Ready for a SHORT STORY?
REGARDING MY CARE…………..AT THIS POINT ALL I CAN DO IS LAUGH BECAUSE THIS IS SO NOT WHAT ONE PAYS FOR WHEN THEY PAY GOOD HARD EARNED MONEY FOR HEALTH CARE!I WRTE MY MEDICAL DOCTOR GIVING HIM AN UPDATE ON MY HEART AND NEW MEDS. I HAD THE ALL CAPS BUTTON IN LOCKED POSITION.
AS I COULD SEE THE TEXT BETTER…………now I am from the era of ALL CAPS meant one was yelling!
So I get his point.
I am beyond that as I have used it for MY STYLE of COMMUNICATING FOR YEARS HERE!
I am NOT YELLING it is how I speak HIGH~ LOW AND MOSTLY JOY when there are CAPS!
But okay if you still are from that era I RESPECT that!
In todays writing and grammar and NO CAPS at beginning of sentences and no punctuation and while we are at it lets shorten the word YOU to one letter………..U.
Who really cares anymore?
Never mind all these DUMB things like FYI or LOL……..which for years I thought meant LOTS OF LOVE!
How would YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE THIS BACK FROM WHAT YOU THOUGHT WAS A JOYFUL AND UPDATED EMAIL TO YOUR MD WITH ALL GOOD NEWS?Except for the fact I had a terrible cold//cough and wanted to know what OVER THE COUNTER MEDICATIONS I could use now in Heart Failure.
I WROTE HIM SAYING ALL VEINS CLEAR AND NEW BLOOD PRESSURE MEDS ARE WORKING!
I think what bothered me most is “It can affect your care.”
So, is this why it takes him FIVE DAYS TO RESPOND TO MY EMAILS!
I hope I leave an IMPRESSION with him when he is older and realizes the BOLD print works better for his vision!
I wrote my email all in caps……….not some in normal print and some words in CAPS LIKE I DO HERE.
Because I was writing him early morning and could see better.
He is on vacation until the 25th of April do you think I will get a response?
A few weeks has gone by and I check in with a medical doctor who is also a pharmacist!
IMPRESSIVE too say the least and she is in her 30’s.
SHE IS CALLED MY HEART TEAM.
She will be adding and subtracting meds to help strengthen MY HEART!
IMPORTANT JOB!
MARCH 9,2023 I heard I was IN HEART FAILURE!
SO FAR I HAVE RECEIVED TWO NEW MEDS ONE OF WHICH IS ON TELEVISION ALL THE TIME!
THIS REALLY PLAYS MIND GAMES WITH YOU AS ITS AN OLDER MAN
AND WHO THINKS OF THEMSELVES AS BEING OLDER?
NOT US RIGHT?
A LETTER I RECEIVED RECENTLY……..FROM A BLOG READER.
Hello Elizabeth, my name is Suzana,
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So happy you’re back! Enjoyed reading your blog!
You can do this! ?? Jerrie K
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I HAVE A STRONG DESIRE TO MESSAGE YOUR MEDICAL PRACTITIONER (IN CAPS)
IS HE BACK FROM HIS HOLIDAY YET ?!
LOL LOL LOL (WHICH I MEAN IN YOUR WAY)
XOXOX
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The 25 th he will be back!
I was online this morning trying to make an appointment with him.First available month and date is June 12 th!I took it!Who knows I might be DEAD by then but at least I will have facts to pass on!Blood pressure?pulse rate it’s high?medications etc.
I think I shall make him a little book with all my STATS in CAPS!Still can’t believe he wrote that about NEEDED CARE!
XOXOXO
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Hello from Australia,
I am so happy to find you and your new blog site. What a trial it has been for you! Thank you for persevering. I don’t know how you managed it all while going through your health difficulties, but I am very glad you did.-
Hello Miche,
OH JOY you found me here in the Big World of the internet!Yes I have been dealing with this medical stuff for over a decade!Im tired of it as I would like to be rattling around my garden and lunching!
Time is passing and I must push on!
Thank You for SUBSCRIBING!
Xxx
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Peak a boo – I FOUND you!!! ?
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You DID!
Now I just need to keep creating stuff to POST!
The sun has been out for the past three days!
The Garden will be my next Post?
XXX
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I am happy you figured this out. I hope everyone jumps over. Feel better. <3
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Hi Contessa,
I did loose your blog and just on this last blog was I able to go to your new site and catch up. So sorry to hear about Banksy, what a great friend he was to you. I’m sure you miss him. Also the continual health issues you have faced just this year alone is mind boggling. However, as always your blog is amazing because it is a reflection of a talented empathetic individual whose life is multifaceted. I’m so glad I’ve caught up with you. I’ve tried to re-subscribe but it says I’m still on your list so I’ll keep my eyes open and if not I now have your new blog address. As to the people who unsubscribe poohy on them. Keep up the great work and continue to fight your health battle as we all want you to get better.
Kind regards Dawn -
VIA EMAIL:
I received it! Thank you and appreciate your honesty and humor with everything you’ve been going thru. Wishing you everything good!
cathy
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HELLO. I find it very odd that your doctor was offended by your ALL CAPS. WTH (what the hell). Nonetheless, I’m happy to hear that you are feeling well and you just need get rid of that cold.
I hope your blog remains the same, LA CONTESSA. And does not get hijacked. It certainly is a bit of work maintaining a website. I have had to pay for help in the past but I have now taught myself quite a bit. Enough to keep it updated. My hubby has spoiled me and paid for my hosting company. I do not advertise on my site. Only sell books. Well, blogging has changed a lot over the years. Who knows where we will all be with AI taking over.
Theo and Betty are good pals. Love that Theo holds his ‘present’ from his sister with his tail. I will google your blog if I don’t see anything from you in the next few weeks. Thanks for sharing your beautiful self with us! It is always wonderful to open your blog and find humour, gardens, lovely kaftans and hats, beautiful jewelry on the VINTAGE CONTESSA. Pets, husbands and home decor–it’s all so wonderful to peek into your world. xoxo-
LISA…………….THANK YOU FOR ALWAYS COMMENTING!I LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR BOOK PUBLICATION!
WELL LETS JUST CHALK IT UP TO MEN OF A CERTAIN AGE……….with very little COUTH!XXX
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Dearest Contessa,
Your current blog came through perfectly on both my Blogger feed and email, and if you’ve got a new blog guru looking after your site, I rather expect the transition for your subscribers will be seamless when you go to the new site. Mailing lists aren’t difficult to migrate, I believe the term is. So sorry to hear you’ve had a “guarded” message from your doctor when they should have been rejoicing with you over the medication working well! Shout it from the rooftops to your blog friends and we’ll respond appropiately 🙂
I have to tell you that I also thought LOL stood for lots of love for a positive age, hahah!
Baci bella xx
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The letter from Suzanna sums it up beautifully.
You are loved, you are appreciated, and your life stories are enjoyable, relatable, and matter to your friends who are reading here now.
I’m so sad and sorry about your experiences w KP but so, so happy that your blog continues on, CAPS AND ALL!!
Love you friend…
Stephanie D -
Elizabeth,
I have been with you for something over twelve years. I stopped my blog last year but I hope that you don’t. I so enjoy receiving your wonderful posts with my morning coffee. So many have come and gone. Poor Ellie died and Heather divorced and had a rough time. I remember your generosity to her by the way. I feel Like you are family and you don’t even know me… Hang in there . We love you ..Janey
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Hello Elizabeth,
That doctor is something else again, his comment to you took me back. His social skills needs help. I’ve never heard of a doctor communicating back to a patient like that. We have two doctors in our family and I think they both would be horrified to hear a story like this. Respect is everything between doctor and patient. All that you’ve had to handle and then to hear this sort of reply must had surprised you.
Sorry to hear about the blog issues, how unfortunate that you have to deal with this mess.
The fur babies are so sweet to look at.
The flowers you took that you have grown in your garden are beautiful.
Take TCL of yourself. -
This is so upsetting, actually more than that… I am praying you will continue to post under the new blog site. Another reader used the word bereft– and that is how I will feel if you decide not to continue. Cannot believe all this happened in recent weeks…your computer guru dying and your blog being hacked and a doctor who had the audacity to tell you not to use caps or your care might be compromised. UNREAL!!! I will be emailing you if there is a long period of radio silence from Orinda… SOS to the Contessa : ) You are so amazing and strong–resilient is the word I think of and unsinkable (as in Molly Brown : ) Adore the photos of your adorables and the GARDEN… so envious!! Such beauty in your backyard… the gardens in FL don’t compare. AND, another reader has the same plight I do. I am held hostage in Florida. Also from New England and miss it more than ever, except for winter. We will not move back because of that and our ages and family here. But I will never stop missing the seasons, lilacs, my legacy peony garden, and so much more… never.
I WILL BE WATCHING FOR NEXT BLOG POST EMAIL AND WILL GO TO NEW SITE IF NONE. I WILL FIND YOU!!!
Wedding is next Sat. 4/22, Earth Day… hoping for sunny skies and no rain (a very BIG wish in FL..)
XOXOXO -
I always enjoy and look forward to your blog. It brightens up my days and makes me very happy! I hope all works out for your blog!!!
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Hi Elizabeth! Hope this finds you feeling better. I want to comment on two things: your blog and KP healthcare. I love your blog and find it interesting, often uplifting, humorous, and love the photos, especially of your house, garden, fur babies, and your fashion (hmm, that about covers all of the photos). I love seeing/reading about someone whose house has more wonderful things in it than mine and love the exuberance of your fashion choices. As classical dressing is more my style, I still really appreciate the creativity and “fun” of yours. I also consider myself more of a “neutral person” in both clothing and interior design but your colorful options in both makes me happy when I see them and expands my world in those areas—thank you for that. It takes all kinds to make the world and I appreciate and celebrate those differences. The other comment: I have KP healthcare and have had it for 35 years (as had my parents). I’ve only had one bad experience—in Dermatology—but then got a doctor who was wonderful as have all the others I’ve dealt with from Ophthalmology, Cardiac Care, GP, etc. My father went to the emergency room 24 times during his last years and KP always treated him with respect, good care, and competency. Before my parents passed I thanked their GP for not treating them like “throwaways” and I’m very sorry your experiences haven’t been the same.
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Sorry your blog had a virus shut down.
As usual, your post arrives via email with no problems I know of.
As for all caps. Try to increase your font size instead of using all caps.
Folks bothered by all caps have low level chill skill.
You might want to mention to your doctor, a lack of chill skill isn’t good for the heart.
All the best, May -
Dear Elizabeth
That message from your doctor is ridiculous- I hope your response back to him was IN ALL CAPS with a side of exclamation points!!!
I love Theo and Betty’s relationship – it’s funny how our fur kids figure out how to be friends.
Glad the blog will be continuing – I know all of your followers will be very happy and you have some wonderful people who follow you. I especially loved reading the email from Suzana – so lovely and heartfelt.
Now I must ask what are those gorgeous white and yellow blooms? Dahlias – chrysanthemums? They are amazing along with the lilacs and tulips.
Hope the coming warmer weather has you feeling much better soon. Sparkle on!
M -
I received your blog and your emails, so hopefully everything’s OK. Let me know if I have to sign up again I’m not good at this tech stuff either. I love Betty and Theodore’s pictures.
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Hello Contessa, I am not quite sure what is wrong with your blog. From this end it looks better than ever! It popped up in my reader as usual, and all the photos appeared without hesitation. I agree with Suzana. Whenever you post we can never guess what surprise is coming–has something interesting been going on in your house or garden? Did you (we hope) have a good health report? Have you found a new design inspiration? And always beautiful, colorful photos. Obviously we need you to brighten our days, so make sure you get those blog problems fixed.
–Jim -
So great to receive your email from your blog! Hopefully the Blogging Goddesses will continue to show you FAVOR!! xo
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Contessa … yay, email received, opened and read successfully. Also able to log onto blog direct search engine and it pops up beautifully withh new post front and center! Keep writing. xo
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Good Afternoon, Dear Contessa,
I did receive an email, which informed me of your latest post. So, at least that step worked. I will be on the lookout for the next one on the new domain. What a hassle for you, but we, your faithful followers, will find you! I, too, am sometimes dismayed at the state of healthcare; BUT, when that happens and it’s significant enough for me to not want to deal with that provider, I break up with them and find someone else! Example: My husband sent me to his Ophthalmologist, a man he has been seeing for over 15 years. I gave him two chances, and on both occasions, found him to be dismissive, disrespectful, and arrogant. I asked him a question and he told me to “Look it up on Google.” I was upset that I have cataracts and he said, “Come down off the ledge.” I am not making this up. This man obviously has a problem with women! So, I will not return. Reading the first comment here made me really sad. If her care is bad enough for her to consider leaving the U.S., it must be wretched. And I’ve followed your odyssey of health issues and know that you have encountered a number of individuals unfit for patient care. I don’t know the answer, but appreciate your sharing your experience. Good to see you here on the blog and GOOD LUCK (I am not shouting, hahaha) with the transition to the new one!
As the late Queen would say,
Great Good Wishes,Judith
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Carissima Contessa, YOU of all people already know my stance on this atrocious medical profession of nowadays…3 words : Ma Che Cazzo!
I thought it was only here in Canada. I am WRONG! A lot of these healthcare workers ( MD’s in particular ) should undergo vast psychological testing before being handed a license to practice medicine.
On a lighter note, Theodorable & Betty are BEYOND ADORABLE! I NEED TO HUG THEM!!
AND! I CANNOT believe HOW beautiful all your flowers are AND TO SEE THAT YOUR LILACS ARE IN FULL BLOOM, ALREADY?!?! They are one of my very favourite flowers! That scent is MESMERIZING to me and takes me back to my childhood! Every Spring – on the way back home from school – I would pluck some off this gigantic lilac tree that used to hang over a person’s fence onto the sidewalk. I would stick them under my nose and walk SLOWLY all the way home…..fond memories.
PLEASE GET BETTER EVERYDAY, CARISSIMA!
CIAO BELLA!
XXOO “Fran”….. 😉 -
Oh my heart! I hope all will be well… you are an inspiration, your beauty, your style, your fascinating back story…and I find such comfort in what I perceive as your “ too much is never enough” philosophy…lush, rich, and focusing on joy…sending prayers-and best wishes…from “being held hostage in Texas” when I would like to be in New England…one of these days!
Holly-
YOU MADE ME LAUGH HOLLY!
HOSTAGE IN TEXAS???I CAN UNDERSTAND A BIT OF WHAT YOU ARE SAYING!!
HEAD NORTH EAST SOON………….I NEED YOU TO BE HERE AND COMMENT TOO!
BREAK FREE!THE COOLER WEATHER IS IN New England…………..AND WHAT HAPPENED WITH THOSE COWS!?
WHAT went wrong?
18,000 dairy GIRLS GONE?
KILLS ME!
XXX
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I received your email and signed up again just in case.
Medical care is scary in the U.S. I have friends that have moved to Mexico and are getting much better care at a fraction of the cost. Lots of friends who have moved to France and they are so happy with their medical care!
I’m glad you decided to keep going with your blog. Also loved seeing you on your Instagram reel.
Best wishes to you.-
GOOD TO HEAR GWENDOLYN.
WE WERE ABLE TO CLEAN AND COPY AND PASTE THE BLOG LETS HOPE IT STAYS PUT!
A NEW NAME IS IN THE MAKING AT THE VINTAGE CONTESSA.BLOG
THIS SITE WILL EVENTUALLY DISAPPEAR!
XXX
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Hi Elisabeth,
Well I received the email so perhaps everything is ok with the old blog. Surely hope so. Sometimes doctors bedside manners are “manner-less”.
I would normally say don’t take it personally, however your health care IS personal!! Jeesh! Hoping all is well with new meds and all. I know you are looking forward to Spring as I am in Southern Cali. Best wishes-
OLD BLOG GOT A CLEAN OUT SO IT IS OKAY FOR THE MOMENT.
NEW PLATFORM COMING.
IT SHOULD AUTOMATICALLY BE MAILED TO YOU IF YOU ARE SUBSCRIBED.
IF NOT GOOGLE THEVINTAGECONTESSA.BLOGTHANKS A BUNCH!
XXX
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Hi Elisabeth,
I am on the new blog (.blog) and looked for the ability to sign up just in case the old one goes away but alas,no where to subscribe. -
I opened your post easily? Hope that the virus sorts itself out “MAGICALLY”.
Thanks for the update, and heads up for future posts. Your posts make my day!
XXO from Umbria, R-
THAT VIRUS MADE ITS WAY OUT TO THE TUNE OF $300.00!!!
LET”S HOPE IT STAYS AWAY!
Well, I better keep making your day at least until we meet up!
THIS IS THE OLD PLATFORM…………a new one is coming!
XXX
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I’ve got my fingers crossed for you. IG says you are back !! Hope so. The state of medical care in this country is pathetic.
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I can remember my pediatrician coming to THE HOUSE!
XXX
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I WOULD SO APPRECIATE THAT!
NEW BLOG IS CALLED
THEVINTAGECONTESSA.BLOG
WRITE THAT DOWN IN CASE THE MAILING DOES NOT TRANSFER OVER.THIS SITE WILL EVENTUALLY GO DOWN!
XXX -
Elizabeth, please continue with your blog, as your health allows…I just discovered you a few months ago and would feel bereft if you no longer write about your interesting life. I do read and will begin commenting just so you know how much you mean to people! Take care!
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Dear Elizabeth I am happy to say I can read you blog just fine, and hope this happy state of affairs continues! It is always a pleasure to read about your life, and I love how you express yourself. The flowers are gorgeous, and the pets so cute. xx
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YES BUT THIS SITE WILL DISAPPEAR………NEW SITE IS CALLED THEVINTAGECONTESSA.BLOG
WRITE THAT DOWN IN CASE THE MAILING SYSTEM DOESNOT TRANSFER OVER!!
THANK YOU!
XXX
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Elizabeth, I don’t seem to have any problems viewing your blog. Maybe there’s nothing wrong with it.
Loved the photo I’d Theodore with his tail wrapped around the ball-
YOU ARE LOOKING AT THE OLD BLOG NOW………..
THE NEW BLOG IS CALLED THEVINTAGECONTESSA.BLOG
YOU WILL NEED TO SIGN UP FOR IT I THINK BUT MAYBE MAILCHIMP WILL TRANSFER OVER…………
I AM GIVING “HEADS UP” INFO HERE BEFORE IT ALL HAPPENS!
THIS SITE WILL EVENTUALLY BE GONE DISABLED!
SO TAKE NOTES!!
XXX
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Hi there CONTESSA
Oh my re the complications/problems for your blog to the point it may be gone.
I certainly have enjoyed following it and reading the comments from readers and your replies.
It was a colourful blog – so many different topics and all the pics which enhanced the sharing of your and other’s lives.
What a rude reply from your dr! For him to say “and can affect your care” – is a threat! What happened to the oath he took? Perhaps in person he may clarify why he used those words.
So glad to read things are improving with the adjustment and new meds. Take care.-
I DOUBT I WILL EVER SEE HIM AGAIN!
MY SPECIALITY DOCTORS ARE MY MAIN GO TO’s NOW!
THANK YOU ROSEMARIE YOU HAVE BEEN A GOOD SUPPORTER TO ME!
AND I LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING YOU!!!!
XXXX
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Dear One,
Too much. You have too much to deal with.
I hope you can continue to write and post. I love getting insight into how others navigate Life.
You have a unique voice and I would miss having access to what you share.
I’m part of your Oakland Support ‘Sisters’. Our link is Andrea Serrahn and before…Brenda Kinsel.
I will make more effort to find you via emails, facebook and such.
So sorry you are experiencing a bumpy road.
Katherine
Personal email: katherine.cramer5@gmail.com
My yahoo email is the one I use for blogs and such.-
This is still the old BLOG the new blog is called
THEVINTAGECONTESSA.BLOGWhich we need to put a subscription box in to sign up.
I will announce on Instagram when its up and running!
THANK YOU!
BRENDA was a doll…….an ANDREA well she is the MOST COLORFUL FRIEND I HAVE!!!
XXX
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Hi Elizabeth,
I did have a day last week (maybe Saturday?) when your blog was offline and a message said “this blog has been taken down” or something to that effect. I assumed you were aware of the problem and everything was fine the next day. I had signed up for emails, but didn’t receive one for today’s post. So I’ll be watching to see what happens and google if necessary.
Oh, your doctor and his “this might affect your care.” Honestly! Due to capital letters, what utter nonsense, not sure how he can even put that in writing. So frustrating! But I’m very glad the BP meds are working.
I love today’s photos with Betty and Theodorable. Theodore asleep with the ball is precious.
I hope all will be well with the blog. Also hope you are getting the lovely Spring weather we’re finally having down here in La Mesa.
Thanks for all you share with us! CAPS are easier to see and so funny about the drug commercial!-
EMAIL should be going out later this morning!
Our first hiccup with the old domain and new domain………this is still the old domain!
There will be a few kinks……….hang in there please!
SUNNY but not warm enough for me!!!
XXX
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Contessa, I am so over the medical profession at this time. We have been HMO past 12 months with an organisation with the KP initials. What a horrible experience it has been. I call my female Dr, Dr No because anything I ask about the answer is No, not in our protocols. I come to realise that I am nothing more than a profit centre to this organisation. I asked for the pneumonia vax after your situation, it was a no, I’m too young at 60. However my husband who is 6 months younger than me asked his male Dr and it was given without hesitation. I find I am treated condescendingly as if I am some kind of village idiot, everything is met with it’s not our protocol. After living in the US for 25 years we have decided we will probably sell up and move overseas. We are not prepared to pay the kind of money involved to be treated like this and what scares me is I am not sick and I would dread to think what it would be like if I was. That said I do not go to the Dr because I feel like what is the point. There is no help to be found there. I feel I have been a victim of ageism and sexism at KP and I’m done with donating to their profits.
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YEP……………it could be considered a SCAM is some respects!
I am at least HAPPY at the moment with my SPECIALITY DOCTORS and I see NO NEED for an MD IN MY LIFE ANYMORE!
Especially ones that talk to me in this tone!
Where are you from ?
Are you my VICKY in Los Angeles?
XXX-
Contessa, Not your LA Vicky. I was originally from Australia, but currently live in Hawaii. However we are thinking of relocating to Europe as prefer the attitude to life there.
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BEST OF LUCK WHERE EVER YOU LAND………….
YOU MUST KEEP IN TOUCH!
I LOVE EUROPE…………….but I was very impressed with MELBOURNE.That is the only spot I have been to in AUSTRALIA.THE PEOPLE ARE FRIENDLY AND OH SO NICE!
XXX
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