ACHOO!

Yep, it's that time of year. Allergies!

Seasonal allergies include pollens. Pollen is microspores from trees, grass or weeds that appear as a fine dust on surfaces or float in the air. Tree pollens generally appear in the spring, while weed pollens generally appear in the fall.

Fortunately, I never had allergies until a few years ago. This stuff is dreadful! Runny nose, weepy and itchy eyes, sneezing, sinus aches. UGH. I feel like I own an entire over the counter pharmacy. And I think the season starts earlier every year. Last year my daughter was prescribed an inhaler (she works outside at a native plant nursery) to use when irritants are just too much.

My regime is a Zyrtec in the morning and an Allegra-D at bedtime. The decongestant part really does help with sleep ... less snoring to wake myself up, I think. When it is NOT high allergy season, I do Zyrtec twice a day (suggested by my Doctor)

I use Lumify eyedrops. Lumify (brimonidine tartrate) targets the veins in the eye, while Visine (tetrahydrozoline) targets the arteries, potentially leading to less rebound redness with Lumify

Sensitivity to preservatives is one of my issues and I've had good luck with Lumify. And the drops seem to be effective all day.

A lot of people I know use Flonase since runny nose is their most annoying symptom. But a new study is out indicating Fluticasone (Flonase), a nasal corticosteroid used to treat allergies, has been linked to a potential increased risk of glaucoma in certain individuals. My husband used Flonase for several years and he did develop glaucoma. Same with one of my younger brothers. I now have a Costco 3 pack if anyone wants to try it.

I have several friends who still visit medical care for injections to help with allergies. Allergy injections are generally recommended for people with moderate to severe allergies that are not well-controlled with other treatments.

Apparently, there are now some studies that show that due to climate change, allergy seasons begin earlier and end later. Deal with allergies in whatever way works best for YOU!

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

I thought artificial intelligence was simply an app to doctor up photos so no one could tell if they were real or fake. Especially on social media. Gosh was I wrong!

Once again we were battling with the condo's HOA.

(look up the Xerces Society)

Thanks to my kidults, especially Kate, we have an amazing space around our condo. All native plants (except what was sparsely plopped into the ground). Green and lush and healthy. Most yards are bare to the dirt with exposed roots. 30 year old trees that are pathetic and disease prone.

Kate saves all the leaves and creates a show stopping miniyard which composts and feeds all the living trees and bushes. When the landscape service came round and started raking "her" leaves, just bounded out to ask them to leave the leaves. Poor Spanish speaking worker felt so bad he went around to the truck and brought them back. He then stayed to help her spread them around.

Two weeks later, it was once again time to rake away the leaves. She had put up the above sign to explain WHY she wanted the leaves. When that same worker came by, he did not stop to rake our 40 sq ft of composting heaven. His supervisor came by and they had words. Residents are not to talk to the help. They get their orders from the HOA. Soon after, we got an email from the property management company:

The Board is responsible for making decisions regarding the management of landscaping and values your input. However, we kindly request that you refrain from addressing or engaging directly with the landscapers who are tasked with implementing the Board's directives. Should you wish to bring any concerns or suggestions to the Board's attention, please submit them in writing for consideration. Thank you.

I replied with an email about why the leaves were there and could we leave them until we have two weeks of 60+ degree temps. They wrote back "no and please remove the leaves". Kate was SO mad and posted on one of her Friends of Native Plant groups on Facebook. One member posted an awesome response that I copied and sent.

Subject: Request for Consideration Regarding Leaf Removal
Dear [HOA Representative’s Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I recently received your request to remove the leaves from our side yard, and I wanted to take a moment to provide some context and request reconsideration.

Our yard is intentionally maintained in a way that supports local biodiversity, including beneficial insects and pollinators, which rely on leaf cover during the colder months. Many environmental experts, including those from the National Wildlife Federation and Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, recommend leaving leaves in place until consistent warmer temperatures—typically two weeks of 60-degree weather— to allow overwintering insects to safely emerge.

I understand that the landscaping crew mistakenly removed the leaves and then attempted to restore them after realizing the error, which may have drawn additional attention to the area. Given that leaf litter plays an important role in soil enrichment and ecosystem health, I’d like to request that the leaves remain in place until we reach that recommended temperature threshold.

I truly appreciate the HOA’s commitment to maintaining a beautiful and well-kept community, and I believe that allowing natural leaf decomposition to run its course—at least for a little longer—aligns with best environmental practices while keeping our shared spaces healthy and sustainable. Please let me know if we can find a reasonable compromise.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your response.

Which we adjusted to make it our own. He used ChatGPT to generate this!  Of course, I had to learn more about this as I am having issues with several companies and their Customer NOservice.

All you need do is give them a sentence with key words and the app regurgitates a spectacular letter!  In just DAYS of ChatGPT responses (after weeks of back and forth emails ... daily in some cases) two of the three are RESOLVED.

I am now a happy camper!

(Sorry, cut my own bangs and way too short!)

WABI SABI APPROACH

Aging is really not for the faint of heart.  Many of us have the aches and pains of arthritis (glad mine is minimal).  Some of us have high blood pressure.  Maybe high cholesterol. Trouble sleeping.

And then there are the less troublesome, but noticeable, things.  Shrinking.  It seems to start around age 50 and women lose almost two inches, after the age of 80.  There are many factors involved and we can be proactive even later in life.  Weight bearing exercises can stimulate bone growth!  Take lots of calcium and Vitamin D to help absorb it.

Teeth can change and become more crooked, especially the lowers. I read a great term for this ... shift and drift.  This became very bothersome to me so I got "braces" (Invisalign) for my 65th birthday.  I wear a retainer every night to keep them straight.  Now I smile without hesitation.

I've noticed my voice has changed.  Just this past year.  It doesn't seem as loud as it used to be.  Or as crisp.  This is a weird thing for sure.  Some experts say it is caused by thinning of our vocal chords and them becoming less supple.  I do so much on the computer that I don't use my voice as much.  I suppose I should join a choir as physical therapy.  One of my friends is 83 and we can barely hear her.  Her husband has to repeat her order to the waitress.  I try to sit next to her when we go out so I don't have to continually ask " say that again?"

Should I go on?  Our senses diminish.  The digestive system has trouble regulating between constipation and loose stools (I just love it when I product a perfect ripe banana sample).  Dry mouth.  I sure hate this one.  I've progressed from Werther's butterscotch drops to Biotene lozenges.  Slowing cognitive reactions ... you know, that word that is on the tip of your tongue but you can't get it out?

My focus right now is dry skin.  It must be a huge issue as I have never even heard of some of this great ideas.  I use hand/arm lotion several times a day.  Same with my face!  Body butter all over after a shower but while still damp.  Then I air dry on a beach towel in my bed to let it soak in.  Trying products with lanolin, hyaluronic acid, Vitamin E, and use Aquaphor on my lips and elbows.  I even use coconut oil on my hair overnight every once in a while.

Scientific hallmarks of aging? (I used ChatGPT to explain)

1. Genomic instability – DNA damage builds up over time, leading to problems in how cells function.
2. Telomere attrition – The protective caps on the ends of DNA (telomeres) get shorter, making cells weaker and less able to divide.
3. Epigenetic alterations – Changes in gene activity happen that mess up how cells work, even if the DNA itself isn’t damaged.
4. Loss of proteostasis – Proteins in the body lose their proper shape and function, leading to diseases like Alzheimer's.
5. Disabled macroautophagy – Cells lose the ability to clean out damaged parts, causing waste to build up.
6. Deregulated nutrient-sensing – The body's system for detecting and using nutrients stops working properly, affecting metabolism and energy use.
7. Mitochondrial dysfunction – The cell’s power plants (mitochondria) get weaker, leading to less energy and more harmful byproducts.
8. Cellular senescence – Old, damaged cells stop dividing but don’t die, causing inflammation and harm to nearby cells.
9. Stem cell exhaustion – The body’s ability to replace old or damaged cells weakens, slowing down healing and regeneration.
10. Altered intercellular communication – Cells stop sending the right signals to each other, leading to chronic inflammation and other aging-related issues.

Oh well, wabi-sabi (a perfect Japanese phrase that simply means accepting the lifecycle of things).

Better Education, Please

My grandson will be in High School in September. He's a solid B student but is not into academia (the pursuit of research, education, and scholarship.) It has been interesting to watch him in Elementary School (he was bullied at lot), Middle School (social and kind to those not in the "in" crowd).

I wish our school district would add both hours per day (currently 6 or less) and more days per year (currently 180 days or less).  Chile boasts the most hours of education at 1,007 hours per year.  Japan has 243 days of school each year.

There are also a few subjects that I think should be taught at school as well as home. Other countries focus on interesting topics. Danish schools teach empathy as a dedicated subject, known as “Klassen Tid” (Class Time), from ages 6 to 16.

During these lessons, students discuss their emotions, personal struggles, and group dynamics in a safe and supportive environment. Teachers guide the conversations, helping students develop emotional intelligence, active listening skills, and conflict resolution strategies.

Japan offers Moral education (the process of teaching values and ethics to help people distinguish right from wrong). It also involves teaching how to act with consideration for others, fairness, and human welfare.

England: Has classes on Information and Communication Technology (includes social media), Citizenship and Design + Technology.

In addition to all of the above, I think our schools should offer Time Management, Negotiation and safe Social Media. Maybe we could also offer some vocational choices.

But especially we should offer citizenship and politics. I think we have many voters who should brush up on these last two as well.

HOW DO THEY THINK OF THESE???

Most of you know about my love for technology.  I'm an Apple user as they make it so easy to share information with family and other Apple users. All three adults in my family share a calendar ... my events are in grey, my volunteer events in blue, daughter in yellow and son-in-law is red.  The boys events are purple.  It sure makes life more organized.

What is your favorite app?  Besides calendar and address book.  The one I use most often is AnyList.  It's a grocery app to make it easy to jot down when we are low or out of an item.  I have a separate list for Grocery Store, Costco and Trader Joe.  All are available to all three adults.  I use this app almost every day!

A new one for me is SnugSafety.  It is a FREE app for your smartphone that will notify your emergency contact(s) if you fail to check in every day? 

This is a great choice for anyone who lives alone, no matter the age.  Snug will only contact them if you do not check in at the agreed upon time.  They will contact YOU first (just in case you forgot).  (Snug will also send you reminders so that you don’t forget… 3 hours before scheduled time, 1 hour before, 10 minutes before and 2 minutes after).

They also offer a $20/month plan where you and your contacts get phone calls instead of texts.  If you miss your check-in time, a Snug dispatcher will call your cell phone to ask if you’re alright. If you do not answer, they will call your emergency contacts to ask someone to check in on you. If the dispatcher is unable to get confirmation that someone will look in on you, they will request a wellness check. This is where a local authority such as the police, fire department or emergency medical services visit your last known location or home address.

Let me know YOUR favorite app!

HEARTBROKEN

I received the worst news in the most amazingly written email this week.  I've volunteered with this person for the past five years.  We have butted heads many times yet remain friends.  They had the long lasting cough that started in Sept/Oct (and led to walking pneumonia for several of us).  They resist going to doctors even though they heard that many were getting the 5 day antibiotic regime.  I don't know when she did visit her Dr but other the past month she went to many doctors.  Here is the outcome:

Dear Friends and Family,

You’re receiving this letter because my life is more joyful as you are or have been in it and for that I’m very grateful.

Unfortunately, I have some challenging news, and although it would be best, I don’t have the capacity to speak to each of you or keep you updated.  Talking can sometimes exacerbate my cough.  So please see this email as me reaching out to you with love and gratitude and asking you not to feel sorry for me, nor call me asking questions or to get updates.  I will send updates when there is anything of significance, but other than that I simply want to continue to share joy with you as I am able and be grateful for the blessings I have. 

I’ve recently been diagnosed with lung cancer.  The prognosis without treatment is 4 – 6 months.  The good news is there is a targeted treatment for my specific type of cancer.   The  additional good news is that if all goes as scheduled I will start my treatment this Friday (yesterday).   It, the treatment, is a pill with generally less side effects than chemotherapy.  If it works it can extend my life expectancy to a year, or two, and in rare occasions it has extended life for five years.

Until I have a couple weeks on the treatment my days may be challenging and though you are special to me, the best way to communicate is by email or text and I will do my best to respond.

For those concerned about my Volunteer responsibilities, I have and will continue to work closely with (Chair) to make sure everything is covered and any training that needs to happen is taken care of.   Hopefully my follow-thru will be back to normal soon.

For those of you involved in my end-of-life plans I have already spoken to my financial advisor and written to my attorney.  I’m re-doing some of my plans to make it easier for you.  There are some advantages to having a guestimate of your end date.

All my love. 

SNOW DAYS!

Happy Belated Valentines Day.

I kept the boys company so the parents could enjoy a night away.  Granted, it was just the Guest Suite here on complex grounds.  But it was special for them.  Good thing it was walkable as we got a major snowstorm on Thursday with more falling on Friday.  The sidewalks were all cleared by neighbors, so the short walk was safe and not slippery.

It really is fun when the boys get a snow day!  And then to get TWO snow days followed by a Monday holiday, WOW.  (I was wondering if 💩 would formally cancel it ...)  We have pizza, salad and movies on Friday night and I let the parents know I didn't mind if Braeden's girlfriend came over.  The three under 21's enjoyed their meal in the living room, each person had their own tray on the giant ottoman in front of the sofa.

Do you have a Valentine Tradition?  My sister and hubby make each other a Valentine.  For 35 years!  Here's what he made her this year:

On Thursday Dad took Deacon out sledding for hours.  On Friday Mom took him out sledding.  Good exercise for all!  Deacon made a snow cone using snow.  Braeden walked 4 miles to his girlfriend's house.  I was the only slug in the house.

After pizza, Deacon went to play video games.  I let him have an hour then got out some games for 2 people. So he could interact with humans when under my care.  Every 20 minutes, one of us had a reason to check on the lovebirds.  I had bought treats before the storm so I could offer soft drinks once, cookies once, red licorice, etc., let them know they could buy or rent a movie for the two of them, etc.  

Deacon came into my room and chose a movie for the two of us.  The Green Book.  WoW.  A true story based on a Black pianist (holder of two PhDs) and his white, lower class driver and bodyguard.  We got through half and will finish it today.  He would stop the movie every 15 minutes to ask a deep question.  A wonderful experience for this Gramma.  (He was my spy buddy so I could send also him to check on the others).

Girlfriend left at 11pm and I let the boys stay up til midnight but they both went to sleep before then.  When I was sure they were down, this Gramma lay her head on her pillow!  And had a great night's sleep.

I'm thinking of creating a political meme every week. 

 Good therapy for me!