Thread: November Tracking

I love you guys, but like Peg, I need to get this posted before Desperate Housewives and Gray's Anatomy comes on. Priorities, Priorities......

Daddy got out of the hospital today. DH is staying to care for him. I expect him home Tuesday evening at the very earliest, and more likely on Thursday or Friday. They are 99% sure that the mass they saw on the X-rays was fluid from the pneumonia (probably old blood from the bleed earlier in the week). It did not show up in an X-ray yesterday. He is also coughing quite a bit when he swallows liquids and may have aspirated some liquids. That is most likely a side effect of lowering his Parkinson's meds which we had to do because of the heart condition. Can you follow the vicious circle. Keeping the meds right and the side effects down is like building a house of cards.

DD, SIL, and I spent about 4 hours yesterday interviewing and reviewing assisted living facilities. We all came to the conclusion that he would be better off to pay for an aide from a real home health care agency to come in to help him 3-4 times per week. The move would require him downsizing again by at least 50% and then doubling (at least) his cost of living per month. After we looked at the facilities, really considered his needs, and especially considered the effect that the move could have on his mental state, we all agreed that for now this is the best solution. He was one happy man about that decision. DH will handle the negotiations with the HH agency on Tuesday. For the time being he is back on Medicare's bill. That, we have discovered, usually only lasts a couple of weeks.

Peg, I am so excited for you. DH had to have a practice run packing the car (more than once) before we actually left. Congratulations on getting your computer back up and running again. SP2 is a bi*ch for some and works great for others. I wish DH or I had been there to help you. He would have had you up and running again pretty quickly. As for finding the files you want on the external hard drive, it is a little tricky. The easiest thing to do is to open the drive and just run a "search" for the file while designating the external as the drive to search. After you get the path, you can go back and open everything all the way through until you get to my documents. If you get stuck, send me a message and we will try to walk you through that, too. I'll bet you have the same program that we do for backing up the computer.

Brenda, I envy all of you that have low key Christmas shopping to do. Christmas is a big deal in our family, and true to his very detail oriented and organized nature (yeah, that really reads as anal nature), DH often makes it harder than it needs to be. We work really hard to get just what everyone wants and needs.

Shelley, good luck back at work tomorrow. Exactly how are you going to pinch a surgical mask over the bridge of your nose? I would love to have a meeting in Dallas. My people will definitely try to hook up with your people. The drapes are really pretty --- quite elegant! Maybe I can get the new topper for the kitchen window done sometime this week.

Donna, I'm so sorry about the fall. You really should get your foot checked out. You want it to heal correctly. Hey, send the doctor bill to old Scrooge. I'm glad to hear that Lissa's surgery seemed to come off right. We are all still praying for her recovery.

Brenda, plumbing projects usually send me running. DH is not blessed with patience or a civil tongue when he loses it. Plumbing is usually a guarantee of every bad word in the book.

.........time out for TV.............. back later

Aww, Sunday night. It's got to be the best time for TV. It's only 6:30 here so I have to wait until 9 for Desperate Housewives and then 10:00 for Grays Anatomy. Good thing dh likes the shows too. Not that it would stop me. lol

I'm just fine, but it sure feels good to have friends like you guys worrying about me. I have a nice collection of scabs down both my shins that my grandkids would be envious of and my knees are black and blue, but other than being sore, I'm fine. I'll be going to work tomorrow only because it's a short week with Remberance Day on Friday. It would just put me further behind. It will be interesting to see if my boss even asks how I am. Any bets?

I spent this morning outside raking leaves and the job is finally done. That's one thing off my mind. Of course, there are always the straggler leaves that are still on the trees but a few aren't going to hurt anything. I managed to fill 4 very large bags and dragged them to the backyard gate to put out for the garbage man. As I turned around to grab one of them, yup, fell backwards over them. The only thing I hurt was my pride. And managed to soak the butt of my pants. Jeez.

Then, when I was making dinner the two elements that I use the most just quit. I had all elements going and had to juggle to get everything cooked at the same time. I guess it's the fuses...that was a job finding where they hide those things. So, that should take care of the three things that could go wrong for me this weekend. Now, I'm free of accidents for awhile.

I'm only up to May in the books after spending hours on them. Dh is very sheepish about not doing them and admits that he let it go and then didn't know how to fix the mess. I'm sorry to say he's lost any brownie points that he managed to get. Sad how men can lose them all at once like that. lol Today he was going to change all the light switches and plug in's from brown to white and only managed to get one done before he decided to go and play darts. Sigh...I'm wondering if this front room is ever going to be done. We haven't even done the second coat of mudding and there has to be three coats before we sand.

Judy: I'm so glad that you Dad got out of the hospital. What a relief for you that he's home now. It's so nice that he can still stay at home where he's comfortable.

Shelley: Good luck at your first day back at work. Don't get overtired girl...that was major surgery that you had. Love the sheers too. I'd love to have something like that in my bedroom, but I have this vision of one of my cats hanging off them.

Brenda: 2 plumbing jobs in one weekend? Wow! That must be worth major brownie points. Enjoy that bubble bath. That is one of my weakness' that I indulge in everyday. I take my book and 2 squares of Ross' chocolate and just soak. My furkids lay on the mat beside the tub and they have their treat of the day while I'm in the tub. Must look funny to anyone who doesn't understand what it's like to be mommy to two spoiled dogs.

Alida: In our house when I was a kid we had hardwood floors with carpet over them. What a waste, eh? Anyway, the carpet didn't go all the way to the walls, so there was a border of hardwood showing. When we lost a tooth we put it under the edge of the carpet for the tooth fairy to find. Actually, I think it was easier for my parents to put the money there without having to wait for us to go to sleep and then have to slip it under our pillow. So, that's the story of the tooth fairy in my house. lol

Peg: I wish I could send my dh to you to do your packing. That man can pack so many things in a small space...it's just amazing. I just stand back and let him go for it. When we do our last grocery shopping before getting to the border you wouldn't believe what he can get in a small fridge in the motorhome. We each pack our own clothes and toiletries though. I'd never pack his clothes....I know I'd screw it up. Besides, I have enough to do of my own.

Well, I think it's time to make myself a cup of green tea and head for my chair in the front room. I might even get a couple of rows crocheted before my cat decides she needs to lay on my knee. I'll talk to you all tomorrow. Good Night all.

Funny about the tooth fairy. My parents had us put the tooth in a glass of water on the bedside table. I think the glass of water made the tooth look bigger so it was easier for the tooth fairy to find it. I was puzzled and a little worried when my friends said they put their teeth under their pillows. 1) how could the tooth fairy see the tooth under the pillow? and, 2) wasn't she in danger of being smothered when she went to try to retrieve the the tooth?

Donna, so much for trying to get you to slow down! Leaf raking yet! Maybe you should wear a skirt to work and collect some sympathy if you can.

Shelley, the bedroom window is truly lovely--light and fresh.

Peg, hope all the aggravation of this relocation will eventually fade into the past. Grit teeth, press on.

Judy, sounds like you did a really good deed for your Dad. Hope his health continues to improve--being at home will help a lot.

Today is my dad's 89th birthday. He was very pleased yesterday to view the location of his commemorative brick in the Walk of Honor at the Liberty Memorial. The actual brick won't be installed until next spring, but he has the certificate with the inscription, featuring his military service and rank.

Back later, babes. Hope it's a good day for you.

Good Monday Morning!

Barb: I missed your post yesterday. You must have posted while I was typing mine.

I have heard numerous commercials for Slim4Life on the radio. Two of the radio personalities have lost weight with the program. I have done quite a few "programs" . . . Jennie Craig, Weight Watchers, another program that I can't remember the name of . . . Diet something where you ate an apple a day and got supplements from them . . . all sorta worked but then I would go back to eating garbage. It is a mind thing. You have to MIND what you eat. I have been meaning to get Dr. Phil's book, but none of the JoCo libraries carry it. Strange. Gosh. I may have to cross over to Missouri to get it! Next time I go to the library, I'll request it and see what happens. Maybe OUR library will get it from YOURS!

What a lovely gift for your Dad's birthday! The Liberty Memorial is so beautiful now. It must have been a glorious day to be there.

I read yesterday, too. All this time off gave me serious reading time. Before I started this up-early ritual, I used to read for about an hour before turning off the lights. No longer!

Peg, Wow. It's really happening. You are leaving! All the talk and planning and stress, it's finally down to packing the car! I know what you mean about leaving the packing to your DH. My Bob would always put the cooler and my book bag in the BACK of the van. Duh. Oh, also a suitcase on TOP of my dress bag. When I complain, his stock reply is always "OK, you do it." Sigh. Now I keep the things I want up front out of sight until we leave and them put them where I want them.

I have never had an external hard drive. I tried to have one with my old computer but it wouldn't hook up. I imagine things just get dumped in there with no rhyme or reason? Is that why it's so hard to find a file or document?

Sounds like a lot of us like Desperate Housewives and Gray's Anatomy! Peg, my DH is not a fan of Desperate Housewives either. But he puts up with it for me, bless his heart.

Brenda: two plumbing fixes in a weekend? Your DH is on a roll! He gets many, many brownie points for that. Hope you had a lovely soak in the bubbles!

Yes, the Chiefs played today and they won. Whew! It started as a real ho-hummer but we won in the last 5 minutes. I actually could not watch the last play of the game. I went into the BR and when I heard the roar of the crowd, rushed back in to see the re-play.

What were you looking for at Lowe's? Or was it just an investigative visit to see what's new and exciting and to get your redo juices going?

As for Lowe's, Teel, did you find a floor? Were you able to bring some samples home?

The next yard sale my kids have, I am going to take them up on their offer to join them. I don't have enough stuff for my own, but a lot of little picky stuff that could get me a few hundred, though! They have a perfect house for a yard sale. Right on the corner (Barb, 57th Terrace & Mission Road).

LOL about your tooth fairy story. Isn't it funny what we worried about as kids? Made sense then!

Judy, It was so good to hear from you and get a detailed report. The decision about your Dad's arrangements sounds perfect! A home Health Aide is a great idea. And just possibly less expensive than a move right now, even after Medicare kicks off. I am so glad it worked out. Your husband is such a keeper!

LOL about your priorities! I agree!

Donna, you were raking leaves??? If you were able to do that without pain or discomfort, maybe you did not break any bones. BUT, losing your balance again? Peg mentions that in her post as something to watch. I concur. Please do be careful. If you find you stumble again . . . please see your doctor, OK?

OK. I am an optimist. My guess is that your boss WILL make some mention of your fall.

Ah! The Rug Tooth Fairy! Sounds sensible to me!

I remember one Thanksgiving when I had everything going . . . 4 burners, 2 ovens, micro and dishwasher. The circuit breaker tripped. Yikes! Which to turn off? It was crunch time. Needless to say the dishwasher lost. Glad it was just a fuse and not a busted element!

Shelley, back to work already? I hope the day goes well for you, and you are headache-free. Judy brings up a good point about those surgical masks. Do you have to wear them in pre-op? If you do, will it be uncomfortable?

No, I didn't play with chocolate yesterday. But I will later in the week. Bob mentioned he would love to have a candy apple again. I remembered some sugar-free caramel I ordered from a web site a few years ago. I made sugar-free turtles with it. I think I will surprise him with a chocolate and nut covered caramel apple!

SIN balls? They sound delicious! Enjoy!

Hope you had a restful night and are able to get up this morning refreshed!

Hoping the day goes well for everyone. I have a small "test" job to do today and that's it. It's an early call so I have to get going . . . .

Hi all!

Monday evening here in Tbilisi ? and I haven?t been on since Friday morning! I so wish I could respond to you all every day ? you must think I?m such a slouch!! I just can?t find the amount of time necessary to keep up with you all?

Hmmm, so quickly, Saturday morning hiked up to a monastery outside of town (named for St. John of Zedazeni) here is a picture of the monastery: http://www.photo.ge/right.php?send_id=1362 (see that writing - that's Georgian!) ? straight up for 2+ hours in the drizzle ? a killer of a hike. And once we got there ? the rain really started and the fog was so dense we couldn?t see the gorgeous views we?d been promised. ( this is what the view SHOULD have looked like: http://vdjorbenadze.tripod.com/Kartli/Kartli.htm (just the first picture) We struggled back down for an hour on very slippery rocks and mud ? I fell twice. And the knees the next day?? Lord preserve us ? I am crippled. The friend that suggested this is 6?4? a very fit. DH is 5?6? and I?m 5?5? and both short-legged. It was a chore.

Saturday afternoon I sang with my Georgian folk chorus ? gave a performance to a group of visiting women scholars from around the country. Saturday night had left-overs around our living room fireplace with best friends. Sunday morning a brunch with same friends of night before ? then I spent four hours trekking around the old town of Tbilisi with an architectural historian ? learning about the old town, she was fascinating. Best site for photos: http://www.geocities.com/meskh/ (click on any for a bigger shot!)

So this Monday morning I get a call from DH in the office, he?s invited 8 for dinner tomorrow night. <<grrrrrrrrrrr>> we are already hosting the choir on Weds night (that?s 20+), and we leave on Thursday night for the US?. When am I going to pack? Finish the second nephew?s quilt? Prepared resumes and send emails for the trip to DC? ARGH!!!! (Ever see Snoopy do that thing where he cries, leaning his head way back? That?s how I?m feeling!)

So instead of doing anything now, I?m going to read through all the posts I?ve missed and drop you all a few lines! I?ll be back in a little while?.

Alida, here's the best way to use KC area libraries: internet. Register online for Johnson Co. (My card is in the KC Library system). When you want a book, order it online, and have it delivered FROM ANY LIBRARY where the system finds it to the library you specify--in my case, Waldo branch. The library will notify you when it gets there, and you just pick it up. This is WAY easier than using the stupid card catalog onsite--and, of course, you can usually get any book or video you want as soon as it becomes available.

In case anybody's interested in statistics, I rounded up my totals from Fitday for the induction period. Averages for the two weeks:
Cals 1212
Carbs 19 + 9 fiber
Protein 89 gms
Fat 84 gms (64%)
Exercise: Avg 220 cals/day

I lost 2 lbs. and those pounds are real weight, not just water. Note to Peg: as you see, there's no alcohol here. When DH quit drinking, so did I--and that's about 200-250 cals a day of wine not consumed. Oddly enough, I've never (on any program) experienced much difference, up or down, whether I've been drinking wine or not. Wish it mattered more. Less alcohol is a good thing, though I wouldn't mind one glass of good red wine every day. But I'm not going to do it, because I know how terribly hard it is to abstain while living with someone who is drinking freely.

I'm boosting my consumption of carbs to 30, with LOTS more fiber--as much as 20 gms. with the addition of the flaxseed/wheat bran cereal. I think I need more calories, too--up to 1600. Undereating is not good.

Alida, as you've discovered--as most of us have discovered--all programs work. It's finding one to live with forever that makes all the difference. I'm getting this low-carb thing grooved pretty good, and still happy with it.

Hi Gang!

Well, it's packing day. Both of us are ready to go, I guess. We both woke up at 5:00 am! I went back to sleep, but DH got up. I don't know what he did all that time, but does have a lot of the wash done. He cooked me bacon and eggs for bkfst! Yay! I LOVE Bacon!! Right now, he's in the shower. We remembered yesterday about getting the car inspection before we go. It runs out in December, so when we come back into MA in the Spring, we would be illegal without it. So, he's off to do that and some other minor errands. I'm putting off cleaning. I really hate it.

Judy: Thanks for the tip about doing a search. I didn't think about that. I am most stressed about my email file. I did an export into a pst. file last night, and hooked up the external HD to synch one more time today before I shut everything down. I'll try that search trick when I hook it up to the laptop later. DH (who is pretty computer illiterate) sat down to the laptop to find his email this morning and couldn't even recognize all the stuff I put on it that I take for granted. I kept hearing him say, "What the h***??" I would run in and find an innocent dialogue box that he simply had to close. Arrrgh. I may call you tonight if I can't find that email file.

Alida: Have a good day at work today. Sounds as if you made your Dad really happy. You know that you will never regret this time with him. Savor it.

Donna: Well, girl. It sounds as if no one is going to get you to do something that you don't want to do. But, that is not going to get us to stop trying!! FM gives me a pain level considerably lower than everyone else's. I would seriously not be walking if I had scabs on my shins and bruises on my knees. Maybe you are one of those people who has a very high pain level. My DH is like that. It's taken me 25 years to convince him that what, for him, is a little nothing, is, for me, enough to make me bedridden! Your bosss sounds like a real *****. I don't think that I would count on him noticing. I do hope that DH in his attempt to make you feel better about the books, does the mudding in your room. I'd be about mad by now if I were living in that mess.

Alida: So, what're you reading? I just finished Norah Roberts' book about Alaska. It was really good. Gobbled it right up last week. Now I'm reading a new author recommended by the saleswoman at Waldenbooks. It is really good. It's called Monkeewrench, about a software company and a series of murders that mirror the murders in their new computer game. A real thriller. Sounds like today will be a bit of an easier day for you. Woohoo.

Brenda: Soooo how was the bath, girlfriend? Two plumbing jobs in one day! Woohoo. I love it when I have some new little thing to add to the house. We spent a good deal of time yesterday trying to shut off the automatic heater on the hot water heater I have on the kitchen sink. Finally found it after quite a search. DH is definitely not a handyman, doesn't know a screwdriver from a hammer. (not really) Anywhoo. I finally quit working on the computer and helped him and we figured it out. Looking forward to Sunday! I'm taking pics, gang!

Well, it's taking me hours to get this written. I keep spying things here in my office that I haven't packed. So, I stop, put it in somewhere, and come back to type another two sentences. Sheesh!

Terry: How was the Lowe's shopping trip? Did you bring home some samples? I got my floor from Lowes. They were wonderful with me. MUCH better than Home Depot. Helped me stack the boxes I needed and put them on a cart. Even took them out to my car and loaded them! I love that.

Back later

Well!! I haven?t posted since page 7 ? this is a travesty, I?ve missed so much in just three days!

{but, at least I don?t have Desperate Housewives and Gray?s Anatomy to further complicate my schedule LoL! }

Great chat on flooring ? I?ll have to remember these comments and Brenda, I loved the Armstrong link ? what a great idea for those of us without such a visual mind!

And I liked the Won Hung Lo story! Being able to laugh at one?s self is one of the more difficult traits to find in people!

Shelley ? congrats on the non-narco pain meds!!!! What a fast recovery you are making (I can see such a change from Friday to today!) I sent an email to my closest friend here ? the country director of the World Bank ? to see if he knows the name you PM?d me. I didn?t but I?d be surprised if he didn?t! (nice shears!!)

Judy, thanks for all the updates with your DF. The balancing of the meds is such a delicate matter, isn?t it? I can?t imagine. And I?m so glad you all came to a conclusion on the in-home care that made him so delighted ? that?s a positive kind of natural ?medication?!!

Barb, I know I?m way behind but I read your Valentine?s poems to DH and he said, ?Wow, she is GOOD!? He said, ?you sorta wonder whether she took on the Hallmark style or whether Hallmark took on hers!? DH always comes off as very business-like and serious ? but the truth is ? he?s very romantic and very much a ?feeler? (anybody know Myers Briggs?)

And welcome back to the world of post-induction. I love flaxmeal breakfasts!! I ency you the stability in your life to actually get through induction. I am just doing too much and it is a bit depressing ? I?m in control but not happy about not having a routine.

BTW, the brick sounds just perfect! So glad DF was so happy!

Donna, Sounds like Lissa?s surgery was successful. What a hard thing for her and you all ? you have my hugs! And what about the DH and the finances ? wow ? what a stinker!!!! I am so sorry! Have you been able to make some sense of it all?? And I agree with Alida ? go to the doctor!! What a fall! Yikes!! (and it?s always scary when there is no one else around?)? your boss is definitely up there on the lists of dim bulbs isn?t he.

Alida! ?broken tooth?? Rats! Our dentist is very good but the guy is outrageously expensive ? our insurance never pays out what he charges (burns DH like you can?t believe)!

Christmas idea? gals, Terry?s chicken soup Christmas is such a great idea ? this is what DH and I ask for every year from our family? Ask them to make a donation to www.donorschoose.com There are school systems all over the US that are way under-funded (for books, electronics, art supplies, sports supplies, etc). You can sit down with a child or a grandchild and choose a grade level and an interest and find a project to fund or partially fund. We have been doing this for a couple of years and it is so rewarding. Yes, we work overseas to help the impoverished in developing economies ? but as you can see ? there is great need at home ? and there is nothing more important to our future as an educated population. Just a thought to pass on to friends and family? We almost always choose literacy projects. Ok, soapbox done.

I do keep a gift box (it?s a trunk, actually) ? buying trinkets in every country in which we travel to be given as gifts in other countries. I also buy for the nieces and nephews as the year progresses so I don?t have to suddenly spend hours online trying to find things in late November.

Peg, sorry about your mom and your girls ? stubbornness can be a trial. My mom rode us about thank you cards until we were out of the house ? and I was the only (dutiful first born.. <<sigh>>) child who continued into and through college. My sister hasn?t sent thank you cards for their wedding gifts and they?re on their second child! LoL My Nana and grandparents didn?t ?require? them, but I had a great aunt who would call Mom and ask, ?did (child?s name here) ever get the (gift name here) I sent? I never heard from them? Making my mother just apoplectic (another first born ?dutiful? child herself).

And you guys are really in round six on this road trip prep ? I try not to smile ? because I know it is not funny ? but you make good light of it (wine/whine) so I know it is not earth shattering, just a big pain in the @ss. I?m with Donna, I?ll send you my DH and she?ll send hers and you two would be all set!

Terry? ha ha ha (tooth fairy anxieties!)? when I was in 3rd grade, our teacher had someone bring in a tooth that had fallen out and he put it in a glass of coca cola. It was a molar. In a week the coke had completely eaten the tooth away. I have never touched the stuff since ? great message for 8 year olds!

Ok.. if I missed anyone ? please forgive ? you are a tough bunch to keep up with! But I love you all, as you know!

Just wanted to share a picture of my friend and myself taken a few mintutes ago.

Back for a minute before lunch. DH is working on cleaning out the frig, which we will shut off and leave open. All this cleaning reminds me of the way we used to pack up a cottage we had for 10 years in Maine. We closed it for the Winter. Picking up little slivers of soap (mice love to eat them), dust bunnies not cleaned for a while, etc.

Called Deuts' new Mom. He is adjusting really well. He's up to four rooms; talks to her regularly and lets her rub his tummy, doesn't seem to be afraid of much, loves her collie (THAT was a big surprise). Hasn't met her other cat yet, but talks to her through a louvered door between them (hysterical. I would love to know what he is saying). She said that he goes crazy over catnip. I forgot that. I quit buying it a while ago because he was so shameless in his attempts to get it. He's not crazy about the other dog, but that is because the other dog attempts to smell him like a dog! Ha! She seems like she is enjoying him very much. We chatted for quite a while on the phone this morning.

DH and I have been cleaning for about three hours. Still have that d*** car to pack. We are going to tackle that after lunch. I still have some things to put in. AAAck. Oh well, somehow it will work, won't it?

Back later. Neighbor's upstairs are having us up there for dinner so we don't have to cook. (Well, I should say so "he" doesn't have to cook)
Peg

Interesting thoughts on gifts. In both my family and in DH's, we have never sent written thank yous for Christmas or Birthday gifts to Grandparents. A call or thanks on the day of the event was sufficient. Things like graduation, wedding or other "out of the ordinary" things do receive written notes. BUT, it was a law (in both families) that anything that comes from someone outside the family MUST get a thank you note. The preprinted kind are not acceptable. DS works in public relations and sales. He's the best that I have ever seen about remembering the notes. DD still needs to be reminded to send something to aunts and uncles on occasion.

So now that the topic has turned to gifts, I'm open for ideas for DDad and my MIL and FIL. What do you do for the elderly that already have everything they want or need.

** Peg, if your external HD is Western Digital, the program that came with it copies everything, you just need to learn the process of finding what you want. Call me if you still need help. I will be in and out this afternoon until about 6:00 Central (that's 7:00PM your time.)

Have a good day girls. I'll check on you later.

Ilse, thanks for the photo! It's great to "see" you. I simply must get a digital camera. (One of those priorities that needs to pop to the top!)

Rachel, your DH is probably right--I've been at Hallmark so long, a lot of me must have rubbed off on it. I know that greeting card messages have evolved monumentally since I first started--from the perfunctory to the truly true, in many cases.

Hope I didn't sound like too much of a Grinch about the gift-giving. We never withheld presents because the "grands" didn't write notes when they were children. However, I've never liked giving money or gift cards, and we just don't have a close enough relationship, now that they are all adults, to give them meaningful gifts--let alone tax them to think of something for us. So we've simply agreed not to "trade money."

Now I'm off to Fitday.

Ilse, Great pic. I like your new shorter hair cut.

Barb, a digital camera is great. Tell someone (your DH??) that that is what you want for Christmas.

I did a noon check in with DH and DDad. As expected there are minor "issues", and a small scare this morning with low blood pressure, but nothing so far to make us think that we need to revisit the assisted living decision.

Can you tell that I'm resonably caught up today........... posting from school more than once.

We are a chatty bunch today!

Rachel: So that's where you were! The photos are beautiful. I took the time to google a map of Georgia. Ah. Just north of Armenia. I sorta knew that but wanted to be sure. And not that far from Odessa, where my great grandfather was born. A stone's throw across the Black Sea!

The hike sounded grueling! But I imagine once you got there it was worth it (right????) From the sound of your post, maybe not!

The photos of Tbilisi were wonderful. Very old world. Hmm. Maybe that's because it is old?? (sometimes I say really stupid things.)

Yikes! I would be tearing my hair out right now if I were hosting TWO dinners right before leaving for a trip! I definitely would not be posting here! But, you are so organized. I am sure everything will get done!

Will you be able to be in contact with us when back in the states this go-around?

Barb, I love my digital camera. We splurged last Christmas and it was well worth the price. We got ours at Office Depot or perhaps Office Max. Had a discount coupon, so I think the final price was around $250 or $300. The only thing you have to remember before taking it to a place (wedding, party) where you may be taking lots of pictures, is to charge the batteries beforehand. I also carry an extra memory stick and extra batteries, just to be on the safe side.

I printed out your induction stats. when I am ready to get really serious about this, it will be a nice guideline for me as to calories, fat, etc.

I can understand missing your wine. But not having wine in the house is a noble and loving thing to do for your husband's sake.

No, you didn't sound like a grinch! Every family is so different. If we ever go with a "donation to charity" Christmas, I would still wrap the card up in a big box, with fabulous paper, ribbon and elaborate tie-ons that I make myself. (I think I mentioned I LOVE wrapping gifts!)

Judy, LOL! Twice from school! But it's good you are caught up there. Sorry you had a little scare with your Daddy this morning. Knock on Wood that all will be OK.

As for gifts for the elderly . . . food, books (the large-type kind), any item that would make their life easier like a clock with really big numbers or a jar opener. Magazine subscriptions. I always send my elderly aunt home made goodies along with some imported teas or hot chocolates (the deluxe imported kind). I've also thrown in a pretty cup for her tea. She has a whole bunch now! Flannel sheets? Bathrobes, slippers? All depends on their lifestyle.

Peg, I am so glad you called Deuts' new Mom! Deuts is having an adventure! Collies, other cats! It will be a different life for Deuts, but a GOOD life! With all the other pets, he will have much to keep him occupied, in addition to having his fix of catnip.

I have on my calendar that you will be in Chicago this Saturday. Wish I could be there to meet with you and Brenda. Best laid plans and all that. Maybe on you way back East in the Spring!

Sending prayers that ALL your tech problems will be easily overcome.

Have a wonderful dinner tonight with your friends. Are you leaving tomorrow? God Speed, my friend and have a safe trip. Yanno, we are expecting "On The Road with Peg and Bob" reports!

Ilse, what a wonderful picture of you and your friend! She left today (Monday), right? I know you had a fabulous time!

This was going to be a quick pop in. I've been working on my resume some more. Bob found an ad in the paper Sunday for a law firm looking for a person for "light" graphic design with a printing background. Actually, the job sounds perfect. I am getting together samples of the ads and brochures I have done for Glass Scapes and I think I will try for it! Bob says the ad has been in the paper for a month. They request salary requirements. ACK. I have not a clue. Ask too much and the file you. Too little and I could be shortchanging myself.

More tomorrow!