1. < Just Want to Talk
Mentor

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.

Mentor
Chris Trout, Volunteer Mentor | @artscaping | Jul 13, 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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Thanks for the images. The atrium is so spectacular.........especially when you hear the piano in the background.

REPLY
migizii | @migizii | Jul 13, 2021
In reply to @artist01 "@loribmt, @jakedduck1 , @ess77, @sueinmn and all. Well, I'm in the hospital AGAIN, guys. This time,..." + (show)
@artist01

@loribmt, @jakedduck1 , @ess77, @sueinmn and all. Well, I'm in the hospital AGAIN, guys. This time, I've had a heart attack. I think I've posted that news to Sue, (@sueinmn) this week but my brain fog with all these new meds has me wondering. Lori, I started a soulful message to you the other day, but thought better of it and deleted it! Didn't want to burden you with all this.
And Jake would give me heck again. Lol. I've got a beautiful hospital room with an ocean view this time. I'll try to send a picture or two. Hugs. Laur

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💕🙏🏽

REPLY
Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Jul 13, 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.

Jump to this post

Great pictures Lori, I recognized the Chihuly sculptures- we seek them out when we travel, and it's beginning to look like we'll miss the gallery in Washington state this year because of the fires.
I'm glad to hear your numbers were great. Fingers crossed that the medication adjustments work this time!
Sue

REPLY
Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Jul 14, 2021
In reply to @sueinmn "Lori inspired me to take an early morning tour of my backyard. This big bumblebee is..." + (show)
@sueinmn

Lori inspired me to take an early morning tour of my backyard.
This big bumblebee is feasting on bee balm.
Later the tiny bees will be all over the fragrant bugbane. My grandma's old milkcan.
And the peaceful pond.
Have a blessed day everyone.
Sue

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Sue- Gorgeous!

REPLY
artist01 | @artist01 | Jul 14, 2021
In reply to @loribmt "@artist01 Laurie!! What the heck. I’m away from my computer for a couple days and I..." + (show)
@loribmt

@artist01 Laurie!! What the heck. I’m away from my computer for a couple days and I see this news of a heart attack?? Oh my goodness, you have been through the wringer lately, my friend! I’m so sorry to hear of this latest development. Are you doing ok now? I need to catch up on the other comments…
Your view is absolutely gorgeous, Laurie! I’m beginning to see why you like visiting the hospital so much! 😜 Kidding.

Please, feel free to write to me anytime! I never feel burdened with helping to lighten someone else’s load. It’s who I am. 😊 haha and Jake will always give you a rough time, it’s who HE is! 😅

I’ll be back full-ish time Wednesday. Tomorrow is travel day back from Mayo Rochester. This day full of procedures and such has kicked my bum 4 ways~up, down, hard and repeatedly. First time the anesthesia made me nauseated all day. Finally got to nibble some toast for dinner. Not the night out dining that we’d planned!! Anyway, early to bed for me. But I saw this message and had to reply!
You take care, dear heart!! I’ll talk to you soon! Sending love, Lori

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@loribmt Hey there. Lori! You've been put through the wringer this week too, kid! I'm so sorry you had such a difficult time - - AND got cheated out of a nice dinner with your honey. I sure hope you've rallied somewhat now and are getting back to your old (wonderful, caring) self.
I'm.a fair bit better now. Have had multi interviews with teams of doctors about what to do with this complex person that is me. It seems I have to transition from a residence of Assisted Living to Long Term Care. I must admit I've cried buckets over that - having to leave my friends at my present Assisted Living place, plus the huge upheaval of the move. They may keep me in the hospital until such time as a room opens up at a long term care place in town. My present residence is unable to adhere to my many IBS, OLP, and now HeartSmart dietary restrictions whereas a long term care home would. I've been so sick for so long from eating the totally inappropriate foods offered at my present place. It's great food, IF you're healthy!
At any rate, life goes on
A new adventure to look forward to! My sons will help with the monumental job of paring my stuff down from a full apartment to a single room. I've already made a list of what I can bring to my new home. I'll be just fine. Don't you worry. Just get yourself strong and healthy again, Lori dear.

REPLY
1 reply
artist01 | @artist01 | Jul 14, 2021
In reply to @sueinmn "Wow! My last view from a hospital room was the A/C unit on the roof of..." + (show)
@sueinmn

Wow! My last view from a hospital room was the A/C unit on the roof of the other wing.
That is what I call a healing view.
How are you doing today? I'vv been thinking of you.
Sue

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@sueinmn Hi Sue. Yes, it was a wonderful room with an awesome view BUT they moved me to a different (double) room on a different floor the other day. Oh well. I guess I was improving enough to be sent from the wonderful cardiac unit to an ordinary unit. Yesterday, Physio had me walk 3 circuits around the ward for a total of 9 minutes with only one sit-down. Now I'm to do that 3 times a day, increasing the distance and time, in order to strengthen my heart muscle. I'll bring my trusty pedometer for motivation and see how many steps I can increase by each day. Hope you are keeping well, Sue, with all your many challenges.

REPLY
1 reply
Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Jul 14, 2021
In reply to @artist01 "@sueinmn Hi Sue. Yes, it was a wonderful room with an awesome view BUT they moved..." + (show)
@artist01

@sueinmn Hi Sue. Yes, it was a wonderful room with an awesome view BUT they moved me to a different (double) room on a different floor the other day. Oh well. I guess I was improving enough to be sent from the wonderful cardiac unit to an ordinary unit. Yesterday, Physio had me walk 3 circuits around the ward for a total of 9 minutes with only one sit-down. Now I'm to do that 3 times a day, increasing the distance and time, in order to strengthen my heart muscle. I'll bring my trusty pedometer for motivation and see how many steps I can increase by each day. Hope you are keeping well, Sue, with all your many challenges.

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Good Morning Laurie. Pooh! My challenges are a piece of cake compared to you and Elizabeth and others in this group. I can only imagine how difficult it will be for you to move to Long Term Care, but it sounds like you have sons to help you and the best possible attitude.

You are such a beacon of hope and ray of sunshine to us on Connect, I can only imagine you will brighten lives in your new home as well. Just make sure you have a good Internet connection!

Your trusty walker needs a name so we can remind you to "saddle up and walk"

Sending hugs and blessings as you heal and move on to your "next chapter".
Sue

REPLY
Mentor
Lori, Volunteer Mentor | @loribmt | Jul 14, 2021
In reply to @artist01 "@loribmt Hey there. Lori! You've been put through the wringer this week too, kid! I'm so..." + (show)
@artist01

@loribmt Hey there. Lori! You've been put through the wringer this week too, kid! I'm so sorry you had such a difficult time - - AND got cheated out of a nice dinner with your honey. I sure hope you've rallied somewhat now and are getting back to your old (wonderful, caring) self.
I'm.a fair bit better now. Have had multi interviews with teams of doctors about what to do with this complex person that is me. It seems I have to transition from a residence of Assisted Living to Long Term Care. I must admit I've cried buckets over that - having to leave my friends at my present Assisted Living place, plus the huge upheaval of the move. They may keep me in the hospital until such time as a room opens up at a long term care place in town. My present residence is unable to adhere to my many IBS, OLP, and now HeartSmart dietary restrictions whereas a long term care home would. I've been so sick for so long from eating the totally inappropriate foods offered at my present place. It's great food, IF you're healthy!
At any rate, life goes on
A new adventure to look forward to! My sons will help with the monumental job of paring my stuff down from a full apartment to a single room. I've already made a list of what I can bring to my new home. I'll be just fine. Don't you worry. Just get yourself strong and healthy again, Lori dear.

Jump to this post

Hey Laurie!! I’m baaaack. Thank you for your concern but truly, i’m just fine. I got whiney…which isn’t like me but dang it. I hadn’t felt that nasty in 2 years! I also had another round of my childhood/teen/adult vaccinations yesterday. My upper arms look like I have half soft-balls stuck under my sleeves!! 😂 And yes, I was most bummed about not being able to get out to eat dinner. The weather was gorgeous, we could have sat outside and had a lovely time.
Oh dear, welp, life just keeps tossing you one exciting challenge after another, doesn’t it? Now you’re having to leave your friends, your familiar surroundings and also having to reduce your belongings down to cherished pieces. That’s so traumatic on many levels, Laurie. You have my sincerest empathy. Changes aren’t easy and this one is significant.

However, I remember when my mom went through similar swapping of digs…it turned out to be a godsend! Independent as all get out, she fought that move with every fiber of her being. But once settled into a rhythm, she rallied with the appropriate foods, dedicated care and met a lot of new friends and actually participated more in group activities. Her room was so pretty, filled with all the things she loved and I don’t believe she missed much of anything that had been tucked away in boxes anyway. If she did mention something, I’d bring it and find a spot. Knowing you and your resilience I expect similar from you! Yes, life goes on and we all face these new chapters. Sue posted a wonderful message about her mom the other day and the Chapters in her life.
This book of life we are writing as we go along is filled with so many passages, pages and chapters, Some we want to leave behind, others we want to read again…and we’re always writing a new page daily. Sharpen your pencils, my dear…you have a lot of writing left to do! I sure hope you have a great view in your new place!!! Bring some art for the walls!
And of course, we’re all moving in right along with you. ☺️

I have to show you…my outside toad is getting a new house today! I bought this for him.

REPLY
1 reply
Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Jul 14, 2021
In reply to @loribmt "Hey Laurie!! I’m baaaack. Thank you for your concern but truly, i’m just fine. I got..." + (show)
@loribmt

Hey Laurie!! I’m baaaack. Thank you for your concern but truly, i’m just fine. I got whiney…which isn’t like me but dang it. I hadn’t felt that nasty in 2 years! I also had another round of my childhood/teen/adult vaccinations yesterday. My upper arms look like I have half soft-balls stuck under my sleeves!! 😂 And yes, I was most bummed about not being able to get out to eat dinner. The weather was gorgeous, we could have sat outside and had a lovely time.
Oh dear, welp, life just keeps tossing you one exciting challenge after another, doesn’t it? Now you’re having to leave your friends, your familiar surroundings and also having to reduce your belongings down to cherished pieces. That’s so traumatic on many levels, Laurie. You have my sincerest empathy. Changes aren’t easy and this one is significant.

However, I remember when my mom went through similar swapping of digs…it turned out to be a godsend! Independent as all get out, she fought that move with every fiber of her being. But once settled into a rhythm, she rallied with the appropriate foods, dedicated care and met a lot of new friends and actually participated more in group activities. Her room was so pretty, filled with all the things she loved and I don’t believe she missed much of anything that had been tucked away in boxes anyway. If she did mention something, I’d bring it and find a spot. Knowing you and your resilience I expect similar from you! Yes, life goes on and we all face these new chapters. Sue posted a wonderful message about her mom the other day and the Chapters in her life.
This book of life we are writing as we go along is filled with so many passages, pages and chapters, Some we want to leave behind, others we want to read again…and we’re always writing a new page daily. Sharpen your pencils, my dear…you have a lot of writing left to do! I sure hope you have a great view in your new place!!! Bring some art for the walls!
And of course, we’re all moving in right along with you. ☺️

I have to show you…my outside toad is getting a new house today! I bought this for him.

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Lori, You always know just what to say. Let us know if Mr. Toad likes his new home. I got one for mine a few years ago, but passed it on as they preferred the broken terra cotta pot under my tree.
@artist01 - This is the comment Lori was referring to - you have already traveled a fair ways down this road - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/covid-19-vaccination/?pg=2#comment-615784
Sue

REPLY
1 reply
Mentor
Lori, Volunteer Mentor | @loribmt | Jul 14, 2021
In reply to @sueinmn "Lori, You always know just what to say. Let us know if Mr. Toad likes his..." + (show)
@sueinmn

Lori, You always know just what to say. Let us know if Mr. Toad likes his new home. I got one for mine a few years ago, but passed it on as they preferred the broken terra cotta pot under my tree.
@artist01 - This is the comment Lori was referring to - you have already traveled a fair ways down this road - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/covid-19-vaccination/?pg=2#comment-615784
Sue

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Thank you Sue! Though I equally have times when I put my foot in my mouth…LOL.
I hope the toady likes it too! We recently had the entire yard/gardens redone and I worried about the toad! I told everyone to be on the lookout of him and the work people were actually all very cautious. I was so happy to have him show up the other day but thought about all the other hidey holes that were disrupted. Plus the new garden just calls for whimsical things and since I have no way of getting the 6 foot metal rooster home a little toad house will have to do for now.

The message about your mom was so poignant and well written. I think it probably touched everyone who read it on some visceral level. Thank you for sharing that moment with us.

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