🕯 A Place To Be With OTHERS Who Are Grieving! WE support each other.

[Cadee2719]

  Nicole you DO NOT wear us out.  We look forward to your updates.  You bring smiles and joy to our days.  There are days that you and now Diane are the only reason to smile.  I hope people recognize and appreciate the commitment you give to this site.  I would "redefine" NOSEY to CARING.  

[Anonymous]

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***A place to share and support***

Grief & Loss Team 🤎

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[Winter2025VA]

Dear Diane @DianeB887812 , will you have family and/or friends there with you? 

Luv you,

Nicole 

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[*** DIANE wrote: Burial at sea will be this next Tuesday July 23 at Sunset. I wanted him with me longer but he insisted that I perform this task as soon as I was able. He wanted me to move on. What a sweetheart he was. ***]

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[DianeB887812]

Stephen did not want a memorial service. So I’m going on my own. I will use Uber to get there and back. He was a very private person. 

[DianeB887812]

My bladder does not let me sleep in sometimes. Once I’m up it’s for the whole day. BIG sigh. 

The good news is I got to the dog park. The bad news is it then started raining. So I’ll just have to try again this weekend. The one person I talked with let me know that a lot of familiar faces both two legged and four are waiting at the rainbow bridge. BIG sigh. 

In Florida you have to watch out for the Q-tips driving as if no one else is on the road. I think I may have joined their ranks. As time goes by my concentration will get better. Till then I’ll try to be on my best behavior.

And yes a dash of Stephen will go to the park. The grass can always use a bit of fertilizer.

[Winter2025VA]

How are YOU? 

Lol, I have been up all night!!!

And bet when my 2 alarms (yes, two  ) go off at 6am to FEED you know who is when I will be asleep.

It stormed last night and I hope he was under someone's vehicle.

It passed for now and maybe he will surface to sleep as usual on my porch.

Plan for TODAY, last of 4 Dollar Trees hoping this one will have my hair oil or it will be Sally's I guess.

Everyone FIND YOUR PEACE.

Luv you guys,

Nicole 

[DianeB887812]

Good morning speedy. I have now got my car paperwork in my name. That allows me to get a parking sticker for the dog park. Guess where I plan to go today. I just want to say hi to folks that knew Stephen and I and let them know he is gone. I’ll get to pet lots of dogs too. 

Next on my list is to take a boat ride off shore and release his ashes into the ocean

That is where Phil went and that is where I want to go. We will all be together. And no matter where friends or family live, they can find their way to a beach and visit us.

On the subject of poor driving habits, while I was driving back and forth to dyalisis treatments and then the hospital and finally the hospice, I ran stop signs and turned when I was not supposed to I can not tell you how many times. And I have never in my life ever been in an accident or gotten a ticket. I just did not have my mind on my driving. Dangerous. I still have to keep watch on myself. My mind wanders and sometimes I look around and have no idea where I am. So I’m staying home as much as possible. 

when I was grieving my first husband I had to go back to working after two weeks. I got totally lost on my way to work one morning   

So please everyone be carful driving. Sometimes you just have to, but try to concentrate on the driving extra hard. Or better yet get somone else to do the driving for now. 

STAY SAFE!!!!

[Winter2025VA]

Okay, take a seat - chatterbox Nicole is now ready to share her INTERESTING day so far. Lol, had to watch some Garfield then Downtown Abbey to ERASE my RUN THE RED LIGHT moment!!! 

NEVER done this in my 66 years on this planet = NO speeding tickets or accidents. All it took was to be pulled over at age 18 (was speeding, given a warning) in St. Louis, Missouri in my BRAND NEW Honda Civic Hatchback (I bought myself, well car payments through my Credit Union). My 1st real job there was an Outside Hostess at the Steak 'n Shake down the road. I was 16 and walking. Talk about FREEZING my a.s off during the winter. Some serious snow.    But the TIPS were AWESOME. Yes, we put those metal trays on car windows. In between cars, my b.tt was INSIDE thawing. Lol, how was that for someone who lived on an island for 16 years. NOT FUN. But Ron, my boss was really AWESOME.

Okay, back to my RED LIGHT incident today.

Now keep in mind I KNOW this intersection, been using it since 2018.

SO GRATEFUL I didnot get hit.

I was in the LEFT TURN lane heading to CVS and usually that lane's green ARROW comes on AFTER the other lanes' green does.

Yours truly hits the gas and makes my left turn, NOT even giving it a 2nd thought - while the arrow is still RED.

The only thing that saved me was that the folks moved SLOWLY forward.

Lol, now to see IF there was a CAMERA in that intersection. 

I was so RATTLED after I swore I was STAYING home tomorrow (Thursday) and got gas TODAY. Had planned for tomorrow. I like to keep a FULL tank for those detours through the mountains for accidents and what seems to be chronic roadwork. Fun on 2-lane roads. Yes, those stop, go, slow flag men/women. Hmmm, it is Summer and folks got ice cream trying to get home from Walmart.

Anyway, NO luck at #3 Dollar Tree TODAY, so #4 tomorrow. Yes, going back out. Kind of paranoid now = will I do the same thing again.

  Mr. was a TRIP yesterday!!! Insisting on TRYING to get in bed with me. He had left that alone way back. Lol, interesting what he has planned for today. Yes, Max's vehicle is here and he is nowhere to be found since eating everything in his dish at 6am this morning. Well let's say, took a few trips in and out (had to go see IF Max was home/lol). I finally shut my door to get ready for CVS. I need a Remote Door Opener for his SPOILT self. Geez...

Marcy, oh Marcy @MarcyW882921 

Nicole 

[MarcyW882921]

Oh my Nicole @Winter2025VA ! How scary!! 

I hope watching your shows helped you to regain your composure. Personally I have always found Downton Abbey to be a great escape!

Marcy

[Cadee2719]

  I loved that show, NEVER missed an episode.  Marcy I hope you solve the migraine mystery soon.  

[Winter2025VA]

1 comment    DAY 2 [Wednesday 7/17/24 6:57am ET] GLITCH!!!

NO AARP Post Notification Emails TODAY  ☹

Hey Team, once in awhile this site has a GLITCH where you will NOT get a COPY of the Grief Forum POSTS.

Hopefully you figured this out (NO post emails in your Email IN BOX).

Lol, I know some of us READ these emails rather than stop by like I do daily.

Luv you ALL,

Nicole

[DianeB887812]

Aha! It’s a plot to slow my recovery. But they can’t stop me! How is everyone this lovely morning. I had my walk this morning. It is very pleasant in the early morning. Three cute ducklings ran up to me expecting a handout. Someone has been feeding them. That may be a problem when they grow up , but for now they are cute. I’m doing nothing today. I still have a few things left on my to do list but two days of going to Dr appointments whiled me out. Shades of the panic I felt around the many appointments I had to take my husband to. I do not have anymore appointments for two weeks. So I will try to relax and recover. Luv to all especially @summersTooHOT 

[Winter2025VA]

1 comment     Day 1 [Tuesday 7/16/24 8:20pm ET] GLITCH!!!

NO AARP Post Notification Emails TODAY  ☹

Hey Team, once in awhile this site has a GLITCH where you will NOT get a COPY of the Grief Forum POSTS.

Hopefully you figured this out (NO post emails in your Email IN BOX).

Lol, I know some of us READ these emails rather than stop by like I do daily.

Luv you ALL,

Nicole

[MarcyW882921]

Thanks Nicole @Winter2025VA .

Marcy

[Winter2025VA]

OUR Diane @DianeB887812 stopped by 

Lol, and that is WHY one marriage was enough for me.

Time to ENJOY what time I got left with my only child, a daughter and TAKE CARE OF MYSELF so she does not end up as my caregiver. 

Did you walk?

I just got out of shower and DREADING the heat outside.

  Mr. is UNDER my car. Lol, he will NOT be happy when I WAKE him up to move car without running over him.

Thanks for update and GLAD you are okay.

Luv you my friend,

Nicole

[DianeB887812]

I never had children. I worked at jobs that required my 24hr support. Payed well.  But I did not think it would be fair to try to raise a child when I would not have time to do the job properly. My first husband was a professional sailor. So I was on my own a lot during the first marriage. I’m probably going to get a chihuahua next year. I need a rest for now. If I get too lonely I can always go to see my older brother in Va. 

[Winter2025VA]

Diane , you had me "giggling" when I read your post AGAIN after Walmart about what your doctor said. I MISSED the part about "have to be rich"/lol 

Hey, Florida seems to be the area all the rich and famous seem to be moving to of late.

I had posted I wanted a Sugar Daddy in Florida LAST YEAR May 2023 when I was doing BOTH Virginia and Florida BEFORE reality hit me and Medicare Stress [change in doctors  ].

GLAD I took my time now with my daughter being laid off 4/11 of this year 2024.

It was like LIFE had DELAYED me and now understand why.

On the subject of men, don't hate them, but donot need one to be happy or secure. Spent WAY TOO many years looking after and putting up with to return to that life.

Lol, you going for #3 hubbie???

WE got LOTS AND LOTS of potentials here in Virginia as you know from living here. But I know you HATE Winter. Maybe he will SPLIT his time between your apartment in Florida and his whatever here in Virginia.

Lol, YOUNGER than you too...

Thanks for the much needed chuckle!!! 

Oh, I got a man    and he thinks he is paying rent here in my Studio Apt. 

Luv you,

Nicole 

@DianeB887812  8pm

[DianeB887812]

Glad you got a chuckle and did the favor of giving one back. I found during my last grief recovery laughing was the best medicine. Even when I was crying. Thank You!

[Winter2025VA]

Lol Diane @DianeB887812 , it is like LIFE saw I needed another CHATTERBOX here as I know I wear everyone out with my NOSEY SELF!!! 

Thank you SO MUCH for stopping by each day.

Luv you my friend,

Nicole 

[Cadee2719]

  Nicole you DO NOT wear us out.  We look forward to your updates.  You bring smiles and joy to our days.  There are days that you and now Diane are the only reason to smile.  I hope people recognize and appreciate the commitment you give to this site.  I would "redefine" NOSEY to CARING.  

[DianeB887812]

@Winter2025VA ,just in case you’re holding your breath for the results from my cardiologist, I’m just fine. He recomends my next husband is a healthy YOUNG specimen that can take care of me and will not require so much effort on my part. I will add to that is he needs to be rich. LOL

[Winter2025VA]

Dear Marcy @MarcyW882921 , my thoughts are with you dear friend that you find a SOLUTION for your migraines.

So sorry your present medication is SO EXPENSIVE!!! 

It is time for Medicare to COVER these meds so old folks can FUNCTION. Gosh, who can hire a maid to do what needs to be done on a DAILY BASIS???

Luv you my friend,

Nicole 

[MarcyW882921]

Yes Nicole @Winter2025VA . I think since we are "retired" it is up to us to speak up about our senior needs to those who make these decisions.

Marcy

[jonibee]

I am "weathering the heat" try to light chores in the a.m. before it heats up ..Follow the sun by closing shades/curtains/windows have indoor fans on as I am not an A/C fan as the p.m comes around and I have windsocks outside so I can see visibly that there is a breeze I begin to draw the curtains and open screened windows for the night so one can sleep ..Drink plenty of fluids through out the day and eat light cucumber and watermelon and tomatoes are good ..Don;t forget if you start to feel lightheaded cold cloths  and something with a little salt even soup which is usually salty will help besides gatorade ..Also at night a cold wet cloth helps keep the body temp down by moving around the body ...Time to enjoy that book you have wanted to read and take it easy...

[Winter2025VA]

Marcy @MarcyW882921 , any CHORUS UPDATES???

[MarcyW882921]

Nicole @Winter2025VA ,

I love this! Tonight is my regular rehearsal. I got in my tennis play and water aerobics this morning and I'll get my music fix tonight.

Marcy

[Winter2025VA]

2 comments [Monday 7/15/24 6:14am ET]

How are YOU? 

Good luck with your Eye Appointment TODAY Diane @DianeB887812 !!! 

My trip to Kroger TODAY to cash in my WINNING Scratch-Off Lottery Tickets. 

Everyone FIND YOUR PEACE,

Nicole 

[DianeB887812]

Eyes are doing good. Pressure is managed with eye drops. And although the last couple of months my adrenaline levels caused higher blood glucose levels and higher blood pressures, no damage to my retinas has been done. So I just need to relax and keep up with my walking and diet. 

[DianeB887812]

Congrats on the lucky scratch off card. 
I’m getting ready to go so will check back in when I can read my screen. 

[Winter2025VA]

(1 comment) Dear STRONG Jonibee @jonibee , not too much longer for your surgery. WE hope you will let us know how you are doing AFTER. As usual, NO PRESSURE to do this!!! 

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[*** JONIBEE wrote: My surgery is on Sept. 6th a 4 step plan..first a mapping of vein via ultrasound./surgery/followup week later then 2 weeks another follow up..So four viits to outpatient of medical bldg..Then the other leg about a month later same process..I wish it could be sooner but that's the way it is...Thank You for thinking of me.. ***]

[MarcyW882921]

Nicole @Winter2025VA ,

After reading a piece in the newspaper about a young woman who received significant relief from migraine headaches through auricular therapy administered by an acupuncturist, I decided to try it. Of course it is not covered by Medicare, but I still thought it was worth a shot. My latest medication prescribed by a neurologist is quite expensive even with prescription coverage and even at about 50% savaings in Canada it is still expensive. My next acupuncture follow-up is Tuesday.

Marcy

[Winter2025VA]

(2 comments) Cadee  , I am sitting here TRYING to figure out the BEST solution to my ever INCREASING living accommodations from h.ll. 

Gosh, I still MARVEL at you picking up and leaving your h.ll in California.

NOW you are in Idaho, yes - dealing with getting your medical stuff set up BUT finally SAFE!!! 

Anyway, I will update you guys on my MOVING PROJECT. If Cadee did it, so can I!!! 

Luv you ALL,

Nicole 

@Cadee2719