Okay, you guys.....

I'm here and posting. But, I've taken so much time reading you "Chatty Cathy's" (I actually SAW one of those the other day! Here at the old folk's home, some people never throw anything away!).

I actually got up with some energy, so I am trying to maximize my time. I got the trash throughout the house emptied, and the recycled stuff out into that bin. I started the wash, and did that kitchen counter thang that you mentioned, Bren. Picked up about 400 used kleenexes that dh has used. (He can't bend over and it really embarasses him that I am picking up after him.) I am more concerned as to why he is using so many kleenexes. Allergies, I am sure. Benadryl over the counter doesn't help, so today at the grocery store I am going to get something stronger.

By the way, I just can't believe that it is snowing!!! We are at 90 and climbing. Yesterday it was in the 100's. We went to a harp concert at the museum here on campus. I'm sweating like a hog.

Oh, Shel, I'm thinking about you and Kassie today. The apt downstairs is being renovated for the next resident and it is NOISY. But, they all put up with our renovation, so I guess I can be patient.

Susie: How nice to know about your family. In this economy, you are so lucky that they are set for now. My dd3 is, again, looking for work, but is still working, TTL.

Barb: GOOD WORK, GIRLFRIEND!

Judy: Good to year from you and your wrens.

Alida: We have low water use toilets that are higher than the usual. Nice, since I don't have to squat quite so far (TMI)

Well, gotta jet, the morning is flying.

Love ya, Peg

Afternoon already?? Where did the morning go? More about that in a minute.

Brenda, I like your sassy new photo. Don't you wish it really were that spring-like today? Snow?? Ack!

Shelley, get-well wishes for Kassie the Brave. Luckily, my place stays fairly warm because of interior heating, even when the temp outside plummets. I don't have to turn on the system either way right now.

Susie, thanks for the update on everybody--your family, and the bunch here. Watching kids work through the challenges of job-finding is yet another nerve-wracking parental responsibility.

Peg, I don't want 90 degrees either! Picky me.

After a productive conversation this morning with a nice man at Social Security, I determined that I could receive a survivor benefit on Larry's work history, now that I'm retired. However, I needed to secure a Marriage Certificate (do you know where yours is??) So I hopped on the MAX bus and went downtown to the County Courthouse. Quickly done. I also decided to get a Birth Certificate, but for that I had to go to the Health Department, some distance away. So I took the bus home, and then drove to the HD for the certificate. While I was out and about, I stopped at the Community Blood Center and donated a pint. So that's the sum of my accomplishments today.

Turns out, I didn't inspect the Birth Certificate sufficiently before I left the office. My mother's maiden name is misspelled. That means this birth certificate is useless. Oh well. Someday I'll get another one, and call it a lesson learned.

I'm meeting a friend for coffee this afternoon--my fellow retiree. It hardly seems possible that it's only been a month-and-a-half since I was at work. It seems like years--and that's a good thing.

Take care of you.

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


My Fitday Journal

Good morning everyone.

Brenda: Snow? Accckkk. Come on up here girl, it's gorgeous. Yesterday was capris and sandals day. I even got a little suntan on my arms! (sorry...didn't mean to rub it in.)

I got so much accomplished this weekend and I feel so good about it. I've been cleaning out closets and drawers and have 2 big bags for goodwill. Even got dh going and he started in on his workshop. Lots of old empty paint cans and just junk he had hoarded. He did find a big box of Star Wars men that I know my grandson will have a fit over!

Sunday I got the grass cut and then headed out to clean my car. Took me 2 hours just to clean the inside. Oh, by the way...is anyone missing a puppy? I'm sure I found enough hair inside my car to make one!! Then I washed both my car and dh's truck. Definitely got my exercise. It was close to dinner time by then so I stayed in the backyard and did a little gardening. Today, is going to be just as warm so I'll probably go to dh's ballgame, even though I'm still battling this cold.

The boss got back from Vancouver and the news wasn't good. He won't get his license back until July 1st. Another 2 months of doing his work. Could have been worse I guess. I just knew he wouldn't get it back.

On Friday when I went home I noticed the lilacs were just about to pop. That means the hummingbirds will be coming back. So, I took out the feeder and starter to make the nectar. While it was cooling I decided to give the feeder a good cleaning. When I took off the stopper on the end of the feeder....I found my diamond pinky ring stuck inside the bottle! I was floored!! I was sure I had lost it while gardening. It was just sitting there waiting for me.

Good thing I did fill the feeder....the little hummers were at it this morning. I could sit and watch them for hours. Then while driving to work I noticed the osprey have come back to their nest. Spring is definitely here I think.

I'm still doing the treadmill every night but the scale isn't moving. Damned if I know what I'm doing wrong. I'm thinking I really need to shake things up somehow...just haven't figured out how though.

Shelley: It will be interesting to see if Kassie is calmer once she gets over her operation. I bet you're going to be babying her for a few days.

Peg: With temps. like you're getting I'm thinking the pool boy must be out for sure. Tell him we'll be looking for him real soon...as soon as Brenda decides she's had enough of winter.

Okay, gotta get some work done here....talk to you all tomorrow.

__________________
Donna
238.5/168.2/150
I will see my goal weight again!

Trust me, I've had enough of winter, Donna. You found your pinky ring!!! You mention how sad you were to lose it last fall, if I remember. That's really amazing. Sorry your boss is still without his license--which means more work for you.

Peg, I'm not sure if I'd rather have spring snow or 100 degree temps But you enjoy, ok?

Barb, congrats on getting some extra benefits. They were earned. Yup, birth certificates, passports, marriage licenses, deeds, titles, transcripts, will, etc.....fireproof safe. I'm always amazed that I was that organized once upon a time.

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

Just stopping in to say that I just got home with our lil Kassie girl.
She did well, and still has some pain med on board, that the tech said would prolly last about 24 hrs.
Easy does it for a few days, then sutures out in 10, and that's all she wrote!!
Now, if the installers would finish up, Kass could come out of her kitty karry-all! I think they are about 15-20 minutes from being finished.

later, chickadees!
a good evening to all!

__________________
~~~~
Shelley
~~~~

Visit Kassie's Korner



Life deserves a treat now and again, but life also deserves being healthy[with required disipline] to make it worth living!

__________________

Good morning, Girlfriends. Ready for another day?

Shelley, hope Kassie is recovering comfortably. And also that the installation came off without a hitch. (That's a lot to hope!)

Heather, your busy day shows up in smilies. Y'know, I don't think I'm constitutionally capable of mixing darks and lights in the washing machine, no matter what the water temp is. I could just sense my mother rolling over in her grave if I put the black socks in with the white undies.

Donna, hang in there. At least you're getting a little warm weather. I want some, too!! Hey--that's pretty neat finding the pinky ring. A little gift from the hummingbirds in return for your kindness.

I'll stop by later.

P. S. Turns out my mother's maiden name is misspelled on my ORIGINAL birth certificate. So now I have to jump through some hoops to get that corrected. Like getting a copy of my MOTHER's birth certificate. Oh well. Since they ask for "mother's maiden name" as proof of who you are in so many cases, I think it would be a good idea to make sure my birth certificate agrees with what I've been saying all these years.

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


My Fitday Journal

It' a crisp 38 degrees, up from 31 this morning. Pulling the woolies back out of the closet!

Barb, using mother's maiden name as a security code is common but no one ever has asked for "proof" of such from me. Since you already have your own identity well established(social security, passport, etc) you're going above and beyond to correct things now, IMO. But the devil is in the details, eh?

Heather, you are in a light and happy mood and well should be. Too exciting.

Bert, I see you out there. Hope all is on an even keel at home.

Everyone else, hugs! Couple of things to do today, and then dance party aerobics. My knees have just recovered from last week's session!

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

Hi guys,
Quick stop by for me this morning. I had to take Kass back to the vet this morning. The little darlin' pulled one of her sutures out yesterday evening after I got her home. After her *pain med* wore off last evening, she left the other sutures alone; so much for the med making her sleepy! NOT!!
But, to be on the safe side, I called the vet's office this morning and told them about the 2-3 mm wound dehiscence and they said to bring her back in for a staple or two. Sooooo...we're back home all *stapled shut*, and Kass is a little mad at her mama right now! Oh well, I'm willing to bet when lunch time rolls around, I can win her back over with a tasty morsel!

The heat & air installation took FOREVER yesterday, but they did a good job and obviously took their time. The foreman of the company came out this morning and inspected everything, and now it all has to have a city inspector's approval, which is scheduled for *sometime tomorrow*...anywhere from 09-1600.
Let's hope he/she shows up before 1200 so I won't waste the whole day waiting. ha!

Off to do some chores and see what looks appealing in the freezer to defrost for dinner tonight. I may use my dinner date option tonight, but I'd rather wait until Saturday, which is our wedding anniv...34th!! Yep...same story as last year...I was definitely a child bride! heh heh!

later, chickadees!
(((hugs to all)))
s

__________________
~~~~
Shelley
~~~~

Visit Kassie's Korner



Life deserves a treat now and again, but life also deserves being healthy[with required disipline] to make it worth living!

Good morning....just a quick stop for me too. This cold is killing me...feel like crap. But, I'm thinking of you guys. I'll be back when I don't feel like I've been hit by a truck.

__________________
Donna
238.5/168.2/150
I will see my goal weight again!

Donna,
Hope you feel better soon. Hang in there, and do what you have to do to get over that icky old cold!

((()))
s

__________________
~~~~
Shelley
~~~~

Visit Kassie's Korner



Life deserves a treat now and again, but life also deserves being healthy[with required disipline] to make it worth living!

Another bright, sunny, COLD day in KC. I don't feel warmed up until it hits at least 65 degrees for a while, and we're just not getting there. And more rain in the forecast. Oh well.

Donna, sorry you're "under the weather." You've been going at full speed for a long time. Pamper yourself as much as you can.

Shelley, use your "wait" time for a bit of pampering, too. Except you can't be soaking in the tub when the inspector shows up.

Brenda, dance party aerobics sounds like fun. There was a photo in yesterday's KC STAR of ballroom dancing--the couple were 93 (her) and 82 (him). They looked great. Just goes to show there's no limit on looking for a younger man. And staying young yourself!

I'm all set to perform my beginner trombone recital during the band concert next Tuesday. I'm practicing "Old MacDonald," "Aura Lee," and "When the Saints..." All easy and fun to play. Let's hope I don't get the giggles. One absolutely CANNOT play the trombone while giggling.

Take care of you.

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


My Fitday Journal

Good morning ladies. Still feeling crappy but...mom's aren't allowed to get sick, so here I am at work. Good thing I don't have anyone to pass this cold onto.

I also wouldn't let it stop me from doing my walking program. Last night was the endurance night....50 minutes at 3.2 mph = 2.6 miles. My knees were definitely creaking when I was done. If I don't go to the ballgame tonight it will be a repeat of last night but at a faster speed. (I think they are trying to kill me!)

Barb: I couldn't help but laugh when I thought of you trying to blow that horn while giggling. Too funny. I'm sure you'll do fine.

Berta: I know you're peeking in here...how are things with your dh? Are you getting some "you" time?

Shell: How's the patient this morning? Leaving the rest of the sutures alone? I don't think I've ever heard of a cat doing that...licking maybe. What a brat!

Brenda: I keep forgetting to say how much I like your new avatar. You are soooo tiny! Makes me feel like a blimp!

Yesterday was a weird day. Started out sunny, then the dark clouds moved in. By lunchtime it was snowing, but not sticking. By the time I left for home it was just pouring rain and it kept up all night. Really cold too. I don't think my tulips will ever bloom. This morning it's sunny, but I'm not counting on it staying. Looks so silly to see fresh snow in the hills around us...and it's almost May!!

My oldest son will turn 34 on Saturday...doesn't that just make you feel old? lol I have absolutely no idea what to get him for his birthday. His wife wants me to buy him lumber so he can fix her deck. NOT. That's something she wants, not what he would like. I'm thinking maybe a gift certificate for Chapter's? What do you guys think?

Well...gotta get to work. Month end is calling...yech!

__________________
Donna
238.5/168.2/150
I will see my goal weight again!

Hi Gang!

Just checking in from a busy house! I cleared my calendar for this morning, and don't really have to do anything today except the inevitable lunch and an appt with the head nurse at the health center this afternoon and then my last day of rounds as chaplain until next year. Yay! I do enjoy it very much. I had a clear conversation the other day with one of the dear old lady's who is deep into dementia most of the time. I felt quite good about that.

My appt. with the head nurse has to do with the abuse of a patient last Saturday night. I wasn't there, but my partner (the other chaplain) was. She witnessed it. The patient is one of ours who is clear mentally, and can talk about it. But, she has had a stroke and is there for that reason. I am going because I was summoned (sheesh!) and because I simply will not allow that kind of thing to go on.

I put off my rounds yesterday until 5:30. Not a good thing to do. All the Alzheimer's patients were "sundowning." That is a particularly difficult symptom of Alzheimer's that usually begins about 5:30 and continues until they go to sleep. They get very restless, much more combative, heightened delusions, and loud! It was impossible to really talk to any of them, or to pray with them. The place was a zoo! So sad. Can you imagine being the daughter of one of those dear people? I sat with a daughter and her Mom for about a half and hour. The daughter was in tears and very angry because of the things that her Mom was saying - calling on people who were dead, calling her daughter names and threatening her with a beating (Mom is in a wheelchair and can't really do anything with a healing broken hip, nearly deaf requiring yelling to be heard, and also Alzhemiers). I finally leaned down close to her ear and said to her, "Be good to your daughter. She is doing her best and is here because she loves you. Stop calling her names and threatening her." Didn't do a thing. Then the daughter started defending her Mom and saying what a good Mom she really is. Sheesh. I prayed for them and left.

I'm feeling really burdened by so many meetings! I wanted to get involved, but this is ridiculous. I was going to take over as head of chaplains. I don't know what I was thinking when I volunteered to consider that!! It would be a huge job!

Donna: I hope that your cold is short lived.
Barb: You sound perky. I laughed too at your image of giggling while playing the trombone.
Bren: I love your new avatar too! I don't forget what a "little" person you are, but it is so nice to remember what a gorgeous person you are too!
Shel: How's Kass today?
Alida: Where are you today?
Judy: Only a few more weeks until you get to go grade SAT's!
Bert: How're things?
Heather: Keep smiling, girl.
Suse: You too, how are you doing?
Mary Kay: How's the foot? I'm going back to my foot Dr tomorrow. It has begun hurting, and I am not sure why. I suspect that it is the presence of that rod that should have come out before this.

Oh, by the way, Otis has gotten a lot better. I think the fact that I popped him and said "NO" in a loud voice may have done the trick. He has not tried to bite me since.

Well, off to do some housework and then get dressed for lunch.

Peace, Peg

Yes, I am peeking in everyday sometimes more often.. just to see what you all are doing.

Bren.. wow, you are tiny an very attractive.
Barb...now, now, can't be giggling while playing .. but, watch out that's what will happen

I peeked in this a.m. and no one had been on.. what's happened?? Barb retirement has kept you from posting at the crack of dawn.
Peg.. Slow down you are making me tired.
Donna.. Hope that cold doesnt' last long.. Good effort on that treadmill. Wish I could get that worked in or the energy.

DH was back in hospital over the weekend.. low blood pressure, confused, disoriented.. His sodium was low, got that back up and she has adjusted meds again. He still has some itching and still we don't know what caused it. He scratched off scabs last night and had blood running down his leg. Mental status is so much better than it has been for a couple of weeks. 3 more weeks till we know when they will replace knee... then another week of hospital and a couple of weeks of inhospital rehab.

On the up side.. I planted some hostas today and transplanted some day lilies.. put mulch around trees in the front of the house. Today hair color and cut...that will be nice for a couple of hours out.. at least today I think he will remember where I am..