happy Saturday ladies -

Physical therapy yesterday did not go well. They put me in traction, which was fine as long as things were pulling apart, but when they got me out of it and everything settled back, the pain was really, really bad. I couldn't sit up, much less stand up or walk for quite awhile. They helped me to another table where they put ice and electrical stimulation on my back - which always helps me with pain and muscle spasms, and got me to where I could walk and drive myself home. I took it easy last night using more ice when needed. I'm a bit sore today and I'm going to do some light stretching and use more ice. I really want to go hiking later today or tomorrow. We'll see. It'll be so nice out today and tomorrow (near 50 degrees both days) that I don't want to be inside...so much for cleaning! :lol: But seriously, if I do anything that might give me back pain, it's gonna be outside having fun. My physical therapist did suggest that I should do lots of ab exercises at least 5 or 6 days a week, so that's what I'm going to do, - of course she suggested this before the traction incident - so I'll probably do them gently today and tomorrow. BTW, they definitely put a note in my chart saying "NO MORE TRACTION EVER" for me!

Patty - When you're done cleaning your house, can you come clean mine?

Shad - Good for you for getting the gardening done and getting a haircut! I'm glad to hear that DB2 is managing his money better. I'd love to see the photos of Sunday. Are they on Facebook or will you post them here?

Mel - The spinach pie recipe looks yummy, especially since no olives. Mmmmm. As for trying the PT changes at home...I don't think so. I'm not into S&M. :rofl: So nice of the guys to help you with the shopping! Good luck talking to govt on Monday. :hug:

Annie, Happy, Ruth, Ceejay and everyone else - I hope you're all having a great day!

Anyway, I'd better go get some ice on my back. I soooooo want to hike this weekend.

Love and big hugs,

Good Saturday evening ladies -

DH and I went for a short hike. It was great to be out in the sun. The trails were still snow covered in the more wooded areas and muddy in the other areas, but we had a blast and my back held up pretty well. I don't know what our plans for tomorrow are yet, but I'm planning to spend at least part of the day outside enjoying the sunshine. :)

Love and hugs,

Goodonya Michelle. Sounds like a good time was had by all. I'm off to do some shopping and then to pack the stuff for Melbourne and then to the airport. Chat to you all tonight

OH MICHELLE I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR THAT. I WAS NEVER ABLE TO DO TRACTION EITHER. NOR JEN. IT'S JUST NOT FOR EVERYONE! YOU POOR THING...I KNOW THE PAIN AND CAN READILY SYMPATHIZE. :hug: :hug: I AM GLAD TO HEAR YOU BOTH GOT OUTSIDE AND THE WEEKEND WASN'T A BUST. BE CAREFUL BENDING AND STRETCHING FOR A DAY OR TWO THOUGH!!!

:wave: HELLO MISS SHAD!!! IT SEEMS LIKE THE WEEKEND JUST FLEW BY, HOPE YOU GOT ALL THE THINGS YOU WANTED TO DO DONE!! ARE YOU PROPERLY WEEDED AND THE KITCHEN SPARKLING??????

:rain: LOOKING RATHER DISMAL OUTSIDE TODAY. EVEN THE GRANDSON IS LAZING ABOUT AND IN NO HURRY TO EAT OR DRINK. MR. SLEEPYHEAD!! I FEEL THE SAME WAY. I DIDN'T FEEL LIKE EATING ANYTHING IN THE HOUSE FOR DINNER SO I ORDERED A SANDWICH FROM DOWN THE STREET. MY USUAL...LIVERWURST ON A HARD ROLL WITH MAYO & MUSTARD. WELLLLLLLLL........NOT SURE WHAT HAPPENED BUT I WAS IN THE LOO ALL NIGHT ON AND OFF. I THOUGHT MY INSIDES WERE FALLING OUT. :cry:
IT WASN'T THE SANDWICH SO TO SPEAK BUT SOMETHING IS NOT "RIGHT" YET IN THE OLD TUMMY. MAYBE IT NEEDS SOME CHICKEN SOUP AND LITE FARE FOR AWHILE.
GOING TO GIVE THE KIDS THE CORNED BEEF AND CABBAGE AND LET THEM MAKE IT THEMSELVES. THAT WILL DEFINITELY BE A NO NO!!! NOT UNLESS I HAVE A SECRET DEATH WISH!!! :rofl: :rofl:
OHHH, I FORGOT TO TELL YOU. FRANK IN THE OFFICE GAVE ME MONEY FOR MY BIRTHDAY AND TOLD ME TO BUY SOMETHING THAT WOULD MAKE MY LIFE EASIER. SO I BOUGHT A VERY LIGHTWEIGHT ORECK VACUUM THAT I HAVE BEEN DROOLING OVER. I LOVE IT!!! YOU KNOW IT'S FUNNY BUT I THINK THAT EVEN THOUGH I HAVE ALWAYS KNOWN I'VE BEEN VERY "LUCKY" IN MY LIFE...NOW I SEE IT'S ACTUALLY A CHARMED LIFE AND I AM VERY BLESSED WITH SOME OF THE PEOPLE AROUND ME HERE. BUT JEN AND I ARE STILL "LAUGHING" THAT THEY ARE ALL MEN!
MAYBE I NEVER HAD THE HUSBAND OR BOYFRIEND OF MY DREAMS. MAYBE THE ONE MAN I EVER REALLY LOVED IS IN HEAVEN. MAYBE I LOST MY YOUNGER BROTHER I LOVED SO DEARLY.......EVEN STILL, I AM SURROUNDED BY MEN THAT REALLY CARE ABOUT ME. IT'S A GREAT FEELING. LIFE IS GOOD.
ON THAT HAPPY NOTE I WILL WISH YOU ALL A WONDERFUL SUNDAY AND SHADDIE A MONDAY:moped:

Good morning ladies,

It's been quite the busy weekend and I haven't had the time to sit and post. Today included. Hopefully I can get back here tonight as there is much to catch up on from you. Just wanted to check in. Enjoy your Sunday.

http://images.marthastewart.com/imag...6_salmon_l.jpg

Shiitake Mushrooms and Sugar-Snap Peas

Prep: 5 minutes Total: 15 minutes

Characteristic of Asian cuisine, the combination of brown sugar (sweet), soy sauce (salty), and sake (tangy) in this dish pairs well with the earthiness of the mushrooms and the fresh taste of the snow peas.

Per serving: 148 calories; 4 g protein; 4 g fat; 21 g carbs; 4 g fiber.

Ingredients Serves 4.
2 teaspoons canola or grapeseed oil
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
1/2 pound fresh shiitake mushrooms, stems removed, caps sliced into 1/2-inch-wide strips
2 teaspoons light-brown sugar
1/4 cup sake, dry sherry, or white wine
2 tablespoons shoyu or other natural soy sauce
1 pound sugar-snap peas or snow peas, strings removed

Directions
In a large skillet, heat the canola and sesame oils over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring frequently, until the mushrooms are just beginning to brown, about 3 minutes. Sprinkle the sugar over the mushrooms and then add the wine and soy sauce. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
Add the sugar-snap peas, cover, reduce the heat to medium, and cook until the pea pods are just crisp-tender and bright green, 2 to 3 minutes. Serve immediately.

**Shiitake mushrooms are a potent source of antioxidants.

Morning all,
It's a fairly dreary day here too, but mostly that is because I am tired. Lack of sleep does that to one. Flight got in early last night (around 20 minutes or so) but the luggage took forever to arrive and the bus took less time to get to the city, but the cab took forever to get to the apartment. So all in all I'm feeling distinctly weary right now. I should have stuck to cabin baggage and then I could have been home earlier or maybe not. I may have then had to wait for the shuttle bus to get into town.

Whatever, I am not in the mood for all the shenanigans going on here. I think I need a coffee, then a quiet place to curl up in.

I'd better go and sort out what the next idiot wants. I'll be back

Hello Ladies,
Can you overrest? I think i did. I did not do anything this weekend, we'll i did do laundry and went to the grocery store and that was about it. I don't know how many tv programs i watched, but i'm ready for anything. I think the weather being cold and gloomy added to me being indoors.

Mitchelle - glad you got out and enjoyed your hiking.

Mel - Wasn't that nice of your friend Frank. Yes, we all are blessed.

Shad - I hope your get your rest tonight.

Happy - hope your enjoying your day.

GOOD MORNING AND HAVE A GREAT MONDAY!! I AM OFF TO HOOK UP MY LANDLINE PHONE AND GET PART OF THIS DANG GOVT STUFF OVER WITH. I AM SO SICK OF THIS HANGING OVER MY HEAD AND I HATE THIS FEELING!! JEN HAS AN IN OFFICE INTERVIEW WITH ANOTHER AGENCY AND MIGHT GO THERE TODAY IF SHE IS FEELING GOOD. I'LL LET YOU KNOW IF I FIND ANYTHING OUT BUT THIS IS JUST A PRELIMINARY CALL FOR THEM TO MAKE A DECISION. SHE SAID IT COULD TAKE UP TO OR OVER 3 ONTHS DEPENDING ON MY DOCTORS ETC. SIGH. DRAGS IT RIGHT INTO THE SUMMER!
WELL....NOW IS AS GOOD A TIME AS ANY TO "LET THIS GO" CAUSE I HAVE NO CONTROL OVER THIS...IT'S UP TO GOD AND SOCIAL SECURITY!! LOL
HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY!

PATTY~ ARE YOU TOO RESTED NOW?? :rofl: MAYBE YOUR BODY NEEDED IT AND NOW THE ALLERGIES WILL CALM DOWN A BIT. THE LAST BITE OF WINTER IS KEEPING US ALL INDOORS!

Hi ladies,

Mel :crossed: :hug: :crossed: :hug: :crossed: :hug: :crossed: :hug: :crossed: :hug: :crossed: :hug: :crossed: :hug: :crossed: :hug: for you that all goes well with the danged interviews. You are absolutely right, can't let it get to you. I'm so glad that you have men just itching to take care of you :rofl: actually it's quite nice that you get back a little of what you give in this life. You deserve it. :grouphug:

Shad - it's sounding like the usual chaotic mess you have to deal with over and over. This too shall pass I suppose. Perhaps the chicks are in a downspin at the moment. I hope you whip things into shape! Sounds like the vortex started when you got home, brief as it was.

Michelle - ow ow ow on the traction. I didn't realize that could work out like that. I think DH might have had traction only once a long, long time ago. Maybe that's a good thing after hearing your account. I'm glad you got outdoors to enjoy the weekend. Funny how we get acclimated to the weather. It was 50 degrees for you and you're itching to get out and enjoy it. 1 degree less for me here - 49 and I'm thinking it's too cold and damp to do anything so I'll just hunker down inside :rofl: The 70's are coming back again in 2 days - that's my kind of weather. :yay: Fire up the grill :hungry:

Ack - can't page back so Annie I hope you are all ready for your trip tomorrow. Have a safe trip and a wonderful time. Hope you can meet up with the chicks.

:wave: Patty - every once in a while we all need those do nothing weekends to recharge ourselves.

Good morning Ceejay. :D

I sure am having a hard time getting up in the mornings. Daylight saving time came too early. It's the dead of night when the alarm goes off. Hard to get up in the dark.

Time to get moving. See yah ladies - have fun today!

Good Monday Morning......

What a wonderful, sunshiney day!

Patty....The countdown is almost over, I fly out tormorrow afternoon. I am now offically excited.

Shad....coming home sounded like more work than pleasure to me. Cleaning and stuff...bleck. Easter should be a bit more enjoyable.

MEL...Um if Ms. Bella bit somewhere more personal on Tony, I think that would be the last thing Ms Bella every did. haha Goodluck with the Govt. calls today. I know it is not fun dealing with the yahoos. I have an Oreck vacuum also. Got it about 3 years ago and absolutely love it. It just glides itself and can suck a golf ball out of a hose. Sorry about the poo situation, I am back to being clogged. I go from one extreme to the other.

Michelle...you poor dear. Therapy sounds more like torture chamber than help. I can't take pain. Glad you got to get out and hike. We had fairly decent weather over the weekend also. Today's high is 65 tomorow will be almost 70. Then I leave for Texas. Sunday coming home will be a let down, high only 50 in Indy. But I will take it, better than snow.


Tony and I went to see the movie Miss March. It was just awful and quite nasty. Don't even want to get into it, however I would avoid even renting that one. Yuck. We went to Claddaugh's for dinner after, it is an Irish Pub. They had a Motown band playing and they were very good. We got home around midnight. I dragged around all day Saturday. I think I am getting too old for late night crap.

Got up Sunday, ran the vacuum, dusted, mopped, scoured, gave Bella a shampoo and cut (she bit me but not as bad as before.) I had on huge rubber gloves. Did laundry, picked the trash up out of the yard from all the windstrorms, broomed the front porch and back patio, fixed dinner, baked a cake for Samantha's BFs birthday, did dishes and went to bed. SHuwee what a day. Woke up at 1:00 am, couldn't sleep, watched Beauty Shop again for the umpthteen time, fell back asleep at around 4 am, got up and came to work. Here I sit typing and drinking morning java.

My boss is on a cruise this week. So things have slowed down somewhat. What a way to work into a vacation.

Hey to everyone.

Love and Hugs,

I apologize for not being here over the week end. The forum sight would not let me through. I could get on the blogs. Had trouble this morning.

Michelle
Ouch on the traction.

I'm so ready for sunshine.

Ceejay, no need to apologize...we all get here when we can......

Happy Monday ladies -

Crazy busy today at work...but I'm not complaining - it's making the day go by fast.

Mel - I hope the interviews go well.

Happy - I think traction works for/helps most people....I'm just one of those weirdos who it hurts more than helps. Today is supposed to be in the 60s and tomorrow near 70....just about everyone I know has started dragging the grills out of storage. Mmmm, can't wait for a nice burger or brat(wurst) fresh off the grill!

Annie - Enjoy your vacation in Texas.

Shad - I hope you're doing well and that work is going better than last week.

Patty - I hope you're feeling better...good for you for allowing yourself to enjoy a relaxing weekend.

Ceejay - Did you have a nice time in Paragould?

A big :wave: to everyone!

Love and hugs,

WELL GIRLS THE FIRST CALL WENT FINE AND THIS WOMAN WAS A DOLL AND WISHED ME A BLESSED DAY. SHE SAID SHE ADMIRED MY STRENGTH AND SENSE OF HUMOR AND THEN TOLD ME I WOULD BE MAKING ABOUT $23 MORE A MONTH.....WE BOTH STARTED LAUGHING HYSTERICALLY OVER THE AMOUNT AND ALL THE DRAMA IT TOOK TO GET IT!!! CAN YOU BELIEVE THIS? SHE REFUSES TO SEND ME TO MORE OF THEIR DRS FOR RECERT AND ACCEPTED THE OTHER BRANCH'S DECISION FROM THE 1970'S. SHE ALSO GAVE ME SOME TIPS FOR MONDAY'S INTERVIEW AND THE PAPERS I NEED ARE ALREADY PRINTED OUT. I HAD EVERYTHING DONE 2 WEEKS AGO! THE WOMAN FOR NEXT MONDAY HAS NO SENSE OF HUMOR AND I KNOW THAT ALREADY TOO. HOPEFULLY AFTER THAT CALL IT WILL ALL BE OVER....ONE CAN ONLY HOPE. BUT MY STOMACH FEELS MUCH BETTER AND I DON'T THINK I HAD A VIRUS AT ALL....IT'S BEEN THE OLD COLITIS ACTING UP. I HAVEN'T HAD PROBLEMS WITH THAT SINCE 1981!!!! I NEED TO GET A GRIP ON MYSELF AND LET THIS "CRAP" BLOW OVER ME BEFORE I END UP SICK. SO ALL IN ALL IT WAS A GOOD ..EVEN IF NOT PROFITABLE... DAY!! LOL TOMORROW IS FOOD SHOPPING IN THE MORNING...GUESS I CAN SPEND AN EXTRA $23
IN ANTICIPATION OF MY RAISE?!?! :lol3: :lol3:
HAPPY~ THE TIME CHANGE JUST KILLS JEN AND I FOR WEEKS NOW. JEN WAS JUST ON THE PHONE COMPLAINING ABOUT IT. I FORGET THE NAME THE DOCTORS HAVE GIVEN THIS "PROBLEM BUT I KNOW MANY THAT SUFFER WITH IT. NOT FUN AT ALL AND I CAN COMMISERATE WITH YOU!

ANNIE~ SOUNDS LIKE YOU HAD A FULL WEEKEND!!! YOUR ORECK SOUND GREAT AND HOPE MINE WORKS JUST AS WELL. SO FAR I LOVE IT!!! THE ONLY PROB FOR ME IS THAT THE CORD IS STIFF AND HEAVY AND MY HANDS & ARMS AFE GETTING WEAKER...SO VACUUMING AND DRIVING THE WEELCHAIR AND DRAGGING THIS CORD ABOUT IS A WEE BIT TOUGH. I NEED A FRIGGING MAID!!!

JEANETTE~ HOPE YOU FIND SOME SUNSHINE TODAY AND HOLD ON TO IT WITH BOTH HANDS!! :sunny:

MICHELLE~ SORRY TO HEAR WORK IS NUTS BUT IT'S BETTER THAN TWIDDLING THUMBS AND FALLING ASLEEP! :rofl:

Mel, please bundle up all your crap and send it over here. I know of a person of two so much more deserving of it than you and I'd be glad to pass it along ;)

Glad to hear you finally caught a break. May nasty lady #2 call in sick next Monday and kind lady # 1 will have to take care of you.

A whole extra $23? Wow. Well I suppose it's better than no $23 but how do they expect people to live. No wonder pitiful ladies with shaky hands are robbing stores.

I'm going to bed. 'Night all. Sleep well including you Shad.

Happy St. Patty's Day ladies -

I'm still a bit tired today and my tummy hasn't felt good for the last couple days. But I'll get over this. It's supposed to get up to nearly 70 today! :woohoo: We're gonna grill out tonight for dinner before the cold weather comes back. This weekend will be in the mid to upper 40s and rainy...good house cleaning weather, I guess.

Mel - Congrats on your raise. All that aggravation for $23?! :dunno: Well, I hope your other interviews go just as well, if not better. And you are right...I'd rather be crazy busy at work then not have anything to do or worse not have a job. So I'm happy being crazy busy...and crazy in general I guess! :rofl:

Happy - I gotta say I'm not minding the time change...I don't mind going to work in the dark (I usually do anyway) and I really enjoy getting home and still having 2 to 3 hours of light left :woohoo:

Annie - I hope you are enjoying your vaca.

Patty - I hope you get to see Annie while she's in TX. And I hope you have a great St. "Patty's" Day! Are you a saint? :lol:

Ceejay - I hope you get some sunshine and have a great day!

Shad - I hope work goes well for you today.

Love and hugs to all,

Mornin' chicks,

Happy St. Patty's - may the luck 'o the Irish be with us all today. :lucky: space :luck2you: space :cupgold: space :drinkup:

Not much going on here. Super foggy today - should be a fun drive in. Supposed to get into the mid 70's again today and tomorrow. Would be nice to get home early and get a little yard work in but I don't think that will happen. Darn job always gets in the way of things although in these times it's probably better not to say stuff like that :tape: :lol:

Well I'm going to go dig through the closets looking for something green to wear. I probably have every color in the universe except for green.

Have a good one everybody.

Enjoy that BBQ Michelle. We had burgers last night, pork chops today. Yum, yum. So glad to say buh bye to winter. :wave:

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http://www.heathersanimations.com/pa...ipaddysday.gif

HAVE A GREAT DAY!! THANK YOU GIRLS FOR THE GOOD THOUGHTS AND WORDS. SORRY THIS IS SHORT. WE ARE MISSING 2 GIRLS TODAY AND BREADS NEEDED TO BE TAGGED AND BAGGED FOR A TOWN FULL OF SENIORS. I AM ON A BREAK AND NEED TO GET BACK. STAY WELL!! AND DON'T IMBIBE TOO MUCH!!

Happy St. Paddy's Day!!!

I didn't have anything green in my closet to wear either. I did find a string of beads from partying one night that happen to be green, so I wore them.

MEL...Congrats on the first? second? third? go round of govt calls. Are you on a first name basis yet? Don't spend the 23 bucks all in one place. haha

Michelle and Happy...Yum grilling out. Especially when you put BBQ sauce on it. I could eat BBQ sauce on ANYTHING.

Shad...you must be underwater with work. Awfully quiet, or wait travel day today??

Ceejay...how you doin'? Hanging in there?

Patty...or is that PADDY today? Hidee ho!

Well Bella spent her first night at Tony's house. He called me and said she peed in the bathroom. I said, where do you want her to pee? The kitchen?? Geez.

I've checked my bags and printed my boarding passes on line...I am ready to go to the airport. Tony will be by at 3:00 to pick me up and take me to the airport. I am so dang excited.

Probably won't check back in til maybe Sunday night or Monday, unless by some flook, I get a shot at a computer. Not going to stress on that one. Wheeee Haaaaaa.....

Hello to all I have not mention, not intentional, just have a short memory. Must be from my teenage years....hehe.

Much love and many hugs,

Annie

Annie
Have a safe and enjoyable trip.

Mel
Hope the next phone call is just as good as the first.

As Happy mentioned it was foggy this morning on my drive to work, but the sun is now shining. I've been outside as much as possible. I did wear green this morning also.

More later.

Hello ladies,

Mitchellez - hope you get to feeling better. Unfortunately Ann is flying into San Antonio, which is 4 1/2 hours away from me.

Ann - I don't know if you still there or not, i'm going to pm you my mobile phone. If you have any problems give me a call. I have lots of family in SA. Oh, i just remembered your friend from Corpus is coming up so you should be ok. either way i'm pm you. HAVE FUN!!

Mel - even though it's only $ 23, i'd rather have 23 more than 23 less.

Happy - did you find something green to wear? I couldn't find anything. I finally found a green stick pin, had a soccer logo on it, oh, well, that will work.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3108/...fbf496bb1e.jpg

Mango Bread with Raisins and Cashews
Susan from Food Blogga

Serves 8-10 

3 large eggs
3/4 cup canola oil
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
2 cups diced fresh mango
3/4 cup moist, plump mixed raisins, coarsely chopped
3/4 cup cashews, coarsely chopped
grated zest of 1 lime

Center a rack in the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Spray an 8 1/2- x- 4 1/2- inch loaf pan with cooking spray. Place the pan on two regular baking sheets stacked one on top of the other to prevent the bottom of the bread from over baking.

In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and oil.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugars, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry, and using a sturdy spatula, mix until well blended. The dough will be very thick, but as Dorie says, "persevere, it will come together." Stir in the ginger, mango, raisins, cashews, and lime zest. Scrape the batter into the pan, and smooth the top with a rubber spatula.

Bake the bread for 1 hour 15 min. to 1 hour 30 min., or until the top is golden brown and a cake tester or thin knife inserted into the center comes out clean. (If the bread is getting too brown on top, cover it loosely with a tinfoil tent). Transfer the pan to a rack and cool for 5 minutes before running a knife around the sides of the pan and unmolding. Invert and cool to room temperature right side up on the rack.

MICHELLE~ HOPE THE BBQ IS GOOD. I LOVE GRILLED FOOD!!

HAPPY~ A BIT FOGGY-ISH HERE TOO EARLY THIS MORNING. DID YOU FIND SOMETHING GREEN YET??? DAY IS ALMOST OVER!! :dance:

JEANETTE~ SEEMS LIKE WE ALL HAD A WEE BIT OF FOG. I STAYED OUT AS MUCH AS I COULD TODAY TOO!!:beach:

PATTY...YES ANYTHING IS BETTER THAN LOSING MORE MONEY!!:rofl: HAD A GOOD LAUGH AT THE STICK PIN :lol3:

ANNIE~ HAVE A GREAT TIME AND SAFE TRAVELS!!! SORRY TO SAY I WILL PROBABLY BE SPENDING IT ALLL IN ONE PLACE :rofl:

:drinkup: WOW HOW THIS DAY JUST FLEW BY!! GLAD IT'S OIVER AND I NEED A SHOWER AND SOME SOFT JAMMIES! PERFECT ENDING TO A PERFECT DAY. THE SENIORS WERE SO HAPPY AND LOTS OF SMILES WHEN WE DELIVERED THE BREADS. HAPPY CAMPERS EVERY ONE OF THEM!
SOMETIMES I JUST LOVE THEM ALL.
I WAS OUTSIDE EVERY CHANCE I GOT. A LITTLE BRISK BUT GORGEOUS! MAYBE TOMORROW WILL BE A MELIDAY. AFTER ALL THEY HAD ME 2 DAYS IN A ROW. I MUST ADMIT THE TUMMY IS STILL A BIT "OFF" TRACK. NOT SURE WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. :faint: BUT I KEEP THINKING OF I STAY OUTSIDE I WILL FEEL BETTER....SO I AM LISTENING TO MY "INNER SELF">
HAVE A GREAT NIGHT AND MORENA SHAD!

Morena all,
Sorry I didn't get in yesterday. My co-worker the rooster was working from home pending a chest xray later in the day and all the crap arrived on my desk instead. I have a couple of things left to do today and unfortunately I'm not feeling too great either. So that's three of us.

I forgot all about St Paddys day yesterday. I wore black and red and blue. Today I am wearing green and today of course is the Ides of March (I think) So maybe I'd better beware of all things Roman.

Annie - enjoy the holiday. You've worked hard for this one.

Mel - $23 huh??? Well at least you can buy some fresh fruit and vege with that - mind you, it will probably be taxed at overtime and higher bracket rates and you will end up with 6.47 of the original.

Happy and CeeJay are in a fog. Glad to here it is not just me. Yummy on the bbqing and grilling.

Michelle feel better soon.

Okay - I'd better go and find out why the idiots have stock in a storage location that is meant to be a straight swap from warehouse to techie van. They can't see why they have these problems. Dear oh dear. Read the instruction manuals please people.

Gotta go. Back later, maybe tonight if I wake up enough to post from home.

Passing through on St. Patrick's Day. Please don't shoot!

Life is jam-packed again but all is well except for damned knees (both) acting up. Anyhow, I'm carrying on and trying to spend extra time with my friend Claire who has some major family problems and my dearest and oldest friend Shirleyanne who has cancer. I'm counting my blessings and overdosing on Aleve!

Stay out of the green beer tonight, OK?

I took Patty's lead and I dug in my "jewelry" box (ie. things that are safe to wear as you are driving through the bad neighborhoods on your way to work) and found an old cute pin with a mouse holding a shamrock. It is more appropriate for a 5 year old to wear than a 50 year old but what the heck? I also have a sweater on in the wrong shade of green (light apple green as opposed to Kelly Irish green) but at least it's green. Most people here have other colors on. Bunch of fuddy duds. And I'm walking around smiling because I know I'm wearing green undies :lol3:

I believe the "ides" are the 15th of the month. Only because I thought it was the 13th and looked it up recently. You are safe Shad - just the usual people plotting to mess up your nicely laid out processes. Give 'em a pop I say :rollpin: - just don't leave a mark :rofl: (where do you think the phrase knock some sense into them came from?)

I'm about to log off and go home to some grilled pork chops and other yummy stuff. Had some corned beef (very lean) at lunch today. It was quite good. Passed on the stewed cabbage and carrots as my life is enough of a gas as it is.

Mel - if you keep posting these recipes, I'm going to drag you down here and set you to cooking :lol:

SHAD~ JUST SENT YOU AN E-MAIL :hug:

RUTH~ SENDING YOU AND YOUR FRIENDS GOOD THOUGHTS AND HUGS :hug: SORRY TO HEAR YOUR NEWS. STAY WARM! YOU AND I WILL KEEP THE ALEVE COMPANY IN BUSINESS!!! I HAVE BEEN LIVING ON IT SINCE THE EARLY 70'S WHEN IT WAS A SCROIPT FROMMTHE DR:rofl:

HAPPY~ OK I WILL BE YOUR PERSONAL CHEF BUT I WARN YOU....WHEN I AM NOT IN THE KITCHEN, I AM GOING TO LOCK THE FRIDGE!!! :lol3: :lol3:

:cofdate: ANOTHER SUNNY DAY HERE. LOOKS MORE LIKE SPRING EVERY DAY NOW. TAKING ANOTHER MENTAL HEALTH DAY. 2 DAYS IN THE OFFICE AND ON THE PHONE HAVE WORN ME OUT. I WOKE UP A WEE BIT FUZZY HEADED TODAY SO THE PHONE IS STAYING OFF TILL 4PM WHEN IT'S MY "TURN" WITH THE BLDG. I FELL ASLEP EARLY LAST NIGHT. THANK GOD FOR VCR'S OR I WOULD KEEP MISSING MY NIGHT TIME SHOWS. YAWN YAWN
HAPPY WEDNESDAY :moped:

Hidee Ho chicks,

Another beautiful day out there. Then it's going to cool off a bit but not too much.

Got a little yard work done last night as DH was cooking the pork chops since my side dishes were already made. It was nice to do some clean up, so much more to do. The first azalea bud popped and the bushes are all full of buds, we should get them soon and I'm hoping they will still be in bloom when Mom comes down next month.

Mel - you can lock the fridge but remember I have 2 and you can't possibly lock all the cabinets :lol3: Glad you are getting some nice weather to enjoy and a taking some time for yourself for a change. What gets done, gets done, what doesn't waits till tomorrow or didn't need doing in the first place ;)

Howdy Ruth :wave: I'll not only stay away from the green beer, will stay away from all of it. Never cared for the stuff myself. Can't remember when I last had a glass of wine actually - think it was before I started the glucophage last July. Geez.

Shad - I think you have discovered the people who were stealing from the company by stashing the inventory in the van :rofl: Sorry to hear you are under the weather. Hope you feel better soon. Hard to focus when your head is stuffy.

Good morning Ceejay - they said possible fog again today but it looks pretty clear out. What about you?

Have a fun trip Annie.

Good morning Patty!

Michelle - did you get your 70 degree weather? That alone is enough to make you feel more chipper. Hope you are doing better today too.

I have a cardiologist appointment this morning. We'll see what that brings. Better get off my duff and rolling. Happy Hump Day!

Hey ladies -

A quick check in for me this morning. I got quite a shock yesterday morning. It seems that the team I'm on (except for our boss) is being reorg'ed to a new boss in a new department, effective in 2 weeks. Fun stuff. NOT. It sucks because I currently have an AWESOME boss and the new boss is brand new to the company...and no one knows him or what he's like. Well, I guess I've just got to look at the bright side....being reorg'ed to a new boss and new dept is much, much better than being reorg'ed out of a job!

Gotta go for now. I'll try and check in later before I leave early to go to PT (but with NO traction).

Love and hugs,

happy
Hope you come back with a clean bill of health at the cardiologist.

Mel
I realy need a mental health day. I've scheduled one in April and then 10 glorius days in July. I haven't had a real vacation in years. This year I'm taking all of my 160 hours. My co-worker, L, will finally figure out what I've been having to deal with while working for B.

Michelle
ugh on getting a new boss, but so right on still having a job.

Morning all,
New bosses, new chefs, fridges locked, don't shoot Ruth, mental health. It's all up there today.

I'm about to start another day here at the madhouse. I can't put my finger on the exact problem here, it seems to be a combination of all sorts of things and trying not to sound racist but the Indians do not make good bosses or decision makers. That also goes for doco writing. It's not that they don't know what they are talking about, it's more that they can't articulate or demonstrate. Maybe we should converse in pictures. That would make my life much easier maybe.

So saying - I'd better go gear up for another day - my workmate tells me his contract runs out on Friday and no one has offered him a renewal yet. I don't want to be here on my own. Mwah :eek: :eek: :fr: :fr: :sp: :sp: :cry: :cry: :cry:

Evening all,
Just thought I would share the latest Sunday photos with you. Awww heck who's a pretty girl then.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...t001-email.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...t002-email.jpg

Morning chicks,

Lots to comment on this morning but I'm in a rush. Will try to get back on at lunch. I'm surprised at some of the posts this morning. Hang in there :hug:

Good morning ladies -

I'm feeling better about the reorg to a new boss and new dept. I think I'm moving into the acceptance phase. Plus, there is a position opening in my current dept that I'd be a good fit for, so I'm dusting off my resume and applying.

Happy - I hope the cardiologist appt went well. :hugs:

Mel - good for you for taking time off for you.

Ceejay - Wow 160 hours of vaca! That's wonderful! You definitely should take it all. You work so hard...you deserve time off for R&R and fun.

Shad - I hope today at the madhouse goes better. And I hope they renew your co-workers contract. Sunday surely is a beautiful girl!

A big :wave: and big hugs to everyone!

HAPPY~ HOPE YOUR APPOINTMENT WENT WELL:hug: I CAN HARDLY BELIEVE IT'S TIME FOR MOM ALREADY!! THIS YEAR IS FLYING BY!!! WISH WE HAD AZALEAS!!

SHAD~ THE PICS ARE ADORABLE!! SHE IS A REAL CUTIE AND YOU CAN TELL SHE IS THE QUEEN OF THE HOUSE!! HOPE YOUR FRIEND GETS RENEWED AND YOU WILL HAVE A PAL BY YOUR SIDE. MAYBE YOU CAN START A NEW TREND AND DO TRAINING WITH PICTURE BOOKS LIKE THEY DO IN KINDERGARTEN!! IT WORKS THERE TOO :rofl:

MICHELLE~ HOPE THE PT (W/O THE TRACTION :yikes: ) WENT WELL!! ALSO THANK GOD IT'S ONLY RE'ORG TO A NEW BOSS. I'M ABOUT RUNNING OUT OF PRAYERS FOR NEW JOBS AND BETTER BODIES OVER HERE !! :lol3: :lol3:
GOOD LUCK WITH THE RESUME TOO!!!

JEANETTE~ WAIT TILL L HAS TO DEAL WITH IT ALL ON HER OWN. :faint: THEY MISS US WHEN WE'RE GONE TO BE SURE. GLAD YOU ARE SLATED FOR A FULL VACATION TIME OFF. IT'S NECESSARY TO BE "AWAY" ...I HAVE FOUND OUT THE HARD WAY. YOU CAN HAVE AN "APRIL IN PARIS" THEME FOR YOUR VACATION!!


:cofdate: SOME RAIN FOR TODAY AND I AM BUNDLED UP AND COZY IN MY OWN SPACE. LOVING THE DOWN TIME. I THINK WE ARE DOING THE CORNED BEEF THING OVER THE WEEKEND. NO ONE WAS READY FOR CABBAGE THIS WEEK!! :rofl: MAYBE A SHORT FOOD SHOP TOMORROW. SUPPOSED TO BEGIN THE BIG CHILL ONCE AGAIN. :brr: YESTERDAY IT WAS DANG NEAR 70 AND TOMORROW GOING INTO THE LOWEST 30'S. NOT FUN. NOTHING NEW TO REPORT.:dance:
HAPPY THURSDAY/FRIDAY :moped:

It's cloudy and drizzling rain this morning. I was suppose to take the RAV4 to get it fixed today in Jonesboro, AR. If the rain clears out by lunch time I'll still go. They should have all the parts to fix it here.

Mel
April in Paris sounds like a good theme. I may go to Springfield, Mo to visit one of my siblings and her family unless they decide to come here.

Shad
Sunday is a beautiful cat. Hope things start to go better for you at work.

Michelle
By all means apply for the position. There has been several positions open the latley but I'm content where I am. The one I really wanted I wasn't qualified for it.

Happy
I've never had a stress test. The doctor seems to think my heart and lungs are fine. I should mention the fact that going up steep hills make me have shortness of breath. Hope things go well.

http://img4.realsimple.com/images/08...-chili_300.jpg

Southwestern Beef Chili With Corn

Makes 4 servings

Hands-on Time: 0hr 10m

Total Time: 0hr 40m

This recipe is: One Pot, Kid Friendly, Quick & Easy

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 carrots, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1 poblano or bell pepper, chopped
1/2 pound ground beef
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 15-ounce cans black beans, drained and rinsed
1 tablespoon chili powder
kosher salt and pepper
1/2 cup corn kernels (from 1 ear, or frozen and thawed)
1/2 cup grated Cheddar (2 ounces)
2 scallions, sliced

Directions

1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the carrots, onion, and poblano and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes. Add the beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is no longer pink, 3 to 5 minutes.

2. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring, until it is slightly darkened, 1 minute. Add the beans, chili powder, 3 cups water, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Simmer over medium heat until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.

3. Stir in the corn. Divide among bowls and top with the Cheddar and scallions.

Tip
You can cook the chili in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Per Serving

Calories 343; Fat 15g; Cholesterol 51g; Carbohydrate 34g; Sodium 893mg; Protein 23g; Fiber 11g; Sugar 6g

Real Simple, September 2008

THE KIDS MADE THIS LAST NIGHT AND RICHIE'S WHOLE FAMILY WENT NUTS. I MIGHT TRY SOME OVER THE WEEKEND.

*LET ME KNOW IF THESE PICTURES ARE BOTHERING ANYONE WHEN THEY LOAD. IT WORKS FOR MY DIAL-UP SO I HOPE THEY'RE NOT TOO BIG.

http://www.mostlyeating.com/photos/pistowithegg.jpg

Recipe for (a kind of) Pisto, with rice and eggs
Serves 2

1 tbsp olive oil
2 bell peppers, any colours
1 large onion
1 courgette or carrot
*COURGETTE IS FRENCH FOR ZUCCHINI
2 or 3 cloves of garlic
1 can chopped tomatoes
A handful or two spinach leaves or similar
Freshly ground black pepper
A pinch of red chilli flakes
A pinch of sugar
A pinch of salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Four free range or organic eggs
Brown rice (I use about 120g dry weight for two people)


Put a pan of water on for your rice or start it cooking in your rice cooker.

Warm the olive oil in a roomy pan (one that has a lid) on a medium heat. Start chopping the vegetables into bite size pieces and add them to the pan as you finish chopping them. Start with the onions and then the garlic so that they have chance to soften, then add the courgette (or less traditional carrot) and then the peppers.

Allow the vegetables to cook until the onion has softened a little. Meanwhile roughly chop your spinach into strips but don’t add this yet.

Add the can of tomatoes and the chilli, sugar and salt to pan. Cover with a lid and simmer until the rice is ready. I aim for around 20 minutes of simmering; traditional pisto is often cooked for many hours but we want to eat dinner tonight and besides, all that simmering that will do the nutritional content of your vegetables no favours. Now is your chance to go and sit down for a bit or play on Twitter or whatever takes your fancy.

When the rice is ready, add the spinach to the tomato sauce and replace the lid to encourage it to wilt quickly.

Once the spinach has wilted, season the sauce with freshly ground pepper to taste.

Flatten the pisto down a bit and make four little evenly spaced dents using a wooden spoon pan. Crack an egg into each dent. Replace the lid and leave on a medium heat and until the whites of the eggs are visibly cooked but for no longer than this if you want a runny egg (this is where glass pan lids come into their own).

Spoon some rice onto the plate and then top with the pisto and eggs.