VINTAGE SATURDAY Atop the Mount of Magical Maintenance

[zip2play]

YAAAY,

210# this morning.
I have stopped taking BP drugs to see what the effect on my life is without these 25 years of lodestones round my neck...I'm running high but not TOO bad 140-150/90-95...70BPM.

The UPSIDE is that I feel great and hypertension gives a HUGE boost in basal metabolism (and energy.) After the first 5 days of edema, my body decided to blow off the water. I'm taking my BP about 5 times a day and using a three reading average each time. I'm hoping that I'll start coming back down with the readings as my body adjusts to doing things "the way the gods intended."

Salmon and spaghetti squash last night was delicious as was the 1/4 Entenmann's FILLED BLACK FOREST CAKE <607 calories>...see what a higher metabolism can do!

Loretta, how are you feeling?

[Loretta V]

on that new avitar Zip. You gave me a chuckle this morning. I feel so much better today. The altace was just a sample and I only took one dose of it. Doc told me to continue the atenolol in the meantime. This am I took 1/2 of Dh's Norvasc, 2.5 mg. on my own advice. Doc says stroke territory is 250/120. I am tired of checking my bp though, but I will continue. It has been erratic 110/70 at times sometimes 164/94, worse in the pm. Country style ribs are great with kraut.

Linda talking about the holidays I will make that faux sweet potato casserole using pumpkin. IT was great. You have your Christmas lights strung already. Good for you. Since you and Barb are having success with the Norvasc and we have some on hand I will give that a try. We have cut DH's to half since he is on the betapace too. I'll take the other half of his, 2.5 mg.

That's right Barb about changing the clocks. I'm glad too because I have been walking in the dark. Hope that the situation you have at school is improving. Why do you want to get off of your norvasc when it is helping to keep your bp in control? I'd just rather take the rx. My moms family (siblings) and my mom had strokes galore. I have a good recipe for a cranberry dish but it has pineapple in it. I make it anyway.

Shawnee it's been so long that I had some Davinci that I have forgotten how to use in some recipes. I did pay that higher price for it. Have you used up all of the "flour" Glad to see your posts again. It feels better here.

Susun thanks for the pics of the christening. Glad you Sis in law has gone back home. That sure went by quickly, well for me it did. How is the Homework going?

Hey to Ginny and Jackie.

Back later, got to help Dh put the lawn mower tire back on. His thumb is still dressed and he is wearing his condoms daily. It looks like it is healing fine but he has more pain now than before.

Later
Loretta I like the new smileys
for all.

[BarbCO]

Zip, be careful -- looks like you are voting for the wrong person, or...... should we just call you Hilary.

Sounds like the lines will be really long this year...... Thankgoodness my polling place is in a small town, might get in before they close. Of course, I just might take a lawn chair and a book.

Loretta, you are right about the BP meds -- my BP went down so much when I got to goal that it probably is ok --- but they say it should be low and keep it that way, so I continue!!

Work is getting VERY tense and will probably come to a head this week. Wednesday is our on-site visit from the State Department and we have a "bozo" hired by the Superintendent who is unqualified and incompetent. I'm sure this will end up as a sanction and corrective action will have to take place. This is what we've been contending with and it's like a pot that is simmering and now the lid will come off.

Oh well, I'm going for a walk........ later,

Barb

[LoveMontana]

Hi Gang,

Lights are all strung on the deck but I don't think I'll string any on the little trees this year. Electric prices here in NYS have gone through the roof.

Roger, Gerard stopped taking his BP meds but is thinking of going back on diuretics only. The side effects from the Ace Inhibitors and others were just awful!
I think that the doctors and drug companies push the newer, more expensive drugs rather than use the old standbys that sometimes work just as well or better, for a lot less money.

So are you going to try the Country Ribs? They are nice and meaty and at that price, go for it.


Loretta, I'm going to try the faux sweet potato casserole this year and may even try a stuffing made with almond flour and a lc bread. I hate all the junk they put in that stuff, but once or twice a year shouldn't hurt.

Your poor DH. That thumb is going to be very tender for some time. Grafts take a long time to heal.
LOL I did a double take at your " still wearing condoms daily". Guess I need more coffee.

Barb, Sorry about the work hassles. I sympathize. Our place used to go absolutely NUTS when JCAH ( feds) came through.

As for cranberry sauce. I just dump some in a pan or dish, add a bit of water and splenda and either nuke or boil until they pop. Just mash them up. For added flavor I sometimes add orange extract.

Shawnee, About the flour. Have you made anything interesting with it lately?
LOL I like your approach to crocheting. How about some pictures?
You may inspire me to finish my purple afghan, if I can figure out what stitch I was using.

Susan, you must be so relieved to be rid of your SIL. LOL SOME company can be a drain.

Julie, How's that knee and where the heck are you? Haven't seen you post since last Thurs.

Ginny, How's that floor project coming along?

Jackie, where are you?

Oh, my son brought his 6 year old son up to go bow hunting last evening and they got a nice buck. Stavie was just thrilled but got a bit sick observing the "dressing". He was cool about it though. They went home to get the other two kids to "help" drag and lift it into the basket carrier thingy on the truck.
Not to fear, they eat everything the kill.

[Jewels]

All this talk of bp...I guess Chuck and I are very lucky! Neither one of us have high bp. DH dad died after 3 strokes at 56 so he watches his just to make sure. Stress about got to him, Chuck, about 30 years ago but he was working in Spain for 3 months and the dr. on the ship told him to start running and it worked. Unfortunatley he doesn't run anymore but the stress is lower now too. Mine has always run low, sometimes too low. Norm is about 115/62. Keeping weight low also helps. I just feel fortunate that neither one of us have high cholesterol or high bp. Knock on wood!!!!

I worked a lot this week and won't even mention the hours. Next week is "take down Halloween and put up rest of Thanksg. and Christmas cards." I will be glad when thats over but my stores are very small.

Getting close to the cruise...2 weeks and getting real excited!!
We have sunny here and about 50. Hopefully Shawnee has sun too.

I will be sooooo glad when this darn election is over!!!
What I want to know is, when the President is running all over the country trying to get reelected, who's running the country?????????? Dang, I hope Congress or someone knows what's going on!!!
Got my ballot in the mail today!! At least I'm a good citizen!

Off to finish a good book before my time runs out at the library and I have to pay for it.

Loretta, love the new Avatar!
Zip, did ya write him in (avatar)for pres???

Now, I need to go look for that faux sweet potato casserole. If I can't find it, I'll be back.
edited.....ok, where is that casserole??? Please??

[zip2play]

Barb, I get to vote in my LOBBY

Linda,
If I have to go back to the drugs, like Gerard, I think I;ll try just the HCTZ. Cheapest and most effective.

I just thought I'd post a picture of the last duly elected president of the U.S.A. I WISH he could run again!

Julie that was smart to get the ballot in by mail.

Hey Ho, I'll take a copy of that pumpkin casserole...I have a 29 ounce can left over in the panty and I didn;t care much for the pudding I made of the last one.

Tonight: Shrimp and butternut squash...we're eating a different squash almost every day.

[SuSUN]

Hi Fellow MMMMMM's!

We are becoming a string of m's, just as well!

Yes, Dsis in law returned home last night. I went for a back massage today at noon, going to have a soak in the tub soon. Relaxation is on the Agenda for today and tonight.

Going over to DD's for a street Halloween party, tomorrow afternoon. Baby Ella has a little bumble bee costume, can't wait to celebrate her first halloween.

Shawnee,
Sending YOU all the SUNshine that I can muster! We have a cloudy, rainy day today, so it must have worked. I can handle it after all the lovely days we have had, can't complain. As you say often, I am content.
Are you still enjoying the blueberries? I am. I bought another box today.

Loretta,
Soooo glad you are feeling better. Yuk for the first day of your meds.
Thanks for asking the writing has gone quite well. I am planning to take a 2-day workshop in December to help me improve, as I need a refresher on the rules of grammar, sentence structure etc..

Linda,
Thanks for the glimpse of your famly, great pic!
Great stuff stringing up your lights! I do the same with cranberries they taste great with a little orange for flavour!
LOL bout Loretta's DH wearing his condoms daily!

Roger,
Yikes ++++calories in that cake! We had salmon cooked in lime juice and garlic in a foil tent in the oven, with assorted steamed veggies, of course served with butter.
I am up a few pounds after last weekends extraveganza. I will soon pull them off.

Barb,
Hope you are soon thru all that pressure of credential checks.
Do throw in your two cents if English is your subject. Tutoring much needed and very welcome!

Julie,
Glad to see you are back posting. You must be tired after working longer hours. I bet you end up spending the extra $$$s on all the holiday stuff. Sounds like they keep you busy but fun!

Ginny,
Hope the shifts remain easy ones! How is the inventory control progressing in the GH? Loved those pics of the OrKIDS!

Waving to y'all!

Su SUN sending to Shawnee!

[Jewels]

Nope SuSun, spending the bucks on driving Nick to a fro. Our truck only gets about 8 or 9 mph and DH won't let him drive the car very often. Our gas bill has been horrific! I'll save some just for myself though. Nick has no way to get to school across town, work 20 miles one way, drug court in next town, and all his AA/NA meetings everywhere.
BTW his gf will be gone the whole month of Nov visiting her dad back east somewhere. He's not a happy camper when he can't see her and more driving back and forth. We do just let him take the truck sometimes if DH doesn't need it but he's only suppose to be an occasional driver on our insurance. Wish I was rich right now and could go buy him a car and pay for his gas. I think his gas would be more though as he'd drive around more.
Gee, I got carried away here, sorry folks.

[Loretta V]

Julie here is the site for the Faux Sweet Potatoes
A pumpkin question.

I did not use the TVP. But I need to work on that topping some.

Tell me Zip how you cut that butternut squash in half??? I need a chisel.

[SuSUN]

Julie,
Don't worry about getting carried away....that's what we are here for. WE love to see you posting and sharing with us.
Yes, those teenage years are expensive!

Loretta,
I get DH to cut mine in half, cook it as it is, and then peel. The peel comes off easier when cooked. I learned the hard way! Does your DH have a small saw? LOL!

This is so nice not having anyone around, the house is so quiet and peaceful. I had my long soak in the tub, with a relaxation tape, as the Massage Therapist suggested I do. It was glorious, I am feelin on top of the world....yes, right on Top o' that Mountain!

DD said if this rain does not clear up they will cancel the street party tomorrow. We are still going over to see Ella in her first costume! WE have all waited so long to share in these moments of a lifetime.

Hope y'all take pics of your GBrats tomorrow for posting!

DH and I will settle down soon to watch a rented video, Denzel Washington in, "Man on Fire." Hope it keeps us entertained.

SuSUN!

[OrchidCactus]

Hey all,

Another gorgeous day here for us. Rumor has it we will cool off next week, so I'll enjoy it while it lasts. Had company today, a friend from the orchid society came out to lurk around and hang out with us while his wife was doing something else. A very enjoyable time! Sheesh, time to file back the fingernails....backspace key is getting a WORKOUT!!!

Zip, good thing Clinton can't run again in my book. Didn't like him either time he took office. Gore lost. I think everyone needs to just get over it. Not sure what country style ribs are (we aren't really big on ribs here) as they are a messy job to eat!

Linda, gorgeous buck the gang got! Funny, as I was reading yesterday's thread tonight and I have a couple small deer roasts thawing to go into the crock pot tonight. Tomorrow I will shred them and add bbq sauce (lc, but DH doesn't know it!) and see how it turns out. Love venison in chili too, wonderful taste! I've never dressed anything out before so I don't know how it would really affect me. DH has tho, and to him it's no big deal.

Loretta, glad you're feeling better! If your BP meds were working, why did they try to change it? How long do they anticipate for a full recovery on his thumb? Bandages are getting smaller now aren't they?

Shawnee, sunny thoughts for you! Your DH does a great job keeping after those vehicles so well! Not everyone can keep a 32 yr old truck in mint shape like that! The homeowner projects can be such a pain for us, since we not only have to fix what's broke, but fix what they screwed up with initially too! Can lead to a much longer project then planned, but at least we know it's done right! How big is the Burk-pup now?

Barb, hopefully your resident idiot will take the fall for his/her own incompetence. Wish I could say the same about our idiots at work, but they're very well protected by an idiot plant manager! Ah well, just CYA and let the chips fall where they may!

Julie, on your truck's gas mileage! It must be the truck you use for pulling your travel trailer? We sold our gashog pickup this summer, thank God. My F150 gets around 16, which isn't great, but it's better than the F250's 10 mpg! Of course, the van gets 22 and my Ranger gets 25-26 (I'd squeeze more out of it if I could!) Don't let them run you ragged in the stores now! How's the knee doing?

TurnNBurn, where are you? Did we scare you off already?

Susan, sounds like the right idea for today of relaxing. Now that the disaster-in-law is gone (hey, we got lotsa mileage out of that one LOL) everything can return to normal! Regroup and recharge this weekend!

Jacki, how's it looking for you getting the position you want full time?

Well, all, off to lurk........everyone be content and happy!

[Jewels]

Ginny, yep, we have a F250 truck and a real gas guzzler. Our weather is certainly fallish but winterish in the mountains. I bet they'll be skiing before Thanksg. this year.
Knee is feeling better the last few days. Dr. appt. next Friday. Will be great by then.

Loretta, thanks for the recipe. looked here and in the RR but forgot to check the recipe bb!!

Linda mighty fine looking speciman if I do say so myself. Oh you mean the buck!

Thanks for letting me ramble SuSun!! Great pics of the baptism. Brought back memories of my kids. Unfortunately my DGKids didn't get baptised except Nick.

[LoveMontana]

Julie, LOL That's my oldest son.
You and your DH are very fortunate to have nice, low BP. Mine is generally low but for some strange reason, at night, it goes up. I do take Maxide on occasion.

You are going to really, really enjoy that cruise. Gosh I wish I were going too.

Why are you working so darn much now? I thought it was only going to be a few hrs per week. Sometimes things don't work out like we think, eh? I sincerely hope you are loving it though. LOL you are spending most of it on gas, eh?

Roger, I think that's exactly what G. is thinking of going back on AND it's a component of the one I'm on.

Wow, vote in your lobby? Cool! We go to a little park not too far from here and vote in the utility "barn".

Susan, hope you are enjoying your peace and quiet. It sounds heavenly.
Oh and thanks for the lovely pictures of the christening and your family. What a great looking group and that little Ella is beautiful!

Ginny, My dad made me dress my first deer. UGH, not fun but something one gets used to. That and cleaning fish prepared me for working in the medical field. Nothing bothers me now. Guess I have a really strong stomach. I'll eat the stuff but I'm not fond of it anymore. No one could cook it like my dad's mom. Not a bit gamy.
It's still a darn site better than Elk. That stuff is so darn dry!

So isn't your friend's wife into orchids?
LOL on the fingernails. They can get in the way sometimes.

I hope we didn't scar off Turn.

Yea Shawnee, how big is Burk now? Any new pictures to share?