RiverTopanga

Hi, I'm Leslie.

11/25/22: update:
Ok.. Spent 6 hours at the doctor on Wed. I went for an 11 am appt. Left after 5 pm. Yesterday, I was all screwed up due to Wed. at the dr.. Between the freezing cold offices all day (my fibromyalgia hates the cold), and no meals, only "snack" of cheezits, cookies, etc... my blood sugars were all screwed up....thank goodness they had some snacks and water. I am scheduled for Kyphoplasty starting on 11/30. Check out the link:

https://biospine.com/spine-procedures/minimally-invasive/kyphoplasty/?gclid=CjwKCAiApvebBhAvEiwAe7mHSGaptQj0vQsRPOSbJMhhHj9NRWOwZdwIZ2l4Be7plCC8tg97WqUJKhoCqB4QAvD_BwE. -
I read that there should be some immediate relief. I am counting down those days!!

11/17/22: Please excuse me from most swaps until further notice. I have a CAT scan and another major test, involving contrast and non contrast films coming up in Dec. I love you all, but I can only handle so much. Will keep you posted.

11/6/22: Hello everyone. I actually had 1 night of almost "regular" sleep. I woke up a few times, but got back to sleep in a short time! However, last night was back to horrible, horrible sleep. 🤨 I am not going to be signing up for many swaps at this time of year. I know I will be seeing my son, and I need to be stress free for the holidays in general. No matter how much I love to create my swaps, they can still be stressful - I know you all understand that! Thank you everyone for your love, caring, and understanding of my situation.

10/31/22: Hello. Thank you for checking my profile. I am having so much trouble with Pain. Somedays I barely get out of bed. Please be patient with me. I think I may end up going to the hospital one of these nights. I have to get back to some semblance of a normal life soon.

9/11/22- I had been given direction by my neurologist to start physical therapy. After each session, I would get no sleep that night. The pain was so bad. It is a very deep, muscle ache/pain. I even had to have my mother come in and massage my leg until I fell asleep...3 hrs! So, I have canceled therapy until I talk to the Dr at the end of the month. Leg still hurts at night, but is more manageable now. And, no, it's not the normal muscle ache/burn after a workout. I've done step aerobics, kickboxing, weights, the Body For Life program 2x. I know what workout aches and pains are all about. This is not the same.

9/9/22- It's sad. My mum didn't receive even one card or postcard for her 91st birthday. It's a good thing I didn't tell she would be getting well wishes from other places.

7/27/22- Hello all my dear Crafty friends.. My mum will be celebrating her 91st birthday on Aug. 25. In the past, a few people in a pocket letter group on another site sent have her pocket letters as RAKs (not on her birthday). On here, there have been a few very sweet people that have sent her letters and pcs- just because. I will say, she is not big on writing back...her eyes are getting to the "90 yr old weary syndrome", but she enjoys, loves, and is amazed when she receives a card from a stranger. She didn't understand why people would take the time to bless her with such a wonderful thing! I have explained the idea of RAKs to her, and she loves that concept! If she shops with me (doesn't do that much now she has serious hip pain), she is always saying to let someone cut in front of us if they only have a few items (which I do anyway), at Aldi, we always pass on a cart without taking a quarter, etc. And she will say, "that's our RAK for the day" with a big grin 😁 - she has a good grasp of the concept now! She loves to bring my swaps to the mailbox at the end of the driveway when I have some going out. She loves picking up the mail too, to see the pretty envelopes and interesting postcards. I was wondering, if it isn't too much trouble, you find an extra postage stamp for the month, or you have an extra moment to write a quick note, would you mind sending her a postcard or notecard (store bought is more than OK!) with a simple Happy Birthday message? Please, do not feel obligated... the rest of my family is scattered around the country, and will call to wish her a happy day, but we all know it's not quite the same as a physical piece of mail... we all get that! Thank you in advance, if you decide to do this.. Happy summer! Her name is Susan Coleman, and she does live with me, so address is same - 403 Seawane Circle, Auburndale FL 33823-5801

New Postal Rates per USPS website: Letters: Standard-sized, rectangular envelope stamps start at $0.60. Square, oversized, or unusually shaped envelope stamps start at $0.99.

Postcards: Standard-sized, rectangular postcard stamps start at $0.44. Oversized postcards need letter stamps, which start at $0.60.

Large Envelopes/Small Packages:. Large envelopes (flats) start at $1.20.
Small packages start at $4.50.

Please Google the USPS website to see a complete list of more pricing, weights, and sizes.

Regarding my pain issues- I found a little bit of relief since being approved for a medical mj card. Very helpful for getting to sleep on bad nights.

Please Note: I am taking a break from several groups at this time due to health issues. Thank you for understanding: I will update as needed

1. RAKS USA ONLY - time off approved by @Grammypammy 7-10
2. All About the Wishes - time off approved by @debbiespoms 8-5

PEOPLE WHO HAVE CONTACTED ME ABOUT A SWAP BEING LATE:

1. 8/4/22: nothing has been received yet. Sent message on 8/2, it has not been read. This is more than a couple weeks late now. Will have to give a 1 rating very soon. Contacted 7/17/22: by howdyholly - Art Collab PC #104. She will send late.

2.

11/17/21: Get ready swappers! Found this article "USPS plans price hikes two times a year starting in 2023"

https://www.linns.com/news/postal-updates/usps-plans-price-hikes-two-times-a-year-starting-in-2023

Please be sure to rate!

7/2/22- Hello! Please note that I will be rating late for a while. It's hard for me to sit with my back against a chair, it sets off all the nerves in my back. Please be patient. It will just take a little longer.

6/17/22- Hello my friends. Tonight, my heart is breaking. My beautiful, darling Kohi passed away. My mother and I went to Olive Garden for a late lunch, when we got home, she was on the bottom of her cage, wings spread, and unable to sit upright. She was fine when we left. And has not shown any signs of illness. Sadly, that is usually the way it is with our avian friends.. healthy one minute, and Not the next.. I was able to hold her for 2 hours, give her "head rubs," and keep her warm. At the last minute, she jumped out of my hand, and flew to the floor. This was her "Rally". She passed one minute later. She was 15 years old. A great age for a cockatiel.

4/22/22: have been having several health issues on top of my back issues. I have developed a trigger thumb which is very painful - even with a brace. I have also started having falls. My leg is buckling under me, and I crumple to the ground. There is no warning. I fell in a restaurant, and at home yesterday. I may have broken my big toe. Please forgive me if I rate or respond to ratings a little slower than usual. I promise I will get my swaps out on time as usual, or notify you if there is a reason I can't. I hope everyone else is having a wonderful post-Easter experience. 😀🐰

1/23/22: UPDATE - This year has been difficult to date. Several bad things have happened. A. Several friends in the next community came down with COVID. B: The grandson of a friend was sentenced to jail time. C: My sister's husband passed away. D: A friend of 26 years passed away. E: Found out one of my cousins is in stage 4 renal failure. F: Another cousin has brain damage from a car accident last summer. G: A 3rd cousin has "LONG COVID" H: My Fibromyalgia is giving me trouble, and I am having a lot of trouble sleeping.

My swaps have Not been affected.
I am still on target with all send dates.
This month, I have been a couple days late rating at times, but I am up to date on all ratings at this moment.

12/28/21: my son and his g.f. had 3 flights out of Florida canceled in 2 days. Needless to say, I'm behind in my ratings of received swaps...honestly, haven't opened mail in about 3 days. Please be patient. I will get to it as soon as we have seen them on their way 😲 Thank you! 🙂 they are home and ratings are up to date.

11/15/21: I have officially hosted 100 swaps! Isn't swapping great? I've met so many new friends, it's fantastic!

10/18/21: Amazing! I have completed 1001 swaps as of today.... WOW!

I LOVE 🐌🐌 mail! Finding something other than a bill in my mailbox, it really makes my day!

If you have not received a swap from me, please let me know before you rate. I have not missed a swap deadline to date, and will always message you if I think it will be late. In fact, I usually have swaps ready to go a few days after they are assigned. I will wait, however until a few days before swap deadline to send if you have not sent yours to your partner. When putting outgoing mail in the mailbox, I will not mark sent until the postman has picked it up.

PLEASE, if I owe you postage, let me know.

Colors: I love all shades of purple, Jewel Tones and bright colors. Not fond of pastels.

I have a beautiful Cockatiel named Kohi no Karemu. Coffee and Cream in Japanese. She is a beautiful buff color as opposed to the normal white. She has the orange cheeks and some gorgeous yellow tail feathers (see my Avatar). Unlike females of other bird species, the female cockatiel cannot talk or imitate other sounds (like whistling tunes). This does not keep her from letting me know what she wants! If I am cooking or crafting, she has to have her nosey little beak right beside me to let me know if she approves or not 🦜. She also loves it when I bring her cage out to the table on the deck for breakfast. If it's raining, she makes a stink about not going out. She also greets us vocally before we even come in the door, if we have been out. She is a great companion, and cheers me up immensely when I am down. 💜 I wish I could put a vest on her and make her my companion animal.

I was a Lead Investigator in a paranormal group in Nebraska (Great Plains Supernatural Investigations) for several years before I moved to Florida. We all loved doing investigations, and listening to the evening's recordings can be tedious, but when you find something... WOW!

Rating: please be thoughtful when rating. If your partner sent you 3 things pertaining to a swap theme, when they only needed to send one, or sent some extras that your profile says you like, be kind...rate with a heart. Don't you want to to make someone's day?? 💚

POSTCARDS: if you want a 🧡 from me, please write more than a word or three on a postcard swap you send to me. I would like to hear about you - your likes/dislikes, your day, the weather in your area, your pet, your craft faves, fave TV or movies, your fave quote,, anything that's on your mind.... Sending me a postcard that only says... "Happing swapping" or "Have a nice day" for example, will not prompt me to give a heart rating.

My 90 yr old mother lives with me. She still has her license (but doesn't drive here in Florida), and makes friends easily.

My son and his girlfriend just moved to NY City! Hooray!!! Now we are on the same coast!

For Crafts, I am a long-time stamper and scrapbooker. I used to make full size Pocket Letters - i rarely do those now, they are very time consuming.

I can do most crafts, however, I have not yet been able to get the hang of sewing, crocheting, or knitting... but I would still like to learn someday.

PHOTOGRAPHY: I am an amateur photographer. I use a point and shoot camera, and have gotten some great pictures! I mostly photograph nature. Plants, birds, dragonflies, butterflies. People are okay, but to me, they spoil a nice scene more often than not!! That includes pics of me. I'm not a selfie fan, and I usually don't want to be in a pic when I'm traveling...I know what I look like!! I want to remember where I've been 😉

I have found my inner artist from being on swap sites. It's exciting to be challenged like this!

My all time favorite books...

1. Martians Go Home

2. The Disc World series by Terry Prachett

3. The Harry Potter Series

4. A book from childhood... The Diamond in the Window.

5. Little Men by Louisa May Alcott (any LMA book, truth be told)

6. The Golden Compass trilogy

MUSIC

I really love almost any music. Depends on my mood as to what I listen to.

Classical: Rachmaninoff, Bach, Schubert 40s-80s Grateful Dead John Denver Jimmy Buffet Lulu Bread ELO Schooner Faire Recently found : Fishermen's Friends Big band (wish I had learned how to Swing dance when I was in High School!)

Favorite Movies... hmmm So Many!

I love old movies: Examples: Singing in the Rain, Bringing up Baby, Oklahoma, Carousel, The Philadelphia Story, American Graffiti, Back to the Future (the first is the best! and yes, it IS a classic!), Dirty Dancing... and the list goes on.

If you like classic movies check out this website... http://www.omahafilmevent.com. My friend Bruce puts on these events, and before I moved, I was a volunteer at the bi-annual events. A fabulous, fun, and tiring evening! Please note : COVID-19 has a put a hold on these events for now.

TELEVISION: I have a new "star crush" - Move over Nathan Fillion...Time to make room for sexy, Simon Baker. Ooh la la!! 🥰

I am addicted to older British Sitcoms - in particular: Butterflies, To The Manor Born, and The Good Life (Good Neighbors - in the US), Monarch of the Glen.

I loved The Last Man On Earth ... and so upset when it was canceled. I feel they need to do an anniversary show to let people know what happens.

2 Broke Girls, MASH, Scrubs, Peak Practice, New Amsterdam, and The Resident (hmm, theme emerging!). Outlander, Lucifer, Sabrina (original tv show), Don't Trust the B in Apt 23, Ghost Whisperer, Cheers, The Big Bang Theory, Eureka, Warehouse 13, Mare of East Town, The Mentalist, and so many more. The key is, I like to be entertained, and like shows that don't talk down to me like I'm 3 yrs old. I also don't like gore for gore's sake.

Please, do not feel you need to send me anything from below...however, if you have some of these, please use them to create your swap! Or you can send some if you absolutely insist! 😉😉😉 lol.

Also, I love all things Dyan Reaveley/Dylusions. I use the Dylusions paints and inks in a lot of my Swaps. The colors are so vibrant, and the Dyan Reaveley stamps are so funky and fun, I love them! So receiving anything you create with these would be fabulous!

I have taken classes from Dina Wakley, as well. She is a beautiful, warm, talented woman! I learned how to use a gelli plate, and I love it! Never thought I would want to learn something else, but Gelli printing is awesome.. try it if you have a chance. Loved, loved, loved the Dina Classes!

I love Tim Holtz products too. He is so creative! I don't own a lot of his things, but someday, I will.

And, I really love Smash Books. They are what I have been using on my trips for the past few years.

Swap On!!

..Thank you!

TEAS: please DO NOT send me teas. I have enough tea to last me 2 years. I also have several allergies that prevent me from drinking certain teas. And, I have received back teas that I sent to people. So best not to send any all!! Thank you for understanding.

SCENTS: SMOKEY OR STRONG SMELLING ODORS. I have Severe allergies and any smokey, moldy, musty or other strong smelling odors (including perfumes, and candles). They actually make me physically sick. Sadly, I have thrown swaps in the trash before I even open them due to the strong odors. 😫

PET PEEVES:

People who won't give a 💜 for a postcard they received. Postcards require thought too. If there is a nice note, or the pc is profile related, your partner is trying to connect with you by sending a special pc. Why withhold a heart ❤?

People who don't rate.

People who rate 1 without contacting their partner first.

If I am participating in sock swap.... partner, please note- I take a size 9-11. I wear crew or short crew socks (above the ankle). I am unable to wear ankle socks any more due to a failed ankle surgery 4 yrs ago, and pain when things touch my ankle. Thank you!

IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING SWAPPING WITH ME: If you are going to be late, PLEASE NOTIFY ME.
Not notifying someone that you will be late is just plain rude, and subject to poor ratings ... I will contact you if I expect my swap to be mailed late. Rules of swaps are there to be followed (as are all rules in life!) I follow them when I send to you, I would sincerely appreciate you follow them when sending to me.

REGARDING QUESTIONABLE ENVIES: Please note that I am a responsible and reasonable swapper. I always try to bring questionable envies to the post office, but sometimes one will slip through and need extra extra postage 🙁 PLEASE, if I owe you postage, let me know. Also, I have been receiving a growing number of POSTAGE OWED envies. I am now telling my postman to return these to the sender. I have been burned by people not paying me back. Once in a while the postman will pay the extra postage and I will pay him back. I will ask you to please return the money to me by unused postage, postal check, or cashiers check. Please note, I have no control over when he does this!

*NOTE: Since the move to Florida, I have been mailing most of my swaps from the mailbox. If your swap has a post date on the item that is one day later than I sent from the mailbox, I apologize. I always hit the sent button after the mail has been picked up, not when I put it in my mailbox. Unfortunately, it may take the mailman (yes, it's really a man!) a long time to get it back to the post office for sorting and mailing. And, I regret that the postal service may have issues if I tell my postman to get the items to post office ASAP ... and darn the rest of his route!! Lol. 😉 I do usually send swaps out ahead of the swap date, so it should still be in compliance.

I can't believe that I actually have to put this on my profile: Swappers that owe me postage:

***Speedy Found Image #16 - $2.68 UPDATE: 1/22/20: I was told by a member of the Swap Bot Flakers that it could be a problem at my end of the postal system. I should go and talk to my post office. So, I did. Here is what they told me: PO stated they would never let an envie that size, with a tracking number, be mailed for $1.10 in stamps. The Post Office will give out piles of tracking numbers to people that mail a lot of items (who knew?). She had to have put the tracking on herself and mailed it. So, when I got home, out of curiosity, I Checked USPS website, here is what it says for the tracking number on the envie: "Label Created, not yet in system A status update is not yet available on your package. It will be available when the shipper provides an update or the package is delivered to USPS. Check back soon."
If it had been mailed with the PO and they put the tracking number on it, it would be in the system as having reached its destination at my house. And the proper postage would be on it.