What's outside of your picture window today?

Posted by John, Volunteer Mentor @johnbishop, Nov 25, 2020

As we get ready for the real winter to show up and COVID-19 still playing a major part in our lives I like to spend moments of my day de-stressing about what's going on in the world today. All I have to do is look out the window and observe some of natures beautiful creatures, how they interact and ponder how small it makes my troubles seem. Sometimes I may even get the opportunity to take a photo or two. How about you? Anything going on outside of your window(s) that you want to share?

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@ess77

Yes, he does most of the time. I'm careful to choose my words carefully so he doesn't get worried I'm invading his space or trying to run his life. Quite a balancing act. At 52. he's his own man. As a disabled man who often needs help but doesn't want it, especially or particularly from his mother, and often doesn't realize he needs the help, he still needs me. I'm all he has. We have a brick wall we must get over to attempt some normalcy....HA! Haven't used that word for his or my life in forever, nor will I...

Today he has a friend visiting, who has a young son, is a musician/computer person and a lot in common with my son. They met when he was doing better for a few months, then he went down and hasn't seen him for some time. It's fantastic he has someone who will share and spend some time, show interest in this good man. He needs this, so I agreed to help out today at his request. We rescheduled some things so he could visit......so pleased!

The last time this fellow visited, he fixed my son's computer, set up the new system he had but couldn't physically do himself. He set up a sound system for him and scheduled housekeeping as well....something my son insists he will do but never gets to it.....So, obviously, I'm thrilled for a lot of reasons!

This afternoon, I've been hit hard with another sinus attack! Pretty bad, so the laptop light is too bright and this will be it for a while. On the right side, again. It may be related to the esophageal reflux, which I had this morning....I'll get the sinus eye/face mask I ordered, heat it up and crawl in bed....now.
Blessings all. elizabeth

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Elizabeth.....that was a joy to read except for the sinus attack. You have a major role in your son's life. I hope the positivity continues.
Chris

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@ess77

Yes, he does most of the time. I'm careful to choose my words carefully so he doesn't get worried I'm invading his space or trying to run his life. Quite a balancing act. At 52. he's his own man. As a disabled man who often needs help but doesn't want it, especially or particularly from his mother, and often doesn't realize he needs the help, he still needs me. I'm all he has. We have a brick wall we must get over to attempt some normalcy....HA! Haven't used that word for his or my life in forever, nor will I...

Today he has a friend visiting, who has a young son, is a musician/computer person and a lot in common with my son. They met when he was doing better for a few months, then he went down and hasn't seen him for some time. It's fantastic he has someone who will share and spend some time, show interest in this good man. He needs this, so I agreed to help out today at his request. We rescheduled some things so he could visit......so pleased!

The last time this fellow visited, he fixed my son's computer, set up the new system he had but couldn't physically do himself. He set up a sound system for him and scheduled housekeeping as well....something my son insists he will do but never gets to it.....So, obviously, I'm thrilled for a lot of reasons!

This afternoon, I've been hit hard with another sinus attack! Pretty bad, so the laptop light is too bright and this will be it for a while. On the right side, again. It may be related to the esophageal reflux, which I had this morning....I'll get the sinus eye/face mask I ordered, heat it up and crawl in bed....now.
Blessings all. elizabeth

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@ess77 Thanks for that great post, Elizabeth. It seems like you are walking that fine line in having a relationship with an adult child. That is just great! I'm sure it is not always easy but I feel like you know where the boundaries are and where you can help as well as where you need to step aside.

I hope you are feeling better today and that your son had a nice visit with his friend.

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@loribmt

@parus. Oh wow, what a treat! Both birds are so beautiful with plumage and songs!! Simple pleasures are the best, aren’t they? ☺️

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@loribmt Truly it is those little things that glow the brightest.

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@ess77

Well, pooh! I just lost the entire message I was almost ready to send!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! How does that happen?

Lori, this is fantastic! They are so precious, adorable, such wonderful parents...I love this relaxing, peaceful snippit of your life and I thank you again and again and again! You're a gift that keeps on giving, my dear!

Well, get ready. Here's my day....
I got 2 nice big boxes from Chewy.com that now owns my bank account...the last additions to my bird feeders and other gifts for my visitors. I got a lovely, fun yellow metal w/black mesh feeder. a copper feeder w/2 seed compartments you can use different seed if you want...another metal mesh for shelled peanuts, some no throw away food and fun. All ready to go out in the morning and reorganize the tree. And the plants....spent way too much time in Lowes' yesterday, got a sprinkler timer and new flag for out front. No plants. Wasn't happy w/what I saw and am being choosy.

This morning my plumbers arrived at 8 and left this afternoon at 2:30. They were here to do my 3 bathrooms, install the vanities/sinks, pedestal sink in half-bath, use all the goodies I bought last year and stored in my extra bedroom all this time. I was finally getting started on the reno!

The owner of the company will be by tomorrow to give me proposal on redoing the master, completely...remove tub, replace w/walk-in shower. Wanted to do that forever, decided not, then yes. Also, when removing the upstairs guest vanity/sink, they found a crack in the iron pipe from the sink, toilet, downstairs to the living room wall to 2' from the slab. So, tomorrow will be a big proposal for the 2-story repairs, cutting into upstairs walls, living room and half-bath walls. Then, I get to replace walls and ceilings and add that and painting, new ceilings, ++++.......to my reno.....

So, I have a huge plumbing repair to handle immediately. Before any reno work is done. Interesting, I had the upstairs guest sink repaired 3 times last year, by other companies. Paid about $300+ each time. Well, silver lining, now I have a good plumber.

I didn't feel well today since I overdid yesterday after the Mayo visit, at Lowes'. Plumbers at 8 a.m., up/down stairs 6 times today, laundry, garbage out, and I'm fine. Very tired, but ok. Amazing, my friends. Thinking. Meditation. Watching my bird visitors. Putting it all in perspective. I'm calling the bank tomorrow, to get a reno loan and proceed with my work. I will get it done, now and finished and will enjoy my home updated and the way I've planned for so long. I WILL get it done.

Oh, really important!!! I had my very first yellow finch today! First ever! It was so precious, on the window feeder and hopefully it and it's family/friends will be back tomorrow and become regulars. I also have others I need to identify. Woodys were back all day with cardinals, mourning doves, huge blue-jay was back, and others. I'm in love with every one of them and soooooo thankful.

May you all enjoy your evening, sleep well and be blessed with peace and joy. Please add several extra prayers and good thoughts my way......
elizabeth

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@ess77 Hi Elizabeth. I can sympathize with you on losing your entire lonnngg message as you type. It's happened to me too many times as well! My issue, I think, is that I'm using my cell phone instead of a computer. Is that what you're doing too? If so, that could be your problem. If some of my messages seem to end suddenly, it's because I'm starting to get anxious about losing ithe whole thing and have to stop typing! Hugs, Laurie

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@loribmt

😂😂😂. Right after, 🎶 Mareseatoats and doeseatoats and littlelambseativy!🎶

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@loribmt I definitely remember my mother singing that one.
Another one she sang was that "there's only a day in the life of a rose"!

It has been nice looking out my windows recently. When I look out my back window first thing in the morning I often see deer. When I look out my front window, right in front of my computer desk, I was seeing a cardinal every morning but it seems to have disappeared. There's a sheer curtain on that window so I couldn't get a picture. Also, where we live was called "Laurel Hill" before it was developed and there are still many Laurel bushes around - when they build houses they tend to leave some natural areas. We have two beautiful Laurel bushes in the front that were so pretty but are now losing their flowers.
JK

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@artist01

@ess77 Hi Elizabeth. I can sympathize with you on losing your entire lonnngg message as you type. It's happened to me too many times as well! My issue, I think, is that I'm using my cell phone instead of a computer. Is that what you're doing too? If so, that could be your problem. If some of my messages seem to end suddenly, it's because I'm starting to get anxious about losing ithe whole thing and have to stop typing! Hugs, Laurie

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I love your messages...never too long! never end abruptly ~ always a pleasure to receive and to read. I'm just now online.....midnight and I'm heading to bed. been resting in my recliner, chatting w/son...he's been very, very concerned about me, even brought me NyQuil last nite which I've never put nor would I ever put in my body, but last night was tough. He was so sweet and concerned and brought it to me in one of my crystal glasses! So funny, men sons.

Anyway, I drank every drop, was looking for old pain pills I don't take anymore...anything to make the headache go away. I finally got a few hours sleep. Called and had video chat w/doc today. Sent to Mayo for Covid testing....almost none in town, just state/county/Mayo....Just got results now on portal, negative for Covid. My PCP was concerned even w/vaccine it might be positive.

Other options from PCP: facial/cranial nerve damage, not stroke, not sinus, maybe meningitis, maybe reflux related, or??? Since test is negative, I'll call in a.m. and he says he wants me to go to Mayo for cat scan re nerve and referral to?????
Suggestions?

On prednisone, doxycyline antibiotic for infected foot so we know it's not bacterial, Sudafed extra, rest, fluids, electrolyte water, sinus heated mask, and thank God for the bi-pap.
So, now off to bed.....

OH! Chewy has made my bird visitors so happy they're bringing extended families to visit! This afternoon, after home from covid testing and p/u meds, saw Blue-Jay, cardinals, several woodypeckers, yellow finch, and gobs and gobs of chic-a-dees! Mourning doves, little brown somethings, maybe female grosbeak, and more. What a sight! Made my day~
Blessings all and good-night.
@loribmt, @sueinmn, @johnbishop, @jakedduck1 duck, @hopeful33250, @artscaping, @becsbuddy @colleenyoung and all!
elizabeth

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@ess77

I love your messages...never too long! never end abruptly ~ always a pleasure to receive and to read. I'm just now online.....midnight and I'm heading to bed. been resting in my recliner, chatting w/son...he's been very, very concerned about me, even brought me NyQuil last nite which I've never put nor would I ever put in my body, but last night was tough. He was so sweet and concerned and brought it to me in one of my crystal glasses! So funny, men sons.

Anyway, I drank every drop, was looking for old pain pills I don't take anymore...anything to make the headache go away. I finally got a few hours sleep. Called and had video chat w/doc today. Sent to Mayo for Covid testing....almost none in town, just state/county/Mayo....Just got results now on portal, negative for Covid. My PCP was concerned even w/vaccine it might be positive.

Other options from PCP: facial/cranial nerve damage, not stroke, not sinus, maybe meningitis, maybe reflux related, or??? Since test is negative, I'll call in a.m. and he says he wants me to go to Mayo for cat scan re nerve and referral to?????
Suggestions?

On prednisone, doxycyline antibiotic for infected foot so we know it's not bacterial, Sudafed extra, rest, fluids, electrolyte water, sinus heated mask, and thank God for the bi-pap.
So, now off to bed.....

OH! Chewy has made my bird visitors so happy they're bringing extended families to visit! This afternoon, after home from covid testing and p/u meds, saw Blue-Jay, cardinals, several woodypeckers, yellow finch, and gobs and gobs of chic-a-dees! Mourning doves, little brown somethings, maybe female grosbeak, and more. What a sight! Made my day~
Blessings all and good-night.
@loribmt, @sueinmn, @johnbishop, @jakedduck1 duck, @hopeful33250, @artscaping, @becsbuddy @colleenyoung and all!
elizabeth

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@ess Dear Elizabeth, You sweet lady! You’re feeling your worst and yet remain just this ray of sunshine. I sure hope there is some improvement for you this morning...after the sleep cobwebs are shaken out.

I’m posting a cute little treat for you. This little Hummingbird showed up yesterday. It’s been very cold so the trees and wildflowers are slow in producing blossoms.. The day before, I heard from a friend about 1.5 hours south of us that she had her first one. So I knew they were getting closer as they migrate north for the summer. I boiled up some sugar water and put out the feeder yesterday. Sure enough...within about 2 hours, my husband said there was a hummer at the feeder!

Sending prayers and hugs, dear lady, that your doctors get to the bottom of this and have you back up and running circles around the rest of us in no time! Hope you feel better soon!! Lori

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@ess @artist01 @jakedduck1 Not a duckie today but a cute little Hummer who showed up at the feeder yesterday. There are very few buds on the trees or wildflowers open yet because it’s been so cold. Not a lot of food for humming birds or bees! So it didn’t take long for this little guy to find the feeder on its trek northward. We are in Northern Wisconsin so spring comes a bit later. Really zoomed in with the camera so it’s a little fuzzy. But you can see the droplet of sugar water on its little beak.

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@loribmt

@ess @artist01 @jakedduck1 Not a duckie today but a cute little Hummer who showed up at the feeder yesterday. There are very few buds on the trees or wildflowers open yet because it’s been so cold. Not a lot of food for humming birds or bees! So it didn’t take long for this little guy to find the feeder on its trek northward. We are in Northern Wisconsin so spring comes a bit later. Really zoomed in with the camera so it’s a little fuzzy. But you can see the droplet of sugar water on its little beak.

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@loribmt Incredible picture, Lori, fuzzy or not! Wonderful to see that little guy so up close. On my walk in town the other morning, I watched a robin taking a leisurely bath in a puddle on the roadside. I was so intrigued I forgot to take a picture! And he was only 15 feet from me, and oblivious to my presence.

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@ess77

I love your messages...never too long! never end abruptly ~ always a pleasure to receive and to read. I'm just now online.....midnight and I'm heading to bed. been resting in my recliner, chatting w/son...he's been very, very concerned about me, even brought me NyQuil last nite which I've never put nor would I ever put in my body, but last night was tough. He was so sweet and concerned and brought it to me in one of my crystal glasses! So funny, men sons.

Anyway, I drank every drop, was looking for old pain pills I don't take anymore...anything to make the headache go away. I finally got a few hours sleep. Called and had video chat w/doc today. Sent to Mayo for Covid testing....almost none in town, just state/county/Mayo....Just got results now on portal, negative for Covid. My PCP was concerned even w/vaccine it might be positive.

Other options from PCP: facial/cranial nerve damage, not stroke, not sinus, maybe meningitis, maybe reflux related, or??? Since test is negative, I'll call in a.m. and he says he wants me to go to Mayo for cat scan re nerve and referral to?????
Suggestions?

On prednisone, doxycyline antibiotic for infected foot so we know it's not bacterial, Sudafed extra, rest, fluids, electrolyte water, sinus heated mask, and thank God for the bi-pap.
So, now off to bed.....

OH! Chewy has made my bird visitors so happy they're bringing extended families to visit! This afternoon, after home from covid testing and p/u meds, saw Blue-Jay, cardinals, several woodypeckers, yellow finch, and gobs and gobs of chic-a-dees! Mourning doves, little brown somethings, maybe female grosbeak, and more. What a sight! Made my day~
Blessings all and good-night.
@loribmt, @sueinmn, @johnbishop, @jakedduck1 duck, @hopeful33250, @artscaping, @becsbuddy @colleenyoung and all!
elizabeth

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@ess77 Hi Elizabeth. Gosh, I'm so sorry you're having all that health trouble right now. Sounds like you have a great, attentive doctor, whose on track for you.
And I can relate to the story of your son. I have three wonderful men sons too! They're such a blessing.
Sending big hugs and hopeful wishes that you'll return to your good ol' spunky self soon, Elizabeth. ❤

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