how about drinking?

Good Morning,

Stanzie yes DH did go and I have to admitt hadled it very well, just put his arms around me and let me cry but then when I was done we just carried on with our day. The last few weeks have been very good, maybe he really is going to change like he said.

A Update on the boil situation, it has shrunk by about half so that is good news its now about the size of the my thumb lol and it is a bit raw but putting polysporin on it and taking the antibiotics, really unattractive lol.

I contacted the Breast a bridge dragon boat team via email and am going to join them. what the heck, i need to loose my chemo weight and the exercise all year round together not just dragon boating but hiking and walking and the gym and there hasnt been a BC support group here in Lethbridge and now that I am ending this part of treatment I dont really know what to do with myself it will be nice to join a team with other women facing the same fears and wanting to better their lives too.

Kathy I cant believe all the stuff you do around your place wow, you are a painting guru, does your DH not know how to paint lol. i hope you arent over doing it hun.

I feel i have been so selfish here on our thread, I barely ever remember what you al have written I know I am not allowed to apologize but I promise I will get better once this last treatment is over and done 4 more days to go I cant hardly believe it.

Ok off to get some work done

hugs Kymn

I like to keep my place about 65 degrees, which I do year round except in the winter when I wear extra sweaters, and summer when I remove items.  This has nothing to be with being older.  I just like cool temps.

Kymm......sounds like you have some fun stuff planned for the other end of chemo.  This is great, and ever so much better than sitting home.  I just thought so important.

Gail.....know what you mean about terrible food.  I can't imagine.  Can't you pull the "C" card and tell them your doctor tells you absolutely have to eat fresh?  Cheap Mexican is the worst as so easy to hide evil flavors under a lot of spices.  Like plutonium cuisine......

I also resent spending good money when I could make the same thing at home for half the cost and have it better.

I need to get back to work.  Ankle is hurting, but so glad I cycled anyway.  Rest of me feels exercised and healthy.

Kymn - you sound good and that group sounds fabulous just what you.... well we all need. It would be like BCO with exercise! And you get to see them face to face! Sounds perfect. Wish there was something like that here - I know if I really think that then I should start it.... hmmm well not outgoing enough I don't think...

OOOOh 65 would even be chilly for me. I like 74 personally! My sisters like 82-84!!!! Not kidding it is like cooking - and yes that is year round... 

 I agree hiring contractors is the worst. My contractor who did my whole renovation is wonderful though he has helped me find, for the most part "normal, honest workers. One or two bad ones slip in but it does help. My Ex is now a handyman - he won't help me out anymore but that is what he does and gets paid under the table is what makes me angry so he doesn't have to help with the kids expense. Gee now why are we divorced? 

 Enjoy the day guys!

Thanks Gail and Kathy it feels so good to know people out there care and want to know, really know, how you are doing, hugs.

Claire I agree I need to get out and live and do stuff I wouldnt nomally do, I cant wait to feel good again. It would be so easy to just sit at home and feel sorry for myself but I dont want to leave that legacy for my kids.

Stanzie It hink you would be perfect for starting something like that, even if it was just a walking club for BC survivors. You are so caring and non judgemental you should think about it.

Its 1:30 here and I am so ready to go home lol, we have a corporate golf tournament on wed yikes hope i make all 18 holes

Hugs Kymn

My my sister's cat's do that she says they are "playing the cello!" Funny part is that is what my on again off again So does for a living so I was highly amused needless to say!

Kymn - I do think here is one place when asked how are you - you know they mean it. Here in the south probably even more so than other places, How are you isn't asking a thing personal just another way to start a conversation or say hello. Now that I think about the only person who has asked me at all How I am doing is my wonderful lovely cousin who has been with me through everything.... not one other "friend, SO, or sister" . Sigh, what can you do?

Kymn, you aren't playing golf are you? The only time I tried was when I was pregnant with twins _ it was still early on but still messes with your ability to stand and balance.... of course this was also the weird small course where you had to be careful to miss the endangered burrowing owls who lived all over the course. 

Ha Ha Claire - that cracks me up about people going there on a cruise and thinking it will be tropical. I'm so sure that happens all the time - LOL!!!

Kymn, I am impressed! We had a golf session during PE in high school (at the Univ of HI campus), and the guy I was paired with, wrote in my annual "don't specialize in golf"...LOL. So, I took him at his word, and have not touched a golf club since. My SIL was a big golfer (before he got started on marathons) and even the g'kids had their own clubs. Now that he is a marathoner, the kids do the kid marathons too, and all have the racing type bikes. Good for you! I hope you do really well on Wednesday!

Stanzie, I agree....here in the South even though they might say "How are you" and not expect to really get your medical history, they do want to start a conversation. My late DH, who was very personable, used to say "Fine, and you?" whenever someone he knew would walk by without acknowledging him! Used to crack me up! That would definately stop them in their tracks and get them to talk to him! After I lost him, I was brutally honest when I was asked how I was....I would always say "not so good". It was a victory the day I could honestly say "I'm fine, how are you". Weird that your ex will not do repairs for you...what if you offered to pay him under the table too...think he would fix things? At least he prolly would do a good job.

Gail, Funny to imagine your cat doing what the cat in  the picture is doing!! Eeecccckkkkkk!!!!

I do like the Seattle temps....so nice and cool most of the time! I remember my mom used to wear sweatshirts in the summer when they lived in Tacoma. Can't do that here!!!!

Had a nice day with DD, and a wonderful lunch, even had strawberry "soup" and she had cheesecake for dessert. Oh, DH and I stopped for more stuff at "Dicks Sporting Goods" on the way home....if anyone has one near them, I have a $10/off $25 cpn that you can print and use over and over. PM me if you want the link. At least our store accepts them all the time, and it is good till Jan 2012.

Pau Hana time!! Having my second Shock Top beer, with orange slice....yummmmmmmmm!!!

Kathy

Phew, glad this weekend is over! I earned me some good money, but I was on the run ALL day both days and most of Friday and Sunday nights. Didn't sleep much Sat, night waiting for the phone to ring. Oh, well, such is life. Now, however, it is time for a DWINKIE!!!! BARKEEP, BRING ME DWINKIES, LOTS OF DWINKIES!

Wahine--I do like sweet wines, I'll have to get some Moscato Asti. Sounds yummy!

Astorm--grieving widower is ENGAGED to the trollop? Good heavens, what a jerk!

Karen--YEAH to shipping computers! Problem solved, crisis averted!

Beanie--hope you got some rest over the weekend! Monday is my Fried day. But then I've aways rather enjoyed being a bit out of sink with the rest of the world.

DorK--sour creamer is a real bummer, ruins anyone's day! And I missed the Prayer Pole post, can you give it again? Sounds intriguing!

Husker--crash on back in! You won't be any different from the rest of us. We may have been here on the back pages, but we were so sauced we don't remember anything. And it will be better to drive further and get treatment from people you trust. And if your hammock isn't open, the Tenders will open it FOR you!

Junie--I am so glad you are enjoying your iPad! I'm hoping the iPad1 price will come down now that the 2 is out. I would love to have one. I've played with one my friend has and it is so cool! And DH got it inscribed, how sweet is that ! If the visiting doggy does his business in the house, wrap it up in a plastic bag and put it in one of the suitcases. No need for you to deal with that kind of smelly mess.

Goldie--you can have your Friday Freeze what ever day you want to! I just liked the sound of the 2 F's, you know?

Wahine--I'm so sorry to hear you Mom is declining. It is so hard to have an ailing parent. Sounds like the Friday Freeze needs a new name, one that makes it appropriate for any day of the week. Freeing Freeze maybe? Feeling Freezy? Any other ideas?

DorK--toasts TO all vs. toast FOR all, too funny! Either way works for me! Karen is making a few stops to visit family before going "over the pond" as the Brits say. We probably need to get her to post an itinerary so we can keep her whereabouts straight!

Claire--OK, what is black truffle? Is it some kind of oil? Is this something I should try? I love trying new things! If you take an advil or Tylenol before cycling it will block some of the swelling and pain. Premedicating before activity is an old trick in the medical world. It is such fun to get small goodies, sounds like you hit the jackpot!

Everyone is talking about getting good tomatoes, and I've got to get my tomato seedlings into the garden soon! Should have done it today, maybe I'll do it later this evening.

Stanzie--is there a kennel in your area with a fancy name like Doggy Spa? Maybe you could make a "reservation" for yippy poodle for part of the time they are visiting. Sounds like you, or at least your house, is breaking into the acting industry! Can't wait to see the commercials.

Astorm--I'll share a secret with you if you promise not to tell--when you have some fresh basil (and any other herbs you may have growing) put some olive oil in a crock pot, add the basil (and other herbs) throw in a few peeled galic cloves, cook it on low until the house smells absolutely yummy. Empty the now herb infused oil into another container through a strainer or collander lined with a coffee filter. You will have crystal clear dipping or cooking oil that you can bottle and use or give as gifts, easy as pie!

Aha, Karen posted her itinerary! Good girl!

DorK--Yes, this will pass. I know it doesn't feel that way right now, and nothing anyone says makes it any easier. But we are here, and we understand. Sounds like you've got a little case of pre-surgery gitters. Been there, done that, know what it's like. Do a little something just for yourself every day. You deserve it.

Astorm--can I steal your Basil in olive oil freezing technique? That would be so wonderful to have in the winter time. And you should check out the secret lounge video tapes, you are VERY amusing after dwinkie #3!

Good Heavens, I've got another whole page to read!

Claire--good advice about dealing with the sleazy neighbor. I would add to just say hello or wave hello if one of them speaks to you, but don't stop to talk, just keep walking into the house. Eventually they'll get the idea.

Happy Cancerversary, Astorm! YEAH!

Husker--I say make an appointment with all the Rad Oncs available to you and pick the one that you feel best about. Make them audition for you. Check out the facilities and staff. I did that looking for a PS, wound up having my recon done out of state and do not regret that choice one bit. Having a surgeon I could trust and I knew would be straight with me was better medicine than any other.

Karen--eating on the senior citizen schedule, such a funny way to phrase it! It is so hard to see our parents aging, and knowing when to intervene and when to leave it alone is even harder.

Kymn--I haven't see a dragon boat race, would love to but I don't think there are any around here. I'll have to do some research and see. All down, only 1 to go, YEAH! Big PARTAY needs to be planned!

Goldie--I totally understand the state allowing sales of illegal fireworks. The state will get $$, from the sales tax, from fines when idiots get caught with them, and from the fees the truckers pay to transport stuff over the state line. Sounds like something Maine would do. . .

Kymn--you aren't being selfish, the time during active treatment requires you to be focused mostly on yourself. We all get that. You're horizons will widen when you get done and have time and energy to breathe and do something other than juggle appointments , medications and such.

Astorm--baked oatmeal? How do you make that?

Boy, sounds like we are almost all in very warm places right now, that would mean the DOTE (drink of the evening, since I'm running late) should be a frozen one. Let me do some research.

Here we go, this will be perfect for these warm days sitting on the patio: 

Citronella Cooler

1 oz Lemon Vodka
1 splash Lime Juice
2 oz Cranberry Juice
2 oz Lemonade
Best served in a Highball Glass.

Directions
Pour ingredients into a highball glass half filled with ice and stir well. Garnish with a lemon wedge and serve.

NM...my post crossed with yours....some of your pics came through and some are just little red X's

Watching Entertainment tonight and mom is asleep in her chair!!!!

NM - thanks for the secret basil tip (ssshhhh)... yuk cat just licked my chin... what is with this cat!? I'm going to make some basil oil tonight! If I can gets me feets back underneef me after dwinkie #3. Here's my baked oatmeal secret:

Bowl 1: 2 cups rolled oats + ½ brown sugar + handful of walnuts + cinnamon + heaping teaspoon of baking powder. I also add fruit in season (blueberries today) or dried fruit (cranberries are good). Reserve a few nuts and some of the fruit for the top.

Bowl 2: 2 cups of milk + 1 egg + vanilla + 2 Tb melted butter

Butter a small baking dish (I use 9" square or a small soufflé dish) and cover the bottom with banana slices. Pour oat mixture on top. Pour milk on top of that, making sure all the oats are covered. Top with more nuts and fruit and bake for 30 minutes (350). Oh, and if you put a baking sheet under you won't have to clean your oven like me.

It makes several large servings but I reheat leftovers with a little milk... I just love the smell when it bakes though!

I've got a ton of tart lemons right now and I just made lemonade so I'm going to make your Cooler for me and DH. We're going to eat curry outside so I hope between the curry and the citronella we won't be bothered by squeeters!

Karen - you busy bee! Glad your dad is listening. My mom had Alzheimer's and I sure wish I would have had the chance to help her. I missed the "I don't want to lose you" phase because she lived so far away and my sister who lived with her assumed she was just getting old (oh, and sis being stoned about 23 hours a day probably had something to do with it). I do puzzles all the time, study, play piano, write stories, and read about 100 books every year, hoping that will prevent me from getting dementia. Your DD's trip sounds like quite an adventure! My alleged vacation isn't until the 8^th, but I am also taking the week of the 4^th off and building a deck. We will have some time at home before we go. I do live in a destination town ... wish I could just stay here and enjoy it!

Looks like its going to be a scorcher today....will take Dad to the pool this morning...not sure what we will do later in the day.....I am still sooooo full from dinner last night!!! more like bloated!!!

DD#2 got off to camp last night...she texted at 3am that she had crossed the boarder....DD#1 had a blast with her little sister....she texted me after DD#2 left and said she missed her already...and said that she is welcome any time!!!  Love to see the sister bond!!

Stay cool....Stanzie...I'll take a glass of your lemonade!!!  See everyone later by the pool.  Hugs, Karen

Wow....so many of our kids are at camp right now! I say "our" cause I feel like we are all family here. Glad your DD got to camp safely, Karen. Stanzie, are you getting the thunderstorms that we are having? Hope your DS will be ok, at camp and not out in this weather. When my DD worked at the boy scout day camp all last week, there were at least 3 days of really bad thunderstorms, lightning, etc. Cannot believe they still had camp....scary. Gail, hope your DD is having a grand time too. Hope I didn't miss anyone!

What a stormy day....no painting today! Well, when I have to be "handyman", then no one is being "cleaning lady", so am pretty behind there. DH was saying how much he appreciated all that I do, and I reiterated how lucky he is to have me do all that. Then I said I need someone like me....lol....would love a clone of me that would do all the work, then the real me could relax and have fun!!! Gail, when are you starting on your deck? Gonna send us before/after pics? I know it will turn out great.

Beans, are you getting stuck in the dirt? Haven't heard from you for awhile, and I miss you when you don't post! DorK, Hope you can slow down a bit. NM, sounded like quite a rough weekend you had. Bet the time flew though! Hope you have caught up on the sleep you missed. Claire, take care of that ankle! Kristy, Hope you are finding a good onc dr that you trust! Kymn, so glad to hear the boil is receding....and healing. What a scare that was!!

I agree about that Friday Freeze dwink.....sounds good anyday. And with lots of us having hot flashes....maybe call it "Frozen Flash"....I dunno.....whatever its called, it sounds good. Anyone tried those new cool towels? We got one yesterday...you wet it with warm water first....it stays wet and COLD....still cold today and it is folded up! Gonna try it on a hot day in the kayak and see if it helps.

Stay cool girlz, stay hydrated (likker), stay happy!!!!

Kathy

Lori, Glad you like that towel...we have yet to use it. The directions said for the FIRST time, to use warm water. I have NO IDEA why! Since yours works well, I guess that step wasn't important. I'll have to try it soon...maybe after the storms are gone and I can paint in the heat. I am envious that your DH does all the handyman work....my late DH did that too....and was so strong. I remember when he carried a huge, heavy worktable (from fabric store) by himself and got it under the house thru an opening you had to bend down to get it. After he died, it took 2 strong handymen to move it....and they were struggling. And he could do ANYTHING...so a lot of what i learned was by observation. You mean you haven't had strawberry soup? LOL. It is a chilled soup. On cruises they usually offer different hot/chilled soups and I always choose the chilled ones....like blueberry, peach, etc. More like a thinner smoothie in a bowl. Yummmmm!! Hope you have a great day today! Love hearing from you!!!!

Kathy

Cold towels? Haven't heard of those. The summer before BC I found these cool neck wraps. You soaked them in cold water and they swelled up and you wrapped it around your neck and helped keep you cool. It worked pretty well. With MS the symptoms all get worse if you get hot so I'm always looking for ways to cool down.

Goodness Kathy that must have been one amazing man you former husband - I can tell you still miss him terribly but glad you have someone who loves you and he certainly seemed to totally adore you but then of course why wouldn't he! 

Strawberry soup! When my Mom turned 50  (my age now so 36 years ago tomorrow) My oldest sister had a grand celebration for her and made this amazing dinner which started with chilled strawberry soup- hadn't thought of that in many years. My other sister dressed up in an old ice skating costume and served and she made this beautiful lemon coconut cake with candied violets.  I think that was the only time I ever had it. Thanks for the memory on that. 

Oh Karen that is so great you can hear from your DD on the bus makes me think oh I should have left a phone with my son when he rides the bus home - didn't even think about it as they can't have any electronics at camp but the counselors can lock them up and give them back for the ride home. Just didn't even occur to me... Oh this is my other twin. The one with DS did also go to sleep away camp but it was only for 10 days and he is back home safe and sound.

AStorm - wow, amazing recipe - might have to try that but what is it like? Regular Oatmeal or is it another consistance- I love oats especially in those lace cookies we talked about a while back or regular oatmeal cookies but I'm afraid I can't really deal with the wallpaper past consistance of regular oatmeal. My own sensitivities. 

Lori - Well my goodness sounds like you live out like Little House on the Prarie. How far away is town to get your mail and such? I can understand going to get the mail, can even get taking the garbage in but no electricity??? So do you have your own wind or solar power? And so I'm thinking how would cell phones work without cell towers. OK, I'm so intriegued ( spell check - where are you?) It sounds like another planet! Wow, I'm so impressed! 

Oh Kathy.  I am so sorry.  At the same time, you were fortunate to have such a wonderful husband.

I hope I am that fortunate one day.  I married someone who, while a fascinating person in a lot of respects, would leave all the work to me when the going got tough.  Not a bad person, but not the right choice either.  This is why I am now single.

I can well understand how CPR can bring back terrible memories and guilt for your daughter.  But both of you did everything you could for him, and not everyone makes it after open heart surgery.

Will be thinking about you and your daughter today.- Claire

Odd question.... Is there any way to see what messages you sent privately? Whippitmom gave me a member's name to contact as she went to a Dr. here in town and I think I sent the message.... but I'd love to be able to check before I write her again so I'm not bothering her. I don't think I wrote anything weird or odd but would have thought she would have replied. Anyway, might not be possible to check. Thanks in case anyone knows.

Claire - that is a good way of stating things - my ex had also other problems but he also did that as well. Oh and Lori - no way to turn him in without hurting the kids and such..... Any bit of respect I had for him went out the window when he didn't step up to help take care of and support his own children and the worst part is my lawyer lied and said that after 18 no provisions can me made for the kids or anything for college. Of course I found out later total lies - I had even tried saying I have a child who will need to be supported for the rest of his life and my lawyer was like my hands are tied - too bad for you. So come age 18 he has no financial responsibility for the kids for college or for our son with DS. Lovely isn't he....