Golden Girls
 

Thank you Bobbi ~ for helping us with a new thread. How are you doing?

Donna popped in a couple days back ~ was nice to see her again too.

Good afternoon GG's,

It is a nice sunny day here today.

Maddie and I have played Go Fish and the match game.

DH went to his follow up appointment with the cardiologist, got done with that and went to schedule cardiac rehab. We're supposed to do grocery shopping after that. Wonder if he is going to be up to it.

Hope you all are having a nice day.

I got up early because our new washer was to arrive between 8 am and 12N and swept out the garage but hadn't eaten yet...then they call and say it's going to be here between 1 pm and 3 pm. I was in pain most of the night so I felt rather irritable about that...tried to back to bed but couldn't sleep so finally just got up. My bs was 167 early, and I took my meds (thinking I'd be eating), and when I got up the second time (without eating), it was 138...that's the closests I've been to my target for a very long time, but of course it was the meds and my not eating. Still made me feel good to see it. :D My bs have been coming down recently as I'm being more careful with my eating but the am one continues to be high.

Yesterday, we went shopping. I had to pick up some tops at Pennys...they didn't fit so jut returned them right then. Then we went to Home Depot and Lowes to look for a washer. I had in my head I was going to get this particular one and did find it at both stores, but then saw another I think is better (though I'm sure either would be much better than what I've had!). Anyway that "better" one was a demo only for a very nice price at Home Depot, however we couldn't get dh's military discount on it and no delivery. It wouldn't even come in a box, just plastic so I was uncertain about my getting it home safely in our trailer. So went to Lowes and there it was so I bought it. Much more money (our state tax is a killer!) but got Joe's military discount and free delivery and even installation. They would also take away our old one but we are giving it to someone who needs a washer as it still works. We also bought the 5 year extended warranty. I hate buying those things but with all the electronics in them these days things can easily go wrong...I've been glad we bought it for our dishwasher. Last night I noticed that my dryer door isn't shutting good...It will if I push it harder and so far I think it stays during the drying but I suspect that will be another purchase before long. Hoping dh can fix it. It's going to look really awful next to my new washer though.:D

Regarding my weight...I am still 2.5# up since the last trip. What more I'd be if it had been a long trip?!! I have got to realize I cannot eat so much when traveling and esp junk!!

Was going grocery shopping but may not get there. We have leftovers we can eat tonight and ds will not be with us. I do need to run out for something else though so will see how it goes.

Glynne - Hope your dh is feeling more like himself soon, but really he probably does need to take it easy for a while. He's been through quite a lot.

Hi to everyone else! It's another beautiful day...perhaps not so warm...haven't looked at the temp...but the forecast is warm and dry for several days. Very unusual weather for us.

Bobbi - forgot to answer your question...we haven't gotten back to the gym since our last trip (got home last Friday) but on our trip we walked a lot. I get ten min daily on my exercise bike and 30 min a day when we don't go to the gym is my goal..haven't done that recently though.

Good job Mary!
Gayle...you doing your 3 wheel bike for exercise. It's been so cold here until recently so I haven't ridden much.
Carol Sue...how about you?
[QUOTE I get ten min daily on my exercise bike and 30 min a day when we don't go to the gym is my goal.[/QUOTE]

It was really hot here today. I went outside to sit on the porch with Rusty but it was too hot to stay out very long. We get the afternoon sun on the front porch. DH was working on his hot rod and I don't know how he did it n that hot sun. He never wears shorts, just long jeans all the time. I don't know how he stood it. He will only work on the car when the neighbors across the street are not home because he doesn't like them to sit on their porch and watch him. LOL That's where a rear garage would come in handy.

I'm doing well. I'm starting a new eating plan called Slow Carb. You eat low carb for 6 days and then eat carbs on the 7th day. It's supposed to help keep your metabolism from going too low. We'll see. I will never quit trying.

Yesterday, I developed another problem with my left eye. That's the one where I have the hole in the macula. Now I have a little white pimple on the edge of my eyelid. It hurts. I googled and it said it's from an infection and to use warm compresses on it and if not gone in several days, see a doctor. It's always something.

Glad you got your new washer, Mary. I hope you like it.

Gayle, how did Steve's appointment with the cardiologist go? I'm wondering what he said about him not feeling better. I liked cardiac rehab. It was good to know that they were monitoring your exercise to be sure all was working properly.

I'm wondering about Love2garden. Does she know to come over to this new thread?

CarolSue Just found you! I never thought to look for a new thread. THanks to Bobbi for starting it.

Slow Carb? This is a new one for me. I have found that I am doing better with limiting my carbs. Fresh fruit, at least 2 servings, are a must, but it is hard for me to limit it to just two. I eat only whole grains, but still have cut those back.

Sure hope that eye issue is solved quickly Sight is so important. I wouldn't wait a few days, please call the doctor.

Mary Smart move to get the 5 year service contract on your new washer. And you got the bonus of discount, free delivery and installation!!!

Gayle Go Fish . . . What would we do without this fun game. I carried a deck of cards in my purse for the kids, grandkids, etc most of my life. Still play solitaire.

Last 6 Angelonia planted this morning and 1/2 of back gardens watered well. DD came out with me when I was resting and we had a delightful time just talking while in the garden. Seems we never find time to really relax with one another, shall seek out more of those times.

DH took car to shop for oil change and state inspection. Hope we don't have to add a whole lot to the credit card after purchasing those 2 nice recliners earlier this week.

It's just Halo and I again as dh is fishing. Another warm dry day, sunny but slightly overcast earlier. Today I want to clean my kitchen well and perhaps do a little decluttering if I have time. Also need to shop for groceries and I'd like to get a manicure too, so will see how the day goes. Probably won't get it all done. Last night for dinner I made hamburgers with a wine mushroom sauce on top. They were yummy. Not sure yet about tonight...may be a ground beef dish as I have some ground beef left or maybe chicken if it is thawed by then.

I like my dishwasher so far...did two small loads yesterday. One thing I have to get used to is I have to push the power button before choosing the cycle. Then when I turn the knob the cycle lights up and all the parts to it ..wash, rinse, spin etc come up on the panel. I can adjust some of them if I want but so far I've just gone with what comes up. I'll probably experiment more eventually. It's very different from my old agitator washer. Need to also buy some HE detergent...I accidentally picked up a bottle while at the commissary so do have some but that is the detergent that spilled all over so don't have much. :(

My weight was down to 167 today so only one pound to go to be at my pre-trip weight. Those trips really mess me up! I now have this verse on my fridge and it is helping me. I Cor 6:12-20 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.

Carol Sue - Hope the new eating plan works well for you.

Bobbi - Good to see you posting again!

Hi Glynne! Hows your dh? Hope the doctor was able to help or at least encourage him in his progress.

Hi Love2garden - Hope you have found the new thread and will soon be hearing from you again.

What happened to our newbies? Hope they return.

Having pc problem

Well almost down to where I was before the last trip...1/2# more and I'll be there. Didn't get much done around here yesterday as we decided to do our coupon shopping at Costco plus followed that with our regular weekly shopping at New Seasons. Last night I made Asian Fried Rice (lots of veggies in it and added some leftover meat)...it was a one dish meal.The guys were working outside so didn't want to spend much time on eating and it was easy for me. It was very tasty though and ate quite a lot and I usually don't eat much rice so I was expecting to gain. Whew! I think I ate more because I didn't really eat lunch, just had samples at Costco and a mocha. Enough carbs for sure but not enough nutrition. I don't often do that but at dinner I was really hungry I guess and know I ate way too many carbs! I didn't bother to check last night but this morning I was high but no more than often am. I deheaded the rhodies for a few minutes but need to finish and I'm two days behind in my housework.

Mary When you mentioned deadheading the Rhodys I realized that I failed to do that this year. However, because our large old one is growing out onto the mulched path around to veggie garden, DH simply cut it back so we could at least walk single file and not get wet from dew.

This left little to deadhead except way above our head.

Asian Fried Rice sounds like something our family would enjoy. What were the veggies you used? Did you use toasted sesame oil?

Took DH to get ultrasound on his stomach area to check for health of arteries. Understand Medicare won't pay for it but we now have base line image on an area of question. Technician said it looked ok, mostly "wear and tear"

Only had 4.5 hours sleep as we had to drive a distance and be at Hospital before 7:30 AM. Nap this afternoon was a help. Still feel listless.

The pc is in the shop but the guy says it doesn't look good. At best, I lost all my data. Nothing vital, but things I wanted. My fault for not backing up. I really don't know how. DH has the old laptop set up for now. Better than nothing.

I don't dead head my Rhody. Didn't know I was supposed to. I figured the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. What happens if you don't?

I love fried rice but it raises my blood sugar too high.

Love2garden, I hope DH is OK. Hate that Medicare doesn't pay for things. When we get old and need the health care they decided not to cover what we need. They covered everything when we were young and didn't need it. LOL

Mary, what did DH decide to do about the lawn mower? For a while there, DH bought a new lawn mower every year for 5 years. He would sell the old one. Now he settled on a self propelled from Sears and has been happy with it for a few years.

Another beautiful day, dh is rebuilding a part of our fence that fell down recently. I spent a little more time working on the rhodies. I have been told that they don't continue to produce blooms as well if you don't dehead them, so that's why I do it. I don't get the very top ones but I get all I can. Dh has not yet decided about the mower. He will be mowing in a few days again so hopefully he will decide after that. He is inclined to just keep what he has but I told him to be sure it is not too heavy for him because he is not getting younger and neither am I. My son says I shouldn't be mowing at all but I told him I think the exercise is good for me. These days though I hardly do it as dh likes to do it.

Love2Garden - In this particular fried rice recipe, I used carrots, green onions and peas. My dh likes lots of garlic in his fried rice and actually prefers no veggies other than onions but this dish was different than our usual. I also put in a scrambled egg ...this is something I do sometimes but not always. I add the egg esp if I don't have meat in it. This dish was also unusual in that I used ground beef...I usually use chicken...used to use pork but don't often eat pork anymore. I just happened to have 1/2 # ground beef to use up so I browned it and then just cooked the rice in the same pan. There was actually very little grease in the pan. Usually though I use canola, vegetable oil or coconut oil. I don't usually use sesame oil as I don't really care for the smell or taste of it. I used garlic and ginger dry seasoning. Most often I use fresh garlic because that's what dh prefers and sometimes fresh ginger.
I guess that wear and tear report isn't that bad though we don't like to hear it..sorry to hear Medicare doesn't cover the procedure. Are you beginning to get back your energy?

Wannabe - You can back up to a CD or a flashdrive by just choosing to save your data to that drive instead of your hard drive. You can also pay for a monthly service as I do and it's done for you.

Hi to Glynne, Bobbi, Donna..

Well much to do...talk later.

Mary, DH uses a self-propelled mower. He needs that because we have some hilly part in our yard.

Today I found out that DH had backed-up our computer to CDs but then we had some computer trouble and he tried to use them and didn't do anything. When we went to pick up our computer he asked the guy about them and the guy looked at them and said the files are compressed and won't open. He kept the CDs and said another guy who works there might be able to fix that problem, so if he can, we will get back some of our data up until the point where he did the back up. I'm just happy to have the PC back right now, in spite of losing data. DH told me about the service that you can pay for, but nothing I have is that important. Just recipes and some websites I bookmarked. I think I might get an external hard drive to use for back ups.

I have never dead headed my rhody and it blooms beautifully every year. It was very small when we planted it, over 30 years ago, and DH sometimes trims it to keep it from hanging down into the driveway. One time a branch broke off from heavy snow but it has since grown in and you can't notice the broken branch.

Carol Sue HOW IS YOUR EYE????

Glad you have your PC back. I have an external hard drive that plugs into a port like a thumb drive. I back up at least monthly or when ever I reconcile checks and / or Visa as I did today. Saved us when my computer crashed about a year ago.

Self-propelled mower is only way to go.

Mary Thanks for info on the fried rice. We do love fresh garlic (DH is Polish and garlic and onions are a must) and toasted Sesame oil that we both love smell and taste.

Danny, our 'almost son' from Korea lived with us for 3 years. We learned lots from him and still have those foods often.

Gayle How are you. Even if you don't have much to say, please let us know you are OK.

I've recovered all the medical stuff we had and am back on South Beach Diet that I find easy to live with. It is close to the way I eat without the sweets that I've determined I can do without except a treat now and then.

DH is also fine, spry at 81, and has to keep busy. Our neighbor invited him to a celebration at their field where they fly model airplanes. DH had fun and was glad he went. Neighbor is a real pilot that loves all kind of planes.

Garden is fantastic. This time of year it seems a different Daylily open's up and we love the excitement. I have about a 1,000 individual plants in our residential property. Keep adding, but have reached the point there is no more room. Kind of glad because it is all I can do to keep up. Time to go water the front pots (with dark red grass and silver wave petunias that have almost covered up the grass. eventually the grass reaches 36 inches in pots that are 30 inches tall. It gives us a screen from street and one neighbor when we sit on our porch.

Please keep our 2 granddaughters in your prayers.

Love2garden, thank you for asking about my eye. It is greatly improved. The white pimple is gone and it's a little bit red. I am assuming it is a stye but it's not really big and noticeable like some that I've seen. I didn't call the doctor because a stye is very common and I don't think it's really something to worry about unless it doesn't heal in a reasonable period of time. It effects the eye lid, not the actual eye.

Good morning GG's,

I started to write a post on the 10th, and Good morning GG's, was all I got written.

I am ok, sorry Love2, I haven't meant to make you all worry. And it isn't that I don't have much to say ~ I am finding it hard to get any time to come here to say it.

This new way of eating has been a major lifestyle change. The timing of starting it ~ right when summer vacation for Maddie started and is here all day every day, makes it even more overwhelming to do. We are liking it (the new way of eating) so far, but it is very time consuming. Some days, I feel like all I do is fix the food, fix plates for people and clean up the mess. And I think it is so overwhelming because of what is going on with DH (cardiac wise). He is not back to his old self, and I am trying to do as much as I can, so he can take it easy and rest up and all. I am doing stuff he used to do, fixing his own meals, loading and unloading the dishwasher.

That kind of routine started when he had retired and I was still working. He said if I worked, he would do everything else around here. I didn't like the way he did the laundry, so I kept that job ~ LOL. When I retired too, we just kept on like we had been. I offered to take over the dishwasher for him ~ I could do that, and could not do some of the other stuff he does, but he ~ control nut that he is ~ didn't like the way I loaded it and would not let me do it ~ LOL.

Anyway, our routines have changed significantly because of this new way of eating and health things going on. I am hoping though that when we get more used to it ~ what we like and what we don't, I'll get the hang of how much stuff to buy, how to fix it more quickly and we'll fall into a routine of what foods to eat when and it will become second nature and not feel so overwhelming. And it should help when school starts up again.

I am feeling kind of tired and discouraged sometimes. Like Mary has described, now that she is retired, she doesn't like to have to get up to an alarm. That is how I like to do it too and do it that way during the school year. But now, I have to get up earlier than I like to, to let Maddie in when mama drops her off on her way to work, so not getting as much sleep as my body wants/needs.

Between the food prep and clean up, and doing things with Maddie, there seems to be no time for anything else. When Maddie watches TV or plays with the computer, then there is time, but we try to limit her time doing those things. So, of course she wants us to do stuff with her. We are glad to do it ~ they are only little once, but that leaves no time left over for other things we enjoy too. By the time Maddie goes home with mama, and I get the supper meal done and clean up after, and can finally sit down ~ it is almost bedtime and I am too pooped to do anything at that point.

I guess I am feeling it more because DH was the one who did stuff with Maddie ~ like during the school year ~ he was her homework helper. So that freed me up to do things. Now, with school out and no homework, and his need to rest, the bulk of time with Maddie falls to me.

Busy, busy, busy ~ continues. We had doctors appointments almost every day last week. DH signed us up for the weekly summer family movie deal at the theater ($1 each person). Maddie stayed overnight Friday night for one of those building things they have monthly for the kids at Home Depot or Lowe's. Then we went to the Houston Childrens Museum downtown where they were having a special thing for the kids ~ a Minecraft truck. Minecraft is a thing on the computer that Maddie enjoys. This week, DH starts cardiac rehab. I start PT for the sciatic pain problem, and have a nurse coming to the house to teach me how to do my own injections, because my rheumatologist is starting me on the rheumatoid arthritis med Humira.

I got to visit DD a little on Friday evening, and with DS last evening. I always enjoy those times.

Carol Sue ~ I'm glad that thing on your eyelid is better. I'm sorry, I read through the posts so quickly lately, that I forget what stuff is going on with everyone until someone else mentions it. Glad your PC is fixed now. How is Rusty doing?

Love2 ~ oh my goodness ~ I am in awe of you and how you keep up with all those plants. It must be so beautiful in your yard. Your name ~ Love 2 Garden is very fitting then. Your granddaughters ~ I can't remember now ~ was it some kind of health problem they were having? Will continue to pray.

Mary ~ these sons are something (yours not wanting you to mow the lawn). My son would hardly ever invite me or let me come to visit even though I wanted to, at his last place. It was a third floor apartment ~ he knew my knee bothered me and so he didn't want me having to climb the steps and didn't want me coming over. Now he is in a different place ~ ground level and is disappointed when he invites me and I can't come. Good for you ~ getting off the weight you gained on your trip.

Gotta quit playing around here. I've missed several days of talking to my mom ~ what with the time difference and her schedule and stuff going on here. They have had to adjust some of her meds, and the time of day I had been calling her, now it seems she has always dozed off. I don't like for them to wake her to talk to me, because she has trouble with her words when she first wakes and it make me feel bad to hear her struggle trying to talk to me.

I hope to get out to the store today ~ looking for an electric can opener, and a mini electric food processor/food chopper thing. All the food prep with this RA is making my wrists/hands hurt. Reading up about ways to make it easier to do things when you have RA, suggests items like these so as to put less strain on your joints.

Guess I'd better end this before you all get eye strain ~ sorry it got so long. Love2 ~ you might be sorry now for asking me to check in ~ LOL (I hope). To end on a positive note ~ this way of eating is working ~ I have lost almost 11 pounds so far. Got a long way to go, but getting there.

Thank you all for letting me share and your listening ears. Hope you all are having a good weekend. It is a rainy one here.

Gayle thank you for prayers for our granddaughters. Both are in mid 20's, unmarried, and each has a very serious illness, one terminal. Love each so much and hate to know they suffer. Thank goodness they talk almost daily on phone but live in different states.

Understand the routine changes can be exhausting, especially at end of day after Maddie has spent day with you.

HOPE is in the future. Today after 6 weeks of seriously following diet and exercise plan, I'm still feeling good energy even tho we have had active day. DH was so pleased I didn't say "I'm so tired, take me home."

Instead I suggested we go to his favorite store, Home Depot, then to his favorite (and mine, too) Restaurant for late lunch after Church.

Sympathy on trying to talk with your mom and not being able to catch her good hours.

11 pounds is wonderful!!! I've removed 7-1/2 but my feet don't swell now.

Carol Sue Good to hear your eye is better. Always scares me to think of anything interfering with vision, mine or anyone elses.

Mary, this is Sunday so you may be giving that new machine a rest.

We went to church as usual then to a Mex restaurant for lunch. I'm sick of Mex food...unless I can find something lighter...it is just so loaded with sodium and fat. I brought most of it home. My hispanic dil told me about a dish that sounds much lighter so may try it sometime. Yes Love2Garden I am giving the washer a rest ...actually I've only used it twice...but son is using it right now. :) He does his own laundry however if he leaves in one of the machines or doesn't get it all done, I usually finish it. He doesn't expect it but I don't mind. Glad you are feeling better! Congrats on the 7.5# loss, that is a good amount!! I'm still going up and down...guess I don't try hard enough. Some days I do really well, somedays not so much.

The kids came over today and they didn't know we ate out so brought over stuff for a BBQ. Our son cooked brats and served with macaroni salad...neither of which I like but I enjoyed talking with them. I wasn't hungry anyway, but later on I did eat my restaurant leftovers.

Glynne I'm sorry that the new diet is so time consuming. Is it chopping up a lot of veggies? I'll have to dig the book out and try it I guess.
Hopfully your dh will be feeling better before long. I'm sure your concern for him causes the additional stress too. Having so much change happen all at the same time makes it harder too.

Dh was rebuilding a part of our fence yesterday and worked for several hours cutting back big plants and on the fence. We were to go to our gs dance recital last night but dh came in walking with a cane (an old one he had after he fx his leg)! He was in so much pain!! Felt so sorry for him. He lay in his recliner and took Tylenol and after an hour it was easier but he still hurt. Told him if he's still hurting while in the recliner I didn't want to go, so we stayed home. Our dd bought tickets and I felt bad when I realized that but still feel we made the right decision. Offered to pay her for them but she wouldn't let me. Hopefully next time he will be more careful not work so hard when he knows we are going out. I honestly don't think he should be doing that kind of work anymore. I told him maybe it's time to make a decision...either move to a place with small yards, or hire someone or at least ask son to do more. Talked to son and he said if dad will just make him a list, he'll to it. Trouble is dh doesn't like to wait and he would have to. So, we (well I anyway!) plan to do that..and see how it goes. I also want to talke with the doc and have scans done to make sure of dx and then ask him what restrictions he should put on his activity...like just til it hurts or avoid certain movements etc. I know walking or standing too long aggravates it, but this is the first time he's complained so much after a particular work activity. I don't want him to injure his back so he can't walk without assistance or is in constant pain.

Carole Sue - Glad your eye is better...I've had styes in the past...many many many years ago:D, and I know they were very uncomfortable. There was a period in my life when I used to get both styes and boils..awful!! Good idea on external hard drive. I have thought about doing that. I used to back up to CDs but sometimes had problems with opening the file or something..don't remember exactly what it was but I remember having trouble. That's why I went to the online service. I still usually miss a few things but it makes it MUCH easier when I get a new computer.

Mary, I am determined now to get the external hard drive, but when I do, I will still need to learn when and how to do the back-up and also how to restore the information when I need to. I don't know if I said, but DH had some CDs he used to back up our PC a few months ago but the computer guy said they were compressed and they would have to see if they could uncompress them to retrieve them. They are supposed to call today to tell us what they found out. I don't know if they will charge us for this or how much it will cost. Knowing how to do all this will save us some problems in the future.

DH is a lot like Joe. He is 72, rather than 80, but he wants things done on his schedule and doesn't want anyone to help. He actually surprised me when he agreed to have our garage door installed professionally instead of attempting it himself, but I don't think he could have done it alone, and I wasn't helping!! He would have had to call his son. He does a lot more than I want him to be doing, but then the things I want him to do, like weed-whacking the hill he puts off doing. Right now it has been too rainy to do it, because when the hill is wet, it's slippery. He sometimes wears his golf shoes to help keep his footing. He doesn't golf anymore, but still has the shoes.

Gayle, when I had my heart surgery, I was told not to run the vacuum, so DH started doing it. I think it was just for a certain length of time until I was released to go back to normal activities, but he still does it 7 years later. We got a new sweeper, and one time I did vacuum but didn't know how to empty it. LOL When he retired, he started doing the laundry and mopping the floors. He is also a control freak. He washes my jeans with his and my whites with his, but I do not allow him to do my regular clothes...tops, pants, etc. You know the little plastic measuring cup they give you with powdered detergent? Well he has it marked with a black marker at the point where HE SAYS how much detergent should be used, and sometimes will stand there and make sure I am using the right amount. LOL I always used Wisk laundry soap. Well, he has switched us to Tide because that is what his mother used and he insists it is the best. When I am cooking, he comes into the kitchen and "supervises." No matter what setting I have something on the stove, high or low, he either raises it or lowers it. He moves the pots around because he doesn't like the way I have them placed on the burner. If I go into the living room and sit down while something simmers, he will go in and start stirring. So you don't have to tell me about control freaks! LOL I am married to one. One thing he quit doing. Before I retired I was working until 5:30 so he started cooking dinner. He did that because he didn't want to eat really late, not to help me. Now that I am retired, I am back to cooking dinner, but he does his own breakfast and lunch, and usually cooks breakfast for me, too. He does not like the way I cook eggs. And that's fine with me!!

Before he retired, he believed that housework was women's work and never did any. When he was on layoff he started doing some, but after he went back to work he made the statement to someone "When I was laid off I was doing the housework, but now I'm back to work so I can't do it." Nevermind the fact that I worked full time all through our marriage and also did the housework!! It wasn't until he retired that he started helping again.

Men, can't live with them, can't live without them....or could we? LOL

Love2garden, I remember you saying that your 2 granddaughters are sick. They are in my prayers. It's hard to see children sick, even though these are grown.

I have an azalea that just won't grow. DH thinks it needs to be dug up and might have rocks under it. We had one in that same location before and it grew well, but then suddenly died. We want this shrub in that location because it is in front of a cellar window and we think having the shrub there would deter a break in. Maybe, maybe not. If they want in, they will find a way. At one time I had a dianthesis there, (which I have misspelled). It was very small and never grew very big. I moved it to another location and it is huge now and needs to be trimmed back. I think it would be best to dig up the azalea now, since it's done blooming, but it's so hot out there to be doing that. I will wait until we get a cooler spell.

Someone asked about Rusty. He's fine. Very attached to me, still distant with DH. He barks like crazy and backs away when strangers are here. Step-daughter and husband were here yesterday and he stopped barking and growling after a few minutes, but would not let them approach him unless I held him. I hope he changes, to a point. I still want him to be a good watchdog, but want him to be friendly to friends and family who visit. He needs to know the difference between those we accept and strangers.

He has developed an unusual habit. When we leave, we turn on a radio so he will hear people talking. He very seldom goes up onto the sofa, but as soon as we turn on the radio and I pick up my purse, he jumps up onto the back of the sofa with his rawhide chewy and sits there like a cat. I have no idea where he got that. Also, he is getting accustomed to being chained up when outside. When he goes to the door, he stands there and waits for us to hook him up, then when he comes in, he stands right inside the door and waits for us to unhook him. He loves to be outside on the front porch with us when we sit out in the evening. He's chained up again, but he just lies next to my chair and watches everything. Very nice dog.

Carol Sue Prayers for our two granddaughters are appreciated. They are fast friends and understand the pain each experiences better than I can.

Azalea not growing sounds familiar. I wanted it in that spot so much, but finally gave up. When it was dug up the roots were only a bit under the soil and acted as if rock stopped it, but there was no rock. mystery.

Now a beautiful pink Peoney is growing there quite well. Mystery.

Sounds like Rusty is smart and fits in very, very well. What a blessing. We'll see if he becomes friendly as they visit more often.

Golf shoes, our men are using golf shoes because they are available and they hate to see useless things, I think.

DH runs dishwasher far more often than I did. I figure that it has so many loads it will wash before it breaks down, so I washed the pots by hand and used the dishwasher for dishes and silverwear. He will put a big popcorn bowl on top rack and it is barely dirty. Many glasses could go in it's place, but I zip my mouth and thank him for helping. Hard to do, but necessary so there is "peace in the valley."

Mary, your son sounds kind to be willing to help out with the yard work. Aren't you fortunate.

Understand how hard it is for the men, and for us, to realize that we can't do what we once were able to do easily. Also know I must push myself or I'd be sitting in that comfortable recliner and reading many more hours.

Mayo Clinic has article about the problem with sitting so many hours out of the day. Cautions us to get up every 30 minutes and move about a while before sitting again. Also to try to reduce the hours sitting by at least some.

I'm trying, and wearing a pedometer tells me I'm definitely walking more each week than I was earlier. I was aiming for 35,000 steps last week and went over to 37,500 so I'll raise this week to 37,500 MINIMUM and see what happens

I do know when we walked about 8:00 am, it was so hot and muggy that sweat ran down my hair and dripped on my shoulder!!! Got 3/4 mile in, but have been reluctant to get the housework started. Laundry started, then I can put sheets back on and get bedroom finished, at least.

Thank God for air conditioning!!! And the health to do what I am doing.

Good morning GG's,

I felt a little guilty yesterday, but it was so nice to have a day off from kid watching. Got to do some stuff I needed/wanted to do. Relax some, got rested up a little. Now off to the races ~ LOL. Back at it again.

We messed up and DH and I both ended up with an appointment at the same time today. Thankfully, mine is at home, so it can be done even though Maddie is here.

A lady is coming to teach me how to give myself that RA med Humira (an injection). It is with a pen type device though, so that shouldn't be too bad. My RA has never gotten into "remission" as the dr calls it ~ it's not where she wants it to bed.

She's due in about a half hour, so I'd better quit playing around on here so I'll be ready.

Gayle, I am curious to see how the Humira works for you. I think that is one of the injectables they use for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. It is a blessing to have these drugs, but they have a lot of serious side effects. I am very reluctant to try them, even though I know I need them. I'm a worry wart and don't like to take drugs unless I absolutely have to. It does sound as though your RA is bad enough that you need something.

I also wanted to see if you bought your Food Processor yet. I don't use them a lot but DH wanted one. We have about 5 of them that we bought from time to time at Goodwill, where we can find them for a few dollars. The last one DH bought was a Cuisinart, and he is raving about how much better it is than any of the others and he's ready to get rid of all the others. It chops very well, runs smoothly and is quieter. I think they are a bit pricy, but it might be worth the extra money to check into it. This is just our experience, and other may have different experiences. I do not work for Cuisinart nor am I paid for endorsing their products. LOL

Hi I've been very lazy this morning ...nothing done except dovotions with dh and breakfast. I didn't sleep much last night...planned to get back to the gym this morning but didn't make it. Neither did dh but he is back building the fence again so he will get his exercise. He said he will only do a few more parts of it and then quit until son can help though but I'm sure he'll keep busy. We also planned to install the new bedroom shade, not sure if it will get done or not.
Despite all his pain, I wish I had his ability to work hard.

Glynne - I hope the new drug helps you. Hate to think of you living with pain. I have enough myself and it's not fun for sure. Hope you find a food processor you like. I have had a couple and didn't use them much as they didn't work all that well in my opinion. I prefer to slice veggies manually. I do have a small, guess you'd call it a processor, that I use to grate small things like cheese etc. It will not hold much and is a hassle if I'm shredding zucchini but it works well. I don't use it often but it's helpful when I do need it. I don't like to grate cheese any other way.

Carole Sue - Yeah, installed/replaces/repairs the garage door as needed still. Perhaps next time he'll let our son, idk. Sounds like we all have hard working helpful dhs and so are blessed. Rusty sounds like he's become a very good doggie. Funny about the radio.

Well, must move...You all have a good day!

Hello again,

I had my visit with the nurse who teaches about Humira. She was very helpful. I found out though that you can not get the shingles vaccine when you are on RA meds because they lower your immunity. I will be elegible to get it free through the insurance after Aug 3rd when I turn 60. I want to get it. She told me to contact my rheumatologist. She told me if I want to get it, I have to be off my meds for 6 weeks before the shot and 4 weeks after the shot. I am leaning toward doing that, to be able to get the shot. I am a worrier like my dad before me ~ they say stress can bring them on and I think that is why my dad got them. Also, I read that with the vaccine, if you do get the shingles, the effects of it will be lessened and that it also lessens the pain that goes with it. So, I have pretty much decided that I will do the 2 ½ months off my meds and the pain that goes with that instead of not taking the shingles shot and down the road getting the shingles and face months, possibly years of pain that I have heard people tell about as being horrible.

Oh my, what a summer this could be. Trying to keep up with Maddie, pain ~ don't know how bad that will be. I am hoping that she will let me take the celebrex ~ maybe that will be of some help.

Carol Sue ~ I got a little electric food chopper at Walmart ~ Farberware. I liked it because it wasn't too big. I have a big one ~ Hamilton Beach. I have had it since back in the 80's. I like it, and still use it from time to time. But, I don't have room for lots of big contraptions on my counter and I planned to use the little one a lot. When I started reading the directions that came with it ~ it said that you had to cut the stuff up before putting it into the thing. That kind of defeated the purpose, as I was wanting the thing to eliminate so much cutting and chopping by hand. It was a nice size, but too small for what I needed it to do. So, I am taking that and the can opener back. I should have read the Amazon reviews before I made the purchase ~ of the can opener. They were all bad ~ one said it would make a good door stop ~ LOL.

I found an electric mini food chopper it was called ~ Cuisinart on Amazon. It is bigger than the little one I got at Walmart, but smaller than my big one. I still might have to cut stuff a little for this one, but I don't think as much as for the little one.

Mary ~ not lazy ~ you probably needed the rest. Especially since you didn't sleep well last night.

Love2 ~ you're doing great with your steps. Keep up the good work.

Got stuff to do ~ so I'd better stop procrastinating and get it done. Hope you all rest well tonight.

Glynne - I remembered my little chopper (NOT called a processor) is called The Ultimate chopper. It used to be advertised on TV. It's too little to use for much but great for little amounts and I do have to chop things up a bit for it. I really don't use it for veggies unless I want them cut really small...like grating carrots. Only remembered the name when you mentioned a chopper. Quite the process for the new drug..did not know that about shingles. I didn't get the vaccine because I've already had shingles and at that time the doctor didn't think it would be of any use. My case of shingles was very mild...but dh had it and his was very painful and I've seen really bad cases of it with the more debilitated patients in the nursing home. You never know so I think you are probably making a wise decision. Nice that you have some one to provide you with all the info like that.

I steam cleaned my kitchen floor today and cleaned the main bathroom thoroughly ...glad I got that much done. I needed to vac but didn't get to that. I made a Vietnamese Dish tonight that was pretty good to me and dh and son liked it. It was called Vinegar Chicken and was supposed to be kinda sweet and sour however dh doesn't like too much sour taste and I don't like too much sweet taste so cut back on both. :D Now I think if I'd followed the recipe exactly it would have been even more tasty as it was pretty bland but still ok. Our son left some Dr Shasta (like Dr Pepper) here and it is NOT diet, but notice the nutrition is not quite as bad as with a regular soda, and it was very tempting to dh and I so we finished it off ...mostly me with meals and tonight's snacks. I didn't eat much rice as usual so I could drink it! :) Crazy I know, but it was like I drank it instead of a SF PB mocha frappe and not much difference in carbs and calories. As long as it's not around me I'm find, but oh, if it's in the house, it calls my name, so I'm just glad I worked it into my eating plan.

Tomorrow we go to dh's retirees brunch and afterwards I hope to shop for granddaughters birthday gift.

My colon has been hurting me more recently and although I am not tracking I feel I am getting quite a bit of fiber. Hoping it does not get any more painful...it's just mild now but seems to be growing in intensity at times. So I'm wondering if I might have diverticulitis again. Hope not. I should get a call for my colonoscopy soon and he's the same doctor (he's actually a surgeon) who I saw when my previous primary doc referred me for having diverticulitis with infection. At that time he found I was cured of that, just needed to start eat more fiber again. Guess I should start back tracking again...it's hard for me to get myself to do it again.

Ok this is my second time here today...hope you have all had a good day.

Mary, I hope you get things worked out with your colon pain. Maybe you need an antibiotic. I didn't go to the doctor when I had that pain and that's what got me in trouble.

I haven't had a non-diet soda in years! I even drink diet when I eat pizza! I know that sounds silly, but I don't even like the taste of the regular.

Gayle, I strongly recommend getting the shingles vaccine. I got it, even though I had already had shingles. I have heard that when it comes back the second time it is milder than the first, but it will be in a different location. My first time was around my waist, and I didn't want to get it on my head or face. DH had it around his chest and he barely got out of bed for 2 weeks, which is very unusual for him. He usually works through pain, but not this. I was really worried. Do whatever you have to do to get the shot.

I do most of my chopping by hand. I don't mind it. For chopping veggies I think one of those hand choppers with the container to hold the chopped veggies would work better than a processor. A processor grinds them up to small for my liking. It depends of what you are making and how small you want the veggies chopped. Yes, you usually have to cut them up first, either way.

I really like my electric can opener. It's a Hamilton Beach. I've had others before that I didn't like and I even told DH that I didn't want an electric, that I would just use a manual, but he likes electric gadgets so he got this one, and I am very happy with it. He won't give up. He will keep buying something until he gets what he wants.

Here is the one I have. I don't know if it comes in other colors, but the red goes with my kitchen, as I have red curtains and my breadbox has a lighthouse decal on it with red.

http://www.amazon.com/Hamilton-Beach.../dp/B005B3QPG4


Love2garden, there are several things that DH does that I don't like the way he does them, but I let it go, because at least he's helping. The only exception is washing my tops and pants. He has the old fashioned belief that hot water is needed for everything, but my clothes don't get "dirty," they just need freshened up. Same with the dryer. He says "hot" dries faster, but I told him that faster is not always better. So he will do towels, sheets, and jeans and some of his shirts. One time I washed my shirts and they were still in the washer. He was downstairs so he "helped" by putting them in the dryer. He put them on hot. I had to run downstairs right away and change the setting. I told him, just let them sit in the washer. I'll get to them. LOL Sometimes I think he just wants to be a stinker.

Carol Sue ~ I have a hand chopper, and used it for nuts the other day. The next day, I could barely open my hand. I also have a manual can opener, which I like ~ can keep it in the drawer and not have a thing taking up room on the counter, but it makes my wrist hurt. It is this RA that is making me search out these electric items ~ to spare me stress/pain in my joints. When I told my rheumatologist about my hand after using the chopper, she asked why I didn't use a food processor. I told her mine was a big one and that I didn't want to use that for just a hand full of nuts. She told me that she has a small one for little jobs. So, at her suggestion, I started looking.

It is pourning rain here right now. There is some kind of tropical storm thing headed Houston way with predictions for flooding again. My daughter is working from home today ~ she didn't want to get stuck downtown at the end of the day. Maddie wanted to stay home with her. So :carrot: then :o for feeling that way ~ LOL.

Lots and lots of information here today.. Meds, illness, choppers, family.

Gayle Sure hope that storm doesn't damage anything. Smart of your daughter to work from home, and great that she can!

RA is a type of arthritis that scares me. However, I agree with Carol Sue, Shingles scares me and I'm far more likely to get Shingles than RA at my age. I did get my shingles shot 2 years ago.

How old were you when you were first diagnosed with RA?

Mary Please tell me the name of the dish at Mexican restaurant that your DIL said was less fat.

Teeth are feeling good after cleaning at dentist. Thank goodness no problems shown in the xray or in his exam. Good till Dec 21. This Hygienist was so good I asked her to schedule me with her next time. We used to go into the city to dentist and the Hygienist there would take an HOUR and talk and talk and talk. She drove me nuts. Couldn't work and talk and was the worst gossip in the whole world. What a delight to find a good one that is efficient and pleasant, too.

Gayle, I was surprised to hear that you are not yet 60. I guess because you are retired I assumed you were already at retirement age, but I guess retirement age can be whenever you want it to be. DH retired when he was 59, also. He was home by himself for 8 years before I finally retired. I thought it would be hard with both of us home all the time but we manage to stay out of each other's hair.

Love2garden, when I had shingles, I was in severe pain for a few days before the blisters came out. I didn't know what was causing the pain but I thought I was dying. After I got the meds the pain wasn't so bad, and I went back to work after 3 days. The pain after that was tolerable, but lasted several months off and on. DH refused to take the meds so he was in horrible pain and it lasted a long time after that. It was around his chest. To this day, if he puts his cell phone in his chest pocket he gets a burning pain after a while. They say not to keep your phone close to your body anyway. Those young girls who put them in their bra are asking for trouble down the line.

Just got home from the retirees brunch and shopping. For brunch and i ordered 2 crepes which contained cottage cheese and strawberries on the side. The lady next to me and I wished they had mixed the strawberries with the cottage cheese. It was good but too much cottage cheese. I would not order again.

I got some art/craft supplies for my granddaughter. May go out tomorrow for a shorts and tank top or something but I'm tired of shopping for today.

Love2Garden - The dish my dil described was tortitos made with steak. The way she described it sounded very fresh and good. She said the steak was very tender and there was not all the usual cheese on it. I may have the name wrong or spelled wrong because when I tried to google for it all that came up was tostada. I do remember thinking that I saw it on the menu and I think I will recognize it when I see it on the menu. Tried to bring up the restaurants menu but it was not readable no matter how large I made it. No matter what dish I get I am going to ask for them to leave the cheese off or just a tiny bit. Glad your dental visit went well. I have had a few hygienists like the talky one you described too.

Did I tell you guys about Serial? It is a murder mystery in serial podcasts, I love mysteries so I enjoy listening to it...You can listen online or on an ipod or whatever device that supports audio I guess. I just listen online. So far I am really stumped as to who did it..:D I just continue to do other things...work on my budget, post or whatever while I listen.
http://serialpodcast.org/

Good morning GG's,

It is raining again here today. So far, the storm they predicted hasn't turned out as bad as they said ~ thank goodness.

I've got a few minutes ~ Maddie is doing her iPad thing ~ that is the first thing she wants to do when she gets here in the morning. Mama has put a 45 minute time limit on it.

Started PT yesterday for this sciatic pain.

Mary ~ your podcast thing with the mysteries sounds interesting. Is it kind of like listening to an audio book? How is your colon pain? Your new doctor that you like so well should be able to help you. Hope Joe would pace himself with his yard work. Feel bad that he is in so much pain, but keeps going. These men.

Carol Sue ~ I am not yet retirement age. I'm sure my husband was wanting me to work until I reached that age. He had already retired and wanted me to keep working to get the health insurance. He had retired at 55. He didn't share with me that that was his plan. When we moved here, he let me keep thinking that he was gonna get another job. But time went by and it didn't happen. Finally, he admitted that he wasn't going to go back to work. I was jealous, I wanted to be retired too. But he had worked real hard and long hours for years, so I guess he deserved it. Anyway, the unit I was working on at the hospital shut down and I lost my job. I'm not sure if missing a lot of work that summer had anything to do with them letting me go (I had started on another unit, but that job disapperared into thin air). The reason for missing work so much was because of the RA ~ which at that point hadn't been diagnosed. I went through the job search/collecting umemployment process. By the time the benefits ran out, DH had done some juggling with the finances and figured out a way that I could stay home. We lived very frugally, but it was worth it. The job was ok, but I liked being home better. Plus, my fear was that I would get sick and die before I ever got to retire. Every time you turned around they kept upping the retirement age ~ it seemed hopeless.

Like you, we manage to keep out of each other's hair ~ LOL. Oooo ~ your can opener is pretty

Love2 ~ I was 58 when I was diagnosed with RA. My grandma had it, so I guess it was in my genes. It was in there, but dormant or what ever you call it. I had read that it could be triggered to start due to stress. The spring of that year, was very stressful. My boss kept warning me to try not to stress so over things. My daughter was going through a bitter divorce. Son-in-law and his mother were awful ~ making threats on Facebook and doing other stuff. The stress was awful. It affected DH as well ~ he developed high blood pressure because of it.

Glad that all is well with your teeth. How are you doing with your steps this week?

Well, Maddie's time is up, I've lost track of it and she has gone a litte over (she proabably likes that). So, I'd better get going. DH has his cardiac rehab today. Maddie and I are gonna drop him off, then go to Walmart ~ DD wants one of those exercise balance ball things, so I'm gonna get that for her for her birthday.

Hope you all have a good day.

Gayle, I'm glad you didn't think I was just saying that I thought you were older, because it was just the retirement thing. I remember when you went through the problems at work and eventually lost your job. I guess I thought you got another job after that.

DH retired on the spur of the moment. He has lost his job around age 50 but got another job that paid less. When he was 59 he found out that he could get his pension from the first job if he quit the second job. He was not allowed to do the same type of work and collect his pension. He quit the second job and collected his pension, but was supposed to get a part time job to make up the pay difference. He applied for a couple jobs, but he wanted to work a couple days a week, and these jobs wanted a few hours every day. I didn't blame him for not taking them. I was still working and enjoying it and had good medical insurance so I continued to work, even after my heart surgery. At 64 I decided to take SS and go part time. At that point, DH could go on Medicare and I would just have to pay my own medical insurance for 6 months until I reached 65. I worked 2 days a week for a couple months, then got sick. I didn't know what was wrong, but I couldn't even show up for work 2 days a week, so I quit. I found out it was pneumonia and went into the hospital for a week. I think not going to work has been better as far as reducing stress, but I think I was more active when I was working and therefore felt better. I have never felt as good as I did when I was working.

I have a funny comment I heard today. This guy on the radio was talking about Donald Trump announcing that he's running for president and he said that is Mantra will be "We will overcomb." LOL

Hello GGs!:) We finally got back to the gym! Unfortunately without thinking about it I didn't get in my full 30 min, I mean we were probably there about that long but probably only about 20 min spend actively exercising. I walked/sorta jogged the track ten min. I now have to force myself to walk, more so when I try to walk fast and my jogging is funny..not a real jog..more like a slow, wiggly jog. LOL but at least I'm still trying and I can still walk faster than many older people. Going up the stairs to where I work out is probably hardest of all. I'm slow now getting up there because of my hip..it still hurts a little (not badly) and is just kinda weak I guess...so dh goes on ahead of me. I asked him today (half joking) if he would even notice if I didn't get up there. The reason I asked is because he gets up there, talks a bit to another guy while getting his ipod set up and we don't usually walk together because I do still walk faster than him. I do keep an eye on him though. He can't hear anything with his headset on. So with all that I'm not sure he'd even notice I'm not yet up there! :dizzy: But I'm sure someone would help me as there are lots of people going up and down.

Carol Sue -My son told me last night about Trump and I said well I hope he gets a better haircut. ;)

Glynne - Yes Serial is a podcast series. I just listen on my computer though. I usually listen to only one a day but last night I listened to three, I got so interested! There is some bad language but not as much as most movies these days. The main narrator is a detective who is responding to a request on the behalf of the inmate (who's been convicted of murdering a former gf) to check into his case as he says he is innocent...at least I think that's right. But you hear other voices as she talks with different people including the inmate. I think I heard it is based on a true story and is interesting if you have patience to just listen. I've never been much interested in audio books but since I do other things on the computer while listening I can handle this. Of course I probably don't catch every single thing so that is why I can't remember for sure about how the detective started working on his case. I'm usually really good at figuring how "who dun it" but so far I am as confused as the detective. I'm glad you were able to retire. I love being retired and we find it takes less money to live now. We spend now based on needs and wants not on stuff to keep up with job regulations or what society says we must have. Not that I thought we did that so much really but I guess we all do to some extent. Now we focus on what is really important to us and for us that is #1 giving and #2 traveling and #3 maintaining our home. We occasionally have to put #3 before #2 and that's ok because we enjoy our home too. With no debt and a little savings plus a good retirement income (mostly dh's) we do fine, better than I ever expected. When I retired at 62, I was so sick of working, I didn't care if I was poor...as long as I could enjoy being home with dh, I was fine. Dh and I have no problem with being together...there was no adjustment there thank goodness. He keeps very busy with his own activities...the yards and fishing, I'm more of an inside person and don't mind being alone at times although mostly I want to be with him. Some days I have things planned to do here at home but he'll ask me to go someplace with him and I drop it all and go. Only God knows how long we'll be together on this earth, and I want to treasure it. The house will be probably be here long after both of us are gone. I have also stopped going to some of my own activities...my prayer meetings and womens group at church, or to the gym alone because after he fractured his leg when I was not here, I don't like to leave him, even though he leaves me:) When he leaves me, there are usually lots of people around in the places he goes and he has his phone. I'm not saying anyone else should be that obsessive...its just me. After God, He is my life, however I know that should he go before me, I will be ok even though it will not be so easy. It may not sound like it but in many ways I am a very independent woman, and tend to make all my own decisions and most financial decisions. So I'm kinda a crazy mix I guess.:dizzy:

Ok I got a load of laundry in and have done most daily stuff..now need to shop again for gd. Mama says she needs solid color tank tops...so think I'll get at least one, maybe more and perhaps some shorts. I rarely buy clothing for these two gc as I know their nana buys a lot and they don't often need anything.

Have a good day!

Mary Understand about DH not hearing. We carry our cell phones so if we get separated we can connect, especially when shopping in those big box stores.

Agree with you, I was sick of working when I retired, but waited till I was 70. Really enjoy the freedom now much more than I do the lack of good income.


Carol Sue Glad you had time working at a job you liked. What type work did you enjoy?

I enjoy the volunteer work, but the best job I had was raising our 4 kids. Loved it all. I wanted to be a mother from the time I was under 10 years old and was blessed with children and stayed home with them. We had part time company in home that enabled me to help DH with his work, learning skills that later I used when we combined with DS and DDIL.

Gayle Wow, I'm glad you didn't get really bad untill later in life. A relative had RA as a teenager and went off meds to have one more child. Has 3 now and the meds let her do so many things she couldn't do otherwise.

DH got tooth pulled, I got last knee shot. We actually have a week without any medical appointments. June has been full of them.

BOth of us are supposed to stay quiet for today and for DH for tomorrow to make sure his gum where tooth was pulled doesn't start bleeding.
We're restless as we feel "forced into inactivity."

Mary, DH and I go almost everywhere together as I hardly ever drive. He is always going here and there to buy car parts etc and that's when I don't want to go every time. I need my home time. I told DH if I wanted to get up and go somewhere every day I would have continued to work. LOL This is a terrible thing to say, but when he had shingles and stayed in bed for 2 weeks I got to stay home and got a lot done around the house! But I wouldn't want him to go through that again. I worry about him when he's sick.

If I should go before him, he will need help taking care of financial matters and his meds. He calls his meds "the big pill and the little pill." Doesn't know their names. And doesn't think he needs a refill until the bottle is empty. If he goes before me, I will need help with yard work and repairing things around the house. I doubt if my step-children would really help me. I would seriously consider selling the house and renting an apartment, and using the proceeds from the sale of the house to pay the rent. DH gets mad when I "plan" but I told him, you have to think about what you're going to do "just in case" so you are not blindsided. We aren't getting any younger.

Love2garden, I did auditing/accounting most of my working life, 33 years. At 55 I lost my job but was able to take my small pension and got a very generous severance package. I took that severance pay and paid off our house, car, and all of our bills so we just had utilities, insurance, food and the like. I wanted a less stressful job so I went to work at Medco, the prescription company, for the last 10 years of my working life. I really enjoyed that, because all I did all day was enter patients and doctors names and addresses into the computer. It was low stress, and it didn't take much thinking. It didn't pay as much money but my pension made up the difference, and it was only 3 miles from home. The medical benefits were great, and they carried us until it was time for medicare.

Gayle, I hope you find relief for your pain. Now that you are eating healthy and losing weight, there could be big changes in your life without all that pain. I hope your DH starts to feel better, too. Did the doctor say why he isn't feeling back to his old self? After I had my first blockages cleared I was actually running up and down stairs, but then, I was only 50, then.

Carol Sue Your planning and way of working out your career sound so good. No wonder you both are able to retire and enjoy NOT WORKING. Your planning sounds like wisdom to me.

DH had his tooth pulled yesterday, back upper that didn't hit any bottom teeth so no use to cap it. He is managing his pain meds so well that I'm amazed. I used to do that for him, but he has been so active, so free of the stress that his job gave him, free too of family issues because it is a family business and he always worried.


Now with us both retired from the family business we know less of family issues and sometimes it can be a good thing.

We have Social Security and the 401-K retirement that we began 20 years ago. Had to use former retirement money when one job ended before we began the family business and began tor receive income again. Still, by working the extra years, it does make a difference. We had the health to be able to do so, too.

Just reread my last post and realized I said I retired at 62...no, I retired at 52...sorry about saying it wrong..I was younger than most but I was sure ready.:) No regrets. If dh goes first I get a portion of his retirement plus my SS so I think I can manage. Told dh I have to keep him going as long as I can. :D I certainly don't think I could find a job now with all my health issues unless it was something I can do at home.

I hit another new low in my weight today...recycled pounds of course..I was 165.5 today! Hope to retain it til next Wed but I rarely do...usually have to go up and down a few times first.:dizzy: My BS was high all day yesterday even though I didn't do badly on my carbs...but I did terrible with veggies...I didn't eat any unless you count beans. I had maybe/almost 2/3 cup of pinto beans and counted them as my protein last night. I didn't cook, we just got our own, it was pantry night. I just heated up the beans, added a tiny bit of salt and a slice of swiss cheese and they were delicious! Just wish I'd thought to make a salad to go with. Will try to do better with veggies today.

Yesterday I shopped for my gd and got her three tanks and 2 prs shorts. They are very inexpensive and hope they don't shrink too much or fall apart too soon, LOL, but they are cute. That and her art/craft supplies will be our gift. Her party is tomorrow night, then on the 27th is another gc party so will have to start shopping for her soon too. I didn't get anything much done here at home. Today I have to be quiet so not vacuuming, but hope to dust the living room and family rooms. I'll try to vac later when son is up.

Speaking of gc, I turned down babysitting today. Felt bad but my son (who lives with us) worked all day and all night and finally got home about 9 am for some much needed sleep and I have to keep the house quiet. I would have gone to their house but they have stairs and I am in a lot of pain this morning. Because son was gone, and dh was doing a sleep test (for O2 sat)) I had to get up at 4 am with Halo...she was outside almost 1/2 hour and though she did go back to sleep after she came in, I could not so I didn't get much sleep and my legs hurt bad from a little before 4 til now. At 4 I took Asa but it is just now beginning to ease a bit and I'm still very tired.

Carole Sue - Thanks for sharing about your former work...I was wondering what you did. Nice that you enjoyed it. Dh is not much better about his meds...I mean, he does remember to take them (better than I!) and mostly knows what the meds are for..he forgets the supplements sometimes though.
He kinda depends on me for health things and asks if he really wants to know. If I weren't here I don't think he'd really understand much what the doctor says, but he would do what he tells him, that is IF he hears it.:( Keeps me feeling needed.:D

Glynne - How you doing today? Hope the new med helps you. Any improvement in your dh's condition?

Good afternoon GG's,

I got to stay home today while DH and Maddie went to the weekly $1 family movie. I asked if he minded if I stayed home, so maybe I could work on preparing some of these foods. It doesn't magically get done by itself ~ LOL. I was feeling frustrated yesterday with it and almost ready to grab something I shouldn't. I feel overwhelmed some days, having to prepare everything from scratch. No grabbing something store bought and heating it up anymore. And it is hard with Maddie here. We try not to let her watch TV too much, or do the iPad too much. When she is not doing those things, she wants us to play with her. I don't mind that, but I can't play and have these foods prepared too. And playing all day with a young one is tiring to both of us with all the health things that are going on right now.

So far, I have made a fruit salad. Cut up a whole bunch of vegetables for roasting (got 3 pans worth). And made a sort of a salad with avocados, tomatoes and white beans. One more thing left to do ~ I am going to try a recipe for a meat loaf knock off made of beans. I tried bean burgers one night ~ they tasted ok, but were kind of disappointing ~ dry.

I am getting more used to being able to make some things quick and getting a feel for how often things will need to be made and how much to buy.

Maybe I am going to have to take a day when ever and cook several things, that will hopefully free up some time other days.

Mary ~ I am doing ok. I have opted to delay the start of the new med so I can get the shingles shot. I had some pain in my hand last night ~ being off the meds, I am not sure if it is bacause of that, or because of some of the things I am doing for PT. I am sorry you did not sleep well and that your legs are hurting so bad. This pain stuff sure isn't any fun. Way to go with the new low weight.

Love2 ~ I'm glad for you and your kids that you got to stay home with them like you wanted to and that they could have that kind of upbringing. I worked full time at first when I only had one, then when the second one came along, I got to cut back to 2 days a week for several years, so it was almost like being home all the time. Hope your knee is feeling good and that your husband's gum is healing nicely.

Carol Sue ~ they told my DH that after they placed that stent, that he would be running around with lots of energy. When that didn't happen, he was kind of puzzled. They think I guess that it is because his blood pressure meds were making his blood pressure too low. They have adjusted those and he has to go back for another check up. Some people have told him it just takes time. So, we will see. He gets tired more than he did before, but is taking it easy and seems to be doing ok. He goes next week for a carotid ultrasound ~ they thought they better check those out. Sounds like you have things pretty well planned out for the future. I think it is better to do that, than not. My dad didn't want to talk about that and got mad at my sister when she tried to discuss it with him. When he passed it was a great big mess.

It has been fun hearing a little about each of you ~ your work and families and plans for the future.

Guess I'd better get on to the next thing.

Hope you all are having a good day.