FIRST MVM FRIDAY for 2005

[zip2play]

Hi Gang,

Nothing thrilling yet...I peed, p0ured coffee and weighed myself (up 3 pounds from 2 salty insults: canned beans for black bean soup at lunch and then my homemade spghetti sauce at dinner...damned Tutorossa canned tomatoes are WAY to salty but there's really no alternative.)
Neither dish TASTES particularly salty but the numbers on the cans don't lie. I think the next time I make the bean soup I'll use dry beans: SOOO much more work but then I can control the salt.

Ginny,
My bad...
That was my typo on the sodas: It's TWO six packs for $1.99 (must buy two...silly ShopRite idea of minimum quantities.) So that's less than $.17 a can. That's the best price we get for the major brands. (I wouldn't pay $1.99 for a 6-pack if I was dying of thirst in the Sahara )

Linda,
How did you make out at the sawbones yesterday...was driving a major chore? Those two pet memos were wonderful.

Bigsky,
How do you people LIVE with that awful cold...(same for Susun, and Barb?)

Bob picked out a nice 4 pound bottom round for slightly under $6...I never made it out because it started raining...and you KNOW what happened to the wicked witch of the West.

Washingtonians...what do you think of your new gov'nor?

As FRANKENSTEIN said: "Coffee, GOOD... fire, bad!"

[SuSUN]

Good Morning Maintainers!

Roger,
Poor you with that sodium overdose! An old trick we used in the UK is to put a peeled potato in the pot, to soak up all the nasties and promptly discard it! Works well for overspiced curries too, tones it down a bit!
It is bright and sunny up here this morning. It is -18C with the windchill and we are promised a high of -5C this aft.

I am babysitting agin tonight. My duties really start mid afternoon, her little piece of freedom for the week.

TGIF at least no salt mines for me today!

Hope to check back later!

to All!

SuSUN

[Loretta V]

Hey Zip and Susun

Day started at about 6 am for me so well into it.
Put up some chicken parts (legs and thighs) that I got for 27 cents a pound. I like to make them into "roast sticky" chicken. I have about 6 packages out of that 10 pound sack.

Zip I want to buy some diet A &W yesterday but all they had was the regular w sugar, bummer. Not even a WM brand of diet root beer. Sounds like you ran into some great sales. I have been trying to watch my sodium intake and a recipe for a mix of spices to use instead of that salt shaker. Just will take some adjusting.
The cough has started, but the bp is more stable now.

Susun enjoy your day off from the salt mines today. Thanks for the tip on the raw potato to remove some of the salt.
Be careful traveling.

Linda I am wondering it you made it to the drs yesterday. Have not seen any news from you. Hope you did get there and got good news.

Ginny I have not seen my friend Spot locally but I did see him on the main highway the other day. Guess his owners just let him run. He was with more dogs. He does not move out of the road and I wonder if the highway people will be as careful about moving around him as the are here on the back roads.

Shawnee how was that Birthday celebration?

Julie have you found the wizard?

Barb glad to hear the good news on DD except for that car replacement. My 1993 Honda has about 140,500 miles now. Just getting her broken in. I am a big Honda fan. How is the Meth missy doing?

I started taking my SS at 62 and sure am happy I did. Why wait?
The age for drawing is going up every year now. I do like having my own income. Gives me some spending dough for my projects.

Later folks
Be safe and content

[OrchidCactus]

Hey y'all,

Just a quick howdy today.....much running, no time. Grocery store after work, spend that gift card from work (corporate HQ, our plant manager is too stingy to do much of anything for us) and see what else I'll need at a cheaper store. Kroger's is pretty high on stuff, but this will be a freebie.

Zip, glad it was 2-6packs for $1.99.....you had me worried!

Loretta, poor Spot, I just hate it when people let their dogs run like that. Sure hope he doesn't learn too many bad habits from his gang of buddies--chasing cars or deer!

Susan, enjoy your baby time tonight!

To all, a happy, content and healthy day!

[zip2play]

Loretta,

Sorry about the almost inevitable ACE cough. Some people can take it but it was interfering with my sleep when I tried Vasotec (MANY) years ago.
Have you tried the potassium chloride salt substitutes, they aren't too bad and you get used to the taste. Nu-Salt, No-Salt, and Adolphs Salt Substitute are the three in my larder for a LONG time. (Don't get the Morton's; that's STILL half real salt.) They may be contraindicated with the ACE's though unless you;re taking a diuretic with it.

Yesterday Bob tried for the A&W Diet Root Beer and they only had the sugary so he got 2 rainchecks...today they had the Diet and we each got our allotted 2 six-packs.

Next week, the semi-annual CAN-CAN sale...now where can I rent a 3/4 ton Pickup truck! Already got the canned mushrooms 3/$1, no limit!

Starting Saturday, 12 packs of the Coke family are 5/$10...must buy 5 (good lord, that's a lot of soda!)

Gym was easy and fun ending with a long steam room sweat to blow off some saltwater!

Dig into freezer for dinner...a big box of Mrs. Paul's Fish Sticks...now isn't THAT exciting

[Jewels]

Roger, tip on the canned beans, I always rinse them under water and let that ole salt go down the drain.

SuSun, enjoy that little Ella. I know how much you enjoy babysitting!!!

Loretta, I guess I knew all along about the wizzard. Just ole lady brain fog!!!

Sorry I'm so late today but went to drug court with my DGS, Nick as you all know him. He is in a deferred drug program and there are 4 phases and today he graduated to phase 2. I'm so proud of him. It took him 5 1/2 months to attain this. Couldn't be a happier grandma ... BTW he gave me a big hug right in court with about 70 people there, judge and consolers there.

Going out to dinner tonight to a Indian restaurant...what can I eat thats lc?? Anybody?? Roger????

[LoveMontana]

Hi gang,

Made it to the vascular guy yesterday with no problem. Lot's of ice on the trees and wires here on the hill but the roads in town were just sloppy, slushy crap.
He basically said the same thing that the hot shot in Syracuse said ( not as thorough with the exam though)." Watchful Neglect" He wants to scan in one year ( yeah right! he doesn't know ME ) Guess I'll stay with my nice "Irish" doctor in Syr. since I feel more comfortable with his expertise.

Roger, Oh do use the dried beans rather than the canned. They just taste so much better. Do the "quick" cooking directions. Boil for about an hour and then add your flavorings, etc. I made a huge pot of 7 bean soup with the leftover ham we had the other day. YUMMMM

Gosh you do have some wonderful sales there. Unfortunately we don't have nearly as many here in hicksville.


Susan, that's interesting. If memory serves me, my grandmother used to use a potato in different things to soak up something. I was just a little kid and don't remember exactly what it was, but most likely salt.

Loretta,
It just makes me so mad when pet owners just let their fur babies run free. Don't they have a clue that their animals might be killed out on the roads or don't they care?

Sorry about the ACE cough. The side effects of these meds is a PITA to say the least.

Got my afghan out and am studying it to see if I can remember the stitch I used. I still do love the Royal Purple color, even after all these years.

Still no news from DAMNED DON so Monday I'll take this machine to the other place. I'll be off line for a day or two though. What ever will I do?

[LoveMontana]

Hi ya Julie, guess we were posting at the same time again.LOL

A HUGE congratulations to Nick on his graduation to the next level. You are doing a great job with him.

Can't help with the Indian cuisine. Sorry. I have only had it a few times and it was all very carby.

[Bigsky]

Hello everybody-warming up today-about 14 above(heat wave)!
Suppose to be real cold againby middle of next week. I have cabin fever already.
Called the SSA and the fellow said not to apply until 3 months before my birthday. I asked if they were going to lower the benefits and he said -quote-" that if we apply this year he thinks we will get our full benefits but that there are definitely are changes coming from the sound of things. Said he isn't too sure about next year!!" Hummmm-maybe we lucked out on this one-hopefully!!
Linda -glad the Drs. could agree on something. I think I would stick with the first one.
Didn't get all the posts read so will go back and catch up on all the news. Just wanted to share with you what the SSA fellow said.
Patty

[LoveMontana]

Hi Patty, glad you are getting a "heat wave" out there.

How long do you have to wait to apply for SS? I can apply at the end of March...three months before my birthday.

Roger can apply anytime now. Come on Roger, just do it.

Julie, BTW how is the darn corn?

Shawnee, what's up? Hope your thyroid is under control now.

Jackie, you must be back at work. How long until Spring Break?

Oh FYI... I got out the old afghan and found I did remember the stitch. Now if I can remember how to turn the row. LOL

It's a simple pattern but I don't quite know how to explain the stitches. It's 4 double crochets and then put your needle around a "post" and do 4 more. That way it has a ribbed pattern of sorts. Clear as mud, eh?



Not very true colors but it's really Royal Purple.

[Loretta V]

HI Patty

Thanks for that info from the Ss guy. I applied by telephone. I called them and we set up an appointment and did all of it by phone. I did have to mail in my birth certificate and some other paper, but they mailed them right back to me. Direct deposit and we were on a roll. It took a month or two before it got going. I think I applied in March and started receiving my deposits by May. That first deposit was for 2 months.

Linda good to hear that the doctors are of the same mind. WTG.
Thanks for the pic of our afghan. Post?????
haven't heard of that term. It looks great. I like the color.

Congrats Julie to you and to Nick for getting promoted to the next step. How was that Indian dinner?

Waving at Shawnee and Jackie. Hope your weather has not turned bad.

Loretta

[LoveMontana]

Loretta, thanks for the info. Maybe I'll call them. It must be a PITA to get through though. I know that our local office is always full of people and I don't want to go there.
Maybe Roger will fill the rest of us in on applying on line and let us know of any difficulty.

Well I can't explain the "post" thingy very well. It's just the double crochet below...4 go around the double in the previous row and the next four go in the top. Clear as mud, eh? It just keeps repeating.

[Jewels]

Home again, home again, jiggy jig!! Anybody know this jingle?

Indian food was just ok. Lots of spices and lots of curry. Rice and flatbread. I had a corner of the flatbread to try it. No rice and just chicken and a few vegi's. No again...

Corn is sore. Hmmm if it doesn't get better he will refer me to a podiatrist. (sp?) Maybe he just scraped it more than last time. Still wearing my water sandels. LOL

I think I'll get ss too but dang, I have to wait til May 8th to start the proceedings. Oh well...

[shawneesioux]

Hi Y'all

Weather in 40's ...NO sneaux here in immediate vacinity.

DSon called last night from SeaTac...home from his Mexico fling.

Large ship ran aground in Columbia River last night, 20+ mi West of us; we went out this AM to watch the tugs maneuver it...Thankfully, no leakage apparent...especially pleased since it was near a Game Refuge.
Other spectators on hand there included a yellow lab and a beagle...
Ginny, I got my daily ration of poochie smooches (don't tell your FurKids, I wanna be their fav Auntie) Hope Bub is holding his own, stability-wise.

LOL, Montana...explaining that chrochet lingo is as hard as explaining computer-ese. The main thing is, YOU remember the type stitches for YOUR afghan...and call them whatever works for you. Great color. Thanks for the Pics. The Thyroid is more controlled now; needs adjustments now and then...especially in cold weather.
Its a damn touchy lil gland:

What factors might account for a TSH that is changing?
People frequently have different TSH levels from blood test to blood test. What factors might account for a TSH that is changing? Are there things you may be doing that are affecting your TSH? Let's take a look at some of the factors that can cause your TSH to fluctuate.


Change in Dosage -- changing your thyroid medication may change your TSH.
Potency Fluctuations in your medication
Lab changes or mix-ups
The timing of when you take your pill
Starting or stopping a high-fiber diet
Starting/stopping calcium or iron supplements
Eating too many soy products
Eating too many goitrogenic foods, which include Brussels sprouts, rutabaga, turnips, kohlrabi, radishes, cauliflower, African cassava, millet, babassu (a palm-tree coconut fruit popular in Brazil and Africa) cabbage, and kale
Change of seasons -- TSH can rise in the colder months
Hormonal fluctuations
Pregnancy
Certain herbs/Supplements
Certain prescription drugs
Stress or illness
Progression of your thyroid disease.

Loretta, Birthday was great...how can I express this??? Somehow, I felt a sense of Liberation upon turning 60. Maybe it gave me the freedom to become more like my heroine Sophia of the Golden Girls (sadly, I recently heard that Estelle Getty is suffering from ALZ)
Yes, I have been wearing brighter colors, especially PURPLE...and my favorite lil Shop is called THE RED HAT downtown.

Julie, Congrats to both Nick and you too. Positive Progress is worthwhile, and takes a long time to achieve...but so worthwhile when his whole future is at stake.
I rinse sauerkraut the way you rinse canned beans.

SuSUN, yeah...that potato trick really works (like a salt sponge)
Anything new with your DH's leg treatment? Circulation/blockage problems involved, or nerve damage?
How's Oliver?
BTW, those two Pups I played with this morning were so soft and fresh...I asked the Mom what conditioner she used on them. She said Avon's Skin-so-Soft Bath Oil. ( I used to spray it on my cabbages in the garden to keep the bugs at bay)

I did Bob's SS App on the phone...(he was doing a Depression thing and left all the mental/paperwork stuff up to me.) Once the phone Interviewer had spoken to Bob, obtaining his permission to let me be his proxy, it wasn't hard at all. Had to send in Origional B-Certificate and Marriage Lic.
LOL, the Phone Interview time (via confirmation letter) was VERY specific: 9:21 AM..."PLEASE be available at designated time, or notify us blah, blah"

HEY, Y'all who will be signing up soon for SS: Leave a little in the kitty for me....and then Jacki....and then Ginny.


Zip, get on with the sign up; you mentioned a mental struggle of possible future work...well, unless you could do Consult work from home, how could you? You've mentioned various physical problems, and you DO NOT go out in the rain...shoot, you could probably have been drawing already (SSD) just from Depression alone.

YAHOO, Jacki...the work week is complete! Feels like Stew weather, doesn't it? I've been on a Parsnip kick for a month, have some every few days.

BigSky...LOL, glad to hear y'all are having a temporary Heat Wave...

Barb, are ya planning some relaxation for the weekend? After all the stress re your poor DD, you deserve some.

TO ALL, be warm and content....and Carb-vigilant.

Shawnee

EDITED: our State Governor slot is STILL in dispute; Loser wants to reVote. I'd like a state Const. amendment to settle these damn squabbles. My suggestions would be :draw straws, high-card draw, coin flip...or a DUEL AT DAWN.