Best/worse&what did I learn today..chat with friends!

Morning everyone! Coffee is ready. Betty, are you and the girls still crafting?

Has anyone used fusible batting? I posted this in the sewing thread, but thought I would post it here too. I am making a large lap quilt for a friend, and after pressing it, I still had to pin it! It does not stick at all. Just wondering if I am doing something wrong?

Betty, did you have your Christmas party with the girls yesterday and Darlene?

LindaKay, do you not need to "set it" with an iron lightly over the top? Seems I used it once and had to use the iron to get it to stick.

I have PT this morning....won't be back before lunch time as I have a few errands to run also.

Debbie

Good morning. Yes LK I have used it and I did iron it on. It didn't stick the way interfacing does and I found it came unstuck very easily. I still use it but don't even try to get it to stick anymore. I do like it's stiffening properties though.
Feb 1, 2012

On another note - Norm and I had a long talk with my primary care doctor about what is going on with me. We discussed everything from the gall bladder to the spot on my lung to my breathing issues. We discussed benefits and risks as far as surgery or no surgery is concerned. Also the advisability of driving to Lebanon in the winter. Route 89 is treacherous....This is our conclusion.

The risk is greatest to my breathing. I only have a reserve of 0.6cc after exhale. Most people have 1.5 to2.5 or better. For the community hosp to even consider surgery, it must be at least 1.0. They do not have the resources for any extended stay with breathing issues. They can stabilize and then transport only. The doc is looking into respiratory therapy to see if I can build myself up any. It may be that I can't but we are going to try.

The next greatest risk is the gall bladder. It is a porcelain gall bladder and is considered to be PREcancerous. However, the percentage of these going to cancer is only about 10%. As opposed to my breathing, we listed it as second. She is going to get in touch with the doctors at Dartmouth and see what they think. We shall continue to monitor it with a PET scan in May which shall also monitor the spot on the lung. My last CT scan showed it has not changed. We are also concerned about how much radiation I will be taking in. If necessary, I will have other scans done if warranted.

So the bottom line for now is that we are going to monitor me for a while and wait for more info from Dartmouth and see how it goes. Needless to say, I must watch out for signs such as rapid weight loss(which I would love), lack of appetite and pain....My meds are working really well and I only have a bit of discomfort occasionally.

So I am now at home with my 25 ft. O2 tubing and I'm able to do most anything I want. I have the small tanks for traveling and I don't have to pay a penny for any of it. (One of the few things Medicare does do!!!). I feel pretty good now - I was really concerned about the precancer thing and most people are in a position to just go have it out but now that the risk factors have been explained I think I'm making the right decision. Only time will tell.

I have to go back and play catch up with all the posts. I've been away from the computer for a couple of days and we are a chatty bunch here!!! So for now, I'm ~~~~~to all and sending prayers to all as I think we all need them for one thing or another. I'll be back later....Barb

You all probobly saw the VISA commercials to swipe your card for a chance to go to the Superbowl and take 10 friends? Well, a young guy from Tulsa WON that sweepstakes. How cool is that??? Now, where is that phonebook.............

Morning, busy/busy yesterday and this morning, perhaps I can take time to take a breathe!!

Let me see, as for the weather, although my yard is a skating rink as a few side concessions but it feels so like spring..will be the same for a few more days I believe.

Was busy from the time I got home last night to sleep time..

Started with Darlene, an 1 1/2 hr. talk, she was so upset..was at my house with the girls and Sailor was having a problem breathing, kept honking and fighting for air..of course she said it made same sounds as when Mike died in her arms; then, staying most of the day she got antsy, was a bit much for her.

No sooner did I get off the phone, Greg/Kyle and Noah came for a visit..wanted to do walkways and decks but Cathy had done them so off they went to take the snow off the back shed...that was a help! Noah made a slight hint about his birthday this month..I promised him after purchasing JoyRide150 pass for Christmas that I'd take him sooo if weather permit I'll spend the day in Toronto with him..Greg leaves the day of Noah's birthday for Newfoundland, omg 30 hr. trip (inludes the ferry) to go snowmobiling in the mountains with a snowmobile race team sooo he's all pumped up for that. Kyle, he's trying to find part time job, seems his snowmobile cost $289. yesterday, Greg pays for it with a promise of repayment..all you parents out there know how that works lol


It was so funny, Greg said Chris works for him asked if I ended up in Buffalo on the weekend? I said "Greg, how would Chris know I was going to Buffalo, beside I don't even know this Chris???? ' Greg said "sure you do mom, he's the guy you told at Home Depot Boxing Day that you had hinted about getting a new fireplace in hopes your son would go pick up on what you wanted for Christmas ..said your son wasn't into understanding 'hints'! He walked with you to the section where fireplaces are sold and and heard you say you should have been more direct in saying "I want a fireplace, this is the cost and item number, because now it's had been sold!" I was so laughing, told Greg the only guy I spoke with was a guy and his wife waiting for Home Depot doors to open and my gabbing was only meant to pass the time" Greg was laughing, yep, you just had to tell one of my employees how bad your son !!
I've never met him but he has seen me from time to time at Greg's work ..wouldn't you know I'd pick him to tell my tale of woooo's to? How this Chris would ever know I was considering going to Buffalo is beyond me...life in a small town right?

Then Ann came over for Bingo, nope did not win, drats...she thought we were going to Buffalo this weekend, forgot to tell her I went .. she had company all weekend so could not have come with me..you never know, might take another road trip!!!

best I post before I lose it

LindaKay I use the adhesive batting and rather like it for the method I'm doing..now it's only one sided so once I steam iron it onto my fabric it stays well enough for me to do machine quilting..that being said when I put my backing the adhesive is ONLY one sided so I use spray adhesive to tack the backing on, then pin to keep all secure without puckers and off I go to machine quilt!

Barb, thrilled to see you post..it sounds like all your medical support group have things well thought out as to what is in your best interest..not helter skelter..they are working as a team..lucky you are! Just don't overdo and does watching what you are eating ease the pain?

Starting to worry about Dianne and Warren..wish one of us were closer to them..

Debbie, Valentines Swap box arrived and in one piece..
as for the party, it's next Tuesday..should be fun! When I went downstairs this morning to solder on my SG piece there was a box of chocolates, ate one, yikes, pure liquor inside..another two and if stopped by police I'd be arrested for impaired..

must go read prior posts and come back and gab..

Thanks for the info on the batting, at least I know it is not meant to stick and stay there! I was using a dry iron, so I will try it with steam and see if it sticks any better.

Yikes on the small town story Betty, you must have been shocked when he told you the story? LOL!

Just back from the doc's. Will return in a bit once I have W settled and my thoughts collected.
Dianne

Dianne, waiting for an update.....hurry back.

I haven't had a good morning. Got to PT at 10:30 and sat waiting....to only be told 10 minutes later my appt. was at 9:45 and they wouldn't be able to see me. I have had a 10:30 appt. twice a week for the last 3 weeks...why would I notice they changed it. Grrrr!

Betty, that is good delivery time...glad it all arrived safely.

Barb, I do believe you both made the right choice. Yolu need one of those breathing exercise machines that you suck in and have to hold the ball up....then exhale. Made me do that for a month after my surgery.

I need a nap.

Debbie

Dianne - I hope we can be of help to you in getting your thoughts settled......
Please let us know how we can help.

Deb - hope you're resting how annoying that they would change your time, and not let you know.......!!

Just checking in....
Barb... sounds like you and Norm have thought everything through...
Betty - too funny re: Small town. Isn't KYle's snowmobile a new one? did it need repairs already ?
Deb - sorry about your morning. makes me so mad they'd have you wait there like that. I had that happen once with a hair appt for DS... they sat me waiting and never told me that they had it down at a different time. I never went back. too bad that is not an option...how aggravating

Dianne ((HUGS)) Miss you lady !

I'll be back on the night shift.... Much love to all

Mary

Mary, it is an option....and I am not going back. Although the therapists are nice, several & the reception area...have a not too great attitude. And I am paying out of pocket....so I refuse to deal with it.

Told DH and he said "go to walmart and get the weights and little bands you need and do it at home". I can sign up down at the school and use their treadmill. I just have to choose my battles...and that is one I don't want to deal with people like that.

Debbie I think that is an excellent choice and I am so glad that Paul made his suggestion. Will there be others ib the gym when use the treadmill? Sometimes that helps encourge you to do more plus I always suffer from the I don't want people looking at me and thinking I am a slacker so I work twice as hard. When you are paying your own $$$s there is no way you should be putting up with any type of attitude from the hired help. Actually you should never have to put up with attitude no matter who is footing the bill.

We just went today to the doc here in the village. She is concerned enough about DH that she gave me the personal contaact #s if the doc who will be taking her place for 2 weeks starting Mon. Dr Death is going to Florida, has her Kindle loaded and is sooo looking forward to getting away. She suggested we try Ensure or Boost so I went and bought some. W's only response Yuck! Anyone have any tried and true good tasting Smoothie recipes? I will Google but it is always good to hear from you all and what you have made. I found 2 or 3 that I am sure would be very popular with DH as they have fruit flavoured vodkas and lots of ice cream in them. lol I am sure W would chose one of those first however at 7 am I am not so sure that is a good thing. We have lots of ice cream here plus fresh strawberries, blackberries and frozen blueberries. The doc is very concerned about the amount of weight W is losing - it is really quite frightening. Plus she is very concerned about the pronounced veins showing all over his body. If things don't improve appetite wise the visiting nurse will have to come and IV him with some sustenance. On top of all of this his pain has really spiked again. So we will do what we can and try and make things better for him so he can stay at home and not have to go into Kingston everyday to receive Ivs.

(((Barb))) I will email you later, I have not forgotten about you. I am very glad you have had a meeting with your GP. Someetimes they can explain things so much better.

Know all about the small town/village grapevine. WHen I was a kid in my teens my parents might not like where I was but as long as they knew they were OK with it. One night I was sitting on the pool room steps waiting for my BF to hustle up enough money so we could go to the movies. Three elderly spinster ladiesa from my parents church drove by and their eyes almost bugged out of their head. There I was sitting on the steps on a den of iniquity. Mam said they called to tell her where I was. Fortunately I always respected my parents' wishes to know where I was hanging out and they already knew. Think it sorta took the wind out of the sails of the Chambers maids calling mam. lol

OK time to start my morning chores - just a tad behind today.

Will BBL. Thanks so much for your concern.
Dianne

Oh Dianne, I just read part of your post to Norm and both of us are praying for W. and for you. This is not easy on you and has been going on for so long... I will look in some of my local cookbooks for smoothies.. - they usually have great recipes.
Spent most of the day getting our finances in order and setting up our budget for this year. We figure if we don't eat, we can get by okay!!!! It's prescriptions that are killing us. Between the two of us it is over $350.00 monthly!!!! That's for all the co-pays!!!. Plus we have the monthly premiums for the insurance too. I truly think the drug companies and the insurance companies are raking us over the coals....
I'm off to make the last square for the 2011 BOM from my local quilt shop. That should calm me down!!!!

Evening all, turned the heat up seeing the temps are dropping, filled, gave me good excuse to have hot bath, ran put of hot chocolate, drats could have used one, and copied up on the couch..such a waste of a persons uptime but relaxing and am enjoying.

Stopped at the stained glass studio picked up glass beads and solder..should get me through weekend projects..had full intention of going downstairs and playing at being constructive but no..being a lazy bones.

Dianne, you must be exhausted and beside yourself with worry! I've heard that those ensure and high energy drinks don't taste the best so hopefully some of the girls have great recipes they can share. Sounds as though your doctors are like Barb's, trying to make things the easiest for you..know you want Warren home with you..both of you are never out of my prayers..god bless the both of you!

Barb, doing a budget now to last an entire year is quit the undertaking..kudos if
You can make and stay within it. It always amazes me to hear how much you have to pay for medical..how do people survive!

Debbie, Paul had a great idea..

Dozing as I type..best have a quick nap

Dianne, put ice cream and fruit in those Boost or Ensure....or get the pediatric version called Pedisure. We even put chocolate or strawberry syrup in ours. Mom liked the Strawberry Boost with a banana and scoop if ice cream blended up in it. We would make pudding also with whole milk and blend in frozen fruits...mostly berries. Stay away from the alcohol....as tempting as it is...will mess with his meds. I know you were just joking, but....YOU can have the alcohol version!

Lots of hugs and prayers coming your way

Debbie

Wow had a busy but beautiful day it was 70 here .
Dianne sending hugs to and to Warren.
Debbie I really like Pauls idea. Super bowl sunday....who will win.....
Barb you sound more relaxed. One day at a time.
Betty that is too funny HD knowing you are out of town but not your son.
Washed and dried the kitchen curtains and then ironed them ................what was I thinking.
waving to all a good night.

I only watch the Super Bowl for the commercials. LOL

and the food....do not forget the snacks....and all those guys running around in tight pants.

Dianne we make milkshakes using jello pudding.
3 cups milk
1-4serving size pudding
blend.......you can add ice cream and favorite syrup and blend.
thick and yummy. Maybe half the milk and use ensure.
Hope this helps.

LOL Laura "Tight Pants".... love that and the commercials too !

I think Louisiana is "Footballed out"... i've not heard any talk of the superbowl and that is very unusual....

Dianne... ((HUGS)).... DS19 we bought him ensure vanilla protein for years when on ADD meds and he actually brought some home just the other day. He's still trying to gain weight. But he worked at Smoothie King for a year so I texted him and will let you know what he says... I know he would use the ensure with ice cream and I suppose it tastes better and I also know Smoothie King puts peanut butter in some of their smoothies...and that most come with an overripe banana (creamier and tastier).
Also - I'll try to find out a good brand of weight gain powder... you might be able to sneak that in smoothies or even other things... the place DS is working now they sell smoothies as well as nutritional items/weight gain/ work out there is an Anytime Fitness next door.
Deb - SO glad you are not going back. That's just a bad way to run a business. I sold some advertising recently to a local PARDS which stands for "Parks of Denham Springs" its a brand new work out facility FREE for city residents....they even have a "river" of water that people will go walk in against the current to work out.... I'm wondering if there is something available for you there....

Budget is a good idea Barb. Betty - did you fall asleep? sounds so cozy.....

Hugs,
Mary

((( to you all ))) you have no idea how much I appreciate your concern and your suggestions for smoothies. Never thought about adding a pudding. Made him a good old fashioned milk shake tonight like mam used to make for me when I was a kid. Put some icecream and some vanilla flavouring in it - he drank it down with his bedtime meds and enjoyed it. Adding ice cream and fruit will really help zest up the taste.Any and all suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Wow Barb that is alot of $$$s going out every month for meds out of your pocket. Since Warren is over 65 all of his meds cost only the dispensing fee which can very from $4.12 - $11.00 depending on which pharmacy we use. Then we pay every month to carry extra medical insurance to cover drugs for me, ambulance, private room if available, then dental insurance on top of that. DH gripes every month about paying the insurance but just 1 bill from the dentist makes him realize yes we are lucky to have coverage.

Susan did I miss your pics from Robbie Burns Day?

Thunder how is your hubbby doing?

So what are everybody's plans for the Super Bowl? We didn't even know it was on until we saw that there was a TV show tonight about Superbowl Commercials. Guess you can tell my DH doesn't follow sports at all.

Betty where is it you are going to take Noah? I know it is in Toronto but where exaactly and what is the show called? Better have 1 of those smoothies to help you get through a day of overly excited teens.What a great Grandma you are to do that.

Debbie is Shane definitely coming home tomorrow?

Mary the new workout facility sounds wondeerful. The stream to walk against a current is fabulous for those who don't really like to sweat and actually feel like they are excercising.

Laura how is the little man doing? Do you still think tomatoes are what is causing the problem?

Judy your weekend away sounded divine. Do you hook up the water while you are there on a winter weekend, or do you rough it?

Time for a few winks of sleep, I hope. Make sure you all do something nice for yourself today ladies!

Dianne











This message was edited Feb 2, 2012 3:19 AM

This message was edited Feb 2, 2012 6:56 AM

Morning everyone. Hope your day is full of sunshine and good humour.
Dianne

Happy groundhog day...

Lost you all, said unwatch, not sure how that. Happened, didn't think you were chatting!!

Set up frame for SG lamp shade panel to solder, started to play, now running behind.

Waving to all, gab when I get to work!

One quick post..

Came downstairs and on computer stand was 3 butterflies..amazing..I've spoken so much about all my DG friends that some of the girls want to do little carry bags for the 2012 Sistah's Gathering here..just like the movie stars get when they go to a grand opening..lol

Darlene, bless her soul, started butterflies...first 3 have arrived..

Morning everyone! Dianne, you did not get much sleep.

Love those butterflies Betty, was wondering where you were?

6 more weeks of winter folks!

What happened with Wiarton Willie Betty?

raining and no sun today.
Love the butterflies.
If there was another craft I could learn it would be stain glass.....small pieces.

Dianne, I believe Wiarton Willie says 6 more weeks of winter, just like his USA counterpart..hard call to make seeing as we haven't had winter yet..lol

Laura, when I dropped my SG piece at the shop to get it camed I saw a lovely modern piece, dicronic glass colored bevels, big glass globs, bobbles and misc. open sections..actually mostly straight cuts..center of the piece is a glass fused piece..yikes $40-50 for a round circle about 5"..thought DIL and Jeff's girlfriend for Christmas..you know me, once I put my tools away I'll not want to take them out for some time. I go from one craft to another lol master of none! Sooo once the jewelry boxes and the lamp is done, it will be NEXT project...

Dianne, Joyride150 is where I bought him his pass, I promised to take him a few times, and parents/ friends parents will take him another time. Open all day, am sure he'll not want to leave until closing so I'd best go shopping or bring something along with me to entertain myself!

http://www.joyride150.com/media/video-clips

Never had experience with smoothies so can't help out but the others have great ideas..

Got 2 tapes yesterday for wii...two dance onces..one is Michael Jackson..haven't used them yet, must see if I know how to even turn the machine on..must diet and get fit before spring lol lots of luck with that righ?

Betty, looks like he will have lots of fun with his bike there!

Good morning everyone!!!

Smoothies are delicious, I like banana strawberry. Great ideas!!

(((((((BARB))))))) So glad you can do a budget for that amount of time, I blow budgets within 1 day of making them. lol

((((((((((Dianne and Warren))))))))))) I hope the milkshakes and smoothies work, I used to drink Boost and Ensure to gain weight when I was way underweight from stress and I always bought the chocolate, I could actually drink that one but that's just me. I bet chocolate with a bit of peanut butter in it would be alright, maybe.

Betty, Darlene's butterflies are so pretty!

Crap, I'm out of coffee. It's not even 9:30 yet, that's not good!

Debbie I wouldn't go back either. I know that your PT guy is one of the best but Paul's right. When I started going to a new to me chiropractor he put me in a program that taught me to do the exercises at home, of course Dave wasn't working at the time so I never went out to buy the stuff, plus I'm lazy and would have done them once. I need to go back and get my neck adjusted though, I keep getting headaches and my left shoulder blade feels hot in one small spot.

Well I'm going to see how much trouble I can get into here, I'll be back.

Wiarton Willy said "early spring", and so did Manitoba's and Alberta's groundhogs........
we are NOT having 6 more weeks of winter......... in fact, the weatherman said in the Great Lakes area (as they didn't really have winter) they may not even know the difference LOL

I'm ok with having a weather such as it is..nice not shovelling 4' of snow..Kyle wouldn't be happy if he heard me say such a thing.

Yes, LindaKay Noah will have a great time, I'm going to key in fabric shops/sg studios in the area and see if I can fill a full day..of course weather permitting

You cannot believe how excited I am about our gathering, so much so I went back in threads to mid June to late June to see if I would have any flowers in my gardens for you to see...not at it's best but looks ok.

going to post on gathering thread..

Susan, boss took us out for Chinese, got back and Melody who looks after the telephones said that Jeff had called for me..checked e-mail and he had posted...

it reads:


Just wanted to let you know I sent back that USB key to Susan in Calgary today (just got the USB on Tuesday from Paul)

Will go out in the mail from the office today and would expect her to get over the next few days or early next week. Has full instructions and 2700+ books.

X0X0

Off to a meeting at 1:30, will call later when I get a chance.

WOW - tell Jeff, Thanks!! How very sweet of him to d/l 2700+ books!! I'll be reading them until I'm 85yo!!!!!
D'ya think he'd d/l another 2700 at that time? LOL

Think we'll ask him once you've finished reading what he's sent you. Now I don't think in the package you sent a list of books? I'm sure there is some of all kind. Instructions should be easy for the simple reason as he is used to working with his mom..

Was going to post yesterday actually that I sent the stick to Toronto with Paul, thought it would be a week or so before Jeff got at it but guess he did it last week. I had told him to send it back to me for posting BUT he did it himself. Must be trying to earn brownie points with his mom..wonder what's up???? lol

oh, never thought to put a list of books I liked....... DUH!
Well, as you say, he's used to working with his mom, so hopefully he'll figure me out LOL
Have you ever said anything about me so he'd get a "clue"?

I'm not sure where he and his brother got the ideas that all my friends here on-line are sitting holding onto Bible and praying..don't think he knows just how hip and exciting we all are lol

Especially we get a few Bailey's in our bellies! LOL!