300+ Support Group- ROARing into March 2013

[kcmama]

Originally Posted by webcrystal

I have the Technique 6.5 qt Oval Voice Guided Pressure Cooker w/Recipe Book - I just hope it turns on since I bought it a few months ago (can you tell I'm a procrastinator ) - the "Recipe" book that came with it was pretty thin and sad. lol.... well guess I'll see how it goes might need to wait til tomorrow now

Ok, I can't help it. I pictured those yellow dudes from that animated movie oooooooing and aaaaaaahing over it. Do you know the characters I am talking about? I can't remember the name of the movie.

[Eliza_Jazz]

Deb, I'm on my cell, my internet is down. Everything is so tiny but I read your post and I wanted to congratulate you, and most of all the future parents of your grandbaby, and to say I'm so excited for them! I think it was lovely of them to come over and let you know as soon as they found out.

I think they will be great parents they're both college educated adults with jobs now.
Again, congratulations on your happy news!

[kcmama]

Originally Posted by pansies

Big sigh of relief here...........ds is a cop in D.C. They had closed the bay bridge because of an accident and high winds. Thought he was going to have to stay over and work a double shift............but - they opened it to cars only and he just walked in the door......boy - a mother's job is never done..........worry, worry, worry. And then turn around and worry some more tomorrow. I'm a thankful mama.

We never got any snow - thankfully...........but the winds are picking up and the rain - ugh - so much rain.........

Linda

Oh, hope there weren't serious injuries. So glad he is home and you can relax for a few hours.

[pansies]

Originally Posted by webcrystal

Well she lives up in NE so I'm not all sure what she's had done or what all she uses. I do know the lymphatic massage help, and she had some veins laser treated whatever that means - hers are leaky and I think they closed some off. I think the vein laser helped her a lot with the heaviness, and now has some type of TED hose that were special ordered called JUZO. Also of course elevating the lower extremities while laying down or resting. Her lymph specialist said not to use the pump systems because they can blow the ports (used to move the fluid). Although I have heard some people use the pumps so not sure - could be due to the type, severity, cause as to whether pumps would be beneficial. Hopefully your Mom has a good Lymph specialist as they can be hard to find.

I do wish my sister would give up grains because although I don't have lymphedema I do tend to have some edema in my feet and ankles if I eat wheat. Also arthritis in my hands. When I give up grains and go low(er) carbs I hardly have ANY swelling and a lot less stiffness in my hands. I keep nagging her - even showed her pics of my feet (crazy how it works) but she just loves her wheat (and she doesn't have much money which makes it harder)... I have gotten her to try some alternatives like Tinkyada pasta (not low carb but very delicious if cooked right). Baby steps. I keep telling her gf/lc - gonna convert her

Hi Webcrystal. Thanks for the info re your sister. Sounds like she has had a rough time of it with the lymphedema. I know the more I read about it the more I don't want to read. Trying to find a good Lymphedema Spec is indeed diffiicult. I've been diagonosed recently with it. Sure is not good news, that's for sure. I never thought about wheat as being a possible problem, but with all your read about grains anymore guess I shouldn't be too surprised. Glad to see you posting more often. Keep working on your sis about the lc. It has to be better for us. I know I feel lots better when I'm lc eating.

Linda

[Lony]

Deb, that is wonderful news. So much happiness!

Stephen got into good schools, you are going to be a grandma. Sounds to me like it is time to PARTY!

[kcmama]

Deb. Congrats on the news! I know you are conflicted about it but it is early and hard to take in. Very good sign that they wanted to include you and Ken from the start and so early, too. You know they are older, not living at home with Ashley's parents, working, etc. so things are starting off on a new footing. Rejoice in it! If they sense your sadness, etc. it might hurt them and they might pull back.

I would just say take things one day at a time. I am a planner and tend to get overly focused at times on what could go wrong at some point in the future, but, according to my Faith I am cautioned not to borrow trouble. Each day comes with its own set of problems, difficulties, frustrations and joys and happiness. It is a lot of emotional work to navigate each day on its own. If we are not careful we end up compounding the day's difficulties and problems with problems that don't even belong to that day. Then we can end up missing or minimizing the good, positive things that happened that day. All I can say is that I am thankful for my sister because when I start straying too far down that path to the future she reels me back to the present and saves me a lot of unnecessary stress! So that is what I am trying to do for you, reel you back to the present where you can enjoy this new stage of your life---becoming a grandparent. You don't want to miss out on the fun and anticipation of your first grandchild worrying over things that may not even come to pass. Enjoy this time! I personally think you will make such a fun grandma!!!!

[Eliza_Jazz]

Originally Posted by Lony

Deb, that is wonderful news. So much happiness!

Stephen got into good schools, you are going to be a grandma. Sounds to me like it is time to PARTY!

[kcmama]

Originally Posted by Lony

Deb, that is wonderful news. So much happiness!

Stephen got into good schools, you are going to be a grandma. Sounds to me like it is time to PARTY!

And just where have you been all day, young lady? Hmmmmmmm? Never crossed your mind to check in with folks who have been worried sick about you being MIA all day?! No,so,seriously what have you been up to today? You and Fredburger? You aren't sick are you?

[Lony]

Originally Posted by kcmama

And just where have you been all day, young lady? Hmmmmmmm? Never crossed your mind to check in with folks who have been worried sick about you being MIA all day?! No,so,seriously what have you been up to today? You and Fredburger? You aren't sick are you?

Dang mom, get off my back already!

[kcmama]

Originally Posted by Lony

Dang mom, get off my back already!

KIDS! All the same!! What is a poor parent to do?

[Lony]

Originally Posted by kcmama

KIDS! All the same!! What is a poor parent to do?

I need my allowance and I need a ride to the mall. Stay 15 feet behind me, don't talk to my friends and if you pretend to know me I will just die!!

[webcrystal]

I also thought I'd mention that Diosmin often from Sweet Orange Peel Extract is a supplement that is said to help support leg veins and capallaries. If you can afford it - it might be worth a try - many says it really works.

[kcmama]

Originally Posted by Lony

I need my allowance and I need a ride to the mall. Stay 15 feet behind me, don't talk to my friends and if you pretend to know me I will just die!!

This cracked me up!!!

[kcmama]

Originally Posted by webcrystal

I also thought I'd mention that Diosmin often from Sweet Orange Peel Extract is a supplement that is said to help support leg veins and capallaries. If you can afford it - it might be worth a try - many says it really works.

Interesting. Is that an OTC?

[kcmama]

Mona, where are you today?

[webcrystal]

Originally Posted by pansies

Hi Webcrystal. Thanks for the info re your sister. Sounds like she has had a rough time of it with the lymphedema. <snip>

Linda

Yes she's had a hard time. when she was in the service she had to get an exception to wearing boots and eventually had to get out. Of course being young and dumb she actually went out with a pregnancy and didn't wait for them to rate the lymphedema though she knew it was coming (although it wasn't as bad then as now it was still bad enough at time.).

Anyway now, depending on the severity, primary lymphedema can actually be classified as one of the conditions that get fast track approval for Soc Sec Disability under their new compassionate allowances conditions. So that tell yous how bad it can get ... like KCmama's said better to get and keep it under control because your overall health will be better for it.

[webcrystal]

College is crazy now for cost. It's getting out of line for the cost-benefit (almost).

What I find cool is lately many of the IVY leagues (Harvard, Yale, MIT, Duke, Stanford, Columbia, etc.) have programs that if you are low income you can go "free". I think most are if you make $60K or less (not sure of how many in family). Some even can get coverage through various programs even up to $100K at at least one IVY league school. Of course the hard part is really just getting accepted to an IVY league.

And there are some private colleges where the students have to work small part time jobs on campus to cover costs. Berea College in KY is one. College of the Ozarks is another - there are a few more I've seen.

Of course with my kids' challenges they'll be lucky to get into a Jr College. sigh. I keep telling my daughter if she keeps slacking she'll need to marry rich ....two bright kids absolutely no drive to excel (or even pass) ... sigh.

[CinnamonSpice]

Just read this and I thought of Deb and Melinda...

Ants

Sidewalk or blackboard chalk can be used to keep these unwanted critters away. Draw lines around any doors in your home to repel these insects, as they dislike the chemicals found in chalk.

[Oksue]

Originally Posted by kcmama

Deb. Congrats on the news! I know you are conflicted about it but it is early and hard to take in. Very good sign that they wanted to include you and Ken from the start and so early, too. You know they are older, not living at home with Ashley's parents, working, etc. so things are starting off on a new footing. Rejoice in it! If they sense your sadness, etc. it might hurt them and they might pull back.

I would just say take things one day at a time. I am a planner and tend to get overly focused at times on what could go wrong at some point in the future, but, according to my Faith I am cautioned not to borrow trouble. Each day comes with its own set of problems, difficulties, frustrations and joys and happiness. It is a lot of emotional work to navigate each day on its own. If we are not careful we end up compounding the day's difficulties and problems with problems that don't even belong to that day. Then we can end up missing or minimizing the good, positive things that happened that day. All I can say is that I am thankful for my sister because when I start straying too far down that path to the future she reels me back to the present and saves me a lot of unnecessary stress! So that is what I am trying to do for you, reel you back to the present where you can enjoy this new stage of your life---becoming a grandparent. You don't want to miss out on the fun and anticipation of your first grandchild worrying over things that may not even come to pass. Enjoy this time! I personally think you will make such a fun grandma!!!!

You said everything I had in mind kcmama.

Deb....or should I say grandma Debbie...or nana....or memaw....or whatever you want to be!!!!! You know what you need to do a.s.a.p.? Go shopping for that baby!!!!! Just buy a little something such as a book on the 9 months of being pregnant or a little baby toy. Just something to let the kids know you are happy for them. Deb, I am here to tell you that happy days are heading your way with this little one. Now I know you fear the other grand parents will take up all the babies time and move you out of the way but this baby will love you just as much. My son's kids get everything and more from their other grand mother. They stay with her more and at times I have felt sad about that BUT she is a wonderful lady and able to give of her time more and she has plenty of money. The one thing I do know is when I walk in the door those kids are there giving me hugs and kisses because they love me and they know Nana and Papa loves them even if we don't get to spend as much time with them. That is just how it is sometimes with the daughter in law. After all it is her parents and they are just going to be around them more. Any way that is how it is with us and that is ok. I understand. That is how it is with our DD. Take my advice and just get it out of your system that they will take over. This little one has 2 sets of grand parents and you each will love this baby in your own special way and have your own special time with him/her.
I hope you laughed and cried and jumped up and down with them with excitement. I know that is what they were looking for. My DIL's mom didn't do that with our youngest grand daughter. She was a "surprise" baby. They had just had a baby 14 months earlier. DIL's mom reaction wasn't what they needed. Me.....I just cried with happiness. Another baby to love on!!!
Now get up and go shopping for that new grand baby!!!!!!!!!!!!

[crazyone]

Boy KCmom..what an excellent post....that describes me to a tee....I worry constantly about what ifs....even though that was for Deb.....I took something from it as well...

[crazyone]

Sue! You are the best grandmother

[Eliza_Jazz]

Good morning! Internet back up. Just wanted to stop by and wish everyone a very fun, happy Thursday.

[Eliza_Jazz]

Originally Posted by webcrystal

I also thought I'd mention that Diosmin often from Sweet Orange Peel Extract is a supplement that is said to help support leg veins and capallaries. If you can afford it - it might be worth a try - many says it really works.

Crystal, to our thread!

[chewiegand]

Good morning. I'm up like the early bird but I don't want the worm. LOL

So now, starting last night, dh is talking in his sleep. It's bad enough he talks so much when he's awake, now he woke me up 4X talking and giggling. WTH?????? Things could not be stranger.

DS's bff ended up in the hopsital with that spider bite. He has to stay a few days. He had some horrid procedure that he said was the most pain he ever felt. Poor kid. I think ds wants to go visit him this afternoon. I don't know what he should take him though. The poor kid is bored. Maybe some comic books????

Tonight dh is going to pick up the redone car. The guy finished it and it's ready. I sure hope we have good luck with it because it dwindled our bank account to nada. Once we sell the van though, it'll be ok. We got 2 new tires for the van and one of us has to take it to walmart to get them balanced and mounted. I don't know if I'll have time today as ds wants to go to the hospital.

[chewiegand]

Originally Posted by kcmama

Chewie,

Here is the recipe for the Coconut Tart. I wrote what I did in the instructions below. It makes a thin crust, then there is a custardy type filling and the coconut rises to the top. The original blogger's recipe said a pie pan. I am glad I used an 11x7 pan as I think it would have overflowed when it rose. It rose high then sank back after it came out of the oven. Also, she didn't say what to do with the margarine--whether to cream it with sugar or melt it. I chose to melt it. You could do either and/or both (not in the same recipe of course!).


IMPOSSIBLE TART
Ingredients
4 Eggs
50g (3 ½ tbsp) Margarine or butter, melted & cooled
200g (3/4 cup) sugar
60g (1/2 cup)Flour
2ml (1/2 tsp) Salt
3ml (3/4 tsp) Baking Powder
500ml (1/2 litre=2 cups)Milk
80g (half pkg) Coconut (mine was pretty dry not moist)
5ml (1 tsp) Vanilla Essence
Preheat oven to 180 Degrees Celsius/350 F.

Melt butter in large bowl in microwave. Let cool for 5-10 minutes. Add Sugar and stir. Add vanilla extract. Next add 4 eggs, lightly beaten. Add milk. Mix well with wire whisk. In a medium size bowl combine the dry ingredients and stir with clean whisk to combine. Add dry ingredients to liquid ingredients. Mix all the ingredients together and pour into a greased pie dish (I used 9x11” casserole pan). Bake for 45 - 50 minutes or until golden brown and done. Serve with coffee or tea and enjoy! from Marigoldsloft dot blogspot dot ch

Looks good. Thanks so much.

[chewiegand]

Deb--congrats to Kenny & Ashley and the new grandparents too. KC is right, take it one day at a time and I agree with Sue, go baby shopping. That is always fun.

Crystal--where in the NE does your sister live? I'm from CT. Also, tell us about yourself please. We're nosy. I'm a mom to 2 boys, 14 and 18, both freshmen, one in college and one in h.s. The one in college lives at home and commutes. I work pt at a church and had weight loss surgery on Dec 3. My dh works at the P.O. and works way too many hours. We live in Arkansas and moved here 9 years ago from CT. We have a dog, 2 cats and a bearded dragon.

KC--you wrote so eloquently about taking things one day a time. GREAT ADVICE. Worrying never helped anyone or anything.

Linda--Dr.Oz is big on reducing inflammation in one's body and has lots of info online. Maybe that will help? Also, I'm glad your ds is safe and sound.

Lony--where have you been young lady????? I'm missing your happy glitter and stuff.

Eliza--how are you feeling? Any news on your exfriend?

Melinda--how is your ds? I hope he's feeling better. I also hope you didn't bonk your dh too hard. LOL

[chewiegand]

So last night, I ended up making 2 chicken dishes and some cheesy broccoli soup. I made ranch chicken and parm herb chicken. It's always good to have leftovers in this house. I might make some enchiladas from the chicken tomorrow. Tonight I'm making lamb ribs. I thought it was a pork roast I took out of the freezer and ended up being lamb breast/cut into ribs. I boil them and then bake and they are crispy and yummy although there isn't too much to eat on them.

[Mona]

Whew! Just got caught up with the thread. I've been busy the past couple days and have only been able to read a few posts here and there.

Went to a baby shower yesterday. Glad I brought meatballs because just like I suspected, everyone else brought snacks and desserts. The hostess had some ham out (but it wasn't very good) It was a canned ham cut into super thick slices. People were going back for 2nds and 3rds on my meatballs. I was happy that I brought something that people enjoyed. I tossed the leftovers because they were very carby meatballs in a sweet sauce and I want to get back onto LC today.

I just woke up a little while ago. I slept something like 10 or 11 hours!! I was so tired when I went to bed since I was up so late b/c of the shower. Gosh the woman who hosted the party really lived out in the woods! Gorgeous home. Her and her husband have 5 acres all wooded. It was just wonderful being out there. I was a little nervous driving on those narrow roads, up and down hills, not sure if I had missed a turn or not. But I found it!

Deb congratulations of the good news from Kenny and Ashley. Please try and take KCMama's wonderful advice (and from others as well) and don't think up things to be worried about. Just enjoy this exciting time in your and your kids' lives. How is your weather today? I know yesterday you were talking about very high winds and flooding.

Lony I'm glad that the eye checkup on baby Carol turned out well. Sorry you had some anger issues with your DH's job but at least it got you to walk 4 miles! Tee Hee. That picture of the little ice glaciers is neat! It kind of does look like Mars!

Crystal welcome! You have a lot of good info. Glad to have you.

Chewie good morning. Not into worms, eh? LOL. Your "new" car is done. How exciting! Hope you enjoy it, and hope you can sell your van quickly and get your bank account padded again. Sorry to hear about that friend of your son's with the spider bite. Hope he is OK. Your foods that you cook always sound SO delicious. Pressure cookers.....my mom bought me one last year and I haven't really used it much. I need to think of some things I can cook in it. I know you said your freezers were pretty full, but when I get a good price on bell peppers I chop them up and freeze them. They keep forever and it's a nice time saver when I need peppers for a recipe later on.

Chewie will you please share your Alton Brown gyros recipe. I have never even HAD gyros before. I need to expand my horizons!

Eliza good morning to you! By the time I'm doing typing this post you will probably already be on your way to work. I hope you have a great day! The weekend is just around the corner.

Linda I hope you can find a lymphadema specialist and get some good care for your legs. Nip it in the bud before it gets too debilitating! Have you been washed away with the rain yet? Glad your son got to come home. Must be hard having to work outdoors in all sorts of weather and then have to pull a double shift. How did your chili turn out? Chili is such a great food to have during cold weather. Warms you up from the inside-out. I'm so happy to hear that you have the eyes of a 16-year old! Yes, if only we could get our 16 year old bodies back, having the knowledge that we do now!

Melinda I hope your son's sickness improves. Yea, that hacking cough can last for a long time. Sounds like in improvement if he's good enough to go to school. What has DH done to deserve a head-bonking? So what have you got cooking for the weekend? That chicken fried hamburger steak sounds good but I wouldn't want to use the flour. DH is up to 21 pounds lost!! I'm so proud of him. I need to get a bunch of new stuff cooked up for him on my weekend. I've got some country pork ribs in the fridge. I think I'll just spice them up and slow roast them in the oven. Then maybe finish them under the broiler with some LC BBQ sauce. Melinda I like those Cadburry eggs too, but I've managed to avoid them in the stores so far. I remember when I was younger and still lived at home, my sisters are much younger than me and I used to pretend I was "laying" a Cadbury egg. I would make clucking sounds and everything. They fell for it every year. LOL

KCMama I hope your mom's fall wasn't too bad. I fell into a tub once right after I injured my knee and it was really unstable...about 16 years ago. I fell with my back against the back wall of the tub and the soap dish built into the wall dug right into my back. Ugh! But the whole house fan was onj, right outside of the bathroom door in the hallway, and my mom couldn't hear me yelling for help. I finally got myself out. I felt sort of ridiculous sitting there in the tub. I'm glad to hear that your luncheon went well and you had an interesting speaker. I love listening to people with cool accents too. Panna cotta. Hmmmm I will have to look into that. Never had it.

Sue is that a picture of baby Layla having a cranky pants moment? She is so precious. Sorry you are disappointed with no scale loss this week but you are feeling more pep in your step and that counts for a lot!! Keep up the healthy eating. Go Sue, go!

[Mona]

Lucky how is your weather? I know you were concerned about not being able to get to work.

OMGosh, this weekend Daylight Savings time starts. Is it just me or do they make it earlier and earlier every year?

[chewiegand]

Mona, your wish is my command. I do the meatloaf style recipe, have never done it on the grill. I always use 1/2 beef and 1/2 lamb.

Gyro Meat with Tzatziki Sauce-- Yield:6 to 8 servings.
1 medium onion, finely chopped or shredded
2 pounds ground lamb
1 tablespoon finely minced garlic
1 tablespoon dried marjoram
1 tablespoon dried ground rosemary
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Tzatziki Sauce, recipe follows
Process the onion in a food processor for 10 to 15 seconds and turn out into the center of a tea towel. Gather up the ends of the towel and squeeze until almost all of the juice is removed. Discard juice.

Return the onion to the food processor and add the lamb, garlic, marjoram, rosemary, salt, and pepper and process until it is a fine paste, approximately 1 minute. Stop the processor as needed to scrape down sides of bowl.

To cook in the oven as a meatloaf, proceed as follows: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Place the mixture into a loaf pan, making sure to press into the sides of the pan. Place the loaf pan into a water bath and bake for 60 to 75 minutes or until the mixture reaches 165 to 170 degrees F. Remove from the oven and drain off any fat. Place the loaf pan on a cooling rack and place a brick wrapped in aluminum foil directly on the surface of the meat and allow to sit for 15 to 20 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 175 degrees F. Slice and serve on pita bread with tzatziki sauce, chopped onion, tomatoes and feta cheese.

To cook on a rotisserie, proceed as follows: Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape and place on top of 2 overlapping pieces of plastic wrap that are at least 18 inches long. Roll the mixture in the plastic wrap tightly, making sure to remove any air pockets. Once the meat is completely rolled in the wrap, twist the ends of the plastic wrap until the surface of the wrap is tight. Store in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or up to overnight, to allow the mixture to firm up.

Preheat the grill to high. Place the meat onto the rotisserie skewer. Place a double-thick piece of aluminum foil folded into a tray directly under the meat to catch any drippings. Cook on high for 15 minutes. Decrease the heat to medium and continue to cook for another 20 to 30 minutes or until the internal temperature of the meat reaches 165 degrees F. Turn off the heat and allow to continue to spin for another 10 to 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 175 degrees. Slice and serve on pita bread with tzatziki sauce, chopped onion, tomatoes, and feta cheese.

Tzatziki Sauce:
16 ounces plain yogurt
1 medium cucumber, peeled, seeded, and finely chopped
Pinch kosher salt
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
5 to 6 mint leaves, finely minced
Place the yogurt in a tea towel, gather up the edges, suspend over a bowl, and drain for 2 hours in the refrigerator. Place the chopped cucumber in a tea towel and squeeze to remove the liquid; discard liquid. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the drained yogurt, cucumber, salt, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and mint. Serve as a sauce for gyros. Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week. Yield: 1 1/2 cups