Roll Call: Monday, April 9th

[jezzie]

Bay Area in California

Mt. Diablo (to the east) as seen from from Briones Regional Park. It's near Lafayette,
Orinda, Pleasant Hill and Martinez. The park contains four hiking trail loops.
The park is also home to many animals and birds, such as black-tailed deer, coyotes,
squirrels, snakes, newt, turkey vultures and red-tailed hawks.


Good Morning .....

Another cool one here. ... No, Doris I don't remember a hospital. What stuck in my mind was
the weekly visits to the doctor to get injections and the convalescent home daily injections.
Needles bothered me a lot ... as a child. Entrance to Nursing School cured that.
(No, I didn't complete the school - quit after the first semester - to get married).

[jezzie]

Just noticed the 'day of the week' . Wish I had messed up the date instead.

[Kenwyn]

Monday????

Good morning every one!
I'm at the ambulance hall with the windows open and listening to the beautiful songs of spring this morning. I heard my first robin too.

My BP has come back down on the brand name meds. The insurance company pays for part of it but my co-pay is around $60 ($8 for the generic). I have to check and see if there is a way to appeal to the insurance company to get them to pay more. I know at one time if the doctor specifically said a certain med and no substitutes the insurance would pay. Something changed on January 1 as my copay was only $20 before that.

Jezzie --I used to hate needles too but now I want to learn how to do IV's. The sight of blood used to really bother me too. Still does if it's lots, but if I can help the person it's not so bad.

Lainey -- I wish there was a pool closer to home. It would be an excellent exercise for me. But I'm not ggoing to drive 40 miles for it. I want to see Marley and Me. I love pups and the previews look so funny and cute.
I know I missed most of the noodle talk...what kind of noodles are they?

Hi back at you Verleen -- The parrots sound hilarious! A a couple of truckloads of compost, lucky you! It's great you can garden wirth the raised beds. I don't know what I would do if I couldn't plant my big gardens every year. It gets harder and harder to get down and put in my transplants every year.

Loretta -- I used to have a cactus on the window sill. I have no idea what kind except it was flat and oval. Every spring little babies would pop out all over it. I just loved it.

Doris -- I don't feel so bad about my $60 copay after reading about yours.

Hi to every one else and have a great day!

[Norfolk Mermaid]

My fasting blood sugar was 202 this morning and that is way too high. I had a choc. milkshake at WAWA last night after the gas light warning went on in my Jeep- 11 years since I got that jeep and that was a first. The shake was to calm me down but I guess it spiked the bs. I also ate Sushi but cannot imagine that causing the problem. I need to run to K-Mart to pick up my Cytomel and that will cost me as it is not generic- wish that help with Rx cost would kick in soon.
We had a brief, noisey storm this morning but it is pretty now.
Kenwym- the noodles are a 0 cal. 0 carb fiber product that Asians have used for 2000 years to keep from being over weight. I am going to give them a couple of months to see if I lose weight. To my supprise the are easy to get used to and they do pick up the flavor (they have no flavor) of what ever you mix them with. Google SHERATAKI NOODLES for web sites and pick "Miracle Noodles"- that is where I get them. Supposedly Safeway carries them but I do not have a Safeway around here.
Gotta get this day up and running. BBL
Elaine

[KrisA]

Hi, everyone!

What a busy day I had yesterday! Errands to run in both directions, east and west. When I was home, I was on the phone. I was on the phone from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.!

I was so happy with my new corlesss phone headset. I was on the phone, but had both hands free and could do dishes, get stuff from the freezer downstairs, put stuff away and use both hands. I absolutely love the stupid thing. I got one for my DC, a friend in NY and a spare one for me. DH says he doesn't want one so will lose out on my "find". They were on sale at a big lots type store for $2.00. Heck of a deal if you ask me.

Mom has had a couple of fairly good days, although she's sleeping again like crazy. I think her little adventure really wore her out.

We got the news yesterday night that my aunt, mom's sister, passed away. This being holy week, they couldn't have a funeral mass so everything is scheduled for next week. The calling hours will be Monday with the funeral Tuesday. We're going to go to DC's house for Easter dinner, so mom is going to be run ragged by Wednesday. She's already hedging about going to the funeral "if it's a nice day" so I don't know if I'll be able to drag her to everything or not.

It is supposed to rain all day Tuesday and, silly me, I worry about the darndest things! I bought a big golf umbrella the other day. The ones we have here are all the small collapsable ones and, if I have mom in her wheelchair, one of us gets wet (me). Now I'm a little concerned that the umbrella is beautiful bright colors and that I'll be critized for not using a black one! Oh! Family politics is so much fun!

Gladys: I'm so sorry to hear that your DH has pneumonia. Make sure he gets lots of rest and chicken soup! You really are going to have your hands full with company and DH sick. Take care of you!

Verleen: I'm in East Windsor, CT right now. I actually live in Upstate NY but I'm here taking care of mom. East Windsor is in north central CT. I think you were more toward the shore. I didn't drag out a map and I'm not all that familiar with CT anymore. Need my memory jogged more than I like to admit.

Jezzie: Yup. Your date line threw me for a loop for a minute this morning.


Loretta: That tater festival sounds like so much fun. I love local festivals like that. My little town Upstate hosts the NYS Woodsmens' Field Days and the Oneida County Fair. We have tens of thousands of people invade the village but everyone has fun.

We also have an Octoberfest and the Viet Nam Veterans Get Together and now I'm making myself homesick!

We have a very active little community.

Why don't you call the garage where you usually have your car serviced and tell them what happened? When my transmission went out, my garage got the new transmission for me and fixed it and I gave them a check, just like always. I didn't have to track down the transmission myself.

Lainey: I'm so glad you enjoyed you day at the pool. It sure sounded like fun and they have a hot tub/Jacuzzi? Heaven!

The clam chowder you're talking about is called Rhode Island clam chowder. That's the way dad made it all the time. You're supposed to start out with a base of salt pork, just so you know!

Kenwyn: If the doctor insists that you get a name brand drug because the generic isn't working for you, I'm pretty sure the insurance company will cover it. Mom went through that just this spring. She ended up getting another name brand drug which combined both of the cholesteral drugs she was on and she's doing great on it.

I also love Ina Garten. She's my favorite on The Food Network, well, her and Alton Brown.

Doris: I can't believe how much those medicines are for your DH. There's something wrong with the system.

How did you get in touch with The Food Network? I've been wanting to contact them to complain about their web site. They new and improved it and now it's so slow that it's agony to find a recipe. I'd like to complain.

I don't know where they get the idea that the public wants wacky stuff. I miss the old "how to" cooking shows.

Susan: You sure have been busy but it's great that you're able to stick to plan.

BBL.

k

[mykneesareback]

Oh no Lainey, that kind of thing can be dangerous. Darn it, that is why I take a tote bag with us everywhere we go so dh has protein bars to chomp on when he needs to eat and 10 calorie bottles of cranberry juice in little bottles from Oceanspray. Diabetes is an annoying disease to have, that's for sure. I will get myself some of those noodles as soon as I get to a store around here, even our little market in town has them. I think it's funny that Asian's have tried to lose weight for 2000 years, lol. I think they ate them because they were very cheap to make from the root of that weird plant they can easily grow there.

Kathy, you have come up along way to get used to the blood. I couldn't do that.

Jezzie, I wondered if you would have some "residue" from the medical happenings from when you were a child. I have some still, I never got over them, and couldn't be a good nurse.

I need to go eat breakfast and get back on the bike for another stint.

Later.


Doris

[Pcola Girl]

Not having such a good day today, my low back and that muscle on my right side is bothering me today. It started up yesterday some but last night when I tried to get up to go to the bathroom I could hardly get out of bed. So I slept in some this morning and now tjust taking it easy. Nothing helps it but rest. I did take a pain pill and it eased the low back up some but did nothing for the muscle spasms on my right side.

I have a vet appointment in the morning with my cat for her one yr. check up and I may have to get my hubby to take her for me if I am still feeling bad. I do not want her to miss her rabies shot, her ear cleaning and toe nail clipping.

Looking like rain again today, it cleared up for awhile but its badk now for the next couple of days the weather man says. I htink we have had more rain this year than we have had in many years.

Will check back in later. Need to go and rest my side some, its hurting me.

[birdlady]

Well I think everything is in order upstairs except the throw rugs, that's in the wash.Now to think gro.I have two list going, one in the kitchen,one in the bathroom for when I sit.lol
I think I'm coming down with something my throat hurts.Can't afford to get sick.People can take care of their needs but the animals can't.Usually we only get sick one at a time.DD can do the birds if push come to shove,but she works and is tired when she gets off.Worry later.lol
Have a good rest of the day all.
bbl

[Loretta V]

Gladys, sure hope you can stay well. Start gargling with salt water and see if that helps.

Mary hope you side gets to feeling better. The damp weather probably does not help.

Kris WTG on that cordless head set. I see I can purchase one for my phone on line but the cost of shipping is almost as much as the head set. I will have to look around. What is the brand name of the one you got? My car is fixed and back in my garage. The fellow that usually takes care of my tires, brakes and oil changes recommencded a man to me for the trans. It is so nice to drive now that it is fixed.

Doris is that $500 just for one of the drugs. That is a lot for co pay. Yikes.

Verleen, I checked out the WM for a cactus today but no luck. The next time I go to the city of Paducah I will look at Lowes or the WM there.

Lainey maybe you should stock your car with some emergency snack food to help keep you with that "stress" eating. You could pack some almonds in your purse or car.

Kathy, hope the ambulance runs did not keep you too busy today. I too am enjoying the birds lately.

Jezzie, I am confused enough lately. Perhaps now that my car is fixed and my company has left and once we get Easter out of the way I will be less confused. I am trying to enjoy my all of my moments for what ever they are worth but sometimes I get anxious.

Susun you sure on getting back on track. What is an egg pancake? Just curious about that. Someone has given me fresh eggs that she harvests. What a difference in taste and the color of the yolk. I will have to start buying eggs from her.

Hi to those that follow.

[way2fluffy]

Did some yard work in a rush to try and beat the rain....got it done and spread some fertilizer/weed killer too, and washed the back wall of windows. The dogs will mess them up but it lifts my spirit for a bit anyway.
Need to hit the shower before soccer practice.....

LAINEY<<<----Recipe for the shirataki noodles!! I threw this together for lunch.
Brown one chicken breast (cut in pieces) in coconut oil. Add about 2 tbsp peanut sauce and cook with noodles for a bit....then add about 2 tbsp sour cream and a couple of squirts of lime juice, mix and heat through.....sprinkle with fresh basil<---just happen to have some. YUM.

Tasted a little like thai food <----if you don't have coconut oil, coconut flavoring could work as well, or even some coconut milk instead....I wanted to sprinkle it with some chopped peanuts but it was 2 pm and I was too hungry.......

I'll try to catch up on posts later.........

[Verleen]

Whew! Hard day today for dh and me. We were outside all day working on the raised garden beds. I planted 4 rows of peas. There is just one bed that dh has to fill tomorrow. Its a lot of work for him to fill a 12' long bed that is raised 24" high. A LOT of compost. It was still good to be outside as it was sunny, but not warm and very windy. We had our hoods on. Doesn't it seem odd to be outside with winter coats and hoods on and sowing seed? People probably drove by and remarked....."look at those crazy people".

Jezzie, I wouldn't have even lasted one semester of nursing school. If there is anyone else around to handle a medical emergency, I fall apart. If I'm the only one, then I can handle it. Once, there was a horse whose legs were trapped and tied up with some type of rope. He was trashing and in quite the panic. No one was around. I went up to him and quietly told him to settle down and it would be aright, but he had to settle down. He did and I was able to free his legs. He froze and let me do whatever I needed, but he was breathing heavy (nostrils flared) and the whites of his eyes were showing. I should mention that I have no experience with horses. I have been known to do some crazy things to save an animal.

Hi Kathy. Are you an EMT? I'm guessing from your mentioning being at the ambulance hall. My daughter is an ER nurse.

Lainey, yes, that milkshake is what caused the sugar to go up so much. I hope you got it back under control today.

Kris, what a good deal you got on those headsets. I should look into them for myself. I'm glad to hear your mom is doing better. My condolences on the passing of your aunt. Was your mom and her sister close in years past?

Mary, I hope you are feeling better this evening. Muscle spasms are very painful.

Gladys, you take care. Too many little mouths depend on you. I hope this bug passes you by.

Loretta, I'm so glad you got your car fixed. There are many days that I don't leave the house, but if my car is out of commission, I instantly get cabin fever. I feel so deprived without a car. I, too, get anxious when too much is going on.

Doris and Way2. I need to head for bed and can't type another word. Have a pleasant evening

[birdlady]

I posted on the excerise thread,duh.lol

[mykneesareback]

Darn it Gladys, I had a feeling when you guys took care of your grandaughter that you would catch what she had.............

Kris, I had just posted this AM, then after I hit reply, it came back and it showed your post, but I had no time to read it. I'm sorry about your Mom's sister passing away. I hope she can handle the funeral and all that goes with it, plus Easter and so forth.

Loretta, we have a $500 amount that we have to pay beginning of each year, and then we are making payments on everything to do with the liver transplant and the time before, when they were just running expensive tests. We still are getting bills from those bile duct stent surgeries dh had every month or so last year in fact. It has cost us thousands already, but we could never pay off the whole thing that it costs for all the surgery and hospital stay. I don't know if we ever will be free of these bills actually. They let us make monthly payments now. We will never be rich, that is for sure!! I'm so glad you got your car fixed though, that feels better now, to not have to go around looking for something else.

Verleen, we would have loved to get those loads of compost, lol. One year, the guys that trim all the trees along the roadsides power poles came by, and they unloaded several truckfulls of trimming, mostly Cedar, into our front orchard. (We asked them too). It was such great stuff, and when it rained after that, the whole area smelled lovely of Cedar, I kept the windows open to be able to take it all in. I can imagine the hard work to fill those large planters though.

Hey Way2, glad you got your window work done today!! You are the busy bee allright. I do patio doors, but haven't done windows in a great while, lol. Used to make the boys do them.

See you guys tomorrow, hang tough!!


Doris

[KrisA]

Gladys: If you haven't already, get some AirBorne. That stuff helps me every time.

Loretta: I'm glad to hear that your car is fixed. What a relief!

The headset i got is a Sanyo behind the head design. It has two hooks that go in back of your head so your hair doesn't get messed up, not that I care much. It has a clip so you can clip the headset to your sweater or blouse, a volume control to control the volume of the ear piece and a boom type microphone. I just love it. I got it from a big lot store (Ocean State Job Lots) with an internet coupon and paid $2.00. They're usually $3.99. The only thing I'm not wild about is that you can't use it on your left ear, it has to be the right, but I can live with that. It just seems odd to me because I always use the phone on my left ear.

Mom and her sister had been close when they were younger but not so much lately. She's doing OK with the news, thank goodness. We're going to be so busy next week it won't even be funny.

Well, I'm off to bed. I think that mom is getting ready now, too. Please. I've been trying to get her going for an hour now.

See everyone tomorrow.

k