Congrats on the 6 pounds down Carla - that is FAB

Congrats on the new cooktop Shad - DH wants to know what you'll be serving us up when we come to visit Hope your headache subsides...

Good of you Rennie to go back and help out that less than grateful woman.

And now I am off to sleep with visions of Marshmellow Peeps dancing in my head. Tis that time of year when everywhere you look are those ooey gooey sugar overload candies. Good thing I don't like them at all.

I'm blaming Rennie - she mentioned peeps in the first place

So I've been painting. And groaning. But less than before. The MD's have allowed me to stop taking 2 meds... and at least some of my hip/leg pain must have been side-effect related. (but I bet my BP shot up after reading Shad's warning about her friends Dad. Unfortunately, I CAN imagine that happening to me. Do. not. want. to. go. there. and my condolences to Shad and Chris)

DH was in an energetic mood and cleaned out the garage today. What a sweetie. There's a truck-bed full of cr*p to take to the city recycling center in the am. I hope we get it there before our forecast rain. (with hail and T-storms to follow. Oh, and RAIN)

Tomorrow I'm going to make a map and spread sheet telling where y'all are. My old brain is good enough for crossword puzzles, but not this irregular learning/retrieval stuff!

1day-- I hope that the post-op results confirm that the MD got all of DB's tumor. Cancer is not fun.

Mel-- Sorry I missed your birthday. Again. But how cool to have a large print version of the book/journal stuff. Let us know how it works. My painting helps some because if I eat, I'll have crumbs in the turpentine. Reading your recipes late at night makes me hungry. Maybe I need to shift my schedule. Hope the sun is shining bright!

Ruth--You are good to drop by. It makes me feel I can show up without being overly ashamed. I hope my cat doesn't trip me... all I need is for my knee to need re-reaming! My daughter's dog has contracted(?) 2 kinds of worms... and she's REALLY challenged taking care of him. It's not so much getting him through snowbanks, but up and down three flights of stairs in and out of her apartnment. Is there someplace we can see your quilt tops?

Shaker-- hope things are friendlier at work. I'm not sure that "just" and "personality clashes" can ever appropriately appear in the same sentence. I think I might like petting kitties.... but they'd have to not need chasing.

Upswife- You are one impressive exerciser and repairer. Wow. And I like the longhorn on your avatar... The Texans I know seem to think the only longhorns in the world are in Texas.

Hollyhock-- The photographs of the snow were beautiful! I suppose that since we had two snowy days and no real accumulation, it was easier for me to get sentimental about them. Yarnharlot has been blogging about spending time in a cabin North of Toronto (I think) and how the snow is up to the eaves. And how the plow hadn't been there, so she had to trek everything up the unbelievably long "drive".

Carla49. Thank you for making me laugh... 1st about Mel getting the legger to pose, and then "just 100 pounds from perfection." I'm going to steal that line. It makes me feel so much better.

Happy: If you get a tattoo you can put something about your vengeful attitude towards bugs. My mom used to get 'em on sheets of paper and fling them into the patio, too.

Diyana-- Way to go on your exercise and eating changes! Congratulations. I'm interested in knowing what meds you were taking... I'd love to help my DH stop taking his.

Shad-- Thank you for the MESSAGE OF DOOM. And the good example, of course. At least I can relate to your love of orchids, roses and your son. I haven't had orchids for a while... and I need to do something about the weeds choking the flowers, too. I wish my DS was close enough to share a drink with. Too many miles at the present... plus, I haven't seen him drink in several years. I think he has a really hard time stopping "soon enough" and he heard so many horror stories about his grandparents... I have to give him credit for some prudence.

Madcat--Glad you and DH got home safely and all in one piece. He was lucky to have you to keep him company. I hope your insurance comes through. I keep trying to remind myself that money is "only" money. HA! Ask me on April 15. (US Taxes due)

CeeJay-- Manage that stress!! Sorry that things have been so challenging...Did you get any of the storms that hit Atlanta?

Annie175--So glad to know that your DD came through her surgery OK. Is she "out of the woods?" I need to figure out how to not worry (so much) about BC recurrence. Glad your Mom is doing well.

Shy Moment--Glad to hear that some women actually get caught up once in a while. I must hang with the wrong crowd. Congratulations on the shrinking pants size.

Roseblush--Hang in there. I have a friend whos grown son has gotten himself in deep you-know-what and I just don't know what to do for her besides listen. I think he and his wife colluded in some denial so that when it all hit the fan, they were extra embarrassed and ashamed-- and deeper into it than they absolutely had to be.

I think I'm caught up. But yikes, look at the time. Later!!

And this is the thanks I get for trying to be concerned and caring - Quote:

Well Shad if you didn't spend so much time using the old routines on people just minding their own beeswax, quietly trying to practice their meditation, you wouldn't give yourself these headaches!

Well okay then. Shift yer sorry a*** back here girl and let us know what you are comtemplating on the meditation. Or is it that the apples are having a huge effect and you can't get back here!!

I'm off to bed now. I slept most of the afternoon and feel distinctly off colour and have huge indigestion (caused by interrupting the meditation and contemplation of various navels no doubt). Hopefully I will feel better tomorrow. Dentist time again = guaranteed to give me a real headache and then the new stove arrives Wednesday and on Thursday I have a job interview. More about that later. I may not get to Groote after all. Friday I will stay home and cogitate or paint the ceiling, or plaster the walls or something. Or maybe not as it will be Easter. Today was St Patricks day and for the first time in my life I did not drink a green beer. Drat - another tradition broken. Happy St Pats to you all.
May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
The sun shine warm upon your face
The rains fall soft upon your fields
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of his hand

Yes well something like that anyway.

And here is a joke a heard today that really amused me. It should wake you up laughing.

A nun hailed a taxi and asked the driver to take her to an address. The cabbie said to the nun : "Sister, it's always been a dream of mine to have a beautiful nun like you give me a real big kiss on the lips. Will you fulfill my dream?"
Oooh giggled the nun. "Oh alright but only if you are Catholic and unmarried"
"oh yes I am sister" said the cabbie.
So the nun gave him a real smoochie smacker right on the lips. It went on and on. When finished the nun leaned back in the seat and the cabbie broke dpwn in tears and much weeping and wailing ensued.
"What's the matter?" asked the nun.
"I have sinned, sister" said the man. " I lied to you. I am married and I am Jewish"
"That's all right" said the nun. "My name is Kevin and I am on my way to a fancy dress party" :lol3

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ ZZ = shhh, sleeping Shad

I hope you feel better fast, Shad. You're such a healthy bugger most of the time - or do you lie? No, I did not go to the doc - it was the weekend! I may give my PCP a call this week about the swelling though - enough is enough.

As usual, I have time to read but not to comment. The damned South Beach Forum and Garden Website are really hopping. If we ever get rid of this damned snow, I may get some enthusiasm. I really, REALLY need to see a robin or hear some Canada geese.

Time to tackle no-moaning Monday!

Morning chicks,

Happy St. Patrick's day - we're all Irish by default today - must remember to wear the GREEN not the Orange. May we all have luck and good fortune trailing us around our day today.

Painter - I see you are up at the wee hours of the morning again. Take care - saw some nasty storms headed your way today. Don't blow away on us. Glad to hear you a getting a tad bit of relief and that you're painting again.

Ruth - somehow I get the feeling you'd chose the Garden forum over us Take care of that knee - you only have 2

Shad - cute joke. Thanks for starting the day with a laugh. Now wake up and start painting

And it looks as if I've caught up. Great because I shouldn't be sitting here anyway. I have a meeting this morning that I am not prepared for. Need to find a way to stop the clock and catch up.

Today's the day Mel - you ready to get crackin'? I am.

And with that - I gotta run. Have a good one chicks.

Morning chickies!!! Today I have gotten started pretty well. Got the kids off to school, then took DH's car into the dealership to get fixed. Was going to walk home, but the weather did not cooperate. Took the shuttle instead. Since I can't get to the gym until I get a car back, I did one of my Firm video's...I thinnk I may work it back into my regular routine, because I had a really hard time keeping up. Have to make lunch for the girls, then will do my yoga too, to help complement the rest. After that not much, just laundry, dinner is already cooked, only have to heat it up.

Happy St. Patty's day!!!!

Poor Shad, I hope you're not spoiling for anything nasty. Maybe it will make you feel better to know I woke up with a nasty head myself, and I hadn't done anything fun to deserve it. Is the job interview for work at home, or will you have to travel away again?

Ruth, I did wonder at all the innocents suggesting you see your doctor on the weekend. I wonder what medical utopia they live in? And taking a knee to ER would be an exercise in futility. I take it you're getting pretty fed up with the whole damned thing, not to mention this damned winter.

Nothing new since yesterday, just trying to check in regularly enough to prevent Shad from coming after me with a pointed stick...

Just a very brief check in....I hope you all are doing okay. I had a busy weekend and am really busy at work. Will try to check in later or tomorrow.

Hugs to all of you!

Painter
I am caught up everyday lol. I have a to do list that includes exercise and I am not done for the day until the list is finished. lol

The kids are complaining. I never get sick. Everyone else in the world is sick and not me lol. I told them I was sick everyday for almost 8 years. I have been sick enough for my entire life. I now don't get sick lol. Sinuses are my big thing. When you are allergic to everything including rocks, that is how it is lol.

How strange! After all the advice from you Worldlies, my "real" doctor called me this afternoon! I love that guy! Of course it helps to know his parents, grandmother and kids! Dr. Jack was wondering how I was doing since I saw him two weeks ago and assured me that the swelling was from using the leg! His advice is to keep on keeping on and stay active. I told him I've been feeling a bit down about life and wondered about post-op depression. He said "You're not the type!" but to come and see him if I don't perk up. That call and the sunshine perked me up quite a bit and I even skipped a PM nap!

Now I need Spring!

Trans Pacific thought transference - that's what it was. Nice to know it works better on your doctor than you.

Off to gym. I'll be back with the news of the world later. Well news from the computer room in Crestmead anyway. It's damp out there again. I guess stupidity will rule the roads once more, better get on my way.

HAPPY SAINT PATRICK'S DAY TO ALL
HOPE YOU ALL HAD A WONDERFUL DAY. I GOT SIDETRACKED WITH HANDING OUT IRISH SODA BREADS AND HELPING OUT FOR THE HOLIDAY DOWNSTAIRS. SOMETIMES THE DAY JUST FLIES BY! SENT THE KIDS OUT FOR A VERY EARLY DINNER AND THEY BOTH LOOK MUCH IMPROVED. THEY NEEDED TO GET BACK INTO THE LAND OF THE LIVING. AND IT LOOKS LIKE IT WORKED.
A NEIGHBOR SURPRISED ME WITH SOME HAM AND CABBAGE. HER FAMILY'S TRADITION. NOW I DON'T HAVE TO COOK EITHER! IT WAS NICE OUT SO I SAT WITH JOHN FOR AWHILE BUT STILL COOL. FELT GOOD TO FEEL THE HEAT OF THE SUN. ALL IS WELL OVER HERE! I READ MY LESSON FOR THE DAY AND DID MY WORKBOOK LAST NIGHT. AND KEPT ENFORCING THE THOUGHTS THROUGHOUT THE DAY! OFF TO A GREAT START!
HAPPY MONDAY. TOMORROW IS FOOD SHOPPING SO SEE YOU LATER ON.

HAPPY~ JEN WOULDSTART A POUND ALL HER OWN IF WE LET HER! YOUR KITTIES ARE LUCKY TO HAVE YOU AND DH WHEN YOU GO THERE. JEALOUS OF YOUR WEATHER!! DON'T WORK TOO HARD!!! HOW DID YOUR FIRST DAY GO??

CEEJAY~ REMEMBER THOSE BLOW UP CLOWNS THAT HAD SAND IN THE BOTTOM TO WEIGH THEM DOWN? MEAYBE WE SHOULD ALL GET ONE OF THOSE!! GLAD TO HEAR THE UNCLE DID SO WELL AND SO FAST!!

SHAD~ THE NEW STOVETOP SOUNDED NICE. TOO BAD ABOUT THE GAS. THE CABBIE JOKE CRACKED ME UP!! SENDING A HUG FOR THE DENTAL HEADACHE HOPE IT WASN'T TOO BAD!!

CARLA~ HOW DID THE 1ST DAY GO?? ARE YOU DUG OUT YET?? CAN YOU WALK RIGHT OFF THE BALCONY ON TO THE SNOW??? I WAS LAUGHING AT YOUR POST....I AM SCARED I WON'T REACH PERFECTION IN 100 DAYS!!

RUTH~ GOOD NEWS ABOUT THE SWELLING AND THE DR CALLING!!!

RENNIE~ GOOD OF YOU TO EVEN GO BACK THERE AND HELP OUT!

PAINTER~ THE LAST RECIPE IS TODAY!! SO NO MORE HUNGER PANGS!! GLAD TO HEAR YOU ARE PAINTING! I AM LOVING THESE TWO BOOKS ALREADY! WILL KEEP YOU POSTED IF THEY WORK FOR ME!
I KNEW YOU WERE HERE IN SPRIRIT FOR MY


WAVING TO ALL THE REST. I AM HUNGRY AND NEED A SHOWER. :

My friend Em has been messing around with Paint on the PC. Look at her stuff - and no clean-up either! I may try it.

Morning all,
Well I've been to the gym, just had breakfast and thought that I would sort you all out before getting on with the day.

Carla - sorry to hear that you got a headache too. Mine has gone as has the indigestion, nausea and whatever else I was suffering from yesterday. Is is now 99 days from perfection????
The oven and cooktop are both Fisher and Paykel, it is a brand I have had before, has a good reputation and I've always had a good run out of them. The stove has all the bells and whistles that I wanted - self cleaning, automatic, fan forced etc. and has child safety locks so if I sell on or rent the house out, it is a feature. The cooktop has soft touch controls - no knobs to clean around and is has quick heat elements. Also has child proofing as well. I am broke but happy at this point of time. Bring on the new kitchen I say.

Happy - tell the DH that whatever his heart desires - I will cook on the new gear. Witchety grubbs, Huhus, Kangaroo steaks, crocodile stew. Just name the poison and I will cook it.
Yes ma'am. Painting it will be, just as soon as the phone stops ringing and the dentist is done. This is the beginning of the warrant of fitness year. Teeth, blood tests done today, hearing sometime next month hopefully, skin check too. Then comes the boob squish an the even worse pap smear. Then I think I am done. Yahoo.
The phone is ringing because someone wants to give me a job. I told him to stand in line. DH better get down here and grab some of the big money while it lasts. Seek.com is going nuts with advertising right now.

Painter - good to hear that some of the pain is moving away. That can only be good news.
Dear DH - good of him to recognise that there is junk in there. I had enormous trouble convincing my ex that the place was drowning in clutter and junk.
I'm pleased that your DS has enough prudence to recognise that he can not drink. I do wish some of the youngsters around here could see that far. Binge drinking is becoming an new epidemic over here. I can't see the point, but I had to go and rescue a young bloke and my DS the other day because he got done DUI (not my son, but his friend) and DS couldn't drive either. I was surprised at the DS, normally he is forever telling the driver to abstain or whatever or stopping his friends from driving under the influence and told him so as well. Both of them were fairly hangdog for a while. Then I had to go back and pick up the young blokes 4WD because it would have been stolen or stripped left where it was. IDIOTS.

Ruth - I do feel better thanks. Yes I am generally healthy. Nothing much goes wrong apart from the sinus. If doctors relied on me for a living, they would be fairly poor. However I had to go for blood tests this morning. What's the betting the doctor will send me a letter stating he needs to see me in the next two weeks - he always does and the reason is that he always finds a cholesterol level 2 points above normal or sugar a couple of points above normal. I am supposed to thank him for this. FOR ME IT IS NORMAL - hasn't he figured that out yet???
Drs here provide a service over the weekend. My own health place is only Monday to Saturday but some are 7 days. They whinge about it, but the hospitals tell them to shut up and get on with it. They don't want or need the riff raff filling up the Casualty or ER.
Nice Picutres by the friend by the way.

Mel - good on the kids, have they given up looking after the father?? or are they allowed out on good behaviour. Tell Jen to eat a double dinner - she needs another two pounds on that gut.
Thanks for the e-mail. I'll get to it today sometime. Meant to yesterday, however life got in the way.

Same for Carlas mail.

Hello to everyone else. I'd better get on with my day. I need to try and get some washing out shortly, but it keeps showering. Hope the clothes dry off soon.