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?

For those members that have the ability to size your photos before you upload them to the discussion, may I suggest using the following sizes:
– 500 x 335 pixels (landscape)
– 210 x 210 pixels (square)

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Just Want to Talk Support Group.

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Jul 14, 2021

In reply to @loribmt "Thank you Sue! Though I equally have times when I put my foot in my mouth…LOL...." + (show)

Thank you Lori,
I was privileged to be with both of my parents in their last days and moments - a blessing beyond description. I was also one of my Mom's caretakers for her final 6 years, a bumpy ride at the time, but one that in retrospect has helped me develop my philosophy on aging and took me out of my "techie world" to a more human place. Now as I am on my own journey of "not a kid anymore" I appreciate her outlook and the time we shared.
Sue

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Jul 15, 2021

It's all Lori's fault! These beauties were on my coneflower. The swallowtail reminds me of all of us on Connect, a little battered by life, but still beautiful. You can see that the bumblebees pollen sack on his leg is plumb full, but he keeps shaking it and stuffing more in. I'm not sure what that might be a metaphor for?
Sue

artist01 | @artist01 | Jul 17, 2021

In reply to @loribmt "@ess77 You’re remarkable…you and Laurie, @artist01 Both of you dear ladies have plates full of trouble..." + (show)

@loribmt

@ess77 You’re remarkable…you and Laurie, @artist01 Both of you dear ladies have plates full of trouble and yet you think about all of us in Connect too! We’re all pretty blessed to have you too!
Thank you for the good wishes. I’m fine. The visit to Mayo was for the 2nd re-birth day of my bone marrow transplant. Had a bone marrow biopsy to make sure I’m still 100 %donor DNA and zero %me! We don’t want any of my old cells remaining. They were a troubled lot. Haha.
A zillion vials of blood to check everything! And for the 1st time in 2.5 years all but one number is right down the middle! Happy dance!!
But with that comes a new reduction in my meds which is where I derailed 1.5 years ago so it’s with trepidation that I start a taper off an immunosuppressant.
I will be ecstatic if all goes well because then I can also halt all the antibiotics(penicillin and bactrim), anti fungal, antiviral and 3 other meds. Also had 6 more vaccines today, bringing me to a grand total of 25 vaccinations since last October! I’m almost an adult!! Giggle…only one more series to go in a couple months!! Whoot! I am wiped out though. Side effects from yesterday which is rare! Had to postpone the shots until this morning at 8. The nurse who was to give me the vaccinations took one look at me and said, “Honey there is no way we’re doing this today…” and handed me an emesis bucket!! Cuz I was in a tailspin this time from the anesthesia of the procedure in the appointment before hers. When I’d gone to the clinic in the morning, I literally sprinted up the stairs. When I returned 3 hours later, I was in a wheel chair riding like a queen! Hahah Good thing my husband is still Mr Buff and can push that wheelchair with me in it!! He truly has been my rock through the past 2.5 years of illness and recovery…and the 47 years we’ve been married.

I was feeling so relieved and excited for you and Rob…and then gosh, not again!! But you know, Elizabeth he now has had some good moments and maybe they will grow in numbers with the steady care both you and he are getting. I know you’re able to cope so well with setbacks and moving forward again. But it gets exhausting and takes a toll.
I read about your diagnosis and I so hope the new treatment helps you without side effects.
Mm I also love iced green tea. Been treating myself to Matcha tea and also, a blend of lavender and blueberry iced!! It’s so refreshing and relaxing!

Ok I’m going to post a couple of photos of Mayo Rochester for those not familiar with the campus. It’s so beautiful.
Me, 2 years ago wandering the empty foyers at night. It was a victory lap as I pushed my wheelchair back to the clinic with my husband and ran up the flight of stairs by the Chihuly glass ‘singing’ the theme from Rocky
The maintenance guy was laughing with us! Pretty cool.

There is a foyer with Chihuly glasswork suspended from the ceiling. The halls are marble and so gorgeous. It’s my home away from home.

A pic of the Subway that connects most of the hotels and other businesses to the Clinic.

The garden in front of Mayo with statues of the Mayo Brothers.

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@loribmt. Hey Lori! So happy to read your joyous post with all those super numbers!! Happy dances all 'round. Yaaay! You are so brave to have gone through all that you have, and glory be, to have that wonderful man at your side ( or behind your wheelchair) for all those years. You deserve no less. He's a lucky man.
I'm still in the hospital, recovering from my Myocardial Ischemic Heart Attack. My numbers aren't yet behaving as well as yours yet. Plus my IBS, my GCA, etc. Good care here though, and the nurses and staff are wonderful. My "team" have scheduled a big meeting for Tuesday a.m. to plan what in the world to do with me, where to put me, etc. I'm feeling somewhat like a homeless person just now, but I also look upon it as an adventure to be lived through with great interest and curiosity. My family are wonderfully supportive and caring. Hugs. Laur

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jul 17, 2021

A few birdies and my new enhanced bird feeder squirrel guard. Unfortunately she doesn't work for peanuts.

Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Jul 17, 2021

In reply to @johnbishop "A few birdies and my new enhanced bird feeder squirrel guard. Unfortunately she doesn't work for..." + (show)

Have you not taken down your feeders yet? My state has asked that people not feed or offer water for birds due to the virus that's going around.

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jul 17, 2021

In reply to @merpreb "Have you not taken down your feeders yet? My state has asked that people not feed..." + (show)

I'm not taking down my feeders 🙂 The state can take a hike. No viruses here that I'm aware of plus the water is in the river over the hill so I don't put water out although I'm thinking of a fountain with a floating solar water fountain to keep the water moving.

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Jul 17, 2021

In reply to @merpreb "Have you not taken down your feeders yet? My state has asked that people not feed..." + (show)

Can you tell us what virus? My birds and I would be very unhappy. I checked with my sister-in-law a Master Naturalist and she hasn't heard anything in MN.

Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Jul 17, 2021

In reply to @sueinmn "Can you tell us what virus? My birds and I would be very unhappy. I checked..." + (show)

https://www.wwlp.com/news/massachusetts/remove-bird-feeders-due-to-mysterious-illness-in-massachusetts/

Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Jul 17, 2021

In reply to @johnbishop "I'm not taking down my feeders 🙂 The state can take a hike. No viruses here..." + (show)

That's up to you, John. Bird feeders are like school cafeterias where birds all congregate so if one is ill they all get it. My birds aren't happy. I have left hummingbird feeders up. Dave throws seed on the deck

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Jul 17, 2021

In reply to @merpreb "https://www.wwlp.com/news/massachusetts/remove-bird-feeders-due-to-mysterious-illness-in-massachusetts/" + (show)

Checked again - this time on our DNR and bird rescue sites. They acknowledge issue out east, but not being seen here. They are in fact recommending providing more water due to our drought conditions and high temps - many of our little slews and basins are dry. The birds and rodents keep coming to my birdbaths and tiny pond for water.