Best/Worse/What did I learn today?Visit/chat with friends!

Happy Anniversary LK. Hope you had and your DH had a wonderful day together.

Well here we are in 2012, wishing everyone peace, health and happiness for the year.

We had friends over for a New Year's Eve dinner. I think the company did DH good - I am sure he is getting very tired of just seeing my chubby red face. For dinner we had Mushroom Egg Drop Soup, Sweet and Sour Pork, Honey Garlic Spareribs, Chicken Lo Mien and Kitchen Sink Fried Rice. Love making Chinese food especially when I have willing helpers. My hands said a big TY for having extra hands to chop all the veggies.Tried a new Honey Garlic Spareribs recipe and while I didn't like it as much as my original our guests loved it. Guests brought a Mississippi Mud pie for dessert. it looked fabulous and must have tasted that way as DH had 2 pieces.There I sat quite happily eating my half an apple - I think I have become addicted to Honey Crisp apples. I find rather than eating a sweet after dinner that if I have an apple that it stops my feeling and craving for something salty later in the evening.Now that doesn't mean I don't have some dark chocolate before I crash!

Our friends that were here NYE are home from Indonesia for the holidays. They teach at an International School there and while they love all of the perks the job provides ( eg cheap flights to exotic locations) they can hardly wait to get out of Jakarta, They do want to stay somewhere another 2 years overseas but it doesn't matter where. They did not renew their contract in Jakarta and are hoping a job fair in Boston later this month will lead them to the right spot.

Debbie we have your darn winds here ... feel like I am in Kansas. The freezing rain turned to heavy rain and then the temps dropped drastically. Have no idea if I can get out the lane today but I am sure the kits will be brave and eat an serving of Fancy Feats if their kibble runs out.

I spent a few days this week really fighting to eliminate feelings of anger and hurt . I really needed to get rid of these feelings before midnight New Years Eve. It was a hard struggle but I feel like I have succeeded. Finally about 3 am or so on Dec 31 I decided freezing rain or no freezing rain I was going to have a fire. I so badly needed to rid myself of these negative feelings. So there I was outside having my fire, looking at the sky, listening to the coyotes and this feeling of peacefulness warmed my body. As strange as it sounds I felt the negativity coming out of my body. Judy I also felt your presence there and what a comfort it was to me.I am sure in the days coming I am going to need to do this more often to stay on an even keel so I must not let myself be talked out of a fire.

Sounds like you all had a good New Years. Did you get any sleep Susan or did the eReader win out?

Suse do you have a pic to share of Moses on his BD?

Crissy I sure hope you have kicked your cold right out of your body! Back to work today (mon) or do you have today off because Jan 1 was on a weekend?

Judy I chuckled to myself when I read about you and your DMIL. So ya see Deb you are not alone in this department. I never once in all the years DH and I have been together said 1 word directly to my MIL. I don't call her anything (well I do but it wouldn't pass the censor on DG) out loud. I was the one who came along and took her little boy from her just as she was getting him back all to herself.Yep that's what she told me and to add to that she introduced me to some people as her niece.I just blew then if you can imagine. Her loss as far as I was concerned because she could have had a DIL who was very good to her. The hardest thing I had to do when I left my first DH was to say Good bye to my MIL. I loved her so much. She was more of a mother to me than my own.One of the reasons I stayed as long as I did in my marriage was because of my feelings for MIL.

Betty are you able to call you Doc today or is he still away? You HAVE to do something about those headaches.Take it from me the Headache Queen!!

Finally feel like I can get some sleep so off to bed I trot.
BBL to finish catching up.

Dianne

moved us over from here..

http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/1234700/

morning from snow country..weatherman called it right, storm moved in during the night..not a lot of snow but enough with high winds to be appreciative of having today off!

What is the world coming to, getting up at 7:00??

House is clean, everything in its place, sitting quietly, took meds, giving them a chance to work then will decide how I would like to spend today..am sure there is something I can do..won't get any drop in visits for sure with weather as it is!

Dianne you are quite the cook, that is indeed an undertaking..must have taken you all day to do the prep work..glad that Santa Warren enjoyed the company, something for him to look forward to.

Your friends live quite the life, travelling all over the world..do they have a home base?

Still have MIL's Christmas gift under the tree..almost for one split second I was going to call SIL Marg to come over for dinner and of course MIL would have had to come so scrapped that idea especially considering the day and events that took place that day!

Doctor's office not open today..tests results should be in even considering all the holidays so will call tomorrow and go from there..

Morning everyone! Thanks everyone for the Anniversary wishes! We had a very nice quiet day, Todd grilled rib eyes, and I made baked potatoes, and steamed broccoli to go with!
Dianne, sounds like you had a nice fire to get rid of some of that stress and anger built up! Also sounds like you had a very nice visit with your friends. That meal sounds really good!

lol betty, no they did drop in fall we just never picked them up
wow what a difference to see ground gawd im terrible,

happy aniversary LK

hope everyone enjoys their moday..

Guess LindaKay you are not housebound due to weather. Lol

Meal you had last night sounds scrumptious..haventhad ago od streaking forever..made spaghetti sauce last night, shortage few ingredients, should brave the elements and get to the grocery store.

Now that Christmas and New Years is behind you, what are your plans for entertaining yourself? your hand must be needing a rest from all the sewing!

Mentioned to mom the other day that if after the holidays if any of the flat shaped fireplace heaters are left at the Barrie outlet I would get one..wants me to pick her up one as well (she passes same stores on way to cottage) ..means id have to drop it off at the cottage drats and more drats...
then went on how she didn't like the Keurig coffee maker Sharon got her for Christmas, going to tell her to take it back..not just MIL's but MOM's as well...

Next time in Canada, Dianne, Norm and I are stopping in for dinner. Just thought I would invite us - okay??? WOW that dinner sounds delicious. And the best part is knowing you made it. There would be no preservatives etc in it. I think the restaurants here still use MSG in their cooking..... I'm so happy that Santa Warren had a fun evening. Your friends sound delightful and I can just imagine the stories they had to tell...

Sounds like you had a great anniversary LK. I like the quiet ones myself too.

You must be thrilled Judy to know that all that paperwork is now behind you and Steve. It really is a great feeling isn't it? Norm and I tore the living room apart yesterday. Cleaned everything and then changed the layout around. It looks better to my eye and opened the room up. Yes, we got rid of any clutter in there too. We must have at least 50 videos to donate to the library along with all kinds of music CDs. We pull something out of the cabinet, listen to it and it sits out forever. No More!!!! We are finding a place for everything and if there isn't one, out it is going.

I got some fabrics washed and pressed to use for a swap in the other room. Most of the sewing room is straightened out. Not quite finished but enough that I won't feel guilty sewing now....My brother is downsizing as well and one of the things he decided to pass on was my Mom's sewing bucket. I have it now and it will finally be used. My SIL does not sew and the bucket was just a decoration to her. I have it all set up fro my handwork and it is an attractive piece in the living room.

Betty, I just love the bed runner you made. It is just right for your room. And Riley makes a fantastic dercoration as well. Hope your meds are working well for you and that you get in touch with the doctor tomorrow and get some help with these headaches. Dizziness is scary as there are so many things that can cause it. I'm really hahppy that you decided to stay put this past week. We love you and are grateful to have you and don't want anything bad to happen to you.

Must go get going on today's chores. I'll be back later. Waving to all~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Liz,at least you have the opportunity the rake them up at any point of the year, lucky you, although much of mine was raked there is a lot of leaves under that snow!

Now that you have them cleaned up what is on your agenda? Are you home today?

Ahhh thought you were heading my way Barb?? Lol. Wearing sad face!

Could we have a peak at your mom's sewing bucket??

Think if I want to do a clean up it would be the closets..only one junk drawer but I'm terrible for sticking things in closets

Ok you've got me convinced, going to the craft room and tidy up!

Good morning,

Betty we had that wind from yesterday until about 30 minutes ago. Snowed like a blizzard for all of THREE minutes...then everything just stopped. Looks like the sun is trying to come out now.

I was up wandering twice last night, finally got to sleep about 6:00 and slept til 9:00. Paul made that smelly aweful Kieshka...smell gags me. So I had a cinnamon roll! lol

Keep resting....and glad you are calling the doctor tomorrow!

Debbie

Debbie, what is Kieshka..think I'd have opted for the cinnamon roll as well..lol

Wind has died down so I imagine once they plow the roads it won't be bad..nice that you can take power naps and still navigate..once I nap that's it for the day so have to push forward!

Any Doctor's appt.s this week? How is the pooch?

Soooo quiet here..managed to clean 2 sets of 2 tables put together for big working space, looks organized (don't look at all the buckets under the tables PLEASE). Last table is a disaster..have rag quilt blocks/ laptop/jewelery kiln and odds/ends..like Barb think off to the garbage they go.

You got all your outdoor lights in right? If it stops snowing I should venture out and get a tote and take them down and put extension cords away, that really is what needs to be done, if not, it will surely have to wait till spring..have a 8' tree set up on front deck, would like help to bring it to back shed without dismantling it..easier to store..perhaps with this snow Kyle will drop in and he can help..tree in basement is bare, it needs to go out back as well..sure do miss having a man around (at times) lol Might be easier to hire one right?

Speaking of garbage, with all these holidays I've no idea when my next pick up is, usually Tuesdays..must check to see if the restaurant bin on the side of the building is locked or not, have bags of food to throw away (what a waste of food- turkey soup/cabbage rolls, fruit) really should not have made so much..don't want animals getting into it so need a place to put it before cleaning out back deck storage and refrigerator..not really what I wanted to do today but better today then when I come home from work tomorrow.

Kieshka is actually pig snout sausage. With that name, I won't even try it...but DH's polish family was raised on it.
Our son likes it...but thats it...and I wouldn't even let him taste it til he was 16.

I have two PT appts. this week, and will be calling my doc tomorrow for appt. as the pain meds no longer do anything, and I have an issue with nose bleeds, so wondering if I am "off kilter" with my blood thinner. I am so blessed to be walking again and "feeling" however with my back pain, would rather not feel it.

Betty - can you send some of that food my way ?

Debbie - don't think I'd try it either.... Glad you are on top of things re: Dr. appts and such...

Dianne - so so happy to see a long post from you. Yummy food ! Love Chinese and Japanese food but it's been a long time since we've cooked a full meal of it... we used to make won tons when I was a little girl but haven't done that since.

Been taking walks with DH and Belle in the mornings and thinking of you. I'll miss them tomorrow morning...headed back to work.
Hugs to all,
Mary

Think I'd pass as well Debbie, best I can do is link sausages and at times they make my tummy roll. Let us hope that a change in meds will get you back on Kemal..terrible having to live in pain but the alternatives not a good choice. You've come a long way dear friend..anxious to meet up with you soon..need a Debbie fix!

Mary, I can picture the walks, you checking out gardens as you stroll along..wouldn't doubt you would drop Belle's leash just so you could chase her to have a closer look at gardens...lol

Yep, reality is here, work tomorrow..we'll see how things go tomorrow, might work remainder of the days this week from home..if I'm off much longer I'd not want to go back to work!

Well, one more table to clean and I'm back being organized..off I go

My stash of new Christmas fabric..
Might check fabricland tomorrow and see if they have more before it's gone and I can't finish Christmas type projects like I did last year..

Seems odd saying 'last year'

Good Morning!!

Wow, What a great way to start the New year off, sleeping to 7:00 in the morn!! Me too Betty, and Steve took Jake to his wrestling practice, so even better...
It's still windier then all get up, blowing snow right off trees! I am glad your home out of the conditions.

Yay, so good to see you Dianne. I am so happy to hear you and Santa Warren had such a wonderful visit with your friends. I got hungry reading your dinner and also Linda Kays', smacking my jibs, lol...We ended up not having taco's DH made jumbylia instead, it was mighty tasty too...

Oh Dianne, you are braver than I...I had a fire as well but in doors, mostly because of the high winds we've been having. I am glad you found Peace and relief of bad feelings. Yep, my spirit was with all of you and I do believe all my Spirits were with me too. I too felt an overwhelming sense of calm...

OMG, we have a visitor of the furry kind, lol every time he jumps to his water bottle and food I jump, lol. Not used it being here. His name is Mo and he is the cutest little guinnie pig. He's black with a little brown patches. He belongs to Ryan, Breenie's BF. His mom is out of town for a few weeks so we're pet sitting! He's not used to me either, shakes like mad if I try to hold him, so I just pet him in his cage...OMG and birdie is like, what heck is that thing, LOL.

Barbara, It's great that you and Norm are making such great clearing strides!! Yes, it does feel awesome to have all that paper put away!!
And it's even better to do these things together as I hate having to decide what should be left out and what should be stored away. Next we will work on getting his tool room back in some kind of order...LOL, I have to giggle because I thought your home was incredibly organized!! But I can relate to the need of getting rid of stuff and changing things around.

...Afterward we walked around the block to see how the floors turned out, wow the whole place looks incredible.
I think they will be done in the next couple of weeks and then they can get it on the market! OMG, Will have to Pray real hard it sells pretty quick.
Now, he throws the thought of moving at me, ackkk, That is something I will have to think about, but I was kind of thinking he would be mulling that idea around.
LOL Betty, are you thinking the other house? Yep, He is in love with the 2.5 Garage!!! Now I am thinking, well if he is thinking in that direction, then i need to be included on ALL of the re-construction decisions, But, so far I've loved everything he is doing to the place and omg, not to mention the landscaping I've thought of was just basic...was just enough curb appeal to sell the place! What to do?, What to do? We are excited because the new Front door came in, I can't wait to see it.

ROFLOL, you've all been on my mind with these few funnies!
Hahaha, Caught the quilting show the other day, I had to laugh out loud, She was trimming off a piece and as she said get rid of that, just throws it over her shoulder!! I was like, now how come she doesn't have a thread catcher?? but it just struck my funny bone..But the Quilt block they made was splendid, was an appliques of a Moose!
...Then I read last weeks funnies, Haven't read comics in ages...There is one called Zits, because of the teenage boy, anyway for Christmas the dad say's thanks for the blank CD/the kid says yep he will finish his song he wrote as soon as he finds a word to rhyme with orthodontist, lol...Then the kid says Thanks mom for the nice stack of fabric squares, the mom promises to get his quilt made before he leaves for college!! The mom thanks Dad for the nice book shelf, he says yes and as soon as i can make it so the shelves quit falling out, lol...They are all standing around the with the gifts and the kids asks if they can forget the handmade gifts and go back to buying impersonal, over hyped junk for each other, lol the dad brightens up and says Please??

LOL, this just had me rolling, because I gave my three kids the fabric I chose for them to make into quilts!! Steve, gave me the shelf he made for our Bathroom, still has to mount it to the wall, and The kids had to help dad with the CD's for all the photo's he chose to give as gifts! So, I am cutting that out for the possibility of a memory page!!

Betty, I love your quilt, its so pretty!! Love that star block...Awe and look at that Missy have a great nap. I am glad Ann came to visit you, and your special visitor the other day. LOL, forgot to mention, your DS Hat turned out so great!! Was Melanie feeling good to go to the party?

We never did get to our game, all the kids opted to just hang around the house and just chill. It was really nice.
Guess who has a girlfriend!!! Yep, my boy...She is so sweet, with a Bubbly personality, he's been bringing her home a lot lately. She is a cheerleader and plays La Cross. She has gone to see him wrestle when she doesn't have practices, but they are just happy to hang out together, smiling while I say, I like her very much.
Jordan, loves Skittles but is terrified of her, and Skittles must know this because, she is so quiet and won't even utter a sound. We were able to get Skittles to go on her finger but only for a few seconds. I thought it was real cute they sat and conversed about this and that...

OK, on that note i'm going to get rolling, laundry needs to be done, but like all of you, I working in slow motion, but then thats every day lately, wink.
Be back in a bit!

OMG, Debbie!!
EWWWWWW,
I'd have gobbled up C-roll too!! So nice to see you will kick back and relax today!! Good for you.

Betty, your Christmas stash is Gorgeous!! glad you moving about slowly too. Craft room is getting a nice clear up, lol are you thinking about next project while you clean? I think you Mom just wants to see you, so has you doing things for her.

Mary, so glad you have been able to take Belles for some walks. Hey when are you going to Florida?? Did you say in the Spring?

ok better get back to laundry.

Judy, Steve has mentioned moving a few times over the past few years so you will have to take him seriously! Sure wish our Steve lived closer, sure could use new flooring in living/dining room...

Jacob, a girlfriend?? Kolos Jacob!! Lol. You!ve lost your baby now Judy. Love the name Jordan, sounds as though you approve of her choice!

Too cute, my siblings and I exchanged homemade gifts with each other and I loved everything I received..ahhh when will you have time to sit and make quilts with the girls..was their fabric cotton or flannel

Watch skittles she might think the new furry is for din/din

Omd sun is out..finished last table, craft room organized, head pounding big time so am laying on couch, sun is soo hot, closing my eyes, pretending I'm on a beach in sunny Florida...feels so nice

Betty, the guinea pig is probably as big...if not bigger...than Skittles. lol I think they are both safe. I miss my little Bucky Pig around here...he would squeel and chatter at me.

Yes Judy, found several projects, think that is what is wrong with cleaning, find things unfinished..hmm found a tote with quilt fabric/pattern for quilt of the north..had intended doing it for Darlene/mike, drats where did that year fo?? Gorgeous..maybe if I scheduled a block a month it woulnt be overwhelming and do able..then I look over at rag quilt blocks are sitting ready to sew into a quilt...come upstairs and cowal knitting beside me. Lol. Actually Ann said yesterday if I was knitting for Christmas please put her name on one.

June just called..said the girls decided to not come tomorrow, they will come Wednesday in hopes I can work from home..will do my best..always a nice buffet lunch..more food

Debbie, thought because skittles flies free at times that maybe she would peck at the poor thing

Why don't you. Get another??

That is it for me, head pounding so bad need drugs..gab later

Betty, you know I have a history of animals. We had several guinea pigs over the years, and although I initially thought they were "easy maintanence" I was wrong. They require vet visits to keep their teeth "filed down" in the back, or they can choke to death or starve, from inability to chew. I didn't know this....and neither did DH. We supplied plenty of chewing material.....but it wasn't what was needed for the back teeth. Those little $15 creatures cost $300 to save...having back teeth filed and getting them to eat again, and died anyway. No, no more piggys!

Omd Debbie, most people would never know this..yikes, guinea pig on back burner, not to cook lol but to get another..guess one should really do homework before getting a pet!

Drats, thought maybe if I ate something it might help..got a plate ready, dropped it on the floor, Suse all over..best part, got to change into new Jammie's. Lol

IN NEED OF PRAYERS

Had been speeding with Darlene a few hours ago, all was fine, she was said they had been outside doing snow, said Mike told her to look at air miles, apparently they can be converted into hotel rooms..Mike thought she and I might get a lot of border crossings..all was well with the wold

Darlene just called and said he's bleeding on the brain, doesn't look good..they have no children, kind of adopted me..snowing and blowing but off I go to give support..

Please pray for Mike..a nicer man you would ever meet!

OH Betty! How on earth! If they can get in there and put a "clip" on the bleeding area....sending LOTS of prayers. Drive safe

Thanks Debbie, just shaking..waiting for ice on windshield to clear, made a few calls then n way way?

Out the door

Betty - many prayers for Darlene... what a shock. Hope you make it there safely...please be careful :o)
Deb - we had lots of guinea pigs growing up... I never knew that about them wonder if that is how they died ?
Judy - Happy Days for you! What a decision... have you been in that house long ? I imagined so. Love it when the DS's have a GF that is Approved by Mom... My DS's gf does seem to make him a better person...
LOVE Zits... so funny that perfectly matched your situation... DSis and I were talking about that comic strip yesterday... it hits homewhen you have teens.

LOL Betty - I never hold Belle's leash anymore since almost losing my thumb back in ?April? ... or was that March? Hubs has to hold her... she isn't quite mannerly with pulling on the leash or (Picture Dug from the movie UP) "Squirrel"? LOL guess you'd have to see that movie... Deb - rent it soon if you haven't cuz I think you'd love it....

I hope everyone is enjoying their day...
I just made the Disney ressies... got everything I wanted and then some. We'll leave after work on 5/25 and drive back on 6/2.
(hugs)
Mary

Drive safe Betty. I know how much your support will mean to Darlene. Debbie is right they need to get in there and put a clip on the bleed. What hospital is he in?????

Sending positive thoughts, vibes and prayers.
Dianne

Prayers going up for Mike and Darlene...sending big hugs and possitive thoughts for everyone...

Betty - bless you for going to be with Darlene - hope they stop the bleeding...... my goodness, poor Mike & Darlene!
how are you today? Still have that headache?

Good Afternoon, everyone! Hope your New Year's Day dinner was all you hoped. We had ham & scalloped potatoes, too. Again for supper tonight lol Bob says he's getting sick of turkey, but I don't mind it yet. He's going to work tomorrow and I have another day off, so guess what I'm having for sandwiches? lol

It's +9 now, and going on 4pm, but have not changed out of jammies lol Trying to learn my new e-reader, but when I tried to add the Desktop Installer for my Aluratek (one of Kobo's models) my Virus checker said it was a Trojan and deleted it..... siiiiiigh Anyway, reading some books and hope to be able to download some others from you, Betty. I'll send you the memory stick perhaps tomorrow :-)

I watched Jumanji today. No matter how many times I see it, I really like it. It seems like a moralistic movie, so maybe that's why?!?!

Mary - so embarrassed - I thought I'd sent "Seek" out to you, but found it at my desk today - MUST send it to you tomorrow. My apologies!

Betty, sending lots of thoughts and prayers out to Mike and Darlene. Please keep us posted when you find out more?

Just seeing this now Betty. Both Norm and I remember Darlene and wasn't Mike the one who was going to take us on the boat? But the water was too rough. We will keep him in our prayers and pray for strength for Darlene as well. Please be careful and know you have all of us with you as well.

Susan - no worries ....did u like the book?
Let's think of someone who might enjoy it ....

Dropping in for a sec..called Ann and she's heartbroken so going for coffee then likely back to the hospital

They will NOT send Mike anywhere ..he is brain dead (wiping tears) Darlene wouldn't let me go but now that her and Mike's family are there and they will soon take all the breathing tubes out and wait for his death I thought I'd be more helpful making calls..she will call me regardless of the time to let me know when he's with the angels and Roger..Roger died New Years day 11:48 pm but because Greg's birthday was new years and they tried to revive him they ut Jan 2' 12:01am...today is Jan 2..

This couple are what you truly would call earthly angels. World will miss him

Off to Ann's, my DIL Melanie is there keeping her company till I arrive

Oh Betty -- I am so sorry... Dont know what to say ((hug))

Betty...I am at loss for words...I am so so sorry...my heart and my prayers are with you and your friends...
It is so sad how from one minute to another someones world goes completely upside down :(

Big hugs and all my love

Oh Betty, I am so very very sorry. My condolences to Darlene, believe I met her on one of your trips and we had breakfast.

So very sad and sorry

Debbie

Just got in again, freezing...

Thank you for your prayers and condolences..

Yes Debbie, you did meet Darlene and yes Barb it was Mike who wanted to take you for the boat ride and you did meet Darlene at our b.b.q. She was the teacher..

Will wait until tomorrow and decide what I shall do about work..Paul and Suzanne are in Jamaica..might go in and make sure all is well and then come home, we'll see

Darlene is with family tonight and likely for next few days, she'll likely need me more towards the end of the week when all go home

life just isn't fair is it?

When I first got the call I had just dozed off, couldn't make it the voice for her crying, kept saying Mike, Mike..thought it was Ann having a breakdown Neil Darlene told me a bit more of what was going on..

I'm rambling aren't I?

Going for hot bath, few calls who told me to call regardless of time..

Darn, the call on my recorder was from my girlfriend Liz from Ireland, said she didn't call yesterday because she is not well, had heart attack, will try to call me tomorrow..

Know things come in 3's, hope not another call coming soon

Sending you lots of big ((((((((((((((((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))))))))))) Betty!