Kay, We almost cross posted, I've had puter problems again.
My poor old MSN2 box has totally lost it at times.Literaly. I've managed to post a couple of times on pet forum and another forum. but not here. fingers crossed and hopefully now.Talk later,
MoreDisabled Gardeners Laughing With Joy...3
Well, yesterday two interesting things happened in OT (for my elbow tendinitis). First, I was informed that from now on it would cost me $33 a treatment for the steroids I've been getting - Medicare doesn't cover them, even though they were prescribed by the MD! I've been covered by Medicaid and Medicare for everything except OTC stuff for so long, that the concept of p--a-y-i-n-g out of my own pocket for a treatment that I'm not sure is working seemed crazy. Secondly, the whole idea was to strengthen my arm so the muscle would do more work and the tendon less. But we couldn't do any strengthening exercises until the pain and inflammation were down. Since I wouldn't agree to pay for this tmnt. (I was almost at the end of my 10-12 treatments anyway) we decided my pain and inflammation were down enough for me to start strengthening. So I started heaving (ha ha ha) this one pound weight back and forth for 5 reps with my left arm. Didn't hurt yesterday but today - ouchee! The good thing is I don't have a 1# weight at home.
Carrie, I do not know what we are all going to do about the healthcare problems. Everything is getting more expensive and complicated. My meds had gotten so exspensive I ask my doctor to change everyone of them to something on the $4 list from walmart. Some did not change much about the way I feel while taking them but several are not working well at all. The med I am taking for reflux is not as good of a medicine and therefore not working well at all. I had one that was $375(three hundred seventyfive dollars) and there was no generic so I stopped taking it and did not rest good for about a week until my body got accustom to not taking it. What is America coming to? I worry about all the disabled, elderly and children who cannot afford their medicine or healthcare. But I just realized I was on the laughing with joy forum and this is no laughing matter. So somebody needs to tell us something funny to cheer us up. scraps
Here's some good news - the tendinitis that's been hurting is better, I guess. It's a different part of my elbow that hurts from the strengthening, so she reduced me to lifting an 8 oz. weight. But the part of my elbow that's been hurting for months isn't hurting much at all - as along as I don't drive, heh heh. I hate not being able to drive, but if that's what it takes to get this inflammation down, it's worth it!
I had to have lots of medical test done the last week and I've been put on three different medications. I am wearing an eyepatch over one eye because the pupil will not dilate. Well, at least it is a start on my new business wardrobe. I may need to start a second career as a pirate in order to pay all my medical bills. better go watch Pirates of the Carribean so I can polish my pirate slang. BTW, did you know there is a National Talk-Like-A-Pirate Day in October? LOL. They really do have a National day for everything!
I suspect Jim wishes we DIDN'T have hand weights at home. His niece is pushing a particular diet program and is determined to make Jim a success story for the program, including before and after photos. I have no doubt he will reach his weight goal. The question is will she still be his favorite niece when that day arrives. :-)Kay*
LOL! sputtter!
Same here!! cough cough
We're getting the snow Wed, night.
Bummer! Guess the groundhog was right. *Kay*
I got the snow first. I'll send some more your way. I really don't want to hog it all.LOL
I may get my Christmas tree stuff out again. It sure don't feel like Easter.
Steph, Has your DD had her baby yet?
Well it's almost 5:00 AM. Time for Dracula here to try for some sleep.
You guys are being all together too generous about sharing your cold weather. The weatherman
says it will 28 degrees by morning. Factoring in the chill from 30+ mph winds out of the north, it will get down into the upper teens. Thanks for sharing! (Jim)
This message was edited Feb 9, 2010 9:39 PM
Glad to do it Jim! If i ever get any warm sunshine, I'll share it too.
My arthritis is being stupid tonight. Think i'll go find a heating pad.
Vickie
Hi All!!
I have surely missed each of you.
My bumps and bruises are healing well from my fall. Had lots and lots of abdominal ultrasounds and tests yesterday, which came back OK as far as I know. Also an ultrasound and blood tests for thyroid and apparently have some slight enlargemend + a small "nodule". The very nice Dr told me that this is not very unusual and not to worry. He is going to follow me every 6 months with repeat ultrasound exams.
I actually am very excited and praising God for the miraculous work He has done in my life over these past few weeks. I am completely off of my pain patch medication (VERY strong stuff) and even taking hardly any of my pain pills. This is miraculous since I stopped the patches sudddenly and had absolutely no adverse reactions from doing so. Even the Drs admit that this is deffinately atypical and defies the "norm" for coming off of such strong medications!! LOL I just smile and say that God still performs miracles every day!!
It is absolutely glorious to be clear headed and alert (or sharp) after so many years in a medicated " fog". I truly never realized how much I was affected. Many people do require such strong pain medication and I did too. Some of you will understand what I am talking about. Enough said about that other than I am very, very blessed and happy!!
Each of you remain in my heart and prayers,
Hugs all around,
Sheri ^_^
That's terrific news for you, Sheri, about the lifting of your fog. i[ had a similar experience when I almost died of pneumonia + influenza together, in 2002. I was admitted on my usual cocktail of pain and spasticity meds. After maybe a week i was in the ICU gasping for air and the MDs decided to stop all ALL my meds all at once (because of "excessive somnolence"). not wean me off the ones like konazepam that i was addicted to, that my body had been taking for years, but just stop! yikes! I had the DTs - I didn't sleep for 36 hours straight. BUT when (against all odds) I recovered, I was SO much more alert and awake than i had been for years.
Hey everyone, Especially Sheri, I am so glad you are back. I have been meaning to call you but just never follow through with it because I am so lazy. I am so glad to hear you are doing better. My computer has been on the fritz lately or I guess it is the internet provider more than computer but i sometimes cannot get online. Today it is working and I managed to check in on you guys. I am happy for you about the meds. I think we all can surely understand. The doctors will just keep adding more prescriptions if we let them. I think that the dr do not care about us like they should these days and they just keep adding more meds. Then making them more powerful along the way until we are in a fog. I am so glad you are better. I have been a little depressed and just dying to be outside again. I am doing a little sewing type stuff for the new baby that is on the way. Vickie, You ask if it had happened yet but it is not due until july so we have a ways to go. She is at 18 weeks so we are halfway there. I have done some crossstitch bibs and several crochet blankets. I also found some cute almost new baby clothes at Goodwill, our thrift store. I stiched their last name on a few pieces like burp clothes and such. So I have been a busy beaver. But I get bored with long term projects and have a tendency not to finish them so I did good to finish that much. I just cannot wait to find out if it is a boy or girl and then I will be better able to determine what kind of stuff to buy or make. She wants a boy but I only want a healthy baby. However, I love sewing for girls since I had two I am good at ruffles, bows and lace. I will just have to learn some new tricks if it is a boy. I suppose I can sew camoflauge as well but do not have a lot of practice. Well, my chores are not getting done. I must get busy. have a good day everyone. Welcome back Sheri. Love and Prayers,scraps
Hey! hi Steph!
Oh, Sheri, that is wonderful news! I needed some of that.
Steph, my vote is for July 9th, if it's in the right time frame. I could have a little birthday buddy! I'm willing to share the date. My SIL is a bit macho. He said no more clothes for my GS's with "cutesy-cutesy stuff" on them. For the moment, we've reached a compromise with Tigger, but no Winnie. .And, he doesn't buy them anything with a Harley-Davidson logo or skulls. Clothes for GD's are definately easier. There are no cute restrictions on those. *Kay*
Steph, I have 2 grandsons. I gave up on making clothes for them. I crocheted houseshoes and small afghans and made small security quilts. One kept his close till he was 14.
Goodwill is a good choice for kids clothes. You'll find some good clothes at Yard sales later on too.My problem has always been that i see craft stuff that i think i have to have too and spend too much.And garden stuff. And angels.And........
Sheri,Am so glad you are on the mend.Side affects of meds can be a bummer.Just take care of yourself.
Kay, I have no doubt that you will out manuver your SIL on the clothes issue. We want the details.LOL
Carrie, That had to have been a scary time in the hospital but am glad they did it in a hospital setting.
Steph, I'm so good at confusing myself. I thought the baby was due in January.I vote for Kays birthday too.
Vickie
The thing was, Vickie, they didn't even REALIZE they would be putting me through withdrawal! They had NO CLUE! I just happened to be on the edge of death and they thought it would help to stop ALL my meds at once .... we all know you don't change everything at once anyway!
Sometimes I wonder if doctors are still taught what has always been the Golden Rule of medicine. "First, do no harm."
There is a 90% chance of snow tonight. I’ve received calls from two of the three oldsters who declared this would be “a snow year” based on their observations of how the snakes and other animals were behaving in fall. They couldn’t wait to rub it in that they were right. I assume the third is waiting until the snow is actually on the ground before he calls. LOL.
I’ve been reading a lot today. Also, listening in on what Kay has been reading. In one of her audio gardening magazines, there were the results of a poll. Native plant enthusiasts were asked to choose a local wild plant to represent their state. Here are some of the results.
Alabama and Georgia both decided on the oakleaf hydrangea. (Hydrangea quercifolia)
Arkansas was wild blue indigo or blue baptisia. (Baptisia australis)
Massachusetts chose spicebush. (Linden benzoin)
Kentuckians cast their votes for great blue lobelia/blue cardinal flower. (Lobelia siphilitica)
Mississippi was a surprise for me. They chose the red maple. (Acer rubrum) Well, the poll takers didn’t say it couldn’t be a tree. I didn’t know those would grow this far south. I’m learning that quite a few maples can take the heat.
Missouri was no surprise at all. The Missouri primrose. (Oenothera macrocarpa)
North Carolina had a tough time naming only one native plant favorite because the state has 3 or 4 distinct Eco-systems. (They can’t decide on exactly how many different Eco-systems they have either. LOL.) But, wild plant fans there finally decided on false sunflowers, a.k.a., ox eyes. Heliopsis helianthoides.
Oklahoma easily decided on Indian Blanket flower.
The plant chosen for Oregon has never acquired a common name and the botanical name is completely unspellable for me. I am learning the downside of having something read TO you and why older blind activist (like my dearly beloved) push the use of Braille so hard. They believe the newest generation of blind people is in danger of becoming functionally illiterate or, at least, a generation who can’t spell. Audio is much easier to come by than Braille and it doesn’t require learning a new skill so younger blind people tend to fall back on audio. Kay is over on DG Botany trying to find the proper spelling for Oregon’s choice. Heaven forbid there be a plant she isn’t familiar with and whose name she can’t spell when asked. LOL. It sounded like sis-tea-u Louis-e-a. I hope she finds it soon. She will worry it like a starving dog worries a bone until she does. : (Jim)
Carrie,I think They lied to you big time! They knew one or both meds were addictive.The American med profession are very good at lieing to people. A year or so ago the NE Journal of Medicine had an article on how the majority of doctors seldom tell their patients the whole truth. They also had an article That patients are getting smarter and more and more are going to medical websites(like WebMD) to get more accurate information.Also comparing treatments with other patients. Carrie, I hope i'm not coming across as ugly argumentative. Changing the current health care system is of #1 importance to me. You guys are #1 importance to me too.
Jim, that Pinky hydrangia i want is an oakleif. I have some yellow Missouri Primrose growing wild up here.Just a stray plant here and there.
Now i'm curious about that Oregon flower. Ive never seen a wild indago plant.
I went into town today.What a releif to get away from snow. Texas DD is getting it tonight.
Went to Sal. Army. They had a set of glasses i needed badly. I've broke 4 glasses since i broke my wrist. Bought another purse to use for a planter.
Had my hair done. I'm now the owner of very short curly hair. My natural hair is very straight and sticks out everywhere.
The state wildflowers was intresting.Do you remember what Texas was? I bet it was Bluebonnets. It's the state flower too.
I'm with Kay about any kind of reading.We need to keep it well and going.I don't know about anyone else but my imagination does'nt seem to work as well with sound as my other senses.
I gave up on Oregon’s mystery plant for the moment. It would be simplest to wait and ask a sighted gardening friend who subscribes to look at that issue of Horticulture magazine. Jim doesn’t know what he is talking about! I can walk away from a plant mystery. No kidding. I really can. Here I go… You know, if I were truly obsessive, I could just email Leach Botanical Gardens in Portland. I’m not that obsessive, of course.
The official Texas state flower IS the Texas bluebonnet. But this year native plant fans there chose Turk’s Cap lily (Malvaviscus arboreus var. drummondi) A DGer in Texas sent me some Turk’s Cap, but this will be my first year growing them. BTW, you can get arrested for rustling the Texas bluebonnets along the roadsides. They take protecting their bluebonnets very seriously in Texas. From what I've read about Ladybird, she would have made it a federal crime, if she could have. But, you have to love the lady whenever you drive through the state.
Veering off subject, a little. Do you already have Spanish bluebells, Scraps? That is an excellent one for your dry shade conditions. Kay*
Kay says i had way too much fun cleaning off the windshield of my truck. Hey, it's been a while since I've built a snowman.
Kay, you can get arrested for carrying off any roadside flower but you can carry off seeds. I called the Texas highway patroll when i lived there.The head office told me there was no law against gathering seeds but i'd be hung for stealing plants.Lady Bird did good by Texas wildflowers.Blue Bonnetts will not grow on my mountain. I tried it several times.
Jim you're artistic ability with the pickup snowman is out of this world. LOL
I would have had to drive it to town.
Kay, How is Romeo?
Where is Katie?
Vickie
Ooops. I'm not "Seacanepain."
This message was edited Feb 16, 2010 10:26 PM
i think Katie is posting more on the other thread .... but I don't know which is which anymore.
Me either. Hope i'm not responsible.
Okay, I'm me. (Jim thinks we should use specific computers for specific task. I'm currently on the Dg computer. I guess I will get accustom to the system eventually. Musical office chairs. We will share computers, but everyone has their favorite chair. LOL.) The different threads on this forum are like rooms in a house I just wander through the house and talk to whoever happens to be in the room at the moment. Sometimes I forget and carry forward a conversation that started in another room. Romeo is hanging in there. It will be warm enough tonight that he can stay outside. Getting a little leggy, but the nice thing about tomatoes is you can plant them deeper when you transplant and roots will develop along the buried stem. I have one of those topsy-turvy planters. I think that is where he will eventually live.
Will wander into "Compassion...." and see what Katie has been up too lately. I don't go into that "room" very often. I always intend to, but time is a factor. Kay*
Kay, I'm the same way about wondering around talking to anyone who'll talk back(or not) Actually i'm that way in real life.I have met some wonderful intresting people that way. What do you do if
if two someones wants the same chair at the same time? I know what DH and i would have done. Whoever won the outstaring contest would have got the computer.
I can't beleive you are going to turn Romeo upside down to stare at the ground the rest of his life. Would that be tomato abuse?
Vickie
I can't keep track of which conversation is which - I thought Romeo was a cat! But I love Kay's metaphor about the threads being like rooms in a house.....
Hey Ya'll, I got a new satelite thingy for the computer. I have been unable to get online so much I do not know what is going on anymore. but I am laughing with joy to be back online again. I also like the metaphor about rooms too. I try to read and catch up on the news after I have been computerless for a while.
My DD found out today that the baby is a girl. That also makes me laugh with joy because I know girls well. She is doing good taking the insulin but she is very hormonal(weepyand moody) lately. Her poor hubs may run for the hills anytime. If not he is a tough little cookie. I laugh because it is not me for a change.LOL.
I need some adviceor info if anyone knows a good source for maternity sewing patterns. She needs a couple good modest tops for school. Every maternity top we have looked at lately was very low at the neckline and she is a teacher of teen boys who love to look down her shirt when she leans down to help someone. She is top heavy so it was a big problem before pregnancy and now an even bigger one. Well, it is good to be back online and I pray we do not have more trouble for a while. It has been awful. I now need to go delete all the junk email that is waiting. Be back later maybe.scraps
UH OH! I thought the tomato plant was named after my GS, Who is a Romeo.LOL Don't think i'd name a male cat Romeo. (Might give him ideas)LOL
Vickie
Oh Steph, We cross posted. Girl i'm so glad you're back.
I'll look on line for some Matenity patterns. I think all clothes are being cut lower and lower top wise. I've bought a couple of plain white shirts and plain turtle neck sweaters and wear under some of mine.
This message was edited Feb 23, 2010 11:01 PM
How about wearing shirts underneath? DD wears tank tops and I wear turtlenecks underneath stuff that is too low cut. Or dickies - remember those? Try landsend.com - they have some maternity clothes I believe, and whatever they have is bound do be sensible.
Thanks you guys for the help. She is like me and too hot natured to wear 2 layers. I should also mention she is plus size by todays standards also. She needs a size 22 to cover the top heavy part.LOL but she is a size 14 or so on the bottom half. She can wear low cut jeans on weekends and not have to worry about maternity pants. LOLShe just wears a long top over it. But for work she needs to dress a little more professionally. The new pattern books do not carry but a few maternity patterns and they are almost all low neck. I thought today about ebay and will check there late one night when I have nothing else to do and when bored with sewing. The hubs has been online almost all day today so this is the first place I came to when I got the chance at the computer. I will check lands end now. Thanks again ladies. Be back later maybe. scraps
most patterns can easily be adjusted for higher or lower necklines. Just trace on some other type of paper and tape to original. ** Don't forget to adjust the interfacing or lining to match **
Hey Birdie, I am so glad we are both back online at the same time. First you had computer problems and then me. We were taking turns I think. Anyway, my problem is that I let my hubs talk me into throwing away all my patterns because he ask if I planned to do much sewing in the future and I said "oh,no. My back hurts too bad." but the minute I found out about the baby I wanted to start sewing. It just kills me that I threw them away. I had a storage tub full. from birth up to plus size. Some were patterns that my mom made me clothes from as a child. He just caught me tired and worn out and I did it without thinking. So I have no patterns and must start over looking for some good ones. I found a few in my sewing box that were from DD#2 at about age 10 and some purse patterns. So I am starting over. Got to get busy this morning I slept late. Scraps
Your DD is so lucky, Scraps, to have a Mom who can sew well. I have that V-shape too. It means you can forget form-fitting dresses, matched sets or one piece bathing suits unless you can afford to have things tailor-made or know a generous seamstress.
I’m in the strange situation of trying to psychologically rehabilitate A DOG. Her mistress went back into the hospital and to say this animal is very attached to her mistress is the understatement of the century. I’ve never encountered such an emotionally needy animal. She is okay if there is a woman in sight. (Men don’t count as acceptable company for Stella-dog.) I had to swear to Stella’s people-mom upon everything I hold dear that I would take especially good care of her fur-baby before she would agree to seek more intensive medical treatment. (Stella was an orphaned puppy. I think taking care of her kept her mistress from going into crisis earlier. They literally kept each other alive so I can understand their attachment to one another.) Stella is sitting with her head on my knee as I type this. How do I get into these bizarre situations! LOL. , Vickie andSheri, the two of you spend time on the Pets forum.. Do you think I might find someone who has ideas on how to rehab this dog over there?
Thanks for advising Jim on the light switch height, Carrie. He finally found the specs for w/c accessibility and light switch plates. It is “the top edge of the switch plate should be no higher than 52 inches.”
Kay*
Kay - for sure go to the Pets site and post your question. I believe doing it as a new thread would be best. there are so many experienced dog owners there and rehabbers too. I personally would say that just reassuring her and allowing things like her resting her head in your lap when she needs to with a loving touchfrom you is just what she needs and that you are wonderful for doing this. Our quadraped kids need just as much love and reasurance when we are gone as our biped kids would!
about a week or so ago I spent the night at my Moms, taking Elvis with me (my 14 year old Min Poodle companion). He has stayed there many times and for up to 10 days on 2 occasions, so it is familiar territory. However, Momma told me that when I was gone for about 5 hours, Elvis searched for me a few times and twice threw his head bck and let out the most mournfully sad cry. Learning of that nearly broke my heart. He is essentially bling now from catarrachts and I would do anything I possibly could to keeep him feeling secure, safe and loved thru his senior years.
Scraps - I hate that ou got caught in a weak moment and discarded all those prescious patterns, but feel sure you can find fun special things to work on that will thrill you and the new Mom and baby!
Hugs to all,
BirdieBlue / Sheri
Scraps, did you know you can buy a book about how to make your own patterns? Then you'll have all the patterns you want, or at least you can make a basic one and use it over and over. I wish I could use a sewing machine! (Whine, whine, whine...)
Kay i posted on the pet forum for you if you want to check it out. The suggestions were... give him an old something his owner had to cuddle up with. Take him to visit owner. Might do both good. Give him lots of love and affection.Oh another was to tape the owners voice and play it back to dog. That was it in a nutshell. One person(blkraven) told a sweet story of helping an elderly woman in hospital that sent the tears to flowing.There are such totally wonderful people here.
LOL Carrie, you arent an effective whiner. Seeing as how you are so artistic at music. I felt for you but could'nt quite reach you. You could always get Steph to sew somethng for you and you could write her a song to sing while she works. Kay and i will supervise both of you. ROFLOL.
Vickie