Now I really did it :((

[MarionC]

Ovincze,

I have kept thinking while you have the flu how much Rasam soup helped me. My daughter brought some the last time I had the flu and the results were noteworthy. WIthin an hour I felt better. It's a very spicey traditional Indian soup that is considered medicinal.
Hope you feel perfectly well soon!

Missy - I didn't realize that the earrings you decided on were the vintage ones! yay!
I hope you will post photos when you get them - or do you have them already?

I finally found someone to hang my Mom's crystal chandelier. It was hanging in her large dining room so I thought it was going to overpower my funky farmhouse kitchen/dining room, but it is so much fun. 35 pounds of crystals! When the sun shines on it the whole room is filled with rainbows. She would have loved knowing that I took the trouble to remove it from her house and safely get it to NC. I know she loved looking at it and having it finally hanging here feels like a bit of closure.

Happy Sunday to everyone!

 

[missy]

Good morning everyone!

Jimmianne, I LOVE your chandelier. Your mom would be so pleased knowing you were enjoying it in your home. So happy for you and now whenever you look at it or see the beautiful rainbows it makes with the light you will think o your mom.

I will have the earrings by early next week. I am not sure if I will like them IRL but will post pics either way. They might be too cute for me we'll see. I don't get that same excited feeling I used to when making luxury purchases these days and I just think it is because I have so much on my mind. At least I hope that feeling is temporary because normally I am the type to get very upbeat and happy with each event/purchase etc. Not so these days. Hoping it is a temporary blip.

I never heard of Rasam soup. I am going to google it and check it out.

Ovi, I am glad you are feeling somewhat better. Just take it easy as you said this illness has a way of fooling you and just when you think you are all better it hits you again. Easy does it and check out that soup Jimmianne recommended. And again drink lots of fluids and rest. Hope you are feeling A-OK very soon! And I know you are enjoying that pretty perfume you bought too. Have you ever tried "What we do in Paris is a Secret"? Lucky scent sent me that as one of the samples. I wore it yesterday and so far I like it but it takes me a few days to decide for sure. Just wondering if you ever heard of it or tried it.

I am glad Sapphie is doing better though I share your concern about some of her behavior. How long is she supposed to be on the antibiotics? Has your vet tried checking her blood pressure?

Callie, how are you feeling sweetie? I hope you got a good night's rest (and actually hope you are still sleeping) and wake up feeling well and rested. Did you get to have any of that herbal tea I suggested? I find that a painless way to drink non caffeinated beverages when I need to get fluids into my system when I am under the weather.

As you know I bought 2 more pairs of SW boots yesterday and while they were both on sale I did some damage to my pocketbook and so did Greg. He bought lights at Ikea for our kitchen and well they were mucho expensive and he spent as much on those darn lights as I did yesterday on my purchases lol.

Junebug, if I may let me be your enabler. Definitely get out today and check out some of the sales. Many stores are having great sales and more importantly it does feel good to get out. We are getting some bad weather here tonight and tomorrow (HA just in time for my new derm appointment oh well) so enjoy the day today and check out those sales if you can!

Also, I will be thinking of you when you travel to visit your mom tomorrow. Be careful, drive slowly and I hope you have a good visit with your mom.

Sarah, You have been through so much. It is totally normal to feel down sometimes and even much of the time as you are recuperating. It wouldn't be normal if you were 100% cheerful and chipper throughout this whole ordeal.

And I hear you on the short tolerance factor. Yes I (still) have those days. I want to be 100% already and it is not happening as fast as I want it to but I am cheered by the fact I have come so far from where I was this summer so very grateful. Now only if my skin would cooperate but that's another story and I just have to suck it up and make the best of the situation. There are far worse things people deal with on a daily basis and I need to get it together and enjoy each day no matter what.

A 6 inch tumor OMG. How did they find it by accident? I am sure you explained it but I reread what you wrote and I am just waking up so perhaps I missed it despite rereading. (I am slow these days). Thank goodness they found it but what a traumatic experience you went through so this has to be a piece of cake compared to that for sure. Still not fun and I am glad you are already seeing improvements. That is AWESOME.

Thinking of you Sarah, hoping your pain keeps diminishing to the point where very soon it is zero on the pain scale and sending bucket loads of healing vibes your way. And lots and lots of (((Hugs))).

Marcy, Haha yes, I think Marty taking seconds of the dinner you cooked gave it away. I think he liked it very much the faker! Sorry the cookies didn't turn out as you hoped but think of the calories you saved. And feel free to send any test batch our way. I do not mind being a test taster for any of your baked goods ever.

How cool you saw the huge filament on the sun through your solar telescope. Ooh I would love to see that. Last night we saw the coolest view of the moon from our bedroom window. It looked to be almost full and it was like that moon in Moonstruck. So large and bright and round. Gorgeous.

Send those bunnies my way and they will come back with a couple of kitties lol though I don't want to get off on the wrong foot with Marty yanno? We need to keep those dhs of ours in check at least till we go on our Jewelry hunt together at whatever GTG we plan. I mean that's a given right? Haha so I will save the kitties for after we spend the big bucks.

No I haven't decided on what I am wearing for work my first day back. I will figure it out that morning probably as I never know what I am going to feel like wearing till that day and plus it depends on the weather. I am hoping I can wear one of my nice boots and not my waterproof boots. Depends on how much snow/ice we have on the ground. Not looking good though. Ah winter in the northeast. Always a mixture of things. Slush/ice/snow/rain. Give me springtime in Paris any day... OK I admit I will take any season (almost) anywhere over winter lol.

Kristie, not sure anyone suggested the CPAP mask for your dh or if he would even consider it. I had a former boss who had a terrible snoring problem and when he got that he slept like a baby and his wife had peace also. As you know snoring can indicate sleep apnea and be an indicator of a potentially dangerous health concern so if you have not looked into this yet something to consider.
http://sleepfoundation.org/sleep-news/treating-sleep-apnea-whats-new-cpap-masks

Also, when I was in optometry school 100 years ago lol my best friend (also an optometry student) and I used to travel together and his snoring was so loud that people down the hall at hotels could hear him. No exaggeration. Anyway at my behest he finally had a surgery that helped clear his passages (sorry it was so long ago I cannot even remember what type of surgery that was) and it helped his snoring quite a bit. And that was a very very long time ago so I am sure they made great strides since then. I know surgery should be avoided at all costs if possible but snoring can mean there is a big health issue so if that is the case perhaps it may be an option... Anyway another thing to consider if you have not already done so.

Hope you got a good night's sleep last night and your dh's snoring did not disturb you!

Have a great day ladies! We are going to spend the afternoon at my parents and have an early dinner there. I hope everyone feels well today and enjoys their Sunday.

 

[Sunstorm]

Jimmianne, thanks so much for the suggestion! Also, wow, just wow, that room and the chandelier, they are like living in heaven seriously, reaking of positive energy and like a gorgeous getaway place. How are you today and how are the animals? Have you been thinking of something else instead of your blue diamond?

Missy, the snowy ice or the other way around has finally hit here though now again it stopped and the sun is shining, it has been cold and very windy. My jeweler had 30 cms of snow so he was afraid he could not get out and meet me yesterday but somehow he managed, he had to as then they drove on to a trade dinner in Budapest.

Sapphie really seems well but you know how cats can even hide things, I never take anything for granted anymore. Sapphie has always been tiny and never been able to gain weight, now she has a bit. She has always had her stomach issues which I am sure contributed to it but her mom and her daughters mainly could not put weight on either, she is a little ballerina, the vets when I said she was 11 thought I meant months, she acts that way too. Now, she does not cough or choke except when she meets Vinnie. This I can understand as he injured her before and this morning he was trying to grab her to breed her, obviously that does not go over too well with a little spayed girl. She has to be on AB for 4 weeks for the urinary infection as otherwise it can come back, this I can attest to as I have had that experience many times. Once she is off the meds I will try to get her in for an ultrasound to check her heart but no matter what is going on, not sure anything can be done as blood thinners have serious side effects in cats. She is getting her Vetri DMG and vitamins and that is all I can do for now I think.

I hear you on luxury purchases not really exciting you anymore dear Missy, I often feel the same way. Now, that said haha you got your SW boots, seriously? I missed that, how could I have, any pix, descriptions, colors? Not sure how it happens that we miss posts sometimes. Ok, I got a luxury perfume too still they are not as expensive as boots I guess. Every year around this time I want perfumes, somehow the change of seasons or me wanting spring badly and change and rebirth makes me want new scents, not sure why. No, I have not tried the fume you are telling me about but let me research it. I still have many on my list but having so many already I can usually resist buying most, unless they are what I consider truly sensational. Otherwise, I am fine with my samples.

The one thing I can never tire of is gems and jewelry though but for me it is a lenghty design and making process which I really enjoy. Gems I have a long list of what to buy, wish list, etc., I could never tired of that or at least now I think so. I am curious if you like your new earrings Missy, I can imagine that they would look great on you though but you have to see and only you can decide for yourself.

Happy Sunday everyone!

 

[missy]

Ovi, I hope Sapphie is OK and that this is nothing serious and yes get it checked out when you can if this continues. As always I am keeping dear Sapphie in my thoughts and hope she continues to improve. It is always so scary when our furbabies are not well and we cannot ask them where it hurts or what is wrong. A feeling of helplessness and powerlessness and it is not a good feeling. Hopefully it is nothing and the vet can figure it out if it is something and that it can be treated successfully. Part of me always feels it is the medication causing side effects so perhaps check into that?

I have too many SW boots to count now lol. I got 2 Stuart Weitzman pairs yesterday. One pair at Century 21 and one pair at Saks. Both on sale so I felt I could not pass it up. I know you kwim. Black suede LANDER and another pair of the FIFO but this time in black nappa (got the black suede FIFO 2 weeks ago). I will take pics when I wear them for you guys if you want. I am the crazy boot lady now I guess.

OK feel well and have a good day and please give Sapphie big hugs from her Aunt Missy. Love that sweet sweet girl.

 

[missy]

Ovi asked me to post this sweet photograph of dear Sapphie. She is a sweet sweet baby.

 

[Sunstorm]

Thanks Missy, that was so sweet, I meant to post it for everyone to see here but PS did not let me attach files and I too wanted to share like Marcy shared her teddies and those bad killa wabbits and Missy shared Francesca and the others and Jimmianne did too lately...

I say that she is my different kind of a sapphire.) Her official name is CH Deeablo's Cornflower Blue Sapphire.

 

[marcy]

Hi Ladies!

Junebug, I woke up this morning with one of my earplugs stuck in my hair. Glad the serve a useful purpose for both of us. I completely understand tape or DVD. I referred to music on albums the other day. That’s what they are called in the real world, right? I think a good laugh can help brighten all of our days. I agree with you and Callie, the carat size on PS are definitely skewed to the larger size. I don’t know many people in town with diamonds larger than a carat. Your San Antonio trip will be here before you know it. A double halo around a yellow diamond will be fabulous. There is nothing like a brightly, shiny yellow diamond. They are so pretty.

Callie, Marty rarely complains about anything I feed him. Those cookies were so awful though he said I don’t need to bother to make them again. Wow, they were sweet. The 5-½ carat emerald diamond you tried on sounds fabulous. Your husband gets to play golf and you get to try on pretty bling. Sounds like an ideal vacation.

Ovi, I am the designated family cookie baker. I think my nieces and nephews would have been disappointed in those cookies. They tasted okay but were just sickening sweet. I even checked my recipe to make sure I didn’t forget something or do something wrong. Oh well, It was single batch and I can’t say I’m craving anything sweet yet. I am glad to hear Sapphie has gained some weight and seems more responsive to you. I hope your flu just goes away and leaves you alone. Thanks for having Missy post the picture of Sapphie. She is a cutie.

Jimmianne, your mom’s chandelier looks fabulous in your house. I am glad you decided to move it to your place. I love watching the prisms of light that come off of crystals. What a beautiful treasure from your mom for you to enjoy. How are all of your animals doing? Did you send back your BGD blue?

Missy, I hope you love the diamond dangle earrings. It sounds like both you and Greg made a haul shopping yesterday. Fun! Trust me, you wouldn’t have enjoyed those cookies I threw out. Eating a pan of hot fudge isn’t that sweet. The moon was very pretty last night; I noticed that as well. We saw it this morning from the window at breakfast. It was pretty to see the white moon over a batch of white clouds with nice blue sky behind it all. I am still laughing at the thought of opening a box of rabbits and finding some kittens ready to pounce. Like a Calvin and Hobbes comic, right? Do you know how I pick out what clothes to wear tomorrow? It’s based on what gemstone ring I want to wear. Does than surprise anyone on PS? I hope you had a lovely dinner and visit with your parents.

We are being lazy today. Marty got up again at 4:15. I slept until 7:30. We went to Perkins for breakfast then stopped at Barnes and Noble so Marty could find some art books. He ran both our vehicles through a car wash. My car is red again. Sweet.

Marty is making filet and veggies for a late lunch. We have slow churned ice cream for dessert.

Is tomorrow really Monday?
Take care.
Marcy

 

[Calliecake]

Hi Girls,

Missy, I can't wait to see the new earring on you. I think you are going to love them! I also can't wait to see the new boots. Did you have a good time with your mom and dad today?

Marcy, Every time I read your post I get hungry! I'm beginning to understand why Marty gets up at 4:00 AM to exercise. I bet you are the best cook. Even when you say something you made didn't taste good, I never believe you! I pan full of hot fudge sounds pretty good to me. My husband was teasing me today about the 5 1/2 carat diamond. He thinks I would be used to the size in less than month. I told him I'm not to concerned as the chances of a 5 carat diamond living permanently on my finger are pretty slim.

OV, Sapphie is one beautiful baby! I 'm glad her picture is posted here. Hopefully you are beginning to feel better today. Did you have a fun day or did you stay at home and rest.

Jimmianne, I love your mom's chandelier. She would probably be thrilled that you brought it to your home and get to enjoy it everyday. Did you return your diamond? If so, do you have another project in mind?

Junebug, When are you leaving for San Antonio? I can't wait to hear all about it. The river walk is supposed to be wonderful. Is your husband going to golf while you are there? Tell us all about this new ring project? I already know I am going to love it. Did you happen to see the picture of Baby Monster's friends yellow diamond halo ring? It is so pretty.

Kristie, I hope you have been busy having fun! It seems like it's been days since you were here. What have you been up to?

LLJsmom, I hope you have been enjoying the time with your family. You are missed here.

Sarah, I hope you are having a good day today and have been pain free.

 

[junebug17]

Missy, hope you had a nice time with your parents today! I never made it over to Talbots For some reason I just felt really wiped out today and just didn't feel like it. I made it to the supermarket though lol, but luckily my son came with me and it went a lot faster and it was nice to have company. Be careful going out tomorrow and good luck with your doctor's appointment. I really hope he has some constructive advice for you. And even if he doesn't, at least you'll know you are doing all you possibly can for your skin at this point.

Ovi, Sapphie is SO sweet and precious!!! I can see why you love her so much, she is the most adorable kitty! Thank you for asking me to share more, I'm so touched that you care! I guess I'm hesitant to talk about days at my mothers because to be honest, they are pretty boring and a bit depressing! And I don't do much of anything on the days I'm home. And sometimes I feel that if I share my feelings I'll sound like I'm complaining, or mean-spirited, or self-centered. My therapist tells me I shouldn't feel that way, but it's hard for me not to! But I will try to open up a bit more and share what's going on with me. Thank you for caring about me Ovi, you're the best!

Calliecake, we're going to San Antonio the last weekend in March, and we'll be staying at a hotel close to the Riverwalk. I'm looking forward to it, it'll be nice to get away for a few days and see something new! I don't think he'll golf but I told him about your hotel suggestions in La Jolla and he sounded up for it so we will probably do that at some point! I've been having fun just checking out diamond websites, I bookmarked a bunch of diamonds and I keep looking at them ha! I'm trying to keep it at a certain dollar amount so the diamond won't be that large but hopefully the double halo will give it some "oomph". I didn't see BM's friends ring, I'll have to check that out.

Jimmianne, your mother's chandelier is gorgeous! It took my breath away a little, it's so beautiful! And it looks totally at home in your funky farmhouse, like it was meant to be there. I'm so glad you have it in your home and are enjoying it.

Marcy, I hear you about Mondays rolling around very quickly! Saw this and thought of you haha!

 

[azstonie]

The NIRDI thread is one fast-moving sucka!

Thank you all for the hubs-snores comments and suggestions. The ear plugs are here and ready to go. I'm hoping that as I continue to lose weight, Bob will comment in a way that I can say gently to him that if *he* lost say 10 pounds, not only would his bloodwork improve (cholesterol, etc) and blood pressure improve AND he would snore much much less and less loudly. I'm really REALLY hoping for this scenario because if this doesn't happen, I'm going to have to talk with him about sleep apnea solutions and he is so medical help averse that these conversations are just TERRIBLE and the end result is that I'm mad at him because I feel like HE turns ME into a nag/mommy when he knows what he has to do to be an adult about these things (see the doctor on a yearly basis when not sick, follow his blood chemistries and blood pressure, exercise, etc) yet he does not do them/do them consistently. Bob is frugal so I'm thinking that maybe our next trip over to San Diego, if he had to pony up for 2 hotel rooms because of the snoring, well maybe that's what its going to take.

Sheesh.

Jimmieanne, that chandelier is beautiful. Except concerning makeup on women over 30, MORE is indeed MORE and I applaud your use of the chandelier in your funky farm house! How is Puff and that cute dog in your pic?

Callie, what's shakin' in the Windy City today? Is is the Snowy and Windy City? Just pretend you're still in La Jolla, trying on the mega diamonds!!

Marcy, I'm pretty sure I'm putting on weight reading what you're feeding Marty The stroganoff sounded great. Regarding those cookies, isn't it interesting how are palates change? I've had treats that I loved as a kid that as an adult make me gag, LOL. Slurpees/Icees come to mind!! I had filets yesterday out on the grill (80 degrees, this sounds good to you but for the Phoenix area it portends a terrible terrible summer) and made red potatoes roasted in Italian herbs.

Ovi, that Sapphie is ROYAL in her deportment, just look how she holds her head! We do have HRH Francesca with her loyal attendant, Missy; now we have Grand Duchess Sapphie with her attendant, Ovi! Both those ladies need at least a kitty tiara

Sarah, I know what chondrosarcoma means. I worked at Mayo Clinic for 9 years and when I broke my leg the healing of the bone was not what the ortho surgeon was expecting so a carcinoma was part of the scenario that we had to rule out. You are even MORE of a trooper than I knew you were with this injury. I'm so glad they found that sucker and hit it hard. In my case, the bone healed when it wanted to (it was 'healed' at 3 months but it takes 3 years to rock solid heal bone---I was showing lucency in one spot that concerned the surgeon while the bone around that spot was healing up). I was pretty nervous while I was waiting for the MRI results on the break. Your excellent physical condition before this current injury, its going to give you a great recovery of function and use. Good going, girlfriend!!! I was immobile with my leg as it was not a surgical candidate and my knee was broken too, so after 3 months of immobility my once strong swimmer's legs, well the immobilized leg felt like jello. I'm still trying to figure out how to get it back to its prebreak level of fitness. I'm looking forward to getting in the pool this summer, which is my 3-year mark from the break, and working that leg like mad.

Missy, have a great day today!

I spent the weekend opening geodes we picked up at the Show in Tucson. At least 3/4 of the geodes were purple and blue chalcedony, and druzy (sparkling with microcrystals, its Nature's micropave haha) and I can't wait to polish them on Bob's lapidary wheel. I also opened up one large geode which had a cool hexagonal crystal perched right in the center! Way cool!!

I'm supposed to be on a peridot dig in Peridot, Arizona, on the San Carlos Indian Reservation next week but big rain is being predicted. I'm going to try to get the owner of the dig to let us come the day after the rain, which are the BEST conditions for rockhounding/gem hunting possible.

 

[MarionC]

azstonie,

I hope you post some photos of your geodes - do you cut them with a saw? I have a couple in the garden that have not been opened.
This thread IS moving fast - I can hardly keep up, and swear that one day soon I will get a handle on ALL the goings on of the NIRDs.

Thank you for all the nice compliments about my Mom's chandelier. Maybe one reason I sent the blue diamond back was that it came the day I was hanging the crystals on the light fixture. It was so sparkly and exciting I didn't need anymore bling. [actually I was prepared to have my socks knocked off by the diamond..and it was beautiful... but was identical [[ size & tiny pastel silvers of flash]] to my ACA, thus a redundant acquisition.
But of course, that was LAST week, and this weekend I bought a HOF pendant on eBay. [IMHO the only place to buy HOF-and then if it's a great bargain]. At least I know it will be sparkly well-cut and I've been looking for a small everyday pendant.

Sophie is gorgeous! What breed? Does she talk a lot?

Now to make a chart of the NIRDS activities. Some of you are so good about responding to everyone - I think I may need that chart.

Sarahb - I hope this is a good day for you. What's up in your world??

 

[azstonie]

Hey Junebug, let yourself relax---Talbots will still be there next week in all its preppy wooliness

 

[azstonie]

Callie, I love the Riverwalk! I went to a conference there years ago and there was so much good dining and shopping all along it. You even ride one of those gondola/boats right into a really good mall, as memory serves. Glad you aren't going to be there in humidity season, I was there in October and miserable doesn't even describe it.

 

[azstonie]

Jimmieanne, regarding geode cutting, yes, we have varying sizes of saws used to cut rock. We are about to add to our inventory of saws because we;'ve been buying geodes large enough to require a really large blade. I cut some yesterday, its kinda freaky, when you're in the middle of the geode, if you're hitting quartz/crystals you get sparks!

One thing you have to decide before you cut is which way to cut the geode, sometimes it makes a difference. You look for clues on the outside of the rock. The way you 'know' you have a geode is location and then shape followed by lightness for dimension---in other words, the rock hefts a lot lighter than it should weigh.

I'll get pics on once I've gotten them polished, quite a few are beautifully agatized on their edges.

 

[marcy]

Hi Ladies!

Missy, I hope your doctor’s appointment went well today. I’ve been thinking of you.

Callie, I guess I am a good cook. I generally don’t get complaints anyway. I don’t do my figure any favor though; but round is a shape, right? I definitely agree you’d get used to a 5 ½ carat diamond in no time. The place where Marty buys some of his watches in Denver had a 3 stone EC ring that was 6 ½ carats and I tried it on. I was in love instantly. Weird I didn’t buy it.

Junebug, I love the picture you posted about the weekend. That is certainly me. That’s nice your son went with you to the grocery store. I always like company on my least favorite chore. How fun to be shopping for diamonds. A double halo ring sounds fabulous.

Kristie, this is a fast moving thread. I hate to miss a day. I hope your scenario plays out as planned. Good luck with the earplugs tonight. Sorry to hear my menu is fattening for you to read; just think what it does to me eating it. Italian herb red potatoes sound great. One of my favorite marinades is the fat free zesty Italian dressing. When I could eat chicken we had that a lot cooked on the grill. I agree our tastes change but those cookies were beyond awful. I promised Marty I’d make some oatmeal cookies this weekend for him and they’d be much better. Oh no for a warm summer coming your way. You went through quite an ordeal with your leg and knee; I am glad you will be able to work that leg swimming soon. Your crystal sounds very cool. Have fun and stay dry on your peridot mission.

Jimmianne, the HOF pendant sounds great. The BGD diamond did look like a twin to your ACA so I now you’ll have a beautiful pendant instead. One of my eventual wish list items is an oval diamond for a RHR; I think I’ll go for a fluorescent diamond for that.

We went man cave furniture shopping after work. Marty got a Flexsteel power loveseat and 2 power recliners. We will get them probably Wednesday night if the 2nd chair shows up at the store as expected. Now I need to pay for both the “gym” and man cave. Rats. I hate when house stuff interferes with jewelry shopping.

We went out to supper then and split a bottle of Malbec. I was pretty “happy” in no time. My steak was pretty gross; it had a nasty side of fat and gristle so I told the hostess who picked up our plates and they took it off our bill. So I basically ate a few raw veggies, ½ of a potato, a few bites of steak and lots of wine. D’oh!

Take care.
Marcy

 

[missy]

Good morning girls!

Marcy, I pick clothes I want to wear based on what jewelry (usually earrings) I feel like wearing that day so once again we are alike that way.

Yay for picking out the man cave furniture but I hear you on the jewelry shopping. Whenever I buy or do anything pricey I think to myself what jewelry I could have purchased with those funds. Is that not normal?

Sorry the steak from your dinner out wasn't too good. I hate it when that happens because I always think if we send it back can I trust what comes out of the kitchen. I would cross that restaurant off the list because that is not acceptable. Glad you had a good bottle of wine though and think of the calories you saved. More room for new cookies to bake.

How are those bunnies behaving this week? If they know what's good for them they will cozy up to the teddy bears to keep themselves warm during the cold snap. Bear hugs anyone?

Kristie, that's cool about the geodes. I would also love to see pictures of them. Oh no on the peridot dig and not just because I have a vested interest! I hope they will let you do the dig the day after the rainstorm. I know you will enjoy that and will find some real treasures.

Junebug, that cartoon you posted is so funny and so true. Now I can really start relating to it again lol. We went to San Antonio in the early nineties and stayed right near the Riverwalk too. I wish I could remember the hotel I stayed in as it was so pretty. Before you know it March will be here. It will be nice to get away and have a change of scenery.

You know we are always here for you Junebug and want you to share your feelings as much as you are comfortable doing so. Personally, it helps me to share with you girls because it is cathartic in a way and I am comfortable sharing. I know not everyone feels the same way so I would never push you but if you are comfortable sharing please do. It can be so helpful and make you feel like a bit of the weight has been lifted if that makes sense. How is your mother doing?

Jimmiane, how's that chart coming along? JK! No need to drive yourself nuts trying to remember everything about us. Hopefully you will stick around and with time it will be a breeze to remember who did what when where etc. Well, maybe not a breeze because sometimes this thread does move quickly but it will be much easier.

OMG please post that HOF pendant when it arrives. I love a good deal for a beautiful piece of jewelry and it sounds like this is it. Definitely a nice consolation for sending that "blue" diamond back. When is it due to arrive?
How's Puff and the rest of your animal babies?

Callie, how is your sinus infection today? Have the meds kicked in more fully yet? I am so sorry it knocks you out like this and I hope you are finally feeling better! Greg's brother and kids are coming out to visit us the end of March. Do you want to hop a ride with them? It would be great if you could though it usually ends up raining the whole week they are here. My BIL and the kids visit us during the kids spring break from school so not much choice on the dates.

Ovi, how is work going for you this week? How is sweet Sapphie doing? Hoping everything is going smoothly. Any new thoughts on your perfumes or what your next fragrance purchase will be?

Sarah, thinking of you and hoping all is going well. I know you have a supportive and loving family and that they are doing all they can to make sure you are well taken care of and comfortable. Sending more healing vibes your way and hoping that the pain is much less than it was.

LLJsmom, how is your friend doing? I have been meaning to ask you about her and how things are going for her. I hope she is not in (too much) pain and that her recovery is coming along nicely.

I received my new earrings yesterday and am very pleased with them. I tried taking pics but they did not come out well at all. I doubt I will have the energy to try again today as I start work tomorrow and actually have a lot to do. I have forgotten where many of my work things are and have to get back into that frame of mind. Lots of details that of course I left till the very last minute lol and so not in the mood to do. But I won't leave you hanging so I will post the "bad" pics I took yesterday for at least some eye candy though blurry. One day I will get a real camera (maybe).

The dermatology appointment was a bit disappointing and in a nutshell the dermatologist wants to increase my doxy dose and have me go to Cornell for patch testing. Not excited about either of these options. There is no evidence of Doxy in higher doses clearing my face better than Oracea (low dose doxy) will and carries with it the potential of increased side effects. Believe me I know all the scientific research on this and that is a fact.

Re the patch testing. I had asked my original derm (David) months ago about path testing and he said we are not at that point yet. David is very practical and if he felt I could benefit from that he would recommend it and perhaps in the future he will but at this time he felt it would be more trouble than it is worth.

The patch testing is quite the ordeal. 60 plus patches are put on my back and left for 4 days. No getting the back wet. So no showering, and not sure about working out as I do sweat. I just had many months of no working out and not wanting to go back to that and how do I go to work that week with the no showering situation. And there's my long hair again. Anyway those are things I can easily overcome if I felt it was worth doing but my question here is all that testing to what end? I already know I am allergic to almost everything so not sure what the point will be or what I can do differently. His thinking is that if we can find out what I am not allergic to perhaps I can find a topical med that I can tolerate as I cannot use any topical meds now to fight my skin conditions so I am limited. Except honestly I know I am allergic to all of the topical meds out there (tried them all for my skin conditions) so what's the point except perhaps to make the doctor feel like he is trying to help. Which I know he is and he is very nice but unfortunately not sure I got anything out of that visit. It was worth a try though.

Oh and of course he had to say that these conditions are chronic and there is no cure and yada yada yada. Thanks. I know that and it lifts my mood hearing that LOL. I definitely have my expectations set low so no need to go any further to drive that point home yanno? I just want some relief and to be able to go out and not look like a freak. At least I can laugh about it.

I wish I could have shared better news with you guys but I am OK. I will continue to move forward and make the best of it. Tomorrow is W day so I am going to try not being too nervous and have a nice day at home getting ready for tomorrow. I sure wish I could take all of you with me tomorrow for moral support and some hugs as I need them throughout the day lol. But I know you will all be there in spirit cheering me on and supporting me no matter what. (((Hugs))) to you all. And now on to some blurry pic posting. The second pic is from the vendor so at least you can enjoy one decent picture.

 

[azstonie]

Marcy, I hear Flexsteel is great furniture, please keep us informed as you have them. I need a new TV viewing chair, the one I bought last year is terrible. I even took a book to the furniture store and sat in it and read for 30 minutes to try to head off a bad buy I am really furniture challenged. I;ve had more sofas the last 10 years than 2 families would have their whole lives.

I love that Italian dressing too, and one Thanksgiving the only nice comments I got on the food I served were Pillsbury crescent rolls that were dipped into that dressing and then put into a muffin/cupcake pan and baked. I'm trying to remember what shape you configure the dough into before you put it in the muffin pan...They were pretty darn tasty.

Gristle-y steak? Ugh. There's nothing redeemable about it. Glad you had it taken off your bill. The only humiliating job I ever had in my life was my junior year of high school I worked for 2 months as a hostess at a popular steakhouse. NEVER send back meat. Either eat it or get it taken off the bill, never send it back, LOL. I won't say why in polite company.

Go get 'em tomorrow, Missy! Unless you personally are responsible for setting fire to the break room, whatever happens is a "good" day there!!! (I interviewed a job applicant one time who, when I asked about their employment history, told me she was looking for a job because she set fire to the break room and the other people were holding a grudge about it, bwahahahaha!).

 

[sarahb]

Good morning everyone! Clear blue sky & 8 degrees at 11a!!

I had my last lovenox shot this am--woo hoo, what was once an insurmountable mountain is now past....

I only mentioned the leg tumor as it was somewhat similar to Missy's recovery, i.e. no weight bearing for months. But from what I am able to piece together, it seems like Missy's recovery was quite different & more significantly involved than mine. & Missy, it was a 4 incher. & everyone, that is why this hip is (to us) such a no brainer, piece of cake. Initially, the fear between hubby & I was it (sarcoma) had metastasized to my hip & hence, the reason why it broke. So, to learn it was 'just' a broken hip was a celebration in & of itself.

Kristie, then you realize I never I had to go through chemo or radiation, as this type of cancer does not respond. So--I count myself as a survivor, but the true warriors are those that weather chemo & radiation. My hat is off to them. Perceptive, its all perspective here. Oh my word, broken knee--how do you recover from that & how painful--yikes. Shaking my head here--the medical tribulations people face & overcome. I'm reminded of one of the PT's who came to see me at the hosp. this time around. Chris was an absolute cutie, young mid 30's, tall athletic & the biggest personality. Completely an 'up' personality, cup half full big time. Everyone lit up when he came to the station (was right across from my room)--I could tell everyone loved him. So he takes me for my walk, & we talk about how this hip is PIA, but doable. Agree that this will soon pass. I ask him whats the biggest medical challenge he'd been through. This is what he said: they had found displasia in his intestines, which is a precursor to cancer. (My understanding from him was that displasia means the cells have begun the path towards turning into cancer.) So, you know what they did? Removed all the affected intestine, & then re-built a new path for his intestine/rectum for him to essentially go to the bathroom. So, he had overcome that incredible journey & as a result, (I think) he now had the experiential background or context that you can survive the unthinkable. Man alive, when I think about him, my heart goes out. He wore this big cross on the outside of his uniform, almost 2 inches long. He had over come, & realized the strength he had to do so was right there all along. Life does throw twists & turns, but its all in the attitude in how you approach it. & for me, I do believe it is a choice, whether you let something roll over you or whether you will stand strong. We've all had those moments I'm pretty sure.
Ok, wow. His story really resonated with me.

Missy!! Love those earrings, how pretty!!! I've always loved that style, what fun! Hope the back to work 'entry' is smooth. Finding all your clothes etc is like the seasons shifting in your wardrobe, in a few short days, you'll have it all in order. Thank you for your warm words, I can't wait to walk without this walker. Every morning, the walk down the hall brings yet more surprises, mobility, less pain, etc etc. I am on the verge of dropping some pain med at night. Have dropped some during the day for the last few days. & I must say, am really past the big pain--its now down to achy-ness, or like yesterday, I think I had overdone the PT exercises. It really is looking more & more down hill right now. Am SO excited. The patch thing does not sound like my idea of fun. Hope you guys can find a solution soon Missy, its not fun having an 'issue', especially one that brings discomfort. ((Missy)).

Ovi, am really A-OK!! Thank you or your kindness & support, it is very appreciated. Sapphie is a cutie--glad you have her with you. I would love to hear about where you live in Europe, what is it like, how big is the town, what does it look like? Have you ever been to the US? I think in one post you mentioned Vienna--how beautiful it must be!!

Junebug, re opening up: I know what you mean, I feel like I've bled ALL OVER this thread. But you know what? What I've learned in the process is that people DO care & honestly want to help support--so please don't feel like 'its all about me' when you post your challenges. We all have those times in our lives, when it legitimately IS all about me/you, & this is one of those times for you. When I had the first go around with the sarcoma, we did not tell anyone, as we didn't want all the associated drama. This time around, with the ambulances & cop cars in front of the house when they picked me up, it couldn't be avoided. Everyone in the 'hood' knew something had gone down. & let me tell you, the outpouring of love & support was so humbling, & honestly cathartic at the same time. It really helped me feel like I had a team of warriors marching right along side of me. It was truly humbling. Please don't be nervous about sharing, people want to help, & for those who have been helped, we honestly want to pass it forward. XOXO to you for all you are doing for your dear mother. You are giving her a gift of love right now.


Oh Jimmianne--how happy your mother would be to know you have it hung in your home--it is gorgeous. No doubt, closure big time I bet. Another step forward, isn't it. 35 pounds of crystal, wow, how in the world did you move it? How is Puff doing? I love his name & wonder how he is coming along. What a cutie, ((Puff the Parrot)). Thank you Jimmi for your kindness, it is greatly appreciated. Am sending healing vibes back to you dear one.

Marcy, thank you also for your sweetness across the miles. You (& everyone) are in my prayers every night. I hope you are having a good week & work is going well. What fun to get new furniture--& also gym equipment at home, lucky you!! My sister is also the 'baker', I'm the pie person. Oh well. & you guys have a solar telescope???? HOW COOL is that? The images you must see--Iove it!! Isn't the milky way & stars something, when I lived in Santa Fe, NM, the milky way was so visible, here not so much.

Callie--how are you coming along--a sinus infection is no walk in the park, ugh. Hang in there & rest rest rest. Hope the meds have begun to do their magic--sending healing prayers your way Callie!

Ok, its time for lunch over here--everyone have a great day today, & for those sick, hope you rest well. XOXO to everyone!
sarahb

 

[Calliecake]

Hi Girls, I hope everyone is having a great day. Sorry I have been MiA. This thread moves so quickly if you miss a day your feel lost.

Missy, We will all be with you in spirit tomorrow on your first day back to work! I keep thinking how happy everyone will be to see you. I know its going to be a great day for you. After reading Kristie's response above I suggest staying out of the break room.

Your new earrings look beautiful. Great purchase!!! I'm sorry the derm appointment was disappointing. I know how much you were hoping this doctor would have some good news for you.

Kristie, Your stories are so entertaining. Do you know if they can change the schedule for the peridot dig? I glad I'm not the only one that gets hungry on a daily basis reading Marcy's posts. Will you post some pictures of the Geodes? They sound so cool. The weather has been cold in Chicago. At least we have some sunshine today. It going to be getting colder this weekend. My husband gives me a hard time for not returning steaks if they are bad. I have been afraid for years what they would do to my new steak if I return one to the kitchen. Your comment tells me I have been correct on this one.

Marcy, Sounds like Marty's man cave is now complete with the new furniture. I had to laugh when you said you could have had a nice piece of jewery with the money that was spent on furniture. I think we all think alike in that regard. If we all agree here, it must be normal, right? I think one of the reasons I like diamonds is they go with everything and you don't have to worry about your jewelry clashing with your outfits. Sorry your steak was bad. At least the wine tasted good.

Junebug, Please know we are all here for you and want you to feel comfortable talking about your mom. It is so hard being a caregiver. The last thing I would ever want is for you to fell like you couldn't talk about what you are going thru. One of my girlfriend goes to San Antonio frequently and loves it. My husband had a business conference there a few years ago and said he thought I would like the shopping. It sounds like it will be a fun trip for you. It's just nice to get away from everything once in awhile.

Jimmianne, Your new necklace sounds beautiful. I can't wait to see pictures. You always find the most amazing deals. How are Puff and the Furbaby?

OV, I hope all is well with you and you are not working too hard. I miss you!

Sarah, I hope you are continuing to improve and have been feeling well.

LLJsmom, How are you doing? Hopefully Darryl is back in town. You are missed!

 

[marcy]

Hi Ladies,

Missy, good idea to pick out your clothing based on earrings. Great minds think alike. I think it’s perfectly logical to think about how any purchase can limit jewelry funds. What is more important? Seriously! I think a little more food last night would have negated the headache I had this morning but oh well, I had fun with a little bit too much wine. I often offer bear hugs but only Marty takes me up on it and then squeezes those poor little bears. There is still one of the bunnies missing. Marty just smiles when I ask about it. I am glad you like the earrings, they are very pretty. I bet it seems weird getting ready to go back to work tomorrow. I hate to hear you are disappointed with the new dermatologist. I agree with the sentiment of David about doing the patch tests. They are so miserable and the results are not highly accurate. They did it to me for food allergies and besides making me itch and miserable they didn’t show anything I didn’t already know and some of my worst allergies didn’t even register. I know you aren’t dealing with food allergies but I wasn’t a fan of those tests. Have a wonderful day at work tomorrow.

Kristie, we’ve had Flexsteel in our living room for about 5 years now and they are holding up great. My parents always bought that brand of furniture and you got sick of them before they wore out. I would highly recommend that brand. I bet bread with that dressing would be very good. Thank you, I will have to try that. I like to make pasta salad with that for picnics or large groups. It’s so easy too. Understood on never sending food back, I am just paranoid enough to know that already. Oh my gosh, I love the break room story! Marty interviewed a guy who had on his resume he built the accounting system for the Wyoming Army Guard’s fiscal division. Pretty funny; Marty built that. That guys interview didn’t last long.

Sarah, I love sunny blue skies even on a cold wintery day. I am glad you have an outpouring of help and support from neighbors, friends, family and PSLand. It’s nice to know so many people care about you, huh? My week is going well thanks. Babysitting continues but I always try to get everyone to a central happy medium and that’s the best I can do. My mom was our pie baker. My favorite was her peach pie. What is your favorite? Marty and my best friend are apparently going to arm wrestle over which kind of cookie I bake next. Marty told me to warn her he cheats; she figures she’s got a shot since she’s been working out. We love our little solar scope. We got it about 2 years ago and leave it on a tripod in the dining room. We use it more than our night telescopes. I bet the Milky Way was fabulous in New Mexico. Wyoming has great skies too.

Callie, are you feeling better today? I agree with you, diamonds go with everything. I think since about 100% of us on this thread feel jewelry is an important consideration in budgets; it must be okay to think that way. Sweet. We are just having burgers, fresh pineapple and some side tonight so I’ll try to not make you hungry. My wine tasted way too good last night. It was ½ price bottle night though and you can’t waste that stuff. That’s alcohol abuse!

I met Marty for lunch today. It’s lucky I have that stalking app on my phone. He was late (abnormal for him) so I checked it and he was almost at the other Mexican restaurant in town. I called him and said you are on your way to Casa, aren’t you? He said yes, where did you say again? Too funny. That app is so darned handy.

Have a great evening.
Marcy

 

[junebug17]

I'm sorry the doctor's appointment didn't shed more light on your condition Missy, but I still think it was good you went for a second opinion. As I said, now you can be assured you and your derm are on the right track, and you're doing all you can and not missing anything. Yikes, I can see why you wouldn't want to go through the rigamarole of the patch test, I didn't realize it was so involved. Sounds like David will recommend it when he feels it's warranted. Sounds like you are in good hands with him! Now on to better things - I LOVE your earrings! Seriously, the design is just beautiful and they are the perfect size on you. I hope they are giving you a little joy and a bit of a lift! I had to smile when you say you choose your outfit according to what earrings you want to wear that day - I do the same thing with the few rings I own! If I feel like wearing my sapphire ring, I look around for a sweater that will match it haha.

Thank you for the kind words missy, and I'm actually surprised at how much I'm looking forward to this short trip, I'm usually not much of a traveler. Honestly, at this point I would be happy to go anywhere, just for a change. Ok, here's the part that sounds like I'm complaining lol - days at my mother's house are just kind of monotonous and depressing, not hard physically but just sort of draining mentally and emotionally at times. I spend a lot of time there, so I guess I'm just a little burned out right now.

I'll be thinking of you tomorrow - I'm going to bet the time goes by quickly for you - I wish I could go with you in person for moral support but I will definitely be with you in spirit! Lots of positive thoughts headed your way for a good first day back!

Sarah, thanks for the encouraging words! You're right, support and understanding can really help - my nephew visited my mother recently and spent a few hours with her…he called me later to tell me he realizes it must be hard for me to spend so much time there, and I'll tell you, even that small comment made me feel a bit better…just an acknowledgement that the situation must be tough for me sometimes was comforting. Not that I'm constantly looking for accolades, which is maybe how it sounds. It's more that it would be nice to get a little more understanding and empathy from my immediate family. I get more support here than I do from my other siblings. My mother has the ability to sound fairly normal over the phone (apparently something common with people with dementia) so my sister just assumes things are going swimmingly, when in reality my mother is very different in person. Everyone is so kind here, and hopefully everyone knows me well enough by now that if I do vent a little once in a while, it doesn't mean I don't want to help my mother and brother. Anyway, sorry for rambling - It sounds like your pain is starting to lessen and I'm so glad to hear that. I'm keeping you in my thoughts and hoping each day gets just a little bit easier for you! And we're always here for you on those days that end up being a little tough!

Calliecake, my husband has been to the Riverwalk as well for business and has always said he'd think I'd like it. Thanks for the nice words, and yes, I think getting away for a few days will do me a world of good! I missed that you weren't feeling well, hope you're doing better, take care of yourself! Is it a sinus infection? Those can be brutal, I had one once and I was pretty miserable for a while.

Marcy, the new furniture sounds really nice! Wow, that app really did come in handy! How did we manage before cell phones??? lol!

Jimmianne, please post pics of your pendant! It sounds beautiful! Don't worry about totally keeping up, I miss a lot of stuff myself. It's nice just hearing from you!

Kristie, your break-room story literally made me laugh out loud!!! How did you manage to keep a straight face - or did you?

Ovi, thinking of you my dear, hoping you're doing ok.

LLJsmom, hope all is well with you!

Hope everyone's having a good night!

 

[azstonie]

Junebug,are you off to the beach??? I hope so.

Regarding your mom sounding good on the phone---my grandparents and my parents were/are just like that. They can really pull it together for a phone call or even a brief visit and no one has any concept of the breadth and depth of care you are giving them. My father in particular has a bunch of phrases that are so nonspecific they fit as a response to anything. My grandparents were the same way. When I lived with my grandparents one summer while I was in college I told my parents how nonfunctional they were and she didn't believe me based on her phone calls with them. And no one wants to look for decline if they can avoid it. It puts you in a terrible position in so many ways. Anything happening with respite care ?

Lol, The I-Set-The-Break-Room-On-Fire applicant----she was applying for an engineering position and I thought hey, most engineers have no practical experience with anything, this one has at least handled a fire extinguisher

(And if any engineers want to read me off, go right ahead, lol)

 

[Calliecake]

Hi Junebug, I'm sorry things have been difficult lately with your mom. Being a caregiver is truly the most emotionally draining job there is. I wish you were getting more support from your immediate family. Unfortunately the workload almost never seems to be divided equally between siblings. I wish your sister would do more to help you and at the very least acknowledge her appreciation for all you do to help your mom. You have never come across as complaining about the situation. You come across as a very loving daughter. If you ever feel the need to vent, please know we are here for you.

 

[azstonie]

Junebug, the applicant prior to Breakroom Fire came in, great suit on, smiled at us---Front four teeth missing! Yep. We couldn't figure it out, their current employment included great dental benefits!!!

Alaska, the Quirk Factor. Life was interesting!! I have some great stories from my time there, I always thought I'd write a book!

 

[marcy]

Junebug, being a caregiver has got to be one of the hardest things any of us can do. I think sometimes we don't want to see how bad our loved one really is and they can definitely hide it well. My mom could handle a 5 to 10 minute phone call with me but if I stopped by she barely uttered a word. It's very nderstandable you would feel burned out. I am very glad you are going to go on vacation. You certainly deserve some time just for you. That stalking app has really come in handy. Marty likes it when I can be putting dinner on the table as he's walking in the door. I'd be lost without my phone and iPad.

 

[missy]

Good morning NIRDIs!

Sarah, I hope you had a good day yesterday and a restful sleep without much pain. It is amazing what perspective can do for one's mood and emotions isn't it? You have been through such an ordeal that it makes this look like a walk in the proverbial park. Continued hugs and healing dust being sent your way.

Kristie, haha on the break room fire story. I will go you one better. Our clinic no longer has a break room because we ran out of space and the administrator changed it into an admin room. Yup, that's right. No chance of fire in the break room. However, depending on how my day goes I might be wishing for some sort of diversion to take the pressure off me if you kwim. LOL.

Did you ever watch the show Northern Exposure? That's how I imagine the quirk factor to be in Alaska. Loved that show. Write that book Kristie. You know you have at least us who will read it and I suspect knowing you and your marvelous skills as I do it will become a bestseller and we can say we knew you when...

Junebug, it doesn't sound like you are complaining one little bit. Rather sharing with us the facts of your days spent caring for your mom. I can see how emotionally and physically draining that is and I am glad you are taking some time off for a vacation in March and I hope it gets here quickly. In the meantime hold tight and do small things for yourself that make you happy. Your mom (and whole family!) is vey lucky to have you. (((Hugs))).

Marcy, thanks for that info re patch testing. Doesn't sound good and I will see what David thinks when I see him in 2 weeks. I was hoping I would wake up this morning with a miraculous improvement but that is not to be yet I guess. I am hoping I can figure out how to cover it well enough with makeup. I didn't want to practice before this morning because it does get aggravated when I apply makeup so fingers crossed I can do an acceptable job of making myself not look awful and scaring people at work today.

It's so nice you get to meet Marty during the workday sometimes. When Greg and I were dating he would come by work and take me out to lunch at least once a week. Those days are over but it's nice to know you guys can still make the time to enjoy that together during your busy workweek.

Haha I love your definition of alcohol abuse. Funny!

Callie, I hope you had a good night's sleep and feel better this morning.
And a big thank you for "always being in my corner"! (((Hugs))).

Jimmianne, yes please post pics of your new pendant when it arrives. We are looking forward to seeing your beautiful new bling.

Have a good day ladies. And thank you for all your back to work good wishes. I know you are all with me in spirit and I take encouragement and strength from that. (((Hugs))).

 

[mary poppins]

Hi, Missy. Just randomly popped in to see how you are doing and noticed that today is your first day back at work. Congratulations and best wishes for a wonderful day. I''m glad to hear you're returning to normalcy after being sidelined for so long. You've come a long way!

Your new earrings are beautiful, beautiful, beautiful! Did I mention they are beautiful?

Sorry to hear you still haven't found something to help your skin. I hope you find something that works for you soon. Long term unresolved medical conditions are so frustrating.

I saw your sensitive skin thread the first day you posted but didn't comment there as I had no suggestions to offer. Upon reading your criteria I noted that not only did the products I've been using for years contain ingredients that you ruled out, but they were specifically name in the cited articles as particularly awful. Reading about the effects of certain ingredients was very eye-opening. Although I wasn't in a position to help you, I want you to know that your thread enlightened me and inspired me to change. After doing some research, I switched to using jojoba as suggested by other PSers and am really happy with the results. I'm not quite sure what to do about sunscreen now as my prior daily moisturizer contained it and jojoba does not, but I'll figure it out.

 

[MarionC]

Hi ALL

Missy, I am going to post some photos now that I hope will encourage you to get busy with those earring portraits! [in your "spare time" now that you are back to work].

I got to the Post Office at 8am to pick up my pendant, then took myself out for a big breakfast. It was love at first sight with the pendant except it needed a good scrub, so I could hardly wait to get home.
I'm 110% thrilled with it. I have it on a long oxidized silver chain for now so I can look at it.
It came without a chain so now I can go chain shopping : ) The idea of a DBTY necklace comes to mind. Oh dear. The bargain pendant causing trouble already.

I've included a shot that shows how well it goes with Carhartt long underwear.
It's freezing cold here and about to get more so.

 

[azstonie]

Junebug, you have NEVER once here come off as "complaining." Or even whiny! Not a little bit.

Food For Thought:

Having said that, complaining is an important indicator that tells us we are in over our heads. It tells us trouble is looming. The trick is to do the right kind of complaining, the kind that gets results.

Example: You get a calendar up for the rest of February and for March and April. You mark the dates and times you feel are correct for you to be caring for your dear mom. You send a copy to each one of your siblings and advise them that they can either sign up for 1/3 of the remaining dates/times that your mom requires a caregiver OR they can pay for a respite care provider to do this in their place. YOU are not an option for those dates. No justifications, no arguing, no defending yourself, no explanations. Just the facts.

If you feel generous, provide with the calendar a name/number for a respite care provider, the local senior center, etc. If you don't know who/where these are, get in touch with your local hospital, nursing home, or geriatric social worker---they are a fantastic resource. Google elder care and see what comes up in your mom's area. Home health, visiting nurse, get them up on board and acquainted with your mom before the crisis or illness comes.

I believe that it is not your sole responsibility in life to make your siblings life/lives easy when it comes to your dear mom. Its irrelevant whether assuming their responsibility here is convenient or easy for them. Your mom needs help, is needing MORE help than before, and its time for them to pony up. It is not your sole responsibility in life to ensure that your mom never has a moment of annoyance or irritation (she isn't going to want respite care or trips to the senior center). Sometimes they actually like their respite caregiver, that does happen, my grandparents loved the two we had for them. So that can happen. I digress. You can give yourself permission to make some changes here, changes that will safeguard your marriage and your sanity. Its also not good for your mom to become housebound but the concern here is for you.

No one asked my husband to step up to the plate and help with his mom in terms of daily care so he didn't think to pursue what was going on there (we are a 3-day drive from them). My mom never asked our other family members to help with my grandparents, so no one did.

Give them a calendar, mark out the dates you will be there, and step back a little to see what develops.

We care about you! You're here to live life to the fullest---be bold, because when you are, powerful forces step forward to assist you.

 

[azstonie]

Jimmieanne, Carhartts and diamonds? Your farm cred is now FULLY ESTABLISHED!

BTW, I luv fire shots, good one going in that one pic! I like the 3-stone pendant too !