coles--I found the product: Excel paw wax. It says "Does your dog fear walking on slippery surfaces such as linoleum, tile, wood? Paw Wax can help him by aiding his grip on smooth, slippery surfaces. It helps protect his paws year round from gravel, asphalt, ice, snow, hard surfaces, etc. Contains white oil, paraffin wax, rosin, silicon dioxide and perfume. Wash with soap and water after use and contact."
I couldn't find it on the PetSmart website, but did find it at dog.com. It isn't too expensive, $5.89 for 1 or 2 or more for $4.89 each.

Gayle and Allison - Thank you for your ideas. I thought there must be something out there. I will try to find Excel paw wax - that sounds like it would work. The hip thing helped Sheba walk better in the yard but she hated it. It didn't help her get up better in the house. I feel so bad for her.
Gayle - I am going to look into the elderberry too. I had her on glucosamine- sp - for a long time but it isn't enough now. She also likes to pace or stand in corners now. The vet just put her on a food that is supposed to help the mental function. She is a very happy dog for the most part. She has always been a house dog. Now if I need to go out I put up baby gates. She gets so upset that I am gone that she messes on the floor. She doesn't look down so she ends up tracking it all over.
Thank you both for your help.
Getting back on track with my eating, and have even gone to the gym twice this week so far.
Dee - good luck with the BD party.

Still in the construction mode here. We did find the source of the smell and have ripped up the carpet in that area. Putting tile down and right now, getting ready to grout the tile. Looks good. Luckily we had exactly the right number of tiles left from the kitchen, so we didn't have to go buy anything!

Well I have to go and correct some tests, so just checking in. Everyone have a great Thursday!

4 myself- ahh I get it haha
suzy- I am sure he will love love love it! i like to sew too! I am getting to the point where I make custom garmets.

gayle - thanks i take a lot of pride in my journalism

Things have changed a bit here in the past day or two...Aunt Hazel is not doing well on her own. She is refusing to do anything for herself and seems to be very depressed. I honestly think that she has lost her will to live and convinced herself that she is going to die. I'm sure you know from all of the "Aunt Hazel stories" that this is completely out of character for her. I spoke with the doctor this morning and medically there is nothing wrong with her. He thinks that it is more of a reassurance and confidence issue than anything. This morning (at her suggestion) we started the process of having her admitted to a nursing home. This is going to be done on a "rehab/short term stay" basis, so hopefully with some PT and OT they will be able to get her moving and doing some things on her own and she will be able to go back home again.
I know what she really wanted was for me to move in with her, but I just cannot do that. Tim and I have talked about it a lot the past few days, but we both have too many other responsibilities. I'm feeling a little guilty, but I know there's just no way that we could run a business, keep our other commitments and take care of her indefinitely and hold everything together.
I have no idea how long this process is going to take, so if I'm not around you know why.

Suzy, I had the same problem with mom. Thank goodness we live next door to each other, but it was still a struggle leaving my family to go to sleep at my mom's etc. The doctor told me it is VERY common for heart patients to have a period of depression. Mom had a period were she wanted nothing to do with therapy, etc. We had to get kinda rough with her and just tell her she was going to do it. It all worked out for the best, now she realizes without the therapy she would probably still be bedridden or lost all hope of living. I think the confidence problem with Aunt Hazel is from the fear of something happening again and being by herself. Thank goodness she is willing to go into a nursing home short term. Hopefully, she can rest easier and then get to know some of the other residents. It will probably be good for her compared to living by herself. Prayers sent!

I'm trying to get things done around the house today....probably could if I would stay off the computer!! LOL!

prayers for suzy

Suzy after my heart operation I felt scared and depressed. I really thought that I would die. I felt that I was on my own. I had to face mortality. It took a good six months before I felt I was going to make it. Just keep reassuring Aunt Hazel that everything is going to be ok and that you are there for her and that she is healthy enough to go on with life. Hugs to you Suzy.

I can't believe that Jay is 23 today. I he is getting old, now what does that make me. Oh wow it seems like ages ago but then again around this time 23 years ago I remember vividly going through that pain and joy!
We had a wonderful time last night. The kids love the home cooked dinner and we enjoyed each others company with lots of laughs. Boy how things have changed since they were teens.

Larry is out to dinner with his friend from NY. I skipped dinner because I had a late lunch of left overs from last night after I went swimming. I am off for a walk to the library and I am hoping my girlfriend Cindy will call me back and we can go for a walk. It is dark and cool out but I don't mind.

Check in with you tomorrow.

Suzy, sending prayers!

I gained .4 of a pound this week at WI. I basically see that as staying the same. Hope soon to be able to get back on the exercise "wagon" and finally get over this hump!

Debi-.4 could be an extra cup of water! Don't worry.

Suzy-Good luck with Aunt Hazel. Still sending prayers.

Dee-I hope Jason had a nice birthday. The kids just seem to grow up right before our eyes. When is he getting married?

Janice-I hope you find the stuff for your doggie.

I have been very busy between work and doing things around the house. Sorry if I haven't checked in much, but I have been posting on the exercise board, practically alone!!!

Suzy - I can imagine the heartache you must be going through. I work in a nursing home, Aunt Hazel will probably enjoy her stay there. She will get lots of reassurance and encouragement, it should help her depression a lot. Hugs sent to you
I ordered the paw wax for Sheba so hopefully that will help her get to her feet in the house. Pets are such a joy, but when they get old it is so hard.
Doug my DH smashed up his truck earlier this week. He had a cold and was drinking coffee at the same time he started to cough. He blacked out and came to after he went off the road and hit a tree. A couple of weeks ago he fell off the scaffold at work (bricklayer) and landed on his shoulder. He has been in a lot of pain with that injury and now this.

Good morning everyone!

It's been such a busy week--TGIF for sure! My diet has been really messed up this week due to my busy schedule, and I thought for sure I had sabotaged it Wednesday night (DD and I went out to my favorite restaurant and I ate a whole lot--good choices, but huge portions!). I started out at 139, dropped to 138.8 and then Thursday was up to 140.5! Glad to say I'm back to 138.5 this morning--shows that the meal must have been salty and it was just temporary water weight gain. (OK, maybe it was the salt on the margarita!!!)

coles--I hope the paw wax works for you. Let me know. My Buddy is approaching 14 years old (the yellow lab) and when we walk him, he often stumbles on his rear legs. That was the same with our old dog (CC). The vet said that its a common neurological symptom of growing old. Anyway, my house is practically half tile (and 3000 square feet) so if Buddy starts slipping, it will be good to know if the paw wax works or not so I can buy it for him. Hope DH feels better soon--kind of a triple whammy!

Suzy--my Mom has had two heart surgeries and with this latest one she has seemed a bit depressed because she didn't bounce back as fast as the first one. I wonder what she expected--she's 82 years old! Anyway, the doctor assured her that she will feel better and better as time goes on as I'm sure your Aunt will also.

Shelley--hopefully you won't be all alone on the exercise board for very long! I've been formulating my plan and hope to start exercising in early December (as long as DD gets her driver's license!). Anyway, I'll be working out at home and will be using my NordicTrak, free weights and will be looking at buying a ball and maybe those stability things to stand on while doing free weights. All that and different exercises without weights also.

Dee--you're not old enough to have a 23 year old! You look great!

Gayle--get off the computer and get your work done!!!LOL

Everyone have a great day!

Ahhhh, stress!

After work on Wednesday I had to go to Wal-Mart. Par for the course for me. While I was there I got some drink mixers to make a small (ahem) vodka martini for myself. As I was choosing my additives, one of my farmers came up to me and started asking me questions about his account!! Please!

Anyway, I finally escaped Wally World to get to the parking lot just in time to see the "first love of my life" and his new woman. I am glad to say that I was not affected by seeing him AT ALL other than to think--"Oh my gawd!! Was he that UGLY when I was IN LOVE WITH HIM!?!?!?" Sigh. The growing up we do between the ages of 21 and 30 is just not appreciated by "young" people--Vouge, pay attention here!

I got to the liquor store and asked the lady behind the counter which vodka is the best and she recommended Absolut or Skye. Skye was cheapre, so that's what I got. Gayle, what would you have told me?

I got my paper back in my morning class today (the take-home mid-term exam). I made an A on it. Actually got pretty favorable comments.

You people are making me sad talking about old dogs. I've lost several that I've been VERY attached too.

Hope Aunt Hazel gets better during her nursing home stay. Nursing homes depress me, too.

Allison, congrats on being down despite the eating (and drinking) out. I've been TERRIBLE lately!

I have decided I am cleaning my house top to bottom no matter what with the construction this weekend. I can't stand it anymore! At least, I can make piles of tools! Seriously, this place is driving me nuts!!!

Suzy, hope Aunt Hazel is doing better today. Hope you are taking time for yourself! How is Abby doing with school?

Janice, hope the stuff works for the dog. Also, hope your husband is ok.

Have to remember to go post on the exercise board, just got back from belly dancing class and it was a blast today! I always think of Shelley as I am leaving there, trying to remember to post over there, so she isn't lonely! Hopefully, soon, I will be cleared and be able to get back to exercising every day. Next Thurs. is my appointment with the other dr. for my breast problem, so will know more then. Until then, you keep the post going for us, Shelley!

Allison, congrats on the loss even with the eating and drinking!! LOL!

I would have chosen the Absolut vodka. How was the Skye? Never tried that one. Also, congrats on the "A"!

Well off to start my cleaning frenzy!

Allison thank you for the compliment. I often hear that from people that see my kids call me mom. lol Gayle and I are both 43!

Janice poor Doug, he has had a rough week. Thankfully he is ok, that was a serious accident.


Cheryl congratulations on The big A. You did wonderful, you must be proud, I know I am proud of you.
I like absolute, it is my favorite.

Debi construction has it's rewards but it sure is messy when it is happening. Larry needs to do a reno on the bathroom and to drywall Dez's room and change the windows. That makes so much fine dust. I want to get the ducts cleanned but I will have to wait til the construction is done which will be next summer.....lol

Tonight we are going out to a movie. Haven't done that in awhile. Now to check and see what is playing.

Have a good weekend.