What's Happening in Your Life?

[sodascouts]

Good to hear you're feeling better, and I'm glad you got to spend your Christmas at home, Jess - if the storm had to happen, at least it had one benefit! Now I bet you're doubly glad you took Thanksgiving off. ;)

[MikeA]

That just astounds me Jess. I mean that you would realistically expect the casino to be full on Christmas. I would never have suspected it and you know how many times we've taken "casino trips". I guess the closest to Christmas we came one year was a flight out of Wichita on Dec 26. Las Vegas was pretty much DEAD until around the 29th when folks started getting an early jump on New Years.

I don't know that we have ever been near a casino on Christmas or Christmas Eve for that matter. I guess a hardcore gammer is NOT going to pay attention to the day of the week nor the hour of the day.

[Glennsallnighter]

Sorry I too haven't been round for a while. Its been busy here and while hubby has been working most of Christmas most of his shifts have been 'day' ones. As you can imagine with two little people to entertain its been busy here.

Kate, great that you could check in again. I miss you. Hope you had a great Christmas with your family and your Mum. I'm keeping your Dad in my prayers.

Rhonda!!!!!! Congratulations on your publication. I'm sure it will be wonderful, and again, the first of many. :applause:

Jess, I'm delighted you are feeling better and also that you got to spend Christmas with your family. It worked well for you this year!

Mike I hope Amanda continues to do well and that your brother too improves. I'm sure you are looking forward to being a grandaddy again in 2010.

[MikeA]

Just got word from my Mother a few minutes ago. They are wanting to release Johnny from the hospital today....that's a kind way of saying they are kicking him out. At this point, my Sister-in-law is fighting it because the only assistance they can get is a Nursing Home.

I don't know how the restrictions are at those institutions, but if they will not let Rhonda live there too, they will be in for one hell of a fight! She will not leave his side other than to go home and shower or go down to get herself something to eat.

Johnny is better. He is not mobile, but they did have him sitting up in a chair. I'm not sure if he knows much about what is happening but he does seem to recognize most everyone who comes in and can talk a little to them though what he says doesn't always make sense.

It won't be easy <sigh>.

[Brooke]

I'm so sorry Mike. I've found out with my Dad's illness that different nursing homes have different rules. The first one he was in last year about this time, they wouldn't allow my Mom to stay the night with him. She could stay all day, but at 10 pm she had to leave. Well, after 60 years with someone, she couldn't handle that, so she brought him home and hospice helped her (along with us kids). Then when it got impossible for her, he went in to another home 15 miles from the first one and they welcomed her at any time day or night. And all of us kids, too! It might take some investigating to find the right one.

[MikeA]

They are putting a lot of pressure on Rhonda, Brooke...or at least that is the way she is conveying it to my Mother (and my Mom may not be getting everything about it straight either!) One thing is for sure...Rhonda is hysterical right now...full ON PANIC.

Seems like there are two possibilities right now....short term care which would be covered for the first 20 days...or long term which is Nursing Home Care and indefinite in duration. There is no way he can do the N.H. thing without being on Medicaid and they haven't applied for it yet. You know how the bureaucracy can drag out on that.

One thing is for certain though: Rhonda cannot possibly do all the things that have to be done for my Brother were she to take him home. Nursing type things like injections and other things we'll not discuss here! In essence, Johnny is a complete invalid at this point and can do absolutely nothing for himself.

I don't see how they can avoid the Nursing Home route. But I don't see how they can do it without being on Medicaid and I don't even know if they can qualify for that. Nor do I have a clue as to how my Brother will react to being constrained to a Nursing Home and especially not having Rhonda with him all the time. It's a very rough situation that I hope will start straightening itself out VERY FAST!

[Troubadour]

I just wanted to check in, as it's been a little while. I guess the festive season throws any routine out of whack, and I haven't had as much time for the net these past couple of weeks. Thank goodness for the BlackBerry!

It's good to hear from you, Kate. I'm sorry you had to go through a court case, despite trying to settle matters amicably with your neighbours. Still, I'm pleased it went in your favour (although it doesn't sound like there was much doubt of that.)

I'm so glad you're feeling better, Jess. You described exactly how I've been feeling the past few days, so I know how miserable it is. I battled through the past two work shifts, but the shift leader took one look at me this morning and sent me straight back home! I've been dosing up all day. I'm really hoping I'm at least a little bit better in the morning. I think perhaps I didn't get back to full health after the flu a few weeks ago, and just caught this thing very easily.

Rhonda - big congrats on the publication of your story! That is seriously cool. You should be very proud! With your warm, lively, descriptive style, I'm not surprised they loved your writing.

Mike - thinking of you, and hoping for the best for Johnny.

Wishing everyone a very happy New Year. Let's hope 2010 brings lots of laughter and happiness!

[Glennsallnighter]

Mike, I hope everything works out OK for your brother and his wife. It may take a little research and trial and error to find the right care for him but he is lucky to have the support of a wonderful caring family who want the best for him.

Lou! Thank God for the BlackBerry indeed. Best phone ever invented IMHO. I hope you are feeling a lot better today. Dose up keep warm and rest. You need to shake this thing off you. Hopefully the new year will soon bring warmer weather too.

[MikeA]

Johnny is in for 120 days at a Rehab Center specializing in Brain Trauma. They were pretty optimistic that they could help out. If nothing else, this will give them 4 months to prepare for whatever is to come. Whether it be at home which might require some physical alterations to the house to accommodate Johnny's disabilities, or mentally for housing him at a Care Facility.

[Peekaboo]

That just astounds me Jess. I mean that you would realistically expect the casino to be full on Christmas. I would never have suspected it and you know how many times we've taken "casino trips". I guess the closest to Christmas we came one year was a flight out of Wichita on Dec 26. Las Vegas was pretty much DEAD until around the 29th when folks started getting an early jump on New Years.

I don't know that we have ever been near a casino on Christmas or Christmas Eve for that matter. I guess a hardcore gammer is NOT going to pay attention to the day of the week nor the hour of the day.

Trust me, Mike, casinos here in OK are plenty busy on Christmas Eve and Christmas. This especially is true for the casino i work at. It's the second largest in OK. We have a lot of big promotions on the holidays and the casino gives away lots of money and prizes. Plus, the locals can still do Christmas with their families and make it to the casino in time for the drawings. We definitely get our fair share of gamblers on the holidays.

[Molly]

Johnny is in for 120 days at a Rehab Center specializing in Brain Trauma. They were pretty optimistic that they could help out. If nothing else, this will give them 4 months to prepare for whatever is to come. Whether it be at home which might require some physical alterations to the house to accommodate Johnny's disabilities, or mentally for housing him at a Care Facility.

Glad to hear that your family has bought a little time with your brother.

Your SIL should most definitely start the ball rolling by applying for Medicaid. Your brother's disability sounds severe enough that he should be able to qualify for some assistance. Hoping this works out and your family can get the help they need.

The Rehab Center will hopefully have case managers or social workers assigned to your brother's case that will help your SIL get ready for what is to come and help them find the best alternative care post discharge. Your SIL should not be shy about asking a ton of questions of them as to what is avaiable.

Good luck to all of you.

[Glennsallnighter]

I'm glad that you have somewhere stable for your brother to go to for the moment anyway Mike. I'm sure its a load off your mind. I hope its the right place for him and that he gets on as well as he can.

[MikeA]

"They" have been weaning him off the opiates for close to three weeks now. As of three days ago, He was down to 20mg of oxycodone (10mx x2) per day and was showing improvement mentally. Then they cut him completely off and he is better than he's been for over a year! Apparently, his liver is in bad enough shape that it was not able to discharge the buildup.

Anyway, he is at the Rehab center now and is determined to give it everything he's got. They will be doing physical therapy, mental exercises and something they call "occupational therapy" though I don't know what that is. They are using "alternative" methods for pain control and will be "experimenting" to get the right combination...but no narcotics. They just have too adverse an effect.

Right now, everything is looking pretty optimistic. "Optimistic" is a relative term for seeing where he's been, it looks like he might be able to improve his quality of life somewhat if this therapy works out. Lord, I sure pray that he improves enough to come home and that my SIL will be able to take care of him. I don't think he'd last in a Nursing Home with no hope of getting out.

[Koala]

This morning I was visiting my grandparents,
my grandpa has a margins and bowel influenza and my grandma still recovers from her pneumonia.
And now I got a call that my grandfather died, no idea why!
I have seen mine grandpa at least once the week, he was the perfect grandpa ,always funny (even if he has felt not good for example when he has got his new hip or as them with him had ascertained cancer and he was always there for me when I needed him.

[EagleLady]

Oh, Koala I am so sorry

[sodascouts]

I'm sorry to hear that, Koala. At least he is out of pain now, but so suddenly... it must be very hard.

[MikeA]

My sincerest condolences Koala.

[Troubadour]

I am so sorry, Koala. I'm thinking of you and your family. It sounds like you had a wonderful relationship with your Grandpa. :hug:

[Brooke]

Koala, I'm so sorry about your Grandpa. I'll be thinking of you and your family.

[GlennLover]

My deepest sympathy to you, Koala! My prayers go out to you & your family.

[ticky]

Im so sorry to hear about your Grandpa, Koala. He sounds like a great man.

[Koala]

Thank you so mich for your condolences and your friendly and warm Words!
I had the difficult evening and night, my granny has spent the night by us, she is very confused and has of course, not much sleep, how we all, now luckily she sleeps! The hardest thing for my, was to call my sister and to say her that our grandpa is dead!
In addition, of course, we had to take even the first preparations for his funeral.
I still can not at believe it is all still so unreal!

[Peekaboo]

Oh Koala, I'm so sorry for your loss. Stay strong, my friend. Many good thoughts and prayers to you and your family right now.

Mike, i hope everything works out for the best for your brother in the rehab center. I'm glad to hear that everything is looking up for him right now.

My days are so thrown off right now because I worked this past thursday night. I don't usually work thursdays. I know it's sunday but it feels like monday to me. I hate that because I feel like i should have 1 more night of work instead of 2. I just gotta get through monday night then I'll have 3 days off. Mondays mean that it's friday for me and I'm soooo ready for my friday. Bring on tuesday already, i'm ready for some R&R.

[Molly]

Koala, I'm so sorry for your loss.

[Koala]

Thanks again !:grouphug:

Thanks Peek,thanks Molly,
that was a tough day!
My grandma is so confused, that they often don´t know where she is or who just spoke with her and she always wants to be my grandpa.
We can in this state they can´t alone, of course, is thus always one with her.
I hope her condition improves soon, otherwise it quite will strenuous in the long run. But we also create this!

[Freypower]

I'm really sorry to hear about the loss of your grandfather, Koala. I hope your grandmother pulls through this OK.

[Koala]

Thanks FP!
I hope everything is slightly better when at last the funeral was and then she something comes to rest, unfortunately, the funeral is only next Saturday.

[TimothyBFan]

My thoughts are also with you and your family Koala, especially your Grandmother.

Mike, I hope that everything works out and settles down a bit for your brother and his wife. What a difficult time for them. Your sister in law sounds like a very strong and inspiring lady. Bless her!

[Prettymaid]

Koala, I was very sorry to read about the loss of your grandpa. May you continue to remember the good times you shared with him.

[Koala]

ThanksTBF & PM!
:hug:
I must repeat myself, many thanks for your kind words!
That means me and my family very much and that really helps me a lot!

[EagleLady]

My Brother is depressed about School and I don't know what he is upset about

[Glennsallnighter]

Koala :hug: I haven't been on since New Years Day and only just read about your grandfather. I'm so sorry to hear he passed on. He sounds like a wonderful man and looks like you had a great relationship with him. I'll keep him and also your grandmother and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

Peek!! I know what you mean. With the schools still off here it can be impossible to know what day of the week it is. I think its Tuesday!

EL, don't pry too much with your brother. Maybe he has to sort something out that is happening at school. Just let him know that you are there if he wants to talk. Lots of people find school and college difficult after Christmas. Its when the real pressure sets in.

[Koala]

Thanks GA!

My grandfather was really a great man always kind and helpful.
It is really frightening to see how fast someone can age, my grandma is aged in the last few day considerably,
of course it is most difficult for her, the two were married nearly 57 years.

[Glennsallnighter]

Your grandma has of course been through a lot over the last few days so it is natural that it has aged her. Of course its difficult for an elderly lady after 57 years. It is a big and final change for her. I'll keep her in my prayers.

[TimothyBFan]

When it rains it pours..... Yesterday I received a jury duty notice (I served on a jury about 2 1/2 years ago also) and within a half hour, my husband called to tell me he was being laid off as of Friday. They are hoping it will only be a few weeks and very temporary. I guess it's for a good reason if it works--they were bought out about 3 months ago and apparently this company wants to get new distributors locally. The county in which Larry works has made the national news for over a year now as having the worst unemployment rate in the nation. It's mainly RV industry and of course most of those places have gone belly up now. Larry's company is one of the very few places that has stayed afloat thru it all. They make delivery trucks (UPS, Fed Ex, Hostess, etc) and homeland security mobile units. So hopefully it will work out ok in the long run. Larry's been there for 15 years this year.

The jury duty thing I wouldn't mind, but now with him laid off, and me being self employed and not getting paid if I don't work, the $15 for the day to show up for jury selection won't pay for my parking and sure won't help pay the bills.

[MikeA]

Dang Willie! Are there other employment options in your area?

[ticky]

Awe Willie, Im sorry! That sucks but you'll get to have Larry around for a while (a plus? a minus? *G* either way.. make a nice long Honey-do list) I hope he finds something soon.
Jury duty is a pain too. I've been called a few times but have never served, yet. Twice for Federal! Each time I've been sick or pregnant or had a brand new baby so I was excused. Hey! You could get pregnant!!! hehehe
Anyway, best of luck and I hope Larry gets back to work soon and maybe you'll get an exciting case.

[sodascouts]

I'm so sorry, Willie. I hope Larry's layoff is indeed temporary. Perhaps if you let the jury selection committee know your financial situation they'll make an exception for you.

[Molly]

Willie, fingers crossed Larry will be back to work quickly.

I just got a notice for jury duty this week, too. It's been a few years, but I'm the only one in the house that keeps getting notices. Steve is chomping at the bit for a chance to serve. Wish he could go in my place.

Chances are I won't get chosen since as I get older, I'm beginning to subscribe to the "Andy Sipowicz (NYPD Blue) your guilty until proven innocent theory" more and more.

Good luck, Willie.

[Koala]

Willie, I hope Larry will be back to work fast!

Today, my grandma came into the hospital. She had cramp attacks and was not approachable any more. No idea what she has the investigations are not concluded yet.I hope it was only because of the stress of the last days. At the moment it looks as if she can not attend the funeral of my grandpa on Saturday.

[Brooke]

Awwww, that's sad, Koala. I'm so sorry. I hope they can do something for her.

TBF, good luck to you too.

[Wildthyme]

I am so sorry to hear about your grandpa and grandma Koala - I know how much my grandparents always meant to me - you and your family are in my thoughts :)

[TimothyBFan]

Oh Koala--I hope your Grandma starts feeling better and can make it to the funeral. You are all still in my thoughts.

OUT OF JURY DUTY!!!Thanks Nancy for your idea. Told them hubby was being laid off on Friday and that I'm self employed, yadda yadda and the bailiff gave me a 1 year deferment. One less thing to deal with now. :thumbsup:

[Glennsallnighter]

Oh Koala, your poor Grandma. I can only imagine what she is going through. :hug: for her. And you.

Willie, I'm glad you made it out of Jury service. I hope Larry gets sorted out work-wise soon.

[Koala]

Willie, good you have come out of the Jury thing!

Again many thanks for your kind and helpful words!:grouphug:
I think it important for my grandma that she can go to the funeral, so that she can properly say goodbye.
I really hope that I don´t you bother / bores too much with my writing about my momentary problems!

[Glennsallnighter]

You are right Koala, she needs to be able to say 'goodbye' formally to your Grandad. Please don't worry about bothering us. You are not. Thats what we are here for, to give you support when you need it. Feel free to come here if you are upset. I hope your family can make it through the next few days and I'll be thinking of you all :hug:

[Koala]

GA,:hug:

My grandmother was allowed to leave for the funeral, the hospital! She was better than we have expected! After the funeral, and after family, friends and neighbors still have something sitting together, we have brought her back in the hospital, where still some investigations to be made in the next few days.
It was a short but very nice (can you say this so?) funeral.It was for all good that we finally had the funeral and we are now able to devote other significant things, how for sale the house and finding an apartment for my grandma.

[sodascouts]

Koala, I am very glad your grandma got to go to the funeral. She must be a strong lady.

[sodascouts]

Ugh, I had another seizure last night. Unfortunately, it was in public, which is so much worse than having one in the privacy of my own home. With my old medicine, I only had seizures in the morning, but it seems the rules became different when I added a new medication at Thanksgiving, Keppra. Now, I've had two, both at the end of the day. Some good news: I could feel it coming on and could move away from sharp objects so I didn't hurt myself (I never used to be able to feel it coming on), and a friend was with me who could bring me home. I am hoping that as my body adjusts to the new medication and I get into a regulated dosage pattern, the seizures will stop altogether. After all, that's why I'm taking all this expensive crap!

[EagleLady]

Ugh, that sucks Nancy. Hope you are ok now

[EasyFeeling]

Sorry to hear that, Nancy. I hope these seizures stop soon.

Koala, sorry to hear about the loss of your grandpa. :sad: My best wishes for your grandma.

Last week I started a new job in our company. Most of the work is totally new to me and I had only a short time to learn, one week to be exact. :brickwall: That's far too little time but what can I do. :-x I hope my colleagues will help me now and then.

[Koala]

Thanks EF! Good luck with your new job.:)

Soda, I hope you are ok now and I hope the new medication will help and stop the seizures soon.

[ticky]

Awe Nancy, Im sorry about the seizure and I hope the new meds help. I know how frustrating it can be to not have control over your own body. I hope it all gets under control soon.

EF. AHH!! only a week? wow.. *G* are you a fast learner? Im sure you'll get it though. Best of luck. With every new skill you learn, you become more valuable to the company.

I know this is no big deal, but for me it is very depressing. My espresso maker died. I did find a really GOOD new one but I had to order it so it'll be here some time next week. In the mean time the current one is eeking out a latte for me each morning being held together with kitchen towels, duct tape and a prayer! Somehow, I'll survive *G*

[EasyFeeling]

I know this is no big deal, but for me it is very depressing. My espresso maker died.ROFL http://www.cheesebuerger.de/images/smilie/froehlich/g020.gif http://www.cheesebuerger.de/images/smilie/froehlich/g020.gif http://www.cheesebuerger.de/images/smilie/froehlich/g020.gif

You crack me up http://www.cheesebuerger.de/images/smilie/froehlich/g020.gif

[Koala]

I know this is no big deal, but for me it is very depressing. My espresso maker died.

No big deal? Sure it is! I would also crazy / depressed if my coffee maker would be out of order!:hilarious:

[MikeA]

From what I've heard, a Ticky without caffeine is like C4 with the igniters plugged in waiting for someone to press the button!

http://www.mvabercrombie.net/Emoticons/thumbs/thumb_x_j0424446.jpg

Get that espresso machine Rhonda!

Nancy, bummer about the meds. I sure hope that either you can adjust to them or they can get them regulated. While I haven't walked in your shoes, I can only imagine the problems you must have with this!

[EasyFeeling]

http://www.cheesebuerger.de/images/smilie/froehlich/g020.gif http://www.cheesebuerger.de/images/smilie/froehlich/g020.gif http://www.cheesebuerger.de/images/smilie/froehlich/g020.gif

My espresso machine, never fails me http://www.smilies.4-user.de/include/Girls/smilie_girl_052.gif

http://www.caffelattebitte.de/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/mokka.jpg

[ticky]

LOL EF.. I have one of those up at the cabin. You're right.. it's a never fail.

Mike.. if all else fails, I'll chew the beans...

Thank you Koala!! SOMEONE who can relate!! hehehe

[Brooke]

Soda, I'm so sorry about your seizure and am hoping the meds get it all worked out soon. I'm sure it's very frustrating for you.

Ticky, I hope that espresso machine gets to you fast!

Ef, that looks like a indestructable machine for sure! :lol:

Koala, I'm so glad your Grandmother got to go to your Grandfather's funeral. Best of luck in getting everything sorted out in the coming days.

We've been going through another devestating ordeal since the 28th of December. My older brother's wife suffered a brain aneurysm. She was getting ready to wash her hair and a severe headache hit her and she became sick at her stomach. She was babysitting for some of their grandkids at their house. One of them called her husband (who is a truck driver and was hauling beans to the elevator) and 911. They got her to the nearest hospital, but then they had to life flight her by helicopter to Columbia, MO to specialists. She had an angiogram that showed bleeding, and they did a procedure to stop that and also had to drain blood which was causing pressure. It's a miracle that she has survived. She is doing very well. She knows everyone and can move everything, but has some short term memory loss. She has been in ICU ever since and will be for another 10 days and she is stable, but is not out of the woods yet. It remains to be seen just what damage there is for sure. We have been to see her twice now and she looks very good. My brother has been there non-stop since it happened and is hanging in there. My younger brother lives there and is helping all he can and their kids are, too. Please keep them in your prayers.

[MikeA]

You got it Brooke. The least we can do!

[Glennsallnighter]

Koala, I'm glad your Grandads funeral went as well as it could and that your Grandma was able to attend. I hope you manage to sort things out as painlessly as possible.

Nancy..... bummer with those new meds, I hope you manage to regulate them well. At least knowing that a seizure is coming may be some small help. I hope it works out for you.

EF, good luck with the new job. I'm sure you'll be fine. I often think trsining is overdone anyway. The best way to learn a job really is to do it! JMHO.

Brooke of course we'll keep yout S-I-L in our prayers. I'm glad that she is ok. The confusion will probably go. My dad had emergency surgery last year and was very confused afterwards but he's fine now. It went gradually.

[TimothyBFan]

Bummer Nancy! I sure hope these new drugs start working quickly for you.

Brooke-Your family is in my thoughts. How scary that must of been for everyone. Hope your SIL recovers quickly.

[Peekaboo]

Brooke, I'm sorry to hear that about you SIL. Hope she gets better soon. Prayers and good thoughts are being sent your way.

Koala, I'm glad that your grandfather's funeral went off well and that your grandmother was able to be there as well. My best to you and your family.

EF, I'm sure that you'll do great in this new position at your job. Good luck with everything.

Nancy, I'm sorry to hear about your recent seizure. Public or not, seizures are never good. I'm glad that you can at least feel them coming on. That's something positive out of all this. Good luck with these new meds. I hope they work wonders for you.

[Prettymaid]

Trying to keep up here. Reading everything and keeping everyone in my thoughts.

[Stars]

Brooke-I am thinking of you and you are in my prayers.
Koala-my prayers are with you and your family too.
EF-Wishing you good luck in your new job!
Nancy-hope your new meds help you. I was sorry to hear about your seizure.

I just had some moles removed from my back,and had a bad reaction to Benzoin, which is an adhesive placed under the steri-strips. Now I am itching like crazy, and the rash is spreading all over the place! I go back to the doctor on Wed., so hope I can get relief. I am having hubby put hydrocortizone on my back (God bless him!), but it still seems to be spreading...:-(

[Koala]

Thanks guys!:grouphug:
Brooke, you and your family in my thoughts and prayers!:hug:
Stars, I hope the itching stops soon.

[sodascouts]

Brooke - WOW, I cannot believe she survived. I fully expected to read that she had passed away. That is amazing. Your family will definitely be in my prayers.

Stars - here's hoping that rash goes away soon. Yikes!

[EasyFeeling]

Brooke, all my best wishes to your brother's wife. Thank God she was not alone in that moment so someone could call 911. It's scary to think no one can help you when you're alone.

Stars, I hope you are feeling better soon.

[Troubadour]

Brooke, your sister-in-law is in my thoughts. Sending lots of positive vibes her way.

[Brooke]

Brooke, all my best wishes to your brother's wife. Thank God she was not alone in that moment so someone could call 911. It's scary to think no one can help you when you're alone.

I know. This just goes to show you that you never know what's going to happen. She was just fine the day before. (She's 59) She took the oldest granddaughter to basketball practice, came back and the headache hit. Their oldest son and his wife were in Chicago for a mini vacation. The older grandson just happened to wake up. He's 13. He says that God told him to check on his grandma and he found her lying on the couch in severe pain. He called his grandpa and they got the ambulance there. They live in the country like me, so it usually takes an ambulance about 10-15 minutes to get to us. When I got the call that this was going on, I just figured she wasn't going to make it, because everyone that we've known that had an anuerysm has died. We were all so upset. She has always been very healthy. Hopefully, she will make it and be normal. It's looking good so far.

Thanks for the prayers everyone.

ETA: Stars, good luck with the itching. I've had rashes and they are no fun. :sad:

[Stars]

Brooke, I am convinced that God was working that day, to wake up the older grandson to check on his grandmother. I am so glad she got help when she did. I will keep her in my prayers.
Thank you to Brooke, EF, Soda, and Koala for your concern about my rash. I can't wait til Wednesday, so I can see the doctor. I would go tomorrow, but hate to miss any work. I have off on Wednesday.

[Molly]

Feel better, Nancy.

Brooke, I have a friend who went thru a similar incident 20 years ago. She pulled thru but was left permanently disabled. I think of her every time I get a really bad headache.

Sounds like your SIL and nephew truly experienced "divine intervention". :angel: I pray that the news continues to be amazing.

[MikeA]

WAKE UP Border-ers! g'mornin!

http://mvabercrombie.net/Carry%20On.mp3

[MikeA]

Some news on my Brother that is "mixed".

They will be evaluating him at the Rehab center Friday (day after tomorrow) to see if they think he would benefit from an extended stay in Rehab.

He has made a lot of progress, but still relies on a wheelchair more than he probably should. He is, with the aid of a walker, walking up to 50 or so feet. He couldn't do that two weeks ago. And his memory and brain functions have improved a lot too. I talked to him yesterday and he sounded pretty good...I mean, he didn't start of talkng about golf and finish the thought by talking about some camping trip he'd been on when he was a kid. That is not exaggeration.

Of course we want him to be able to get home! However, he needs almost constant care and his wife is very concerned that she will be able to provide everything he needs. It will be a tough one.

[sodascouts]

Thanks for the update, Mike. I'm glad to hear of his progress but how very difficult for everyone involved.

[melrose]

Hello, Borderers!!!

I've not forgotten about all of you! Over the past few months, I've had some medical setbacks and I, unfortunately, did not have a lot of time to devote to keeping up with the Border. <-- More like none, I know. :blush:

I just wanted to let y'all know that I'm doing great and hope to be back and posting soon!

I hope everyone is doing well. You are all in my prayers!

[sodascouts]

Thanks for the update melrose! I've missed you and wondered where you'd gone. I'm sorry to hear about your health troubles - I hope things are improving. After all, we have an Expando Survivor starting next week with your name on it. ;)

[Koala]

Mike, thanks for the news about your brother, I'm glad to hear from his progress!
Melrose, I'm sorry to hear about your health problems, I hope it will be better soon.

[TimothyBFan]

Mike-it's wonderful that he is making such progress. Hope everything continues to go better for them.

Melrose-glad to hear from you. Sorry about the health problems and hoping everything is better soon. Keep us up to date and get back here soon.

[EagleLady]

We might have to replace our Microwave. It went out again as I was fixing some lunch. I guess takeout is an option.

[Koala]

Today, my grandmother came home from the hospital and we have already found an apartment for her. In which they can draw in, in the next few days, till then she still lives with us. It is a nice apartment in an senior housing complex.

[MikeA]

We might have to replace our Microwave. It went out again as I was fixing some lunch. I guess takeout is an option.

A NUKE is a necessity in MY HOUSE. I use it for the twenty-eleven cups of instant coffee I drink every day, to PopCorn, to lunch!

[Brooke]

Mike, I'm glad to hear your brother is doing well.

Melrose, get well soon and back here.

Koala, sounds like your Grandmother is doing well, too.

El, I hope you get a new microwave. I can't make it without mine!

My sister-in-law is also doing very well. They took her out of intensive care yesterday and moved her to a room. She is pretty weak and there is still some memory loss, but hopefully, those things will improve. They got her up for a little walk, with help, too. They are planning to move her to a rehab facility on Monday. So, things are looking good for her, but it's going to take some time to or if she gets back to normal. It's amazing that she even made it and there aren't severe disabilities.

[MikeA]

Brooke,

I'm unfortunately learning WAY TOO MUCH about these situations that my Brother and your SIL are going through. I send every sincere best wish for a complete recovery for your SIL.

Johnny, well, he had to choose between losing a significant amount of his brain through radiation to treat the tumor there, or DEATH. We know he will not recover that which was destroyed by the radiation. We are just hoping that he can get back to where he was before this last episode he had! He's lost mobility as well as memory. But he is showing progress. He is "thinking" and "communicating" much better today than he was three weeks ago.

This problem with "setbacks" is exacerbated by dehydration and that seems to be happening way more frequently as time passes.

[sodascouts]

Brooke and Koala, I'm happy to hear your encouraging news. Here's hoping things continue to get better.

Mike, how horrible to see someone you love like that.

[Brooke]

Mike, that is so sad. I hope he can get through this and come out on the better side soon.

[Koala]

Mike, I'am so sorry to hear that, It is so sad and horrible to see such a thing with people who you loves!

[Glennsallnighter]

Brooke, I'm glad your S-I-L continues to progress. I hope she makes a full recovery.

Mike, its a horrible choice to have to make. I hope your brother stabilises and that the dehydration improves.

Koala, I'm glad you have your grandma settled into a suitable accomodation. I hope she is happy there.

EL, I hope you find a nice microwave to replace the old one.

[sodascouts]

Well, how 'bout some good news? It's a little thing but it's pretty amazing to me!

Yesterday, I went on campus to do some tutoring for a little extra cash. It was a dingy day - drizzly, just above freezing temperatures.

I had stuck my Bluetooth in the outside pocket of my purse just before leaving... MISTAKE! As I walked along from where I parked my car, it fell out, into the street! The MAIN street of the campus that is very heavily trafficked! The only problem: I didn't notice!

Only a minute after, I did notice it wasn't in my purse pocket anymore... but I had no idea where it had fallen out. In fact, I assumed it must have fallen out in my car. I didn't have time to look for it as my appointment was going to start in a few minutes, so I hurried along my way and prayed I had indeed left it in the car.

An HOUR later... I'm walking back to the car. As I get back to that street and wait to cross it, it occurs to me that I realized I didn't have the bluetooth just after crossing. I look around and lo and behold - there it is - about six inches from the curb on some dirty cement in the street!!!

I desperately want to get it, but cars are whizzing by and their wheels are all coming centimeters from the BlueTooth. I'm positive it's going to get crushed right before my eyes. As soon as there's a break in traffic, I grab it...

And it's OK. Not crushed. Not even damaged, except for some mud that got splashed on it. It still works. AFTER AN HOUR on that busy street!!

Thank Heaven for small miracles...!

Now, how do I disinfect that sucker before putting it back in my ear??

[MikeA]

Me Too Soda....good news I think. First, Johnny did go home yesterday. I don't know how he's doing but they felt that with home PT directed by Rhonda (his wife) that he would be okay. I do know that he made it home.

Then, this morning I got a call from my Father-in-law. He was given a gift certificate to Musician's Friend and was wanting to use it to buy a "Cakewalk" product to record guitar and violin to his computer. I nixed that pretty quickly after looking at the Program and seeing that it was good only on XP and higher OS's.

But there is a Freeware Open-Source program called AUDACITY that I can download and install for him. It requires a separate download and instal ov an MP3 codex, but that's easy enough to get him to a point that he can directly export MP3 files instead of WAV.

The problem is that while there is no way that I'm going to try to have him download and install this, I'm CERTAINLY not going to try to talk him through using it! He is not "intuitive" when it comes to anything to do with computers.

So, I'm heading out now to what may turn into an all-day adventure <LOL> But it will be a FUN adventure! And in the process, I just may find something for him to spend his money on that will really help him with recording!

Okay, I'm a GEEK. I admit it. I actually enjoy doing this sort of stuff!

UPDATE
I have finished with my FIL. I think he picked up enough to do some basic recording with AUDACITY. Before I left, he recorded a track with his violin and then came back and recorded another under it using a guitar and using the EFFECTS was able to manipulate the level that the two instruments were recorded at so that they were pretty much in balance.

AUDACITY is pretty awesome for something that is totally FREE.

[Brooke]

Soda and Mike, having a good day! :applause:

[Wildthyme]

Then, this morning I got a call from my Father-in-law. He was given a gift certificate to Musician's Friend and was wanting to use it to buy a "Cakewalk" product to record guitar and violin to his computer. I nixed that pretty quickly after looking at the Program and seeing that it was good only on XP and higher OS's.

I just applied for a job at Musician's Friend's corporate headquarters which is here. Not sure they will even interview me but its a good place to work for apparently so I figure its worth a shot...

[MikeA]

I just applied for a job at Musician's Friend's corporate headquarters which is here. Not sure they will even interview me but its a good place to work for apparently so I figure its worth a shot...

Well, Cami, I can't speak to the "Goodness" of Musician's Friend as an Employer, but I can certainly underscore them as a good Friend to Musicians. I've bought a lot of gear from them over the years.

I've bought from Sweetwater and "Daddys Junky Music" too. I've had good experience with Internet shopping overall.

[Peekaboo]

Brooke, that's great to hear about your SIL. So glad her progress is looking positive considering all that has happened.

EL, a microwave is a MUST HAVE for me. I don't know what I would do if I didn't have one. Go for it girl, get you a new one.

Soda, thank goodness your bluetooth wasn't ruined. Small miracles....gotta love 'em.

Mike, my prayers continue for your brother.

Cami, best of luck on the job.


I'm about to lose my mind at work. There has been all sorts of instances of people really aggravating me lately, mainly from a few of my own supervisors. UGH!!! It's just so irritating. It's nothing really serious but just stupid, petty, little stuff and I'm getting sick of it. Don't get me wrong, I really like my job but a few people I work with are really irritating me lately. It would be much too long and difficult to try to explain here and I just don't feel like being any more pissed off than I am now. I'll be over it once I get a good 7 hours of sleep. It takes a lot to make me mad but it also doesn't take me long to get over things. I don't like confrontation so I try to let things go whenever I can to avoid things like this. I just have to get through work tonight then I can just kick back and relaxe because I have 5 days off this week. Thank goodness for that because I'm so ready for a break. These days off couldn't have come at a better time. Okay, i'm done venting now.

[sodascouts]

Well Peek, if they ruffled your feathers they must have been pretty obnoxious. Here's hoping things get better.

Hope you get the job, Cami!

Mike, glad to hear some good news. I have Audacity as well and love it.

[EagleLady]

Awww Jess :hug: I hope things at work get better for you

[Koala]

Wildthyme, good luck on the job.:)
Peek, I hope that the things at the work again become better soon!:)

[ticky]

YAY! Cami! hope you get that job! I didnt know Medford was such a Music Mecca. First Guitar Center and now Musicians Friend? Too cool!!

Jess, ssokay, you go a head and vent all you want. We've all been there before. but it does sound like you could use some time off!

El- get a new microwave. I know its weird, but new stuff like that, techno or small appliances really make me happy. Im a Techno-junkie

speaking of which, just wanted to tell you all, the universe is safe once more. I got my new espresso maker. Its a lot different then the other one and is going to take some retraining on my part, but it's pretty durned cool! it takes me about half the time to make my seriously intense latte in the AM.. good thing too.. the sooner Im caffeinated, the better.

[Brooke]

Good luck with the job, Cami!

Peek, you definitely need a little 'downtime'! Enjoy your days off.

Ticky, great news that the new espresso maker is working out!

I had a day off today and am enjoying myself! Slept late, (8:00 is late for me), bumbled around the house doing much of nothing for an hour or so, then the bright idea hit that I should clean out the frig! :shock: It's been a while and it needed it desperately. :rolleyes: It's done now and I feel so good I'm drinking an Orange Crush that's been sitting in there since Thanksgiving! Don't know when I EVER drank one! It's good! (I'm just not a soda pop drinker. Coffee and iced tea are my drinks of choice.)

So, now the day is winding down, ham and beans are simmering for dinner and it's been "A Good Day"! :wink:

[Prettymaid]

So, now the day is winding down, ham and beans are simmering for dinner and it's been "A Good Day"! :wink:

Wait...I'm feeling a new verse...:hilarious:

I had the day off too. Now I'm well rested and ready to play some Expando Survivor!

[MikeA]

drinking an Orange Crush

An Orange Coke.....haven't had one of those in a long time!

[Koala]

Ticky, nice to hear that you really like your new espresso maker! http://www.smilies.4-user.de/include/Trinken/smilie_trink_101.gif

Tomorrow is the Urn burial of my grandfather, I'm not sure whether I go!
I don‘t know but it is hard for me to imagine that my grandfather is in the Urn, this is a very strange feeling!

[Peekaboo]

Thanks for letting me vent yesterday. I don't really know why but everybody at work was just so cranky over the weekend. I must admit that I was a bit cranky too and it didn't help that a few select supervisors were being rude and irritating. Last night was much better. Everyone was in a much better mood. We were all laughing and joking around. It definitely makes being at work a much happier place to be when people are in a good mood. It makes the night go by a lot faster too.

As I've mentioned on my facebook page, it's going to be A Good Day. Thanks again for the Birthday wishes everybody. You are all so sweet. This birthday is definitely going to be better than last year. Some of you will remember that last year's bday was a bit of a downer for me. My uncle had a massive stroke on my bday and passed away two days later. It's hard to believe it's already been a year since he passed. This saturday, we are having a memorial dinner for him. Although it's sad to think about his passing, it's a wonderful thing to have this dinner because it once again brings my family together (my dad's side of the family). We don't often get the chance to get together like this.

[Koala]

Today, I almost had a car accident!
It had been snowing and the street were very slippery, I already drove extra slow,when my car suddenly slipped away and I could not properly control it any more.I saw only one house wall coming closer and closer. I got the car then a little under control and could escape the wall. OK then a ditch came on the other side of the street closer and closer, I was able to escape the ditch, thanks to God even, then I got the car, finally, to stand!Then I have first, some times deep breaths and then I drove, very slowly, to work! I still tremble a little bit!

[MikeA]

Koala,

That HAS to be the most helpless felling one can have: Out of Control. Absolutely NOTHING you can do.

It really does get the adrenalin pumping!

I am thankful that you DID get to work uninjured and with a vehicle that was undamaged by the excitement.

[sodascouts]

Koala, glad you are safe! Are you going to the funeral?

Last night, I stayed up all night with an awful headache and only got three hours of sleep. This morning I'm better, but I'm unsure if I should try to go back to bed and rest or suck it up and get to work. I have some reports I need to edit, but I can do that a little later.... still, I don't want to mess up my sleep schedule.... we'll see!

[TimothyBFan]

Koala--so glad you are ok. How scary that was for you I'm sure. Be careful!!

Soda-glad you're feeling better. Do try to get some rest tho.

[sodascouts]

I've decided I'm going to go ahead and get to work, but you're right, I definitely need more rest! Too bad the Advil I took last night did about as much good as popping M&Ms.

[MikeA]

I've decided I'm going to go ahead and get to work, but you're right, I definitely need more rest! Too bad the Advil I took last night did about as much good as popping M&Ms.

What is it with you Women? Working when you should be taking care of yourselves? My daughter, pregnant with complications related to stress and blood pressure....and she gets a promotion into Executive Management with all the headaches that carries?

I don't get it. But then, I'm just a man.

[Koala]

Thanks guys! This was really a great shock, I've never felt so helpless as at this moment!

Koala, glad you are safe! Are you going to the funeral?

No, but only because the funeral has been postponed to tomorrow, no idea why,now it is tomorrow morning! But I have decided to attend the funeral!

Soda, I'm glad you're feeling better now.

[Koala]

me still becomes quite bad when if I consider what everything could has happened, yesterday, if I had driven the car against the wall or into the ditch. I had really a lot of luck!!!

I am gone to the funeral. It was as awful as I imagined it! I had really Problemes with the sight of the Urn.
With the best sake I could not imagine that my grandfather should be in there. My granny has taken the whole of course very much, she almost collapsed, we had to support her with 3 people so that they could go on.
Today she wants to spend the first night in their new home alone, I do not know whether this is a good idea, times to see how she later felt!

[ticky]

Koala, it sounds like you are going through a really hard time right now. Im so glad you survived the ice in your car, although it sounds really scary. I know how you must feel about your Grandfathers funeral and your Grandmother living alone now. It's hard to imagine life going on as normal when we loose someone we love, but it does and things will get better. Personally, I keep telling myself Spring is coming!! That seems to help with the hard stuff.

Yesterday I finally got into the dentist. I have a bad tooth and had been waiting to see the dentist yesterday instead of making an urgency appointment and going in Tuesday (the tooth kept me awake all Monday night). When I got in to see the Dentist, he insisted on finishing a root canal he started 6 months ago!! SO now Im still in pain and DOUBLED because of the work he did on my OTHER tooth yesterday!! Im supposed to call in today for an urgent appointment but Im going to wait till tomorrow when maybe the work he did yesterday isnt so sore! FORTUNATELY he gave me some pain killers so I am feeling pretty good this morning *G* I hate going to the dentist :yuck:

[sodascouts]

Koala - I'm sorry you and your family are going through such a difficult time.

ticky - oooooooouuuuuuucccccchhhhh!!!!!!

[Brooke]

Koala, I'm glad you weren't hurt in the accident and that you made it through your Grandfather's funeral. It sounds like your Grandmother is going to be ok. My mom insisted on staying by herself after my Dad's funeral and she made it ok and is doing very well. Time heals.

Soda, I'm hoping your headaches are gone and you got a good night's rest.

Ticky, I'm with ya on the dentist thing. Bummer!

My sil is continuing to improve and is in therapy now. She is hoping to come home next week!

[Koala]

Ok, I must repeat myself once again,
thanks everyone for your kind words, since I am going through this difficult time! :grouphug:

Personally, I keep telling myself Spring is coming!! That seems to help with the hard stuff.


This says my mom also, I hope you're right

[Wildthyme]

Koala - I hope things are getting better for you and for your grandmother and family. I know its been a tough few weeks for you all...

In another thread I mentioned I had applied for a job with Musician's Friend. I haven't heard a word back on that one which is a disappointment but on a good note I did get invited to an interview for a position as the Distance Learning coordinator for the Education department at the university I used to work for. Its a limited duration job because right now its only funded for two years but with the rate that online education is growing it has a lot of potential to get permanent funding. Of course first I have to actually be offered the job which seems to be the really tricky part...

I have to say having been semi-jobless the last six months has been a learning experience. I have really had to cut the waste out of my budget. I have never lived extravagantly but I know now I wasted a lot of money on nothing every month in the past. Even with a part-time job and some unemployment benefits my income is about 65% of what it used to be. The thing is, I am managing okay on that. I can pay my mortgage and my bills (including my COBRA) and still find a few dollars for a movie or a meal out once in a while. It makes me wonder exactly what was I doing with the almost $800 more I had in income every month in the past?

[Glennsallnighter]

Koala, sounds like you have had a rough start to 2010. I hope things manage to improve now with the spring coming and the weather getting at least a little warmer. I hope your grandma settles in well. I'm sure its a comfort to her to know you are so caring and on hane if she needs you. I hope we have all made you feel better. Thats what we are here for :hug:

Mike Congrats to Amanda on her promotion. I hope everything is going well for her and the baby. It won't be long now, will it?

Soda, take care of yourself and don't work too hard. I know you are very committed to your work and an excellent teacher but you also have to look after #1.

Rhonda, hope you get that dental work sorted soon and are out of pain. I don't mind the actual visit to the dentist. Had a root canal done a few years ago and it wasn't as painful as I'd anticipated. The real pain over here comes when you are presented with the bill after a consultation!!

Cami! Tell me about it. I often wonder the same. Pay cuts and freezes over here have seriously diminished our income, but, hey, like yourself we are managing by cutting out some of the surplus. AND its only when you cut it out that you realise how unnecessary some of it was. Like you, we make the mortgage, the food, the bills, the kids stuff. Yeah a bit of spare would make me feel slightly more secure, but the recession won't last forever either. Hopefully :wink:
I hope the possible new job really takes off for you. Could you develop online learning yourself as your own business?

[MikeA]

My company is tied directly to the Automotive Industry though we don't sell, build or finance cars. We do Information Processing which includes doing all the data processing to track payments, interest, deliquency, etc.

Last year, the Automotive Finance Division of the company (that's were my group is entrenched) were forced to take a 5% pay cut along with laying off almost half the technical staff. That hurt...not as much as a 100% cut though!

Well, "they" are making noises about being able to reinstate that pay cut or part of it this year. I hope that is indicative of the economy starting to make a little bit of a recovery.

Cami, just hang in there! It will work out....I'm sure....you can put that in your pipe and smoke it! It would NEVER do for me to work at Musician's Friend...at least not in any capacity that would give me discounts or worse, work on the floor where I had to look at all that delicious gear all day long!

My daughter is "due" in mid April. Everything is going very good for her. Well, it is except for Miles. He's giving her a real problem now...one that I've never experienced. The kid freaks completely out when he has to "poop"! Doesn't want to hear it, doesn't want to smell it, doesn't want water splashing on him, doesn't like the noise the toilet makes when it flushes....basically, he REFUSES TO GO until he is cramping and hurting and even then, he wants a diaper rather than to go to the bathroom! I have never heard of a kid that reluctant.

It has made for some GREAT stories we can bribe him with in another 10 years! Amanda has one that happened a couple of weeks ago in a resturaunt but it's too long to tell here. Hilarious!

[TimothyBFan]

Mike -this is one discussion I never thought I'd see on this board! :lol: We had the same problem with out now 17 year old daughter. Don't tell her I ever told you guys that! :lol: Honestly, it was horrid. She would do #1 on the potty just fine but held #2 for days at a time and then it would hurt so bad to go, which of course, made it worse. Then it would really freak her out. It got to the point that the doctor told us to use enemas every few days and then she had to be put on stool softeners. No reward in the world could be offered to make her do it. Thankfully she outgrew it eventually but it was a very long battle. Tell Amanda to hang in there and it will get better but it will be ugly till then.

[Peekaboo]

Koala, hang in there. We're all here for you. I'm still sending out good thoughts and prayers for you and your family.

Cami, I wish you the best of luck on the job front. I'm glad that you have been able to adapt well to your current situation. Just goes to show how strong and capable you are of getting through any tough situation.

Mike, i'm glad to hear that your daughter is doing well with her pregnancy. Good luck on the situation with Miles. Hope that works itself out soon.

Brooke, that's good news about you SIL. Glad she'll be going home soon. Prayers continue for her, you, and your family.

After a few months of waiting, my cousin Francene is finally going to have her gall bladder surgery. It's scheduled for Monday. She's been having more discomfort and pain from her gall bladder lately and her docs are saying that it's getting worse and needs to be removed asap. This seems really bad with the Leukemia and all but this surgery is a good thing and everything is going to be okay. As a precaution, her oncologist has to be on hand but they say the surgery should go well and be a simple procedure. Francene has been doing well with the Leukemia over the last few months but she says she's definitely ready for the gall bladder surgery. She's ready to have one less medical thing to worry about. Just after Christmas she had to have some teeth pulled and even then they nearly couldn't do it because of the cancer but (for reasons I can't remember) they were eventually able to successfully put her under and pull 5 teeth. I know that there's always risks with anestesia but because of the Leukemia there's even greater risk. I'd have to ask my mom but I think one of the main risks is blood clotting. That ain't gonna happen though. I know she's gonna be just fine. Francene is a fighter. She's gonna get past all of this. No doubt about it. She's got exellent doctors looking after her and our whole family is here supporting her.

[sodascouts]

Francene is in my prayers!

[EagleLady]

Francene is also in my prayers

[Koala]

Francene is in my thoughts and prayers.
Wildthyme, I wish you good luck with the possible new job.

[Troubadour]

My warmest wishes and most positive thoughts to Francene right now, Jess. Your optimism will do wonders for her. Here's hoping the surgery goes smoothly.

Koala, I'm thinking of you, too. You've been through a really hard time recently, and I feel for you. You're handling it all with strength and dignity. We're here for you.

Good luck with the job search, Cami. Amazing what we actually spend money on, hey? I've been cutting back over the past few months, and I've realised that I don't need most of things I used to spend money on. It's definitely a positive realisation, although I know having to cut back is hard. Keep your chin up!

[TimothyBFan]

Good luck with the job Cami. Hope it works out for you.

Jess-hope all goes well for Francene. She will be in my thoughts. Let us know how everything turns out.

[GlennLover]

Good luck with the job, Cami.

Jess, I am praying for Francene.

Koala, I am keeping you & your family in my prayers, especially your grandmother.

Brooke, your SIL is also in my prayers.

Mike, I hope everything continues to go well for Amanda & the situation with Miles improves soon. I can't offer any advice on that subject. I have absolutely no experience in potty training, LOL.

[Peekaboo]

Thanks so much for the support everybody!! It's much appreciated. I will keep you all posted on Francene.

[Glennsallnighter]

Mike -this is one discussion I never thought I'd see on this board! :lol: We had the same problem with out now 17 year old daughter. Don't tell her I ever told you guys that! :lol: Honestly, it was horrid. She would do #1 on the potty just fine but held #2 for days at a time and then it would hurt so bad to go, which of course, made it worse. Then it would really freak her out. It got to the point that the doctor told us to use enemas every few days and then she had to be put on stool softeners. No reward in the world could be offered to make her do it. Thankfully she outgrew it eventually but it was a very long battle. Tell Amanda to hang in there and it will get better but it will be ugly till then.

We'd the same problem with Laura too and strangely enough it too started several months before Chris was born. It was exactly the same as Katie. We would plan evenings out so that the babysitter would not be in a situation where she would have to cope on her own if Laura DID need to go. We 'poured' a kids laxative called 'Duphulac' into her. The problem sorted itself at Easter, about 4 months after it started. Why Easter???? Aparently CHOCOLATE is a laxative when eaten in Easter Sunday proportions. Worth a try?

Peek, I too will keep Francene in my prayers.

[MikeA]

I know the Dr Amanda and Phil take Miles to has said something about a mild laxative. I don't know if they've followed that advise.

I DO KNOW that Thursday (Verna watches him all day on Thursdays) the kid complained all day about his tummy hurting and he was walking around doing the Missouri Two-Step! But would NOT "go". Finally, around 5pm, Verna put a diaper on him and he filled it. Oh God did he ever fill it!

All I can say is that kid has a Will made of IRON. When he grows up, I always will want him on MY SIDE in an confrontation!

[Glennsallnighter]

I'm sure you WILL Mike. Listen, don't worry, as a parent I'm sure you KNOW this is only a passing phase, even if it DOES feel like forever. What about a star chart or a few dried apricots as a reward when he does go 'properly' ? of course you KNOW the effect the apricots will have :wink:. But Miles doesn't!!

[TimothyBFan]

I'd like to ask you guys to send some positive thoughts this way for some friends and family that are going thru some crisis.

We found out Friday that Larry's oldest sister has skin cancer that has progressed rather far on her nose in 2 spots. They ran a biopsy on both spots and she should find out today how they plan to treat it-surgery or radiation, etc. We had all been after her since late last summer to have it checked out but she didn't and now she will be dealing with this.

We also found out this weekend that one of my best friends and her fiance are losing their business at the end of this week. They have owned the golf course here in town for years and have always managed to have a very steady business with it and the restaurant but unfortunately the economy has really hurt it and they just can't keep it going. They will have to let it go. They have 2 daughters, 21 & 19 that also work there who of course are now out of jobs also. At the end of the week the only one in the family that will be working will be their 15 year old daughter who works at another restaurant. The girls are pretty upset because of it all and they have never known their Mom or her fiance to work any where but there. Their lives are changing drastically and it's scary. These girls mean the world to me (I've known them all their lives and used to babysit them-the youngest has gone on several family vacations with us) and I hate seeing them so upset. No matter how much you tell them things will work out, they are still scared they will lose their home (it sits on the golf course) and everything else.

Last, a friend's mother is having some heart problems and I've been thinking of her all weekend also. She's never had to deal with her parents being ill before and she, of course, is worried.

My thoughts are with them all and everyone here that is also seeing loved ones going thru so many ordeals right now.

Stay positive and strong everyone!!

[eaglesvet]

You 've got it, Willie...strong positive prayers from the East!!

[EagleLady]

I'm sorry Willie My prayers are with them all.

[Koala]

Willie, I'm so sorry to hear all the sad news, my thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends!:hug:

[sodascouts]

Same here, Willie. When troubles pile on it's especially hard.

[Brooke]

Same here, too, Willie.

[ticky]

Absolutely, Willy, Larry's sister, your friends family and your friends mother all have my most positive thoughts and prayers. Best for you all!!

[TimothyBFan]

Thanks everyone for the positive vibes! I was actually dreaming about some of this stuff last night. It's all so frustrating when it's happening to others so you have no control over any of it and there's nothing you can say to them to make it better.

[MikeA]

Looking out the window of the 27th floor over the tops of the rest of the hotels with a backdrop of snow covered mountains to the west from Downtown Las Vegas. I won't talk about the way I feel this morning. I'm afraid that I got into a contest at a casino here last night. They were betting that I couldn't play Blackjack while trying to drain them of all the scotch they had in stock. I won half the bet....I won the Blackjack part, but definitely lost the part of running them out of Scotch!

I think that if I can get my eyes poked back into their sockets this morning, we are going to make the loop up through the Red Rock Canyon today. That's a big "IF" though!

[Glennsallnighter]

Hope you are having fun Mike.

Willie, all your family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers. Hopefully the luck'o'the Irish will rub off at some stage. :thumbsup:

[GlennLover]

Willie, your family & friends will be in my prayers too.

Mike, hope you felt well enough to travel :fingerwag:! :wink:

[Troubadour]

Warm thoughts and positive vibes to you and your friends and family, Willie. I really hope things turn out for the best, in each situation.

I just wanted to send a little apology for being quiet lately - my laptop, after overheating for months, has finally conked out. It's been sent off to the manufacturer, so hopefully they will be prompt with it. I've had it less than a year - not best pleased! In the meantime, I'm using the BlackBerry, but it's not great for surfing or writing long posts. I'm doing my best to keep up with everything, though. Thinking of you all.

[TimothyBFan]

Hurry back Lou-we miss you!! You owe a whole bunch of nice pics when you get back! :)

[sodascouts]

Thanks for the update, Lou. Hope it gets fixed soon!

[Koala]

Troub, I hope that your laptop is back in order soon!

[Glennsallnighter]

I've missed your posts as well Lou, even though we have been able to chat on the BlackBerrys (or is it berries). But I know the trouble that your laptop has caused you over the last while. I hope they sort the problem for once and for all.

I agree, the BB is great in order to keep up generally, but its awkward to post from and it takes the pages a long time to load.

[MikeA]

I "overcame"! Ooooo that Devil Brew! We didn't do the Canyon loop but did make it down to one of the South casinos.

We went to the SANTANA concert last night. WOW! Carlos is, as you all know already, one of the Top Guitarists ever. He still has every lick and is still playing on the "I'm a child of the Sixties" in his motivational interrupts during the concerts. Nothing obnoxious...just what I think is heartfelt emotion.

But what grabbed me as much as Carlos (well, almost) is his percussion section! Those guys ROCK! Three of them. The one on the traditional trap set is nothing short of unbelievable. He did about a 5 minute solo and knocked my socks off. There are two others and both of them are right up there sending that percussion over the top. It was a Two Hour concert and not a lax moment in it.

At one point, Carlos reached down and took someones cell phone during one of the songs. He talked to the person on the other end and handed the phone back to the person he took it from.

Verna and I were up in the balcony seating (cheap seats). Audio was no problem. Visual, well, there are two big screens on either side of the stage and the video folks were good, switching right on cue to the musician being "featured" during the performance. Madhouse trying to get out of "The Joint".

We couldn't use the escalator to get down. Had to evacuate using the stairs and we were about 5 floors up. Wide stairs though so it wasn't as bad as it could have been.

Bad news is that Verna has come down with bronchitis or something like it. She doesn't feel like doing anything but staying in bed. Horror story on the prescription. She called her doctor in Wichita this morning and she called out a prescription to the Pharmacy close to our hotel. The Pharmacy didn't receive it. We've called the doctor to confirm that they called it out. Still wasn't there. Had to call again to have them call it back in again and after that, I couldn't confirm whether they got it or not. About 20 people trying to get their monthly narcotics refilled and the Pharmacy was in a crunch. Bad moods because 90% of the people taking up space in the waiting line were trying to get their refills BEFORE their 'month' was over! These are for the most part, the people you see standing around on Fremont looking for handouts.

Oh well, hopefully, they will get things straightened out QUICK now. I'm going to run back down and see if they ever received it.

[ticky]

Awe Mike, I hope Verna feels better. Nothing worse then being sick away from home. I know it usually takes about 2 or 3 faxes back and forth from Walgreens to the doctors and back before everyone agrees that everything's been received. Major pain in the butt! Good luck!

I LOVE Santana!! I will definitely want a complete run down later *G*

[Brooke]

Yikes, Mike! You and Verna trying to do yourselves in or what! I'm glad you have recovered and hopefully Verna will soon. It is terrible to be sick, let alone away from home.

Santana sounds great. Too funny about him talking on the cell phone. I'd have loved to have been on the other end! :cool:

Troub, I hope your 'puter gets well soon, too!

[MikeA]

The only bad thing about that "phone call" is that obviously, the phone wasn't being used to take pictures and was dialed out to someone so the conversation wasn't recorded. But, just to have had it happened must have made someone's day!

There isn't a lot to tell about the performance last night. Santana was great. ALL the band was great...the two vocalists, the backup guitarist, the guy on the Hammond Organ, and the three drummers....all turned in a stellar performance.

You know Santana's music. Very Latin flavored. I like it myself, but he could have been playing Bluegrass and I would have liked him. I always appreciate watching someone play guitar, drums (especially) when they are people who have mastered their instruments. These guys have.

This was the first dedicated concert I've been to with Santana. I've seen him a couple of times at Festivals where he just did one or two numbers. But his entire show was well presented with great audio, video and the light show.

Verna is doing a little better. The inhaler that was prescribed has helped quite a bit, but it has something similar to SPEED in it I guess because she was unable to sleep any this afternoon. She's out stirring around right now but I'm betting she is in the room before I am tonight!

I had a good run down at the El Cortez. I was playing Single Deck and moderated my bets to avoid drawing attention while still ramping them at the right times. I may go back again after dinner. I'm a little hesitant to walk down there after dark as that is a pretty rough two blocks. A lot of stores that have gone out of business and that's sad. One of those stores was a guitar shop that I always spent a couple of hours in. It was very small and the guy who ran it seemed to be pleased to have someone to visit with. We'd sometimes jam using some pretty good equipment he had for sale. Gone now though.

[Peekaboo]

Oh Willie, you're friends are most definitly in my prayers. I sure hope that things will work out for them.

Mike, I can't wait to experience Vegas for myself. I've never been. You'll have to give me a few pointers when I get the chance to go. I'd love to see a show there too. Must've been incredibly awesome to see Santana live and in person. I'm glad that Verna is feeling better. I've come down with Bronchitus (again) so I know what she's going through.

Lou, we all can't wait to have you up and running around here again. We've missed ya. I think the reason for your laptop overheating is from you posting such HS&G pics here on The Border :wink:. I hope you get it fixed soon because, like Willie said, you owe us some FABULOUS pics when you return.

Francene finally had her surgery yesterday. Although we got a bit of a scare, everything went fine and she's finally home and resting well. We arrived at the hospital in OKC yesterday at 10am because the surgery was supposed to be at noon but she wasn't taken in till 1:45 (I don't know what the hold up was). We were told that the procedure would take 45 minutes and then she would be in recovery for an hour to an hour and a half. Well, we waited and waited and waited and waited. It felt like forever. We saw many doctors come out to talk to families and many of these families were coming and going but not one doctor or nurse came to talk to us. We really started to get worried after 2 hours. Knowing that Francene has Leukemia, we were really starting worry when no one had come to tell us ANYTHING. Even when Francene's mom had gone to ask the waiting room nurse/attendant what was going on she was told that they weren't allowed to call back there to the surgery patient area. Finally at 5:30 were were told that she we could see her. They said she was out of surgery at 3 and the doctor had apparently continued on to his next surgery. He claims he "called the waiting area but there were NO family members there." LIAR. None of us ever left the room. UGH!! We were incredibly upset about that but the important thing was that Francene was okay. It was supposed to be an out-patient surgery but Francene was in more pain than usual so she had to stay over night. She's home now and we're glad that she's doing good now. Thanks for the prayers. The support from you all here is amazing.

[TimothyBFan]

Gosh Jess--I bet you all were exhausted after that day!! It's hard and exhausting enough under normal circumstances to wait for someone to get out of surgery but when it takes 2 times longer to hear anything .... Glad everything worked out ok.

[EagleLady]

So glad to hear Francene is ok.

[MikeA]

Jess, can't believe that Dr pulled that stunt. You know He knows that when family is waiting they are not just going to disappear...He just got the wrong waiting room when he called (if he called) and didn't have the courtesy to take the time to make sure he called the right one.

And any time you decide to go to Vegas, holler. We don't to the "luxury trips". And we don't do a lot down on the Strip. We do make ventures onto the Strip for shows or really special deals. Like a FREE room at "Paris" Wednesday. Beautiful room....but we didn't stay there.

[sodascouts]

Thanks for the update on Francene - oh my gosh - I can't imagine how stressful it must have been not hearing anything for so long! I'm so glad she's doing well, though.

[Koala]

Peek, I'm so glad that Francene is doing well, she is still in my prayers and thoughs!

[GlennLover]

Peek, I'm very happy to hear that Francene is home & doing well. Not fair that your family had to go through that at the hospital.

[Molly]

Hello to everyone and hope you're all doing well.

I needed to slink away for a while and try to take care of some "issues" going on in my life. Nothing solved yet -but I'm determined to start making some changes around here. Wish me luck.

Jess- a rude doctor? 25 years of working in a hospital -I've never come across such a thing! :lie: I'd be willing to bet the doctor was the reason for the late start, and then having a day that was not going as scheduled, didn't even bother to check in with the family.

Thankfully, most docs aren't like that -but there are a few. Your family should get an opportunity to "rate" how the hospital experience was -don't hold back on your opinions.

Anyway -hope Francene continues on her road to recovery. Good luck and many prayers to her.

[Glennsallnighter]

Molly!! Great to hear from you again. I hope you are sorting those 'issues', and keeping well as well.

Mike, certainly sounds like your holiday is having its ups and downs. We tend to get copies of any perscriptions that we need before we head away so we have the bit of paper if the script needs to be filled.

Jess I'm delighted things went well for Francene and that she is back home recuperating from her surgery, but that must have been a nightmare wait.

Francene reminds me of..... Maleah, How is Amber doing? Hope everything is going ok for her as well.

[Peekaboo]

Thanks everybody. Francene is doing much better now. Still a bit sore and tired but much better than before. She told me that her mom gave that doctor an ear full when they FINALLY got to speak with him. Francene said she didn't really like the doctor from the start but he's the doc that the Indian clinic chose for her. She said he's fairly young and didn't seem very professional. Even still, he should've had the courtesy to make sure we knew that everything went fine with the surgery because we were worried sick.

And Molly, thanks for the info. I'm sure that Francene's mom and my mom will report to the proper people about what happened. Also, I hope everything turns around for you and that those issues get sorted out soon.

[Koala]

Yesterday I was at the hairdresser, I must say, I've always had short hair, actual all just a little bit should be recut!Now I have a hair length how this:
http://www.glennfreyonline.com/images/GFreyMasters02.jpg
too short!
Glenn looks good with this hair length , I did not!:brickwall:

[Koala]

I visited my sister at the weekend. I traveled by train. Actually the journey takes only 30 minutes, this time it lasted 2 hours (because of the snow and strong wind) and the train still had a 40-minute delay!Otherwise, the weekend was very nice, we were in the cinema ( Sherlock Holmes), we were shopping and we have seen the Hell Freezes Over and F1 DVD's at the 53 inches TV from my sister, very cool!!

[EagleLady]

Well Our Hot Water heater has a leak in it

[MikeA]

MAJOR event! Earthshaking....or at least Roomshaking.

I have all my music digitized on my desktop computer but it's down in the basement and hooked into a small computer speaker system. Yet upstairs, I have these large floor standing Sony Home Theater speakers with an amplified sub-woofer. The only thing they've been used for is television and every once in a great while, a DVD.

Well, yesterday, I was picking up a few things from Walmart and went over into Electronics. I found a 3.5mm to RCA 1/8" adapter! I hooked the RCA plugs into one of the inputs on my Home Entertainment Receiver and the 3.5mm jack in the headphone out jack on my notebook computer.

I used WinAmp to catalog all of the music on my Desktop computer into the Library of my Notebook using my wireless connection. Now I can listen to those albums I've recorded on the good speakers!

What a difference! Reminds me of my old audiophile days back in the 60's and 70's. I didn't even scratch the surface of the stuff I've recorded, but did get reacquainted with Walsh, Led Zep, Heart and Aerosmith. Gotta say that I've been selling Aerosmith short for a number of decades. They can sort of ROCK <LOL>

It's a temporary thing though with the speaker system upstairs. Verna has been staying with her mom at the hospital where she is trying to recover from deteriorating lungs (enphoesemia and excuse the spelling) so I wasn't disturbing anyone...other than maybe the neighbors! Daisy seems to be recovering a little but it is going to be a long haul for her before she is strong enough to think about coming home.

Nothing new on my brother. He still seems to be about a clear headed as he is going to get...no more "zoned out" spells. He cannot stay in the facility at which he is being cared for now but for a few more days. Medicare (I think) covers only 20 days there and if they do not qualify for Medicade, they will either have to make long term arrangements or he will have to be out of there.

He is not strong enough physically or mentally to be cared for by just his wife at home. He doesn't have a lot of meds now but has to have two strong people to assist him in transferring from bed to wheelchair. He can "walk" between two fixed rails, but he carries most of his weight on his arms. We're sure hoping that he gets aide financially for long term care. And we're hoping that eventually he WILL get to come home. He doesn't know that he is in a long term facility for the aged. He seems happy enough there. No complaints.

[EagleLady]

Our Hot Water heater has been fixed

[sodascouts]

I'm glad your brother is at least happy, Mike, and hope he gets government help. I also hope Verna's mother feels better - my grandfather lived with emphysema (had to look up how to spell that) for years.

Cool about your sound system, though!

[Brooke]

EL, glad that water heater is fixed. I hate being without hot water.

Mike, I'm wishing the best for your brother.

My s/l is doing very well at home. She still has the short-term memory loss, but otherwise is fine other than being quite tired. She has family that is helping her with exercising and some memory tests on the computer. Time.

I am excited about going on vacation Wednesday to Cancun, Mexico! We got 5-6 more inches of snow yesterday and am looking forward to warm beaches and sunny skies! :yay:

[sodascouts]

Thanks for the update, Brooke - and have fun in Cancun!

[Molly]

Good to hear some positive stuff is happening to loved ones! Much deserved.

Mike, it irks me that your brother who has such need is still getting the government runaround. I'm wishing him the best possible situation so he can continue to do as well as he can.

Brooke...great timing! Enjoy your trip!

[Glennsallnighter]

Koala, glad you had such a good time with your sister, despite the rather trying weather.

Mike and Brooke, I'm so pleased your respective family members are at least doing ok. Mike I hope a suitable place is found for your brother is found that he is happy in.

Brooke, enjoy your holiday. I'm sure you'll appreciate the warm sun. We've had no more snow here but its still damp and cold.

Elisa, glad you have the water back again.

I've been very busy the last while. I've taken in scripts to mark which wreck my head but I need to boost the Glenn :heart: fund. I did a camera course at the weekend to improve my knowledge of my new digital slr camera. It was very good, but I WILL need to practise.

We have our mid term break here this week as well so the kiddies are off as well. Plenty of fun allowed!! :thumbsup:

[Koala]

Brooke & Mike, good to hear that your family members, it corresponded to the circumstances going quite well!

Brooke, enjoy your vacation.

[TimothyBFan]

Good to hear things are getting a bit better for your families Brooke & Mike.

Brooke---I'm so jealous but have a great trip!! Be sure a take a picture of the sunshine for us please!

Lisa--gotta keep that fund well stocked because you just never know when they will be back in your neck of the woods.

Mike-you sound so much like Larry when it comes to that sound system. The speakers we had were big enough, so he got bigger ones. Then the equalizer (I think it was) wasn't strong enough to give those speakers their best potential, etc..... It's never finished. The neighbors will hate us this year during our Saturday vinyl nights.

Feeling a bit down today. Fat Tuesday, my father always made a trip to our house bringing Paczkis (a Polish pastry-no we are not Polish, he just loved them) from his favorite bakery along with other goodies. It's funny how something so simple as Fat Tuesday will make me miss him so much as I remember those pilgrimages. Katie also apparently, as she mentioned a bit ago that Grandpa always brought fresh baked bread also, usually still warm, and brought along real butter so that they didn't have to eat the "lard" (margarine) that I have here. LOL I have a friend that has brought us a box of them every year since he died to keep up the tradition. The first year, it was only 3 months after he died and I broke down in tears when I saw her walk in the door with them. Bless her! I'm surprised the bakery is still in business without my father's weekly visits. :hilarious:

[MikeA]

Mike-you sound so much like Larry when it comes to that sound system. The speakers we had were big enough, so he got bigger ones. Then the equalizer (I think it was) wasn't strong enough to give those speakers their best potential, etc..... It's never finished. The neighbors will hate us this year during our Saturday vinyl nights.

It's the AMP Willie..the AMP! Need mo powr!!!!! Makes LOUD things that are QUIET! Used in conjunction with Vinyl with that quip in the center "MADE TO BE PLAYED LOUD". We can NEVER get "enough" POWER.

The last audio amp I had (not counting guitar amps) was 100 RMS watts per channel into 8ohm speakers...but mine were 4 ohm. My speakers sucked the amp dry until I finally blew up the speakers....then blew the amp letting my son use it as a guitar amp!

Need Mo Powr!

[TimothyBFan]

You are correct sir! It was the amp that he bought last weekend at the record show. You might remember last year when we had moved the stereo back inside for the winter before last--Larry blew up not 1 but 2 sets of speakers....on the same night!!!! The speakers weren't big enough for the amp--bigger speakers and then the amp wasn't big enough for the speakers. I'm hoping the new amp means everything is just right now! :hilarious:

[Brooke]

Willie, good memories are wonderful. Enjoy yours. Even though they make you a bit sad, they are nice to have.

Tomorrow would have been my Dad's 84th birthday. Even though he was, sometimes, a pain in the butt, I have many, many wonderful memories of him and miss him alot.

[MikeA]

I'm hoping the new amp means everything is just right now! :hilarious:

Forget that! You NEVER have big enough speakers and a powerful enough amp. I'll bet he's already looking at bigger and better (and LOUDER).

[sodascouts]

Brooke and Willie, it must be very hard to go through these milestones without your dads - it sounds like both of you are doing a good job of holding on to those good memories, though. :hug:

[Troubadour]

I'll echo what Nancy said. Thinking of you, Brooke & Willie.

Just a quick post to say that my laptop arrived a little while ago, repaired. This is the first time I've switched it on, and everything seems to be running smoothly. Fingers crossed! I can't wait to catch up on all the posts and threads properly. :partytime:

[EagleLady]

Great news about your laptop Lou! I know I couldn't live without mine! I miss your incredibly HSG Pics of Don and the guys

[Glennsallnighter]

Awwwww Lou! Thats brilliant. I hope everything is sorted to your satisfaction and that there will be NO more problems. Good luck and happy posting.

[Koala]

Brooke & Willie, good that you have both your good memories of your dads!That always helps when you are sad!

[Glennsallnighter]

Oooh! We can't let this thread sink below page 1 so I'm going to resurrect it!!

OK, my midterm break is over and we are all back at school. BUT I have a long weekend next weekend and hubby is also on leave. So we are going to decamp on Freyday morning and head to Eurodisney for a long weekend.

Meantime I'm up to my neck correcting exams though I'm trying to find at least a little time every day to check in here and see how everybody is.
I did a camera course on Saturday week last and I am starting to put some of the techniques they showed us into practice. Just wish I had more time.

OH!!! And a LOVELY surprise was waiting for me when I got into work this cold morning after my week off. WISEGUY!! :inlove: Thanks soooooo much FP!! :hug:

[SweetHolly]

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. The mole I had removed back in December wasn't cancer. I'm so relieved. I have an appointment with my new psychiatrist tomorrow. I hope he'll help me get off my meds. My previous psychiatrist started taking me off my meds in November and she decided in January she didn't want to help me any more. I have an appointment with the surgeon who's going to perform my lap-band (weight-loss) surgery on March 4th. The surgeon who was going to do my surgery decided he's not doing weight loss surgery anymore. I'm nervous, scared and excited. I hope I can get my surgery soon.

[sodascouts]

I'm very glad to hear your mole wasn't cancerous, SH.

[Koala]

SH, I' so glad to hear that is was not cancer!

Lisa, have fun on your weekendtrip!

[TimothyBFan]

SH-sounds like you have a lot on your plate right now. Good luck with everything and please let us know how you are doing!

[Koala]

As I wrote in the weather thread, I have twisted my knee last Thursday, I thought it was not so bad. Today I was back at the doctor and he told me that I may have to be operated (then this would be this 5 times at this knee) if it does not improve till the next week! I still can't walk properly, but I am not ill written any more, tomorrow I must go back to work, I' am curious like this should go!

[SweetHolly]

SH-sounds like you have a lot on your plate right now. Good luck with everything and please let us know how you are doing!
Thanks. I will let y'all know.

[sodascouts]

Oh no, Koala! I hope the operation will not be necessary.

[ticky]

Holly, Im glad your mole was benign and I really wish the best for you with your lapband surgery. It will make a life time of difference for you.

Koala, I really hope you dont have to have surgery on your knee, but whatever makes you feel better! best of luck!!

I had an odd thing happen last night. Cliff and I went to Sarah's Girl Scout Investiture Ceremony (Sounds like a big deal but basically a bunch of 5 and 6 yr olds saying the girl scout pledge and that they wanted to be Girl Scout Daisies) it was very cute! and my cookies were a big hit! (they're the GS Daisy Daisies)
http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs507.snc3/26646_1367741430653_1145190649_1111082_5331518_n.j pg
Anyway, We left the school about 7pm and I was feeling really weak and sore everywhere. We got home and I went to change into my sweats. I was suddenly really tired and I laid down and started to shiver violently and couldnt stop and my mouth was completely dry.I could have drank an ocean! I was cold everywhere. Cliff and Sarah piled blankets on me and heating pads but it didnt help. Finally took my temperature and it was 102. I didnt feel sick otherwise.I stopped shaking and got up to take a hot shower about midnight and take some pills. I slept fitfully and woke up with a migraine and a low temp. I still feel okay otherwise, just weak and still sore. It's got to be just some dumb virus but its VERY inconvenient and it needs to go away now. In the mean time, Im watching old movies, napping, listening to audio books and if I feel well enough later, I'll plunk away on my guitar.

[sodascouts]

That sounds awful, Rhonda! I hope you feel better soon, but if it happens again, I'd go to the doctor.

[Prettymaid]

Today I was back at the doctor and he told me that I may have to be operated (then this would be this 5 times at this knee) if it does not improve till the next week!

Koala, do I understand you to mean that you've had four surgeries already on this knee??!!?? :woah:


Rhonda, I love your cookies, especially the peace sign ones - very sixties - far out. Hope you feel better soon.

[Troubadour]

Those cookies are making me hungrrrry! I hope you feel better soon, Rhonda - although Nancy is right. Keep an eye on it.

Koala, you poor thing! I hope you're not in too much pain.

It's so far, so good regarding my laptop. It is cooling down properly (which it never did before), and although the touch pad is still prone to episodes of hyperactivity, it seems to be doing its job pretty well otherwise.

We had a scare this week. My grandparents were on holiday in Madeira, when we heard about the floods and landslides there on the news. They were staying in the city, Funchal, where dozens were killed. We couldn't get in touch with them, so we spent a sleepless night worrying. Thank God, my Grandma text the next day and informed us they were fine, but had been instructed to stay in the hotel. They arrived back in the UK safe and sound yesterday. Scares like that really wake you up to what could happen - and, as clichéd as it is, remind you of what's important in life.

I've made a decision today about my job... Unless I have severe second thoughts (I doubt it!), I am going to hand in my notice on Friday. A few factors have come together at the same time, and I think the time is right. I have loved working there, although it has been extremely stressful at times. I'll genuinely always be grateful for what I have learnt from the guys - and about myself. I've coped with things I never thought I'd be able to deal with! But it's been almost two years, and I never planned to stay there for much longer than that. It will allow me to fully enjoy my trip to the States (extending it a little!) and it will give me time to apply for teaching assistant positions, so that I can gain some classroom experience and ascertain whether I absolutely want to go for the PGCE. I can stay on the bank with my current job, so I will hopefully fit a few shifts in here and there over the summer. Overall, I'm really excited. I'll definitely be sad to go, but I need to push myself to make the move.

Lastly, I have a minor operation coming up in March. I had an abscess removed a few years ago and I am having some corrective surgery done on the scar. I'm a little nervous, but I've been waiting to have this done for a while. The timing of the appointment was perfect. Wish me luck!

[Prettymaid]

Good luck with everything Lou. Always listen to your intuition, even if it's telling you scary things!

[EagleLady]

Awww Good luck with Everything Lou :hug:

[sodascouts]

Sounds like you've got a lot on your plate, Lou. Good luck and it sounds to me as if you're making the right decision regarding your job. Hope all goes well with the surgery too (and so glad your grandparents were OK).

[glenneaglesfan]

I feel like such a stranger here. I have so little free time.

Koala, best of luck with your knee surgery.

Ticky, I love your biscuits!

SH, hope the surgery goes well

[TimothyBFan]

Rhonda-take care of yourself!! And send me cookies!

Lou-GOOD LUCK!!!! I bet that was no easy decision to make and it really took guts. I hope it all works out and you enjoy yourself in the meantime.

[Koala]

Thanks ladies!:grouphug:
I really hope :pray:that I must not be operated!


Koala, do I understand you to mean that you've had four surgeries already on this knee??!!?? :woah:

Yep! I was already the operated on right knee four times! I have a serious damaged cartilage in this knee, sooner or later only helps even an artificial knee, but for that I am still too young, the doctors say and I must fall precisely on that knee!:brickwall:

Ticky, I hope you feel better soon! The cookies looks great! http://www.smilies.4-user.de/include/Essen/smilie_essen_194.gif
Troub, good luck with everything !

[Wildthyme]

Feel better Rhondee... hopefully that virus leaves as quickly as it came on!

Lou, congrats on making a tough decision. I know from personal experience its easier to keep the same course than to make a big change like that even when you know its the best way to go.

So this last couple days visiting my family in Sunnyvale (San Jose) has been a lot of fun. Its been years since I have had this kind of time with my relatives and I really miss the 'Italianess" of being with my family down here. We had a big family dinner last night and today my Monia (aunt) Mary taught my cousins Lisa and Chrissy and me how to make frita and antipasto salad the way my Noni did. Then we had the frita and salad for lunch with bread and a little wine and talked away the afternoon. Monia Mary made a delicious ravioli soup for dinner and my cousins came over again for a quick meal tonight and to say goodbye because I am headed home in the morning. I really don't want to go but for the sake of my waistline its probably for the best :lol: (though my diet is going to take one more hit when I stop at Granzella's on the way home for a mortadella/capicola/salami mufaletta sandwich which is an Italian triple whammy of cured meat, fat, and salt - yummmy).

I am a little worried because there is a storm warning out for the Siskiyou mountains until 7 pm tomorrow night with heavy snow accumulations possible which means the mountain passes home could be shut down. I have an interview on Thursday morning so I really need to get home tomorrow but I don't drive in snowstorms through the mountains so if worse comes to worst I will stay the night in Redding and hope they can reschedule my interview...

[TimothyBFan]

Be safe Cami!!!

[Prettymaid]

What a nice time you had with your family Cami! Good luck getting home in time for your interview!

[MikeA]

Lou,

I was reading your post about the job change. Does that "move" you speak of pertain specifically to your change in employers, or does in also imply a change in where you will be living?

Whatever the case, I wish you well with it. It is nearly always easier to change jobs when young than after you have established yourself in a long term position. I speak from experience...I did not take "job offers" when I was starting out and as a result, have been with the same company for 40 years as of this month! That is nothing to be particularly proud of....it just takes a long time!

[eaglesvet]

I hope your travel went well, Cami...but this sounds coincidentally much too much like one of Rhonda's stories!!

Good luck Lou with your life's decisions! I think you have thought them out well, and now the time is right!

[Stars]

Cami-nice that you had such a great time with your family!
Lou, good luck with your job change-I wish you all the best!:thumbsup:
We are expecting another snowstorm here on Thursday night! Hopefully, it will be less snow than the last two storms we had!
Last night hubby and I took our friend out to dinner for his birthday. He loves the music of the fifties and sixties, so we took him to a fifties style diner. He could identify every song that was played, and some were really obscure! At any rate, we all had a great time!:partytime::thumbsup:

[Prettymaid]

I hope your travel went well, Cami...but this sounds coincidentally much too much like one of Rhonda's stories!!


That's exactly what I was thinking EV! Maybe Glenn will show up at one of Cami's stops!

Here's the story. It starts on this page and continues onto the next. Great story Ticky!

https://www.eaglesonlinecentral.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1117&page=2

[Wildthyme]

I hope your travel went well, Cami...but this sounds coincidentally much too much like one of Rhonda's stories!!

Oh I thought of that, believe me. And if it was possible a certain someone would be sitting in that cafe in Weed I would drive right into the teeth of a blizzard to get there! :lol:

[ticky]

heheh careful on the drive home Cami! and when you hit Granzella's, just remember that dear friend of yours back in Portland who SO DEARLY LOVES Granzella's mufalatta mix *G* If you've got to stop in Weed, *G* well best of luck! I hope he's there and waiting for you. (but be careful with the weather)

Lou, Wow.. big changes coming for you! I know you'll do wonderfully in whatever you choose. I think you'd be a terrific teacher if that's the direction you're looking at. I love that you'll have some extra time here in the states *G* I know its a little nerve wracking being up in the air like this, but its got to be exciting too. Best of luck!!

Im feeling better today then I have in weeks! I'd been having knee problems for some time and I was worried I wouldnt be able to do much more then hobble in San Jose, but this morning Im feeling pretty good! I still have some minor pain but I dont have to cringe and moan when I stand up or hobble around like a 90 year old! YAY! No evidence of yesterdays fever or headache! go figure!
Im feeling pretty creative today and Im hoping to get some writing done and if the weather is good, maybe some gardening *G*

[sodascouts]

Drive carefully, Cami! And I certainly hope the interview goes well.

Rhonda - glad you're feeling better!

I've gotten a bit of a sore throat any my voice dropped an octave overnight, lol. Hopefully it'll go way soon. Those dang Californians and their germs. ;)

[TimothyBFan]

That's exactly what I was thinking EV! Maybe Glenn will show up at one of Cami's stops!

Here's the story. It starts on this page and continues onto the next. Great story Ticky!

https://www.eaglesonlinecentral.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1117&page=2

I'm not feeling real well today--fighting off a cold I think is on it's way. Maybe I'll pull up some Long Story and entertain myself that way. :hilarious:

[Brooke]

Well, I'm baaaaack! And much rested and relaxed! Cancun was beautiful..just like the pictures you see. I know it has the bluest ocean imaginable. My first mistake of the trip was leaving my camera in the truck and not realizing it until we had gone through security at the airport in St. Louis. Too late to go back to get it. :-x So, I had to buy a disposable camera when we got there which means my pictures will be delayed a few days. And who knows how they will turn out. How things have changed in this digital age!

After finally getting settled in our hotel we went to the gift shop to purchase such camera and guess what I heard? Hotel California was playing in the muzak overhead! But alas, it was being sung by a Mexican band and did not sound too great, but I told hubby I felt better because I had heard an Eagles song! He just :rolleyes: ! Then it wasn't long before I heard Tequila Sunrise. Ah, the Eagles again. It was a good day! Couldn't wait to tell you all this! :lol:

The weather was a bit cool for the first couple days and partly cloudy, but we persisted to lay out by the pool and work on the tans. It was very hard to know just how much sun you were getting. We were pretty cautious and managed to not get burnt. We saw many people come out white as sheets and end up red as beets. I don't understand that....have they not heard of sunscreen?!

We had a great time and managed to miss a snow storm Sunday. We returned home Monday night and were barely able to get down our country road to our house! The reason we took the 4 x 4, you never know how the weather will be in Missouri! We'd have never made it in in my car!

I will post a couple pics later, if any turn out. :pray: Trying to catch up here!

Ticky, loved the cute cookies. I want some! And hope you are feeling better.

SH-good luck to you.

Troub- glad your grandparents are ok and good luck with everything.

Koala-hope your knee is better. Wow, 4 operations on it already!

WT, be careful and good luck at the interview.

Gef, we miss you.

[EagleLady]

Welcome Back Brooke, glad to hear you enjoyed your vacation

[Troubadour]

Thanks so much for all the well-wishes. Your encouragement means a lot. It is a big decision in some ways, but I am comfortable with it. I feel excited and optimistic about what's ahead.


Does that "move" you speak of pertain specifically to your change in employers, or does in also imply a change in where you will be living?

Primarily a change of employers, Mike - in fact, the whole field. Care work to teaching... I have a very good teacher training college nearby so if I can get in there, I would like to, but I am not adverse to moving elsewhere. We'll see!

Brooke and Cami - sounds like you both had great holidays. Welcome back!

Rhonda, it's great to hear that you are feeling much better.

To everyone else who feels rough at the moment, take care. The Long Story sounds like a good way to pass the time, Willie. Who needs prescriptive medicines when we have Ticky on tap? :mrgreen:

[Wildthyme]

Well I made it home and managed to avoid any bad weather along the way. However what I didn't manage to avoid was the CHiP hiding on the downhill side of the first big climb up into the mountains and I got a ticket for going 78 in a 65. I can't wait to find out how much that is going to cost me :cry:

I sure had a great time on my trip but I am glad to be home. Everything seems to be in one piece around here although I am concerned because one of the outside cats I take care of seems to be MIA. Hopefully he shows up soon. And now I am off to take 75 pounds of wiggling, whining, happy-to-be-freed-from-doggy-jail mutt out for a walk... or more like a drag (me) down the street :lol:

[sodascouts]

Welcome back, Brooke! Sounds like you had a magnificent time and I love how the Eagles found you even down there. ;) Since I've been sunburned on vacation before I can tell you that they simply didn't think about it until it was too late!

WT - glad you're safe and sound at home, even if you did get a stupid ticket. Bet your furry friends are sure happy to see you. And good luck on that interview!

[Glennsallnighter]

WOW!!!

Seems like I've been missing weeks rather than just a few days.

Cami, glad you made it home safely and Rhonda that you are feeling better and more energised. I hope you'll be DANCING in San Jose

Kate, you are NEVER a stranger here. We love you popping in when you can!!

Koala I hope your knee sorts out and that you Don't need the surgery. Hope working with is is not too difficult.

Holly, so glad your mole wasn't cancerous. Good luck in your prospective surgery. I hope you find a good physician.

Lou, Once again I'm glad your grandparents were ok. I think thats a great idea to change career. I hope it all works out well for you :hug: And good luck with the surgery. Bring a pic of Don to 'hold your hand'

Willie, hope you are feeling better soon and Brooke I'm delighted you had such a good time in Cancun.

Well this is literally a 'flying' visit, as we are heading to Paris at 6am tomorrow morning and I have a lot of preparing to do before then. I'll try to log in on the BlackBerry while I'm there. All of you have a great weekend, keep safe and I'll catch you on Tuesday. :bye:

[Prettymaid]

Brooke, since we live in approximately the same area of the country I know that this is the perfect time to "get away from it all" and I envy you that you had the opportunity to do it. Glad you had a good time!

WT, too bad about the ticket. When you get older you won't feel the need for speed as much. :hilarious: So glad you're home safe and sound with your pets. I'm sure they're glad to see you! Hope your cat returns.

[TimothyBFan]

The weather was a bit cool for the first couple days and partly cloudy,


You don't even want to know the face I made at my computer when I read that line!!! :hilarious: It's snowing again this morning and is 19* out.

Cami--we all want to know how much that ticket cost! Bummer!! And hope kitty shows up again.

GA--Have a great time in Paris!!

Feeling better this morning. Just a bit stuffy is all. Larry walked in the door last evening, took one look at me and said "carry out?" That's my boy!! Shortly after eating, I fell asleep on the sofa, per Larry, around 7:30 and he said he didn't stay up much longer either. I truly think this weather is getting everyone down and everyone I know is tired and just blah! We need warmth and sunshine (hence the reason I made a face at you Brooke! :hilarious:). Woke up in pretty good shape this morning.

[Brooke]

You don't even want to know the face I made at my computer when I read that line!!! :hilarious: It's snowing again this morning and is 19* out.


Yeah, I know what you mean. It was a balmy -2 here this morning and I thought 68 was cool there! Well, it was with the ocean breeze blowing in and I was thinking it should be 80! :lol:

[Peekaboo]

Just wanted to check in here. I haven't had time to log in over the last week but I have popped in a few times when I had a few spare minutes. I got a new phone that I can get online with and post from but it takes me forever to type so i'm gonna keep this short. I should be able to get online tomorrow when I get home and I will try to catch up and reply properly to everyone'sWww posts.

I was able to read the newest installment of the Long Story from my phone today and I loved it. Another awesome story, Rhonda.

[Molly]

Koala and Willie-feel better.

Kate!!!! Hope you can pop in again soon!

Lou-you're my hero. I envy your courage. I'm still in the "thinking about it" stage of changing careers or at least jobs. I wish you the best of luck.

Cami-glad you're home safe. A speeding ticket, huh? Reminded me of years ago when I was flying along on a gorgeous day, windows open, hair flying and had the music BLASTING in my car, singing along to (I kid you not) LITFL. :hilarious: I think the cop was behind me for a while and I didnt see or hear him right away. We walked up to my car with a totally amused smirk on his face. I have a feeling he heard what song had been playing. Anyway, I got off with a warning. :thumbsup:

Brooke-glad to hear your trip sounds like it was good for whatever was ailing. Perfect time of the year for such an adventure!

OK...now I want to vent. A friend's birthday is coming up and I had ordered her a gift (Karen Z-if you're reading this post...stop now...I'm talking about you). I was worried it wouldnt arrive in time. The item is quite fragile. As I opened the box, I could see styrofoam. I figured the item was totally packed in it as is usually the case. I pulled on the styrofoam and turns out that little piece was the only one in the package. The item came flying out rather quickly and landed on my kitchen countertop where it proceeded to shatter in a dozen pieces!!!! Arrrrgggghhhh!!!!!


http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y137/mollycinder/4_2_2111-1.gif
OK feel better now. Well, not really-but I'll get over it.

:scowl:

[sodascouts]

Oh, how awful! Sounds like something I would do. I sympathize. :(

[Brooke]

Molly, sorry about your broken gift. I can relate too.

[Molly]

:brickwall: This is me

The really stupid part is, when the Fed Ex guy delivered it he left the package out at the end of our long driveway, perched precariously on top of the newspaper box. The box was light and too big to be sitting on the paper box (hanging way off the edges). Plus, it's really windy today.

We have a covered front porch, so for the life of me, I don't know why he left it where he did.

The dogs barked when he drove up and that made me look out the window. I hurried out to "rescue" the box before it fell off it's perch. As I was back into the house, I was thinking "Thank goodness I got this before it fell and broke!"

Two minutes later....:brickwall:

[Molly]

We've had an injured white tailed deer hanging around the woods on our property for the past week now. She's settled behind our shed and under our cedar trees (which apparently deer find tasty). It's getting to the point where she's not bothered anymore by the dogs barking at her and they're actually beginning to ignore her.

This morning, however, she ventured further into the yard and Gracie and Zoe couldn't help but go check her out. Zoe had enough sense to move away from her when I called out to her-but numbskull Gracie just had to get nose to nose.

Right after I took these shots, the deer reared up on it's hind legs and nearly kicked Gracie in the head ala "When Animals Attack". I would have gotten a picture of that, too, but apparently I can't scream and take a picture at the same time.

I feel bad for the deer, but I wish she'd move along deeper into the woods to do her mending.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y137/mollycinder/mentalmidgettwo.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y137/mollycinder/Mentalmidgetone.jpg

[TimothyBFan]

Those are great pictures Molly! Dogs just don't know what's good for them sometimes.

Great news this morning... I don't know if you remember a year ago when I told you about our friend Jason heading to Afghanistan (yes a whole year ago). Well heard from him this morning, he is now at Bagram Air Force Base and will be flying out of Afghanistan on Saturday to start his several day journey home!!!:yay: To some of us, this year hasn't seemed so long but I know his wife and 3 kids would definitely disagree. She can hardly contain herself! Please keep him in your thoughts for a safe and uneventful trip home.

[eaglesvet]

We've had an injured white tailed deer hanging around the woods on our property for the past week now. She's settled behind our shed and under our cedar trees (which apparently deer find tasty). It's getting to the point where she's not bothered anymore by the dogs barking at her and they're actually beginning to ignore her.

This morning, however, she ventured further into the yard and Gracie and Zoe couldn't help but go check her out. Zoe had enough sense to move away from her when I called out to her-but numbskull Gracie just had to get nose to nose.

Right after I took these shots, the deer reared up on it's hind legs and nearly kicked Gracie in the head ala "When Animals Attack". I would have gotten a picture of that, too, but apparently I can't scream and take a picture at the same time.

I feel bad for the deer, but I wish she'd move along deeper into the woods to do her mending.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y137/mollycinder/mentalmidgettwo.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y137/mollycinder/Mentalmidgetone.jpg
Take caution here... I once had a canine patient (about your dogs' size) who was on the wrong end of a swift kick by a whitetail deer, and was paralyzed in that instant. Hard to believe the deer was more aggressive than the dog in that situation, but it was.

[Brooke]

Cute pictures, Molly, but yes, I hope the dogs don't get hurt.

We have a deer feeder very close to our home and can watch the deer come to it every evening. I've seen them rear up and kick at each other to defend their feed. It's fun to watch wild animals like that.

[Molly]

Take caution here... I once had a canine patient (about your dogs' size) who was on the wrong end of a swift kick by a whitetail deer, and was paralyzed in that instant. Hard to believe the deer was more aggressive than the dog in that situation, but it was.

I'm not surprised to hear your story. Trust me, I was screaming the entire time. When I got the camera out, they were quite a distance from the deer. I couldn't believe it as they got closer and closer and the deer didn't turn and run.

Right after this, I dropped the camera and ran into the yard in my tennies shoes yelling and waving my arms and the deer finally moved away, but to tell you the truth, I was afraid of the deer myself as I've heard how lethal those kicks can be. I actually lost my voice somewhat from all the yelling I did. I suppose because the deer is injured, it can't follow it's natural instinct to run away which I'm sure is why it tried to protect itself.

I've made a few phone calls, but because the deer is able to move around, no one from the DNR to the local sherriff will do anything about it.
They won't come and get it if they have to track it first. But, if it lays down to die, they'd be more than happy to come and "help".

As long as the stupid deer stays behind that shed, the dogs can't get near it. Hopefully, it won't venture all the way into the yard again.

[Stars]

Molly, so sorry to hear about the gift for your friend breaking. I just had an experience with the post office that has upset me. I ordered a little silver ring from Ebay on Feb.18th. It was supposed to have been delivered between Feb.24 and March 1. When it didn't arrive by March 1, I contacted the seller. He had delivery confirmation on the package, and was told it was delivered on Feb.24. Well, if it was delivered, it sure wasn't delivered HERE!:-( So now we need to try to track it down! Has anyone ever had a similar experience??:worried:

[Troubadour]

Willie - what great news for Jason and his family! I'll be thinking of them.

Thanks for all the encouragement and kind thoughts about my job. I handed in my notice on Friday as planned, and my manager was really sweet about it. In fact, he's envious that I'm going to the States! (I didn't tell him I was going to see the Eagles again. He already thought I was insane for flying out to Oklahoma for five days last year to see some old guy in concert! He even uttered the dreaded words: "Who's Don Henley?" :stunned: ;)) Back to my job... I am absolutely confident that I have made the right decision. I will stay on the bank, so I will still be working some shifts over the summer, but the time is right to make the move. I can hardly believe this trip is only eight weeks away - I cannot wait.

I have annual leave starting on Sunday, so I'll be quiet for a few days after that as my friend, Helen, is coming to stay. She was a fellow volunteer in South Africa 2004-05 and we have tried to meet up every few months since we've been back... I'm really excited about seeing her again. She'll be leaving on Wednesday because my operation is scheduled for that afternoon (the 10th.) It's only day surgery, so I will be back online Wednesday night to let you know how it went. I'm sure a few viewings of HFO will aid my recovery!

[MikeA]

You like venison steak Molly? I know that farmers are allowed to shoot deer out of season to protect their crops....you would be protecting your property too. The only thing is, you might not be allowed to do that where you live and if you are legally able to do it, you might have to turn the body over to the authorities to distribute to "the needy".

I'm not at all sure of that. Before loading the squirrel gun with buckshot, I'd check with your county officials to be sure you are legal in doing it.

[Koala]

Willie, thats really good news about Jason!
Troub, have a nice time with your friend Helen and good luck with your surgery!
Molly, that's are cute pics!

[Molly]

You like venison steak Molly? I know that farmers are allowed to shoot deer out of season to protect their crops....you would be protecting your property too. The only thing is, you might not be allowed to do that where you live and if you are legally able to do it, you might have to turn the body over to the authorities to distribute to "the needy".

I'm not at all sure of that. Before loading the squirrel gun with buckshot, I'd check with your county officials to be sure you are legal in doing it.

I think possibly farmers can get permission to shoot off season-but I doubt we would be able to.

Actually, no to the question about liking venison. In fact, I can't even be in the kitchen when hubby is cooking it coz it STINKS!!

Seeing the deer up close, I'm shocked to see how skinny it is. At first I thought it was "limping", but now I'm wondering if it isn't walking oddly because it's "guarding" it insides. Maybe internal injuries?

Plus, it's acting so odd. Walking towards us rather than away from us. We have problems with CWD (chronic wasting disease) in deer here in Wisconsin. It's a disease that attacks the brain/neurological system and an animal that has it is not supposed to be eaten. The DNR thought they had CWD contained to the western part of the state (I'm in the eastern part), but there's no way I'd let anyone eat anything off of this particular deer.

It's incredibly distracting having the deer in sight from the house. It's obviously suffering. I'm going to try calling our county warden today and see if he has any help to offer.

And yes, the deer is back this morning lying under our cedar tree. So far the dogs haven't been outside to notice it.

Wish me luck keeping Gracie at bay.

[EagleLady]

Finally Got Our New Microwave yesterday. Stainless steel and a bit smaller than our Old One.

Our New Puppy Tico is keeping us pretty busy.

[Koala]

Yesterday I called the doctor to make an appointment, so we can discuss how it goes on with the treatment of my knee! Then the nurse told me, that my doctor is just in practice on Tuesday and is to have no free time at the other doctor! And next Tuesday also he is not there, so I now must wait until 16 March where is decided what is made! :brickwall:This sucks! I wanted to bring it all behind me as quickly as possible!

[Troubadour]

A new puppy, EL! Awww! I haven't checked out the Pets thread yet, but if you haven't already posted pics, please do.

Koala, I'm sorry you can't get an earlier appointment to see your consultant. I hope you're not in too much pain in the meantime.

[Prettymaid]

Molly, thanks for posting the pictures. They're incredible! I hope the deer doesn't lay down to die in your yard, but it sounds like that is what is ultimately going to happen.

TBF, great news about Jason. When you see him please thank him for his service to the country.

Troub, have fun on you're leave!

[Koala]

Koala, I'm sorry you can't get an earlier appointment to see your consultant. I hope you're not in too much pain in the meantime.
Thanks Troub, the pain is not so bad (moreover I have good painkillers) but they interfere! I can't do everything at work and I can't other things, that I usually do, it all a bit annoying!

[sodascouts]

Molly - that poor deer! It does sound like it's on its last legs. Hopefully your dogs have wised up and won't get too close to it again.

TBF - how wonderful about Jason! He's one of the guys I met, right? I'm so happy to hear he's on his way home.

Stars - my dad has a similar experience. He had ordered some wooden figurines from Jerusalem. The package got given to a guy who also had three other packages arrive on the same day (they just threw dad's in for good measure, I guess). It had been shown as delivered and of course the post office insisted there had been no mistake. However, after he told them there was delivery confirmation, they were able to figure it out. It's a good thing, too, as the guy who received it had opened the box and apparently was planning on selling the figurines, by his own admission!

Have fun with your friend, Troub! And take it easy after that surgery. You've gotta be at 100% when you head to the States!

Koala - I'm sorry about the delay in your appointment. My mother has a similar situation with her gynecologist - he can't see her until the end of April!

[Stars]

Koala, I, too, am so sorry about the delay in your appointment. Hope you can get to feeling better soon! I just started having a problem with my left knee yesterday. At my job at the library, I have to kneel down quite often, and I found my knee was just killing me. I feel like we are in this together-feel better soon!:thumbsup:
Soda, I am so glad your dad got the figurines back before the guy sold them! I was hoping the ring would magically show up at the door, but no luck yet. However, the seller kindly said he would send a replacement ring, which I think is VERY kind, since it wasn't his fault, it was the post office, who will never admit that they are wrong.:-( They are still insisting it was delivered to this address, at an hour early in the am when our mail NEVER arrives!):headshake:

[TimothyBFan]

The post office drives me nuts. Living in a small town where we don't get delivery to the house, but have to go in and deal with them---:cuss:-we get things in our box that don't belong to us and vice versa all the time. But heaven forbid that they ADMIT that they make a mistake. I actually had to write out a list of all our bills long ago, and mark them off as they came in to make sure we got them all so it wouldn't cause us heartache later on. Thankfully, most of our stuff is done online now so I don't have to deal with that. But I do a lot of shopping online for us and friends and it drives me nuts!

Koala- truly sorry also. Hope it all goes well once you finally get into the doctor.

Soda-I'm surprised you don't remember Jason vividly--him and his photos on his phone. :blush: Intoxication does cause bad judgment sometimes.

[Molly]

Willie-good news about Jason. My son is expecting a friend in the Air Force home in a few weeks, also so we have some of the same excitement in the air.

Koala, sorry to hear about your knee. Take it easy until you can get in for that appointment!

soda, that guy that was going to sell your dad's figurines just bought himself a whole bunch of bad karma in my book. What is wrong with people these days?

Sadly, Ms. Whitetail Deer has not shown up for the past few days, I felt so bad about how skinny she is, I bought corn and apples to put down near where she usually laid (it remains untouched). I'm afraid she may have gone further into the woods to die. Last time I saw her, she could barely hold her head up. Amazing she had enough energy to try to kick Gracie's head in, though! She still had some fight left then, I guess.

[Prettymaid]

Molly, it's funny - death is all around, but it's so sad when we see it happening.

[Koala]

Thanks guys! :grouphug:
Stars, I hope your knee pain will be better soon! I really feel with you!!

[AzEaglesFan]

I hope someone here has more computer knowledge than I do. My sister-in-law paid a guy some major dollars to take some cassette tapes and put them on CDs, The only trouble is he said it would take 6 CDs so he put them on 1 DVD instead, now he wants $200.00 to transfer them from the DVD to CDs. I have tried to figure out how to do it to save her the money but can't seem to find the magic program to do it. Does anyone here know where I can find a program to go from a DVD to a CD?:fear: I don't want to erase them somehow because the tapes are of my Mother-in-law who has since passed away.

[sodascouts]

I'm sure you can easily rip the audio without this scammer's help and, at most, have to pay maybe $30 to download the software to do it. What format are the files in now?

[AzEaglesFan]

I think I have to load ? the recordings on the DVD onto my computer and then burn? the data from the computer onto the CDs. Does that sound right?

[Z]

I think I have to load ? the recordings on the DVD onto my computer and then burn? the data from the computer onto the CDs. Does that sound right?

It really depends on which format the files on the DVD are in -- they may need to be converted into something that is easily playable. When you open the DVD in Explorer, can you see the format?

If you can, I'd also suggest you burn a backup copy of the DVD.

[sodascouts]

As Z says, it depends on the format. Here's how you can backup the disc as well as find the format:

When you put the DVD in the drive, do not "autoplay." Instead, click on "My Computer" and right-click on the DVD drive, then select "open" - you should see folders or files. Copy everything onto a disc to your hard drive, putting them all in the same folder. Then, select one of the files, right-click on it, and select "properties." That should tell you what the file type is.