Fibromyalgia # 179
 

Hope this works

Yesterday's post got lost. hey Anne-can you get a sticky on yhis?
Wow-3 days of therapy and I walked with no pain-the boot helps too. I wear it during the day.
I finally got some shoes at Goodwill to put my orthotics in for dress.
What an ice storm back home. Angela called in the morning quite upset. but she could go to her sister's . Bobby and Pam and friends went to a hotel and Ct was spared. We haven't heard from Dennis. My brother has a generator,
We are taking Evan and Alison to the Christmas Pageant at church-the first half is like a Broadway show-the second part is the Resurrection/What can I say-we are Baptists.
We foind out that we can order Brad;s diabetic suppies from a company-Walmart said we had to pay.
Bue for now-Mima

Hey There
 

Hello Everybody- I don't have a lot to post ,but, I guess if I don't I won't get your posts..
I am still really busy trying to finish up the the gifts I am making..
My sisters companion died this past week so I will have to put aside to go to that memorial.. I didn't care for him ,but, he was her choise.. I will go for her sake.
Our brother from AZ. will come down .Her companions sons will come from NY and VA. They were not there when he passed.Now I guess we will see how much hits the fan.. I am going to step way back..
My daughter and her family will be here for Christmas as will our son and his wifes family. We will quiet a crowd. Hopefully I will have a lot of help.. You never know.
I like walmart but they are like everyone else. Out for the money and I find a lot of times won't give out helpful advice.. Our meds cost over 500 a month. They make their share of profit from me..
Hope everyone is having a good weekend...Joanne

Mima glad you are getting foot relief..If I just stay off of mine it feels better.

Joanne..does your family stay with you? Hope the funeral goes well for your sis's sake.

Got more gifts wrapped but need top get to bed, really windy here so noisey but no ice untill Sunday night.

Hey Kate, Happy and Meme.......

Good morning everyone! Another chilly day in the sunshine state and it's cloudy too. Somewhere in the 60's for temps. Where is all this warmth and sunshine we usually have?? Entertaining guests again this weekend but this time I will be delegating supplies for the grilled pizza party. I'll make the whole wheat crusts and caramelized onions, someone can bring the cheeses and toppings, and someone can make a large salad. BYOB too. Finally finished cookies and distributed them so I can relax for a bit. And yahoo! Hubby goes back on days next week so we can live a more normal life for at least a week.....finally will get some sleep! Now I need a good fudge recipe....anyone? Joanne, sounds like a disaster heading your way with the family of your sister's companion coming to town. All I can say is I have seen some disturbing issues before with family passings and the best advice is to duck and stay low! I have only a sister left up north who just moved back to our hometown from California. She lived in the sonoma valley area for 25 years and decided to move "back home" to be closer to her two adult kids. I won't get into that though, as I feel the same way about those two as Joanne does about her sister's companion....Hope everyone is doing well and enjoying their family and friends. Will check back later.
Kate

Hi. Sorry to be away for so long, but had a lot of working to do this past week. On Thursday, I hurt my darn back, so am having trouble sitting, laying, standing for long. Ended up sleeping in my recliner for a few hours last night. That seems to be the most comfortable. Great support in that chair for the lower back.

Mima - glad your foot feels better. I had tried acupuncture for that, and it hurt so badly and didn't seem to do much. I finally bought some Orthodics, that the Dr. wrote me a precription for. They were $50.00 and he told me they did just as much good as the expensive ones you have made. In any case, it worked and I haven't had any problem with it since. Hope it stays that way, because it was very painful.

Candice - glad you are getting done, but you really need to start sleeping more regular hours.

Joanne - sounds like you will have a housefull for Christmas. Too bad about your sister losing her partner and especially at this time of year. That's tough. Hope all goes well.

Tammy - are you gone yet? and if not, when do you leave.

Kate - here is a simple recipe for fudge. I nabbed it off the net, and a friend of mine made it and said it was easy, fast and delicious. What more could a person want?

Do you go to pot-lucks ? Do you have a few people you would like to give a small
gift to over the holidays ? Do you like good (BUT VERY EASY) things ? Have I
got a treat for you. This little fudge recipe is great -- and delicious -- best of all it is SOOOOOOOOOOOOO easy !!!! You will be a hit and well, just give it a try -- You'll see whay I'm raving. I use Snicker bars -- but you can use your own favorite chocolate bar.

Ingredients
1 can sweetened condensed milk
12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tsp. vanilla
3 Snickers, or Milky Way candy bars, cut into chunks
Microwave together and pour into 9x9 buttered dish.

Directions
Microwave chocolate and milk on high for two minutes.
After one minute stir to keep from burning

It is snowing and blowing and downright cold here. Tomorrow the high for the day will be -27C so it is almost 30 below zero, which it will be during the night. Going to stay cold until the 24 Dec., and then it will get up to 0C (32F). So, we will have a white, warm, Christmas.

Got to get up from this computer and put some heat on my back. Just had ice on it for 20 minutes.

Have a good day.

Hey There
 

Candice- The only ones staying with me will be my daughter and her hubby and my G /daughter.. The others live close by and will just come for a few hours and of course to eat.
Kate- I hope the service for my sisters companion will go fine.. I plan to just leave if there is any problems..I have heard that the sons and their family are something to deal with..I don't need any of that..There will be plenty of other members of the family there to handle whatever happens..
Hello Everybody
Joanne

Funer als are difficult=its easier when people have faith-its easier to put everything in perspective. Suzanne had to go to a service yesterday-the daighter of the dj she had that Jim was close to got killed. Hope it goes well for you Joanne.
Oh Anne-your poor back-it seems that it happens once in a while to any of us. Love that fudge recipe-I may try it. But nor give it to Brad.
Medicare pays for diabetic supplies but I think you have yo go through a supplier.
Our house back home has no elec and there are trees down but they didn't hurt anything except fall on the mailbox which Dennis thinks the repair people will take care of. Bobby and Angela got their electric back.
We went to the Christmas pageant. Evan was good-he took a nap during the second part, I cried because there was a story about a soldier coming home and then Pastor sang I'll be home for Christmas-Alison and I were thinking of Jim and Al's best friend is also in Afghanistan.But the whole show was awesome.
I ahve an appt everyday next week. But foot was good yesterday-hurts today. Have a great Sunday.Mima

I'm going to the doctor soon because I believe I have fibromyalgia, I'm 47 and I'm in pain all the time , I know the extra weight needs to go but I'm to young to feel this old can anyone give me some pointers on how keep the pain level down

Hey There
 

Texas2lip- Welcome- The best advice I can give is go to a good Dr. and get a diagnosis. Then work on your weight. There are some good support groups like Tops or Weight Watchers.. I have been to both and they are good..
Mima- You are right.. I just am anxious about this one.. His sons have been at odds with my sister ever since they got together..I think they think she is going to take something from them..If she does get something ,she deserves it.
Hello everybody...Joanne

I ment to get back here and post but fell asleep watching a movie on TBS...then got up and worked some more and then went and layed down in the master bedroom and fell asleep again..ahhh..some much needed rest! Happy aren't ya glad!LOL I know I gotta do better but doing these hoidays it is very hard! The past 3 years have been very hard!!!!!!!!

Weather permitting I go to the new internist Tuesday at 9 AM for bloodwork and to see if I really need a neurologist. DH is supposed to take me since the weather is icy.


DH proceeds to tell me the snowman blew over and the lights were not working, so he brought him in. He cannot fix anything! So it is 10pm and freezing cold raining and windy and I am working on the outside lights and putting the snowman back out. My hair is matted to my head!LOL (wet wet wet) Seems the light problems is due to an overload (the way the hosue is wired) so I had to figure out how to run the cords to diff outlets....... there are only a few and the new one we added is the problem. It was run off of another room in the hosue that we thought we would not be using but that is where my computer is set up right now .... will have to figure this one out later but for now everything is working but two bushes.....with ice coming not sure if they will ever get fixed..I am waiting for the wind to die down and the rain to take a break, and then I might go check them again.



Happy fudge sounds good...do you microwave it all at once..everything in the recipe or do add stuff at different times? Does have to be stored inthe fridg also?



I want to make something in the oven..just gotta find stuff:)

Mima...he ordered me the expensive orthotics....is that what you have? Sounds like Happy got off cheap. How can you wear shoes form G will? I would think you need new ones to fit right. I have a very hard foot to fit.

Joanne..good luck, hope your daughter helps you out and you can enjoy here stay.

Kate....what kind of wheat crust do yo make? Have fun:)

Tex...get a diagnosis or just keep stretching, moving, resting and eating better.....for now.....heat is helpful too fopr me.

The shoes work-they were Naturalizers. They just needed to be big enough for the orthotics.
Candice=Christmas is not just ornaments and lights. Watch the Nativity . Focus on the why of Christmas. Sorry about the preaching but I would like to see you not get anxious .
Well-Westminster is a huge mess-there will not be power for days=we have been talking to people. At least it will be warm-we may have to go home if the pipes freeze but the we have been fortunate do far. Brad keeps talking about selling the house and I keep listening.
we went to lunch with our friends after church. Don't go to a restaurant in the mall during Christmas =Brad couldn't find a place to park for a while.
But we had a nice time.
PT is in the afternoon which is nice,
Texas-nice of you to stop by=you need a good rheumotologist to diagnose, If you are not sleping well , he can help. And don't give in to it-Try some swimming at the Y-they have arthritis classes. And WW is very good. Hope you feel better. Bye Mima

Happy How big are the candy bars? I made it and used leftover Halloween candy bars I had in the freezer...but did not know how many....threw a bunch in!

the ice storm came before I could back out check the 2 bushes so they remain unlit..........

Mima..I'm not stressed out about the lights and stuff(well not totally)....this move has been so difficult for me and can't find anything, I like the decorating outside if it's not too cold out....but really I have to do everything around here, It gets old! DH is not good for much handyman work, he's a salesman...............he likes running after work with his friend and to get massages and stuff and here I sit, which I do not mind staying at home but he could show up and help me with stuff. He does not even want to try and learn anything to help me, says hire someone to help me.....duh...you can't find anyone when you need them. The girl that comes once in awhile to help me has not been here due to bad weather. Tha's my story and I'm stickin to it!:)

Good morning everyone! Another cloudy but warm day here in Florida. Warm weather due next few days....definitely not feeling like Christmas!
Hi Texas2slip....I was diagnosed by an Osteopathic doctor who was also an internist. Some people use Rheumatologists and some just a family PC. There are up to 11 or 12 "trigger points" that they test for sensitivity to determine a FM diagnosis along with other contributing factors such as sleep patterns, digestive health and pain levels. They may also do a sediment rate with a blood test. There is no definite single symptom but rather combinations of them which help with the determination. For pain management....good luck! Different strokes for different folks. My sanity and pain control comes from medication such as tramadol and ibuprofen. Others have good results with Lyrica and sometimes Cymbalta if there is depression involved. It's a matter of trial and error to find what works best for each individual. One thing is common among all FM people and that is as Mima said....don't give in to it. Stay as active as you can. It can be immobilizing if you let it take over so stay stretched and active as much as possible. There is an excellent web site for support of Fibromyalgia called http://www.fmaware.org. Good luck.

Candice, thanks for the fudge recipe. I did two batches using the following:

1 can evaporated milk
4C sugar
2 tsp vanilla
1/4 pound butter
18 oz. semi sweet chocolate drops
1 oz. bittersweet chocolate drops
1C chopped walnuts
1 15 oz. jar marshmellow fluff

And yes, mine does need to be stored in the fridge to keep the consistency correct but it tastes wonderful!! It also needs to be cooked about 7 minutes at a rolling boil. Yep, I had a couple of pieces :( Guess the scale won't be moving this week! And today I am making a batch of Butter Crunch! I found these great little Christmas tins at the Dollar Tree store and I am filling them up and giving them out. Need to get housework done this week as well. Now that hubby is working days, I can vacuumn and make lots of noise! Hope everyone is enjoying their day....Kate

Hello again. I post then I disappear. Christmas is hitting me much harder than I expected.

I went back to the other thread and wrote down some notes to make comments about. Then I read the new posts.

Kate, I used to do lots of decorating at the house we lived in before. I always had at least 8 trees lit and decorated. This place is too small for all of that, but next year I do plan to have more up than I do this year. I put up my ceramic tree, and I put Tim's 2-ft. tree in his bedroom. Loved the gingerbread lighthouse! Tim collects lighthouses. How can you live 1 1/2 hours from Disney and not be there all the time????? lol Guess who is a Disney fan?? Epcot is my favorite of the parks. It was 57 when I got up this morning, and just a short while ago it had dropped to 27!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mima, I read about that orange cake, and now I would like a piece. Glad you got those Gaither tickets. I know how much you enjoy them. Hope things are ok with the house back home.

Anne, I read your 12/3/08 message and it said you haven't had snow! WOw! We've had small amounts several times. Let us know how WW goes for you. I fell asleep in the recliner earlier today, and I slept for almost 3 hours! I must have been comfy too. I am going away this weekend with my best friends to the b&b we go to every December. We are going to be part of a Nativity scene in the little town! I want to be the angel!! Tim and I leave on Monday, and we'll be home Jan. 3. I am planning to take the laptop with me. That recipe sounds super yummy!!

Joanne, sorry to hear about the ulcer and the low blood. Take care of yourself. How cool that you are quilting a pillow for your daughter! I think I'll just come over on Christmas and join you and your family. Sorry to hear about your sister's companion. It's not Eleni, is it??

Candice, I had a shot in my heel several years ago, and I went back to work the next day. Had no problems.

Texas, welcome to the group! I was diagnosed at age 49, and I felt ancient at the time. I don't feel like a spring chicken now, but I feel better than I did 4 years ago because of the meds and exercise that I've been able to do. I have been doing water aerobics for about 3 years, and that has helped.

Bob and I belonged to the Eagles lodge here in town. Since he passed away, I go up there sometimes and just watch tv and chat with the bartenders (all women) and others that come in. Tonight is a Christmas party for the women's auxiliary, and I am going.

Hey There
 

Tammy- No it isn't Eleni..She is married to a wonderful guy.. It was my sister Mary.. She lived in Middletown ,N Y for about 30+ years and then moved down after she and her hubby called it quits.. The guy she was with for 7+ years died with leukemia..He was in his second round of chemo and got pneunomia.. He had no resistance..I am sorry for her but find it difficult to be around her much.. Trouble is her middle name..For some reason I am usually in her spotlight..I will do as much for her as she will let me.
I not only made 7 pillows but a afghan for my son and his wife. They will get 2 pillows..The rest of the gifts will be gift cards..It is easier as I never know what to give.. I would be happy for you to join us on Christmas day.. There will be 11 of us so what is one more..
Kate - It is supposed to be warm through Christmas.. That will make a lot of people who are down part of the year happy. I personally like enough cool that I don't have to run the heat or air..Big light bills I can do without..
Candice- I have no one to help me either.. That is one reason I don't put out a lot of decorations..I have asked my hubby a number of times to go with me to buy our Christmas. Not much response ,so I am just going to forget it..
Hello Mima-- Hope your holidays are going good.
Hello Happy and Meme..Joanne

Kate..the fudge recipe sounds great..do you have the WW fudge recipe..it is really easy too and tastes great.

Joanne....how come we married such old farts!!!!!! I think they are brothers!LOL

Hi Tammy....you seem to stay busy which is good. I do not have much out inside either since the is still no furniture. Did you get my pm of pics?

Gotta get to bed if I can fall asleep got to the internist at 8:30 AM, DH is going to drive me...we have terrible ice on the ground now and it's not melting and we get snow tomorrow. My snowman will not fall over now he is glued in position with the ice!LOL:D

Hi ... sorry I've been MIA. Had the crud. Temp, body aches, sneezing, coughing, snot ... you name it. Still not completely over it. GD, Daughter and best friend & her hubby all had it and now hubby is getting it. We like to share!

This ringing in my ears is about to drive me nuts. Went to the ENT Dr. and he said not much can be done. Went to the Neurologist and asked him if he thought it might be the Topomax causing it. He said, could be. So he's trying to get me off it and see ... hoping the migraines don't come back. Had a bad headache all day today. Can't win for losing ...

Raining here ... rain forcasted for the whole week - along with some ice and possibly snow.

I tried to read all of your posts. There were a LOT. Can't remember everything. I really want to try that easy fudge recipe, though.

I think we all married old farts! HA And mine is only 2 years older than me. Do your husbands 'listen' to you? I mean really listen. Do they hear what you are saying to them or do they do like mine and just nod when they should, etc. We just sat through a 12 week marriage class at church and I don't think it did one bit of good.

For once I got all my shopping done (on line), my cards done and my house is fairly clean ... and all way before Christmas. I hope to get my cakes baked in in the freezer this week then I'll only have to do pies and the cheese cake next week. This will be a first for me. I'm usually a last minute person. Hubby has off from Thur. to Mon. but we are not going anywhere this year. I'm staying home and taking it easy!

Tammy ... thinking about you. My dad died in November and that was a tough Christmas for me. My mom, dad and brother have all passed on now and Christmas was our family's favorite time of year so I still have some problems around this time.

Joanne, hope you feel better soon. Family can GIVE you an ulcer! What was your blood count ... did they tell you? I'm anemic, too.

Well, I'm going to bed, hello to everyone else and hope you have a nice week. We're having a very wet one here! Not good for what ails me! :p

So nice to hear from you, Meme. And sorry you were sick. I did a lot of online and gift cards and I only have 4 people to wrap gifts for-doing Christmas cards every day. I will bake some small breads to give away.
I know that move was difficult for you Candice-I still have nightmares about when I sold my house. And rib pains from lifting in the year 2000. My husband would do anything I asked him too but he doesn't finish things. Our new floor is done in the hall but there is no trim.And the closet at the end.
Oh tammy-my first Christmas was so awful after my husband died, I am thinking of you. A change of scenery is good.
Brad talks about going back home if the pipes freeze. What a disaster area back home. They don;t know whan the power will be back-they are working on Main St today. They have to fix all the poles etc first.
I am feeling punk-I have not been good eating-a little bread, ice cream. and cream soup=and then wham -my sinus membranes swell-not going to art and using the Netti pot.
Joanne-I will bet your pillows and afghans are gorgeous. I love to quilt too. After Christmas. I will finish Suzanne's wedding present.
Anne-hope you back is better.
I definitely will make some fudge,
When is that service, Joanne? Hope it goes ok.
My sil Jim did not see Bush but he saw Airforce One at the base.
Hope you are ok at the doc's, Camdice, Mima
Hi kate

Joanne, I didn't think it was Eleni if I was remembering right. We'll be in Georgia on Christmas Day, so at least I'll be closer to you than I am in Ohio! I did enjoy meeting you and Eleni when we were down there. Have no idea when I'll get back that way. I'd love to visit with Bob's nieces (daughters of his older brother who passed away many years ago), but I don't want to visit his brothers. They just irritate me so much. I don't know how brothers can be so different. I'm with you on the gift cards. When my nephews were helping move Tim's furniture home on Sunday, I gave them each cash for their Christmas. They were pretty tickled. Need to get some to my niece also. After the kids are out of college or in the working world, I don't buy anymore.

Candice, I'm glad you mentioned the PM and the pictures! What a beautiful home you have! When would you like us all to come and visit? I think a slumber party would be fun!!! We are expecting ice later today and overnight tonight. Tim and his gf are bringing a load of things from his apartment that he didn't have packed up on Sunday. Glad they are coming this morning and not tomorrow. I don't think people will be going many places if we get hit with what they are calling for. I can drive on snow, but ice is another story.

Meme, so glad to hear from you but not glad that you are feeling bad. I hope that things get worked out and the migraines don't return. Bob dealt with those for many years, and I remember the pain he was in. Good for you for having things done! I do have my shopping done, and things are wrapped. I only sent a few cards this year. Maybe next year. I haven't even started baking anything. I always take cookies to the neighbors but it's not going to happen before Christmas this year.

Mima, I like the idea of the small breads to give away. Maybe I'll try that sometime. I agree about the change of scenery being good for Christmas. I was thinking about when Bob and I were there in February, and I sat and smiled. Then I burst into tears. Oh well.

Today I get a haircut and have reflexology. I need to hit Wal Mart before I do that, so I should get moving. Need to get some things to take when I go with friends to the B&B this weekend, and also need a few things to take with us to Georgia.

Have a great day everyone!

Okay ladies, I must have missed a post here somewhere. What cake recipe of Mima's is everyone talking about?? I don't see this recipe anywhere....and how I love to cook! Neighbors are beginning to love me! I give a lot away since I can't eat most of it...and my first attempts at buttercrunch didn't work out too well yesterday. I kept getting the "crystallization" glob....seperated at the end and was a greasy mess. I tried it twice: turning down the heat on the boil the second time around and it still "broke". Got frustrated and called it quits after the second fiasco. Maybe I will try it again in a couple of days.
Very humid and warm here today. I am hoping to not have to turn on my A/C either, Joanne. I refuse to turn on the heat but the A/C can be just as bad and I hate giving money to FPL. Next few days is supposed to be above-normal temperatures too. Definitely not very "Christmas-y"
Waiting for hubby's new recliner to be delivered this morning....I guess he deserves it even if he is just another old fart! I keep calling him by his father's name which really gets to him because his dad can be a real pain-in-the-a**. We've been together 33 years (married 27 of them) so I can get away with it! Hope the furniture company doesn't screw up my schedule and is here when they said they would be....
Need to finish cleaning the kitchen so will check back later. Hope everyone has a great day!
Kate

Hey There
 

Kate - I got you beat.. I will be married 55 years the 26th of this month... And my hubby is an old fart and I call him much worse sometimes..It has been a struggle getting things done this year..
The memorial is tomorrow.. I am hoping to get through it and not lose my mind..I don't like to go to things like this anyhow.
I finished the pillows today.. Now I have to clean up that room and the rest of the house.. Still have some shopping to get done. Some I can't do till the last minute..I don't want to go to any stores Christmas eve..Last year I made the mistake of going for some last minute grocery.. The lines to the registers were clear to the back of the store..
Hello Everybody...Joanne

Kate.. cake recipes?????????? Happy posted a fudge recipe. I think we all like to cook here and eat!LOL

Mima..Trip to the new doc(internal med) went well ,she is very nice and young! I get an MRI on my head MOnday, just to rule out things. My blurred vision has been pretty good lately.

Snow..shovel..snow.. shovel..this is getting old. Have a hudge lump in my wrist and pain when lifting a glass or something from the shoveling. I have a wrist splint here I am wearing on it when I do heavy stuff but I can't type with it. May not beable to bake any more.....oh no! Gotta wrap too and cook Christmas eve...........I bought a big turkey breast to roast.

My old fart is younger than me! and MEME no he does not listen....I will say to him when he begins to knod "LISTEN TO ME"...are you listening to me...to get his attention. Then a few days later he will ask me something that I told him already or explained to him..makes me so mad..and I will say "who are you living with" I already told you that!LOL

Joanne...thinking of you..glad all your pillows are done. Clean up no fun...

Tammy, you are doing great and I know Bob would be proud of you. I do not care for DH's brothers either. Glad you got the pics..it was not working right when I sent them and had to do it twice.

Happy come and play.....

I sat for awhile in the sunroom with the dog and watched the snow fall on the frozen lake and one little goose running around. It is so pretty when it first falls before "man" messes it up! LOL

Candice-I don't think you shuld be shoveling/ Fibros cannot do stuff that hurts like that. Hope the test is ok. Glad you like doc-hope i feel the same way today.
No elec back home today. But they are getting closer.
I cannot walk around with that boot-figured out it maked my back hurt,
You have a nice day planned-Tammy, You are smart to go slow.
Brad was up before me-tv on and talk. I like to get up and read the Bible and meditation book and write in my prayer journal. I told him Quiet time had the word quiet in it. So he went and ate and read himself-now he is quiet. I think he has add. But I am crabby because I took an extra prednisone for my sinuses/ I need to go back to bed.
Snowing back home.
My pension fund lost 12 million in that Ponzi scheme.
Kate-I buy bread mixes-got gingerbread and some frosting. I know it would be rewarding to do from scratch but I spend all my time at PT and doc;s.
Bye for now. Mima

Okay, I got it now regarding the recipe! I was confusing Happy and Mima's post, sorry!! I need to pay closer attention....although a cake recipe sounds good. Maybe a red velvet one for Christmas dinner dessert?? Mima, I used to make all kinds of tea breads for Christmas but not so much now. Pumpkin bread and cranberry nut were the popular ones for this time of year. I have all I can do to get the cookies made and even that felt a little overwhelming this year. I think next year I will not bake so much, and only when the mood strikes me. Hopefully my feelings about all food will be different by next Christmas as I need to lose a lot of weight.... and holidays do make it more difficult. I mean, who really wants to eat a roast turkey dinner without the mashed potatoes and stuffing?? To me, that makes the meal.....and just an itty-bitty 1/2 cup of each hardly seems worth the effort for two people. If I watch my carbohydrate intake for a week prior to the meal I could probably pull it off but then what do I do with the leftovers? Too many opportunities there to over-indulge for me....best to avoid it altogether.
Off to do some bargin shopping....coffee is on sale. Hope everyone is having a great week so far. I won't complain about my FM today even though it is becoming an uncomfortable morning.....I need to keep a positive attitude today. Bye for now, Kate

Ok Candice, I will come out and play. My back is still not doing well, and I find it hard to sit, stand or lay - so I have to take turns. It just soooo much when I have to get up.

Here's a recipe for you all, just in case you really need a fix. Share it with somebody. It's easy and it's pretty good.

Chocolate Mug Cake

4 TBSP cake flour (not self rising)
4 TBSP Sugar
2 TBSP baking cocoa
1 egg
3 TBSP Milk
3 TBSP oil
3 TBSP chocolate chips (optional)
a small splash of vanilla
1 coffee mug

Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well.
Add the egg and mix thoroughly
Pour in the milk and oil and mix well.
Add the chocolate chips and vanilla and mix again.

Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes (1000 watt power) The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed.

Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate, if desired.

EAT! This can serve 2 if you want to feel slightly more virtuous

Any why is this the most dangerous cake recipe in the world?? Because now we are all only 5 minutes away from chocolate cake at any time of the day or night.

.........
Now, Candice,you should NOT be out shovelling walks. What a killer job that is. I used to do it, and I really enjoyed doing it, but it is one of the things that got laid to rest.

Kate - It's a really bad time of year for dieting. I baked cookies yesterday, and they sure did taste good, but I should NOT have been eating them. I wasn't going to do much baking, but then my kids started and wanted to know if I was making ginger snaps, peppernuts, sugar cookies, and on and on it went. Told them I would make each of them their favorite cookies, but then they only eat a few and I'm stuck with the rest. Good thing my gals at work like to eat these things.

I say ENJOY Christmas dinner. If you and hubby are both on a restricted diet, then toss the rest and don't feel bad about it - it's only one day. Try to be good the rest of the time.

Mima - I had to wear the boot when I broke my foot and it was hard on the back. I had to wear the thing, so I went a bought a pair of shoes that would be the same height and it worked ok. That Ponzi scheme was something else, and the fellow sure did a good job of swindling people.

Meme - nice to see you make an appearance. Sorry you have been ill. Hopefully, you will all be better by Christmas.

Tammy - (((((hugs))))) for you. I know this must be such a tough time for you. Glad you are going to get away for a bit. It will be good for you. How is the puppy doing?

JoAnn - nice that your daughter is getting home for Christmas. Just hope you are feeling better.

It is a snowy, blowy day, and I have to go get my haircut. I sure picked a winner of a day. Then, we are having a potluck lunch at work, so I will go there when I am done. I need to go back to see the Chiro as well, but I am NOT driving on the highway, and not sure if hubby is busy at work or not. If not, perhaps he will drive me.

Hope you all enjoy the day.

HI happy..I'm very tired..gotta go lay down for a bit..recipe sounds good and easy..thanks.

Anne, if you're using plain flour in the cake recipe ... what is your rising agent? There is no soda or anything listed in the ingredients.

I can't believe how much Ginger and Candice's Jasper look alike. When I get time, I'll try to put their pictures on here together. Except for Jasper's mustache you can't tell them apart. Ginger is getting a haircut Friday so hopefully she will look a little better than she does now.

Well, it is almost 2 a.m. I've gotta get to bed. I didn't get much done today, need to get groceries tomorrow and have kids Fri. This rain is about to kill me. It has rained every day this week (all day) and is supposed to rain all the way through 'till Monday. Don't know if I'm gonna make it!

Good morning-still no power at home but praying for today. It was 42 in there yesterday but it's going to be colder. Brad's bro said he would drain the pipes. We really got hiy hard.
Anne-so sorry your back still hurts.
I went to new doc-don't have a lot of confidence in him. He gave me tramadol but I am afraid to take it because I take 2 low doses of antidepresssants at night and he saw my list. Pharmacist said it doesn't absorb as well and did I ever have a seizure/ ??? I think I might call Dr ramey .
He is more of a take charge person.
Who takes tramadol-I am thinking it's Kate and Meme couldn't take it.
Still have a sinus headache-my remedies are not working. Want to go to the chiro but this one place wants my xrays or i will have to get new ones. I am working on that.
Anne-does your chiro use electrical stimulation on your back-that helps me big time.
Went to church last night-message was that God is in charge.
Boy those recipes sound good. My mother was the best baker!!!! She would make Spritz at Christmas=yum. Glad I wasn't wheat sensitive then.
Anne-you must know about them.
Hi Joanne and all. Mima

Hi. Mima - hope they get the power back on soon. Feel sorry for people who lose that, especially if they have deep freezes etc. We are so reliant on these things, and a lot of homes in Canada are heated by electricity as well.
My Mom used to make those Spritz cookies and my hubby's cousin makes them every year (Danish Butter Cookies).

Meme - I wondered about that as well, but the egg must do it. It rose just fine :lol: You have rain, and we have snow and -30!

Yesterday, I had a hair appointment for 10:00 a.m. booked weeks ago. You just can't change that at this time of the year. I slid downtown, as it had snowed, and it was icy. After I was finished there, I just had to drive 3 blocks to work, for a potluck lunch we were having. Then I came home. It had started to get colder and colder, and seems, more and more icy. I sure was happy to get my feet on the ground.

Last night, we had to go out for dinner to a friends house. As she lives just outside of Red Deer in the country, we had to go on the Highway. Well, we turned on and everything was fine for a few minutes, and then we hit the line up. What should have been a 10 minute drive, turned out to be 45 minutes and we were lucky. If we had to go further down the highway, it would have been up to 4 hours - so many accidents. People just spinning off into the ditch. They drive like maniacs around here at times, and people don't stop to think about the ice. I think they said no MAJOR injuries, thank goodness.

Everybody have a nice day. I am heading off to the chiropractor again this morning. Hubby will come drive me. Again, not so brave!

Good morning everyone, Thanks for the mug cake recipe Candice. I'm almost afraid to try it....can't keep losing weight trying these little ditties...;)
Mima, it sounds like you have definitely had your share of problems. I hope you can find some relief soon. Yes, it is me that takes the Tramadol. I find it has helped more than other meds. I just have to remember to take it on schedule to avoid the flair-ups that take forever to get control of. I take 2 tablets first thing in the morning with 2 ibuprofen and 2 again in the afternoon around 3-4. Sometimes I might need to take 1 around noon if it's a bad day. They don't make me feel like I am walking around in a fog like the other pain meds do so I like that part of it. I can function normally and for a big gal, I am very active....on the go all day long. But because Tramadol is codeine based, I can see why some people might have a problem taking it. It seems to affect breathing, can cause stomach ills and can constipate you. I have had none of the above so I am fortunate.
Need to get my pizza sauce on for Saturday night. I like to make it a couple of days ahead to "marry" the flavors. Making Chicken en Papillote tonight which is great because it is easy and mess free. Hubby starts his 2 weeks off today...not returning to work until after the holidays. Just wish they paid him for the whole two weeks and not just the two holiday days. Such is life! We'll just have to make do with the stocked freezer. And Happy, I did buy a small turkey breast for Christmas dinner. I will make a whole wheat stuffing and mashed sweet potatoes to go with it. Not sure about throwing out the leftovers though...my mother was a very frugal woman and would roll over in her grave if I threw out any food! I even make bread crumbs from my stale whole wheat bread slices and freeze little bags of them. And I grate off lemons and oranges when I use them and store the rind in the freezer as well for those recipes that call for flavors in my mediterranian dishes. Do I sound nuts?? Oh well...I am convinced we do become our mothers.
I hope everyone has a great day....off to get that sauce on. Kate

Thanks Kate-I took 1 37.5 and it really worked but I couldn't go back to sleep this am and could not take a nap. Now i have to drive so I did not take another one. I took an extra strength tylenol. Put a call into my rheumo at home and the nurse is going to check with doc about interaction with anti -depressants.
Tenant has bronchitis and pneumonia-can't go to the shelter because he doesn't want to leave his dog. Slept in his car-sure hope the power goes back on.
PT Bye Mima

Hi Mima, sorry to see your tenant has no place to go with his dog...I can relate as I am a HUGE animal lover. I would never leave my pet behind and God knows there are not enough shelters that take pets. I hope they find suitable accomodations.....or that the power is on soon. I will think positive thoughts for them.
The Tramadol tablets dispensed all read 37.5 mg. That must be the standard dosage. Depending on your situation, you can double the dose......just be sure to note any difficulties with breathing as that seems to be the number one concern. I personally don't see the issue with this but there must be some history of side effects marking this problem. I hope this works for you. I too have issues falling asleep at night. Once I get "there" I am fine but the actual relaxing and dozing off is hard to come by. I've started taking 3 mg of an all natural melatonin at night but have these weird dreams with it . Not sure what causes the initial sleep inducement issue but once I relax and get comfortable, I sleep deep and sound. It could be related to my diet as well. Protein gives your body extra energy and if I don't burn it off during the day, it might be what is keeping me wide-eyed at night. When I get tired enough, I will sleep regardless...and here's one for all you dog-lovers out there. Great Pyrenees are notoriously nocturnal...yep, all night-in-your-face-attention-barkers!! Only a few nights a month and usually during the full moon phase but what an experience. Makes you want to leave home sometimes. Love my girl to death but didn't see this in the breed discription. :)
I wish everyone a good evening. Kate

Ice :eek:

The power is on-like a person on death row-a last minute intervention-Praise God. And we thank a;; who helped us durng the week.
My rheumo back home does not want me to take that med. He's concerned about it's addictive property among other things. I will save it for when one of us is in a lot of pain. It's only my back and foot now. And I couldn't sleep all day-no back to bed and no nap.But it did work. And it seems to work for you, Kate. Maybe they can get together and agree on something, After Christmas. Doc at home is going to be off-he has 7 kids and his wife died in 2001-he is a saint,
Well-6 hours sleep- we took our neighbor to see her husband in the hospital and then out to eat, We shopped for shoes but as usual, I couldn't find my size.
Bye for now-Mima

Mima, glad the power came back on...ours is going on and off all night, we have lots of ice out there now....what is tramadol???????????Does it have another name?

Good morning everyone! Another beautiful day in Florida! Sorry, don't mean to rub it in to you folks in ice country:). Mima, so glad to hear the power is back on and everyone will be warm and safe. On another note, I do hope your doctors find something they agree on AND that it works for you. Candice, another name for Tramadol is Ultram, but I believe Ultram has added acetominophen. I was given the Tramadol because I take ibuprofen with it. Tylenol (acetominophen) doesn't seem to work for me. Actually Mima, I didn't think it was considered a high risk med for addiction....not like Vicodin or Percoset. And I can get it through my insurance's mail-order pharmacy so it must not be considered a "class?" substance or they wouldn't accept the prescription to mail out with 90 day refills. Strange? Who can understand the way these health companies and doctors work now a days!
Hubby is home for two weeks now....not sure if this is going to be good or not! My routine doesn't need any interferences so if he gets annoying I'll just start asking him to do things.... he will disappear fast enough! :) Hope everyone stays warm and enjoys the day.
Kate

Tramadol can be very addictive ... depending on how often you take it. I have some but don't take it very often. If I take it during the day, it makes me sleepy; if I take it at night, I sleep good for about 4-5 hours then wake up and can't go back to sleep. It does help the pain, though. I actually like Darvocet better. I can take it during the day without feeling druged out of my mind and I can take it at night for pain. I have taken it for years yet have never become addicted to it. Sometimes, when I hit a good (maybe I should just say 'better') spell, I'll make myself lay off of it for a few days just to make sure I'm NOT addicted. I usually take one or two a day on semi-bad days ... today (a dark, rainy, foggy day) I've had three!! Don't usually have that many. I also like liquid Tylenol in the mornings with a hot shower ... gets me going. I think with any pain medication and especially an opiate based pain med. you need to get yourself off it for a few days at least once a month if you are taking it regularly and make sure you are not addicted!

MORE INFO ON TRAMADOL ADDICTION:

Tramadol is a narcotic-like pain reliever.

Tramadol is used to treat moderate to severe pain. Tramadol extended-release is used to treat moderate to severe chronic pain when treatment is needed around the clock.

Tramadol may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about tramadol
You should not take tramadol if you have ever been addicted to drugs or alcohol.
Seizures (convulsions) have occurred in some people taking tramadol. You may be more likely to have a seizure while taking tramadol if you have a history of seizures or head injury, a metabolic disorder, or if you are taking certain medicines such as antidepressants, muscle relaxers, or medicine for nausea and vomiting.

Take tramadol exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take it in larger doses or for longer than recommended by your doctor. Do not take more than 300 milligrams of tramadol in one day.

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. A tramadol overdose can be fatal. Overdose symptoms of a tramadol overdose may include drowsiness, shallow breathing, slow heartbeat, extreme weakness, cold or clammy skin, feeling light-headed, fainting, or coma. Tramadol may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Tramadol should never be given to another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it. Tramadol can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Do not stop using tramadol suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, sweating, nausea, diarrhea, tremors, chills, hallucinations, trouble sleeping, or breathing problems. Talk to your doctor about how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when stopping the medication. Do not crush the tramadol tablet. This medicine is for oral (by mouth) use only. Powder from a crushed tablet should not be inhaled or diluted with liquid and injected into the body. Using this medicine by inhalation or injection can cause life-threatening side effects, overdose, or death.
Before taking tramadol
You should not take tramadol if you have ever been addicted to drugs or alcohol, if you are currently intoxicated (drunk), or if you have recently used any of the following drugs:
alcohol;

narcotic pain medicine;

sedatives or tranquilizers (such as Valium);

medicine for depression or anxiety;

medicine for mental illness (such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia); or

street drugs.

Seizures have occurred in some people taking tramadol. Your risk of a seizure may be higher if you have any of these conditions:

a history of drug or alcohol addiction;

a history of epilepsy or other seizure disorder;

a history of head injury;

a metabolic disorder; or

if you are also taking an antidepressant, muscle relaxer, or medicine for nausea and vomiting.

Tramadol may be habit-forming. Tell your doctor if you feel the medicine is not working as well in relieving your pain. Do not change your dose without talking to your doctor. Do not stop using tramadol suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, sweating, nausea, diarrhea, tremors, chills, hallucinations, trouble sleeping, or breathing problems. Talk to your doctor about how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when stopping the medication. Store tramadol at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep track of how many pills have been used from each new bottle of this medicine. Tramadol is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if any person in the household is using this medicine improperly or without a prescription.

Yikes!!! Well, I couldn't sleep-finally catching up but I am in so much heel pain.
Thinking of acupuncture. Chiro's office has it. It's almost 2 months!!
One of my friends called me last night-she is spending her first Christmas as a widow. I should have called her. She thanked me for how nice I was when her husband was dying. I felt bad because I hadn't been in touch.
Brad wants to go to BJ's. Wonder if they have electric shopping carts.
I can't let him go alone.
Tenant is quite sick. That always means no rent but I feel bad and hope he gets well-no pipes froze. thank God. I called my brother because he said he would go over there today-I said no leaks-he thought I said no heat and why
hadn't I called him in the morning. Duh!!!
Bye for now. Mima

Good morning all, Another one of those Florida days.... but I am jealous of those who will have a white Christmas!! (Hope that makes the snow country folks feel better.) Meme, I was so surprised with all that info you posted for Tramadol. Even the drug info sheet that comes with my prescription didn't mention all that stuff. See what I mean about these doctors and pharmacy companies? Never can tell what's what with the way they do things....
I am fortunate by the sounds of your info that this medication works for me. I don't feel any different when taking it other than lessening of discomfort of the FM. As for the addiction, hopefully not, since I have often forgotten to take it and have had no ill effects.
Our neighbor just had surgery yesterday for a malignant tumor on his adrenal gland. I sure hope they got it all. This is the 3rd round for him (having had radiation and chemo already) so we hope this will buy him a few more years.
Off to finish my prep for pizzas tonight. Company coming so it should be a fun evening. Hope everyone enjoys their day.
Kate