I look forward to the rest of my life’s journey, I feel my biggest milestone of my life will be keeping it going.

19. By the time I was the age I am now I am surprised that I haven’t yet convinced myself to be more active.

20. By the time I am 65, I hope that I have …since I'm almost 81, I guess I passed that milestone a long time ago.

Do-nothing

I think the only way I could have done less today would have been to sleep all day. 

Some of my favorite things

Some favorite things -

Swimming, coffee with my buds.

Then duplicate bridge.

Wednesday storms

I had a pulmonary function test this morning (preparatory to my visit to the pulmonologist next week).  I wasn't looking forward to it, but it's not really painful or long.  The tech ran some tests and then gave me a breathing treatment with more tests to follow.  I didn't get the blast (shaking reaction) to the breathing treatment until I got to coffee to meet my swim buds.  It finally wore off after about an hour.  I hate that part.  No telling what the doctor will be telling me next week. 

That fierce line of storms went through here in about 20 minutes this afternoon (3:25-3:35 pm).  There was no damage in our immediate area, but some in surrounding areas.  We were pretty lucky, I think.  And we got about 0.6" of rain in that 20 minutes!