Psst...Taryn...Iay on'tday antway nyoneay otay nowkay m'Iya askingay...hereWay ancay Iay etgay hetay ermabrasionday itkay?:-) Seriously...I would definitely be interested. Totally understand the forehead thing and unfortunately curly heads can't do bangs so would love *anything* that could make those wrinkles go away. Luckily, curly hair tends to hide gray cause you can't see the roots, but admit that I have succumbed to using hair coloring. I've started using something called Natural Instincts. It's not permanent...I'm afraid to use anything permanent because curly hair tends to be so dry. I've set the date that I will go gray as age 64, in honor of the Beetles...Will you still need me, will you still feed me, when I'm 64! :-) I have been quite smug for many years, as hubby has been graying for about the last 10 and also balding and I thought I was going to skate - neither of my parents turned gray until they reached their 60's! I have to admit I am *very* envious of Marian *still* not having much gray...it's just not fair! :-) On the other hand my best friend Anita has been totally gray for as long as I have known her and I'm *totally* envious of her hair...a gorgeous shade of silver, very shiny and luminescent...of course she has that fabulous peachy skin and piercing blue eyes to go with it. Anyway, I'm still keeping good thoughts that youll get your Christmas gift Taryn! Oh, and thanks for the heads up on It's a Wonderful Life!:-)

Hey Babs...I've been busy baking cookies in my free time and planning not to eat them too! :-) Actually, it's pretty easy for me to pass up *baked* cookies...it's the cookie *dough* that gets me in trouble! :-) But as Mae West would say, "I generally avoid temptation...unless I cant resist it."...LOL...and I can't resist cookie dough! I know it's a terrible thing to do, I mean *raw* eggs! I like the cookie dough *before* you put the chocolate chips, etc. in it. Sugar, butter, vanilla and flour whipped to light and fluffy...what's not to love? Anyway, I think the whole addiction can be laid right at my mother's feet. When I was a little girl and had a hankering for something sweet, she would give me something she called "Poor Mans Cake"...have you heard of it? It's simply a slice of buttered bread, with sugar sprinkled on top! Admit it sounds pretty grossy to me now, but I *do* still love my raw cookie dough! :-) Laughing about your coffee addiction too; was almost going to do a google search to find your Caf-fiend, but then when you said it didn't really hype you, I kind of was disappointed!:-) No offense to anyone here who drinks decaffeinated, but I have just never seen the point...isn't *caffeine* the point of coffee? LOL! I keep on getting this mental image of you and I together in your kitchen Babs, hyped up on Caf-fiend and it just cracks me up...I can just imagine it.

Drema I'm so sorry to hear about Jenny's miscarriage and I can certainly understand her sadness it's a terribly sad thing. I hope that there will be brighter days for her soon. BTW, Congratulations on the new job! Your talk of rapid transit brings back many years of riding the "L" to work when I was a young girl...kind of miss the excitement of that and all the fun people watching.

Sylvia :-) - I think if I lived in a charming old home like yours I would have those lovely candles in the window year round too such a cozy and inviting look! How cool to see Harrison Ford, right in your own little town!

Brenda, thanks for reassuring me about my buyer. I checked again today and he still hasn't left feedback, but hoping you're right; no news is good news. BTW, I googled cod liver oil capsules and found that there are many benefits. I really perked up when they said "can darken hair..." ;-) Okay there were more important benefits like "fights heart disease, arthritis, depression" and they say there is no concern of mercury poisoning (which did cross my mind) "One concern about taking cod liver oil is the presence of contaminants of heavy metals (such as mercury, cadmium and lead), PCBs and so forth. Fortunately, consumers need not worry when it comes to cod liver oil. All cod liver oils in the US must be tested according to protocols of the Association of Analytical Communities (AOAC) and approved free of detectable levels of 32 contaminants before they can be imported into this country. Furthermore, mercury is water soluble. It may be present in the flesh of fish, but it is not present in the oil." So I'm putting that on my grocery list this week!:-)

Chelone, sorry to hear about the car...so how did it all turn out? You brought back fond memories talking about Herb Alpert...my dad *loved* him and Getz/Gilberto...wow I haven't thought of them in ages!

Deanne loved the pictures of Rahjii...he is a *gorgeous* cat and your tree is so pretty! Thanks about the snowmen...but didn't you like my Dainty Bess? :-( I put her up just for you cause you asked about her. :-) I think it's so neat that you are taking dance lessons with hubby. I've tried for years to convince Paul, but it's a no-go. That's a beautiful song by the way.

For my *forever* friend Marian...
Here are some violets for friendship from me to you (sorry this is the only pic I have of them - they are to the front of this bed.) I really love *your* violets!

{{gwi:2100701}}

I tried to crop for a better close up, least you not see them in the big pic:

{{gwi:187772}}
Hope you're holding up okay. I admire and value your conviction, your strength and your friendship!

Thanks everyone for your comments on my snowmen and I thought it very nice that no one commented on the fact that while my snowmen seem to keep getting bigger and bigger as the years pass, I remain the same height...LOL!

Hi T! Good to see you posting...I always look forward to seeing you here! :-)

VG that's happy news that hubby is improving! Am enjoying reading about all the healthy lifestyles here...just amazing the things you learn at the Idylls. I have to admit it all seems a little overwhelming to me though. I mean, I've definitely decided on the cod liver oil capsules and I already take potassium, calcium and vitamin C, but wondering if there are other supplements I should be taking? Overall, I feel pretty healthy and have no serious complaints and I don't think I have a "bad" diet, but after reading how well you guys take care of yourselves, Im beginning to feel like I'm taking my good health for granted. I usually have a salad just about every day; eat cereal in the a.m. and have what I consider a normal dinner (meat, veggies and a salad and most times a potato too). Should I be taking things like flax seed, etc.? I mean, what made you guys start taking all these supplements?

Did I mention how great Deanne, Sue & Monique looked in their pic from Sue's party? Well you do; lovely ladies all! Sue you really are turning into quite the girly girl and I loved your outfit. I hope you take it in the fun spirit it is meant, but are you wearing one of those rubber bracelets on your arm? If your are, the reason I ask is that I wear one too. Several months ago I donated money to the Children's Miracle Network and they gave me the bracelet which says "Glow for Kids" and I haven't ever taken it off. Anyway, mine glows in the dark and has got me in trouble more than once. My hubby is a light sleeper, can't have any noise or light in the room when he is sleeping (this from the loudest snorer I've ever known). Anyway, he's asleep in bed and I climb in for the night. Suddenly I hear this cranky garbled voice..."Is there a light on in this room?" Uh-oh...my glow in the dark bracelet *is* glowing and quite brightly too...I quickly shoved my arm under the covers...LOL! The second incident happened just a few weeks ago. We were at a rather fancy schmancy wedding and I have to say I was feeling pretty good about myself. I had on a beautiful jacket (with a camisole underneath) and that frilly skirt (kind of like Deanne's) and was wearing a gorgeous jet necklace with matching earrings...very tasteful. :-) Anyway, the lights go low at the wedding (it's dance time) and I go to pass something to Paul's boss and just guess what is glowing very nicely on my arm...yep! I quickly shoved it way up my forearm, underneath the sleeve of the jacket, but not before Paul's boss got a good look at it. Well, at least he didn't comment...LOL! Oh well, that's what I get for getting full of myself! :-)

GB, I hope that everything works out the way you wish it to, regarding the farm. For the last few years Paul has been itching to move. In fact, he's been working with a realtor looking for vacant property to build on. Don't know what the future holds, but just rolling with the punches right now. I have told him that I really do not want to move while mom is still with us...she really needs me right now and he seems to understand that, but wants to keep the door open. Thanks for the link on Deanne...How cool is that? Congratulations Deanne! :-) BTW, got a kick out of your "aging" quotes. And, BTW, got a kick out of your "aging" quotes...

Another reason I can't wait till spring...so I can see Woody's new benches all planted! :-) BTW Woody, did I tell you I kept a copy of you're planting with the elephant ear and acidanthera from last year? I just thought it was beautiful in its simplicity and loved the textures. BTW, did the acidanthera ever bloom and if so, did you get a pic of it? I would love to see that! I love acidantheras and thought your planting was so elegant!

P.S. V...guess we need to talk! :-)

Okay, I think I'm caught up now. I may not be able to post for awhile...busy week and then Christmas of course. What I'm really excited about is that I *finally* got an appointment for mom with a geriatric specialist! Long story, but I've been struggling to get her in somewhere, but we now have an appointment for Thursday. Hope there will be some good news about all of mom's issues. TTYL! Ei

I'm falling behind.... ahhh... wait for me!

No time to chitty chat this morning, urostomy is changed, breakfast is on the table, I have to rally her and the race out the door. Oh, cat box is mined, too.

The cold air from the mid-west is rolling in here; a bracing 18 this morning and probably won't get much above low 20s today. Unusual for this time of year.

Talk to you all later, MAYBE.

OK, it is officially winter, starting today. The snowplow has passed by already. The countdown begins!

Dentist again today...Joy to the World, right Sue? ;-)

Later Folks,
'bug

Ill make a few comments on the last thread. I havent had time to do anything more than skim this one. I spent the day in the city yesterday. I had to take my car to have the new part put on that they had to order. A long process and lots of $$$. I did get all my shopping done though.

Hugs to Drema and DD.

I thought the frost was very cool and just had to get a few pics. I believe you would call it hoar frost Cynthia. Interesting how it formed on the little bits of ice that were on the creek. Actually, we were surprised that there was running water in the creek after all our cold temps.

Babs, sorry to hear that MIL is experiencing depression. I would imagine that it is a common occurrence after all shes been through and the lifestyle changes that she will need to make. We do care and do want to hear about it, so go ahead and vent.

Ahh, the Sound of Music. I love it.

Ei, what a wonderful set of snowman photos. That Dainty Bess is now on my "to get list".

Later
Michelle

Morning, Yea!!!!! we are over the top and the days are going to start getting longer after today.

Eileen, yes, I love the Dainty Bess. Sorry I forgot to tell you in my last post. That is a gorgeous rose and one that would make a lovely painting.~~ Love the white and green tulips with the violets. What variety is that? ~~ I can't wait to see your tulip photos in the coming spring. I never got my act together this fall and didn't plant one single bulb. :-(

Sylvia,how neat you met Carly Simon. I love her music. ~~ Re the pic on the Cats 24/7 book: That is a photograph of Rahjii's grandfather Luke (we call him Buda because he has such a fat belly). We decided to get Rahjii after we fell in love with Luke because it was our last chance to get offspring from him(Full name Bamboo Luke of Askari Bengals)

Babs, how fun AJ wrapped a present. Did you watch him do it or was it your present?~~ So I know Sue has always looked Fabu-fabu but now she's got better and more fantastic muscle definition in her shoulders and back. I lift weights like a maniac and will never look that good because of the extra skin from my fat days that is never going away.

OK I'm really late getting going this morning and speaking of lifting weights I've got to get to the gym and get some exercise. Have a great day everyone.

Deanne

Ei, lol about the glow in the dark bracelet. Mine is the original Lance Armstrong one and I've had it before rubber bracelets became a craze in the charitable world. One of the women in my office passed them out to all of us when Bryan's daughter was so sick with cancer earlier this year. Unfortunately it doesn't glow in the dark-that sounds like a useful feature.

Chelone I'm hoping the January weather in December means February weather in January and March weather in February and best of all, April weather in March. Sounds good to me.

Happy Winter Solstice!

Sue

Sylvia, I found your little added post above to be insensitive to other's beliefs and inappropriate on this forum.

Teresa

Babs - I have a lot of sympathy for your MIL's position. In my experience, depression is normal after such a traumatic experience. I certainly was after my brain surgery that left me imobilized and in severe pain for the first month or so. They tried to give me anti-depressants and I objected strenuously. I felt that depression was the only sane response to what I was going through and putting me in a drug fog was not going to help me learn to cope with the state I was in! Anger...lots of that too (still there 7+ years later - it takes a major effort of will to be civil to my neurosurgeon!) Anger is not necessarily a bad thing - although undoubtedly uncomfortable for family to watch and cope with. Anger kept me going through the hardest times. Anger makes you do things and the alternative is probably apathy, which would be worse. I'll bet ,when you take on the school about problems re AJ, there's a fair bit of anger driving you - but you get things done and it makes things better, right...? If your MIL can use her anger in a focused way to drive her to work on her PT and/or find out how to increase her mobility and independence by finding out what services are available to her and using them, that will be good for her - and all of you. Of course, everybody is different so, what worked for me, may not work for her but understand that the post-traumatic-surgery depression and anger are not necessarily things that need chemical fixes in all cases. Talking with her and letting her freely express both the anger and depression may be the best thing you can do. Sympathy and understanding is probably a better response than trying to 'talk her out of it'. Randy calls 1998/1999 his 'year from hell' so don't expect a fast return to normal!

EI - I did take pictures of the EE/acidanthera combo when the acidanthera first flowered but they were lousy pictures so I didn't post them and now I can't find them!

In response to T's comment to Sylvia: Since I don't know about your current events, this one passed me by. But I do understand that when we feel strongly about something, the temptation is there to share it here.
That is what happened the other day when I brought up Gravel Watch Ontario and mystified some of you. We began this organization which acts in the interest of Ontario citizens on matters that relate to aggregate resources. There is a lot of pain inflicted on folks out there and we work to improve things. There is a new website if you are interested.
An interesting story is that I opened my mouth on our work on another forum one day, and it turned out that I frightened someone I had been corresponding with privately. It turned out that her DH works for a gravel company! Well one thing lead to another and I eventually visited her. The first thing she did was apologize for her husband's work. I had to laugh. She had been so nervous about my visit but we are certainly friends and don't let that stuff bother us. In fact her husband's company has been very good to them over the years during difficult times.

After that lengthy bit, I just want to say that caution is always wise. Now to follow my own advise!

Woody, I think you're so right about apathy. After my husband's accident, he was totally apathetic. He just sat in the recliner, didn't smile, didn't talk or anything. He says now that he remembers very little of that time period but he does remember when his "mind" started to come back. He remembers the first time he laughed at something DS had said and that he felt happy that his emotions were returning. It makes me so sad to hear him talk about it but I let him talk, of course:-) His accident was Dec 19, 1997 and just this year he has been talking about his feelings.

I went back to the last thread to look at all the pictures. i saw lots of beautiful flowers, a lovely lady in purple, Chelone's fireplace (now I understand more about all tte hard work!!) and the sweet bird, winter scenes, etc. For some reason, my computer got stuck and never did download the party girls completely. I waited while I ate breakfast but...you ladies do have lovely foreheads:-) I'll try again later.

Sue, i keep up with the sunrise/sunset too:-) Every minute of daylength causes me to rejoice.

Brenda, I'm sorry I must have missed the part about your MIL. How frustrating. I had to spend 36 hours in the ER as part of my EMT training and I saw things being done or not done that really bothered me. As a result, I don't ever go to that particular ER any more! When my MIL had hip replacement surgery, we were all there to visit her when an RN came and said "Here's your blood pressure pill". MIL told her she didn't take BP med but she was groggy and I guess the RN didn't really believe her. Fortunately the rest of us chimed in. The RN went to check and, indeed, it was somebody else's pill!! But what if we hadn't been there??? I've had enough scares with family members that I take NOTHING for granted in the medical realm.

Babs, I have a family history program for the computer. Had it on the old hard drive but it fried and I haven't had time to reinstall it on the new one. It's a lot of fun. How sweet that AJ wrapped his gifts. He sounds like such a great little guy. If I ever get my closets done, I'll come do yours LOL!

Ei, I personally don't take many supplements now. I take calcium on the days I don't think I've had enough in the food that day. Several years ago, I took a bunch of different vitamins and supplements to help correct some problems. They did help and I feel a lot better. I try to get everything I need in whole food (I consider flax seed a whole food too:-))
Most people get way too much Omega 6 and not nearly enough Omega 3 fatty acids so it's good to pay attention to that balance. LOL about the bracelet!! Good luck with the geriatric appointment!!

I must get to work. I am hoping to clean out Fred's house today while all the "contents" are still frozen solid:-) It was 6 degrees here this morning and the sun is shining.
Good day to everyone
VG

LOl , Ep . I am trying to figure out which you turned into ...a butterball , or a nut ball !!! I so understand about the 'music' in Wal Mart . I am not going there until well after x-mas ,if I can possibly find what I need elsewhere . Even the Country Mart that I grogery shop at had offensive music when I was last there . I attempted to stop my ears with tissue , but it didn't work . :-(
We have the same deer problem in our country roads .
I love your "those who live at the 'speed of light and sound '. " I never felt the need to do that , and even less so now .

Brenda , thanks for explaining about the oatmeal . I like the fruit flavored packets . ( Is that acceptable ? ) I don't need anything for 'regularity '! Just the opposite !
So , the flax isn't too tasty ? I should add it though , if it helps lower high cholesterol .

RE : famous people ...I can't think of any 'celebrities' that I have been in close contact with . I am not impressed with them , anyway . They are only human , and riches sure do not make the person any better ; in a lot of cases , it makes them worse . ( Okay , I'll hop off this soap box. )

Babs , it's so good to hear that your Chris is doing so well . I am so sorry about your mom . I wonder if St John's Wort would help her depression .

VG ... you're kidding ! Your DH has 'EIGHTY' first cousins ! ?? How many aunts and uncles does he have ?
How nice that your dad got you that switcher box . I checked on a system that would do that for my PC , but it was too compicated for me to figure out , and I would have had to got a differant phone system ... so nixed it .

Sue , I get a kick out of the watching on the daylight changes . Last night was 'really' long due to it fogging up around 4PM and still being foggy this morning . I have heard the expression :" When the days grow longer , the cold grows stronger ." Brrrrrr !
Ooooo , I HATE those filling's jobs ! I've done the mouth biting too .

Congrats , Deanne , on the clematis pic on the clem web site . There are so many varieties that have no picture . That would be a good project for Marie , I imagine she has a lot of the clems that aren't pic'ed . I was surprised to see that the Sweet Autumn Clem was not even listed ( I looked for it's botanical name . too . but it isn't there .)
I have pictures of mine , but they sure aren't posting worthy ! I think my Virgin's bower pic is better than the one there , but still not that great .

LOL , Ei . I had quite a time deciphering your pig latin !
Funny !
RE , my hair ...I think the hairdressers are humoring me . I think I see gray hairs , or at least 'faded' hair ! lol ..
What ever , it doesn't matter . I'll take what I am given .
It's wonderful seeing you 'chatting ' again ! But I'm sorry about your mom . I know what you mean about not wanting to move as long as your mom is still with you . I was like that with mine . It was over a year after she passed that we moved back here .
Re : humoring ...I think a lot of that is done here , too . It's the advantage of being the oldest member ..lol . Humoring , and pampering ...lol.
Thanks for the violet and tulip pics . My white confederate violets are much too invasive , but they do make a pretty show .I have several more wild varieties , than what I posted . They are in one of my PT wild flower albums . THe first one that I posted is a Bird's foot violet , but the leaves aren't visible ( they are what looks like a bird's foot ).
I have added a Lily album to PT , and updated and edited most of the others .

RE : Herb Alpert and his TiaJuana (sp) Brass . That is one of my favs . I have 3-4 of his albums . Any one here like Frankie Yankovic ? I love his polka music , and have several of his albums . I love 'Stormy Weather ' , and used to sing it a lot !

I was going to watch 'The Sound of Music" ( again ) the other night , but didn't because of the Pres. speach . It would have made my bedtime too late . I did watch 'It's a Wonderful World' for the umpteenth time . I am a Jimmy Stewart fan .

Hmmmmmm , eyebrow waxing ... that is something I have never had done . I used to pluck mine , but quit many many years ago . Unlike a lot of men's , mine have got thinner and shorter with age .

Marie , How great that Deanne followed up on your suggestion about the Clematis pic . If you haven't contributed any of yours , you sure need to .

I read a quote that I really liked : " One's mind , once stretched by a new idea , never regains it's original dimensions . " - Oliver Wendell Holmes

Thanks , Teresa . I appreciate what you said .

We are scheduled for a warm up . Highs in the 50s . That will feel almost warm !

Marian

COTW is a part of my day, every single day Marian! Here is what you are looking for. And I do have a few posted there, but the photos they need are most often very new and not (yet) in my garden.
If anyone has a problem with the COTW site, feel free to contact me about it.

EP , I 'grocery' shop ... not 'grogery' shop ! LOL
I thought I corrected that typo !

Thanks , Marie , I will change the name of mine in my PT album .

Good morning!

Babs...did ya eat the cookies?? I found that after the first few days of leaving carbs alone through the day, I lost the craving for them. I was Jonesin' a little for my creamer and sweetener, but not too bad. Now, it doesn't bother me at all.
Sounds like Chris really took the cholesterol thing seriously-good for him! Milled flaxseed and flaxseed oil are supposed to be good for all kinds of stuff. We've used I Can't Believe for quite a while. Actually, I like it better than real butter. Of course, depending on who you listen to, it's not good for ya either. All the information that floats around can get just a bit confusing and overwhelming sometimes. Lol, I remember when I was in Jr. high, the word was that if you ate bacon or slept in a bra (why WOULD ya?) you would get cancer. And, there's always something different on the news, health-wise. I do remember Chris having the growth on his neck...always comforting when the doc doesn't know what something is,isn't it??
BTW, I searched for your high-test coffee online, and came up with nothing. I just love a good caffeine tweak to get the day rolling along. Now that I'm up WAY before Jim, I brew a pot of espresso roast-he doesn't like it. He finds me just a touch annoying when he gets up and I'm all cranked up and perky. I do my best to leave him alone until he gets some coffee in him.
Good for AJ! Phillip tried a couple of times to do his own wrapping, but my control-freak daughter was just disgusted with the results. He didn't like doing it, and she's been doing his wrapping ever since.

Woody, I'm planning for my last few $ to get spent on catering a big get-together for my family after my ashes are scattered. I've instructed DD that everyone is to have a good time, eat too much, and listen to lots of Jimmy Buffett..and Poems, Prayers and Promises by John Denver. And, it the weather is fit, they should have it here, outside, and maybe pull a weed or two ;)

VG-So glad you can see the pictures! Now that I have the faster connection and can see them all, I'm just a little sad for all the cool stuff I know I missed.
DH was seriously over-mothered, and since I already HAD two kids, I didn't really want to take on a third, so the therapy started pretty shortly after the nuptuals ;)

Ei-I emailed my buyer yesterday and asked if she got her package okay, and she did answer my email, but no feedback. But, she was happy with her stuff, so as long as I don't have negative feedback, I'm happy.
I don't know if it's the cod liver oil (really can't think it is, no longer than I've been taking it) or the change in eating habits, but my knees and feet feel ever so much better. The ones I got are peach flavored...kinda nice, since I burped them for the first few days I took them. Rather burp peach than fish!
I've always taken a multi-vitamin and calcium, but started the cod liver oil because my chiropractor said it's good for joint pain. Can't recall where I heard about milled flax seed being good for cholesterol, but that's why I started that. Also, the book I was reading about insulin resistance said to take Glucose Tolerance Formula chromium. It helps regulate insulin. That's about it for me. I'd rather take supplements than prescriptions, and since the dr. was threatening a prescrip for cholesterol, I figured I'd better get it down before he got too serious about the scrip.

VG-I can sure relate to your ER story. Several years back, Mom wound up the the hospital, suspected stroke. Turned out, her meds were conflicting. They took her off everything, then got her on a program that worked for her. However, in the meantime, a dr. came in and announced that she had cancer. Of course, everyone was devastated.....until he realized he had the wrong chart. I like to ask LOTS of questions at the doc and hospitals.

Marian-I always ate the apple cinnamon oatmeal. I figure if you don't like it, you're not going to eat it, so that was better than not having it at all. Actually, flax meal is supposed to even things out either way, as far as regularity goes. And, I believe you want the flax seed ground, whether you do it yourself or buy meal. VG-correct me if I'm wrong here ;) It doesn't taste bad, just not something I want to eat by the spoonful. And, if you DO add it to your diet, start slowly and make sure you drink plenty of water. BTW, who sang Stormy Weather?? I can't think of the name right now.
Oh, you just haven't LIVED until you've had wax ripped off your face, lol! You give me something to hope for...perhaps my eyebrows will thin as I get older :) If I don't keep up on them one way or another, they'll grow right together in the middle, and DD tells me the "unibrow" is powerfully unattractive!

If this post seems a bit fragmented, sorry. My sister came over for a visit, so it was kinda done a chapter at a time, lol!
Have a great day, all!
Brenda

Marian, LOL yes 80!! Unless I've forgotten somebody, he has 9 aunts and uncles on his mother's side and 8 on his father's side. And most of them had a lot of kids. One aunt raised 13 to adulthood! I like that quote too:-)

Famous people..I've only met a few "Grand Ole Opry" stars of country music long ago when my dad was in the music profession.

I did clean Fred's house. It was a balmy 19 degrees but felt much warmer. Our snow is just not melting. It's hard enough to walk on and not fall through.

I also love "It's A Wonderful Life" and "Sound of Music".

Can you believe it? I go for weeks withoug posting and then post twice today already.

Eyebrows--I have thick. dark eyebrows but would NEVER pull them or have them waxed. That hurts doesn't it?? I don't want to do anything that hurts! I think mine are getting thinner and lighter too as I get older.

Lunchtime for me:-)
VG

Ei that's so cool-I didn't know that I was eating poor man's cake as a kid.I LOVED sugar and butter on bread! I also ate honey and butter on bread: )
Ei you just gotta come over and have coffee with me! The pot of Caf-fiend I made wasn't to the strength of flavor I require-I mean I actually had THREE cups today and I'm 'clam'(V-sorry but I liked that typo and need to use it). Even if it has the caffiene I like,it's missing the flavor of Seattle's Best which I drink now(owned by Starbucks but cheaper!). Yeah I could do a taste test of coffees and tell you which one was decaf-I agree, why drink it if it's missing the 'juice'...of course for those who like the taste and can't have caffiene it's understandable.
That's funny about your glowing bracelet-think the glow was done for that exact reason?-drawing attention to the cause: )it worked! I haven't seen the glowing ones. My whole family has the Lance bracelets but Chris wears his continually-I had to take mine off during the summer because it was too sticky in the heat(I'm so overly sensitive) I need to find mine now and wear it to keep my wrist warm lol.
Oh that's great that you got your mom in with the specialist-I hope things go well.

Thanks Michelle: ) I think to a certain extent I'm accepting that I can't change my MIL to do what I think is best so we're just doing what we can to support her. I'm anticipating dysfunctional tidings for our Christmas celebration with her. Fa la la la laaa? lol

Deanne-During the wrapping I was within earshot and acted like I didn't know what he was up to-he'd come and ask me advice then whine a bit in teh other room then he figured it out he was cheering-too funny: ) I am tickled pink because now he wants to wrap everything-perfect!
That is a bummer that you've done so much for your body and have to live with the extra skin. Has your trainer told you there's nothing that can be done-(besides plastic surgery)? Then again,you really do look fantastic!

Woody thanks for your support and sharing your own experience. I knew MIL would experience the postsurgery depression but I also think this is stuff that began way before the loss of legs-she's had a hard life. Unfortunately MIL isn't showing *constructive* anger,she's stewing to the point that she really isn't using the anger to push herself to function where she should be right now. That diabetes really is destructive and I think the saying 'use it or lose it' is serious stuff for diabetics especially. I worry that her mindset will cause her to go downhill. By now she should be able to come to our house and use our stairs-but she hasn't been practicing so she can accomplish that. PT says she is ready to use crutches yet she challenges that and won't do it. She had two boughts with inflammation of the stumps which set her back but each time she has a setback her confidence is compromised and she gives up and I worry that a pattern is setting up. She refuses to come to our house because of the steps one flight up to the bathroom. I do want to have her come over if at least to see our Xmas tree just to get her out even if it's just to stay and hour. Believe me she does get our sympathy and I realize that if her depressive thoughts span back many years it's not going to clear up in a year.(I know because my own mom went through that) As far as meds go I don't think that's an easy out and never meant she should be drugged to avoid what she's experiencing.She definitely needs deeper therapy than just popping drugs. The main issue is that she's simply not open to GET the help. She will give us the silent treatment when we try to suggest outside support. I just don't think we can allow her to go that route into an even deeper closed world so we're supporting her but looking for an opportunity to show itself when she can be helped. We tell her about support groups but she poo poos them. Another aspect of this issue is age. The older a person is,the harder it is *sometimes* to push themself to heal their mind,I do agree that you probably have a different drive to succeed than my MIL. I mean,it's amazing what you accopmplish despite your limitations-you don't let them stop you-MIL on the other hand had work as her only form of stimulation so she has no interests even inside her home now that she's there. I was shocked on Thanskgiving when she turned her back to all of us to watch her soap opera-that's her one interest now and I don't recall her being like that before not to mention that was rude to shut us all out-very unlike her.
Another issue about meds is that with all the other meds she's on I am quite sure she wouldn't accept taking anotehr med.Drug interaction is very likely too.
Overall I really don't understand why a person isn't automatically given extended counseling when a limb(let alone TWO!) is removed. Beyond the initial loss of limb there's the daily living tasks down the road not to mention PT that just compund the difficulty. I know insurance probably has a lot of say in the lack of services offered-that's infuriating.

OK I need to be silent a bit and get off my box of soap; ) I don't want to have to defend my thoughts right now though. I'm not upset with you Woody.(sometimes the words here don't express the inflection correctly)

Chris went down to the westside market this a.m. and brought back beautiful produce and Cuban sandwiches: ) Asparagus is on the menu tonight....And more homemade mushroom soup.

~Babs

I tried downloading the last thread again and was able to see the whole pic of Sue, Deanne, and Monique. And as I strongly suspected, they are all as lovely as their foreheads would indicate:-)

Babs, hang in there! I'm sure it's tough for all of you.

VG

I'm missing whats wrong with Sylvia's comments. They were factual. Indeed the issue was settled with the Scopes trial. There was no castigation of christians in her remarks. Frankly I see too many unveiled comments from one member about those who are not acting according to her set of beliefs, and find it odd that passing along news is ver boten but prejudicial comments towards those who are not of the same beliefs is not. Sorry, the rules are clear on no discussion of religion but those breaches are ignored, and a comment on current events is not? What am I missing?

There's so much to comment on! mercy, but we have a very active group today. :)

Oh Babs.! I empathize with what you've shared. So much of what your MIL is exhibiting is what Mum did, too. To watch it is agonizing; you really are in a tough spot. Your MIL is too deeply mired in depression to be able to see how far she's withdrawn from the world. She's from an era when depression was tantamount to "crazy" or "weak"; NO WAY will she ever be able to understand that depression is a different "animal". And forget the support groups, too... I would have had to hog-tie Mum and carry her into one! (nice mental image, lol).

I share your frustration with the lack of support services for mental health care following something as traumatic as an amputation or a cancer diagnosis followed by the removal of a bladder and the "life sentance" of "peeing into a bag" for the rest of your days on this earth. Following Mum's surgery she went to a "rehabilitation facility". My brother and I were told she's be taught how to "work" and change the urostomy appliance, receive PT, OT, etc.. NOT ONE PERSON KNEW ANYTHING ABOUT UROSTOMIES! No one taught her ANYTHING about how to change the damn thing, they didn't even know how to do it! It was a complete horror. And it wasn't until I contacted the local "wound care/ostomy nurse" that we got on track. What I've learned is that you have to be BRUTAL and dogged in your commitment to getting her the help she requires; she can't do it for herself (it's easier to have a pity-party and do nothing because it gets attention and others do the work for you).

I'm no fan of medications for the sake of blotting out life's unpleasantness. But I can honestly tell you that a carefully and thoughtfully prescribed anti-depressant doesn't turn the recipient into a zombie, at all. Quite the contrary, it lifted Mum OUT of that state. And I'll be quite frank, Babs., I discussed her mental state at lenght with her doctor while she was right there. She would shoot me black looks that I pointedly ignored. It was pretty awful. The doctor prescribed Zoloft and I began adding it to her pill box, I told a complete lie, too! I told her it was another blood pressure medication. I don't like dishonesty and lying to her filled me with guilt, but she weighed 84 lbs. wouldn't eat, get out of bed, get dressed, or wash herself up. I had to DO SOMETHING. If you have to, speak to her doctor(s) and give them the staight story. Lie to her if you have to, but from what you've shared here, she needs intervention before the inevitable happens. And you are certainly savvy enough to have foreseen and articulated it. I wish you well and would give you a hug if you were beside me. It's awful to watch it unfold before your eyes.

MIchelle, I meant to comment on those amazing pictures. I don't believe I've ever seen hoar frost like that here in our area. I wonder if that's because it's normally quite humid with the ocean not 200 yds. away? anyway, they were dazzling.

VG, interesting that you're so informed on diet. The helpmeet ran a natural food store when I first met him! Faithful organic gardeners, we've been members of MOFGA for many years now. We support local farmers. I'm delighted the pictures are now "on view" (thanks to our own little gamer, Da!). I love listening to local/regional accents, too. They vary widely from Maine, NH, and Vermont, but you have to have a keen ear to pick up on it. And it's very interesting that the drawls are so closely related to those of England, esp. the northeastern areas. My brother does not have children, so he and are the last of our line; we have cousins who'll carry it on, but when we're gone, that's it! There are many photographs in boxes that are unidentified and will remain so for eternity. I was quite wistful some weeks ago when I looked at jewellery my late aunt gave me and didn't know the story behind it...

Which makes me applaud Cynthia for her determination to clean, document, and pass along her family's pieces. Always practical and thoughtful, I admire that so.

I'm hitting overload and need to refresh my memory with another scan, LATER.

Car goes to the greatest mechanic in Maine next Tuesday. The coolant is doing a slow drip, not a hemmorage; and will "keep". I purchased the car "as is" and with Mum, work, holidays, and my own general sense of personal responsibility and accountability I am not interested in going back and grousing about it. It'll be OK.

And speaking of Da... I saw the neatest tree decorations not too long ago at the home of a friend. They were crocheted "snowflakes"; make of string and about 4-5" in diameter. They were simply draped over the branches of the Christmas tree and they were GORGEOUS. You should have some on your tree, methinks!

OK, I'm going to read more and think more (is that a good thing?).

Cynthia, you aren't missing anything.

I've become exceedingly tired that the rules of no religion and no politics are being ignored by a few people when they post here.

The rules about these subjects being taboo isn't something that is new or just on GW. These rules were set in place because these are topics that conjure up very strong feelings in the majority of people. No one wants my religious or political beliefs shoved in their faces and I don't want anyone else's beliefs shoved into my face when we are together to discuss gardening.

Yes, it is true, we've all allowed the rules to be ignored time and time again because no one wants to hurt the feelings of those we've come to care about.

This morning, for some reason, hit my last nerve and I felt I had to speak up and let people know that what is said may be offensive or hurtful to the next person whether you mean it to be or not. I hope I was able to remind people that these rules are important so that others are not driven away from sharing.

I apologize if I've hurt anyone's feelings, it was not my intent.

Teresa

Babs - I didn't read that as upset with me - it fills in missing pieces. Age is undoubetly a factor in desire and ability to fight back, just from physical strength alone. You mentioned before, I think, that she had worked (or was it volunteered?) in a hospital reception sort of position. Perhaps that that might be a way to get her out in a social environment to give her much-needed distraction and increase her confidence - she'd probably get a lot of positive feedback re having the guts to be there. I think the need to feel useful is very important and helps counter a lot of the depression and isolation that comes with being disabled. It's one of the reasons I volunteer at the long-term care facility. Is there any possiblity that she could do something like what she used to do, even if it was only for a few hours, a day or two a week? She'd probably appreciate it if someone from there approached her with the idea of her helping them out. At the long-term care place, the people who seem most settled are those who have found something that makes them feel like they have a 'job' to do. We were just up there this afternoon delivering nut balls and shortbreads to our resident garden helpers, one of whom is a double amputee. These three residents spend a lot of time in the garden and bug staff to water things when they need it and are actively involved in 'supervising' our work and suggestsing plants and bulbs they'd like to see. Having some sort of purpose helps a lot in coping with limitations of age and disablity and it sounds like your MIL needs to find some way to have a purpose - easier said than done of course! Hang tough and best wishes to her to find her way to coping.

Hey all,
I read Sylvia's comment twice but have no idea what it's about. Think I'll stay a blissfully oblivious Canadian on this one. :)

Okay I did 'the big shop', and nearly had a stroke when it rang up at $346.00! But that did include weekly grogeries (LOL Marian) plus all the Christmas chocolates and eggnog, etc, plus a $58.00 standing rib roast for Boxing Day dinner here for possibly 18. DH doesn't do turkey leftovers so I don't do turkey any more, lol! Toyota did give us a $50.00 gift card for Zehr's so that helps. Another $118.00 on wine, Baileys (actually cheaper Kempers) and Bacardi for the nog. So we're broke but done! I'm waiting for Glenn to get home from work to bring it in, but some will have to stay in the makeshift freezer, trunk of the Kia.

We survived Shane's Christmas concert at the school last night, lol. Actually they were all very good, the little ones were so cute in their Santa hats. Kids have school right until Friday, but Glenn is off as of tomorrow until the 3rd of January. Maybe we can squeeze in a couple of dates, antiquing or lunch would be nice, before the monsters are home for the holidays.

Babs, yes it would be a great Christmas present to sell the house, but no phone calls since the potential buyer came yesterday with the agent. He did say several times he really likes the house and asked a lot of questions regarding schools and travel time to the main highway etc, so maybe he's thinking about it? My Ebay psychic said we'd sell around my birthday so that isn't too far off. As long as I don't have to wait for the Easter Bunny, lol!

Babs, so sorry about all the stuff going on with MIL. You have got some great advice already. It sounds terribly stressful, both for her and for you guys. But I had a thought re making it easy to for her to visit at your house--get an indoor portapotty to keep on the main level for when she visits. We have one we use at night in the tent-trailer and they are small, easy to empty and even flush. I don't think they are more than $100 thereabouts, and could make a difference for her.

Eileen, lol re the pig latin! I actually still haven't figured out exactly what you said but did get the microdermabrasion part, lol! So for you and Babs and all the lurkers out there, the product is EPIDERMX, and it's fabulous! The seller, Amy, who helped develop the product for her model daughter, is a sweetheart too, very lovely lady. Check out her feedback on Ebay--many happy users. She sells little trial sizes for $2.00 which give 2-3 uses. That's what I got initially to try it for cheap. If you aren't an Ebay user you can also buy from her own site, greatnewskin.com If anyone orders please tell Amy that you learned about it from Taryn on Gardenweb, maybe she'll give me a discount, lol! I want to try the Dermabutter next time I order from her. That includes all you lurkers out there!

Deanne I don't see it as vain at all, wanting to put your best face forward, be the best that you can be. Actually in my case I got it for 'medicinal purposes' as the rosacea was really starting to worsen. I could hide the forehead, but not my cheeks. Bumps, red blotches and tiny spider veins are all going away and I couldn't be more thrilled. Re the peeps who don't colour their hair because they wouldn't be able to keep up with dark roots--that is the beauty of dying it your own colour! I don't get 'roots', even though the colour is grown out about an inch right now. I am too busy to keep up with it too, but it just looks like I'm 'starting' to get a bit of silver.

BTW Ei, if you are new to selling on Ebay I would email the buyer a nice note telling him how developing feedback is important because you are new and gently reminding him to please leave it. I am furious that I got my first non-positive feedback recently, though it was neutral at least, not negative. Still, it was for Lakota, which has a money-back satisfaction guarantee. Not only did the buyer (a newbie) not opt for her money back, she didn't even bother to CONTACT me to say she wasn't happy with the results! And she didn't even have the product long enough for the load-in period, so didn't give it a fair chance. I wrote her through Ebay saying that no one on Ebay would want to deal with her if she were so careless with feedback and that she owed me an apology, even though she couldn't amend her comment. Not a word back, big surprise. I've been lucky that most people I deal with are excellent, and I'm up to 410 positives and just the one neutral right now.

Deanne I loved your Christmas pics and kitty in the garland is so funny! I'll have to take some Xmas pics soon to share. Drac is enjoying batting the decorations around, lol, her first Christmas. I made sure to put the non-breakable ones on the bottom. I remember my dear deceased kitty Garbo eating a strand or two of tinsel and making her own decoration, lol, swinging out the back end on the tinsel. I nearly died laughing as I chased her around with a pair of scissors.

Enjoying all the posts, VG the geneology is very interesting, and Brenda you are cracking me up! Don't have time to respond to them all though, got the mega-shop to put away now. But I did want to share an awesome recipe for getting healthy flax seed into the diet. Made one today to check amounts as I couldn't quite remember, and took a pic to share with y'all. PERFECT with a cuppa Tetley, Yum!

Apple-Flax Pancake

2 tbsp ground flax seed
2 tbsp water
1 egg, beaten
1/8 tsp nutmeg
1/8 tsp cinnamon
1/4 c grated apple
1 packet of Stevia Plus Sweetener

Combine all ingredients, then cook for 2 minutes per side over med-high heat, in non-stick or lightly greased pan (or well-seasoned cast iron which is what I use). Absolutely delicious topped with wild blueberries sweetened with Stevia or yogurt. Brenda, Stevia doesn't cause insulin spikes or cravings and is completely safe. Do yourself a favour and get the packets of Stevia Plus though, which tastes much better than the extract, pretty close to sugar even in coffee or tea.

Wish Honey would check in, and Eden, where has she got to now? Well, gots to go, so hi to all....

Taryn

MMMM, MMMM GOOD!

{{gwi:147363}}

Come on Cynthia, you disappoint me! You've got to see why Sylvia's post would be offensive both religiously and politically to some. I do agree with you on the rest of your post. We have let alot of things go by here without mention that we shouldn't have. And I think it's been for the reason T stated. It's because we've come to care very much for the other people here and don't want to hurt them. I emailed Theresa earlier today and thanked her for being the one to finally stand up and say something about the things that are being discussed that have no place here. We've been swimming in dangerous waters and nothing good will come of it. I haven't even been posting because this has just not been an enjoyable place to be for me lately. Like I told Theresa in my email to her, I miss the days when this was a kinder and gentler place where we shared our lives and love of gardening with each other not our opinions on subjects that will only hurt or anger someone. I think we should reemphasize the rule of no politics or religion and everyone should be held accountable to stick to that. If you want to talk about those subjects do it in a private email conversation. We've got plenty of other interesting subjects to explore and enjoy here.

Eden

I'm sorry . I am not ignorant of the fact that I am the one who has offended so many . I am not offended by those who have openly admitted that they do not believe in God . Their lack of faith is no threat to me . Why is my faith a threat to them ? I have never told anyone that they must believe the same as I do . ( Most do not really know much of what I believe unless they have read my member page , and that is not posted on any forum threads . )
This off-topic conversation forum has never been meant to be a gardening only forum , that is why it is called "off-topic" .
Some of the topics are rather offensive to me , too , but I care for the members enough that I can skim over the things that are not of interest to me .
If it boils down to only me being the offensive one ...so be it . I probably can find some other diversion in my life !
If I must leave , I will certainly miss you all . I have become very fond of all of you , and miss any who 'drop out' . You have filled a huge void in my life .

Marian

{{gwi:187773}}
Re: the crocheted oranments, one year I made quite a few and put one in each Christmas card sent to special people. Our daughter asked for more for her tree and it's something the kitties love playing with. This picture is from another year but the tree doesn't change much from year to year. This year I did several more eggshell oranments, because I had materials to use up. Also have more crochet thread and other things to use up. We already have 'enough' but am sharing things with others. The blue eggshell ornaments were done in 1976 in commemoration of the American bicentennial and have little figures of a 'patriot' boy and girl inside. This year I decopauged the outer shells and put tiny 'nature scenes' inside including tiny animals. One reminds me of ... T.. with a little cottage in the woods decopauged on the outer shell and tiny figures of trees and deer inside. Our grand daughters did the sequin ones a few years ago. All part of the fun of life and memories. Speaking of 'memories' I am also going thru 'memorable' recipes of things I 'used to make for Christmas' (including some using butter) .. so little by little I plan to get them onto the word processor for the family and can copy and paste more onto the recipe thread. I have some of the recipes the idylls have previously shared including Sue's Whoopee Pies but still haven't tried them.. I do plan to do some 'nut balls' but decided to wait until Friday so they will be as fresh as possible for sharing. Thanks, Woody, for that insight.. One of my earliest memories is of my sister making fudge with one of our neighbor's daughter when we lived in a 'shack' in Arizona.. fudge has always been traditional, like tamales.. I have several good recipes but haven't made any for 5 years. A good way to use up some of that butter... I always have jars of nuts in the fridge. It's such a priviledge to get so much insight from this group, especially with the 'parental challenges' and so forth because it really is needed and it is true that denial can be a real challenge.. We've 'been there' with our moms and sure want to make things as easy as possible for our family members. We want to keep living here 'happily ever after' as long as possible but hope to keep the property 'market ready' at all times because it doesn't move very fast in this rural area.. Thanks to everyone for the input from 'real life'.."The world always looks brighter behind a smile". EP

Hi Da. Been wondering what you have been crocheting lately. We all enjoy your creativity.

For those interested in researching family history, I have found it amazing what is already on the internet. I found one web site that is now no longer available but it included verbal history I had heard from my father and someone listed had the same first, middle , and last name as my father.. I am sorry I cannot contact the person who shared it. Also another site had my mom's Scot history from Colonial times... I happened to have family pictures from the late 1800's which I emailed to the researcher and she was able to include them on her history page.. Very fullfilling and reinforcing.. good luck! EP

Concerning depression medication, I am for it in some cases. For my mother, it produced a miracle, giving about 3 years reprieve from the pain of paranoia and allowing her some more time in assisted living. Figuring out which medication and how much took what seemed forever, and I give huge credit to one nurse in particular who cared and followed up on hunches and brought in a psychiatrist to help us find a solution. Otherwise, it would have been Hell. Another nurse who left to have a baby returned with the little girl to visit Mom and this was wonderful. And Babs, Mom thought the psychiatrist was a university professor writing a book about her family tree! Poor love!

The subject of depression medication is a touchy one for me. I don't doubt that is is useful - even esseitial - in some cases. But I do not believe it was a valid choice for me and I had rejected it forefully when the toipic was raised by the doctors when I was in my worst state in the days and weeks immediately following my surgeries (two of them because the neurosurgeon made a bad judgement call on the first one and a second one was required within days to put in a shunt.) There were certainly valid reasons for me to be depressed and I was struggling hard to overcome the fog from the surgeries and premature withdrawal of anti-inflamatory steroids. I didn't need to complicate matters by adding mood altering drugs. I was LIVID therefore when I realized that I was beiwg given an anti-depressant while being told I was not. NO ONE had the right to make that decision for me - I had lost some of my brain but not my mind! DH had to have been aware or authorized the drug, although he said not, so he heard my opinions loud and clear. So - there, I've disclosed the origins of my bias in favor of not assuming drugs are the first choice to deal with post-surgical depression. A pre-existing depression or depression for reasons apart from medical trauma are different matters. There is just so much going on in your body as it tries to adapt to life after medical trauma that I think you have to allow some time for a natural order to reassert itself before you can really assess what is needed going forward. VG's comments about her DH when he started to 'feel' again strikes a familiar chord with me.

Marian - don't be silly :-)

Woody, you have no idea how much what you've shared has made me THINK. I read it and find myself nodding in agreement. Then I remember what I DID, and I feel weird and uncomfortable, but I had to do something.

Lying to Mum to get the Zoloft into her made me feel so sleazy (I'll never forget how "dirty" I felt). But I tried to be direct, I tried to convince her that she wasn't going to become a medicated zombie. "I'm FINE, just give me a few days!". At 84 lbs. and losing 3+ lbs. week, she didn't have time, at least not much of it, left to squander.

Mum was a vibrant woman. But when she was functioning, she was a functioning alcoholic; went to work tirelessly and faithfully, and dissolved when she was at home. Once the inevitability of her 60+ yrs. of smoking caught up with her, she spiralled down quickly. Smoking and drinking are part and parcel of a depressive cycle; Mum rolled the dice one too many times. But the depressive cycle was present YEARS before the actual decline and fall. I never saw it then, but with the benefit of 20/20 hindsight, it's all too clear right now.

What strikes me most is the uniformity of experience; what dazzles me is how individuals rise to what can be a seemingly insurmountable wave of misfortune... and come out RIDING the damn wave. Woody, m'dear! you are an inspiration... I am reminded that the more we talk about and share experiences such as these, the better it will be for those who, unhappily, must retrace our footsteps.

Gee, I wanted to share more, but I'm tired and have lost all track of all the witty, fond things I wanted to share with such a lovely group of people.

Hi guys, you would have had to laugh at me trying to find my way to the rapid station. I only got lost going and coming...that is just to get on the train. I was "shaking like a leaf on a tree"(insert Elvis wiggling:).Getting on the right train was a whole other adventure, I think the ticket guy thought I was a goner...but he was looking for me at the end of the day when I got back. The good news is that I made it:) At least twice. The first day I drove, decided I can't do that. This has been a week of lots of data input in my little brain, windburn on the cheeks, and reddened ears. And my little legs are even chapped from walking in the cold. I feel like a kid again. I haven't had these symptoms since I was 10...and that is a long time ago. All I'm missing are the rubbed raw back of my legs from the plastic boots:) I don't think I have spent this much time outside walking in the cold in forever. I did buy one of the really big muffler type scarves at Kaufmanns, but tonight I stopped and got some wrap around ear muffs. I am sure I am growing new neurons...all over the place. It is almost sensory overload, just because I have so many other things going on, but I am getting better at getting there every day. By the second week, I'll be a pro.

Babs, tell Chris to stop in and say hi if he gets a chance...in the spring, we can trade plants. He can be the courier:)
On another note, thanks so much for your sweet thoughts about Jen. You guys are the best.

v. as far as Idyllunion 2006, Mary Kate is getting married on July 1, so I can't make it that weekend. (Not that I would expect you to plan it around me, just tossing that out there as an FYI:)

I have to go do inventory of gifts and wrap a very large present before Skip gets home tommorrow.

By the way, one of the things I didn't do was take the leaves off my brugmansia. It is still green. So is my basil. Was that okay, or do I need to strip them off?

Deanne, I love your tree. Mine is a mess this year, everything is falling off. I think we got the wrong kind, and I don't have time to play with it this time.

EP you offer such interesting information...Thanks!!

TTYL
Drema

Chelone, you need not feel dirty! I think what Woody expressed so well was intended for "post-surgical depression". This is what she had to deal with and what Babs' MIL is dealing with.
In the case of your mother and mine, the causes for depression began earlier in life and were affected by strokes and more. Each case is unique.
I will only know how to deal with my own case when the time comes. I hope I chose well. I have had fine examples to observe with both Mom and Woody, among others, as my guides. The problem is that my thinker may not be working, and so my family will be deciding. They don't always know how strongly I feel about issues.
In Mom's situation, one aspect was her deteriorating brain function. She knew she was no longer in control and could not express it. She told everyone she needed diapers and had lost bowel control...her only way of describing how she felt. Her doctor gave her medication for diarrhea! Now I spoke to the doctor and said she did NOT have diarrhea and she was startled. She had never checked! She had no idea it was a thinking/emotional problem. One would think in a geriatric situation a doctor might know some of this. Anyway, we could jointly write a book.

......................

Went to the dentist today and afterwards Christmas shopping at the mall. Bought NOTHING. It was all junk and foolishness in my eyes. Will have to rethink it all.

.....................

I am sad to see people personally critical of other members here. I love differing opinions and think they are the spice of life. I'd prefer we criticise the opinions not the person while at the same time sticking to the rules of the forums.

........................

I am definitely in the let's spell "definitely" right camp. "lavender" too. I am also in the no hair colouring camp. I take calcium, vitamin B (dementia runs in the family), lipitor and all the awful stuff. I usually eat well and cholesterol is a family problem that develops in mid life. Before I had low cholesterol.

......................

It's a little bit funny this feeling inside
I'm not one of those who can easily hide
I don't have much money but boy if I did
I'd buy a big house where we both could live

If I was a sculptor, but then again, no
Or a man who makes potions in a travelling show
I know it's not much but it's the best I can do
My gift is my song and this one's for you

And you can tell everybody this is your song
It may be quite simple but now that it's done
I hope you don't mind
I hope you don't mind that I put down in words
How wonderful life is while you're in the world

I sat on the roof and kicked off the moss
Well a few of the verses well they've got me quite cross
But the sun's been quite kind while I wrote this song
It's for people like you that keep it turned on

So excuse me forgetting but these things I do
You see I've forgotten if they're green or they're blue
Anyway the thing is what I really mean
Yours are the sweetest eyes I've ever seen

Elton John

One of the most delightful aspects of this group is the diversity of it. Inevitably, there will be differences in opinions on a myriad of subjects. I'm OK with that. But let's be "up front" about it, please. Heavy duty discussion of politics/religion shouldn't occur here. But we'e dealing with a pretty savvy group and it's inevitable that the REALITY of the PLANET'S affairs will trickle over into our discussions. How we chose to address that is up to US. Obviously, it's time to "cool it"; but how far must such a vibrant group "back off"? MORATORIUM is simply unrealistic; one member's "moratorium" may not mesh with that of another... see what I mean?

I've smoked and eaten grass (it was fun), slept with a variety of men (some more fun than others). Big Deal! I've violated the speed limit, too... forgotten to register and have my car inspected (went one whole year once!). But I'm honest, fair and decent in my relations with my fellow man. That's COMMON GROUND, and that's what this wonderful group has in abundance. We must always remember that!

I've said my piece, I have a really long rope, and more patience than I ever thought I had. Cleanin' up a parent's pee really focuses your attention on the important stuff... .

What I REALLY want to hear about is Da, and what sort of wonderful web our Renaissance babe is weaving these days (daze)...

Thanks Cynthia, and apologies to all I offended. I was commenting on a trial which is right in my backyard and it was the top of national and international news all day yesterday. Not quite as big as the Scopes trial which was huge, but a deciding factor in how this affects public science education in this country. I said nothing offensive to Christians of which I am one..You need to live in this real conservative belt of PA to realize that this is important news since the judge is a Republican and appointed by Bush and was harsh in his rulings. All eight of the school board members who brought ID in the school were voted out by a big majority in the Nov. election in this small rural town. It will not be appealed. This is a big news event, and the ONLY reason I mentioned it was reporters from all over the world...yes,really, have been camped here since the trial began. It was really a huge deal around here. Again, my apologies..I was shocked anyone was offended..
VG Tell again about your husband's accident. I can't remember if I read it, and also please tell me where to get flax seed. Can I buy it at my local mega grocery?
Marian...I am a huge Jimmy Stewart fan. I can't remember any movie of his I didn't like.
Babs...What a sad situation about your MIL. It must be tough for everyone in the family...
Chelone..Don't feel bad about fibbing to your mother. I did the same w/ mine. I suggested Zoloft to her doctor since she seemed depressed but told her it was an extra vitamin because that generation thought it terrible to admit to depression...Sadly it didn't work as none work for me either
Deanne..Sorry about the kitty mix-up. Where is Luke now? Do they look alike? I guess maybe they do since they're Bengals, aren't they? You might have extra skin, but you look great as I said before ..very toned, You should feel good about yourself. I never had a drastic weight loss but have "wings" when I wear sleeveless..Sign of the time.
I hope it warms up so I don't have to walk the mall tomorrow because it's madness weaving in and out..!!!...Sylvia

I've got 20 minutes before I head off to work. Let's see, I could be honest about one or two of the reasons why I got more and more quiet around here but that would mean talking about something that may or may not offend someone. I thought about emailing one of you a few months ago to say why... but vetoed that because it wasn't really important. Not really.

I don't talk politics or religion because they're dangerous topics and I don't see that anything I may have to say would change anyones mind. Everyone is entitled to their opinions and ways of life. We have a lot of people to thank for that, as I'm reminded by a note from an internet friend who's spending Christmas overseas in uniform. Whether I think it's right or not, that is what is going on and I can't turn a blind eye to that and pretend like there are no such things as wars, terror, and third world countries.

I'm lucky to live in a country where I can be who and what I want to be if I only make the effort to do it.

Who am I?
I am Da. A 31 year old woman who smokes pot, grows flowers, crochets, and writes interactive stories with her friends online. I am a Christian who hasn't gone to church in at least a decade because of the hypocracy I constantly found being pushed in my face. I find that my garden is the most lovely sanctuary I've been in and I'm closer to my maker when I am sitting there than when I'm sitting in a stuffy building surrounded by people with too much perfume on that are trying to out dress each other.

What does all of that mean? I have no idea. I shouldn't be writing this early in the morning. It's going to be busy as heck today at work because.... well... see Taryn's post that talked about grocery shopping? I'm the chick who's ringing that up for everyone today from 8-5 with only a half hour break. Do you know how hard it is to keep smiling when there's a kid on the other side of the counter screaming his fool head off because he isn't getting any candy? (Duct tape, anyone? ---- that's a joke)

I've started a pretty pink crochet hoodie but won't be able to go back to working on that until some comissioned scarves are done. Am I getting paid for them? Barely considering how much the weather's making my hands hurt this winter. I want to tell the woman I don't want to make them anymore but that would be rude.
I've seen lots and lots of snowflake ornament patterns but the ones I've seen that I really liked the look of were the ones where the person took a regular orb ornament and then crocheted a beautiful lace looking wrap around it. That doesn't come anywhere close to describing the beauty that those were... but I don't have links or patterns right now. If I had patterns, I'd have whipped a few up to put on the tree.

I'm running out of time already. Big surprise.

Looking forward to: Christmas
Why?: The Christmas songs will finally stop being played 24/7

Wish I knew some other singers because it would be lovely to sit around one night and sing some carols acapella.

PS.... I have extremely mixed feelings about anti-depressants. I was on Paxil for a year or two. The doc gave it to me to see if it would stop my headaches. No dice but I got the full effects of all of the side effects. I decided it was time to stop taking it when the vertigo had me almost falling face first into a large HOT fryer at work.
Funny... the depression that was always there despite the pills? Went away 85% when I removed myself from the situation that I was living in and moved across the country. Hmm... and my old friends (the two I wish I could have brought with me in my luggage) wonder why I don't ever want to go back "home".

Enough. I've written FAR more than I should and am going to shut up now.

~da

I am also very much in the group of "gimme color!" group of hair stylists. But... I think that was already a given. I'm pretending like I don't see the brown growing out.

~da, probably late for work now. heh. Whoops.

Morning all,

Well, Hmpf...Hurm... There is a whole world of things to discuss on this forum OTHER than religion and politics. They are taboo for a reason. "Off Topic" does not mean religion and politics. Too many people have too many very strong and differing opinions and for some people, hearing opinions that don't coincide with their own on these subjects causes anger, dissention, and hurt feelings. As much as I enjoy a lively debate over many of these issues this is NOT the place for it. That being said, we are all adults here and should just abide by the rules.

So I thought in honor of the days growing longer we should have a bit of color today. It always amazes me this time of the year that all this incredible lush growth and color is all sleeping quietly and waiting for spring. Cool!
Do any of you grow "Clara Curtis" chrysanthemum? That pink blob of color in the lower middle of the pic is this gorgeous girl. It looked particularly great with the Beacon Rosa fuchsia this year. (I know Sue it is pink LOL)
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Im so happy Ive saved this fantastic variegated fuchsia. It is happily growing under the lights this winter because I couldnt bear to lose it so just stripped it of leaves, cut it back, root pruned it and repotted. Ill have to grab a pic of it under the lights. It is VERY happy there right now not to mention the iresine which got the same treatment.
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Now here is what is so incredible and fabulous about this forum. I first saw Lemon Queen in Davids garden in 04 then in Moniques and Monique gave me a division of her plants. This is from my Idyll friends Les and Monique. How great is that? I especially love it with the asters and Russian Sage. The coreopsis Moonbeam echoes the shape and color of the Lemon Queen flowers nicely in the front of this little garden. This is the small area we dug up in front of the fence on the street side of the driveway garden. I normally dont post pics from this angle.
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One of the many containers from this year.
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Speaking of containers, I have to confess that by the time I got around to making the recipe booklet for our container gardens that thread was GONE! Im so peeved that I didnt save it. Does anyone know if there is any way to retrieve that container recipe thread? That was going to be this years calendar. Bummer.

OK Im going to try to get back here later to talk to everyone but Ive got to get to the gym or Ill lose my motivation to exercise. I dont know how Sue does it after work. I have to go in the morning or I dont seem to get around to it.

Have a terrific day everyone. And you know what? Today will have more daylight than yesterday. Woohoo!
Deanne

I don't know what to say here, except that I'm sorry there seem to be some hard feelings. You are all a wonderful group of caring individuals and I was totally taken by surprise that so many have been unhappy with things going on here. I have never been offended by anyone's opinion here, as long as their words weren't said in a mean-spirited way or directly *meant* to hurt someone else. I know Marian has never said anything *meant* to hurt someone else's feelings and I know her to be a kind, caring individual, with a good heart. I also don't think Sylvia was trying to hurt anyone's feelings. I *do* understand and appreciate the reasoning behind not allowing politics or religion to be discussed on these boards. Im sad to think anyone has been feeling uncomfortable here Da, I had *no* idea. As I've said before, I think you are all very special people and this is a very special place. I'm fairly new at the Idylls (relatively speaking) and don't know how to take any of this and feeling pretty uncomfortable now myself. Having not been here from the beginning, I don't feel I can make any more comments, just that I hope that you can all work it out and that *everyone* will feel welcome and comfortable here again. This has been a very special place for me. GB thanks for the beautiful song...Ei

Bill Withers - Lean on me
Sometimes in our lives we all have pain
We all have sorrow
But if we are wise
We know that there's always tomorrow

Lean on me, when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
'Til I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on

Please swallow your pride
If I have things you need to borrow
For no one can fill those of your needs
That you don't let show

Lean on me, when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
'Til I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on

If there is a load you have to bear
That you can't carry
I'm right up the road
I'll share your load
If you just call me
So just call on me brother, when you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on

I just might have a problem that you'd understand
We all need somebody to lean on

Lean on me when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
Till I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on
Lean on me...

It's pretty busy here as we prepare to be closed for a week, but I thought I'd better post before anyone thought I'd gone missing!

One of the issues with "controversial topics" is that often you can have the best of intentions but just not realize when you are touching on someone else's sore spot. I may be repeating myself, but my senior year in college I shared an apartment with two other girls, one Christian and one Jewish. Pam and I had a couple of huddled conversations after Thanksgiving and decided out of respect for Amy we would not do any holiday decorating. Just before we all left for the holidays, Amy told us that she was disappointed we had not done anything, as she always enjoyed the decorations! It's so, so hard to judge what someone with differing views will or won't accept.

Babs, I'm so glad that you're staying clam. Good thoughts to you and your family, including MIL.

Chelone, we have a lot more in common than I ever guessed. I'll leave it at that! ;)

Drema, you'll figure out quickly the tricks of the commuting life. I spent a few years riding the train into downtown Chicago and then walking a mile to my office. Nice warm boots are a must, more for cold weather than for snow. I also learned many shortcuts through buildings or underground tunnels for the very worst days.

Da, I'm sending you some "mental duct tape" for those screaming kids! I miss your posts...

Ei, you're right we need to talk. I think I'll start a separate thread to start taking roll call and bouncing dates around.

'Nuff for now. There are four very busy days ahead, which will climax with me dropping my son off at O'Hare at midnight on 12/25 for a two week service trip to Guatemala. So I will try to read but may not post much in the next few days. But send whatever good thoughts suit you to my son and his friends on their trip. Thanks!

V.

A fast good morning. We have a lot going on so might not be 'lurking in' frequently but it's interesting to read about everyone's lives. Da, once when one of our special ornaments broke off on one side, I was able to crochet a 'shield' to glue around it and keep using it. It's among the favorites..along with the 'snowflakes' and 'stars' . I have 'made up' the ones I have done but plan to do some from patterns... One year I crocheted so many hats to give away that my hand ached so much that I tossed the pattern.. but wish I'd kept it.. but being creative helps produce appreciated gifts... thanks for sharing your creative talent. Deanne, we always appreciate your pictures and sharing.. same to all... Drema, you have a lot going for you... hope you will find your work very fullfilling... hi to all... EP

Please take the time to read the following link

Oops, I forgot I was going to address "famous people I have known".

Marian, I never met him but my uncle knew Frankie Yankovich. My uncle had had his own band before I was born, and shortly after I was born he opened a record and card store. He sold a lot of polka records and always had nice things to say about Frankie.

I had an encounter once with Harry Chapin when I was in college. I was ticket manager for the concert and had to deliver a ticket sales report backstage after the concert. As I went through the curtain Harry and I ran right smack into each other. He put a hand on each of my arms and said, "My, what a nice person to run into!" But the facial expression bordered on a leer, and that encounter forever changed my opinion of him and his music.

Once on my long walk to the office (mentioned in the previous post) I saw a large crowd of people all staring across the street at a small cluster of people. I slowed down and saw that there was a movie being filmed. Finally realized that everyone was gawking at this short, not very attractive or impressive man. Turns out it was Chuck Norris. I would have passed him a million times and never given it a second thought.

But I did see Audrey Hepburn at a banquet and she was every bit as stunning and elegant in real life as she was in the movies.

V.

Morning all. I hope that everything is smoothed over today and we can all get on with the conversations (minus religion and politics) Can you tell that I am a peacemaker? :o) Like Deanne said there is so much to talk about.
Well, I've finished my mom's bracelet and I think it turned out pretty nice. I'll have to post a picture later. Tonight I'll be setting everything up for tomorrow night with Rick's kids.

Deanne, thanks for the fabulous garden shots. That fuchsia was surely worth keeping. Lemon Queen is on my "to get list", I just haven't come across it yet. I need more height.

As of yet I have no gray hair, but I do highlight my somewhat plain brown hair. I do think that hair color is just like nail polish. Both are intended to make you look better, but if not kept up they tend to make you look worse.

Seems like the dentists will have a good Christmas thanks to the Idylls.

Eden, how many gifts are under your tree for Bella? ;O)

VG, how great that you can now see pictures. That is one of the wonderful things about this group is all the fabulous pictures. In fact this thread is loaded with great pictures. Marian's sweet violets. Marie's interesting winter garden, Ei's lovely tulips. Ep's quiant Christmas tree, Taryn's yummy looking breakfast and Deanne's golden tree and kitty to match.

I am going to share a few pictures of Christmas as my house.

This is my built in buffet:
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The big present on the right is for Kenzie :o)
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Have a relaxing day
Michelle

Famous people I have seen in person:

Slim Pickens in CA in the 70s. We were looking for Starsky and Hutch but had to settle for Slim.

Cindy Crawford had lunch a few tables away from us in Steamboat Springs, CO a few years ago. She was eating a large sandwich and big plate of french fries.

I saw Tim Allen scurrying along the streets of Vail village on yet another ski vacation. Western ski resorts seem to be celebrity magnets.

As you remember, last month we "lunched" (more or less) with Glen Campbell at the Waldorf in NYC.

I think that's it.

Michelle, I love the blue and white Christmas decorations. Lately I've been getting away from using alot of bright red for Christmas, opting instead for burgundy and more muted red tones. In our bedroom this year I'm just basically using just greens, golds and whites and for me it's very calming.

Sorry for all the discord around here lately. I have to admit I barely notice the religious and political references as well as any other topics that don't interest me. Rarely, if ever have I been personally offended by anything anyone has written here. Life is too short.

Well I'm scooting out of work at noon in hopes of getting the last minute shopping done. Right now I'm drawing a blank on what to get for a couple of people. Hopefully that will change as the afternoon progresses.

Later!

Sue

Just a quick post...Taryn, that pancake looks great, I'm going to give it a shot. I love pancakes, but haven't been able to eat them for years, as they cause me problems with my blood sugar. Thanks, too for the info about the Stevia, will have to check that out, too. You seem pretty well versed on this subject, and I appreciate the tips!
Gotta run..Jim and I got all the shopping done last night, except for shopping for each other. That's on the agenda for today, and he just pulled in the driveway, so I imagine we'll be on our way shortly.
Peace to all!
Brenda

Well what do you know! The phone rang. I answered. It was our dentist. "How are you feeling today?" "We're both just fine!" "Well that's great. Enjoy your Christmas!" I'm stunned!

More colour and 2005 memories...

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Thought for today :

Let's Call the Whole Thing Off
Artist: Harry Connick, Jr.

You say either
And I say either
You say neither
I say neither
Either either
Neither neither
Let's call the whole thing off

You say potato
I say potato
You say tomato
I say creole tomato
Oh let's call the whole thing off

* Oh if we call the whole thing off
Then we must part
And though if we ever part
That would break my heart

So I say erster
You say oyster
I'm not gonna stop eatin' ersters
Just cause you say oysters
Let's call the whole thing off

* Repeat

So I say pajamas
You say pajamas
Sugar what's the problem
Oh, for we know we need each other so
We'd better call the calling off off
So let's call it off, oh let's call it off
Oh, let's call it off, baby let's call it off
sugar why don't we call it off,
I'm talking baby why call it of
Call it off...
Let's call the whole thing off

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I see and understand exactly what Chelone,Marie and Woody are saying and it really illustrates that each case is different('unique'-good word Marie: ) and each situation sometimes requires a different action. Woody's situation is a great example of working through the process of recovering from major surgery and how the psyche also has to recover when a part of our system is removed. Yet in Chelone's case if she hadn't taken the steps she had her mother would have died. Depression in conjunction with a physical illness in an aging person can *sometimes* be deadly. My mom would have died if from not only the ovarian cancer she had but the depression was causing her to have high blood pressure-she would have died had I not insisted she get help-the doctor told her this. I am so fortunate that she had the sense to take care of herself and respect what I advised/begged her to do. When a person has dementia in the case of Marie's and Chelone's moms those 'lies' are sometimes a part of helping them so I certainly can't/won't judge them. Until you have a family member with dementia who you need to guide toward medical help you most likely won't easily understand what the role of 'lying' takes on. Just imagine,how many people whose family members won't lie to them about hiding their car keys are now on the road and driving among us. It seems horrible to lie-but not when a life/lives are at stake. Those lies are not meant to trick them maliciously or abusively. In my MIL's case she's got a full mind to work with so I think that's the problem as far manipulating the situation to get her treatment. Just know I am doing OK emotionally right now but waiting for the right moment when Chris can do what's necessary to help his mom. He had a meeting(not related to MIL) at a retirement community yesterday which includes independent living & assisted living-it was impressive he said. We would feel much better if his mom could be in a place like that and are looking into the feasibility of it. I truthfully can see her in independent living once she's on track. As far as MIL getting back to work she's not ready or able because she hasn't done enough PT! If she'd 'just do it' that would definitely be an option. There's a problem apparently with transportation. The city van will not take a person to employment but they will take a person for groceries and errends(isn't that silly?) Anyway-about the retirement facility,being around all the people would be the best medicine for MIL. Chris and I are discussing the idea of gently suggesting this place to her. She's of the mentality that moving to a living facility for aging people is the path to a nursing home. It's irrational thinking but for her generation it's so common.

(((Drema)))) I am so proud of you!!! I admire how you faced the uncertainty of riding the rapid and whether you'd eventually end up at the right place-you go girl: ) LOVE your descriptions of those cold weather feelings from childhood-I forgot all about those sensations but everybody had them!

OK everybody make nice-nice it's the idylls dysfunctional Christmas: ) just being funny; ) Hey who threw that pie? mmm-nope that was figgy pudding!

I wrote this quickly so forgive things that don't make sense-and any mispellings.

I gotta go AJ just asked me to explain 'zen' to him : )

~Babs

Again, I am amazed at the controversy I caused by simply stating a big news event in my area. I thought it was appropiate in off topic since I wasn't slandering anyone. I've been a member at Garden web for over three years, I think and never posted regularly on a forum except ocassionally asking a question on the pond forum. I came here because I thought you all were a diverse group in which lively conversation could occur.We generally are of like mind, love pets and deal w/ children, grandchildren and elderly parents, besides our intersts in gardening. Others in the past, have made comments which were the antithesis of my beliefs, but I made no comment . Let's celebrate our differences. I am what I am and you people all have your distinct philosophies and none of us will change , but let's celebrate diversity and not castigate others. I WILL not comment on any thing controversial any more. As Marian said..Let's call the whole thing off..Agreed?...Sylvia

Good Morning:-)

Brenda, I can just imagine the relief you all felt when the doc realized he had the wrong chart! A egotistical doc almost killed my dad. Daddy is on insulin but he also has severe ulcerative colitis and was in the hospital with that unable to eat more than a few bites a day. This doc kept ordering the insulin like Daddy was eating full meals 3 times a day. Daddy was getting weaker and weaker. He and Mom had already agreed that he would check himself out of the hospital and come home to die. The RN came in to give him his next insulin shot and he begged her not to give it to him because his blood sugar was already dangerously low. She didn't but a short time later he heard the doctor swearing at the nurse for not following his orders. When he came into Daddy's room, Daddy asked him if he ever bothered to read his chart and told him "you're killing me". The doctor was angry and stormed out of the room but later came back and apologized. Finally used his brain and ordered insulin on a sliding scale according to the food eaten. Daddy did come home to die but I hooked him up with my wonderful doctor friend who saved his life and he would save my son's life a few years later:-) Daddy is about 6' 6" and had lost weight down to 117 lbs.

Chelone, how very frustrating to expect the staff to teach your mother what she needed to know and they didn't do it. Grrr!!! I appreciate the diversity of this group too. That's part of the fun of sharing:-)

Taryn, thanks for sharing the flax pancake recipe. It looks yummy!

Since I'm quite new here, I don't know how the forum was before (re Eden's and Ei's comments) I've been wondering about how religious is too religious or how political is too political. Like yesterday, I was going to say that DH and I had to go to a meeting where our potential new pastor was being interviewed but didn't post it because I was afraid it would be too religious. This is the first and only non-garden specific forum I've ever participated in so I'm continuing to learn how it all works:-) Advice is welcome;-)

EP that is so neat that you found that history with your father's name. It would be great if you could contact the person. Yes, it is amazing what you can find on the Internet. I've been able to fill in some missing links in my family tree and help some folks fill in some branches in their tree:-) Those eggshell ornaments are so pretty!!

Drema, I can identify with you trying to find your way. I am "famous" in my family and DH's family for getting lost. In fact it has been said about me that "she can't find her way out of a 2 ft square box with both ends open". You are so brave!!

GB I am definitely in the category of misspelling definitely:)

Sylvia, I may have told about DH's accident on the Introductions thread but maybe not. Anyway, we were tree planting in AL in Dec of 97. The planting site was a typical clear-cut with huge ruts about 3 feet deep. He being crewleader, was busy checking tree spacing, depth, etc. He tripped on a tree branch and fell into the rut but his upper body hit the ground on the far side of the rut. He turned his head to avoid smashing his nose (which has been broken several times, twice by me:-)) and put out his arms in the hands up "I surrender" position to try and break his fall. It was that quick and that simple. He had some pain for a few days then the pain grew worse and worse. He went to a chiropractor in the small town nearby who put him in traction for a couple hours every evening after work. That was the only pain relief he had. In mid January we had to move the crew to NC. DH drove a semi that pulled our travel trailer, I drove a small pickup and DS drove the big Ford. It took us 24 HOURS to drive from AL to NC because poor DH had to stop and rest so often. I begged him to call his uncle to come down and drive the semi but he was too stubborn to do it. He saw another chiropractor in NC. I tried to get DH to quit and turn the crew over to another crewleader but he steadfastly refused. This was a very tough good-paying contract that our company only got because our crew did the job. DH knew that if he quit, 30 men would loose their jobs. He would get up and go to work at daylight after having slept one hour or maybe none. The crew pulled together and supported him. One guy drove the truck, they loaded the trees out of the cooler and back in, checked each others' planting quality, etc. Sometimes all DH could do was lie down in the field and wait for the day to be over. He hung on until the contract was done April 1. His left arm hand grown weaker until he couldn't even put his hand in his pocket or roll the truck window down. I don't know why we didn't realize that something was seriously wrong. I am normally much smarter than that!! I learned a lot from this experience about knowing things and asking questions!!! Then he faced the 6 hour drive to his parents home also in NC. When we made it there he immediately saw another chiropractor who set him up for an MRI, then a neurologist. After many, many tests, some quite painful, he was diagnosed with brachial plexus injury. The brachial plexus is a bundle of nerves that come from the spine. His were stretched. Apparently if they are torn they can be reattached by surgery. Because of the nerve damage, the muscles that are ennervated by those nerves atrophied. For him this included muscles in his left arm, shoulder, torso, neck, face, and the left vocal chords. Not every muscle in every area though; some just tingle as if they are waking up from being asleep. The constant severe pain and lack of sleep pretty much bankrupted him emotionally and mentally. A mild anti-depressant helped him sleep which started him on the road to mental and emotional recovery. He doesn't take it now. The neurologist said that the nerves have the capability of healing themselves but they grow at a very slow rate and some people have miles of nerves so they don't regrow enough in the person's lifetime. There is no way of knowing which person will recover or to what extent. The purpose of the physical therapy is to help build up any muscles that are capable of being improved and to strengthen other muscles to take over. Also to prevent further debility, as would happen if the left torso muscles stayed weak and caused pinched nerves in the spine. Some functions are just not there anymore and some are coming back somewhat. He has constant pain at some level, usually low unless he does something to trigger more pain. And he often does that:-( He is gradually learning what he can do and what he can't do. He was very troubled about losing his singing voice. He had a very nice baritone voice and now can't sing at all. Especially heartbreaking because our family and his siblings often gather around the piano an sing for hours at a time. Now he joins in by playing guitar or bass guitar with us. Well, I'm sure I've told you way more than you wanted or needed to know. I just got carried away!

I get my flax seed from a co-op in MI that delivers to a buying club that DH's aunt runs in NC. They ship UPS too.
www.somethingbetternaturalfoods.com

Da, come sing carols with us:-)
I tried posting this early this morning but it was rejected by GW. I don't know why.

Deanne, what lovely pictures! You continue to inspire me with your gardens and plants.

Michelle, thank you! I enjoyed your lovely Christmas photos too. I have never seen a picture of Kenzie so will be looking forward to some:-) I must have missed the post about the bracelet. What are you making it out of?

Marian, I read the definition on your link. Very interesting and enlightening. I'm glad you shared it.

GB you are making me want some clematis so badly!!! What a contented dog:-)

I hear DS sanding the dry wall in the bathroom. It will be my job to help paint the room. We haven't picked out any colors yet so it will just be the primer for now. I will attempt to post this again and see what happens.
VG