Kate..sounds like our weather! Soup sounds good but what is the splenda for..could you leave it out?..and I would probably add more tomatoes.

Meme....you sound so much like me! ..and we have dogs to match!LOL

Mima..frozen pipes..what a pain.....hope you get it taken care of.

Tammy....I would like Kate's fish too!

Joanne..let us no about DH....glad he is going to the doc.

My poor toe is hurting not sure when I will get a shoe on. I had all my soaking stuff and clean bandages laid out and the dog chewed them up..he is such a stinker! Here is a pic of the nailess toe...the dark part is what I smashed and the light part is the new nail he took off near the bottom, said it needed to come off to so he could clean the nail bed up from all the bleeding. Gross I know!

Good morning.

Mima - sorry you went home to frozen pipes, but it's a good thing you got their before they burst. If you are going to live pt in Florida, it would be smarter to buy a small condo to have, as that way you can leave it, and not worry. My brother and his wife, lived in a 5th wheel for 3 or 4 years, before they bought a condo here, and had a modular home put on their lot in YUMA. Now, they have a camper, for when they want to travel elsewhere.

Kate - Don't you like that nice fresh air???? We broke records here the past while, with it being 6 consecutive days above 32F for the month of January. NEVER before has that happened. Heavens, it was up in the 50's one day. It is heading to -8F tonight, so a bit cooler for a few days, but next week again, it is going to be around 30F. It sure helps shorten winter when it is nice out. That soup sounds good. Here is a recipe for Cabbage Soup that I made the other night, and I really enjoyed it.

Smart Cabbage Soup

1 (28-oz.) can unsalted diced tomatoes
4 cups fat free, reduced-sodium beef broth
1/2 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 large or 2 small bay leaves
1/2 tsp. whole black peppercorns
1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/4 cups diced carrots
1 cup diced green bell pepper
1 cup diced celery
1 cup diced onion
2 pound cabbage, quartered, cored and cut crosswise into 3/4-inch
strips
3/4 cup chopped scallions, green and white parts
5 oz. white mushrooms, stemmed and thickly sliced

In large Dutch oven or heavy soup pot, heat oil over medium-high
heat. Sauté carrots, green pepper, celery and onion until moist, 3
minutes. Add cabbage, 3 to 4 handfuls at a time, stirring until it
collapses, 2 to 3 minutes. Add scallions and mushrooms and cook
until vegetables look moist, 4 minutes. Cover, reduce heat to medium-
low, and cook for 8 minutes, until vegetables let their juices out.

Add tomatoes, with their liquid, to vegetables. Add broth, parsley,
garlic, bay leaf, peppercorns and red pepper, if using. Bring liquid
to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer until vegetables are tender,
40 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Serve hot. Or cool to room temperature and refrigerate up to 4 days.
Reheat over medium heat before serving.

Note: For variety, when reheating the soup, add red kidney or
cannelini beans, or small turkey meatballs that cook in the soup. Or
serve with a dollop of reduced-fat sour cream and some chopped dill.

Makes 12 servings.

Per serving: 70 calories, 1.5 g total fat (0 g saturated fat), 11 g
carbohydrate,
3 g protein, 4 g dietary fiber, 230 mg sodium.


Candice - Have I told you, how nice it is to come here and see your name on the board, again?? Hope your toe gets better. Is it cut or what are the bandages for? Somehow, I must of missed that. My toe is still giving me grief as well. I don't think the anti-infammatories are working, so I guess I will have to go back to the Dr - AGAIN!! I know that Voltaren is a prescription, as the Dr. used to precribe it for me; however, just withing the past week, they have made it an over the counter thing. Don't know it is as strong as what the Dr. would give you or not. In any case, I have been putting it on my foot and it is NOT helping. It sure slows a person down, when you have a sore foot!

Joanne - I hope hubby is feeling better today. Let us know. Now you said you had lost a bunch of weight. Hope it isn't because you have not been well; I know you are happy about it, but it sure does make a difference on how and why you lost it.

Tammy - How is your little poochie doing? How is the diet going? I seem to be stuck here.

Well stress and FM = Pain. My GF (who I have know forever, more like a sister) brother passed away (know him since he was 2 yrs old). It was unexpected- had some kind of seizure. He was 57. Funeral is today. I keep seeing, in my minds eye, this little boy, that used to come to my house, everyday at lunch time to visit my dad, and the young boy and then the man he had become. It's such a sad day.

Also, my other gf, who I have known since I was 6 yrs old, is having a 3rd brain surgery on Monday. This time the tumor is on the brainstem, and it is much more serious than the other ones were. She had a "bad" feeling about it this time, as it could leave her paralyzed, or in a vegetative state, or kill her, or it could all come out ok. EVERYTHING we do, goes through the brainstem. If you could find a moment to sent a prayer up for her .. her name is Susan.

So now you all know how MY week was!! Found it hard to stick to anything, as all I really wanted to do was EAT chocolate. Had to fight with MYSELF to try to be good.

Hope you all have a good day.

Wow-sorry about your friends , Anne. It makes us know we are not immortal.
I am sitting in 46 degrees because we turned the heat down upstairs and moved into the apt. That was a job-Brad and his friend brought the queen size matteress down and put it on the floor. I slept good.
had a massage but back is bad becuse of all the work -chiro tomorrow, Nice haircut and frost last night.
Dennis is doing better-we told his sister he can't come back to the apt. We cleaned wjhat we could yesterday-the bathroom was the worst and all the dog hair. We will go visit him tomorrow,
Going to bil's to take a shower. The pipes can't be fixed now-not til spring. Brad has water for the toilet and washing your hands. We are like campers!!
Bye-and hi everyone, The dog ate your bandages!! yikes-too funny.
Hope hubby is better, There is a cold going around-our neighbors in Fl have it.

Anne, Sorry about your friends. That's hard ... lost my best friend in the whole world several years ago to leukemia so I know how you feel. She was sick for 2 years before she died.

Well, the cold has finally let up some here. It's 48 out and the sun is shining ... although it's supposed to rain tomorrow. :( No school again today, though. There are still a few spots of snow scattered around. Our school super has no sense. When there is snow on the mountain he closes ALL the schools. There's only ONE school up there but instead of only closing that one he has all the kids in the whole county stay home. But, this is the third superintendent we've had since I've lived here that has done that so I guess they are all dumb! If I were in that position, I'd just close that one school, then if we had too many snow days (which we have done before) they would be the only school that would have to go into the summer to make them up. The board could make that decision if they agreed to. (Or perhaps I should say if they were smart enough to!)

Mima, not having water is rough. Makes me think of how our ancestors had to live ... wonder how they would react if we could bring them back to today's time? I read a book once about a teenage girl who went through a mirror in the attic and changed places with a great-great grandmother or something. They were both in their teens. The one from the past was amazed ... she had never seen a felt-tipped pen. One thing I remember her doing was washing the dishes by hand and putting them "away" in the dishwasher because she thought it was the 'dish-safe'! :p Good book ... title: The Mirror.

Candice ... that toe looks horrible. Makes me hurt just to look at it! YUCK! (Funny about the dog eating your bandages, though). Yes, I think we are a lot alike ... we decided that years ago didn't we? Our dog's names are even alike ... and they both like to eat paper stuff!!! (But at least I don't have a bloody toe) ;)

Kate that soup sounds good ... I'm hungry. I just may try it next week. I'm going to make chicken cassarole tonight. I have praise team practice so that's something I can make and leave on the stove for hubby when he gets home. I have the kids again today since school is out. And they are fighting today. Thank goodness one of them is leaving at 1 to go to a friend's house. Can't stand them all day!

Joanne, hope the doctor gets your hubby straightened out and you don't get that. That's all you need!

Hey Tammy. What have you been up to ... inquiring minds want to know? Read any good books lately? I saw yesterday where Ted Dekker has a new one out that he co-wrote with his editor (I think). It's about a girl who loses her memory and goes home. Then she says if she gets it back she's afraid she will die. Sounds good.

Hey There
 

Hello Everybody.. We say the Dr. today. Hubby has a virus. And I am on my way of getting it.. Sore throath (sp) don't feel like looking it up.. We got a double bottle of med incase I get it or have it.. For the cough . has codeine in it. I won't take it unless I have to.. I don't like the sleepy feeling when I can't think clear..
34 degrees here this am. Christie didn't know where to pee with the frost on the ground..She is so spoiled!!!
Back later ...Joanne

Oh boy, such a busy forum today!! Anne, so sorry about your friends. I just lost a close GF here this past year to cancer. She was diagnosed a year ago April with stage 4 and went through 2 weeks of radiation and 1 round of chemo. She was gone in a matter of months. She said she had absolutely no symptoms prior to her hip/back hurting. They discovered it had already metastisized to her bones and there was nothing they could do. It was a devasting thing to watch her go so quickly. I'll be sure to say a prayer for your friend Susan. And thanks for another soup recipe...always need some good cabbage soup recipes! My hubby is Polish (and half French/Canadian) don't you know!!
Candice, I think the splenda is in there to off-set the lemon juice but I am sure you can omit it with no problem. I also love tomatoes, so adding extra couldn't hurt! The calorie count is 80 calories per serving with mine. Good luck with your poor toe! Ouch is all I can say....
Mima, Mima....how brave you are to be up there in this weather with no water!! My first reaction would be to head for the nearest motel!! Good luck to you and I do hope things work out for your former tenant. Sounds like you might be up there again in the spring to get the pipes fixed.
Meme, I never had children so I am safe where the care-giving thing goes. I was never crazy about being around young children but I do get along well with teenagers and older kids. I also love baby-babies...you know, infants? After they turn 2 years old though I don't want to see them again until they reach 14-15. It's a full time job in itself being a parent/grandparent now-a-days. (My kids probably would have never lived passed puberty!) My husband's mother raised all 4 of her grandchildren (his brother's kids) when their mother left. They were very young, too. I think the youngest boy was only 9 months old. I just couldn't imagine it but I guess you just do what needs to be done. All I can say is that my husband is so different from his family. Both his folks are alive (in their 90's) and his brother is now disabled. They all live in Rhode Island so we don't get to see them all that often. Hubby usually gets up there 2X a year. We definitely have a different life from them.
And I leave this forum wishing a speedy recovery to Joanne and her hubby. It's no fun having the "crud" as I call it. I have been fortunate in the sickness department....(knocking on wood here!). Hope everyone stays well.
Kate

Kate, the soup sounds good. Might have to give it a try.

Candice, ick to the ouchy toe.

Anne, your soup sounds good too! Maurice is doing great. He is so funny. I went to my first official weigh in last night, and I was down 3 pounds since 2 weeks ago. I am happy. I am eating, not starving myself. Also exercising. So sorry about your friend's brother. Will keep Susan in prayers. Keep us posted.

Mima, I never did like camping. lol

Meme, I've worked for several superintendents over the years, and not too many of them were the brightest when it came to common sense. I've been staying busy with classes at the Y and the 2 bible studies. I just finished 3 books by Beverly Lewis. The first was The Shunning, then The Confession, & The Reckoning. They are about the Amish. I really enjoyed them. Haven't read any Dekker books for a while. RIght now I am reading Truth Teller by Angela Hunt. Good!

Joanne, hope you and hubby feel better. Laughed about Christie and the frost. Maurice was that way when it snowed the first time. Now he just plows right into it.

Happy..I dropped something on the toe, it got bad ,and the doc removed the nail so it could heal. Now it is very painful..the whole foot not just the toe. I have two bad feet now! So not using the treadmill , can't wear my tie shoes. Soup sounds good...I love sopus so will print off both recipes. Our weather has been colder than yours here! Prayers for your friend:)

Meme...gave the dog a bath and now he sleeping...he is pretty easy to bathe but heavy! Your g. kids should be old enough not to fight now huh?

Tammy....great on the loss...Maurice sounds like a cutie.

Joanne...glad hubby is better but now you have to take care of you and him! Christie doesn't like to get her feet wet? NOthing bothers Jazzie!

Kate.....I like babies too but can't hold them with the Firbro...I also like well behaved childdren....no grandkids here yet just the animals.

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-...316[1].jpg

He is a clean pup now! Needs a haircut though....but he smells good and is so soft and fluffy:) Not quite dry yet.

So cute!!! This will be the last time I will be on the computer til I get home. I don't mind no water because Brad got some to use the toilet. Went to his bro's last night to showere and then took them out to eat. We owe him big time for everything he did during the storms.
The apt is warm-latest plan is to move down there. Someone is interested in the upstairs. I get to get a new couch and tv on the wall.
We went to see Dennis-he's still in ICU but almost going into a regular room and then rehab.
He wants to come back here but we didn't tell him he can't but he can't. We did bring him a Bible and tried to talk to him about getting him self straight with God etc. He listened a little-he can't talk because of his throat.
Went to chiro today-great!! But he didn't have any accupuncture needles. But he did ultrasound on my foot.
Tomorrow night is a church dinner.
We are going to a motel Tues night near the airport. Then we can close everything down on Tues afternoon. I am going shopping tomorrow with sil and niece and daughter. But it's going to get very cold.
Candice-hope that foot gets better fast, Ouch. And everyone else stay warm. Should be ok when we get back on Wed. I am sorry you are sick Joanne-zinc and vitamin c. Rest!! Bye for now Mima\
ps-I am reading Obsessed and I just finished another one by Dekker . Tell you the name later. Mima

Toe is really hurting........it just throbs and feels like pins and needles being poked in the nail bed..hope it lets up. It looks better so I do not think it is infected. The soaking still burns alot and it is still draining. It is making my whole foot hurt! OUCH ...OUCH ....OUCH... I can't get much done......been researching it on the net..haven't learned much but you can get fake toenails now, but they have to be glued on! I have looked for them for years for my other toe that has no nail but glueing the skin is a no no..someone said try spirit glue used to apply things to the skin for acting and stuff. Now to find some..........

Hope you all are getting a good nights sleep.Mima..see ya when ya get back!

ok..you all have a bandoned me!LOL Toe still hurts didn't get much rest, been cleaning and doing laundry and finally got to take a shower and wash my hair., then layed down. Had put a big pot of been soup on and made corn bread for evening meal and ran dishwasher. I was not up when dH got home and he put dirty dishes in the clean dishwasher. (the green clean light was on and I had an extra clean sign magnet thing on the front) How dumb are men anyway..pretty dumb!!!!!!!! They were his dishes after he ate the soup.....so I made him find them and get then back out and then proceeded
to check allthe other clean dishes before putting them away. He does this allthe time, says he does not see things.......duh.....he just is not looking now if I put a naked woman on everyting he might look!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good morning everyone! Candice, so sorry to hear your toe is not getting any better. Those are such sensitive areas (fingers and toes). I myself have two small splits in my fingertips that I am having trouble getting to heal. My hands are forever in water and they just aren't healing up. I tried that "New Skin" liquid to try and "seal" them up but good Lord, does that stuff burn!!! And it just peels right off as soon as my hands get wet again. This cold weather we just had is wrecking havoc with my lips and skin......they are soooo chapped!

At least your hubby makes an effort to put his dirty dishes in the dishwasher! Mine just leaves them on the counter and uses the excuse "I didn't know if the dishwasher was clean or dirty". Men can be such pains....but what would we do without them??
I'm going to put some homemade spaghetti sauce and meatballs on for tonight's dinner...with lots of garlic in the meatballs. I cook them for a few hours so they are very tender. No sugar in the sauce but will use some Splenda if the tomatoes are acidic. Of course, this will be served with whole wheat pasta...that's all I eat now. Hubby is getting use to my changes but still has to have his white bread and rolls for his lunches. I'm only dropping a pound a week now but will hopefully be able to boost that with more exercise.
Weather is getting warmer here again. Will be up into the 80's by next Wednesday with humidity. Can't win here, huh? I sure hope the warm weather holds out for all my guests through next month!Hope everyone enjoys the rest of the day.
Kate

Kate I am watching your weight tracker move and I think it is exciting to see such a loss! You are doing great..I love whole wheat [apsta too and bread...not sure why others do not like it...I prefer it over the white.

Just shoveled snow....yes limping.....but foot not too bad right now...a bit better.

Good morning all. Thanks Candice. I do feel like I should be losing a bit faster but I have to keep in mind that this really isn't a "diet", it's a lifestyle change. I will just have to be patient and concentrate on eating the right foods. I do see some excess "swing" in my upper arms that I need to work on too. As Betty Davis once said: "Getting old isn't for sissys!" or something along those lines.
Need to catch up on housework today as I put off this weekend's stuff. Not too bad around here though so shouldn't take too long. I've been feeling a bit better with the warmer weather too so I better be careful not to overdue. I tend to do just that when I feel good.
It's been quiet in here lately. I hope everyone is keeping well and not having problems travelling with bad weather. I think Mima is due back tomorrow and hopefully the weather will hold out for them. Joanne, Are you still sick? Hope everyone gets back to us soon.
Kate

Hey There
 

Yes ,I am still sick.. The nights are worse than the days.. I hope no one else gets this.. My daughter called yesterday and said she was sick with the same thing. She thinks I gave it to her via the phone.. She lives in N/Fl. Our son won't come within a mile.. So we are on our own.. Which is a good thing.. I don't feel like being polite...The housework can just wait. It isn't going anywhere.. I am doing good to take Christie out for her business..and heat up a can of soup..I will be better in a couple days. The hubby is already doing better..
I don't eat much pasta.. I do like Whole wheat though..
My wieght is staying good to my goal.. I haven't tried that much to reduce it. The Dr. said it could be the diabetes that causes my weight to go down..and stay down.. I'll take the weight loss any time..
Candice.. Soak your toe in hot epson salts.. I have a lot of problems with ingrown toe nails. When they get bad I just cut out the nail and soak it if is really sore..
Hello Everybody...Need to lay down... Joanne

Candice, loved the picture! Laughed about the dirty dishes into the clean ones. That has happened here too.

kate, my fingers are hurting thinking about yours, like my toes do when I think about Candice's toes.

Joanne, hope you are feeling better soon!

Tim and I went to spend time with his gf and her mom over the weekend. We went shopping, etc. Looked at places for the rehearsal dinner and the reception. Ate out, but I tried to eat as healthy as possible. Right now I am ready for a nap. I had my aerobics class this morning and I have yoga at 4:30.

Kate....how tall are you? I think we all overdo when we feel good..I know I do..so afraid it will not get done (thinking I might have too many bad days ashead).

Joanne....I get worse at night too..feel like I am dying at times when ill. I think we feel so bad due tothe Firbro..it makes event he most comman illness seem really bad. JUST REST AND RELAX.............. I do soak in epsom salt..doc ordered that. It stings really bad........

Tammy....I hurt so much when I here someone else is hurting..I can actullaly feel their pain....but it doesn't last, just comes and goes while they are talking about it.

My foot feels better right now, I dropped something on the toe last night and it hurt all night. Off to bedc early....got my nuerology appt in the morn.

I'm so sorry ... I've been sitting here laughing at you gals ... needed a good laugh. I'm hurting sooooo bad my skin is even burning. It's raining a cold, sleety (is that a word) rain and supposed to snow tomorrow. YUCK!

Sorry you got hubby's crud Joanne. Hope you're feeling better soon! I sure hope my gkids don't bring me any of that stuff. I usually get a good dose of it around this time of year. The choir is doing an Easter Cantata this year and we only have about 10 weeks to practice ... that's only 9 Sundays and there are 8 very long songs. I need my voice. Some of those songs are so high I can't possibly reach the notes. I told my soprano ladies they have to get up there for me. I have an alto voice so I depend on them to hit the high notes. I have a wonderful group this year. I've had 2 practice sessions and everyone has yet to show up. I had 20 Sunday and several were out either sick or out of town so I still don't know for sure how many I'm going to wind up with. I really need a couple more tenors. Anyone like to join us? ;)

I was voted in as Director of Education Sunday Morning. More fun. Plus, hubby is an Elder in the church now so I have responsibility there. We are now searching for a pastor so I was tied up all day Sat. with a possible pastor's wife. They came in from W. VA for an interview so some of the Elder's wives had to entertain 'the wife' while the Elders interviewed the minister then we all went out for lunch. We're supposed to have another one or possibly two this weekend so we'll have to do it all over again ... this time Fri. night, too. We're using our house this weekend. Dread it. Plus, our best friends are going out of town next week and their sixteen yr. old daughter is coming to stay with us. Ain't life grand?

You guys got me to wanting soup now. Guess I'll have to make some tomorrow. Oh well, we're having good soup weather here! I'll make veggie soup, it's easy to make and not too fattening.

Candice, you and your toe. It's never going to get better if you keep dropping stuff on it. Maybe you should get yourself some steel-toed boots or something. :p Our dogs are so much alike. Ginger's ears are a little longer. I got so tickled at her. I turn my bedspread down and leave it at the foot because I sleep 'cross-ways' (from side to side) in the bed and across the top. She sleeps at the foot. I sleep alone in a kingsize waterbed so I can do that. I've been turning the heat down at night so it's pretty cool in the bedroom. She must be getting cold at night because she's been crawling up under the spread. I got her picture with my cell phone one morning when I woke up. I've posted it below.

Good morning everyone! Cloudy here this am and we are supposed to have a few showers...then it is going to heat up and get humid until the weekend. Another cool front coming through then. This weather here is driving me nuts!!:dizzy: Candice, unfortunately I am only 5'2. But for a gal of size, I sure can move around! I am on the go all day...dog walking, cleaning, weeding, cooking, etc. Who needs a regular job???? I admit I love being home now after spending all those years working and running a business. Besides, my hubby seems to enjoy having all the little things done for him now like cooking, cleaning, laundry etc. If I go back to work, he will have to "participate" with all that. :kickbutt: And I agree with Meme...how is that toe going to get better if you keep dropping things on it? Get yourself some steel-toed shoes!
Meme...you are scaring me with your ability to look so far ahead. Easter?? 10 weeks away?? I'm lucky to see to the end of the week....and Spring here in Florida comes with the hot, humid weather. Poor Queenie doesn't like that so much. I wish we could find a way to live "6 and 6" with summers spent back in north country. Alas, hubby's job wouldn't allow for that. Looks like we will have to endure those hot and hazey days until retirement. Off to run some errands. Joanne, I hope you feel better soon and Meme, good luck with your company this weekend. We're going to the neighbors for SuperBowl Sunday. Enjoy the day, gals.

Meme, I like the word sleety so it must be a word. We are getting snow right now, and we could have up to a foot. I'm hoping for the 6 inches instead. I already told Tim that I don't think he is driving to school in the morning. He leaves here at 6:00 on the good days, I can imagine what time he'd have to leave with all of the snow. It just isn't worth it. He can email his professor.
Ginger is adorable!

Kate, I'd like to live part of the year in the south and part up here too.

I guess I just need to go to bed and stay there to protect this stupid toe....had and early appt with nureo, says it is migrane visions but no headache, wanted me to go on topamax too but I said no so he said up my Fibro meds, elavil..I said no..so he said up xanax when I feel stressed by a half, so I said I would.......maybe......if it is just visions and does not cause any pain and it won't hurt me...I do not need more meds......they just make me tired and fat......and then I am tired fat and crabby!!!!!!

Then DH went to the pharmacy so I got groceries while he complained everything was priced to high and he had to get to work, got home carried everything downstairs and decide the toe was feeling good so got on the treadmill...mistake...toe hurts... and my whole left leg is sore I guess from using diff muscles when walking to protect the toe.....go to the foot doc on Thurs.

Snowing here too....

Meme..I think if I had the hair trimmed on Jaz's head his ears would look longer...like gin's... she is so cute peeking out. Looks like and angel!

Did you see on the TV show the drs. that they siad sinus and bronchitis is cantagious??????????? Did I hear that worng????????

Kate..I cover my hands at night with cream and gloves....sometimes I forget and they get really sore and the edges crack like yours...put a finger cover on them.....or bandaid with ointment.

Tammy.....Hope Tim staye home.....how much did you end up getting?

Made meatloaf for DH tonnight and had a big fruit salad.

Seems like a may have pulled something in my abdomen on the right side, hurts....who knows.....I need to strenghten my core.

Candice, maybe just staying in bed would be a good idea! Next to impossible to do though, right?

Tim did stay home. It is still snowing. Not sure how much we'll end up with. I had to shovel at the back door to let Maurice out, and I know it was at least 8 inches there. A bit much for a dachsund to get through.

Hope you all have a great day! My aerobics class and bible study at the Y have both been cancelled. I'll have to wait and see about the bible study tonight, but I'd assume it will be cancelled too.

Hi guys-changed our tickets to Tues so we are in FL-just saw our plane today was already delayed/ Couldn't sleep wellbecause of being overtired but I am so glad to be home.
Even though we had to go somewhere else for showers, it was a great week. Saw my rheumo and he gave me methotrexate that you take once a week. But you have to have a blood test every month..Worth a try.
I even got some great shoes that you can put orthotics in-very expensive but made for orthotics. They were on sale for 74.
Your poor foot-when I had an ingrown toenail I had to soak mine in epsom salts. Take care of yourself, Candice.
Brad has a cold-I am taking zinc lozenges so if I get it, it might not be too bad. But it's only a cold. We dodn't see Brett and Angela because they had diarrhea and vomiting. Hope you feel better soon, Joanne.
We ate soup at home.
Someone is interested in our upstairs. we are moving into the apt when we get home -if we get a good tenant, we won;t have to sell the house. And we won't have to live in the camper. Our upstairs has a 24 x 24 lr with a large couch and 60 inch tv but we don't have that here and it doesn;t matter.
Everything is new in the apt and I can make it cute. Not much to do-just hang things and put curtains in the windows-
I bet you guys are getting the bad weather. Stay in . Bye Mima

Welcome "home" Mima. Glad to see there were no problems with your trip. You should do a thorough background check on any potential tenant to make sure you don't get stuck with a dead-beat. I know down here in FL, it takes forever to get tenants evicted (and costs so much) that I always thought it was worth the expense to pay the fee for a background check. And I also use that Zicam nasal spray/swabs (gel form) to keep from getting colds that are starting. I think it works wonders! Zicam also makes an allergy spray that I have used and that works as well. That medication you just got is "Rheumatrex". You can look up the drug on Webmd.com. This site has great info on medications and their side effects.
Candice, you are so like me in the injury department! And we don't learn to keep still and give things a chance to heal...just keep going and going...like the Eveready Bunny!! My FM has been acting up terribly lately and I think it is the stress of planning for company. As much as I love my friends and sister, I just feel so...."crowded"... (I think that might be the word). I must becoming a hermit in my old age!!! Like Greta Garbo..."I Vant To Be Alone!"
Tammy, I see on the news this morning that the midwest states are getting the terrible cold and snow. I think it is supposed to have moved into New York and eastern areas today. We are suppose to get part of this cold front moving down around Saturday for a couple of days. I can honestly say I do not miss shoveling a path for my dogs to piddle and poop!! Good luck to you and Candice in the snow department! Hubby just called with the latest sale at the local market. They have prime rib roasts on sale and he wants me to run down and get one....good Lord! Men!! Hope everyone enjoys the day!
Kate

Hi I am new to 3fc and just found your group I too have FM and for the last 7 months I have not been able to walk with out great pain I put on about 60 lb on top of the 40 + I needed to loose. I finally woke up and joined WW. Any one else out there who can't move ? What are you doing for exersize? I hate to mention it was about 75 today. About me I have 4 kids 3 are on there own. I live with a 14 yo daughter who is finally watching her weight with me. I have 3 standard poodles that are the loves of my life. I thought for a min. I missed having a man around and bought my first boy then a girl and then another boy. I tell my older kids if they don't have kids soon I will get # 4 lol Thanks for listening Victoria PS don't hate me because I am warm:cool:

Mima, it sounds like a good plan for you to make a move when you return north.

Kate, I go to webmd quite a bit.

Victoria, we won't hate you because you are warm, but we might ask if we can come and visit!!

We're dropping into single digits and wind chill below zero tonight. The snow has stopped thank goodness!

Tammy..poor Maurice....he can't be tall enough for that much snow..he would sink right in!

Mima...sounds like a plan...

Kate....accident prone I am....DH love Prime Rib but we do not have it much cause it has so many calories! HIs mom always had it for company. Hope you feel better..I get stressed too when company comes even if it is just for a bit. I feel crappy too now....ready for some warm weather..I know I will come visit you! LOL

Shrinking...WELCOME....boy you have found the right place....FM, Poodles and other pets and weightloss. What colors are your other dogs? My kids are grown and no grandkids yet.......

Hello Shrinking Me. Yes, it does sound like you've found the right board. You should feel right at home here ... and there's lots of room! ;)

Sounds like Tammy is snowed in. I wouldn't mind being snowed in for a few days. It did snow here, and we haven't had school for a couple of days but not enough to actually snow people in so I still have to 'go and do' if you know what I mean.

Good news, (I guess). NO Ministers are coming this weekend. I'm sure there will be some coming later but they all cancelled for this weekend. I, for one, am NOT sorry. My best friend is having a jewlery party Sat. at 2 and I really want to go so now there's nothing to stop me. Only problem is, this puts us further away from getting a new pastor.

Had an awesome youth meeting tonight. Youth leaders met with the Elders before church and we ran a lot of ideas by them. They were very supportive. Then we had about 25 upstairs for our youth meeting (13-18 yr. olds). They seemed very excited. I sang with them for about 10 minutes before class. The Elders met again after church. I went with friends to eat and hubby met us afterward. When we got home hubby had a big surprise for me. He said, "you have 2 weeks to get a 'sermon' ready." I said what are you talking about. He said, "I told the Elder board you would take the Wednesday night service in 2 weeks." Since we don't have a pastor, the men have been taking turns doing the services. I was really surprised. The Wed. night service is from 6:30 to 7:30 and 45 min. of that is a teaching/lecture forum so that's what I will be doing. I've only done this once before for adults - and not as long. Of course I've done it countless times and on many subjects for children and youth but this may be a tough crowd! :p You guys want to come and help me out? You can add enough comments to take up 30 minutes of my time! :D

That's quite a challenge, meme. Go for it. I used to speak at Alanon but I've never done it at church.
Shrinking Me-water exercises are the best to start with.Plus chair dvd's . You def need to move-staying put makes fibro much worse. Last night i went to swim-not for long-and then in the hot tub and put the jets on my back.
Also. massage is great.
We were so happy to be back in FL yesterday. The plane we would hve taken went out 3 hours late but it still got here. But we had a head start.
Southwest Air is the best.
Gotta pay bills today. And the tax stuff is trickling in. I really should get Brad to help me. He could do the business. But I have kept the records so he might get confused.I have a stash in my checkbook with all kinds of money set aside for different things. He will be in big trouble if i go suddenly.
Got good sleep. The other book by dekker is Blessed Child/
Auntie's blood is almost normal-praise God. We went to see her on Sunday and I was playing with her great grandaighter-she told her mother I was there and she was shy but that I had a beautiful new haircut-she's only 3/ and very precocious.
Got to find out what left a centimeter long terd while we were gone. I didn't think there were mice here. We do have pest control/ Any ideas Kate.
Bye for now-hubby is stoll snoring on the couch but I am going to put the tv on anyways. Mima

Good morning. Sorry you are having such nasty weather, Tammy and Candice. Glad that it has warmed up for you Kate and Mima. I guess Meme is kind of in the middle. It has been beautiful here in Alberta. Nice and warm, with temps up into the high 30's and today, heading into the 40's. Almost feels like a Spring day.

Mima - sounds like you have a plan. Hope you like living in a basement, because I sure don't. They always smell musty and that gets my allergies going, so I try to stay away from them. I am REALLY, REALLY sensitive to mold and must. Glad you made it back to Florida safely, and that you find out what kind of beastie you have around. I hope it isn't a RAT! We don't have those here, thank goodness.

Candice. Perhaps you need to go buy one of those metal thingys that they use for fingers to protect them, and put one on your toe; or just STOP doing the things you aren't supposed to be doing so it can heal!

Meme - that sounds like a little bit of a challenge for you. Have fun with it. Also, have fun at the jewelry party.

Kate - Did you go find the roasts at the market? I like to have company for a day or two, but then I like to get back to MY "normal" whatever the heck that is :lol:

JoAnne - Ihope you are feeling better. You had better be resting!

Welcome Shrinking me. Some days are harder than others to move around, depending on whether or not the FM is in the legs. When that happens, each leg feels like it weighs a ton and they are soooo hard to move.

My foot is still really sore, so I guess it's back to the Dr. The Celebrex has NOT helped it at all. I need this fixed because I have a hard time walking for long, or being on my feet.

Love the pics of the dogs. They are so cute. Makes me wish I had one - NOT! I like to come and go as I please now, without worrying about pets, and I HATE to bother others to care for them when I am gone. I do, however, miss having one every now and then.

Have a good day, everybody.

Good morning everyone! And welcomed to the "FM club", Victoria. Mima is right about staying active...don't just sit because you will stiffen up and have difficulty moving around. I am doing a lot of stretching with a yoga DVD. That helps a bit as does just walking with my "Queen". I try to concentrate on my posture when I walk, too. You know, suck in the gut and tuck in the butt! I tried Celebrex for about 3 weeks and like Anne, I didn't get enough relief from it to make it part of my medication routine. Even the Tramadol with Advil is not working as well as it had in the beginning. I have a doctors appointment at 1 pm and will mention this to him. Unfortunately, I don't know what is left out there that could help. Having the stenosis in my lower spine is what has been giving me a lot of problems lately but don't have a clue what the treatment could be for that. I'm almost afraid to ask at this point! I would love to schedule a massage regularly but the extra expense isn't possible right now. Too bad insurances wouldn't cover that!
Mima, I'm thinking maybe gecko poop? But then again, it might be too big for that. If it were mice or rats, I would think there would be more than one turd; where geckos only have the "one" . If I think of another critter, I'll let you know. I still have a "tax person" do my yearly returns. I never got into doing my own taxes because of the business where we needed someone with tax experience. I just don't want to learn anything more about bookwork at this point in my life. I take care of all the finances in our house too. I do try to keep hubby informed on where things are and how much just in case. He probably has his own little stash somewhere knowing him! He's tighter than bark on a tree, I swear! He's a hard-working man but he has always loved having money in his pocket too.
Meme, good luck with your sermon. Wish I had some suggestions for you but I was never good at the public speaking thing. I'm sure you will do well up there though. You seem very devoted to your church and that positive attitude makes the difference.
Didn't make it to the store yesterday. The housework took longer than expected so I need to go right after Dr.s visit today. I'm not crazy about red meat, would rather eat chicken 7 nights a week...but hubby loves his beef. I'll indulge him because it is on sale! Hope everyone enjoys their day....and Joanne, hope you are feeling better. Kate

Thank you everyone for your nice comments. To answer a few questions I have 3 standard Poodles 1 black boy and brown male and female. My brown boy is Poo Bear he is huge 65 lb at 8 months my girl is small 50 lb and only 23" her name is Bell Well you ring my Bell Tootsy. They are sooo sweet to me. It has been hard to walk them a lot with the FM attacking my legs. The more I do the more I hurt.
This is about the 3rd time it has gone into my legs the last time I weighed in at 130lb so I am not beating myself up about the weight. Although it sure will help everything to get it off.
I pray each day for all who are suffering in this weather and yes your all invited for a visit.
Is there any way the turd is a bug??? Could you have brought it in at the bottom of a shoe or package
I Broke 240 yea!

Schools were closed again today, and it's not looking good for tomorrow. Most of the main highways are clear, but they are having trouble getting all of the other roads cleared. We have a huge mound of snow piled up in the middle of our cul-de-sac. Tim backed into it earlier today when he wasn't paying attention. We went uptown for lunch. That's the first I've been out since Monday and I was ready to see people!

Meme, I think it would be fun for us all to show up and help you out!

Anne, it does sound nice in Alberta. Maybe I'll come and visit tonight.

Kate, one of the older women in my water aerobics class used to call out "suck and tuck" all the time. I had forgotten about that till I read your comment.

Victoria, I have a 6 month old chocolate dapple dachsund named Maurice. He is right about 10 pounds now. He is so funny, and he definitely keeps me entertained. Congrats on breaking 240!

I'm 5'8", and I'm hoping to get down to 170 or so. My doctor thought that would be good for me. I'm 53 years old.

Well, we are stuck again. Our county is on a Level 3 Emergency which means only emergency personel are permitted on the roads. If you are out, you can be arrested. It is snowing and blowing again, and many roads are drifting shut, even the main roads. We've had at least 13 inches of snow in the past couple days before this new stuff started. I'm supposed to have class at the Y in the morning, but I'm sure it will be cancelled even if we go down to a Level 2. I'm tired of winter.

Well, my toe was feeling alot better untill the doc messed with it...or his assistant, they gave me some stuff to put on it after it heals tohelpthe new nail grow better but said it might not grow right and they will have to work on it some more.

Had to shovel to get out today, the plow was supposed to come but they didn't....then it drifted and had to shovel when I got home. Good exercise but I have to wear boots and it puts pressure on my toe..so that is not good. I am supposed to wear open toe things right now...my Birks work good int he house but not snow.

Meme..you will do fine with your lecture sermon. I remember back when growing up on youth Sunday....I always had to do something and I am terribly shy and not a public speaker at all.....hated speech class in HS and college.

Happy..our other basement was awful damp and musty...here so far so good, but there is a lot of light that comes in because the back of the house is open. I can't stand the musty smell either.

Mima.....DH pays most of the bills here I am just responsible for the ones I run up! LOL....I keep telling him to make me alist so I know what there is if her goes before me......he has not done it yet.

Tammy...you best stay put...we don't want ta have ta come bail ya out now!:)

Kate..what's a greco..a lizard? Men love their red meat. WE do not eat it much.....fish and turkey and chic here.

Shrink.....those are big dogs!!!!!!!!! Do they live in the house with you and sleep in the bed?.....Yes the FM is not fun.....you will have allkinds of pains and stuff that know one else can understand so just come here and tell us! The brain fog is the worst!:D

Good morning. There were a lot of terds. I vacced them up and there are no new ones so I will save one to show the bug ldy when I see her. We did have a skink-gecco like creature-in the house before. It was only when we were gone that it happened.
I do not do my own taxes-just get the stuff ready o mail to the acct. That;s a job in itself. I want to get all the deductions.
The apt is not in the basement-we don't have one. You walk in and it's right there. It did have some mold when the ac wasn't on last year . I didn't have any trouble last week. It's filthy so I will pay someone to clean it when we get water.
I have been fighting a UTI all week-time to call the doc as it woke me up.
Brad has a wicked cough so maybe he will join me. Knock on wood-I haven't been bothered by the trees,
I have exercises for the spinal stenosis, Kate. Best thing is electrical stimulation from chiropractor but it doesn't last. I do exercises every day amd that helps. Simple ones. I have to pick up my new med and take it once a week.
Bye for now-Mima Oh Tammy-that's rough weather!!!!

Good morning everyone! Raining like crazy here this morning but I won't complain...we desperately need the water. The lawns look terrible right now. Mima, watch out for those "skank-geckos"...they are poisonous to animals if ingested. Horrible vile little slithery things! Regular geckos don't bother me...I have them all over my patio and house. They eat the little bugs up! Yum yum! Savage amusement was to sit in the garage and watch them run out in the driveway to snag a tiny beetle.
I used to dread getting ready for taxes! Hated it and was always waiting until the last minute to get things over to the accountant. I've gotten better now that we simplified our life. I'm just waiting for all the "year-end" paperwork to arrive so I can schedule an appointment. My understanding is you are suppose to receive everything (w-2s, bank statements, etc) by Jan 31st but a grace period for 1 week to allow for mailing. If I don't have all my statements by Feb 7th, I'll start making some calls. I like the feeling of having the tax stuff done and over with. Guess I will have to break down and go back to the chiropractor. Things have been very stiff and I have limited mobility now. The doc gave me Celebrex again but a higher dose. My choices are very limited at this point. I need to get back to exercising but the discomfort really sets me back. Maybe getting some adjustments will get me back on track.
Mima, drinks some cranberry juice everyday...that will help with the UTI.
Tammy, is your dachsund a mini or standard? My GF, who will be visiting next week, has two minis. One is that new "Isabella Fawn" color and she is quite the little huntress! I have a big love of dogs...all animals actually but especially dogs. I've had horses, cats, dogs, bunnies. Age and space now limit me to dogs. Hang in there with that awful weather....wish I could offer you a warm spot but it appears "the inn" is going to be full soon! Lord, give me strength!
Victoria, standard poodles are a favorite with me. I'm going to check out the local rescue group here and see what they are up to. Queenie is a Great Pyrenees and all I can handle right now but one never knows! Poodles were originally bred as water dogs for hunting. But I bet you knew that, huh?
Off to get my errands and chores done. Would love to make time for a haircut but not today! Hopefully hubby will have a full two day weekend for a change so we can get things done tomorrow and enjoy the superbowl on Sunday. Enjoy the day ladies! And stay warm in snow country!
Kate

Candice, if I go to jail will you send me a cake with a file in it?? lol They just lifted the level 3, but to a level 2. It's still nasty, but at least it's daylight now and you can see when you are driving into a snowdrift. Great, huh? Be careful with anymore shoveling!

Mima, I used to do our taxes all the time, but a few years ago we had someone else start doing them. Things were getting confusing.

Kate, according the the vet, Maurice is inbetween sizes. I know I've seen smaller ones than him and larger ones. Our dachsund we had before was the same way. He was 15 pounds full grown, and I think that's what Maurice will be. His mother was 10 pounds, and his dad was 15 pounds. I'd love to see your friend's dogs.

I called my eye doctor to make sure they are open. I am supposed to pick up new frames. I got new ones with new lens a couple weeks ago, and the bridge was crooked so they had to order new ones for me. Tim is going with me so I don't have to drive by myself. I promised him food! lol right now he is still in bed. Lazy kid!!

I need to go to some exercises and jump in the shower. No Y classes since Monday. I really missed going Wed. morning and this morning.

Joanne is sick
 

Hi My name is Eleni and a few of you know me as Joanne's sister.
I just wanted to let you know that Joanne is in the hospital with pneumonia in the critical care unit. She is being treated and hopefully will go to a regular room tomorrow. They thought she may have had a slight heart attck but now they say no she did not have a heart attack.I will get an update to you as soon as I have more news.She is doing ok but very uncomfortable.
PS.Tammy I have lost your email address.If you still have mine please send me a short note so I have your address.