March 9, 2004

[zip2play]

Hi everybody,

The SOMA held the bad back to one day's horror...slept most of the day Sunday.
Weather is VERY dreary and just above freezing, so you Washingtonites are DEFINITELY winning this round.
I stopped using any gas except for cooking (a test) and it looks like Phonecias last 2 buds WON'T blast (pix in a couple days)...such a shame about the other 35 ...the yard long spike with only 2 potential blooms looks a little silly!)

Loretta,
Awww, so sad to think of surgery on someone so sweet and tiny as Leah. Her ovaries must be the size of kidney beans!

Virus attacks have been MILD the last week but there's something I have to warn you about: Plaxo! If you get anything from a friend that asks you to check your info on his/her address book entry...DON'T RESPOND. I did ( by saying all entries were correct) and the Shiess hit the fan. I started getting about 20 of the IDENTICAL e-mail ad every day from 20 different people....all a "penis-enhancing natural drug"...I am FURIOUS at the idiot who subscribed to the "service." There was an article 2 days later in the Wall Street Journal blasting Plaxo! I will lambaste her IN PERSON!

Shawnee,
Sorry the adjustment to XP is so tough....they will have to pry old Windows ME from my "cold dead hand" like Charleton "Moses, get your gun" Heston!

Jacki,
You'll think of your dad every time you go to the theater.

Linda,
We have a target a-building in the "backyard" too. It will be HUMONGOUS (replacing the Foodmart International) and should be open by July. Gotta drive for Walmart or Sams Anything...but everything else on the planet is either a short walk or a PATH ride away. (7 minutes and I'm into a huge Best Buy)
I hope those rivers stay put....Spring rains haven't even BEGUN yet.

That reminds me, I should install my optical mouse...and my new V.92 modem (you high speed poeople might remember MODEMS ), and the HP PRINTER.... . Like I said, I hold the record for procrastination.

Off to Queens with a couple OLD cashiers checks to open that CD (4.25%) between the drizzle drops. Yeah Linda, it can all be done by mail but I don't trust Cashier's Checks to the mail so I must toddle over this trip. We'll catch a nice linner too (we have another "Complementary" for Saks (on the way to Queens)...maybe the Lobster Risotto...huge chunks!

Gym is working nicely...unfrtunately muscle building is giving weight gain and all my paltry dieting efforts are only holding steady....but if I keep up, I should be the best built 61 year old around (when the time comes). It's a chore for the joints though...that's what separates the kids from the old fartes!

It's been nice having Bob home for the last 8 days, so I won't miss him when he goes to work Wed., and Thurs...

Laterola Gaterolas...

(Sad about Spaulding Gray...we knew him WHEN!)

[SuSUN]

Good Morning Roger and all that follow,

I agree Roger a milder day again, Spring is definitely in the air!
Hoping to go on a walk/hike with DD and the dogs today thru the woods, fresh air, sunlight and of course some physical activity.

It has been a stressful 3 weeks. I am hoping after this Thursday things should settle down at work. I have 3 days to work then off to FLA!

Linda,
How awful to have to clean out your computer. I wouldnt know where to start. DSIL has me all protected with all kinds of programs not sure how they do it. So far, so good.

Roger,
Glad your back is responding to the complete bed rest! It is tough to be a patient, patient. I dont like waiting to heal either.

Today looks promising, at least with some Sunshine!

Wavin to Y'all agin!

[JackiCWa]

Good morning all.

Zip, glad to hear your back feels better. Working out at the gym should help too.

Susan, can I go to Fla with you??? I'll be good! Hope you have a good time destressing. All that sunshine will certainly help.

This morning my DD will come spend some quiet time with me. Then, a good friend and I are going to a local nursery. I love that nursery. (Pleasant Hill Carol) Also, will take care of the pet deposit for my mom so my dad's rat terrier dog Sadie can beging settling into her new home. She's been staying with my brother for the time being. I've been going over and bringing her home with me the last couple afternoons so she wouldn't be all alone. She will be going to live with my mom but we all feel like she belongs to all of us. What a sweetypie she is.

Enjoy your day folks.

[LoveMontana]

Good morning everyone,

Where the heck are Ginny, Julie and Barb? Come on ladies, check in will you please?

It took several hours last night to run the "bug" extraction tool but well worth it.

Susan, you better tell your DH to read Janie's post and run the extractor tool just to be safe.

Don't forget to pick me up on your way to Fla. Gosh I'm sick of this weather hovering around just below freezing.

Roger,
LMAO, you still haven't installed the printer??? Come on guy, just plug it in and go for it.

Glad your back pain has settled down but be careful at the gym.

Hopefully your Target will be much bigger and better than ours, even though ours is only a few years old. How convenient to have almost everything within a few minutes walk or train ride.
It takes me about 15 minutes to drive to the huge "Town Square Mall" in Vestal to get to most of our retail therapy places.

Enjoy the lobster "linner".

I'm off to eat brunch and then get my butt to work.
Later

[OrchidCactus]

Hey gang!

Finally have a chance to get on here...WHEW! Sunday we spent the day in the greenhouse putzing around, and yesterday had to get up at the crack of dawn (8:00) to make a run to an orchid friend of ours before work. Didn't even LOOK at the computer till I got home and had to shoot off a couple emails on stuff I forgot to mention at work! Busy day and I was flat out whupped. Picked up some new 'chids yesterday morning, and DH got them situated yesterday as well as some other stuff he wanted to do in the gh. Now back to the bathroom project for him!

Jacki, that's pretty cool about the theater and the hat! Your dad surely was a special man! Y'all have really been busy with everything, so don't forget to take some time for yourself too. (((HUGS))) your way!

Shawnee, we won't have to start mowing for a few weeks yet, but when we do it will go well into November! Most times I do the rider stuff and DH does the trim up. I can't run the weedeater with my elbow and wrist, the vibration is way too much! I bet you just loved the orchid show, they are so fun to go to and we always wind up with more on the 'want list'!

Zip, hope the back is all settled down now. Fortunately my back is still healthy, even with the abuse it has taken over the years between ponies and work! Glad Phonecia will grace you with at least a couple blooms. Maybe when she's done with them and you cut the spike she'll branch and give another go around.

Linda, what a relief to avoid the sneaux! We have a Target about 25 miles away, and multiple super Wallyworlds scattered around. I know most stuff is regional, but our WW seems to carry some pretty decent stuff for the price. I've bought some clothes there, and have better luck with them than Target. Our Sams has some capri pants that I like for only 11.00, may have to get another pair!

Loretta, yep, it will take some adjusting for your DS and DDIL being back in the same house again, but they'll be fine! Leah sure has grown, but I reckon they do that if you keep feeding them LOL Poor thing having to go in for surgery--hope they get it all fixed up for her, and (((HUGS))) to you all!

Susan, take it easy on the back! Instead of boxes have you ever tried using the plastic file crates? They have handles molded in, and I think they are much easier to carry. Also, unless you have lots of heavy small stuff, it is hard to overload them (and they stack really well!) I use them in the van to put groceries in--much easier to tote in the house, and stuff doesn't fall out of the bags and roll all over as I drive. I bet you're gearing up for the vacation!

Julie, how's everything going with y'all?

Barb, are you back to work? Just remember to take it easy until you get the all clear, and then EASE into normal behaviour!

Waving to all!

BTW the crocus and buttercups are blooming here too! Lenten roses are in full glory, and the shrub magnolias are starting as well WOOHOO spring is on the way!

[SuSUN]

Hi Ladies and Roger!

Just back from the last of this session Smokers Group. I feel I can wind down now. One less lug around.

Work all day tomorrow at the office. Then my presentation to the Docs on Thursday. Then off on Friday. I only have 3 days next week, then we are off to the Sunshine State. Yikes how many need picking up along the way......too bad we are flying down.

I have dropped those 4lbs! Finally!

Loretta,
Good tip about using a corset for lifting the boxes. I could do with one on the old Abs too!
Lovely Pic of your eldest DS and Leah! She is gorgeous....and him too!

Linda,
My DH is a machinist and does not puter too well, muscles on his fingers, takes two keys down together. DSIL is the geek of the family, so he is the one that comes over and loads my puter with all kinds of stuff to protect me.
Thanks for the tip on the extractor tool. I will tell him about it.
DD asked me to check out Target while I am down in FLA for baby clothes, do you recommend it? Sounds like it may not be too good for clothing. I am hoping to go to the Oskosh outlet. I love the quality there and they have great sales.

Jacki,
Awwwh, Sadie sounds like a sweatipie, and well adjusted, if she will be happy will all the family. I am glad your Mom is taking her over. Sounds like you have been playing surrogate Mom too keeping Sadie company. Do you have any pics of her?
Glad you had some quiet time with your DD today. Did you find anything at the Nursery?

Ginny,
That GH sounds a wonderful diversion from all that busy schedule. My life too has been hectic these past 3 weeks, glad it is coming to an end.
Thanks for the tips on the plastic crates, yes, I have a couple of those and a travel caddy. I put the larger box on the bottom and the plastic crate on top. Just a lately I have had two displays to lug around too. They are in a large black zip up bag like an oversized artists portfolio thingy. Not that heavy but an awkward size. I am 5'1" so they are almost my height!

Shawnee,
"It is quittin time, come out of the garden NOW!!!!"
Although, we do like to see the colourful pics of your handiwork.
The old boob is now the black, blue and shades of yellow, healing very well, just taking Advil for the soreness, no pain. Should get the pathology report tomorrow. Thank you for your well wishes.

Julie,
Where are you? Gone Bowling Agin!
Did you take Bo for his Spring Time grooming yet?
I bathed Oliver yesterday and guess what, on the walk this morning he decided to roll in deer pooh, lovely eh?

Wavin to Y'all, LC, Water, Exercise and this BB!

[sensei]

If you guys don't mind I think I will post over here on this board for awhile.

Posting helps me to be more aware of what I am eating and my lifestyle in general.

Maybe I'll be safe here. I'll try to keep my opinions to myself.

I think I know alot of you guys already.

I'm still doing o. k. as far as the WOE is concerned.

I'm just getting to old to keep up all the exercising I used to do. I am still lifting weights, teaching Karate classes, etc, however, I have gone from running to just walking these days. The knees demand it.

Later,

sensei

[LoveMontana]

Well by GOSH Ray, glad you are jumping in over here. LOL there is no need to keep your opinions to yourself here. We all bicker on occasion but are mature enough to respect each other and really feel like one big family.
We talk about our lives, sorrows, health problems...you name it.

I hear ya on the knees. None of us are getting any younger.

Susan, it's good that you have someone close to help with computer security. I had to learn it by myself. Gerard doesn't get too involved but tries on occasion.

Have you thought about getting one of those basket carts with wheels on it to lug your stuff around? Even a regular dolly would help. We use one to haul the garbage can and recycle bin to the road on garbage day.

Target has some nice baby and children's clothing but the adult female clothing leaves a lot to be desired.

Roger, how far are you from Asbury Park? ( bet I spelled that wrong.)

Ginny, my gosh you have been busy. Bet you enjoyed every minute of your labor of love in the greenhouse. LOL that 8AM is the crack of dawn for me too.

Humm, lots of Wally worlds and Sam's club, eh? We are more and more tempted to drive on down and check things out. Been looking on the real estate sites and can't believe how reasonable the taxes are. Not to mention NO STATE INCOME TAX , good weather, flowers blooming in early march.... <sigh>.

Loretta, where are you today?

Julie, do I have to come looking for you too?

Jackie, how are you doing hun? It's going to be really difficult for a while but the pain will ease with time.
It's great that you are all helping the poor pup adjust to his new home.

Darn it Pam, get your butt back here and check in.

Shawnee, come on girl. It's almost dark and time to come in the house and post. Tell us about your day.
Have you done any baking lately? I have some almond cookies in the oven. Boy are they good and sooo easy. I'll try to remember to post the recipe later.

[zip2play]

See, I wasn't exaggerating:
http://compuserve.homestore.com/home...&poe=homestore

Ray, welcome,
And also welcome are any tips you might have to deal with knees that have done ONE too many things (ok, 1 MILLION) let me know...my knees are my achiiles heels !

[LoveMontana]

Holy Cow Roger, no you weren't kidding. Your apartment is lovely but OUCH on the price.

BTW you have a birthday this month, eh? Come on tell us when. This old broad forgot the exact date.

[shawneesioux]

Hi Y'all

Had a sunny and windy afternoon, spent some of it outside looking over the new growth of perennials. Also scrubbed some lawn furniture, so will be ready for next Spring-like day.

Hi Sensi...welcome to the Looney Bin! You teach Karate? ! Wow, I'm impressed ...and won't mess with you..LOL

Montana, please pass the cookies...bet they are YUM!
I haven't been baking lately, have lost my appetite recently..guess that's a good thing

Ginny, go get those capris, Gal!
Glad to hear you are getting some Spring bloomers too.

Hey Loretta, what's holding you up?

Jacki, did ya have a good time at the Nursery? They have nice plants there....I know you always look for the different, unusual and exotic ones. Sadie will probably be a little "lost" too.

SuSun, Best Wishes for good test results Will be thinking of you.

ZIP...LOL...just think of the money you are NOT spending on house paint, lawn care, property taxes, vehicles, insurance...yada-yada. . Always a trade-off. Good luck with Phonecia.

I may be MIA for awhile...I'm 99% certain that this puter is going to be RETURNED tomorrow...NO new machine should have all these major problems (driver conflicts, freezes, etc)....
DGBrat has an XP, and she said this one is more trouble than it should be.

Hi to all the MIAs and Lurkers.

Hopefully be back in a day or 3.

Shawnee

[LoveMontana]

Good lord Shawnee, I hope they give you a new computer so you can get back here ASAP. That really stinks especially since HP is right up there near top in reliability.

Lost your appetite?? Are you feeling OK? Hope so.

These cookies are so very easy

preheat oven to 300

mix one stick of softened butter with 1/3 cup splenda or packets to taste.
add:
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon almond extract
dash of salt
2 cups of almond flour
mix well
drop by almond sized teaspoons on a parchment paper covered cookie sheet... flatten with spoon.... bake approx 20 minutes

They are really crumbly so I put them in the freezer. Sometimes I add half peanut butter and half butter. BOY! they are so good.