Rachel and Barb - welcome back! It's really nice to log in and see you posting here again - we missed you both. I'm looking forward to seeing the pics.

Barb, I love your "cover girl" pic! Congrats on making the cover of LCE - very inspiring story.

Rachel, great pic - you should be a model, too! The dark jacket with white piping looks great on you.

Peg, "I usually tell people that my idea of camping is "no color TV". My friend says her idea of camping is no room service after midnight! I do okay with camping, but DH really doesn't like it. He's a wuss when it comes to critters and bugs. I hope you and Rachel can connect when she's in NE - I think you two would really hit it off. You both are so involved with "taking care" of the world's people as your life's work. As you are both "community-directed", I'm sure you must share a lot of the same outlook on life.

Beautiful morning here - weather is cooling, which is great. Indian summer kicked in last week with temps up in the 90s. This week forecasts are for highs in the low 70s - sweet!

I'm glad the weather is beautiful; otherwise, things are a bit of a mess around here. Following on the heels of the termite tenting last weekend, the property manager brought in a company to replace the courtyard fences. Our pretty little yard looks very ugly now, with most stuff stored in the garage or heaped in the center of the patio. There are piles of scrap lumber scattered around and new lumber in various corners. Alas, the fence workers were "no shows" more often than not all week. It was a joke - I called to ask the lumber company when they'd be here, and the scheduler kept insisting the crew was here ("uh, no... trust me, they AREN'T here"). If the scheduler is to be believed (DH thinks not), the crew supervisor was reporting they were on site when they were no where to be found. Despite complaints by several households, very little got done last week. Rats!

on Monday, I'm getting estimates on replacing the floor tile (damaged last weekend by the fumigation company). It's a discontinued tile, so we will have to re-do the ~entire~ tiled area - entry hall, part of the living room, powder room, dining area, and kitchen - that's roughly 400 sq of tile! uGH! Removing the old tile and installing a new floor... I ~SO~ didn't want to do that!

Ironic, no? Remember, the reason I moved here was to get away from construction noise and dirt in my old neighborhood? Weird kind of karma, it seems.

The silver lining is that this shiny white tile is really hard to keep clean. It shows every little coffee grind, splash, cat hair, and foot print. If I spill anything oily on the floor while cooking, it's terribly slippery, too. If we go with tile, I'm definitly getting something with texture and pattern. But, I'm going to look into the cost of wood, bamboo, and cork flooring, too. Bamboo is supposed to be very durable and very "green". Anyone have any experience with bamboo or cork floors?

Judy, that picture of the boarded up building made me laugh out loud. That was just really funny. I liked the video project you linked to also. The kids did a very good job producing it. That's pretty scary about kids bringing knives to school. In addition to normal teen rebelliousness, I'm thinking the stress of evacuating and getting established in a strange school could lead the kids to some bad "acting out" behavior. Ah, gee. they're so hard to reach at that age anyway - never mind in the wake of a life crisis. I hope you have additional guards and cousellors on campus, and that things settle down before too long.

Donna, the afgan sounds beautiful - I bet you'll really enjoy working on it. We definitely want to see a picture after you've finished it. BTW, does your boss know how much extra work you had to put in to get caught up after your vacation week? You do get paid for all that overtime, I hope? Does he know what a treasure he has in you?

Alida, I bet your wallpaper will be gorgeous. I haven't done it in years, but I was amazed at how much easier it was to hang the pre-pasted papers - just drop a role in the water tray, grab the end, and slip it up the wall (dip and slip!). I suppose all wallpapers are prepasted these days. The hard part is chosing the paper and prepping the walls, and that's already done, right?

Well, the morning has slipped away from me and I have to go get ready for a committee meeting for the Asilomar weekend workshop. This is my last year on the committee.... YIPPPEEE!!!

__________________
~~~Teelbee
Back to GOAL!!!
start weight: 176/goal range: 137-134/now: 138
Reached goal in Aug. 2003 - 4rd year of maintenance.

Quickie . . .

Barb:



Had to laugh at that one! But one hears so many stories about meeting bad people on the internet. Since DH Bob doesn't partake of it's wonders, all he remembers is the bad stuff! Once the date and time gets settled, I'll tell him about it.

Brenda, your idea of tackling yucky chores is excellent. Most of us could handle anything, even a colonoscopy, for 15 minutes at a time.

Congrats on the new generator! Oh, how I would love to have one. Then I wouldn't have to worry about the sump pump if we lost power. But, shouldn't it be kept outside? I guess you are storing it in the garage but will move it outside if you need to run it, right? I mean, families DIE from running generators inside!

As for pasting pre-pasted wallpaper, seems like we have two schools of thought, yours and Terry's. However, I think I will paste it since it's in the kitchen. Well, that's settled!

Terry, actually, I prefer to think of replacing your tile as GOOD karma! Yes, it will be a mess. But I NEVER mind messes when they lead to something better! I have heard lots of good things about bamboo floors. I tinted a Japanese woman's house (GORGEOUS!) and she had bamboo floors on her addition. It was a workshop where she teaches Ikebana. So I assume it can take a lot of abuse and wiping up. Cork I'm not too sure about. I think there are more cons with the cork than for the bamboo. And a textured tile would always be beautiful!

As for picking out wallpaper, one can make it a mission in life, it takes that long! But you're right. I picked a pattern . . . sort of a highly textured grasscloth/bamboo-y pattern, but in vinyl that's scrubbable, etc. I love oriental. I have a framed kimono, screen, silver chest and various art, vases, etc. that are oriental. Then there's the stuffed bear, goose and ducks in my living room. I call the look "Oriental Hunting Lodge."

Rachel, you are right on about how to approach DH about this get-together. I talk about you girls all the time. Think I'll just expound on the help you all have given me . . . And you're right about discussing personal things that I don't even discuss with other friends. Maybe it's BECAUSE it's the internet? Hmm. That could be a serious sociological phenomenon!

How nice your DH loved living in KC! it really is a special place. Everyone I know who has visited is always amazed. It truly is a beautiful city . . . well, maybe NOT downtown yet, but we're getting there!

Donna, have you tried sleeping with a fan blowing on your face yet? I swear, this WORKS. The fan sorta cools off the sweat so it (night sweats) don't seem to wake you up that much.

Did I say this was a quickie??????

__________________
Alida
5'1" ~ 59 years old
Highest weight: 165
Atkins 7/10/2004
160/126/125
RE-DO, January 2008:
167/162/135

TB, how nice to hear from you. I'd say it was incredibly unfortunate to find yourself in the middle of both outside construction and mess, and the possibility of new flooring. I hear you on the painfulness of white tile, though. If you've got to replace, might as well get something you like... We looked at bamboo; I really liked the idea of using an easily renewable source, however what we saw was in strip flooring and we needed a different type. It is beautiful. Tile is beautiful, of course, too.

Congrats on leaving the committee. I used to get volunteered for all kinds of things, and it is sooooo pleasant to be a participant only! (This was the committee for the Scottish dance event?)

Alida, TB and I are both right, naturally! When pre-pasted works, it is beautifully easy to hang--just soak in the box for the recommended time and go for it. When for some reason is doesn't.....ok, maybe I was just lucky enough (that darned karma, eh) to get two bad batches, different houses, different brands. What you might do is hang the first strip by the normal soaking. If that strip doesn't develop enough paste, run get a bucket 0' paste and go that route. When you are putting up that strip, there needs to be enough paste so that you can move or re-align the strip a bit if necessary (it will be, LOL), and so that after smoothing, the seams are staying down nicely. Since you do something similar, I think it's safe to say that you'll know if it just doesn't feel right.......It is soooo much nicer when you don't have to paste, so perhaps I shouldn't even have mentioned it....

LOL, laughing at your "Oriental Hunting Lodge." I have quite a few oriental elements, too. Along with a few "what was I thinking!" pieces.

Yes, storing the generator in the garage , which has a tiny "back porch" where we could run it. In a big snow, it might be impossible to get anything out of the shed. Actually, we're hoping we don't ever need it and will be kicking ourselves one of these years, you know?

Woo, big thunderstorm a bit ago dropped a half inch in about 10 minutes.

__________________
BC
LC Since 1998
Highest Weight 172
Current 104-108

Hi Gang!

Been a day away from home. Went to church and then to an ordination this afternoon.

Alida: I hang a chalked plumbline first approximately an inch wider than the first roll. Then I "ping" the line and leave a nice straight line on the wall. That way, when you hang your first piece it will be plumb with the wall. All the rest of the pieces are hung according to the first piece so it is important that it is straight. I roll the wallpaper paste side in, in the water, making sure to get it wet through and through. Then I roll the paper out with the paste side OUT, and place it on the wall at the ceiling and roll down and smooth at the same time. It is important to work rather quickly, as you don't want your roll to dry to the point that you can't manipulate it on the wall. We wallpapered a huge basement and stairs and landing. I have to plumb several times so that the wallpaper would look straight. It had vertical and horizontal lines! I've only pasted one wallpaper and that was pre-pasted but didn't have enough paste on it. One of the parsonages we lived in hired a wallpaperer, and he pasted all paper prepasted or not. Just my two cents

I'm up another pound today. Not sure why. But, I'm not posting numbers. I'll begin again tomorrow.

Peace, Peg

__________________
"Live the questions and some day you will live along into the answers."
Rainer Marie Rilke

Atkins since 2003
5'8" 206.4/197/175
65 years young

alida.... thank you! and moon is doing okay right now... had a trip to the E.R. the other nite.. (wasnt his heart they didnt think..) and is supposed to have another CATH done.. but he is dragging his heels in making an appt...


what fun! how very fun for rachael and peg to get together...
and wow! didnt realize SO MANY of yall are in the KC area... that would be a terrific time too for you guys!

pictures! we want PICTURES of any and all get togethers (gtg)
i used to think i would eventually meet SHIMMER as she doesnt live SOOOOOOOOOOO very far from me... and i head that direction several times a year... but alas... she has been MIA for awhile... i still hope she returns to this forum because i miss her SO much...

and if i ever get to the eastern part of OH CAN A DA...i am DEFINITELY going to look HOCKEYGIRL up!

as for explaining this all to relatives? hmmmmm i am still having trouble explaining the postcards i get and give..*L*
and mentioning the beautiful necklace that hockeygirl made for me... welll THAT sure gets me the evil eye from my daughter...(mom! you would HAVE OUR HEADS if we gave our addresses out to strangers....) (but honey... they ARENT strangers... they are my buddies! *L*)

anywho.... hope yall have great times....

disclaimer.... if any mass murderers or serial rapists are at said get togethers... i disavow any encouragement i have given for any to attend said get togethers.
i am not a psychic...nor do i play one on t,v,
as always... take precautions! let loved ones know where you will be going.. who you will be meeting and what time you are expected home... wear a wig and funny glasses with the nose ... do NOT allow anyone who attends see your LICENSE PLATE or where you park your car... take a cab.... or a bus...
do not stay after dark. pay attention to suspicious vehicles following you after leaving the get togethers...
change your phone number if you share them before the get together in order to meet..
move to another state if at all possible after the get together..
check into the witness protection program as soon as possible..


ack! if my mother had her way... i will NEVER meet any of you...*grin*

__________________
kims SECOND journal is HERE
kims new blog
KIMS BLOG !!
SUGARFREE BLOG

Aaack. Wallpapering. Anybody want to come to my house?? When I retire in a couple years, my DH is not going to know what hit him--or what came over me. I'm going to take a blowtorch to the inside of this house and start over. However, I don't intend to do it myself. I applaud you all.

As for personal meetings with web friends, I have a little experience. My other support group is over at videofitness.com, another great group of gals. I've met several of them on the road during my trips with Writers on Tour. I've also met some who live in KC. At VF, there's an active video exchange, where people trade stuff all the time, including their addresses. Having a moderated site is important, of course. At least everyone is registered under some pretense or another. And I've seen the controls in operation when troublemakers or impostors show up, as with Andrea's site.
Meeting "old friends" from a forum in a public place is hardly a set-up for trouble. Not to worry.

Ice skating yesterday was a challenge. A nine-year-old was having a birthday party, so there were little girls skittering all over the place. I managed not to run over anybody. My "home rink" (outdoors near the office) will be open in a month or so, and I'm looking forward to my lunchtime skates during the winter. The rink is smallish, but I often have it all to myself.

This week, as I may have mentioned, Ted Kooser the US Poet Laureate will be doing a reading and a workshop at Hallmark. He's such a generous and charming man, I'm not intimidated. It's my colleagues I yearn to impress. As if I needed to convince them I'm a "real" writer? After the workshop, I'll post the poem I wrote. With fixes?

Great day everyone. I'll be back later.

__________________
Barb L.
Atkins since Jan 2003
Maintenance as of 4/05


My Fitday Journal

Good morning!

Kim,

Your "disclaimer" was hysterical! It's so good to hear from you!

I am so sorry to hear that Moon had to go to the ER. That must have been scary for you. ((((Hugs)))) Hope he stops dragging his heels and gets the cath DONE. Sorry for my ignorance, but what is a cath?

I always enjoyed Hockey Girl's posts. She has her wedding coming up, right? Has she been around the boards lately? Since I started with The Vets, I seem to visit the other threads less and less and haven't kept up.

As for the KC Potluck, it will be at Henry's home. I am going to bring an Aunt Ruth's Pecan Cake. Barb, it will be so great to finally meet you! I am really looking forward to this!

Peg, hang in there! Your body is just adjusting, ya know? And thanks for the wallpaper info. I forgot about the plumb line. I had a wallpaper guy do my basement half bath. He told me he always uses paste, too. He did a crappy job, but I put some of the blame on cheap wallpaper. Since I will have lots of extra paper, I think I'll go with Brenda's suggestion of trying the first one with the water method. Thanks, Brenda! And you're right. I am confident I will be able to just feel if it's tacking down nicely.

I, too, hope you never have to use that generator. But it must give you peace of mind knowing you are prepared.

Yeah, I have a lot of those "what was I thinking" pieces too. Years ago I ordered a chair and ottoman. I thought I ordered a light celery green. When they took it off the truck it was LIME green. Ouch! Got it recovered after a few years of having to wear sunglasses to look at it. Funny how our tastes change over the years . . . .

Friday night we had a huge thunderstorm, too. The boomers actually woke me up. Being hard of hearing, any noise has to be really, really loud to do that!

Terry, what is the Asilomar Weekend Workshop??? Don't blame you for wanting to be off a committee! I was involved with our local opera company for years and president of the Opera Guild for two. Spent most of my time putting out fires and soothing bruised egos. So much Politics!

Gosh, I have an extrememly busy week. I have a job every day this week! That hardly ever happens. And ya know what? Next week I only have one job scheduled. I am so tempted to call the guy for Friday and put him off to next week.

Tonight we meet the family for my granddaughter's 9th birthday. Paige is autistic, but a very loving young girl. She was adopted at birth, as was my other granddaughter, Sarah. It will be fun. We are meeting at The Rainforest Cafe. Food so-so, but it has all these animated jungle figures that Paige just loves. Gotta run to Toys R Us after my job today to get a birthday gift. Shark's Tale DVD, I think. I am also going to try to find a tiara so Paige can be a real princess during dinner. (Remember Judy's link to that store? They had tiaras! should have ordered one then).

Have a great day! (Still at 132.5 . . . SIGH)

__________________
Alida
5'1" ~ 59 years old
Highest weight: 165
Atkins 7/10/2004
160/126/125
RE-DO, January 2008:
167/162/135

Dang, I'm out of pocket for a day or so and I am way behind............... And, it's Monday. Blah! ..........and the scale shows quite well that I was a bad Judy at the wedding I attended this weekend. Blah! again.

I'll be back later today with a better attitude

__________________
Judy
Goal = <135, Current status = RIGHT ON TARGET!
Never give up. Never never never never give up -- Winston Churchill

Morning kids,
A beautiful day here and supposed to be quite warm, but crashing to the 50's later this week. O, the joys of autumn.

Kim, you funny thing! Yes, I read that moon had an unexpected hospital trip, and I know you've been sick, too! How's that green slime going, eh? :

Rachel, you hang in there! You'll see your numbers yet, I betcha!

Peg, Ya, plumbline for sure.

Barb, I second the ack! on the wallpaper. I don't particularly find it fun or rewarding, either. LOL, I think you will enjoy, however, having your home redecorated. I've always said if I ever moved again, I would get rid of every single piece and start over.

Yes, please share your poem with us! You have an exceptional talent, but yet, I do understand still feeling a little need impress your colleagues nevertheless. Enjoy the workshop!

Alida, lime green! LOL!! I do imagine you were surprised! Sounds as though you'll have a very busy week, so do take care of yourself, ok?

Judy! You are soooo not bad Judy. Human Judy. But bring any attitude you have here, ok. We sure understand.

Silly things on the schedule today. Car Wash, oil change if I can get an appointment (no, I don't do THOSE), a stop at the HFS, and oh horrors, I NEED a pair of shoes! More rain last night--so very sad I can't mow the back yard today. See you all later.

__________________
BC
LC Since 1998
Highest Weight 172
Current 104-108

Judy! I?m with ya girl? sheesh! We step away for a moment and the girls go wild Where to start!! I hope the wedding was lovely ? and you know that the wedding pounds blues tend to dissipate pretty quickly ? quicker than the vacation pounds blues (in my experience)? so I?m sure you?ll be fine soon! Welcome back!

You guys are all so nice ? I do NOT like having my picture taken and am very particular about which photos I let other people see. DH is a photographer by hobby and the age of digital means he can delete anything I don?t want shown. When we got married, he promised that although he would take lots of pictures of me ? he would toss or destroy any I didn?t like ? and he has always kept that promise! Donna, that black and white sweater set was a Christmas gift last year from Mom, it?s a favorite! And heck pretty much everything looks good with a tan, doesn?t it!

Brenda? a generator, huh? DH and I have had a generator at every post! Most Americans and Western Europeans don?t realize how lucky they really have it with things like reliable electricity, water, gas, and the post! What?s the brand? We prefer Hondas (all my motorcycles and vehicles have been Hondas, too, though). One word to the wise ? even if it is a small generator? they make horrific, ear-shattering noise. In all of our posts, we make sure that they are located in an out-building with a significant amount of sound insulation (and a system to ventilate them ? they get extremely hot and can damage the area around them ? we had one melt its own gas cap!!). The other thing you will realize if you are in the unfortunate position of having to run it is that they run on gasoline but a tank doesn?t last very long, and if they aren?t sound insulated the neighbors will be on you in a heartbeat screaming about not getting sleep and babies up all night, and whatnot? they are beastly!

Hi Kim! Welcome in and welcome back! I love your avatar ? a sweet pic! I don?t remember who Moon is, but I think that?s because I was MIA for about a year so I?ve been out of touch with lots of the LC friends (I was thick on these forums in 2002 and early 2003). Is a cath a catheter? Does this person have Krone?s disease? You don?t have to answer, I just hope he (?) is ok, especially if he is a loved one.

I?m not yet in the menopausal stage, but all the fertility drugs screwed up my hormone thermostat on a temporary basis a few years back. I have read that an increase intake of soy (full of natural phytoestrogen, is this what you take Bren?) was helpful. Foods like soy beans, tofu, even lentils (I read somewhere) are supposed to be good sources of phytoestrogens. I really don?t know what I?m talking about ? only what I?ve read.

I loved the camping chatter!! I have never camped in a trailer (that would have been luxurious!!) ? my great grandfather built a couple of pine-wood cabins on the north shore of a lake in Eastern MA and my folks ? having only one income and a nine-month one at that, could not AFFORD! To have us spend our summers in NJ where we lived ? so we spent three months a year on the lake ? sounds exotic? No plumbing (outhouse up the hill and later a chemical toilet that WE had to take turns emptying ? peeeEUW), no electricity, kerosene lamps that, in July, heat a room beyond tolerable, and certainly no telephone. We bathed in the lake. My mother still can?t spend more than a week there at a time ? having spent many summers there with 1-2-3 kids in diapers (can you imagine??!) here?s the link to our website! I still love the place ? so do my siblings! http://www.r-n-r.com/Travel/Camp_TC.htm

Barb, I read your LCE home page story ? wow, wow, wow!! You are such an inspiration. I have picked up such motivation from you ? focused, dedicated? I hope you have a great seminar with the poet laureate ? what a treat!!

Terry, I laughed out loud about ?no room service after midnight? DH asked what was up, I read it and he said, ?more like, camping is having to stay at a Holiday Inn? He lived for almost 4 years on the road for the US government (closing failed Savings and Loans in the late 80s, early 90s) ? 4 years straight ? hotel rooms and rental cars and every week (sometimes on a different flight to somewhere). The first time he said that I thought he was being a snob, but I quickly realized 4 years is a LOOOOOOOOONG time to live in hotels ? UGH!! We got a room in Munich once on a layover to Sri Lanka, I booked it and it was a Best Western ? he couldn?t sleep because he said it smelled like, well, a Best Western! LoL Never again, he said ? and I respect that.

Oh Alida, you will have a lovely time, and I agree with Kim? pics pics pics PLEASE! What fun! Lime green! UGH!! Sounds like you will have a lovely time with the DgDs ? how sweet! If you don?t re-find that website ? there is a great one for school supplies and the like that I have used many times called S&S Worldwide: http://www.ssww.com/ great stuff and reasonable, too!

Peg, you are a woman of many hidden talents ? wallpapering for the wise ? you are something else? when DH is being a wise guy he?ll grin at me and say with a fake drawl, ??an shay kin cook, too!!

Ok chickadees? I?m off to bed soon ? got through Monday ? didn?t record numbers today ? too much to do (although you notice I found time to write you all a near-novel here!!) but I DID walk 5.15 miles this morning!! :jump: mostly because I was at the end of an AWESOME book-on-tape (audible,com is a GODsend) ? Elmore Leonard?s ?The Hot Kid? fantastic!

Ciao until ma?ana...

__________________
Hugs, Rachel



Quien canta, sus males espanta... ("She who sings frightens away her ills") Miguel de Cervantes

Check this out......... It's the middle of the day and I could access this site from school. Actually, I think it's because we are changing servers and I doubt that they have all the blocks up yet. Whatever, I hope they "forget" to set this one. Too bad I don't have time to go back and do a big post.

__________________
Judy
Goal = <135, Current status = RIGHT ON TARGET!
Never give up. Never never never never give up -- Winston Churchill

Good morning!

I hope all is well with you. It's hard to believe, my DD and family are moving in this weekend. They brought over some stuff yesterday. We spent the weekend going to Menards a couple of times to look at shelving for storage. We went to see "Serenity" twice. The rest of the time was spent unpacking boxes. I'm not getting as much done as I would like, due to difficulties standing for any lenght of time. My DD tells me we can deal with a lot of it after they move in and she can help me. If all goes well and quickly, they could close on their house on 10/12.

__________________
Ilse

380 (Highest)/318(9-11-08)/230.2(current)/154
5'6"
"It's kind of fun to do the impossible"
Walt Disney

Hi Gang!

Off to get my boobs smashed (mammogram). It's routine. Today is a better day. Yesterday was a down day. I've already been to Boston and back for an appt. (one hour each way)

Eating has been okay. I've not binged on anything. But, my weight is up to 178. I haven't tracked for two days. I'll do that today. I suspect that I am the only one who does this: I sometimes lie to Diet Power. Stupid, huh?? I mean, I say to myself that I am the only one who knows, who do I think I am kidding? Sheesh. Well, I think that I am almost over that.

It's hard to keep in the water needed when you are on the road. But, I'm taking a bottle with me.

Alida: Good luck with the wall papering. Also, congrats on Benjamin Moore. My BF, the decorater won't use anything else. It goes on like whipped cream! Such good paint. You won't regret it.

Bren: Have a good "errand" running day.

I'll be back.
Peace, Peg

__________________
"Live the questions and some day you will live along into the answers."
Rainer Marie Rilke

Atkins since 2003
5'8" 206.4/197/175
65 years young

Rachel, yes I imagine your need for a generator is very real and very frequent! Thanks for the warnings, too. We had a small one, enough to run lights, and you are right on all counts--even more so with this larger one. I wish it were a Honda--we have a Honda mower that I adore, and the last Honda mower lasted 18 years! But alas, their generators were out of our price range for only a potential need.

What an fascinating experience you had as a child! Of course I'm sure it was much more fun for you than your poor Mom--three kids in diapers, OY! But makes for fond chilhood memories, and explains your adventurous nature, perhaps. Enjoyed the link Reminds me somewhat of my grandparents' farm, though. I can remember as a child getting bathed in the galvanized tub in the kitchen, and the outhouse, of course.....but watch out for the rooster chasing you all the way there and back!

Best camping memory? Waking up in a tent in the Teton mountains as a kid, fresh mountain air, clear babling stream, and the smell of freshly caught rainbow trout pan-frying over a fire for breakfast. And nobody but us probably within 20 miles.

As far as hormones, what I take aren't phytoestrogens, which are plant estrogen-like substances that bind to our estrogen receptors (if I remember correctly). I take a bio-identical estrogen and progesterone, which is by prescription and is made by a compounding pharmacy. Bio-identical means the estrogen and progesterone are chemically exactly the same as our bodies produce, unlike phytoestrogens and most commercial pharmaceuticals like Prempro and such. (Pregnant mare urine? Puh-leeeeeez! Sorry any of you that are on it, but I just can't.....) To be more exact, I take a bi-est preparation, which is a combination of two of the three most prevalent estrogens we produce. If bio-identical option weren't available, I would certainly try phytoestrogens, and products like Pro-gest for the progesterone component before anything else, though. Still, as you know with hormones, caution is best and even though the bio-identicals have never been linked to the issues we now have to be concerned about with supplementation, I like to take as little as will do the job.

Judy, how delightful to hear from you in the daylight hours!

Peg, OUCH!

Ilse, wow, everything is coming together fast on your DD's move!

Speaking of ouch, I have to vent. Didn't mention I had a dentist's appointment today--almost forgot, myself. But HOLY S*** (sorry), I've never had more painful shots in my life--I actually sobbed which also produced the dreaded racoon eyes! Well, I didn't much care for this dentist before, and now he is definitely gone. That is, after I go back to have him smooth down this mountain he left in my mouth.

OK, will try not to hawg the thread any more today...

__________________
BC
LC Since 1998
Highest Weight 172
Current 104-108

Okay, I'm back.

Rachel: I would have a hard time getting DH to agree to anything BUT Best Western or the ilk. And, I know just exactly what your DH is talking about! The smell: peeeeeeeeuw.

I have memories of an outhouse too. Don't know where or when, but surely when I was very young. My parents were VERY protective of me. I was a "late in life" baby. My brother is 15 years older than me. I don't remember much about my early life that was not WITH my Mom or Dad. My Mom would never have let me go to an outhouse by myself. Some time when you have a couple of hours let me tell you about the "downside" of having an overprotective mother.

TB: I just love the wood floor I have in the hallway now. It is hardwood (oak). But, I'm glad I didn't put it in the kitchen. Remember that I was debating about that? Glad I didn't because it shows every spill. And, I worry about stains. I think that the kitchen area needs something that is durable as well as beautiful. Not sure what that is. I have vinyl. (New) I love it. Doesn't show anything and wetmops to a shine.

Brenda: So sorry that your Dentist's appt was so traumatic!!! It isn't easy to sob when you have your mouth open is it? I remember doing that with my first root canal. I had a substitute dentist who didn't believe me when I said that I feel pain more than others because of the FM. I thought I was going to die! I was sobbing, snotting, and snorting all at the same time with my mouth open. It wasn't a pretty sight. Yes. I agree. You need someone new.

Kim: So good to see you!! I agree with Alida. Your disclaimer was just hysterical. Come back. Post often. We love you.

Alida and all:

Kimisms: "Moon" (her DH who her girls names "honeymoon" when they were married, and "moon" stuck)

"Cath" A Cardiac catheterization. Moon has a bad heart and needs another cath to determine the damage and whether it can be fixed.

Rachel: Good to see you today, girl. Sounds like you are keeping busy right up until you leave? Now, when you leave Georgia is it forever? Do you know where your new post will be yet?

Alida: Have a great time at Paige's bday party tonight. You will I know.

Well, gang. Enough for one day. See ya later with numbers!

Peace, PEg

__________________
"Live the questions and some day you will live along into the answers."
Rainer Marie Rilke

Atkins since 2003
5'8" 206.4/197/175
65 years young