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  • NativeMainer
    NativeMainer Member Posts: 10,462
    edited March 2018

    Good Morning, Loungettes!Happy March! Happy Thirsty Thursday! Looks like temps will be in the 40s and 50s over the next few days, another storm coming up the coast, not sure how much we'll get from it, not clear how far north it's going to come. Welcome to March in Maine! Sadie will enjoy the mud when it gets here. Speaking of Sadie, she's decided to forgive me for being out so long the other day and is being as loving as ever since I gave her the doggy bag I brought home from the restaurant where I stopped for dinner that evening. Amazing what a bit of meat and gravy and such can do for dog!

    Goldie--I had forgotten about the 60 day readmit lock out at Rehab. Another block pup up by legislators who just do not understand what they are doing. Sorry to hear about DH's kidney and pinched nerve. Praying they are both quickly and easily treated. Safe travels, check in when you can.

    Chi--I think of Mojitos as being made with lime juice, too, but I found a few recipes that use lemon juice. The Faux-jito sound pretty yummy!

    Cammy--poor Leslie, I will keep praying for her and for a quick resolution of the infection. Just not fair. Keeping busy is good, and sending you hugs.

    NM's DOTD:

    Gator Piss Cocktail Recipe

    Ingredients :

    - 1 oz limon rum

    - 2 oz melon liqueur

    - fill with sweet and sour mix

    - fill with ice

    Pour midori and rum over ice, and top off with sweet and sour mix.

    Serve in "Cocktail Glass" Garnish: No

  • MemaSue56
    MemaSue56 Member Posts: 2,129
    edited March 2018

    Morning DahhhhLinks,

    Jes poopin in for a min. Saw the new MO on Tues. I like her so far. She has pushed my surgery out 6 mos. She wants me on chemo and herceptin for a few months, then do another PET and see if there is any shrinkage. If we can get some shrinkage than the chances of saving enuf skin for recon is much better. So all can relax for awhile, I will keep you posted on any changes. Oh, am supposed to go in to LV for chemo every 3 weeks. NOT looking forward to that. I am supposed to go to LV for 3 days...1st day for labs n Herceptin, next 2 days for injections (of what I don't kno yet) Any whoo, I hanging in there as well as I can.

    Lowee - jes too much on your plate. sending hugs and prayers to both u and dh.

    Thanks again to all for being you and being here for me.

    LUBSLUBSLUBSLUBS

  • ChiSandy
    ChiSandy Member Posts: 12,133
    edited March 2018

    Cami, sending prayers that they find the "right drug for the right bug" for Leslie's infection. Hope they're allowing her adequate pain control.

    The 1-3" of slop predicted here by the lake never materialized--just a little rain around morning rush hour, then clear, windy & mild till sunset. Here's proof:

    image

    image

    image

    Top to bottom: view of Millennium Park and Lake Michigan; the Pritzker Music Pavilion; and top tourist attraction "Cloudgate" (aka "the Bean"). Guess where I took these? My dentist's office! Made my tooth cleaning more bearable.

    Bob & I had an early dinner at Revival Social Club (on my way home from the train station), so with it I had a 2015 "Straight Shooter" Oregon Pinot Noir as my DOTD.

    After that, I walked to Metropolis Coffee to get some decaf espresso beans. I had gotten an e-mail from them about a special new coffee--a Yemen Mokha--they just got in, so I decided to have a look-see. Its package was wrapped by a little burlap bag, and it was only 6 oz. I said, "I'll take it." The cashier said, "I have to warn you--it's $50." WTF? The beans weren't even pooped out by Indonesian civet cats. I asked, "Is it worth it? How does it compare to Jamaica Blue Mt., Puerto Rico Yauco Selecto, Panama La Gesha or Kona?" The cashier admitted she hadn't had a chance to try it. The barista said he tasted it, but only in a "cupping" (freshly roasted beans ground with hot water atop them, tasted with a spoon through the foam on top), not brewed. I asked what he thought, and he asked me "in terms of quality or 'the experience'?". I replied, "I'll bite. What's the experience?"

    He explained that because of the civil war raging in Yemen, many plantations had been destroyed; but one farmer managed to save his crop and escape to the Port of Yemen. The high price is a combination of rarity and support for the Yemeni coffee growers. I consider myself a socially conscious person, but we just paid our property tax bill and Gordy's health insurance premium, and our Part B supplement premiums are going up about $20/mo. Sorry, but fifty bucks is well above my social-conscience threshhold (especially if not tax-deductible).

    I got home and told Bob (who didn't want to do the extra walking so went straight home after dinner). He said "I'd have let you spend the $50." Checked my e-mails and found one from Metropolis' rival, Intelligentsia (where I took a barista course), offering the same coffee, same 6 oz., for...$65. Nope. I'd feel like a wastrel with every cup of it I'd brew, and we don't have company over regularly to make whole pots of it. I'd save it for a "special occasion," but freshly roasted beans have a short shelf-life. So chances are it'd get stale before I could use it up.

  • mistyeyes
    mistyeyes Member Posts: 584
    edited March 2018

    Chi-I love seeing the pictures. I hope when I retire I can take a few months and travel the USA and see all these things in person.

  • camillegal
    camillegal Member Posts: 16,882
    edited March 2018

    Oh chit I wrote a whole thread and this is what I have left---------ment-------that's it---WTF It just poof left . I spoke directly to Lori--with prayers and SusyQ and Kim and Jazzy, Just ready to tell everyone else I hope thing are going well and all treatments were working with some ease for who's going thru them now. CHIT It's like the world of computers are getting me---again.

    Oh u know this thing with Leslie started with a tiny whole under her foobs and things are happening--I can not get Dara's picture of her huge hole out of my mind. I know they sewed Les up and took extra skin away, but that <to me< should have been the last of it. But no ugh---here we go I guess. But I am thankful she knew what it was;

    Sandy I wrote to u too, of course about the pics and asked about Gordy and how's he's doing??? I hope good.

    We change our clocks next week-end oh this has flown by, as usual but I'm sure we'll have more snow and cold.

    OK I'll be bock.

    LUBS U ALL

  • NativeMainer
    NativeMainer Member Posts: 10,462
    edited March 2018

    Good Morning, Loungettes!Happy TGIF day! Our nice warm weather has given way to lots of wind, making the 31 degrees feel a lot colder. Drizzling rain that's freezing on contact with roads, black ice everywhere, cars off the road everywhere. Police out closing roads and hills until DOT sand and salt trucks can get them treated. Sadie and I are going to stay right where we are and not leave the house today. Got a call from Mom around 8 peeyem, she was in the ER, had felt like she was having a heart attack so went to get checked out. The initial ECG was fine and whatever she was feeling was gone by the time she got there. A couple hours later she called again, all test normal, no problems found and she was going home. This is the third time that this has happened since Aunty Linda died last summer. The other two times it was attributed to stress. I know Mom's been stressed with Dick's behavior as his dementia progresses and I'm getting worried about what taking care of him for the next however many years is going to do to her. Don't think that there is anything I can do right now except be watching.

    Mema--Well, finally, a plan is in place. When you go to LV for the 3 days do you have to stay there or are you close enough to commute from home? Praying the chemo works and works really well for you.

    Chi--Quite the view from the Dentist's office! That Bean is kind of intriguing! I wouldn't mind seeing it. Does it have any function other than as a curiosity? Wow, that's quite the story that coffee has. I'm not sure I'd pay $50 for 6 ounces, even to support the coffee growers. I'd have to be really sure that at least $40 of that money was going to the growers!

    Misty--I'm collecting quite a list of places like that to see for my bucket list, too!

    NM's DOTD:

    jellybean-ronaldreagan-small

    The Jelly Bean Cocktail

    Ingredients

    • 2 oz sour apple schnapps
    • 1 oz peach schnapps
    • 1 oz grenadine
    • Red, white and blue jelly beans, for garnish,, for garnish

    Directions

    • Combine all ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker; shake. Pour into a martini glass over ice; garnish with a toothpick threaded with jelly beans.
  • Jazzygirl
    Jazzygirl Member Posts: 12,533
    edited March 2018

    Good afternoon friends- pooping in to say hi. I went off the AIs this week and already see the scale dropping and my feet feel better. Can the changes happen that fast? They did last time but I have had them in my system much longer now (years vs. months). Not complaining though.

    I also got back to the pool this week after a good three weeks away and it felt good to get back in the water. I need to decide soon if I am going to try for the summer senior Olympics. I will need to get a coach soon if I do this. Jazzy is on the move.

    I had a super fun time this week doing a jazz jam with some professional musicians at a venue here in town. It happened to coincided with the day of my LAST pill and did feel the need to go celebrate. These musicians are really good, one is a recorded smooth jazz artist and lives here in town, so I was NERVOUS. But I held my own, did well and got lots of positive feedback. I was actually pretty surprised it sounded as good as it did, sometime when you improvise, you don't know what will come out. But I was surrounded by amazing musicians who brought me up a level. I will do this again, it was more fun than I can even say.

    Will pop in again soon and write more to each of you when I do. Have a first good weekend of March. So excited that day light savings is coming up next weekend already!

  • goldie0827
    goldie0827 Member Posts: 6,595
    edited March 2018

    Just a quick pop in. Driving from the airport was lots of snow, only slushy roads, but visibility was pretty low tho. At mom's right now. They did determine she had a UTI, just not sure if they did a culture tho. Just started on anti B's last night and we are already seeing a tad of improvement. Now she wants to keep Zues, and her hot water heater is out! Oy vey!

    Sue, what chemo are they going give you? Wishing you all the best love.

    Cami, I hope Leslie heals quick and can get rid of the pain.

    NM, I hope things work out for your mom and Dick. Gosh it's heck taking care of our elderly's and worrying about them, when there isn't much we could do.

  • Jazzygirl
    Jazzygirl Member Posts: 12,533
    edited March 2018

    I know you love the music posts and heard this on our local NPR station today. Love this man, he passed away a few years ago and played right up until the end. I bet you never knew the harmonica could be this wonderful?



  • ChiSandy
    ChiSandy Member Posts: 12,133
    edited March 2018

    He was a famous melodic whistler as well! I love harmonica--my dad used to play a chromatic harmonica and would often play me to sleep rather than read me bedtime stories, especially when I was sick with one of those little-kid fevers. I remember the scent of the diluted rubbing alcohol with which my mom would sponge me down, and the sound of my dad playing "Red River Valley," "Schön Vie die Lavune" (Yiddish for "Lovely as the moon"), or even "March of the Wooden Soldiers." When he died I inherited it, but I still find it too intimidating, so I just play diatonic harps. (There's a song about it, which I've recorded but not yet released). On my first CD, Corky Siegel (of Siegel-Schwall and "Chamber Blues") played along with Chamber Blues drummer Frank Donaldson (formerly of Archie Bell & the Drells) and currently chairman of the percussion dept. at Columbia College Chicago's conservatory and VP of the AFM Chicago local.

    Kim, does your mom still have her gall bladder? Gallstones or cholecystitis symptoms can mimic those of a heart attack: twice, it sure fooled both Bob (who called 911 for me, and he's a cardiologist) and the EMTs. Finally had a lap-choly in '94. (She might also have had panic attacks).

    Got some awful news today. My housekeeper's best friend, who three years ago was diagnosed right out of the gate with Stage IV bc (not sure if it was TN or ER+, because the first mets were to her liver) and did chemo and radiation for over two years, now has mets throughout and has decided to stop treatment and enter hospice tonight. Praying for her comfort and smooth transition.

  • Jazzygirl
    Jazzygirl Member Posts: 12,533
    edited March 2018

    ChiSandy- sending love & peace to the woman entering hospice. Hugs to you also friend



  • camillegal
    camillegal Member Posts: 16,882
    edited March 2018

    Hi Ladies,

    Oh Sandy how sad to hear about hospice, Wow it's just horrible to hear these things. It always seems to me that u have a special place for ur housekeeper, u've been together for so long.

    Lori how difficult this is for you. I remember yrs. ago having a UTI was not a big deal, now with the elderly it's horrible--the delusions, the thought pattern is all jumbled nd sometimes no memory of whats going on after the start of it. It's unbelievable what these things can do to you, but most of the time the meds take hold pretty quickly and what a difference. It usually starts with pain, but no burning in ur pee. Just strange. My prayers going to u and ur family. U've had a tough year with all different types of things. It's got to settle down soon.

    Kim and ur poor mom, it certainly gets scarier as we get older, when u feel stuff like that it's seems normal to think the worst, so I can imagine thinking this has to be it now. So hard to balance what's going on. I'm so sorry u have this to watch and worry about.

    Jazzy I am glad u've found a wonderful week with what u love to do, sounds like so much fun. I think Sandy would enjoy all of that also. It's so good to laugh and just be privileged to play along with the rest and I know u sounded great. Miss adventuress. And thank you for the video, as usual u come thru.

    Oh Sandy I love the pics u send, but I always have t laugh only cuz it's like u live in a different state than I do and we're not that far away. I was born in the city, then later worked downtown for years and went difference places thru out to restaurants and bars that had music and still never have a clue where ur talking about. Years ago there was a small place that played jaz all the time and my boyfriend would take me there quite a bit and enjoyed it so much and at times he'd sit in and play with them, but I don't remember a name or where it was. And yet it was so fun. So I did spend time in a lot of places, but it's like I don't rmember anything LOL

    I hope all the newbies are doing all right, right now I can't member any names, but in time I will, then u'll be sorry, oh I hope not.

    OK week-end time meaning for me a shower with Jodie, we do laugh a lot, then she goes shopping with Joey for me, one day soon I'll be able to do both, big deal right hahaha

    LUBS U ALL

  • NativeMainer
    NativeMainer Member Posts: 10,462
    edited March 2018

    Good Morning, Loungettes!Happy Saturday! Lots of sun, lots of wind but not as much as south of here. Some branches down, no real damage. Lots of snow has melted off, and boy what a mess Miss Sadie has made of the yard this winter. Toys, poop, trash, poop, kitchen things, poop, going to be a lovely clean up project out there in a month or so. Oh well, at least she's happy and has a nice yard for running around in.

    Jazzy--I'm so glad you are feeling better so quickly after coming off the AI! It took months for me to feel a difference. Everyone reacts differently. The Jazz Jam sounds like a wonderful way to celebrate, and I am so glad you had a good time!Hard to believe the time change is coming up already. Still wish they would just pick one and leave it there. Maybe someday.

    Goldie--So glad to hear your Mom is doing better with the Aunty-B. Having the water heater out is a real PIA. I'm sure no one is surprised she wants to keep Zues now that they are reunited, probably best to let that be. I think I am just beginning the journey with Mom and Dick, but will try to take it day by day, and keep in front of me that I can't fix everything, and my not be able to fix ANYthing in this situation.

    Jazzy--that is an amazing harmonica talent!

    Chi--Hmm, I think Mom does still have her gall bladder. I hadn't thought about that being an issue but it certainly could be!Panic or anxiety attacks aren't out of the question either, all thing considered. And then there is this thing that happens to women in our family when we get to be around Mom's age, with spells of feeling dizzy, sometimes fainting, and feeling odd. I can remember it happening to Grammy several times. They never found anything to explain her episodes. So sorry to hear about your housekeepers bestie. I pray she is comfortable and peaceful.

    Cammy--how the body experiences something like a UTI does change with age. I've seen that a lot. It is getting harder to watch Mom and Dick ageing. At least they are both mostly happy, most of the time. I can remember when I could go all day and half the night and still get up early the next morning and pick right up where I left off. Not so any more! We do slow down with age!

    NM's DOTD:

    Old Lady

    Ingredients

    1 1/2 oz London dry gin

    3/4 oz creme de cassis

    1/2 oz Johnnie Walker® Black Label Scotch whisky

    1 dash egg white

    Shake the ingredients together in a cocktail shaker 3/4 filled with ice. Strain into a Champagne saucer glass, garnish with a cherry, and serve.

  • camillegal
    camillegal Member Posts: 16,882
    edited March 2018

    .

    Holy Chit is it quiet in here, I'd better whisper

    GOOD MORNING LADIES!!!

    It's Sunday morning and quiet here too,

    Well I took another shower yesterday, Jodie came over, see that's a big deal for me LOL

    Oh I remember something I was going to say yesterday so I'll say it now. I doubt if anyone remembers the Harmonicats <I think that was the name> It was four or five men who just played the harmonicas and any song that was around they would play and they were fantastic, the harmonies were great, u just wouldnt think they could do all they did with a harmonica--I know no big announcement just adding something of trivia.

    Kim weather isn't windy here, but everyone going in and out says it's nice out there,,,I'm freezing as usual so I can't judge. Oh Kim I do feel bad about ur mom and Dick, uve might have said before but how old are they now. I do feel like age isn't always a factor <all the time> since thinking about my family some are old and doing pretty good, but again it's all different. It's all strange to me, one of my cousins has Parkinson's Disease and his shaking and thought pattern is just so different <he's 85> but since he's been doing pot OMG what a difference, his conversations are with his sense of humor is back and no shaking. It just makes me wonder how much pot can do even for common everyday thinking. Just a thought.

    My boss called me last nite and said it's about 75% that he will get the warehouse and office. He'll know Monday or Tuesday---I've said prayers for him cuz he deserves to have a big and thriving business. He's so kind hearted, he's given so many people jobs when they are recovering addicts to transition and a couple are still there doing wonderfully and some have moved on but still doing great. Dan is not an addict but his dad is and in and out of his life for as long as I can remember, and when he does come around Dan always helps him, then he disappears for whatever time he wants. But his mom is unbelievable as a mom. And my cousin Joanne <who I always talk about> is a great grandma to him, soo he just followed the right way but helps people who he thinks is ready to be helped. What I like is he's so open with me and we always tell each other we love each other, and my cousin loves that...and the best part is he actually thinks I'm smart and we discuss how to handle certain things in business and private life, hahaha I've fooled him.

    Well everything is pretty much going the way it has been here, it has to start changing soon, I'm looking at Leslie's infection everyday with the circle being drawn around it to make sure it doesn't get bigger and I think it's a little smaller so that's good. Actually it's the first I've seen of this operation and oh it's so ugly, but I didnt tell her that. Not having recon I really don't know how it's supposed to look. I just keep seeing Dara;s hole.

    I hope everyone has a good Sunday and feels good and I pray for everyone everyday.

    LUBS U ALL

  • NativeMainer
    NativeMainer Member Posts: 10,462
    edited March 2018

    Good Morning, Loungettes! Happy Sunday Funday! Had a nice suppah with Mom and Dick last night. Mom is attributing her symptoms the other night to stress, but she does still have her gall bladder and she does have stones, so there is a good chance that's what's going on. Going to have a bit of a quiet day at home today, puttering around, listening to the wind that 's still blowing pretty strongly, letting Sadie in and then letting Sadie out and then letting Sadie in. . .


    image


    Oh, Look, the Tenders have the Sunday buffet ready for us!

    image

    image



  • Jazzygirl
    Jazzygirl Member Posts: 12,533
    edited March 2018

    Hi friends- checking in on my new regular day (Sunday). We are having mild weather again and yesterday was beautiful here. Enjoyed a late afternoon walk after a busy day of apts and errands. Today I am going to check out the last of the bc yoga classes at a local yoga studio. My feet continue to feel better and look forward to watching more changes yet to come as the AIs work their way out of my system.

    Cami- so sorry to hear things have continuing to be tough for your family. Sending much love

    Genny- how is your recovery going from the knee surgery?

    Mema- sorry to hear you have to go far for the chemo. Do they have any sort of housing there for situations like this? I know our hospitals/infusion centers here do for people who have to come from rural areas for medical treatment. It is hard to be away from home for medical treatment. I did it twice with my internal rads out in the PHX area years ago. I hope everything goes well with the next round of treatment.

    Chi- yes, how is Gordie doing? Did he get his own place yet? I hope things are going well for him and his girlfriend too.

    Dara- how is the new job going? Almost two months in to it by now?

    Goldie- my heart goes out to you with all the mom stuff going on. I hope your trip goes well and you can get things in a better place. And DH not well either. Take care of yourself friend. This stress helps nothing for our health.

    NM- your elders have things going on too. I know anxiety attacks can cause a lot of problems. I am glad you are able to keep an eye on things. Hope you and Sadie have a nice day together. Are you to a year yet from going out on your own friend? I celebrate 11 years of being self employed next month.....

    Karen #1- thinking of you friend with the feelings of loss with your mom being gone.

    Karen #2- I hope chemo is going okay and like that you are righting a book. I am going to start writing my memoir this year. How is your little girl doing too?

    Celia C- how are you doing friend?

    Ill- how is the weather in TX? I am excited to hear about the results of your next 5K. Spring is coming!

    Mistyeyes- glad you have joined us and keeping up with all the fun here. This is my favorite thread on BCO. We talk about everything here, which I love.

    Got to get some breakfast going and wishing you all a good week!

  • ChiSandy
    ChiSandy Member Posts: 12,133
    edited March 2018

    Gordy will get his own place once he gets a steady job (probably substitute teaching, which will require he drive). Meanwhile, he & his girlfriend are doing fine. He’s going to her house for the Oscars, we’re going to Cellars’ party. Up really late last night to watch “Calll me by your Name,” so we’ve seen all the nominees for Best Pic. Haven’t seen the shorts, docs, or animateds so we’re going by the refs from the NYT, EW, and Variety

  • Jazzygirl
    Jazzygirl Member Posts: 12,533
    edited March 2018

    Chi- that is good to hear Gordie is doing well. I hope you have fun tonight and enjoy the Oscars! I am going to watch Victoria, pretty hooked on the PBS series but will catch the highlights tomorrow.

    The bc yoga class today was the best of the bunch. At a nice yoga studio I used to go to from time to time. Great instructor and better space. Free one too. I plan to go again as I my Sunday schedule permits.

    Someone was wearing these socks today. I want them!

    http://www.sockguy.com/cancer-sucks-pink-csp-l


  • ChiSandy
    ChiSandy Member Posts: 12,133
    edited March 2018

    I didn't win at the Oscar party, but the owner & I tied for second—had this been the Olympics, that would've been silver, so I'll take it. Bob came in fourth, so he gets to load the dishwasher tonight. DOTD, since bottles of wine were half-price, was a Seorra sparkling Pinot Noir/Chardonnay from the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County. Really nice, classic Champagne blend, methode champenoise.

  • NativeMainer
    NativeMainer Member Posts: 10,462
    edited March 2018

    Good Morning, Loungettes!Happy Monday Monkey Day! Off to work at Hospice today, then around the house tomorrow. Got to sit down tomorrow and plan out time for decluttering and Hospice and teaching and some other things. That way I won't be so inclined to sit and play on the computer cuz I can't figure out where to start with all the stuff I need/want to be doing. I did get one project taken care of yesterday, I put up a bunch of hooks for the measuring cups and spoons on the inside of the cupboard door to replace the ones that came loose. Now I don't have a bunch of measuring implements just hanging around the counters and in the way when I cook. Sadie likes it when I cook, she gets right between me and the counter and waits for something to fall on the floor, or get tossed in the trash.

    Oh. Lordy, the weather guesser is guessing up to 3 feet of snow Wednesday night/Thursday. Talk about March coming in like a lion!

    Jazzy--Hope you find a really good yoga teacher. It's just about a year since going out on my own. Last year I was out sick starting the end of March and for all of April, went back to work full time for the minimum 2 weeks necessary to give notice at the beginning of May. I think of April as my turning point. Over all I'm pleased with how things are going. The house is in much better shape, and so am I. And I am very grateful for all your support and help over the last year!

    Chi--congrats on your Silver, and poor Bob having to load the dishwasher! Actually that's not too bad a price for losing a bet, to my mind. Better than having to wash the dishes!

    NM's DOTD:

    Blackberry Thyme Sparkler

    (Makes 4 Cocktails)

    • 1 c. blackberries + 8 more for garnish
    • 1 c. Water
    • 1 c. sugar
    • 1 bottle of champagne
    • 4 ounces or 1/2 c. gin
    • 4 long sprigs of thyme
    • 1 c. ice
    • gold baking sugar for the rim

    In a small saucepan, bring blackberries, water, and sugar to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, until the blackberries are soft and the simple syrup has turned to a bright pink/redish color. Remove from heat, drain blackberries, and allow to cool. This step can be done well in advance as the syrup will keep for at least a week in the refrigerator.

    Prepare your champagne glasses. Okay, so here is a dirty little secret of getting those beautiful salts and sugars to stay atop the rim: butter. It adheres perfectly and you honestly never taste it. Place the tiniest amount between your fingers and rub just around the rim of the glass before dipping the glass into the gold baking sugar.

    Next, begin by adding 1 ounce of gin to each champagne glass. Next drop two blackberries in each glass, followed by 2 ounces of homemade blackberry simple syrup. Fill the rest of the glass with champagne and top with a sprig of thyme in each glass. Voila!

  • karentwriter
    karentwriter Member Posts: 156
    edited March 2018

    Thanks Jazzy Girl! Good luck to you as well!

    I'm finally feeling good today and have a snow day with my daughter, so I'm going to update in here as well. It feels like so much to do. Disability paperwork, bankruptcy, bills, and etc. I had a couple of ladies come to the house and help me with bouquets this weekend, but was feeling like crud one girl did it all. I love her. She did a great job. ;)

    image

    image

    image

    I have 9ish or more weeks left in treatment. Getting nervous about recurrence, which i"m sure is normal. And would also like a lesser dose and it's getting so horrible a couple of days a week now. Oh well.

    Got new invitations that I like this time and some wonderful ladies helping me with the wedding.

    I miss the drink posts! mostly because when I drink I don't enjoy it and i can't wait til I actually enjoy the flavor of a cocktail. SO now I'm sitting here filling out more paperwork and emails, while watching Psych, while my daughter is under my desk listening to her noisy Kindle. lol!


  • goldie0827
    goldie0827 Member Posts: 6,595
    edited March 2018

    Sandy, I'm sorry to hear about your freind. Did Gordy start his drivers ed? Funny about Bob having to load the dishwasher.

    Jazzy, congrats on ending the AI. I don't remember having that quick of a response to going off, but it was a pretty good drug for me to tolerate.Sue's son lives in Vegas, so she can stay there.

    Sue, I hope you don't mind me speaking for you. Of course you don't. I love you darling!

    NM, we love hearing stories of Ms Sadie...LOL! .I do hope that your mom was just stressed, at least she recongnizes that.I think I missed Sunday brunch.3' of snow? Holy the Cow.
    Oh Cami, how I love your humor. Love the whisper! That Willie is some good chit! Glad it's helping with your cousin. And you ARE smart. Oh I can here Chevy now, calling you a SMART ALEC!

    Karen sweetheart, it's good to see you. You will feel better in the future, focus on that. And of course we all worry about recurrence What a sweetie your DF is posing with the flowers, they look beautiful.

    Well mom is not doing any better. We thought she was, but she is not. Seeing Dr. on Wednesday. Not sure what we will do when I leave, as she can NOT be home alone. At night is ok, but not during the day.She keeps repeating the same things over and over again, asking questions that she knows the answer to if she thinks about it. Also still trying to get hot water.

  • NativeMainer
    NativeMainer Member Posts: 10,462
    edited March 2018

    Good Morning, Loungettes!Happy Twofer Tuesday! Relatively quiet day at Hospice work yesterday. It was announced that the new orientation process project that there's been a lot of talk aboutwas given to one of the other per diem nurses. I didn't get it because I am getting a bad reputation of not being supportive of management, and orientees need to be taught to trust that the management team has their backs. I've been cycling through mixed feelings ever since. Upset with myself for not keeping my opinions to myself better, unvalued at being passed over yet again, relieved that I haven't been given a project that gives more control of my time to them, pleased that at last something is being done about the orientation process that will be a huge benefit to new staff coming in. The nurse who got the project wants me to help her, and I will, cuz it's important and really needs to be done. But the whole thing has made me realize that a lot of my identity and self-esteem is still tied up in that job. On the other hand, 2 family members of former patients sought me out today to speak to me and tell mehow they are doing. So I must be doing something right. Thank goodness Sadie was in a cuddly mood when I got home from work yesterday, I needed the cuddles!

    Writer Karen--The bouquets are beautiful! I love the sparkly wraps. Glad you are having a good day. Also glad the end of treatment is in sight. The worry about recurrence is normal, and does raise its ugly head around the end of treatment. There will be a time when every twinge, pain or odd feeling is a sign of recurrence and sends you running to the doc or to the internet. Fortunately that will fade over time. You must have a big desk if your DD can play underneath it while you are working at it!

    Goldie--Current guestimates are for 16 inches to 2 feet of snow now. At least it will be mostly overnight, and this late in the season shouldn't hang around very long. Yesterday was Mom's birthday, when I was talking to her she told me that she was born during a March snowstorm! I didn't know that until now. She's planning to go down to the southern part of the state and visit with my brother and his wife for a week or so when the weather looks to be good for a stretch. She wants a break from Dick's complaining about everything for a while. Personally I think they are a match for each other in the pointing out things that aren't perfect department, but then I don't live with them, so what do I know? Sorry about your Mom not doing well. Keep in mind that all you can do is all you can do. You can't be there 24/7 and you can't fix everything. You can try to get some home health services set up, you can check on her by phone regularly, and you can report problems to Adult Protective but you may not be able to change anything. Hugs.

    NM's DOTD:

    Bubble Gum Sangria

    Ingredients

    Instructions

    1. Place gumballs in a jar and pour vodka over the top. Cover and let this sit for at least 12 hours.
    2. In a large pitcher, combine gum balls with vodka, red wine, Sparkling Ice Strawberry Watermelon and fruit.
    3. Add ice and serve.
  • karentwriter
    karentwriter Member Posts: 156
    edited March 2018

    NativeMaine,

    No...no I don't have a big desk, but she is gonna make that work if it bends her like a contortionist. I think she is trying to get back in...I'm like seriously give me some space. But I should enjoy it while I can because not too far in the future she won't want anything to do with me. lol

    Thank you on the flowers. My officiant/wedding planner/high school friend basically did it all in about 15 minutes. lol! She is a wonder. I tried to help, but the head sweats were awful and one screw driver sent that into overdrive. Ugh!

    Outside of the nursing piece, I completely feel how you feel about the job. It's what I will be going back to. Feeling undervalued and being passed up over and over. I wish you the best of luck and that things will fall into place. It's hard to be in that position because it does affect how we feel about ourselves and it's not okay. I'm trying to figure out when I'm done with treatment if I want to be in a place that just lowers my esteem and make it hard to find a job that would be better because now I'm scared to even leave.

    But you (the little I know) sound like a very strong and confident woman. I think you've got this. And I think it says a lot that they came to you. That tells you how you are truly doing. ;)

    Goldie,

    Yes, I've been reading a lot about that fear, so I guess I feel better knowing I'm not alone in that feeling and that it's normal. With the reaction to Taxol lately I've decided to exercise and healthy living after the chemo. I hope to have some strength during radiation, but I guess I'm one of those bad reactors to treatments...or a whiner..maybe both. lol!

    Trying to get through a list of work today, like dealing with the attorney today at 100 pm, updating my wedding website and working on invitations to mail those out and updating the evite for the shower. Busy work for the brain. ;)

    I wish your mom the best of luck. I'm so sorry to hear she is not doing well. I hope you get good news at the doctor on Wednesday.

  • goldie0827
    goldie0827 Member Posts: 6,595
    edited March 2018

    NM, please stop beating yourself up. It may be a good thing that you didn't get that position/job. You are an amazing, caring, wonderful person and nurse. Your prior families calling with updates with their loved ones show just how much you are appreciated. Will your mom go to your brothers without Dick?

    Karen, you can wine, and yes I wrote wine and not whine, whenever you want, especially here with us. Radiation comes with fatigue, and it could be heavy. If you're tired, take a nap, don't fight it or it will just get worse. I found I rather recouped over the weekend, since no rads at that time.

    She needs someone with her all day, night time is good, she sleeps through the night. Adult protective services could take her out of the house, then she would be homeless. We are having a helluva time trying to get her placed right now in some kind of long term care, but they say she either doesn't have enough money or doesn't meet the criteria, which is BS! Also still trying to get Zues taken care of. The rules now adays for adoption or even euthinized is a big problem. However, had a super nice guy come yesterday to look at hot water heater. He couldn't fix it, knows our issue with mom and how we really don't want to spend the money on new, don't know how long she has. He went home, it was bugging him, did more research, came back today was able to fix it and only cost us $200. Yesterday when he left, he said I'm not going to charge you for the service call. She see's Dr. tomorrow. We are going to ask for a speach therapist and eval with Nuerologist. Memorty and repeating are not getting better, as we thought it would with Anti B's for UTI. So now we don't think that is the cause.

    Cami, always prayers for you and your family and for our sweet Sue too.

    I went to bed crying last night and woke up crying. My mom wants to die so bad. She keeps asking if she has been a good person, and if she will make it to heaven and can't understand why God won't take her. Says she wants to be left alone to die.It hurts my heart so bad. I prayed last night asking God to please find it in his heart to take her.I'm here from 9 am until 8 pm, today is day 5. My brother came with me today, so that is helping. He's even thinking he may have to take a LOA from work.

  • mistyeyes
    mistyeyes Member Posts: 584
    edited March 2018

    So very hard when the person that took care of you now needs so much help.


  • NativeMainer
    NativeMainer Member Posts: 10,462
    edited March 2018

    Good Morning, Loungettes! Happy Hump Day! Big snow storm coming in, should start late this peeyem and go over night mostly. The weather guessers are still calling for around 16 inches.At least it will be mostly overnight.Sadie will like playing in the snow for as long as it hangs around, which shouldn't be too long. Got a text from Hospice yesterday, one of the regular nurses is going to be out of work for a while due to a family emergency and some of the work is being reorganized/reassigned and will I do case management for one facility for a while. I took the idea for a long walk (figuratively, no literally) and had a long talk with Sadie about the whole thing and decided to commit to working 3 days a week and managing that facility through the end of March. Then I will look over the situation and see where things are and decide what I will do from there. Seems like change is happening way to fast sometimes.

    Writer Karen--thanks for the vote of confidence. Feeling undervalued at work is not nice, and not a nice thing to be going back to after treatment. I wonder if some of what I am feeling is reaction to the move from full time to per diem and general adjustment to a new way of life. Anyway, I'm managing, and will be much more careful who I talk with about work issues going forward. I hear you about being scared to leave the job you know and the worry about going back to a toxic work environment. Changing jobs is a big thing under the best of circumstances, and even bigger when there are health issues going on. I don't think you are whiner, or a "bad reactor" to treatment. BC treatment is NOT easy, and certainly not as easy as it's made to look on TV and in the media. Yes, some women can work full time throughout treatment but the reality is that most cannot. Those of us who can't do both are sometimes looked down on when we should be considered the norm.

    Goldie--You are right, time to stop worrying over work stuff. As long as I am taking care of myself I am not going to be doing as much as some people want me to be doing, so someone is always going to be unhappy with me. And you are right, maybe it's better that I not be managing that project. It's already cause the nurse that has it to increase her work hours from 2 to 3 days a week indefinitely. Yes, Mom goes to my brother's without Dick. That's her escape/break from taking care of him. She's done this before and I'm glad she's doing it again. I hope she'll do it regularly as Dick's condition gradually declines. He's in that phase where he has losing his sense of time, so everything is in the now, and waiting a few minutes for something is very hard for him, so Mom gets interruptedin what she is doing to do what Dick needs pretty often through the day, and that is very hard for her. I so wish there was an answer for your Mom's situation. So kind of that repairman to find a way to get your Mom's hot water going, and to not charge for the service call. I can't imagine how hard this is on you. To hear your Mom talk of wanting to die must be devastating. Hugs and prayers.

    NM's DOTD:

    Hump Day Cocktail

    Ingredients

    • 1 Ounce Chambord
    • 1 Ounce Rosé
    • 1/2 Ounce vanilla vodka
    • 1/8 Ounce lime juice
    • 1/8 Ounce egg white

    Directions

    Mix all ingredients in a Boston glass. Add ice and shake. Double strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary.

  • NativeMainer
    NativeMainer Member Posts: 10,462
    edited March 2018

    My world when I got up this ayem:

    image

    Can almost see the house across the street.


    image

    The haziness is snow.


  • mistyeyes
    mistyeyes Member Posts: 584
    edited March 2018

    NM- I don't see any house! I haven't been in snow since I was 15 yrs old. Too many years ago to try and add up now. It is a pretty picture to look at, but I wouldn't want to be out in it. I do appreciate the pictures!!!


  • NativeMainer
    NativeMainer Member Posts: 10,462
    edited March 2018

    Good Morning, Loungettes!Happy TGIF day! Got another 3.5 inches on top of the 7 from yesterday in this storm. Next storm coming up next week, apparently. Trying not to pay any attention to that one.

    I took a couple pics this morning, about the same time of day as yesterday, for comparison:

    image

    image

    Can you see the house now?


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