Due to kids not getting along, it's been a stressful day starting last night. Despite our efforts to the contrary we have drawn into it, however we are trying to keep neutral and assure them of our love. One kid seems to think I can fix everyone but alas they are all grownups and I cannot. I do love and pray for all of them and hopefully this will blow over soon as it usually does. I always was happy my grown kids seemed to get along so well but sometimes these days not so much.

Otherwise we have had a busy day...gym, shopping, manicure and dh even got a pedicure. They told him to come back every month for a while. He had a terrible toe nail fungus for years and was constantly diligently treating it but nothing ever really worked. He recently went to a podiatrist who put him on Lamasil for 3 months and it has really worked. His nails are not completely clear but are much, much improved. I have not seen them this good in many years if ever! The nail tech said, continued trimming she does with the pedicures will really help to finally eliminate it. He enjoyed it and said he will return. This drug can damage the liver so hepatic labs need to be done 1/2 way through the treatment. Only thing I didn't get done to day was get a haircut but perhaps tomorrow.

Carol - What is the name of your new medication? I sure like Januvia. Was a little concerned of adverse reactions but nothing yet. Of course, often they take about three months or lab work to show up. But it is really helping my bs. And it doesn't make you gain weight like Amaryl.

Glynne - Sorry to hear that your mom fell again. Does she fall when getting up by herself or when walking on her own? I hope you can get that code status worked out soon so you can be at peace about it. It's very difficult to do I know either way really. I made my dad a no code and also asked them to put a waist restraint on him so he'd remember not to get up on his own. I did this by phone. That restraint decision haunted me esp but I felt I had to do it at the time. I didn't want him to break a hip and maybe because of his age and heart condition they couldn't do surgery and he'd just be left in pain. I've seen that happen to old people. It took me a long time not to feel guilty about it though mainly because they strapped him down in bed too...perhaps he tried to get out of bed, but I was thinking only in the Wheelchair and when my sister told me I cried for him. She said they didn't pickup his bed pan fast enough and he had to pee again so would try to get up and of course he was restrained and I know how horrible that would be for him if he had to wet the bed. I wish she had spoken to the nurses about the bed pan issues (of course it might not have done any good as sometimes they are just too busy/short-handed) and if she didn't think he needed the restraint, but maybe he did, I don't know..I do know my sister is very shy and often will not speak up about things. Anyway it was difficult.:( But now I look forward to seeing my dad again in Heaven and expect him to run out to meet me when I get there.:D I'm glad we never had to make these decisions for my mom as she died within a few weeks of pneumonia. While it still was difficult, if she had lingered it would have probably gotten much worse as they found CA cells in her lungs. So I thank God for taking her quickly. That was back in 1967 and there was no talk about code status and no attempts at resuscitation.

I made bbq chicken, baked beans and cornbread but the kids said they are not coming back to eat. They'll probably get pizza or something. I guess they don't feel like socializing with us yet, funny how how they get mad at us too when they are mad at their siblings:dizzy:

Didn't get much done here at home. Might finish cleaning the little bathroom later tonight before I go to bed. Won't take long.

Mary my new med is Isosorbide Mono ER. It is mainly for angina but is also used for other things. I don't have angina, but I'm taking it because of the big difference between my systolic and dialistolic blood pressure. Most of what I read online about it referred to angina, and it says to take it when you first get up. It says it only works for 8-10 hours, but I can't take 8-10 hours of falling asleep! I don't know if that would go away after a few days or not, but it's terrible. Also, when I'm tired, I tend to overeat. It's like I'm trying to get some energy. I have eaten like a pig the past 2 days. This can't go on. I don't have a doctor's appointment until the 3rd of June, at which time I could ask about it. So far it hasn't helped any with my blood pressure.

It must be hard for you when your kids don't get along. I didn't get along well with my brother but I did the best I could when we were together so as not to cause conflict. I just avoided him as much as I could. We just didn't have the same values. When he came to my house I had to hide the good silver. LOL

Oh, Carol, you know I'd forgotten your new med was for your BP...I was thinking it was for diabetes. I hope you can get the side effects under control. Amanda, the weight-loss consultant called this morning..I hated telling her I haven't lost weight but actually am at the top of my range again. I am trying to drink more water, and have cut back (most days) to only one mocha. I am still not counting carbs really (just in a general way in my head), or counting calories...just can't get myself back to that yet. If I see that the Januvia is consistently keeping my bs down (not quite there yet), I might try eliminating one 2 mg tab of Amaryl and see if that may help my weight to drop a little. She told me that it is a steriod and I did not realize that...no wonder I gained weight with it!

Well our son and fam did come finally come home last night...with McDonalds for their dinner. So we have leftover bbq chicken in the fridge but I'm sure dh will eat some of it for his lunches. He went fishing today. The sun is out and looks very nice, but I haven't been out yet. Last night I did finish weekly cleaning our little bathroom and did the daily cleaning this morning, made our bed and took out the trash/garage...just kind of puttering around. Trying to decide if I want to make chicken noodle soup with the leftover raw chicken from the whole fryer I cut up yesterday. I think I might. My son used to love the canned chicken noodle soup but will he like mine...doubtful. Oh well..I will try to make it look as much like the canned stuff as I can. :^: My dil has been very helpful about making beds and leaving things neat.

I'm reading The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe to one of my granddaughters. She has seen the movie but it's been a while and she's enjoying the book now for the first time and I enjoy reading it to her. This family doesn't read much and I like to to try to teach the kids to enjoy it when I can. For myself I am reading The Battle Plan of Prayer for my devotions, Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret is my "bath tub book"...not much time for tub baths right now though, I'm also STILL trying to work my way through a book on decision making ...been working on it for years as I just read a bit now and then...very BORING!! And on my phone and iPad I'm reading a murder mystery book...can't remember the name right now but it's fairly interesting.

I may go for haircut today if I can get out in time. Still want to weekly clean our bedroom. Today is the day to clean out my sock drawer but since I did that recently with my decluttering I plan instead to clear out a corner of the room where we keep emergency supplies and try and rearrange that side of the room a bit too. We have a large hamper now and tend to stub our toes on the frame (3 very large bags in a metal frame), so hoping I can arrange things better to avoid that. So much in our room, I'm not sure it will work but will try.

Mary, I'm wondering if Amanda misunderstood about Amaryl. Maybe she thought you said a different drug. I have never heard that Amaryl is a steroid, and I searched the internet right now and couldn't find any reference to that. In fact, it says that steroids can cause diabetes because they increase the production of glucose. Also, if it was a steroid, my psoriasis would clear up. LOL I'm not saying she is wrong because I don't really know. I always heard that it makes you gain weight because it forces your pancreas to release more insulin, and insulin is the fat storage hormone. I never gained weight from it, but I have a lot of difficulty losing weight while on it.

There is one diabetes drug that says it works when you need it and doesn't work when you don't. I'm thinking it might be Januvia. There are so many out there, I get them mixed up.

Carol, I agree with you...I told dh that it didn't make much sense to me as I would expect a steroid to increase the BS too. I have known people on long term steroid treatment who have developed diabetes because of the steriod type drugs. So I don't understand it either. It will make you gain weight rapidly like a steroid, but I have also done some research on the drug and found nothing about it being a steroid which was why I was so surprised when she said that. I do see people who are taking steroids (like Prednisone), are often being prescribed Amaryl. Maybe she got mixed up with that or something. More likely she just misunderstood me. I was about 1/2 a sleep when she called. I'll ask my doctor about it next time if I remember. Yes when Insulin is released it affects our weight and esp with high carb meals or with diabetics who don't normally produce enough insulin I think. One of the basis for the diets that encourage eating meals/snacks that are well balanced in carbs, proteins and fat.

Quiet in our house right now...just me and Halo. I am going out for groceries and to get my haircut soon, I think. At least that's my plan. I still need to weekly clean the main bathroom and maybe a little cleaning in the spare bedroom but since I cleaned it before the kids moved in I don't think I'll do much there. The kids liked the soup and cornbread I made yesterday. The children wouldn't eat it though. One ate rice, the others ate leftover McDonalds and corndogs.:( I think tonight will be baked salmon and oriental green beans and rice. Doubt they will like that.

Yesterday I moved a bunch of cookbooks back into my office bookcase from our bedroom, in order to rearrange things in there. I hope in time to get rid of either the bookcase or the chair in our bedroom, but until our bed is low enough to comfortably sit on it and read, I need the chair. I love the comfort of our mattress but I would NEVER AGAIN buy a high profile mattress! I lowered it to the floor when dh fractured his leg but it wasn't as comfortable. Despite a very nice box spring foundation, it still did not have enough support I guess. Any ideas on how to give it enough support and lower it down to the usual height? When I lowered it that time, I really enjoyed being able to sit at the side of the bed.

Yesterday was an emotional day due to one of my kids receiving a big disappointment. Even though I had prayed for God's will, I still cried for him because I knew it hurt. They never stop being your babies, no matter how old they are. I'm sure there is something better in store for him but it still hurt knowing he was hurt. He told me I probably was hurting more than him, but he's had it kind of tough in life and I know he's just learned to take it, and that makes me hurt too.

Well better get started on my cleaning so I can go out.

ETA: Just got home from grocery shopping. May wait til tomorrow for hair cut. I noted a few errors or confusion in above post so edited some. Bought some brown rice rice cakes...I love them but was so disappointed when I got home and they have tamari and sea weed in/on them and to me they are disgusting! I'm sure some people like them, but I sure wish I hadn't bought them. When I first took one out, and saw all the dark stuff on the other side of it, I thought something was wrong with them, then read the label. :(

Mary Your description of cleaning always makes me vow to do a better job. I tend to start, then get distracted and sometimes Pat or DH will finish (but they don't do deep cleaning as I do, still grateful to them)
Hope things work out for your son.

CarolSue BP has never been my problem, but recently it is higher than ever. 2 doctor's appts this month and I was 142/80 at one and 138/78 at the other. Each time I didn't get chance to relax before getting called into the examine room, and I wonder how much that has to do with the fact I'm normally 15 to 20 points lower.

Just read a neat article about a woman whose family makes salt from salt brine over 500 feet deep under the river. She added some dried Ramps to it and is selling it. DH and our son-in-law love the Ramps and we go to WV Ramp Festival each spring. She described the taste as "onion and garlic taste." but I'm not particularly interested. I'll take the plain onion and/or garlic.

Got good news. I was able to move my Massage to Monday so I can go to special Bible class in our new Church on Wednesdays. A friend is in the class and she is really raving about how much she is learning. DH goes to the Men's Bible on Saturday and is so enthusiastic. Our Priest teaches each class and is super intelligent, knows Holy Scripture so well, and can explain things well that usually are hard to understand. Can't wait to start in June.

Garden doing so good. Of course so are the weeds so I get plenty of work out bending, etc. Beginning this week new habit of refraining from all food after the 6:00 to 6:30 PM supper. I've been snacking more and more and the scale at the Doctor's show it yesterday. OUCH!!!

Sandy

Sandy, I love a calm, well organized and clean home. I don't keep it perfectly clean, as my son used to say, it's comfortably clean but not so clean you feel afraid to do anything and mess it up. I simply like to keep everything organized so everything has a home and I don't have to hunt for things snd ot keep it in that comfortable clean state. I never perfectly accomplish the organization and some people might not feel it's clean enough. My kitchen and main bathroom and the real challenges right now...they are old, need remodeling and look dirty even though I clean them. But hopefully that will change in time.

Since I've decluttered our master bedroom, getting rid of a lot, our bedroom feels so special to me,....every time I open the door, it feels cool, calm, peaceful and welcoming..I'm not sure why...I mean I used to have far less in that room, it's not all the way decluttered, but whatever I've done has sure made a difference. It does need a new door as someone in a testosterone fit hit it with his fist ...when the boys were teens, there was lots of testosterone flowing between them and dh! :dizzy: And it's been that way ever since. Despite that, it's my favorite room now. I hope I can affect that feeling in all the rooms now.

Hope you are all having a good evening. I'm waiting for the rice to cook, then will put the salmon in the oven and then stir-fry the green beans. GD prefers mac and cheese (BOX of course) and told her mom she wants me to prepare because I make it better. :D She praises my cooking when it's the simplest...last night I made rice (rice cooker) and thats all she ate...rice with soy sauce on it...and she couldn't get over how good I cooked it. ;) Wish I could get her to eat some better and healthier food.

Good evening GG's,

The day is almost over ~ I have had a lot on my mind and sort of don't even remember what I did. I guess some puttery stuff ~ putting stuff away. Seems like I did something, but can't seem to think now what it was.

Started to work on getting pattern pieces ready and pinned a couple on to fabric to make a gift for the little granddaughter who will be six in July. She wants a dress with a matching dress for her doll.

Oh, I remember now that I visited with my sister by phone. Also called the nursing home to check on mom. I haven't gotten to talk to her for days now ~ she has been having trouble being very anxious and restless and so when I call and she has finally gotten calmed down and is resting, I don't want to disturb her. So, my calls lately have been to ask the nurse how mom is doing. Still haven't gotten the do not resuscitate order in place. Wish that guardian would get that taken care of.

Got all those x-rays and tests done yesterday. Of course it couldn't go smoothly. Anything where health insurance is involved never seems to goes smoothly.

Evenings are hard ~ I am getting kind of tired by then and don't really feel like doing anything. If I could feel like doing something, it might help keep my mind off other things. But then, I can't settle my mind to “do” other stuff or even watch TV really.

Hope you all are doing well.

Sandy, it might be the weight gain that is raising your blood pressure. I know mine goes down if I lose. It's just that I can't seem to continue losing. When I go to the doctor, they weigh me and then check blood pressure. I told them seeing my weight on the scale makes the BP go up!

Mary, I can never remember how many kids you have. I think it's 2 boys and 2 girls, but I'm not sure. My MIL had 5 boys and no girls. It's a wonder they all turned out good.

Gayle, I am totally useless after 5 PM. I am a morning person. I am up very early most days. I go to bed around 8 because DH is out here flipping channels on the TV and I go into the bedroom so I can watch a whole program. LOL Then I end up falling asleep while watching. It seems that once I have dinner, my energy goes kaput. I have heard that's a sign you ate too much.

So pleased with how well Januvia is working for me. Although my bs before breakfast was still high at 163, it was only 118 2 hrs after. That's amazing for me. Yesterday it was mostly good too. Only thing I am doing is trying to be more careful about spacing out my meals, and not eating if my bs is high plus drinking a little more water most days. I'm sure that helps too but think mostly it's the Januvia. ETA: Forgot to say I'm also down to my sig weight again...maybe 1/2# below actually because I think that 169 on my sig was really 169.5. May not last but feels good to be there again.

Went to the gym this morning and felt I got a good workout. My back, neck and head was hurting really badly last night. I took Tylenol twice with little relief esp after my neck and head started in too. I thought I'd need to add benedryl to get any sleep but decided to try sleeping first and surprisingly I did get to sleep. Perhaps the Tyl finally kicked in. I was up twice but slept mostly in between. I was dreading getting up to pain again but the pain is only slight now and then in my neck today so far.

My son ate the baked salmon and green beans with dh and I. Both were really good and I served rice with them. The others ate what they like....
There was some salmon left and dh will make a sandwich with it today.
Tonight our son is bringing home pizza. I will probably prepare a salad to go with or maybe just some raw veggies.

Yesterday while rearranging things in the living room, I went through some of our emergency supplies. I consider our master bedroom and bath our "safe room" so keep jugs of water and military rations (from son) in there. One gallon jug of water had cracked and almost completely ran into the floor I guess although the carpet was mostly dry...just a small puddle seen. The water had not even expired yet. Along with the emergency items and some blankets I found a basket containing my winter scarves and gloves. I went through them but decided to keep them all although why I need 10 pairs of gloves for only 2 hands, I don't know. At least I only have 2 scarves but I rarely wear either scarves or gloves, but they now have a new home in my closet. Seems like everytime I think I'm done with the clothes category I find more! :^: I'm trying to get to papers but with the kids here and sleeping in my office, I haven't accomplished much yet.

Today I plan to clean my office and the hall...pretty easy...even though my office is cluttered (and maybe partly why) there is not really much cleaning to do...a little dusting and vacuuming. Same with the hall.

Carol - I'd love to lose enough weight to be able to get off my BP meds!
Yes you are right about my kids. I actually delivered 5 though, long ago we lost a little boy in infancy. My kids are all good people...basically honest, hard working and caring. Long ago, our older dd chose a very different lifestyle which saddens us because it has not given her the good life we feel she could have enjoyed. But you cannot live your kids lives for them, they have to make their own decisions and learn by them. Unfortunately she didn't learn I guess, she is now 51 and has just in recent years began to realize she did not think enough about the future. We are praying things work out for her in some way. She does have some land in Mex and I'm hoping she can sell for a good sum some day to help her when she can't work anymore. Or she may go live on it but it is very primitive right now. She thinks that's ok now but may think differently when she's an old woman.

Well must get my day started...It's almost 1 pm and all I've done is make my bed. Think I may make an exception today and run out for my haircuts and clean afterwards since it's not a big cleaning day.

Mary Hope your daughter makes major changes in her life and is able to save some for retirement. The grandkids loving rice must be a kid thing. We only use brown rice, but all three of us really enjoy it.

Cleaning? Today I cleaned weeds out of part of the garden. The constant bending as I moved along (can't kneel) has my "sitter" very sore so I must have done more than I realized. Filled a 5 gallon paint bucket with weeds pushed down, but there is still plenty to do. Day heated up and then we simply sat outside talking. Felt so good to have entire day at home with DH.

We'll watch Oklahoma and Golden State basketball play off tonight. The coach, Billy Donovan of Oklahoma is one of our favorites. We cheer for his team. DD says she can hear us even with door shut and we're way in the back of the house and she is in front. Last night we were hoping Toronto would win again, but Cleveland really defeated them badly. I liked the two games in Toronto where they won and played so well.

CarolSue Thanks for reminding that loosing weight could make blood pressure better. I'd forgotten. The desire to do so will make it less painful to STOP EATING AFTER SUPPER!!!! Believe that is the largest problem I have. As I log in my food I'm really low, but meeting needs for veggies, protein, calcium, and fruit. I love fruit and feel deprived that I must stop at two raw fruits a day. DH is really helping in the meals he cooks.

Just got home from gym...really felt the workout. Didn't walk today just used machines recumbent bike and arm for cardio then three weight machines for strength. I have been alternating days when I do this with other days when I walk for part of the cardio, but walking is so boring to me without someone to walk with.

Had a good time with the kids last night, then they went out to a school thing. Soon as they all came home they got ready for bed as parents were tired too, so we had a quiet evening to ourselves.

Today I need to clean the kitchen which is mostly mopping the floor. I also would like to catch up on some extra jobs I've been neglecting, like today I hope to be able to vac under our bed. Still need that haircut too and a quick stop at a store for an ingred for tonight's dinner so will depend on my time and energy. I'm fixing bbq chicken quesadillas...the kids don't want them so are eating at their old house. I suspect they will do the same tomorrow night too as I think my menu plans call for fish again. I will not buy anymore fish while they are here but I am going to use the fish I have in the freezer now and then which is quite a bit.

Sandy - Your gardening sounds like a workout! At least you are getting exercise plus enjoying the results. After dinner eating is my problem too, but last night I managed to not do it! My weight was still up 1# but I think it was because it was pizza night and I ate two small pieces and they forgot to get us diet soda and I drank the real stuff! I diluted it a little with water and only drank about 1/2 cup. I think sodium plays a big part in my weight besides the carbs. I also ate several baby carrots with the pizza. I love fruit too, Sandy, and wish I could eat more without high bs.

My bs was high at 172 this morning and after 2 hrs and exercise, it was still 170. Not terrible but high and was after medication too. Was disappointed with that since it's been so much better.

Hi Glynne and Carol! Hope you are doing ok today.

Good afternoon GG's,

It is another rainy dreary day here today. Flood warnings ~ here we go again. No school today for the kids because of possible flooding problems.

I should be doing something, but can't seem to get in the mood/get moving. I do so much better when it is sunny outside. Somehow that makes me want to do stuff. I need to make a pot of soup and do have the ingredients set out on on the counter. I haven't started it but the day's not over yet, so there's still hope.

Talked to my sister a few times as she goes from one stop to the next on her day. Her next stop last time we talked was to visit our mom ~ hoping she will find mom in a better condition than when she was there the other day. Also hoping that maybe she will get some good news from the nurses ~ that the guardian has given the do not resuscitate order.

Confession ~ I ate some chocolate I shouldn't have. Boredom? Stress? Worry? Take your pick.

Worrying about my son ~ difficulties at work due to a back injury that has not improved. I feel like it is all part of God's plan to move him on to something he is better able to do. He wants things to be all settled (me too ~ it makes my heart ache for him to be so stressed and anxious) but it is happening at a snails pace and causing him much stress. Fear of the unknown gets to him. Even though I feel like things are happening for a reason and the eventually everything will work out, it is easy to get caught up in his stress and anxiety. His problems with anxiety and depression make it to where he doesn't think clearly, so it is hard to try to help him think positive about things.

Tuesday our oldest grandson graduates from high school. So proud of him ~ he is a good student, hard worker and wonderful kind caring person.

Mary ~ hope some of the conflict between your kids has settled down. That's not fun. We have that between my three. The girls, though they are not close, they do get along. Neither girl gets along with their brother. Makes me sad. How long will your son and his family be with you? You are doing great with your decluttering.

Sandy ~ You work so hard in your gardens. It is good you enjoy it. I like a pretty yard, but unlike you, I do not enjoy the work it takes to make it that way, so our yard is just kind of plain. I'm glad for you when you have some down time and get to relax and enjoy the beautiful spots in your yard that you have created. Glad you got to enjoy the basket ball games.

Carol Sue ~ I can identify with the channel flipping ~ I can't watch TV with my husband ~ he does that too and it is so frustrating. It might make it a little better if there was some politeness, but he never asks me if I mind if he changes the channel. Part of it too, is that we don't like the same type programs, and his hearing is even worse than mine and it is so loud I can't stand it. Oh well, good we each have a different area of the house where we can watch TV.

Karrine ~ thinking of you and Nan ~ wonder how you are doing. Prayers continue.

Oh, good news ~ I just heard from my sister. Mom was more alert and communicative today. They have a psychologist (or psychiatrist ~ my sister couldn't remember which) working with mom ~ trying to figure out what is making her so restless and anxious ~ if it is pain or what. Also, finally the do not resucitate order has been given. Thank you Lord for that answered prayer.

Rain is still pouring down. I'd probably better try to get that pot of soup going. Hope you all are having a good day.

ETA: Oh Sandy ~ you had mentioned a few days back about your daughter having a reception at an Art Gallery in West Virginia. It made me think of a place I had been when I would travel on I 77 to go up home to visit my parents in Ohio. It was Tamarack ~ it had all kinds of different art things displayed and there were some parts of the place where some of the artists had studios and you could watch them at work. They had such beautiful things there.

I too am thinking of Karrine...wondering how things are going. You are probably busy with caring for Nan. Was also wondering whether you are still using Weight Watchers...notice they have a new plan called Smart Points or something like that.

Still praying for both you and Nan. Remember to take care of yourself too.

Gale Your son's issues really bother you, and I can well understand. Changing jobs, the unknown can rally be scary.

Our son is also moving within a year. He is setting up a new office in an other state and will give up his beloved mountains, back yard oasis and ponds, and people he has known all his life. The rest of his family are excited and want to move, he realizes it is necessary to get to warmer climate for his wife and daughter, and the strong desire of his son. We will really, really miss them and because we no longer are able to travel so far, we'll only see them when they come northy.

Katherine Hope you check in and let us know how you are doing?

Winter clothes FINALLY are clean and put into boxes in COmputer room closet. Most of summer things are hung up with last load in dryer. I forgot how many short sleeve shirts I have.
Next to wash the flannel sheets and put them away - but where?

AC finally turned on yesterday and how well I slept!! I always dread the high electrical bill when AC must be put on.

I haven't felt very good today...not really sick but heartburn (I have GERD) and very tired. I think the family issues haven't helped and I feel too tired to have a BBQ on Monday. No one really says they want it, altho one has expressed disappointment, but the anger is still there between kids and our dd will be at the coast, moving into her new house so maybe it's best to just not do it this year. We are considering going to the Rose Festival but I'm also thinking I wouldn't mind just staying home and resting. But who knows by then I may feel a lot differently.

We went to our gs' karate class this morning, then to Home Depot for weed killer. So many weeds in our yards! The flowers are pretty but the weeds never stop. They were giving away free hot dogs there so that was our lunch.
Since I got home, I have weekly cleaned the living room and also moved the sofas out, vacuumed getting up close the baseboards. Then realized that was not scheduled for this week. Oh well, it's done, perhaps I'll skip it when it does come up or do the family room instead. The family room has not been cleaned this week, however I did run a vac quickly over the carpet a time or two. While looking for a vacuum accessory, I ended up clearing out the floor of my cleaning closet. It contains a large plastic cleaning caddy (which I never use but is filled with stuff) and a large bag of rags. I pulled it all out and swept (even some broken glass there:?:) and put rags, that had spilled out, back in the bag. I also divided up the vac accessories into what belongs to my Dyson and what belongs to my Shark. I was going to give away the ones for my Shark as it has a cracked wand and although it is now taped, I really doubt I will be using it much longer. Then I thought I might get another one and perhaps the same attachments will fit it. :?: I don't want one of there newer models...I've tried them and they are too heavy and don't work as well as my Dyson. I want one like I have ...light and easy to move around but I think they do have a cheaper model that might be like that. I remember when I bought my Shark they talked me into purchasing the extra accessories and I have hardly used any of them, but at least they came in a nice bag that hangs in the closet so they can be kept neat if I put them all in the bag. The Dyson ones are fewer but tend to be all over the floor of the closet.

Tonight I'm fixing Chinese Chicken and Mushrooms with rice. Not sure about another vegetable. I'm so tired I don't really want to cook at all. Son and fam are passing this dinner up which I expected.

I recently reconnected with a great-niece on FB. Last time I saw her she was just a child and now she is a grown woman expecting her 4th child. Yesterday I asked her for her mom's email (my niece), and today she sent it to me. So I plan to contact her soon. We used to email a lot but kind of lost track several years ago when she moved back with her x-dh, but they've been separated again for several years now. Even though she is my niece, she is only five years younger than I. My brother who died a few years ago, is her dad.

Sandy - I suppose in colder climates like yours there is a need for "seasonal" clothes storage. Here, not so much...at least not for me. My dh sometimes packs away some things but I wear about the same year round. In fact I keep a heavier coat AND an fur coat in my closet year round. I never wear the fur coat just keep it cause dh gave it to me. Our winters are usually pretty mild although we do have a few weeks of cold and usually rainy weather, it has been even more mild the last few years. I don't go out a lot and there are winters when I only wear the heavy coat a few times, usually just slipping on a light jacket instead. Dh does wear his heavy coats pretty often though. It's strange because I remember in the past wearing a warm coat quite a lot, but I was then out and about daily, didn't have hot flashes and we went out at night, something we rarely do anymore. Funny how life changes.

Glynne - I sure hope things work out well for your son. These kids sure give us plenty to pray about! They are forever our babies.

ETA: My weight dropped back down to my sig weight again this morning. Hopefully I will be on a lower up/down range now. I hope, I hope...:)

Sandy, I live in your general area but I don't really change my closet over for the seasons. The only thing I put away is my capris in winter. I know I won't be wearing them. I only own 1 sweater and usually wear it only once a year, so it's always in my drawer. I wear either short sleeve tops or 3/4 sleeve, and I keep them both in my closet year round. Sometimes in the winter I will wear a short sleeve top with a jacket, or even a tank top. And in the summer I will occasionally wear a 3/4 sleeve top if it's not real hot. I keep my heavy winter coat and also my light jackets in the coat closet all year round. I rarely get cold, except when I'm outside.

Gayle, I hope your son is able to find a better job that he can do. I know it hurts you to see this happening with him.

Mary, my step-children never come around on the summer holidays. My step-son and his family are at this in-laws for the long weekend. My step-daughter and husband spend these holidays with friends. They are all drinkers, and it's boring for them at our house. LOL That's fine with me. Less work, and we are free to go and do what we want or stay home and relax. I will make a small portion of potato salad. We will cook hot dogs and hamburgers, just a couple for ourselves, and I will open a can of baked beans. I forgot we bought some corn on the cob, so we will have that, too. They say that kids usually grow up doing what they see at home, but we were never drinkers. DH buys a case of beer around Christmas and it last us until the next Christmas. LOL They got this drinking from their friends.

I don't clean on a schedule like you do, Mary. I clean when the room starts to look like it needs it. DH has been doing the vacuuming since 2008 when I had my heart surgery. I did it a few days ago, and it seems like the sweeper we have isn't picking up like it should. We have 2, one that we use in the gameroom downstairs and the one we use upstairs. Then recently DH saw one at Goodwill that was similar to ours and he bought it. The hose was clogged on it. He cleaned it out and it works good. I'm going to see if if picks up better than the one I'm using now and maybe I'll switch it out.

Hoping Karrine is doing well. I miss hearing from her, but she's probably very busy with Nan.

We are alone right now. I took a 2 hr nap...didn't sleep the whole time but think I got a few Zs. I just needed to escape for a while and rest. We went to church this morning, and then out to eat at a Thai restaurant. I know it was probably exceptionally good Thai restaurant but really it is just not my kind of food. Unless I can find something that sounds better, I usually get a yellow curry which contains potatoes. They only cook the potatoes about 1/2 done, but I love potatoes so they still help me eat the food. :D The chicken was also very tender and tasty..really nothing wrong with the dish, I ate all the potatoes, some chicken and sauce and brought the rest home for dh to eat for supper tonight. Our problem is we are running out of restaurants to try that sound good and are in our area. Most of the time we don't want to drive so far. For dinner tonight I ate some leftover pizza rolls the kids had left.

They went to look at a house this morning, but I'm not sure where they are right now. The adults went out last night after the kids were in bed, leaving us to babysit a couple hours. One woke up right after they left but went back to bed when I told her to. She cried a little while softly but soon fell asleep.

Carol - I clean by schedule because if I don't there are things I would never clean. Even when I miss some tasks I get more of them done than I ever would the other way. I've tried it your way but I would always find something else to fill my time, and this way keeps me more on top of it. I'm the kind that loves to declutter and organize but not so much for cleaning if I don't make myself do it.:D

Back to buying Lularoe again...I may have mentioned I ordered a black and white kimono and yesterday I ordered a blue/gray skirt and a light teal top. Bought these from another consultant who is in my dd's line. My dd just arrived at her new house with the U-haul and won't be ready for business until later this week probably.

I'm feeling sleepy again...need to get outside for some fresh air perhaps. Hope you are all enjoying your Sunday.

Good evening GG's,

It was a sunny day today. Kind of a quiet day here ~ quiet is good :) That was good after yesterday. It was a long day of errands. It would have been kind of a long day anyway, but was made longer because several of the major roads into and out of our community were closed because of flooding from the recent rain. Traffic was all backed up and just creeping along in some places.

Got some stuff done ~ puttery kind of stuff. Straightened up and put stuff away. Gave Steve a haircut. I had finally gotten the kitchen desk cleared of clutter a few weeks back and am trying to keep it from getting cluttered up again. My meds from the mail order place and the papers that come with them were on there, so I got those taken care of. I was checking the meds to make sure I have enough. Discovered that when we went to the new PCP, she did not get one of my meds ordered correctly. She ordered it once a day and it is a twice a day med. Good thing I caught it before it was time to order again. Gotta call and get that straightened out. Cooked a spaghetti squash. Swept the kitchen floor. Phew ~ now taking a rest.

After several days of mom not being up to talking, today she was more like her normal self and I got to talk with her. The nurse had mom right beside her at the nurses station so she could be right there if mom took a notion to try to get up on her own. They are so wonderful to their patients there.

Mary ~ glad you got to escape and rest a little. You probably needed it ~ the thing with your kids not getting along is tiring emotionally. I don't know if it is like this for you ~ but as much as I love my kids and grandkids, I just can't let go and relax while they are here. Glad to see them come, but glad when they go home too. Does that make me a bad mom/grandma?

Carol Sue ~ Your holiday weekend sounds like what ours will probably be like (minus the food). Sara and Maddie were invited to a friend's place for the weekend and Jason works, so no family get together. Sounds like it was going to be a nice opportunity for them (Sara and Maddie) ~ it is on a lake and has a pool also. There were gonna be other kids there that Maddie could play with. I kind of miss how it was on the holidays growing up ~ family get togethers. Picnics ~ bring a dish to pass. And on Memorial Day ~ I was in the high school band and we marched in the parades ~ 4 different locations ~ the little towns that were in our school system. The places I have lived since then have mostly been bigger places ~ it's just not the same.

Sandy ~ hope you and your family are having a nice weekend. Getting to spend some time enjoying your lovely yard?

Karrine ~ I hope you and Nan are hanging in there ok. Prayers continue.

Well, it has got to be almost bed time. Hope you all rest well.

It's a beautiful warm day today 66 degrees now but supposed to get to 75. I got up late, but have gotten quite a bit done. After breakfast I weekly cleaned our bath and bedroom, and vacuumed the office carpet and down the hall quickly. I changed the sheets in the office too (where kids sleep), my son said I'm crazy to change the sheets weekly.:?: Well I only change them if people have slept in them, and I think that's reasonable as everyone sweats some plus sometimes the kids get in bed with dirty feet. Actually they have been sleeping on them a few days longer than a week. I told my dil where the sheets are and asked her to change theirs when she can. Today they are going to the beach and am sure she will be tired when they get back.

I have one load of laundry in and another to put in. It's nice to have a really large washer tub in my new washer, otherwise this would be more loads. Then I deheaded one of the rhodies in our front yard. They sure didn't bloom long this year. The one in the back was late blooming and died within a few days! I hope to get to the rest of the deheading soon. Dh does so much in the yards, I like to do what I can/know how to do.

We were planning on going to the Rose Fest today but yesterday we got to thinking about it and realized it would be too much walking for dh. I'm glad we didn't go. It will be nice to have another quiet day here at home. Yes Glynne I'm like you...it's not so much that I can't relax and I do enjoy the kids but I also appreciate my time alone. I'm hoping (for both our sakes) they find a place of their own soon. I honestly didn't even mind that we aren't having a BBQ this year...I feel like I need a rest more. So our holiday will be kinda like yours and Carols too. We have the flag out and I did talk to the kids about why we celebrate Memorial Day. The almost 10 year old knew a little about it (probably from school), the 3 and almost 4 year old didn't listen. :D but at least I tried. I think too many parents do not even talk about these things anymore.

My weight has been stable at my sig weight last few days. I hope that is a good sign of the direction I am going. I feel full most of the time, but I do have some cravings...like I crave cinnamon candies, like Hot Tamales...but I so far have been able to ignore it or eat something else. I'm learning though that the something else does not satisfy so why consume those extra calories:?:

Glynne - Good thing you checked the med bottles. We have to take care of ourselves, as mistakes are made sometimes. Since you knew you probably would have taken it correctly but then you would have run out sooner. I have to watch it when they change the dosage in the tablet...like at one time I was taking two tablets twice a day of Metformin so it was 1000 mg each time. Then the new doctor switched it to 1 tablet of 1000 mg. I saw it was a different shape but it wasn't much bigger so I just kept taking 2! Then I realized he had changed the order and I was taking double what I was supposed to take! Didn't make a bit of difference in my bs though.:?: With some meds if you take up to a certain amount, taking more doesn't have any effect. I noticed that with Amaryl also. Up to 2 mg helped but when I took 3 or even 4, I saw no difference other than I gained a few pounds.

Hope you all have a nice (even if quiet) Memorial Day and enjoy the blessings we have in this country!

So happy to report I was down 1# this morning! Only a pound but it's the first weight below my sig weight I've had in a few months. We didn't get much sleep last night so we didn't go to the gym. Supposed to get very hot today...90...so hopefully dh will get Halo bathed. Otherwise I plan to clean the family room since I missed it last week. I'd like to move furniture and give it a more thoroughly vacuuming..the sofa in there is heavy though so may not be able to move it much. I can move the chairs though. The kids came back from the beach all sandy so I probably should vac the whole house too but will see what I get done. For dinner, I have some chicken I need to cook...haven't decided how yet though.

Yesterday after the kids left we went to lunch at Sweet Tomato. Haven't been there for a long time and we had some coupons. Ended up it was Senior Day and it was cheaper without the coupons though. I'm not crazy about their food but it was ok and a change.

Need to get started...dh is waiting to have devotional time with me, plus I need to do some budgeting before starting the cleaning. What and exciting life I live...LOL...but I love my life.

Take care everyone...have a good week!

Good evening GG's,

It was sunny earlier in the day ~ but now is pouring down rain. Better today than yesterday at this time.

Yesterday was grandson Corbin's high school graduation. It was nice weather for the most part. The sky looked iffy, but thankfully the rain held off until it was almost over, and even then it was just gently raining and not pouring down. So we were able to get back to the cars with umbrellas and didn't get soaked. Actually, except for the cloudy sky and sprinkles, it was a nice night ~ not terrible hot and humid like it can sometimes be. It was held in a venue where they have big name concerts. Part of it is covered and part of it is lawn seating. (We are lucky to have such a facility so close to home (about 6 miles). They announced that there was lightening and storms not too far away and encouraged those who were seated on the lawn to get underneath the covered area. The seats in the covered area had been kept for the families of the (950 or so) graduates who had been given tickets. Others had to sit in the lawn seating area. They had set up seats that they usually rent out (if you do not rent a seat, you bring your own blanket to sit on), so that was nice. But at that point, they knew there were a lot of seats that had not been taken, so they came up into the lawn area and told people to follow them ~ that they would help you find seats. So, we got to move to the covered area. They had big screens like they do at the concerts, so you could see your graduate go up and get their diploma. It was a very nice ceremony.

We met Sara and Corbin before the ceremony and had dinner. Sara was trying to make it a special night for Corbin. The food at the restaurant is the kind that looks like a work or art. We shared tastes with each other. I have to confess that I ate dessert. Sara ordered kind of a sampler plate of little desserts after the main courses. Corbin had already left to go get lined up for the ceremony. Sara only tasted, Steve (who is always perfect on his diet) didn't want any. Maddie ate one of the little ice cream sandwich cookie things. There was a little cheese cake, she gave me a taste, but she finished that, as it is her favorite. Maddie tasted the other thing and didn't especially care for it, so I finished the couple things that everyone else didn't want. It was pricey stuff and just little things, so hated to waste it.

That is the kind of situation actually that is perfect for me to have something off plan. It was just small amounts and I wouldn't make a pig of myself in public. So, kind of a controled situation. I don't regret that I splurged a little.

School for Maddie has been extended until Friday. Instead of having to make up days for snow like they have to up north, our kids had to make up days missed because of the flooding we had.

Mary ~ way to go on the 1#. You're getting there.

Hello Sandy, Carol Sue and Karrine. Everyone must be busy.

The pictures here are: #1 The venue where the graduation ceremony was held. #4 is a view on the inside. #2 is Sara, Maddie and Corbin at dinner. #3 is Corbin's girlfriend Claire, Sara and Corbin. #5 is the sampler plate of the fancy little desserts

The graduation sounds great and I can imagine how proud you are of Corbin. You have beautiful children/grandchildren. Enjoyed the pictures. Corbin kind of makes me think of one of my gs though he is a little older at 23. He's a really good kid too. He doesn't look Filipino at all but yet has a slightly different look about him and has dark brown hair and eyes. That restaurant dessert looks really fancy! It made me think of a restaurant in Baja California we went to quite a lot on one trip. They decorated the plate that way esp the desserts I remember;) That's what I love about traveling...I actually forget a lot of our travels but then something will trigger a memory and I'm glad I have that. BTW, I'm glad you had dessert, you should when your gs has graduated! :) Doesn't happen every day!

Where are you Carol, Sandy? Is this little group going to die out?...hey, I'm doing my part..;) Guess with the nice weather everyone is perhaps working outside more (esp Sandy) and then tired.

Been babysitting a couple gc. They were good and even though I didn't get much sleep last night, I felt pretty good today. Off and on I'd feel really tired but the kids kept me going and sometimes when I have that pressure to keep going, I actually get more done! I cleaned the spare bedroom and the hall. Then I swept the front walkway, and mat and wiped down the door, and light.
Later when the sun was not so strong, I cleaned all the windows on the back side of the house, then pulled lots of weeds in an area dh had not gotten to. After that I rested a bit then fixed Baked Cod, and a corn and broccoli casserole for dinner. The kids weren't here for dinner which is good because they wouldn't have liked it. I didn't like the casserole but the fish was ok. Dh said I didn't salt it enough and he was right but it wasn't bad.

Today I reconnected by email with a niece of mine. She is only five years younger than I. We used to email a lot but she isn't on FB and we eventually lost touch.

Got my three Lularoe items I recently purchased. I love the kimono and the skirt and I think I like the top. Haven't tried it on yet. I was showing my gd my Lularoes in my closet and she was impressed by my closet. :D In fact she took a picture of it! I think it was all the colors because I organize them in categories and then within the categories from dark to light. I learned that from that organizing book I read and I do kinda like it that way.

Well I've been rambling...hope I haven't bored you terribly. Take care and have a good evening.

Good morning GG's,

So quiet here. I hope you all are doing well and that it is just that you are having a busy time right now.

It is another dreary day here today ~ I guess it is supposed to rain again sometime today.

I am supposed to be going down to Jason's to help him cut up his vegetables. He packages up into individual zip lock bags ~ baby carrots, celery sticks and sugar snap peas. It is not really that he needs help, it is just a chance to get to visit him and it helps save him some time, so I'm glad to do it. His days off from work go by too fast. It is two days, but if any of you have worked or lived with someone who works night shift, two days end up being only one day ~ you lose time at the beginning of the days off because you have to sleep first after having worked, then you lose time at the end of the days off because you have to sleep to get ready to go back to work.

Anyway, I am supposed to be going down to his place after he wakes up today, but I am kind of hesitating. It is supposed to rain again today and I worry a little bit that with all the rain and how easily and quickly it floods around here, that I will get stranded down at his place.

Having kind of a sad time ~ mom is declining ~ the progression that happens when a person has dementia. She isn't eating well, has to be fed now. Doesn't realize when she has to go to the bathroom anymore. She isn't able to or even wanting to talk on the phone anymore. So, talking to the nurse about if maybe hospice would be something that would be appropriate for mom. She said yes it would. So now trying to get the guardian to arrange that. Sigh.....

Was hoping to sleep in a bit longer this morning, but that was not meant to be...anyway it's a beautiful sunny morning...supposed to get to 89 today....so I might as well be up enjoying it. Only one kid has school today so that makes it a little easier for dh. I plan to weekly clean the living room today. Then hope to get to some decluttering done but depends on the how busy the kids keep me. My weight was down another 1/2# this morning...perhaps these kids are my best "exercise program!" :carrot:

Glynne - You are probably with your son...enjoy it. I think it's great that he does that with his veggies...many young men don't think about things like that. I know it's still on your mind but I am glad too that you have a gardian to help you with your mom. Have you talked with your sister yet about the hospice thing? I hope she can accept that it is time.

Sandy - Are you busy in your garden? Hope you are ok.

Gayle So sorry that your mother is declining so rapidly. Hope you can get Hospice help. Tell us more how that works if you get help.

Mary Sure agree that taking care of grandchildren is good exercise. I used to do that and weight wasn't a problem. When we started the business out of the house and I was stuck in chair so many hours, the weight began to come back on. After retirement I've climbed still more.

I've really cut back on my food and increasing movement but weight isn't cooperating much.

CarolSue Agree that the 3/4 sleeves on shirts means "year around" to me also. I also have short sleeve ones I wear around the house but rarely outside the yard. I also have heavy fleece that I use in cold weather because I get very cold whenever I sit beyond a 1/2 hour. Also some of the places I go for meetings is cooler than we keep our house and I need extra layer. Never wear shorts or capris. Right now I'm in sleeveless inside our warm house as we try to increase AC temperature. Gotta cut somewhere. Thank goodness for the retirement we do have, but income and outgo seem to match. Miss having ability to save some of our income. We are assisting 2 kids. Hope each will be able to absorb more of their own expenses or get second job .

Front yard Oval garden turned out even better than I hoped. Was exhausted after removing the Pansies, weeding it all, adding extra soil, planting 24 Vinca in white, then mulching it all. 3 days later all looks very, very good and I'm happy.

This morning I weeded lots on back fence line - over 30 minutes of bending, weeding, and filled a 5 gallon bucked full after mashing down to add the last bit. Now it is way too hot and the AC feels good even at 77 degrees to 78 degrees in the west room.

Our son is moving and he and his wife gave us their cemetery lots that they won't need when they move 5 states away. Shocked at the costs of things and hope we go at the same time. The costs from when our son bought the plots till now is enormous!!! Income hasn't kept up at all.

DH went out to lunch with 3 former Engineers he worked with before he retired. They had such a good time talking and remembering. Each now works at a different place so it won't be often that the 4 of them will meet again.

I didn't realize how long it had been since I posted. It's a good feeling to know that I had something else to do besides sit at the computer! LOL I think I get online and post in one thread, then there's something I have to do and I don't get back for the other ones.

Today I went to the cardiologist, and I made sure I actually saw him, and not the PA. I wanted to discuss my blood pressure with him. My top number is high and bottom number is low. it runs around 150/60. They want the top number lower, and sometimes it is, but then the bottom number goes lower, too. He said it is not anything to worry about, that he doesn't think it will go low enough to be a problem. The reason for it is because my valve is leaking, but they are aware of it and check on it with the echocardiograms, so he is not worried. He says it is a good sign that the bottom number is low. I have a lot of confidence in his knowledge, so I will not worry about it. He stressed exercise, exercise, exercise and we agreed that weight loss would improve my BP and BG. I will have a routine stress test next week and I hope they don't find anything, but I would rather have them find something before I have a heart attack.

Gayle, nice pictures. You have a nice family. I can't believe all the flooding in Texas. Sorry to hear that your mother is declining. I am curious to know what Steve had for dinner when you went out for the graduation.

I found your prescription error interesting. Are you sure the doctor made the mistake? Or was it the mail order pharmacy? I wonder if it's the company I worked for, Express Scripts. I know from working there that they pushed so had for speed that it was very easy to make a mistake. I remember one mistake I made that was pretty serious. The person was supposed to take a water pill every other day. QOD. The script was hand written and the way the doctor wrote it, looked like QD with a little tiny o in between, that looked like a period. Also, he wrote it for a 90 day supply, without stating the quantity, which would have been 45, not 90. Some doctors write "qty 45 for a 90 day supply" which makes it clearer. I typed it in wrong, and the pharmacist who reviewed the order also didn't catch the error, convincing me even more that the error was due to the way the doctor wrote the script, but I was held responsible because I entered it. The woman got the meds and took one every day instead of every other day and had side effects. The problem wasn't caught until it needed renewed and went out to the doctor for approval. When they showed me the original script magnified it was clear that it was QOD, but it wasn't clear at the normal size. So I'm wondering where your error actually occurred. We were under the gun to do a certain number of orders per hour. I wonder about older people who don't realize how they are to take their meds and assume that the bottle is right. Also, the bottle could contain the wrong pills. One time I questioned my pharmacy because the pills looked different from what I usually take and the girl reamed me out. Now, if they are different, they put a sticker on the bottle stating that the pills look different from what you usually take.

Mary, your GD would laugh at my closet. Everything is jammed in there every which way. I would love to have it organized.

We are getting estimates for siding. I thought I had saved approx 2/3 of the cost so wanted to get more of an idea. This was our first true estimate because the other salesman didn't even measure, just eyeballed it! This guy was great...he's the owner of the company, rated very high all over (I've done quite a lot of research), and we were impressed with his presentation. However I have only saved about 1/2 of the total cost. :( We explained our situation to him and he said he can hold the price for 5 months to give us more time to save. We have another person coming in a few days so we will see what he says. We told today's guy were still getting another estimate and he said they are a good company too. Even that makes me like him...so many will tear down other companies and he wasn't like that at all. So it may be next fall or winter before we can get it done who knows.

I want to go back to MO to visit my sis and sil this year at some point but now with so many living in my house, I don't want to leave and with this siding thing too, I don't know how it's all going to work out. Just have to take it a month at a time and keep saving.

It is nice to have all my housework done for the week and have a Sat to do other things. Doesn't mean my house looks really nice and clean right now...LOL..but just means I did it. The kids mess up the house about as quickly as I can clean it. Today I have only done a few daily tasks but will try and quickly vac the rooms that need it and mate up socks in my sock bag. Really satisfies my OCD tendency when I find matches! :D

Last night we went to a new Mexican restaurant, called Margarita Land. It was ok, better than many but not great either. Maybe we are getting too picky:?: Can't find restaurants that really impress us anymore. I did have an alcoholic beverage there, first I've had in a long time..a pina Colada and it was good and was better than many places here make. The very best Pina Coladas I've drank are those in Cabo though. Before I drank it I looked on line about Amaryl. It said it's best not to drink with it. So I only had one but it was served in a large goblet and I ordered the small! I'd already ordered it so I drank it but didn't take my Amaryl until about an hour later. Did notice some chest pain (one of the symptoms) but it was around my hernia so not sure whether it was the alcohol or just the fact I felt too full after the meal. I honestly did not eat that much though...I only ordered a Mexican Pizza (appetizer) and ate maybe 1/3 of it and shared dessert with dh..and it was so large we couldn't eat it all. Dh for a change ate more that me because I felt too full! Strange how full I feel all the time anymore...maybe it's just the fiber I consume but it's never made me feel that full before.

Because we had the appt this morning we didn't get to our gs' martial arts class, and they are still out. Dh went to Home Depot to get something to repair the door to the under the house space, so I am alone right now. Feels kinda good as usually the kids are keeping me busy. Not sure what we will have for dinner though so need to figure that out. Last night our son made dinner for him and kids and then they went to a movie, so it felt like dh and I sorta had a date night.;)

Carol - Glad to see you post, missed you. So glad also that you've seen your heart doctor! It's good that you have confidence in him. Helps a lot. Interesting about your work for Express Script. We get most of our regular meds from them. In the past we really liked the service, but not as much recently. The doctors office has lots of trouble with them because they are so picky...like there has to be a separate order for everything...understandable with meds...but the glucoscan meter is one order, the strips are another and the lancets are another....even alcohol wipes are another! If the doctor doesn't include one part of this in the order, they call them a second time, then notify us and we have to get after the doctor. I told them we didn't even need the alcohol wipes so at least that one was dropped. But then we've also had problems with the doctor's office...we have three pharmacies, and even though we tell them they will sometimes send the prescription to the wrong place. They are getting better about that now I think though. I wish we didn't have so many pharmacies to confuse them but that's the way it works out best for us.

Carol, I'm just an organizing junkie. I love to organize...better than cleaning house. And I'm never satisfied that my house is organized enough. Right now I'm looking at two stacks of papers on my desk and wishing I could get it all taken care of in some way. I've been too busy with family.

Sandy - I think you are one tough cookie to be able to do all that gardening...I would not be able to do it that long. Dh does, he does it for hours only recently learning he needs to stop and rest every hour or so, but he gets back to it. He's stronger than me even at his age. It just depends on what we are doing. Nice your son gave you their cemetery plots because yes, they are expensive. We bought ours many years ago when they were cheaper but still had to make payments (we were NOT debt free in those days!). We still have not visited them even though we say we will. We just trust they will still be there for us as promised;) Nice that your dh was able to get together with former co-workers. Dh has a retiree meeting once a month where he joins with many other military people..some who worked with or nearby him in his working days. He enjoys it.

Well, by now I have had lunch...ate most of the rest of my restaurant leftovers...too rich for me so again I got full fast. That's the way rich food does me anymore. Guess it's a good thing although I usually just eat something lighter after. It's like I just get tired of the too rich (like cheesy) taste but still want something more. This fullness though is helping me do better on my eating and that and the med is helping my bs and my weight. I was up 1 1/2# this morning but think it is the sodium from the restaurant foods. Hopefully after the weekend (might go out again tomorrow, not sure) I can get it back down again. One good thing is after last nights' restaurant meal I was so full and tired (maybe partly the alcohol), I couldn't snack while watching TV.

Hope you all enjoying the weekend.

After talking to my doctor I have decided to put a more concentrated effort into weight loss. I looked back in my records and in 2011 I was 20 lbs lighter, and my BP and BG were both in a better range. I would like to be at that weight again, and it's not some unreachable goal. I would also like my waistline to be what it was then, 5 inches smaller. After my abdominal surgery, I don't know if that is attainable. I eat a pretty healthy diet now, but I do sneak some things in here and there that are probably keeping me from dropping the weight. And I know I'm lacking in exercise. So it's up to me to make the necessary changes and be more diligent. I'm only kidding myself that I'm doing that now.

Sandy, we were posting at the same time. We never bought cemetery plots for that reason, in case we move away. I have to laugh at that because we have both lived within 10 miles of here all our lives. LOL The only place I would want to move to now is the eastern shore, and that's not going to happen.

I could never spend the time you do in the garden, that's why I'm looking to get rid of some of the flower beds. I don't have the agility to take care of them properly. Other than cutting grass and trimming shrubs, DH doesn't do any yard work. He is busy all the time with the house and cars, and once he starts something he goes for hours until it's finished, and ends up exhausted and sore by the end of the day. He will not stop and take a rest. I was surprised this week when he had trouble changing brakes on one of the cars, he did the front one day and the back the next. It's not like him to stop before he's finished. Me? I'm always taking a rest. Too often, in fact.

Mary I am the exact opposite of you with organizing. As much as I try, I am not good at it. I would like my house to look all nice and neat all the time, but I think we have accumulated too much stuff. DH doesn't like me to get rid of anything, so I have to sneak some things into the trash and hope he doesn't discover it.

When I worked at the pharmacy it was Medco. It became Express Scripts after I left. At that time I never discussed my employment online because they were very picky about things like that, but now I can. I only get a couple prescriptions from them now. The others I get at Target pharmacy since I'm there often. My copay for generic is now $0, so I don't save money going through mail order. One time, for reasons unknown, my doctor's office called in my prescription to the drugstore next door to Target. I was so surprised when they called me and said they had a prescription for me. I had never done business with them before. Even the doctor didn't know how that happened. His staff is mostly all part time people and he has a big turnover, so they probably don't know what they're doing. LOL

I worked at Medco for 9 years and overall, I liked it. But I was so surprised at how many mistakes are made in pharmacies. It's scary, especially for older people who don't understand what meds they are to be taking. The people I talk to who still work there tell me that Express Scripts is harder to work for.

Target pharmacy has been taken over by CVS and I'm not sure I like them. I always liked Target and trusted them, but I've already had some issues with CVS. They kept the same pharmacists, but my scripts are not always ready when they say they will be. For so many years I didn't take any meds and didn't realize what a hassle it can be.

Good morning GG's,

The sun kind of comes and goes so far today.

Got to spend Friday visiting Jason ~ helped him cut up his vegetables and apples for his lunches. Not that he can't do that himself, it just is an opportunity to visit him while I do that and it frees him up to cook the other stuff he puts in his lunches.

The last day of school for Maddie was on Friday. She'll be in the 3rd grade when school starts up again in the fall. Gotta figure out some stuff for her to do this summer so she doesn't spend too much time on the iPad.

Yesterday, I worked on cutting out the pattern pieces to make a dress and matching doll dress for little granddaughter Evie for her birthday in July. I wanted to get going on it so to be sure to have it done in time. So, I got all the pieces cut out, hoping to start sewing on it today.

Carol Sue ~ glad that your check up with the cardiologist was good. And good for you getting started again on losing weight for your health. You can do this!!!! I need to follow in your foot steps ~ like the spending less time on the computer part. We miss you when you don't post, but understand that less time sitting at the computer will help you reach your goals.

Sandy ~ I agree with Carol Sue about your gardening ~ that is hard work ~ I couldn't do that for the length of time you put into it. I'm sorry for your frustration about your weight ~ that you have cut down on the food, increased your activity and that the weight is stubborn to come off. You would think all the hard work you do in your gardens would help somehow.

Mary ~ The man who came about your siding sounded like a really good guy. Hope you can get a good deal. I hope so too for you to be able to get to go visit your sister and sis-in-law. I don't know if I could keep up with little ones like you are doing ~ but I guess we do what we have to do.

Thinking of you Karrine ~ prayers for you and Nan continue.

Topic of the pharmacy ~ we never had express scripts or medco. I can't remember what we had when we lived in NC. It was a mail away place and seemed good ~ there weren't problems that I can remember of and ordering the meds online was easy. I was able to do it myself. Of course I had fewer meds back then. Maybe because I have a lot more meds now is what makes it so hard ~ so much more complicated.

Carol Sue ~ as far as the mistake that was made on my med, I'm not sure where along the line the mistake was made. The prescription was submitted electronically, so I don't think it was a hand writing thing. Maybe the way it was worded made the way it was interpreted tricky.

We had CVS Caremark for a while here and it seems that every single time, there was some kind of a problem. Now we have Prime Mail ~ Steve says it is much better. I don't know ~ he says the ordering is really easy, but I don't do it ~ he does it for me. I don't know if things are hard, or if he makes it hard because of the way he does things. But even with Prime we run into problems sometimes. Not sure if it is the pharmacy, or the pharmaceutical companies. Right now we are trying to obtain a med that our doctors have ordered for us. The insurance says they won't cover it. It is some kind of special vitamin so falls into some special category. Steve has spent all kinds of time trying to iron this out. We finally thought we had found it at Sam's Club ~ they said the insurance said it was covered. Steve said he'd believe it when it happened. Well, they only had part of the quantity of what was ordered. It had a certain pharmaceutical ID number ~ and it was covered. They got the rest of the med ~ same exact med, but the pharmaceutical company had assigned a new number to it and now it isn't covered. Get so tired of the “games” they seem to play ~ with these meds and the price gouging that goes on.

Here comes the sun again. Guess I'd better get off and see if I can't get started on that sewing project.

Hope you all are having a nice weekend.

Once again I'm joining in and apologising for not mentioning each one on your posts but I promise next time I def will! :goodvibes

I have been trying to keep to a good diet but unfortunately my back is not getting any better.. actually the fact is it is gradually getting worse and with the meds I take it is necessary to eat first which often means the nearest and quickest is a dip into the biscuit tin.. or perhaps I should say.. cookie jar..:)

Carol Sue..I have had heart problems for all my life and in 2012 I collapsed while shopping and was rushed into A&E and eventually had a pacemaker fitted due to arrhythmia. I do hope your problem is not too serious..I will read more tomorrow.

Sandy .. I hope you enjoy your gardening as much as I used to. At one time I had an allotment and grew all my vegetables and fruit too. I used to spend ages digging and carting stuff to and fro but it never helped me with any weight loss either.

I would love to clean my little apartment but these days it's out of the question but I do have a lovely young lady who comes in once a fortnight for a couple of hours and does the vacuuming, dusting and ironing for me and anything else that needs doing.. she's an absolute angel and nothing is too much trouble for her.

Well.. it's now 10.56pm here and time for me to prepare for my bed.

Hope you all have a very good day tomorrow..(Monday) :coffee2:

Hi Emmaline. I'm sorry to hear you are having back problems. I have them occasionally, but it's not debilitating for me. I hope you can find some relief.

I understood about the biscuit tin, but had to google "fortnight." LOL The English lanquage is different in the US from in the UK. The one that really confuses me is "tea." To me, that just means a cup of tea! LOL

My heart problem were handed down from my mother's side of the family. My trouble first started in 2000 and has continued from there. I have had a few stents inserted and in 2008 had quadruple bypass surgery, and another stent since then. 2 of my valves are leaking, but they are watching them to see if they get worse and so far I am doing OK with it. I am having a routine cardiac stress test on Wednesday and hope they don't find any problems. It doesn't really keep me from doing things. My arthritic knee gives me more problem that my heart.

Our son and family decided to join us at church this am which is always a pleasure and encouragement to me. We had a good service followed by lunch together at Burgerville. I tried to eat a bit healthier than I usually do for fast food and had a salad with my burger but did have a small strawberry shortcake for dessert. It was very tasty and I'm not sorry...my usual dessert (when I get one is much worse!).

Last night was different...I went to bed about 11 but couldn't sleep, by about 12 I realized I was very hungry. Usually I never eat after I go to bed but for some reason I was hungry and specifically for carrots! :D I had a kind of light dinner and no snacking afterwards. I wondered whether my bs might be really low so I decided to get up and check it. My bs was 112 certainly within normal limits but pretty low for me, so I ate a bunch of baby carrots, then saw a pizza box our son had put in the fridge...it wasn't a brand I like but I ate one smallish slice, drank some green tea and went to bed and finally to sleep. The funny thing too is that I realized (looking at my med case) that I hadn't even taken my dinner meds. I remember thinking about taking my meds but guess I didn't. I almost took them after the pizza but then got to thinking perhaps I took them from a different day or something. I don't think so though. Anyway my before breakfast test was lower than usual (but still high) prob because the glycogen didn't have to rush in so much with me getting up and eating. I think if I continue to eat the way I am these days, I may be able to eliminate one of the Amaryl...think I'll try that tonight.

Funny thing...dh and I took long naps after lunch. When we got up we couldn't find our gd's dog which lives in our back yard these days. We both hunted all over front and back just in case, calling her name. We thought we lost her so I called our son to let him know...and they had her with them. They apparently followed us home, slipped in and got her while we were changing and we never knew! :D So glad she's safe as knew there would be tears.

Glad to have you posting again Emaline29! Glad you have help with your home.

Just a wee pop in before I go out shopping..

Carol Sue .. It is amazing what they can do these days and I do hope things don't get more difficult for you.
My heart problem was due to having had rheumatic fever 4 times when I was very young and whilst my mother was very anxious about allowing me to do any sort of exercise which was the way it was treated in those days.. I went on to do a lot of things like playing badminton and gardening, etc. It's only now in later life that it has caused problems which is often the way, is it not?
The problem I have now is due to ankylosing spondylitis which is a degenerative disease .. just have to keep going as much as we can, don't we?
The language difference is quite funny isn't it? I went on a coach trip to Greece some many years ago and half of the people on there were American and each morning as we were travelling to the next point we exchanged word descriptions and one that caused the most laughter was our use of a car bonnet whereas you say hood.. :lol:

Maryea .. That must have been quite a shock for you.. I wonder that they hadn't thought that you would be looking for her although I expect it was done quite innocently.. glad everything turned out okay.

Have a good day everyone.

My dog is so funny! Do you know how rats in a lab can be trained to do a certain thing when they hear a bell right? Well, in the morning, whoever gets up first makes the coffee and lets the dog out. Rusty will come into the kitchen with me and just lie down. For some reason, when we plug our coffee maker in, it beeps. As soon as he hears that beep, he gets up and goes to the door. It's like it's his signal to go out. LOL I guess that has been our procedure for the past year since we got him and he is trained by that. He is definitely Mommy's dog and listens to me and follows me around. DH will call to him and say "Let's go outside." and he will just lay there, until I say "Rusty, go outside." then he gets up and goes. Also, he likes to lay up on the back of the couch. If we are going out somewhere, he sees us lock the doors, turn on the radio that we leave on when we're gone, put jackets on if it's chilly, and then I pick up my purse. When he sees all that, he runs and gets up on the back of the couch, like he knows we're leaving. He seems to be very trainable, but I can't seem to train him not to bark and growl at our visitors. He's a little dog, but my brother-in-law calls him Cujo.

Mary, your son should have told you they were taking the dog, or maybe they just assumed you would know. That's so scary to think that you lost someone's dog.

Most of the time I can't sleep well if I have a full stomach when I go to bed, but also not if I'm really hungry. I remember Bobbi used to say she would eat something, I think it was a small bowl of cereal, if she couldn't fall asleep.

I hate The Dawn Phenomenon and for the life of me I can't understand it. I feel that if I don't eat, my blood sugar should stay low. I think you have to figure out for yourself, how long you can go without food before your get the liver dump. Some people do better if they go longer without eating, and others need to have that bit of food every so many hours. I know I definitely eat too soon, before my blood sugar gets down to what it should be. I can't seem to break that habit. It's easier if I'm out and about and not near food.

Last night I didn't take one of the Amaryl pills and this morning my bs was higher than it's been for a week, so I guess that probably means I still need to take it, darn it! I was so hoping to drop at least one of them. My weight was also up 2# this morning so maybe I just got more sodium than I realized yesterday or maybe it was the extra "meal" I got very early this morning.;)
I'll see how I do the rest of today before making a decision.

Gonna be a busy day...dh took the kids to school this morning and will pickup the one, but then I'll have to put them both in car seats (ugh!) and drop one off at his school, then pick up later (car seats for both again..ugh!) possibly will also have to pick up the other. Dh has a doctors appt but may be back in time for that one. I hope I can get the car seats on correctly (esp for the smallest)...that's often hard for me. So much easier the way we did it with ours and of course, I was much younger, stronger and had more energy! And hope I can find the schools but dh says the GPS will lead me right to them.
I will be glad when their mommy is home! She may be home tonight or if not expects to be home Wed.

Guess this is my week for "losing" things...yesterday I searched high and low for my purse, ...first thought maybe I left at the restaurant Fri night...even called them...then decided it must have been at the post office as I mailed a package on Sat. Then thought how did I drive home. (I always keep my keys in my purse, not just my hand)..had to have had my purse, silly me..so looked again all over...and finally found it in my son's room...I think when I got home I remembered the biggest gd told me the youngest had gotten marking pen ink on the sheet in there so I stopped to check it and probably lay down my purse to do it. What a lot of wasted energy looking so much.

Then at some point I have to figure out what I'm fixing for dinner..and probably have to run to the store for ingredients as I haven't done any shopping recently. LOL I'm tired just thinking about all this...all I want to do is take a nap. The way this fam is, I'll probably cook and only dh and I will eat it which does not make me very enthusiastic about it.:^: So hard to please everyone!

Rereading this, I realize I sound very grumpy this morning....didn't get enough sleep I guess...but I'm really not that grumpy, just dreading what I have to do today. I'm sure it will all work out fine.

Mary, I don't remember why you said that you have these family members living with you. Just curious. How long with they be there? I can imagine it is a big change for you. I didn't like dealing with the car seats with my grandson, either. Now he just uses a booster. That's so much easier. DH remembers when he was growing up back in the 50s there were 4 of them in the back seat and his youngest brother up front with his parents. So car seats, not even seat belts. A couple times he tried to drive without buckling my grandson in and my grandson would scream "Pap pap I have to be buckled up!" LOL

Emmaline I have heard of ankolosing spondilitis. That's a very strange word. 2 of our Mayors in Pittsburgh PA had it. That's when I first heard of it and thought it was strange that 2 mayors had it. Very debilitating. Sorry to hear you are dealing with it.

I'm not sure, but I think one of my problems with my heart is something that is often caused by rheumatic fever in childhood but I never had it. It's unfair that you have been hit with so much. But life is not always fair, is it?

Well I was saved from all the transporting of children and car seats! Dh's appt was very brief and he got home in time to do it! :D This morning we got to see our youngest gd who is nearly 5 mo now. She has grown so much since we last saw her. She is now rolling both ways and is trying to crawl, usually ends up scooting backwards but she's working on it. Carol we have fam with us now because there lease was up and they couldn't go month to month so had to move out and are looking for a house to buy. The landlords/management co didn't even give them 30 day notice, so no time to find anything. Renting is very difficult up here. I didn't know that until my kids had this problem.

Now I need to figure out what to fix for dinner..

That's a shame that they had problems with renting, but they are lucky you had the room for them to stay with you for a while. I hope they find something soon.

I made stuffed peppers for dinner. They were delicious, if I do say so myself! And I do! That's something quick and easy.

After dinner, I realized I hadn't taken any of my meds all day. When I got up this morning it was around 5 AM and I decided to wait and take the meds around 7, then forgot all about them. I checked my blood sugar and it was 167. I didn't check my fasting so I don't know what it was when I got up, but 167 isn't bad for no meds. I took my 2mg Amaryl then and probably won't need any more tonight, as I don't plan on eating any more.

CarolSue Stuffed Peppers sound delicious even after I've eaten supper! Describe what you put in yours and procedure, please. I don't cook any more, but that is one thing I may do again.

Your heart issue as well as blood sugar has got to be a real hassle. I need to be more thankful how few problems I really have.

Low energy is the one that bothers me the most. Too many days I have to really, really push myself to get things done except to read a good book. I can read for hours and never think of anything else.

DH cut down some over grown shrubs in back corner and we now have an area about the size of a twin bed that is free of those shrubs. I'll move the Lenten Rose into that area tomorrow where it will look good and do well. I have a beautiful white Day lily with purple throat that would look good in the hole that will be left. Near by I'm planting some Purple Dome Asters that already have some blooms. Funny, but I bet I'll have energy for that! Supposed to be about 77 degrees tomorrow instead of the almost 90 we have today. I do find energy when I'm in garden.

Mary Sorry about your son's lease messing them up. Good luck with those care seats. I made straps and seats for our children back in the 60's so we could travel safe. I covered blocks of wood with padding and a cleanable cover so they could sit up higher and the straps went around the back of the seat. Worked! I was thrilled when seat belts first came out. Our oldest daughter STILL refuses to wear one even tho she has been fined at least twice when caught without a seat belt. She was the one who always did what I told her not to do and even tho in her 50's is still that way. Her daughter is same, of course. Funny, her son is a careful rule follower. Where did he get that? Not from my Son-in-law, he is just like our daughter.

Emmaline So sorry about your pain and limited activity. Yes, loosing weight would be even harder. I need to stop complaining. Today with good full body massage, she worked on my back quite a while. I have a very, very strong back and I bet it hasn't hurt over 1/2 dozen times in my life. Something else to thank God for.

Do you have medication to help the disability? Glad to know you have a great help. Some days I envy you the help, but not the pain!

Pat made the best and healthiest salad for supper after I was hot from house cleaning and DH was hot from heavy yard work. It tasted really, really good. She is still tired after manning a booth to sell her artwork at a festival on the grounds of a local university. She bragged on the marvelous volunteers who brought her coffee, watched her booth to let her take potty breaks, and even helped transport all her stuff back to her van. Hope she braggs on them in the local newspaper.

Book club tomorrow but the garden calls me. Cool day, and new area are too tempting to leave. I failed to read the book they'll discuss but I do enjoy going to socialize. Still, I'll be here instead.

Laughing at Carol Sue's dog counting her as "in charge." Thought this was to be your husband's dog. The bell on the coffee maker was very interesting.