Happy Birthday 88 years!!!!!

I had an extended celebration this year.  Linda took me to lunch on Wednesday, bearing gifts and giving me a trial run to my haircutter's new place in Escondido, then I had my good Dr. apt on Thursday and had lunch with Maria, and fun gifts have been coming in from Amazon from her, plus she gave me fresh medjool dates and walnuts plus the recipe for a date shake and Friday Camber and James took me to lunch after bringing beautiful plants for my home.

Meanwhile I had birthday greetings on Facebook, Messenger, Messages, Instagram so it was a fun birthday even though if I am in San Diego for the winter we usually have a party.

Maria said to take a picture and it is good to mark the day so here it  is to mark 88 years of which I probably remember the first 8 the best!!!!

When Linda asked what I wanted I said the Pepperidge Lemon layer cake.  I only recently discovered this little gem but I have bought the coconut layer one for years...if hungry for cake these are really great.

Call from Stewart House twice, once here and then latter from the children and sang Happy Birthday each time.  Maria and her crew called on my tablet and sang while serving Birthday Cake Michael had made that day!

 

One thing James did before he left  my house is to get my key to grasp and let me have a fire in the fireplace.  My minister Bro. Williams had been so kind to find one that fit and brought it over along with a lighter and worked very hard to hook it on and then teach me how to do it.

Unfortunately I was not able to get it to grasp on the nexxt day or ever after.  James showed me how to slant it and get a good grasp by being gentle till it really latched.  

Then the second problem had to be solved.  My hand is not strong enough to turn it with just one hand while the other one is holding the fire torch.  So the first time I used a paper towel and lit it but this makes too big of a mess to vacuum up later.  Now I have one of my little candles that I use to light and then use my salad tongs to pull it out of the fire.  Life is so complicated when you are old and alone but never give up!!!!

Good Health News

Today I met with Dr. Rod Serry and after reviewing the latest tests plus all he received from Scripps he does not feel we need to do anything yet.  YEA!

If I start having more symptoms I should call, otherwise I will get tests again in June and go from there!!!  He said the stenosis is about the same as it was last June but he does not want to wait any longer than 6 months to test again.

He said to keep doing what I am doing.  Actually I think I should be doing more walking and dancing. 

However, if I am going to live longer than 2 years I need to start looking for cheaper housing.

Maria sent over a list in Carlsbad to start on.....

He also explained that in the last 10 years or so they have determined that the statins help prevent heart attack and stroke and lesson the plaque.  Even without thinking about the numbers...definitely I should have been taking for this reason with my familial heart disease.  

Inauguration Day

 

Today will go down as one of the best inaugural days we have had.  I thought President Biden's talk was the best I have heard since Kennedy.  He was very well prepared and seemed sincere and determined to put across a message of We, not I, and his determination to be the President of all the people.  I was very impressed. If only, the positivity and comradery can keep going.

Lady Gaga's singing of the National Anthem was the best I have ever heard, I think.  And Amanda Gorman, the poet laureate wrote and spoke an incredible poem about these times.  Just amazing. 

Whoever was responsible for the planning and carrying out of the day did a really great job.

Of course, it was very disappointing when he signed 17 bills changing a lot of the good that Trump did and reverting to Obama days, so despite the speech it is all about politics and paying back who he owes a favor to, politics not America needs... again. So sad. 

  

Mitchie, a New Friend

 Charli wanted her Mom to send both Marilyn and I some of her "not needed anymore" comfort stuffed animals, "because we are all alone."  Nico immediately loved it and named it Mitchie!!  Thanks,Charli!!!

New Primary Doctor and Statins

On 12/8/2020 I met my new Primary Doctor at Arch Health.  He is older and has worked other places.  He is a little gruff but very preceptive.  We talked about what I wanted from him. He had already looked at the records Dr. Serry has but I had not brought him any except very little information from Dr. Vaccarri, my Scripps Doctor.

Actually I have to have a Primary Doctor and he knows that but other than my aortic valve problem which is for Dr. Serry to take care of, I told him I want to build up my immune system, take care of any UTI's I get and find out about the Chronic Kidney Failure that is now listed on my charts.  He wants me to come in January after having blood and urine tests and we would talk about all that.  He said it means I have rust in my plumbing ???

Update, I met with him after the tests and sugar looks ok, CKF not a problem, but he talked me into trying statins again, can't use the expense excuse.  It is the generic of Crestor, only $9.62 a month with Good RX coupon at Sav-On and wants me to go for 3 months and see how it does.  He swears it will help my plaque.  However, I read later that statins have never been tested on people over 75 so, you know, is it really too late for that?  Also, I had a current UTI, why was I not aware?  I think I was so committed to finishing my puzzle, I was not paying attention.  Dumb me.  I like that he gave me 3 pills a day and called for a call back to check again.  He is thorough.   

Beautiful Sunset even in Rancho Bernardo!!!

I usually take my walk with Sadie between 4 and 5 and I think it was closer to 5 this evening.  I could not believe the gorgeous sky even out here.  Next day Meagan had pictures that were almost the same as they were down at the bay.  And Carole Warburton in Utah had almost the same except her picture had a little yellow in it.  Wonder what was going on in the world that we were treated with this beautiful sunset!!!
 

High Tide at Bathroom Rock

 Maria sent a picture of the high tide at Bathrub Rock today, that is where we walked to and climbed up on to throw John's ashes into the sea.  This was a favorite place for him to come with his surfing friends.  It is at Torrey Pines State Park.

Four Generation Pictures with the Stewart Family

Linda and the Stewarts came over today and we did 4 Generation Pictures.

Linda, Kristi, and I look quite a bit alike, I think!!!

Molly

Brynn

Kate

Ryan

 

Original. Cards from Keira and Eden

 

No Stuffed Nose in the Morning!!!!

 Another gift I got from Ethan was aromatherapy and one of them was Peppermint and it does wonders for my breathing.  My nose is not all dry and stuffed in the morning.  I love it!!!!

Beautiful Skies Over Rancho Bernardo This Evening

 

Christmas 2020 at my Rancho Bernardo Home and then Hardy Home

On Christmas Eve, Mike, grandchild # 3, came over and we shared a Christmas dinner.  I had bought rib roast but it was not done enough so we had an interesting meal.  But it was all very good  and eventually was all eaten and Michael is always fun company for me.  I really enjoyed our evening together.  We had pecan pie and that was not solid either.  I can't cook anymore!!!  And we forgot to take pictures!!!

  

Matt came over on Christmas Day and drove me to James and Camber's house in Carlsbad around 3 or so and James and Camber had Christmas presents for Matt and I along with their children and then Linda and Gary came over and we had prime rib and everything delicious.  Such wonderful food!!!  

Craig was also there and I sat between Matt and Craig.  Such good looking guys, why did we not take pictures???  It was most interesting when everyone shared about 2020 and how it had affected them, wish we had a tape of that.  It was so interesting and such beautiful thoughts shared.  It was very dark when we came home but Matt was driving so that was ok!!!

The only pictures taken though were these ones Camber took of Kelsi, Lea and I in matching shirts.  They are both so darling, I have to show several shots!!!

 

Christmas Morning at the Masseys!! 2020

Meagan shared Christmas morning with me, everybody happy!!!

I am happy to see the fanciful painting of Meagan in Hong Kong hanging in the background.

 

M & M Virtual Christmas Party, 2020

Maria organized a Christmas Party via Zoom for her family and included me for Tuesday, December 22 at 7 pm and then it was changed to 6 pm and I was not ready.  Through the Elf system we were all assigned people to buy a gift for and someone was going to get one for us.  It was all secret. 

 Unfortunately, the present I got for Bahia was supposed to be there by the day before the party and it wasn't and I was panicky about that trying to track it down before the party started and made all kinds of numerical errors and getting no place and then could not figure out how to get on the Zoom party.  Thanks to Mitch and his extreme patience with me I was soon on the party and it was a lot of fun. 

 Unfortunately I was not sharp enough to figure out how to have any pictures of what went on but it was really fun.  We played some games and unwrapped our presents and guessed who bought them and this was the present I got.  It was one that I had chosen.  And they are very fun to wear.  Ethan was my giver!!

 

M & M Christmas, 2020

Maria's Children's names all start with M.  Thus the M & M.

Matt, Maria and Johnny, Bahia and Mitch, Melissa and Ethan, Matt

Melissa and Ethan who feature the gourmet dinners on Instagram!!!

A view of Mitch and Bahia's apartment!!

 Baby is due in March!!!  So excited!!

My Sister Jeanne

Since Covid no one can go into Treeo and visit Jeanne so Julie visited her outside and had these pictures taken in December, 2020.

 

Gingerbread Houses!! By the Stewarts!!!

Wow, the Stewart Family are becoming pros at Gingerbread Houses!!!

This must be Kristi's?

Bynn's?

Molly

Kate

Ryan

 

Aquaphor

Currently I am having another outbreak of Acitinic Keratosis and it is on my forehead and the sides of my forehead plus a couple spots on the nose.  I just got over the case of it on my nose and they said to come back in six months and here it is again.  Dr had me use aquaphor before and I could not believe it but it did clear it up so I am trying it again but when I turn my head to sleep on my pillow it all comes off on the pillow case so I am attempting to keep the cream on my face so it can do it's work while I am sleeping..  We will see if it heals it this time.  Problem is you have to wash your hair every day cuz hard to keep the cream off the hair line.

Eye Makeup

 So here it is, one eye has makeup and the other does not!!!  The doctor said my eye is not getting any smaller but the skin is closing around it.

Fuchs Corneal Distrophy

When I had laser cataract surgery on my left eye, this was also diagnosed and it will only get worse.

Very irritated eyes,,,don't rub, don't put water on, eyes are especially sensitive to glare and bright lights and should not drive at night.  Can be blurry.  Only thing to help is eye drops with sodium chloride in them.

It is the destruction of endothelium cells in the cornea but not sure why and it is hereditary.  The cornea on the front of your eye swells..

Internet suggests blow drying your eyes with a hair dryer set on low and held at arms length, a few times per day ...but I thought dry eyes were irritating, what is the difference?   I do not know but this helps....on low.

Living Alone or Why Don't You Get Married!

What are the positives of living alone?

The biggest positive is that I can have my tablet blasting out a book or the tv blasting out music without any concern as to how it might bother anyone else.  Sadie can always go find a quiet spot, if she wants one.

You can get up when you can't sleep and watch tv or turn on all the lights and do anything you want like go to my office etc. anytime of the day or night.

You can also sleep as long as you want without anyone disturbing you.  I usually get up in the night for awhile and then sleep longer in the morning.  

You can eat anytime you want, anything you want without feeling you need to make a real meal if you are not in the mood.  Sadie does not care.  Peanut butter sandwiches, why not?

When we lived in a big house, it did not matter because you could usually shut your door and be as noisy as you want and not bother anyone, but these little open houses are not really sound proof.

And if you do not feel like talking you don't have to and you don't have to listen to anyone if you are not in the mood.  And you do not have to listen to someone else's tv or music.

Of course, the biggest negative is you do get lonely!!!

I have been alone more than I have been with family in my life...not sure why that is and people say you could get married if you wanted to, well, not that easy.   

I went to work for SBA four years after Richard passed away.  When I was at work, I was surrounded by men, all of them very friendly, nice, mostly younger than me and mostly married.  The ones who are running around single are not necessarily marriage material...most of them thought I was younger than I was.  In fact, when one of our team and I both came in late one morning the teasing began.  I said, "Hey, I am old enough to be his mother!"  And I guess I was a little loud, the guys in the next cubical were having fun listening, I heard.  Funny thing is we did enjoy running around together later, but there was still that age factor.

And one time on the bus, I was on the way to the mall, and some of the guys were behind me.  It was early evening but the driver from the hotel would pick me up at a certain time so I often went.  There was not always someone to run around with.  One of the guys said, "Hey, who are you meeting at the mall?  Why don't you give us a chance?"  Funny, what went through my mind is that it is strange how an old man who you knew as a teenager always looks young to you, but an old man you never knew when he was young, he just looks like an old man!!

I love the romantic story about James Coburn I think, or one of those old guys.  He had a high school sweetheart who he left and made it big in the movies, but one day when they were older and had both had their other life, he came back, walked in her front door with an empty suitcase and skooted it across the floor and said, "Pack and come with me!"  Or something like that.  Somehow you never forget those early crushes...they never grow old.

Acitinic Keratosis again!

 The older I get the more problems I have with allergies, skin sensitivity, etc. Acitinic Keratosis is what the allegist said I had and suppposedly healed and to come back in six months but it has already flaired up again.

Blames the sun but it has to be more cuz I don't get that much sun anymore..I was reading the ten best foods for good skin and currently I am not eating any of them.  Salmon, Broccoli, Lemon, Almonds, Green Tea, Pumpkin Seeds, Honey, Olive Oil, Apple Cider Vinegar, Yogurt.

Apple Cider Vinegar and Olive Oil can be directly rubbed on the skin as well as taken in the mouth.  And some are pushing pumpkin facials.  All I know is I have had too many break outs in the last few years.  

Foods to avoid...alcohol, no problem there, deep fried food, cheese and other dairy foods will increase oil production and lead to blocked pores, coffee and cold cuts, no problem there, doughnuts and other sugary treats, chocolate, problem this time of year.  Sugar glycates collagen, it stiffens it and ages it prematurely.  Heard of no sugar cookies, fine those. Fruit juice is bad, gluten I have already given up, Low fat yogurt because of the high sugar content.  I haven't been eaten yogurt for the last year because the doctor to give it up cuz of the sugar but maybe the high fat yogurt is ok. Already gave up milk but the ice cream is a problem, pasta I seldom eat, however I just bought a dozen boxes of Annies gluten free shell mac and cheese, oops.  Pizza, bad, have two of those in the freeze.  Soda is bad in fact added sugar is the most aging food we consume. Trans fats are bad and whey protein.

I need to carry a card around my neck with all the have and have nots and see if I can conquer this!!!!

And of course stay hydrated!!!!!

 

Welcome Sign

 When I was looking for a place to hang a Christmas Wreath I found a nail embedded in the pillar and it works very well for the wooden Welcome sign that Maryanne had made for me.

I Love Puzzles!!!

I have done two 1000 puzzles since just before Christmas!!!!!  Maria gave me one for Christmas which was really a luxury to work on and I love having my craft table in the kitchen where there is so much light.  I tend to spend all my time in there and listen to one of my books.  Or watch a show on my Tablet.

  

Linda then brought over another one from Kelly and Collin and I finished that right away, too.  Of course, I get nothing else done!

 

My Rancho Bernardo Rental

It is interesting that the rental I have been in since September has some of the most glorious flowers, items I would have liked to have had and never any just like this.

Three of the most beautiful rose bushes.

A vined fence that has gorgeous flowers on it.

Even a Sunflower!  I have tried to grow those, never successful.

Even growing among the succulents are poinsettias, which should be high and gorgeous by Christmas.  The last time I had poinsettias growing in my yard was when I was a single school teacher and living in Hillcrest, San Diego.