Now I really did it :((

[Calliecake]

Hi Girls!

Missy, How did your doctors appointment go today. I'm sorry your face is still hurting. Everyday I hope today will be the day you start seeing improvements. It sounds as though you are getting the brutal weather now. It finally made it up to 0 degrees here today. Windchill is -19 below. I have had to keep 2 faucets running a little at all times. They are located on an outside wall and I'm afraid if I don't I run the risk of having a pipe burst. This weather also wreaks havoc on your skin. We are supposed to go shopping this weekend downtown. I know my niece may be a little disappointed but I would much rather go shopping at an indoor mall. There is a great large mall not too far away and there are many great restaurants nearby so hopefully I can change her mind. I will find out how her skin is doing later today. Although I think it may be too soon to see an improvement. She has only been in the meds two days.

Junebug, We could also work out together if you lived nearby. Trust me I am very out of shape. We could walk for an hour and then go get a coffee somewhere! We had hired someone to help out with my FIL who had Alzheimer's The person was there for less than a week before my MIL let her go. She wanted her kids to be there all the time. It was an impossible situation. My husband was traveling internationally more than half the time and I was typically working until 6:30PM during the week. She lived close to an 1 1/2 hours away. We couldn't be there during the week. I used to take her out shopping and out to lunch most Saturdays . We would leave her house around 10 AM and return around 5:00 PM. Have dinner with our husbands and my husband I woukd get home around 10 PM. I made sure the Saturday's we went out we did everything she liked to do so she could get a break and have fun. My husband would stay with his dad. The weekends we didn't see her my BIL's would see her. We all wanted her to hire some two of three afternoons during the week so she could have a break. During the week too. The problem was she wanted us there to entertain her. She was never good about going out by herself for a few hours. She was also the queen of manipulation and unfortunately I gave in to her demands all the time. My SIL used to ignore a lot of her demands but I used to feel so quilty if I didn't give in. It was a very hard situation. Sorry for the long story. I guess the point I'm trying to make is do what you need to do to take care of yourself. She will really be just fine if someone else is with her a few hours a week. Please don't let her make you feel bad.

OV, Yikes, I would be freaking out about the mice. Remember how freaked out I was a few months ago when i thought one had gotten in the basement and died. I was a wreck and we didn't even have a mouse. I was so relieved when we found out the smell was some kind of glue they had used. Can you call an exterminator? How is your visit with your mom going? I so hope you are enjoying your time with her and she is being nice to you.

Marcy, I had called the fire dept one time at 10:30 pm when my husband was traveling. I had gotten out of the shower and every smoke detector was going off. There ended up being nothing wrong. The firemen were so nice and replaced all the batteries in all the smoke detectors. I didn't even have any batteries. I felt like an idiot. The sent 5 firemen and two trucks. All the neighbors came over to check if I was ok. I was so embarrased. The guys I worked with were teasing me for a week saying if it happened to them, the firemen would tell them to change the batteries and leave.

Hopefully you will be able to sleep better now that you have the light blocking shades.

LLJsmom, The new band will look beautiful with your ring. I also love your ring all by itself. I always love the look of two rings on everyone's finger but my own. I always just wear my engagement ring by itself. Have I told you how much I love your ring!!! Haha

Your are doing the right thing encouraging your husband to exercise. My husband needs to lose about 25 pounds. His blood pressure and cholesterol counts are always excellent which I feel gives him a false sense of security. Although I really shouldnt talk because I need to exercise more too. I wish I liked exercise the way you and Missy do.

Kristie, Have you been up to anything fun?

 

[junebug17]

Missy, thinking of you and hoping you made out ok today with your appointment, what a day to have to venture out!

Calliecake, thank you so much for sharing your experience with your MIL - it is very helpful to me to hear about others' experiences - I think it's wonderful that you helped out so much with your mil, many people wouldn't have done what you did. To be working all week and then give up a good portion of your limited free time was very commendable of you, and I really mean that. Your mil reminds me of my mother lol! Thank you for understanding that these kinds of situations can be very challenging. There are times I give in, my brother is actually better at being firmer with my mother about certain things. But we are both guilty of sometimes letting things slide when she absolutely refuses to do something. The bottom line is we're doing the best we can, I guess. Right now I think my brother is finding things fairly manageable because he has help - me! The issue will be this summer when I would like to go away for a week with my family.

Callie, I hear you on the exercise, I wish I was really into it like missy and LLJsmom. I am forcing myself to do a half hour dvd everyday and tbh I kinda hate it! I have to dig very deep to get started. When I was younger I was an aerobics instructor (yes, the 80's, don't laugh!) and I loved it. I had youth on my side, and a zest for life and lots of energy. Things are different now!

LLJsmom, I think a plain band would look great with your ering! I checked out the profile of your ring, and I would think Victor will be able to come up with something to protect that area of the prongs. Eventually the area might get a bit worn down, but I'm thinking it would take a very long time. Let us know what he says about it!

 

[missy]

OK so I started responding a few times already but kept getting interrupted. Let's hope I have a few minutes of uninterrupted posting now. Ugh just interrupted again. OMG.

Hi Girls, My gosh. if you can't get to this thread for a day you have a lot to catch up on. I'll post in a few hours. I just wanted to wish Missy Good Luck at her doctors appointment today. Be careful getting there Missy. I hate you being on that damn subway!

Hi Callie! No worries, we took a cab both ways. It was too darn cold to take the subway especially because the HSS is not near the train so there would be too much outdoor walking involved in too cold temps! And Greg came with me and accompanied me home and is working from home today so he was able to do that for me.

LOL on the firemen. Is it just me or are firemen the cutest? Not a bad scenario to be in IMO.

You will have fun shopping this weekend no matter the weather. I'm with you on indoor malls in the winter. And I know your niece will enjoy the shopping with you even if it is indoors.

Junebug, thanks for thinking of me. It went well today as well as it could have gone so I am pleased. Details below.

LOL on being an aerobic instructor in the 80's that is hardcore! I am impressed! If you did it then you can certainly do it now. Not the aerobic instructor part but definitely the working out to the dvd. Though it would be more fun if we could all have a walking club or something. They actually do that in my building and have tried to get me to join since I have been weight bearing but I know they walk slow and talk more than really exercise so I haven't joined them yet. But with you girls it would be a no brainer. We could do some power walking and then have coffee and chat. Sigh. Why does everyone live so far!

Good news-my surgeon said I am good to do everything I want to do now. Twist pivot and run. LOL I don't think I want to do any of that but glad to know I can if I want to woohoo! A little confused about the running part especially after the big deal he made about not being able to run again but Greg thinks he means for short runs I am OK. Last week when I was crossing the street a car was turning and I tried to speed it up but no way could I run at least I didn't feel like I could. But never mind because I am doing well. The doctor and PA are pleased with my ankle ROM and they don't have much advice re the toe tendonitis except to keep doing what I am doing.

Ovi, thinking of you.

LLJsmom, have you spoken with Victor and made a decision yet? So excited for you!

Marcy, hope you are feeling stronger today with no cough in sight and hope you had a good night's sleep. And hope Marty will be home with you soon.

Kristie, thanks for all your help and advice in getting me this far. You shared valuable info with me that helped me immensely and I am so grateful for your generosity and time and energy in helping me every step of the way.

Thank you girls for all your support and encouragement. 6 months out from the surgery and I am good to go. Not perfect but good enough to be able to live my life. Woohoo! Thank you all. You made what was a very challenging time in my life also a memorable one. You were with me the whole journey and helped me through it every step of the way. A huge hug and thank you to each and everyone of you girls. You are truly the best!

 

[marcy]

Missy, I am delighted to hear your surgeon is releasing you to do what you want to do; woo hoo! I am excited for you. What a relief he is pleased with your ROM and said to keep doing what you are doing now. It seems like it’s been longer than 6 months but look at how far you came. Another big milestone has been reached! Good idea to take a taxi today in that cold weather. You are colder there today than we are here. Marty could be gone 3 to 5 weeks; I don’t know for sure yet. A walking group would be fun for all of us. I am about the same today on my crud.

LLJsmom, that is terrific your husband is enjoying the gym. Once you get in the routine of exercise it is so addicting. That is good Victor will reposition your diamond so you can find the laser inscription. I do 100% believe it’s your diamond but it is nice to confirm it is your diamond with seeing the laser inscription. The notched platinum band will look great with your beautiful ring. I think you should tell Victor how you want the 2 rings to line up so there is minimal rubbing on the bands and prongs. The ring you linked is really pretty.

Callie, I hope it warms up there for you but based on what’s going on here I don’t think that is going to happen for a while. Good luck with your faucets. Our basement is really chilly I probably need to go down there and run some water now and then since Marty’s gone. I think a shopping mall would be more comfortable this weekend than going downtown. I hated to hear what you and your family went through with your in-laws. I know taking care of family can be a full time and exhausting challenge. I knew the fire department will come out and change the batteries in your smoke detectors but I would sure hate to bother them for that. It sounds like they sent quite a crew to help you out but that is really nice. Better safe than sorry.

Junebug, I keep swearing I’m going to start exercising but I don’t seem to find the motivation to start. Marty is talking about getting us a stationary bike. I am hoping my knees can take it.

We had a nice day today but have the stupid freezing drizzle again tonight. Is it June yet?

After I cooked supper I followed Marty's suggestion to go unplug the Airport and I had some success. I can print to the air printer off my iPhone and iPad. I can print to the laser printer with my laptop. I can't print to the air printer with my laptop but the scanner on that printer works from my laptop. Go figure. At least I still have internet access. I think I'll quit while I'm ahead.

I'm setting in our recliner in the den right now. I may never move tonight. This is so comfy.

Have a great Friday. Weekend here we come!

Marcy

 

[Sunstorm]

Hi Girls,

Mom is still here and probably leaving tomorrow, have tons of paperwork at home too so we shall see but sorted out some issues, no major problems or anything just end of the year closing, beginning of the year paperwork. I always get depressed when my mom leaves, she has a fit or two sometimes but she is a good person at heart, we are also quite attached. Weather has changed dramatically, we went from the teens to the sixties really a huge change. Mouse is well no longer alive. Yeah it was here and the cats were crazy about it but could not get to it as he only came out at night and into the cabinets in the kitchen, I felt horrible about this feeling sorry for it but my mom's husband set up a trap and the critter was caught the first night. It had to be done as there was mouse poop and pee all over my kitchen and it is really a health hazard. I am going to try to read up on what you all wrore and catch up over the weekend at the latest, I did really miss you Girls! Hugs.

 

[junebug17]

Missy, I am thrilled that your appointment went so well! Honestly, hearing the positive news brightened my day and just makes me so happy for you! It's been a long road, and I know you have to keep working on different things, but how wonderful to get such good news. Woo-hoo! And yeah, don't worry about the running yet - sometimes we have to listen to our bodies and not overextend ourselves. You'll get there!

Marcy, now that I think of it, I remember my husband saying that the head of the IT department at work tells him if all else fails, unplug it! lol Sounds like you've made a little progress with it, but these weird glitches can be baffling

Ovi, good to hear from you! I know what you mean about feeling badly for the mouse, lately I don't even like to kill bugs! But yes, it is necessary and you are right, it is unsanitary to have a mouse roaming around. Glad to hear you're having a good visit with your mother!

Calliecake, that was such a cute story about the firemen! Loved it!

 

[missy]

Hi everyone!
Before I start just want to ask you to think good thoughts for Francesca as she is not well and we are worried about her. We took her first thing this morning to the local veterinarian who wasn't sure what is wrong but said it could wait till tomorrow when we could see my sister's boss (sister not working tomorrow) So we are taking Francesca tomorrow and going to Long Island to my sister's clinic for general anesthesia and a further exploratory eval so fingers crossed my dear Francesca will be OK. She is my baby and not even yet 6 years old. We hope it is just a dental problem where some teeth might need removing but the local vet today wasn't sure. If only our furbabies could talk it would be so much easier figuring out what was wrong!

Marcy, hope that cough is slowly dissipating and your sinuses are clearing finally. I am thinking of you and sending buckets of get well dust! Also sweet dreams for a good night's sleep which I know is something we are both in dire need of to be sure...hope your workday is going fast. How is Marty's business trip going?

Ovi, I totally get what you mean about your mother. I think many of us have that sort of relationship girls and their moms. It's complicated. Glad you are having a good visit despite any bumps. Also sad about the mouse but I know you had to do it...hugs.


Junebug, thank you! I called work this morning and told them I would return February 11th...the second in command said she would run that by the head honcho but since they have coverage it was probably OK. I have not yet heard from the head boss so fingers crossed it is OK.

I am apprehensive about the electronic medical records and all the new stuff I have to learn and the clinic chief is not making allowances for that re time scheduling meaning I will have the same frenetic schedule plus needing all the extra time to learn the new system online. I told the second in command I would not be there for 9 or 10 hour days till I felt closer to 100% and I truly hope they get that. But anyway...

I might be actually getting my life back...that would be so nice!

How are you doing Junebug? Hope you have something fun scheduled this weekend!

 

[Sunstorm]

Missy, I am with you in thought you know that I am crossing all of my fingers and toes for Francesca, it is sooo hard but I am almost positive it cannot be serious, at first I was scared to death about her too. But of course I am worried too as I know what it feels like to worry about them and those sleepless nights, still I think at her age and what happened it is not likely to be untreatable and that is what matters, as long as she can heal, all will be well. Please do let us know. Cookies are soooooooooooo good! Vinnie even wanted some.) He was really funny.

Girls, I would not have killed the mouse, I could not have done it but it is crazy because you can get deadly vira from them too and think about them pooping and peeing on your kitchen utensils and you have no idea what food they get into next, it could be my big bags of expensive cat food or human food, it can really get out of control. At my mom's it was an awful situation and it cost them a lot. Here the mouse could not get into the house only chewed itself into the kitchen cabinets through the walls. I am surprised that the dogs did not get it outside but it was extremely cold here and they were likely in hiding. I save ladybugs weekly and rescue even spiders but the parents did not let me keep a pet mouse.

Marcy, so sorry Marty will be gone for so long, this is tough. I am happy you are enjoying your cooking though and trying to live your life to the fullest anyhow, at least you have a great time and lots of fun when he gets home, I would definitely enjoy that part and spending some part apart can be the secret to a long marriage, at least you are not annoying each other all the time and it is almost like dating, I miss that from my life. We have been enjoying cooking here too, so much about my dieting, it was going well, I lost weight and now I feel I must look like a balloon. BTW, I love cooking and can really make interesting, gourmet stuff but I no longer have as much time to do it all the time and huge, fifteen dish dinners.

I will check in tomorrow. Hugs to everyone, healing dust to Francesca! Missy, you are so brave, wow, this was a huge step from you, I hope that all goes best and you will love your work as much as you always have. Also so happy about the news from your appointment. Sorry Girls that I was not here, miss you even if I am gone for only a couple of days. Hi Junebug, you always warm my heart, Callie thanks for thinking of me, hi LLJsmom and Kristie, as well, will try reading posts backwards tomorrow.

 

[marcy]

Hi Ladies!

Missy, I will be thinking of Francesca in the morning. I am sure she had a miserable day feeling so bad. I know you and Greg are worried about her. Poor little baby kitty. I hope you get some sleep tonight because I know you didn’t get much last night. I hope to sleep in this weekend and now that my room is totally dark the sun shouldn’t wake me up. How exciting to be going back to work on the 11th. Yes, you are getting your life back. Yay, good for you! You’ll get the electronic records figured out in no time.

Ovi, I am glad you and your mom are quite attached to each other. I bet you enjoyed having her visit and will miss her when she goes home. Glad to hear the mouse is history. When we were first married we bought a used mobile home and got mice in it that first autumn. I really freaked out about it. I used to call them “Mickey” and we got rid of them by making them a batch of D-Con surprise. Marty also figured out where they were getting in and patched that up so we wouldn’t have any more unwanted guests. I am glad you like to cook and have enjoyed some cooking with your mom’s visit. It seems like some weekends I am in the kitchen all weekend but it’s fun. Our last house didn’t have much in the way of countertop space so I enjoy cooking in a kitchen where I have lots of room. I think Marty and I do appreciate each other more when we are apart for a while. I am more accepting or used to it now than when he first started traveling a lot.

Junebug, that is funny your husband says the IT department tells them at work to unplug things; Marty was an IT manager and that is always what he tells me to do first too. That must be IT’s favorite answer to a problem. It is weird I can scan off the air printer but not print to it. Oh well, I’m good to go for a few weeks. How are you doing today?

We had freezing drizzle again this morning. Icy roads and sidewalks make me want to go back to bed but I ventured out anyway. Tomorrow it is going to be 50 here then more snow comes in Sunday night. Mother Nature is ticked off at somebody around here.

I heard from Marty this afternoon. The have pushed out the bid submission to Feb. 9th. I sure hope he doesn’t stay that long. He is the overall solution architect for the project so all the vendors have to go through him. They aren’t happy about that at all so they’ll probably be a challenge for him to get bids and prices. Plus it’s all on him if the end product doesn’t work. No wonder he was having a drink when he sent me a text.

I am going to our company holiday party tomorrow night. They always do it in January because it’s cheaper. Marty’s golf buddy asked me if I’d be his DD. His wife has to work and he’d already RSVP’d for the 2 of them so I said sure. They give away prizes like iPhones and iPads so maybe I’ll win something. I get a free dinner so what the heck; why not go?

Have a great weekend.

Marcy

 

[azstonie]

Missy, sending healthy dust to sweet Francesca and hoping for best outcome tomorrow. Is your sis a veterinarian?

I am so pleased for you and Greg that you were discharged from the surgeon's care with no restrictions!! You are in the minority, I can tell you. NRegarding running, I lived in fear of parking lots for exactly the reason you mention I still have not 'run.' I'm going to work on it this year, though. You worked so hard, all the time, you deserve this. And you are going to conti ue improving---2.5 years for me and I'm still seeing improvements.

 

[junebug17]

Missy, I'm so sorry to hear about Francesca, poor little thing…keeping all of you in my thoughts, sending lots of healing dust and positive vibes, and hoping that this health issue turns out to be nothing serious.

So excited to hear about you going back to work! It does feel like you are getting your life back, I'm thrilled for you.

Marcy, thanks for checking in with me! I'm doing fine - Very glad to be home for the weekend! I hope Marty doesn't have to be gone for that long! The party should be fun, and I agree, might as well get out for a bit and enjoy a good meal.

 

[Calliecake]

Hi Girls!

Missy, I'm praying little Francesca is feeling better as I type this. It is so scary when they are sick. They look at you with those eyes like why aren't you making me feel better mom. I hope you both get some much needed sleep tonight. Hopefully the vet will figure out what is going on and get her feel better quickly. Hugs, Hugs, Hugs.

Great news about the your doctors appointment. I'm sure they will be thrilled to have you back at work and think of how happy your patients will be to see you. Don't stress about the electronic charts. After everything you have been thru the charts will be a walk in the park. Look how far you have come in the last few months. All your hard work has paid off. You have your life back!

OV, I'm glad you are having a good time with your mom. Enjoy all the good food you and your mom have been making. Please don't feel bad about the mouse. You really didn't have a choice in the matter. It's not healthy having them in your kitchen and I don't know anyone that would want them in their house.

Junebug, Do you have any fun plans with your family this weekend? Although I'm sure you are just glad to be in your own home. My husband and I are going to watch Gone Girl tomorrow night and order a pizza. He hasn't seen the movie and it has been so cold here I don't want to even leave the house. These below zero days are brutal.

Marcy, Are you serious about it being 50 degrees? Have a great time at the holiday party. Is the party at a nice restaurant? At least you have something fun planned. It will help the time go quickly while Marty is gone. My husband also tells me to unplug the computer when it acts up and nothing else works at be find xing the problem. Must be a universal IT thing. I have to admit, it's worked for me most often he time. Although if my internet is fine, I leave everything alone out of fear that I'll lose the Internet. What the heck did we ever do before the Internet?

Kristie, What have you been up to? Please tell me about your warm weather. I'm so tired of hearing about cold weather. It will be nice to hear someone is enjoying the sun. We had to coax the dog outside tonight. Normally she loves to go outside. Now she runs to the other room as soon as I open the door.

LLJsmom, I hope you have a fun weekend planned with your family. How is you husband doing with his workouts.

 

[missy]

The best news...Francesca was seen by Dr Rind this morning and she had a broken upper tooth and some broken roots. He sedated her removed the tooth and roots and she is going to be fine!!! WooHoo!!! We got there so early (7:20 AM) and fortunately Brian was there so he saw us immediately and we were out of there by 8:30. She is still groggy from the sedation so I have her in her carrier and am keeping an eye on her. She is on antibiotics for 10 days and painkillers for another 2 days and she should be just fine. Thank you all for your good wishes and thoughts and Frankie thanks you too!

Junebug, are you just relaxing and staying in with your dh this weekend? I don't even know what our forecast is but I guess for the next few months it is for cold cold cold with chance of snow lol. Enjoy and hope you have a peaceful non eventful weekend with some R & R.

Marcy, hope the temp is still mild by you. It is freezing here...
I hope Marty can come home sooner than mid February and in fact hoping it works out that he can return home very soon. How are you feeling today? Do you still have that lingering cough and congestion? Hope you are feeling much much better!

Callie Have you seen the movie Election with Reese Witherspoon? It is an old movie (maybe 1999?) and we just watched it again the other night. HYSTERICAL! So if you didn't see it or don't remember it check it out because you and your dh will be laughing till tears roll down your face it's so funny. Also someone (VRBeauty I think?) on PS recommended Mozart in the Jungle on Amazon Prime and it is really enjoyable. We binge watched that earlier this week and you might want to check that out. We haven't seen Gone Girl yet so if that's on cable or netflix I am going to queue it up!

I know you have a big day of shopping tomorrow and I am hoping you and your niece end up getting some amazing boots that you love! And that you have a lovely time with your niece.

Kristie, thank you! She was such a good girl this morning and let Brian open her mouth and he saw right away what the problem was. Unbelievable that yesterday the local vet couldn't see that. And that is why who you see is critical for animals and people. Worth the trip to Great Neck for sure!!! Yes, my sister is a veterinarian but only works part time and couldn't come in today. So lucky that her boss is so kind to us and likes Greg and me very much. He and my sister are the only veterinarians I trust completely.

I sure hope I keep improving like you are because I want to get back as much as my functioning as possible. I know I will not be the same but as close as I can get is my goal. My toe is still bothering me and that is limiting some of my movements especially down stairs but I am continuing working on it and I feel that I am still improving. Let's both of us keep it up! I know we can do it and we will. We are not quitters that is for sure.

Ovi, so glad you and your mom are enjoying each other and don't forget to thank her from me for her help and good wishes. Enjoy the rest of your visit!

LLJsmom, any decisions re your rings? I cannot wait to see what you decide. I know it will be gorgeous. How is your dh's exercise program going? Greg joined a rock climbing gym and is going to really enjoy that. Do you guys ever rock climb?

Francesca is flopping around in the carrier right now and beginning to get too boisterous. I am watching her with eagle eyes and pushing her little paws back into the cage. Made the mistake of letting her out and she flopped right onto the floor OMG so she is staying in that carrier till her sedation wears off more!

 

[junebug17]

Missy, whew! I'm breathing a sigh of relief as I type this! So glad it turned out to be something relatively simple and Francesca will be ok! Thank goodness. Hopefully she will recover from the sedation soon and starts feeling better, that first day of recovering can be a little difficult!

No special plans for the weekend, but that's ok! My husband is a football fan and apparently there are a lot of games on this weekend, so we'll probably just do take-out and hang out. Sounds good to me, I'm happy to just relax at home, especially with this cold weather!

 

[LLJsmom]

Missy, omg, I'm so glad that they figured out what was going on with Frankie. Poor thing, to have a broken tooth. That must have been so painful. I'm sorry for her. But, so glad she was better.

We actually starting taking the kids rock climbing, but indoor. My son has done it before, and both my kids like it. My daughter prefers bouldering, probably because she doesn't go so high. I retook my belay test and so I can go and just belay my kids and I don't have to climb. I'm afraid of heights. My son and husband enjoy it, and I think they should go regularly.

Speaking of movies, there is another really good, older Reese Witherspoon movie that I really liked. It's very dark, snarky and violent, but hilariously funny!! It's called Freeway. Maybe you've seen it before. I can't describe it. You have to watch it. I really like her playing these smart, foul-mouthed characters. And have you seen Chasing Amy? Early Kevin Smith? One of my favorite movies ever!! Dialog is hilarious. Ben Afleck way before he was doing movies with Matt Damon. If you have a chance, and haven't seen it, you should. And of course Swingers. I love that movie too, but most of you probably have already seen it. Jon Favreau, and...well, you will recognize a ton of stars (before they were stars). If you've seen it, I would love your opinion on those movies.

Anyhoo, my daughter has her green belt test today. She's a little stressed but she will do fine. I did 9.5 miles, a good distance. I had wanted 12 but I am really sore from yesterday's speed workouts. I have a half on 2/1, and want to PR. I just need one more good long run before, maybe 14. But I may have to do this one by myself.

My husband and I were planning the week, and I have to get a new calendar for 2015. I am going to go paper. yup, I am that old school. I have a calendar on my iphone, but it's too hard. i hate not being able to see everything in one glance. Ugh!!

Ovi what are you going to do about the mice? I'm scared just hearing about it.

Marcy, I hope Marty can travel less. It's hard. I know.

Callie hope your niece finds something she loves.

Junebug hope you find some nice alone, down time with you DH. Even a movie and some private conversation would be nice.

Catch up with you girls soon. They're calling me to lunch.

 

[azstonie]

I am so relieved regarding Francesca. I was thinking about her this morning at the Gem & Mineral Show I went to. Its amazing the difference in care levels at vet clinics. I love our internist vet (I also have an allergist vet and a dermatologty vet and orthopedic surgeon vet) but sometimes he has to be cross checked by me because he forgets things about the dogs and he interchanges facts between the two Westies which creates confusion for him. He is always rushed and I don't like that when I have an ill dog in the clinic.

Well good to hear, Francesca, lots of soft TUNA for your recuperation, heehee!!!Pouch chicken and salmon are also muy deliciosos for recuperating cats.

Glad everyone is doing well. I'm struggling to lose the 5 pounds prior to Tucson Show (Jan 31-Feb and other visits back because we're only 90 minutes away). If I don't lose 5 pounds by the 31st I AM NOT ALLOWED TO BUY ONE SINGLE THING. So the stakes are HIGH here!

Today, Callie, the weather was lovely, 73 with nice breeze, so we went to a Gem/Mineral Show at the local community college. Got some fun minerals and crystals I'm going to do some wire wrapping on. I have some gorgeous doubly terminated clear crystals, good size for pendants, and if my wire wrapping turns out well each one of you is going to get one for those times when you want an organic look with your outfit. They are really pretty when done right, so that's my goal. Saw similar in Vogue and Town & Country for hundreds of dollars, Ha, we can do better! The super expensive ones, their crystals were no where near the quality of what I bought

Will keep you posted. I bought enough materials for all of us to have one. THere was some gorgeous ammonite fossil jewelry and I found some beautifully done actual rings with the ammonite mounted on it. Its easy to find ammonite pendants, rings almost never. There was some beautiful jewelry and some gemstones but I almost never buy gemstones unless its from Barry, Gene, Jeff or Gary.

 

[Sunstorm]

Missy I am soooo relieved but you know once you told me she was so young I was almost positive it was not a major ailment but still it is nervewrecking, once she is better you can get your sleep back I hope as I am worried about you too. I hate sedation as perhaps I told you guys that I once lost my boy to it, only 6 years old so now I try to not do it unless I must and only have them intubate and do by machine rather than the deadly ketamine, so many horror stories I heard and it scares me so much whenever anyone has to go under but good thing is once they had a spay or neuter and they are fine you can be almost sure that they will be fine.

LLJsmom, I love great movies too, I watch them with my mom too but less lately, I miss it so much, movies and music are very important to me. I am not a sporty girl in general though I love certain things and always exercise at home, love hiking. I did have a scary accident two years ago while biking so kind of scared of that now. In my case I hit a tree going downhill high speed on a bike that my ex put me on which was not checked that had broken brakes, I threw myself off and was very lucky my head was not smashed on the tree and that I did not break a bone but it was some pretty hurtful injuries. Guess maybe I am not so brave anymore but after many skiing accidents and also breaking my hip when waterskiing four years ago, well, that kind of did it for me. I worry about you and the kids rock climbing while I know that I should not. I used to love speed and dangerous sports but I realize it was not very responsible. Mouse is gone, well, the one we caught, hope it stays that way.

How are you all Girls? Here it was seventy degrees today, I could not believe it, we were all dizzy, two days ago it was maybe twenty degrees and four days ago in the teens. Today short sleeves, totally crazy. I think it was the weather that made me trip and fall badly this morning because my mom suffered a few minor accidents too today. Yeah relationships between moms and daughters are complicated but also enriching, at least in my case I think she is the one I have been the closest to. Tomorrow they are leaving and that depresses me I must admit. Next week I am going back to work and that will be nice too though right now I want to work a lot more from home and focus on certain things I want to do. Still having company at work is nice too.

Wow Kristie why do you have to lose five pounds to be able to buy yourself some amazing goodies at Tucson?) I am sure you are perfect but OTOH, I am dieting too, my goal was also five pounds, I dropped 3-4 when Pumie left but now I probably gained at least 1.5 back because of all the cooking taking place. I love it but my mom always makes me gain. When I work away from home, I eat more, so kind of scared in that regard. When I work from home I eat once a day and it is easier to lose. I do understand you and feel for you too, while I realize we are probably being ridiculous when it is only five pounds. OTOH, when I am without those extra five pounds I feel just fine and it feels ideal for me. So, I really want to do it too.

Are you serious that you are wanting to share with us? Wow, you should show us but you are being way too kind a person, I think this will start a gift giving fever among us maybe I will join in too, hint, hint. Since I had such a crappy holiday season I am only starting to celebrate now slowly.) I just gave my mom and her husband their gifts, I think they were happy with them, I hope. I loved them but while my mom loves jewelry, I get the feeling that she does not want me to spend on her. At the same time she has shown more interest in my things, she used to hate diamonds because of Blood Diamonds, well not hate but she generalized a bit too much. She has always loved antiques and silver though but she really is a bargain hunter, loving flea markets, etc., I love them too here, I really really want to and in fact feel that I need to go with her to Germany in the summer to do some antique hunting at flea markets, well, by antiques of course I mean antique jewelry, silver, etc. She also brought me her very special locket with a history that I will put Pumie's fur in and wear it, it is special in many many ways and has a very high emotional value to me despite it being one of my least valuable jewelry pieces as far as monetary value but who cares. I think my mom also appreciates the silver ring I made her myself, very simple wedding ring but it was my first attempt at hand forging anything and I am not a goldsmith. It came out quite all right considering, completely wearable and was a lot of fun to make. It is special to her because I made it. Sometimes we value things for reasons other than what they are worth.

It was so nice to hear from so many of you.
I will be on tomorrow for sure, hope you are all having a nice weekend. We have had so much fun with the kitties as they were very excited to have so many people here. Missy, Sapphie loves your cookies ROFL, we need recipes here, never had such good ones in my life. Only a couple left and had to hold myself back, everyone loved them!

 

[Sunstorm]

I forgot to say Junebug I too hope you are enjoying your weekend, please let us know how it is going, if you are doing anything fun or just having a nice time. I would do the same for my mom even if it is tough, everyone gets more difficult with age and my mom can be hard to be around too, demanding, jealous, critical, etc., etc., but I already told her that if anything was to happen she can come and live with me. I know we would have some fights for sure, that is a given but I meant it. I love her very much as she is a very warm person though a total clean freak among others. She is scared I think as her husband is 72, she is ten years younger though she has had this autoimmune disease too. What scares me is that because I have been so close to her, not sure how I would handle it if anything was to happen to her. It was really hard to let go of grandma but I had many years for that and with her still., it gave me time to cope in advance and get used to her being here less and less. Still, I know, having helped my friend in the US with her mom how demanding it can be and how hard it can be on a person in every sense. Please allow yourself to recharge and take care of yourself. Hugs to you and all of you Girls!

 

[marcy]

Hi Ladies,

Missy, I am so glad that Francesca is doing better and on her road to recovery. She’ll be back to her normal self in a few days. I am coughing less and less, thank you. I actually just noticed when you asked about me I can breathe through my nose. That’s kind of novel right now. I will have to find Election; it sounds good. You are definitely not a quitter and I know you will continue to work on your ROM, ankle and toe and they will get better and stronger for years to come.

Kristie, I think you will continue to feel stronger and improve for years. My mom shattered her leg for about 6” and I would say she saw changes and improvements for about 5 years. It sounds like you had fun at the Gem and Mineral show. Sweet.

Junebug, I am glad you are home for the weekend and doing fine. Enjoy some quiet time for you. I am thinking of you. I am watching the football games too. I bought stuff to make pizza tomorrow because I thought that would be good football food plus I’ll have leftovers for lunch.

Callie, let me know what you think of Girl Gone. Also should I watch it when I’m home alone? It looks like a good movie. We only got in the 40’s today and it’s breezy so it wasn’t awesome but far warmer than what we’ve had. Hopefully the warmer weather will get to you in a day or two. Sadly snow and cold are moving in again tomorrow night. I am completely with you in fear of losing the internet. I’d run up a giant data usage bill on my phone using it as a hotspot. The party is at a nice restaurant here. It’s a large motel that has a gift shop, dining room, banquet rooms, a coffee shop and a lounge. Our company books one of the banquet rooms. Usually about 200 people attend. I don’t blame your dog for wanting to stay inside; that brutal cold isn’t appealing to anyone.

LLJsmom, I am with you; I don’t like heights. I know lots of people that love to do the wall climbing. Chasing Amy is one of Marty’s favorite movies. It is funny. You certainly had a nice long run! Congratulations to your daughter for getting her green belt. I like old-fashioned paper calendars too. Especially for a family it’s nice to see everything laid out in front of you.

Ovi, what are your favorite movies? Your bike accident sounds terrifying. I am glad you living through that and sorry you had some bad injuries. Enjoy your warm weather.

I slept in until about 8:30. Holy dark room! I took a shower, made myself one pancake with strawberries and cool whip then went to the grocery store. Lunch was a toasted BLT and I picked up some stuff for this week that will give me leftovers for lunch. Now I am watching one of the NFL playoff games.

I hope the holiday party is fun tonight. They hire 2 comedians every year for entertainment and they are usually pretty good. The guy who I am driving home works in one of Marty’s old departments so I’ll probably know most of the people we’ll set with tonight. I don’t think many of my team members are going.

Take care.
Marcy

 

[Calliecake]

Hi Girls,

Missy, I'm so happy to hear Francesca is in the road to recovery. It really is a little scary that one doctor could take a quick look and know exactly what is wrong while the other could not. I'm so glad you took her to see Dr. Rind. I hope you both get a good night sleep tonight. How long did it take for the effects of the anesthesia to wear off?

I have not see the movies you and LLJsmom were discussing. I remember one of my friends raving about Chasing Amy though. I will need to see the ones you both talked about. My husband and I started watching Downton Abbey this evening. We were going to watch Gone Girl, which I have already seen. We are hooked on Downton now. We can watch Gone Girl together another night.

Marcy, You can watch Gone Girl when you are alone. It's not the kind of scary you are thinking it is. I hope you have a great time at the holiday party tonight. It must be nice to have warmer weather today. It's still awfully cold here. Hopefully it will warm up a little tomorrow. Are you doing okay with Marty being gone? Any word yet on how long he will have to stay. I keep hoping it won't be five weeks.

LLJsmom, I am so impressed with all the exercise you do. I don't blame your daughter for not being thrilled about the rock climbing. Does she already have her green Belt? Your son sounds like a little dare devil. No fear at all!

Kristie, i hope you are not taking that wonderful weather for granted. I didn't realize you made jewerly. I believe i have seen the wire wrapping jewelry you were talking about at Nordstroms and Neiman Marcus. If it's the same type the you were talking about they were very cool looking. It sounds like you had a great time at the Gem show. Just a few short weeks to the Tucson show. i can't wait to hear all about the show. Are you serious about not buying anything if you are not down 5 lbs?

OV, I wish your mom could stay a little longer. The locket she gave you sounds beautiful. Whata great idea to put Pumice's hair inside the locket. Isn't the antique silver jewelry beautiful. I also the love the antique powder jars with the silver tops. So pretty.

 

[Sunstorm]

Hi Girls,

Hope we hear from you Missy about Francesca, I am worried but I know that most likely all is well. Time for some morning coffee.)

Marcy, I feel for you too, it must be so tough to be Martyless for so long, do you have any updates? What are you doing to keep yourself busy? Sounds like some nice relaxation time and maybe cooking, of course work keeps you busy mostly I know and then you have the movies, what about shopping? I missed the part about Marty's new watch, have you picked it up? What kind of watch is it? My favorite movie lately is Intouchables, really I cannot say one I love more, that movie means a lot to me for many reasons, it has so much to say, deep meaning to it but so funny too. Many, many favorites on my list otherwise, mostly older 80's 90's movies, mostly heavier stuff though . Loved reading too, used to read 4-5 books per week when I was single, books were my absolute favorites. I have no time or patience anymore, I am mostly online when I have time and want to have fun.

Kristie, you will have tons of fun with the show coming up so soon, we cannot wait to hear your news!

Callie, I love antique shopping, I really want to go hunting to flea markets this spring already but most likely we will only get to go end of summer, my mom has to go to Germany mid-March and nowadays they have no flearmarkets till the end of March, next time she is going in August, we are definitely planning on that. That said she will come to visit hopefully the end of March and then we will go to the Vienna flea markets and perhaps some surrounding cities too. I hope her tests go ok in Germany and she can come, you know about her breast lump, last time it was ok. I really miss her, she has just left, I feel so sad. I think that despite our complicated relationship I have never gotten as much love from anyone as my mom. She is very warm hearted, a very good person, not an easy one but most the time I am ok with her criticizing me because everyone needs a reality check from time to time or even if we do not need it,perhaps I can benefit from it.

Callie, I love powder boxes too and I adore antique/vintage gold/silver clutches. Over here they have so many of these things at auction, also mirrors, all kinds of beauty boxes, combs, etc. made of silver, would once love a set for fun. These clutches you can get at great prices as they do not sell so well,. who cares, I would get a better deal. Maybe once. Not sure I would really use these things, I just adore them and would love to collect them one day. I love everything beautiful, cute and old. I cleaned the locket out a bit in the ultrasonic, it still has a lot of patina but wanted to shine it up a bit, then it is ready to be worn.

Home today and tomorrow, some stuff to do, paperwork but more kitty time. Husband is home too, that is a rare occassion, he is working on the house thankfully. Hope to talk to you all soon and that you are having a wonderful weekend. Hugs to all.

 

[missy]

Good morning girls!

Francesca was very lethargic all day yesterday but did eat a bit of soft food before bed and she laid right up against me crowding me out on our king bed all night lol. Every time I would move an inch or so away just to have space to get comfortable so I could fall asleep she would move right against me again haha. That's her usual MO though but last night I allowed her to do that so well sleep was elusive for me. I think she slept OK though and that's the main thing.

Pilling her this morning was harder than I remembered but I think it is because I am out of practice. On the first pilling attempt she managed to spit out the antibiotic pill but I think I got it down on the second attempt and the pain pill was next which got in without being spit out but with quite the struggle. It is amazing how an 8lb 9oz cat can really hold her own yanno? LOL.

I pilled her before I fed her hoping that would help with any discomfort of having the pill in her throat and hopefully that helped it down if it wasn't already down all the way. She ate albeit slower than her usual gusto but I am happy she ate so all good.

I took a pic of her napping yesterday morning after we got back that I have to share with you guys. She is so precious. One of our nicknames for her is bitchy bear in the most affectionate way. Just because that's how she looks sometimes and I think the first pic epitomizes that nickname.


LLJsmom,how exciting for your daughter! How did it go? She must be so happy and you must be a proud mama!

That's a lot of miles you run LLJsmom! Woohoo!!! I am impressed. Even before the accident I was NOT a long distance runner so very impressed with you and running marathons. Good luck on 2/1!

I am also afraid of heights but I will do certain activities that involve heights even though I am not a fan of heights. But I have never rock climbed and I don't think I will be starting anytime soon. Maybe after my leg and ankle and toe are stronger I will give it a try. I feel like trying something new!

I am old school too and have a paper calendar in which I write everything down in or else I lose track of appointments and such. Always preferred paper to keeping appointments in my phone calendar.

Thanks for those movie recommendations. We loved all of them. You have great taste. Here's an interesting tidbit since you brought up those movies. Our beach house is in the neighborhood where Kevin Smith spent his childhood. He based Clerks on the neighborhood grocery store haha. And yes the people there are very much like the people in some of his movies including Clerks and Chasing Amy. Hysterical and very likable. And different. :big smile:


Junebug, I hope your dh enjoys the football games today. Greg is not a fan which is good for me but he has so many hobbies that he spends his time on and I think having some time free from our spouses is good. I can internet shop heck, who am I kidding I do that right in front of him. LOL. I will say I enjoy Greg's newest hobby of sewing. He is altering his clothes and mine for the best possible fit and I am still working on him to make me a dress with all his (which he really has none of lol) free time. Anyway I hope you and your dh enjoy your Sunday. Takeout and relaxing at home (with a good book perhaps?) when the weather is bitterly cold is a perfect way to spend the day!



Kristie, I am glad you enjoyed the Gem and Mineral show. How thoughtful of you to think of us and plan on making what we love best. Jewelry!!! OMG I hope it turns out just like you want it to and I am all excited now because I love organic jewelry and I am feeling like a little kid on Christmas now haha. No pressure though! Just the fact that you thought of us and wanted to do this is super sweet and thank you!

I am glad you have good veterinarians you can count on. It is amazing the difference in care and skill level amongst vets and human doctors as we all know and have experienced unfortunately. You would think just to get to that point of graduating and passing your clinical exams and board exams that everyone would be very qualified. Nope. Sometimes I think that people just stop caring. That they get overwhelmed and give up. I don't know. The vet we saw locally on Friday is relatively young (early 30's maybe) so she is too young to have given up and for her I just think she is not very good. Sorry to say but true. We had to bring Francesca somewhere quickly to make sure it was not a serious life threatening problem and that it could wait till Saturday so that mission was accomplished by bringing her locally. I wish I had a go to vet that was closer to us but I am thankful my sister and her boss are there for us when we need them!

OK so not loving your self imposed regulation of losing 5 lbs in less than 3 weeks for you to buy gems at the show LOL. BUT let me help in anyway I can...you already know this but here we go...
EXERCISE EXERCISE EXERCISE...whatever you love to do multiple times a day if you can and walk everywhere. Swim, walk, pilates, weights, etc. And cut the sugar and the simple carbs. Lean protein, lots of veggies, lots of salad, some fruit and lots and lots of water!!! I know you know all this and more but am just trying to do my part by cheering you on and enabling you so you can buy gems for yourself at the Tucson show!!!

Ooh so jealous of your weather! Enjoy your gorgeous weather for all of us! It's the perfect outdoor exercising weather too.

Ovi, I am so glad you enjoyed your visit with your mom. And I love the gift she gave you and so happy she loved the gift you gave her. And you already know I love that you are wearing Puma's hair in the locket. So touching and memorable and meaningful. Very glad you all enjoyed the cookies. Greg bakes with love so that's why they taste so good! We made a batch for my surgeon and his staff and I hope they enjoyed them as much. There is not anything healthy in them I will tell you that lol but I managed to polish off all the extras haha.

Marcy, I second Callie's recommendation of watching lots of movies while you are at home. I would choose movies Marty wouldn't normally like to watch so you can watch the guilty pleasure movies he wouldn't enjoy and save the ones you would both enjoy for when he is back from his business trip. I read the book Gone Girl and enjoyed it but didn't love it. I haven't seen the movie yet though. We are still watching all the seasons from the Gilmore Girls on netflix. I think we are in season 5 already so only 2 seasons left. Greg and I love that show. We also love very scary movies (scary psychologically not gory) but not sure you want those recommendations as you might not want to watch those alone...let me know if you do want any scary recommendations though. Those are some of my favorite movies. You will love Election I think. A young Reese Witherspoon and she is sooo funny!!!

How are you today? Is your cough better? I do hope you are almost all recovered from that nasty illness already. It is lingering so long for you and I know you cannot wait to feel all better!


Callie, I love Downtown Abbey and forgot the new season started. Thanks for the reminder!

It took all day for the anesthesia to wear off but I think it was also partly due to the trauma of the last couple of days for her. We brought her out Friday in the snowstorm to the local vet clinic and that was traumatic for her and then out the next day to Great Neck and then add in her pain/discomfort so also traumatic and well she was just exhausted poor thing.

Thank you all again from Francesca and from me. She is sending all of you lots of virtual kitty purrs, kisses and love!

 

[Sunstorm]

Aww, so sweet, you know when Lobie who was my baby but is my mom's cat now had to have his first tooth pulled it was really really hard on him but one vet missed the abscess that made a hole in his face and he was in very bad shape, we were not sure he would even make it. He is doing great now but the problem is once you have to start pulling it can be an ongoing thing with them going off their food and recurring infections. They say herpes or calici as babies can be a big contributing factor. Even though you hear about cats having dental problems, I have not seen this a lot and many rally afterwards anyhow. I had one other kitty Kelsey with it and he had two surgeries ending up with only two canines left and that was the best decision, he never went off his food and has rallied ever since. No problems eating or anything like recurring infections but some take a while to start eating again. Will write more soon but so happy Missy that you have written and both of you are doing ok!

 

[MissGotRocks]

Hi Missy! I follow your thread every few days and just wanted you to know how delighted I am that you've been released by your surgeon! I know it has been a long journey and you will probably still be progressing for quite a while but so glad that you are feeling better and contemplating returning to work. In the long days of summer, I know you thought this day would never come!

Congrats on your hard work and perseverance. I wish you the best and brightest for the New Year!!

 

[marcy]

Hi Ladies!

Callie, thanks for letting me know Girl Gone won’t freak me out when Marty’s gone. I hate those kind of movies that make me nervous in a big, empty house. I am doing okay with Marty being gone. Thanks. I hope it does warm up there a little. Did you get to go shopping?

Ovi, I like to knit, work on jigsaw puzzles, converse with you ladies on PS and watch girlie movies when Marty is gone. I get bored easily but I do never lack for things to do. I can’t remember what brand Marty’s watch was and I have not ran to Denver to pick it up. Maybe Marty can get it when he flies home. I’ll get the details for you when I see it again. I am not a watch person. I have not watched the move you like; I’ll have to see if I can find it. I love to read too. That is too bad you don’t have the time or patience to read now. I couldn’t read for about a year because of my parents; I couldn’t concentrate but I started back reading this summer. Marty reads a ton of books so I hardly have to buy a book for my Kindle app, he just directs me to a new series to start. Right now I am reading Lee Child’s Jack Reacher series. I hope your mom’s tests go okay; that is very scary. Sounds like you have plans for some quality time at flea markets this spring.

Missy, you are a good mom letting Francesca snuggle with you all night; she wanted to know you were there. I chuckled at your story of getting her to take her pills; cats can be stubborn. I am glad she slept okay and ate some. That will help her get her strength back. I like scary movies when Marty’s here. They never used to faze me at all when I was younger. We generally watch mystery, drama, sci-fi and comedy. I like rom-com too so I watch those a lot when Marty’s gone. I love the pictures of Francesca. She’s a cutie. I am doing better. How are you doing?

The party was fun last night. I didn’t win a new mini iPad even though I planned on it. Ha Ha. They had 2 comedians for entertainment; one of them was pretty funny but the second one not so much. The dinner was buffet and pretty good. I was glad I went out for the evening.

Our homebuilders are giving someone a tour of our house right now. They don’t have one of our models available to show so they asked if they could show our house. Marty’s friend who I was his DD last night really freaked out about it thinking it’s someone who wants to case our house and rob it. He gives me crap all the time but he worries about me when Marty’s gone. I had to reassure him this is the people who built our house, I know them and they aren’t showing it to just any looky-loo. I was a good kid and turned on the under cabinet lighting, fireplace, lite over the art nook. All the extra stuff. The builder brought us a bottle of Malbec for letting them show the house.

I am going to make pizza and watch football today. The excitement never ends here at M&MLand!

Have a great day.
Marcy

 

[Sunstorm]

I understand Marcy, I react to trauma by not being able to concentrate too, now I read PS, do things online, read forums, chat, talk to friends, everything but read, it also happened to me as a result of a loss and unfortunately I have never been able to start reading again and loved it sooo much. You should definitely watch the movie, maybe in English the title was Untouchables, a French movie, amazing comedy with a lot to say, my fave in years, I think it came out some three years ago. Loved 80's comedies, besides that some that are definitely not comedies were Legends of the Falls, Quills, Dangerous Liasons, Bitter Moon, Great Expectations, The Usual Suspects, Fight Club and on and on I could go but like I said these ones are not comedies. I do love great comedies but the ones that I have seen and were good in recent years were all French. I love drama and comedy usually but anything that is good. One of my best friends in Hungary is a dubbing director, probably the best over here so I ask him for advice sometimes.) So glad you had fun at the party, you definitely deserve some fun time out while Marty is gone. I hope that you are having milder weather over there. Here we went from the low seventies yesterday to the high thirties today, can you imagine? Also some awful, gusty winds. Not exactly the most fun time of the year for me, I so miss the Bay Area in this regard. Hope you have a nice time watching football and having pizza Marcy. I love a good pizza too.

 

[Calliecake]

Hi Girls, I hope everyone is having a great Sunday!

Missy, It sounds like Francesca is well on her way to making a complete recovery. She has had a very stressful couple of days. No wonder she doesn't want to leave your side. It must still be painful for her to eat. Did the doctor say how long it would take for her discomfort to be gone? I know if it continues to be hard to give her pills you can have her medicine made in liquid form. I've had to do this in the past. It made life so much easier. The vet was having me crush pills and even then I was finding pieces of her pills all over the house after I thought she had swallowed them.

The pictures of Francesca are adorable. I was laughing of your story about her sleeping habits. My dog does the same thing. It still amazes me that a tiny seven pounder can feel like 100 pounds pushed against me. I can't count how many mornings I wake up with a backache from being struck in the same position. My husband tells me I'm nuts for not moving her. She has almost pushed me off the bed before.

Can you please not start the rock climbing for a few months? I just want you completely heathy for a little while before you take up another sport! You know I'm teasing you!

You are so lucky Greg has taken up sewing. I would save a fortune in tailoring if I knew how to sew. Is there anything this man can't do? He truly is amazing. I know you already know that!

Marcy, I second Missy's comments about watching movies Marty typically wouldn't enjoy. It really helps to make the time go by quickly and it sure beats being out driving when the roads are bad. You have lots of hobbies which will help.

When we lived in our first home the builder did not have model homes. We had lived in the house less than six months. I was a clean fanatic at this time, well actually lunatic would probably be more fitting. I came home from work one night and thought my husband had come home earlier in the day and didn't remove his shoes. We had a white ceramic floor in the kitchen and there were footprints all over the floor. I went upstairs changed my clothes and then washed the kitchen floor. When I was finished I called him and told him he was busted for getting the floor dirty. He asked what was I talking about. I started laughing and said I could see his footprints all over the kitchen floor. He got real quite and told me to go stand outside with the phone. Once outside he said he had not been home and to call the police. Well with my past being what it is, I freaked. The police arrived and I told them what happened. As we were standing in the kitchen, one officer said he didn't see any dirty footprints. I had to explain that I had already washed the floor. He asked if any stereo equipment was missing. I said I hadn't looked but I was sure it wasn't because there were no footprints in the carpet when I arrived home and I had vacuumed before I left for work. They felt the builder knew how I kept the house and brought someone in. The officer said he didn't blame them cause it looked like a model home. Before they left, one officer said he had two kids and he would like to come home just one time in his lifetime to a house this clean. They were all laughing. I had all the locks changed the next day. The builder denied bringing anyone in the house but the police did not believe them. I was really scared for a few days afterward.

Marcy, I know I'm sounding very paranoid, but I really dislike people being in your home that you don't know, especially with Marty gone so much of the time.

OV, I'm sorry your missing your mom so much. It's probably is a good thing you will be so busy this week. Everything you said about your mom Im sure many woman can relate to. Often times the people we love the most can drive us the craziest at times. It's obvious you and your mom are very close and love each other very much. I hope her tests results are good. When will she get the results? Often the waiting is the most stressful.

I have never seen a silver clutch but they sure do sound beautiful. I also love flea markets and have heard for years that the ones in Europe have the most beautiful pieces. Nowadays the ones close to our home have resorted to selling things like socks, candy and crafts. Years ago they were filled with antiques but not so much anymore. I collect antique crystal perfume bottles with the silver tops. I would love to go to flea markets with you OV.

Junebug, My husband is watching football as I type this. I can't wait for the game to be over so we can go back to binge watching Downton Abbey. What are up to today?

Kristie, I must have missed the comment about you making jewelery for us. I can't believe how thoughtful you are!

I'm not going shopping today. I had a bad day yesterday and want to thank Missy for not calling the authorities to report me. No men in white coats have come to collect me today. I so miss the days when the kids were little and we could spend the afternoons runnung thru the sprinkler, blowing bubbles and eating pizza and ice cream. Everything was so much easier then.

Kristie, Is it easy for someone to have you committed? Will you please visit me if I end up in a padded cell?

 

[azstonie]

HAHAHA Callie it is NOT easy for someone to do a 72-hour hold on you for one reason because there are few if any psychiatric floors/wards/facilities in hospitals any more. For example, in Phoenix, there is one 'behavioral health' facility and that is where all the area hospitals send the 72-hour holds. 72-hour holds are typically for suicidal people but they can also be for HOMICIDal people also, heehee! I'm sure you don't need a hold but I bet you could use some 72 degree sunshine

Callie, that builder brought people through your home. One time in Anchorage, the idiot builder brought people through our home without our permission while I was at work and LEFT ALL THE WINDOWS OPEN. WINTERTIME IN ANCHORAGE FREAKING ALASKA. I assume he was demonstrating the furnace but still WTH? He also left the backyard gate open and it stuck in place because there was a blizzard happening and I couldn't handle the snow piled up all around the gate and of course Bob was in Arizona on business at that time. Boy was I M.A.D.

Re our homes, also, one neighbor here, a real estate agent, used to call me and ask me if I wanted to go in someone's house (via the lockbox) to see THEIR STUFF. What? How unethical is that? I never thought much about real estate people but that experience solidified my policy of NEVER EVER allowing a lockbox on our houses. I figure if someone is truly serious about wanting a home of our specs in our neighborhood, they will make an appointment for a viewing. I've never allowed a lockbox and we've had no trouble selling our homes. We didn't have dogs in Anchorage but now that we have the Westies I would for sure never ever allow it. When we are selling our house all the valuables go in the safe and if its too big for the safe it goes to a storage unit we get for the antique furniture/etc. I usually go to Steinmart or Burlington to buy cheap tchokes and dedicated bathroom towels for 'decor' and if someone steals 'em, I don't much care.

Ha, rant over.

Its going to take me awhile to get my wire wrapping up to snuff for our doubly terminated crystal pendants. If my wire wrap stinks I'll just send out crystal termination points that are beautiful on a coffee table or in a bookcase. Bob uses his as a paperweight. Ovi and Missy, you probably could actually USE a paperweight with the kitties hanging around

I really like the ammonite rings. They cost all of $10 apiece, but they are exactly what I've seen in Elle, WWD, Vogue and WSJ jewels articles. If anyone wants an ammonite ring, say so because they are neglible in cost and I'd love to send one to anyone who wants one. They are fully adjustable sizewise and they appear to be bezeled in silver/silver band. They sweet guy I bought them from will be at the Tucson Show and I found out where (the show takes over about half the entire town).

If you want an ammonite pendant, same thing, just let me know. They are beveled and have a bail.

So glad to see Francesca dozing comfortably, hahaha. Seriously, its the best when the critters are healthy. Nothing better.

Missy, I started my 5-pound/Tucson thing on Jan 4. Lost a pound thus far so on schedule. I had to do SOMETHING to jump start myself, I lost 5 pounds in December but needed a motivator to keep it going. Ovi, bless your heart, I have 45 pounds to lose. So motivation and commitment are my problems. I also need to learn to eat all over again, to cut out the bad carbs and sugar and white flour and grazing during the day (btw 2-5 are the hours I could eat the carpet, I swear).

 

[Sunstorm]

Kristie, losing weight will be a breeze for you I am sure, in my experience only starting is hard, once you get started, real determined, I know this sounds odd but I always do when something bad happens like with Pumie leaving, I could not eat so I used that to jump start myself, problem is once I get going I cannot really stop losing and I have just given away my clothes from the time when I was twenty pounds lighter than when starting. I really do not want to get that thin again either. But losing "just" pounds is difficult because somehow your stomach shrinks and your metabolism changes I think, have you not experienced that Kristie? So when I lose, I keep losing, that I do not want. I only want this five pounds off this time, ok if I lose 8, that will be fine but I do not want to lose more. I am sure you are beautiful the way you are Kristie and, well, if you do want to lose Tucson is a great motivation for you, cannot wait for your stories, recap of the events. I cannot imagine the ammonite right now, probably gorgeous and would love one I am sure in a pendant but I would want to pay you for it of course, not for free, sending costs here too, it is not cheap but I think I will be wearing some silver nowadays, just want to simplify and also because I definitely want to wear the Puma locket and that will be on silver. My mom loves silver too. Me, I normally prefer my diamonds, FCDs and gold but do not always have to wear those. Also, will only start a more expensive project for myself sometime in the spring, I banned myself from shopping for the moment. In spring it is hard to resist though. Now I am satisfied with what I got and also with Pumie and other life issues, well, those things put everything into perspective and have not really felt like spending a lot as much as I love shopping.

I would be terrified if someone came into my home uninvited and when I was not home, it is really scary, what if they take something, anyhow it is invading your privacy, not ok in my books. Even if announced, though much better, I would not feel thrilled about it at all as I have had bad experiences when allowing strangers into my homes. I do not mean people I know, friends, you girls, but people I never met before, it probably is fine but you just never know, maybe I am paranoid, you can call me that I guess but the idea scares me.

We hope to hear from you Missy, hope we get some good news about Francesca. I was so tempted to sleep with Niello and Sapphie tonight despite my terrible allergies, they were curled up on the bed and so sweet, have not slept with them in ages as my dear Pumie was the the one I was the most allergic to but then I said what if I cannot sleep and the kitties get used to it, Niello was only slightly annoyed to have to be escorted out, he acts like he has suddenly lost his legs and acts upset for a while if he does not growl at me to begin with, he hates it when he is forced to do something he does not want to do, especially when it comes to night time separation.

Hope you Girls have a wonderful day. Hi Callie! It has been so nice to hear from you too. I am not happy to hear that you had such a bad day, anything in particular happening? If you want to talk about it. Believe me I would have to accompany you to the holding cell if there is something wrong with you, doubt that, I just feel badly for you. We all go through really hard times sometimes.

Hi Marcy again, hi to Junebug, LLJsmom, thinking of you all and everyone else who has not written today yet.

Missy, we hope to hear from you soon but also hope you are having a wonderful day with Greg.

 

[azstonie]

Ovi, got ya down for a pendant I will ask for you advice re shipping when the time comes to mail out, I've not sent anything internationally before. We can swap addies via Loupetroop to keep it confidential.

Re getting started on diet:

"The journey of 1000 miles begins with the first step."

I SMACK IN THE KISSER ANYONE WHO SAYS THIS TO ME AS I CHANGE MY EATING HABITS/DIET lol

All Bob has to do to lose 10 pounds is stop drinking beer. Sheesh. He has put on some weight right along with me but somehow guys seem to skip all the angst that goes with that. Although I did buy his pants the next waist measurement up and boy was he made at ME. But squeezing into too-tight pants makes a person look fatter than they are. He let me dress him and direct his haircuts/appearance when we were first married and he looked great and I have the pics to prove that! Now he makes all his own sartorial decisions and some of them are not good dones but what can you do as a wife? I don't want to be a nagging critical sort because thank god he doesn't criticize me or nag me (my first husband was a one-man self-esteem demolition derby).