EMERALD TUESDAY for the MVM

[zip2play]

For those who got tired of rubies...as if one COULD!

GOD Linda,
6 G's for a new stove Does that include a French Chef in residence for a year? I guess those burners aren't the $39.95 replacements at Home Depot. I had NO IDEA the prices went that high...this cheezy landlord gave us Magic Chef ranges that I've seen for $199 (and he probably got a volume discount on the first 10,000 of them.) LUXURY additions include an analog clock that is an EXCELLENT grease catcher.


It's not quite as hot as I'd feared and maybe DENNIS taking a more westward track is responsibe...or maybe the weathermen are just STOOPID...yah think?

Today,
I am pooped and still on that damn weight plateau (I'll have to consign it to the back burner...too frustrating.) Most museums are closed Tuesday so we will probably gop against our better instincts and see WAR OF THE WORLDS at the backyard Loew's. I don't care much for Tom Cruise anymore but the special effects look dazzling...but can they carry a movie. Well at least the HIGE SCREEN and Super Dolby sound will do it more justice than watching it at home on the 30 inch Toshiba! And THEY will pay for the afternoon's A/C. Skipping the gym today.

I've got a three day sticker in my lower left quadrant abdomen and a large buildup of psyllium. If the dam doesn't burst today I might do an enema tonight...tedium! But I'm hopeful of the "natural" route and will do a black bean soup for lunch!

Ginny and Loretta,
Give us a report on the rain in your neck of the bog!

Best Tuesday wishes to you all! May the SKINNY FORCE be with you!

[BarbCO]

Morning folks......

Gee, I almost had a new volunteer job!! I heard on the local news today that the police department was doing a study on DUI's and had a group of volunteers get drunk and then tested their reflexes, etc. That would have been a "free party".

Stupid question alert: why doesn't Florida have underground ultilities?

Now Zip, you can't lose weight everyday! You always get so impatient with a plateau. I think that's called let your body adjust to the new "skinny" you. You are almost there!

The roses are soooooo pretty. Almost picked a few for my dining room table.


Looks like the rain is finished for KY and TN. Guess what, Emily is now heading for US. Another Tropical Storm and we need some rain out here so badly just to put out fires.

Linda, I'm in western CO and not in the front range area (Denver). As you can tell by my pic I'm within viewing distance of the beautiful San Juans.

Isn't it amazing what appliances cost now days? And, they don't make them to last anymore. My old Sears Kenmore dryer lasted forever and a new one just will not be as sturdy. The saleman even told us that they do this on purpose. Buy new! Keep up with the times!! Another way they get you is lack of parts to fix the old one.

Shawnee, wish I could send you some sunshine! If you live north of the 40th latitude, you don't get enough Vitamin D. DD will be in Oregon from January to June and now she will get a taste of NW weather. If she can stand that she can choose to live there if she wants.

SuSUN, how was the birthday bash? That is such a neat milestone - one year!! Hope you took lots of pictures.

Loretta, my $.02 on the water thread - let it go. As long as you continue, no one will step forward. I would let it go by telling everyone you need a break and someone else can pick it up and go with it they want a water thread. If no one does, so be it. Of course, I'm not nice like you and kind, and considerate. I get fed up with things and have no patience with people who don't help themselves.

Liz, how are you?

Ginny, I sent you a PM.

[eculmone]

Well, Good a.m to all.
Shawnee thanks for the pics. Does Rex smell as good as it looks? I know it's cliche, but I can never pass a rose without inhaling that perfume. It does my heart good.

Hope all goes well with your electrocardiogram and the removal of a lump? I'm finally going to see the Cardiologist this week.

Roger you make me laugh Honestly try the malitol Dang stuff works on my for DAYS!!!

Well, to ALL of you, thank you sooooo much for the support & your advice It really hit home. DH also read your posts. He generally stays away from my computer, but I'm so glad he read it. NOW he has a 7 yo's perspective and my MVM gang's perspective. We had an honest and long long talk yesterday. HE TOTALLY ADMITTED BLAME. I nearly FELL over! No excuses, although he did comment that it goes both ways with US. He's hurt that I said anything to you all and I said where else could I turn? My feelings ARE REAL and to merely focus on HIS NEEDS is wrong in a marriage. I told him how upset I was about the mercedes purchase. This SUV is very big. I've cracked my shin's getting in or out. Smacked my head climbing in. I'm 5'4" and I need a step ladder to get in and out. God help anyone smaller then me BUT it is just an example of selfish behaviour. Purchasing art for the home and just bringing it home or framing MY art that I had plans for... The list is long and it's not the items, it's the "lack of respect for my input into this marriage". We haven't actually "kissed" and "made up" BUT, I believe he actually understands. As well, when I'm ill, he get's the eye rolling thing and the lack of concern just blows me away. He was silent for a long while and I slept with my dd last night, but this a.m. he did say good bye to me as I was leaving. I'm hoping we can come to a mutual understanding...

Thanks all

[eculmone]

Forgot to add, Roger, I have RRMS so I'm soooooo grateful. It's 11 years now and this last episode started around October, 2004. I haven't been right since then. The thing about remitting, relapsing is you never know from day to day when this disease rears it's ugly head. What is really scary is that I've been on a steady decline since Oct. so I fear I'm moving into stage 2; secondary progressive. I'm on a new med for my stomach and my comfort level has moved from a 2/3 to about a 7/8. Remember my nights were so horrible? For about 3 nights in a row I've been able to sleep lying down

The drug I'm on is Domperidone. But I have to take it 4x's a day 20 minutes prior to my meals. If I forget then I eat and go crap! My pills, then I do pay for it with the nausea and vertigo. As well, I take Nexium at night. When my head is spinning and I feel so horrible 20 minutes later my belch is so loud, long and low. I put the men to shame. I think my neighbours two doors down can hear me But OMG do I feel better. Hee hee.

[OrchidCactus]

Mornin' y'all,

Windy here today for us, but the sun is currently shining. We've got good chances for t-storms etc throughout the week, but I think they may be diminishing. Dennis seems to have blown himself out for the most part. We got some good soaking rain which we needed, no downpours here to just run off. The grass is a GOOD shade of green now (lucky DH, he'll have to mow again soon! LOL)

Zip, I haven't been to a movie theater in YEARS. I much prefer to watch anything in my own living room, eating my own snacks and using the PAUSE button as necessary!

Barb, got your PM, check your email! OMG on that DUI research! I bet they had a line up for that test! Hope you get a good rain soon, those fires need simmering down.

Liz, good for you getting your feelings stated. That took some balls to show him our posts! What it boils down to is respect, and if there's a lack of that then a marriage can't survive. Love, trust and respect are the BIGGIES... if you lose one of them, you're in serious trouble. I hope this is a catalyst for you both. For him to understand he needs to communicate and respect you, and for you to voice your needs before an issue becomes huge. It's very hard to break a pattern, especially one that was ingrained since childhood. It takes a lot of work, and each person will be out of their comfort level until they become accustomed to the change. Think of it as a child's mobile (the thingy you hang over a crib with the toys suspended), it has a balance of it's own, but when you remove a toy (change something) then it will jump around and have to find a new balance. That's essentially what you do when you change something in a relationship. Hugs to you both, and keep working on it! Sounds like you both want to make it work.

Shawnee, love the roses! We used to have some, but all the maintenance got to be too much with everything else around here so we let them go. Have all the fireworks ended for y'all and you've regained peace and quiet?

Loretta, did you get much from Dennis? Hope all is going smoother for you now that your DH vented some. It's bound to continue happening since M is pretty much incapapble of change. Do what you have to do for yourselves, and BIG

Linda, I remember a number of years ago when MIL needed to get her washing machine fixed...it was a Kenmore. The repair guy told her that Sears only keeps parts in stock for 10 years and there's enough of a difference between Kenmores and the co. that makes them (can't remember if it's Maytag or Whirlpool) that the parts weren't generally interchangeable. Now I know they only plan on a lifespan of 10 years (go figure!) for an appliance, so we'll always have to upgrade eventually. I say keep 'em running as long as you can.....

Susan, post when you get a chance and tell us about Ella's BIG DAY!

To all, have a wonderful Tuesday,

[LoveMontana]

Hi guys,

Slept in really late for me and then had a few phone calls . One from my DD who ended up in the ER for an abscess on her arm. Guess there was a piece of metal embedded that she got when she hit some construction debris that her neighbor carelessly left in her yard. They wanted to admit her for an I & D and some IV antibiotics but she refused. It began draining on it's own so they didn't need to drain it. She spend 6 hrs there getting IV antibiotics and was sent home with a script for more.
Then my mom called to say their 41 yr. old maintenance person, Brian, dropped dead Sat. afternoon. MY GOD!! That's far too young. He was such a hard working person who had 2 young kids.

Roger, how much are tickets at your Lowe's? I see quite a few movies that I would like to see at ours Lowe's which is located in our Town Square Mall where Wally world and all those other shops are located.

LOL those Sub Zero appliances are right up there in price too so I'm not too shocked about the price of those German Ranges.

Bummer on that plateau Roger. I'm not even going near the scale for a couple of weeks. It's too depressing. AND yesterday I was really bad. LOL I bought a lb of those wonderful Ranier cherries and ate half of them. Oh well, it's only once a year that I do that. Just like that wonderful Butter and Sugar corn on the cob. Gotta have it at least once.

Barb, LOL that does sound like a dream job and free party Do they still want volunteers?

Sheesh, I need to get out the Atlas and refresh myself on some Geography. So you are on the other side of the continental divide where all rivers flow west, eh? Anyway I hope you get some much needed rain out there soon.

Ginny, glad Dennis provided you with some much needed rain. It looks like we aren't getting a bit since it tracked more toward the west of us.

LOL we haven't been to a movie in at least 100 years but I occasionally think about it. Sure wish they had a pause button there though and not so many people

We are going to check out Sears because they do have a few drop in Electric ranges for around $1000, however none have the downdraft exhaust fan we need. Our range is in our peninsula and a very precise fit between some cabinets.

Liz, I completely agree with Ginny. Marriage is all of that plus, and in my mind a biggy, FRIENDSHIP. We should be each other's best friend and share everything.
When Gerard and I got married, I kept my maiden name but now hyphenate it, we have a joint checking account as well as our own individual accounts. All of our property is jointly owned and there is always, always discussion before a major purchase.
Wishing you and DH the best and hope you can resolve those Old World issues. That is absolutely no way to live. Remember you are NOT property.

Loretta, how are you doing? Hope M is settling down.

Julie, enjoy your week.

Shawnee,
Your roses are spectacular to say the least. I can almost smell them.

OK gang, here are some pictures of the deck pots of flowers and my two little tom plants.










One of the finished table. I'll take more later

[shawneesioux]

Hi Y'all

Cannot let today slip past without mentioning that its some kinda Anniversary for RUBY TUESDAY ...maybe its 43?

Been doing better with the brain fog thing in general, but seem to have an overload this Am.

Good to hear some of y'all are making progress in the weight and relationships areas

Major to those still struggling for resolutions ..that ol' Life is an Obstacle Course thing.

The REX Rose has a true name: Sexy Rexy ...slight fragrance.
My son Rex was born a natural huggable cutie, and was called Sexy Rexy for about the first year of his babyhood...then again during his Teen/dating years

I'll be back later on.

Shawnee

[shawneesioux]

MONTANA

OH, Boy! Love those pics...Gal, your Brown Thumb has definitely turned GREEN !

Table sure turned out great. Ya done good

[zip2play]

Hi everyone,

Linda, the cocktail table looks really nice! Our backyard Loew's Cineplex is $8.75 Regular...$5.50 for matinees during the week and first matinee weekends. Seniors (62+) pay $5,25 at all times. In Manhattan regular is about $10.50 but seniors (MOST 62, a couple still 65) pay $5.50 or $6. I'll bet you've got a $3 matinee.

Quick Review: WAR OF THE WORLDS has the best special effects I have ever seen and the first 20 minutes involving the DESTRUCTION OF BAYONNE is absolutely astonishing...I recognized the neighborhood since it's the town immediately to our South. Special effects get a 9+...Gooey relationship beween Tom Cruise and his 2 kids gets a THREE...and the two children themselves deserve to share a large nail driven directly into their foreheads. The endlessly screaming little girl was perhaps the most annoying character I have EVER seen on screen.

Shawnee,
I guess I picked precisely the wrong day to switch titles from Ruby Tuesday then! I'm sure the scraping went very well...Bob was just amazed at the huge STAFF that worked on his leg...can barely see the stich marks. Of course his was TOTALLY unnecessary...benign keratosis!

Liz,
Whew...you mean our marriage counselling was subjected to outside scrutiny...we'll have to have a secret meeting to talk about this!
Glad things are a bit smoother with you two.

Ginny,
I think you are right about DENNIS being nearly spent...it looks like we will get nothing at all and that loop back South to you again didn't seem to happen either.

Barb,
No, it's a REAL plateau, not just my impatience: 205-206-207....twice I went below but bounced back in a day. I've really been stuck in this triple range since back to June 9th. I guess I've been too content with 2300 calorie days and have to push it down a bit to get 200#.

[Loretta V]

Hi to all

Thought I had better check in before you send the posse after me.

Lots of pictures to see. Thanks Shawnee for the roses. They are beautiful. Seems like mine have quit blooming for now. I sure like having more wallpaper choices. Shawnee glad to hear that the fog is lifting for you. Send some of it this way for me. A fog might look better than this reality. Just kidding. DH has a grandson named Rex after his maternal great grandfather.

Barb thanks for that advice re the water thread. I just don't get it over there. Surely they do want to lose weight? Maybe they should switch the name to Maintain also. M was diagnosed as bipolar in 2002 or so. That was done in Nevada. Seems like that is another term for maniac depressive according to what I have been reading. She wants to know more about it. I told her to use her library card and check out some books. I want to volunteer for that study too as long as they are monitoring the driving track. Seems like I am getting used to going in circles.

Ginny we have had lots of rain and cooler temps. Down into the 60s today. What a nice relief. Hope the rain lets up soon though, so it can get absorbed by the ground.
We had a Sears humidifier that we finally had to let go because the parts to repair it were obsolete. We tried to keep her alive.

Linda you can grow flowers and veggies!!!. Nice job with the glass table top also. I love seeing the pictures from around your homes. Did you have any bipolar people at the mental facility you worked with. My worse fear is that they will say that she is marginal and can make it on her own. If that is the case I don't know what will be next. She cannot handle her own affairs, re money etc. Not for me to decide.

Zip you have done a marvelous job with that weight loss. It would be fine to stay at the same weight for a while. I remember complaining about my goal weight being so steady and then it went up higher. Bummer.

Liz have you two done the counseling thing. That can be helpful. I think verbal abuse is worse than physical abuse because no one can see the scars or bruises that it leaves. My x was a big time verbal abuser and was destructive to my belongings at times. He never did hit me but was still an abuser. Hope things work out for you and your DD.

Julie where have you gone?

Susun are you still recovering from Ella's party. Hope it was a joyous event.

Seems like I cannot sit down at my computer without company. I am shutting the door from now on. Please let me quit complaining. Don't listen to me.

[JackiCWa]

Hello everyone.
Been a long time since I've been here. Well, I've been lurking a lot.

Anyway, I kinda went off the wagon---no, no kinda about it. Went off big time and put everything plus back on and felt like I didn't deserve to be in Maintain Lane.

I've started it back up again and I'm on day 15 of induction. I'm going to stay on induction for a while until I feel comfortable, literally and figuratively.

I've enjoyed reading your daily posts and have felt happy and sad and worried along with all y'all. Susan, thank you for the lovely photos I get in my email. The jokes also.

Ginny, Shawnee shared some of your wonderful shower gel with me. It smells so wonderful! I love it!

I'm feeling a tad bit lighter and more comfortable already. And very motivated this go round. X your fingers for me to have the strenghth to stick to it this time.

Hugs to everyone. I'll be hanging out in Induction Board mostly for a while....nice ladies over there in the same boat as me. Maintain Lane will be my reward.

[eculmone]

Loretta, did you know my dd who is 20 was just diagnosed Bi-Polar? Man, it is one of the most infuriating conditions. I just found out she's been off her meds for the last few months. And I was soooo dang frustrated with her behavior and was thinking these meds aren't working. Ahhhh, I guess you gotta ingest them if there going to work

I'm frustrated, confused, nervous, scared and sad that this is my dd. There are not many books on bi-polar, but there are a few web sites and I did find one. Type David Oliver into your search engine. He offers a ton of free advice and there is a chat board, but I've not gotten that far. I'm still in denial a bit and my dd has a habit of kicking me out of her life or doing something so totally "mental" that I need a time out from her life. You really need tough skin to deal with this. I wish you all the best

And I didn't "show" my dh your posts. He went snooping. In hindsight I was glad since he knows it's not just 'in my head'. I totally agree mental abuse can be worse then physical. I've sadly, been down both roads.

Lord, Lord, Lord. I'm calling... Here's hoping I don't get his voice mail.

Luv Liz

[LoveMontana]

Roger, I'm going to be sure to check our Lowe's prices. I do notice that the complex is quite busy during the after noon so I bet there are senior discounts. There are some movies I really want to see as does my mom. LOL but we both need to take ear plugs. From what I remember, it was always so darn LOUD that it actually hurt our ears.

Pass the nail and hammer. Those screaming brats were all over Wal Mart today


Shawnee, LOVE the name Rex. My mom's maiden name was Rexford and everyone called her dad REX. He is the one who was born in Ireland.

So how did those boxer type undies work out? Hope you aren't hurting today. That is such a sensitive area. OUCH!

Hi ya Jackie, it's great to see you posting again. Now don't worry about the fall off. You know what to do and WILL be able to get back to maintenance again. Hang in there.

Loretta, Oh dear God!! Yes we had many bi polars aka Manic Depressives in the Psych center and they were by far the most difficult and frustrating to deal with. Dear Lord, I would much rather deal with a Schizophrenic.

Can't you take her to a hospital or psych center and drop her off? There is no way you can do a thing with that disease if they stop their meds and it will drive you up the wall and make you sick.
Sorry I don't have much sympathy for them even though I know I should. It's not really them but damn it, they should know enough when the meds work NOT to get off them. Fortunately we have many who are under court order NOT to stop them. They are also supervised under lock and key or in a group home.

If all else fails, put her on a bus to NY, because we lock them up and treat them because they can be a real danger to self or others.

Liz, I"m so sorry your DD is suffering from that disease too. Sometimes I think my DD is too although she has never been DX. Her doctor thinks it's adult ADD. HA!!

So when is the Cardio visit this week? Hope he/she is finally able to DX and TR you.

Waving to all. If I get some energy and time, I'll put up a few more of my boring pictures.

[BarbCO]

Hi Jackie, good to hear from you again.

Loretta, is M on meds for this diagnosis? If she was labled at that time she should be on meds because that is the key for stablizing. I'm sure Linda will encounter the same thing but we've had too many lately that have a diagnosis and then refuse to medicate or stop taking meds because they feel better! I also have a neice and she is finally getting her head on straight and taking meds, getting married in December and has been able to keep a job. A friend of mine has a 30 year old son who cannot manage without help. He lives in the same town (small rural community) but does not drive, cannot manage money at all. What happens when the parents cannot assist anymore?
I noticed that ALL of the maintainers drink their water over on the water thread.

Linda, what neat pictures! You must have been teasing when you said you killed everything - how did these beautiful plants survive? When you get your atlas out head for I-70 out of Denver and go past Vail, Glenwood Springs, and around Rifle head south. Montrose, Ridgway, Ouray, Telluride, Silverton, and Durango have the BEST of the beautiful San Juan Range.

Got the results on the thyroid -blood work and just stay on the meds as is becuase everything is normal. TSH and T3, T4, lipids are all speaking to each other nicely! Re-check in a year and I always say if I'm still living! Blood pressure check in a month - that's more like it, chances of making it are better.

Julie must still be camping!!

[shawneesioux]

Hey Y'all

So...how do ya know how much is really "mental''...and how much is pure crap they are pulling, cause they've done the deviant behaviors before, and found out it gets them attention? Some want attention so badly, they'll take Negative attention over none at all....hence, the acting out..

I realize each individual "case" is unique...and many need meds to function properly, or even may never reach that stage of balance....requiring supervision or even lock up...
But I sometimes think perhaps the Medical profession is too quick to slap "Labels" on,(especially with the younger patients) and overmedicate cause its easier for the Family and Doc deal with...
Anyhoo, I'm rambling...however, IF a person is an Adult, can function marginally or better on meds, and is enjoying the privilages of Adulthood (as is Liz's DD)..that person should also accept the responsibility of Self-help., ie, Medicate! Be aware of symptoms..
For some, its amazing how much more self-reliant they can become, when the "Safety Net" of the usual Rescue Posse is withdrawn.

Ha, Zip...your Bob must be a special Dude, getting all that attention...was this performed in a Teaching facility? Glad to hear he's doing so nicely
Geez, all I got was my PCP and his assistant...and the subjects of conversation were Child Molesters and Pain Threshholds....
No stiches, it was cauterized. Minute pain, my biggest problems are: OUCH !on removing/replacing the damned big band-aid in such a tender , hard -to-see area...and trying to miss the band-aid while PEEing.


Montana...YES, Bore us to tears with more pics! As Loretta said, its fun to see into the lives of others..GAWD, we are a snoopy bunch!
How's your DD doing now???
REX is a great name, and after 39 years, DS still likes it

Barb, I asked my DGBrat just that: Why aren't FL utilities underground? (she's been there, has relatives living there)..She says its cause the soil is weird, unstable...
WOW, your wildfires are scarey. Be safe.
Portland did a monitored Drink & Drive last year, televised. Unbelievable, how many drivers were obviously intoxicated, yet felt they were "in control".., UNTIL they saw the Replay of themselves.
SUPER on the Thyroid !
My BP today was 112/70...glad something with me is good

Hey Jacki, GOOD to se ya pop in...sending ya TONS of well-wishes
How bout a Pic of your gorgeous Datura (or whatever that huge thing is)??

I'm running outta steam before getting to everyone
......and dammit, I have announcements

Good news, bad news...its the Circle of Life thing.
The Chuckster's time is limited...bless his ol' mean self, there will be no prolonged crap, I love him too much for that. Even Bob, Mr. IN DENIAL of every illness/symptom , has agreed its getting close to time.

The other news is, from Kaci (who had previously disliked kids intensely ...)..was smitten by the Nesting Hormone while dealing with her pregger SIL. I've been under a Public Vow of Silence, until she was sure and had made her own public announcements..

the Stork will make its bundle-drop mid-March



to Ginny, Loretta, SuSUN..Julie, Liz...sorry if I omitted anyone..really tired.

Shawnee

[OrchidCactus]

Hey gang,

Shawnee, CONGRATULATIONS TO KACI AND JEB!!! Reckon all of us will have to throw a virtual baby shower? I totally agree with you on dr.s diagnosing especially kids too quickly. Hurry and write a 'scrip, medicate them under control seems to be the going thing now. Makes it hard for those who REALLY DO need the meds and help to be taken seriously. My main rant is with kids being dx ADD/ADHD, I think much of it is diet and lack of raisings.

Linda, great pics--I think you've broken the brown thumb curse and have done wonderfully! I hear you on the Manic Depressives and meds (I think they call it bi-polar now to make it sound 'nicer'), many will take meds until they feel stable and then think they don't need them anymore. Of course, then they're back where they started.

Liz, glad your DH went snooping and found us. Seeing our responses was hopefully a huge eye-opener, and now y'all can work on fixing the problems. Do what you have to do with your older DD re the Manic Depressive to keep yourself happy and healthy. That kind of mental illness is very draining on family if they allow it to be. Have you considered telling her that you will not deal with her if she stops her meds? Hard to know for sure that they're taking what they should when they should...... to you!

Loretta, sounds like M really needs to be checked over physically and mentally. Also sounds like a group home with supervised meds will be necessary for her, especially if she is in denial about her condition. Hopefully they will pull her license for good, she definitely doesn't need to be driving again. Good for you getting out of an abusive relationship! It takes a strong person to leave, so many are too afraid to leave. I had a friend years ago that finally left a seriously abusive man and it took her a LONG time to get back on her feet.

Jacki, WELCOME HOME!!! Post here whenever you feel like it. Don't matter if you're not currently maintaining, we want your posts again!

Barb, great that the meds are doing their job re the thyroid! Keep tabs on how you feel just in case an adjustment is necessary. Stay safe with those fires!

Well, all, off to lurk a bit then BED! All have a good night.