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

Sorry no cake to share but come next gathering and I will bake some. Okay? Our friend didn't even offer it to her staff at the office....flat told them it was all her's. Did tell her I wouldn't be held responsible if she ate cake and drove. LOL

Yes Mary - a very warm wind........ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinook_wind

Mary, did you get your vehicle back? Sounds as though yu are getting the yard back in shape with the help of that handsome young man.. Bet he's living being spoilt by mom. Does his girlfriend spend time with him at your house on weekens, know you enjoy her company or is she away at college?

There will be no grass cutting for me today, been non stop rain all night. Rather than count sheep I'm counting raindrops, just not working..might get us and do simething.

Well, Betty, I don't think they would have been ruined, but I didn't want to take the chance that it would make the stem and cap weak from too much water. So it's all good. We had a nice rain, too. Thank you God. Still drizzling this morning. Will have to get an umbrella for my walk through!

Bertie is going to go to MI with her hubby to visit her SIL, so it's a no on the trip to Frankenmuth with me, but truly I don't mind driving alone. I'm so anxious to meet everyone and spend time with you (and Ann if she comes) that I'll be fine on the drive alone.

Kittens are all full of it this morning. Can't walk without dragging one along that's hugging on to my ankle. I'll be sorry to see them go. They are such good entertainment.

Marion, would you share your recipe for cake??? Sounds decadent!

Okay, need another cup of coffee...later ya'll..

Raining heavily here, hearing some grumbling as well..just checked to make sure all is well with sump pump..been a long time that we had such a day, having coffee and wondering what I'll get up to..maybe I can have a peak at what Darlene brought of Mike's clothing. Have to wash them a few times, amazing when you smoke just how it attaches to clothing, yep, can get them washed.

Maybe I'll make spaghetti, large batch anf freeze, always nice to have containers in the freezer for those what shall I have days.

I don't mind driving distances alone either, going I'm excited about meeting up, on the way home I have memories of happy times, just turn up the tunes and drive. Word of caution Joyce, watching and enjoying kitty antics is one more step to keeping them. Am sure Bertie will enjoy her visit with DH.

Gee we'll soon be saying see you in a few weeks.

LindaKay bet your dad is anxious to see you.

Need another coffee

Betty, putting vinegar in the wash helps get the smoke smell (or any smell) out when used along with regular detergent.

I told my Sister to keep it a surprise for my Dad, he does not know I am coming yet! Yes, I am getting excited too! Only about 5 weeks till we all hug each other!

Thanks Debbie, will do..can't believe how much they smell of smoke..Darlene was a heavy smoker but so much so since her loss..guess having them in a garbage bag closed intensifies the smell..not sure how much vinegar I have on hand but will walk next door and get another container.

How's Izzy and mom today?

Lindakay we almost met up a few years ago in Frankenmuth, forget what happened that you d-mailed and said couldn't be done.

My mind is just working overtime, with a play/work weekend I want to make the best of it and so mind is in 40 different directions..will be interesting to see what I actually accomplish.

Have a call into Bernie, before he started to work in April he was suppose to do my washroom and furnace room where I have my computer, haven't heard from him in months sooo time to remind him I need work done and if he is unable to do so then I'll be on the lookout for someone who can..no answer

I use about 1 cup per load. Izzy was up all night. I am really having hip & back issues....weather isn't helping. Spent last night laying on the back massager.

Heavy rains, woke to thunder and lightening.

Raining here. Woke to the sound of rain drops on the roof.....almost lulled me back to sleep but have to meet the GDs at 11 so needed to be up and ready to go.

Joyce, yes I do share the cake recipe.........with disclaimer " If caught eating cake and driving" not responsible for ticket!!!!

Good Morning

Everyone seems to be bustling this morning.

Betty, use vinegar and Plain old Baking soda to remove smoke. We use 1 cup vinegar and one small box of Arm&Hammer in warm water. Run the clothes through a rinse cycle, refill the washer with warm water and add the vinegar and BS....let the mixture and clothes agitate for a few minutes, shut off washer and let the items soak for about 15 minutes...restart the washer and let it complete the cycle...then wash as normal. That should remove the odor.

Hope everyone has a lovely day.

Yes we almost met a few years ago, I was bringing Dad to Michigan, and was going to meet you t here, but I was only in Michigan for a few days, and my Sister made plans and kept us busy! That is also when I broke my fingers!

http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/1277320/
Just a few more days to add your name to the list for the PJ night gown swap!

Good Morning !

since laundry advice being given... how do I wash the neck cooler that Betty gave me ? If I run through the clothes washer will it burst those beads ? or is that okay ?

Yes Betty DS's GF comes by often. Her dad owns mexican restaurants and she works very hard as a waitress. So she and DS get together when they can. I noticed she scheduled DS's classes the same day as hers Tues/Thurs. She goes to Southeastern in Hammond...about 45 minutes drive but lives at home.

I did get a good chance to talk to DS yesterday. Got my car back $1000 later (compressor) would love for Crissy to tell me if that is a good price. I really like/trust that mechanic though.

My goal today is working on our "one of THOSE" rooms... it's a disaster with old files and papers. I don't think there is a need anymore to keep old bank statements, etc. Also shouldn't be a need to shred old check duplicates on an account that is closed.

Someone set me straight if this is not correct.

((HUGS))
Mary

Debbie. sorry to hear your back is acting up, that puts a halt to everything. Glad Izzy is coming around, you can breathe deaply that you won't incur a vet bill. Speaking of bills, will you have to take the car to the garage for repair or can Paul do the work himself..know he's real handy with vehicle repairs.

been noticing with high humidity that I'm just aching from head to toe, now I'm moving like the old grandma I am, and NO, not do to my doing flips on Bourbon Street..maybe doing so again might get them moving!! did someone say Hurricane..

Mary, just as I typed hurricane I must tell you on Thursday Suzanne ordered from Cafe du Monde and ordered me their famous pastry mix and a mix of Hurricane..too funny..

Jean, 1 load of clothes is already in the washer (before I read your post) do have arm and hammer so if I can still smell smoke after they are dry I'll rewash..tubby started to turn as I was washing Mike's clothes..lots of memories here in this house of him coming to do projects to make it liveable..he had plans to finish off the basement for me but the Lord had other plans.

I hate to say this for sounding like I'm a dirty person but I've had the neck bands for years and never give them a major wash..I soak them in the water with a touch of soap (and I mean a touch) swish them around and rinse very well then let them till you see no signs of bubbles, set them in water to absorb again..think they are clean!!

Mom and Jim had their a/c unit repaired a few months ago and that is about what she paid. Glad the kids are still going strong, a lot nicer when you love the girl they are dating..I'm closer to ex DIL than I was when she and Jeff were married, not sure what is up with that?

LindaKay, knew something had come up because I was so excited about travelling to meet you and then didn't go..sure hope nothing comes up this time!!! Aren't you both afraid that if you don't tell dad you are coming the shock will be too much?

Can't believe that I've set myself to about 3 projects (sewing) and need supplies for all and am at a standstill..cut out the 9" tree shapes for a table runner and don't have background or fleece, need fleece for wallets and also need fabric for block background for Mike's quilt sooo now I'm saying, what to do, what to do? trip to Barrie or Orillia to Fabricland..might call and see if Cathy is home and wants to go for a ride, might be the way to be one on one and gab???

oops dryer alarm went off..time for some ironing

Mary, we have a number of the "neck cooler" bandanas. The instructions that came with them say: After use, swish the bandana through a little warm soapy water while still "expanded"...rinse thoroughly and hang to dry. I think having the beads fully expanded keeps them from absorbing any soap, but the instructions do say to "line dry only"

As for the old checks and statements, if they have your names, address, and driver's license numbers on them and you have cause to think that info may be accessed, shred them and put the shreds in your compost pile.

Ok, I feel like a stalker, calling for Cathy as I have been doing..I've left message after message and never returned. I called about 10 times, line busy, called only seconds later no answer..I'm thinking she doesn't want to answer my calls..she used to clean for my DIL and were friends up years ago, one day she left a note saying won't be back and won't be cleaning again.

In my heart I've done nothing bad, always a good friend and always tried to include her in everything soooo no more calls..should she need me she knows where I am. I thought at some point when I'm not so p'sss'ddd off I'll write a note and after that it's up to her.

Thanks Betty & Jean for the advice !

Will follow them... shredder just froze up... guess I am overusing it...

Oh Betty - (HUGS) maybe it's just time to walk away... people can be so funny sometimes...

Maybe when ya'll meet in Frankenmuth might be time for a little hurricane party... then you can all think about us LA folks...

Hugs,
Mary

PS: Debbie - know you may have tried this but the cosequin tablets? They are for humans and dogs and help the joints.... we used to give to our dog and hubby just bought some for himself...

Mary, thanks she is on glucosimine and fish oil tablets per the vets instruction. And her "large breed" dog food has that in it for joint repair also. I am thinking her
ear infection didn't clear up and the noise in her ear is making her nuts. BUT hopefully it will clear up since I started her back on another round.

Need prayers for my Dad please? He has developed a sore on his toes of his paralyzed foot from a bone infection, and they will not heal,,due to no circulation. The Dr. wants to amputate at least the toe, if not the foot or more, and if that happens he will be in a nursing home, for treatment. Dr. Does not know if that will help, even if they take the foot or leg. So it may be just a matter of time, before we lose him.
I will still come to Michigan in October, as probably no surgery will take place before that! My Sister says he is in pretty good spirit's considering what he is going through.

Prayers coming your way for sure..oh my, hate to think of any amputation..had an uncle in his mid 70's, started with toe and just kept taking more until he spend 6 years in same seniors home as grandma with just a torso and head. I do think hindsight is 20/20, he said had he known he would have let infection take its course, much less pain. Wouldn't expect you to make a trip Lindakay if you have to travel sooner due to your dad's needs. A worry for you for sure..how old is he?

Debbie, Sailor couldn't take the telephone ringing, she'd howl and howl..poor Izzy, infection could be the reason she is doing such things.

Mary, you really want to get me in trouble..lol. No hurricanes for us right girls..

Marion, would love the recipe as well if possible.

Went to Orillia to fabric land, fine going light mist but coming home it was much like yesterday..talk about stormy. Dropped into Foodland and bought the fixings for good old beef stew..now simmering. Ended up purchasing a good amount of what I needed for Mike's quilt and if their off white works then I'll play with the Christmas runner.

Did stop into Cathy's parents on my way out..father was outside, mom gone to her sister's and Cathy gone. Invited me in, we talked about the situation, he told me he gave her all my messages, as had her mom..said this past year Cathy has not been herself, said sometimes its over a month that she doesn't talk to him in his own home. Said that I should not feel guilty about anything re our friendship,said he knows I've been very good for her..her mom got there just before I was leaving and said the same..said Cathy lives with them and it's getting tougher and tougher. I left giving them hugs and said I hooe they would still drop in, that I thought a lot od them but felt in my heart that it was the right thing to do..no longer call .. If Cathy is ever in need of a friend I would hooe she knows where to find me..

Linda Kay have they tried Hyperbaric treatment for his infection? It is working well for a number of wound/surgery applications. There is a Comprehensive wound care center at Wexner Medical Center at Ohio State Univ. They are helping to write the book on current and new treatments for wounds that won't heal.

http://medicalcenter.osu.edu/patientcare/healthcare_services/wound_care/wound_care_services/Pages/index.aspx

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy/my00829

http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/HerbsVitaminsandMinerals/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy

That was an option Jean, but since this is a bone infection, it will not allow the skin to heal, and keeps producing more sores! Dad is 78 years old, and has a lot of medical issues, he is diabetic, he has congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, and list goes on. We were told when he had all his strokes, in 2000 that he would not come home from the hospital, but he is still hanging in there. It is sad to think his day may be coming soon, but in some way's think he had had a good life, and I just pray that God does not let him suffer.

78 is so young LindaKay..don't know why I thought he was nearing his 90's???
he was very young then when he had his stroke. Hoping there is no suffering and he goes like Joyce's dad..off to bed, sweet dreams and not wake up!!!

Prayers for you and your Dad LK...

Betty - I think you've done everything you can do re: Cathy. Glad you spoke with her parents....

Going through papers turned into dusting and now brasso-ing stuff on the desk.

Hope I can get my room back before the day is out but broke the shredder and waiting for DH to come home from work and fix it...

Looks as though we are all on a cleaning binge.

Taking breaks between cutting out patterns..stew is cooking, big bag of food ready for the dump, food expiration sure comes quickly..think I'd best do like the bread and look at the product for the longest lasting box.

Finishing last load of Mike's clothes and will start cutting into pieces..sure hooe its really what Darlene wants

sun is starting to peek through dark clouds, won't get too excited as its suppose to be same for tomorrow

(((((((((((((LK)))))))))))))))) praying for your Dad.....

LK - I "considering" the PJ/Nightie swap....... I saw a nightie today that I just Love, at Heritage Village. White cotton, with lacy neckline...... looked very Victorian and yet utilitarian.....
Do you still have room, and when do I have to decide by?

Just got home from Heritage Village's annual Fruit & Veggie sale....... $8 for 50lbs of potatoes, etc.... got about 140 lbs of everything. Now, to cook potatoes before freezing, and made stuff to freeze, and make some relish (IF I can find some cucumbers........... they were OUT of them before I could buy.......

Good deals Susan, you will not be starving that's for sure. Did you get to Carol's garden sale?

Susan, I have lots of room for another person in the swap, would be glad to have you!

Sounds like you got a good deal on the veggies!

I am sorry Linda Kay...I knew that bone infections were a big part of their study. I had hoped there was a kinder option than amputation. Good thoughts to you as you prepare and to your Dad, that all goes well and his recovery is swift.



Mary, sounds like you jammed the shredder. Unplug it...remove as much as possible by hand, set back on the bin and plug it back in...use the reverse and alternate between forward and reverse a few times, then try running it...that usual tears up enough of the jam to clear the machine....rule of thumb...only 4 or 5 sheets at a time depending on thickness....as the machine ages, the blades will dull so the unit is less efficient.

Hope you are all having a passably good weekend..rained here again...another inch in about and hour.....think I am beginning to feel the webs develop....GRIN

siiiiiiiigh didn't get to Carol's garden........ It's been over a year since I went to her place, and decided to "google" her address. Google, as usual, has it all messed up. There IS NO WAY to get to Carol's the way they described. I tooled around the neighbourhood for 3/4 of an hour and couldn't get there. Last time I was there, there was a lot of road construction, and perhaps they've revamped the roadways. There's road construction and home construction again. I just could not get to her place the way Google wanted me to, so I tried other ways.
By the time I figured I was not going to find it, it was after 4pm.

Got a joke for you:

CATHOLIC HAIR DRYER

An attractive young woman on a flight from Ireland asked the Priest beside her, 'Father, may I ask a favor?' '

'Of course child. What may I do for you?'

'Well , I bought my mother an expensive hair dryer for her birthday. It is unopened but well over the customs limits and I'm
afraid they'll confiscate it.

Is there any way you could carry it through customs for me? Hide it under your robes perhaps?'

'I would love to help you, dear, but I must warn you, I will not lie.'

'With your honest face, Father, no one will question you.'

When they got to Customs, she let the priest go first. The official asked, 'Father , do you have anything to declare?'

'From the top of my head down to my waist I have nothing to declare.'

The official thought this answer strange, so asked, 'And what do you have to declare from your waist to the floor?'

'I have a marvelous instrument designed to be used on a woman, but which is, to date, unused.'

Roaring with laughter, the official said, 'Go ahead, Father.

Soooo laughing, thanks Susan..something that our Tubby would have posted.

Sorry you didn't get to Carol's, was hoping that you would have made it, been our representative of sorts..sure do miss her! Here's hoping that all went well and that the plants, yard art brought in mega $$$ for the Horticultural Society just as she had wanted.

lol yes I thought that too, when I saw it for posting........... lol

Hello All !

Thank you Jean; There is apparently a trip switch and I was not putting the cover back on correctly. But your suggestion is a good one... I need to remember that. Got Hubs dusting knicknacks now while he is watching the LSU game...
Out of white vinegar so I couldn't mop... so will finish the room tomorrow. But I just can't stop looking at how good it looks already. Can't remember when it was all in order last. it had become a project room for the girls along with boxes of stuff and bills to file. Hope this organizing energy continues a while.

Susan - how do you prepare potatoes to freeze ? LOVE that joke - yes one that Tubby would have posted...

Hugs,
Mary

Okay ladies here is the recipe. It is from the Chocolate Lover's Cookbook I got with one of the annual cookbook from Southern Living back in 1991.

CHOCOLATE KAHLUA CAKE
1 box chocolate cake mix....chocolate not devil's food or red velvet.
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 6oz. package of instant chocolate pudding mix ( the large box)
4 eggs
3/4 cup Kahlua liqueur...a little extra doesn't hurt! LOL
1/2 cup water

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine first 6 ingredients in mixing bowl and blend well. Pour into greased and lightly floured (Baker's Joy)
9 1/2 bundt pan. Bake 45 to 50 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly touched.

Combine 1 cup sifted confectioners sugar with 6 TBS (again more doesn't hurt..LOL) Kahlua liqueur mixing well.
Pour over warm cake while still in the pan. You might want to take a toothpick and punch holes so the glaze goes down into the cake.

Allow the cake to cool in the pan atleast 2 hours.

Disclaimer: If eating this cake then driving, I am not responsible for any tickets for DUI.

Trip to liquor store is in order, need to try your recipe Marion..thanks for posting..not a lot of ingredients, that is always a plus. Will make it for thanksgiving. Sure the kids will enjoy. Lol

Mary, amazing what a weekend of cleaning will do..your efforts will be for not, you'll be walking past that bedroom just to eye how lovely it is.

Been watching movies, don't hear rain, maybe it will be a sunshine day..

Giving up on sleep, seems I'm in one of those zones so not fighting it anymore..will get up and rest when eyes get heavy.

Missy came to help me this morning..I sat for the longest time cutting collars/wrist & waistbands off of the clothing Darlene brought and worked from time to time on the Easty as 1-2-3 Christmas table runner and yes, easily make one in an afternoon. Made this one a little longer than I should have, cut enough trees to make 3 or 4 so will lessen the length..am sure I'll find someone to give this one to who has a long table..think I'll use up the trees I cut then worry about machine quilting later..

Missy was as energetic as I this morning, decided to help me sew..didn't last long though lol guess she'll want to play when I feel sleepy!

I have a long table, Betty...... ^_^

LK, so sorry about your Dad's situation. I agree with Betty, he is so young! Hope God lays a healing hand on him and gives you all peace. (((((LK, DAD, Sis))))

Thanks Marion...that's a definite to-make! Need to get the pudding and cake. Have the good stuff already! ^_^

My mother passed away one year ago today....I keep running those last few minutes through my head....so glad Dad didn't have to suffer like that. So happy they're together again!