S11.E01: Divided, They Summer

[ButterQueen]

On 3/12/2019 at 3:36 AM, Giselle said:

I saved my dad's voice mails to me that are on my land line answering machine and those on my cell phone voicemail to a file on my computer and then burned them to a CD.

He's wishing me a happy birthday, or using his term of endearment for me, telling me a joke, saying he loves me, asking if I'm ok, and also mundane stuff.

I'm glad I have that and wish I had some from my mother who lost her ability to speak long before she died.

Daddy's still on my speed dial but I never call.  I had his number cancelled but his speed dial contact is still there at the top right next to my hubby, Mr. Giselle.

I have several of my mom’s voicemails on my cellphone and I love listening to them, so I never forget her voice.  My sister has her phone, as my husband had just upgraded her, so the number has changed, but she’s still in my favorites contacts.  It hasn’t been that long since she died, and I miss her terribly.  I lost my dad 20 years ago, and would give anything to have a recording of his voice.  His gorgeous blue eyes are forever ingrained in my memory though.  ❤️

My warmest hugs to everyone who has lost someone they love.  

[ButterQueen]

On 3/10/2019 at 2:49 PM, raiderred1 said:

So funny that you said this.  I am always reminded of my sister when Lu won't show any emotion but "I'm great! Everything is great!"  Believe me, you don't want to go through life like this. My sis has been unhappily married for 30 years and her daughter went through a horrific crime a year and a half ago and my sister just won't let down her guard.  It's very painful to watch.  I think it is a reason we aren't very close and have never been too close even as kids and we are only 18 mons apart. I am sad for her.  OTOH, me and my bro are very close. 

I think that is why my sister and I have never been close either. She stays so closed off and never really talks about her feelings.  It’s all very superficial considering we grew up together, but that’s how it is.  Thanks for a new perspective.

On 3/10/2019 at 11:03 PM, Gem 10 said:

Didn’t Luann say that Barbara and Bethenny helped her buy the house upstate when the Count and her kids didn’t let her sell the Hamptons house?  Luann didn’t have enough money at the time.  The upstate house was 1 million dollars.

She did say that, apart from the intervention tidbit, so I immediately wondered if they financially helped her.

[Giselle]

4 minutes ago, ButterQueen said:

I have several of my mom’s voicemails on my cellphone and I love listening to them, so I never forget her voice.  My sister has her phone, as my husband had just upgraded her, so the number has changed, but she’s still in my favorites contacts.  It hasn’t been that long since she died, and I miss her terribly.  I lost my dad 20 years ago, and would give anything to have a recording of his voice.  His gorgeous blue eyes are forever ingrained in my memory though.  ❤️

My warmest hugs to everyone who has lost someone they love.  

And a very warm hug to you.

I fully understand.

Every once in awhile I'll listen. I always listen to his birthday greeting on my bday. It's just a comfort knowing I have them especially for my niece who was just 8 when her Grandpa died.

I miss him. It's not a sad occasion when I listen. I'm smiling, sometimes chuckling. 

I'm fortunate that I can still clearly hear my mother's voice, especially her laughter.

I'd recommend putting her voicemails to cd. Create a sound file on your computer, put your voicemail on speaker and record them. Save the file and burn to a CD. You'll have a back-ups then.

[ButterQueen]

On 3/12/2019 at 12:20 PM, Gem 10 said:

 Also, they should stop drinking.  While filming, they should have tea in their glasses.  And, leave the help alone and stop making asses out of themselves, especially Dorinda with the drinking.

Now let’s not get carried away here.....😂😂😂😂

Those drunken trips are what I live for.  😎😎

[ButterQueen]

43 minutes ago, Giselle said:

And a very warm hug to you.

I fully understand.

Every once in awhile I'll listen. I always listen to his birthday greeting on my bday. It's just a comfort knowing I have them especially for my niece who was just 8 when her Grandpa died.

I miss him. It's not a sad occasion when I listen. I'm smiling, sometimes chuckling. 

I'm fortunate that I can still clearly hear my mother's voice, especially her laughter.

I'd recommend putting her voicemails to cd. Create a sound file on your computer, put your voicemail on speaker and record them. Save the file and burn to a CD. You'll have a back-ups then.

That’s a great idea about the cd.  I’m going to do that.  

We quote my mom and dad all the time....they were both so sweet and funny.

[Emmeline]

On 3/11/2019 at 4:21 PM, TheWorst said:

Ramona looks great for her age, but her eyes will always look crazy.

Dorinda is still in denial. I could easily believe she does coke in addition to being a drunk. I think John is her dealer or drinking buddy.

Tinsley is like a less arrogant and less slutty Paris Hilton. They’re both stuck at whatever age they were at the peak of their popularity.

Luann and Bethenny look haggard. Bethenny is the perfect example of how being too skinny ages you.

I agree with you on these points.  Sometime I think the false eyelashes don’t do Ramona any favors.

How can Dorinda see herself on the last two season’s episodes and not understand her drinking is to excess? I'm sure John doesn’t mind Dorinda’s drinking.  It gives him a reason to take care of her and usher her home when she’s toasted.

Bethenny does look too thin and haggard but, I expected that.

[chewycandy]

When Bethenny cries her mouth does all the work and her eyes and forehead don’t move...with Lu she can actually raise her eyebrows and her forehead creases. She’s aged so naturally and the longer hair is really pretty on her. 

[Higgins]

On ‎3‎/‎13‎/‎2019 at 11:54 AM, DrSparkles said:

See: George W Bush

Do you know him?

[DrSparkles]

3 minutes ago, Higgins said:

Do you know him?

Fortunately not. But at the time he was in office, that was the opinion. "Dry drunk" was the term used.

[Mindthinkr]

18 hours ago, Emmeline said:

I'm sure John doesn’t mind Dorinda’s drinking.  It gives him a reason to take care of her and usher her home when she’s toasted.

That might be the only time that she is willing to...ahem...sleep with him (wink). 

[film noire]

9 hours ago, AnnA said:

 It's a two lane road; one lane going eastbound and one heading west.

And there's truck traffic in both lanes --  no way I'd pay three million to listen to traffic all summer long (you can get that noise in the city, free of charge ; ) 

Edited March 16, 2019 by film noire

[AnnA]

16 hours ago, film noire said:

And there's truck traffic in both lanes --  no way I'd pay three million to listen to traffic all summer long (you can get that noise in the city, free of charge ; ) 

I live on Long Island now but I grew up in NYC.   It would be impossible for me to even guess how many bazillion times I've driven out east on Montauk Highway. You're right. There can be traffic in the summer months but it is never ever noisey and absolutely nothing like the city.

Edited March 16, 2019 by AnnA

[Gem 10]

On 3/13/2019 at 6:56 PM, ButterQueen said:

I think that is why my sister and I have never been close either. She stays so closed off and never really talks about her feelings.  It’s all very superficial considering we grew up together, but that’s how it is.  Thanks for a new perspective.

She did say that, apart from the intervention tidbit, so I immediately wondered if they financially helped her.

Wow .. we must be related and have the same sister. My sister moved out of state to get away from our aging parents and left me holding the bag.  She called the folks to check in once in awhile.  “Cold” doesn’t even explain it.  I did all the doctors, hospitalizations, bills, etc. while she was busy in sunny Florida.  When my Father died, she didn’t even come to the funeral or asked how he died to this day.  They were wonderful parents who treated all us kids equal. This is a woman who runs to church every week.  I don’t even know how I talk to her now.  Nothing is even mentioned.  Weird, no?

[Gem 10]

3 minutes ago, Gem 10 said:

Wow .. we must be related and have the same sister. My sister moved out of state to get away from our aging parents and left me holding the bag.  She called the folks to check in once in awhile.  “Cold” doesn’t even explain it.  I did all the doctors, hospitalizations, bills, etc. while she was busy in sunny Florida.  When my Father died, she didn’t even come to the funeral or asked how he died to this day.  They were wonderful parents who treated all us kids equal. This is a woman who runs to church every week.  I don’t even know how I talk to her now.  Nothing is even mentioned.  Weird, no?

P.S.  I was at work when the hospital called that my Father was failing. I ran to the hospital and held him in my arms and told him I loved him until he took his last breath.  I’m sure he heard me, and I’m comforted by that every day.

[Gem 10]

17 hours ago, AnnA said:

I live on Long Island now but I grew up in NYC.   It would be impossible for me to even guess how many bazillion times I've driven out east on Montauk Highway. You're right. There can be traffic in the summer months but it is never ever noisey and absolutely nothing like the city.

I told the hubs I wanted to go to Montauk now before the crows starts going.  We’ve tried to go many times in the summer and turned back in frustration.  I meant “crowds”, not crows.  I would die to see Bethennys house.  Why Luann wanted to sell her house out there, I have no idea.  What’s she going to do upstate?

[oceanview]

On 3/13/2019 at 7:14 PM, Giselle said:

And a very warm hug to you.

I fully understand.

Every once in awhile I'll listen. I always listen to his birthday greeting on my bday. It's just a comfort knowing I have them especially for my niece who was just 8 when her Grandpa died.

I miss him. It's not a sad occasion when I listen. I'm smiling, sometimes chuckling. 

I'm fortunate that I can still clearly hear my mother's voice, especially her laughter.

I'd recommend putting her voicemails to cd. Create a sound file on your computer, put your voicemail on speaker and record them. Save the file and burn to a CD. You'll have a back-ups then.

Great idea about backing up voices.  A friend of mine lost her husband's recording when the power went out for several days.    I agree, it is not a crying situation  necessarily, but a wonderful memory.  Wish I had a couple myself for my husband's voice 

[Giselle]

14 hours ago, Gem 10 said:

P.S.  I was at work when the hospital called that my Father was failing. I ran to the hospital and held him in my arms and told him I loved him until he took his last breath.  I’m sure he heard me, and I’m comforted by that every day.

It is a comfort. I can relate to everything you said about being the only one caring for your dad. 

My dad was in assisted living and I spoke to him several times everyday and saw him almost every day. My dad called to tell me to go to the hospital he was on his way. I'm thinking another long day in the ER, as he had been in and out several times in the last month. 

I beat the ambulance there & got to briefly talk to him. They took him into a room land he started fading. He had a POLST so I asked to go in and comfort him. It was just a minute or two but at least I was with him.

6 days earlier we had the best conversation. Talking on the phone he wanted me to go out and buy something for myself, a gift from him. I told him that us talking was the gift. That we would pick up the phone 24/7 and we could talk about anything and everything. We would do everything to help the other.  I said that one day I would so want to talk to him and I wouldn't be able to. So this... talking now... is the gift.

Little did I know it would be less than a week.

Say "I love you" now people!

Edited March 18, 2019 by Giselle

[Gem 10]

14 hours ago, Giselle said:

It is a comfort. I can relate to everything you said about being the only one caring for your dad. 

My dad was in assisted living and I spoke to him several times everyday and saw him almost every day. My dad called to tell me to go to the hospital he was on his way. I'm thinking another long day in the ER, as he had been in and out several times in the last month. 

I beat the ambulance there & got to briefly talk to him. They took him into a room land he started fading. He had a POLST so I asked to go in and comfort him. It was just a minute or two but at least I was with him.

6 days earlier we had the best conversation. Talking on the phone he wanted me to go out and buy something for myself, a gift from him. I told him that us talking was the gift. That we would pick up the phone 24/7 and we could talk about anything and everything. We would do everything to help the other.  I said that one day I would so want to talk to him and I wouldn't be able to. So this... talking now... is the gift.

Little did I know it would be less than a week.

Say "I love you" now people!

My husband just asked me why I was crying while reading.  I told him “because these strangers on this board are sympathetic, caring and helpful and more understanding than some of my close relatives, and I don’t even know who they are.  Besides being hilarious, this blog is therapeutic.

[sasha206]

On 3/17/2019 at 9:49 PM, oceanview said:

Great idea about backing up voices.  A friend of mine lost her husband's recording when the power went out for several days.    I agree, it is not a crying situation  necessarily, but a wonderful memory.  Wish I had a couple myself for my husband's voice 

Yep, I saved a voicemail from my late husband and didn't back up my phone.  Lost it.  I was so crushed.

[oceanview]

On ‎3‎/‎17‎/‎2019 at 10:45 AM, Gem 10 said:

Wow .. we must be related and have the same sister. My sister moved out of state to get away from our aging parents and left me holding the bag.  She called the folks to check in once in awhile.  “Cold” doesn’t even explain it.  I did all the doctors, hospitalizations, bills, etc. while she was busy in sunny Florida.  When my Father died, she didn’t even come to the funeral or asked how he died to this day.  They were wonderful parents who treated all us kids equal. This is a woman who runs to church every week.  I don’t even know how I talk to her now.  Nothing is even mentioned.  Weird, no?

Actually it is not as weird as you think it is!   SAD, but not necessarily uncommon.   I have experience in nursing home residents and family values.  I could write a book about the differences and perceptions.   You sound like a wonderful and dutiful daughter.  You will have no regrets, trust me.

[Gem 10]

5 hours ago, oceanview said:

Actually it is not as weird as you think it is!   SAD, but not necessarily uncommon.   I have experience in nursing home residents and family values.  I could write a book about the differences and perceptions.   You sound like a wonderful and dutiful daughter.  You will have no regrets, trust me.

Thank you.  I have no regrets.  I did what my heart told me to do. 

[oceanview]

On ‎4‎/‎21‎/‎2019 at 8:59 PM, Gem 10 said:

Thank you.  I have no regrets.  I did what my heart told me to do.  

Good for you.    You are a kind person

[sasha206]

*oops, posted wrong thread!*

Am I the only one who thinks Tinsley is acting her crying jags?  To me, she seemed way over the top with it.  If not, she really needs to work on her mental health.

And wasn't she basically subliminally lecturing Lu two episodes ago about drinking?  I know she was talking about her father's choice making her upset, but I took it as her being annoyed at Lu for them having to walk around eggshells b/c of her drinking issues.  I think Tins has her own drinking issues.

For fux sake, Bravo, can you please stop with the cross-promotions?  I thought the commercials of Real Housewives promoting movies was bad, but at least those were actual commercials.  

Edited May 2, 2019 by sasha206

[sasha206]

The views in that home were gorgeous as was the pool.  I thought the house though looked like a sterile office building.

[Gem 10]

On 3/13/2019 at 6:51 PM, ButterQueen said:

I have several of my mom’s voicemails on my cellphone and I love listening to them, so I never forget her voice.  My sister has her phone, as my husband had just upgraded her, so the number has changed, but she’s still in my favorites contacts.  It hasn’t been that long since she died, and I miss her terribly.  I lost my dad 20 years ago, and would give anything to have a recording of his voice.  His gorgeous blue eyes are forever ingrained in my memory though.  ❤️

My warmest hugs to everyone who has lost someone they love.  

I miss my parents sooo much.  I’m just happy I went out of my way for them in their golden years when they couldn’t drive anymore.  I just wish I recorded their voices tho like you guys did.  That was such a great idea.

[Gem 10]

On 3/13/2019 at 8:48 PM, Emmeline said:

I agree with you on these points.  Sometime I think the false eyelashes don’t do Ramona any favors.

How can Dorinda see herself on the last two season’s episodes and not understand her drinking is to excess? I'm sure John doesn’t mind Dorinda’s drinking.  It gives him a reason to take care of her and usher her home when she’s toasted.

Bethenny does look too thin and haggard but, I expected that.

At one time, Ramona might have had overactive thyroid, which makes the eyes bulge.  I’ll bet she’s on thyroid meds.

[teapot]

On 3/13/2019 at 6:56 PM, ButterQueen said:

I think that is why my sister and I have never been close either. She stays so closed off and never really talks about her feelings.  It’s all very superficial considering we grew up together, but that’s how it is.  Thanks for a new perspective.

are you ALL my long-lost other sisters?  my sis and I are very...polite to one another

On 3/13/2019 at 6:51 PM, ButterQueen said:

I have several of my mom’s voicemails on my cellphone and I love listening to them, so I never forget her voice.  

my mom died in April.  my sis actually had some of my mom's voicemails on her phone & she forwarded them to me (boy-child had to show us how!)  I listened to them once but I kind of fell apart.  I'm not deleting them, though...maybe someday I'll be able to listen to them. 

it's weird b/c we weren't that close, either, she always thought I was quite "extra"  (Ok, I *am*...) and didn't exactly know what to do with me, so I always had to turn the "volume" waaay down, as it were.  But we'd talk a couple of times a week about boy-child and dinner and the weather, and I miss it a lot.

[RealHousewife]

On 3/6/2019 at 8:50 PM, Gem 10 said:

That’s why I love these housewives.  They don’t have to prove themselves by being all glittery and glammed up.  They are comfortable in their own skin.  They could be, living in the best city in the world and the Hamptons, but are not.

There is a coziness to New York that there isn't to my first fave, Beverly Hills. I think the fact they're not over the top with their looks is part of it. As much as I tune in for the lifestyle porn and glamour, getting dolled up to the nines for every little thing doesn't sound fun or aspirational, just exhausting. 

Edited June 21, 2023 by RealHousewife

[Avaleigh]

12 hours ago, RealHousewife said:

There is a coziness to New York that there isn't to my first fave, Beverly Hills. I think the fact they're not over the top with their looks is part of it. As much as I tune in for the lifestyle porn and glamour, getting dolled up to the nines for every little thing doesn't sound fun or aspirational, just exhausting. 

I blame Erika for this. She came in with OTT looks and Dorit started to compete with her. Dorit in her first season wasn't nearly as OTT with her looks. Once Erika and Dorit were on board the rest followed. If you look at the first four seasons of the show, sure they'd dress up for certain occasions but they were a lot more chill overall. 

I agree with you though that NY had an authenticity about it that made it feel real and fun to watch. (Outside of the last season.)