Quote from: Lori Dee on June 08, 2025, 11:06:10 PMI am hoping for a nice visit, but that may not be possible if certain other family members are there also visiting.

Oh, then I very much hope those other family members aren't there when you are and that you get to try the food. I had no idea you could just drop in to eat at a hospital. I love that your parents knew that and took advantage.

Quote from: Pema on June 08, 2025, 11:46:16 PM... I had no idea you could just drop in to eat at a hospital. I love that your parents knew that and took advantage.

No one knows if you are visiting a patient or if you are an employee. I did a lot of fire alarm and nurse call work in local hospitals and would sometimes eat in the cafeteria. But who wants to eat hospital food?  Mostly, it is not too bad. If the doctors and staff don't eat there, it is a sign.

Pro Tip: Never eat at a fast food place where cops don't go for lunch.

Truck stop restaurants are almost always good. They don't stay in business long if truckers stop eating there.

One hospital cafeteria made excellent omelets but I rarely eat at a hospital cafeteria.
At a different hospital, the last time I looked at a menu board I thought the prices were high.  Employees likely get a discount.

Plus I do not particularly enjoy going through a serving line and an "ice cream scoop" is used to give you cooked scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, or anything else.  Practical and serving size control perhaps, but not particularly appealing as you look at the round scoop of food on your plate.

Presentation is important.

Speaking of presentation, I need a shower, a little bit of makeup, and get dressed soon for work.  But I will get some breakfast now at home.  I will not use any ice cream scoops.


Chrissy

Quote from: Lori Dee on June 02, 2025, 06:39:55 PMIt has rained 11 out of the past 14 days. Ugh.

Locals say, "Well, with all the drought we have had, we need the moisture."

They said the same thing almost 5,000 years ago. Noah built the ark anyway.

Does anyone know where I can find some gopherwood? 

I would trade you in a heartbeat. It has been obnoxiously sunny and dry for.. well... a seeming eternity here. I am at my best with rain and snow and really... crap weather. Y'all can have the sunny hot garbage.

Sending good thoughts to your dad. Regardless of whoever else might be there, Father's Day is big enough for everyone. He will be thrilled to see you, Lori.

Quote from: Lori Dee on June 08, 2025, 11:06:10 PMThanks, Pema.

He is in very good hands. He and my mom have commented that it is the only hospital that has really good food. So good that if they are in the area, they will go there for lunch instead of to a restaurant. I have never been there, but I have plenty of family members who have, and they all agree that the care is top-notch. I am hoping for a nice visit, but that may not be possible if certain other family members are there also visiting. We will see how it goes.

Probably late to the dance but.. Only in America do you get hospitals with very good food, lol. Having come out from a week long stay I can tell you decidedly that the UK hospital food is like what would happen if Charles Dickens accidentally tripped over Oliver Twist and went face down in the dirt. Maybe there's something to be said for the style of healthcare you have over there.

Wishing the best for your dad, Lori. And honestly girl, don't sweat people who try to make it awkward. It's all on them. You are an inspiration to probably hundreds, likely thousands of people. Don't sweat the age old family BS. Make it possible. Hold your head high, be you. The you we all know.

You are everything in this world to be proud of, Lori. Embrace that. The crap people try to throw at you, feel sorry for them that they have hangups. I know how it is to have the whole family deal. Girl... you are more than you ever think you are. Jealousy is an ugly emotion. Just sayin'

And way too much talking haha. Have a massive hug from me, sweetie. It will be okay. I have a feeling. <3

The discussion about hospital food reminds me of this...

Heaven is where the police are British, the cooks are French, the mechanics German, the lovers Italian and it's all organized by the Swiss.

Hell is where the chefs are British, the mechanics French, the lover's Swiss, the police German and it's all organized by the Italians.

Please do not take that as a slight to any nation or nationality. We all have our strong and weak points, and areas that could use improvement.

Love always -- Jess

Quote from: Jessica_Rose on June 13, 2025, 06:08:02 AMThe discussion about hospital food reminds me of this...

Heaven is where the police are British, the cooks are French, the mechanics German, the lovers Italian and it's all organized by the Swiss.

Hell is where the chefs are British, the mechanics French, the lover's Swiss, the police German and it's all organized by the Italians.

Please do not take that as a slight to any nation or nationality. We all have our strong and weak points, and areas that could use improvement.

Love always -- Jess

As a Brit that made me laugh out loud. Thank you, Jess. I needed that. I think you could probably swap the French and Italian people around in the Hell part, though. Anyone who's ever owned an Alfa Romeo will likely attest to just how badly made those cars are. Pretty to look at but don't ever try to drive it.

And yeah... we gave the world Gordon Ramsay. I am profoundly sorry.

I am back in Rapid City. Overall, the trip was "productive".

At my new place, the previous tenant did a wonderful job landscaping. Yellow roses by the driveway, Rhododendrons (I think) along the walkway up to the front door, and yucca and barrel cactus along the front. I pulled some weeds and sprayed a couple of small wasp nests (one was active). I sent a message to our maintenance man not to remove the nests. They are small enough not to be noticeable.

I spent some time completing the "move-in" checklist the manager gave me. The home is only four years old, so there is no damage; just a few cosmetic blemishes that I can fix when I get settled in. I don't normally watch TV, but I spent my evenings watching what's happening to our country on various local and national news outlets. On the one hand, I am happy to see the outrage that should have happened pre-election, but I am disgusted with the way my country is being torn apart. I saw it coming long ago, but it still sickens me.

Last night, I stopped at the hospital to visit my dad. I got checked in and received my official "visitor" badge. I was waiting on an elevator to go upstairs when the doors opened, and my mom was standing there. She was coming down to get her badge. It was great to see her again after about eight years.

We went upstairs to see my dad, and he didn't recognize me at first. Not sure if that is good or bad. We had a nice visit. He is walking three times a day, but still needs a lot of help. He thinks he will be leaving the hospital by Tuesday. The biggest problem is finding a rehab center that has a bed available and is covered under their Medicare Plus/Humana/Ultra-Platinum Advantage insurance plan. There are just too many rules involved.

After dinner, he went for his evening walk and was ready for pain meds when he got back to bed. We avoided discussing politics and current events, since he is a Trump Loyalist.

At one point, I had to fire a warning shot across his bow. He reiterated a comment that he had made years ago that I "will always be his SON." I told him that I know who I am and my documents are in order. My mom corrected him and said, "DAUGHTER". I told them that I understand that they still wrestle with this (after six years), but that does not change who I am or how I will live MY life. What they fail to understand is that when we pretend to be something we are not, when we try to adapt our behaviors and every aspect of our lives to fit society's mold, it creates problems within us. People are welcome to join me in my life, but if they don't want to, that is their decision.

My mom said that the important point is that they love me unconditionally, that I am still family. I said yes, "I am still your child (meaning offspring, not a baby)." I also told my dad that his comment does not offend me because I know he did not mean it maliciously. (I know he was trying to get a dig in, but that could be that the OxyContin was diffusing his filter.) I told them that one of the things that therapy has helped me realize is that the only opinion that matters is mine. I will continue to live MY life as I choose, and what anyone else thinks about it does not matter.

It was getting late, and my mom offered the keys to their house so I could spend the night. I declined and said I would rather just drive straight through and sleep in my own bed. Hotel beds suck! So we said our goodbyes, and I got back on the road just as a wicked thunderstorm was blowing through.

I stopped in Cheyenne, Wyoming, to get gas and saw this:



Throughout the rest of the trip, the storm stayed just ahead of me with a spectacular light show. Huge cloud-to-cloud lightning bolts lit up the sky every few seconds. I finally got home shortly after midnight, and my prediction was correct: It was SO good to sleep in my own bed!

Thanks to all of you for your well-wishes. Very much appreciated. 

So glad it went well and sorry about your dad, Lori.

I'm glad you felt like it was productive, Lori. It sounds like you avoided the family members' you'd hoped not to see, so that must have been a relief.

I appreciate you sharing the story about the shot across the bow. It's helpful to contemplate what I might do in a similar situation.

Thank you, too, for the photo of the double rainbow. My only memory of Cheyenne is of being in a massive blizzard there when I was a very young child.

Welcome home to your own bed.

@Lori Dee
Dear Lori:
I am glad that you arrived safely back to your home and your own bed after your trip.
I enjoyed reading your much awaited update regarding your travels to Colorado.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Regarding relations with your Father...  for certain, I am glad that you were able to see
both your Mom and your Dad at the hospital.

What you described about your Dad's lack of acceptance of you as his daughter is exactly what
has been going with my own dad since I became Danielle. 
He will not hardly talk to me on the phone when I call and when also I visited my mom and him
a few years ago back "home" in Montana.
My mom will try to defend me, just as your mom had done with you during your visit at the hospital. 

My dad is having more and more health problems and may not be around much longer so
I make a point to call often, send cards and snapshot photos and will be planning
another trip to visit them again, perhaps this summer.
It is important to not have any regrets when our parents and other loved ones pass... so
I always try to keep the communication channels open with my parents, but it has been
only one-way for several years. 
            - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I am happy for you that you found your new abode and area to live in ...
....at some point when you feel comfortable doing so, it would be wonderful to see some photos.

Thank you for sharing your "productive" update.

HUGS, and more HUGS,
Danielle [Northern Star Girl]

Welcome back, Lori! 💓🌷


~ Lilis 🫂

A few pics to share. It was 90 degrees (F) outside, so I spent more time inside.

The yellow roses next to my driveway look pretty cramped to me. I'll have to consult our resident expert @Maid Marion when it comes time to thin them out. I believe if I can thin out the stalks, next year the blooms will come in much bigger.



This is the walkway leading up to the front door. I'm not sure what these are, but they look thirsty.



I was told that the previous tenant set this area up to help reduce weeds, and since Pueblo is a desert-like climate, planted accordingly. There are several small barrel cacti in there that you can't see. This is below my living room window.



Then this theme is repeated toward the back under the master bedroom window.



I might fill in the gaps with some Beavertail Cactus. They are beautiful when they bloom, and the "apples" are edible.

Indoors, there isn't much to see since I haven't moved in yet. This is my kitchen, and it has all the amenities with plenty of pantry cabinet space.



Since it is a mobile home, the flooring and walls are the same throughout. The two bedrooms are at opposite ends, so the smaller one will become my "office". I plan to put in a "desk" (work bench) for my rock tumblers, cutting and polishing equipment, jewelry-making tools, and supplies. The bedroom closet will work to store mining gear when it is not being used.

I have some ideas about furnishing the living room and dining room, but that will be down the road as income and expenses allow.

I hope you enjoy living there.

Chrissy

Quote from: ChrissyRyan on Today at 02:50:44 PMI hope you enjoy living there.

Chrissy

Thanks, Chrissy. Me too. I hate moving. 

Colorado cities often get ranked high as among the "best cities to live in."

Boulder and Colorado Springs were two that ranked high this year.

Denver recently had a 2+ rated earthquake. 

Some places have high housing costs, as you know.

Chrissy

Quote from: ChrissyRyan on Today at 03:04:20 PMColorado cities often get ranked high as among the "best cities to live in."

Boulder and Colorado Springs were two that ranked high this year.

Denver recently had a 2+ rated earthquake. 

Some places have high housing costs, as you know.

Chrissy

Sadly, both Boulder and Colorado Springs have had mass shootings and other violent crimes recently. In my experience, that comes with larger cities. As you start cramming more and more people into the same space, you begin to see an increase in violence, crime, drug-related incidents, and gang warfare. That is one of the reasons that I prefer to stay away from big cities as much as possible.

When I was very young, I grew up in the Los Angeles area. With the Watts Riots in 1965, my parents decided it was time to "Get Out of Dodge," and we moved to the desert. Since then, I have lived in cities as large as Chicago, and villages as small as Gerty, Oklahoma (population was 36 back then). I have figured out what I consider the "tipping point". When a city is large enough to need a traffic report on the news to tell you the travel times between points within the city, that city is way too big. 

Quote from: Lori Dee on Today at 03:16:14 PMSadly, both Boulder and Colorado Springs have had mass shootings and other violent crimes recently. In my experience, that comes with larger cities. As you start cramming more and more people into the same space, you begin to see an increase in violence, crime, drug-related incidents, and gang warfare. That is one of the reasons that I prefer to stay away from big cities as much as possible.

When I was very young, I grew up in the Los Angeles area. With the Watts Riots in 1965, my parents decided it was time to "Get Out of Dodge," and we moved to the desert. Since then, I have lived in cities as large as Chicago, and villages as small as Gerty, Oklahoma (population was 36 back then). I have figured out what I consider the "tipping point". When a city is large enough to need a traffic report on the news to tell you the travel times between points within the city, that city is way too big. 

Do you count the suburbs of a big city as part of that big city?

Too many people, too many cars, too much taxes, too much crime. . .  All are bad!