The BER months!

 As a friend reminded me, we're now into the BER months - September, October, November, and December. The last few months of the year seem to go faster than all the others. It will also usher in a new "winter" season for Rosie and me! Rosie has definitely liked the cooler mornings we're getting, but I'm not sure how we're going to like a colder winter.

I had no sooner posted last time when I suddenly remembered everything I forgot to mention!! One of them was a ceremony held here called Quilts of Valor. The quilts are individually made and presented to veterans in appreciation of their service. The ceremony included about 6 or 7 residents here, and it was very touching. I had never heard of this organization, and I wish I could have provided this for my own father! The Clinton Chronicle did a much better job of the photos, so you can see them and read the story HERE. The quilts were beautiful, and the ceremony moving.

I also planned to tell you more about the activities in which I've finally had time to participate. For the last two Fridays, we've gone to Simpsonville to the movies - Hamilton, which I really loved, and Downton Abbey, which was also good.. There was a small group for Hamilton, so we took the car. The group for Downton Abbey was larger, so we took the bus. Being a new driver in the area, it was nice to be chauffeured so that I could look around a bit more.

There have been two craft projects. One was a floral arrangement with lights in the vase. It was cute, but I really have no place for it, so I gave it away. The other was a door hanging for the fall. This one I'll keep and use on my front door. It was a fun project and I enjoyed doing it.

I've also joined the Trivia group. All six communities in SC will be competing in the Trivia Bowl at Laural Crest on the 26th. That will be an all-day outing. Needless to say, I was concerned about leaving Rosie for so long until one of the cleaning ladies asked if I'd like them to stop in and check on her (when we were going out to the movies). I told them not today, but I'd very much appreciate it on the 26th! They are among Rosie's favorite people, and they seem to love her, so I'll feel much better about going.

Along that same line, last week, students from Presbyterian Pharmacy School came over and held a Trivia Night. Two teams were made up of students and us oldies, and it was lots of fun. They've done it in the past, and we're hoping they'll make it a regular thing.

Our most recent event was a concert by the Carolinians Senior Jazz Band. They're out of Greenville, and the band has about 22 members, which includes 2 singers. They have a full schedule of about 40 to 50 concerts a year, so they are dedicated to it. They were very good, and it was enjoyable. It was at 3 PM, and I just walked up to the main building for it, stopping by the ice cream machine (always available!) on my way home!

I've also finally gotten a doctor, rather a Nurse Practitioner, with Self Regional Hospital. She was recommended by several people, and I found her to be friendly, easy to chat with, professional, and knowledgeable. Of course, that sets up a whole slew of appointments - bloodwork, follow-up visit, mammogram, etc. Even so, I'm happy to have it done and to have found someone I think I'll like.

I really didn't think about many of my health needs being met here, but last week, the podiatrist was in, and I had my nails clipped. We're also scheduled for flu shots on the 25th! Some are thinking it will be flu and COVID shots, but the announcement didn't say that. When I saw the NP, I asked about a COVID shot, and she said they had just been told it would require a prescription. So, I asked for one and went straight to CVS and got it! I'll be eager to see if it is given here or if a prescription is required. I've done well to avoid COVID thus far, and I want to keep it that way....and I think I'm in the land of the great unvaccinated!!

I'll spare you my political thoughts because they are disappointing and sad. I'm disappointed in my countrymen that they are willing to tear the country apart, and all for people who would not give them the time of day. Sad! Very sad!

I'll leave you with this little Rosie story. Every morning during our walk, she makes her way through the front door of the building to visit JLynne at the front desk. When she isn't there on the weekends, Rosie runs around the desk, stops, looks, and then turns to me like, "Where is she? What's happening?" I told JLynne about it, but decided to prove it, so I took these photos!  The third one was taken on Monday morning, when JLynne was where she was supposed to be, and all was right with Rosie's world!

Sending love and good wishes!💖🐾