how about drinking?

goldie0827

NM, it's funny how you found it disappointing that the snow storm didn't "produce". DH is def. a picky eater. But it's 99% processed food. Only veg he will eat, corn, hominy, green beans. Raw would be celery and carrots. He won't eat: chicken, turkey, pork roast, pork chops have to be super thin. Only fish would be fried catfish. Social worker at rehab said that even if PS said the house was not livable, she still doesn't qualify. And with her only getting $855.00 a month, perhaps we could find a group home. Sounds to us like they don't want to be bothered with her mere $800.00 per month. The criteria to be accepted are bed mobility, transfers, eating, toileting, short term memory, cognitive skills for decision making and making yourself understood. Well, when they went in to evaluate her, I'm just wonder how she answered. We think she probably made it out like she can do all of this, therefore biting herself in her own a$. After being told that she doesn't qualify, she called my brother and told him that they had a bed for her, put the dog down, I'm not coming home. Was not true! She's incontinent, can barely walk with a walker. No stairs. She can get in her bed and feed herself. But she really can't cook.

Good grief Jazzy, it comes, it goes, it comes, it goes, it comes. I wish it would make up it's mind, and you would get better.

Love seeing my lil doity butt (doesn't sound right, but y'all know what I'm talkin bout). How are you doing mentally sweets?

Sandy, this Midwest weather is absurb! I know Detroit is canceling flights as well as Chicago. I hope it's not like this in a few weeks! Safe travels for you both. We have a casino not too far away, of course run by Natve Americans, but they have buffet and serve some of their food. One of things was Mutton Stew, I tried it, but because I know what's in it, just couldn't eat it.

OH MARY, so glad I refreshed to see your post. Woo Hoo, doing a big ole happy dance for you. I can only imagine the big sigh of relief!

Someone asked how my lettuce tasted, it tastes like lettuce, lol! Nothing too bitter or sweet. Labs for me yesterday. Still haven't looked to see if they posted, rather scared actually!

Jazzygirl

Genny- that is great news! Congrats sister!

Goldie- I am getting better now on the anti-B's. I am sorry about the mom stuff. Does your brother live near your mom?

goldie0827

Jazzy, one brother lives about 5-10 minutes from her. The other one about 45 min. Both work near the rehab place, only a couple miles away.

TM's are up, yet again. Even more so this time. So, as you can imagine, teetering atop that hole! I just don't know what to do. As I feel FINE. My only complaint is my hands and feet, and that's from drugs, not cancer. NO PAIN anywhere, what so ever!

ChiSandy

Well, after several rounds of phone calls with RCN (my VOIP/'net/cable bundle company), they finally found someone who knew his @$ from his elbow and took the VM off my fax line. Can't send a test fax from my computer, because Apple killed off fax-from-Mac capability with the release of Lion (2012, I think), but I finally got a fax tone when I dialed the machine (half an hour before, it was still going to voicemail. So the junk faxes will resume shortly--I use 'em for scrap paper or reprinting.

Home alone with the kitties--Gordy is hanging with Leslie till Sunday (I realize I MUST go home tomorrow night, because how else is he gonna get to Oak Lawn for the birthday party, given by one of his BBFs who is the son of the "birthday boy?" Leslie's invited, but is loath to drive all the way out there and though she's fine with Gordy's friends says she'd feel awkward around the grownups she doesn't know). Today they're going sledding, since she loves snow (they don't get much down in Katy, TX). Snow is finally letting up--judging from what's accumulated atop the gas grill, we've gotten about 7" thus far, maybe 8" by evening. 1-2" more tomorrow morning and 1-3" more overnight tomorrow night into Sun. morning, Bob will meet me at the Indian banquet tomorrow evening. It starts at 6, but if it's anything like other Indian banquets we've attended, the appetizer-and-cocktail "hour" will probably run till at least 8; then entertainment; and finally the actual dinner brought out around 9 or even 10. Last one we attended, kids were chasing each other around the vestibule and toddlers were snoozing on the carpet till midnight.

We can finally get back to booze now! Wed. night I made dry-fried oysters, so had 3 oz. Mumm Napa Brut Reserve, and Coravined an oz. of Palmaz* 2011 Chardonnay we bought at a tour of the winery in 2014. Bob had put it in the fridge, and this time the needle didn't break. Very lush and oaky, at its prime. Last night was prime rib (prefab meal from the to-go counter at Mariano's grocery), so I tried about 1/2 oz. each of: 2014 Morgon (too light & acidic, a Gamay and not a Pinot Noir), 2010 Trinitas Old Vine Zin (great with BBQ--might drink some tonight w/smoked chicken leg qtr.), 2010 Signorello Cabernet Sauvignon (perfect); and just for spits & giggles, the 2010 Ch. Mazeris-Bellevue Canon Fronsac I first Coravined in late 2015 and last tried two years ago. Back then, it had an odd apple-peel aroma--simultaneously way too acidic & astringent. But this time I was shocked--the apple-peel is fading, and both the tannin & acid are coming into balance. Surprising for what amounts to a blue-collar Bordeaux. I went with the Cabernet--and the other wines went into the au jus from the prime rib, along with a dab of black truffle "cream."

*Okay--fascinating story about Palmaz. The owner is a cardiothoracic surgeon who patented the arterial stent (anyone who had angioplasty w/in the last few yrs. has one). He was already rolling in dough when Johnson & Johnson brought out and patented the "drug-eluting" stent--which is imbued with Taxol which it releases in tiny amounts over the long-term. The purpose for the Taxol is to inhibit the cell proliferation that causes fibrosis and arteriosclerosis, so that patients can go longer between angioplasties in that artery, if they even need re-stenting at all. When Dr. Palmaz found out that J&J built on his patent but neither credited nor paid him, he sued for royalties--and settled for (gulp) $500 million bucks. What to do with all that? He is a wine-lover, so he bought a vineyard & built a state-of-the-art winery in the Howell Mt. area of the Napa Valley. The winery is 3 stories high...and 6 stories deep, built into the hillside. Every vine has an iPad that "talks" to computers in the cellars about the grapes' sugar content as they ripen. The barrels are custom-built from French oak with redwood staves and "faces." Because of the computerization, the harvest was already completed before the fires began, and they lost only a few vines closer to the highway. Yeah, that'll raise prices, but Palmaz wines are already crazy-expensive. Normally, tours of the winery are pricey--with tastings consisting of wine-pairing meals. But because we were a group of cardiologists taking a review course, the visit, tasting and lunch were free (he's no fool--thirty potential customers paying royalties)! The Chardonnay we bought was about $60, but now is the last chance to drink it before it goes downhill. The meritage red blend will likely be inherited by Gordy.

ChiSandy

And mazel tov, Mary!

Jazzygirl

Goldie- sorry to hear about the TMs. I was going to ask you how you are feeling and it says okay, but know that makes you worried friend. What does the doc say? Are you still taking the FU pills? I thought your brothers were near your mom, and it must be hard for everyone in this situation. I have heard about five different elder care stories recently from friends and family. We went through a lot with our parents too, our mom fought us on everything.

Is your DD doing okay back in the Caribbean too? So much to recover from there.

Sending you big hugs on all this and more......

Chi- oh good, you got the fax fixed! I love meritages. My favorite is Fransican Meritage and see it has almost doubled in price from the last time I bought it. Their winery in Napa is fabulous. I also had some white meritage years ago in Dallas at a dinner at a steak house and later found it at St. Suprey when I was there in 2009-even more unique and rare. Both running around $60 a bottle these days. I am gearing up to drink my Generations bottle from Charles Krug I got in 2009 (think it is a 2007), which I have been saving for my 5 year cancerversary. I will drink it with with a friend who supported me through treatment and beyond, but whom also appreciates good wine. I am off the sauce on the anti- B's until the weekend after next, so no wine for me.

I hope everyone has a nice weekend!

NativeMainer

Good Morning, Loungettes! Apologies for not postingyesterday ayem, was running late and had to head out to work.

Happy Saturday Snowday! 4.8 inches of snow overnight, and still coming down. Kind of glad cuz I don't want to go anywhere today. Went to Walk In Care yesterday peeyem, my throat was getting very sore and one eye was very goopy. All I could think of was last winter when I got a sore throat, wrote it off as "just a cold, it's run its course" and kept working and, well, ended up badly health-wise, if not ending up well lifestyle-wise. I even told the Nurse Practitioner that I was probably being a hypochondriac and over-reacting. Turns out I have conjunctivitis (pink eye), and am on eye drops for that. Which I figured. Throat is red, strep test was negative, no sign of pneumonia or the asthma acting up, but tested for flu and, surprisingly, RSV. That's a respiratory virus that generally is problematic for babies, primarily preemies, but has been circulating and affecting adults significantly this season. I did NOT know this, and I've been following the flu season info pretty closely! I should get the results Monday or Tuesday (why do these things always hit me on Fridays?). I took myself off work next week. When I get the results back I'll see how I feel and then decide when I will go back to work. I can't get over how much less stressed I feel about all this than I did last year when I first got sick. Good thing is that I am not really coughing, no sign of the asthma kicking up. Too early to tell if it's a sinus infection, and the strep swab was sent for culture just on the off chance it's an adenovirus. And the Nurse Practitioner said I wasn't being over-reactive, if there is something more than a cold going on we'll know for sure soon and be able to head it off before it makes the asthma kick up, and anyone who had been through what I went through last year has a right to be a bit nervous. Except for the strep test it's mostly unnecessary testing since it won't change my treatment, but the reassurance factor makes it worthwhile.So I picked up the eye drop and some comfort stuff from the pharmacy and came home and updated Sadie who immediately went into cuddle mode. She even dragged me off to bed early! Gotta love Silly Sadie!

Jazzy--Glad you found the cause of the sore throat and can get the underlying cause treated. I'll be laying low with you today and the rest of the weekend with you!

Mema--The aches and stiffness from the falls is pretty much gone now, but dealing with a whole new set of problems! Gotta love the feeling of the furbabies against us.

Chi--potholes, unplowed roads and low ground clearance does not sound like a fun drive! Personally I would rather have a front wheel drive than an AWD for snow, but that's because I'm so ancient I was taught how to drive in the snow in front and rear wheel drive. I find AWD pretty useless. True 4wd is another story, but practically impossible to find now a days. Tell your hubby from someone who used to drive in snow, sleet, blizzards and everything else, that MPG needs to be balanced against MPH (miles per hour). A really good MPG doesn't help if you have near zero MPH cuz you get stuck in the snow! The whole fax/VOIP thing is crazy. You'd think with today's technology the company would be able to tell a phone line from a fax line and put voice mail on the appropriate line. Maybe some of the junk faxers will stop now that they've gotten a couple of voice mail messages and will think they got a real phone number instead.Oh good grief, the "fixed" problem is still going on! I say yes, call the fax on the cell and let the tech hear the message and then say it isn't there!

Genny--hang in there, and I'm praying you get the MRI results very soon. The waiting is agonizing.

HOORAY!!! HOORAY!!!! Love the all clear!It's a crazy world when we celebrate scar tissue, but, hey, we'll celebrate!!!!

Goldie--yeah, it is crazy to be disappointed when a snow storm doesn't "deliver" but we spend days if not a couple of weeks hearing about the next storm coming, and it's always an "epic" or "huge" or some other superlative storm, so I expect a lot more than a few inches! When I was growing up these would be called Snow Showers, or Some Snow, but not a Snow Storm. Snow Showers used to be an expected part of wintertime, much like rain showers are expected in summer. School wasn't called off. You just planned to get up a little earlier and shovel out so you got to work or school on time. Yeah, it is crazy how qualification for long term care or assisted living programs is bases only on physical and cognitive capability, and do not take into account the current living situations. At this point about all you and the family can do is give what help you can, and allow your Mom to deal with the consequences of her choices and actions.

Goldie--Has anything shown up on any scans or anything besides the TMs? I cannot imagine the frustration and worry of having fluctuating TM numbers without any symptoms to attach it to.

Chi--Wow, what a story about the cardiologist and the vinyard! Sounds like the fax thing has been sorted out, finally.

Jumping Floozy Foots DOTD:

Pinkeye

1/3 oz Absolut® vodka

1/3 oz cranberry juice

1/3 oz sweet and sour mix

Pour everything into a shot glass.

Jazzygirl

NM- sorry to hear you are not feeling well. I had the "goop eye" before I had the virus last month. That is why I think I had the adenovirus, because eye stuff was part of it. But you have the infection too sister. And RVS too. I think mine started with the adenovirus, then that was better, then 10 days later, sinus infection started. It is not uncommon for me to get something, then either get an upper or lower resp infection. My last one was Nov into Dec and feeling like the never ending thing this time too. The anti-B's are kicking in now and I am feeling better.

I do have an event tonight so I will be going out, but otherwise, laying low here at home this weekend.

ChiSandy

Kim, bummer about the pinkeye and RSV. Jazzy, hope you’re getting better. My turn now—have had that “tired” back-of-throat sensation for a few days, which turned scratchy by last night. Garden-variety cold. No fever, no head or muscle aches. Despite comfy blankets, snuggly cats, and no noises or phone calls, sleep was pretty fitful. 2 hrs., then read for 1/2 hr, then sleep 5 more; feed cats and go back up for another hour. It always seems to be worse when I first get up and a tad better during the day. Made breakfast, had coffee. Pretty sure I caught this at the crowded grocery store, kids coughing & sneezing all over the place. Watching my symptoms to make sure it isn’t flu—if it were, it’d have hit me like a ton of bricks and I’d be running a fever instead of feeling “blah” with louder than usual tinnitus. And I’d have had no appetite, not merely a reduced one.

Bob just got home and had to shovel his way into the garage: after our snow guy had dug out the “apron,” some large truck or SUV had come through and created a deep ridge between the alley and apron. Bob also reports some slick spots on the roads. When I told him about my cold, he said let’s blow off the banquet—there’ll be dozens of guests and we won’t be missed, it’ll be too long and too much food, there will probably be more than a few people with colds or even carrying the flu (and handling the serving utensils at the chafing dishes). And it’s a long drive over three highways—if we get the extra couple of inches they’re predicting, driving there & back could be problematic. Our friend Jim’s birthday party tomorrow is much more important. Meanwhile, we can order out for Indian food and eat it at our own pace. (And not having to dress up either)

illimae

Sorry about the TM’s Goldie, could it be inflammation or something non-cancery? When will you know more?

ChiSandy

Well, we figured there was no need to order out. So I’m cooking tagliatelle alla Bolognese instead. Will crack open a 2011 Umbrian red blend, mostly Sangiovese. No Coravin, since I’d use up the rest of the argon capsule just on a decent-size glass for Bob alone

goldie0827

Thanks girls. Sorry for all of you that are getting sick, my goodness.

As for me I feel fine, not sick or anything. I see my onc this Thursday. Not sure if he will just change my meds and see how I do or have me go for scans. Yes, I'm still on the FU pills.

CeliaC

Hello to all, Just a quick pop in here. Wet and raining here yesterday and today in the greater Cincinnati area. Very misty and foggy yesterday - staying in today. Just saw a recipe for a chocolate bundt cake made with red wine in the Sunday paper and made me think of everyone. If anyone would like the recipe, let me know.

To all who are battling the various funky forms of illness out there - hope you feel better soon.

Goldie - here's hoping for good news at your onc visit. Genny - good news about your NED & in your pocket for surgery. Chi - That Chicago snow was one of the reasons DD moved out of ChiTown - I remember moving her there in January in the midst of a snowstorm - Stay warm! Jazzy, Dara, NM, Illi, Cammy and anyone else I forgot - enjoy your Sunday!

Jazzygirl

Hi friends- I am coming through the other side of the throat crud/sinus infection. I went out for a special event last night and felt well enough to go but also was exhausted when I got home. I have been a bit fun deprived the past few weeks with being sick off and on and not enough social time. I have two group get-togethers this coming week and think I can do it.

Chi- sounds like you have a lot of what I started with. Take care of that throat and hope you don't have anything serious?

NM- how are you feeling?

Goldie- I hope you get some good info from your MO about what to do next if there is anything needed to adjust with the TM's being up. I am glad you are healthy otherwise, stay that way. This winter crud (even the non flu stuff) goes on a long time.....

CeliaC- ooh a cake with wine sounds yummy. I don't eat sugar so I would not likely make it or eat it, but love the idea. I miss drinking vino right now, but going to keep on the wagon until the anti-B's are done next weekend.

Cami- how are you doing friend and how is Leslie too?

Dara- hope the new job is going well.

Genny- I think you have your knee surgery this week and pray all is coming together to be ready for that. So glad the other worry is out of the way.

Mema- I know you are still going through a lot.

Ill- that run looks like a really fun time! I am not a runner but am seriously thinking of competing in the summer senior olympics here for swimming. I am a maniac in the pool these days.

Hope everyone else here is having a nice Sunday.

illimae

Hanging out at the cabin this weekend just relaxing.

I do enjoy the 5k’s but I only walk them, I’m not a runner either, lol. I have been looking into places I can swim locally, I love the the water.

I say go for the senior Olympics

Jazzygirl

Ill- wow that is beautiful. I remember when you posted some earlier photos of it as it was being built. I LOVE the color. Did you say this is over in west TX somewhere?

illimae

Yes, in the Big Bend area. The climate out here is more like California than other areas of Texas and it will be our permanent home later this year.

There’s a lot of work to be done still but we really enjoy it here.

Jazzygirl

Ill- I know the Big Bend area. I went to grad school in TX and almost went to Alpine State, but changed to another of the schools in TX after I got accepted at a different university I thought would bring more opportunities (and it did). It is lovely out there.

You have a nice place to retire.

maryland

Hi girls, too many days gone by since I posted again, last week was just a whirlwind of work, worry and respiratory crud, this week oh so much better. So as you saw my MRI was clean, phew, boy that was scary! My laryngitis is finally just about gone so I should be a go for the knee replacement on Wednesday. I'll probably have my CEA retested in a few months but I'm putting that way on the back burner for now. New puppy keeping us plenty busy altho it's really the same work involved in wearing out 3 as wearing out 2. We take them out for a 30 or 40 minute run 2 times each day and that is what they have come to expect and demand, batteries recharging in between. 

NM, ugh, so sorry to hear that you have the"crud" , not sure what version I had but it wasn't much fun. So glad to hear you get to stay home and rest, that's what I needed but once PCP said I wasn't contagious I went back, could've use about 2 more days so soak up the comfort food and Sadie kisses and relax! What a difference a year has brought for you, I bet you have added several to your life!

Jazzy, Oh and you had the "crud" also? Yuck, it has been everywhere, extra hard to avoid this year. Glad you got to go out even if a bit tiring. DH and I are going out tonight for early VD since I will be having surgery on the actual day. We've been talking about seeing the movie 3 Billboards, has anyone seen it? He talked to a woman in his spinning class that said it was one of the best movies she's ever seen. Hope you make the upcoming events.

illimea, Oh, the cabin looks like a relaxing place, views for miles! Is that a Frenchie in the window or a boston terrier? I did go and swim in therapy pool yesterday, felt good but my knee was even sore from that last night. I may have to try and walk a 5k when this is all over, I'm going to try and fall in love with swimming and eventually spinning, I seem to be getting lazier as the years pass. How far is the cabin from your home? How often do you get to go?

Celiac, good to see you, supposed to be very sunny here today which'll be a nice change, haven't seen that bright yellow ball in quite awhile. Thanks for the well wishes!

Sandy, I see you are feeling the crud coming as well, good decision to stay in I think, large crowds are just not the place to be right now. That's where I got mine, took Nora to the Cleveland Children's Museum on a Sunday, what was I thinking?! Must've been 200 kids there, ugh. At least she didn't get sick this time. Hope you enjoyed the birthday party.

Lori, I am so sorry to hear about the TM's, will you be getting scans to see why they are up? Oh and then all this stress with your mom, I sure hope you can find the right person/social worker or whoever to help you with that. Do you have to prove that she is not safe alone for her to qualify? In my prayers girl ((Lori))

Sue, thanks for being in my pocket, I'll be in yours next month.

Dara, sounds like you're liking your new job, good to hear. What else is going on? How's your cousin who's name has escaped me at the moment. How is her back?

Cami, thinking of you and Leslie, how's Joey's back. 

Well, almost light out and pooches are getting restless, hi to anyone I missed hope you all have a good day.

NativeMainer

Good Morning, Loungettes! Apologies for not getting online yesterday, but I was cocooned up with Sadie in my recliner and feeling rather sorry for myself. Yellow goop literally dripping out of one eye and, of course, started showing in the other eye. Nose began running like the proverbial faucet. Throat not painful like the day before but definitely uncomfortable and scratchy. All of which I pretty much expected and was prepared for, but then a little cough started. And I go into panic mode. For half an hour I am sitting here telling Sadie all about the difference between a cold and an asthma flair up, that every cough does not mean asthma is getting out of control, that with goopy stuff inmy eyes some of it is going to end up dripping down the back of throat and trigger a cough once in a while. I am not having a shortness of breath, and my lung sounds were clear at Walk In Care on Friday, I'm still not running a fever of any kind, and still getting hungry on a regular basis. All of which adds up to the fact that I have a cold, maybe not a garden variety rhinovirus, maybe RSV, maybe adenovirus, but not strep and not even resembling the flu. Or an asthma flair up. When I cough I am not coughing so hard I am peeing myself (TMI, I know, but that's my test, once I start coughing so hard I need the "special" underwear I need to get in to the see the PCP). And other than itchy eyes and being kind of tired I really don't feel badly. So, I says to Sadie, I am NOT going down the road I went down last winter. After all, look at it here on a Monday and I am NOT working, I am home sleeping in, taking my eye drops 4 times a day as ordered, along with using my nettie pot and salt water gargle, got the humidifier, going to clean up the kitchen in a bit and make actual food for lunch (did the toast and crackers and cheese thing yesterday) and keep making a dent in my collection of tea bags and loose teas.Sadie agrees with my plan and keeps telling me that I am NOT as sick as I was last year, and that I might be overreacting just a tad, but she loves me anyway and will keep my feet warm when I'm resting, which better be regularly today.

Jazzy--how long did it take you to throw off the adenovirus? It wasn't much longer than an average cold, was it? I'm keeping an eye out of signs of sinus infection.Glad the Aunty Bs are making you feel better. I'm really hoping to go to the Succulent Plant and Sip on Friday night.

Chi--I'm actually still waiting on the RSV test results, and they tested for flu just because I'm a health care worker. I am really sure it's not the flu, like you said it did not hit me like a ton of bricks, but came on over at least 24 hours. Hmm, thinking about where I could have caught something over the last week or two: 1 college campus on the first day of a new semester, 3 large grocery stores, 3 or4 convenience stores, 3 assisted living facilities, 6 nursing homes, and handful of private homes, my eye doctor's office, 3 restaurants, a couple of department stores, and my favorite in the race: one Hospice office with at least 4 people coughing and sneezing and more saying they don't feel well but can't afford to take time off work. Guess where my money is!

Don't blame you for not going to the banquet, just for the not having to drive on the roads.

Goldie--praying for you, girlfriend.

Celia--I would love to have that red wine bundt cake recipe!

Jazzy--Glad you are on the upswing and I'm going to take that as a sign that I will be too, now that I'm past the initial 72 hours of misery. The eye drainage is slowing down, the sore throat is only when I'm swallowing, and I still generally feel ok, mostly just tired, but still able to get things done. Time to be done with feeling sorry for myself, do what I need to to take care of things, and alternate resting with some light housework.

Illi--Wow, that is one great view from the cabin! Do you really have to climb a ladder to get in???I see the furbaby peeking out!It looks like it's up on stilts, is it really or is it a camera angle illusion?

Genny--I don't know about making changes that will add years to my life, but it sure has added pleasure and enjoyment! Just knowing that I don't have to get up, and won't be hearing about how hard it is to cover for me when I'm out, and not having to worry about patients getting the care they need and deserve has made this go round so much easier. No agonizing over "if I take one more day will I be so far behind I'll have to work 4 times harder to catchup."It was "I don't like the way this feels, I'm going to walk in care and will let them laugh at me for being a hypochondriac (and will laugh with them, for that matter) and I'm not working next week. AND NOBODY CAN DO A THING ABOUT IT!!!

OK, my daily "Time to get off the Computer" alarm is about to go off, so here's my DOTD

Bran's Dram

"If rum won't give you that warming glow of wellness, the hot tea will." -Benjamin Schiller, beverage director of The Berkshire Room

Ingredients

• 1 bag berry herbal tea
• 1½ oz. white rum
• ¼ oz. fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 lemon twist

Steep tea bag in a mug with 6 oz. hot water, 2–3 minutes; discard tea bag and stir in rum, lemon juice, and honey. Garnish with lemon twist.

illimae

Thanks all! The cabin is a work in progress, all from DH’s head. I do enjoy it but this is his baby, I said nothing about measuring and budget, lol. We still plan a single story home not on stilts near the cabin, I already have the blueprints picked out for that. It’s a little bit of a gamble but I intend to live long enough to see it through.

This beautiful mountain is about 9 hours west of home, which we plan to sell this summer and move out here for good. It’s on stilts to maximize the view and allow for storage underneath. We just hired someone to build the deck and stairs, yay! No more ladder.

The little brindle on in the window is a French/English bulldog mix. The breeding was an accident but we kept them all, he the last one left at 13 1/2 years young

Jazzygirl

Hi friends- got a busy week ahead but popping in to wish everyone a good V-day week. Remember whether you have someone special in your life or not, it's about love and be ready to sprinkle that where ever you go!

NM- I sort of "self diagnosed" that virus after I heard about it being much like the flu, but not quite as bad. I started coming down with it on a Friday and was in bed by that afternoon and through most of Sunday. So we will say a good 48-72 hours, but then I felt better and then I did not feel well again for a few days that following week. Then it was over. Worse than a cold, had me really exhausted and sleeping 12 hours a day, but never any fever.

This last go around has been much worse. Very bad sore throat that is lifting as time went on, some sinus, etc. Also some tiredness but nothing like the first go around. I am on Day 5 now of the anti-B's and they are working. I noticed today I lost 2 lbs last week, certainly not from exercising but know I am not eating much with the throat issues. I don't recommend this crud for a weight loss technique.

Ill- those dogs are adorable! Why did you choose to build on stilts vs. on the ground, maybe because of the hillside? I only have seen stilt home around the coastal areas, and curious. What a fun thing you have going on there. Glad you will be able to retire soon.

Wishing everyone a good week and will poop in again soon!

CeliaC

NM - Recipe directions are rather long. Any way I could scan & send via email, or even "snail mail" it to you? Send me PM & let me know.

ChiSandy

Well, I finally have a good excuse not to pick up the phone: laryngitis so bad I can't even talk through the crud on my swollen vocal folds. Sat. my throat felt scratchy; yesterday morning about the same but at the birthday party I did a lot of talking (D'OH!) and my voce was sort of Lauren Bacall-husky, forcing me to sing "Happy Birthday" flipping octaves halfway through; by bedtime I was doing a credible Harvey Fierstein impression. Today, I can't even clear my throat (a no-no anyway). Coughing is harmful too, so I'm on an anti-tussive so I can reach for the water instead of cough when I get a throat tickle. Spraying Singers' Saving Grace a couple of time an hour.

Last night I had a prosecco at the party; at home, a capful of Remy Martin 1835 cognac in a warmed snifter; and Twining's chocolate-hazelnut flavored black tea with raw honey and a capful of Cointreau (which we keep on hand for margaritas). No way I would waste that Remy by pouring it into my tea.

Tonight, more spiked warm tea, plus instant miso soup and room-temp spring water fresh from the jug.

Jazzygirl

Chi- this throat thing is wicked, so sorry to hear of your sickness. Although my sinus infection is clearing up, I just feel like the throat thing is also it's own problem too and exacerbated by the post nasal drip/sinus infection. I used to have bad sore throats in high school with mono, strep and finally tonsillitis (until the tonsils finally came out my senior year of high school). This throat thing has hurt like back in those days. Really caught me off guard, maybe you too.

Just a precaution, strep is going around big time with the flu so do be careful and go get swabbed if you need to. I got really scared after hearing about some people who got the flu, strep, rheumatic fever, sepsis and then poof.

Feel better!

ChiSandy

Yeah, I'm gonna get swabbed for sure--but at my PCP's office, not the crowded Immediate Care Center down the street. My colds always seem to go to my throat, but they usually start with nasal congestion and a slight fever.This time I haven't even cracked 98.0.

Cleaning out my cabinets and found four--count 'em, four--unopened boxes of Girl Scout Thin Mints from last year. After the first box got depleted rather quickly, I'd assumed Bob had taken a couple boxes to his office and Gordy to the theater where he worked. Surprise! (And a couple of weeks ago I ordered 4 more, from our neighbor's kid. Shoulda bought more S'mores instead). We have our final t bc. support group meeting on the 21st. Everybody who brought stuff in the past brought fruit, nuts, bittersweet chocolate, etc. I'm tempted to say what the hey and bring a box. YOLO, as the millennials say.

goldie0827

Been reading, just not up to replying, too much BS going on in my life right now. Again, I'm sorry for everyone that's sick. Illona, the cabin is so very cute as well as the pooches

camillegal

Good Morning ladies,

I'm tryng to read to catch up, oh there's so much that I missed.

Colorado Karen I'm so sorry for ur loss, that's a hard one.

Ill u pics are great and are those all ur furbabies, ur so lucky if they are. And ur plans sound wonderful.

Lori I've missed something very important, since ur not saying much. I'm assuming some things are about ur mom and I know things about u, sending big HUGS AND PRAYERS OUT TO U to help u .

Jazzy for u to be holed up so long u've really had to be very sick, I hope things get better very quickly now.

Sandy ur another one, I know how well u take care of urself and now u can't even talk. But if anyone knows how to take care of a throat u do. Hope that heals fast. Oh LOL about the cookies, oh u can take them anywhere, take them out of the box and throw a few colored kisses around and they'll look as good as new.

It is so nice to see so many posting, yes Dara u too, u must be awful busy, but I hope ur happy with this job. Does Cheryl still live with u???

NM ur getting so creative with the DOTDs but u'd better just take care of urself., I'm sorry for smiling a little tho how u explain things to Sadie, I do understand that tho. And I'm sure she's listening too. I know ur keeping an eye <sorry> on what's going on, but u have to for ur own sake. Just relax as long as u can.

I'm sorry that I'm missing any of u, but I can't remember and it's my fault trying to catch up.

Leslie's tests came back fine, whew on this but those pills bring on menopause are horrible, disrupting this whole house, jeez this is just plain cruel on those around her LOL and now Marty and her have this crazy cold. Her PS has to restitch a small area, which sounds crazy to me, I always think of Dara and that awful infection. And BTW Joey's back is not much better, I think it's Dr. time, but they say I make to much of it cuz I baby him, well yea I do, but it's been a while now.

My job is getting harder and harder for me, we're just so busy. Dan came over last nite and fixed my Netflix and left around 1am. and always asks what he can do to make things easier for me, he really can't but he does try so hard. He's just so damn sweet in so many ways---he's actually holding me together more than he knows. And his head man Bob is another super guy to me. Oh I know u all know all of this.

I'm going back and forth with calls now, so more confusion is happening to me, just what I need more. hahaha

OK I'll leave for now, remember

LUBS U ALL

NativeMainer

Good Afternoon, Loungettes! Obviously I am having another very lazy and unaccomplished day. Just put a load of laundry in to wash, when that gets hung out I am making a trip to the store for more ginger ale, flavored teas, kleenex and hand sanitizer. I am getting so very tired of this drippy eye and runny nose stuff, and the sore throat that decides to get worse as soon as it gets dark then almost go away as soon as it gets light thing. On the other hand the eyes aren't as red and swollen, they aren't draining as much. Getting out of the jammies and out of the house and into the fresh air will do me a world of good, as will going to bed with the clean sheets and pillow cases tonight. No more sleeping in the recliner and making like I'm sick and dying. It's just a friggin' cold and it's time for me to stop being such a winey baby. And I have got to admit that I am mostly upset that I can't wear my contacts, and I really, really, really do not like wearing glasses. Especially bifocal glasses. Never seem to be looking through the right spot. Don't really want to go out and expose anyone else, but am going to go totally ape$#i1 if I don't get out of this house!Boy, do we nurses turn into miserable people when we get sick!

Illi--I can see where there is going to be lots of storage underneath in the 4th pic. And that is one absolutely fantastic view! Looks pretty roomy inside for a cabin/future man cave.And the furbabies are absolutely ADORABLE!

Jazzy--I haven't hit the really feeling better stage yet, but the eyes are looking much better and draining much less so I'm hoping that I'm on the downhill side now. I think I need to get my head out of the "being sick" mode and start getting some stuff done around the house, since I shouldn't be out and about until this clears up. Time to get over being scared about what might happen until it actually happens. This is reminding me of the days when every ache, pain or odd feeling was an automatic "It's a MET!" reaction, but milder. Maybe I haven't outgrown that as much as I thought?And no, this is not a good weight loss technique. Anytime I lose weight when I'm sick I seem to get it all right back!

Celia--I'll MP my e-mail and snail mail addresses--use whichever is easier.

Chi--I've got a bit of the hoarseness thing going on, too, but I don't worry about it too much since I'm not a professional singer. I must sound pretty odd, though, when I call to Sadie she looks at me with her head tilting back and forth. Hmm, I wonder if when I do my switch from drinking coffee in the late afternoon if I should try switching to wine? I do like to sip on something either hot or very cold, don't really care for the middle of the road temp stuff.

Goldie--{{{hugs}}}

Cammy!I am taking care of myself. I must not be very sick cuz I'm whining and moaning and generally carrying on cuz life isn't fair. I am so glad Leslie's tests came back fine, so upset about the meds putting her through menopause. I pray Leslie doesn't get an infection and that Joey's back gets better ASAP.

NM's DOTD: OK, technically not a drink, but we're an adaptable bunch, someone will find a way to make it into a drink!

Bourbon Cough Syrup

• one ounce or one shot of Bourbon
• maybe an ounce or two of water
• the juice of half a lemon
• one to two tablespoons of honey.

The honey is good for coating your sore throat and makes it easier to tolerate the Bourbon, for those who do not usually drink. The Bourbon might also help you sleep, and alcohol has often been a common ingredient in many cough and flu medicines over the years.

The water is optional, and you can heat the mixture on the stove in a small saucepan, while stirring it and being careful not to make it too hot. Some folks might opt for warming it up in the microwave. The drink should not be swallowed quickly, but rather sipped slowly and given a chance to soothe your sore throat.

Some people have been known to make the mixture only very slightly warm, and then actually gargle with it, before swallowing, which gives the liquid a chance to clear up any of the phlegm that might be in your throat.

Another alternative, would be to make some hot tea, and then add lots of lemon and honey, and a shot or two of the Bourbon. Then there is the traditional drink called a Hot Toddy, which consists of Whiskey, Brandy, or Rum, mixed with hot water or tea, along with lemon juice and honey according to your taste.

Woops, ran out to the store, came back and found this still sitting here, cuz I didn't hit submit!

Hitting submit now!

Dara_Diverse

hi girls, pooping in again from work using my phone. I read but don’t write too much.

Lori, sorry things are difficult, love you 💕. Sending prayers your way too.

Mary and Cam, yes Cheryl does still live with me. I don’t know how I’d get through each day without her. She is doing great, her back surgery was a great success!!

For all of you with the crud virus, sorry and hope each day is better.

Love all mese girls. And sorry so short!

Cheers!