Mature Friends are Back!

Am so sorry for the loss of your sister. Was she ill? It never is easy losing anyone esp one who as close as a sibling.

Dexa scan today. From what I could see on the screen this report is not going to be good. Have been in agony with my back so much that xmas shopping in real stores is not going to be an option, It will eithr be dead presidents, gift cards and online for the little guys,.My liver functions are off so they've lowered my dose of RA meds.

My kitty is costing me a fortune. $421 last week to find with all the tests that they took that she is losing weight because she has bad teeth and is obiously in pain. The dental bill is going to be an additional $360-520 depending on how many extractions she needs. Geeeeezzzzzzzz

Sad news from the west. That new baby to be is no longer. It had stopped growing and had no detectable heart beat. GrD was devastated. She had the procedure last Wed and left for that long planned vacation in Australia on Sun. She says it is gorgeous there and it sounds like just the place to heal physically and emotionally. Stef and Laurie leave this Friday to go see their dad in AZ. This is going to be a tough visit for them.

We had those awful winds also Anne. That was quite a storm last week but now our weather is absolutely gorgeous.

Have been pulling dead annuals and planting new tulips. I HAVE TO STOP THIS, can't keep up with the gardens anymore.

Enjoy and be healthy and happy.

I am back from South Carolina. FrediK passed away on Nov. 6th and last Saturday was a celebration of her life. Her five children did her proud! It's a jolt to lose the first sibbling and I guess we all took a good look at our own mortality in some respects. Anyway...I have been to the phone twice today thinking I would phone Fredi and see how she was doing....Sisters are special for sure. Barbs

Yes I had a good birthday. I've been down at Va. Beach for a few days. My husband is taking the second part of the week. Anyway, I stopped in W'burg and got to see my brother and his wife who had come to see the folks. I don't envy my husband the drive down--the weather is absolutely horrible, esp. at the coast!

Congrats to New York, Windy. I know you are all proud of those Yankees!

I'm so sorry you're having so much trouble with the RA. It is such a nasty thing. Seems like they could come up with better remedies. My father-in-law had it, so we have seen what it can do.

Take care, folks. I think I'm going to crawl into bed and let the rain do its thing. Sounds like Va. Beach is going to get really, really nasty weather for the next 3 days. Lots of rain and big wind--up to 50 & 60 MPH. Gross! Jack may be home early.

Take care, everyone!

Forgot Annes' BD AGAIN. Happy Belated Anne, hope it was a wonderful one shared with so many others in your family.

They came, they played, we conquered. It was an enjoyable series, 2 great teams. Now how the city can justify spending god knows how much to put on this parade in this economy is beyone me, but that's what New Yorkers do, everything in excess. Hopefully enough is spent by the onlookers to offset the expense.

Have been dealing with sick tots for 2 weeks now. One thing after the other, drop one off and get a call from the nurse an hour later for the other one. Feel like the local Jitney. So far have managed to escape their germs thanks to lysol wipes.

Am having a tough time right now with the RA, mornings are the worst. Mammo was ok, next is the dexascan. Hopefully it's ok cuz I sent all my Fosomax to Barb's clinic. lol Blood tests every 3 weeks with conflicting values are getting tedious but other than that life has been crisis free.

Have seen those Oreo cows, I think they are so neat.

We've had all the weather you can conjur up, really cold, rain, thunder and lightning, wind,snow flurries but it will be back in the 60's by Sun.

Good score on those tix Becka, and Barb if you find your get up and go, see if it can find mine.

Enjoy the weekend!! Yikes, TGVG is right around the corner and am dreading Christmas shopping.

I like your name better--the oreo cows!

Yeah you have the right name for those cows, I did not get my memory right. Interesting animals. No souveniors here though.

Hi Becka, yeah, I know about those cows. They call them Belted Galloways in Maine where they are a sort of icon. You can buy minatures, key rings, and all kinds of other things with little cows on them. I've even seen a few in the Valley, but I think they do better in a colder clime.

Barb, I know, too, what you're talking about. Just the other day I was trying to do something and thought, "What's the matter with me? I did this just fine when we moved in here." Yeah, well that was about 18 years ago. I guess we really are getting older--body, of course, not spirit!

Took me awhile to read all the posts to catch up. Been busy with company, roomates moving out and my other roomate moving to another room in the house. And My freind from Lyon, France paying another visit for ten days.

In the middle of October My Friendship Force had an exchange come to town from New Zealand. I was a day host so did not have anyone stay at my house. They were wonderful people, very personable. We saw lots of the local attractions from Lewis and Clark hisorical sites to buffalo in the hills just north of me. One interesting thing we saw were Galleway Oreo cows. They look like Oreo cookies. Black heads and shoulders and hind end and a whilte wide ring around the middle. You can look them up on the internet.

They were here for our UMT football homecoming. I scored 3 pairs of tickets that I worked on getting since July. Always a sold out game. They came from temps of in the 50s-60s When they got here we had a record breaking low temps in the teens at night. One night it got down to 7 above So the game it was in the teens and 20s. Borrowed one of the Kiwis warm sweaters and wool socks All our trees were still green leaved. One tree by my house froze too early and they are telling us that it may have killed the trees and I will find out next spring. Leaves had not even turned yet and fallen. My brown leaves have not yet fallen yet. With the quick freeze leaves trees are not ready to drop thier leaves.

Did some painting in the bedroom and some cleaning and I know What Barbs4 is talking about mine has went too.

Well, I have to admit it! My get up and go...got up and went! I am exhausted after 4 days of trying to paint a bedroom. This is something I would have never thought twice about just a few years ago. Now...it's a real effort. Just to ask for some advice here...does anyone have a favorite brand of paint? I am just not happy with the coverage I received from the Premium paint I used this time. It required two coats though I understand this is to be expected when going with a darker color. Anyway...the room is clean and fresh looking...and I am pleased to have it finished. One down...two more to go...but I need a vacation first and let's not even talk about carpet.

Guess it's better, but is so confusing now. My hubby had changed our browser.....so everything changed. Now the guy has "fixed" it....but things have still changed. I wanted to organize my bookmarks today...but can't figure out how. We had internet explorer before...now we have firefox.....I just don't like change. I want things to be comfortable and stay the same so i don't get confused....well, that's not gonna happen. Guess I'll make the most of it.

Got a call from my oldest son this a.m. He's the one that we all have problems with. A truly unhappy soul. His wife has finally had enough and is filing for divorce. I think it's the best thing that can happen for both of them. They are so miserable...at least he can be miserable by himself now. He is just not cut out for interaction with people. He has no friends and I don't think wants any. And he evidently didn't want her to have any either. She also called me and I told her I completely understand. I told her I would still feel about her the same way and wouldn't take sides. I don't think there are any sides. I think deep down they both want this. There are no small children and they need to get on with their lives. She should have done this long, long ago and almost did several times. He has never given her any support....life in general is all about him. But I think it's for real this time. Without his knowledge she has gotten an apartment, a lawyer and a separate bank account already. I don't know how they will either one make it financially, but they will find a way I think.

The weather here is YUCKY....they canceled the activities at our church tonight and will do it tomorrow night. My younger kids are coming over just for a light supper. We don't have trick or treaters around here...although I picked up some of MY favorite candy.....just in case you know..LOL

Y'all have a good weekend and if I haven't lost my mind I will be back next week.....

Mine has been having a hissy fit of late, so annoying.

Barb, Friday Night Lights started again and it is so good. Am a happy camper. To V, Lost will be back in Jan for it's LAST season, Am a happy camper.

We have a notice today that we have our first confirmed case of Swine Flu in the little guys school. Freaks me out. They were sick most of this week and only went back to school today. Just high fevers, and the runny icky stuff in their heads but seems nothing more.

Our weather is going to be perfect for Halloween which means tons of kiddies. We're ready!

I have a new wee one on the way, another great. That will make an even 14. Will be too far away to have babysitting duties thankfully, lol.

Hope everyones putes get fixed and have a Happy Halloween.

Yeah, we're having computer troubles, too. Our router stopped working. It looks like my disc drive in my brand new computer isn't working. No problem--we'll install the spare we got for my little computer. But, where's the install disk? Nowhere to be found! Still searching, but am ready to go out and buy a new disk drive tomorrow. Frustrated!

Hope you can get your system fixed, Witty!

My husband decided to "fix" my computer and I've been soooooo lost. Finally found my way here....hope I stay......We have HELP coming out tomorrow to see if we can fix the fix.......YIKES......

Yankees Rule! Bring on the Phillies.

While I love it, it certainly does a number on the intestinal tract. lol Small doses only. Froze many small containers for future.

So glad that Elsa's party was such a success that Coel gets to brag about it.

We are getting a home security system, not because we've had any trouble in our immediate area, JUST BECAUSE. Glen is adamant about the subject.

Going to cut some remaining roses and go see mom tomorrow with my ex-sil. It also would have been my dad's 103 BD. We'll hit the cemetery first and then have lunch and catch up.

Had my OW OW pink ribbon visit Thurs. Cathy is being so stubborn about the h1n1 vaccine for the kids, as a health care professional you would think she would read the research instead of subscribing to the hysteria about (not tested, too new, etc) so I will be forced to go get one for myself.

I want to take Tori and Tyler to Rock center to see the tree for the first time and to the Radio City show but no one can make the time so it was suggested that we could just take them ourselves. Thought about it long and hard and since neither of us can move that quickly anymore and Tori has the gift of vanishing in a nano-second have deceided it is not worth the risk. NYC streets have too many pairs of legs that she can follow in a split second and it's a few blocks between the tree and the theatre.

Maybe next year!

Stay well, be happy!

But occasionally I'll make it up with some butter beans which is my husband's favorite.

We had a huge storm come through with gusting winds whipping up to 60 mph. Thought we were trouble free until our neighbor came over and pointed out our busted patio fence. A huge branch of his pine tree had broken loose and rendered it into kindling.

It all cleared out in time for Elsa's 6th birthday party on Sunday. My dil did face painting on the girls, mostly butterflies. She is so talented! One boy wanted to be Spider man and she did a great rendition. My sisters helped the kids make "slime" out of borax, water, and white glue. It ends up with the feel of silly putty. Each kid got to mix up their own and took it home in a plastic ziplock bag. Coel pronounced the party as the best one he had ever been to, and Elsa was happy beyond belief.

Good to hear your world is more even, Windy. And that is great news about the Nocardia, Anne. At least you have a chance of getting rid of it.

I love that stuff! Looks disgusting but tastes so good!

Wow, Rhu, wish I had your energy--and that of your husband. We have lots that needs doing around here, but I haven't been worth anything for a while.

V, it's sure good to hear from you again!

I think if the media would just quit talking about the balloon boy and his family it would be a terrible punishment for those parents! They are lapping up this media stuff. What jerks!

I still need to get out and collect those tender bulbs--canna, dahlia & such. Maybe during these next few days when it'll be warmer.

Take care, everyone and enjoy your soup!

Funny how much alike we all are....we love soup at our house too. Of course Terry thinks he should have a big piece of meat at every meal....Marty, I would be making navy bean soup with that ham bone...no one would eat the pea soup but me at this house. I love Fall...and we are just getting to the beautiful stage here in central Indiana. It has promised to warm up this week for the spectacular display and I am hoping we can get away in the RV one more time. Today is just gorgeous and sunshiny. What is it about the sun that improves my mood? I, too, am thinking about the upcoming holidays. I really don't know what to do about them...it is a whole different situation without grandchildren. I used to be able to substitute that excitement with my classroom activities...but those days are (I guess thankfully) over. We may take a trip...November will be sprucing up month. I have three bedrooms to paint before getting new carpet in all four bedrooms. Terry is still putting hardwoods in the closets...and has two to go. This house is way too big for us...but it is still not time to sell in our area. The excitement in our cul de sac is two robberies that got the subdivision on the evening news. They kick in the front door during the daytime hours when no one is at home....quite frightening. We are mostly always home...but heard nothing from the house just two door down that was robbed. Ok ladies...keeping the chat going...I am off to have some iced coffee with pumpkin spice cream...I am sooo hooked! Barbs

Pea soup will be on the menu this week. Made a spiral ham tonight with lots left over and a big old fat bone. I also adore soup, prep, let it cook, freeze, convenient. We've dropped into an early winter, cold as heck and WET for the past 3 days. Can not imagine sitting in Yankee Stadium watching the game tonight. It is pouring there!

Am frustrated trying to get tix for the Christmas show, someone is going to have to lose a days work and the kids a day of school. The weekend tix are preposterously priced and am not ready to foot that bill. Tried to do it for Nov but no luck so Stef and Glen will have to miss out since they'll be on a cruise (if I'm lucky enough to score tix) Can not believe how fast they sell out.

Got all my chores done that I wanted to, now have to look for stuff to do since I've realized the less I do the more fatigued I feel. Maybe it's time to bring out the winter clothes and stow the summer stuff which I hate to do, always end up hanging onto clothing that I haven't worn for a few years cuz I like them and don't want to ditch them. Got to get reasonable about that stuff.

Need to get a painter in for a frewsh coat on the walls and ceilings and need to pull up the bedroom carpeting and put down a pergo type floor. My cat has ruined all the carpeting with her hair ball vomits. Just need to give myself a push and make the calls. I know it's going to involve a LOT of work on my part which is probably why I'm dragging my heels.

Time to start thinking about Thanksgiving and the dreaded xmas shopping.

Obviously hit the wrong button @*#%@%

Fall is definitely here. The colors are changing fast. The storm a few days ago filled the roads with leaves. Lovely. Each season has it's special attributes. Picked up a bag of candy corn on the pretense that it would be for the kids on Halloween. Never have any here, we are a bit isolated, and with me taking a small package out every now and then, it should all be gone by the 31st anyway. lol

Wendy and I went gambling yesterday. She lost and I came out even. Found a sandwich bar there that was cheaper than the restaurant. Good food and more of it. Will eat there again. It was a great day. I adore my sis.

Made a dynamite chicken noodle soup the other day. This is soup season for me. Make big pots of it. Vegetable, chowder, split pea, or whatever, eat it, share it, and freeze some. Saves me from cooking each day which isn't much fun for one anymore.

Anne, good news on you MRI results. Take care. I'm just at the end (week 4) of that 3-week cold that's going around everywhere. Got myself a neti pot and it sure made a differnece towards the end.

What about "balloon boy"? It will be interesting to see how that all turns out. I would like to believe them, but lots of questions are coming up. The dad is quite the odd ball, don't you agree? And this N1H1 virus. Looks scary from all the talk. My heart breaks for all the familes with little children. Hope its not as bad as they predict. It hearkens to the Spanish flu epidemic of
1917-18. My grandparents lost their 2 yr. old son then, just before my mom was born. Enough of that.

Has anyone caught the situaton comedy "Modern Family" on ABC. It is hilarious. Give it a try. Can't remember when it's on, but you can see it online on ABC.com.

That's all from here for now.

Stay well everyone.

TaTa V

Kudos for having all those people in your house. I couldnt stand all the hubbub I don't think. Anymore I prefer to sit and just watch everyone spin around me. But I am sure you appreciated the lady who took care of feeding her own family. Very nice gesture to save you so much work.

or at least all that are around. My houseful of company is all gone as of this morning. My son and his family from Memphis were here and brought another family of 4 with them. It actually turned out better than I expected. They did, or I should say the other lady (certainly not my d-i-l) did all their own cooking and cleaning. They got out everyday and did fun things for them. And Sat. night they took out for dinner for our 51st anniversary which was Sun. So I can't complain at all....we had a lot of fun when they were at the house. Very personable people.

In two weeks I do my piano gig at the Firemen's dinner and then we are going to Pigeon Forge in Tn. for a couple of days with my sister and b-i-l. Should be fun.

So see there......we can actually go out and do things away from home once in awhile.

Although I knew it all the time. What on earth is Nocardia?

A Happy Belated Birthday to Rhu, meant to get back here, just didn't.

Things have quieted down around here finally, Cathy has residential custody and child support has been settled. It appears there is a good chance there will be no jail time for the other half. Don't know if that is good or bad, but if he has learned a valuable lesson and gets mandatory counseling I suppose that will be in the best interests for all.

We've all been sick with one thing or another. I for 2 days which isn't bad although I don't know what it was, upper GI agony and pain but whatever it was has now turned into a cold with the requisite runny nose. The little ones started it all with bodily fluids coming from every orifice. Stef was down for 4 days and Laurie a week.

Spent the past 2 days cleaning, polishing and doing all sorts of chores I've negleacted due to outside duties. Funny how a burst of energy follows 2 days of curling up in a ball swallowing pills. Am planning on tackling the walk in closet tomorrow.

I hope everyone else is doing well, we are in some very nice fall weather which is rather nice considering the snow in the midwest and the rain down Witty's way. I don't much care what happens in the gardens now, if a frost comes, so be it. Right now I'm still cutting roses and annuals. When they're history I will winterize the roses, pull the annuals and call it a season.

Dakota seems to have turned the corner on managing her diabetes and her life has improved a bit since she's made a real effort to remove gluten from her diet. She's still a bit "why me" but she's getting better.

Bobbi, you still vertical? lol

All is well--the Nocardia hasn't put any fatty tumors in my brain. So, all I have to do is keep taking the medicine--I hope!

I'm in Va. Beach, but headed home tomorrow. See you later!

I had the MRI on my brain, but no results yet.

I'm going to see my folks and then take advantage of a time share week we have in Va. Beach. I'll take the first half of the week and Jack will take the second. Dogs will be happier--and we'll each get to veg in our own way.

I'll try to check in via Joanna's computer, if she lets me!

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you,
Happy birthday Dear Barbaraaaaaaaa,
Happy Birthday to you!

Now wouldn't it be grand if we could all have a piece of that cake! Happy Birthday in advance, Barb.

It would appear so. I am anxiously awaiting some results .... get back to us all you folks with the answers.

This weekend, we are headed to Chicago to help my brother and s-i-l harvest honey. It is so fun! We will be making creamed honey as John's honey has a high fructose level. It is delicious spread on toast. Mostly...he just gives it away to his people that work in his lab and medical department. Laura makes wonderful beeswax candles and tapers. She has gotten quite good at it. It will be a sticky sweet weekend....and my 63rd birthday too. Laura has promised a honey cake....yum. Barbs

Well, it sounds like this group is getting tested stem to stern!

I've been wondering where everyone was. Looking in every day...no messages....Today I looked and guess what??...I wasn't signed in.This place is so confusing sometimes.

Anyway...I know how you feel Windy. My prayers get longer and longer....or as you say, just a whispered one when someone goes through my mind. Won't go into all of them, no time, but I'm with you on that.

Anne, am remembering you friend and his family.

V, that doozy of a cold has been going around down here big time. Along with some flu......hope I miss it. I've got so many tests already scheduled, I don't have time for a cold.
Company coming, dinner music to play soon, Everything is catching up to me...still spinning some, sure wish that would go away. Oh well, as a friend of mine just told me...the golden years are not necessarily all that golden. Still glad to be here though.

Well, off to one of my tests......Can't remember the long name for it.....putting water into my bladder through a tiny tube to see how much I can hold.....Someone may be in for a BIG surprise.....LOL

See y'all later if I don't float away.

Can't do it all at once. Just go around each day saying a prayer for whoever pops into my mind at the moment. There are soooo many people I care about that are facing challenges and illnesss. If I save them all to do at one time I am exhausted and cannot sleep. Am getting mighty depressed by all of it. Maybe I didn't offer up enough prayers in my younger years so this is my time to catch up.

Anne, V is wrong, ( * * ), We have so much stored intelligence and common sense in there that there can't be room for anything else. Keep us posted!

Talk to my ex every few days and it is heartbreaking so I know what you're feeling Anne. Getting tired of reminding my grown children to find that 5 mins to touch base with him frequently. They will surely be touched with regret and guilt when this comes to a conclusion. Still keeping the news from the west coaster who can only make the situation worse.

Glad the flooding is over, what damage wow. Now the earthquake and tsunami. Oy

Am playing roulette with one factor in my blood work. It's high, it's normal, it's high, it's normal. Am beginning to question if it has any relevance and if it's got something to do with the time of day they draw blood and the supplements or meds I might have taken before it or the lack of. Do know I'm tired of the blood tests every other week. Just plain tired of everything lately. Too many decisions and worry.

Witty, take back your cloud, in fact send it somewhere else away from all of us.

He's house was up on a small rise and only the lower backyard was flooded. His neighbors, however, ended up with water in the main houses. For the most part they got through, not the same for so many others.

A wife and young daughter. A tragedy for him and his family. So sorry.

But Anne, at our age there isn't anything left in our brains, so you should be in good shape. lol

My grandkids gave me a doozy of a cold. On week 2, one week to go I hear. At least its not the flu. Feeling pretty good, just stuffy and so tired.
Still sunny and in the 70's but that is supposed to change this week. Hello fall, finally. Now I have to think about cleaning out all the summer flowers. Ugh.

Love to all.

TaTa V

V, what's the final verdict on your son's house? That flooding was unbelievable!

Extra prayers please, for the young man who was our son's best man. The Dr. says he has about 6 weeks to live. He has been receiving treatment for colon cancer which spread to his liver. Several surgeries, several rounds of chemo. He has a wife and 5-yr.-old daughter. My heart is breaking!

I saw my regular Dr. today and he's scheduled an MRI of my brain for next week. Hmmmm.

Surely something is going on in all our lives!

So sorry that your son lives near the big mess. Thank the Lord we don't live in any of those areas. The pictures that I've seen on TV are just unbelievable. I know people that don't live down here have seen pictures, but they are nothing like what we get locally. My prayers are with all people affected by this. Especially those who have lost loved ones. How do you live with the fact that a 2 yr. old is swept out of your arms in the rushing water. A teenage boy is swept away while his best friend is risking his own life to try to save him. A 23 yr. old young woman is swept away while she is maybe just out doing errands. A young man calls his girlfriend on his cell phone to tell her that his car is filling with water and he knows he's not going to make it. All of those people were found hours later.

Sorry to bring anyone down. But it does go to show that live is brief and we just don't know when it will be our time. Makes me ashamed when I complain about little things.

I'll try to be cheerier next time.

guilty as charged. I just haven't felt up to snuff since that dang birthday I had a few months ago. I am now the proud owner of a 'near severe' hip rating. Oy

My #2 son lives North of Atlanta. He sent me pictures of his home and some of the surrounging areas (that he could wade to). Amazing!! They had "20" in one day. Something is wrong with this picture. Here in Seattle it's 87 and Georgia is having flash floods.

Chris and Dee threw a 16th birthday party for their new son Kieran. The oldest, Gabe, graduated from high school, got a job and moved out. And 6 yr old Olivia started kindergarten this month. She's a very smart little girl but she had a rough start in life. She is LOVING school. (and soccer)!

Lael just got back from Hawaii where she was on a vulcanology college trip. She took the class several years ago and loved it. And they loved her so she goes over as a teaching guide to the students. She lived in Kona she is familiar with the area. Plus her mom lives there. And in 2 weeks she and Mark are going back, to Kaui I think, for their 20th wedding anniversary. Talk about a charmed life..... With 4 boys they deserve it.

I wish I could respond to all your posts but I'd be here all night.

Love you all,

TaTa V

I am sooooo proud of you Rhu.....(and Windy, Bobeee, Anne and I'm sure AJ & Becks should be included). Maybe we are a tough bunch of ladies.

Rhu....the rain has been absolutely unimagineable. We are expecting up to 12 more inches in the next couple of days. Every single day......rain, rain, rain.

We live in the north Ga. mountain area and our particular location sits kind of on the side of a small mountain. So we don't have to worry about flooding. But all around us people are out of their homes, roads are washing out and trapping people in their homes. A small bridge in a subdivision completly collapsed this morning trapping several homes. They are taking water and supplies in through one back yard as that is the only way in.

I guess the most that we have to be worried about is that we are completly surrounded by trees. A lot of pines. Their roots are very shallow and with this much rain the dirt can wash away around them and they can fall. Especially if we would get a little wind.

I just had to make a joke about this....even though it isn't really funny. But last year we were so desparate for rain with our drought that they set up rooms in some of the churches for people to go and pray for rain at any time of the day. I said "We need to find these people and tell them it is time to stop....we have enough!!!"

Anne...I' sorry to hear your news, but will say a prayer for you. I really liked you church sign. I'll mention it to my church and see if they'll put it up.

Y'all have a good day.....I'll get my boat and come back soon....

I hope you aren't getting any of the flooding they are talking about in Georgia. It doesn't seem that long ago that we were talking about the lack of rain and drying up of lakes in your state. I hope all is well for you.

I have been walking and now need to get showered and see what else I can do with this day. Tomorrow we are driving to Neighborville, Illinois to be pretend grandparents! Our young friends are expecting #2 and we will take care of little Liam (age 3) while his sister is being born. Mike and Heather's parents are unable to come until the end of the month...so we feel honored to be able to help out. It may be my only chance! Take care...be back in a few days. Barbs

Wow, lots to comment on. Windy, you've had so much on you--I can't believe this has happened, too! Our love to all of you!!

Witty, it's ok to be a dizzy dame, but I think you've taken it too far! I hope that stuff never comes back.

Bobbie, I'm so sorry about your cat. You know it has to be done, but it really doesn't make it easier. I'm convinced that they will all be there to greet us when our time comes.

Rhu, good for you!! You are a wonderful person and I'm so glad you've come through the worst part of this thing. I don't think it will ever be completely over, but you're definitely on the right path.

They have found another little nasty in my lungs. It's called Nocardi. I'm already on the medicine and they will want to eventually do an MRI on my brain to see if it has caused a brain abscess. (Sigh!) In any event I'll be on the meds for a good long while--no word yet how long. Sorry I haven't posted, but really haven't felt like much of anything recently.

Ok, everyone, despite everything, I saw a sign on a church sign this today--"Complaining makes the Devil laugh." Hmmmmm--guess he's going to have a few laughs from us!!

We've known the time was fast approaching, but it doesn't make it any easier. Today we helped our dear 21-year old Bo cat go to the Rainbow Bridge. I told her I'd be there to pick up both her and her sister Joni when the time came.

Good for you, Barbs! It sounds like you have turned the corner. You, too, are a strong woman! At this time, here is where you need to be and it sounds like you have made your way back. What a great attitude!

Windy, hang on! You will make it through this crisis and become stronger for it. From my experience when my life underwent an explosion, that "one day at a time" adage really helped. There is just so much one can do and the rest is wasted, debilitating fretting. Your job is to take care of yourself so you will have the strength to do those things in which you can make a difference.

Well, geez...I leave you all alone and you guys collapse without me! Bobbee you are inspiring and I admire your attitude. It carries a person far during tough times. Not to be outdone...that would include you Windchime...you, too, have your plate full but trudge ever onward. Strong women! Witty I am happy that you are listening to your doctor and doing the tests. If nothing else, they will be peace of mind for you! Please know that we are all thinking about you...so keep us updated.

I am fine...really I am. Being with my s-i-l for the last two weeks has been delightfully incouraging. I am finally beginning to know that I can go on...day by day...and just carry that wonderful son along with me in my heart as I enjoy whatever it is that God wants me to do with the rest of my life. I went shopping this weekend (haven't wanted to do that in a very long time)...so...now...that may be an indication that I am coming out of the fog. I did lots of damage with the credit card! Hugs...Barbs..P.S. Paris was incredible!

Windy, wish there was a better way to say "Hang in there"...but I don't know one. I feel so sad when I hear all that people are going through. Especially when there is no way to help.

I'm still hanging in. Haven't had any "spells" recently. Went to the neurologist Thurs. He thinks my problem probably came from inner ear problem. He also said he wants to do an "echogram" I believe, or sonogram...whichever, to make sure there is no problems with the arteries to my brain or heart. He doesn't expect any, but just to be sure there are no "mini strokes" going on.

And I'm still scheduled for the urologist this week. Then maybe I'll be done for awhile.

If anyone needs to borrow some rain we could give it to you. Remember our "drought" last summer? Believe me, we can't complain this summer. We are overflowing. We are not complaining, but we could slow down a little. Supposed to continue for the next week.

Have a good weekend.

Adorable and sweet. Shows the diligence and real pride that some people have doing their job. Gave me a BIG smile! He must be so proud of his accomplishment, I would frame it forever.

My life is in a constant swirl of turmoil, one of these days I will tell you all about it but not now, having trouble finding time to take a deep breath. Feel like that carnival game where someone keeps slamming down that hammer trying to ring the bell, and I'm the hammer.

My ex is hospitalized tonight, throwing up blood with a bp of 100/30 and massive pneumonia. They've had to stop the chemo and radiation that they only started Mon and if that were the only thing I am dealing witih it would be horrid enough but you know that's not how my life works. Can't sleep, my gardens have gone to H--- and I'm just plain exhausted.

So Bobbi's little story has been the highlight of my day. Thanks...............

Enjoy this last weekend of summer. Our weather is outstanding, better late than never.

Coel sent me a post card from Montana with the following 4 line address:
1. Bobbie (Grammer),
2. Last name, 293 (our neighbors' house number),
3. Street Name with only one letter misspelled,
4. C.A. 939240 ((No city and a six number zip! 93924 is Carmel Valley and 93940 is Monterey)

It arrived the same day, my daughter's card came!

My husband also works from home, but it is different in that he doesn't solicit work, but rather people choose him. Most of his work is the final and binding arbitration of a dispute between Labor and Management. He has also done some mediation where he has assisted the two sides in reaching an agreement themselves.

The cases come out of the blue; just an hour ago, the fax spit out a request for his services. He runs his own calendar and also controls how many cases he will schedule each month (usually no more than 4). Right now he has cases scheduled as far ahead April. A typical case consists of one day of travel (outside California only), one day of hearing, and 2 days of study and writing, more if there are post hearing briefs or if transcripts are required. His written award (10-20 pages) showing his reasoning in arriving at his decision is usually ready within 30 days, usually less. Most of his work is in the western states, with the bulk in California. Not all cases go through and some are settled before the hearing, but they still pay a cancellation fee if they wait too long to cancel.

He loves his work and has no plans to ever retire.

Witty, I sure hope you are feeling better now!

Not too much going on around here, had a nondescript Labor Day. Sun is out and not much rain. No black clouds here.

Have a good day everyone.

Well, what a week. After the "incident" I then developed a "not being able to go" problem. And throught that.........let's just put it this way.....I'm having to sit very easily now.....Wow...who knew so much could go wrong in a few days. BUT, today is better and I'm thanking the good Lord for that.

Expecting some company in a little while. The children that I have all the most problems with. It's starting as usual.....they may show up anywhere between now and afternoon. Never know. Or as sometimes happens...not show up at all. No Windy....I just do not have stress in my life......LOL. I did let you borrow my little black cloud you know...but it may be drifting this way again......I'm not going to complain...things are better right now and that's all any of us can ask.

Sha....I have heard so many bizarre treatments for that condition in the last few days. So that was probably a treatment for you sister. Seems like the cure is worse than the malady.

I'm like you. My husband is working from home most of the time also. And yes, we didn't plan for our life to take this turn either, but there you go. He will never be able to retire. We just live from week to week now and he sure can't quit. Makes me feel so bad for him. He's wearing out and there is no way to change it.

Windy, as you may remember, I took care of my grandaughter for 3 years. And I loved it, but it was 10 yrs ago. My mom is going through what you are. She's 89 and still is in charge mostly of the kids in the household where she lives. I don't know how she does it. She says they can't do without her, but I told her if she dies they will find a way. She just laughs it off.

I hope everyone has a great day. I think I will try to celebrate feeling better. That is just such a relief.....I hope the same for all of you.

I'm not much of a talker but I do enjoy reading what everyone else has to say. I'll try to contribute a little more in the future.

The big news in my family is that we just found out that our newest grandchild who is expected in January is a little girl. I have two sons but always wanted a little girl too so I am finally going to get her even though it took 40 years for her to get here. We are thrilled! Needless to say I am "thinking pink" right now.

Witty, my sister had a similar experience to yours a few years ago. The doctor put her in a position where she was upside down and then left the room. She said she thought she was going to die she was so dizzy. Needless to say, when the doctor and nurse came back in the room they had a big mess to clean up. I'm not sure what they did for the condition she had but it has never come back and she is very grateful for that!

I hope everyone is having a nice Labor Day weekend. Ours is very quiet as my husband has to work all weekend. Even though he works from home I don't see much of him as he is in the office by 8 a.m. and works until midnight every night. I thought when you got to this age that life was supposed to get easier. This is certainly not the way we had envisioned our lives at this stage of our marriage!

I know you're feeling better witty, do ya have any stress in your life LOL They usually tell you it's an inner ear problem, but chaos sometimes plays a hand in this malady

We be getting ready for school here. The plan is, Cathy drops the youngens here at 7:30 and goes off to work. We feed them breakfast, Stef gets Tyler to the busstop and then I have Tori till it's time for me to take her to the pm session of Pre-K since they do not supply transportation. She will then stay in after care until Cathy is out of work.

This is not what I had envisioned my life to be at 70 but there doesn't seem to be any alternative, so will try to not complain and bite the bullet.

Have a barbecue to attend to tomorrow and a quiet Labor Day it seems. Now, where is Anne? Sha, why don't you stop in more often?

Have a safe enjoyable holiday.