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Hello fellow chicks
Was a little drained yesterday after I think I over did it at the weekend but back to my normal self today. Did I say normal ;) well as normal as I am every going to be with my warped sense of humour :dizzy:. Today is a miserable day with outbursts of rain :rain:. Lights needed in the house as it is that dark when normally at this time I would be using daylight to see indoors. Well plans have changed this morning after the customer cancelled our pick up of a spiral staircase from Kent (south of where I live and many miles away I hastened to add so a long day ahead of me.) So now rescheduled for Friday so I have had to change my plans around for doing things. They say the customer is always right :D I have returned from treatment at the centre today which went quickly as I was chatting an awful lot to different people. Though it did me the power of good I am sure as I feel good now but tired as normal after the oxygen. I am making for tea chips (french fries I think you may know them as) but not so bad the version I make. I spray a baking tray with spray oil then line the chips up on the tray. Give them a little spray with oil season them with black pepper and a smidge of sea salt. I would use butternut squash instead of potatoes or sweet potatoes but my cupboard resembles old mother Hubbard's cupboard at the minute need to go shopping tomorrow :) They are nice alternatives to potatoes for making chips. You then bake them in the oven I use the idea from this site http://greenlitebites.com/2007/11/27...-potato-fries/ Although I miss out on the curry power for me as I have to be a little cautious with my tummy ulcer. I am serving these with a shop bought low fat cheese and potato burger. For my vegetables I am using broccoli. I have a jelly (jello) in the fridge with my name on ;) a raspberry flavour with raspberries and bananas in. For DH I am putting some yoghurt on top he will think he has a dessert then rather than one of his daily portions of fruit :lol: you know I have to be inventive to get fruit into him. Anyone think it poisonous fruit in our house by the ways he avoids eating it like the plague :lol3: SPICY Dogs are a godsend to us I must admit. They give you a reason to go out when otherwise you wouldn't go. You make the effort as it for them. You made me smile when you said how your dog hops on the platform to hitch a ride. I have seen that happen around here where I live. Where I live there are a very high percentage of elderly or disabled just the sort of people who use scooters to get about over longer distances. I think it looks so cute when they are riding on board as proud as punch with their owners. Sorry to hear that you have been feeling out of sorts the last few days. Like you say god does not give you more than you can deal with. It is harder to do things some days more than others I find. I am grateful for the good days and take the bad days as my rest days so to speak. I have been to Oxford a long while back when I was more able bodied so to speak. I did not unfortunately pay much attention to accessibility to places when I was there as I didn't have a need to. I have done a little research and I have found this page www.oxford.gov.uk/community/accessibility.cfm I don't know if this is of any use to you about getting out and about in Oxford. I know that many places have steps although there is normally a ramped access to the building somewhere. Not all places have disabled toilets in though I hasten to add. We have something called the tourist information centre in most major places. They offer a whole host of information if you are thinking of visiting you could write maybe an email asking about access to things around there. http://www.visitoxford.org/thedms.as...1&campaign=731 Funnily enough I was in a tourist information board when I was on holiday as I wanted to know where I could park with my disabled blue badge. We have a system if you are disabled then you can apply for one of these which allows free parking (this web site tells you much better what one is http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disabled_parking_permit) This is because in this town I had visited they had what was called "disc parking only" What an earth that was I hadn't a clue. So I dropped into the tourist board and they explained as I could park any where with my blue badge and not to worry. The disc parking meant you had to get a "disc" from the tourist information board for free and put on the disc as it was a time dial what time you had left the car. You then had two hours from the time you left your car then you must move your car. You can move it before just you can be liable to a parking ticket if you go over your allotted time. In the town we parked there are traffic wardens they keep a check on cars to see that they are not going over their allotted time. The town was busy so it gave a fair way of giving others a chance to see the town. It was a small town and for us two hours was more than enough but we had three hours as a disabled badge gives you three hours unless otherwise stated. ROSEBUD I am sure your home will look nice with the decorations plus pumpkin lanterns. Until reason years lanterns were not made here from them. Even now many homes including mind do not have them. I suppose I am from a generation that did not have any growing up as no one did. You tend to follow the trends and traditions that you grew up with so I suppose that is why I don't do it now. I was watching a news article on television last week and there was an article written in the parish magazine. When I say parish magazine it is not a religious magazine it is the name often given to news letters about the village. It may tell of upcoming events and people can submit articles on local matters. This was of the "trick or treat" where some youngsters had vandalise property of those who hadn't given a treat to those trick or treating. It was saying that "trick and treating" should be stopped. Trick or treating has only come in to our country in recent years and I as a child never did it nor did any of my friends. Unfortunately some local terrors spoil it for the millions of children who do it innocently law abiding not to mention supervised by an adult. I do understand how the older generation are fearful of things being done to their homes or cars etc. But parents need to know what their children are doing and supervise such activities. I am just in the middle of watch a programme on "Sunday schools" and there importance in society. Although now there is only a tiny fraction of them running now as religion is on the decline in the UK. I did not go to Sunday School but my parents did. For many children it was the place to be on a Sunday not only did you get good stories from the bible, you could sing, play football or other games. The really big draw for many was the special activities such as going to the seaside. Although to go to the seaside or walk in the Sunday school parade you must attend on a very regular basis. Families were poor so they never went to the sea or countryside for example. So these were only time in many peoples life they would go to the sea so the memories where special and lasted a life time. The strange reason they were established in the first place as children were being little hooligans on the Sunday as it was there only free day. In the rest of the week they went to work as child labour was common place amongst the working classes. So Sunday was the only day they could be "children" but they ran wild and amok at times. So a Sunday school got them off the streets still doing fun things. They even leant them to read and write in the infancy of the "Sunday school" although as schooling became compulsory for all this role of making children literate ceased. I am enjoying it listening to people memories as some of the people interviewed must be in their 80's if not 90's. well I better start making tracks into the kitchen now I have been rambling on forever ;) else we will never eat today a hot meal. Nice to have dropped by and caught up with you ladies. Take care till next time bye bye :wave:purpleorc :hug: |
HI LADIES ~ we had a mixed bag of weather today but it was nice, some :sunny: and some :cloud9: and a tiny bit of :rain: or something like it for only a few minutes. We had to go up town again for some things we forgot: DH's mustard ... oh dear, we can't go without that becuz he puts it on EVERYTHING: sandwiches, hamburgers, and hotdogs, etc. :lol: So I also picked up a few other things and took advantage of the opportunity to get in some more walking.
In the afternoon, the :sunny: was out more, so I was able to plant some more flower bulbs: put in three rows of varying sizes and kinds of crocuses and other wildcover flowers plus some more tulips and daffodils, and some other ones I can't remember all the names of. It should look pretty come next spring. I filled up one garden section; that leaves one more for veggies next year; and the last section will have taller perennial bushes and plants, which I have seeded, so we'll see if they come up or not. I still have some bulbs left, so I may plant some along the front of the house too. PURPLE ~ glad you were able to get in your therapy today and still visit with us too. I think that's nice that you can meet and discuss MS with others who know what you are going thru and you can be such a help to them too. Hope your trip on Friday turns out well for you. Sounds like you are diversifying by delivering stairs now too. So funny you making sweet potato fries, and I picked some up today as well for a dinner this week. I wanted to try them to see if I might like them; I probably will. Plan to have them with fish on Thursday. That cheese and potato burger sounds interesting too. I found some more chicken burgers at another store this week; they have 20 more calories in them but at 190 each that is still better than the beef ones that have 300 or more. An ambulance just went by flashing its lights and going at a good speed so sent up a prayer for the patient and his/her family, and for the doctors to give them wisdom how to help them. They have been using our road a lot since some work is being done on some of the other roads, so I have been seeing them more lately. This evening, I have just been taking it easy; seems walking and gardening wipe me out. DH was watching movies and I was searching for more recipes and found a couple worth trying. I like that Greenbites.com site too. Well, had my snack and tea, so will go put my sore legs up again for a bit to read and relax before going to bed. Hope you ladies have a WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY tomorrow; and take good care of yourselves ... and that's an order ... :lol: ... :hug:ROSEBUD:hug: |
Hi chicks
Been a warm day for the time of the year though no sun to speak of. Did the grocery shopping today at the supermarket. Make a combination of fresh and tinned fruit salad on my return which we had for tea very nice. Once a week we buy french stick the smallest they do. once upon a time we would have ate the lot but now we leave some (feed it too our feathered friends) it is our treat to ourselves. Just opened a jar of pickled onions my mum did for tea to go with the bread. I must admit the pickled onions have been very moreish but I only have one. I know there wouldn't be a huge amount of calories it is not that it is to eke it out as far as possible as it is only a small jar :D. Tomorrow we have the council men coming in the afternoon to sort out the kitchen. Finger :crossed: third time lucky that we get things sorted out. Part of me is looking forward to it so that I have more of a usable kitchen but the other part is dreading it in case we still have big issues with it. It is the disappointment and stress that goes with it. Oh well let the battle commence I suppose ;) I have made our sandwiches for tomorrow and for the trip on Friday today. This is with my kitchen going to be out of order for the best part of the afternoon. I thought it was wise to preprepared ahead of time. I didn't fancy cooking tea tomorrow night and then cracking on packing sandwiches up. As the day gets on I get tired so better doing things earlier. So glad I got that out of the way but oh boy could I do with an American style fridge right at the minute my fridge is a fridge/freezer model. So the fridge part is small in comparison with an American style fridge. I have my flax seed in there, box of fresh fruit salad, yoghurts, cheese, margarine, pan of soup to name a few items , Not to mention all my vegetables and fruit in there. Today I had a trigeminal neuralgia attack this afternoon which reacted well to medication discovered at tea time I hadn't taken my dinner time medication :dizzy: so mystery solved to why I had an attack. There me at the time thinking the chiller section at the supermarket had been the trigger factor instead it is my own absent mindedness :o ROSEBUD We bought some more vegetarian burgers today at the supermarket. These are cheese/onion/potato in a light bread crumb they are low fat and pan out at 177 calories per burger. Tomorrow another veggie day we are have spicy bean burger well DH is and I am just having a plain veggie one. The spicy ones are a little to spicy for me with my ulcer I like them but not wise for me to have them. BIL has not diversified into spiral staircase he had won these apparently whether in a competition or a online auction not sure yet but hopefully will find out on Monday as we are having lunch with him on this day. It is simply ages since we had lunch together so will be nice to catch up. Don't even know where the staircase is going to when it gets installed :?: Yes I love the green bites site as she has been where we are going so many recipes to choose from. So a good range to try. Good thing is they don't look like "diet" foods as I put it. Good hearty food , even some desserts to dabble in as well. I want to make the recipe very soon the one called french toast. So a version of what I call eggy bread here in the UK. Though eggy bread is made use using a whisked egg and dipping your bread in a frying it in a frying pan (skillet I think you may know it as). Though this recipe has milk with the egg, cinnamon, and nutmeg :T You spoke of the prayer you gave the ambulance passing your home. I live about 1 mile away if not less from our home so we frequently see them sometimes they venture pass our home. Though it is nothing unusual to see one when we go to the shops locally. Also we see hundreds of learner drivers on our street as it is one of the test routes used by the test centre for the practical side of driving and getting your licence. You also must do a written part to your test so a two part thing. We get learner drivers with there instructors learning manoeuvres the examiner might want or we get the learner driver with the examiner. Either way some days it seems learner drivers and the cars they are in are like ants as there are so many of them. Oh for the day this route is not used as a test route but it is not happening anytime soon I don't think. I think for our test centre for Nottingham there are at least 7 routes the examiner may take you on for your test. Time for me to make some drinking chocolate and think about going to bed so good night ladies and catch you soon :wave:purpleorc :hug: |
HI LADIES ~ just a quiet day at home today; weather was very dull ... gray and cloudy all day ... yuck. I practiced playing my organ for over an hour this AM as I missed yesterday from being so busy. My childhood teacher said to practice for 15 minutes a day or double that if you want to learn faster. I managed to figure out some nice instruments with some of my favorite songs today as well.
PURPLE ~ good idea to make up some food ahead of time; don't blame you there. I made whole wheat pasta and a veggie sauce with about 4 oz of sausage cut up into small pieces; very tastey indeed and DH loved it. It made 5 servings; 2 for another day as well or for some lunches; and one for NIKO. I like the whole wheat pasta: I find it is very filling, and DH commented the same. Very likely your BIL is going to have those spiral stairs installed in a home somewhere. Yes, I could see that he may have bought them somewhere like ebay or another similar site or company. I like baby dills and picked up some sauerkraut this week to have with my franks. I like pickles too but have to watch the sweet ones, but the dills and other sour ones are very low calories and have little sugar if any. Glad you figured out what triggered your face pain today. Sometimes, I have to take a tylenol or something when my legs are bothering me, but putting them up seems to help the most. I notice the cold bothers them now too. Am having my tea now and so I will go and put my legs up soon. We moved the Christmas boxes into the spare room and I am working on getting rid of some more stuff; eventually, we'll get it all done. We have a lot more room in there and our shed and porch now, which is the way I want it to stay. Take good care ladies and hope you have a great day tomorrow ... :hug:ROSEBUD:hug: |
:wave: HI LADIES ~ woke up to a bunch of *****today; quite a bit, but then the :sunny: came out and melted a lot of it but I see tonight that there is still some left. With the sun shining, it kinda looked pretty on the trees ...
A bunch of our winter birds showed up today looking for food: chickadees, junkos, and sparrows (we get Song sparrows, House sparrows, American sparrows, Field sparrows, but some larger ones came today that looked like Chipping sparrows: a bit bigger but very pretty). Went shopping to pick up some meat for the freezer today; and got some good deals! Then did some laundry in the afternoon. So I got some walking in but my eating was so-so; munched out on some popcorn this afternoon, but not really big damage done I don't think; as the rest of the day was very good. Anyways, time to put my feet up and rest a bit with a nice cuppa tea; take good care of yourselves ... :hug:ROSEBUD:hug: |
:wave: HI LADIES ~ hope you are all having a FABULOUS FRIDAY NIGHT ... just takin' it ez at home tonight. We had Pita Pizzas for dinner and homemade Veggie & dumpling soup for lunch. Still cold here but the :sunny: did shine for us today!
We had many new fine feathered friends come by again today -- junkos, chickadees, and sparrows. Had a good day overall. Hope you all have too! Take good care of yourselves and hope you all have a WONDERFUL WEEKEND too ... :hug:ROSEBUD:hug: |
:wave: Thompson received five cm of snow today.
And this morning I realized that my seasonal depression was back. I've been sleeping 3 hours more each night then usual and completly lost interest/stamina in running (I was 3 runs away from completing my 5km program) I started having a really bad attitude and being far too curt and indifferent at work. My appetitie is gone. So instead of waiting for it to turn into an MS flare up, I booked myself a doctor's apt the same day. And am doing a whole new round of blood work. and have given a prescription for celexa. And it's depressing!! Back into a long winter we go.... not sure how much more of this I can take! |
:hug:HIYA VAL ~ I know what you mean -- we have a white-out snowstorm going on outside as we speak/write ... ;) I could tell it felt cold in here and DH came out from his haven from watching a movie, and put the heat up. He went to take NIKO outside to do his duty for the last time tonight, and I could hear him shovelling ... now, there's a hint! :lol:
So we have lots of the white stuff ****** out there too, and it's only the 23rd. Last year we didn't get snow like this until the second week of November; guess we got spoiled. Usually we just have a couple of light snows which melt right away; and have a clear Halloween and then snow again the first or second week of November. The weather people say that we will have rain and sun for the next few days so it may get rid of most of it (if not all of it). I'm sorry that you have been feeling down in the dumps and tired at/of work. I was wondering when you were thinking of going back to school; I thought maybe next September. I hope your new meds help you a bit. Also, I will send up some ^prayers^ for you for the next while that your spirits may be lifted somewhat. That was wise of you to go to the docs right away to get some intervention as soon as possible. Be sure to put lots of lights on indoors, if needs be; and did you get one of those special SAD lamps that you were talking about before? I was doing extra walking myself and with all this snow, that won't happen as often either. We'll just have to wait for the nice days and go then. I have been trying to do walks 3-4 days a week plus xtra in the evenings a few times as well. We are gonna go look at our local community center and see if we can walk around in there. We have been using our local department stores to do some 'mall-walking' this year; lots of people do that here. I told DH I don't care if it costs us a bit more in gas; it is worth it to get some walking in, and I can really feel the difference it makes when I go. I feel so good about it afterwards -- mentally and physically. Anyways, it was so nice that you dropped by to see us; I sure hope that you can drop by more often during the winter season. Let us try to help cheer you up; that's what we are here for. Hey, even if we all just try to maintain over the winter; that isn't so bad -- and you can still go out for walks on the good days. I've got my ski poles already hanging by my back door ... :lol: Have yourself a restful weekend; get in all the sleep you need. My DH always says, "You must have needed it". Sleep is a great healer of the body, mind, and spirit. Take good care my friend; and come back to see us real soon ... :hug: |
Hi Fellow chicks
Yesterday was a lovely sunny day and rather hot at times dare I say. Good weather for doing our journey which took nigh on 10 hours in total. I must admit it went a whole lot smoother than I ever hoped for so pleased about that. The worse part of the journey was the queuing up to pay the toll for travelling on the Dartford Bridge or the Dartford tunnel. Going south you go over the bridge but going north it is the tunnel. once upon a time not that long ago it was just the tunnel that took both north and south traffic so a nightmare at the best of times around there. Even though there were many booths to pay your money it still was bottling up the traffic. So today is just recovering from that journey I had. The customer was lovely I must admit well not customer as DH BIL had bought the staircase though I am sure you know what I mean. We were offered a drink wow and it even came with biscuit. Such a kind thought the coffee was so welcomed I must admit so still some :angel: out there in disguise. VAL Nice to hear from you but sorry to hear that you are going through the mill with S.A.D. Not heard of the medication that the doctor has prescribed but it maybe under a different name here in the UK which is frequently the case. I hope the medication provides some relief for you as it is a horrid condition to have to deal with without having additional issues as the MS to worry about. You have done the right thing by trying to nip the problem in the bud by going to the doctors. All the advice I can offer is with your appetite being poor try and make sure that you eat nutritious food. So what food you do eat is good for you. I know it is not easy when the appetite is awful. Snow yikes all this talk of snow makes me feel cold :brr: Here,s me having beautiful sunshine and having glorious days for October. I do not know how lucky I am where I live sometimes. I know if there was snow on the ground it would make me less independent than I am. The thought of me and ice conjures up pictures of Bambi on ice :D not a good mixture I thinks. It would give me a one way trip to hospital I think, I have broke a couple of bones in the past as a child/teen that was enough thank you. ROSEBUD The spiral stair case it transpires are going in the unit (BIL work place) they had another level built and it only has one set of stairs thus only one exit point. So this will provide in an emergency a second route of exit should it be needed on this floor. Excellent idea to go to the shopping centre (mall) for extra exercise in the winter months. I know the cost of fuel has to be added in but a small price to pay to ensure you are in the best possible health and fitness you can be. This way you will keep up your stamina in the winter that you have built up in the summer and I am sure that will be a help when the better weather comes around and you can do things outdoors again. Exercise helps with the mood and it is a natural pain killer as well so added bonus. Not to mention the burning off of calories that it does. Sounds like you are getting a different variety of birds visiting your area. Swallows and swifts (not that I see any where I live but I do see them on my travels) have departed our shores (well nearly all of them) to warmer climate of South Africa so a long journey of about 6000 miles. The school at the back of our bungalow is now nearing its completion. It is suppose to be completed in November not sure when the children start school there though. Have seen pictures that the company send out to all the local neighbours to let us know what has been happening every step of the way. The pictures depict the swimming pool and the court yard. This is a special need school hence the swimming pool as most schools do not have a swimming pool unless it is of this nature. Though as a young child 5-11 years old my school did have a small 10 metre by 10 metre pool which was outdoors I hasten to add. The changing rooms were crude by today's standard just build out of breeze (:?: spelling) blocks. Looking back it was freezing really but I learnt to swim at a very early age in this pool. Mind you looking back my school was very out of date the toilets were out side as well so freezing come winter. Though you thought nothing of it has children as things were just like that. My nanna and granddad did not have an inside toilet either. It was in the yard in made out of corrugated iron sheets now that was horrid to say the least. You had to take a stick in to bang on the iron sheets to scare the resident grass snake that seemed to like it in there :lol: Homes during the 1970's here were still very dated but by the late 1970's people started to modernise no longer toilets outside and no bathrooms. So gone were the tin bath in front of the fire and the hard work in filling it. Not to mention the back breaking work of emptying it either. Time to get my morning cuppa :coffee: and go and do my bird's nest of hair :D. Take care ladies till next time :wave:purpleorc :hug: |
Happy Saturday, Chickies-
Hello, Val- I tend to get depressed when the days get shorter and there's days and days of rain or gloomy grey skies. I am on a "cocktail" of antidepressents for that. Like you, the sadness tends to trigger my physical problems. Sometimes it is like an endless cycle. But! Today the sun is shining here and I know that in about 5 or 6 weeks I will go to New Orleans for the month of December. It will be warm there, and I will be surrounded by my family. I try to focus on that as a beacon of hope. I wish you well. Rosebud- I often see people walking in the local mall here. It seems like a much safer place to walk, especially when the weather isn't good. Less chance of slipping! Especially in that snow you guys have. It does snow in our part of Arkansas, but not regularly. Maybe two or three times a winter. The most we have had at one time is about 12 inches. Purple- I think it was you who wrote about the sweet potatoes in the oven. I did that today. Cut them like french fries, sprayed them with cooking spray, and baked in the oven. Very good! It is sweet potato season here so there's an abundance of them at the farmers' market. I have been feeling better in the last day or two. Thankfully. Here's hoping you all have a good weekend. Thanks for sharing your life with me. spicy |
Hi Ladies
The weather does not know what it wants to do today one minute sun shine the next pouring down with rain. Good old British weather getting all seasons in one day I think :lol: Saw an advertisement on a bus yesterday that said one in four people will need mental health intervention. This claim then was backed up by a programme I watched about young people who had come in contact with the psychiatric services in some way. Again they said one in four people will need at some point in their life some mental health intervention. Gosh when I was nursing the figure was one in eight so it shows how this has gone up over the years. I have been wondering why this is. Is this to do with the pressures of life with the worries of work, finance and media. I have put media in there as the fact now they use air brushing so the models look "perfect" so we have a distorted idea what our bodies should look like. When in actual fact we come in all different sizes and yet can be a healthy body weight for our height. They use models that are a size 8 when a lady whom is 5ft 11" would struggle to be that size. This then may lead her or him for that matter in to the psychiatric services with eating disorders. I during my training I did the specialist ward on forensic psychiatry. ( this means mentally ill and committed a crime at the same time). I did a few shifts to help out on drug and alcohol ward and during my time in the community working with a nurse there I had contact with eating disorders. This was as where my community nurse was based this was the referral area for treating eating disorders in the community. It shows that psychiatric or mental health covers a wide area and often peoples idea what to be mentally ill is are not correct. At the severe end of things the person would not be able to work but most can continue to work, raise a family and generally participate in life. This shows that often the reality and the misconception of mental illness are miles apart. A friend of mine was so horrified when he was asked to go and see a psychiatrist by his solicitor. He had been involved in an accident which I hasten to add was not his fault and there had been 3 fatalities. Though some years earlier he had again been involved in an accident with one fatality again nothing to do with him. In fact he was horrified at being asked to see a psychiatrist as he was afraid of being labelled "mad". He was eventually persuaded to go and it was shown that he was suffering from post traumatic stress which is to be expected when he had been in horrendous accidents. Just recently he asked me about this and I said that just because you were ill you it does not mean you can not go about your daily tasks as a farmer. I think he thought if you were ill it would not be the case. I said to him that most can work and for some it provides comfort as it is routine and something they are familiar with. It maybe somewhere they do not have time to think about their own problems. Right time to come off my soap box :D SPICY Nice to hear from you. Sorry to hear that you also have S.A.D it is surprising how many people do have this condition. Good to see that you have a positive attitude and use your family as your beacon of hope and light. Years ago well 25 to be precise I had a spell on antidepressants myself after hitting a very low patch in my life. I think really it had more to do with it was my longest placement during my training on a ward and I hated that ward. Not the people or the nurses don't get me wrong it was the fact it was a mother and baby psychiatry unit. I was often expected to look after the babies as I was a woman. (it was still back then thought very strange that a woman should want a career) I am not in the least maternal in any shape way or form. So for me it was my worse nightmare the ward was in it's infancy so psychiatric nurses looked after the babies as well as mum. Now many of the babies were very young only a few days/weeks old. So many feeds and nappy (diaper) changes. Now I know there are nursery nurses or paediatric nurses to care for the babies. The spell on antidepressants helped me through a rough time in my life and the next ward it was lovely I had a great time it aided my recovery. I am on antidepressants again but not high enough doses for this but small doses for pain relief for nerve pain. I take one at night and it helps greatly to give me a good night sleep. My sister is also now taking this at night but until the surgery is done she will be in a huge amount of pain. I know the operation will not get rid of it all but if it decrease the amount of pain then that can only be a good thing. Glad you liked the recipe for the sweet potato fries which you liked. It is nice to have recipes that give you some variation to your "diet". I have tried the same recipe with butternut squash and made fries from that. They are softer than conventional potatoes but nice all the same. Since embarking on this journey I have kept such recipes and popped them in a folder on my computer so I have now quite a repertoire building up. I have a mixture of savoury dishes and sweet ones. Well must run and put the kettle on and have a cuppa :coffee: Take care till next time bye bye :wave:purpleorc :hug: |
:wave: Well, I did get in here to read yesterday, but then got busy and forgot to get back in to put in a post; and I couldn't remember if I had or not but was very tired, so I went to bed a bit earlier last night. We have been getting lots of **** on and off for the last few days; much has melted but the big flakes are coming in from the north again tonight.
We had a nice mix of :sunny: and *****today and we decided to go for a drive this afternoon just to get out and enjoy that lovely sunshine. We picked up some premade homestyle dinners that were on sale on the way home; so I cheated in that I didn't have to make it. Just popped it in the oven and let the oven do the work. I had cabbage rolls and DH had his favorite Fireside Pie which is just another version of Shepherd's pie (it has carrots for the veggie instead of corn -- that's all). He loved it so much he ate almost the whole thing all by himself; I managed to get a small piece just to try it. I had 2.5 cabbage rolls and have the same amount leftover that I can now have for my lunch tomorrow. I told DH now that he ate the rest that he won't have any for lunch and he said that he didn't care becuz he enjoyed it so much for dinner tonight. :cool: The next time I make a homemade one, I think I'll make an extra one to throw in the freezer since he loves them so much, but they were on sale today and the ingredients would have cost the same, but I just didn't have to do the work and that was the best part for me. :D So I managed to get in some walking today and ate well today too (kudos for that); it was a good day overall. I had caught a cold from DH and I felt a bit sickly for a few brief moments today, but they didn't last long, so I'm so very glad about that. Sure hope it goes away; it's not a really bad one, just makes you feel a bit sickly at times. I thought it may be my meds as I do find the Metformin can make me feel a bit queezy at times too. Hope all you ladies had a great weekend and a peaceful and restful Sunday -- take good care ... :hug:ROSEBUD:hug: |
Good afternoon fellow chicks
It is a grey over cast day today but no rain thus far. It is exceptionally warm outside for this time of year. I went out this lunch time to have lunch with BIL and I just went with a long thick cardigan on my arms. No coat needed though I did take one but ended up carting it about as it was too warm to wear. Though you could guarantee if I hadn't taken it the heavens would have opened or it would be to chilly for me. There has been a programme on I watched as I saw it was going to be situated in Canada. The man presenting it is one for the great outdoors showing the wonders of it and how to live off the land. Often using old techniques that native people would have done or they show him how to do it. Today it was first native people of Canada whom showed him some decorative work made out of bark of a tree and the pattern made by the teeth alone. Last night programme was in Prince Albert National park it showed the contrast as well between Autumn (fall) and winter. This was has he went back to the same area to show the comparison. The area looked so beautiful such a sea of trees nesting besides the river. I don't know if any of you have been to the Prince Albert National park that the programme was based in last night. ROSEBUD Often those simple meals like fireside pie are the best. I too love shepherds pie so I am sure I would like this version of it. As long as my arch enemy the humble pea was not lurking in there to get me ;) Anyone who knows me knows I hate peas with a passion. I avoid them at all costs, I do not like them in any shape way or form and haven't since I was a little child. Mushy peas are the worse in my opinion even the smell is horrendous and it is enough to make me go green a the gills :barf: Those home made ready meals sure do come in handy. I have a whole section in my freezer dedicated to just that. So I know at any one time what I have in stock. I like to make an extra portion when ever I can so that it makes another meal to go in store for those days you just can't be bothered or not so well. They are also great when you have been busy and don't have time to make a meal from scratch. To pick up home style meal are handy way when you are short for time. Glad you have somewhere like that close to home to "cheat" when time is pressing for you. ~Sometimes when you have been out all your energy has gone into that and now you just want something quick. That meal just fit the bill. Horrible side effect the metformin has with the nausea. It is not nice when we experience the negative side of the drugs which aid us in so many ways. Your drug is very important to you as it helps regulate your diabetes. I have side effects but nothing so horrid as nausea. Mine is mainly the constipation and dry mouth. So on the big scheme of things it is not that bad really. Well must go and drink my tea before it goes stone cold. So before I go I will say :wave: to RONNIE , VAL & SPICY. I know for both Ronnie and Val their lives are very busy at the moment with one thing or another. We caught up with Spicy at the weekend which was lovely. Bye bye and take care ladies :wave:purpleorc :hug: |
I made a yummy smoothie for my afternoon snack -- as I am always getting hungry before dinner, so I am hoping this will help tide me over. I have been experimenting and this is the one I made today; it was very filling, and it is surprisingly thick just like a milkshake but without the ice cream though ~
1/2 cup milk 1 small fresh banana 3 inch piece of cucumber, optional 2 handfuls of frozen blueberries (about 1/2 cup) 1 tbl Vanilla Whey Protein Powder 1 tsp sugar-free berry Metamucil 1 tbl cocoa powder 1/2 a sweetener 1 tsp flax meal I whipped this in my $5.00 blender and it made a generous 2 cups. Last time, I didn't put the cuke in. I read somewhere that it is good for lowering blood sugar and great in smoothies (you don't even notice that it is in there), and it is a great way to use them up. This is nice with the cocoa powder or without. It actually tastes very sweet and probably doesn't even need the artificial sweetener at all. You can get many kinds of thickener like Metamucil or plain Fibersure; I just like the sugar-free berry one; but you could probably make this without it and it would still be good too. I put the Vanilla Whey Protein Powder in for flavor and to get protein in it. This makes a great breakfast substitute too -- thought you might like to try it. |
:wave: HI LADIES ~ just got back from a quick evening walk; boy, it is raining/sleeting out there and it is sooo cold on the face. I even had on a hat, scarf, and mittens. I was concerned it may be icy so I took my poles, but it is just mild enuff that it felt like cold rain. It seems to be crossing back and forth between mini-snow pellets and rain.
Anyways, I made it up to the end of the block and back much faster with the poles as they really help give me better balance, but it's UPHILL all the way, so it is a good workout nevertheless. I am trying to take advantage of the clear sidewalks for as long as I can; I will still try to go out, but will use my poles more often then ... Just wanted to drop by again and say HI; we had a good day. Just did stuff like light housekeeping today at home as the weather isn't that nice here right now, but it is supposed to be sunnier mid-week so we'll take advantage of that too. DH pulled out the big bird feeder so it is handy for when we want to put it up; which will probably be in November sometime. PURPLE ~ you reminded me that I still had a casserole in my freezer, so I decided we would have that for dinner tonight. I also roasted some veggies in a glass casserole at the same time: a mixture of green & yellow beans, baby carrots, and cauliflower on top. It was very nice: a meatless casserole with cheese for the protein tonight. You are having exceptionally warm weather; and we are having the opposite. :lol: Oh well, must go with the flow: I'm telling myself how beautiful it is outside and gee, it actually helps you feel OK about it. Could be worse, as they say ... ;) No, I don't think I have been to that park but my DH may have, as he has been out west and even further north than me; oh yes, we have some grand forests, especially in the northern areas. Yes, I have also seen that bark demonstration before where they use their teeth to put designs in the bark (I think it was birch tree bark); actually I saw it on a program here as well, and it was very interesting. We have a lot of native and Metis people in our town, plus a lot of natives from the far north come here regularly as well; and I supposed some of them would know this technique as well. HEY VAL ~ I just wanted to tell you that I was reading on a site somewhere, and this doctor said that going for a walk was just as good as jogging or running. You can just pick up the pace a bit and swing those arms to get almost the same aerobic effect. I am still gonna go out even when the snow comes; I'm gonna use my ski poles like I did tonight as they really help me pick up the pace. Had my heart pumping good tonight ... :D HI to SPICEY, and RONNIE ~ hope you ladies are having a wonderful week! Well, I had a good day: ate very well and got my exercises in too -- so I am glad for that. Hope all of you ladies had a good day too, and hope that you have a TERRIFIC TUESDAY tomorrow as well! Take good care ladies ... :hug:ROSEBUD:hug: |
:wave: HI LADIES ~ boy, people are scarce on the threads lately, and not just in this one either. Seems people are really busy or life is sending them lots of challenges to handle at this time. We had foggy, rainy weather all day today. It cleared up a bit and now the fog is back, but at least it's not raining or sleeting.
Last night, after I was in posting, I went for a walk and for the second night in a row, it started snow-raining and my face was almost frozen by the time I got back home. Today, I stayed home for the day just doing stuff around here. I am still debating whether to go out as the temps are dropping quite fast out there; and it's really chilly. Made a very healthy chicken stew for dinner and it was really nice; we had a good day though. I have just been doing stuff around the house; did some indoor exercises and walking so far today. DH just put NIKO out for the last time; if I feel up to it, I may go for a short jaunt outdoors just to see how the winds are ... DH just went out and checked the weather for me and he says that it isn't too bad, so I think I will venture out for a few minutes at least. I'm going to have a tea and a small snack as I feel a bit hungry tonight, but we had a very light dinner as the stew was really just a thick soup with lots of veggies in it. Hope you all had a good day, and that you have A WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY tomorrow too! Take good care of yourselves; and don't be shy about dropping by for a few minutes sometime this week ... :hug:ROSEBUD :hug: |
Well, I decided to go for a walk before having my tea and snack as the weather was not too bad out there. I took my trekking poles again tonight becuz they really help me getting up that hill, and I am getting faster each time so I went a bit further tonight. It took me about 25 minutes (5 more than last night becuz I went further to extend the time).
So tomorrow, I will have to go a bit further again to get back to my 30 minutes. The poles really help my back from hurting while going up the hills and makes it easier for me overall. DH says that he will go with me tomorrow and we will go out a bit earlier too. We haven't turned our clocks back yet; our gov has decided to extend our daylight savings time by 3 weeks: 2 in the spring and 1 week in the fall, so we won't turn them back until next week. We almost turned them back last night, but then I found an article on our weather site that reminded us not to turn them back until next Sunday night. I can see that this site has already turned theirs back becuz the time on here and my pc is one hour earlier than here. Well, now I am going to have my tea and a light snack; I am having a small apple, and some carrot sticks with 1 tbl peanut butter ... this is one of my new favorite ways to eat PB: no bread this way and the carrots taste really good with it plus it adds a raw veggie with a protein for a healthy snack. Salut -- have a great night ... :hug: |
Hi fellow chicks
Gosh where did yesterday go it went in the blink of an eye. It was the day of my treatment then I came home to start preparing a meal. Yesterday I did a yummy :T meal a fresh beef burger in a plain bread bun with a small side dish of sweet potato chips (fries) seasoned with a little curry powder. It was very filling and no ill effect from the tummy with the touch of curry. I didn't go to heavy handed with the curry just did a light dusting of it. DH said it really enjoyed it did not know how the sweet potato would go with him rather than the ordinary potato I need not have worried I don't think it touched the sides he enjoyed them so much. Good to drop by today I was so determined to do so. A big thank you :thanks: to Rosebud for holding the fort. Today is trying to make it's mind up weather wise what it wants to do. It is looking like rain one minute then brilliant sunshine the next. Nothing new here just typical British weather having all types of weather in one day :D Today we are going out for a special meal as DH is taking me out to a pub in the countryside for a meal. Really looking forward to it. You see it was my birthday on Saturday and I was so shattered after our journey to Kent the day before. It was a 10 hour round trip well it took it's toll. We decided it was best that I didn't go to far a field but to enjoy a more simple day. I had a nice day anyway as I was given some perfume by my DH, money and necklace from my sister and nieces. Money from my parents which I think is going towards another perfume I have my eye on ;) I love perfume and jewellery. Not that I wear a huge amount of jewellery I have a few rings, I wear a necklace, sometimes a bracelet or brooch. I don't like to wear too much at once. I tend to go for costume jewellery rather than the more expensive silver/gold/platinum type. I was a lucky bunny and was taken out for a meal on Monday by BIL. I have done the shopping today but again I did not need a great deal mainly the fresh produces and tinned fruit of course at this time of year when fresh fruit is more expensive. It is so amazing what I had ferreted away in our freezers and it has feed us well for weeks. Though big gaps are starting to appear. There will be enough room soon to allow me to defrost the smaller freezer which is not self defrosting. I will move food items from the small freezer to the larger one then commence doing the job in hand. Not that it will take that long when I set my mind to it. It is just getting myself into gear to sort it out. ROSEBUD Thanks for the the smoothie. I never think of putting cucumber in but seeing that they do not taste of a great deal I can see how they would lend themselves to going into a smoothie and be unnoticed. It would be a great way for parents to sneak them in there for their children who were fussy about foods. I see you have put in flax meal which I sometimes do. I have also put it in or sometimes porridge oats just a small portion. It is gives it a nutty flavour to it and a texture to the smoothie. Porridge oats have properties known to lower the cholesterol for anyone with troubles in that area. It is always useful to use foods that have a positive effect on our bodies like cucumber and oats. The weather still remains mild and again went out with just a cardigan. I am sure we will pay for our mild spell we are having but I am enjoying it while it lasts. sorry to hear your having the other flip of the coin as yours it worse than mine have colder weather and more snow to boot no doubt. Yes you were right the patterns were made my first nations people on birch bark. One of his previous series he followed the native people of Australia (Aboriginals) and learnt the skills they had used for hundreds of years. The Aboriginal people had such a wealth of skills than we have lost over the years as we have moved away from the land. :carrot: Well done on your improvement in your length of time walking that is great news and shows a development in your walking. It is great to have mini goals to head towards and try and better. Like me they are small ones but they feel big ones with our challenges that life has to throw at us. To achieve another goal or beat a time etc gives me a buzz. I am a person who likes to better something I have done bit of perfectionist that is me. I am very critical of things that I do but not of others weird I know in my life. I am going to have my cuppa now that I made earlier before it goes stone cold on me which I hate :barf: Take care and catch you later. :wave:purpleorc :hug: |
:wave: HI LADIES ~ I had a heck of a time getting in here tonight; this is my third time trying, as I just gave up after the second time. There is a huge new AD on the top of the site as we come in that was just freezing up my computer tonight. The first time, my internet page collapsed on me; then I started all over and it froze up my PC again, so I just gave up and left; went and put my feet up and read for awhile.
I see from another post that I am not the only one having that problem; it is odd that one advertisement is using such a powerful means to advertise that it is freezing up our PC's. They may get us to look at their ad by freezing up our screens, but I won't buy their product if they ruin my experience on the net or stop me from coming into this or any other site. I understand that the ads are needed to pay for the site, but that's more than advertising and needs to be addressed. Anyways, better get this post in whilst I can as it's getting late now. Had a busy day as we started to work on putting up our Christmas lights; we actually wanted to put them up for Hallowed Eve. Couldn't find enuff orange bulbs, so we used yellow instead and that really brightened things up on our front porch. We will finish up tomorrow by putting up the glowing pumpkin men I made today. That took us all afternoon by itself. We didn't get the sun they promised but at least it didn't rain or snow today; just a dull, gray overcast but it could have been much worse. It actually got up to 5C today ... woo-hoo ... spent a lot of time on my feet walking around here so I didn't bother going out tonight as my feet were already hurting by dinner time. Made boneless center pork chops and a nice mix of steamed veggies and rice for dinner tonight; it turned out really good. I must have been tired too becuz after I put my legs up at only 8:30 pm, I nodded off after reading a bit until about 11:15. Our NIKO came out to check on me and was laying near the sofa, then started playing games with my feet and that woke me up ... :lol: Tomorrow, we hope to get the rest of the decos done out front, so that will keep us busy again. Hope you all have a nice day tomorrow too; take good care ... :hug:ROSEBUD:hug: |
:bday2you::bday2you::bday2you:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY P U R P L E !!! So sorry I missed your birthday on Saturday; but I am glad that you got to celebrate it even if it was a tad bit later. So nice that you got some lovely gifts from family and friends. This year, I spent my birthday at a friend's place and he made us a nice rib dinner. Usually, we go out for dinner to a restaurant on my birthday, but that was even nicer to me ... to spend it with friends, and I didn't have to cook!!! ;) Sorry that long trip tired you out so much, but you were able to make up for it on another day; that's what I do too. Tonight, my feet were very sore; so I just took it easy. I went out for walk almost every night this week and did lots around here too, so I accomplished a lot more than I could have hoped for. I am trying for a minimum of 10 minutes each day and am aiming for 30 minutes daily, but I think that I am surpassing that by far ... Yes, I also put some flax meal into my porridge and cream of wheat as well; that makes for a very filling breakfast too. I like to have a smoothie for a snack sometimes just becuz it really fills me up and gives me a change from the norm as well. I had sweet potato fries for the first time this past week as well, and liked them; they are a bit softer in the center but I liked them a bit crispy on the outside. They were nice for a change and are very healthy for us too. Hope you have a nice restful day tomorrow ... take good care! :hug: |
Hi Ladies
I am late coming on here today been playing nurse maid to DH we all know what men are like when they are ill ;) No joking apart I know that he is unwell as he is not one to complain he is very stoic. DH suffers from IBS which started up in earnest yesterday so in the end did not go out for celebratory meal. We will reschedule when he is better again. He has been having his medication and hot wheat packs on his tummy to relief the pain that you experience with this condition. All of the family on his side have this condition and his youngest brother has it worse I think. Though it has improved vastly since the change of his diet and cutting out coffee. Weather still remains mild for this time of year but I am not complaining. It has been a sunny afternoon though cloudy this morning. ROSEBUD Thanks for the birthday wishes. Glad to see that you can see progress in the walking it gives you light at the end of the tunnel. I am struggling at walking at the minute but on my good days I try and get a good walk in. I sure do miss my days of really long walks. When the weather was good I use to walk home from work. Only in the day time I hasten to add it is to risky to do so at night. It was some 3 miles from my home but it helped me unwind after a day at work which as you could imagine could be stressful. Glad you liked the sweet potato chips (fries), I like the butternut squash ones as well though they do have a soft texture as well. I wonder if pumpkin would work well in producing fries baked in the oven. Either seasoned with just salt and pepper, may curry powder or for the spicier palate chilli powder. I like to experiment not that all my creations come out a success I must add. I have already prepared our dinner for tomorrow which is to be roast chicken dinner. I am just defrosting our chicken at the minute as it recommends strongly that we defrost poultry thoroughly before cooking in the UK. We are having a selection of vegetables to go with this. I am having a short period alone tomorrow which is very unusual so that is why I remark on it. This is because my DH is going on MS centre training day for staff paid or voluntary. Not sure what the training is to entail but he will be away for about 3 hours. So tomorrow I will be wearing my emergency pendant in case I decide to do a rendition of swan lake or the nutcracker suite :rofl: It gives both me and DH the peace of mind that I will be safe. I have to be aware there are things I can't do like sit on sofa's or armchairs as I can't always get up from those so it will be my computer chair which comfortable anyway but higher. I have to be sensible when I am on my own else I will be putting myself in unnecessary danger. Time to start thinking about taking my night medication so I need to go and make a drink :coffee:. Take care till next time :wave:purpleorc :hug: |
HI LADIES ~ we had another cloudy overcast day but it didn't rain, so we were lucky there; actually, it is clearing up out there right now and I can see the moon up there (about 2/3 full), although it is a bit misty yet. Maybe we'll get some sun for the next couple of days -- would be nice if the weather was decent for the kids on Halloween for a change (meaning ~ no rain) ...
We had a very busy day -- worked on those decos on the front porch all day and did get them all done, and they do look pretty nice with the lights in there too. Just came back from a short walk up and down to see how they look at night and to turn the lights out for the night. Will leave them on longer tomorrow night and on Hallowed Eve as well. I got so much walking in today that there's no need for anymore really. HEY PURPLE ~ yes, do take it easy whilst your DH is away tomorrow; can always come in here or do some chatting to friends on your PC while he is away too. When I overdo it, I start losing my balance and falling all over the place too, but I don't have MS: my body just gets way too tired -- that's all! All this fresh fall air is making DH tired too; he tried to watch a movie tonight and kept falling asleep. Actually, this cool air is kinda good for you in some ways; it's good for your lungs; it burns extra calories; and it helps you sleep much better too! I hope your DH's IBS gets better soon; since I have changed my eating patterns, mine has gotten so much better that it goes the other way now. Like you, I am eating "natural" whole foods and grains (whole grain breads, brown rice mix, whole grain pasta, beans, etc); more raw fruits and veggies (lots of salads and finger veggies); eating my veggies and fruits with their skins on as much as possible; plus have added more fiber and water daily; make sure to eat lean protein of some kind with each meal and/or snack; and have added in some vital nutrients to help with my deficiences (ie flax meal, Vitamin E, and Vitamin A, Whey Protein Powder, fish oil, a good Multi-Vitamin, and so on). I have also cut down sugary and refined foods drastically. Besides all that and prayer, my IBS has all but gone away. I only have a few episodes here and there. I do have some treats now and then, but I am choosey what they are and carefully watch HOW MUCH I have at one time (ie 1/2 cup low-fat yogurt ice cream -- but only occasionally), measuring quite meticulously. I think it has all helped a lot ... I suppose your health officials want you to defrost your chicken(s) before cooking to make sure that they cook all the way to the center??? Am I guessing about that correctly? I know there are issues around salmonella; and that could be their concern. If I cook frozen or semi-frozen meat of any kind, I make sure to add extra time ie for a whole chicken, I would add another whole hour of cooking time. So if I expected it to cook in 2 hours, I would leave it in at least 2.75 to 3 hours instead; and that's for a small to medium-sized chicken. I also put the temperature up a bit higher, say another 25-50 degrees, depending on what I am roasting and how long I have. I do try to defrost them first but that does take up to a day in the fridge; or in your sink (covered); or in a cold oven in a covered pan (the metal acts like a fridge and keeps the meat cold for a longer time). Ideally, experts do recommend that you thaw meat in the fridge from the day before, but you have to make room for it. This is sometimes hard for large turkeys, so I always remind my friends and family about the sink or oven methods for safety reasons ... We will likely do a tiny bit of shopping tomorrow; we don't have much to get -- just the basics like eggs, cheese, bread, etc. So another busy day for us tomorrow too; but I don't mind that so much really. Hope you all have a FANTABULOUS FRIDAY tomorrow! Take good care of yourselves ... :hug:ROSEBUD:hug: |
Hi, Ladies! I'm so sorry, but it seems that busy-ness has gotten hold of me and I haven't had much time to be here lately! I miss you all:hug: DH's mom had a knee replacement Tuesday and may be getting out of the hospital today or tomorrow, so DH may be gone to help her out a day or two. My dad's radiation is going well now. He's found that if he drinks a malt (like a milkshake) after his treatment, he's able to eat the rest of the day. He lost 20 pounds right away when he couldn't even eat soup, but the malt's seem to help somehow (thanking God for that!).
Purple-Happybelated Birthday!!! Sounds like you had a nice day! Sorry your DH isn't feeling well. My DH and his family suffer from IBS also, so we know how it can affect everything you try to do. Hoping he's well quickly and you can go for your meal and enjoy the weekend. Rosebud-sounds like you're doing well with walking, even in the foul weather:carrot:! I've been being lazy and not getting out to walk and I can tell, as the weight's just not moving lately. Also, similar to what Val mentioned, my SAD is coming on full steam this fall with the weather here so gloomy and miserable and I just don't feel like doing anything except eat and hibernate. Trying not to do the eating out of control part, though. I have learned that that won't help in the long run, as I just feel worse for being fat:dizzy:. Val-hope your SAD gets controlled and you can feel more normal. Do your MS symptoms get worse from the SAD or so you think the SAD comes from the MS symptoms? I hadn't had an SAD episode for a couple years now, but this year, my MS got worse with some new symptoms and now the SAD is back (of course, this has been the worst year emotionally and the worst autumn weather-wise I can ever remember for us). Spicy-ditto what I said to Val in hoping you are feeling better. I'd love to be down in your area for a longer autumn. Seems that we have just gone from summer to winter here temperature-wise. New Orleans would definitely be something nice to look forward to! :grouphug: for all! No football tonight as it's playoff time, so next game's on Monday night. Getting ready for the kids' party at church Saturday evening (we do this instead of traditional Halloween activities). Lots of games, free food and candy for all, and prizes. It's always a great time! Have a great day and weekend, everyone!! |
Hi fellow chickies
Today has been grey and overcast but despite that I did get some washing dried outside on the line as there was a nice breeze. Managed to behave myself whilst dh was away on his training session ;) I did about a hour of house work and called it a day on that before I did myself a mischief with over doing it. Surprising though how much you can do in a hour if you put your mind to it. I changed round our meals today with the training session going on and I did not know what time to cook a hot meal for so plumbed for doing sandwiches for dinner time then roast chicken for tea. Had a surprise visit today from the council inspector he was coming to look at the workmanship. Needless to say he is recalling them back as the plumbing is still not right. It is still leaking a little under the sink which I mop up every few days so damaged is not cause. This is still an on going issue which is slowly getting resolved but even the inspector is pulling his hair out that things are not being done correctly. I feel sorry for him as he is bending over backwards to help me but the others are not doing there work properly. RONNI Nice to hear from you as I know you have your hands full with health issues in the family. Best wishes for your mum's knee replacement surgery this coming week. Radiation can be tough going and most lose weight due to the side effects. Glad that your Dad has over come that by drinking malt drink. Who would think something so simple as that would provide a solution to the horrid side effect. Thanks for the birthday wishes for Saturday. Sorry to hear that you suffer from SAD also like spicy and Val. It seems more common than you would think. I hope you find a solution to assist you through the winter. I know some find relief from artificial light. ROSEBUD Gosh it is surprising how many people have IBS. I also have it very mildly but mine can be triggered from too much dairy especially milk. I know my dh tends to get triggered by stress. He is prone to it after a long drive especially if it is a particular long day. It is a balancing act finding your triggers but it sure does help having a healthier life style with less processed food and sugars which are refined. Yes you have hit the nail on the head about the health officials and the worries with salmonella. I have cooked other meats from frozen and like you cook for longer and have the oven up higher to combat the frozen state. I have yet to tackle a chicken from that state. It has been so ingrained in me from a child not to cook frozen chicken I still find it hard to break that. When I defrost I always put my food in to a metal tray so water does not run every where or any blood etc from the meat. The metal tray has a good deep rim around it so no chance of contamination of work tops or in the fridge. Yes it is hard having the space to fit in a joint such as a turkey in there to defrost so I like you pop it on the sink drainer. With our fridges being small in the UK space is at a premium. Though in later years we are seeing for sale the bigger American style fridges but they are very expensive in comparison. Glad you have decorated your porch ready for Halloween you will have to take a photograph for me to see as it is something we tend not to do here so I would love to see how it done. After Halloween as gone I should be able to pick up some pumpkins at a reasonable price to make pumpkin soup :T. Before then the pumpkins nigh on need a mortgage to pay for them :D. The cheapest you see pumpkins is $4.00 and they are the really small ones. For a larger one you are looking at $10.00. Now the evening is upon us I am feeling very tired now :yawn: as I was up early again this morning as I could not sleep. I am glad though I managed to get some extra walking done today by putting out the washing on the line but doing it by making myself walk to and fro from the house with only a few garments to put on the line. I thought this type of exercise would be achievable. Time to go ladies before I fall asleep :faint: till next time take care :wave:purpleorc :hug: |
5 Attachment(s)
PURPLE ~ here's some pictures of our Halloween Decos; they are pretty tame and that's the way we like it. Some people put out more goulish looking things, but we like the simple, fun stuff from the past ...
We also have a lighted pumpkin in the center window; but we have to keep it indoors as it wasn't made for outdoors. Boy, the wind is howling out there; sure hope our decos don't get ruined. Note: I decided to bring the bonhomme inside for the night and I tied the other ones up to the deck so they'll be safe for the night too. The first pic is the front view; then our pumpkin man, our lady scarecrow, our friendly bonhomme, and some of our mini-pumpkin bumpkins; we have yellow lights mingled in there too and it really brightens things up ... Attachment 33616Attachment 33613Attachment 33614Attachment 33615Attachment 33617 |
Hello, Chickies-
Sorry I've been AWOL lately. Time has just gotten away! I'm a baseball fan, so first were the playoffs in both divisions, and now the World Series has staerted. I don't know who I'm pulling for as both of my favorite teams are in the WS!! So whoever wins, I'll be happy. Happy belated birthday, Purple! My friend Bessie had her birthday today and I baked her a cake. She was surprised and I think pleased. I didn't really have money for a gift, but I had the ingredients for a chocolate cake. It was difficult to bake it and then give it away!!! I wanted a big slice of it, but I didn't. LOL I couldn't give her a cake with a slice missing!! I have been doing okay with my food, although some days I sneak in a piece of bread. I stay in the overall calorie count for the day, but my weakness is bread... We usually have many kids trick or treating here. I put together 50 little treat bags with candy I don't like! that way if it isn't all given away, well, I won't be tempted to eat it up. Tomorrow is the big night. I love seeing all the kids dressed in their costumes. I will try not to stay away so long next time, Ladies. Thanks for being here for me. spicy |
HI LADIES ~ we didn't get any sunshine today; woke up to rain & drizzle so we decided to wait awhile before going out to do some shopping. Ended up having lunch then went; and we were blessed as the rain stopped just as we left and didn't start again until after we got home (thank you GOD) ...
Got some really great deals today; even picked up a nice roast for Christmas as the grocer had center rib pork roasts on for $1.00 a lb -- yes, that's not a typo; haven't seen those prices since I was young I think. So, we decided that's what we are having this year; each year we change what we have at Christmas to vary it instead of turkey all the time. Also, one of our friends has an allergy to turkey so we try to find alternates and then we have a turkey at either New Years, Easter, or Thanksgiving instead. Got lots of walking in today, but munched a bit too much on some cashews; the rest of my day was so on plan, so hopefully things will be OK over the week. Gee, I can count walnuts or almonds, but now I know that cashews are a problem for me, so I just won't have them here from now on -- I am learning which foods cause a problem for me. Once I make my mind up, I won't miss them after awhile. PURPLE ~ yes, lots of people have IBS and I also think that milk products and stress contributed to mine too; I have cut back on how much dairy I consume at a time and am trying to destress my life as much as possible -- have to work on that all the time, becuz new and unexpected stressors can come up on us all the time. We ordered a special wall heater for our bathroom as we have a central furnace here and that room needed something to take the edge off in the winter when we have our bath/showers. It looks great and we can mount it on the wall too. Hope you all have a great weekend; and take good care of yourselves ... :hug:ROSEBUD:hug: |
HI RONNIE ~ lots of churches are now having alternative parties now; I think that's great and I think it's nice that some of the grownups go too. We have never seen DH's church have anything like this, but I wouldn't be surprised if they do in the future as it seems to becoming very popular. Our community has more than one party for the kids too with games and prizes and such too. DH and I don't have children so we stay home and give out to those who still roam the neigbourhood like we did when we were kids ... ;)
We have been having overcast weather too; everyone is finding these days of cloudy skies quite gloomy. I bet I could count on my hand the number of sunny days we've had this fall; way too few. Gee, I sure hope that changes very soon! I'm trying to walk as much as I can each day; I feel much better when I do, but I am happy even if I only go for 10-15 minutes as with all the other walking and stuff I do each day, that can add up over the week. Every bit helps, I think! :hug: |
HI SPICY ~ we posted at the same time earlier; I think a lot of people have been busy lately, esp with so much sports going on right now. Boy, you were brave making a chocolate cake to give away and not eat any ... wow! I like bread too, but have switched to WW whole grain which is only 100 calories for 2 slices.
We have a big rain storm that just rolled in; that is why there were such high winds -- it is absolutely pouring out there. I am gonna have to shut'er down for the night very soon; I thought that I saw the lights dim a bit a few minutes ago, and I was right ... We will likely only get about 25 kids tomorrow; our neighbour told us that is usually how many we get in this area now. I remember at one time getting almost 75-100 but that was over 20 years ago; with all the parties out there now, the numbers are smaller now. We are handing out small bags of chips this year; it's easy and if there are any left, DH gets to have them. Hope you have a great time tomorrow; and enjoy the games ... :hug: |
Hi Ladies
Managed to come on early today for once. First of all though I must wish you all a :witch: HAPPY HALLOWEEN :witch:. I hope you have a lovely day whatever you decide to do for this festival. My goodness though I can't believe that is the end of October already it comes so fast. The next festival for us is bonfire night which is 5th November. This celebrates the foiled plot of Guy Fawkes to blow up the houses of parliament. Thus on this day we have lots of fireworks displays both personal ones at home or at a public display. For those who have not been here in the the UK at this time it is a wonderful thing to see with many fireworks for many hours. I dread to think how much people spend on fireworks as they are not cheap to buy especially some of the very big type which are more spectacular. Our dinner yesterday was lovely with the roast chicken. It was big enough for another meal. Our Rizzie had the leg meat with some mashed steamed vegetables. He loved it as well by the rate of knots he was eating it. Anyone would think I didn't feed him by the way he tucked into that. He can be fickle for days he won't eat his food then all of a sudden then the next few days he is a bottomless pit and you can't seem to give enough food too.When we first had him I was worried something was wrong with him and was just about to take him off to the vet for a check up to see what was the matter when he started eating us out of house and home ;) So this is his eating pattern a strange one but we are all unique. SPICY Thanks for the birthday wishes. I personally have never watched a baseball game as this game is not really played much in this country. I would love to go to a game as it all seems rather exciting the small exposer I have seen from films etc. I think the nearest I can see to this game is rounders I played in school. I am sure Bessie your friend would have appreciated the present of a birthday cake far more than an expensive gift. A handmade gift is so much nicer as you know they have spend quite a lot of time and love in making it. When I was a child again we did not have lots of money for things so we made gifts instead. Our grandmother one year we made a simple dressing table set which consists of a rectangular (largest of the pieces) and 2 squares. These shapes were in a material which was woven and had easy holes for us children to put the needle through. Here we would make cross stitch patterns in different threads. Mum use to embroidery loads so had plenty of threads. My next door neighbours we would bake a cake for at Christmas as it happens it was also a chocolate cake. we would make this Christmas eve. Then put the chocolate filling on the top and middle later in the day when the sponge had cooled down. I know that uncle and auntie (we called our next-door neighbour auntie and uncle but they were no relation really but to be polite. I always called them this even as an adult it just didn't seem right to do otherwise) loved this present from us as did our grandmothers. If bread is your weakness try looking for the lowest calorie wholemeal one that you can find You will be surprised by the calorie difference of the different brands. Some breads are like 120+ per slice yet you might find one nearly half of that calories. So then if you do go over by one slice of bread you have lessened the damage. ROSEBUD Thanks so much for taking the time to take photographs of your decorations on your porch. Wow they are stunning I have never seen anything like that I love what You have done to your porch. Though I do not know what bonhomme is though. It must be a figure in Canadian culture that has not made it's way to the UK yet. I especially love the figure that is dressed in white with a red bow tie on so cute. Like you I would not go for the more ghoulish type of characters but the cute ones but that is more my nature. It must have taken hours of work to make all those decorations and I do hope they with stand what the weather has to throw at them. You know that I said that the weather is exceptionally mild here in the UK well there was an article on the msn or BBC site can't remember which saying it was the hottest October on record since records began. We have been having temperatures of 19c. This week it is half term holiday's for the school children which is nice with the weather being so good. Many families this week have headed to the coast to make the most of the mild weather. It showed children on the sea front enjoying a 99 ice cream. This is a ice cream in a cone with a small chocolate flake in This is a picture to show you what I mean. I am sure parents have been glad that the weather has been so nice in the holidays as it allows them to play outside more. Yes if you have IBS it is like walking on a tight rope it is a constant balancing act of getting your diet right and keeping stress to a minimum. I tend to be a worrier and it drives my DH to distraction some times the things that worry me. I have got better over the years with my DH help and that has help so much on the IBS. Though I know that some people are so debilitated by it. So I am blessed that I do not have it that severe. I hope the wall heater for the bathroom proves successful at keeping off the chills especially now as winter is upon you. Well time to crack on and get sorted and go to do some housework. Hope to do about an hour again today. So till next time take care :wave:purpleorc :hug: |
:haphal: HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!! :haphal:
Well, we did manage to get 26 kiddies tonight even though we live on the far end of the street; and two more just came now. However, we did see about another dozen that missed us -- as they turned around and went back in the other direction. :?: Then some of the teens explained to us that it appeared very dark down this way, and that many kids would likely be too tired to come all the way out to this end of the town. I think we mostly got those that already lived in this area, or that had relatives that lived over here, or the ones the parents are driving around (as most were this year); but still, we were very happy to get as many as we did really. We decided to give out a chocolate bar and chips as the chips were very small; DH opened one and felt that wasn't enuff, so he went and picked some Snickers Bars today which the kids really seemed to like, so we know what to get them next year for sure. At the end of the evening, we decided to give all our leftover chocolate bars (plus some chippies) to a neighbour down the street who's kids were so sick they couldn't go out trick or treating; actually the whole family is sick with even mom in bed. The Dad said he really appreciated the bag of goodies. I did splurge and had one treat, and DH gets to keep any chippies that are left over by end of the night ... Well, I had prayed that GOD would stall that rain and wind just for tonight; and sure enuff, it stopped just in time for the kiddies to come out. We had 5 kids show up before 5 o'clock even, but that used to happen a lot out in the country too as some parents bring the young ones out early. So, it turned out to be a productive night and it was fun seeing the kids and their costumes and to talk to them too. It 's almost 9:30 pm here now, so I imagine we won't have any more kids at this time of night. PURPLE ~ a bonhomme is just a French name for any kind of friendly mascot; often they look like giant snowmen with a face similar to ours. I also think he looks a lot like a sweet character that was popular in kids movies years ago called 'CASPER -- the friendly ghost' although here, they call them bonhommes. They are very popular in Quebec and you see them in their Carnivals a lot. Those cones you showed us look very similar to ones you can get here from a franchise called 'DAIRY QUEEN' which became popular in the 50's or 60's. We don't have them up here but they were popular down south -- my favorite version was like yours, only dipped in melted chocolate that would harden from the cold of the ice cream. We are supposed to put our clocks back tomorrow night; we used to do that on the last Sunday of October but Canada changed that to the first Sunday of November now. We were so used to changing before that twice now DH put the clocks back and I had to tell him not yet, not until Sunday night! :lol: Hope you all had a good day today; do take good care and, we hope that you all have a superbly serene and restful Sunday tomorrow ... :hug:ROSEBUD :hug: |
CLOSED!!!
HI LADIES ~ I have started the new NOVEMBER thread ... so you can post in there now! I have also sent a request to RUTH to red sticky it at the top of the page for us; and I'm sure she'll do that as soon as she comes by ... see you over there! :hug: |
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