Best/Worse/What did I learn today-Chat with friends

We've come from here....


http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/1227159/

Thread was getting a little long, now that halloween is behind us many of us will be decorating for Santa..special wave to Santa Warren who provided us with our Christmas buddy's name...

And here we are, excited as can be....

Dianne
Betty
Bev
LindaKay
Laura
Mary
Suse
Thea
Debbie
Judy
Thunder
Crissy
Liz
Barb
Shirley
Janice
Susan

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Crissy...pass the cake around..lol all in need of sweets

As Barb just posted on the previous thread an update on her health and the thread getting difficult to access for some I thought I would move it over


Barb Wrote:

And how are you feeling today Betty? How is the arm doing? Knowing how much you want to do this time of year, I wish I were still there to help. I can't paint for you but I could sew for you or crochet or clean up for you as you paint.
Today I am doing well and I guess it's time I let out the story of why I've been quiet lately. About 6 weeks ago I was getting pains just under my right breast. I went and saw my doctor and she thought it was a gall bladder problem. I was sent for an ultrasound. It showed that I had nothing wrong with the gall bladder but that I had an enlarged bile duct and what looked like a cyst on my liver. The radiologist who read the ultrasound felt it would be better to have a CT scan to get a clearer picture of what was going on. So I had a CT scan. This clearly showed what the ultrasound had shown. However, when doing this scan they caught the lower portion of my left lung and there was a nodule there. Since I have COPD, anything concerned with my breathing takes precedence so it was decided that a CT scan of the lungs should be done. So back I went and had that scan. The doctor's report was that it showed several nodules in the left lung and that her recommendation was to see a thoracic surgeon. So copies were made of the scans and I saw him yesterday. After viewing the scans, he told me that I had two issues. The nodules in the lung and the mass in the digestive track. He said he really feels the nodules are signs of infection and NOT cancerous. A big sigh of relief here!!!! of course he told me that he cannot be sure of course without a biopsy which he hesitates to do right now due to my breathing issues. So I now have a two-step plan of attack. One will be to have a PET scan which is today's greatest tool for detecting cancer cells. This is what Norm has two times a year. Also, to set up an appointment with the gastroenterologist to find out just what is going on in my digestive track. I get very uncomfortable but it is sporadic and I never know when it is going to hit. It's like indigestion on a big scale. So I go on from here.

I may not post as often as I have in the past and it's only because I have so much I'm trying to get done. I don't know if surgery is in my immediate future or not so I want as much done as possible. I will ask for your prayers if I may. I truly believe God hears them. And I thank you all for your concern - there is no finer group of people anywhere.
Love to you all, Barb


And to our Debbie, glad those tossies are moving and you are improving daily!!!

Thanks for the new thread Betty!

Debbie, heart goes out to you..not an easy thing to deal with, watching them scratch and scrath..what seemed to help with Sailor along with the flea meds is giving her a benedryl in the morning and one at night..she seemed to sleep more but didn't itch. yuk..they are sooo raw.

Got to tell you as much as I love dogs, Sailor is my last..don't want to go through the heartbreak!!!

Are you sewing today LindaKay, Christmas is coming you know...

Barb you and Norm are in my prayers and sending gentle hugs.
Crissy HAPPY BIRTHDAY . Hope you enjoy your day.
LK that cake looks great.
Lucky me caught the kids cold. Think a nap is in order.

Betty, that quilt is coming right along and so very pretyy. And to think you did three of them!!! I'm impressed.....
So sorry to hear about all the furries having these problems. Surely the vets have figured out something to help them. I know one of the sysmptoms of a digestive problem is itching believe it or not!!! It is one of my symptoms as well. It can drive you right out of your mind at times. The benedryl is a big help....

Yes, I am sewing, I am working on making a lap quilt for myself. I have many Christmas blocks from all the swaps, as well as blue and white. Just can't decide which to do first! I am making teal and brown quilt squares for a swap on facebook, donating to an ovarian cancer awareness group.

Laura, sorry your not doing well. Take that nap, and get plenty of rest!

LindaKay/Barb I'm finishing these 3 and with the blocks I've received and going to do the same way ...excited about that!

BIG HUGS (((((((((((((((((((Barb)))))))))))))))))))))
Happy Birthday Crissy ♪♫♪ ♪ ♪♫ Hope you get to spend some of your day doing something you love !!!
Betty, did you get those pills?? taking meds sucks I know, but consider myself very lucky, only have two prescriptions I have to take every day!!
Laura, hugs, and hope y"all feel better soon
Katie, hope dr visit goes well..and safe travels back home!!
Maybe I will work on my Christmas swap blocks today, making a quilt for me!! with them...as usual, I am having a hard time deciding on placements of blocks.......keep wondering if I should turn to only putting the blocks from same swap together??? but then I would have to either do a few large borders, or lots of smaller ones, so it would be big enough for my bed......If I put the different swaps together , It will fit my bed without too many borders???? If I did separate swaps I could do two quilts and a lap throw???

decisions...decisions....**sigh**

it seems it is going to be a lovely day, Dave just said, Maybe we should go for a walk in a little while!!! that means he is finally feeling better after all of his testing!!

so we will go for a walk, either around the neighborhood, or drive over to the park and walk there!! and I will sew around that....laundry in between. Dr's told him he has to quit picking up basket full of clothes!! should not be bending and lifting!! those positions are not good!!! so now we (son / I ) carry the basket of clothes out to the garage for him, and then we carry the load of clothes back in, then hubs stands at the dining table and folds!! of all the things there are to do as far as house work goes....He likes to fold laundry!!! and I don't mind washing dishes, but I don't like to dry!!

got to call Momma and see if they have power yet?? she is at my sisters, staying warm via the wood stove!! spoke to them yesterday, they said many roads are still closed, blocked by fallen trees, and power lines!! takes three times the usual time to get anywhere...for all the zig zagging they have to to to go around closed roads!! stores (that are open) only allowing 1 person at a time in, and you must have cash!!!

Y'all have a great day...

They are playing Christmas carols in Walmart today. I found some Halloween stuff which the kids will enjoy at Christmas time. I also go foam for Tony's daughter Barbara, at her request. She is 13 and she wrote a note listing what she wanted in both Spanish and English. Then she added a thank you note in English. Needless to day, I got her lots of foam. Couldn't find the mold she wanted. Walmart's craft and sewing area is gradually disappearing.

Thinking of all of you. especially with medical stuff going on. I looked over my test results from blood and urine tests done the other day and I think a couple of things have improved. I know I am feeling less depressed.

While I think of it, we use the tires to hold rocks for paths and dirt for both flat gardening and terracing. Some of the, we remove one sidewall which makes it much harder to turn inside out than if both are removed. Tony and I do it together. Eventually spreading and draping plants like rosemary cover the tires. They are so much help in keeping soil in place and rocks in the paths that I don't mind the appearance.

I found a lot of nice Christmas fabric at one of the thrift shops. Got to stop shopping. Although I will be looking at what may be my new vehicle tomorrow.

hugs all around. big ones. katie

Thunder, wonderful that Dave feels well enough today to go walking..sewing can wait, go enjoy yourself!

Between you and Barb and LindaKay you've got me antsy to start playing with my block..guess the hardest is trying to determine how to set them on a quilt..I've got my blocks from last year and this year..have you done the same?
When I was to ill to do much everything I needed was on main level except for laundry room..laundry room was right under the entrance way so Roger had a seating bench made..when you lifted the seat it was divided in 2..one for spare hats/gloves etc and the other a hole cut in the floor to make a chute ..simply had to throw laundry down and it was in a box right next to washer..worked well.

thunder where does your mom live again? wow how do they survive without heat even for these past few days..she'll be having pneumonia

Katie, you sound happy today, am hoping you get the van then you will not worry with so much travelling..great buys..ohhh we need to see the Christmas Fabric, can never have too much of that..just as the girls lol
when do you start back?

Thunder, you mentioned 'mom' here goes another saga
I went to Buffalo with Sharon 2 Saturdays ago,we invited her but she said it's bad news when the two of us are with her, that we don't treat her nicely, I didn't tell her about this weekend re Hamburg N.Y. craft show, there would be hell to be paid, she knows I'm going next weekend with 3 other women who are shop a holics, even look what stores are open 24 hrs. so they can shop/shop/shop..you've met these girls Debbie..lol - it's doubtful I can keep up this year let alone her.She called Sharon last night to complain about me, said she was very hurt that I did not ask her to come with us..dah she can barely walk.
Sharon tried to reason with her, told her I'm taking her 1st weekend in Dec. and to the Casino and Craft show in Hamburg plus any other store she wants to shop at and that I like having 1 on 1 time with her, she said 'right!'
then she told Sharon I couldn't afford it??? where is that coming from..hey lady, I'm not the one who spent $14K on a dog these past few months..how does she know I can't afford it..this lady has absolutely NO CLUE..wouldn't take her if I couldn't affort it..PLEASE someone adopt my mom!! lol Anyone up to it?

Saying big prayers for you Barb. Happy Birthday Crissy. I am not keeping up good. What's new huh!!! Love to all Bev

Bev, loved how the petals have a fringe..no need to keep up, you just drop in and let us know you are doing ok!!

Hi y'all!
Happy birthday Crissy! Hope it's been a good day so far!

Barb, so sorry ... sending lots of prayers your way today.

Betty, still sending prayers to you. Please do take it easy. I know how you love your crafting, but be careful.

Debbie, Moses has to take Zertec .. the 24 hr one. The vet said if that didn't work to do the Benadryl. Try one of those if you haven't already. Hugs! I hope Paul gets adjusted to the drops. my DH is still on them ... but finally did. He's down to nights. ☺

Mary, glad you're enjoying the books. I want Nicalus Sparks new one ... I've heard it's very good.

Hello Dianne and Santa Warren ... Sending prayers and many hugs. Thinking about both of you as I plan my box ... evil grin

Okay, ~ing to everyone else. Off to see if I can make a Pumpkin Spice Latte. I found a recipe I'm tweeking ... ☺

Mouth watering Suse, you willhave to share to recipe..reminds me have the pumpkins on front deck that need to be disposed of..do you use fresh pumpkin or spices??? usually love everything pumpkin so bet it would be neat tasting..

Can't stop yawning..had thought after I get my hair cut tonight to accomplish much, think I will pick up groceries so Cathy has something to eat while she sits with the furries, pack a light bag and to bed I go..dreary day out there, perhaps that is what is doing it!!

Betty, I'm using canned pumpkin ... not pumkin pie ... though. It's good, but it could be richer. I'm using part Splenda and part sugar ... also 2%milk instead of cream, but it ain't half bad. ☺ I have a latte machine but will post the recipe.

Okay, here's the original one.

http://www.sweethappylife.com/2011/easy-family-recipes/homemade-pumpkin-spice-latte-recipe/

This is not what I did but where I got my idea from.


Pumpkin Spice Syrup for Homemade Pumpkin Spice Lattes

1/3 cup pumpkin puree (fresh or canned)
1 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/4 cups water
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally to keep syrup from burning.
Let mixture cook together until it becomes syrup-y and begins to coat the spoon (for about 10-15 minutes), then remove from heat.

Refrigerate in a heat-proof container. The syrup will thicken a bit in the refrigerator, but will become syrup-y again when heated.

To make pumpkin spice latte, heat syrup with milk (about 2 cups of milk and 2-3 tablespoons of syrup, depending on how much milk or creamer you want to use and how pumpkin-y sweet you want your latte. I usually use about 2 tablespoons syrup + 2-3 tablespoons of heavy cream to cut down on the sugar.). Pour into a blender or whisk until frothy, for about ten seconds (to make it thick and prevent the pumpkin from settling on the bottom). Pour into cup and stir in about 1/2 cup or more of strong, hot coffee.Top with whipped cream, a swirl of caramel sauce, and a sprinkle of cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, or nutmeg. Enjoy!

***

Now what I did ...
When I opened my pumpkin I thought, might as well use the whole thing ... so that got me improvising from the beginning. LOL I had to add enough water to make it syrupy so added approximately half a cup to a cup but didn't measure. I think you can just add it slow. Then I added 1/4 Splenda and 1/4 sugar, but those of you who don't like Splenda just use sugar. You're making a syrup mixture so make it sweet. I didn't use vanilla because I knew I was using the carmmel sauce at the end. Then add your spices. Add those to your liking. I happen to like nutmeg. I used that one a bit heavy and topped mine with it. When I built my coffee, I put 2 tbs pumpkin syrup in the bottom of my cup, added my strong coffee, stirred, added my frothed milk, drizzled a tbs of carmmel sauce over the top, added a bit of whipped
cream and sprinkled it with the nutmeg. Yum! In fact, it's all gone while I typed this ... ☺

I hope that all makes sense.

This message was edited Nov 3, 2011 5:47 PM

YUM Suse ! I can even smell it ! I've read some Sparks...but not too crazy about him... loving Shanghai girls... thought of you at the nursery yesterday...saw that Sweet Almond bush and almost bought it... but TOO many plants now from the swap to fool with....

HUGE HUGS and Prayers going out to you Barb... we are there with you...
Same to Deb for furries... it's so difficult ... and Betty for Sailor...Laura's cold ....Dianne and Santa Warren....
Susan - thank you for my Prayers back... :o)
Thunder I like folding clothes too (shh... don't tell because I do complain about having to do it)... Where is your Mom ... is she near Barb's snow? Heard a lot about Barbs weather on the news but not other parts...
Katie - you sound happy... makes me smile... New Car - YAY! What is the Foam for ?
Betty - others have said that to me RE: my boss but I can't fathom it. God bless you for dealing with that Mom of yours... this is what my girls are now learning to deal with... with bio-Mom....

CRISSY ! HBD2U....HBD2U....HBD...Dear Crissy ♪♫♪♫...tell us how you are celebrating... News needed please !
Who has Whirligig !?

Bev - Please do something good for Bev today (stole that from Dianne)
Love your bloom.... I have one for you all....

This is "Bon Temps" from our local Dupont Nurseries Cajun Hibiscus....
Of course you know it means "Good Times"... so I'm wishing all you friends Better times... along with prayers...
It has bloomed for me only twice this year ...today was the second time.......

(HUGS)
Mary

My Momma is in Massachusetts. power came back today at her house so she went home this afternoon. My sister still does not have power, but they got it back where she works, so she will stay home , and go to work tomorrow!!

Evening all,made it to the nightnshift..almost didn't, was in bed by 7:30' finding it a trek getting downstairs so left the lights on, heard banging, was Kyle, he thought I was sewing. Lol. He was all wound up tonight, gabby/gabby! Told me Noah was playing soccer today, hurt his foot, teacher told him to suck it up..hmmm Melanie took him to the hospital, Noah now wearing a cast..then excited about mom and dad purchasing a closed in gazebo for the hot tub..said it was hard concentrating on school work..seems those computer babies given for parenting class were crying half way through the entire class..lol. He's so dramatic at times!

Suse, thanks for posting the recipe, bet it's a treat to drink..don't have a latte machine, think somehow I could convert it to use with regular coffee..ingredients are much the same
As used for pie mixture.

Mary, Bon temps is spectacular! You have no idea how thrilled I am to hear the step daughters are now spending quality time with you and realizing you are indeed the mother figure in their lives.
Now if we could get your boss on-line life would be so much easier for you.

Well, off to try and sleep, need to be up early tomorrow as Suzanne will drive me to work tomorrow and the girls will pick me up after work for buffalo..should have packed my bags but didn't, now I'll be rushing around in the mornimg...

Hope your day was special..night night

Wonderful Thunder, am sure you were worried about her..east coast sure have been having Mother Nature throwing the elements at them..wonder if at least all the snow has melted?

Happy Birthday Crissy!! That cake LK posted looks good enough to eat. Did you go out for dinner to celebrate your BD?

Gorgeous day here today until about 4 pm. The temp dropped drastically and the sky became quite cloudy. No rain yet but it could by the looks of the sky.

Dianne

Betty - Love Kyle... interesting a Parenting class ! I suppose Noah's teacher needs to provide an apology ! Hope you have a wonderful and fun weekend and can check in with us on your Ipad...
Yes- DSD1 especially... their bio mom is telling her it is her fault that her dad, their Grandpa died (last week)... it's horrible what she does to those girls... DSD2 is still in the house and not yet come around but it's getting better to deal with her.

DSD1 has said some things lately that I never thought but always dreamed I would hear....

Yay - the "bosses" were gone Wed-Fri this week so it has been a good week. They went to Alabama for LSU game this Sat...which is a Huge deal around here... Superbowl Proportions...

(HUGS)) Dianne... we had the opposite... rain early morning then a bright sunny day... hope to go for our morning walk tomorrow.... I really need to clear my head.... How are the furries?

Yay - Tomorrow is Friday. Homecoming this weekend. Saturday will be the last night... of about 5 years or so... that kiddos will come take pictures in the back yard... will try to get DS to clean up tomorrow.... I'm VERY disappointed in him today and he knows it...

(HUGS))
Mary

Goodmorning to all.
Yep up early
Coffee is on.
Betty enjoy your trip be safe.
Mary nice break that the bosses were gone for a few days.
So upset last Sunday the football team I like to watch was not broadcasted on cable/dish.
But for $44.95 we could watch the game. Not happening when we pay so much for cable/dish already.
I remember when we had rabbit ears only got a couple of channels but alway found football.
Ok just needed to get that of my chest.
To all have a great day.......TGIF

Early mornimg to you Laura, how are you all doing?? Children back to school? Bet you are missing planning trips with the trailer. You have to love football to pay that amount of money for zone night, yikes you could buy a ticket to watch for not much more.

Mary I'm sure your high schools have same..computerized bracelet for student which monitors the participants actions i.e. Parenting ..baby does everything a real baby does, after the two weeks the computer chip is out into main computer to see if you tended the baby when it cried, played when it wanted to plat, fed it when it wanted to be fed..all those thing we did whe we had babies..if they did not, points are taken off and low grades give,

Kyle said one of the young girls in his class is pregnant and didn't seem impressed with having to tend to the babies needs, he wondered what would become of the child..good experience for youth.

Looking at the clock, ride to work coming early so best I run..still packing. Lol

Good Morning!

Belated Happy Birthday Crissy!! Hope you had a lovely day. Wish you many more to come and may each one be more memoriable than the last.

Prayers and thoughts are with you Barb. You are always in my heart, thoughts and prayers.

Just a quick note as I've been swamped with helping with my Mom. I'm headed up there to stay with her while my sis goes home to get some of her personal belongings. We moved the two of them into a townhouse. Mom won't be going to a NH if we can do anything about it. She was in the hospital for 9 days from the poor care she got at the last NH.

Still have to finish a few things up outside before we get the white stuff. Still trying to find a job.

Chat later and you all have a wonderful day and will check back in when I get back home. God Bless you ALL!

Shirley

Mary I am ready for that walk, are you? All kitted out now for the elements plus I have a new walking cane. It has a LED light on it so we can't possibly get verrrrry lost. Furries are good. Quill has been quiet actually too quiet - I think she is pouting because she has to wear that ridiculous on her head. Thank you for asking.

Safe travels this weekend Betty.Is this the weekend of the craftshow in Hamburg? If it is have a blast!!

Gotta go DH needs help getting out of bed. BBL
Dianne

Morning everyone! Laura your up really early! Thanks for the coffee!

Betty, hope you have a great trip across the border!

Dianne, sounds like you got a nice cane with a light on it? Have a safe walk.

Shirley, nice to see you pop in again! Sorry to hear your Mom had to spend 9 days in the hospital!

Here I is, didn't bring anything to work on, thought I'd relax before I shuffle off to Buffalo, already 1/2 hr. into my day and I'm bored .. see that I left a bag of wool here left from mom's crochet afghan and about 20 left over squares, I'm thinking perhaps I should just crochet and make something with them..none of my family have afghans from last year but I'm sure I could find a recipient!

Shirley, glad that your mom and sister will be living in a townhouse, lot less worrysome for you both. Some nursing homes are not up to par and it's terrible having family members in them. Glad you are almost done winterizing and do hope a job comes quickly..is there not a great need for nurses in your neck of the woods? You are not wanting to work full time right?

Dianne, is the cane with light something you put together or it's purchased? Sounds like it is a needed thing for early morning walks, never know what you can encounter in the woods. Time to let the car idle in the morning, mega ice on the windshield.

The cane I purchased from Bits and Pieces online. It is basically a hiking cane but will certainly suit my uses.I can hardly wait to try it out.

Drive safe Betty!

Good Morning!

Crissy...Happy Happy Birthday, yikes, know I'm late, although never too late to Celebrate your Birthday!...But I hope your day was a Great one!!

Barbara, My Arms were flying around you this morning as I read of your news. Also, Prayers of Thanks, those nodes are NOT cancerous! Now continue to Pray hard, they can determine whats causing the digestive issues and fix them! In the meantime, I hope you will be able to get all your projects worked on. Probably a great way to keep mind off things, especially since you love to sew and craft, So wishing I was there to give Giant, Gentle, Arm Wraps my friend.

Betty, My goodness, I am not too useful on the way of Antidepressants, but sure learned quite a bit from everyone's knowledge.
But, the pain you have described kind of reminds me of the pain i was having, unless I read wrong. I'm sorry the Doc, wasn't very helpful, but he should send you to a specialist. You may have a hidden something hitting a nerve, which will need to be removed...Mine, was some cyst, I had "dealt" with the pain until, I couldn't even hold a pot of coffee! At first doc said it was from tendanitous, Finally told to see a specialist and found this cyst in my armpit, was rubbing against some nerves!! Does your arm hurt to even rub it up and down?? Would have it checked further, please...Wow, nice quilt!! Oh gosh about mom. I hope the Hamburg shopping gets figured out. Ohh, I missed that it was this weekend you are coming across the boarder, You have safe travels and lots of fun!!
Holy Maccerolies, that is one Large Scarecrow!! I hope some one will come and help you put him up!!
...So I have spent a couple of days clearing out my Craft area!! OMG, it was Soooo bad, I couldn't think straight any more, Ha but now it's so clean and begging for a project, (well, not really,) I've got unfinished things going on, LOL, but wondering if you have decided on the Annual Workshop project??

Mary, Wish i could slap that boss silly!! How in the world can she not be understanding?! When i was in charge of a few workers, my gosh, Their health, so came first! I mean how can an ill employee do what they are suppose to? She should be very Glad you are on top of getting it cleared...OH Man so Wrapping arms around you, can't believe how long it takes to get whooping cough cleared up, But i sure hope it does clear up Very soon!! Like now!!! Hear that WC, go away and leave our girl alone...
Well, glad your DD1 is coming around...I am sure that just makes your heart sing. As far as the other one, well she will "see" what the mom is doing.

Waiving Hiya Bev, think about you all the time. Also, keep you in the prayers...Oh My Goodness, Puffy is just so adorable!! Wow, what beautiful Green eyes...Sure glad he and Powder get along.

Debbie, How are you today? Hope some more toes are wiggling! Glad Paul is healing well too...

Thunder, Waiving howdy!! I hope you and Dave have a wonderful walk...So very glad he is feeling better. Awe, Saw your Grand Baby on another Thread, What a little Beauty. Was thinking about you too and Momma yesterday. So glad her heat is back on and i hope your sisters get back very soon too. But glad they were able to find warmth together.

Laura, Wow, your Door/Coat rack is sure coming along nicely!! Beautiful color.

Lets, see...missing someone, will come to me!

So, I was at the other house, We are making ready for Brit to move in, maybe two weeks. So, I am cleaning the 2 rooms she will occupy. Ick how gross! the people lived there for 3 years, I don't think they ever cleaned!
Speaking of the house, Thank you all fr the encouragement. Whew, still knocking out weeds and making plans for beds. Betty, you hit the idea right on the head!!
Actually we just had a paving guy come...The area is to be the front Door. DH is having a front, porch of stone made there. Right now, behind that wall is what would be a small dining area. It's going to be the foyer, with a small powder room, and a Coat closet. Then one could walk in either direction, to the left a giant Living area, to the right kitchen and straight the "mud"/laundry room...Oh and that Window is to be replaced, 3 people have now donked themselves in the head, so it's got to go!

Yikes, been typing forever...
Here's my nice clean craft area!! Ok, so on the piano, has been my memorial Gallery. Frames take up a tom of room, so I am making a Wall Frame. That's the frame on the back. But Actually I am scaling down the size to about half, so it won't be so gigantic, The project on table it just for layout, goal to have it complete by Thanksgiving...We are having TG, which is another reason I've been cleaning like mad!

Ok, have to run for a bit,
Enjoy the Day!

Judy, do you ever stop working or cleaning? LOL!
Love your room!

Thank you everyone for the birthday wishes!!!! I worked yesterday so blah, but last night Dave took me to Osaka Japanese Restaurant and we had a wonderful time!!

Barb thinking about you and hoping this is all something simple that can easily be cleared up.

Betty have fun!!

Shirley so sorry you're mom's been in the hospital, big hugs sweetie!

Dianne those canes are so neat, glad you got one. LOL Quill pouting. Hope DH feels better this morning.

crissy, very late birthday wishes. Hope you had a good one and DH didn't try yelling at you,

Betty, my mother was mad at me for thirty years, until she needed help and the rest of the family and friends all just got greedy. Our relationship was good at the time of her death but I am still recovering (it was 16 years ago).

My doctor's appointment went well. Really well. Good test results on diabetes stuff and I've lost twenty pounds. Doctor happy with me. Got a shot of cortozone in my right shoulder. Betty, your doctor should do this - it relieves the pain. My doctor also agreed that throwing a fit might help. I had my shoulder x-rayed about a month ago just to see if they could find a cause. They didn't but I'm glad I had it done. Do not be put off by a "duh" doctor.

I had one of those nights when I went to sleep early, slept for five hours, couldn't get back to sleep, finally slept for a couple more hours.

It's going to rain here and my van leaks like a sieve. Dang.

more soon. Mail place is closed Sunday and I'm going to see the van tomorrow but I'll be back.

hugs, katie

Hi gang ...
Katie ... I'm so glad you got that shot. It *really worked for me, also. Have a safe trip home, and woohoo on those lost pounds and good Dr report!.

Betty, hope you're having fun by now. Per the coffee question, just make it twice as strong in your coffee pot and go for it. You can purchase the pumpkin spice syrup on Amazon ... I just wanted to try out a recipe. ☺

Debbie, yea on your good news today.

Barb sending hugs and prayers your way today.

Shirley, so sorry about your Mom. Hope things work out for her.

Judy, the house sounds beautiful.

Dianne, what a neat idea about the cane! Now you won't be wandering out there in the woods. LOL

Laura, thanks for always putting the coffee on. I usually snag a cup even though I don't have time to post in the a.m..

Mary, glad your boss is giving you a bit of a break. LOL Maybe you won't need the 2X4 afterall?

Okay, seems the dryer knows my name today ...

Busy morning here, wanted to come and chat and instead I had to work..about 1/2 hr. ago I'm thinking about how the day has gone quickly and the girls will be here around 2:30 then a thought came to me, Suzanne is in Toronto, she gave me a ride in this morning and as I hung my keys up in the kitchen after going out to get the gps I wondered would I need them, seems I do otherwise who will lock the office door....

Quick call to Darlene, she went over let Sailor out, found after looking in 3 bags my ipad charger and got the keys..then she was going to Ann's to pick her up..seems Ann was in a quandry, she had just picked up her prescriptions the day that her SIL died and has absolutely no clue as to where they are, had to call the dr. back and have them re-ordered so Darlene thought that Ann should be back by 1:30 and would head my way.

At lunch time I switch the telephones over to my niece Cindy in the Penetang office, normally she e-mails me when they are back from lunch and then I switch the phones, on Friday because we close early we only take 1/2 lunch, so far NO call, but that is ok because I'll call her at 2:30 and say I'm taking my half hour lunch and off we shuffle off to Buffalo..hope it works, gives us 1/2 hr. head start hoping to miss Toronto traffic.

So that's my morning..

Judy, Judy I can see a few Betty things in that room lol
You did do a clean up job, if you are like me when crafting it will take no longer than a few hours to be kaos.
Can't wait to see the renovations progress; you've been one busy lady with this project. Is the cottage winterized now?

Suse, I'm sure a lot of coffee shops that I'll see along route to Hamburg might have the syrup you speak of, certainly going to try...had another white chocolate from Timmies, sure hits the spot..wonder if they are now selling it in USA..will have to check that out. Am sooo looking forward to the craft show..need some ideas on Christmas projects..my family would surely think I am sick if I didn't have our annual workshop..Debbie, hoping the girls take you and that somewhere amongst the crowd I see those beautiful blue eyes and soft voice..you just know I'll be looking.

Katie, sure am hoping that there is a van waiting for you..don't like the idea of your van leaking when it rains..that's not good. Nice that the doctor had good news.

Crissy, glad you enjoyed your special day! we all had a piece of LindaKay's cake to celebrate..feeling the extra pounds today.

Gab with you later on your side of the border..

Oh Katie, the yelling is OVER! There will be no more of that, period, he yells, he's out. I understand fights and arguments happen but yelling for no reason is a big no no.

Judy!! Love the room!!! Big hugs girl!!!

Gots to go again!

Grrrr! I forgot to mark the thread and lost you!

Hello everyone, we left barrie at 2:30 , 10 minute wait at customs, that was great, we went out for dinner, out to Kohls, girls got great deals on Christmas gifts, went to a nursery that is like frankenmuth, loved their Christmas trees, ornaments etc. Was sooo lit up..must have been 30 trees done in different styles...then off to Christmas store..now back in our rooms with Timmy coffee and white chocolate for me..everyone is chatting so off I go...enjoy your evening