Best/Worse/what did I learn today? Come sit a bit n chat

Much rather stay home and play with these two and swim/relax near the pool..

Good morning everyone,

woke up with an upset tummy. Due to the heat I think. No blackout last night so I got some sleep. The heat just wears us all down one way or another.

I won $50 playing poker yesterday but the haven't posted my win. The site is not one of the best but for $20 a month I can play lots of games, some of them for money. And I never lose more than my $20 a month investment. Works for me but I wish they would pay off when I win.

Tony just told me the Ruben the pharmacist died this weekend. That is sad news. He was one of the nicest people in town and will be missed greatly. He was always a good friend to me and would ask Tony about how I was when Tony stopped in. Many of tahe local people are polite and nice to me (I don't drink, drug or fool around with others' husbands - an unusal American); Ruben was always especially warm and friendly and he provided medicine for my other while we were here before her death so there was a strong bond there. I will miss him.

Perhaps to help make up for the loss of Ruben I have made a new online friend. Her name is Jesse and she and her partner are in Costa Rica developing a business of growing food plants and selling seeds for them. We seem to be a match made in heaven. I ordered seeds from her on ebay over a month ago and they haven't arrived. She offered replacements and, if necessary, a refund. She is in school and developing a business which is in line with what I'm doing here so I told her to forget the refund or any worry about problems with ebay; we will work it out. Then I checked out ebay and she had durian seeds listed so I bout some and will have them sent to Ca. These seeds are very expensive and often DOA so I'm thrilled to find a good source.

Many of the things she grows should do well here. I'm really excited about this.

I'm watching Susan on her bike in my mind.

So glad Dianne went with Betty to see the Elvises.

Love you all.

hugs, katie

Good Morning

Been a busy weekend. Betty so glad you had a memorable time at the Elvis show. I know what you mean...people tell me their life histories in the grocery checkout line....glad you met two lovely fellow travelers.

Friday night went to a Farewell party for a dear friend's son...going overseas to teach for a year. Saturday met friends for brunch and then to a baby Shower. Saturday night went to a Bridal Shower for another friend's daughter. Sunday had a christening to go to, then dinner with my DS to meet the new girlfriend....don't know how it all wound up on the same weekend...LOL but, by 10PM Sunday i was ready to snooze.

Hope you all had a lovely weekend.

Look who is here for a few days!

Been playing in the office...just me!!! Really should invest in a cot for the boardroom don't you think??

Ned and Sophie were excited to see me this morning..they love when grandma comes, she arrives bearing treats and leaves the t.v. on all day to entertain them.

Saw on facebook that yesterday was the perfect day for them, means they went up on the hydraulic lift at Big Chute, some of you know where and what that is since your visit..asked if I might drive to orillia tomorrow night to pick up Kyle who has to return to work on Wednesday so they can have a few more days on the lake...of course will do!

Katie, sorry to hear about Reuben's passing..difficult to have a friend die. heat isn't making it easy on many, did he have a history of illness or was this sudden?? How thrilling to find a friend who is interested in same kind of things as you are..haven't heard of those seeds, likely wouldn't grow here.


Wow Jean, think you were busier than I..that is one heck of a weekend. Did you like your son's new girlfriend?? first impression?? lol How are you surviving this heat?

Debbie know you enjoy spending time with nieces and nephews..glad you enjoyed your outing.


Been quiet, everyone must be resting after their weekend..

Smilling from ear to ear LindaKay, gorgeous kids..look at that little one, started to laugh when I read his bib..you'll be a busy lady..enjoy/enjoy/enjoy!

What sweet faces, LK. I love that Grandma happy smile. little one is growing so fast. They just don't stay babies long enough.

DS's new girlfriend seems to be very sweet. A petite little brunette and works as a Court stenographer. She has two little ones, 1 and 3 years old. Her eyes twinkle when she looks at DS....and he grins a lot....LOL.
Our heat is just outrageous....at 11AM the temp was 89F and the heat index was already 100. The Dog Days/Doldrums of summer are here for sure. we have scattered thunderstorms predicted throughout the next few days....OH Great...more humidity....if this keeps up, we won't have to worry about boiling crawfish, they will be caught pre-cooked...LOL

I laughed at the bib too Betty. He sure is a cutie as are his brother and sister!!! Nice family picture!

The Kaiser medial people just called and I am scheduled for knee replacement surgery on Aug. 14. Thank God Tony is here and can roll witht he punches as I am reeling. Last I heard was Oct. or Nov. Here we go. Less time to get nervous.

hugs, katie

Ohhh fantastic news Katie, finally..ask Barb how it feels to have it behind you..
Know you can't do 'happy dance' but am sure you would sooo like to.

Jean, Jeff is the same, see him much more relaxed than I've ever seen him and Julie is always smilling...how wonderful that your son has found someone who puts the light back in his eyes.

Now Jean, you just had to tell me weather is unbearable..I'm so second guessing this trip..not a lover of high temps and humidity..still have 4 sleeps to change destination..wonder if Suzanne would go for it!!!

When I had my boys as babes, there was nothing cutesy for them to wear, now they've such adorable outfits, even to bibs lol

How are you feeling today Barb??

Oh Katie, that is such good news. It will just mean you will be up and moving better sooner....and on the road to a healthy winter!

Love the baby pictures...I want to kiss those cheeks.

Not having a good day.....so emotional. I just hate this. Parenthood is not supposed to bottom you out so you don't want to get
up any more.

Perhaps an ice cream sandwich will help

Barb - Any idea how soon I'll be able to drive after the surgery? Any other infor would be much appreciated. I'm a little nervous. The surgeon is excellent and he will be super-pleased at my 55 pound weight loss.

hugs, katie

Katie, which knee are you having done, left or right?

Left. My van is an automatic. kb

Debbie, so sorry to hear you are going through such a difficult time with the kids!! You are right, you are not suppose to be feeling as you do...I'm a firm believer that sometimes you must let them fend for themselves and learn all about the real world..we can do too much for our kids..it's a hard hard road to travel I know..sending as Judy would say 'armwraps'

Go for the icecream bar

Betty I am letting them fend for themselves.....and thats what hurts so bad. Its not going to end well.

Katie, If it is your left...the problem will be getting in and out of the van with not being able to bend your knee.....or get your seat in position. Also, the doctor was
concerned if there was an accident....that knee would crash into dash and further issues. Also, if you have a knee brace.....but. I am sure you will have a pre-op appointment and can ask them more questions that I would know. My husband didn't have a replacement....he had a torn meniscus and scoping. It was two weeks for him.

Debbie, makes us want to look back and see what grief we may have given our parents..sure hope not a lot! doesn't end the worrying about your kids..my dad was in his 70's and grandma still worried over him and her other children!

Not sure why I'm watching a cowboy show but am..so boring here today on my own..

keep looking at the closk and it's not moving

I know you will laugh at this...but I really was a perfect child...only time I was hit or grounded was for rolling my eyes at my mother.
Never smoke or drank....lived with it in my home so didn't want any part of it. Spent 90% of time hiding in my bedroom reading and listening to music.
AND my older two never did anything like this....so thats why it is hitting so hard.

Betty - check your e-mail please....

Katie, I did not have replacement surgery. I had my gall bladder removed. My recovery has been swift and great - as in no pain and healing well. My issues are with my breathing (COPD) which was the issue during surgery. I went through 9 weeks of pulmonary rehab before I had the surgery and it stood me well. I came thorugh it with flying colors.
As far as replacement surgeries go - ask Linda Kay. She has had more than one I know...

Two pieces of good news here. They did post my win at the poker site. And, the man I bought my ambulance from says I can stay in my van at his place after my sugery.

debbie, have some protien as well as ice cream. Iam also having ice cream - but chicken first.

hugs, katie

Katie, getting in and out of that van is going to be very difficult, until you go through several weeks of therapy. I had total knee replacement in 2006, I was sent gome with a machine, I laid my leg on, and when turned on, it made me bend my knee. I did that for about a month, then went to the hospital for another 6 weeks of therapy. I was told no driving for at least 6 weeks.

Thanks, Linda. I know this is going to be a PITA. I will be able to use the side door to get in the van. Steve, my friend, also has access to places where I can do more rehab like moving around outside. I'm not looking forward to this but at least I have some support there now. kb

Katie - thanks for thinking about me on my bike :-)
So nice that your friend will let you stay there after the surgery. AND so nice that it's soon, and you won't have much "worry time"!! Never pays to dwell on the worst. "Hope for the best, and prepare for the worst" is my motto. That and, "the Lord will look after me". Helps me to Not Worry..........

Debbie - I was a perfect child too - except when I worried my parents by hitchhiking to BC and then to Florida - both from Winnipeg, Manitoba....... I was fine, but of course they worried (actually my mom didn't worry all that much cuz she knew I wasn't bad, and the times were different in the early 70's)....... not as much violence on the roads as there is now......

Jean - you had quite the "crammed full" weekend! But what a lovely way to spend it, with young members of the family!!!

It's11:30pm and I seem to be wide awake. I din't have enough doing on so I got my first scorpion bite in about five years - on the side of my right breast!! I immediately took two vicodin and thought they would knock me out along with the pain. No such luck. Most of the painis gone but I can't get to sleep. Watching a little of Tom Dwan on YouTube - always interesting. He often has a kind of vacous (sp?) look like he wandered into the poker room by accident.

I get blood tests and an EKG on Friday. I see my general practioner on Aug 7th. I am also supposed to go to a class and see the surgeon before the surgery on the 14th.

I'll have lots of packages when I get to San Diego. Still haven't found insulation but I have some ideas and Steve may help as he's a contractor. Steve had a week in the hospital with a mild heart attack, if there is such a thing.

I'll probably leave here early on Wednesday morning. That will put me accross to the Pacific side where it's usually cooler by early afternoon. Should cross the border sometime on Thursday and be at Kaiser for testing on Friday. I can probably have the tests done Monday if there's any delay. I'm still feeling kind of bounced around with all the stop/go on when I'd have the surgery but I agree it's better sooner than later. Though of course my helpful little mind is telling me the knee pain isn't really that bad and do I really want to spend a month or two recovering from surgery. Meanwhile, I keep losing weight and doing leg lifts. And watching poker on YouTube. And cuddling the dogs.

Heard from my new friend in Costa Rica. She'll send the durian seeds to Ca. they are already sprouting so I'll plant them right away and nurture them while I recuperate from the knee surgery.

I wrote to neighbor Dana about the surgery and she reminded that I will be recoverd by the time she and Tom return in October.

The scorpion that bit me escaped. I will finish this and fold laundry, etc. Carefully.

hugs, katie

Oh Katie, those scorpion stings, hurt like the devil! Hope you did not have any side affects from it? Sounds like you have a schedule already for your trip! In about 3 or 4 months, your going to be telling yourself, why did I not have this knee surgery sooner?

Morning everyone!

Would benedryl help for the reaction to the sting Katie? I have never been stung by one, we had them rampant in Florida....but thankfully missed that one!

Good morning LindaKay!

Katie I can just tell you have the determination to bounce back from your replacement surgery. I have had 2 replacements and actually was up walking the day of surgery - mind you with a walker but I was still walking.Will be there is spirit in that OR with you Katie. I'll bring Quill and Diesel along for moral support. Sending positive thoughts everything will go well and you will be in less pain after the surgery.

How are you feeling LK? Still a bit achy? New truck sounds great!

Diesel had his first encounter with a snake and a frog yesterday. Very funny - well at least to me.

Hot and humid here. How about you Debbie and Betty?

Dianne

Morning all. Very dark and raining here this morning. This is not what I thought was predicted for the day but guess I will just deal with it.

Dianne the heat is rising and so is the humidity! No plans for today right now....

Morning

Yep, still morning...been busy trying to have everything in order before Friday..

What a storm going on right now..so heavy it's black..so far just thunder, haven't seen the lightning as yet. About an hour ago Darlene called to say she was in Midland, couldn't see, got to Victoria Harbour and not a drop and it was raining when she got home, Port Severn...say it isn't so..want rain in my neck of the woods.

Could be a fast moving front and will end up with Dianne and Debbie.

Greg and Mel are on the trent...Mel just posted a photo, sky was blue, nice weather for sure, who knows they may still get a bit of it.

They were hoping to get home tonight so they can do a wash, get more groceries and head out into Georgian Bay..hope they know I'll be unable to dog sit after Friday morning.

Wanted to go to Michaels on my lunch to pick up a bag of crystals to make a few of the neck bands to bring along with me seeing it's going to be mega hot and humid next week in YOUR neighborhood but I'm sure the car would get washed away..might have to do it tomorrow.

Dianne, you certainly are enjoying these walks but Quill and Diesel..bet you feel better after the walks, kind of gives you a purpose right?

Barb, when I posted 'ask Barb' it wasn't for the knee replacement it was for the feeling of relief having it behind you..all the worry leading up to surgery is always the worse.

Katie, so glad your USA friends are providing a spot for your vehicle and also to watch over you, we'll feel better knowing you are in good hands. UKKK Scorpian bite..keep a close eye on it, sounds dangerous to your health.

You got that right Betty. I am soooo glad this is done. I see the surgeon this afternoon for my follow up appointment and I'm pretty sure he is going to tell me I am all set. I still can't over having no pain at all since waking up after the surgery. A bit of discomfort is all. Going to celebrate somehow this weekend. There is a quilt show in Manchester - maybe I'll ask Norm to take me.

Dianne, it is so good to see you post. I'm thinking that Diesel must be keeping you hopping. And how is dear Quill adjusting to him?

Barb, it makes my heart sing to hear you are no longer in pain..thank the Lord!!!
Now there is a plan if I've ever heard one..quilt show, can't get any better than that right?

Ddianne, thank you for the information and encouragement. It really helps. I know that the day after the surgery I'll be up and walking, saying to myself, "If Dianne managed this, I can, too." Can you tell I'm rather competitive. Especially when I can use it to motivate me.

When I had one of my three hand surgeries they left the stuffed lion I'd taken in with me next to me when I went into the OR. When I woke up one front paw of the lion was bandaged, too. Don't know if they will let him in the OR when I have my knee done but he'll be there when I wake up.

My scorpion sting is almost all better. I was lucky it only got me once and not too badly. I didn't think of benadryl which might have helped. I got my worst sting ever about eight years ago when I wrapped a towel which had a scorpion in it around my left hand an the had trouble removing it. I don't even like to think about that one. Ive been real cautious since.

Sometthing funny happened this morning. Tony got upset!! He couldn't find the bit which I had taken out of the electric drill. Turned out I had put it back where it belongs. I teased him a little. He always stays calm and I said that with all he had going on I couldn't believe he'd get upset over a missing drill bit. I think it whows that the family situation is getting to him some. I'm so glad he can let some of that stress out here.

I'm seeing my primary care doctor on Tuesday. I was going to get blood tests on Friday but if I wait until Monday I won't have to leave here until Saturday. I've called and left a message to see if that's OK. They get the test results so fast I don't think it will be a problem especially since my health is pretty good. For an old fart.

Dianne, thanks again for the reassurance. I feel better. Barb, also. So glad you are doing well. You women are my inspiration. Must add Susan learning to ride a bike. And if you didn't see the Monk episode I mentioned, check it out of Project Free TV. I now think of it with Susan on the bicycle. Bet you'll cry when you see it.

Back to the laundry.

hugs, katie

Yikes on the Scorpion sting!!
Katie - I found Season 5, episode 9, but Graboid won't allow me to view it outside of the US.............
I'm going to check another "Free TV online" site and see if I can find it there.

How is the new job going Susan? And the bike riding lessons?

Long weekend here this weekend coming up. I think is is called John Graves Simcoe Day on Mon. Not all work places give this Monday as a holiday. It is a holiday here in Ontario but not in all of the other provinces.Betty you won't be there but Kempenfest is on this coming weekend too. I sure don't miss doing that show.

Diesel is being a real little pill tonight. He didn't get his last long walk in - we had a wee rain and the bugs are the worst they have been all summer.

Katie does the hospital provide you with a walker, crutches, raised toilet seat? Here in Ontario you receive free of charge for 30 days 3 items to help you get back on your feet. I chose the walker, shower chair and the raised toilet seat. Will they put you on coumadin immediately after the surgery? If that hasn't been mentioned to you please ask about it - you don't want any nasty blood clots. Some Orthos only Rx low dose aspirin but others go the coumadin route.Of course while on coumadin I had to have my blood taken and checked 3 times a week. A lab tech came right here to the house as did a Physiotherapist - no charge to us. Katie - competitive is good - well I think it is, gives you the incentive to push yourself just a "wee" bit more. Don't overdo it please!

Barb how did things go at the doc's today? Did Norm drive you or did you feel well enough to drive yourself?

Oh LK you must be just beaming having all of those cute grandbabies there with you.

Diesel has finally conked out on my feet so I think I will make a dash for the bede while I can. Sweet dreams everyone!
Dianne

Morning all, going to be a sunshine day again..

Dianne, so glad the storm passed you by..not sure if you saw news last night, Lordy in some parts of Toronto the cars had water nearly to their windows..we did have a downpour here but within hours the sunshine had dried things up where you could barely tell..ground is like a big sponge...swwwwiiissshhh and water is gone. Hard to believe we are at the last long weekend of the summer..where did it go? I will miss Kempenfest,usually pick up some rusted metal art,am always there about 1/2 hr before opening and walk to end of vending area, then walk backwards and am out of there within a few hours..hundreds of thousands all shopping in the heat isn't where I want to be.

Ahh can picture you sitting there with Diesel at your feet..soothing isn't it? Now has he conned you into sleeping on the bed? Always nice until they are full grown.

Katie, wasn't that the sweetest thing for them to do..glad you will have the cuddly lion with you..how sad for Tony, must be overwhelming with so many living with him..quite the responsibility..maybe he (alone) can get a few hours reprieve staying at your house while you are gone...is it he who will tend to the furries??

Tony does not live far from you does he??

You all have a wealth of information to offer Katie..know she's taking notes and will have a lot to question the doctors about..


Greg and family got back late last night, stocking up and off into Georgian Bay..Kyle is working so likely I'll have to pick him up after work..then, get to listen to stories of their boat trip on the Trent.

Got the insurance slip for the Foxy Lady, should have them pick it up and put into the boat ..isn't it odd, accidents happen on the water and I'm not so sure insurance is mandated as a must have?? Imagine it is..

Best I get a move on..running slower than normal this morning..do have my suitcase packed though..thank God for those light weight outfits I wear, small suitcase will do it and side mini bag for toiletries..

Waving to all, gab when I get to work

Morning everyone! Dianne, I bet that little one is so busy, and keeps you going?
Have a great trip Betty, and a safe one please? We will be looking forward to your stories, and pictures.

Not leaving LindaKay until Friday lunch hour, just getting the packing done so it's one less thing I have to do..after my forehead injury last year, have on my 'to do' to bring along some medical supplies..lol..as per the girls so tonight I'll get that done.

Are the kids still visiting?

No, they left Monday night. They were here for Sunday and Monday, and I really enjoyed the visit! Dylan is such a good cuddly baby, but a big one! And Rory, and MaryAnne, are really good big brother and sister.

Thanks for the reminder, Dianne. I have portable potty chair and Tony is building a platform to raise it up, thanks to your suggestion. I have a solar shower and I'm used to a lot of sponge baths while traveling. They will probably rovide a walker; Kaiser is good about things like that.

I decided not to leave until Saturday. I was feeling really rushed. I can get the bloodwork and EKG on Monday and they get the results so fast they'll be ready when I see my doctor on Tuesday.

I misplaced my watch about ten days ago and cannot find it. Very frustrating as my movements are auite restricted. I'll pick one up at Walmart in Chula Vista along with a cheap cell phone. The essentials.

I realized that I could use straw for insulation - if I can find straw. tony says the bales I see are alfalfa for horses. I'll have to ask Manual who has a farm/ranch and will probably know where they might be available. The advantage of haveing lots of space here is that we can use something like straw that takes up a lot of room.

Dylan is adorable. I haven't met Tony's grandson yet. Tony says he's big, too. Tony and his sons are all tall.

Must start to organize, pack.

hugs, katie