Carol- Sorry to hear about your knee. I have a bad knee it is canted out 12 degrees and makes life harder but it is a constant reminder that I need to lose weight. I do notice that my posture really affects the pain. better posture=less pain.

Mary- I am also a Dyson fan. With ash and constant dirt vacuums tend to die frequently here but the Dyson has been a peach in severe use.

Spent 8 hours in Hospital (100 miles away, like grocery store) with my friend and neighbor. She is 85 and still living like I do. Tough lady but her knee swelled to the extreme and I ran her in. Hopefully they won't have to operate as she is getting weaker and I don't know that she could take it. This sounds like reality TV and I hate those shows. Oh well. Have a great day.

Sandy ~ my sister got her hearing aids from a place called America Hears. She said the company was started by a man who felt that anyone who needed hearing aids, should not have to go without, because the cost was too high.

Here is the website for it: https://www.americahears.com//

She has had a great experience with them ~ has hearing aids in both ears and has been really happy with them. They were affordable when other places had outrageous prices. I reached a point where I began to need one and she shared with me her experience with them and so I got mine there too.

Your husband would need to get an audiogram to send to them, they look at that and recommend what kind would work best with his hearing loss. My sister has one type, I have a different type. They tell you what the procedure is. They are give good customer service. We have been happy with them.

Hope this helps.

Good morning everyone,
I went out for my once in a month cheat day yesterday with a friend. We went to a country Irish Pub and restaurant where they are noted for their rolled stuffed ribs which is what I had. I also had a bottle of beer . So I not only enjoyed the meal but also enjoyed the drive into the country. Today is laundry day for me and do bedding day so that will keep me busy for a good part of the day.

Carol - I hope it doesn't take long for your knee to feel better.

Sandy - I'm sure you will love the new TV you just purchased. I also have a big monstrosity of a TV in my rec room which still works find and I have often wondered how I would ever get rid of it because it is so big and heavy. I'm happy to learn that Best Buy would take it away if I ever purchased a new one. GREAT that you had a wonderful luncheon out yesterday. We both went out on the same day. Sorry but I don't know anything about hearing aids and was surprised that they are so expensive.

Mary - Hope you are feeling better today and out of your slump. I wonder if the winter weather is the cause. They say that people get the February blahs and go south if they are able to.

Have a good day
Karrine

My knee feels better already. I did a lot of walking yesterday and I was fine. I think the ice and Biofreeze fixed me up. It is not actually pain, but a soreness and I can feel that it swells, even though it doesn't look swollen. It just doesn't bend very well for stairs, and I wouldn't dare try to do lunges or deep knee bends. By the way, it was a lot of walking for me, but not a lot compared to most.

Karrine we used to have a monstrosity TV that was very heavy. When we got the first flat screen in the living room we put the monstrosity in the game room. It just wouldn't break down. Finally, we gave it to my step-daughter when their TV broke and they love it. Still going strong. We never wait until a TV breaks to get a new one. DH always likes to get something "bigger and better." LOL He's the same way with lawnmowers. Sees one he wants so he sells his old one, or gives it to his son or brother.

Mary, when I pass the Dyson display in Target I tell DH I want one, but he looks at the price and keeps on going. Actually, I don't do vacuuming, he does, so the one we have is fine. When I had my heart surgery 8 years ago they told me not to vacuum so he started it. He never stopped, even after I was released from the doctor. I have done it a couple times, and I always have to ask him how to empty it as it is our first bagless vacuum. One day my step-daughter said she was getting a new vacuum because hers broke. Jerry took her old one and found that the hose was just clogged, so now we have that one downstairs so he doesn't have to carry the other one up and down the stairs to vacuum the game room.

Gayle I saved that website for the hearing aids. I have some hearing loss but I don't think it's very bad. I do put the TV sound up a little too loud for DH, but sometimes that's because he talks all through the program and I can't hear. I would wear a hearing aid, but I would rather do without than pay thousands of dollars. First I would try one of those things they advertise on TV. I never have to ask people to repeat what they said, except for my step-daughter and I think that's because of the way she talks. With a hissing sound. I'm fine with everyone else.

Sandy, that's great that Best Buy took your TV. They used to take old TVs for recycling if you brought them into the store but I don't know if they still do that. Staples takes old computer equipment, as we took some old monitors there. For a while now our local garbage company would not take electronics for recycling, but we got a letter than this year they are increasing the monthly rate so they can include electronic recycling. There used to be recycling events held periodically but they stopped that in our area so the garbage company took it over.

Akhomegirl, that's nice that you helped out that older woman. I hope she's OK. I guess when you live in the wilderness like that you have to watch out for each other.

It seems so strange to hear that a grocery store is 100 miles away. We have 2 grocery stores within a mile of our house. If it wasn't highway, I could walk to them. I am in the grocery store 3 times a week.

Just got home from our gs martial arts class. Now two of our gc have activities on Sat we are alternating where we go each Sat. I have to do laundry today..I have a large canvass hamper which is divided into three compartments and usually I wait until one is topped off before washing, but dh is complaining he has no t-shirts. He has so many t-shirts I thought that could never happen but I guess it has. :?: So I need to get to it.:D As I told you I have been very lazy for a while now.

I like my big Dyson..it is not the ball kind....it is good for just straight vacuuming the carpets and even the hard floor in the kitchen. It has a little edger thing on it but really isn't that great at getting the edges clean nor can it go under the furniture. That is why I like my little lightweight Shark...it is easier on my back and can easily go under most things. I esp like it for getting under the kitchen cabinets which the Dyson just can't go. The Hoover I just bought can do that too, but it is a little larger on the base and is also heavier and doesn't move as freely as the Shark. But for $79 it's not bad. I think the attachments will work easier too...it only has two that came with it, but I have a huge number of attachments with both my Dyson and the Shark and they are very awkward to use, so I almost never use them. Haven't yet tried the Hoover attachments but if they are easier it will be worth it just for that. Some day I would like to get the small light weight Dyson upright with the ball feature. I would think it is the best of both worlds. I honestly can't tell they have better suction than the Shark but they are more quality machines overall.

On hearing loss....Carol Sometimes even with his hearing aids he can't understand the words and the wireless headset he was using stopped working, so he bought some TV Ears. They seem to help him although he still doesn't catch everything..when he first got them he kept the TV down to a more reasonable volume but now he's turning it up really high again. They might be just the thing for you though since you don't have bad hearing loss.
Ours sons gave us surround sound for Christmas and I thought that might help dh hear better but it doesn't seem to. To me it makes it harder to hear sometimes as it makes the music so loud and sometimes makes the voices sound strange.

Glad your knees are better. Do you ever use ice or heat, perhaps alternating them? My knees get sore..used to be just one, now it's both at times, although usually only one at a time. Sometimes I notice it esp when biking or going up stairs, but it isn't bad yet.

Karrine - I think both of us have been sorta in a slump...thanks for the word as that is exactly how we feel. I think it may be that we are feeling the need to travel. We used to travel 3 mo out of the year and although we don't want to do that anymore, we still feel the need to get out there now and then. We should have gone after the baby was born. I suggested it but dh said no wait til I can eat better, but I told him it is after the new implant post is put in that you will need to stay close to your dentist, not now. You can always eat softer food even in a restaurant. I think he understands now and I guess we could still go, but we'd have to go very soon to get back in time for his dental appt and we can't seem to make the decision plus the weather is getting better here now.

Glynne - That's a great concept behind that website. Thanks for sharing. Do you wear hearing aids? I did not notice when you were here. Of course I really don't notice dh's much...maybe that's because I've gotten used to them and they are pretty small.

Sandy - Enjoy that new TV!! I don't watch a lot of shows but am happy to be able to watch some that I really enjoy.

Akhomegirl - I'm sure your friend appreciate your staying with her. Your friend sounds like an amazing strong person.

Good evening GG's,

It's been a busy couple days. Wednesday, saw the new PCP. Thursday, went back to get lab work done. That wasn't without a wrinkle ~ the lab where the office sends the blood to be tested isn't in network for our insurance, so Steve had to call the insurance company before they could draw the blood and get that straightened out. We ran a couple other errands, then went to one eye glasses place to look at what choices they might have. I need to get a new pair ~ lost mine on our trip in November. Ran out of time to finish that because of needing to be home in time for Maddie's bus. So, went out again on Friday to finish that. We still were not done, had to leave, go home and get Maddie off the bus, then went back to finish that errand. They had a buy one get the second pair (glasses) for less, so Steve ordered a pair too, as he had had his for quite a while. Wandered around the mall a bit after that. Maddie likes to check out the animals in the pet shop, then we go to the food court where they hand out samples from the different places ~ it makes a nice snack for Maddie. Then back home.

I haven't kept up as good as I had hoped to with the walking on the treadmill. When I do shopping though, I feel like that can count. I am up and moving for probably longer than I am on the treadmill here at home, so I'm counting that.

I sort of did the treat meal thing at the end of the month today. I wasn't really hungry for a whole meal, and sort of felt like I hadn't done well enough this month to deserve it anyway, so I just got a couple snacky things (single serving size bag of chips, one ice cream bar and a little bag that had 3 chocolate chip cookies in it ~ Walmart). The chocolate chip cookies were nice and moist and chewy, I really enjoyed them. So, now ~ I am going to try my best to behave for February and see if I can't lose this few pounds I gained (about 4) since December. I don't feel like that is too horrible, but want to get back on track before I gain any more.

Mary ~ I hope you get to feeling better and out of that slump you keep telling about. Sounds a little like when I feel blue. For me ~ not really anything wrong like feeling bad/sick, but just don't feel like doing anything. Glad you get to go watch your grandchildren at their activities. That probably makes a bright spot in your day. Yes, Mary ~ I wear a hearing aid in one ear (my left one) I'm not as good about wearing it as I should be though. I sort of feel like it doesn't help all that much. It is still hard to understand what is said sometimes ~ not because people don't talk loud enough, but because people try to talk to me with their back toward me, or the words aren't enuncinated. Steve doesn't hear so well either and it aggravates me that he gets frustrated with me when I can't hear ~ he is almost kind of rude about it. He plays the TV so it is almost unberably loud for another person. He admits that he “probably doesn't hear as well anymore”, but does not want to spend the money on a hearing aid for himself. So, because he is so loud here at home, I don't wear my hearing aid much here. I try to wear it when I am around other people though as a courtesy to them. It may not help me as much as I wish it would, but I feel like at least maybe others will feel like I am trying.

Carol Sue ~ glad your knee is feeling better. I have sometimes had I think ~ how you describe your knee feeling ~ kind of swollen ~ but it is not anything (like you said) that you can see on the outside ~ it kind of feels tight and swollen on the inside. Can never seem to place my finger on what I did that made it feel that way ~ maybe even nothing ~ one of those mysteries I guess. I like to hang onto something when I walk too. When I was still working, I used to stop on my way home at the grocery store and get one of their little carts and go up and down the rows in the parking lot to walk while hanging onto that cart ~ I felt more secure having something to hang onto. And I can't remember now who it was that mentioned walking around the perimeter inside of Walmart holding onto a cart. I did that too ~ especially when it was hot outside ~ I especially liked when I passed through the freezer section ~ that felt really good when it was hot. LOL

Karrine ~ it sounds like you had a nice treat meal and day. Glad you enjoyed that and your time with your friend and the drive in the country.

Homegirl ~ hope that your friend you took to the hospital is doing better.

Sandy ~ it sounds like your dad was a real sweetie. Hope you find some kind of hearing aid to help your husband.

We have a couple TV's like you all have described ~ the big old heavy ones. Our son has been after us to get one of the newer flat screen ones. Steve has been wanting one for a long time, but we hated to go out and replace them when they were still working. Well, we finally decided to dip our toe in the water so to speak and are in the process of getting one. Sara was taking a load of stuff to Goodwill today and took one of the old TV's there for us. The new one is supposed to come on Tuesday. We still have use for the one big old one, but need to move it to another location and will need to get someone to help us do that.

Almost time for bed, so guess I will get this posted. Hope you all are having a good weekend and have a good rest tonight.

Good morning,

Homegirl - really nice of you to take your neighbour to the hospital. I simply can't imagine me living 100 miles from a grocery store as I am at one so often each week.

Carol - glad you knee is feeling better

Mary - That's great that you were able to travel 3 mths out of the year. Perhaps when all your dental appts. are finished you might be able to do that again this year.

Gayle - I'm sure you can count all your time shopping as walking and being active ...I do. Glad you had a treat day and that you want to get back on track.

I'm not feeling too good today and not sure yet if I'll go to church. I'm hoping I'll feel better in another hour or so.

Karrine

Sometimes DH puts the TV up really loud, too. When my step-son comes to visit, he will grab the remote right away and turn it down, saying he could hear it out in the driveway. I reminded him that he seems to have forgotten when he was a teenager and had the stereo in his room turned up so loud that we couldn't hear the TV in the living room. We were always banging on the door and telling him to turn it down. I tell them that I have to have the TV turned up loud because they are all talking and I can't hear the TV. I used to use the closed caption when I watched the Young and the Restless because it was hard to understand Victor! LOL I don't know how to find closed caption on our newer TVs.

Out of curiosity I looked at the Dyson Vacuums when we were in Target yesterday. I could never buy one that expensive, no matter how good it cleaned. I guess I'm really cheap. (frugal) I know all of our married lives we always bought a Hoover, usually the cheapest model they had, around $50. We watched for a sale. Then when that one broke we just went out and bought a new one. This one we have now is a Bissell. DH does most of the vacuuming. He just vacuums around things. Once in a while I will help, have him move the furniture so I can clean under and behind them. I am thankful for what he does, even though it's not the way I would do it.

Gayle, things must be different here in PA than in other parts of the country. For one thing, we don't have any stores in the malls that sell pets anymore. People forced them out of business by protesting against them. The only way you can get a pet now is to adopt from a shelter or look in the paper for a breeder to advertise.

Also, our doctors here don't do bloodwork and send it out to the lab. We have a couple places in town where you go to get the blood drawn. The doctor gives you a prescription telling them what tests to do, then they test and send the results to your doctor. That way, you just go to the one that accepts your insurance. There's a woman I post with from S Carolina, and her doctor does the bloodwork at the office, too.

I was the one who said about walking around the inside perimiter of Walmart. I still do that when they aren't crowded and at Target, too. I saw another couple doing the same thing. They each grabbed a cart and away they went!

Its been a quiet day. Went to church, then out to eat, then home to nap, then watched a movie. These days I always feel sleepy, can never seem to get enough and dh is the same way. I think we both need a change of scenery. May have to wait til March though now.

Karrine- we don't RV anymore, sold our 5th wheel and pickup a few years back and now we don't care to stay out three months/year. We were just done with that. Now we go for a while and come home. However there was one month since we sold it that we did do a road trip around CA and were out about a month. That's the longest we've done without the RV. In 2014 we went to Washington DC for ten days. Last June we went to Anchorage, AK for a week but otherwise have stayed pretty close to home, just going to the beach or other local places. We had planned a three week trip to the Philippines for this month but due to our gd's birth and dh's dental issue we didn't go. Now we just go for as long as we feel we need to see what we want to see or as long as we feel we can afford. We travel fairly inexpensively.

Carol - Interesting about the pet shops. We still have one at our mall. As to labs we go to a lab within our clinic. It is a large clinic and is one of several of the same name in our area and I think they each have their own labs, it's just this big connected system. If you go to one doctor, his data shows up on the other doctor's computer. Our previous doctor was not part of this system and his nurse did draw blood and they had a lab in their smaller clinic to process it or occasionally we had to go on a separate day to have it done. Now we both have lab work done every three months before our diabetic routine visit. With this new doctor I am encouraged to talk about whatever though not just diabetes related issues. Not so with my previous doctor.

Glynne - Glad you are getting your glasses and getting started with your new doctors. I guess we are very fortunate not to have so much trouble with insurance. I didn't like when we had to go to a senior advantage plan but it's actually worked out well as it works the same way. I've been carrying around a prescription for new lens but keep forgetting to get it done. Our insurance doesn't cover glasses but that isn't the problem..it's just this incredible laziness I've been experiencing. So many things I want to do but need a kick in the rear I guess to get started! You'd think with all the supplements I take I'd be full of energy but no..

Good morning everyone,
I started feeling better yesterday afternoon. I have no idea why I felt so rotten but glad it didn't last. I am very happy that I lost 1-1/2 lbs this past week seeing as how I had my treat day on Friday. I hope I lose as much in February.
My big vacuum is an Electrolux. It is a heavy cannister type and really does a good job. I get it out once a month for a thorough cleaning and just use a lightweight Sharp the rest of the time.

Carol - same thing here regarding purchasing of pets - no pet stores and purchase only privately through newspaper ads; shelters or breeders. We go to labs here for our blood work with a requisition from our doctor and the results go directly back to my doctor. All of our costs are covered by our Provincial Health Care Plan.

Mary - There are times when I resent being such a homebody as I haven't seen much of this world. I took my DD to Disney World in Florida when she was 12 yrs old and I've been to New Brunswick a few times to visit a friend. Other than that and going to a beach that is only 2 hours away from me (I love the water) I haven't traveled. Prescription glasses are very expensive here (over $200.00) and is not covered by insurance but we can claim on our tax return. I go to the Univ. of Waterloo Optometry Clinic where I am examined by 4th year students and then the optometrist comes in to check their work. You sure get a thorough exam at a learning facility.

Have a good day everyone,
Karrine

Mary - I forgot...I also went through the Eastern US on my honeymoon....(Maine; Vermont; New Hamp; and Washington but that was so very long ago LOL.
Karrine

Yesterday, I made a roast in the slow cooker. For years I didn't use the slow cooker because DH didn't like me to leave it on when I wasn't home, and I saw no sense in using it if I was going to be home all day anyway. After I got my electric pressure cooker I started making roast in that because it could be done in a little over an hour. Last time I used the slow cooker and it was better. This time, it was absolutely heavenly! I buy a roast with very little marbling as DH doesn't like it. They are usually hard to get them tender without the fat, but the slow cooker does great. I browned it, then put it in the cooker with carrots and onion, and a can of cream of mushroom soup. Mary, I know you don't use that. I only put in 1/4 cup of water. It was fork tender and the soup made such a tasty topping for it. DH never tells me if something is good unless I ask him, but he will tell me if something is bad. Yesterday, he actually told me how good that roast was without me asking. I was shocked!

Yesterday I wasn't hungry when I got up and ate 1 scrambled egg, late. I didn't eat lunch, and when I checked my BS before dinner it was 91. I haven't had a single digit reading for such a long time! I guess I'm bringing it down gradually. I still did not fill the prescription for the 2mg Amaryl, and I might not need to if I can continue like I am.

Karrine, I don't travel much but I was in Canada twice. When I was single a friend and I drove up to Niagara Falls, then continued up and went to Montreal. We accidentally got into the french speaking section and had a terrible time. No one could converse with us, and we finally found someone who spoke some English and was able to direct us back to the English speaking section. We wanted to continue on up to Quebec but didn't have enough time to go there and then get back to the US before our vacation time was over. Then I went to Niagara Falls again with my husband when his kids were young.

I am a homebody and I really don't care if I never go anywhere now. I love being at home. My mother was the same way. I didn't understand it back then, but I do now. They say you have to get out and socialize, but I'm perfectly happy as I am.

Our prescription glasses are expensive here, too. One time they quoted me near $500 and that was with insurance applied! I never went to that place again. You can go to the optical store in Walmart and get glasses very reasonable, with a prescription from your doctor. They also give eye exams right there. My step-daughter went there and insurance paid almost all. I have to go to an optomologist because of the hole in my macula and my diabetes. Insurance pays for most of that exam.

Mary, I can't remember the name of the string of labs in our area. I used to have to go there because that was what my insurance covered. Now, our local hospital has an outpatient clinic a few miles from my home where I can go for bloodwork. I can also get my echocardiograms there, I did my cardiac rehab there, and they do xrays and mamograms, along with some outpatient surgery, and physical therapy. It's nice to have that convenience. Before we had to go to the hospital, and you were exposed to the in-patients, who exposed you to infections etc.

We got one of our dogs at a pet store in the mall. We kept seeing her there every time we went. She was there a long time and eventually she was "Reduced for Quick Sale." LOL She was hyperactive, but we liked that. So we bought her. She turned out to be a wonderful dog and lived to be 19 years old. Back when they were saying so much about puppy mills, people started protesting the pet stores and eventually they closed due to lack of business. Stores like Petco have the local shelters bring dogs and cats in for adoption on weekends. They don't have any pets that they sell. Maybe some gerbils or hamsters.

Gayle, I hope you're having a good day.

Good Afternoon all you GOLDEN GIRLS (GG)

I am new to 3FC (less than a week). I'm checking out the different threads I want to spend time in/with.

I did not get to read much of this thread "yet" ... but, I need to get off the computer as I've done nothing all day but hang out on the computer.

I just want to let MARY know... if you miss Downton Abbey you can watch it for free online. I'm not sure if the rules let me post a link but I think if you google downton abbey pbs ... you will find it. If not... let me know.

ENJOY your week GG's and I look forward to getting to know you all better. :wave:

Not feeling well today...started yesterday, my abd hurting similiar to what I've had a few months ago just at the upper rise of my abdomen and radiating at times to my back on the same side. I asked the doc who did my colonoscopy and was told it was just because I'm tiny and I need lose weight. At the time I thought that might be true because it was when the med was beginning to make me gain again, in my abdomen as usual, and I know stretching muscles can feel that way.

However last night it started moving down the right side and finally I realized it felt like gas. It also hurts around my hernia and I think that is what is causing the gas. I remember with my first one the x-ray showed a large balloon looking thing the surgeon said was gas. Only that time the pain was in my left shoulder (not unusual with abd issues). The surgeon guessed about my hernia as the gas prevented a good look. He was correct about the hernia however it was much larger than he expected.

It is not excruiating pain but is very uncomfortable. I went to the gym as I felt moving might help but I was so uncomfortable and was glad to leave. Stopped at a store and I stayed in car. I am taking some OTC for gas but it isn't helping much. I feel very tight around the middle/diaphram which makes me feel too full to eat. One good thing I guess.;) In every other way I am functioning normally. I came home and took a long nap as my abdomen feels so heavy and uncomfortable when I'm up and makes me tired.

BelovedWarrior - Welcome, glad you have joined us! Thank you but I think those are past episodes...I got into watching this great program very late...but was able to catch up by watching past issues on Amazon Prime. We didn't know it was on Masterpiece and thought we didn't get it. So happy we found it for the last season at least. Dh wanted to watch other things last night but taped it for me. So far I haven't felt well enough to watch it but I will.

Carol - Your roast sounds good. I'm glad he complemented you on it.
I know how good that feels. I enjoyed seeing Niagra Falls in 2014 when we went to Washington DC...I forgot that...thanks for reminding me as it was a very good memory. We love Canada and try to get up there every few years.

Karrine - Eastern US is a region we haven't been much and would love to go esp for the fall foliage. We won a trip to Philly several years ago but mostly we just toured the city. Our sons were both stationed at Ft Bragg in NC and we made three trips back to visit them and also went to a Myrtle Beach I'd love to visit more in the east. We've been a lot of places but we still want to see more but with dh almost 81 I don't know whether we will get to them all.
Although we still enjoy it, traveling is getting harder on both of us. Isn't it great only being 2 hrs from the beach...we are about the same. I've always heard the Electrolux is a very good vacuum. Glasses are expensive for dh and I because we get unlined bifocals and transition lenses and I get the scratch protection since I wear them all the time and they take a beating. Also I need high index because of my poor vision. So it's well over $300 by the time I get all that.

Well, I have to get up and move...sitting is not helping...I'm glad you're feeling better Karrine, hi to Sandy and Glynne.

Hey Miss Mary... I'm not certain if this will help as I do not know exactly your physicality... and I'm certain what I'm about to say is NOT on plan... however,

I have been an ostimate for 36 years, I had my large intestine removed when I was 24. There are times that I might eat something that will bind me up and creates a lot of pain. I one time asked a nurse ... what can I do when this happens and she told me the following story --- Once a lady (also an ostimate) made a huge paper bag of popcorn for halloween. Well not many came to her house so she ate the bag of popcorn. Later... she was very bound up & in a lot of pain ...she went to the er. While at the er they gave her a can of grape soda and told her to drink it. She was quite miffed but did... and the next thing you know... she was no longer bound up. As I said, I'm not sure if this is something of benefit to you... it has worked for me.

Additionally, if your DH is recording Downton Abbey for you that is great... but, in case you miss one, the online PBS station DA's are the current ones for season six. I haven't had tv hook up since last Feb (my choice) and I watch the current (and last season :( ) of DA online.

I hope you feel better very soon. :grouphug: