Friday, May 20 for the MVM

[OrchidCactus]

Hey gang,

No time to read through the week's posts, but wanted to check in here just the same

It's going to be a busy next couple weeks with Mom here, and the gal that will sit with her is a good friend, so I'm very comfortable with getting my 'away' time, even if it is for WORK!

Wish me luck in keeping my sanity...now off to bed.

Hugs to all,

[eculmone]

Good Morning all.
Montana . My dd is just starting to get adjusted to her meds. She smiled for the first time in 3 months the other day. I cried. It is so hard. I know it must kill you to see her so sad. It seems we've all got something we seem to struggle through at times hey?

On a happier note, I'm down 1 pound today. Began my "yeast illimination" program again. I have systemic candidias (sp) but I've managed to get it under control. Took about 12 weeks to flush the little buggers out the first time, but as the weight creeps back on; I feel gasy and bloated and have uncontrollable cravings for sugar (Those yeast buggers love sugar) then I know it's time to reinduct.

Montana, tell me more NYC? or the North West? Let's here it. If you all had a 3/4 night getaway. What would you do? We had thought of Bahamas too, but heat tends to exaserbate my symptoms, so I'm not sure we want to go so far for me to be useless Hee hee.

Any happy thoughts? I'm stumped on how to celebrate our tenth, yet I know dh wants it to be special. We had also thought of a cabin down in tenesee, but it's a 12 hour drive. I was hoping for a 3/4 hour flight or car ride. I'd like to do something different as my time here on earth seems to be getting shorter as friends & family seem to be getting smaller...

p.s. I cry at Kodak commercials. I know sappy, but I'm just all butter under my turtle shell.

Liz

[zip2play]

Hi Ginny, Liz and everyone else.
Things will be hectic at your house for awhile...I hope they let you on your computer.

Linda,
I live at about 10 feet above sea level unless I go up to my apartment! Believe me, 5000 feet is NOTHING. Remember, all Denver is that high. You won't even notice. Most of Montana must have been nearly that high?

Liz,
I see from your stats that you are Canadian; which province? Of course Montreal is a WONDERFUL City to visit. Chicago can be fun. Of course I am prejudiced towards the BIG APPLE but Washington D.C. is a good choice for ART (National Gallery), U.S. History, Smithsonian Institute...and George Bush !
Jersey shore gets LOTS of Canadian tourists. Lots of it is nice, EXCEPT slimy, glitzy Atlantic City!

Today...hmm, gym I guess. Nothing else in the cards...theater tomorrow so tonight's Sci Fi Channel lineup suits me fine.

A nice weekend start to all.

Oh, I get my SS check on Wednesday...damn long wait considering my birthday was in MARCH! I guess the government hoped I'd DIE in the interval and they could ship my check directly to Halliburton! Hey, If I had a brain killing STROKE, I'd want to be kept on machines until that check was delivered to my bank!

[BarbCO]

Morning Liz, Ginny, and Zip!

Liz, what type of get-away are you looking for......... art, shopping, beach, mountains, museums, historical??? So many of us here with varied exposure -- just tell us!

Ginny, you can always come here for sanity.....well, maybe!

Zip, do you ever get dizzy looking out the window and DOWN? I have a real fear of heights and can't look down when in a high building esp. glass to the floor. We were in the Sears Tower in Chicago and I'm the one pressed against the wall saying: yes, I can see the corners of those states from here!!

I had a bad day with sugar yesterday, some dark chocolate arrived on my desk, called my name, and then I gave in to temptation. Actually dizzy last night!

to all the rest of the gang and check on you all later!

Barb

[SuSUN]

Hello Gang!

WELCOME fellow Canuk!
I will check up on back posts soon when I have more time.

Just wanted to check in, doing okay it is just a tad busy lately.

Bin over at DD's as her DH was in the UK all week.

My DH is taking it in his stride preparing for his Sx on Wednesday. It is the extended time in the collar brace thing that he is not too keen on, that comes after the Sx. Could be up to 3 months, no driving so that limits him again, looks like a long summer!

If I remember the care of these collar's they get quite stinky underneath. I'll have to sit him between two fans!

Wishing YOU ALL a lovely long weekend!

SuSUN

[Loretta V]

Hi to all

I sure had a busy day yesterday running back and forth to town, x3. Forgot to mail birthday package for DGS who will be 4 next week. They are just having a child's party. Went back in the evening to attend a wake for a former fellow worker. Poor gal fell last January and has been in the hospital since then, not recovering with one ailment after another.

to Linda and Liz with your DDs and their problems. I have a son that has similar problems. We have to let them help themselves and that is so hard when we want to get in and do it for them. "Give them a kiss and make things all better." Like when they were children. I pray a lot and guess that gives me some consolation.

Liz I guess first off you will have to figure out what kind of vacation you want. I am from Chicago but I do think that NYC has it beat for entertainment. There are several nice museums in Chi and Lake Michigan and the Magnificant Mile for shopping if you are interested.
Las Vagas has some nice shows also. I really enjoyed a trip to Niagra Falls, one time. I was so amazed at those falls.

Barb this must be your last school day for a while. Too bad that chocloate snuck in on you. Those high carb treats really can do a number once you get used to NOT eating them.

Congrats Zip on getting that first SS check, next Wed. It will be double. That is my "pay day" also, but on the 3rd Wed of each month. I got my first Medicare EOB the other day. (I think that is what you call them).
I forgot to tell you to drink a lot of water for that constipation and put a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in at least one large glass of it. I add some sweet and low to it also.

Linda thanks for another set of laughs. Some really good ones in there.
I thought that Gerard was getting a backhoe type tractor and not a lawn mower tractor. me. Yes I guess he should cut the grass with it. Did his swelling problem settle down from the other day?

Shawnee I like your new quote. I liked the other one too about wisdom. Keep em coming. Hope your energy level has perked up. I am doing better now after those iron pills for a few months. Suppose I need to get my levels checked again.

Susun good to hear from you. Hope all goes well for DH next Wed. on that surgery. Any more pics of Ella?

We'll be here Ginny. Funny that going to work can sometimes be a "very good thing". Peace

Later folks

[Jewels]

Seems to be the rule instead of the exception lately...sleeping to 9:00!! Oh how wonderful!!!!!!!! having a SS check in the mail would make it even more worth this retirement.

Roger, my birthday is in Aug. but I have to wait til the 2nd Wed. in Oct. for my first check. Course when we turn 65, Medicare will take most of it back!!!

Liz, I was going to suggest Niagra Falls but Loretta beat me to it. I've never been there either but want to some day. For an anniversary, it sounds so romantic!! Maybe we'll make it for our 50th!!! Don't laugh, it's only 8 years away. Maybe then we won't have to go in the bathroom for that S*X...

Ginny, you take care, take some deep breaths and we'll be right here for you if you want to vent. Sending

Loretta, slow down girl...what day is your DGS birthday? My DS2 birthday is on Monday. My baby will be 36. Oh that hurts.!!

SuSun, good to hear from you. Good luck with DH Sx. You both have some stressful times ahead!

Barb sweetie, sorry you caved to the chocolate but glad to hear you are human. Just try and remember how it made you feel the next time it crosses your path. YUCK...

I am hanging in there, not losing, not gaining. So is that good or bad? Hmmm well, I did gain a few lbs back in Jan. and they are still there and for some reason I seem to love them. I keep telling them to get the hell away from me but they love me and want to stick around. Do I turn my back on them or love them back?

Off to get dressed and go be social. Lunch out with a friend. Isn't life grand??

[shawneesioux]

Hi Y'all

Sending and soothing thoughts to those who need them...HELL, we ALL need them!

more later

Shawnee

[eculmone]

Hidee ho fellow Canadian to u 2 I'm from Ontario as well. Windsor, just across from Detroit (Motor City) "cough cough" It's very polluted here but the sun is shining today and we have the most amazing birds in our back yard. I've seen blue jays, cardinals and woodpeckers in with a bunch of other's too numerous. I'm sure sparrows and I've seen a crow or two, but I opened my screen door to bbq my lamb chops for lunch (mmmmmm) and the most beautiful song bird was singing. I tried to see what it was? I know the blue jay has a loud scary chirp (wail) and they like to scare off the others, but my back yard and dining room (floor to ceiling windows) face the back yard of an old wooded apple orchard. So it's like a nature reserve in the heart of the city. It's heaven.

SuSun What's wrong with DH? I hope not serious?

Zip, we've heard Montreal is so beautiful, but I'm a bit intimidated not knowing French and being Canadian and all. They have said some francophones (English & French) can be quite rude. But I might be willing to give it a try?? Hmmmm? Been to Niagara Falls, it IS AWESOME. DH & I had many romantic getaways there After our dating phase, we also brought dd there last summer. The fireworks over the falls was so pretty. Drove up to Niagara on the Lake. Stayed at the Riverbend Inn. I would highly recommend it. Your view from the patio dining area is the vineyards and Pellar Estates. We did the tour and brought back a couple cases of the vino. It was excellent. I loved the ice wine. Mmmmmm (Wouldn't bring dd next time) It's not for children, maybe tiny ones who can't walk or talk yet. She had fun, but we were a bit pressed to keep her hushed sometimes and since the Inn had no pool, she thought it was "ok". It's really a place for couples; relaxation, carriage rides, bicycle rides, roming in old book stores, checking out the art, wine and romance. Mmmmm I like the Niagara Region 2

I would LOVE to check out the Big Apple. I love that Melanie Griffith movie when she is a secretary who impersonates her boss. At the end she is riding on a ferry with lady liberty in the distance and a Carly Simone song is playing. God I'm Senile, for the life of me it's popped out of my head. I'm not good with Geography either, is that Manhattan??? I like shows, Art, good food, good wine, good S*x and of course S H O P P I N G! We don't know too much about art., but we do have a few good pieces. They certainly didn't cost 1-million dollars. I think you were talking about a certain type of art Zip? I tried to check out the piece, but I had to log in, so I just came back. Sounds like Bisquick? See told ya, I don't know much about it, but do know what I like.

K, gotta run, lamb chops have rested & I'm ready to enjoy.

BBL
Liz

[zip2play]

Hi again,
Light workout but nice swim. Super low cal dinner planned: Nice salad with sesame dressing and a HUGE shrimp cocktail (like 12 extra large each)...Atkins would be proud. I can bring this in at around 600 calories each.
I'm starving but have to wait til 5:45 (an hour)......only 610 calories today so far and tummy's rumbling...too bad I have no cheese in the fridge!

Loretta,
Problem is solved with the constitpation but you reminded me that I LIKE taking cider vinegar and will start up again.
Loretta, Are you SURE that I will get a double check? I don;t think they told me anything like that!

Liz,
I got some SEVERE rudeness in Montreal because I couldn't speak French til the found out I was from the states...then they warmed. WHy not fake the same thing...careful not to say "eh" though, a dead giveaway! Windsor is so close, why not do New York City! (That movie is WORKING GIRL!)

Barb, I am fine up high BEHIND GLASS but I cannot lean over a high terrace. I feel like I will somersault over even if the railing is up to my nipples!

Julie,
Oh YAAAH, I FORGOT that Medicare will come out of that piddling check. Well it will be better than the $650/month I am paying for my Health Insurance now...or WILL it?

OK, off to root in the fridge for a tiny bit of SOMETHING...oh, I know, a half piece of Matzoh for 56 calories...PERFECT!

[LoveMontana]

Hey hey everyone.

Tail chasing again today and had a ball doing not much of anything special. Planted some flowers in the deck pots, got a couple of tomato plants too and just lolly gagged around Lowe's.

Ginny, Bless your heart, you are a good daughter. Wishing you the best with your mom there. It's really a difficult situation.

Liz, glad to hear that your DD is adjusting to those meds. Not much we can do though except hope.

Unless you have at least two weeks, preferably more, never mind the North west. You don't have time to enjoy it. Roger lives right across the Hudson from Manhattan so is better equipped to tell you all about that wonderful City.

Niagara falls is OK but NYS has many more wonderful places to visit, like the Finger lakes region. Washington, DC is fantastic too.

The Upper peninsula of Michigan is also very lovely as is the Amish country of southern Pennsylvania.

Roger, it will be interesting to see if you do get two checks next Wed. I am scheduled to get My first check Aug 24 . A full check but from then on, I'm having Federal Tax deducted.

Darn it all, Roger. Now you have me craving shrimp c0ctail, and I don't have any shrimp.

HA!! 5,000 feet above sea level does bother me. Even the 3200 ft. in Missoula was a bit nasty. I was soooo tired and a bit S.O.B when I tried to do much. However it was very damp and rainy , unusual for the area, so it may have been mold and mildew causing it.

Heights LMAO In Lake Placid, I about died when we took an elevator to the top of one of the ski jumps. It was an exterior elevator all glassed in. This gal was sitting on the floor all the way up and back down.

Hump, if you want RUDE French, go to Paris. It was just AWFUL!

Julie, guess our old bodies don't want to lose those extra lbs as easily as we did before. My 7 lbs of No smoking weight are still with me.

LOL Bathroom s#x can be quite fun. As can a car. You can always go into the parking lot for a quickie.

Got ya beat. My DD will be 41 on May 31. UGH!!

Barb, don't feel bad. We all fall off once in a great while. Just put a box of Godiva Chocolate on the table, stand back, and get the hell out of my way.

Susan, please keep us posted on the upcoming surgery and his progress.
DH had to wear a back brace (clam shell thingy) after his fusion and it could be taken off and washed occasionally. Just wipe the inside with soap and water and dry well.

I e mailed you a link about laproscopic hysterectomy. Hope you got it. They are using it almost exclusively in this area. Look in to it.

Loretta, back at ya. It's is so very difficult for us moms to just sit back and watch these adult kids go through hell.

So just how much do they take out for your Medicare premium? Is it a percentage or a set amount?

Children's parties are the best. That way we adults don't need to attend. We can just send a gift or card and drop in to see them at our convenience. Wish #2 DDL would do that. She drives me NUTS. LOL

Shawnee, (((hugs))) to you too. Yeah we all need them, don't we?
Hope you got to play in the dirt today. It really is fun.

[Jewels]

Got ya beat. My DD will be 41 on May 31. UGH!!

Is that your baby? My oldest will be 41 this year...
S*x in a car...hmmm hadn't thought of that!! Good idea!!! Come on guy's, I'm taking any idea's I can get. After all we'll be there for 3 whole days!!!

Niagara falls

Awww don't break my heart here. I've been looking forward to that place all my adult life. I would go to the Canadian side though.

[shawneesioux]

Hi Y'all

Brrr, we've had everything but snow here today...some of my rose canes were broken down from the heavy downpours. The sun would make a temp appearance, turn the world all steamy, tropical..and then T-Boomers.

Montana, GOOD for you, playing Farmer! I'm jealous...we're breaking WET records, after that impossibly dry stretch. The weeds around here (lawns too) are tall enough to tickle a midget's butt.

Re the SS...well...Bob used to have a Medicare deduction of $66 monthly, but I think it was the first of the year, it raised to about $79. To add insult to injury, his Supplimental Insurance we buy privately jumped from $150 monthly to $168.

Ginny, major to you, tough time for y'all.

And you too, SuSUN, you and your DH are in our thoughts.

Man, just the thought of those monster shrimp with C*cktail sauce has me drooling..unfortunately, seafood is a NoNo for me (*whine*)

The glass elevators and deep canyons freak me out in my old age...this from a gal who used to love being up as high as possible.

I've found something that I like almost as much as chocolate, and is better for me...fresh blueberries They are still $ yet, this early in the season...But I'm worth it!

Loretta, glad the Iron is helping you! I was surprised to find my Ferritin result was ok at 108 (15-200 range)...felt like I was low...LOL, guess its my Battery that's low

I talked with our Jacki tonight, she has 22 more "get ups" til her School year is over. She's had more than her hands full lately with her job and family...I'm sure looking forward to the time she'll have time for ME!

Hey Liz...sounds like a BIG CITY jaunt is in order for your Anniv. Great thing bout the Web, you can research before going.

Julie, you're having waaaay too much fun, planning your "sexcapade" adventure !

EDITED: Just for you, Loretta...

I give you Chicago. It is not London and Harvard. It is not Paris and buttermilk. It is American in every chitling and sparerib. It is alive from snout to tail. ........M L Mencken

Shawnee