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PHYSICAL CHALLENGES ~ June's Thread

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#16

Justwant2Bhealthy , 06-06-2009 08:49 PM

HI LADIES ~ well, we had an odd mixed bag of weather today; a little and a little all day long. DH took some more wood out to our lot today and did some tidying up and prep while he was there for a couple of hours then came home as the rain wouldn't stop. He was gonna do the last short row of cross blocks, but we'll just wait for another time. He and the contractor will be putting up the ramp this week sometime as well.

I just stayed home as the cold, damp weather is hard on my muscles in my back, knees, legs, and shoulders (all my old injuries are terribly aggravated by damp, cold weather). I had a nice OP day and dinner -- a lean pork chop steak with salad with tomatoes and cuke slices; and Dh had hamburger steak, which he prefers.

HI PURPLE ~ yes, you can make apple butter using any kind of apples you have on hand; it is especially nice with a mix of sweet & tart apples. You can make it plain or add a bit of sugar or sweetener like splenda and cinnamon to it. Apple butter is just prepared apples (cleaned and peeled and cut into chunks) cooked until thick and creamy. I just add 1/2 cup pure apple juice or water, and cook with the sugar or substitute; adding the cinnamon at the end. You may "can" it (put up in clean jars) or just freeze it in small, sealed containers, which is much easier. I'm sure if you google APPLE BUTTER, you will find hundreds of good, simple recipes for this delightful treat which is very nice on toast, bagels, scones, and english muffins.

BBL ... be back in a sec ...
#17

Justwant2Bhealthy , 06-06-2009 09:54 PM

I'm back ... Decided to do a new post as the other one moved to a new page and I couldn't look back to answer the previous posts ...

Yes, peony flowers are delicate; maybe a wind break would help it (like a trellis on one side to temper the winds). Many people plant them along their house (on the south side) or a wall, but I have seen them out in the open too. If the plant is small, that means it needs some help; the best thing to try is some food and adding some more soil or mulch around the base to help it. Most peony bushes should grow to about 4 feet high and round as well.

Our lilac bushes are one plum pink and one light purple; we may get a white one in the future, but the spireas are mostly white, except the one that is a plum pink, which we put where we buried our girls last year (as a special marker for them). Your sweet & sour turkey sounds nice; hope you have a lovely Sunday lunch tomorrow with your DH.

VAL ~ I meant to mention about your mortgage payments; sounds like you are making double monthly payments to pay your home off faster (my parents did that too), but it does put a greater stress on your finances. I realize that the triple payment thing can happen 1 or 2 times a year; maybe you could put $20 dollars away each month into a savings account and just let it sit there for those weird times like that. I know that you are strapped as it is, but planning ahead can help a lot.

Well, DH has already hit the hay after getting up early this morning; he is an early riser, but then gets tired earlier too. Someone called us tonight to ask us if we wanted to sell my mini-tiller; can't imagine why they thought we would want to sell it when I just bought it brand new last year. It is only a small one meant for small gardens or hedge gardens; it's not good for starting a large new garden. They could rent one or should invest in a good one down the road; with food prices souring here, gardens are becoming more and more popular now.

We already have a garden here all along the south-west side of the house; it is framed in with large post beams, and is more than big enuff for the two of us. We also have some drums that we will eventually put out at our lot, but we plan on just having some small hedge gardens around the east and south sides of our cottage in the future.

Well, that's all the news for tonight; already had my tea while posting and now will go and put my legs up and do a puzzle and some reading. Take good care ladies and do have A SPLENDIDLY SERENE SUNDAY!!!ROSEBUD
#18

purpleorc , 06-07-2009 12:07 PM

Hi Ladies

The weather today still remains in the same ilk as yesterday. It has rained none stop today and it is more like a November day rather than a June one. Temperature maximum is suppose to reach the highs of 13c it sure does feel cold after days of 20c to 22c.

Today DH took me out for lunch at the local cafe which does lovely home cooked meals. I can select a fairly healthy meal of chicken breast with a selection of vegetables. I forego the roast potatoes and yorkshire pudding. We then went on for a little trip out of about 30 miles from our home to a place called Leicester. Here we went to a cash and carry place to have a look around. Purchased a few items but it sure did take up an afternoon. I have done my daily exercise by walking around this store. It is huge and by the time I have walked around I am shattered. I have enjoyed my afternoon out nevertheless. Tomorrow I am going to do my big grocery shop before DH has his operation on his gums. That way I will have all the food in for the next week or so until he is back on his feet. So now we are going to be eating soft food after Tuesday lunch time. When I say we I mean DH but I will be eating the main meal of the day with him plus the soup for tea.

Just washing our Rizzie's coat, and blankets from the car as they had started to have a horrid whiff about them. I wash all his stuff on a regular basis to keep the smells that pets create down to a minimum. Talking of Rizzie's he ate like a horse yesterday so I expect for the next few days he will only pick at his food. He does that will eat really well then go for days with virtually nothing. Often to the point you start getting concerned then one day he is a bottomless pit that you can not seem to fill.

ROSEBUD Just took a quick peek on the internet and found a few apple butter recipes. I even saw one without adding sugar or sweetener instead they used frozen grape juice or frozen apple juice to replace the sugar/sweetener. Do you make yours in a slow cooker? Why I asked this was I spotted a method for using this type of cooking to make it. My slow cooker though is a big one so I would need a big volume to cover the bottom properly and not burn the mixture. No doubt our grand parents cooked it on top of the stove and kept an eye on it during the long cooking process.

It sounds like your old injuries maybe arthritic . Why I say that is often people with arthritis have pain during cold damp weather. No doubt as we all get older it is something we can all be prone to getting in our joints. Mum has a joint in her finger which is starting to get misshapen is painful during wet and cold spells. Here finger originally was injured as she had an accident in the kitchen with a knife. She had a nasty cut on her finger requiring hospital treatment.

There nowt as queer as folk is the saying that comes to mind when you told us of someone wishing to buy your mini-tiller. The mini boggles as to the way some people think. Like you say why an earth would you wish to sell it. If you did there would be an advertisement in a local paper telling others of your wishes.

Wow is it nigh on 5pm already the day has whizzed by so quickly. Time for me to do a vanishing act to the kitchen. To start making tracks on tea. Nothing is ready with going out for dinner. Often I have it ready to use but not today so I have to start from scratch. So till next time bye bye and take care

purpleorc
#19

meowee , 06-07-2009 03:20 PM

The visit to the specialist on Thursday was not destined to cheer me up . . . he is definitely thinking in a direction that does not include either Asthma or Pneumonia . . . I'm trying to stay calm until we see the results of the CAT scan (tomorrow; Monday) and the Bronchoscopy (Tuesday). They seem able to stick lighted tubes just about anywhere these days.
#20

Justwant2Bhealthy , 06-07-2009 11:42 PM

HEY MEOWEE ~ try not to think anything worse than that (bronchitis, asthma, emphysema) until you do hear the results of those tests; that's what they are for -- to detect something so they can help you and to eliminate others. Also, when you do see your doctor, be sure to ask lots of questions; don't leave yourself in doubt about anything. That way there won't be any misunderstandings, or cause for undue anxiety. We're here for ya -- and prayers are continuing for you and your health ...

HI PURPLE ~ sounds like you and your DH had a lovely day; yes, I remember Leicester (I read a book by one of your authors who bodes from that city). That's nice that you have so many nice little cafes where you can get a good homestyle meal; wish we had that kind of regular place here. We do have one place that offers chicken and ribs, but it is a bit pricey, so we couldn't go there too often (just on special occasions like my 50th birthday last fall). We may go out for our wedding anniversary as this will be our 20th this year (June 14th).

I have made Apple Butter on top of the stove and baked it in the oven; and liked it both ways. With the oven method, the butter comes out a little bit darker from the roasting but is very tastey with a more caramel flavor to it. I liked the stovetop method too; it tends to be lighter in color and flavor but doesn't take as long to make (you have to watch it more closely though to make sure it doesn't scorch). The crockpot method sounds interesting; and yes, I usually use 'pure' apple juice in mine and I would imagine 'white' grape juice would work well too as it is quite sweet too. You could always just use sweeter types of apples along with the pure apple juice as well; let me know which method you try and how it turns out.

My DH went out to our lot very early this AM and finished off the last cross-blocks for the floor; he so wanted to get that done, as that was supposed to be finished last fall, but the move interfered with that and we had to do it this spring. So ... all the prep is now ready to start the floor; and he was so happy and was home by noon.

DH has to take some friends to see a doctor in the city again; I was going to go but seem to have picked up a stomach bug of some kind. Couldn't finish my dinner tonight; felt sick and nauseated, so slept for few hours and then felt better. My tummy is not perfect yet, but I had some tea while posting and it seems to be feeling a bit better.

Well, that's all from here for now. NIKO, DH and I sat out on the front deck for a little while this afternoon until a cold, damp wind came by with some clouds and that didn't feel too good. They are forecasting sunny weather for tomorrow, but that's what they said for today and we had clouds pretty well all day. Hopefully, they've got it right this time and we all can enjoy a nice day tomorrow.

Take good care of yourselves, ladies ~ and we hope you all have A SIMPLY MAAVELLOUS MONDAY!!! ROSEBUD
#21

purpleorc , 06-08-2009 10:01 AM

Hi ladies

Much nicer day weather wise today no further rain as yet, though the clouds have started to roll in this afternoon so we could be in for a shower later today. We went shopping this morning, but prior to going I popped all Rizzie's blankets, coat, and sheet back in to the car. It certainly smelled a whole lot sweeter than they did.

I have been a busy bee for the earlier part of the afternoon preparing for DH having his operation tomorrow. I have made a milk jelly (strawberry flavoured) and made a plain orange jelly with mandarin oranges in. I thought that both of these would be soft enough with having surgery in his mouth. He has bought some squash (not the vegetable but the name we give fruit drink which you dilute with water) today as he though maybe hot drinks might be difficult. I know he is not very keen on cold drinks and much prefers a cup of tea or coffee for that matter. Today he has shown signs for the first time that he is quite worried about tomorrow which is understandable. I know I would be in his position it is only natural. Nobody likes having something done that is going to cause pain afterwards.

I am so close to finishing a book that I am reading that I will have to take another book with me tomorrow to start at the MS centre whilst I am having treatment. Plus to have when DH is having treatment, as I will be waiting in the waiting room until it is all over for him. So I will have a good couple of hours reading time alloted to me tomorrow. Not that I am complaining as I love to read.

I hope to have a shower shortly and wash my hair so that it is dry for bed time. We will be having a late tea today after having a big lunch for us at dinner time. If we have a lunch like this we forego the tea and supper that we traditionally have and merge them together. This seems to work for us very well and we eat around 7pm.

MEOWEE I would like to send you best wishes for your Bronchoscopy and your CAT scan which you are having over the next couple of days. Like you say it is amazing where they can stick light tubes. It always fascinated me when I was a student nurse during my general placement. I went to go and see a lot of these procedures as they were not part and parcels of psychiatric nurses work.

Like Rosebud said try not to get yourself worked up about the diagnosis it really might be something simple which is easily treated. Will be thinking of you during this time.

ROSEBUD We are lucky that a home cooked meal costs �4.00 and if you are a senior citizen then the meal costs �3.00 which I think is reasonable. They are dishes you were brought up on growing up. So plenty of vegetables and something like a casserole, pork steak, lamb chops. They also do salads if you want to be ultra healthy. Plus they do not come with any dressing on which can sting you calorie wise.

You have been married for many years. Something that many couples getting married now will not achieve. They often think everything is going to be a bed of roses when we know it is not. We all have our little rough patches but it is working through them together that gets you through. My DH and I have been together for 12 years in October. Mum and Dad it is 49 years this September. Talking of 50th it will be my parents 50th wedding anniverary next year and my DH will be 50 in April.

I would like to give it a bash making the apple butter when it comes to be apple season here in the UK when I can use a mixture of cookers and eaters. Not sure what method I will be using to cook it yet.

I hope you get better soon from your tummy upset. It is so miserable when you get a mystery tummy bug. I seem more prone to tummy upsets than my DH who seems to have an iron stomach He does have IBS but that affects him seldomly and he has got better at knowing the early symptoms and taking appropriate medication which nips it in the bud. He used to have the habit of wait and see. We meant a full blown attack and pain for days. So after numerous bouts of this he has learnt the lesson the hard way to take medication early to catch the symptoms.

Time to go and put my feet up for an hour before I get cracking on with a shower. So take care ladies

purpleorc
#22

Justwant2Bhealthy , 06-08-2009 11:28 PM

HI LADIES ~ I just stayed home today and did laundry and rested whilst DH was a busy bee. First he tried to help our landlord get his riding lawn mower going so he could cut our grass, but turns out they need a new part first. Then he took our friends to the city for the last appointment with a specialist.

I went to the trouble of making a nice big baked chicken breast dinner and they didn't get back until after 7 pm, and after they had gone out to a fancy restaurant and had dinner before coming home. Anyways, I made boneless, skinless chicken breasts with broccoli, baby carrots, cauliflower, green beans, onion slices, and baby new potatoes in a nice light mushroom cream sauce. It was lovely and we have enuff leftover for another night too.

My stomach flu has graduated from tummy yukkiness to diarrhea tonight. DH said he had that yesterday, so it is definitely something we both have. So I just took it a bit easy tonight; and my abdomen doesn't feel just right yet. Our ramp is supposed to be made on Wednesday; yeah, can't wait! Then later on in the week, if we find a nice day or two, we want to start putting up a small storage shed at the lot for our stuff (only about 8' x 8').

PURPLE ~ prayers and best wishes for your DH as he prepares for his surgery on Tuesday; that all will go well for him and that he won't suffer too much. You are taking good care of each other like the best married couples are supposed to. It sounds like you and your DH married late too (at 37 y/o + 12 = 49).

I married at 30 y/o and DH was 41 y/o. This was my first and only marriage but DH was a widower (sadly, his first wife had passed away when he was only 37 y/o, as she was born with a severe congenital heart problem which many surgeries were just not able to fix).

Anyhow, you are indeed fortunate to have wonderful homestyle meals like that available at your cafes, and for such a good price. DH said his friend bought the three of them dinner tonight and it came to $50.00 total, and he only had a burger and fries even though it was a more formal restaurant. I asked him why he didn't have a proper meal; and he said he didn't want to get something too expensive as what they ordered was very expensive and they were paying the bill as a thank you to him for taking them there.

You know I told you about the meal of chicken and ribs that we had on my 50th birthday -- that cost us $50.00 also and we just split one dinner between us. We had one rack of ribs and 1/4 chicken split in two with bake potato and one salad (as Dh didn't want one as he doesn't like salad). Now you know what I mean about being pricey. Now that was my birthday, so we expected to pay more, but we couldn't afford to do that all the time.

I am disappointed that we don't have a place here that offers homestyle cooking like you can get there; and healthier meals that don't cost such a ridiculous price as I mentioned. I used to work in a place here that you could get a nice dinner for only $10.00 but they closed up and moved away some time ago. Oh well, maybe some day ...

Well, that is all the news from here for now; it's getting late and I want to get my legs up for a while and do a puzzle. Take good care and DO TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOURSELVES, LADIES ... ROSEBUD
#23

purpleorc , 06-09-2009 11:13 AM

Hello fellow chicks

It is a day of two halves. This morning it was sunny this afternoon it is cloudy. Though it is not too cold when the sun is not out.

I have been for my MS oxygen therapy today. I was speaking to a first timer of using the treatment today. He was not in the dive that I use on a weekly basis but in one of the lowest depth they do. They do a 8 metre dive which is used by the younger children with maybe autism or cerebral palsy. Otherwise adults tend to start at a depth of 16 metres, then progress to 24 metres and then finally to 33 metres. I found the most benefit at 33 metres though this is not always the case with everybody it is finding a happy medium that your body is comfortable with. Apart from the depth of pressure the dive is exactly the same just takes a wee bit longer of course to get to 33 metres as oppose to 16 metres.

ROSEBUD Thanks for your prayers regarding my DH. Well off he trotted to the dentist for him to do the procedure only to find bad news. The dentist can see that the infection has spread even further in his mouth and the planned procedure for today would not cure the matter. So DH had to book to see his own dentist to discuss what he would like to do. He has to see this specialist dentist in a months time. Today DH said dentist was poking and prodding about in the area of this infection. The dentist managed to burst one of the abbesses that is visible. When I look in his mouth not that I know exactly what I am looking for I can definitely see 3 lumps in the top gum. There has been 2 for a long time but obviously a 3rd has made an appearance. So DH came out of the dentist with a smile beaming from ear to ear as he had escaped the procedure for another few weeks at least. Talk about jammy monkey getting out of the procedure for now. Just had to give DH some pain killer called Ibuprofen 400mgs as his mouth now sore after dentists encounter with it. I know this is not the name given to the drug in Canada or US for that matter. I think it's named advil as one of the names I have heard.

I knew my DH a while before I was to go out with him. I was living in a shared house with him which was broken up into bedsits. At that time I was going out with another man and had been for 7 years. When I had the shock of my life when I read a letter from him saying he had left me. I never saw it coming and I was devastated at the time. My DH helped me pick up the pieces of my life and things just blossomed from there. So DH would have been in his late 30's and me I would have been early 30's. By the way I do call my better half DH but in actual fact we have not married Though all but in paper that is what we are husband and wife. He calls my parents Mum and Dad. He said it was so nice to have a mum again as his own mum had passed away. I am a great believer that things happen for a reason and you may not see it at the time what god has in store for you. I know now that now DH and I are a partnership he has coped with the MS wonderfully. I feel certain that the man I was going out with before was a great panicker and worried worse than I did. He would get himself worked up to the point where it would cause vomiting. I know that he could not have coped with this illness and given me the support I needed. I am thankful now that the relationship did come to an end and I have a wonderful man who cares so beautifully for me. I know he has given up a lot for me and can't do the things he use to. Though he doesn't complain. I know I am so lucky and feel very blessed to have him by my side.

We never think of the possibility that our husband or wife will pass away at such a young age leaving you a widow or widower. It is nice that your DH has found love again and I am sure that his what his first wife would have wanted. I know that is what I would want for my loved one left behind. To get on with their life and if love comes around again for them I would be pleased for them knowing their was someone to look after him in that special way.

Sorry to hear that you both have iffy tummies with the Rodney Trotters ( Cockney rhyming slang for diarrhoea ) I hope the dawn of a new day finds it better for both of you. It sound like you have both shared the same bug.

I know how your DH felt about not picking something to costly on the menu when someone else is paying. You do not want to feel like your taking advantage of their good nature. I think I would have done the same as your DH in his position, choose a meal that was the cheapest I could see.

Well no further news to tell you. So I am off to the kitchen to make a drink . So till next time take care ladies

purpleorc
#24

ronni62 , 06-09-2009 05:51 PM

Well, hello, everyone! We have just been busy, busy, busy and it's only Tuesday! Good days at VBS and lots to do there. I help out in the kitchen, getting snacks ready, but the kids assemble the snacks (different age groups each day) and then we feed them all as a huge group (over 100 today) and then the clean-up begins, but it's not too bad. Although, there were a lot of mini-chocolate chips and raisins on the floor today to vacuum up!

Purple(your name's always in purple, so I thought I'd shake things up a bit-VBS is vacation Bible school where they come for 3 hours each day for 5 days and learn Bible stories, sing, do games, snacks, and just have lots of fun learning about God. We have a program on Friday evening where the kids get to sing and show their parents some of the things they've done during the week.

Ick, just thinking about your slugs gives me the willies. I don't think we've ever had that many. You would probably need a case of beer to drown the little nasties! It's too bad the dentist couldn't fix your DH's infection. Even though he'd have been in pain from the surgery, now he has to wait longer for whatever solution they come up with. I hope they find a fix soon.

Rosebud-I hope you and your DH are both feeling better quickly. And, before I forget, have a very Happy Anniversary! 20 years is a wonderful accomplishment! Ours will be 19 in October (but there are days I wonder if we'll actually make it

Sounds like you're making some progress on all the projects, too! Your DH must be like that Energizer Bunny-going and going and going! Of course, that's good because we all know what happens when a man has too much spare time on his hands........only trouble

Meowee-Hoping to hear good news. You're in my thoughts and prayers.

Val-I sure know how you feel about money issues. Seems there's never enough to get ahead a bit. Hard when family is in need also or just thinks you're the bank. Try not to let him take advantage because your needs are important, too Hope you're getting some rest.

Well, must go as the boys think I've gone on strike as dinner's not ready yet! DH has gone to Minnesota to check on his dad who had to be taken to the hospital last night-don't know if they're going to be able to do the chemo as his heart seems to be weakening as well as the kidneys.

You all take care and have a nice evening and Wednesday!
#25

Justwant2Bhealthy , 06-09-2009 09:49 PM

HI RONNI ~ Yes, I often refer to my DH as the ever-ready bunny; on good days, he just seems to go, go, go ... DH will be helping out the contractor tomorrow; so glad that the ramp will be put up at my Dad's cottage so I can get in and out without hurting my knees and always feeling like I am going to fall.

I want you to know that every couple has up and downs in their marriage; don't let anyone fool you, Ronni. We have our spats just like any other couple, and usually they are over something very silly and small and all too often, altogether UNimportant (so I try to move on quickly).

My DH has many wonderful qualities, but he has faults like anyone else (as do I); but we have learned that you must forgive each other quickly, if you want to enjoy your marriage and life with your chosen partner. You have children also, and that brings a whole new dynamic to the marriage (more things to disagree about).

Sounds like you had fun helping out at the VBS (vacation bible school); I think that's great for the kids and they can always use more help. I think that's terrific that you have discovered a hidden artistic talent while doing those posters. Who knows -- maybe a part-time business doing signs and decals, plus posters and murals, could be in store for you sometime in the near future!

^^Prayers^^ continue for your FIL and your DH, and all his family (and you) too, during this difficult time ...

HI PURPLE ~ sounds like your DH was fortunate today and missed the surgery. I hope he isn't suffering too much pain tonight though. I wonder what his dentist will opt to do for him now? One of my brothers had to have all his top teeth pulled this year and they gave him a false plate; sadly, either way, it involves some kind of operation and some pain.

My stomach was much better today; but now my feet are throbbing from all the walking I did today, as we decided to go do some shopping early this week. The rest of the week is booked already; at least we never got any rain even if the clouds hung over us all day. Tomorrow they are predicting a mix of sun and clouds; let's hope they are right.

DH went and picked up my CRAB APPLE TREE today; we got a really good deal -- it was less than I had expected $52.00 + taxes = $58.25 total. It is really tall; I'd say at least 12 feet, so that is a really good start, I'd say. The pot was quite dry, so we put it in larger big, round plastic bin (they call them apple bins here) and gave it some food and lots of water with the hose (in the bin too, so it can drink some up itself).

HI MEOWEE ~ hope you are feeling better today and the results from your tests were good. Prayers continue for you that the doctors will figure things out and get you on your way to total restoration right soon ...

HIYA VAL ~ hope you are having a great week up there and that you are feeling stronger each and every day!

Well, that's all the news for now; hope you ladies have A WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY!!! ROSEBUD
#26

purpleorc , 06-10-2009 09:52 AM

Hi ladies

Good afternoon fellow chicks. it is a cloudy day with no rain but it is not cold outside. So that is not too bad on the weather front.

DH has been to the dentist at midday today for a consultation with his own dentist to see which way forward he wished to go with his treatment. Unfortunately the news it not good now due to the spread of the infection. He has had previous root canal treatment so he is now facing a double extraction in two weeks time. Kindly the dentist is making a plate so there will not be a visual gap at the front.

Heres for the smile of the day ladies I forgot to tell you of one of the trials and tribulations of losing weight. Never have I had a problem keeping garments up as they to be honest have been on the tighter side. Well I was out and about on my travels when I had a real red face moment My underskirt before I knew what was happening was round my ankles Good job I and DH can laugh about it. It is just something I had never experienced in my life a wardrobe malfunction. They never tell you this when you lose weight that their maybe roads your will tread that you have never been down.

Well I have a bit of time so I will catch up with everybody now I can give my personal posting justice. Yesterday I was just shattered as per normal after treatment at the oxygen tank. Today I have been ultra organised so I have more time.

RONNI Well I have learnt something new as I found out that I did not know what VBS where after all. I know that religious organistions do run groups in the summer but there is not really a religious overtone to the activities here in the UK. It is more to provide a safe environment for the children and to keep them off the street with its bad elements. I noticed for the first time that the Salvation Army run a before and after school club. Only because the children were in the shop with the Salvation Army leaders supervising them. All the children where wearing bright colour tabards to make them easily visible to the people in charge. I know that these before and after school clubs provide meals for the children as well if required

Gosh 100 children no wonder the hoover was working overtime after the group had gone. I know how much mess one child can make let allow a group that big then add food into the equation yikes

It sounds like your school children have already broke up for the summer holidays. Our children in the UK have about another month of school before that happens. Our children get 6 weeks off during the summer. Then roughly every 6 weeks they get a week or if it christmas or Easter which are the longer and get a fortnight off. I know our school terms are different. I know that your children are home schooled so I do not know if you are so up on the school holidays.

I spare a thought each day for you and your family regarding your FIL wondering how you are all fairing. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

VALDINE I hope your managing to balance work and rest. I know at the minute you are really struggling with the fatigue that can come from MS. I know that at one point it was rather crippling in my life. So changes had to come about of realizing I was not superwoman. I could not keep up with everybody else no matter how hard I tried. If I do not watch out I can still have the mentality of trying do do what others do in a day. Oh yes I might be able to do it for one day. But the next day I am good for nothing.

MEOWEE My thoughts have been with you over the past few days have you have been having your CAT scan and bronchoscopy. I hope you soon start to feel an improvement in your health. Now that the doctors have done some investigation I hope this will help them plan your course of treatment to get you well again.

ROSEBUD DH last night was in a little discomfort but the pain killers I dispensed him seemed to take the majority of that away. So after the visit to the dentist today DH is now going to have a partial plate for the missing top teeth. I really hope he is able to get on with it. I had a plate many years ago, a temporary one until I could have a bridge done. It took some getting use to I must admit. My sister has had one since she was about 16 as she lost her two front teeth.

Your not having much luck healthwise at the minute. Glad your tummy is on the mend. I hope your feet stop throbbing soon. We try to do exercise and it can be difficult with aches and pains.

Last night walking was a bit difficult for me for some reason both my feet swelled up. I checked it was ankle Oedema (edema I know is other spelling your familiar with) with a simple check to just press the swelling in the foot. If it leave an imprint in the ankle of the finger then it is Oedema. The only time I normally get it is on long journey on a bus.

Like you were saying to Ronni we all have our ups and downs in life. Like you say arguments are usually over something so silly and trivial. I can forgive and forget quickly where as my DH takes longer than me. Children are another element to a marriage that I am sure can create issues between loved ones. Gosh I just got to thinking my sister and her husband have been together I think either 18 or 19 years this year. I know like me they have their ups and downs.

Sounds like an excellent deal on the crab apple tree. In a few years time you will be able to harvest a little fruit off it to make your home made apple butter. To my knowledge very few people grow a crab apple tree here in the UK. If they are going for an apple tree it will be of the bigger variety either the cookers or eaters. To be honest I have never heard of anybody using crab apples here. I presume they are the same as what they are here in the UK. Crab apples to us are very tiny apple which are way to bitter to eat on their own.

Right off to finish off my last chore for the day then it is put my feet up with a cuppa. Until we start tea later. We are off out to play card but yesterday we cancelled due to how DH was feeling. So till next time take care and have a lovely Wednesday

purpleorc
#27

Justwant2Bhealthy , 06-10-2009 09:41 PM

HI EVERYONE ~ well, DH and the contractor managed to get started on the ramp just after lunch and were finished by 3:30 pm. The contractor also secured the deck to the house better as he noticed that it wasn't fastened correctly.

A few small things need to be done which DH can do by himself like put on the sealer and paint. This fellow gave us a very good price as well. They said the ramp is very secure and DH says it even helps him with his bad knee as well. I knew that everyone would benefit from this ramp being put in ...

NIKO and I just stayed home today; and I got caught up on some light housechores, and did some research on the net about trees and some other things of interest. DH was so happy that he got such a good deal on that tree that he wants to go back and see if there is another one that I might like.

I had been saving up TOONIES over the winter to buy this tree and thought it would cost much more than that. I would really like to find a tree with pink blossoms and I think I saw one when we went by there the other day. DH said they had many different ones to choose from; so it would be worth it to go have a looksee!

It is supposed to get hotter as the week progresses, so DH is out in the shed chasing down our Air Conditioner which is no easy feat, I must say. First he has to unload our generator, put some stuff in the trailer, then go after the A/C on a shelf at the very back of the shed. Oh yah, someone thought it would be a good idea to put it at the very back. Guess DH will be sleeping very well tonight!

PURPLE ~ Sorry that your DH has to have those two front teeth removed, but maybe it is for the best in the end (no more suffering over and over again). One of my siblings had to have his top teeth pulled for the exact same reason.

I did some research on the net about our new tree today. It is called a DOLGA CRABAPPLE TREE, and normally a tree 10' or taller goes for $120.00 or more, so we really did get a bargain. Plus the Dolga is a self-pollinating pollinator which means it reproduces by itself and can pollinate any fruit trees within a 100' foot range (like other apple trees). This tree grows to about 20+ feet and has pretty deep pink buds that lighten and turn to white when they fully bloom.

The apples are one of the sweetest available and can be picked right off the tree and eaten; and they can be used for all the same things regular apples are used for like jams, jellies, pies, desserts, and can be mixed with other apples too. This kind ripens earlier than other apple trees (in August). The apples are the size of small plums (larger than normal) and become a bright red and even turn dark burgundy purple as they ripen. The leaves turn to yellow in the fall. My info says that becuz our tree is so tall already that it could blossom and fruit this year if we get it planted soon.

I hope all you ladies are having a great week, and that you also have A TREMENDOUS THURSDAY!!!... ROSEBUD

Here's some pics of what the tree is supposed to look like full grown; plus the apples, and the pretty blossoms that some say when a wind blows by, it looks like snow is falling ... PS ~ not sure why, but you seem to have to click on the numbers to see the pics today for some reason.

Attachment 32635 Attachment 32634 Attachment 32636
#28

purpleorc , 06-11-2009 11:48 AM

Hello and good afternoon

Been a busy day for me in the kitchen. I have seemed to spend a lot of time in there today. Apart from making lunch today and prepare snacks etc for the rest of the day. I have made another batch of soup. This one is butternut squash, carrot, potato, onion and parsnip. I have flavoured it with some curry powder for a bit of bite to it. Must admit there is a nice aroma coming from the kitchen from it. I have also prepared all the vegetables that I will need for the next couple of days and popped them back into the fridge to store them.

Was good yesterday and had a day on plan. So far so good another day on plan so far fingers crossed. I am trying to string quite a few on plan days together as I have been a little naughty over the weekend. So nows the time to nip it in the bud and come back down to earth with a bump. So hopefully days on plan will counteract some of my really bad choices.

Weather wise today has been a nice day much pleasanter than the previous few days we have experienced. I hope the weather still stays nice as friends of ours are going away in their caravan for the weekend to Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire. They were away last weekend near Newark again in Nottinghamshire. They went to Lincoln on the Saturday but Sunday the weather spoiled itself and it bucketed it down with rain. Not much fun hitching up the caravan to the car in the pouring rain.

ROSEBUD Really please that you have now got a ramp fitted to your home which will benefit both of you. Like I often say to people we are not getting any younger and things like this will prove useful in the future when our mobility can be even more impaired.

I hope your able to find another pretty tree with blossom to go with your excellent bargain of the crab apple tree. We have several people around where we live with different blossoms or flowering trees. The two that come to mind is the cherry blossom and magnolia. Both which are visually beautiful but I do not know what price they come out too. I also love the miniture japanese maple I know it is not a flowering tree but the beautiful colour leaves that I like. Again I am not sure of cost but I think a Japanese maple is a little more on the pricey side.

Yes shame about DH and his teeth but as you say it will get the problem solved and he will be eventually pain free. Last night a fragment of tooth broke away from one of the teeth. So I took a look to see the damage done. Oh dear the abscesses look really bad in my opinion and he is fortunate that he is not in more pain.

Yes I bet the air conditioning will soon need to be on as the days get hotter for you. Is the air conditioning built into your new home or is it a portable unit like my own. Very few homes here have the air conditioning as we do not have the high heats that you experience. Shops and shopping centres have air conditioning. Plus other big public places will have it also which is bliss on our really hot days.

No further news from my part of the world. Time to go and see to a bit of tea before we venture out to play cards. So till next time take care

purpleorc
#29

Justwant2Bhealthy , 06-11-2009 11:41 PM

HI LADIES ~ we had a mixed bag of weather today -- some sun, but mostly clouds and some rain; after dinner tonight, the skies finally decided to clear up until sunset. Hope tomorrow is nice becuz we want to go up to the lot and finish some things off and get that storage shed started.

We have been waiting to go up there for at least a week now; and I can't wait to see that ramp and try it out. DH said he is so grateful for it as he has a bad knee and thigh that have been giving him some terrible grief lately with stiffness and aching. He went and picked up some wood today to start the base frame for the shed, so he was very bushed tonight.

I thought I saw my Dad & SM drive by tonight. I think they just arrived around dinner time. Often we don't know they are here until after they arrive, but they did say they would be up in the first or second week of June, as long as SM felt well enuff to come.

PURPLE ~ your soup sounds wonderful; I made up some penne pasta today for lunches (want to have a tuna salad for lunch tomorrow) for something different and cooler for the summer. I had some pasta that I wanted to use up; bits of this and that (different kinds) that are perfect for salads. DH isn't into salads of any types, so I just make them for myself and make him something else.

Our air condtioner is a kind of portable unit, but we have to find a suitable place for it in this new place as the windows in the main rooms aren't suited to an air conditioner. You can buy indoor units with just window hoses but the one we have has to go into a window; so we may have to put it in the porch window or the back bedroom which isn't very handy or economical. In the last place, we had it in one of the livingroom windows and would just close off the other doors to save on hydro, but we haven't solved this issue for here just yet ... hmmm ... I know the last tenants used one as we saw it, but we just don't know where they had it (I think they had it in the back porch and just left the kitchen door open).

Anyways, I just stayed home and rested up today while DH went and got some more wood for the storage shed we want to get started at now. We still have lots of time to do the floor, so we thought we'd do the shed now so DH wouldn't have to keep dragging stuff all over the place as that takes up so much time and energy that is wasted each time we go there.

So ... we hope that all you ladies are feeling better; prayers going up for MEOWEE and VAL and RONNIE -- that your health will be restored more and more each day! PLEASE DO HAVE A FANTABULOUS FRIDAY, LADIES!!! ROSEBUD
#30

purpleorc , 06-12-2009 08:30 AM

Hi and good afternoon

We woke up to a glorious sunny day though chilly first thing this morning must admit. Not warm enough for air conditioning their is enough of a breeze to make it comfortable.

Just finished eating lunch of lamb (some I had in the freezer from a previous lamb dinner), then I did it with new potatoes, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and dwarf beans. I have for a snack today one of our frozen banana desserts that I made last week. So looking forward to that later on. So at present I am just drinking my coffee before tackling those pots from dinner. Today is my 3rd day on plan so fingers crossed that I will achieve a string in a row of on plan days. I have found that the soup to be a good filler and stop me from feeling so hungry. I have save some of my calories till later in the evening when I get the munches and that seems to have paid dividends. I have been incorporating yoghurt into the menu, plus the soup as suggested in the diet tips. I hope that this will become part of my meal structure more to aid the weight loss or maintenance which ever I maybe in.

The ankle oedema that I was experiencing seems to have gone after two days but I did take many potty breaks in one day. So it must have been getting rid of the excess fluid in my body. I did also try to elevate my feet more to aid drainage. Fingers crossed these preventive measure seems to have worked in my favour.

Today I feel quite tired and think I will end up going to bed this afternoon for a sleep to help me get refreshed. I had a good nights sleep and was in bed for just before midnight and got up at 9.15am. But I still feel I need more sleep, this is the fatigue aspect of MS that sometimes hits me. Don't know if I over did it yesterday so now am paying the price. Must admit that I had a touch of diarrhoea this morning though my tummy feels perfectly fine now. So not sure what that was from, I know I can get it when I am on TOM but that is not the case now.

ROSEBUD Hope the weather panned out to be good so that you could go to the lot and try out the ramp on your cottage. I am sure it would be nice for you to see how things are progressing there. Not only that you get to spend time with your DH even if you can not do no heavy work other than play the roll of the good supervisor

I hope your parents are able to come over and that your SM health is stable enough for the visit. I am sure it would be nice to catch up and spend some quality time together. How many miles are you apart? For me I am very fortunate that it is only 30 miles away which is nothing compared to the long distances that many families have in places like Canada and the USA.

Hope your able to find a good solution to save hydro with the air conditioning unit. We have a portable unit like yourself but have no real good solution to the hose. Here our windows have security hinges that prevent you from putting it out the window as they do not open wide enough for the hose to go out off. The only room we can put it out of the window is in the bedroom as we had a break in through that window and it was replaced. It does prevent you from opening it too wide so people can not just come into your home. Though from the inside this one window you can override by pressing a button and hey presto it opens fully. So we usually end up putting it out the kitchen door. Not ideal by any means but for the amount of times we use it we incur the expense of the air conditioning unit and only use it when the heat is really getting to me.

Today we have no plans to go out or about anywhere so I am going to relax as much as I can now. I have made a dinner for tomorrow with cooking extra vegetable and all I have to do now is slice some pork from this joint I cooked. The pork was from a bigger joint that I placed in my freezer so that it could be used at a later date. I have been trying to use stuff up from my freezer as you can get so much stuff in there that you just don't use it up. So all my meals this week I am using up things from my freezer except for the vegetable accompaniment which I have used fresh ones. I am starting to see some space in there for once Every so often I will do this and real run my freezers down. I must admit now I have space I now to need to do an inventory of what is in there and so I know how to plan meals from there. I do have several meals that I have made extra and frozen. These come in handy for my treatment day as it is my version of a ready made meal.

Now my tummy is much more settled down I want to make a mild curry with turkey and vegetables. This I will then pop back in freezer for my ready made meal collection. I do know that I seem to have about 3 Bolognese sauces as I counted them yesterday. I know I have a selection of muffins or scones as well. Talking of scones I think I will take them out for a treat for Sunday tea. Not too naughty as they are no added sugar and made with wholemeal flour. I put a smear of jam and instead of cream I use thick low fat yogurt. I don't put much yoghurt on either but it has the look of a cream tea even if I am fooling myself

Right time to go and tackle those dinner pots unless my kitchen fairy has done them for me So till tomorrow have a lovely Friday and take care

purpleorc

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