how about drinking?

goldie0827

Karen, good luck at your appointment today. Something you might want to do in the future, if you have questions, write them down. Because you will no sooner get somewhere and forget all that you want to ask. TLC catalogs have pretty good wigs. I had bought 2 from them. Here is me in my wigs.

Also, you can get your house cleaned for free! Cleaning for a reason is the company. Thanks for the splanation of the "J". I do my replies in word too, then copy and paste. The kindle can also be used as a fun learning tool for your DD as well. So not totally bad. I shared this story in the past. Recently in Wal Mart, little kid through his moms phone. She picked it up, checked it out and gave it back to him!

Chevyboy

Okay, a "Blue tooth" is just that!  It is a tooth that you have given the tooth fairy, and it comes back to haunt you as you get older.  It is blue because they have to pack it in this "bluing" stuff, like we used to add to the whites in the wringer washer...  or the rinse water.....but the teeth just stay blue, because it is more convenient, for them, and they preserve better.

They somehow become "wired" and then they are "into the present".... and people buy they, because they like the name.... and they can plug them into the car, and maybe talk to the passenger with them...  So therefore....  It's a "blue tooth" communicator !  

It would sound funny if it was named "shoe".... or "nose".... so it is a tooth.... which makes no sense at all. 

Anything else?

ChiSandy

I thought "Bluetooth" was a nickname for a potty-mouthed dentist.

Today we went to the presentation--which wasn't a presentation, but a one-on-one with our assigned membership rep. He gave us tips on how to use our Club and HHonors points--some of which can be used for flight upgrades, cruise discounts and even discounts at Macy's.

We did end up trading in the NY Hilton Club 1BR for a 2BR in this bldg. (HGV Las Vegas Blvd.), where we owned a 1BR before we traded it for the NY property. (Yeah, it's confusing). Turns out that for the NY property we were paying $1300/yr. maintenance and only getting 5000 Club points per year (we'd converted our 2016 Club points for a crapload of HHonors points, and rolled our 5000 Club points into 2018--with 9000 bonus Club points that must either be used or converted to HHonors points by mid-Dec. 2018). Turns out it takes nearly twice as many Club points per night to stay at either of the NY properties than anywhere other than Hawaii, Tuscany (in spring or fall), or the Rockies during ski or hiking season. We are now paying only $900 annual maintenance, but getting 7000 Club points per year--which can be rolled over indefinitely. The kicker was when we found out we can use HHonors points to halve the price of a stay at any Hilton property in NYC--whether at one of the Clubs or a Hilton, Doubletree, Hilton Garden Inn--and elsewhere. We found out we have close to a million HHonors points, which we probably will never exhaust. (Unless Bob starts using them to reduce the cost of his Oak Lawn Hilton stays...but he has been getting >2000 points for every night he stays down there, and even more for the HG Inn at Midway). The location here is problematic...but the Elara is available for actual stays (it wasn't because this stay was a promo freebie).

And the price of this purchase was less than the annual savings we got for trading the NY timeshare back. We now have 7000 unrestricted Club points for 2018 instead of 5000--but we still keep the 5000 we rolled over from this year. That's 12,000, plus the 9000 bonus points we have to use or convert in 2018. Suddenly, we have enough points for a week in Scotland, Portugal, or Tuscany (at a more opportune time of year), plus either free coach airfare or Premium or Business class upgrades.

DODTs were drip coffee (2 packs for 8 cups of water), free cappuccino & espresso at the promo meeting, and cava (Segura Viudas brut and Marques de Caceres brut rosado)--at lunch at Julian Serrano Tapas in the Aria. (Also an Aeropress of that good Guatemalan I brought from home, along with a--don't judge--Krispy Kreme chocolate iced creme-filled). We have a 10 pm at Bouchon in the Venetian tonight (we'll eat off the appetizers section of the menu). Tomorrow we'll use half of our 2-day Big Bus Tour passes (the Strip and the old Downtown); and we have tickets (nosebleed seats, but so what) for Elton John tomorrow night (he was off tonight, and Carlos Santana at the HOB is sold out--even SRO--till Nov. 1); Sat. night we'll see Dana Carvey & Jon Lovitz--Gordy's choice, since it'll be his birthday.

ChiSandy

In case anyone is confused, last Dec. we'd bought at the NY Hilton Club (as a result of a freebie promo trip to the W. 57th St. Club) because only owners at that property can stay there; and because that's where we're originally from we thought we'd be visiting NYC at least once or twice a year--especially since Bob's 50th HS reunion was coming up, and his 35th had been held in midtown near Penn Station (a short subway ride south of the Hilton Club). But the reunion ended up being held all the way out in Melville in Suffolk County (though the HS is in Queens), so had we stayed at the Hilton Club we'd have had to take the subway to the LIRR and then call another cab...and repeat the whole process in reverse after midnight. That, and the fact that Bob had taken no other vacations in 2017 except the reunion, our impulse July getaway to Boston, and this Vegas freebie--all only just long weekends. When we found out today that the NY Hilton Club has fewer amenities (such as daily housekeeping) than the hotel surrounding it, we began to realize that "no, no, no..." was perhaps a mantra to be shelved for another day. We're at the HHonors Gold level and always get the Exec. floor (with Concierge Lounge) anyway whenever we stay at any Hilton hotel.

Tonight we had a late dinner at Bouchon, so the evening DOTD was Cremant d'Alsace. (Yeah, I'm a fizz freak).

NativeMainer

Good Morning, Loungettes! First day of school went pretty well. Some technical issues, but got them worked out. Only 5 people in the class, not the 100 on the list of participants I saw earlier. Much better to have the smaller number, I'll be able to do more demo teaching and get more feedback than in the bigger group. I'm the only nurse who isn't a Nurse Practitioner, which is a little odd feeling. The classes are recorded, so I will be able to watch/listen again without worrying about the tech, and be able to pause to make notes, etc. That's the game plan for this peeyem after the morning clinic work. Poor Sadie was confused, she went into her crate as if I was going to work, then kept looking at me funny when I came out on breaks. Finally she did come in and get up on the bed and snooze during the last part of the class. Lots of homework to do, probably going to need more than the 6 hours mentioned, glad I have some extra worked in. Not going to work for Hospice next week, got enough on my plate. I imagine they will be disappointed. I'm not particularly concerned. Boy, what a change from a year ago!

Karen--it probably feels a bit better, a bit less chaotic, to have a plan and dates in place. Will probably feel even better when you get your chemo schedule. 5 is a hard age to have to explain something like cancer. Sounds like the wig appointment could have been better communicated, like, specifically which location! Oh well, there is still time.

Goldie--The class is live, but it is recorded so I can play it again and pause it where needed. Which is a good thing cuz she covered a LOT of info yesterday. The manual they sent me is very detailed as well, as is the info available on the website. And, it's all cross referenced, which is really nice! That woman did not have cancer, she was told she had MLH1 gene mutation and Lynch Syndrome and BRACA1 mutation. She got the surgeries based on the BRACA1 mutation info.

http://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/index.ssf/2017/10/lawsuit_woman_underwent_unnece.html

I'm not sure what some of that stuff in the drink is either, but it sounded really good, and potent! Have a good trip to Phoenix.

Ooh, I like the Not my bull, not my bull$i##, too!

Chevy--is all that true about "blue tooth"?I've never heard of a blue tooth in relation to the tooth fairy! Very fun explanation.

Chi--ok, all that about honors points and club points and such went right over my head. I'm judging from the tone that you made out well, so that's good. Oooh, Krispy Kreme donuts!YUM!Sounds like a very productive trip for you so far.

Dances with Hornet's DOTD:

Teacher's Pet

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 oz Blended Whiskey
• 1/2 oz Dry Vermouth
• 1 tsp Sweet Vermouth
• 2 dashes Bitters

Directions

Pour the whiskey, vermouth and bitters into an old-fashioned glass almost filled with ice cubes. Stir well. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and a slice of orange, and serve.

Best served in a Old-Fashioned Glass.

goldie0827

Chevy, I think you have me even more confused now, re the blue tooth!

Sandy, I like your description better, "potty-mouthed dentist".

NM, glad the classes went well and that it is recorded as well, so you can go back and like you said, review and take more notes. YES, I liked the "not my bull…".

Karen and Cami, I think both had doctor appts. Girls?

Quiet in here, so was an easy post today. Now to finish up around here and get on the road.

karentwriter

I will be able to post more later, definitely tonight. But I will say this much. I had my appointment yesterday and schedule a ton next week. They are going to test my heart on my Monday with a MUGA to see if I can handle the strongest chemo. Tuesday is chemo class. Wednesday is port installation day. Thursday is meeting with the oncologist again. Friday is a chest xray and the 8th is a psych appointment.

If my heart passes the test I will have the red devil first every other week for I think he said 12 weeks and then Taxol for 8 every week? I basically have an 88% 5 year survivability and 84% for a 10 year. But if I add the strongest chemo it goes to 92%. I want to close the gap as much as possible. Definitely have to do radiation no matter what. But that will come after the chemo.

My head is spinning. But they gave my daughter a bag of stuff from the "angel foundation" and apparently there is a fun camp in the summer for free and the possibility of tickets to things that I could take her too. A make up class they offer for free with a make up bag. If I need financial assistance places I can go. If I want to freeze my eggs...on and on.

It was all great stuff, but again, overwhelming. lol! A longer appointment than I anticipated.

Goldie,

Those wigs look great. I do have the magazine of TLC I got at the hospital. So I will be checking out both places.

NM,

Creative Hair definitely felt bad about the mix up. She thought I was talking about roseville the whole time and I the opposite. But she felt fairly bad about it. Maybe I'll get a discount. lol j/k

Jazzygirl

Good morning friends- been a busy week but here we are at friday. I am almost done with a contract for some new work for 2018 with a company I really am excited to team with. The changes we (meaning myself with the help of my biz atty) submitted were accepted, although they deleted a clause we wanted changed and something else inserted. I resubmitted a question on that and then asked my atty if it was removed, if we are okay with it? It is something he never likes anyways, so we will see. We have a big project pending and it will be five years of work and keep me very busy for a long time, so fingers crossed. More than anything, I feel this is a great teaming arrangement with an org that gets me.

The disappointing news is that there was a short term gig in Santa Barbara I was hoping to secure for now through early next year that would have filled the gap nicely, but learned yesterday they chose someone else. That being said, not surprised as I heard they wanted some certifications I did not have and was told they needed someone asap. When I did not get a follow up quickly for a phone interview, I figured maybe not in the running. I thought SB would be a nice place to spend some time over the winter? Anyways, this company is one who has been interested in me working for them before and did do some reference checks this week so perhaps something else short term there. The right things come at the right time.

The hardest news from yesterday was reading the letter from my health insurance company on the increase to my current plan by $241 per month, 48% more than 2016. I get my plan off the exchange and had been hearing the rate increases would be huge this coming year, average of 40% for most. So here we are, sigh. I bet some of you who are self employed may be seeing the same thing from your states. I will look next week on day one (Nov 1st) to check out some other silver plans and also check BSBC (whom have my docs in network) to see if there are any better options. My guess is not and already decided to raise my hourly consulting rates (now I know how much) and will just make less profit next year with my biz possibley. As you know, we MUST have health insurance....

ChiSandy- I am excited you will be seeing Elton. We saw him at Ceasers in February and the show was incredible. Even in the noise bleed section, because of the set up there, you will still have a great experience. Can't wait to hear how the concert is.

And did I get that right, you say you have over a million Honors points?

Karen- NM is right that having the plan in place with treatment will help you to anchor around those dates, times and places so you can plan around that. The dx part and all the tests throw you in to a tailspin, but getting the next parts nailed down are key. Glad you are having the heart test done to know what the right protocol for your care.

Have you checked on line here for some mom threads to talk to other women who have young children? I know there are a number of them here, and perhaps may give you some good advice on navigating this world with a young family. One day at a time here.

NM- congrats on the first teaching class. Always a few tech glitches. I have been a software trainer during points in my IT life and always had techy issues and loved small groups. More about helping students than banging through the material as requested.

I am glad you are getting a break from Hospice. I think they still sometimes treat you like you are FT staff, but that just comes with your previous role. Being there less will help to keep the boundaries up. Not your circus......

Goldie- no adventures since the yoga retreat, but I am going up north for an overnighter to a spot near my fav hot springs with some friends who are hosting a special concert at their inn on Sunday night. They were encouraging me to come and it worked out for me to go! Going to go soak in the springs Sunday, do the concert and spend the night at the nearby inn, then head to Santa Fe to meet someone for lunch on Monday. Foliage may be past but will find out when I get there. That being said, it is my most favorite time right now to spend time in northern NM so it will be good.

And there are many fun things in November. Something called the Marigold Parade for Dia Dos Muertos on 11/5, a a concert with my drum group on 11/19 and a trip to Dallas for Thanksgiving. Girls just gotta have fun?

And you look amazing in those wigs! Remember that pic of me on FB with the short dark and grey wig? My friend closed her consignment store and is giving it to me. When I need to go in cognito, lol. I may let my hair go grey eventually again and then do the dark low lights, but not ready yet. At least I have the wig to play with for now? I told myself when I turn 60 (few more years), I might be ready.

Chevy- have you had your first frost yet? I know you have had snow up there. We are going down in the 30s tonight so plants coming in or otherwise being covered.

Cami- how are things at the end of this week with you and the fam? Have you stayed off the pole?

Ill- thinking of you friend and wondering how you are feeling a week later after your procedure?

Mema- waiting on results is the worst. I hope that you are able to just embrace each day and do something nice for yourself as you wait. I personally think waiting on biopsy results is one of the worst feelings ever.

Sending you much love and prayers for nothing of concern here friend

Teka- hope you are staying warm in north country?

Genny, Celia C, Hsant, and everyone else here who may still be with us, thinking of you too and wishing everyone a good weekend. Will poop back in when I am back in town.

Jazzygirl

Who wants this chair?

illimae

That's great! I'm sending the pic to my friend who builds thing from pallets and wire spools right now.

I'm doing well too, even walking a 5k this Sunday

Dara_Diverse

Hi girls,

Quick pop in from work, gotta be fast as I am behind today. I wanted to take all ewe vunderful goils for the birthday wishes, cakes and likker! It is very much appreciated.

Mema, hoping and praying for good results and that you get the results on time.

Lori, have a safe road trip, will miss you.

Illi, glad you are feeling so well, best to you with the run tomorrow. You go goil go!

To all my other lublies, hello. Have a great weekend all goils, will try to check back on Sunday FUNday. Can't wait as I put in a lot of time working on Saturday's.

chEErs, lots of it!

tata friends.

ChiSandy

Happy belated birthday, Dara! Think of it as a "birthday extension."

Jazzygirl

Ill- good to hear you are doing well. Good luck on your 5K this weekend. You inspire me friend!

NativeMainer

Good Morning, Loungettes! I had one of those moments that come along unexpectedly that just make you glad to be alive yesterday. The flu clinic got done early, so I was at the Farm Store/Café run by some friends of mine at lunch time and decided to eat there as well as pick up my weekly milk and half-n-half supply. Chose a grilled cheese with bacon sandwich, thinking easy, quick, inexpensive. Got a heavenly sandwich made with homemade bread made that morning, cheddar cheese made on the farm from their own milk, thick cut maple bacon from another local farm, grilled in butter made on the farm. I just aboutmelted into a puddle of YUM eating that sandwich, it tasted soooo good. Sometimes I forget how good the simple things can be. I literally sat there letting the taste of that sandwich drive every other thought out of my head. And loved every minute of it.

Looks like today is going to be the only really sunny day for a bit, so I will need to get some outside stuff done, like fixing the clothes line. The rope has jumped the track, probably due to a break in the wheel, it's just plastic and I've had a metal one to replace it with for a while. Got high wind warnings up for Sunday night into Monday, maybe with rain, maybe not. Sounds like it's gonna get kinda wild and woolly for a bit.

Apparently Sadie's agenda for me for today is to be let in, let out, let in, let out, we're on the 4th cycle and I'm only half way through my coffee!Hard to ignore that very cold, wet nose when she nudges my arm.

Goldie--yup, one of the projects for today is to get the kitchen table cleared off (again), bring the speakers from the bedroom out and hook up to the new tablet and run that class while taking notes and cooking up some meal kits to have ready to go this coming week. I almost think I like the Not My Bull saying better than the Not My Monkey one, but the monkey one is better suited for professional settings!

Karen--sounds like the treatment plan is coming together for you and will have some really good benefit. It's amazing how much support there is available now, especially when young children are involved. I'm sure the hair place person feels bad. Should still verify site every appointment if they have more than one, though. Hope you do get a discount! Most of it should be covered by insurance.

Jazzy--It is so exciting to hear about the new, long term project coming together! Too bad about the short term project, but maybe there is something else in the works there. I've got to spend some time really looking at my health insurance options. I found out from Hospice that I have enough hours in to qualify to get health insurance through them this coming year, and, in fact, qualified after I changed status and could have stayed with that plan all along. Sigh. Got to sit down and do some hard numbers crunching analyzing deductibles, out of pocket maxes, co-insurances, pharmacy coverage and premiums and see what ends up benefiting me the most. The exchange premium increase notices have been scaring me silly, particularly since another insurance company is pulling out of Maine's exchange, effectively leaving one company and they are going to be able to do pretty much whatever they want. I almost wonder if not getting insurance and negotiating cash prices witheveryone might not be a better way to go. I like the small group classwork, too. Funny, as a generic, just out of high school student I hated being called on to answer questions or do demos, now I'm looking forward to the "teach backs" and getting feedback. We do change over time, don't we?

I saw that chair on Fb, so glad you got it onto here!

Illi--Glad you are doing so well!Keep up the walking!

Dara--work hard today, partyhard tomorrow! See you in the Lounge on Funday!

Dances with Hornets' DOTD:

Teka

I am quickly reposting the following from another thread while Husband dishes up breakfast. Yum!

I am a tick magnet with 3 tick bites...Spring-1 Summer-1 Fall-1. Husband nagged me until seen by PCP and had a blood test with okay results......no lyme disease. Really not a problem in the North Country, but so many ticks this year.

The following 2 pics were taken from Facebook.

My favorite Fall pic of a paper wasp nest high up in a tree was taken by a neighbor on a Fall walk.

This pic of a paper wasp nest only 3 feet off the ground was also taken in the North Country.

We've had a lovely Fall.

We could all use a mild Winter!BBL

MemaSue56

My DD before heading off to work. I kno I'm biased, but aint she purdy?

NativeMainer

Good Morning, Loungettes! Got 4 out of 6 planned jobs for the day done yesterday. Gonna work on the other 2 today. I was hoping it would be a bit sunnier today, but it's very gray and gloomy again. Looks very Novembery, but is more like Septembery warm, which is nice. Did a lot of cooking yesterday and now have some very nice meals ready to heat up in the fridge. Got the makings for a couple more meals that will be quick and easy to fix, and the stuff to get out the crock pot and make a beef stew with. That's my strategy for making sure I don't eat just junk food all week, since I'm only going out to work 1 day. Gonna be a very different kind of week. Sadie will love it. Belly rubs, ear scratches and games of fetch on demand for a week. She'll be in heaven! Of course, if the storm coming in tonight takes out the power I will be totally screwed, cuz I haven't gotten the genny up and running yet. Hmm, better put that on my list of things to get done this coming week.

Teka--Your hubby is right to be concerned about the ticks, they carry a lot more than just Lyme Disease. There's anaplasmosis, babesiosis, andPowassan disease, all carried by ticks in the Northeast US (and other places). Powassan infection causes neurological problems and can be as serious or more serious than Lyme, fortunately it's much rarer than Lyme. Those nests are amazing structures. I do hope the low to the ground nest is predicting a mild winter!

Mema--nothing wrong with being biased!

Dances with Hornets' DOTD:

Black Martini Recipe

Ingredients

• Vodka - 4 oz
• Black Sambuca - 2 oz
• Honey (or Simple Syrup)
• Dell Cove Spice Co.'s Bats in the Belfry Cocktail Rim Sugar - to garnish

Instructions

Our black martini recipe is easy to follow: Rim your chilled glasses with our Bats in the Belfry Cocktail Rim Sugar. Make sure to use the honey or simple syrup to moisten the glass rim, as it will help the rim sugar stick beautifully. Set the glasses aside. Add vodka, black Sambuca to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into your garnished martini glasses and serve

Teka

NM,

I would love some beef stew.

Husband also mentioned the storm and plans to get our generator up and running this coming week.

Damn ticks!

I've outdoor flower pots and planter boxes that need to be cleaned out, but waiting until killer frost.

Teka

)

illimae

Done in under an hour (walked) and it was fun.

karentwriter

Hello all,

It's walking dead night, but I will not be watching too tired. Quickly before I go back and read everything I missed,

NativeMaine, you had mentioned coverage, sadly my insurance will only cover two places in my area for wigs. One no longer sells wigs and the other had 1 review, it was bad, their website was shotty and my insurance didn't even have an up to date address.

Now, I do overreact to things lately because of the situation, so I will need to do a little more research and see if they responded to me regarding these two things. I did find one I really liked at this wonderful place. So I'm okay with out of pocket.

I'll be back later. Need to get the girl out of the tub.

karentwriter

OKay, I take that back. Just got a response, they will reimburse 60% since I met my deductible! I'm so so so so happy!

Teka

karentwriter, wonderful. ;o)

illimae, nice pics!

Teka

Mema,

I cannot see DD pic!

NativeMainer

very fast poop in, very windy, power is out, Sadie and I are just fine, at least I got coffee made before going dark ! I don't expect power back until after the storm blows through. Going to conserve phone battery power so I don't have to run the car to charge it up.

Jazzygirl

ChiSandy

Awful ending to a great vacation. But first, the good part:

After we found Bob's phone, we played unproductive phone-tag with Gordy about where & when to meet to celebrate his birthday. Met up with him and took the Downtown route of the Big Bus tour, getting off at the old "Glitter Gulch" neighborhood (including the "Fremont St. Experience"). Much pricier around there than even 2 yrs. ago, but just as tacky. This time, though, there were all sorts of costumed characters and bad street performers all soliciting tips in return for photographing them. (Like Times Sq. to the nth degree). Bob found the odds on the machines much tighter there than they used to be. I spurned the awful frozen boozy slushies and had only a double macchiato from Starbucks. (Two years ago, there were no Starbucks there either).

Cabbed it back to the SLS resort (formerly Sahara). We went out to Katsuya for a terrific omakase (chef's choice) dinner. Had a flute of Gruet brut with it. Then the Dana Carvey/Jon Lovitz show. Had expected Carvey to be funny, and a bit "bluer" than on TV. He did not disappoint. (His impression of Katharine Hepburn trying to start her car is so classically silly that it left me laughing helplessly to the point of both reaching for the asthma inhaler and being devoutly grateful for bladder pads--and this was the third time I've heard him do it). I had heard mixed reviews, most complaining that the Lovitz half of the show was a boring Q&A. But Lovitz did straight stand-up (except when sitting down at the piano). I'd always thought of him as more of an actor/writer, but he was surprisingly effective as a stand-up, especially considering that was a relatively new aspect of his career. He was definitely the more politically-incorrect of the two, insulting both sides of the aisle and definitely--albeit not crossing the line into misogyny--viewing relationships from a male perspective. (Definitely nowhere near the blatant sexism of Andrew Dice Clay). I guess the mark of an effective, edgy standup is that you feel sort of guilty for laughing but you laugh anyway.

Afterward, Bob took off for the World's Largest Gift Shop (the convenience store wing) while Gordy & I walked back to the HGV. I "closed" two activity "rings" on my Apple Watch, and got about 11,000 steps in. But unlike the buzzing and faux-fireworks display with which the Fitbit Blaze congratulates you when you reach 10,000 steps, the Apple Watch's "steps" ring shows you're only about a third of the way to your steps goal. And I've noticed that while you can trick the Fitbit into counting applause and arm-waving as "steps," the Apple Watch isn't fooled. Then Gordy went off in search of more casinos and I packed all my clothes & shows except for what I'd wear for the trip home. Crawled into bed, realizing I'd be getting only about 6 hrs. of sleep but still feeling fine.

And now for the awful part: Starting about 3 am. I spent all night either running to the bathroom (no, not to a norovirus degree) or shivering, teeth chattering, under the covers. Every joint & muscle, and some bones, hurt, as did my eyes, I had to toss & turn just to keep one sinus clear. I slept (actually, lay awake in bed trying to doze off) past the alarm while Bob & Gordy had breakfast & coffee & finished their packing. Fortunately, Bob got us an 11 am checkout, so I managed to drag myself downstairs in time. My ears were ringing and I was getting that "shells snapping shut" brain-zap sensation characteristic of both inadequate sleep and a sinus infection. I thought to myself, "so this is what a hangover feels like." Despite my being TSA-Pre, I had to remove my shoes when something in the left one "lit up." (Same thing outbound, but a different pair of shoes). And they had to inspect my laptop because the plastic protective shell didn't give them a clear enough picture). Bob didn't think I needed a wheelchair in the Vegas airport, but I felt as if I were moving through quicksand to get to our gate. When we got to a cafe near our gate, I bought a neck pillow and--while the guys ate--I placed it atop my purse and tried to sleep. When they announced pre-board, I went to the head of the line and told the gate agent I was sick and needed the extra time to get to my seat at the rear of the plane, she first asked me if I even should be flying; when I told her I had no choice, she asked if she should order a wheelchair to meet me at O'Hare. "Yes, please," I croaked out.

Bob graciously gave me his window seat so I could lean the pillow & my head against the window. Even though it was so crowded that my arm kept falling asleep (despite the compression, my fingers swelled), I managed to sleep through most of the flight--despite the awful neck pain. I had a cup of ginger-ale to settle my stomach--which was the only nourishment I had from midnight Sat. till 1 pm today. Got to O'Hare...no wheelchair had been ordered. So had to wait 20 min. for one. By then, just crossing the corridor to the restroom (where, of course, there was a line) left me panting & shuffling. When we got home, I went straight upstairs, kicked off my shoes and went to sleep, fully clad, at 9:30 pm. I awoke 5 hrs. later, feeling as if someone was trying to gnaw my face off from the inside. Took my temp: 100.8 (hadn't felt this bad since the aftermath of my Zometa infusion). Went downstairs to take my night meds. Changed out of my clothes and into PJs and went back to sleep. Finally awoke at 11:30 am. Happy must have sensed how sick I was, because he slept against my leg the whole time--going down to eat when Carrie fed him this morning, and returning to me. Down to 99.8 at noon.

And then it hit me: Tues. night's rehearsal was cut short because our pianist/conductor had the same virus, and we'd all gathered around the piano to practice a new song with him. And Carrie had gone through this on Friday. So now you know how long it takes this bug to incubate before it hits you. (And I'm still a "hangover virgin").

I feel a bit better now--yesterday I couldn't focus enough to pick up my computer or even check my phone. Was able to have a cup of coffee, a dry-"fried" egg and a sugar-free cookie. (Except for the water & ginger ale on the plane, the only nourishment I'd taken since Sat. night). Thank goodness Peaopd will be delivering Halloween candy tomorrow morning: no way am I leaving the house today.

Jazzygirl

Hi friends- back from my little jaunt up north. Some soaking yesterday and a nice concert at my friend's inn. Made for a lovely day. I love northern NM this time of the year and got two great weekend times away during one of my favorite few weeks.

Ready for Halloween. I stopped on the way down in Santa Fe to meet a friend for lunch and went to Walgreens to get the stash. I have not done the trick or treat thing in few years (since I gave up sugar I think?) but sort of in to it this year. But there will be adult treats too. One of my friends is coming over to drink that long awaited Mumm champagne with me and enjoy some appetizers. Our "adult candy" so to speak.

Chi- so sorry to hear you were sick on the way out of Vegas. I have gotten sick like that on trips and nothing worse. Being ill and traveling is bad (I am usually on my own too when it happens). I hope you are feeling better as the week goes on.

NM- I heard there were big storms along the Maine coast and big power outages, is this affecting you?

Will write more tomorrow. Got some things to get to and a walk to squeeze in before dark, which comes earlier all the time.

Here is your jazz tune of the day. Many of you probably remember Gino Vannelli from the 70s. If some of you are too young to know his music, worth YouTubing. Here with one of my very fav jazz combo's, the Yellowjackets

Jazzygirl

ChiSandy

Much better now: temp down to normal, appetite returned. Still no alcohol yet--I drank two weeks' worth of my "allowance" in four days, so my DOTD is Bai Antioxidant Infusion in Malawi Mango, diluted with crushed ice. Gotta rehydrate like crazy. Peapod will be delivering candy to get me through the trick-or-treaters, till at least 8 pm. You can bet I'll be bundled up out on the porch, though.