@loribmt and all
Hello, Lori. I've wanted to chat since I read your precious note. It meant a lot to read and feel the love and kindness coming through the computer. You and all this crowd are so very special. Thanks for your constant support. Hopefully, I'll be able to do the same for someone.

Quick update on the patio sage: got a baffle from, Chewy.com, Spending way too much for seed, thanks to my adorable pesky 'tree rats' and the voracious appetites Have you ever stared down a squirrel? I have, as of today. What an experience. I had quite the chuckle as I stood at my patio doors looking out at this little fellow on a limb in front of me, ready to jump onto a hanger with a tube of nice, fresh peanuts and W-D 40. He just sat frozen, staring right into my eyes...and I stared back. We had quite the conversation with our eyes. It was as if he was deciding what I was saying to him, he was sizing me up. Suppose he was, to see if he needed to skee-daddle. It was such a funny moment. I truly have to laugh at myself and these squirrels. I realized today I talk out loud to them. Funny aren't we? A bit nutty, too.

Anyway, I found this 2-way baffle for either pole or hanging and will try it out tomorrow. Wish me luck. I may have a couple of hairy woodpeckers now...trying to decide if they're downy or hairy. I think the tail will tell the tale.

Just got a couple of late test results, the antibody and autoimmune ordered by the nephrologist. Seems I have vasculitis. I'll let you know more after seeing the nephrologist. Not a good diagnosis, but... My PDP put ne on 30mg prednisone a couple days ago, and infections disease doc began Keflex 500mg 2X daily. same dose I normally take with an infection. He wants me to stay on it indefinitely .It all may change in the next days, but that's it for now.

This threw me, I must say, as it wasn't even on my radar. Life keeps on adding more, doesn't it. .I think what matters is obviously how we handle these knocks with a 2X4. I will tell you, I'm back in love with prednisone, again, until tonight. Now, it's after 3 and I'm wide eyed, red/burning/cloudy eyes, and fading in all ways after a very full 2 days. This dose is hitting me now and while I love cleaning the feeders for the birds, cleaning patio window and doors, ordering /putting up groceries, cooking, eating, re-organizing the kitchen and so much more all today, I don't think my muscles will survive much more of this. i pulled a 'Sue' I think. I'll begin tapering tomorrow. I'm glad. But, it'll take a while to settle down.....

Good night, my friends. May you be blessed with peaceful hearts and minds, free of pain and have a healing rest.
So the sage continues....elizabeth