Best/Worse/What did I learn today-visit with friends!!

Gee whizz where did you all go?

Mom and Jim left then Cathy dropped in, told her I was on a mission to get so e projects done so I could ship so she kept me company..now totally exhausted so decided it will be an early night..just ordered chicken souvlaki and Greek salad for both of us, told her after we eat will be an early night..

Drizzling ever so lightly, not enough for kids to be inside but just enough that their clothes will be damp and likely have colds this week.

Everything is so bright with leaves on the trees, all the garden plants so many different shades, I'm just loving it, flowers can come later.

I'll enjoy yours then when yours are all about finished mine will start up

Wherever you all are am hoping you are having a grad day!

Hello To All !

Thanks SO much to Deb, Holly & Synda for keeping me company last night ! ((HUGS)) Dianne.... I guess we pooped out before you could make it on... Dianne - what did you get at CT ? Petunias are not to be planted here this time of year... the big stores try to sell them... but it is too hot for them....but they are SO pretty... Funny about FB... and folks who look you up... isn't it !
LK - yes we did go down memory lane.... Deb had me looking through scrapbooks and it did bring up some good memories.... I think I have that very same swing... I'll have to take a pic... our oldest wooden swing is still on it... so old Belle has decided to chew on the wood.... what vine did you have growing ... the morning glories Betty is getting? Betty did you get all your trees planted ? LOL... Raising Babies.... did your ipad change it to bubbles ?
Ya Crissy ! LOL... glad you could BARELY see my 80's hair do... did we all have that? Wow - you did good not staying with the old beau.... I think I did too where DS bio-dad is concerned... he never has grown up. ELF - well just THINK about me on your trip LOL.... Agree with LK... think you can get a card that provides internet. SEE we'll all have this worked out...

Went to Nottoway Plantation today the "Souths Largest Remaining Antebellum Home". MIL invited me to a "Mother Daughter" luncheon. When Betty brings you all to visit we'll go stay there a night as they are expanding their rooms. Hm... Have a few pics....
Here is a pic of MIL .... I am standing quite near the Mississippi River Levee's..... to take the pic...
She is on the 2nd floor. They could not have basements due to water tables here in Louisiana. THe bottom floor was servants quarters and Kids play area. Second Floor for Entertaining, dining, mens study. Third floor was sleeping area.

Hugs,
Mary

Okay and from the floor ABOVE where MIL is standing... I took this pic of the Mighty Mississippi River.. Can you tell how swollen and high the water is? The Morganza Spillway opened today should alleviate that....

Oh Mary, that house is totally amazing! I have been through southern Georgia and seen some of the old plantation homes, and they just take your breath away. Up here we have so many colonials and victorian homes....some called "Painted Ladies" and just amazing.

I got myself all worked up today...and have broken out in hives!!! Took a baking soda bath...and two benedryl, and now I am about to drop. Amazing what ones nerves can do to them!

I am turning in, and will see you in the morning.

Debbie

((HUGS)) Deb... I'd LOVE to see some of the plantation homes in Georgia ! I'll bet in your area you have homes so old they make this one seem modern... I always think of that when I see folks from other countries visit our area...How could they be impressed when our country is so very young... Betty - met a couple from Canada today in our tour group and thought about you.... DEB... Please don't get stressed! Wish I could email you some ambien !
Deb - in ONE week I'll be looking out at the Gulf of Mexico and meditating and sending some soft ocean waves YOUR way!

Hugs,
Mary

Morning everyone,coffee is on, rainy day, come sit a spell, rest those tired bones!

Got much accomplished yesterday, need to set the wave petunias in planters and will finish purchasing remaining flowers when I return, at least the waves can have a head start..who knows maybe the grocery store in town might have a few..had intended to do groceries yesterday but didn't dare looking like I hadn't washed in a month..teach me for playing in the bush so just finishing putting a few curls in my hair and off I go..other than that though it's a play day.
Smiling at thAt, so many times I plan my day early am and within hours everything changes!

Mary what a terrific place to visit..am sure the time you spend with MIL is precious..keep listening to your weather forecast and the chances of more flooding is eminent ...do you think it's because I was hoping to con paul into another day or two and head your way..girls would never go for it now..

Debbie sorry to hear you were in such a tizzy that you broke out in hives...deep breaths little one..I'm sure they would not think of doing the surgery if they had any concede..

Crissy, how's Dave doing?

Shirley, you are often in my thoughts! Sending you prayers and arm wraps

Judy, I had a good laugh yesterday, was out on front lawn, looked at my chair set, not daisies at all, painted lilies. Will bring table and footstool in so they can dry out and when I get back I too will repaint..pleSe tell me which paint home depot used

LindaKay, you feeling ok? How is your dD doing? Won't be long you,ll be picking him up

Laura, are you off camping?

Bev, need my photo fix. Lol

Dianne, bet you are out planting in the rain?
All others, waving

Hi all,
Elf that is too bad no internet at the RV Park. Check the local libraries they should have service maybe a coffee shop. Won't be quite the same as having it at your fingertips when ever you want something. I still think it will be a great adventure for you. Jadien is such a sweetie
Mary, Oh how I envy you heading for the beach.
We had a great time at the swap yesterday. There was so much great food. I think Ric ate all day long. It was so nice to see all my DG friends in person again and I came home with some really nice new plants. I brought home about 25 plants that I am very happy with and my DIL took almost anything as they have a couple of empty acre's to fill up. So we were almost as full coming home as we were going. Found homes for all my plants. Only 1 Trumpet Vine came back home with me. Just not the type of plant everyone has a place for. One of the young couples told me they just bought and planted one a couple of weeks ago. We hosted a swap at our house 2 years ago and I think we will try to do it next year. We will have the GH and Veggie Garden area done and the new pergola and brick patio should be done by the end of this summer.

Know what you are doing today Holly, omg you did come home with a bundle..are most plants you don't already have? Bought 2 trumpet vines for the secret garden arbors a few years ago, they were end of season specials, not sure if they take forever to start because. They are doing nothing!

Starting spaghetti sauce, keep me fed and some frozen for Cathy..must say when I leave on a trip I deed her much better than I feed myself!

Be fun Holly hosting the event..sure wish more dg members lived in my area or id love to do it..I am excited at hosting the 2012 gathering of friends here, so know that each and everyone of you are invited!
So start saving those pennies!

Elf, horrible not having Internet..drats and more drats, that is enough to want to stay out. Several times when I was in Florida and at moms I'd not have hook up and it was not. Good feel g, spent half my visit in Clearwater Library!

jadien is just too adorable..wish I had me a granddaughter!!

LindaKay, bought some morning glory and sweet pea seeds while at grocery store..think I'll start them in a container and see how they do

Look at Jadien!! What a cutie!

Kris I don't think I could handle not having internet for 3 weeks straight, I would go absolutely insane! Looks like you need to get an Ipad, you can always connect to the internet with one of those! Even a smartphone would work but they're a little small for typing as much as we like to talk LOL!

Debbie sweetie don't get yourself all worked up over the surgery, it's very common and you know how docs love to scare the crap out of us anyway. I had a dream last night that I needed to find a reason to go see my hot doc before he forgets who I am, but I'm not going to hurt myself nor do I want to get sick so I guess that's out!

Dave's doing fine, he worked in the garden part of the day but it was cold here yesterday, well, cold to us anyway, and we went out for pizza last night and had a great time and then watched David next door take out the dead cedars in the front yard and he made us so tired we went to bed at 9. He's out there right now building another raised bed, which means I need to get my tail out there! Yikes!!!!

The ipad Crissy, Elf would have to get 3g service card to use, regular pick up wifi whenever she's out and about..couldn't do without internet...nope, shaking my head from side to side, perish that thought.

Glad Dave's playing in the gardens, always calming!

Spaghetti is simmering (really low so I don't burn), just washed all the upstairs floors, now off to give a spray shine, did 2 loads of wash and sun just came out, grass is a bit too wet for me to cut right now so think I'll work on a few projects until noon then outside I go...

Lordy, when you are up before the chickens you think it should be late afternoon about now, glanced at the clock and it's only 10:13 a.m.....

Called mom this morning to tell her just how wonderful she looked, got to talking, she wants that preformed pond in the ground and worked so promised if it's not raining on the 4th I'll come and do her project and bring Cathy who will work her gardens..she was pleased with that..will give her something to look forward to

While I worked at high speed so I could enjoy my day someone was resting....oh what a life!

Morning everyone! Wow, you all have been busy. Betty, glad to hear you found some seeds to start. They should be sprouting for you in no time!
Yes Mary, I have morning glories on the swing. Hopefully they will take off and fill the fishing line I have strung out?
Debbie, sure hope those hives are gone today! They are not fun. I used to get them all the time, and yes, STRESS is a nasty thing to deal with.
Passing you the bottle of Bailey's. Just relax, and don't let the surgery bother you! Once you have it done, you will be saying, now why did I stress so much!
Mary, where will you be to see the gulf coast?

Just came in from planting them LindaKay in containers, we shall see.
In one little pot and strewn on the earth near it is something growing, wonder if it could be sweat peas from last year!
Absolutely cannot believe the amount of growth this week, truly amazing!

I have been measuring the hops, vine on main about has grown 1st since Friday, no kidding, a few years ago when I started purchasing hops the nursery attendant wanted to make sure that I planted only where I wanted to cover something..only 2nd year on 2nd arbor and 1st on 3rd arbor..soon you'll not see where to get in..do need about 6
more shrubs to completely enclose so that is- project set for when they come on sale!

Was looking for something this morning and found 13 packets of seeds, about 7 of phlox..only thing the deadline for best planting was 2009..I hid them well right? Regardless planted the seeds, if they grow they grow, nothing lost at this point.

Just went and got my gardening journal that holds packets for flower seeds, think I saved some from my gardens last year so will check that out..might be some goodies.

Mom was telling me that aunt Muriel told her I was going to miss the plant sale that it was on Saturday, don't ever remember it being on the long weekend..that makes me sad, always like to support church efforts and of course get some goodies.

Guess I had better get a move on, good movie on tv, wouldn't take much for me to lay down and enoy the day like Riley was doing..kitties sure know how to live!!
Still a bit damp so will wait till later in the day to cut grass

Hi Remember me????

Just a quick checkin. Mom is still in the hospital. She had surgery on Thursday for her obstructed bowel. The obstruction was the cancer in her colon. So they took that out and reattched the colon. Today is a happy day as she got her bowels to move and then they trook the tube out of her nose. She hasn't had any real food in a long time! They'll be starting her on a clear diet, and then move her up to the real thing! YAY! She's been in the hospital since Friday the 6th.

In the mean time, my garden is a mess. What with all the water and not getting any weeds pulled....geesh...anyone want to come help?

Glad your mom is doing good. If I could get there I would help. BEV

Joyce so glad that your mom is doing ok..am sure now she can eat you'll be fattening her up. I'm sure your gardens don't mind the lack of care, they'll bloom prettier as a tribute for your nurturing your mom and dad..

I'll be passing by your doorstep Friday morning, if I knew you'd be home would drop in for five just long enough to give you a hug from all of us! Ahhh maybe pull a weed or two.

Are you still staying at your mom and dad's or have you been able the stay home a few days?

Sending hugs ...

Cookie!! You know I'd come help if I were closer! Glad your mom is doing good, and improving every day!!

Hey Cookie! So glad to see you posting. Sending prayers for a speedy recovery. Wish I was closer too! What a grand garden party we could have if everyone showed up!

Thank you all so much...when I am finally able to pull them, it will go easier thinking of the cyber help!

I've been at home the last 3 nights, but I'll be back at the folks place tonight. My brother from Indiana has been here since Surgery day and he's been staying with Dad, but he's heading back to Indy today so I'm on duty again! :o)

Dad goes on Thursday for an angiagram. Tom (DB) is coming back on Wednesday to stay with Mom while I take Dad for that .

Who knows what Friday will bring, Betty! You could swing by and say Hi to the koi!

I just might do that Joyce..glad your brother able to help relieve you..difficult when you are torn between wanting to be home and with your parents! How is hubby coping?

Clouding over, got the back yard grass cut, leaves the front and sides, am so hoping after I have a cold pepsi, wipe my brow from sweat that I'll still have energy enough to do it.

LindaKay, I'll be there friday morning, what time will you arrive?

I'll high jack Crissy when we meet up Sunday, will drop her off
For her shift..you might have to give her a ride home, ahhh am sure that LindaKay will, almost on her way home!

Betty, when are you leaving on the trip???

We have had non-stop rain since about 8:00 yesterday morning, and today the wind is picking up and temps are in low 40's. It can stop anytime!

I want to go to the Lilac Festival but no go in this weather...it is officially closed for the weekend now due to weather. Next weekend I doubt I will feel like it...but maybe.

Wouldn't that be nice! Wish we all had nothing else to do, and unlimited funds to just get up and go!

I know LInda, lately I don't have the funds to walk across the street and get the mail! Gas up here is almost $4.15 a gallon!

OUCH! It is $3.79 here.

Debbie, rain ended up just misting on saturday but late afternoon it started to pour and did so all night..actually was a sunny but damp day, wore a jacket to cut grass, all done so it can now rain..

I'm tired, wanted to get a few more blocks done but it will have to wait..

Have enough spaghetti and meatballs for you all, someone has to bring the garlic bread though..gee whiz I've cooked enough to feed at least a dozen or more..

Feel dirty and in need of a bath, no wonder my skin is dry, one in the am, then pm and when gardening somewhere in the middle.

Debbie, you have lilacs already, my leaves are just opening! Get well quickly and you can come see mine lol

As for gas, can't wait to travel in USA, a bargooon for filling up..over $5.00 here..have to figure it out..will do so after my bath

Hi All.........Just wanted to stop in for a minute,haven't felt good all weekend. Almost anything from stress to the weather can cause the fibromyalgia to flair up ~~~~

Synda,sorry you've been under the weather!
Depessing when it's nothing but rain all weekend.

Going to have spaghetti then take a pain killer, dampness causing all the bones to ache

synda, I feel for you. One of my sisters has fibro. BEV

Synda, sorry to her your fibromyalgia is flaring up. Hope your pain pills kick in soon.
Betty you need to rest, or your going to be so sore for work tomorrow.

I'm finished for the weekend LindaKay , had 1 more sewing project but no go!

Synda, what are the symptoms for fiber!

Betty ,think of the worst flu ,day after extreme workout , or someone beat you up really bad......LOL Along with these symptoms there are tender points.
I was not able to get to sleep until 6:30 - 7:00 this morning ......Today it's cold,raining and nasty,and it's like the body knows what the weather is like even if you stay inside and keep warm.
------------------------------------------------------------ This is from : http://www.webmd.com/fibromyalgia/understanding-fibromyalgia-symptoms
Symptoms of fibromyalgia include:

Chronic muscle pain, muscle spasms or tightness, weakness in the limbs, and leg cramps
Moderate or severe fatigue and decreased energy
Insomnia or waking up feeling just as tired as when you went to sleep
Stiffness upon waking or after staying in one position for too long
Difficulty remembering, concentrating, and performing simple mental tasks (“fibro fog”)
Abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and constipation alternating with diarrhea (irritable bowel syndrome)
Tension or migraine headaches
Jaw and facial tenderness
Sensitivity to one or more of the following: odors, noise, bright lights, medications, certain foods, and cold
Feeling anxious or depressed
Numbness or tingling in the face, arms, hands, legs, or feet
Increase in urinary urgency or frequency (irritable bladder)
Reduced tolerance for exercise and muscle pain after exercise
A feeling of swelling (without actual swelling) in the hands and feet
Painful menstrual periods
Dizziness
Fibromyalgia symptoms may intensify depending on the time of day -- morning, late afternoon, and evening tend to be the worst times, while 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. tends to be the best time. Symptoms may also get worse with fatigue, tension, inactivity, changes in the weather, cold or drafty conditions, overexertion, hormonal fluctuations (such as just before your period or during menopause), stress, depression, or other emotional factors.

If the condition is not diagnosed and treated early, symptoms can go on indefinitely, or they may disappear for months and then recur.

Call Your Doctor About Fibromyalgia If:

You have chronic muscle pain and overwhelming fatigue.

Omg, hit many of those key points, how terrible for those of you who are suffering with it! How on earth do you manage? Sending hugs..

Was just on the telephone with Ann, feel so helpless.
Hardest thing of course for ann is seeing Mike deteriorate like he is and yet continues to live!

Said on Friday she and mike met with the doctor, the talked to Mike about inducing him into a twilight zone, asked Mike what he thought and he said 'yes'

After the doctors left Ann was sitting quietly and Mike said, 'do you want to call the girls to be with you?' and ann said that each girl would decide for herself, then mike said 'I'm ready for the end, what time do you think the'll come with the needle to end it?'

Ann then realized Mike did not understand what they asked him, he actually thought he was getting a needle to end his life. Ann explained that it would be illegal for them to do so!! mike said he wanted the pain to end and why couldn't they??

Ann is at home tonight, absolutely drained, said she wanted to drop in tonigh bu didn't want me to have to listen and hear her cry!

While the girls stayed with their dad Ann got to stay home yesterday..went out in the gardens and worked in the rain, said she wasn't sure which was worse, tears or rain.

She wants the Lord to take him tonight..may he do so!
Now there is a prayer that needs answering!

Betty coping with this is like hitting a home run (don't get me wrong I hate this ,and sometimes get the poor me's) but compared to what Tubby and Shirley have gone through (and dear Shirley still trying to cope with the loss) and Mike and Ann have to endured . ((((((((( HUGS ))))))) To them ALL !!!!!!!

Thanks Synda, all our medical concerns are worthy of mention and kind words from friends.....

Let's hope you get a good night sleep with no aches/ pains.
Had time today Synda to put a little project into your swap box which by the way will be mailed Thursday..am not normally behind but am on this one!

Sleep is always an issue......LOL , And Thank You !
No problem at all Betty as for the swap ...........I am beyond happy that you got my name ( you should of seen me doin' the happy dance )........ makes me giddy !!!!!!!!
Now trying to get things together for the RWB Swap..........LOL !

Going to go lie down for a bit........I'm sure I'll be back ~~~~ LOL

hello everyone!!

We just returned from the cottage.

Left on Friday afternoon, it was Steve's 50th birthday and he wanted to go to spend the weekend in Wisconsin...
So packed us up and away we drove in pouring down rain!!!. Kids all came. They arrived by 2:00 A.M...I awoke at 3 and we stayed up until
daybreak. Saturday, Steve, Jake, his buddy and I went to a neighboring town and garage saled, flea marketed and antiqueing for the day.
got some great deals and nice decorations for the cottage...weather was cloudy, windy and cold, but we had a ball. Today, was nice and sunny but very windy coming off the lake, brrr.

Saturday night we went to our favorite hangout Buffalo lake lodge, had a great meal, the kids left and Steve and i stayed for quite a while.
We had a really nice time. And I think DH really loved all the getting old attention!! LOL and He should...Ackk, playtime over, had to srive back another hour, kids got a flat and can't get the spare out, said it's rusted, sooo off to the rescue Dad went and not too happy about it either...Poor guy, just wanted to watch the Bulls game and relax.

And as I was typing with one hand cuz birdie missed us so much, she hasn't left me, awe, feel so loved, she's on my finger, burrowed into my hoodie, to get warm and now hanging on to back of my neck...lol keeps asking for a kiss and making kissie sound, too cute.
Gave her some apple and she is just as happy as can be.

Jake took off pretty much within 10 minutes of being home and once again, I'm all alone, sigh.

Debbie, how did the surgery go??

Looks like you all had some great conversation.

Joyce, was so glad to see you post!! Glad your mom's surgery went well. You sure have had your hands full, but was happy to see brother came to help out too.

Betty!! My goodness, you sure did alot, was getting tired reading all you did...HD used Behr Paint.
LOL on the chair and table. Well I am a glutton for punishment, I guess purchased an old Spring Rocker for 5 bucks!! ROFLOL it is going to be a ton of work restoring it, but MG, was so excited to find it! OH GOSH, sure glad to hear Mom is doing so much better!

Kris, Jadain is absolutley adorable!! Yikes on Ralphs job transfer

OMG, DH just called, he is livid, kids are at a different Oasis further away then what he was told...Not a happy camper at all.

So I guess, i better go find something to eat, lol was trying to wait but they are going to be several hours.


Sure hope you all had a great weekend, in between the rains, yikes it's freezing here!!

Judy, wish Steve a Happy Birthday from me! I turned 50 last summer and I can so relate! Sure hope it all goes well with the kids tonight...sounds like my DD with her car issues. It is NON stop!

Judy, my surgery is this Tuesday. Can't wait for it to be over, I had horriific hives last night...benedryl, baking soda bath...and deep breathing!

So many have been thru so much, ...and knowing what my daughter has gone through and being with her for EVER procedure...I have NO reason to complain. But then again, maybe that is why I am such a nervous wreck! I was always the comforter/caregiver/support...and now I am the patient.

Freezing here. Had to move all my plants up next to the house under the porch....not supposed to warm up for a few days, and rain througout the week.

Well, waiting for DS to get home from Boston....the buses are about 15 minutes away I think if my estimates are right!

I will most likely be back!
Debbie

OH Betty, Hardest kind of Prayer.
Keeping Ann and Mike in my thoughts and prayers tonight...

Synda, i hope you get in a good nights rest. I had a friend who suffered from Fibro, Sending you some major, gentle arm wraps.

Holly! Wow, i just love your garden photos, so, so beautiful!!

Wow, Linda Kay, what a great way to use an old swing frame, very clever...
How are your fingers?? Did you get to see specialist yet?

LOL, I keep going back to read..so might be posting many times!

OH, Yes!! Mary, we chose Breenie's Prom dress!! OMG it's elegantly gorgeous!! Fit's her like it was Made for her speciffically!! MY gosh what luck, The only thing they need to alter is the straps and close the front just a touch, it's a tad too low cut for her...and me!
We need to get her shoes and some sort of wrap...She looks just like a princess! I told her she will be wearing it for every occasion, it was pretty pricey, but we got them to bring the price down a little bit...haha, I'e been showing everyone, except the boyfriend!! She said she wanted hime to be surprised and that he will!!

Betty, yep, We are waiting for final grades, with the issues she was having, her grades fell way down!! So graduating is in question. But she promises she has been working hard to get them back to passing, lets just pray she does...

And, well i can't go into detail, but i will tell you I was very sad for a couple of days...a different issue, but it will be ok...

lol, back to reading!

Sorry been MIA for days (May 10th...... has it been THAT long?!?!?!)

News - my DH lost his job on Friday the 13th. They fired 3 out of 5 people in the company in Calgary, from Head Office in Edmonton.
Seems they wanted to get rid of the warehouse manager (disgruntled employee, after 13 years), and the Salesman. As my DH works in the warehouse (shipper/receiver) they figured he followed along with the attitude of the warehouse manager and got rid of all 3 of 'em.
I'm here to say that my DH is a "company man" and if it's good for the company he would do it. There was no need to fire him, and the accountant agrees. She's the one who goes to our church and got him the job 2 1/2 yrs ago, in the first place. She thinks he got "shafted". He would no more be disgruntled than the kindest of men - he is a very gentle, soft-spoken man, and put his heart and soul into the company. There was no need to let him go....
He doesn't understand what's happened, and he's trying to realize he doesn't have a job to go to on Monday....... He keeps saying things like "that's one of our clients" or "if we bought that house, it wouldn't be far for me to go to work". I just look at him and wait for him to realize what he just said. Please say prayers for my DH to get another, good, job soon. He's 61, and it's not an easy task to get a new job at this age.

Morning, heavy sky and off/on drizzle..gee whiz Louise it can stop any any time!

Can't believe, put my head down last night and slept like a rock, alarm went off and I sooo could have stayed in bed. Perhaps the pain killer had something to do about it! Lol

Susan, see how I didn't say "good morning" omg that certainly is not good news!!! Bad decision on company's part I say.. Knowing from your personal experience of being unemployed you'll know the downs he'll go through. He has experience truck driving, could he revert to that? Feel so badly for him! Just don't know what to say Susan!

Judy pass on a smooch for that birthday boy! When will you find out about Breenie graduating..been a hard ear for her, let's hope they consider her past performance, it would be devastating for her.

Glad you enjoyed your cottage weekend, now what were the treasures found at garage sales..with all the weekend rain of late the garage sales here have been cancelled.

Debbie you asked what day I'm leaving..Thursday after work, bad time with night traffic at 5pm but what can you do...still not sure if we'll cross over at Lewiston or at Detroit! What time do you have to be at the hospital? Enjoy being a patient...you deserve special attention!

LindaKay, morning glories not up yet? Lol

Best I get a move on, noticed I didn't clean back of vehicle after doing my bush excursion..

Be back when I get to work..