Good morning GG's,

Two days down ~ one to go ~ then off ~ yippee :carrot::carrot:
We have been short staffed ~ that makes for stressful days. There are people out on vacation, and it is so hard when people do work, that they don't want to come in on their days off, so they can't get people to fill in, and don't want to pay extra for agency nurses. I don't know what is worse ~ working short, or the situation like at my last work place. To ensure that there weren't too many people out at a time, they would only let ~ like one per shift per unit be off at a time. So, some people's vacation requests were denied. That caused a lot of upset ~ if you had some special thing and to be told you can't go.

That is the kind of thing that made my decision to move here easier. At holiday time, they had a rule where you had to work some part of the holiday (which was ok if your family lived in the area) and they blocked off the days before and after and you weren't allowed to ask for days off during that time. So, for people like me whose realtives were not local ~ I could never get to go spend time with them at the holidays. That was a very depressing time. DH went on without me (I didn't want him to miss out because of my stupid work) and I spent the holidays alone. So glad to be out of that situation.

Sorry I have not been able to get to personals lately. Stuff keeps coming up on my days off ~ the time flies by so fast.

On my next few days off ~ gotta get packing ~ trip for my nephew's wedding is right around the corner. It will be fun to get to see everyone. But as much as I love seeing them, I am always glad to get back home.

Ok, better get off and finish getting ready for work.

Hope you all have a nice day.

Take care

IP is the Ideal Protein diet done with medical supervision and designed for rapid weight loss. I know that my biggest challenge will be in the transition back to a "normal" diet, especially since I choose to be a vegetarian. Should be interesting.

Good Morning GG's

We are finally having such lovely weather! Cool morning and warm evenigns. I try to get all the housework done in the morning and leave my evenings free. I've even been riding my bike and walking outside. Sitting on the patio with a good book. fun things that I missed when it was so hot. Did I tell you about the book Winter Garden? Very worth reading. Thanks for all the other book recomendations. I wrote them down to look for. I was in a reading club at the library for the summer. They have it every year and the winner gets a prize. I read a lot and i'm a pretty fast reader. In the 3 months that we were reading I read 32 books. I thought that was pretty good and I had a chance of winning the prize, an E-reader. The winner said she read 92 books. I just find that so hard to believe. DH said that chosing the winner like that just encouraged to lie. I have to agee with him. But I did read a lot of good books, so not a total loss.

Welcome to all the New GG's. Look forward to getting to know you.

Karenfl, I hope the new antibiotics work well for you. Have you gotten a new Cardiologist yet?

Donna, I'm so happy that Granny/mom came through the surgery OK. Not a good patient huh? My mom is the worst! Sometimes you just have to put your foot down at how much abuse you will take. You are always there for her and she should appreciate that. I hope you take comfort in the fact that you do the best you can.

Bobbi, I hope your effort the reduce the allergens in the house works for your headaches. You've suffered for so long. My sisters son was allergic to everything (or so it seemed). She had to be really careful with dust. She washed his bedroom wall every other day. Had to get rid of the carpet and cutains. You do what you have to do. Someone said something about hanging sheets on the line. Of course they pick up all the pollen in the air. I love the smell, and I don't usually get the allergies untill the fall.

Z, You took 2 little ones shopping? I'm putting you right up there with Marie as a dare devil!!

Rosie, Your doggies tricks sound so sweet. And they must be smart to be trained so quickly. It does help to have an older dog in the house to "show" them too.

Gayle, I know all about working Holidays. Especially Christmas. We have to work either Christmas Eve or Christmas day. Makes it impossible to go anywhere not close to home.

Rie, I hear you about getting flack about your eating when family is around. I'm going to a family reunion in a couple of weeks and I know I will hear about how I must be anorexic and don't eat "enough to keep a bird alive". while they all have health issues and eat all the wrong things. i live in an area with a huge Polish commumity and have gone to lots of weddings with polish music and danced lots of polkas. fun.

Mary, it's hot again there? Phooey! I hope you get some cooler weather soon. You mentioned in a post about the wedding that your husband wore a -----shirt? Was it the traditional Phillipine shirt they were for celebrations? We have a lot of philipine nurses and they wear them some times. I love traditions.

I know I am forgetting lots of people. When you don't post for awhile there are so many you want to address. I love you all!

Freda

Quickie...It's working. Everyone keep singing "Good Night Irene Good Night!" The lastest computer models show Irene more towards the East and if we keep it up will even miss NC! k3

Hi Everyone,

Feeling better today. Reviewing/grading day for my class. Today ends the second week. Just 1 more to go!

Lynn

I've been very lazy today so didn't go to the gym. Wanted to try my Kindle at the gym but that will have to wait for another day. Having trouble with spasms so I took a muscle relaxant for my neck and back, but didn't sleep very well. Only things I've done is clean the small bathroom, strip the bed and throw in a load of laundry. Have much more to do. Dh went to gym alone. He's still driving and doing everything as usual but he sees double. If he covers one eye (either one) it's fine, but with both eyes it's double. He goes to the eye doctor tomorrow.

No time for personals right now, perhaps I'll get back later on today. Have a good day..

Hi Donna,

I LOVED that book. One of my book club's favorites. Right now we are reading Cutting for Stone.

Lynn

Karen-- prayers are with you and yours--- hopefully Irene will go away!!

Good night Irene Goodnite!!

Don't want it here either. We will be leaving for vacation over the weekend and don't want to drive in Hurricane weather.

Made my swimming goal today..30 laps at the lake.

Hi to all..welcome to all new GGs too.

Lyn

GOOD NIGHT IRENE GOODNIGHT!!!!

Prayers for you too Lyn. Stay Safe!!!

Good NIiiiiiiighhhhht Irene GOOD NIGHT!

KarenMO, Kai is please the chicken doggie bag was given to the girls. Her blue eyes did turn a little green at the mention. Glad you had fun at the Cracker Barrel yesterday.

Fitchy, how far north in CA are you? Hopefully there will be lots of new development.

Gayle, your last work place sounded atrocious. I do love your countdowns for days off. I do the same thing. I just wish that days off didn’t go at warped speed.

Dancer, glad your IP diet is working for you. I read your bio and I’m jealous of the ballroom dancing. I love to dance but my DH has three left feet. Two I could deal with, but three is over the top.

Freda, I think your DH should buy you the reader because you’re not a cheater. You read a lot of books this summer.

Val, I used to look at my first doggie, Theodora Bear, and think she was sent from an alien planet to report back on the weird human she was assigned to. She was my first husky and very arrogant and standoffish. So I assumed she thought I was nuts. Years later her opinion was affirmed by a dr. but I digress. I do think they have their own communication network. Yesterday I sent my friend a text from Kody to her German Shepard (Gideon). I know Gideon has ear infections and Kody has one. I know what it is, I know how to treat it and I didn’t want to pay for an office visit, I just needed the med. So Kody texted Gideon with a picture and said, Gideon, my ears are on crooked. I need meds. Can I borrow some? Gideon had lots and I started the ear meds this evening. BTW, Gideon’s ear was on crooked too when he received the text so he’s getting ear meds too. My friends boys thought it was hilarious their dog was getting text messages.

KarenFL, I looked at the Irene computer model and was glad to see you’re not in its path.

Hi to everyone else that I’ve missed.

Mondays stink and Fridays are wonderful. The days in between are better than Monday. I am so ready for weekend. I did get my hair trimmed today and the split ends are gone for now. Then I went swimming and my hair doesn’t love chlorine. But I do wash it out and drench it before jumping in so it can’t absorb as much.

Donna, how is Granny/Mom. I’ve been thinking of you.

Time to see if Kai will eat a 7th meal in a row. She’s on a streak. Not as fond of the Canidae as day 1 and 2, but I still have hope.
Marie

Keep singing girls...all that hot air keeps pushing Irene further East.....but now talking about Long Island NY this coming weekend.....Again Good night Ireneee Goood nighttttttt.......thanks all k3

ps doc started stronger antibioics today....I'm so worried about poss C-dif or mersa. Bloodwork done and have CIspan Thursday

Hi everyone. another busy day. i have a new motto dont go grocery shopping when you are hungry:?: you spend more and are tempted to buy junk! Karen 3 sure hope you dont have mersa as i did after my surg and it almost did me in.thinking good thoughts for u that your tests come back normal :hug: im pooped tonite so will just wish you all pleasant dreams :hug: rosey :wave:

Good morning GG's,

Trying to catch up on the posts ~ this one I started a few days ago ~ and repsonded to some

Zoe ~ if eating the way you are right now is alleviating some of the discomforts you were having, maybe you can keep doing some version of it even after the wedding. My job back in Maine (my first nursing job) was about as close to having a job you love going to as I was ever to get. I enjoyed it and the people I worked with. They did things differently back there, back then. Don’t know if they still do it the same now ~ probably not ~ things change. I only worked part time then ~ maybe that is part of what made it tolerable. I didn’t realize it at the time, but that was probably my dream job. Foolishly when we moved, I thought ~ new job, new place, no problem ~ nursing is nursing no matter where you go ~ NOT. I was in for a big surprise. That was the start of stress and hating the job.

Nancy ~ glad your SO’s colonoscopy went well. You are so kind to go through the eating part of the prep with him. I didn’t do that for my DH. I didn’t eat in front of him, but I don’t think I would have done the jello and popsicles with him. And you are kind also to get up so early with him every morning. I don’t think I’d do that either. Maybe I am just not a nice person. Your plates of food didn’t look to me like pigging out ~ if they had been heaped up with food maybe…….If what I see is what you consider pigging out ~ no wonder you are able to do it and still keep maintaining your weight loss.

Karen MO ~ wow 28 days of that heat. Like Zoe said ~ if I were where it is so hot so many days ~ and had a pool ~ no way would I even think of moving.

Rie ~ glad your feeling a little better

Donna ~ how is the job going? Sorry you are so tired and that your hip is bothering you.

Mary ~ sorry you lost your post ~ that is frustrating. Way to go staying OP

Good morning GG’s,

Hopefully can get caught up on the personals this morning.

Karen FL ~ hope Irene keeps on going away from you. And hope that infection keeps on going away from you too.

Donna ~ glad GM is doing better. Now maybe you both can get rested up a little.

Lyn ~ way to go on the swimming goal ~ 30 laps ~ wow

Mary ~ hope your back and neck feel better ~ hope you rested better last night

Lynn ~ glad you are feeling better. When is your marathon again? Sorry ~ I can’t seem to keep that date in my head

Rie ~ glad you are feeling better and able to do the exercising again

Freda ~ glad you are having nicer weather and able to get out and enjoy biking and walking

Welcome Dancer 41, Darcy, Puneri and Fitchy

Mustang K ~ your family times on Sunday sound like so much fun ~ glad you enjoyed

Marie ~ sounds like you and your doggys had a fun time with your neighbors

Rosey ~ glad your doggys had good check ups ~ love their tricks and that they are now house broken. How is your DH doing?

NC Nancy ~ missing you

Wannabe (Linda) ~ I’ve had mornings like that ~ hope the blaaahhhhs have passed

Zoe ~ you were brave to go shopping with those little guys ~ bet they are gonna look so cute. Hope your soak in the tub revived you a little

Bobbi ~ hope your head is feeling better and that all the things you have done to deal with the allergens has helped

Tea, Sherry, Teati ~hope you all are doing ok

Koala ~ how are you doing? How are the kitties?

Good Morning GG's,

Another beautiful day. I could get used to this. Went to the local produce market and bought lots of fresh stuff yesterday. Green beans, corn. so todays dinner is, guess what. Fresh green beans, corn, big, ripe, juicy tomatoes, and corn bread. YUM! I'll try not to over do.

Gayle, Nursing has changed in the last few years. not good changes that I can see. I am hoping that it gets better too. I have one year and 4 months to go.

Fitchy, So glad that you are posting. As you get to know everyone it will be easier to remember us all. We're a family. I worry about everyone. We take care of each other. Join in, become part of our little family.

Hi Rosie, how are those little puppies of yours?

Karen3, If you're worried about C-diff try eating more yogurt, with live cultures. and there are pills that you can get, OTC I believe, that helps replace the good bacteria. Just be very careful and you should be fine. We don't see a lot of it, actually.

Donna, HOT! YUCK. I'm sending some of my cool weather. I'm glad to hear that Granny finally pooped. I'm afraid that med-surg floors don't tend to focus on constipation. I think the moment you are put on pain RX you should be put on medication for your bowels.

Marie, Thanks for suggesting that DH should buy me a reader. Actually, the kids got me one for Christmas and I had them take it back. I didn't think I would like it. I'm not so sure now, i'm rethinking it. Maybe in a year or so. I just didn't think that the person that "won" the reader desereved to win it. I join every year, mostly to encourage the DGD to join and read too. She loves it.

Mary, Hope DH gets good new at the eye Dr. today. I know you both must be worried.

Lynn, 1 week to go! yeah! That week will pass by quickly.

Lyn, 30 laps. You must have the strongest arm ever. Wish I could swim. I know, I know, there such things as lessons and even someone as old as I could still learn.

Rie, How are you doing?

Hey Z, what's up with you?

Nancy, got that computer going yet. Aren't they a pest when they don't work?

Everyone, have a great day,

Freda

All the rest of you

Good afternoon GG's,

Day off ~ kind of puttering. Got the laundry done. Cleaned out my purse, and WW tote bag. Next my work bag. Stuff just keeps getting tucked in there ~ then one day you notice ~ gee this bag feels heavy. LOL ~ from all the stuff that builds up in there. One time a long time ago, when I cleaned out my work bag ~ there was a petrified banana in there. You never know what lurks in the bottom of the bag. ;)

Then I hope to tackle the kitchen table. A clutter area. I get it cleaned and think ~ I'm not gonna let it get like that again ~ but I come home late from work, or am tired ~ and before I know it ~ there is a clutter pile built up again.

Ok, break over ~ on to the next little project.

Hope you all are having a nice day.

Take care

Hey GGs,
I haven’t been around here much lately, & I guess I probably won’t be for awhile. Seems the return of nice weather has re-awakened my desire to get some things accomplished around here (about time!). And, I also want to spend some quality time with my swing! So, since every time I sit down at this darn computer, hours seem to vanish from my day, I reckon I’ll be leaving it turned off most of the time! I hope y’all will forgive me if I just say Hi! every now & then, to let you know I was here, & so you won’t forget me (of course I will have to check in to see what everyone is up to, can’t go too long without my GG “fix”!). I figure when the cold weather traps me in the house, I’ll be back to hanging around here a lot. So, until then, just wanted to explain what’s going on.

Just finished reading all the posts I missed (3 pages!), & just that took almost two hours. Have I mentioned my internet connection can be really slow?!! And I got “bumped off” once, & had to re-connect (also time consuming!)!! So, you can see why I need to leave this computer turned off , if I want to get anything done. But, then I miss you guys!!! I have to agree with what lots of you said - this is the greatest group ever!!!

Gayle, I just have to say that I don’t get up with SO because I’m kind (though I hope I am). It’s that I feel so guilty that he has to go to work & I don’t! I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if I didn’t at least get up with him. And, I get to go back to bed! It also wasn’t kindness that made me do the eating thing with him - I had to prove to myself that I could do it! And, we all KNOW you’re a very nice person! That comes through, loud & clear, from your posts!

Ok, I’m going to resist the urge to stay here & do personals to everyone - that would mean another couple of hours sitting here, & I really want some time in my swing (I already did my “chores for the day“)! Sooo, I love you all, but I’m headed outside! Oh, wait, before I go, I forgot to mention our little excitement today. Did you hear about our earthquake?! I was in the kitchen & heard my dishes rattling, & thought “what the ???? Then I noticed the floor was shaking a little. My first thought was wind gusts, or maybe some kind of heavy equipment in the area? I considered the idea of it being a small quake, but since that’s so unusual for this area, I dismissed that idea, until I heard the news. (Not that exciting, but it’s the big story on the local news right now, I guess because of the rarity?!) See how hard it is for me to leave here, once I get started?!! I really am going outside now!!! Bye y’all.

Dang!!!!!! Bumped off the internet again!!!!! Re-connecting, then maybe I’ll be able to get this posted!!!
NCNancy

Quick story for Gayle,

One time I became frustrated because my purse was sooooo heavy. I cleaned it all out and it was still so darn heavy. In frustration, I kind of slammed it down on the table. I heard "clink" I picked it up and investigated more. A small hole was in the lining. between the lining and the purse bottom, there was over $52 in quarters. LOL (I had been playing lots of poker and pool. Tee Hee.

Hi everyone not a whole lot going on i have been "gorking" as jess would say. i did get the dishes done and some laundry in between playing with the puppies.yesterday while at the store i bought some of those new neuton cookie fruit chews. they had lo sugar so in my hungry mode i relasped. they were to good and now ive been craving carbs in a bad way.so i tossed them out and dumped old coffee grounds on top yuk that should do it.hoping your day is a good one (((hugs))) rosey :wave:

Anyone feel the earthquake? I did not. I was in the movies - saw Sarah's Key.

Lynn

Ohhhhhhh, so danged busy at work, and at home trying to cook some decent meals for a change (I've been pretty catch-as-catch-can over the past couple of weeks; cutting my own calories, so poor dh has been along for the ride....no complaints, but looking a little hang-doggish doncha know...) and then so tired that I barely take the time to check my Email before I'm in bed with a book, read a page and a half, and I'm down for the count. Just got home about a half hour ago, made up a quick stuffed pepper recipe, and now it's in the oven. We'll be lucky if we're sitting down to supper by 8:00! :(
I am missing everybody, and am looking forward to sitting down for a nice long chat...afraid it won't be tonight, though. Need to wash my hair before supper and put in a load of laundry. Good grief! :dizzy:
Somebody sent me the cutest video and I wanted to put it on our FB page but of course didn't know how...were you able to, PT?? I think you doggie-mommies would get a kick out of it.
Okay, gotta run, but wanted to check in so you all would know I'm still one of us..
HUGS,
Z

Good evening GG's,

Almost time for bed here. It was a pretty nice day for the most part. Some angry feelings over some hurtful things my brother said. Trying not to think of it if I can ~ and give him the power to upset me.

Didn't get everything done I had hoped to do today, but the reason not, was a good one. My son stopped by and we got to watch some of a movie together and visit. Then Maddie was over ~ that is always fun. Today was DH's birthday, and Maddie felt that Grandpa needed a crown for his special day. So we had some "arts and crafts" time and made Grandpa a crown. Then Sara invited us over for dinner for DH's birthday. It was fun being together.

The stuff I didn't get done isn't going anywhere. Back to work tomorrow ~ then off the weekend.

Just a quick check-in before I'm off to bed. It's been a busy tiring day. Dh finally got to see his eye doctor and we are hoping to hear about an MRI by tomorrow. They called but said they didn't have the full orders yet but will be calling for more info, then we didn't hear any more today. So far the doctor has said it is a partial palsied 3rd nerve but the MRI is to confirm that and hopefully tell us what has caused it. He said it's likely a stroke in the eye or an aneurysm. Neither sounds good but esp the aneurysm...so hoping he can get in soon for the MRI. In the meantime we are praying.

We also went to a memorial service of a lady I had just recently got to know. She was so nice and I already considered her a friend and her dh is a friend of my dh's from before he retired. She had a nice service. I wish I had had the chance to know her better.

Because we spent all morning in the clinic and most of the afternoon at the memorial service I didn't get a thing done here at home other than taking out the trash, cooking dinner and paying a couple bills. For dinner I fixed baked tilapia (with a topping), and rice cooked in veg broth and then sauteed in olive oil with garlic and other seasonings; and I also sauteed some green onions and zucchini. The topping on the fish was a little too rich tasting to me but dh seemed to like everything for a change. Even went back for second helpings on the rice.

I'm tired so I'm going to bed early. Hope everyone gets a good rest tonight.
Mary

Hi everyone! I was gone for a few days and then got sucked right back into work mere hours after my return -- which has yet to let up. I've wanted to post but just haven't been able to. By the time I finish work, it's 2 or 3 a.m. and my brain is mush and my fingers protest at typing anything more -- but I wanted to at least say hello tonight. Hopefully I'll catch a break in the morning and can write more! Thinking of all of you! :yawn:

Darcy

Hi Everyone,

Today is my bi-annual get-together with 2 friends I used to work with. We all retired from that company around 15 years ago. Typically, we meet once in the summer and once around Christmas. Today we are going to Grounds for Sculpture http://www.groundsforsculpture.org/ GREAT park and sculpture & a café with great food.

Hi Zoe,

Is it almost time for us to start planning our Zoe Retirement Golden Girls Weekend? You have such a great family and so many interests, I wish you could get to your retirement date so you can relax and ENJOY!

Hi Gayle,

Isn’t it interesting how siblings can REALLY get under our skin? I think it’s because they know us so well and what buttons to push. When my brother was alive, he and I fought constantly about politics. There were several years when I didn’t even talk to him. However, we made up before he got sick (pancreatic cancer). He died in September 2001. As he was dying, I told him I loved him so much, I would vote for his party’s candidate for President. He looked at me and said, “Why? I wouldn’t even vote for HIM!” At the end, our differences didn’t matter much.

Hi Donna,

Maybe she’s just old and cranky – I can relate to that!

Sarah’s Key is one of the books my book club read. It is about Jews in France during World War 11. It was a difficult book to read but a good one. The movie was the same – difficult, but good.

Hi Mary,

So sorry about your DH’s eye. You guys are sure having your problems this year. My best wishes are with you both.

Hi Fitchy,

I will pop up and read as soon as I post this. Glad you joined us!

Hi Darcy,

Hope you got a good sleep.

My dh has an appt for his MRI this afternoon so we'll soon be getting ready to go. The doctor did say that sometimes palsied nerves heal themselves so we are praying that that will be the case with his. However I'm sure that is if it is not caused by an aneurysm. So that's why he is having the MRI to rule that out. I don't think he slept much last night probably was thinking about all this.

Our son (the one we got the loan for) made the full payment this month. So we are happy about that and hopefully he can continue to do it himself now. Now we hope he can soon get the loan in his name instead of ours, but that may be a while.

I've been neglecting my housework a lot since I came back from our last trip for some reason...just laziness I guess. Today I cleaned the kitchen and it looks so much better. Even cleaned the cupboard under the sink. Wow what a difference! I still need to mop the floor but just a thorough vacuum made such a difference. I need to get back on track with my housework as well as my eating. My weight is dropping down again but I'm not quite completely back on track with my eating, just eating less, but still need to do better.

Rie - Sorry you had more pain but glad the meds help. I love apples with pb, never tried the cream cheese though.

Lyn - I think it's just that my dh is getting older and the older we get the more things are likely to happen to us.

Welcome to all the new GG! I lost a post a while back and think I welcomed you in that one but didn't retype it. This is a great group, very supportive.

Bye for now,
Mary

Hi everyone. we just got back from another trip to town.gee thats every day this week so far :D im liking it. The Dr called and said they think my dh problem is celiac's disease,gluten intolerance. so hes suppose to try a gluten free diet for 3 months. hmmm not sure about this and did some research and then a trip to grocery store that has a good health food dept and got some gluten free products for him to try,like spahgetti,bread and crackers and snack stuff made with corn,and pancake mix.. he's allready grumbling and i said welcome to my world,as i sure can relate. anyways we will see how this works,trial and error. hes off to the cabin tommorrow with his brother. the new 4 wheeler he bought he hated so sold it and his old 6 wheeler and just bought a 1 yr old newer 6 wheeler, he sure was wheeling and dealing, i said fine as long as it didnt cost us any more. hope hes a happy camper now.Im working on a quilt for my youngest grdd. shes the only one i have not made a big girl quilt for and remined me this summer lol.it will be a xmas gift. i made them baby quilts and then big girl or boy quilts and said id make them one more when they get married.good thing i love to quilt.my eating is going ok after a ditched the thin newtons. my cravings for carbs are getting less thank goodness.Maryea hope your dd mri turns out well :hug: rei sry your back was hurting hope its better now.lynn have fun with your friends sounds lovely. jess hope granny/mom is all chipper today and by the way i love gorking:D zoe your schedule is so busy i can sure see why you crave some alone time,did you find a dress for the wedding?glynne sry your brother hurt your feelings:hug: well gizmo is demanding my attention.hes learned to climb up the side of my chair like a kitten and is laying on the keyboard lol ((hugs)) and happy thoughts for all rosey :wave: