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Honored Social Butterfly

MORNING ROLL CALL July 2025

MORNING ROLL CALL July  2025
Top of the morning to everyone on this First day July of 2025 
Happy Birthday to all of our July Birthday members.
 

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Posted by Dave the Lighthouse Keeper
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Hi folks,  I am struggling with another 12 year old dog.  His heart is in trouble and it is all I can do to keep up with him.   New medication is working thankfully. This heat makes heart conditions worse.  Please include Moose in your prayers. He is115 lbs of black lab love and affection.

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…..I will be thinking and praying for you and Moose.  

It is always very upsetting for me when dogs, cats and young children have some type of physical trauma or problem because we can’t really explain to them why they are feeling this way,  The best we can do is be there for them and comfort them while their body is changing - so that, while they might have moments of confusion, they will always know that they are loved.

 

I have a 21 year old cat who gradually lost her hearing and is now totally deaf.  Because she can’t understand why I am no longer answering her when she meows for me, you can bet that each and every time she does, I run to where she is,  Even after all these months, she still sometimes panics if she can’t find me.  

I have always adopted senior cats and dogs, and wanted to leave you with a quote I heard when I was involved in animal rescue …..

 

     If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die, I want to go where they went.

                                   -Will Rogers

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@LaDolceVita , I am glad the new meds are working for darling Moose!!!

 


@LaDolceVita wrote:

Hi folks,  I am struggling with another 12 year old dog.  His heart is in trouble and it is all I can do to keep up with him.   New medication is working thankfully. This heat makes heart conditions worse.  Please include Moose in your prayers. He is115 lbs of black lab love and affection.


 

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@LisaS961881 , 4:30?!  Wow!  Sometimes, that's when I'm going to sleep.

 

Awww, so happy for the little opossum. I haven't seen any this year. 🫤 I miss the guys.  However, Trudy the turtle is back. I had to refresh the nail polish mark on her shell.  She loves to clean up the leftovers the cats may have left from breakfast.  However, the other day when I went out in the morning, not only was Willie Mae and Giorgio sitting there waiting, so was Trudy!  I actually have lower profile pet dishes that I use for her, makes it easier for her to get to.

Super Contributor

   I smiled when I read about Trudy sitting there waiting for you!  I haven’t seen a box turtle in about ten years or so.  (I do wonder why, since my neighborhood borders a large wooded area.)

 

    When I was young, for years we had a turtle who visited our yard often.  When I would see him, I’d run into the house, and my Mom would prepare a buffet for him - some dog or cat food, melon, maybe peas, strawberries, or lettuce - and place these all on an envelope.  I would carefully walk outdoors balancing the envelope on both palms, and gently place it a few inches in front of our turtle.

 

     I loved watching that turtle eat!  If I had friends over, we would play Barbies or a board game nearby and watch him ever so slowly and thoughtfully nibble through his buffet!  When he was finished, he would rest a bit, then turn, walk down our back yard, and head back into the woods…..

 

   ~ Lisa 🐢🍓🥬

      

Honored Social Butterfly

I realized that I hadn't gotten any email notices to posts on the Community for a couple of weeks and thought maybe everyone took a vacation. 🤔 Nope, I see a few new posts.

 

Stay cool and hydrated everyone. 🪭🥤

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 Hi MsStretch! 🙋

 

     This heat and humidity has curtailed my walks just a bit these past two days.  I’ve been getting up very early to walk outdoors while it is still cool - around 4:30 AM.

 

Glad I was out and about before the sun rose this morning because I had the chance to rescue a little opossum that had become entangled in the bird netting that I had placed over my Mountain Laurel.  The poor little guy simply let me cut the netting and untangle him, then waddled away. He seemed quite unfazed!

 

….and yes, I am remembering to stay hydrated - it helps! 🧊 🍹🌈🌻

~ Lisa 🐾

      

Honored Social Butterfly

You too @MsStretch !!!

 


@MsStretch wrote:

I realized that I hadn't gotten any email notices to posts on the Community for a couple of weeks and thought maybe everyone took a vacation. 🤔 Nope, I see a few new posts.

 

Stay cool and hydrated everyone. 🪭🥤


 

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I had some free time so I changed the month to July early.

 

 

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Posted by Dave the Lighthouse Keeper
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….I had to jump on my phone and send a quick howdy” to everyone.🙋🩵  I hope that you are all enjoying today.  We just saw the sweetest small town 4th of July parade!  Fire engines, flag waving, street vendors, and a marching band - the works! 🌭🚒 🎉.

 

    This great quote just popped into my mind - “The longer I live, the more beautiful life becomes.”

     (Frank Lloyd Wright)

 

~ Lisa 🏠🌻☀️🌈

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….This morning I feel that I must add an addendum to the post above.  Our group was having so much fun yesterday that we never checked the news or social media at all ….

 

     Then we all awoke to the heartbreaking news of the Texas floods and those missing girls, and felt a sense of remorse.  Our group, now retired, once had various careers working with children.

 

      While we were sitting around watching the graphic news broadcasts and being bombarded with images of the extent of the flooding, again I remembered Mr. Roger’s advice to “find the helpers”.

We actually scanned the reports and found many examples of altruism  - that there are already 450 “boots on the ground”, that a local Walmart donated a pair of shoes to someone who lost everything, that 167 people had been rescued by helicopter, and many, many stories of small (and large) acts of kindness!! 🙏

 

As I’ve mentioned before, having been evacuated during a severe flood, I was so extremely grateful and very humbled by the Red Cross volunteer providing me with clean water and a blanket…and I have never forgotten what it feels like to be on the other side of the news camera.

 

While none of us could realistically help in Texas, we all decided to rummage through our clothing for donations, and to try to give blood this week.  It’s not much, but every little bit counts.

 

 In this jaded age, Fred Rogers is often mocked and the subject of ridicule.  Yet, I am not ashamed to admit that the 65 year old me still appreciates Mr.Rogers and am glad he shared his mother’s advice to him all those years ago when he ran to her upset about what he had seen on a news broadcast.  As we sit here surrounded by leftovers from last night’s feast, ensconced safely in my home, we will look for the helpers and try to be helpers! ❤️

 

*** As an aside, my friends, all retired, yet unfamiliar with this forum, were taken aback that I just had to log in twice.  Once “in”,we were all - myself included - stunned that dozens of SPAM messages that filled the message board. (I went directly to the Front Porch yesterday, so maybe they were there then too, but I can’t say for certain.). When I explained that there are always multiple “glitches” daily on this board, my friends worried and felt that it might not be prudent for me to continue using this site being that it isn’t being monitored 24/7.

 

Sigh - I fully realize that this post, as well as myself, might be deleted on Monday, but it just wouldn’t feel right if I did not share this with all of you. In retrospect, I believe I have just become inured to all of the maintenance issues on this site, but now that bad actors are bombarding this site with SPAM, I would hope that AARP takes notice.

 

Hope everyone who reads this is safe and secure.

 

    ~ Lisa 

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Yes @LisaS961881 , a TOTALLY AWESOME day as I received PMs from my three VERY SPECIAL LADIES @LaDolceVita @MsStretch @catwoman500 . I luv my ladies = ALWAYS have my back!!! Thank you ladies for CARING during my "challenge" at the moment. Years of SUPPORTING each other "on this site & PM". Hugs!!!

 


@LisaS961881 wrote:

….I had to jump on my phone and send a quick howdy” to everyone.🙋🩵  I hope that you are all enjoying today.  We just saw the sweetest small town 4th of July parade!  Fire engines, flag waving, street vendors, and a marching band - the works! 🌭🚒 🎉.

 

    This great quote just popped into my mind - “The longer I live, the more beautiful life becomes.”

     (Frank Lloyd Wright)

 

~ Lisa 🏠🌻☀️🌈


 

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Hi Nicole!

Geez -your PM is working? 🙏🎉☀️ I thought everyone was having the “glitch” I had - that little envelope thing had a “21”, but I clicked and clicked and nothing happens!😮. I had been able to get messages two weeks ago., but I did read somewhere here that several newbies are also having PM issues. 


So many glitches on this site, but it’s still a lovely place to visit!
🙋🩵

Thanks so much for your speedy response to my quick post!

~Lisa 🇺🇸

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You are welcome Lisa @LisaS961881 !!!

 


@LisaS961881 wrote:

Hi Nicole!

Geez -your PM is working? 🙏🎉🌈☀️ I thought everyone was having the “glitch” I had - that little envelope thing had a “21”, but I clicked and clicked and nothing happens!😮. I had been able to get messages two weeks ago., but I did read somewhere here that several newbies are also having PM issues. 


So many glitches on this site, but it’s still a lovely place to visit!
🙋🩵

Thanks so much for your speedy response to my quick post!

~Lisa 🇺🇸


 

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Hi folks, hot here in Ga too.   @DaveMcK   Perhaps you are out of this heat umbrella?  @LisaS961881 Yes Thomas Mann is the author of Magic Mountain, and I guess you have read it?  We used to have an excellent book thread here, with lots and lots of people contributing but all good things come to an end.  Nicole does a good job by her lonesome but the traffic is sluggish.   

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….When I read your, “two or three pages” comment, I flashed back to over 40 years ago when I read Magic Mountain.  My much younger self found it mesmerizing - dense and lyrical - and I usually read only two or three pages in a sitting - and often found myself pausing to turn back to previous pages and then just try to soak it all in.

 

💡📕 Your post made me realize that, forty-four years of life experiences later, this book deserves a re-read!

 

   While there might not be a book thread anymore, and very few people seem to actually post, it’s still a nice place to visit, and I’m glad I discovered it.

 

~ Lisa 🙏🌈

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@LisaS961881    Nicole had a book thread as well as a thread for movies and PBS shows.   Both of them generated some traffic, just never really took off like they deserved.  I love word of mouth about books and movies as opposed to reviews.  As for Dave's Front Porch I agree it feels good here and I too am glad you discovered it!

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@LaDolceVita , when you discovered the Books & Movies Discussion threads in the AARP Leisure & Lifestyle Forum - we were doing well. But we had lost members due to their disgust with the way AARP has been treating their long time members. And with 2025, folks are not impressed. Again, may visit but donot stay around to participate. But that is okay as at my age 67, I understand it has zero to do with me. I will ALWAYS treasure YOUR support even when you were SUPER busy.

 


@LaDolceVita wrote:

@LisaS961881    Nicole had a book thread as well as a thread for movies and PBS shows.   Both of them generated some traffic, just never really took off like they deserved.  I love word of mouth about books and movies as opposed to reviews.  As for Dave's Front Porch I agree it feels good here and I too am glad you discovered it!


 

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@LisaS961881 , are you by any chance doing any volunteer work (or substitute teaching)? Your posts show such a passion for being there for others & sharing. As you know, we are never too old to contribute. Hmmm, maybe write a book. You are indeed talented!

 


@LisaS961881 wrote:

….When I read your, “two or three pages” comment, I flashed back to over 40 years ago when I read Magic Mountain.  My much younger self found it mesmerizing - dense and lyrical - and I usually read only two or three pages in a sitting - and often found myself pausing to turn back to previous pages and then just try to soak it all in.

 

💡📕Your post made me realize that, forty-four years of life experiences later, this book deserves a re-read!

 

   While there might not be a book thread anymore, and very few people seem to actually post, it’s still a nice place to visit, and I’m glad I discovered it.

 

~ Lisa 🙏🌈


 

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   While I am relishing the additional “me” time that retirement provides, the additional volunteer opportunities I’ve discovered bring a special joy. There is just something so gratifying about giving back and working gratis. 🌈

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And everyone in your real life & on this site [you post in OTHER locations besides this one] is being touched by YOU Ms. Sunshine!!! Keep shining.

 


@LisaS961881 wrote:

   While I am relishing the additional “me” time that retirement provides, the additional volunteer opportunities I’ve discovered bring a special joy. There is just something so gratifying about giving back and working gratis. 🌈


 

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@LisaS961881 . NJ was one of the worse and hottest states hit according to the map. The heat index is what makes it so miserable.  I was just out with the fur kids and it is 87°.  It felt downright balmy.

 

Yes, @SpringIsHereVA , over here on the eastern side of VA, it's gonna be in the high 80s - low 90s, with a chance of storms every day, but that's normal... for July, not June. ☀️ Extreme weather - the new normal, unfortunately.

 

 

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Lol @MsStretch , thanks for the warning. Just checked and you are correct Fellow Virginian. Geez Mother Nature!!!

 


@MsStretch wrote:

@LisaS961881 . NJ was one of the worse and hottest states hit according to the map. The heat index is what makes it so miserable.  I was just out with the fur kids and it is 87°.  It felt downright balmy.

 

Yes, @SpringIsHereVA , over here on the eastern side of VA, it's gonna be in the high 80s - low 90s, with a chance of storms every day, but that's normal... for July, not June. ☀️ Extreme weather - the new normal, unfortunately.

 

 


 

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Supposedly, today is the last day of the unprecedented heat wave in the NE.  My upstairs window AC unit has turned into an expensive fan -- blowing air, just not AC cold.  I have a large wall unit downstairs that is under the spiral staircase and the downstairs is nice and cool, but we all know heat rises, so it doesn't do much good to cool upstairs, even through the open space.  Ah, well. 🥵

 

 @catwoman500 , glad you got power again.  Yeah, ACs pull a lot of power, so it would have been a real strain on your generator.  Even Dominion Electric was asking customers around here to try and conserve power, since it is even a strain on the utility companies.

 

@LaDolceVita , you are one busy woman.  Sorry to hear hubby is having a slow recovery.  I know it must be frustrating for both of you.  Glad you can both take advantage of swimming at the gym. 

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….Heat wave here in New Jersey too!  😟….It just dropped to 89 degrees and it’s 6:45 PM!  
  So glad it is almost over!

   ~ Lisa 🌈🙏☀️🌸🐈

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Stay COOL @LisaS961881 !!!

 


@LisaS961881 wrote:

….Heat wave here in New Jersey too!  😟….It just dropped to 89 degrees and it’s 6:45 PM!  
  So glad it is almost over!

   ~ Lisa 🌈🙏☀️🌸🐈


 

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[this is the 2nd time I am posting this. NOT sure WHY 1st one is NOT showing on site. Will delete 1 IF it does. Glad it SAVED it as I am way too old to remember what I said]. Yes me too @MsStretch !!! But glad us Virginia Ladies did dodge the bad weather. Lol, so Mother Nature did have some compassion. Glad my power has stayed on although I see Virginia did open some COOLING CENTERS. The library down my hill is one.

 


@MsStretch wrote:

Supposedly, today is the last day of the unprecedented heat wave in the NE.  My upstairs window AC unit has turned into an expensive fan -- blowing air, just not AC cold.  I have a large wall unit downstairs that is under the spiral staircase and the downstairs is nice and cool, but we all know heat rises, so it doesn't do much good to cool upstairs, even through the open space.  Ah, well. 🥵

 

 @catwoman500 , glad you got power again.  Yeah, ACs pull a lot of power, so it would have been a real strain on your generator.  Even Dominion Electric was asking customers around here to try and conserve power, since it is even a strain on the utility companies.

 

@LaDolceVita , you are one busy woman.  Sorry to hear hubby is having a slow recovery.  I know it must be frustrating for both of you.  Glad you can both take advantage of swimming at the gym. 


 

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@catwoman500 , generator to the rescue just in time!  We got some of those same storms, too.  *knocking on wood*  We kept power, although alerts went out about widespread outages across our county. Whew! 😮💨 Dodged that bullet.

 

Seriously, a generator is probably one of the best investments to make.  

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….We had a five day stretch of rainy, drizzly weather, then a severe weather warning as the front moved in, after which we had one beautiful sunny day (yesterday).  We now have a five day severe heat wave warning starting tomorrow.
 
      I find myself doing a sort of morning mantra now - saying, “But no 65 mph winds and no severe flooding!”  It has been difficult adjusting to the increased frequency of severe weather events.  What had been an anomaly in the past has become the norm.

  Take Care everyone! 🌈❤️

 ~ Lisa

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