MORNING ROLL CALL DECEMBER 2024

[DaveMcK]

MORNING ROLL CALL DECEMBER 2024

Top of the morning to everyone on this 1st day of DECEMBER 2024.

Happy Birthday to all of our DECEMBER Birthday members.

[catwoman500]

@Winter2024 ...Yeah, I've been enjoying Marlow Murder Club. I think it ends soon, though. Wolf Hall never appealed to me, and like you, I saw Howard's End a while ago. Looking forward to some new things and new seasons of old things, especially Miss Scarlet. 

I've never been to Jamaica! 

[Winter2024]

[11/11/24] @catwoman500 , I am still UPSET the Duke left with his handsome self. Will be skipping Ms. Scarlet when it returns.

But I cannot wait for All Creatures to return in January.  🙃🙃🙃

[catwoman500]

@Winter2024 ... You are like one of my friends who won't be watching Miss Scarlet. She's boycotting because of the Duke leaving, too. LOL

[MsStretch]

@Winter2024 , first of all, in the cat world, you have to understand that cats are the ones in control of their human caretakers.  You might think you are, but they will have no problem reminding you that you must cater to their whims on their terms.  And be very clear that Mister had obviously adopted YOU, not the other way around.

Of course, I am kidding. 😁 Well, a little.  You would be surprised at how much I have bent over backwards for the kids.  But you will have a friend for life (whether you like it or not).

The bone density scan (DEXA) is a piece of cake and doesn't take that long -- 10 mins. max as I recall.  I was positioned on a table and they passed an x-ray scanner arm over my body.  No, they do not slide you into a tube like a CT, PT scan or MRI.  They concentrated on my hips and spine.

As the time gets closer to your appointment, the imaging facility (not the doctor who issued the order) will probably be contacting you to issue any final prep instructions.  Yes, absolutely no metal.  I wore leggings, a regular shirt, and sports bra, and I passed the muster, but there was also the option to use a hospital gown that they provide.  I did not take any vitamins prior, calcium or not, and that would include any multis, or NSAIDS (ibuprofen, naproxen). I can't remember any special diet restrictions (at the time, I was having so many different scans, they get all jumbled up).

[catwoman500]

@MsStretch ...Oooh, OUCH! Sorry about that close loss to the Steelers, but Eagles overcame the curse of losing when we are in Dallas yesterday, wahoo!

Should be interesting on Thursday. 🏈 

[Winter2024]

@MsStretch @LaDolceVita @catwoman500 

*** [Friday 11/8/24]

I am heading to send the 3 of you a COPY of this post = you are welcome to send me back a reply rather than post here. Whatever works for you is appreciated.

*** [Thursday 11/7/24]

When you can/want to - please tell me about YOUR Bone Density Test.

These days it is like pulling teeth to get medical folks to slow down enough to ANSWER questions.  😤😤😤

Yes, was told - NO deodorant, powder, underwire bra, metal buttons or calcium (I take a women's 50+ multi) within 24 hours of test.

PER GOOGLE.

It is okay to eat food with calcium.

Now, this is where I am totally CONFUSED.  🤔

Is this a full body scan = you are put into those machines that have a belt that slides you in and out?

Or an x-ray like mammograms?

My 1st one is this month, 27th.

Hoping to hear from you ladies before that.

Thanks,

Nicole  👵

[catwoman500]

@Winter2024 ...Ditto what @MsStretch said about the DEXA scan. Easy Peasy.  It maybe took 10 min., that was all. No metal and I wore almost the same outfit as MsStretch. I don't think I took my Glucosamine/Chondroitin until after I got home, but this is one of the easiest things to have done. No sweat.

[MsStretch]

@wilful , did your Corvair also have the gear shift on the dashboard?  More like a gear lever.  I had a '63, maybe it was a '64, so not sure if all Corvairs were like that.

@Winter2024 , do you have a litterbox?  If not, expect in and out from Mister all winter long.

@LaDolceVita , glad you are almost done with doc appointments, seems like I have a slew coming up.  Another CT scan.  One with nephrologist because my sodium has been consistently low.  And I have an app't. with primary somewhere in there. 

Maybe you can consider the once-a-year infusion therapy for your osteoporosis.  Takes about fifteen minutes and I much prefer it to taking pills daily.  Good for you for keeping up the exercise and activity because that definitely helps! 👍

First time I have bought a vehicle online, but I just was not motivated to go out to dealers and shop around and listen to all the spiels.  Just wanted to get it done as quickly and painlessly as possible.  My truck had rejected inspection sticker and technically illegal, so I was loathe to push my luck to keep driving it around.  I was very satisfied with the experience.

@catwoman500 , looking forward to a week from Thurs. 🏈  Maybe.  Commanders are getting to the serious teams now.  Let's see if they can keep it going. 🤞 Only div. team they have played so far is the Giants.

[wilful]

 @MsStretch  Yes, my Corvair did have the gear lever on the dashboard.

[LaDolceVita]

Hello everyone I am glad the Porch is being frequented again!   Almost done with my doctor appointments.  Last week was the dermatologist, they took a biopsy of what might be psoriasis.   I had no idea they would do such a thing.   Gave me presciption for Tretinoin,  for my vanity that is.   Really does nice things for the skin, even after one use.  Next will be the female doctor, I will try to get help for my osteoporosis. 

@MsStretch   I admire your bravery in going through Carvana.  I have no experience with these onlne car people.  I test drove my Explorer and I am still not happy with it.   It looks good from the outside but is not particularly comfortable.  It jumps all over unless you drive it in "eco" mode.  Does not feel comfy like my Honda did.

@Winter2024  Please let us know about your Dexa scan.  I am now doing a version of rucking 😎.   That means I leash walk one of the dogs upt to the dog pen with a 12 lb weight vest and then do Zach Bush's 4 minute workout.   

[MsStretch]

Checking in, @DaveMcK .  I know, it has been awhile for me.  Lot of things have been going on, nothing of any particular importance, just easy to get distracted.

I voted about 4 weeks ago, not long after early voting started in VA.  When I went there, I ran into only 2 other voters.  On Thurs., my neighbor/friend went to vote and she said the line was wrapped around the building! 😮 She didn't wait, decided to go back early on Fri. Like that would be any better being the last day to vote early -- it wasn't.  She stood in line for 2 hours!

Ended up giving up hope on my good old Toyota truck, the one with the rusted frame, and bought a bright red 2020 Honda HR-V Sport SUV.  First automatic I have ever owned, other than my first car (Corvair) over 50 years ago!  Also, first Honda.  I'm wondering if I will ever get used to driving an automatic.  Even if I had found someone willing to block-weld the frame on the truck (I didn't), it would've taken months and god knows the cost.  I bought the Honda online at Carvana, and had it delivered.  Yep, bought it sight unseen (other than the 360° view on the website) and no test drive.  Checked the CarFax, etc., etc.  Good enough. 

@catwoman500 , looking like a new team in DC. Eagles might have some competition in the div.  Hope I don't eat my words, but just saying.  However, Commanders and Eagles meet for first time in 2 weeks. 🤞

@Winter2024 , gotta ask about Mr.  How's he doing?  I've had to plug in the kitty encampment a few cold nights in the past weeks.  Don't want the kids freezing their little toe beans. 🐾

[catwoman500]

@MsStretch ...Good luck with the new SUV! Love red!

Yes, Your Commanders are doing very well. Wonder what will happen when they meet the Eagles here in Philly???? It's a Thursday night game which means I won't get my 5% discount at the Acme on Sunday for wearing my Eagles gear! 😾

[wilful]

  Hey MsStretch - your mention of your first car(the Corvair) brought back memories.  In 1959 I bought a Remarkable Rear Engine Corvair!!  Kept it for several years. In addition to being rear engine - it was air cooled. I haven't thought of that car in years.  Good memories.

[DaveMcK]

I would like to see everyone check in. 

Have you voted yet?

We voted about a week ago at our retirement center which has an early voting poll. 

We have had several nights of temps below freezing so our gardens are done.

Happy Halloween!

[catwoman500]

@DaveMcK ...Happy Halloween to you!  🦇🕷🕸🎃

We have had crazy temps. Warm, cold, and now for tonight's Trick or Treating it will be 80!!!! Kids will finally be able to show off their costumes instead of hiding them under coats!

We have saved a bit on heating costs this Fall!

I voted by mail several weeks ago. I like how our county contacts you to tell you your ballot was received. 

Hope all of you have a safe and happy Halloween.

[catwoman500]

Not sure what happened to my photo from yesterday, but all I see now is a gray box.

Sorry. When I posted it, it was a cat in a witch hat costume.

[DaveMcK]

It has been a very intersting few weeks with differant medical visits. I had my anual eye exam which also was a followup to my Cataract Surgery.

I also had one of my 4 annual dental visits and cleanings.

I will have my annual physical November 18th.

So far things have gone well.

[LaDolceVita]

Hi folks, letting you know I survived both hurricanes with damage only to some huge trees.   The hurricane before Helene brought terrible sustained winds on top of a drought.  Helene brought rain and caused a 100 ft tree in apparent glowing health to drop while we watched from the kitchen..  The root ball is over 10 ft in diameter.

@Winter2024  Still. doing the sauna 5 nights a week.  Has lowered my blood pressure I am sure.  It is running about 125/75, pretty good for someone with my family history.   However, I am the first to be diagnosed with osteoporosis.  @MsStretch   I hope all is well in your neck of the woods.   So many are suffering in both So and No Carolina, East Tennessee.  

[Frozenoem]

@LaDolceVita 

Maine is too far north for the moment, 100 year and 1000 year storms, don’t seem to matter anymore.Climate change is coming, as the oceans warm.

Frequency of the storms are increasing, time to throw a log on the fire 40* and going down. Friend in TN told me he had 28” of rushing water, at his cabin. Washing out his sand baggedcabin until a large oak tree diverted the torrential stream.

Time to eat, take pills, magnesium for arthritis will destroy stomach lining with out food, but it works.

Froze

[DaveMcK]

So far I have not made an decision on a knee surgery. 

We were not impacted by Helena. We have not had much in the way of storms in September. 

[Frozenoem]

Still working on mobility and weight gain a whole 2 lbs woopie doo.

@MsStretch 

Your issue and my bro in law, are in the same boat body rot. For him it’s MA roads , Jc Whitney  and carparts dot com.

One of those moments he happy to have a cheap in law “me”. Also a new certified body shop and mechanic in family. Son and grand daughter.

Only problem he never believed his van would rust, with the rust proofing from dealer..

His first replacement is $299 for panel, labor is extra.Still less than new van at $60K.

To peeps working on housing for me, buyer of house is approved. First rental fell through🤬

Discovering the joys of “living trust” to protect assets. 

Now, it’s back to grind of cleaning for sale while packing up 40 years of accumulating 🤬🤬 and vacuuming cellar staircase, been awhile since I’ve been down there.Gonna be a nightmare in cobwebs.

Froze

[DaveMcK]

Sorry to hear that so many here are having health and other issues. I am having issues with both knees and am looking at having my right knee replaced. This will mean a month of major rehab. 

Hope everyone has a great and restful weekend. 

[LaDolceVita]

@Winter2024  I love autumn too 😍.  Moosey & Pearlie

[LaDolceVita]

@MsStretch   Sorry for your car issues,   I always feel out of my depth when it comes to cars.

 @Winter2024   I was prediabetic 15 years ago, went to a low carb diet. I lost 15+lbs and no longer needed blood pressure pills.  Also pain in knee resolved and has not returned and neither has the extra weight.  I suggest that you go slow, start with giving up sugar and starchy food.  If you do eat starchy stuff like mashed potatoes, meaure the portion.  Low carb message boards are a great help.   I still do not get a chance to watch PBS  although I read the emails 

[MsStretch]

@Winter2024 , for sure, Mr. has claimed you as his new best bud. 😻💕

Willie Mae got mats on her hindquarters which I tried to brush out (gotta hit her from behind), but only got a few strokes in before she turned to grab my hand and let me know that's a little too close for her comfort.  Go figure. 🤦‍♀️

@LaDolceVita , I feel you on the bone density scans.  In fact, this Tuesday, I get my annual infusion for osteoporosis.   That and continuing with the calcium supplements and weight bearing exercise. 

My Toyota Tacoma just failed inspection for frame rust. Apparently known issue with Tacomas, but my truck was not on recall list.  Mostly cold weather states -- NY, PA  -- road salt, the usual culprits, but because my truck is registered in VA (considered a "temperate state"), it's not considered a problem. I went through my VIN # and my truck comes back as "No safety issues currently". What?!  Excuse me, but I beg to differ! 😖 Have been round and round with Toyota, but even if they agreed, we're talking 8-10 months down the road.  Mechanic suggested block welding might fix it, so in process of finding body shop who can... will do it.  Also looking at new (used) vehicles.  This sucks.  Just need something to get around in, nothing fancy, just an occasional ride.  Ah, well, back to the drawing board.

[Frozenoem]

@MsStretch 

The joy of vehicles, new or used they rust frame damage happens.. so the second I got them it was wore brushing underneath, and coating with rust preventative or hardener.

Followed by coating with used or new oil , every 2-3 years, followed by driving over a dirt road, and coating all of the frame with dirt.

Mechanics hate it but, frame is protected from rust and rot.

Wish you luck with frame repair, most body shops with welding experience will take care of it. Might be why it’s relatively easy to buy replacement parts for Toyota’s.

Tundra TRD  for the moment still rust free in salt laden Maine roads but, now my ex gets the joy of crawling beneath the truck frame.to lay down new, rust preventer and lay down new oil.🤣, before driving on dirt roads.

Her newish EV is still rust free, pity the poor guy that ever swaps out her battery on the Volt? But, to date her rapid charge has cost her $15 to drive 3600 miles. 

Froze

[catwoman500]

@MsStretch  Ouch, sorry about the Toyota! 😾

[Winter2024]

@LaDolceVita and @catwoman500  , I got a PBS email TODAY and totally HAPPY!!!  💃💃💃

I signed up to get NEWS from one of the PBS stations I was getting on my PBS app.
 
Are guys PLANNING on watching this? I am!!! I LUV this show.

New Show News: Maigret.

The first contemporary television adaptation of Georges Simenon’s beloved novels about the streetwise Parisian Chief Inspector Jules Maigret will be coming to MASTERPIECE on PBS!  Get all the exclusive details on the cast and more.

[catwoman500]

@Winter2024 ...Yes, saw that in my newsletter, too. Looks like a good one!

[LaDolceVita]

@allPorchers 😀.Still finishing up doc visits.  Calcium score was 53, so no follow up required.  Bone scan not so good, I am doing heel drops and jumping up and down and some supplements.  I grew up eating dairy and never stopped,  had tons of calcium in the form of yogurt and kefir and cheese.   Still osteoporosis.

 Anyway, to the eye doctor this week then a bit of a break.

@MsStretch  funny cat pictures!!   Hope to beback soon😉.