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)

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@jakedduck1

@sueinmn
You need to hire a weed service. Makes life more enjoyable. I fired my gardener so I have to prune a bit & mow.
Although I used to enjoy doing it all myself just like cooking but thankfully I wised up.
Jake

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Nah! I just like to complain. You would laugh today though - I am enjoying my patio and pond while sanding my daughter's window trims, in preparation for reapplying varnish and reinstalling as soon as floors are done - this week! and walls are painted. So the vice/workbench, sander, etc are all set up in the shade with a view of the pond. My chipmunk and squirrels have made it clear they don't like the noise.
Sue

REPLY
@loribmt

@artist01 Good morning, Laurie! Somehow I didn’t see this message yesterday! Thank you, yes there were some happy dances. If I could still do cartwheels without irreparable damage, I’d be flopping around all over! Not that we were expecting anything untoward but until the biopsy and blood results come back of course there’s always that bit of anxiety. Mostly for my poor husband. Not sure how, but over the years I’ve developed incredibly good coping skills and, for better or worse, tend to compartmentalize everything. That way I only allow myself concern over what is happening that needs immediate attention. Maybe it’s more like being an ostrich with my head in the sand. Either way, it works and I sleep like a log nightly. LOL
Back to you, little lady! Sigh… Well, gosh, I love your attitude too! You are able to roll with the punches and I’m so proud of you for that. Always looking on life as one adventure after another keeps us sharp and more adaptable I think. I always joke about my bone marrow transplant and what is required…a sense of adventure and a sense of humor!

Will you be in that meeting on Tuesday when all these decisions about YOU are being considered? I’m not too worried because it does sound as though you are getting incredibly personalized care and you have your family to support and step in if there’s anything NOT in your best interest. Wherever you go, I know you’ll be the bright spot and will help lift the spirits of everyone around you. It just has to be so hard for you these next few days not knowing where, what…but in the meantime you’re in a safe environment and receiving the special attention you deserve. I hope that you are finally getting some relief to get healthy from your other symptoms.

Jump to this post

Living focused. Living well in the moment. Dealing with each situation, with all your thought processes. Works wonders to ease the anxiety, accomplish what needs to be done in a prompt, easier way. It's been a long time coming/learning this way of thinking. But, I am thankful for the lessons, for now having the ability to live today, now, remember yesterday sometimes, and not.....I say NOT...worry about tomorrow. God has control of my life. I am safe. I trust Him. I trust He got me to Mayo at the right time, to the right docs, to the best treatment. Now, I trust He will open their eyes and minds and I will be fine, whatever that is. Knowing I'm safe in His arms and in the doctors care gives me great strength to sleep restfully and wake up ready. Lori, @loribmt, you have this knowledge and peace.

Doesn't solve the issues or make plans or reno my condo, but does help with having peace that I am ok.

Each of you add to that comfort. My largest issue is the lack of family support. Rob and I must think and listen and make the decisions. But, we are putting together a circle of good support. That's a good thing. But, decisions for future are tough. No matter what help one may have.

A high school friend emailed me yesterday about a child she teaches music and his health challenges. My goodness. I'm so blessed. And, she is a special angel who just pops in and out of my life and gives me love and support and prayer from all her friends. Wow! pretty good, eh? My personal angel.

I've been keeping up with you all last few days, but taking it easy as I accept where I am now. Laurie, @artist01, you 'indeed have the wonderful smile from deep inside your heart that makes it all happen. Bless you as you deal with this mess and you will and are getting good help. Love it!

I'm afraid my patio feeder friends are somewhat on their own for the moment. I've ck'd them out, watched a bit, refilled some but that's about all. activity has slowed for the moment. But, as I put sunflower seeds and a new feeder and baffle....oh, just put out a bronze iron birdbath, with cranes holding the bath, and will add a water wiggler in couple of days for the birds and to fight the mosquitos and flies!!!!! Whey aren't they a good lunch for the woodpecker and other insect eaters?? I get eaten alive within seconds of stepping out the patio doors. and, with bad reactions to the bites! Off spray is handy....That's part of Florida living and heavy rains and water for animals.

Sue @sueinmn, I've so enjoyed your recent posts. Pics, and descriptions of family and flowers and furry friends....@johnbishiop, I think your last pics were fabulous. Thanks for the share. I'm ignoring the bird disease, fussing inside about it and feeding my friends. Don't think Fl is yet involved. All this nonsence must stop....covid, bird disease, fires, floods, and so on and on. I'm not thinking about it as I can't solve any of it. I'm focusing on my small little bubble on this earth.

God bless you all and be well. Be at peace. Smile from deep inside your soul.
elizabeth

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@jakedduck1

@sueinmn
You need to hire a weed service. Makes life more enjoyable. I fired my gardener so I have to prune a bit & mow.
Although I used to enjoy doing it all myself just like cooking but thankfully I wised up.
Jake

Jump to this post

@jakedduck1 , @sueinmn, I love to pull weeds! It's so therapeutic for me, to spot...and I am a great weed spotter...a weed, bend over and yank it out of the ground feels so lovely. So in control, of something! Makes me feel strong! Healing to rid the world. my world, of a negative intruder. Love it, always have as long as no one tells me to do it. Instant gratification is my friend.

I found Gardeners Supply and ordered their patio/pot irrigation system, set-up. It looks pretty good and something I can do myself. Also ordered a couple of self-watering hanging baskets, too expensive for sure, but the only way it seems for me to keep hanging baskets. I usually only use the steal/iron w/coco liners baskets, but will try these. I also got some AquaSav coco liners, with a layered watering liner. Hope they work as they cost a fortune too. But, did it to keep some beauty and happiness around and within sight! Worth every penny! Hopefully.

OT guy showed me a dressing stick that may help some with pants, etc. Not with stockings, tho. Think the compression socks are just out. My right hand/thumb and wrist/arm are getting less able to work, with more sharp pain and nerve pain. think it's the cervical vertebrae worsening. Something involving the cervical spine popped up on the MRI at Mayo Hospital last week, along with the growth and fungus balls in the sphenoid sinus, perhaps creating some of my vision problems. Guess I'll mention it to someone at some time before losing use of the arm. Following up on the sinus issues, have ENT and CT scan this week, and appt with nephrology. All good. Just more and too much. Keeps on coming, eh?

Back to my rest, staying cool and dinking water/smoothies. Think I'll go downstairs and fix a fresh fruit/protein, etc smoothie for Rob and me. May need to back off on protein now that kidneys are unhappy, but don't know what to do yet for that issue. So, will enjoy a good, 'healty', smoothie today. Deal with others tomorrow.

Bless everyone again and again and again.
elizabeth

REPLY
@ess77

Living focused. Living well in the moment. Dealing with each situation, with all your thought processes. Works wonders to ease the anxiety, accomplish what needs to be done in a prompt, easier way. It's been a long time coming/learning this way of thinking. But, I am thankful for the lessons, for now having the ability to live today, now, remember yesterday sometimes, and not.....I say NOT...worry about tomorrow. God has control of my life. I am safe. I trust Him. I trust He got me to Mayo at the right time, to the right docs, to the best treatment. Now, I trust He will open their eyes and minds and I will be fine, whatever that is. Knowing I'm safe in His arms and in the doctors care gives me great strength to sleep restfully and wake up ready. Lori, @loribmt, you have this knowledge and peace.

Doesn't solve the issues or make plans or reno my condo, but does help with having peace that I am ok.

Each of you add to that comfort. My largest issue is the lack of family support. Rob and I must think and listen and make the decisions. But, we are putting together a circle of good support. That's a good thing. But, decisions for future are tough. No matter what help one may have.

A high school friend emailed me yesterday about a child she teaches music and his health challenges. My goodness. I'm so blessed. And, she is a special angel who just pops in and out of my life and gives me love and support and prayer from all her friends. Wow! pretty good, eh? My personal angel.

I've been keeping up with you all last few days, but taking it easy as I accept where I am now. Laurie, @artist01, you 'indeed have the wonderful smile from deep inside your heart that makes it all happen. Bless you as you deal with this mess and you will and are getting good help. Love it!

I'm afraid my patio feeder friends are somewhat on their own for the moment. I've ck'd them out, watched a bit, refilled some but that's about all. activity has slowed for the moment. But, as I put sunflower seeds and a new feeder and baffle....oh, just put out a bronze iron birdbath, with cranes holding the bath, and will add a water wiggler in couple of days for the birds and to fight the mosquitos and flies!!!!! Whey aren't they a good lunch for the woodpecker and other insect eaters?? I get eaten alive within seconds of stepping out the patio doors. and, with bad reactions to the bites! Off spray is handy....That's part of Florida living and heavy rains and water for animals.

Sue @sueinmn, I've so enjoyed your recent posts. Pics, and descriptions of family and flowers and furry friends....@johnbishiop, I think your last pics were fabulous. Thanks for the share. I'm ignoring the bird disease, fussing inside about it and feeding my friends. Don't think Fl is yet involved. All this nonsence must stop....covid, bird disease, fires, floods, and so on and on. I'm not thinking about it as I can't solve any of it. I'm focusing on my small little bubble on this earth.

God bless you all and be well. Be at peace. Smile from deep inside your soul.
elizabeth

Jump to this post

Thanks for the day brightener. I just need to temember to share this beauty. This summer we are focusing on spontaneous patio gathering s with neighbors. Low key no preparation. Just share a beverage and snack and visit.
Enjoy your patio improvements

REPLY
@loribmt

@artist01 Good morning, Laurie! Somehow I didn’t see this message yesterday! Thank you, yes there were some happy dances. If I could still do cartwheels without irreparable damage, I’d be flopping around all over! Not that we were expecting anything untoward but until the biopsy and blood results come back of course there’s always that bit of anxiety. Mostly for my poor husband. Not sure how, but over the years I’ve developed incredibly good coping skills and, for better or worse, tend to compartmentalize everything. That way I only allow myself concern over what is happening that needs immediate attention. Maybe it’s more like being an ostrich with my head in the sand. Either way, it works and I sleep like a log nightly. LOL
Back to you, little lady! Sigh… Well, gosh, I love your attitude too! You are able to roll with the punches and I’m so proud of you for that. Always looking on life as one adventure after another keeps us sharp and more adaptable I think. I always joke about my bone marrow transplant and what is required…a sense of adventure and a sense of humor!

Will you be in that meeting on Tuesday when all these decisions about YOU are being considered? I’m not too worried because it does sound as though you are getting incredibly personalized care and you have your family to support and step in if there’s anything NOT in your best interest. Wherever you go, I know you’ll be the bright spot and will help lift the spirits of everyone around you. It just has to be so hard for you these next few days not knowing where, what…but in the meantime you’re in a safe environment and receiving the special attention you deserve. I hope that you are finally getting some relief to get healthy from your other symptoms.

Jump to this post

@loribmt
Jeez Almighty you and Laurie @artist01 sure are talkative. I guess you got a lot of practice in with all that gossiping you ladies are famous for.
I think you two should change your usernames to jabber1 & jabber2.
I agree with you completely about “a sense of adventure and a sense of humor!” it sure beats worrying, anxiety & depression. Be willing to joke & laugh at yourself. Someone mentioned when I was making fun of myself that I shouldn’t and I had low self esteem or confidence. Where confidence isn’t spilling out self esteem is, maybe too much?
Laurie, are you going somewhere? Come live with me. I need a cook or at least someone to remind me I’m trying to cook something. Good thing my fire alarm sensors are hard wired in or I’d be changing batteries once a week. When they go off thats how I know my food is ready unless the smoke fills the house first. Speaking of food, guess I should go see what there is to burn.
You two jabber jaws take care,
Jake

REPLY
@loribmt

@artist01 Good morning, Laurie! Somehow I didn’t see this message yesterday! Thank you, yes there were some happy dances. If I could still do cartwheels without irreparable damage, I’d be flopping around all over! Not that we were expecting anything untoward but until the biopsy and blood results come back of course there’s always that bit of anxiety. Mostly for my poor husband. Not sure how, but over the years I’ve developed incredibly good coping skills and, for better or worse, tend to compartmentalize everything. That way I only allow myself concern over what is happening that needs immediate attention. Maybe it’s more like being an ostrich with my head in the sand. Either way, it works and I sleep like a log nightly. LOL
Back to you, little lady! Sigh… Well, gosh, I love your attitude too! You are able to roll with the punches and I’m so proud of you for that. Always looking on life as one adventure after another keeps us sharp and more adaptable I think. I always joke about my bone marrow transplant and what is required…a sense of adventure and a sense of humor!

Will you be in that meeting on Tuesday when all these decisions about YOU are being considered? I’m not too worried because it does sound as though you are getting incredibly personalized care and you have your family to support and step in if there’s anything NOT in your best interest. Wherever you go, I know you’ll be the bright spot and will help lift the spirits of everyone around you. It just has to be so hard for you these next few days not knowing where, what…but in the meantime you’re in a safe environment and receiving the special attention you deserve. I hope that you are finally getting some relief to get healthy from your other symptoms.

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@loribmt. And everyone. Lori, thankyou very much for your uplifting message. And I love your photo of the beautiful little Bambi. Such a precious little creature.
I'm having one of my worse kinda' bad days again today. Totally blacked out and hit the floor...again! They just did a second blood test to see if it was related to another heart attack. Sure hope it's not that.
Anyway, Tuesday is closer, to hear what the next !%#@&! blankety blank adventure will be! 🤣 😆 🤣 Onward and upward!!!

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@loribmt
My Mrs. Cavanaugh’s candy came and I enjoyed the brown sugar fudge Immensely!!!
I have a pound of mixed that I froze & a variety of candy bars but I didn’t see the candy bars you mentioned on their website. Guess you’ll have to send me some. I have my next order all ready to go. Won’t be any shipping charge with my next order since I got a little bit carried away but who doesn’t when they’re ordering candy. I couldn’t make up my mind on what to get, thank goodness.

@hopeful33250

Hi Teresa,
I only ate the brown sugar fudge so far. I cut a small piece but I soon devoured all of it if that tells you anything. They call their brown sugar candy penoche.
All this healthy food put a few pounds on me so I’m cutting back even on the essentials except yesterday. I went to my friends 101st birthday party and had more than my share of See’s candy and birthday cake. Since there wasn’t any ice cream I figured I was entitled to a second helping of cake.
Jake

REPLY
@jakedduck1

@loribmt
Jeez Almighty you and Laurie @artist01 sure are talkative. I guess you got a lot of practice in with all that gossiping you ladies are famous for.
I think you two should change your usernames to jabber1 & jabber2.
I agree with you completely about “a sense of adventure and a sense of humor!” it sure beats worrying, anxiety & depression. Be willing to joke & laugh at yourself. Someone mentioned when I was making fun of myself that I shouldn’t and I had low self esteem or confidence. Where confidence isn’t spilling out self esteem is, maybe too much?
Laurie, are you going somewhere? Come live with me. I need a cook or at least someone to remind me I’m trying to cook something. Good thing my fire alarm sensors are hard wired in or I’d be changing batteries once a week. When they go off thats how I know my food is ready unless the smoke fills the house first. Speaking of food, guess I should go see what there is to burn.
You two jabber jaws take care,
Jake

Jump to this post

@jakedduck1 , loribmt Hey Jake! Picking on me and @loribmt again? 😆 I love the new handles you've given us, Jabber1 and Jabber2. It's not beyond the realm of possibility that your new handle could be Jabber3! 😆 🤣 😂
Anyway, Jake, I'd love to come and live with you! Alas, my travel days are over, as are my days of cooking, cleaning and all those other menial daily chores. And your diet of candy and cookies would likely mean certain doomsday for me. But I'm still planning on attending our mutual birthday party in 2040!!! Hugs,
Jabber2.

REPLY
@ess77

Living focused. Living well in the moment. Dealing with each situation, with all your thought processes. Works wonders to ease the anxiety, accomplish what needs to be done in a prompt, easier way. It's been a long time coming/learning this way of thinking. But, I am thankful for the lessons, for now having the ability to live today, now, remember yesterday sometimes, and not.....I say NOT...worry about tomorrow. God has control of my life. I am safe. I trust Him. I trust He got me to Mayo at the right time, to the right docs, to the best treatment. Now, I trust He will open their eyes and minds and I will be fine, whatever that is. Knowing I'm safe in His arms and in the doctors care gives me great strength to sleep restfully and wake up ready. Lori, @loribmt, you have this knowledge and peace.

Doesn't solve the issues or make plans or reno my condo, but does help with having peace that I am ok.

Each of you add to that comfort. My largest issue is the lack of family support. Rob and I must think and listen and make the decisions. But, we are putting together a circle of good support. That's a good thing. But, decisions for future are tough. No matter what help one may have.

A high school friend emailed me yesterday about a child she teaches music and his health challenges. My goodness. I'm so blessed. And, she is a special angel who just pops in and out of my life and gives me love and support and prayer from all her friends. Wow! pretty good, eh? My personal angel.

I've been keeping up with you all last few days, but taking it easy as I accept where I am now. Laurie, @artist01, you 'indeed have the wonderful smile from deep inside your heart that makes it all happen. Bless you as you deal with this mess and you will and are getting good help. Love it!

I'm afraid my patio feeder friends are somewhat on their own for the moment. I've ck'd them out, watched a bit, refilled some but that's about all. activity has slowed for the moment. But, as I put sunflower seeds and a new feeder and baffle....oh, just put out a bronze iron birdbath, with cranes holding the bath, and will add a water wiggler in couple of days for the birds and to fight the mosquitos and flies!!!!! Whey aren't they a good lunch for the woodpecker and other insect eaters?? I get eaten alive within seconds of stepping out the patio doors. and, with bad reactions to the bites! Off spray is handy....That's part of Florida living and heavy rains and water for animals.

Sue @sueinmn, I've so enjoyed your recent posts. Pics, and descriptions of family and flowers and furry friends....@johnbishiop, I think your last pics were fabulous. Thanks for the share. I'm ignoring the bird disease, fussing inside about it and feeding my friends. Don't think Fl is yet involved. All this nonsence must stop....covid, bird disease, fires, floods, and so on and on. I'm not thinking about it as I can't solve any of it. I'm focusing on my small little bubble on this earth.

God bless you all and be well. Be at peace. Smile from deep inside your soul.
elizabeth

Jump to this post

@ess77 you write si beautifully. I just love reading your postings. My gardens aren’t photo-worthy but here is a cute one of Poppy! We had friends over and poor Poppy was just worn out and fell asleep on my lap. He always has his tongue out!

REPLY
@becsbuddy

@ess77 you write si beautifully. I just love reading your postings. My gardens aren’t photo-worthy but here is a cute one of Poppy! We had friends over and poor Poppy was just worn out and fell asleep on my lap. He always has his tongue out!

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Oh, Becky @becsbuddy So precious, so much love to give. I miss that wonderful love and joy from my little Sophia. Not the same from Samantha. But, works well as I've mentioned, since I don't have to walk Samantha. And, far less care involved, i.e. grooming appts, grooming at home, food specialty/health, meds, and doc visits. Sam is a good companion and keeps me hearing and feeling a heartbeat. That's a very good thing. And, her very loud purr is a wonderfully calming addition to my home.

Poppy is so precious!

Thank you for the writing complement. You're the writer, tho, my friend. I do want to write a book or whatever.....did plan to write a book many years ago when I was helping Mom get through the long, slow death of altzheimers. There weren't any support groups available then and I again had no family help, other than my dear son. My siblings were so involved w/their lives and families...as my dear Dad, who truly was a remarkable man in many wats, said to me-Why, Beth, they both have families and one's a doctor, other a lawyer....etc.... Yep. That' was the thinking. Tore me up. Created so much stress and junk in my life and led to a lot of family issues that will never be resolved. So, I determined to write a book to caregivers and families of altzheimer parents. How to, how not to, expectations, realities, etc. And, add some of my mother's talks she gave at the city/state garden clubs. She was quite inspirational and funny. She wrote a couple of fine children stories I think I may locate and see what I see.....Interesting thoughts, Becky. Thanks for the ideas....Could be a small project ahead.

Hey, folks! I am close to identifying the moth that comes to see my blooms. It's definitely a Hummingbird Moth. It looks like a hummingbird, but has a fat, small black body, short antennae, red/blue/black wings? One day I'll find it now that I know what it is. Love this insect. Beautiful, fun to watch and illusive.

Off to get some food, and then soon to bed. It's after 7 now, and I must go downstairs, get a bit of movement in and prepare something to eat. Ordered groceries, etc from Publix and Walmart for tomorrow delivery. So, I'll be fine then, but now I need something good....not candy, Jake.

Be well, enjoy that puppy and your family and friends.
Blessings, elizabeth

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