Sorry, here's the whole thread. The rest are worse.

If I have to hear one more blasting volume commercial about erectile dysfunction, I'm going to put a hammer through the TV. It's bad enough DH has to listen to the TV as if he's hard of hearing, but he can't be bothered to skip through or mute the volume-inflated ads.

Note to TV networks: One of the reasons I never watch ads anymore is because of the cranked-up volume. Tone it the **** down and maybe I wouldn't be so annoyed that I spend extra money to be able to skip through them!

Sorry, what were you saying?

Apparently I should have done the 3 hares thing because I'm having a crappy day.

Wow Painty, I feel your pain. I suppose you could do what I do -- live in a state of denial. The difference between my home scale and the one at the dietitan's office is so extreme, I should be really depressed about it, but I'm not. I just prefer to believe the home one. Re-adjust your scale downwards. Your painting is awesome. If I had done that, the shadow would have been one of a thin figure. That should tell you something about my brain.

April Fuels Day, everyone! The jokes on all of us!

Kiwi

hi galssssssssss-well painty i know how depressing that effin scale can be--i usually won't get on it if i think it's going to upset me----i have to stop what i have been doing lately---two nights in a row of making my refrigerator oatmeal cookies which are CRISPY andddddddddd CHEWY---MY ULTIMATE FAVOURITE----BOTH NIGHTS I ATE AT LEAST 8 OF THEM!!!!! for some reason,i feel powerless about it right now---i am blaming the weather as it is APRIL and fer lards sake,IT SNOWED TODAY---I CAN'T TAKE MUCH MORE OF THISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS----RABBIT RABBIT RABBIT INDEED----THE RABBIT DIED!!!

Amazingly the only April Fools Day things that happened to me were via NPR. Who knew that the stodgy public radio people would do that? I actually thought THEY were funny, though. One was a review of a "minimalist composition" which consisted SOLELY of B flat. The other was about how the IRS, instead of issuing rebate checks was going to mail merchandise that they "thought you'd like." It could be anything from Viagra to toaster ovens. I have so little faith in the gov'ment that I actually thought it might be true.

I didn't care for the ones on the other thread....

After my big whine, I've cut down on amounts and fat-content. (Have NOT re-weighed. I went to the grocery store and bought vitamins, immune-system boosters, and about 4 kinds of tea (my daughter recommended those) and toilet paper... So you spend $100+ dollars and don't end up with anything to EAT. Jeez. (Well, there's Progresso special soup... but still.)

The talk with the daughter was great. I think sons don't know how to relate to their moms... or are scared of us. Or something. I don't count on him for heart to hearts.

Bagzz, you are a saint to make cookies. Lucky them!

Kiwi-- I didn't know how far back I'd have to read.... You won a trip to LA I guess? Congratulations. On the street, at least, pretty much anything goes... and most people actually in Hollywood are tourists anyway... unless they are some of the rarefied ones who actually live in Brentwood, Westwood, etc. Lohan/Hilton/and assorted sheiks. You don't need to worry about what they wear, because they're not going to worry about you.

I found out in my most recent alumnae magazine about a social worker who was pranked into What Not To Wear. She apparently had a blast. But I am SO glad it hasn't been me. Talk about humiliation. And even with $5000 where would they find something to fit me "as is"?

No more pranks. Hope the May Flowers are coming soon.
I have ranunculas blooming... and DH and I startled a bunny out of the dandelions... THEN we found he'd been digging up lily bulbs that were sposed to make things look got this summer. Grrrrr.

Hi, it's Wabbit, Wabbit, Wabbit here. Too late, I already talked to my dogs first.

DS moved all his stuff to the new place yesterday, with the exception of his bedroom furniture and clothes. I do hope that he takes ALL his stuff with him when he moves out. There's always the leftovers that take forever to get out the door. I don't feel so bad now, because I'll be picking up DS's gf's little boy from kindergarten 2-3 days a week. Then he'll hang out with me until his mom or DS gets off work. And I'll be the pick up person for Kaydy on her visitation days.

News Flash!!! Vincent got his first tooth in!

Bagzie, we've been getting really cold weather too. It snowed last week. Nothing stuck to the ground, but this ridiculous.

If it wasn't for the humiliation, I'd beg everyone I know to send my name in to What Not To Wear. I love that show. It's amazing how a change in wardrobe can transform people. It wouldn't be hard to get the ugly clothes secret footage of me. They'd say "here is Joy in the same sweats she wore yesterday as pj's."

DD told me she is pregnant again. That was her idea of a funny April Fool's joke. Not.

I think my DH may be sick. He did not play a single joke on me. Neither did the boys. Maybe I have been too crabby.

I love the NPR April Fool's jokes -- now those are funny.

Yes, Painty, I won a trip to L.A. for the American Idol final competition (to be in the audience, not, as some people have wondered, I hope facetiously, to sing). I'm taking DD. DH very generously felt she would enjoy it more (not that he would have hated it). I did go shopping the other day when we had to go to the Big City to sign the papers at the tv station about it. I looked at dresses and stuff, trying to think what a middle aged overweight woman ought to wear to such a shindig. I know it doesn't really matter -- I could wear a t-shirt and ratty jeans and no one would care but me I guess, but just on the off chance that we get to meet someone interesting or get our pictures taken, my vanity insists I find something perfect to wear. I found a top that I really liked -- it was one of those open-front blouses with a sewn-in shell. The material was this really cool tiny vertical (like 1/16") pleat stuff; I don't know what you'd call it, but it made it drape really nicely and had certain sheen to it that looked really good. Bit expensive, but with the right pants or a long skirt, quite nice.

I'll have to take DD with me for a sanity check before I actually buy anything. I am not a good clothes shopper. I either get totally discouraged by the fact that nothing fits, or I buy something I think is just wonderful only to take it out a week later and think it's the stupidest thing I ever spent money on. I found out the other day that Macy's better dress department had some good deals, and (some) Evan Picone dresses actually fit me! I will be returning there. I nearly bought a god-awful gold puckered sequined jacket-top because it was so cheap, but I came to my senses in time.

It is a beautiful (freezing cold windy) sunny day today and a whole bunch of the snow melted in the last 24 hours. I can see out the windows now, although from where I'm sitting I can still see the top of snowbanks, at about standing eye level. But less snow = good. Even though we had that little snowstorm too, Bagz. Got about an inch the other day. Unfortunately our driveway and yard are, respectively, a big luge run and a skating rink today.

Anyhoo, later cowsies

OK. All that brave stuff I said about DS moving into his own place and how I hoped he took all his stuff....blah,blah, blah, blah..... He moved out the rest of his stuff and I'm all alone and lonesome!!!! My dogs refuse to talk back when I converse with them. I went over to see his new place tonight and I acted all happy for him and everything... then I cried all the way home. DD called me and asked me over for dinner and cooked something fabulous, and Vincent was all smiley and happy, but then I have to come back to an empty house... I guess I have to learn to like my own company more. It's just too hard and I miss that man so much I can't even put it into words.... and you know I'm not talking about my son. Remind me again how it will get easier. Tell me I'll figure out a way to make a new life.

Somebody say something funny, damn it!

's ok. I'll be better tomorrow.

P.S. Kiwi, just let down your taffy colored hair and everyone will be so dazzled they won't notice what you wear anyway. Besides, I bet you'll look beautiful, how could you not?

Hey. It's tomorrow and I'm better. Just had one of those evenings. So........ like Roseanne Rosannadanna said "never mind."

Hey Wabby -- I'm glad you feel a bit better. And sorry none of us were here to lend a virtual shoulder yesterday. It's never easy to let those kids go, no matter how closeby they are going. Just makes you miss your sweet DH that much more, I know. I'm so glad you are able to see those kids regularly though; that's a joy at least!

I'm such a wimp. I'm having a hard time with the fact that DD made her own eye doctor appt. in another city and went to it and I haven't heard from her yet. I know, I'm proud of her for doing stuff on her own, and then I whine about it.

Today I have to take Jet to the vet. Probably just the usual checkup, but we had a heart-breaking incident the other night. She had a seizure, for no reason that I can determine. She was sleeping and suddenly thrashing around like mad and frothing copious drool and then it was over almost as quickly as it came on. Since I don't know of any reason for it, the chances are that she has a seizure disorder and we'll see them again. I cried for hours -- she's so healthy and such a great dog (in most ways) and I hate for this to happen to her. Maybe it'll never happen again, but I'm not counting on it.

Anyway, life sucks. More evidence. Later kids

Kiwi

Oh Wabbbbby, we always pretend for our kids, don't we? I'm glad you're here telling us about it. Parents go through this all the time with kids going to school, military, marrying, etc. It always hurts.

I hope little Jet just had a bad moment. Very sad to look forward to a lifetime of this. Is it common in the breed?

I need advice. I opened my freezer to find all the ice in the ice maker had melted and froze back together. There were frozen drips down the side of the ice maker. I don't know what happened but I might've not closed the door good when I put new stuff in. DO I NEED TO THROW OUT EVERYTHING IN THE FREEZER? Tell me soon.

I have been depressed partly due to my job. In Nov, I asked to be trained for work that's more interesting. Boss said ok, and to learn some of that stuff he'd put me in the little store with the liquor. Four months later, I'm still there 3 days a week, 1 days doing the interesting stuff and 1 day cashiering. I have complained to 5 managers (not the mangaer of the store but everyone else) and no one seems to care. I called my boss today and told him I used to like going to work but don't anymore. Blah Blah. He said he'd improve this next week. I expect him to now but he's said that for weeks now and every week it's the same d*mn thing.

So .. freezer. What should I do?

awwwwwwwww kiwi!!! i hope you didn't watch oprah today---i hope you don't worry too much about Jet----ex dh's greyhound had epilepsy and took a pill for it and was fine---it seemed to be very treatable and the meds worked great---it's probably something that can be dealt with----WABSSSSSS----it's hard isn't it with those kids---dd is moving to nova scotia with her great dane and i am very happy for her---but i know that i will miss her when she leaves---she has been here since last august----one thing that is good---SOON all your grandbabies will get a little older and demand to be at your place and with you===and your kids will look forward to that as well!!!!Sleepovers and all that stuff!!!----it's so good to have you here all the time===i know it seems like you are not doing well sometimes,but it seems like you can still be funny and enjoy the good things around you which proves you have a good attitude---WHERE DO WE WRITE TO NOMINATE YOU FOR THE SHOW??? I WILL DO IT IF YOU LIKE----INFORM US!---------------PEACHBAG---COME OUT AND TALK====WHAT'S UP!====AND OF COURSE DEAR PAINTY====I cannot even imagine what it must be like to see things GROWING ,because right now ,this very evening---IT IS SNOOOOOOOOOWINGGGGGGGGGGG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!===but kiwi takes the cake on this one,cause we had bare ground before it started and it will be gone tomorrow--i heard that it's good for the garden??? better be!!!

peachers--try out this info on the freezer problem=-------------http://www.umext.maine.edu/emergency/9002.htm

they seemed to have some decent ideas.

sorry that link didn't work for me so here is the whole boring lot!!!

Safety of Frozen Food During a Power Outage, #9002

If you think you might lose power, turn the freezer and refrigerator thermostats to the coldest settings. If you've already lost power, use these tips to keep food cold and safe to eat.

Keep the Freezer Closed

With the freezer closed, foods usually will stay frozen at least a day, perhaps two or three days, depending on the quantity of insulation. Food in well-fitted, well-insulated four-cubic-foot home freezers will not begin to spoil in fewer than three days. In 12- to 36-cubic-foot freezers, food will not begin to spoil in fewer than five days, and may be all right for seven or eight days if the food is very cold.

Open the freezer only to take out the food, to move it to a cooler or to add dry ice. With the door closed, food in most unopened freezers will stay below 40 degrees F up to three days, even in the summer. Thawing rate depends on:

* the amount of food in the freezer (a full freezer stays cold longer than one half full);

* the kind of food (a freezer filled with meat stays cold longer than a freezer filled with baked goods);

* the temperature of the food (the colder the food, the longer it will stay frozen. Never put hot or warmed foods into the freezer since this will increase the temperature. Keep hot food covered, and throw it out if you don't eat it within two hours. Meat should be kept above 140 degrees F);

* the freezer (a well-insulated freezer keeps food frozen longer than one with little insulation); and

* the size of freezer (the larger the freezer, the longer food stays frozen).

Use Emergency Measures

Cover the freezer with blankets, quilts, or crumpled newspaper. Do not cover the air vent openings. Use dry ice if it is available. (See section on Using Dry Ice.)

Use Caution if Food has Thawed

Partial thawing and re-freezing can ruin the quality of foods, like fruits, vegetables and prepared foods. Red meats are affected less than many other foods. However, it may still be safe to eat.

You may safely re-freeze some foods if they still contain ice crystals or if they have been kept at 40 degrees F or below for no more than two days.

Follow these guidelines for completely thawed foods:

* Fruits. Re-freeze fruits if they taste and smell good. Fruit that is beginning to ferment is safe to eat, but will have an off-flavor. Use off-flavor fruit in cooking.

* Frozen dinners. Do not re-freeze frozen dinners that have thawed. Cook and eat thawed frozen foods and frozen dinners right away if they are still cold. If any foods are warm or smell bad, don't eat them.

* Vegetables. Do not re-freeze thawed vegetables. Bacteria in these foods grow fast. Spoilage may begin before bad odors develop. Some spoilage may be very toxic. Re-freeze vegetables only if ice crystals remain throughout the package. But, when in doubt, throw them out.

* Meat and Poultry. Meat and poultry become unsafe to eat when they start to spoil. Examine each package of thawed meat or poultry. If odor is offensive or questionable or if the freezer temperature has exceeded 40 degrees F for two hours or longer, don't use the meat. It may be dangerous! Discard all stuffed poultry. Cook thawed but unspoiled meat or poultry right away.

* Fish and shellfish. These spoil easily. Do not re-freeze unless there are ice crystals throughout the package. Seafood may be spoiled, even if it doesn't smell bad.

* Ice cream. Do not re-freeze melted ice cream. Throw it out or eat it as a liquid before an off-flavor develops.

Sigh. I guess I have stuff to throw out but there's stuff in there I don't want anyhow. It's a side-by-side and the side seems narrow to me. Not room for big things like sides of beef.

I saw Oprah and was shocked to hear about Amish puppy mills. I thought they were sweet, peaceful people and imagined them all kind and caring. Dogs that live their whole life on wire? OMG.

The great dane is moving to Canada??? Things are really happening there. Alarming.

I hear ice falling in the freezer. I can't get the ice maker to turn off while the ice melts from the bucket that collects it.