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

Hello To All ! Susan - will have to google the Flanders Field poem... Judy - I can imagine hard to head to another place that will need cleaning up...but sometimes just good to get away yea ?
Had some reservations about heading out for the weekend too but as with you I know it will be good for me...and hubs.....

Katie - hope you feel better, and good for you...make that crook pay. ((HUGS)) Dianne... must be hard to let go of such a long standing tradition. SHAME on that DR... no one should wait so long... horrible...
SO Glad you have your new bedroom. Furniture co. may just leave the wrong color armoire... we had that happen once.... still have both...
Laura - my prayers for your Brother.. hope they find out the cause....
Betty I Can't believe all that white stuff ya'll have !
Suse those lemons are HUGE !

Thunder - ((HUGS)) For your sailor and soldier... and THANK YOU To Veterans everywhere..
Dad was career Air Force...
Hubs and I are headed to party in New Orleans tomorrow through Monday... I'll bring ya'll with me as usual... but if I'm MIA on here you'll know why...

I'll pop back in a bit... ((HUGS))
Mary

Mary you cannot go to a party in New Orleans without taking me!!!! I want so badly to go to Tipitino's.HAve you ever been there? I am a music person and while I can't carry a tune in a bucket I so love to hear other people do what they do best.

Susan lovely way to honour our veterans.Wish more people would do something like you did.

LOL Betty I too forgot that all banks and government services were closed today. Watched CITY TV coverage of your storm plus all the services held today in Toronto. I live 3 hours from TO but still listen to their news on TV.

Dianne

Here's a link to In Flanders Fields:

http://www.greatwar.co.uk/poems/john-mccrae-in-flanders-fields.htm

It gives a history of the poem, and if you'd like - here's the poem, all by itself

In Flanders Fields
by John McCrae, May 1915

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

That's beautiful Susan... Thank you !

OF COURSE Dianne... you'll be there with me... the least I can do for all those morning walks you took me on... Gal you sure know your New Orleans Bars ! Tipitinas is notorious !
I've probably stepped foot in there before...
We have definitely not done this often (in our older years) but I do have many great memories..walking the French Quarter...and stumbling in a Jazz/BLues bar with Live music.. musicians there are so soulful... aint nothing like it... ((HUGS))

I would like to pass on a video I got in email too.
It's sad, but it's in memory of those Canadians who have fallen in Afghanistan
http://www.sewolf.ca/videos/CFTribute800x600.wmv

Beautiful video Susan!

Hi All!

Funny, I watch The Wizard of Oz every time it comes on too, just can't get enough of that one. I also watch all of Charlie Brown's endeavors every year too.

Betty OMG snow. I guess it's getting to be that time of year again isn't it. My goodness how time flies when you're having fun! Be careful out there in all of that.

Debbie how are you doing sweetie???

Barb I hope those treatments are doing the trick even though they make you tired. Hang in there girl, we're all hanging with you!

Katie so glad you made it home safe. Poo about your friend, I've had to do that before and it's so difficult. Yay about the ambulance though!

Debbie you might find this interesting.
I have an update about my mom. She's still in a ton of pain and went to a pain specialist in Oklahoma City and they put a stimulator on her lower back last week, well it made her pain worse
so 3 days later she made them take it out. Well, she went to Houston on Thursday to see another nerve doctor and he explained that nerve systems are like trees, and when she had the nerve cut 20 someodd years ago that doc only cut a branch of the nerve. When that happens the nerve will grow out more branches to replace the branch that's cut. She will never be able to have the nerve cut again because now she has branches that are from the damaged pudendal nerves and there are other branches that are not from the damaged pudendal nerve, but nerves that go up her back and down her legs, and they are all intertwined and about half of them cannot be seen even with a microscope. The doc in Oklahoma City put the stimulator in the wrong place and it would never work. Because the nervous system is like a bunch of trees and it transmits info to the brain, they need to find the top of this pudendal tree and put the stimulator between the top of the tree and her brain. That will stop all communication from the damaged tree to her brain. She is NOT happy but at least she found someone who knows exactly what they are doing.

wow Crissy - that really sounds like a complicated procedure.... Is your mom considering doing it?
That first Dr who only cut a "branch" of the nerve tree, eh?

That was over 20 years ago and they didn't have the technology to even cut any nerves then, nor did they know or understand how or if nerves even grew back, she wanted it cut so he cut it. He actually did her a huge favor for keeping her mostly pain free for 20 years, it took that long for the nerves to grow back and cause more pain. I wish she could go back to him but that's impossible.

It's more than a procedure, it's an ordeal. It's put it in, wait 3 days and ask if it's working, if not take it out and move it someplace else, wait 3 days and ask if it's working, if not take it out and move it again, until they find the right branch of nerves they are blocking. She's very very upset as this could take a long time to find.

how old is your mom, Crissy?

She's 63 and in perfect health, outside of this.

This message was edited Nov 12, 2011 5:04 PM

okay, then she has time for this procedure to work, but the question then is - does she want to try it?

She has to try it, it's all she has left.

Sure hope they get it right the first time Crissy!

Prayers for her Crissy.

Sending mine too... Enough is enough for your poor Mom...

I'm having a miracle day. Helped Tony for almost four hours. Later worked another hour on my own. Since I lost twenty pounds my knee is much better. My shoulder is much better for unknown reasons.

The new front yard is coming along well. I'm very happy about it as it will give us a place to publically display our concrete yard art and other garden art. The space is an unexpected surprise - it was part of the road when I moved in. The leaf mulch is several inches deep, plus all the shredded leaves and branches.

Don't know if this will last but I'm having a great day today.

hugs, katie

good for you, Katie!!!!

Well darn I just lost a long post! Was just ready to hit send and Poof off it went.

Hope everyone is having a good weekend. Can't wait to hear Mary's tales of being in New Orleans and Betty's tales of power shopping.

Sweet dreams everyone!
Dianne

Hello there, omg, how can anyone possibly sleep with so much snoring going on..both Rita and I are laying still because it's impossible to sleep...lol. Finally woke them up in hopes it would stop..guess when I'm asleep and they have to listen I'll get smacked. Lol

What along day yesterday, didn't get in until about 8:30' all managed to get what they had come for. I was told I rarely buy something for myself and should do, so another outfit, new shoes (naturalizers) later I found myself at Joann's.

All shoppers seemed to be in such a good mood, many of them sharing coupons, so much so that at one point someone shared 20% off entire orders I went and photo copied coupon and passed some out.. Who would have thought that Joann's would accept 25% off entire order that Michaels had out but they did!

Dianne, I as well am anxious to hear all about Mary's weekend!

Katie that area sound so inviting, could you take photo's..nothing like feeling good about yourself for what you have accomplished, makes for a sunshine day

Crissy, omg how terrible for your mom..to be in so much pain ! I imagine the it would be almost impossible for them to find the troublesome branch..I'd have to think long and hard before having the procedure , could result in same pain and additional issues.

Dianne, I bet you go into the bedroom many times during the day just to ohhh and awwws at your new bedroom suite. Do YouTube now you want to change the color of the walkways bedding now?

Drats, almost tempted to go sit in lobby!

Goodmorning to all.
Coffee is on and really need it today.
Crissy so sorry to hear about your mom hoping they get it on the first try.
Betty so sounds like you are enjoying your trip.
katie so good to hear you are doing well.
Brother out of the hospital more tests to follow.
Had a BBQ here after soccer games with sister and some more famliy good food and good times.

Morning Betty, morning all! Bet our Mary is either just going to bed or just got in the door!!Hopefully she is saying "wasn't that a party?"

Betty I am not a shopper at all. It is all I can do to get the groceries bought. Sure miss DH being able to do that - he loves to do it. I used to just tag along for company or often more importantly to keep him on track. He gets near that meat counter and he is lost for what could actually be an hour if I don't prof him along. Remember Santa Warren is the DH who bought his wife a frozen turkey instead of flowers when she had surgery.Yep that turkey lookede darned nice on my nightstand.lol

One of the things that went poof was Congratulations to you Katie on your weight loss plus being able to enjoy working outside with Tony for so long.I always say if I am going to hurt I might as well hurt for a reason - sometimes the only way I can handle the pain is to exercise or work outside.

Judy do you use the cottage over the winter at all? One of my favourite memories is walk ing to the cottage where it was bitterly cold and getting the woodstove blasting away. Before you know it you were too warm.

Need more coffee. It is the coffee called Kick A** today and mmmm it is good.

Dianne

~~~~~Laura. Glad to read you are having a good time with your sister that is visiting.

Thank you Dianne. I have never heard of that coffee before.

I'm a little sore but still working. I've been sifting soil, compost, etc and mixing with shredded leaves and branches.

Had a nice visit with neighbor Dana yesterday. She does a lot of dog rescues and also works a lot with the local volunteer animal clinic.

Our weather is beautiful except for a bunch of mosquitoes.

I've also been sorting out fabric, patterns and other craft items for Tony's wife, Fely, and all the other girls and women in their neighborhood. I got several boxes of mixed fabric on eBay. Lots of fun stuff if I get tired of playing outside.

I've also been doing some cleaning/organizing in the kitchen.

Whenever my knee twitches, I switch jobs.

hugs, kb

Evening all, arrived home about an hour and a half ago, gabbed with Cathy and her mom for a bit, they were here feeding Sailor incase I came home late. Already bathed and in bed..early night for sure ..

Dianne believe it or not I'm not really a shopper, if I've something on my list it is in and out so these past 2 weekends have done me in..big sigh!! Did manage to buy another 2 outfits for myself, Merry Christmas to me.

Busy next 2 weekends then back to buffalo..am sooo anxious just to spend a weekend at home with nothing to do..

Dianne, don't recognize that brand of coffee, will havE to go in search of some. I started to laugh, turkey instead of flowers...lol..quite the sense of humor our Santa Warren has..and how did you take the gift, with a smile?

Katie, you are getting so much accomplished, shortly you will be sitting and enjoy the work you've done. What all does Fely sew?

Laura, how wonderful that your brothermis home..you will still be on needle and pins waiting for the results..enjoy your sister's visit..when will she be returning home?

Starting to fall asleep,chat later!

Night night everyone!

Kick A** is a coffee you can buy in beans at the supermarket. It's usually in the Free Trade coffee area. (Safeway, in Canada).

Well, time to make supper, then get back to my "Flip and Sew" lap quilts I'm making for a couple of friends.

Cya L8TR

This message was edited Nov 13, 2011 7:54 PM

Finally sitting and catching up. Dianne, Norm and I got such a great chuckle out of your turkey flowers!!!! We are still grinning.
Katie I'm so glad you are having such a great day too...
Laura you sound happy and I'm glad your brother is home. Have they given him any indication as to how serious this episode was???
Have fun with your sister!!!!
I'm going to need to go look for that coffee down here - just because of the name!! Is it a very strong one??? I'm sipping a Timmie's Vanilla as I type....

Yes Barb, it's a strong coffee.
Having a Timmies? Did you buy a can of it when in Canada?

Barb it is a nice dark roasted coffee. The aroma is out of this world. Betty you might be able to find it at your Foodland - usually if they have it in stock it is beside the VanHoutte coffee beans.Yum vanilla coffee!!

All together I have lost 3 posts to DG today. They had all turned into epistles so will not try and repeat them.lol What's up with DG some days?

Unexpected company tomorrow and both Santa Warren and I are pleased. It is DH's DSIL and DN coming in the morning from Oshawa. They are going to bring a walker for DH.Now if we can just get him to use it we will be fine. The change in meds is producing excellent results. While Santa Warren still sleeps/naps a lot he is much more alert during the day. He really hated being in that darned 'fog' but also hated the horrid pain he was in too. Tough call - do you hurt or do you allow yourself to be in a daze and out of pain????

Crissy I imagine your DM could weigh in about the take meds/not take situation. Sure hope they hit the right spot on the first attempt. Chronic pain is not fun - I know too well!

Well best try and get some sleep before DH wakens in the morning. Thank heavens the house is not a tip so I just have to straighten up some clutter, swifter the floor and we are good to go. Love hardwood floors!
Dianne

Dianne - so glad Santa Warren's Out of the fog, and the meds are working well!!! That's a blessing, to be sure!!!
Now, to see if he will use the walker - hope to........

Good morning,
Having another Timmie's this morning and it's not even a Sunday!!! We did bring a can of Timmie's home from Canada Susan but it did not last too long. When Thea and her DH came to visit they brought a Vanilla, a British Toffee and a regular coffee down to us. I usually only have it on Sundays to try to make it last but today I just wanted a taste of the toffee. I just love these flavors...Now I need to look for this Kick A__ one. Do you kknow if it is a Candaian coffee only?
I'm sooooo happy to hear this news about Warren. It's been a long while coming and is soooo wonderful. Dianne, you must let him know that the chocolate lady is using a walker now too and it makes the difference between being housebound or not. Mine is bright blue and I love it. I actually went to a big quilt show and pushed that thing all over. I never would have been able to go without it.
Are you rested a bit from your shopping weekend Betty? I'm so glad to hear you bought some things for you. With all you do for others, you deserved it.
Hope everything is okay with Mary and that her weekend was a good one.
Laura, what's happening at the school now? Anything special?
Waving hello to everyone and I'm off to the quilt room to sew~~~~~~~~~~enjoy your day..

Morning everyone! Barb, that coffee sounds good!
Dianne, so glad to hear the new meds are working better for hubby! It makes all the difference in the world, when he can be alert and hardly no pain! What kind of chocolates does he like?

Here I is, not as energetic as I usually am but slow but sure..didn't bring my quilt in, found a box of leftover granny square so thought I'd sew them together..if I've enough then I'll have something to box for someone who may not get gifts..

So quiet here today, Paul's coming and spending most of tomorrow but going to tell you, I've a little light portable sewing machine, might pack it us and spend the day in the boardroom sewing..or, may even stay home, that would be even better..lol

Dianne, hard call for sure, you don't want to see Santa Warren in pain but difficult to see him in a fog..let's hope it's process of elimination and you find the right balance. Will check Foodland and other local grocery stores, you've got me on a mission with the Kick A-- coffee.

Barb, glad you were able to get out to the quilting show..anything interesting? Isn't it strange, one almost feels guilty when they purchase something for themselves. Everyday I always get e-mails re sewing projects, this morning I got an e-mail on the cutest rag quilt block slippers..must go and purchase the e-pattern..I've loads of flannel left and I need slippers.

Good news about Warren. Pain sucks bigtime and so does the fog caused by so many medications.

My knee is back in its brace today but I'm not worried. I've lost another five pounds and I slept until after 8 this morning. Tony has been coming at 6:30 as he has another job he goes to when he finishes here.

Tony brought me a bottled bouquet of a foam rose and foam leaves made by Fely (his wife) and Barbara (his daughter). A thank you for the craft foam and other stuff I've given them. It's very beautiful, and made more so by the thoughtfullness.

I just found that a plant I thought was something else is a goldenberry. I've planted the seeds of them several times and it looks like I finally had at least on grow to a plant which is now blooming!! I'm very happy as it is very nutricious andshould grow well here. I'm looking forward to sharing plants and seeds with my gardening friends.

Saw a big jack rabbit last evening. It was hopping up the road and probably looking for an unfenced garden. They are so cute with their huge ears.

Watched "Marley and Me" last night. Good family movie with a sad/happy ending. I had really liked the book and was glad the movie was also good.

I have several barrels of shredded leaves layered with a fish/seaweed mixture that are "cooking." I'm going to be up to my ears in good soil. Very satisfying as our "natural" soil is mostly rocks and gravel and sand. When we start working up from the bottom of the arroyo we will use some of the soil at the very bottom that has washed down over the years. It is very satisfying to see a hard rain soak in where we have added humus, instead of washing down in gullies. We've had light rain yesterday and the day before. Very unusual and very welcome.

All our work is coming along. The connectors to the water tank broke so that had to be fixed first thing today. We also did not have electricity from very early morning until about 10:30 am. It's funny how we just adapt to this stuff. Life in Mexico. Today is sunny and the temp is about 70 degrees F. Problems with water and electricity don't seem important.

Hope everyone is having a great day.

hugs, katie

Katie, sure wish you could post pictures of those foam flowers? They sound so pretty! Sorry to hear your knee is not doing well, but at least you have the brace to help you out.

Lots of pictures and directions for some of the foam flowers on YouTube. kb

Your phantom poster, here. Geez I can't keep up. Too many irons in the fire, I guess.
Here's something I learned. One of my best friends is burning out on recreational drugs. Plain old pot. But way too much of it. He had a bad time with alcohol years ago, 3 days in the slammer fixed that. Not a drop since.
Then marijuana crept in a little at a time. Now if he isn't at his job he's stoned. Week ends start with a buzz drive in his car. He can not maintain an intelligent conversation any more. He gets upset when I point out his problem.
He was never Mr Clean but Neanderthals had cleaner caves than his house is now. He never cooks any more, gave up gardening and talks negative about everything. Doesn't trust anyone, never laughs. God. I fear for his wellbeing.
I'm at a loss how to help. I can't turn him in because his relatives are all around the neighborhood, they would know. They are not much better either, but they are not my friends.
Sorry to lay this out but I have to vent.

Things are going well for me. I get a little work now and then. My on-line gift store is making sales, the dog is healthy and my deceased sisters house is clean & on the market. No more trips to NH required, thank you.
Oh, my sister was an accomplished artist in a variety of styles. Her art will get a second life through my store. (Search Pariseau's market). Her enamel on copper items were very nice. This was her best seller as a small dish.
Andy P

Hey Ya'll -
We made it back ! Caught up on all the above... I'm exhausted but we had a Blast.... More later...
((HUGS))
Mary

Glad you back Mary!

Morning everyone! Coffee is ready! Hot apple turnovers!