Feeling more like myself today

I had a miracle recovery from my bursitis because of my  steroid shot.  I guess 100% removal of pain is extremely rare but that’s what happened to me.   I took anti  inflamation reducing pills immediately, iced my shoulder and saw the dr. within 30 hours for my shot. and all that worked together for a speedy recovery.   Thank goodness.     I have a couple more physical therapy treatments next week.

My three week battle with a cold and cough and a week in our guest room so Bob could sleep is over.

Today for the first time in 3-4 weeks I feel like myself.   When fatigue builds up over time you don’t realize how tired you are.

What I had was minor but it really makes me appreciate the pain millions of people go through from cancer, cancer treatments, arthritis and so many other diseases.

Thanks to all of you who sent me get well wishes.   It really helped.

Shoulder Update

The one finger left handed  typist says – Dr. got me in first thing this morning.   Bad case of bursitis so that is really good news that it’s not a pinched nerve or torn tendon that might require surgery.   Got a steroid shot, some stronger pain meds. for at night, a real sling to replace the two tied together dish towels I had been using, apply ice,  don’t use arm at all for awhile, take my medicine and go to physical therapy.  Should be better soon.  Hard eating with left hand, can’t brush my hair, Bob has to do that and am teaching him how to put my hair in my scrunchy hair band.   Told him to pretend it was a rubber band.   Can still pet the cats.

Thanks to all of you for your warm wishes.  They helped.

Injury to my shoulder

On Sat. night I did something to my right shoulder.  Pinched nerve or tendon.  Extremely painful.  Hope Dr. can reduce pain and recommend treatment that helps.  Typing this with left hand.  Wish me a speedy recovery.  This really sucks.  I didn’t fall or anything.   It just started during the middle of the night.

Discounts for Senior Citizens

I think I might have posted this awhile ago.  I had forgotten about this until a friends sent me the list again.  Thanks Jane.  Hope it lets you save a little money.  We could all use help with that.

SENIOR DISCOUNTS LIST

Senior citizens enjoy discounts of all kinds with many of the purchases they make regularly. If you don’t see your favorite stores and companies on this list, be sure to ask for discounts for senior citizens when you make purchases.

Restaurants

Applebee’s: 15% off with Golden Apple Card (60+)

Arby’s: 10% off (55+)

Ben & Jerry’s: 10% off (60+)

Bennigan’s: discount varies by location

Bob’s Big Boy: discount varies by location (60+)

Boston Market: 10% off (65+)

Burger King: 10% off (60+)

Captain D’s Seafood: discount varies on location (62+)

Chick-Fil-A: 10% off or free small drink or coffee (55+)

Chili’s: 10% off (55+)

CiCi’s Pizza: 10% off (60+)

Culver’s: 10% off (60+)

Denny’s: 10% off, 20% off for AARP members (55+)

Dunkin’ Donuts: 10% off or free coffee (55+)

Einstein’s Bagels: 10% off baker’s dozen of bagels (60+)

Fuddrucker’s: 10% off any senior platter (55+)

Gatti’s Pizza: 10% off (60+)

Golden Corral: 10% off (60+)

Hardee’s: $0.33 beverages everyday (65+)

IHOP: 10% off (55+)

Jack in the Box: up to 20% off (55+)

KFC: free small drink with any meal (55+)

Krispy Kreme: 10% off (50+)

Long John Silver’s: various discounts at participating locations (55+)

McDonald’s: discounts on coffee everyday (55+)

Mrs. Fields: 10% off at participating locations (60+)

Shoney’s: 10% off

Sonic: 10% off or free beverage (60+)

Steak ‘n Shake: 10% off every Monday & Tuesday (50+)

Subway: 10% off (60+)

Sweet Tomatoes 10% off (62+)

Taco Bell: 5% off; free beverages for seniors (65+)

TCBY: 10% off (55+)

Tea Room Cafe: 10% off (50+)

Village Inn: 10% off (60+)

Waffle House: 10% off every Monday (60+)

Wendy’s: 10% off (55+)

White Castle: 10% off (62+)

Retail and Apparel

Banana Republic: 10% off (50+)

Bealls: 20% off first Tuesday of each month (50+)

Belk’s: 15% off first Tuesday of every month (55+)

Big Lots: 10% off

Bon-Ton Department Stores: 15% off on senior discount days (55+)

C.J. Banks: 10% off every Wednesday (60+)

Clarks: 10% off (62+)

Dress Barn: 10% off (55+)

Goodwill: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location)

Hallmark: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location)

Kohl’s: 15% off (60+)

Modell’s Sporting Goods: 10% off

Rite Aid: 10% off on Tuesdays & 10% off prescriptions

Ross Stores: 10% off every Tuesday (55+)

The Salvation Army Thrift Stores: up to 50% off (55+)

Stein Mart: 20% off red dot/clearance items first Monday of every month (55+)

Grocery

Albertson’s: 10% off first Wednesday of each month (55+)

American Discount Stores: 10% off every Monday (50+)

Compare Foods Supermarket: 10% off every Wednesday (60+)

DeCicco Family Markets: 5% off every Wednesday (60+)

Food Lion: 6% off every Monday (60+)

Fry’s Supermarket: free Fry’s VIP Club Membership & 10% off every Monday (55+)

Great Valu Food Store: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)

Gristedes Supermarket: 10% off every Tuesday (60+)

Harris Teeter: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)

Hy-Vee: 5% off one day a week (date varies by location)

Kroger: 10% off (date varies by location)

Morton Williams Supermarket: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)

The Plant Shed: 10% off every Tuesday (50+)

Publix: 5% off every Wednesday (55+)

Rogers Marketplace: 5% off every Thursday (60+)

Uncle Guiseppe’s Marketplace: 5% off (62+)

Travel

Alaska Airlines: 10% off (65+)

Alamo: up to 25% off for AARP members

American Airlines: various discounts for 65 and up (call before booking for discount)

Amtrak: 15% off (62+)

Avis: up to 25% off for AARP members

Best Western: 10% off (55+)

Budget Rental Cars: 10% off; up to 20% off for AARP members (50+)

Cambria Suites: 20%-30% off (60+)

Clarion: 20%-30% off (60+)

Comfort Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)

Comfort Suites: 20%-30% off (60+)

Continental Airlines: no initiation fee for Continental Presidents Club & special fares for select destinations

Dollar Rent-A-Car: 10% off (50+)

Econo Lodge: 20%-30% off (60+)

Enterprise Rent-A-Car: 5% off for AARP members

Greyhound: 5% off (62+)

Hampton Inns & Suites: 10% off when booked 72 hours in advance

Hertz: up t0 25% off for AARP members

Holiday Inn: 10%-30% off depending on location (62+)

Hyatt Hotels: 25%-50% off (62+)

InterContinental Hotels Group: various discounts at all hotels (65+)

Mainstay Suites: 10% off with Mature Traveler’s Discount (50+); 20%-30% off (60+)

Marriott Hotels: 15% off (62+)

Motel 6: 10% off (60+)

Myrtle Beach Resort: 10% off (55+)

National Rent-A-Car: up to 30% off for AARP members

Quality Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)

Rodeway Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)

Sleep Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)

Southwest Airlines: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount)

Trailways Transportation System: various discounts for ages 50 and up

United Airlines: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount)

U.S. Airways: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount)

Activities & Entertainment

AMC Theaters: up to 30% off (55+)

Bally Total Fitness: up to $100 off memberships (62+)

Busch Gardens Tampa: $3 off one-day tickets (50+)

Carmike Cinemas: 35% off (65+)

Cinemark/Century Theaters: up to 35% off

U.S. National Parks: $10 lifetime pass; 50% off additional services including camping (62+)

Regal Cinemas: 30% off

Ripley’s Believe it or Not: @ off one-day ticket (55+)

SeaWorld Orlando: $3 off one-day tickets (50+)

Cell Phone Discounts

Cellphone plans:  If you use a cellphone, check around for the best plan for senior citizens.  You will frequently find phone companies have special plans for seniors, with better prices than offered to younger generations.  With Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile free phones available on the market, there are many options for seniors to pick from.  And if you use a cell phone, cancel your long distance plan on your landline, or have your landline turned off completely.

AT&T: Special Senior Nation 200 Plan $29.99/month (65+)

Jitterbug: $10/month cell phone service (50+)

Verizon Wireless: Verizon Nationwide 65 Plus Plan $29.99/month (65+)

Miscellaneous

Great Clips: $3 off hair cuts (60+)

Super Cuts: $2 off haircuts (60+)

K-Mart: 20% off prescription program (50+); enrollment in GoldK program is required

Since many senior discounts are not advertised to the public, our advice to seniors over 55 is to ALWAYS ask a sales associate if that store provides a senior discount. That way, you can be sure to get the most bang for your buck.

Happy Fathers Day to all you great dad’s out there

I had a great dad.  He has been gone many years now but I still miss him.  As I have gotten older I become aware of all the things he taught me.  I think in many ways I am much like him.

To all you great guys out there who take such good care of your family, I wish you a beautiful day.  I’m sure there are times it is not easy, you are tired, worry about their future and want to make everything perfect for them.  All you can do is try your very best.   Perfection isn’t in our nature.   Give your kids hugs and tell them you love them no matter what their age is.

Travelers Rest Upcountry Provisions Bakery and Bistro

Check out another new business in downtown Travelers Rest.

Upcountry Provisions Bakery and Bistro http://www.upcountryprovisions.com/ is right beside All About Me Gift store.  I stopped in for a look when they first opened.  It looks like a great place for people on the Swamp Rabbit Trail or anyone who wants a good sandwich or some fresh bakery items.  Cute outdoor seating and a darling rustic interior.  Really clever decorations.   Those of you who like funky interior design will especially enjoy it.    The sandwich menu looked very good.  I didn’t have time to eat anything and it was later in the afternoon so there weren’t a lot of baked goods available and they had only been open a few days.  The young couple who run it are also at the Travelers Rest Farmers Market on Sat. from 9-12.  They are open lunch and dinner.   Their bread menu has the bakery Tuesday through Saturday but I don’t know if that means they are closed Sunday and Monday.  I’m anxious to try the bread.  It looks like they are also food friendly to vegan and those people who need gluten free.  Check it out.  Here is some additional information on the couple. http://www.upcountryprovisions.com/images/events_press/edible_upcountry.pdf

Daily Breads (Made Daily):
Lavash (Armenian flatbread)
Baguette
Harvest Wheat
Focaccia
Croutons

Weekly and Seasonal Breads:

Pain de Mie

Ciabatta
Caraway Cheddar

Cornbread

Jalapeno Cheddar

Pumpkin and Cranberry Brioche

Sourdough Bordelais

Bread bowls (small and large)

Bakers Choice

Desserts:

Seasonal Tarts

Seasonal Cakes and Sweets

Cheesecakes

Danishes

Croissants

Chocolate Babka

Chocolate Croissants

Daily Breads (Made Daily):
Lavash (Armenian flatbread)
Baguette
Harvest Wheat
Focaccia
Croutons

New Travelers Rest Restaurant – Chef Giovanni 24 Main

Our new restaurant in Travelers Rest, SC  is open.   I went with 10 other ladies for lunch today and everyone liked it very much and said they will come back.  Here is their web site http://chefgiovannis24main.com/.

The menu is steak, seafood and dishes with an Italian theme.   Decor is lovely.  Parking is readily available beside and behind the building.  Open lunch and dinner Mon.- Sat.   The place was almost full at lunch.   Highly recommend it.

Friends and Fun things in May

OLLI and the Guild weren’t the only things we did in May.  I did some really special things with friends.   I took my friend Kathy, the first neighbor I met, out to lunch for her birthday.  I’m lucky to have her nearby.  Here kids (in their 20′s)  are the ones that kitty sit for us.

My friend from MN Claudia and her friends visited Asheville, NC , one hour away, for a week and so I drove up to their beautiful huge cabin they were renting in the mountains  and spent the day with them.   We visited and talked and talked and took a trolly ride of Asheville.  A good time was had by all.  Claudia came to visit me in January.   We get caught up on things  quickly just like we see each other every day.

In late May my Newcomer friend G. Ann and I drove to Atlanta, 3 hours, to visit Chaundra.  Chaundra was in Newcomers and on our board and moved to Atlanta about 8 months ago.  I drove because my car gets such good gas mileage but it did make me nervous to drive in Atlanta traffic.   Fortunately she lives on the near side of Atlanta so I didn’t have to drive in the downtown traffic.  Can you believe I drove down there and back on one 12 gallon tank of gas?  It went pretty well.  Coming home there was an accident that stopped traffic for about 20 minutes and the last 20 miles it was pouring rain.   I just went slow.

Chaundra was the “baby” in Newcomers board,  only 27.  She is a producer for the evening news in Atlanta.   We are pretty proud of her.  Atlanta is the number 8 news market so it is a big job.  She produced the newscast that broke the Herman Cain story a few months ago.   Can you believe that?  They are up for a big award for that piece of news.   I sure hope they win.    Atlanta is not as friendly as Greenville and it is much slower for her to make friends so I know it really made her happy we came.   It doesn’t help  her social life that she works nights and weekends. We went to the Atlanta History Museum for a history of the area and also an extensive exhibit on the 1996 Olympics.   That was really, really interesting.  Visited a historic house for the Women’s Club and of course the Martin Luther King Center.  The tour of his childhood home and learning the early influences on him was fascinating.  The time flew by.  Here is a picture of his grave site.  Living in the north when all this was going on was very different than living in the south.  I am getting quite and education, which I like very much.

Bob and I attended Newcomers Cocktails R Us and Saturday Dining Out.  These are events that the guys go to also and lots of fun.  There are 30-60 people at these events.  Newcomers gardening group had a program on attracting birds.  I learned several new pieces of info on attracting birds.   USE FRESH BIRDSEED!   We have met three couples who live near by and went to an outdoor Furman By the Lake concert of Andrew Lloyd Weber music with them.  You bring your lawn chair and dinner and sit and relax and people watch.  For Memorial Day we went to a grilled turkey dinner G. Ann’s  home. It’s so nice to have friends!

I am on the Newcomer committee to help pick our charity for next year. That was another interesting meeting.  Lots of things to consider when picking a group or groups.  I will let you know more when it is finalized.

I had various coupons and Groupon/Living Social that we used for some activities.  Nothing like 50% off!  We went to a wine tasting at a local wine store.  Nice setting, knowledgeable presenter but even at half price I thought it was really overpriced for what you got to taste.   I would never spend $60 full price for us to go again.  It was fun once.

Cafe and then Some is a comedy theater/dinner club  that has plays of local interest.  This one was politics.   Very funny musical comedy.We all know there is plenty to poke fun at this election year.    What we didn’t realize was that it is a very new production and they were still reading from a script.  Even so, they did a great job.   Their flubs were part of what make it extra funny.   They gave us free tickets for another performance which I then shared with some friends of ours.  A win win for all of us.  We went to the Center Stage play “Whose wife is it anyway?”  which was a very funny comedy farce.

The annual Artisphere exhibit was a little damp but fun.  This is a nationally recognized high quality art show.  Established in 2005, Artisphere has quickly grown into a signature event that draws both locals and tourists to Greenville, South Carolina’s dynamic downtown. Despite its short history, Artisphere has distinguished itself as both a national and regional highlight. The top ranking Artisphere festival is an annual three-day event that gives arts patrons the rare opportunity to meet exhibiting artists while purchasing original works of art.   I am always amazed at all the things people create.   I bought as pair of wood earrings from a woodworker.  Of course those wood exhibits are our favorite.

The Strawberry Festival in a little tiny town near here brought us some delicious strawberries and an opportunity to stroll around the town. I was going to make freezer jam but they were so good we ate them all.

I also had my Wine and Art painting class which I already told you about.  I did this in two hours.

We ended the month on May 31 leaving for a weeks vacation in western Virginia.   I will tell you all about that next time.  Hello Natural Bridge, caverns, Monticello, wineries, lavender farm.

The Merry month of May with OLLI and the Guild

There were lots of fun and interesting activities for Bob and I in May.   Bob worked on the 8 craft tables for the new OLLI (Osher Life Long Learning Institute at Furman)  building.   The tables are done now except to be painted which someone else is doing. He helped move them with his handy little trailer to the workshop of the gentleman that will finish them.   Turns out it is very close to our house so Bob will probably go help him.  In June they will start on the 16 chairs which is a big new thing for all the woodworkers to learn.   One of our Newcomer friends, Dean, went with Bob to a Guild meeting(and joined)  and to the NC Woodturner’s Guild.  Bob enjoys his company and has a good time and Dean was really impressed with all he saw.

Bob finished his OLLI Elder Law class and we will follow up with the attorney to get our documents in order.  I finished my Origami class by learning to make the ever popular crane. Hope I can remember how to do it.   My Greenville Forward class ended and both of us went to a big community update event for Greenville 2025.   I had told Bob about what I learned but it was good for him to hear it in a presentation,  not to mention yummy snacks and adult beverages.   It was a fun night.  I can’t say enough about the good work Greenville Forward does.   What a treasure of an organization.

I organized a Friday extra event which was a judge from Greenville Probate Court.  He spoke a lot about wills, or the lack of wills, and the problems that can come up.  We had a great turnout and the audience had lots and lots of questions.   Turns out the judge is a supervisor down at the Woodworkers Guild and he recognized Bob.  The OLLI year ended with a spring lunch with BBQ pork and lots of fixings.  There were several hundred people there.  Everyone is very excited about moving to our new building next fall.

I met one afternoon with two of the ladies I took my tarot class with.   One just returned from 3 weeks in New Zealand working with Koala bears.  She had tons of pictures.   They are so cute.   This is my friend Jann who is an animal communicator and animal chaplain.

OLLI has a summer term in June and I will help with a couple historic house tours.   It’s nice to have a break for a few months.  What will I do with my time?

We continue to run into people that we know at a variety of events around town.  I figured out that OLLI has 800 members, Newcomers has 400 members and the Guild has at least 600 members.   That’s a lot of people and so I guess it shouldn’t be surprising that we see people we know.   It’s so fun.

The magic of fireflies

Last night Bob and I went for a soak in the outdoor spa.   It was a gorgeous evening.   As is our custom after we soak for awhile we put on our robes and sit on our lawn chairs to dry off and cool down. It’s very dark where we live with no residual light from cities and towns.   Last night we were treated with many fireflies.    It’s been awhile since I have seen them and they were so beautiful.   We must have has about a dozen of them flitting about and we were both going “wow”.    What a treat.

I didn’t know that they are disappearing.  I got this information from
http://www.firefly.org/why-are-fireflies-disappearing.html
.  In addition to the loss of habitat as we continue to cut down trees, pesticides, and too many humans in their habitat,  scientists also figure that there may be another reason which I thought was really interesting.

Too Much Light At Night

Scientists don’t know enough about fireflies to tell for sure. But the signs are indicating light pollution as a major factor in the disappearance of fireflies all over the world.

Both male and female fireflies use their flashing lights to communicate. Some species synchronize their flashes, sometimes across large groups of thousands of insects. All species speak a language of light—scientists believe they use it to attract mates, defend their territory, and warn off predators.

Human light pollution is believed to interrupt firefly flash patterns. Scientists have observed that synchronous fireflies get out of synch for a few minutes after a car’s headlights pass. Light from homes, cars, stores, and streetlights may all make it difficult for fireflies to signal each other during mating—meaning fewer firefly larvae are born next season.

Where fireflies once had uninterrupted forests and fields to live and mate, homes with landscaped lawns and lots of exterior lights are taking over. The reduction of habitat and the increase in lighting at night may all be contributing to make fireflies more rare.

Fireflies are fascinating creatures that light up our nights and bring a sense of magic and mystery to our environment. If they disappear, it will be a great loss to habitats and generations of people all over the world.

I hope you soon get to see the magic of fireflies at your home or in a park near you.