What's Happening in Your Life?

[Prettymaid]

Glad the nerds were able to rescue your pics EV!

:grouphug: WT.

[Koala]

EV, good to hear you got your photos back!
GEF, best of luck in your decision about your career!
Soda, sorry to hear about your leck, good that not all too much is ruined !
WT, good luck wich your job!

[EagleLady]

Apparently our Bank made a mistake and is showing us in the hole, but we aren't.

ETA: It's been resolved.

[GlennLover]

WT, good luck in finding a second job, hang in there!

Mike, enjoy the 'STANG! A friend of mine who is retiring within' the year, recently bought a silvery gray convertible 'STANG & she loves it! She's single, though & usually will only take one passenger because the back is so small. I wouldn't want to drive it during our winters here! :fear:

EV, glad you recovered your pics!

[sodascouts]

Good report: The smell is almost gone AND they cleaned the bathroom ceiling panels! Oh, happy day!

[glenneaglesfan]

Soda, very glad to hear that the flood has been sorted.

WT, good luck with the new job.

EV, phew!! Thank goodness for nerds!

Mike, that Mustang sounds a lot of fun. A few months back I had to take hubby's car for a service and had a brand new Audi A4 as a courtesy car - that was awesome to drive, so nice in fact that I was a bit cheeky and did a 160 mile round trip to Bristol in it!

My meeting at work was postponed, but I think I will be reducing my hours.

[Peekaboo]

Eva, I'm so glad that your pics were restored. I know how awful that is when that happens. A couple years ago the motherboard on my laptop was fried and I was so afraid that I was going to lose all of my pics and music but luckily the Geeks from Geek Sqaud were able to save everything for me.

EL, glad that everything was all sorted out with the bank.

Soda, thank goodness the smell is almost gone. Good to know that they did come back to do some clean up.

GEF, i sure hope that everything will work out for the better with your job.

Mike, how's that Mustang treatin ya? My brother got a brand new laser red Mustang when he turned 16. That's the car that I used to learn to drive. Man it was SWEEEET!!

[MikeA]

All back safe and sound and not all that much closer to being homeless. Here's the Stang. I really thought that I'd go broke filling it up before returning it to the rental terminal at the airport. Surprised that I used "only" $16.50 in gas (at $2.69 a gallon!) Of course I only drove it 6 miles <LOL> Joking....I really don't know how far I drove it but one trip was probably 60 miles and then another 30 mile round trip plus another 30 miles to and from the airport plus a few short drives to casinos close by.

http://mvabercrombie.net/Mustang.jpg

[ticky]

SAH-weeet! 'stang 'stang 'stangity 'stang... shoulda brought it home wit cha *G* they're only gas hawgs if ya drive em like they're supposed to be driven... Fast and a lot!! hehehe

WELL....... tomorrow is our 23rd anniversary. I forgot... I dunno if we'll do anything. I *might* be able to talk Cliff into dinner out, maybe a movie, but it'll either be really early or in the company of Sarah (Jenni has to go back to school tomorrow)*G* Im kinna thinking Chuck E Cheese's and Where the Wild Things Are isnt exactly what I had in mind, but it does sound like fun.. *G* As long as I dont have to cook it or clean up after it, Im happy!

[Peekaboo]

Sweet ride, Mike!! :thumbsup:

Rhonda, hope you and Cliff have a wonderful day today. Happy Anniversary!!

[sodascouts]

Happy Anniversary, Rhonda and Cliff!!

And Mike... thanks for the pic. Nice!

[Prettymaid]

Soda, glad you hear your place is almost back to normal.

Happy anniversary Ticky!

GEF, I hope everything goes the way you want it to concerning your job.

OOOOOOWWEEEEEEEE Mike! Dang that's purty!

[Koala]

Mike, the car looks great, nice pic!
Happy anniversary Ticky!

[GlennLover]

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY RHONDA & CLIFF.

I hope that you really enjoy your day with whatever you decide to do! You're right, any meal without dishes to do is a bonus!

[Brooke]

Very nice car, Mike! Glad you made it back all in one piece!

Happy Anniversary Ticky! Anything sounds good as long as you don't have to cook!

[ticky]

BETTER then Chuck E. Cheese's there's a new Mexican Restaurant near us that we're going to. it's called "On The Border" *G* I'll be thinking of ya'll while we're there. I'll try and take pictures *G*

[Prettymaid]

... it's called "On The Border" ...

:hilarious: Have fun Ticky. I hope the food's good!

[GlennLover]

LOL, sounds perfect!

[Glennsallnighter]

Kate, I hope everything works out well on the job front.

Mike, Love the mustang - Gorgeous........

Happy Anniversary Rhonda and Cliffie. Whatever you decide to do I hope its a great one

[Molly]

Happy Anniversary, ticky!

[ticky]

Ole'! hehehe
http://tickypages.com/picturebin/border.jpg

the food was fantastic! The margaritas were good.. but kind of whimpy.. I had two and Im a real light weight margarita wise.. The Chili Relleno's is freakin awesome!!! Was fun and then we took Jenni back to school, and so marks another year *G*

[Prettymaid]

Thanks for the pic. That margarita looks yummy! :soda:

[GlennLover]

Glad you had a good day! I'm hungry :laugh:.

[TimothyBFan]

Happy anniversary from me also Rhonda & Cliff. Hope you have several more decades to celebrate!

[MikeA]

I've been to Hoover Dam but it's been probably 6 or 7 years ago that we went. Since then, "they" have been really working on the road. It was a real bottleneck trafficwise. We did not go there this past trip, but my Brother-in-law sent me a picture of what they are doing. Look at the top of the arch that is completed. That is the height of the "bridge" that will let traffic bypass the dam.

http://www.mvabercrombie.net/Hooverlookingsouth.jpg

[MikeA]

And Rhonda:

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to you and Cliff!

[Brooke]

I can't see your pic, Mike. :-(

[sodascouts]

I can't see it either - when you're posting it, make sure the image ends in .jpg, .gif, .bmp or some other image file format.

[MikeA]

Angggg! It's because I linked to my EML image in the eMail. I'll save it off and link you to it. My Bad.
http://www.mvabercrombie.net/Hooverlookingsouth.jpg

[Brooke]

WOW! That's all. Just WOW! :shock:

I don't know if I would want to drive across that or not! :fear:

[MikeA]

WOW! That's all. Just WOW! :shock:

I don't know if I would want to drive across that or not! :fear:

I might be stating the obvious, but the span that cars will go over is not completed. That "arch" is not a road <LOL>...it is just the support for the bridge that you can see the ends of on either side. Still, it gives you an idea as to how high that roadway will be compared to the Colorado River far below it!

[Brooke]

Yeah, I see that, but still. :fear:

[Prettymaid]

That's a great picture Mike!

[Maleah]

That would scare the crap outta me!! :shock: I'm terrified of heights and just looking at the PICTURE makes me nervous! LOL

[GlennLover]

Very impressive!

[Koala]

WOW, what an impressive picture!

[eaglesvet]

Maleah, my Graham will love your new av, whether he's a Packer or a Jet (especially a Jet), or a Viking, I guess! Has been his favorite player all along. Although I hear some whisperings lately that he has changed his allegiance lately to the Denver Broncos, ever since we came back from our vacation out West!

Speaking of West, tomorrow I leave for a 6-day trip (on my own:thumbsup:) to attend a veterinary conference in sunny San Diego! I haven't been there in about 20 years, so I'm excited. Although I'll be spending many of the daytime hours in VERY interesting cutting-edge lectures, I KNOW there will be time to enjoy the sites in between and after hours. All work and no play makes for a very exhausted and bored veterinarian, and we wouldn't want that now, would we? :hilarious:

[Brooke]

Nothing like mixing work with pleasure, Ev! Have fun!

[GlennLover]

Enjoy yout trip, EV!

[Troubadour]

Have fun, Eva!

Mike, that picture is amazing!

[Peekaboo]

San Diego sounds like a great time. Have fun and be safe, Eva.

I just got back from OKC. I met up with Francene and her hubby. They are going to watch the Thunder vs Lakers game tonight. They are both really big Lakers fans. I wish I could go with them but I've gotta work tonight. I was very tempted to call in so that I could go but I thought I'd better not. I can't make money if I don't work and I've got lots to save up for.
Francene seems to be doing pretty good. She just got approved by some kind of company or grant (i don't really remember) that will pay for her medication for a full year. That's really going to help her out because a couple of her meds cost over $500 a month. Although she feels more tired nowdays, she tries to stay busy. Her 4 year old daughter helps with that. Francene is starting to experience some hair loss but it doesn't look too bad right now. She says she may end up shaving it all off after Thanksgiving just to get that part over with since she knows that she'll have to do eventually anyway. She's always had really long and beautiful hair so it's hard for me to picture her with no hair right now. It's for the best, i know. Still no word yet on when she will be able to have her gall bladder surgery. Her blood platelets (i think that's what it's called) is still pretty high but those numbers have gone down each week...thank goodness because when all of this first started over a month ago those numbers where dangerously high. So to sum up, everything has been so far so good with Francene. Again, thanks for the prayers and support from all of you here. You are all wonderful.

[EagleLady]

Awwww Jess, that's good to hear Francene is taking this all well, She will continue to be in my prayers :hug:

[GlennLover]

I'm so glad to hear the positive news about Francene!

[sodascouts]

Thanks for the update on Francene, Jess. I'm glad to hear she's doing well, considering.

Eva - don't get into any trouble out there! ;)

[Koala]

Have fun, Ev!

I'm really glad to hear the good news about Francene!

[Brooke]

Thanks for the update on Francene. Great news!

[ticky]

Eva, *G* Have a GREAT time in San Diego and if you happen to bump into Joe, give him my love *G*

Jess, YAY for Francene!!! Sounds like she's doing better. She still has a long road to toe, but, with family/friends like you, it'll be much easier for her.

We're renovating the front bathroom. Actually, it wasnt too bad, but my Dad was bored and needed something to do, so he's here putting in new cabinets and lighting. Mom's here too and decided we needed to do a thorough cleaning of the entire house:fear: SO..... thats what we're doing. ALTHOUGH I did find an incredible web site that has helped me SO MUCH!!!! Flylady (http://www.flylady.net/) she's my haus frau mentor. Check her out.. she's awesome for us slobs *G*

[Wildthyme]

Jess - Glad to hear Francene is doing better and that she is keeping a positive attitude - lots of good thoughts and prayers to her.

Rhonda - If your dad is really bored I have some home improvement projects around my house. You know how useless my own father and brother are when it comes to that kind of stuff. :hilarious:

Flylady is a great website with great info. I have been trying to follow her plan but my sink still isn't exactly shiny and I am wearing my slippers and not my lace up shoes. But my intentions are good. Does that count?? :grin:

EV - have a great time in San Diego. Where its warm. And sunny. Unlike here where the fog and cold have taken over and summer is but a fond memory :headshake:

[Glennsallnighter]

Wow, Evie, have a wonderful time in San Diego from me too. Over here Summer is also a dim memory, not that it was a particularly warm one anyway.

Good luck with the bathroom Rhonda, If your dad is free he can always come over here and do mine up as well!!

Great positive news from Francene Jess, I hope she keeps up the progress. I also hope the Lakers win!!

Can somebody enlighten me as regards the US medical system. It appears to me from whet I read that you can only be treated if you have the money for tye drugs. Do you have health insurance. Does it cover all your meds. And what happens if you can't afford treatment.
Over here you pay no more than €85 per month out of your own pocket for meds. The rest is covered under the GMS no matter what it costs. And if you have health insurance it covers everything that is considered 'medically necessary'.

I don't want to sound smart or anything here. I was just wondering.

[sodascouts]

There is no cap to what you can be charged for medical treatment that I'm aware of. Without insurance - good insurance - you're screwed if anything happens to you.

Some of you may remember I was dizzy for a couple hours a while back. I went to the ENT doctor, who suggested I get an MRI "Just in case" it was a tumor. It scared me, so I agreed, even though I doubt it was necessary.

Two Doctor's visits: $400
Radiology for MRI: $600
MRI Imaging: $4200

My sucky insurance pays: $600.

So I am left with a $4600 bill....

for a couple hour's dizziness.

Other fun facts: Because of my pre-existing condition (epilepsy) I cannot get my epilepsy meds covered by anything other than a group plan through an employer, nor coverage for any hospital or doctor's visits that may occur as a result of not only epilepsy, but anything related to it (for instance, stitches for a fall caused by a seizure). My epilepsy medicine costs approximately $1000 a month here; i order it from Turkey for $300 a month.

Without my parent's help, I would be in MAJOR DEBT right now.

[AzEaglesFan]

When I retired from the State of Arizona I went with coverage through the state retirement plan rather than go on Medicare. I think I am better off. My hubby has Medicare and it covers some of his meds, the rest we get through VA because he was in the Navy during the Korean War. We only pay about $8.00 per month for his meds. I know we are VERY luck and count our blessings.

[Molly]

Health care (hospitals, doctor's fees) etc. are generally market driven. There are State and Federal regulations about fees and charging, but for the most part, hospitals can set their fees. However, patients are discovering that they are consumers and will "shop around" for the best deals in many cases.

If we set $5000 as the cost of an appendectomy at the hospital I work for, and the hospital down the road charges $4000, given the choice, which hospital do you think people will go to if they are able to make that choice?

Also, just because our bill for services is $5000, that doesn't mean that's what we will be paid. Many private providers will have a contract with the hospital which will set the terms of exactly what they will pay.

Medicare pays by a set payment system based on severity of illness and medical necessity. If Grandma comes in with a broken hip and has a hip replacement -the set payment may be $8000. Doesn't matter if the bill is $10,000-the hospital will be paid the set amount of $8000. If Grandma has a heart attack after her surgery and ends up staying 2 weeks longer than planned, and her bill is $25,000, the hospital will still get $8000.

That's a very simplified explanation, but the basic jist of the Medicare system.

T19 (public assistance)? That $8000 bill may garner $1000 payment for the hospital.

Many hospitals also will not turn away people who have no insurance. We don't. It would be horrible PR for us to do that in the small town I live in, not to mention go against the reason the Sisters of the Divine Mercy opened our doors 65 years ago-to serve our community. I am grateful that I work for an institution that is still trying to do what's best for the people here.

Some uninsured people go on a payment plan, some go to collection, but most is "written off". When my sister was going thru her cancer treatments 2 years ago, she was uninsured. Her bill after radiation/chemo was more than $250,000. She paid $25.00/month. It's all she could afford.

How does a hospital make up for the poor payment by the government and take in to account the uninsured? On the backs of those people who do have private insurance. That's one of the reasons why those of us who carry private insurance pay such high premiums.

[TimothyBFan]

Can somebody enlighten me as regards the US medical system. It appears to me from whet I read that you can only be treated if you have the money for tye drugs. Do you have health insurance. Does it cover all your meds. And what happens if you can't afford treatment.
Over here you pay no more than €85 per month out of your own pocket for meds. The rest is covered under the GMS no matter what it costs. And if you have health insurance it covers everything that is considered 'medically necessary'.

I don't want to sound smart or anything here. I was just wondering.

If they can do it, why can't this country?

Funny this subject should come up. My husband called me from work yesterday to tell me they were informed that between 11/17 and 11/21 every employee and their spouses with be required to have a wellness physicial or will not be on the group insurance. But get this, they cannot tell us how much our insurance will cost us starting January 1st. :-x Are you kidding me? So you are forcing me to take an exam but can't give me a price. How do we even look for other insurance with nothing to compare it too. It's not the exam that bothers me, but the fact they can make you take it without consideration of telling us how much it will go up (and you know it will!). It already cost us $97.00 a week out of Larry's paycheck but pays basically nothing in return. We have a $35.00 copay for all office visits, our drugs are rarely paid anything on (thank goodness the only maintenance drug any of us are on is high blood pressure for me and Dillon has a strange medication that he has to take every 2 weeks that luckily doesn't cost to much), we have a $2,500.00 deductible per family member then they only cover 70% after that. I had a minor out patient surgery last Friday that they tell me will cost around $10,000.00, I will be responsible for $5,000.00 of that. What a bargain at $97.00 a week!

It just infuriates me! :brickwall:

[MikeA]

Our insurance gets modified each year, and it has been YEARS (read decades!) since it has been in the employee's favor.

We have $15 co-pay on Meds and Doctor's Visits other than for "wellness" checkups. Those are "free" unless they find anything at all and if they do, it becomes a normal visit! Even if they find a mole that they suggest should be removed. So, in essence, there are no free visits.

We have $2,500 in decuctible per year with $5,000 for a family. In our case, there are just the two of us so there is no benefit for reaching the family deductible.

After the deductible max is reached, insurance covers 80% as long as we use Dr's and Hospitals and Clinics that are "in network".

We have $4,000 per person in out of pocket with $8,000 per family per year. This out of pocket does NOT include the deductible per person, so we are looking at $6,500 in out of pocket.

The only "good" thing about this insurance policy I have is that the company does put $2000 into an account and this amount is used for any out of pocket expenses that arise from Dr's visits and deductible amounts paid. That helps and makes it bearable as long as there are no major procedures during the year.

Our cost? Right at $200 per month. So per year, we have $3,000 plus $2,400 or $5,400 per year that we are out of pocket before the 80% insurance coverage actually kicks in. The only good thing is that we will under no circumstances be out of pocket more than $4,000 per person AFTER we meet the deductibles! So with just one of us having a catastrophic illness, we might be out of pocket $4,500 plus the cost of the insurance premium amount of $2,400 or $6,900 before we reach the maximums and have to pay nothing else...other than the insurance premiums throughout the illness.

It's BAD but not a bad as some.

[Peekaboo]

Thanks again for all of the good thoughts and prayers for Francene. I've told her about you all praying for her and she is very thankful for that. I was wrong about one of her meds being $500 a month. It's actually $5000 a month. I was way off. Thankfully that program she was approved for will pay for everything. Francene is also under Medicare although i'm not aware of what all will be taken care of for her by that.

I now have my own health insurance but for about 2 years I didn't have any at all. That was bad timing for that because i needed it when I didn't have it. I was under my mother's health insurance until I turned 22. I was 23 in Aug. 2007 when I nearly had to have emergency surgery and was in the hospital for a week. Since I'm Native American, I get to use Indian Health Service (IHS). My mom works at the Indian clinic near my hometown. When the medical bills from my hospital stay would come in, my mom would take them to work with her and give them to the proper people to get the bills paid. It's not as easy of a process as it sounds. It's a lot of paper work and as far as I understand IHS has a certain process that they have to go through and they take FOREVER. It's been over 2 years and I still get calls from the doctor's office asking about the payment and threatening to take it to collections. I keep telling them the same thing about IHS taking care of the bill and explaining what I can to them before finally calling the Indian clinic myself and talking the proper person that handles it. They tell me it's getting done. It may take a long time to get those bills paid (and not just for me but for all Native Americans) but I'm so very thankful to have an Indian clinic or hospital to go to when I need medical assistance.

[EagleLady]

We've got a Hurricane heading our way :fear:

[Maleah]

Well folks.....Amber officially has her surgery tomorrow. She's been dealing with so many other health things in the meantime that she is relieved to finally be "healthy enough" to have the operation. I don't know if I ever told you guys or not, my memory fails me lol, but she used to promote music in the Kansas City area as well as surrounding areas. One of the bands that she used to work with was David Cook's band at the time and she actually went out with him a few times. Anyway, she's also friends with a couple of guys in his band and they were in Houston last night for a show. She ended up getting to meet up with them and hang out and then go to the show later that evening. I absolutely love David Cook....have I said this before? :D Such a sweetheart....watch the video. If you watch the whole thing you might hear something you really like btw ;)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-QFuQqzbnE

She wrote a caring bridge update about everything if you guys would like to read it: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/amberbain

[GlennLover]

I'll be praying for Amber, Maleah!

[Troubadour]

I'll be thinking of Amber, too.

I haven't felt well for the past couple of days, so I called the doctor this morning and was given a sick cert and a prescription for Tamiflu. They can't be 100% sure that it's H1N1, but the symptoms are consistent with it. Either way - it's flu. I feel horrible, but I know there's so much of it around right now. I'm off for a week, so at least I can relax a bit without worrying about calling work every day.

On the subject of doctors, it was interesting reading about your experiences from across the pond with regards to medical insurance. I had to pay when I got sick in South Africa (I was there for a year) and it was an eye-opener! Despite what people say about the British National Health Service, and the problems it has, I still think that it's one of the best things about this country.

[Glennsallnighter]

Yes, and I think we are modelled on yours Lou! I should say that we have two basic tiers of healthcare, Private (you pay yourself or your insurance does) or Public (self explanatory - Free). The main difference is that if you need something done you will have it done quicker if you are a private patient, and you may have a more luxurious hospital stay (better menu choices, nicer decor in your room. Fewer patients in your ward). But ultimately the job is done just as well once you get there and in an emergency there is really no difference. The bottom line is that if you need treatment you will get it sooner or later, and depending on the urgency you are prioritised.

Maleah.... I hope Amber does really well and that she makes a full recovery. I'll keep praying for her.

Lou, I know you haven't been well. Hopefully now you are on meds things will clear up quickly. Have plenty of hot drinks and Don time......

...... Oh, Look who's dropped in to cheer you up.....

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t236/Irisheaglesfan/DSC02147-1-1.jpg

[Troubadour]

Aaah! Who needs Tamiflu? :heart:

[Molly]

Good luck to Amber, keeping her in my thoughts Maleah.

Louise, take care of yourself. The flu is just everywhere, isn't it?

I just got back home from the hospital I work for to get my intranasal H1N1 vaccination. I work from home 90% of the time, but the vaccine is available to all of us so I figured I'd procrastinated long enough, may as well get mine.

I was stopped by a teary-eyed co-worker/friend in the hallway who told me another of our co-workers was in our ICU on a ventilator and H1N1 had been confirmed. She's not doing well at all.

This is the first time it's hit home for me. Julie (my co-worker) is such a pistol, and kind of a tough chick. I didn't think anything could take her down. I'm so shocked and worried.

This on the heels of a terrible football outing for Marquette yesterday. Peter went down in the 2nd quarter with what the doctor preliminarily thinks is a rotator cuff (shoulder) tear. Great! Final game of the season of his senior year!

3rd quarter one of the Marquette kids was on a receiving end of a very cheap and illegal chop block and went down hard and screaming horribly with his leg bent in a very un-natural angle. His leg is broken.

:stunned: That's such a terrible thing to witness and I feel so bad for this boy. Everyone, players, coaches, parents was quite shaken up.

My gosh, I hope things settle down.

[Troubadour]

I'm so sorry to hear about your co-worker, Molly. It is very scary. All my warmest and most positive thoughts are with her.

Sounds like a nasty incident at the football game. Hope the poor guy recovers as quickly as possible!

[EagleLady]

Oh Molly, I am so sorry, My thoughts and prayers are with your Co worker and the Football Player. Poor guy

[GlennLover]

Feel better soon, Lou!

Molly, hope your co-worker is better soon too! I also hope the boy's football injuries heal quickly. I damaged my rotator cuff this year. I went for laser therapy. It worked very well.

[Koala]

Molly, I'm so sorry to hear about your co-worker and the football Player.
Troub, I hope you feel better soon.
Maleah, good luck to Amber, she is in my thoughts!

[sodascouts]

Maleah, thanks for the update on Amber. You know I continue to pray for her.

Louise - feel better soon!

Molly - you know, you hear about H1N1 affecting some people that severely, but you figure it's so rare you'll never know anyone like that. I hope your friend is able to recover... how scary... wow. I'll pray for her, too.

I feel bad for your son and his teammate. Rough game! Hope they heal up quickly.

[Prettymaid]

Now guys, you're not going to pray over a football game, are you? ;)

Molly, my thoughts are with your coworker and the boys.

[GlennLover]

Now guys, you're not going to pray over a football game, are you? ;)

:rofl:

[Molly]

Now guys, you're not going to pray over a football game, are you? ;)


:laugh:
We sure needed somethin'! We were so out-numbered and over-matched, I remember thinking as we walked in..."We haven't got a prayer!"

Peter's friend's lower leg is broken and his knee was dislocated. Ouch! No wonder he was screaming! I guess we'll consider ourselves fortunate that Peter just has a dinged up shoulder.

Today is Julie's 6th day on the ventilator. She's not any worse -so I guess that's the kind of thing we'll hang on to right now. She's a tough cookie! I can't imagine this will take her down. And yeah, Nancy, I've been thinking the same thing about how it seems unreal to know someone in this situation.

Julie blew off getting the vaccination even tho it was offered to all hospital employees for free. I only got mine yesterday, as it was my initial intention not to get it. Lesson learned.

Oh, and thanks to all for all the well wishes. I know that Peter will be just fine. But, I like knowing that Julie will get all those good vibes being sent her way!

[Troubadour]

Keep us updated, Molly!

We got some good news today. My Grandad has had prostate cancer for years, but it is being contained by regular injections and tablets. Today, he went for his four-monthly check-up, which we were quite worried about, as his cancer count was very high last time, and the doctors had told him that the tablet he is on right now is the last tablet they can offer him before chemo. My Grandad really doesn't want to have chemo as he saw his brother, John, go downhill very quickly after starting the treatment, and pass away last year. Anyway - today he got the results and his cancer count is down to 4.4! He had a blood test, and also had an MRI scan, and there is nothing in his bones at all. (We were worried it may have spread.) So, it appears these tablets are working at the moment. The doctor is thrilled and doesn't want to see him for another 6 months, and that will just be for a blood test and a general check-up. We're all so pleased. It's the best news we could have asked for today. My Grandma said on the phone that she "feels like celebrating" - bless her. I'm sure she cracked the sherry open when they got home!

[sodascouts]

Aw, thanks for sharing the good news Troub!

[GlennLover]

Great news about your grandfather, Troub!

[Koala]

Troub, glad to hear the good news about your grandad!
My grandfather has also prosata cancer but luckily it can now be treated with tablets. However, he had to undergo several years ago an irradiation therapy.

[TimothyBFan]

YEAH Troub!! I am always so happy to hear stories of cancer survivors!! That is such great news for your family.

[Prettymaid]

Good news Troub and your grandmother sounds like a fine lady, bless her heart!

[Brooke]

Troub, that's wonderful news! Bless them both!

[glenneaglesfan]

Troub, sorry to hear about your flu, but good news about your Grandad.

Molly, so sorry to hear about your workmate Julie. I hope she is hanging in there - she sounds like a fighter. We have been a bit blase about swine flu over here but I took up the offer of a vaccination this week - a sore arm is a small price to pay.

PB, good to hear that Francene is coping so far with treatment. We'll be thinking of her.

EV. a belated good luck on your trip to San Diego. I have to go to a conference next week - two days of lectures in confined spaces always gives me a headache, but hopefully it will improve my practice.

[eaglesvet]

GEF, you must feel re-energized and ready to try new things after the headache after the lectures...right?:nod: Hopefully your conference is in a nice location, to enjoy in the evenings at least?

I hope everyone else's health is on the upswing...we have a long winter to get through. And Troub and PB, I'm glad the chronic illnesses of your loved ones are responding to treatment.

[sodascouts]

Hopefully your conference will be worth the suffering, GEF!

[ticky]

Lou, What wonderful news!! I'll keep G-pa in my prayers.

GEF *G* have fun at the conference if you can, I hope it does help!

Sarah and I have been sick as dogs. I dunno if it's H1N1 but it's freakin miserable. Low fevers, coughs, sore throat etc... Sara's going to the Dr. today but Im suffering through. Im better today then yesterday so I must be getting better! In the mean time I get to stretch my creative senses. Im decorating some dried gourds. I know it sounds weird, but they look really cool! The one Im currently working on has Pacific NW Native American designs. This one has Salmons and Hummingbirds. Ill take some pictures when its done. What are they for? I have no idea, but they look cool. Im also writing! so keep your eyes open.. ya never know...

[Glennsallnighter]

Oh Rhonda, I hope you and Sarah are better soon. I'm laid low with a chest infection. I'm off work til Wednesday. While I was at the Doctor I asked could I have the H1N1 shot but she said its still only available to those with underlying health problems. Grrrrr!! I teach up to 100 students a day. They are all telling me about relatives/friends with the virus.

Kate enjoy the conference, I hope it is beneficial. We need to catch up properly!!

Lou, Delighted about your grandad. I hope he continues to do well. Hope you are feeling much better real soon.

And Peek, great news about Francene.

[GlennLover]

I'm still off on sick leave. Having one of my "bad" days & it's getting me down. I shouldn't complain because those days have been less since I've been off work, but that fact the lessens the chances that I will be able to go back to work. I'm not ready to retire! I miss the people the most. Just thought that I'd pop in to The Border. That usually cheers me up!

ETA: I skipped ahead a bit, too eager to post about my day, I guess. Anyway I hadn't read Ticky & GA's posts. Feel better soon gals!!!!

[Brooke]

Get well soon, GL! Now that's an order!

[GlennLover]

Thanks, Brooke! :-)

[sodascouts]

I know it's rough, GL. Here's hoping that this, too, shall pass.

[SweetHolly]

I know I haven't been here in forever. I've had a lot going on in my life. Still haven't gotten my weight loss surgery yet but hopefully it will be soon. I have to find a new surgeon. I'm also probably going back to college in the spring.

[Troubadour]

Here's hoping those that are ill feel much, much better soon. Thanks for all your good wishes and kind comments about my Grandad. They mean a lot!

[cynd1231]

Boy, did I blow this day off....TGIF! Slept late, sat around in my pj's till 9:30 (unheard of for me), finally showered and dressed then went out and stocked up on birdseed for the multitude of feeders in my backyard. So much for the morning! Sat down at the computer at noon to check The Border and my email then jumped over to work on some writing for "a while" (yea, right). So now it's 5:00 o'clock and I just finished a 'poem' that I couldn't walk away from once I started. But here's the kicker: when I finished and went back to read the finished product, I made myself cry! I mean, how lame is that!!!!! :headscratch::cry:

[Maleah]

But here's the kicker: when I finished and went back to read the finished product, I made myself cry! I mean, how lame is that!!!!! :headscratch::cry:

Not lame at all! I like to TRY to write songs and most often, when I'm feeling creative is also when I'm feeling down and missing my Mom. So a large portion of what I write is about her or about losing her. I cry as I'm writing them and I often cry when I'm reading them again!

[cynd1231]

Thanks, Maleah...I don't feel so bad now!

[Peekaboo]

To all of those that have a cold or the flu bug, I sure hope you all start to feel better very very soon. Get lots of rest, drink plenty of fluids, and most importantly get well soon, my friends.

Maleah, i still hope and pray for the best for Amber. Loved the video you posted. Sooo sweet of David Cook to give a shout out to Amber during his concert.

Lou, that was such wonderful news for you and your family about your grandfather. I'm so happy for you and yours. That good news is definitely something worth celebrating.

[Brooke]

Happy news! Our son is home for a few days for deer hunting season. It's so good to see him. He hasn't been home since his birthday in August, so Mom is making him all his favorite dinners! He's being spoiled just a bit! :angel:

[Maleah]

To all of those that have a cold or the flu bug, I sure hope you all start to feel better very very soon. Get lots of rest, drink plenty of fluids, and most importantly get well soon, my friends.

Maleah, i still hope and pray for the best for Amber. Loved the video you posted. Sooo sweet of David Cook to give a shout out to Amber during his concert.

Lou, that was such wonderful news for you and your family about your grandfather. I'm so happy for you and yours. That good news is definitely something worth celebrating.

Thanks Jess! You're a sweetheart :hug: Amber is doing pretty good! She came through the surgery with flying colors! She went in at 9AM and wasn't supposed to get out of surgery until 11 that night......they finished up at 4 in the afternoon! She was walking a bit by the next day. They told her she's breaking records. lol The doctor said that the 2nd and 3rd weeks after the surgery are going to be the most important as it is easy for infection to set in and that is VERY dangerous so please continue to keep her in your prayers!! She says thank you to everyone and she can't tell you how much she appreciates all of the thoughts and prayers!

[GlennLover]

Maleah, I'm so glad to hear that Amber came through the surgery well. I was anxious to hear how she was doing! Both my husband & I have been praying for her. Please keep us posted.

[Brooke]

Maleah, wonderful news! :yay:

[Koala]

Nice to hear that Amber came through the surgery well! Thats realy good news!

[Maleah]

GL,Brooke, Koala....thank you so much! I honestly can't tell you how much that means to us and how much we appreciate it! I know everyone here has been praying and thinking about Amber so thank you ALL! You guys are the best and I want you all to know that you are loved! :grouphug:

[Peekaboo]

Brooke, glad that your son is home. Have fun spoiling him.

That's such great news about Amber's surgery, Maleah. Good luck to her on her recovery. Prayers and good thoughts continue for her.

I've been worried during these last couple of weeks about whether or not I would get Thanksgiving off. I've worked every major holiday since I've worked at the casino. Last year, I spent the morning of Thanksgiving with my family and it was also was the first Christmas I ever spent without my family. The casino is always really busy on holidays so just about every dealer is scheduled to work. About a month ago my boss said that we could fill out a wish list for which holiday we would like to have off. He said that he would try to give everybody their first choice off but it's not guaranteed. Thanksgiving was my first choice followed by Christmas and then New Year's Eve. I wanted Thanksgiving off because (this year) it's the best chance for me to be able to spend a holiday with all of my family. It's even more special because my cousin, Francene, is back. We haven't had a Thanksgiving with her since she moved away from Oklahoma 6 years ago. We are all so happy that she is back home now. Well, we all filled out our wish lists and I was fairly certain that I would get my first choice off, especially since it's on one of my regular days off, but then my boss told us (without giving a reason) that there would be a lottery for 14 open spots for Thanksgiving. I've been on pins and needles the last week wondering if I would get that day off. The schedule was posted last night and I got it. I get to have Thanksgiving off this year!!! I'm soooo incredibly happy about that. Now, i'm off to listen to Don's My Thanksgiving.

[Brooke]

Peek, lucky you! That's great!

[GlennLover]

I'm so happy for you, Peek!

[Peekaboo]

This past saturday while I was watching the Oklahoma vs Texas A&M football game i was surprised when i saw that there was a brief tribute to my friend and former teammate, David, who was killed while serving in Afghanistan this past September. It was such a nice tribute. They briefly spoke about his time at OU on the track and field team and about his time in the military. His parents were there and received a game ball from the OU President. His mother has taken over his facebook page and I check in on it every once in awhile and she recently posted a link to a video that our local news station did for David. It's such a touching piece. David's parents have also set up a scholarship fund in his name fior future student-athletes on the track and field team at OU.

http://www.kfor.com/news/local/kfor-special-reports-the-letter-story,0,5357234.story

http://www.soonersports.com/sports/c-track/archive/david_t_wright.html

[cynd1231]

Hi, ho, hi, ho.......off to the first day of my new job. Wish me luck (I know you do anyway!). I am SO ready after 13 months of forced unemployment. Of course, we all know how the first day goes -- paperwork, paperwork, paperwork. On a more upbeat note, it's 25 miles each way...so I'll be on the road with the Eagles for at least an hour everyday! A job AND my best guys...What more could a girl ask for? Ah, life is good.........

[Troubadour]

A touching tribute, Jess. Glad you got Thanksgiving off!

Cynd - the best of luck! You sound really optimistic. I hope your first day goes well.

[MikeA]

Just found out this morning.
It's A Girl !!!

Amanda (my daughter) is due mid April. Everything is looking great so far!

[TimothyBFan]

Miles is going to have a baby sister! How cool! Any names yet?

BTW Mike--Do you know of a group from Wichita called Moreland & Arbuckle?

[MikeA]

Miles is going to have a baby sister! How cool! Any names yet?

BTW Mike--Do you know of a group from Wichita called Moreland & Arbuckle?

Actually, I had not seen them, but my son had talked about them and was going off on the "guitar". Cigar Box! One bass string routed to a bass amp and three guitar strings wired to a guitar amp! Sounds awesome. They have a Website:

http://www.morelandarbuckle.com/

Some videos on it. Good stuff! How did you happen to hear of them?

[Brooke]

Cynd, good luck at your new job.

Mike, congrats on getting a granddaughter! (In April) Hope all goes well!

[TimothyBFan]

Actually, I had not seen them, but my son had talked about them and was going off on the "guitar". Cigar Box! One bass string routed to a bass amp and three guitar strings wired to a guitar amp! Sounds awesome. They have a Website:

http://www.morelandarbuckle.com/

Some videos on it. Good stuff! How did you happen to hear of them?

Went to see Jonny Lang and The Robert Cray Band Saturday night and Moreland & Arbuckle opened for them!! They were fantastic!! They made 3 new fans in hubby, daughter and I. That cigar box guitar was weird. I tried to take a picture of it to post in gearhead for you but it didn't turn out. I didn't realize till you wrote above exactly what it was. That explains why there was no bass player then. We were curious about that. It just looked like a box, a handle and strings to me. The singer/harmonica player has an awesome voice. I meant to grab their cd before I left the theater but forgot too. They were out in the lobby signing them between acts but I never did go check it out.

Anyways, thought you might of seen them since they were from your neck of the woods. Check them out if you get a chance. I found some of their stuff on YouTube also.

[GlennLover]

Peek, that was a nice thing that was done in tribute to your friend.

Cynd, good luck on the job! Wish I was going back to work too!

Mike, great news from Amanda!

[sodascouts]

Peek, it sounds like the tribute was wonderful. I bet it was appreciated on the Texas Aggie side too, especially because of our famous Corps of Cadets. (Also, glad you got Thanksgiving off).

Cynd, by the time you read this, your day will probably have ended. Hope it went well!

Congrats on your pending granddaughter, Mike! ;)

[MikeA]

I've been getting into that kind of music a lot lately Willie..."roots music". The stuff that "Moreland and Arbuckle" are doing. The stuff that "The Band Of Heathens" is doing. It's all good solid music...done the old way...without a lot of tekno garbage synthesizing it! Not overproduced. Bare Bones MUSIC.

Yes, I'll keep my eyes and ears open for another appearance in Wichita. I saw they were in Florida now.

[TimothyBFan]

Gonna be a rough day today (actually started last night). 2 years ago today I lost my father to his last battle with cancer. My mother lost her best friend/husband of 49 years and still has a very rough time daily with missing him and today will once again be exceptionally difficult for her. The year he died it was the weekend before Thanksgiving and his funeral was the day before Thanksgiving so the holidays are always going to be difficult I suppose but am determined to not let them get us to down again this year. Dad wouldn't want us not to enjoy the holidays because they meant so much to him because the family was always together.

[Troubadour]

Thinking of you and your mum, Willie. :hug: You're exactly where your Dad would want you to be.

[MikeA]

Willie,

There are probably strong philosophical Ideals that could be offered up to help those going through tough emotional times. I'm sure there are. But I don't have any worth putting down for posterity!

Just know as I'm sure you do, that Family no matter what the closeness or the furtherness might be, is still Family. It's the one you have. Hang in there.

[cynd1231]

Thanks, all, for the well-wishes yesterday. First day was the typical overviews and orientation...paperwork begins today and then on to training. I'm really excited and SO glad to be working again. Ran into three gals I used to work with at the old place...great reunion!! Also have three others in my training class who used to work at the other place as well...doesn't bode well for the bad rep the former employer has earned.

Mike, a huge congratulations on your grand-daughter!!! I've got four and they are such a joy...but then so are the four boys!

[MikeA]

Mike, a huge congratulations on your grand-daughter!!! I've got four and they are such a joy...but then so are the four boys!

Well, Thanks Cindy. However, "Houston, We have a Problem!"

Miles insists that he is going to have a brother! And since there has never been anything he wanted that he didn't get, it will be, shall we say, "INTERESTING" as to how this plays out <LOL>

[Brooke]

You're in my thoughts TBF. :hug:

Losing a loved one over the holidays does make it especially hard. We lost my husband's Mom a year ago tomorrow and my Dad fell and broke all the ribs on the left side a couple days later. Then we found out he had a brain tumor. It was a horrible week for us. We also lost my sweet Grandma a couple days before Christmas fourteen years ago, and it's still a sad thought at that time.

[GlennLover]

Willie, I can empathize with you! I lost my father to cancer 24 years ago on Nov 21. I still get down around the date of his death. The day of his funeral was the day of the Santa Claus parade & as the cemetary was on the other side of town, we had to take a round about trip to avoid the parade route. Just hearing the parade mentioned still brings back painfull memories! My mother had a hard time dealing with Dad's death, but despite our best efforts, we couldn't get her to go to any type of counselling until this year-24 years later!

Cynd, glad your 1st day of work went well & that you met up with some previous workmates. Sounds like yo're going to be happy there.

Mike, you do have a problem pending :hilarious:! Good lucK!

[SweetHolly]

I went over by Reunion Arena earliar as they were finishing the demolition. It was so unbelievable how it looked. I was totally shocked. I can't believe it's gone now.
I went to so many events there. Thank you for the memories Reunion Arena. I truely miss you, even though you were an eyesore near the end. :sad:

[cynd1231]

Mike, I've got to LOL at that. When my daughter found out she was expecting the LAST time they told her in her second month it was twins. The following month they told her it was identical boys so you can imagine everyone's shock when my son-in-law called and said, "The twins are here...SCARLETT AVA and Warren Phillip." My first words were "You named one of the boys SCARLETT???????"

As for the job...Day 2 was really interesting. Still haven't started the paperwork because corporate hasn't provided our employee ID numbers without which we can't access the system -- which in turn made it a challenge for the IT guy to teach us this morning! AND another gal I used to work with showed up today...turns out she was in the training class that started 10/12 but was in a serious car accident on her way home from work on the fourth day. It's been like 'old home week' and I'm loving it.

Lastly, RIP Reunion Arena...been there myself a few times.

[Koala]

Mike congrats to your future granddaugther.
Cynd, good luck in your new job.
TBS, you and your mum are in my thoughts, this must be a tough time!

[TimothyBFan]

Thanks everyone for your kind thoughts.

Cynd-your story cracked me up about the twins. Funny you thought they had actually named a boy Scarlett. :hilarious:

I remember when I was pregnant with Katie, I swore it was a boy (I refused to have any girls because I knew what kind of problems they were!). I had an ultrasound and Larry wasn't with me but he called me when I got back to the office. I wouldn't tell anyone in the office what it showed till after I talked to Larry. He knew how much I really wanted all boys. When he called, the receptionist told everyone that she was patching my husband thru to my office. It got deathly quiet in the outer office as I told Larry it was a girl (which is what he wanted). He was so excited and going on and on, then it dawned on him that I might be disappointed, so he asked, "are you ok with that?" :hilarious: Like I was going to say no, let's send it back and try again! Needless to say, we kept her and sometimes I wonder why,:hilarious: but can't imagine life without her now.

[MikeA]

Having raised a Girl and a Boy Willie, I've got to say, Zack was the double handful! I'm glad that Amanda was our first. If we'd had Zack first we'd probably both be in jail and never had a second one! It's not that Amanda was all that much "better". She just didn't get caught as often! We learned that all a LOT later! <LOL>

[eaglesvet]

One of the 30-something vets I work with had a daughter 3 yrs ago via IVF, and then had to undergo the same procedures for their 2nd child about 1 1/2 yrs ago. She was a little shaken when she found out she was carrying triplets, and then more so when she found out they were ALL BOYS! I, gave her the optimistic outlook...at least when she was shuffling them all off to activities in a few years, she could be dropping all 3 of them off on one Little League team-- instead of one to dance, one to softball, and one to baseball! Definitely easier in my book! All 3 boys are doing fine, about 4 or 5 months old now. Their mom just came back to work 2 days a week, God bless her. She has her mom and mom-in-law watching all 4 kids, God bless them!

[Koala]

When my mom was pregnant with me, she did not know that she gets twins, that they gets twins was detected at the birth.
When the midwife said to her, ''Oooh there still another child comes ''!
That was a great shock for my parents.

[Troubadour]

LOL! Love all the cute birth stories. Sounds like a few people have had surprises!

I'm going back to work tomorrow, after being off for a week and a half with flu. I'm still exhausted, but feeling much better than I did last week. I'm a little apprehensive about going back because I still feel pretty weak (and given the nature of my job, that's not an advantage!) But it's only an early shift, and then I have Friday off. Hopefully it'll be a nice easy transition back into work. I'm looking forward to getting back to 'the real world'. I've missed the fresh air. Although obviously the Border time has been lovely!

I did take a trip out the other day to my Dad's grave. It's been 10 years since he died, which seems pretty surreal. So, Willie, and everyone else who is dealing with loss, however long it's been since the person has passed - I empathise, and I'm thinking of you.

[cynd1231]

TFB, in actuality I didn't really think they named a boy 'Scarlett' -- I know my son-in-law all too well. He's a Brit and leans toward very masculine OR more unusual (by U.S. standard) names. What made it funny was that originally they told my daughter fraternal twins (boy/girl) THEN they said maternal twins (same sex...and there is a history of that in MY family and NO history of twins in my son-in-laws family). As the pregnancy progressed the doctors kept insisting the sonogram showed two boys so they decided to honor my late ex-husband by using his first and middle names (James Warren). Their problem was that my son is James Warren III so they didn't want to step on any toes in the even my son ever had a son. Leslie and Rick had settled on Aiden James and Warren Phillip, discarded any further discussion of names for girls. So when Leslie delivered and the first one was a girl it caught everyone...including the doctors...by surprise. What really riled my son-in-law was when I said, "Oh, how clever...Scarlett and Rhett" (as in Gone With The Wind). Scarlett and Warren are now lovingly referred to as "Carrot" and "Wren" (and no, she isn't a redhead...it's how Warren pronounced 'Scarlett'...Max calls his big sister "Cute Knee" and Madeleine is better known as "Melon").

They are the babies...after Courtney Rebecca, Maximillian (Max) Edward and Madeleine (Maddie) Amalia. And then we have Olivia Ann, my son's little girl. They are such a joy and they keep me in stitches. And I give major kudos to my daughter...I don't know how she maintains her sanity. I had my hands full with just TWO.

[cynd1231]

:yay: Well, I survived my first week on the new job. It's a lot to learn except that I've done this kind of work before so it's really more a question of UNlearning old methods and learning the new. I think my biggest challenge is going to be getting comfortable with the computers...multiple programs are integrated and when I say multiple I mean at least seven or eight that tie into each other. And we've got dual monitors in order to view lots at once. Since I've worked in the industry before the basic concept is the same. Looking forward to the weekend and some quality time working on my writing :computer:. Then next week we have three days on and a four-day weekend. :thumbsup:

[sodascouts]

Good to hear you're settling in, Cynd.

Wow, time flies. I can't believe it's Thanksgiving week already!!

[Prettymaid]

Wow, time flies. I can't believe it's Thanksgiving week already!!

Yeah, and then Christmas and then The New Year which means 2010 which hopefully means more concert dates! :pray:

(Don't tell Don I'm praying for concert dates!)

[TimothyBFan]

:pray:

(Don't tell Don I'm praying for concert dates!)

Not praying---pleading!!

[Wildthyme]

Wow, time flies. I can't believe it's Thanksgiving week already!!

I can not wait for a nice Thanksgiving dinner! I have been living on peanut butter, beans, and toast for ages and I am looking forward to turkey and all the trimmings. Yum!

[Peekaboo]

Cynd, glad to hear that your first week at the new job went well. Hope all continues to go well with this new transition.

Mike, great news about your soon to be grandbaby. Baby girls are always fun!!

Lou, i'm glad that your feeling better and are back to your normal routine now.

I'm thinking of all of you who are dealing with the loss of loved ones over the holidays.

I can't believe it's been over a week since i've logged on here. I thought that I had lots to catch up on when I missed just a few days on here but now i REALLY have lots to catch up on. The bad thing is that i probably won't have time to do that till this weekend. I've just now gotten the chance to sneak in a few minutes of internet time this morning. Work has gotten busier over the last week with putting in some overtime and going to meetings. Although my days off have been busy too, i was able to fit in some time for a "Night of Indulgence" with some friends. It came at the perfect time. It was such a stress relieving evening. We got our hands, feet, back, face and scalp messaged along with getting a few glasses of wine. It was so relaxing. I'm thinking about going back and doing that again for my birthday.

At the moment, I'm spending some time with Francene but we have to make the 3 hour drive back to my hometown this afternoon to help my mom get ready for Thanksgiving dinner. Mom likes to get things started the evening before so that she doesn't have to do so much on the day of. Francene is continuing to do good and she says that her doctor told her that all of her blood work is starting to look normal and that she may get "an early Christmas present" and get to have her gall bladder surgery sooner than expected. She was happy about that but doesn't want to have to spend Christmas in the hospital. We'll see how that goes. I'm sure all will work out just fine.

[TimothyBFan]

Can I ask for some good thoughts please.

You all know about my 90 year old neighbor, Millie, and might remember when we put her in hospice house a month or so ago. Well last week, they let her come back home (I'm sure they were ready to get rid of her, feisty old lady, because they were tired of her complaining -I know we all were) and she seemed to be doing better. They had a hospice nurse coming in every other day and we were all checking in on her. In my opinion she should not have been back home but I had no real say in that matter, her son did. Well, a bit ago I had a call from hospice on the caller id, and so I took a deep breath and answered it and they told me the hospice nurse was at the door trying to get in and she wasn't answering it or the phone. So I ran over with the key and we found her laying on the cold hardwood floor in the dining room. She wasn't moving or answering us at first but then came to a bit. According to the monitors, they are thinking she's been there since last evening. They are pretty sure she has broken her ribs and who knows what else. The thing is, she has a lifeline around her neck that I had sat up several years ago! Why in the heck didn't she push it? She's very incoherent and didn't even realize she was on the floor. The oxygen tubes were wrapped around her ankles so I'm sure she got tripped up and that's how it happened. I have called her son in Missouri and he's on his way again. They are transporting her to the hospital. Just please keep her in your thoughts.

[EagleLady]

I will keep Her in my thoughts and prayers Willie

[Brooke]

Willie, I'm sorry about your neighbor and hope she'll be ok.

I know I've mentioned here that my Dad had a terminal brain tumor. He passed away last Thursday. He gave it a long, hard fight, but finally lost the battle. It's for the best, as he's in a much better place now and no longer suffering. Mom will have to learn how to live again because she had devoted herself to him for this past year. The holidays will be hard. Again.

[Freypower]

Brooke, what can I say except I extend my deepest sympathy to you.

It's hard when it happens at this time of year (my father died on December 5, 1987).

[TimothyBFan]

Oh Brooke-I know you will keep hearing this but I am so sorry. And I know your mother is going to have a very rough time with it also. I will be thinking of your family tomorrow for your first holiday without him (as I've mentioned, I lost my father 2 years ago and his funeral was the day before Thanksgiving). As FP said, it's so hard around the holidays.

[GlennLover]

My deepest sympathies to you & your family, Brooke. I've been there tooso I know what you're going through :hug:.

Willie, I will pray for Millie.

Peek, glad to hear that Francene is doing well. I will continue to pray for her.

[sodascouts]

I know I've told you this already, Brooke, but I'm so sorry for the loss of your father. He is in a better place up above, but I know it's still hard to be without him here below. I'll be praying for your family this Thanksgiving.

Have a fun Thanksgiving, Peek, and thanks for the update about Francene.

TBF, Millie is my prayers, too.

[Koala]

Brooke, I am so sorry for your loss, you and your familie are in my thoughts and prayers!

TBF, I'm sorry to hear that about your neighbor!

[Glennsallnighter]

Gosh Peek, I know what you mean. I've been very busy both at work and at home and with hubby on a weeks leave last week I had virtually NO Border time at all. I'm delighted that the news and outlook for Francene is good. I know you have been busy. Hope you have a great rest and time to catch up with family over thanksgiving.

Maleah, I'm still thinking about Amber and hoping that she is still doing well. I hope she has a great Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Brooke, of course let me sympathise with you on the loss of your dear father :hug:. I know your parents had a long marriage which was a credit to them. I'm sure they had hard times but overcame them. Its never easy when this happens though. May he rest in peace now. I'll pray too for your mum who did such a wonderful job caring for him.

TBF I hope Millie recovers soon and is not in too much pain.

Cyndi, well done on your return to work. I hope it continues to work out well for you.

Mike....... Congratulations on your impending granddaughter. Hope everything goes well for Amanda. You could try telling Miles that if the baby is a girl it means that he will always be Grandy's best boy.

Lou, glad you are better and back to your old self.

Cami, PIG OUT!!!!!!! You deserve it.

[MikeA]

Brooke,

I am so sorry.

[cynd1231]

Brooke, please know that you and your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers. It was 20 years ago on the 15th that we lost my Dad so I can certainly relate to the emotional roller coaster all of you are riding. Last month I lost two uncles within a span of three weeks and my older sister and I like to think that they're with our Dad on that 'great big golf course in the sky'...something the three of them did regularly during their time here on earth. Time will ease the pain of your loss, and while the holidays will be difficult this year, rest assured that he is still with you in spirit, he resides in your heart and mind and will never be far away.

Thanks for all the well-wishes on my job. We were scheduled for four weeks of training thru mid-December but the instructor got fed up with the book and literally threw it out, choosing to wing it instead, which has been a blessing. As a result, we've had eight days of instruction, will review all day Monday, take our final 'skills test' on Tuesday and be on the floor/phones as of Wednesday! From four weeks of training down to ten days!

To everyone else who is muddling thru their own crisis, I'll keep all of you in my prayers....

[Molly]

Brooke, you have my deepest sympathy. Remember the special times you had with your dad and he'll be right there with you and your family throughout this Holiday season.

[Maleah]

Oh Brooke I am so sorry for your loss! My heart just broke when I read your post. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers!!


Willie still praying for your neighbor! Hope she's ok!!


Thanks GA! Amber just got out of the hospital yesterday! In about a week she should be headed home. The Doctors are AMAZED! Thanks everyone for all your prayers!

[Troubadour]

I am so sorry, Brooke. My deepest and warmest thoughts to you and your mother. I just marked the tenth anniversary of my Dad's death - it's still hard. I really feel for you. We're all here if you need us.

[GlennLover]

Thanks GA! Amber just got out of the hospital yesterday! In about a week she should be headed home. The Doctors are AMAZED! Thanks everyone for all your prayers!

Maleah, great news about Amber!

[Brooke]

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. It really does help to know we have friends in times of trouble. Even though I've only met a couple of you in person, I feel like I've known you all forever and you are all considered very good friends.

Peek and Maleah, wonderful news that your friends are doing well. I'll continue to keep them in my prayers, too.

[Stars]

Brooke, I was so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. Please accept my deepest condolences.
My dad also died during the holiday season-he passed the day after New Year's Day, 1997. I think of him so often, but this time of the year he is in my thoughts even more.
Cherish your good memories of your dad-I know that has sustained me throughout the years.

[tbs fanatic]

Brooke, I am so sorry to hear your news. My condolences to you and your family.

[Brooke]

Thanks again, everyone.

[Prettymaid]

Brooke, I'm just now catching up with this thread. I was surprised to read your post. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Willie, I'm thinking of Millie and hoping for the best.

Jess, good news about Francene. I hope she continues to get better.

Maleah, unbelieveable! Great to hear that Amber is doing so well.

[eaglesvet]

Brooke, I'm so sorry to hear about your loss.
Try to keep your chin up, although it will be difficult.

[Troubadour]

I'm well and truly in a Christmassy mood! I put up the tree today and decorated it. We went into town last night, had a drink at the pub, and watched some of the kids from the local hospice (where my mum works) ice skating. Every December, there's an ice rink and a Christmas market right next to the cathedral. It's so beautiful, especially in the evening. One of the chalets is selling homemade fudge that looks delicious. Thought you might like to see how pretty it looks!

http://www.winchesterchristmasmarket.co.uk/images/gallery_icons/backdropcathedral.jpg

http://www.winchesterchristmasmarket.co.uk/images/gallery_icons/DeaneryMarketnight.jpg

http://www.winchesterchristmasmarket.co.uk/images/gallery_icons/IceRinkLights.jpg

http://www.winchesterchristmasmarket.co.uk/images/gallery_icons/Latenightshopping.jpg

[Brooke]

Troub, such beautiful pictures. Thanks for sharing.

Someday I'd love to visit NYC and Chicago at Christmas time to see all the beautiful decorations.

We put up out outdoor decorations and most of the indoor over the weekend. It's helping to put me in the Christmas spirit. The weatherpeople are calling for snow showers tomorrow, so that will also help.

[TimothyBFan]

Wow Lou--Those are beautiful pictures. I can't imagine seeing buildings that look like that on a normal day let alone all decked out in holiday trim.

Brooke--you definitely have to see Chicago at Christmas time. It's just the most beautiful city (especially right down Michigan Streets magnificent mile). I haven't been over there at Christmas time for quite a few years but back in my early 20s, was there every weekend in December. Loved Chicago at Christmas!

[sodascouts]

Lovely photos, Troub!

Yes, Chicago at Christmas is lovely. The only problem is the crowds on Michigan Avenue as everyone's trying to see into Macy's windows - insane!!!

[Prettymaid]

Troub, your photos have put me in the Christmas spirit too! (Okay, I was already there.:partytime:) What, besides fudge, do they sell at the Christmas market?

[Troubadour]

What, besides fudge, do they sell at the Christmas market?

All sorts of food and drink. German Bratwurst, Belgian waffles, crepes, hand made pasties, mulled wine. There's one Hungarian chalet that sells cakes, Hungarian beer, spiced punch, Goulash, etc. Most of the chalets though (I believe about 20) are dedicated to arts and crafts. Local, professional artists sell their own work, many of whom graduated from the nearby College of Art.

Apart from the ice rink, there's also carol singing, school choirs, brass bands, and people dressed up in Medieval costumes (if you're lucky!) The little wooden chalets were actually made by inmates at Winchester prison, as part of a programme designed to teach them new skills. There's always a chalet or two dedicated to raising money for local charities, too.

[Koala]

Great photos, Troub!
I love Christmas time, it is the best time of the year! I love to decorate the house inside and outside, Cookie baking, go to Christmas markets and listen to Christmas music. Christmas is always a very nice time at work, at this time the children are always very excited (even if they no longer believe in Santa Claus!)

[Glennsallnighter]

Oh Troub, what gorgeous pictures, Your town looks adorable. Its great that local talent can be harnessed in that way. Hopefully the prisoners who made the chalets are feeling very positive about their effort and that they will channel that into their lives. And the local artists have a beautiful channel for their wares as well. Enjoy it!

I've put up an advent wreath and the children have their advent calendar out now as well. We will probably do the Christmas tree and decorations at the weekend.

At school we are having some Christmas displays and the students are making Christmas cakes and crafts as well. We of course are getting our Christmas tests prepared.

Its getting near.........:)

[ticky]

Lou, your pictures are so pretty!! I wish we had something like that here. We go out every year to see the Christmas lights on the houses around us and some of the houses go crazy!! but we dont have anything as wonderfully community oriented like your festival. I'd love that.


I've been trying to get Cliffy motivated to get the decorations DOWN out of the attic (I'd do it myself, but the "attic" is the rafters over the garage and you need a ladder to get to it..) BUT.. I did finish my Xmas shopping thanks to the internet and black friday (I went out at like 2pm friday, picked up the three or four things I needed and went home.. took me an hour or a little more.. ) So that's ready, its the decoration, baking, parties, wrapping, Christmas Cards, etc left to do..

[Molly]

You all sound so organized!

I've done some shopping, but I'm having trouble getting excited about it this year. Probably because it's mostly adults I'm shopping for, and that's just not as much fun as shopping for kids.

I think if I get going with some decorating, that will help my Holiday spirit. I'll put up my Packer tree-that'll do it! Except, of course, for all the Brett Favre ornaments that will just stay packed in the box (ahem, Maleah!).

[Maleah]

You all sound so organized!

I've done some shopping, but I'm having trouble getting excited about it this year. Probably because it's mostly adults I'm shopping for, and that's just not as much fun as shopping for kids.

I think if I get going with some decorating, that will help my Holiday spirit. I'll put up my Packer tree-that'll do it! Except, of course, for all the Brett Favre ornaments that will just stay packed in the box (ahem, Maleah!).

:hilarious: :hilarious: :hilarious: I have a BRILLIANT idea! If we just paint the jersey purple and the pants white........ :D

[Stars]

Troub, thanks for posting those photos-your town looks like something out of a fairy tale, or maybe a Christmas movie-lol!
It sure makes me want to visit there, especially at this time of year.

[Fan_For_Life]

I'm a little undecisive and wondering what some of you might do in this situation. Due to financial struggle our office recently experienced some of our employees to receive a reduction in salaries. Now the bosses are throwing a Christmas party, something they do every year knowingly spending over-the-top for the lavish parties they are accustomed to(I'm talking in the thousands $). With the recent cuts in budget I'm wondering if I want to attend or not. I'm a little sour and really resenting the fact they have the capability to spend tons of money on parties but can't keep up with our incomes. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[TimothyBFan]

FFL-That's horrible in my opinion! Sounds a heck of a lot like those companies that got called out for spa dates and corporate jets etc. after taking tax payers money not so long ago, only on a smaller level. I can't understand these companies that think that the common employee can't figure it out or won't think there's something wrong with that. I think I would have a really hard time attending anything like that under the circumstances and me and my big mouth would probably have myself fired before it was all said and done for voicing my opinion-which I don't recommend you follow my lead on that one.

[sodascouts]

I would only go if I needed to for some reason. If it's optional, then nah.

[chaleymom]

Hello everyone - it's been awhile.... in a melancholy mood tonite and thought I would share some sad news with my old Eagles friends. I cannot sleep and my husband is out of town for 10 days.

My brother Bob passed away Monday evening in San Francisco where he lived. I can't believe I actually wrote these words..... He was 60 and had a heart attack - quite unexpectedly. I am unbelievably heartbroken and can't stop crying. I've never experienced a death this close. I've lost grandparents, aunts and uncles - but never expected to lose my brother so unexpectedly. To make matters worse, my 88 year old father is completely grief-stricken and my mother, who has Alzheimers, doesn't even know and we are struggling with the decision to tell her or not. Two of my brothers had harsh words tonite and are now not speaking - one says he will never speak with the other for the rest of his life.

I'm reaching out for any words of comfort. I am truly beside myself with grief. Thank you for listening.

Love, Kim

[sodascouts]

Oh, Kim, I'm so terribly sorry. I wish I could say something to make it better, but all I can do is say that I will be praying for you and your family. Often times people say things in anger that they don't mean - hopefully your brothers will realize they need to come together in this time.

Again, I'm so, so sorry.

[ticky]

Kim,
Im sorry for your loss. I lost my sister about 12 years ago and I still miss her ever single day. All I can say is it gets easier. Im really sorry about your brothers. I guess some people (men especially?) find it easier to express anger and hate then grief and sadness. What I can offer you, and I know this may sound crazy to anyone who hasnt lost a close loved one, but maybe those of you who have can relate, everyday I feel her near me. When Im doing something she loved to do, or when I look for her help, she's there. Sometimes even when I am NOT looking for her help, she's there. I've even been known to tell her to shut up and go away (she always was a little opinionated.. go figure *G*) Still, I know that whether its that part of her that she left behind in me or just her spirit I feel around me, I know I can rely on at least a part of her to always be with me.
Stay strong and rest if you can. Gob Bless and Love,

[Prettymaid]

Kim, I'm so sorry to hear from you again under these circumstances. May you find the strength to remember your brother's life and not concentrate on his death. He is in a wonderful place now.

[Troubadour]

Oh, I am so sorry, Kim. All my warmest thoughts are with you. It must be especially hard that your husband is away at the moment - just remember that you are not alone. Nothing will ease the pain right now, but we're all here whenever you want to talk. Love and big hugs. Try not to let other problems get to you too much, and focus on the memory of your brother. You need time to grieve and remember him without worrying about whether your others brothers will ever talk again. Hopefully, as Nancy said, their harsh words were born out of anger and hurt, and they will realise that they need to stick together. I'll be thinking of you and your family. Do keep us updated on how you are doing.

[TimothyBFan]

You are in my thoughts also Kim. It's never easy losing a loved one, especially so unexpectantly, but it's also hard when those who will miss them most are lashing out at each other. Hopefully your brothers will realize how much you all need each other and make amends. Please stay strong and hold on to the good memories. Like Rhonda said, he will be with you always, I truly do believe that.

[Fan_For_Life]

Thanks TBF and Soda. I don't usually hold grudges. I've thought more about it and decided to not go.

Kim, I'm sorry to hear about your loss. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

[Brooke]

Kim, I'm so sorry to hear about your brother. It's especially hard at this time of year with everyone wanting to be happy at holiday time. I'll also keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

[chaleymom]

thank you all for your kind comments, prayers and thoughts. I will try my best to take all of your advice in the hopes that I will soon begin to heal. I know it won't be like this forever....but right now I can't see past the fog. I know God does not give us more than we can handle and I'm trying to remember that too.

My brother Randy and his partner are flying to San Francisco tomorrow to take part in a memorial service that's being held for Bob by his friends and minister. We felt it more appropriate for him to be cremated and have the service in the town where he lived for 40 years, as opposed to bringing him back here to Ohio. Our plan is to scatter some of the ashes over the Golden Gate Bridge and then have another memorial here for him after the holidays.

I'm finding it extremely difficult to get into the Christmas spirit now. I will check back later with you all.

It is so humbling to me to know that perfect strangers here are so unselfishly supportive. God Bless You.

[Koala]

Kim, I'm sorry to hear about your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your familie!

[Freypower]

I am so sorry, Kim. I know what this is like (today, December 5, is the 22nd anniversary of my father's death). You will get through it by remembering him.

[Molly]

Kim, I'm so sorry for your loss. It was just the 8th anniversay of my brother's death. He died unexpectedly Thanksgiving week in 2001. Wednesday would have been his 50th birthday.

Draw on the support of family and friends. It's so very difficult right now, but in time, you'll be able to smile when you think of him and remember the good times.

[GlennLover]

Kim, I lost my father near Christmas many years ago. I know that the grief seems overwhelming now, but hang in there. It does gradually get better. It is understandable that you don't feel in the Christmas spirit this year. No one should expect that you would be. That's OK. There will be other Christmases. Take time to grieve. You will be in my prayers.

[DonFan]

I'm sorry for your loss too, Kim. It is especially hard during the holidays.

[Maleah]

Oh Kim, I am so very sorry for your loss! :( I lost my Mom 13 years ago (it will be 14 in April) and it is absolutely devastating to lose someone that close to you. That line in Don's song "I'm learning to live without you now, but I miss you sometimes" is exactly how it is for me now days. You will never forget the pain, but it gets a little easier as time goes by. Trust me when I say I've BEEN where you are now when you feel like your heart is broken and you can't see it ever healing. It doesn't mean you won't cry because I still cry a little almost every day but I know she's with me and I know I'll see her again. I pray that God will bring you the same peace that He brought me to bring me through! Like everyone else has said, people who are hurting often say things out of pain and anger that they don't mean. I know my sister and my brother had very harsh words that ended with my sister crying and neither wanting anything to do with each other. It took a little time but both are very close again. I wish that there was something I could do or say that would take the pain away. :( Please know that my family and I are praying for you and yours!

[chaleymom]

Hello again... I am so thankful and appreciative for all the heartfelt responses from all of you. Maleah - how precious you are... thank you for the personal message and video.

I sympathize with the rest of you who have also lost loved ones in the past and are remembering their anniversaries. I know I am not alone in this and that life will go on.

My youngest brother went into the hospital last night and had gallbladder surgery today. Although the surgery went well, he is now in awful pain. He also now needs another procedure tomorrow. I was with him all day today. I told him the Lord knew he needed rest so He put him on his back for a few days. :wink:

I'm asking for continued prayers as I try my best to move on.

Thank you all again so much for your prayers.
R.I.P. brother Bob :angel:

[SweetHolly]

I'm so sorry for your loss Kim. Hope your brother does well during surgery.

Just got back from my doctor appointment. I have to go back on the 23rd to get a mole removed that might be cancer. I'm hoping it won't be because I'm so afraid of cancer. It seems like everyone I know that's had cancer has died from it. I had a cancer scare over the summer. My dentist found a couple of growths on my tongue that looked like they might have been cancerous. I'm just blessed it wasn't cancer.

Still haven't gotten my weight loss surgery. Hopefully soon. I have to find another surgeon.

I'm going back to college in the spring. I need to go and take the test and enroll.

[GlennLover]

Hope everything goes well for you, Holly! :)

[sodascouts]

Holly, I'm sorry to hear about your scare. Hopefully they will remove the mole and everything will be fine. Good luck with school and with your operation - I hope it all works out for you!

[Koala]

Holly, I hope everything goes well for you!
some years ago a mole had to be also removed to me, I also was afraid because my aunt has died of skin cancer only some weeks before!It was a difficult time until finally the result of the investigation came,thank God it was not cancer!

[Glennsallnighter]

Firstly let me apologise for not being on properly in so long. We changed Internet service provider a few weeks ago. We were told it would take a phone call to change over but of course it was not that easy. So we were without internet for a full week until it was restored yesterday evening. Ever heard of Cold Turkey? I got a few minutes at work each day but that was it!.

Anyway I'm back now. :)

Kim, comiserations from me too on the loss of your brother. Of course I will pray for him and also for your younger brother as he combats his illness.

To anybody that finds this Christmas season difficult due to memories of separation, poor health or hardship, please rest assured that I will keep you all in my thoughs and prayers.

Holly, good luck with the college exam and also your surgery. I hope things go well for you.

I'll be BBF over the nexy few days as well. Our work Christmas party is tomorrow night and by co incidence, hubby's is as well. In the same place :rofl:. On the good side it means we booked a room for the night and farmed the kids out to my parents, so we can make a night of it. On the down side it means I'll have to.......er....... behave myself. :rofl:

[GlennLover]

I'll be BBF over the nexy few days as well. Our work Christmas party is tomorrow night and by co incidence, hubby's is as well. In the same place. On the good side it means we booked a room for the night and farmed the kids out to my parents, so we can make a night of it. On the down side it means I'll have to.......er....... behave myself.


Try to have a good time anyway, Lisa :wink:!

[Glennsallnighter]

Oh......difficult as that may be....... I'll try :wink:

[DonFan]

I need to apologize for being away so long too. I hate not being able to visit The Border very often--when I am away I miss you guys! I try to read what is going on on the board as often as I can, even if I don't post anything. I do love and appreciate my job but working 40 hours a week for a company that doesn't allow internet access to "entertainment" sites during the day is frustrating. :brickwall:I tried to log on during my lunch hour and there is an internet filter that blocked me. *sigh* Plus, since I work for a museum, our biggest days are holidays and weekends when everyone else is off. I have to work many weekends too, and that has definitely taken some getting used to! I never seem to have enough time to clean my house and catch up on my laundry and other household chores, and I never catch up on my sleep either :yawn:. I know it will get better when I finally get used to this crazy schedule. I was spoiled after being able to freelance from my house all these years. Plus, I am still travelling out to town to see my mother as often as possible. She is 83 and gets a little more frail with each passing day.

I did want to share some good news: our youngest daughter has been accepted to the University of Alabama! :thumbsup:Roll Tide! So next year we will have two children in college. :shock: I pray we survive. :pray: And I pray she buckles down and studies hard because she has never been the best student. She is the daughter that I am most worried about--I'm afraid she will find college life just a little too much fun. :partytime:

I loved reading everyone's posts about Don and Timothy's recent solo shows. It is hard for me to believe that I started this year with an Eagles concert in January right here in my hometown of Birmingham and that has been IT for me the rest of the year. Maybe if I'm a real good girl next year :angel: fortune will smile on me and I will get to go to another Eagles/solo concert of some kind, and get to visit with some Borderers, too!

Of course, I have to start every day by listening to Don's gorgeous voice singing "Please Come Home For Christmas." :smitten: It just wouldn't be Christmas for me without that.

I will try to come here more frequently. In the meantime, I hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday season!

[Freypower]

Congratulations to your daughter, DF. You must be very proud.

[sodascouts]

Congrats to your daughter - and glad you could drop by, DF! Here's hoping you get a chance to post more often. We miss ya around here!

[TimothyBFan]

Congrats to your daughter DF--I'm sure you are very proud!

Update on our beloved neighbor Millie. We took her from Hospice house Saturday to the nursing home here in town. She hasn't recognized anyone since I found her on the dining room floor right before Thanksgiving. Yesterday, her son Gary was there and she recognized him and also asked if Larry & I had been out there. Gary called to tell us and so we took off to see her and within the half hour it took for us to get ready & get there, she didn't recognize any of us again. It's so sad to see someone so vibrant and strong only a year ago become so bad, especially in the last couple of months.

[Brooke]

Good to hear from you DF! And congrats to your daughter.

TBF, I'm sorry about your neighbor.

[sodascouts]

How sad. I'm sorry, Willie.

[GlennLover]

Willie, I know what it's like. When you first mentioned Millie I had a feeling of deja vu. The story was so close to that of a friend of mine & her elderly neighbour, whose name was Millie also. My friend checked on Millie all the time, had her to her house for dinner alot & included her in many outings. Millie was a real going concern at 97 years of age. I was fortunate enough to get to know her a bit at this time & hear her wonderful reminiscences. I won't go on with the details but, her story is very similar to that of your Millie. Sadly, Millie passed away about a year & 1/2 ago. Thankfully, once she started to go downhill she went fairly quickly. She was quite a lady.

[Glennsallnighter]

DF! Great to hear from you when you CAN drop by. And congratulations to your daughter on securing her college place. I hope it all works out for her.


Willie! I'll keep Millie in my thoughs and prayers over the next while.

[TimothyBFan]

Thanks everyone and GL--thanks for your story. Her son Gary came by yesterday morning on his way out to the home and we talked. He said that he hopes the good Lord takes her quickly because this isn't what she would want and I agreed. She's not fighting at all about going back home and that speaks volumes to anyone who has ever known her. I think she has just given up. I'm actually kind of glad she isn't really aware what's going on around her.

[Koala]

TBF, How sad, Millie is in my thoughts and prayers!

[GlennLover]

I'm actually kind of glad she isn't really aware what's going on around her.

It's hard for those around her to see, I'm sure, but is probably is a blessing for her. Very sad though.

[Troubadour]

Thinking of Millie.

Congrats to your daughter, DF! Always glad when you can drop by. :)

[MikeA]

Poor Millie. Really sorry to hear about it. Some of you know that my brother is fighting Cancer...or has been. I guess he still is though he has been cancer free for a bit over a year. Several occurences of it. First in "his privates" and they thought they had successfully beaten that. Just short of five years later though, it showed back up in his ankles. They fought that to a victory too with chemo and radiation. Then it showed up under his arms and again they killed it. Then about 3 years ago now, it showed up in his brain. Again, chemo and radiation and they did get rid of it.

But in the process they killed about 2/3s of his brain <sigh>. Decimated his memory and really had a bad result on his ability to communicate and just as bad, really took away his sense of balance. He's been falling down a lot and really hurting himself.

Last week, they had to take him back in the hospital. He has had episodes of dehydration and when that happens, he is pretty much a vegetable. Usually, just putting him on liquids in the hospital brings him out of it. But this time it didn't work. It seems he is now having seizures. They are trying to get him on some sort of medication to regulate him so he doesn't continue to have the seizures but it is going to take a while to get it regulated. For now though, he is doing a LOT better. At least he recognizes people and can communicate and has even been up to go to the bathroom. I don't know how much more damage may have been done by these seizures as far as his memory goes.

Time will tell.

[MikeA]

On a lighter note....I've been through the knothole with my internet connection. It turns out that my router was fried. We had a power spike yesterday that knocked my modem and router offline and when I rebooted them, only the modem worked! The router acted as though it was connected, but nothing could get to the modem from it. Yet, if I plugged directly into the modem with one of my computers, I could work without problems.

Over lunch today, I went to WallyWorld and bought a new wired/wireless "N" modem made by Belkin. It took nothing to get it set up and now I'm in better shape with my Internet connections than I was before.

I didn't have wireless before. Now, I can use either of my two notebook computers anywhere around the house I happen to desire. I only have "G" adapters in the notebooks though so do not get the full thru-put of "N" speeds. I'm limited to the 54mbps "G" protocol. Still, it's very nice being able to keep up with eMail and stuff from upstairs in the den. I get tired of my basement office!

[Brooke]

I'm sorry about your brother, Mike. Sounds like he's been through some terrible stuff trying to beat cancer. Prayers for him.

Good luck with your new router.

[Glennsallnighter]

Awww Mike, I hope your brother remains comfortable and that they find suitable drugs for his seizures.



It turns out that my router was fried.

Lucky Router. I wouldn't mind being 'Frey-ed'

[GlennLover]

Mike, I didn't know that your brother had been through so much. My prayers are with him & your family.

[EagleLady]

Awww Mike, I hope your brother remains comfortable and that they find suitable drugs for his seizures.




Lucky Router. I wouldn't mind being 'Frey-ed'


:rofl: How did I know you were gonna say that ;)

[GlennLover]

:rofl: How did I know you were gonna say that ;)

The same thought went through my mind when I read that! I guess we're all "Frey-ed"! :hilarious:

[MikeA]

Nah, I'm not Frey-ed or likely to be ,LOL> Now, I might be all Walshed-up, I mean "Washed UP". It's been a long day. But it's ending good though there were a couple of times today that I thought about "Schmidt'ing" someone hip and thigh (uh, smiting I mean). But there were a bunch of old Hen-lays down in Little Rock keeping an eye on me so I had to seek out the Felder's of the group (I mean Elders) to take care of the situation.

[GlennLover]

Aw Mike :unimpressed:! No, seriously :lol:, very clever!!!

[sodascouts]

Mike, I'm sorry to hear about your brother. Sending prayers his way, too.

[MikeA]

He can use all the help he can get. But he's been dealing with it for a long time. For the past 4 years, it's been a question of "quality of life". He really has none <sigh>. Sad situation.

[TimothyBFan]

there were a couple of times today that I thought about "Schmidt'ing" someone hip and thigh

Schmit's hip and thigh you say? :shock: :drool: Sorry, I digress!!!

Really tho Mike--I'm so sorry about your brother. I definitely hope everything gets better for him soon. He in my thoughts.

[Brooke]

He can use all the help he can get. But he's been dealing with it for a long time. For the past 4 years, it's been a question of "quality of life". He really has none <sigh>. Sad situation.

Quality of life, really is the question here. Had my Dad not broken 8 ribs last November, which took at least 6 weeks to heal, he would have had at least 4 months of quality. But by the time the ribs healed, he was losing motor skills and the doctors didn't recommend any treatment for him at the age of 83. Surgery was out of the question and the horror of chemo wouldn't have been bearable at his age. He was pain free the whole time and just slipped away peacefully. To look on the bright side, he had a wonderful, active life up until the last 12 months. I can't imagine him having to go through what your brother has.

[Koala]

Mike, I'm sorry about your brother.

Today my granny came into the hospital, she has high fever and a heavy Pneumonia! She was so dizzy that she is overthrown in the Bathroom at home. Whether she has what broken, we do not know yet! She has osteoporosis, which makes things even more difficult.

[EagleLady]

Oh, I am so sorry Koala. Hope she gets better

[Brooke]

I'm sorry too Koala. I hope your granny will be ok.

[GlennLover]

Koala, I'm sending wishes for you're grandmother's recovery. I'll keep her in my prayers.

[TimothyBFan]

Koala---best wishes for your grandmother's speedy recovery also.

So many loved ones of all of us here having issues right now. Here's hoping the New Year gives everyone better luck and health.

[sodascouts]

Hope your grandmother heals well, Koala.

[Koala]

Thanks everyone.
Fortunately nothing is broken! However, she must stay in the hospital because of the pneumonia.
Now we hope she can leave the hospital before Christmas, so that she can spend Christmas at home.

[Molly]

Koala---best wishes for your grandmother's speedy recovery also.

So many loved ones of all of us here having issues right now. Here's hoping the New Year gives everyone better luck and health.

Well said, Willie.

Hope your grandma gets well quickly, Koala, so she can be home for the Holidays.

Mike, I'm sorry to hear about your brother. That's rough. He sounds like an amazing fighter, tho. My thoughts and prayers to him and all your family.

[Molly]

Quality of life, really is the question here. Had my Dad not broken 8 ribs last November, which took at least 6 weeks to heal, he would have had at least 4 months of quality. But by the time the ribs healed, he was losing motor skills and the doctors didn't recommend any treatment for him at the age of 83. Surgery was out of the question and the horror of chemo wouldn't have been bearable at his age. He was pain free the whole time and just slipped away peacefully. To look on the bright side, he had a wonderful, active life up until the last 12 months. I can't imagine him having to go through what your brother has.

That's tough, isn't it, Brooke? At some point, it becomes clear that life as your loved one knew it is gone. I hated seeing my big strong bull of a dad reduced to a tiny frail thing under the bed covers in the hospital. I remember feeling a sense of relief when it was all over...for all of us, but especially him.

Yesterday, my co-worker Harvey who was diagnosed with cancer 4 months ago was moved into hospice. Tomorrow, another co-worker and I are going to see him. We heard he wants to say goodbye to as many of us who worked with him over the years as possible. I'm sure he'll call us "kiddo" like he always does. What a sweetie he is!

I've heard he says he's at peace and happy and content with the life he lived. That's a blessing for the family he's leaving behind.

[Brooke]

That's tough, isn't it, Brooke? At some point, it becomes clear that life as your loved one knew it is gone. I hated seeing my big strong bull of a dad reduced to a tiny frail thing under the bed covers in the hospital. I remember feeling a sense of relief when it was all over...for all of us, but especially him.

I've heard he says he's at peace and happy and content with the life he lived. That's a blessing for the family he's leaving behind.

Exactly, Molly.

[EagleLady]

Word of advice. Don't get firefox. Mine keeps freezing up :brickwall:

[Glennsallnighter]

Koala, I'm glad your grandmother will be ok. Its always scary when our older relatives have these health crises.

Molly, I hope Harvey is peaceful to the end and that he enjoys seeing you again.

I had my H1N1 flu jab on Tuesday. Absolutely painless, not a bother. I was still waiting for it when the guy said I was done. (I did have 2 Glenn :heart: guitar picks in my hand to give me some sort of courage)

Then yesterday I was floored!!! I could hardly move out of my seat I just felt so whacked. We put it down to the mini flu side effect that you can get from the jab. I'm ok again today, just a little more tired than normal. But I'd still say IMHO its better to get the jab than the flu. And when you are in contact with up to 500 people a day I guess its a safety thing.

[Koala]

Thanks again for your warm words.

My granny comes probably Monday or Tuesday home then we can, as planned, celebrate christmas together!

Today I bought the last remaining missing Christmas gifts. Monday I must buy still the Christmas tree and the turkey hen for the dinner and then can Christmas come!

[MikeA]

Word of advice. Don't get firefox. Mine keeps freezing up :brickwall:

I wasn't too impressed with FireFox either though I do like it a lot better than Microsoft's Internet Explorer.

I don't use either of those other than in a crunch such as when something doesn't work right and I need IE to confirm that it is a Browser issue.

I use Google's "Chrome". It has been VERY stable.

[Glennsallnighter]

Wow Koala. I'm glad your grandmother will be home for Christmas. It looks like you have everything under control. I finished the present buying today, but I still have to wrap some. I'm also correcting a mountain of exams to be done for Monday. Laura is singing in a carol service tomorrow afternoon and I'm having the family back afterwards. I still have to collect the Christmas food, but its all been ordered.

[ticky]

I just got this in my Email!! How freakin cool is this???

Ooligan Press
Portland State University
P.O. Box 751
Portland, OR 97207
(503) 725-9748

Dear Rhonda Gill,

Congratulations! Ooligan Press will be including the story you submitted for the Oregon 150 Commission’s Oregon Stories project as part of a book by the same title that we will be publishing in the spring of 2010. The book will be comprised of 150 regional stories, which capture diverse Oregon experiences from myriad voices.

There were many potential pieces, and we enjoyed reviewing all of them. After much consideration, we have decided that your work fulfills our aspirations for the forthcoming book.

We will be contacting you with more information as the publication date draws closer. If you would like more information about Ooligan Press or have specific questions about the project, please visit our website www.ooliganpress.pdx.edu or e-mail editing@ooliganpress.pdx.edu.

We thank you for your time and effort and for your Oregon story.

Sincerely,

Lauren Saxton
lauren.saxton@ooliganpress.pdx.edu

For Oregon's 150 anniversary they were asking for stories about Oregon and I entered a story about my great great great grandmother and the Oregon Trail and they Loved it!!! Cool!!

[Molly]

Congratulations, Rhonda! Exciting!

[sodascouts]

Wonderful! Congrats!

[Brooke]

Rhonda, very cool! Congrats!

[GlennLover]

That's wonderful, Rhonda!!!!!!

[Koala]

That's great, congrats, Ticky! :thumbsup:

[Peekaboo]

Ticky, very cool about the publishing of your story. I'm sure it's a good one. I love reading the stories you've written for us here. Congrats!!

Mike, my prayers are with your brother and the rest of your family. It's hard to see someone you love go downhill like that. One of my Aunts has been battling Lupus for the past 5 years and it has been such a sad ordeal to see her mentally and physically get weaker over the last couple of years. I wish your brother all the best to get through the this.

To all of my fellow Boderers that have recently lost loved ones and to those that are missing there loved ones over the holidays, I send you my deepest sympathies and prayers. I'm so very sorry for your loss. It's never easy to go through something like that but know that we are all here for you and we are thinking about you.

I'm doing my best to get all caught up here. I've been M.I.A. from this place for a few weeks. I've missed this place and all of my fellow Borderers so much. I haven't been overly busy with things in my life over the last few weeks but things in my life have just occurred to where I haven't had the time to check in here. I'm gonna try to change that and work things out so that I can make time to come here more often in the future. I'm leaving for my hometown in about an hour to spend tuesday and wednesday with my family. That's the only time I have for Christmas with my family. I have to work Christmas Eve and Christmas so I must make the best of my Christmas while I can.
I've been feeling horrible the past couple of days. My head and body ache, all of this coughing and hacking sucks, and my throat feels crappy. UGH!!! I just hate feeling like this. I started feeling a little sick on friday but when I woke up on Saturday I could feel it coming on pretty strong. I got through work Saturday and Sunday night but I felt just horrible today (i'm still on Monday even though it is almost 6am on tuesday). I barely made it through work tonight. I was hoping to leave work at midnight but we were short on dealers and we were really busy for a Monday night. Of course, of all nights for us to be busy, it had to be the one when I desperatly needed to leave early. Oh well, I finally got to leave after working 6 1/2 hours. Since i'm going back to my hometown this morning, I'm going to go see the doctor. I'm in desperate need of some medication. This dayquil stuff is not helping me. I hope it's not the flu. I got both flu shots about 2 months ago. I'm hoping that I'll be better by the time I return to work on thursday because I know that we are going to be incredibly busy over the holiday weekend. Here's to a happy and healthy Holiday for everyone here. :cheers:

[TimothyBFan]

Ticky--How frickin' cool is that?!?! I'm so excited for you. I sure hope you share the story with us soon.

Jess-I hope you feel better real soon and hope you have more chances to join us again when things slow down a bit. We've missed you here.

Last night was a great night at my MIL's house with bunches of nieces and nephews coming in from all over the country for the day and evening. It was so great to see so many babies in the family again (all the nieces & nephews are now having families of their own) and we have 2 more on the way in June & August.

Today will be a busy day of baking/decorating cookies. Give me strength to get thru it with all the kids ranging from 2 to 11. Dogs should be on an all out sugar high by the end of the day from everything that is sure to be dropped on the floor.

[Stars]

Congrats Ticky! What wonderful news-I would love to read that story someday!
Jess, hope you feel better. I have a very sore throat-hope I'm not sick over the holidays.:worried:
As for the latest around here, I ended up in ER with hubby last night, as he slipped and fell shoveling snow at his work, and hit his head and hurt his back. Thank the Lord it was not a concussion- he's been told to take pain pills and muscle relaxer. It could have been so much worse, and I'm grateful it was not serious!
Happy Holidays everyone!

[MikeA]

From what I've read of your work Rhonda, if that was your FIRST published work, I'm quite sure it WILL NOT be your last. You're breaking out of the shell!

A NEW CHICK IS BORN! YEA!!!!!!!!!! Good on Ya!

Peek, ya really think Christmas it going to be that busy? I would expect it of New Years, that's pretty bad when everyone heads to see you instead of their families! Whatever the case, sure hope that you get to feeling better.

Stars, that's a real bummer about your guy! From one who knows what back injuries are, I really feel for him. (BTW, you shouldn't leave those meds laying around. I have a very safe place to store them if any are left over <LOL>!)

Two good reports.

FIRST, My daughter's test results came back yesterday and the BABY is no longer suspected of having Down's Syndrome. There were false positive readings on the other tests. She was told of the high percentage of false positives from that test, but combined with a "calcium mark" on the baby's heart, made them very concerned. There are more results to come back from the test she had, but the big bullet was dodged!

And my brother...his mental faculties are about back to where they were before he went in for these seizures he's been having. That's not saying a lot because he does have a lot of brain damage from the radiation treatments. He does sleep a lot but that is because of the meds they are giving him to try and control the seizures. They are still doing tests of all sorts. I think he is their Ginnie pig...he's at a Cancer Treatment facility and it is the best in the State. MRI's and CTs are showing that he is at least free from tumors. Still don't know when they will let him come home.

Life is Good!

[Stars]

Mike, I am so happy for you for the good news that you have received! So glad that the baby is no longer suspected of having Down's Syndrome, and that the scans are showing that your brother is free from tumors. Thank the Lord for that. Life is good and I want to wish you and all a blessed Christmas!
By the way, I'll think of you when I need a place to store those pain meds!:hilarious:

[EagleLady]

Awww Jess I hope you get better soon. Think pleasantly of Don ;)

[Koala]

Jess, I hope you feel better soon.
Mike, great to hear the good news.


My Granny has come from the hospital today morning, she feel much better again!:)
Tomorrow we have our traditional Christmas barbecue with friends and family that always make a lot of fun, especially when it snows!:hilarious:

[glenneaglesfan]

A big hello to all of you. I have been away far too long. My SO's hours have changed and I no longer have those precious moments on my own in the house. He is doing some extra work tonight, and I have been trying to catch up.
Firstly, my heart goes out to all of you with friends and relatives suffering serious illness at this time. Mike, I was particularly moved to hear about your brother's battle with cancer and the new developments. At least he is back to where he was before the seizures, but it must be so hard for all of you to see his struggle.
Brooke and Molly, your feelings about your fathers echo mine. This time last year he was in hospital, fidgeting with his oxygen mask and thinking back to his days playing rugby. His passing was in a way a relief. He had been so strong all his life he couldn't cope with being dependant. He at least had 83 years of good health. Molly, I hope your friend lives out the rest of his days out of pain and with the love of his friends and family.
On a brighter note, Ticky, CONGRATULATIONS!!!

We have had a court case hanging over us for the last few months. A neighbour's daughter, one week after passing her driving test, ran into my son's car. At the time she accepted responsibility, and we attempted to come to a compromise with her father, which was refused. By the time she reported to the insurance company her story had changed and she blamed our son. The insurance company couldn't take it further, so, reluctantly, for many reasons, we took it to the small claims court. Why her father made her go through with it is incomprehensible. The case was heard a week ago - she admitted in court that she had couldn't remember what happened at the time and the judgement was in our favour, so we have recouped losses of some £1200. A hollow victory in a way.

We have more or less finished our preparations for Christmas. My sister and her husband are coming to stay with us for a couple of days, the boys are home and after deep thought we will collect our mother to join us for the day after Christmas, which will be more like old times.

Kenko the cat has settled in really well and has taken to sleeping on our pillows (or even our heads!) at night. She and Jethro have established a form of truce at the moment.

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c96/Glenneaglesfan/Devon/IMG_6445.jpg

[EagleLady]

Awwww, So adorable Kate

[sodascouts]

Jess and Kate, I've missed both of you and I'm glad you got a chance to say hello.

Jess - get well soon!

Mike, thanks for updates. I'm glad you can say "Life is good."

Stars - good to hear your husband is OK! We had a very sad situation around here a few years ago where a member of our church was hanging Christmas lights on his home for his children, fell off the ladder, hit his head, and almost died. He miraculously survived, but with a great deal of brain damage. I'm so glad your husband's fall wasn't so severe.

Kate - awful about having to go to court. At least you were able to get the money back, but it's such a shame when your own neighbors try to cheat you! Your cats look precious, BTW.

[Peekaboo]

Mike, great news about the test results. I'm glad your grandbaby will be all okay. Although, Down's Syndrome kids are sooo cute too. I have a cousin with DS and she is one of the funniest people I know. She's always making me laugh. She was also born with a hole in her heart but hasn't had any problems after having surgery done when she was just a wee little baby. Now she's a happy and healthy 17 year old junior in highschool. She's actually one of the most popular kids in her school.

Kate, it's good to hear from you. Bummer about the car accident but i'm glad things worked out.

Stars, I'm glad that your hubby is going to be okay.

Well, after a week of being sick I finally have my voice back and i'm feeling much better. I went to the doctor last tuesday and was diagnosed with bronchitus and a sinus infection. Thank the Lord for antibiotics.
I went back to my hometown last week to spend Christmas with my family and it went even better than expected. I mentioned before that I had to work Christmas Eve and Christmas day so wednesday evening I exchanged gifts with my family. I had planned to drive back home on Christmas Eve to return to work that night but there was no way I was going to make it back. That huge snow storm that many people were hit with last week got the best of many here in Oklahoma. The roads were so bad that the interestates were closed on Christmas Eve and the governor of Oklahoma called for a state of emergency. It was really bittersweet because we were hit with this big snow storm but it actually allowed me to spend Christmas with my family. I soaked up every minute that I got to spend with them. It was a wonderful Christmas.


Peek, ya really think Christmas it going to be that busy? I would expect it of New Years, that's pretty bad when everyone heads to see you instead of their families!

Well, this year was a little different considering the really bad weather we had. A lot of dealers had to call in (myself included). I was told that only 1 out of the 34 tables that we have was open on Christmas Eve because only 3 dealers showed up. On Christmas day not 1 table was open on day shift. The weather did not stop some die hard gamblers. There were still customers asking for tables to be opened. The weather really hurt us this year. I worked Christmas Eve and Christmas last year and we were really busy. They were expecting this year to be even busier but we'll never know now. I'm just glad that I got to spend it with my family this year.