RMLincoln

Beautiful day in north Jersey! Sunny and it’ll be mostly 60s. Spring colors abound! Lovely! No word from brother or niece. We wait. Yesterday I spent most of the day assembling an informational email for my cousins and NC brother on routings to where services will be and lodging options. Most of us use a Navigator but it helps to have the big picture and understand options. Around here there are always accidents and slow-downs so Navigators give options that can be very confusing. We have found a route we prefer which is not the shortest but easier and less congested, so the Navigator is constantly trying to turn us around. The lodging options were more complex to pull together, none are ideal or very close. It’ll be difficult for people to make it to the services and, as the youngest, I feel a need to help my family with information. Most of them don’t drive that much anymore and not to this region 3-4 hours away, 8-9 for NC brother. I guess it’s what I can do, can’t do much in this situation. I kept busy. We’re working up a list of things to discuss with a CPA soon. We’ve never used one’s services but it’s time to get established with one. Eventually we’ll need a CPA to help with the trust taxes when that begins but we need to get started with a CPA before that. It’s part of the shift that will come when we or one of us will eventually need our kids/grandkids help. My condolences to @Mr. Boston on his BFF Lauren’s passing 💔. And best wishes for the move! Do you have a place to go to in Maine or is everything going into storage for the transition? What a stressful time! Oh, just read it’s the anniversary of your brothers passing last year… I remember when you dropped everything and went. So very sad. You need extra TLC today, we’re sending it. And hugs to @Gsel too. We’re here to lean on. Hope you can smoke at some good memories through the tears! I’m happy to hear @Cruzin Terri Terri that you had a good meeting yesterday - was it at your home? I’m wondering if they do home visits because caretakers usually can’t leave their loved ones alone. Knowledge is power and hopefully takes some of the fear down a notch. There are multiple types of support groups on our campus, a benefit to living here. I hope Jim does ok on his own while you’re at Anita’s funeral. Last week DH had a consult by phone with his oncologist who said his numbers are still good. Yay! Did I post this? We’ll do it again in 6 months. If numbers get much higher he’ll request a scan to check. I guess we’re all living on borrowed time in one way or another so we need to really appreciate every day! @aliaschief Smooth travels to Taj Mahal! Thanks for your efforts sharing with us! It’s a great lift! Thanks to all who contribute to make this thread happen. Jacqui, Roy, Ann, Dixie, Debbie, Vanessa, Graham, Sandi, and Tina for the poem today! For all the photos and memories of beautiful and meaningful places on our earth, it all makes such a rich venue for the loving care expressed Daily! ⚽️🥅 Go Ren! Breaking the tie in the last minute! He is one exciting player! Someday we’ll all be thinking, I “knew” that Star when he was just a kid! Thanks Sandi! Blessings to all in need of healing, comfort or hope, peace or direction. For your country and mine. And all the too-many lives caught up in wars and disasters beyond their control. Waiting on Amazing news from all the procedures! Glad @LambKnuckles that your prognosis is good. I’ve people refer to that cough as the 100 day cough! Cheers to those celebrating Life is Good🌈. And to Annie on her new kittens! Smooth travels to all away especially our cruisers! ❤️ you all for being here! 🤗 Enjoy something meaningful today. Maureen

Sunny in north Jersey after last night’s storms blew through with whipping winds, rain and impressive lightning. Might get to 73f today! Blessings for all the procedures and appointments today: Sandi’s sister, Elizabeth’s eye, Chuck’s scan, Lambknuckles assessment, Terri’s consult, Steve’s consult… in anticipation of Roy’s data analysis…. If I missed your need of the day, blessings to you too! And Bruno, and Melanie (I hope I’m not confused but the blessings go where needed…) on absorbing your losses in your own ways and time. And Vanessa, I expect a busy Monday but will be thinking of you then too, as every day. Tana, Terry, Melissa, and Gerry and Maurice. Tax Day! DH got the last 2states and federal returns e-filed yesterday; today we’ll mail first Estimated Tax check for 2024 to NJ because we don’t have a return on file with them yet for their reference 🤦🏼‍♀️. Boston Strong! And to @Mr. Boston and DH- I’m astounded you will have movers this week! 👏. When we moved from NM it took us 5 months packing ourselves. When we moved 2 1/2 years later it still took us 7 weeks and we had packers finish the job the last day! (I’m still looking for some things….) Wishing you Every Blessing in your new environment. We are waiting alongside SIL and family while she takes all the time she needs to leave this world, I’ll keep you posted. Thanks for your caring support! The quote is terribly shallow and misguided, IMO. I was 8 yrs old when my mom took a brother, our sister and me to Miami on our Easter Vacation break by overnight bus from NYC, 36 hrs. It was my first encounter with segregation. In retrospect I guess I benefitted from that personal experience as it is forever impressed upon me. I grew up in Brooklyn and was immersed in a melting pot of people of various shades of color, languages and creeds. At 8 yrs old I knew there was something very wrong with what I saw in the bus stations and Miami grocery stores. 🫡 Jackie Robinson! I find raw beet greens tough so I cooked them when I used to have them. They could be chopped fine and added to many dishes, and as Tina posted, they have great health benefits. We stop at a McDonalds every few years, usually to use the facilities! I remember buying a milkshake in Rome! Was in Manzanillo once, don’t remember it much so thanks for the photos Sandi! Cheers to all celebrating 🥳 Smooth travels to all away especially our cruisers. Thanks all for being here. Maureen

@Quartzsite Cruiser Blessings for a smooth day tomorrow for you and Steve. And a good sleep tonight! m—

Thanks for letting us know. Be gentle with yourself. Hugs from your Dailyites!

@kochleffel Paul, I’m sure you learned a lot for your presentation, and the glowing feedback shows you shared it well! 👏 @Denise T Seems you are in an upsetting setting which can be more than unsettling, it can be unhealthy and even dangerous. This might be a catalyst for a positive shift. I’ve observed we are happiest when our needs are being met, so for a positive change, I encourage you to spend time identifying your needs, including being safe and peaceful. Then you can explore new potential locations with criteria that will bring you happiness! When we were prepping to move from NM I made 2 lists: things to look forward to in our next environment, and things I would not miss! I managed 2 more hours of late morning sleep! Facing what’s left of the day more renewed. m—

Pretty nice day in north Jersey, high clouds and heading up to 70! Slept 7 hrs so that should help! Laughter is the best medicine. Thank you all for posting cute memes, many make me laugh! Dolphins are such a treat to watch from cruise ships! I do like a traditional martini but haven’t had one in ages and I’m sure it’s not on today’s agenda. Today I’ll research lodging options near my brother’s location, prepping for his wife’s funeral, send that info to family. DH will finish the calculations for 2024 estimated taxes so we can e-file the remainder of the 2023 taxes. Blessings sent out earlier… sad to read the events on Rotterdam. May we all find a smile and a laugh today! Thank you all for being here, all the support and reminders that life is good🌈. I thought of Gerry @ger_77when I saw the crocheted blanket that was placed in my DSIL’s room for hers or our comfort for the long days and nights. ❤️ Maureen

Dismal looking in north Jersey but not raining. The Daily is a great lift to my spirit with everyone’s memories of fun times and looking ahead to new adventures. Yes, Life is Good!🌈 That’s so important to remember at times when life is waning in loved ones. Thanks for posting here as well as the main board Bruno @atexsix. Again, my condolences. I’m glad you have your mom’s help and the funeral home too. No matter how long the journey to the end, we’re never prepared for the impact. My condolences to other who are dealing with losses. Hugs! Our first visit to Aruba was on our second cruise, first was Alaska then Panama Canal transit stopping in Oranjestad. 2004. We did a ship excursion with my first snorkel. The best memory was wading from the beach as far as we were comfortable and letting schools of small silver fish swim around us. It was magical being an “island” engulfed in their shimmer. After that I decided I needed an underwater camera. On subsequent visits I did taxi tours to the lighthouse, aloe farms, fun shopping -still enjoying my tie-dyed Aruba beach dress and delft souvenirs. On our most recent visit there we took the bus to “Nancy’s” 😉 casino on the beach and rented see-through kayaks. We didn’t see much but it was a fun adventure. Today I’ll email all the cousins what to anticipate for the services my brother and niece expect. Talked with siblings last night about it all. Of course we can’t anticipate the timing but it’ll be a morning viewing followed by a Mass at their church at 11 then lunch, so everyone coming from our side of the family will need accommodations which I need to research, and directions….. I just hope we can make it and the timing doesn’t conflict with DH’s eye surgery in Maryland but what will be will be. My “angel messages” that I pick up on all the time reassure me that it’ll be ok! One foot in front of the other. Blessings to all in need of healing, comfort or hope near and far, for my country and your country! Cheers to our cruisers heading out or heading home, and all away for smooth travels! A toast to those celebrating 🥂. Welcome to the new folks here, I’m not at my best to get names and blue bubbles but thank you for trusting us enough to jump in! Thanks all for being here with your caring support. When my niece was saying it was amazing how certain things fell into place, I said there are a lot of folks pulling for you! More than she realized! Enjoy something special today! Extra hugs to Jacqui, Terry, Tana, Melissa, Karen, Terri, Bruno, anyone who needs one! Maureen

Thank you for letting us know Bruno. May you feel our collective support and condolences. I hope you share with us some of your fondest memories of your travels together when the timing is right for you. Maureen

I’m toast. We got up early for us, drove through rain and traffic to hospital, met with my brother… still surreal, remember I’ve seen him once (February) in 22 yrs. After 30 mins he left hospital to go home, get ready for his daughter, my niece, to fetch him for meeting with funeral home folks to start the ball rolling. DH did fabulous driving through the traffic and the rain! It’s just a lot to absorb that he can still see! Next eye surgery will happen no matter when my brother’s wife passes. So we thought we’d stay for a bit, have a chance to just sit quietly with SIL. She’s in a private room in the hospital but under hospice care. But that’s not quite what happened…. We fielded med staff pop-ins, phone calls, texts and I visited with my SIL’s niece (daughter of SIL’s sister) for two hours. I’d never met her, maybe as a baby just before I moved from NY/NJ to NM at age 23! Fascinating visit, filled in some gaps in my family knowledge base. My niece texted, asked if we could stay at the hospital until she could get there after the funeral home and returning her dad back home. Of course we would. Spending time with a dying family member is a privilege. She was peaceful, sleeping. She’s on comfort meds which seem to take the edge off…. Cancer took hold of her more easily than most people I believe because of her pre-existing conditions. We walk alongside as loved ones follow their path. We show up with love and support. And flowers and snacks. And tissues. And wait with them. There’s a lot more I could say now but I feel like I’ve used more words today in person and phone calls and texts than an encyclopedia. It rained only a little on the way home. We left at 4:30 and like a parting of the Red Sea the traffic was manageable. I had little appetite but enjoyed curried Red Lentils Dahl. Different for me. But it’s been an unusual day. Sorry Terri for losing Anita, glad you found out. Sorry Karen on another loss! Hugs! Sorry all, the rest of today’s Daily is a blur. Fantastic animal sightings, what a joy to experience! Thank you all for your support. On days like today I feel carried and strengthened by loving care from near and far! Blessings to you all. Maureen

Today was tough for brother and niece. SIL was moved to hospice care and they are making her comfortable. DH and I will head there tomorrow morning. DH got a 👍 from oncologist today, bloodwork again in 6 months. Hoping the eye surgery schedule can be maintained for April 23rd. Don’t know what will be needed for SIL and family. Or when. Happy for Terri and Jim! Vanessa’s BFF, 1 pass! Rest. Annie, great encouragement on our Cape Cod ideas, thanks too to Terry and @Hogladyrider Annie, love the cats watching the Cornell cam! @Nickelpenny beautiful shadow box for Martina! 🎂 @Haljo1935s DH! Hugs to you all! m—

Dismal looking day but no rain until later on. I had trouble getting to sleep, too much stirred up but at least I slept till 9! Dh has oncology phone consult this afternoon. We’ll see what he says and what the next steps might be. We talk to him twice a year after he gets the semiannual blood tests. Numbers have been trending up from zero but I guess that’s to be expected? We’ll learn more today. Taxes are ready! We still have to do the filing… NJ by mail, the rest we’ll e-file. I hope I unpacked enough of the desk stuff to find the large Manila envelopes. We’ll drive to a post office tomorrow to mail them directly. Next year we should have professional help, a COA who can support us through the future and trust filings. It gets complicated but it’s good to know there are funds to make it happen. Norfolk was our first HAL cruise departure port back in 2006. We took my NC brother and SIL to thank them for the weeks they spent with us that year building our NM house. It was our 4th cruise and we really liked Maasdam and HAL. I lot of what we liked is gone now with the smaller ships and Norfolk has changed too. We did a Carnival cruise out of Norfolk in 2022 on Magic - I liked our Cove Balcony! I doubt we’ll cruise from Norfolk again, the itineraries aren’t worth the effort to get there from here. Parking was offsite but lots of buses. I’m glad we tried it. The new cruise port is quite nice, better than standing out in the rain back in 2006! My other visits to Norfolk were when my stepson was stationed there. Then I got to tour his ships! Very special but those pictures are unlikely to be excavated! He retired from the navy as a Commander several years ago! Blessings to all in need near and far. Hope @Cruzin Terri and Jim get a good report! Thank you Vanessa for keeping track of us! Hope your BFF does well today. I’m sure you’re counting the days down till the 22nd 🤞I know I am, that’s the day we’re supposed to drive to Maryland for DH’s surgery. Day by day! I’ll post an update on my NJ SIL when I hear more… I think they needed to make a decision today about continuing interventions. Then the next steps are expected to be moving her to somewhere not in hospital under hospice care. I doubt we’ll be able to shift DH’s surgery date, just trying not to get too far ahead… Maureen

I’m still up Terri! Sending out extra blessings! Have a good sleep, tomorrow will be here soon! @Quartzsite Cruiser Lenda, thank you for your extra caring. It’s not going too well… and more troubling news with other brother’s family… I’ve been busy reaching out to the nephews and niece there too. And Very glad for Steve’s’s progress! I knew when we moved from NM to the east and we’d be closer to my family - siblings, cousins all older than I- there’d be impact of loss, but it comes in waves or bunches. Not much I can do but try to be supportive to those who I can connect with. It’s draining but I’m glad I’m connecting with them. @JazzyV Blessings for a smooth day with BFF’s MOHs. You two are quite a team! Impressive. m—

Excellent info! Thank you for sharing that. I have a lot to learn about a new place for us, always part of the fun! m—

Good looking day today, not as warm as yesterday’s 75. I’ve been updating siblings on SIL’s condition. Both brother and niece called me yesterday, update is not encouraging, they are grappling with difficult decisions. I pass the updates on to sister and other brother. We siblings are not close but we care about each other and keep in touch by phone and text. I’m the youngest so they were mostly gone from home during my teens; we’ve all lived in different states until just recently when DH and I moved to NJ which is where my oldest brother settled. The quote is an important reminder. We’re now considering a trip to Cape Cod for my birthday adventure or post-birthday because my birthday falls on Labor Day, a crowded day most places. Ten years ago for my 60th I chose a Grand Canyon river rafting adventure! So glad we grabbed that opportunity! I’ll still look at some Sept cruises but Cape Cod is a place we’ve never been to so it would be a new adventure! Thanks for the beautiful pix of Petra! I doubt we’ll travel that far anymore. Taking it one day at a time! Blessings to you and yours, all the Care list, our country and yours. Enjoy something of Life’s offerings today! Maureen

🎂 Beautiful gift of caring from your DS Karen, @luvteaching May you begin an inspiring year ahead! 🍾 Happy Anniversary celebrations Gerry and Maurice @ger_77 . Never enough anniversaries 🥂 Blessing to all especially those in need, and happy celebrating for those with special days or good reports. Smooth travels for all away. Many thanks to all who make this thread happen! m—