Mrs. Bubba

Hi all, most of you have been very quiet today... Hope this means you are all so busy enjoying your lives... Me, I'm going crazy with pain again.... It was tolerable all day, but now is just terrible... I just had a hot bath.... pour large glasses of hot water over my shoulder to try to ease the pain for a bit... Laura K, thanks for saying it's okay for me to vent about the pain... I hate doing it all the time, but it's what I'm living and I can't get away from it... I've done just everything I can think of to get help.... Just doesn't seem to be working very well.. Either that or I'm just expecting miracles that aren't coming yet.... My constitution is wearing down and I sit here crying now not knowing what to do and how much more I can take... Sorry, just what's happening right now... DH went to bed.....just sitting here feeling very sorry for myself and wanting to rip my arm off...... Better quit before I make everyone depressed............ If, glad you are getting so close to your goal... It must be a wonderful feeling... Rest up.......... tomorrow's another busy day I suppose... I'm going to try to rub myself down with analgesic cream... Can't wake DH so will try to reach what I can... Goodnight friends... I hope you all sleep well. Julie

Morning gals, Laura, so glad you are home safe and your boys are happy to have you back... With SIL gone now maybe you can settle back and get yourself some peace for a few days... Thanks for sharing the pictures of your parents... Nice to put a face to the name. Meredith, I've got my fingers crossed for your house purchase to go through... I'm sure it's very exciting... Yes, I'm always complaining about some ache or pain.. I'm sure you are all tired of hearing about it, but I'm VERY tired of living it.... Yesterday was awful.... But I may have a clue to why... Friday I started new PT exercises with a rubber band thing... Shoulder hurt that night... Then was to do them again in 2 days, so that was yesterday... Yup, it hurt again all day, terribly some times... Was better by night and I slept... I'm not doing those again for awhile..... Good luck on you flight... It will be fine.... and you'll be so much more comfortable than you were before now that you are so much smaller.... Have a fun time... I'll bet capris and short sleeves are in order for CA...... Maybe a jacket for evenings.... lcdragna, sorry you have such fears... I've never choked either... The band is on your stomach and sometimes you feel full fast or it hurts if you get something stuck, but never choking in the throat.... Don't know how you came up with that, but you got some mis-information.... Please try to ease your mind and do what is right for you... You're going to be fine.. Well, I did my regular PT exercises and then 1/4 mile on my walking tape and now a banana/protein smoothie... Maybe my day will be better today... My carpet cleaner called yesterday to cancel....I was so mad.... Can't come until Nov 11.............:wink2:........ My carpets are so dirty... I live in a small town and they charge mileage to come so plan to get more than one job to keep the costs down for people... One of the gals cancelled on him, so he cancelled on us.... I have a couple spots that I must try to fix as they are driving me crazy... Have some laundry in, but otherwise not a very busy day... Don't know what time Mimi comes today....maybe not until 3...... so I have some time on my hands.. Will have to find something to do... You all have a good day.....TTYL........ Julie

Hi ladies, thees unusual sleep patterns seem to be an epicemic, too... My pain had me awake and miserable so took a hot bath at 12:30....just about to fall asleep at 1:30 when the phone rang... DD calling for help... Mimi was throwing up... So I'm over there in 5 minutes (only a short distance) to find Mimi in bathtub having a blast with puke all over in her hair...... I got her cleaned up while DD took care of the bed and such.... She said Mimi started wretching in her sleep..... threw up all over.......... but you wouldn't have known it by the way she was acting.. She was wide awake and ready to play... Laughing and running around naked after her bath... I'm thinking that there must have been gunk running down the back of her throat that caused the vomiting... She has had a cold for a few days with a runny nose... After I got home I still had my pain, but did finally fall sleep til 7:00.... then up for church.. was ready for a nap when I got home, but just can't get comfortable..... I guess I'm the odd one here... don't own a hat...... don't like to shop.... have a regular purse most of the time... usually only buy one of something... occassionaly I'll buy 2 of the same shirt.... I have plenty of shoes, but mainly just wear one pair of slides for summer and have a winter pair to match whatever color I'm wearing... Don't like tennis shoes much... But we do lots of us have big feet... I'm also a 10 wide.... I think that's why I don't care much about shoes.. Hard to find nice ones in "big boat" size..... And I can't wear heels of any sort... Hurts my back.... I wear Isotoner slippers around the house in the winter and bearfoot in the summer... Nothing about me is fancy...... Eva, I make a good fruitcake, too, that doesn't have all that citron in it... Lots of fruit and nuts... Was my grandmother's recipe and I make it for my brothers at Christmas often... Was just looking at fruit Friday trying to decide if I wanted to do it this year.. I'm not feeling very festive yet!!!! Gotta make carmel rolls for deer season coming up pretty soon and I'm dreading it.. Don't know if I can kneed the dough.. It's been a tradition for so many years... My nephew has a birthday and he always asks.. He's going to be 27 this year..... I used to own a restaurant and made all that stuff from scratch.. Those kids grew up on Auntie's baked goods and they don't want me quitting anytime soon... I told him he has to come help me this year!!!! Also, Eva, I get the picture about the burrough... You are a special pet owner to do all that..... Apples, I was just in Alexandria on my way home from Ohio.... can invision the Fleet Farm there... We shop at the one in Fargo when we get there.... I've got carpet cleaners coming in the morning finally to clean these dirty carpets... I'm ashamed of them right now.... Between Mimi, the cats and DH and his coffe I can't keep them clean.... And they are getting old and need replacing... But still don't have those decisions made.... Have to get the furniture all moved before we go to bed tonight... Thank goodness DH is here to do that.... I think I'm going to go do my PT exercises and see how comfortable my bed feels... maybe a nap will follow.... Waiting to hear from Laura... hope she made it home okay... Bye for now.. Julie

Lilianna..........congrats on having the surgery behind you now... The next couple of weeks will be a real learning experience, but you'll get it, no problem.... take good care of yourself... Eve, how does one make a tortoise burrough??????? Girls beat the guys tonight and really put them in their place for a change.. They tend to get a little cocky sometimes... we beat them 2 out of 3 and quite soundly, I might add!!!!!!! Was fun and my shoulder hasn't been hurting, yet, so that was very good..... Time to relax and turn in......up early for church.... TTYL..... Julie

Eva, love the pictures.. You are so talented... I have talents, but not like that.... I'm not artistic at all.... Your house is lovely... the view is wonderful... are you out in the country or just on a big lot??? Don't worry, you'll get to the other rooms when the time is right.... Apples, sometimes we just have to know when to stay home.... The weather is bad here, too... No sun... it's hard to get excited about much without some sunlight... DH has been doing a project at my mother's all day, but just came home.. We are doing supper with friends and then cards tonight... I've just been having a very lazy day.. Shoulder is tolerable today... Did take some Tylenol a while ago.... cleaned out a junk drawer and a few other odds and ends.... Oh, I baked a cake so there is something to serve company later... Raw Apple cake... DH loves anything with apples and we have a nice tree in our backyard.. didn't produce too many this year so they are manageable... Lori, glad you and DH got your time in together... Hints for Christmas ideas is a good thing... My DH is not hunting this year.. First year since we've been married that he has not had a license... I don't eat venison, so am happy not to have that around... He is thinking he may do some goose hunting this year maybe... Don't eat that either, but oh, well...... Well, about time to get spiffed up for the evening.. I did get a new perm this morning... I can smell it still, hope no one else can... My hair really dried out so will have to do an oil treatment is a few days... You all have a great Saturday night... do something fun!!!! Julie

Morning.......rough night for me... Thought I was having such a good day yesterday after my PT....Then last evening the shoulder and back started up... I was still awake at 1:00.... pain meds didn't help... must have finally fell asleep only to have DH get up early and I always hear him.... so, I'm tired out today... I have a perm scheduled for 10:00... maybe I can sleep while she is rolling my hair!!!!! Janet, I've been thinking of Laura, too... Her boys will be so glad to have her home... 1Day, I know how you're feeling.... I'm still struggling with getting back on track... I wonder about a fill, too, but then something will get stuck and I think I'm still in restriction... Don't know what's right, but I do know I need to get myself in more control..... It's a hard job, this getting skinny!!!!!!!! Good luck to us all....... Apples, thanks again for the pictures.. Showed DH last night and he was impressed... Trouble is he just says I can have anything I want and it is still up to me to decide.... Wish I could just wiggle my nose and have it all be done and pretty!!!! TTYL.................... Julie

Hey there, I'm home from my PT and etc. this morning in Bismarck.. Need to go get Mimi, but sitter said she is sleeping and will call when she wakes... I have a few minutes to sit... PT guy gave me new exercises with a band... am to do them every other day to start.. Asked about starting water aerobics, but both guys told me not yet.... I have to be content with what I've got in these stretching exercises I guess.. I'm feeling pretty good right now... Apples, thanks for sharing the pictures of your house.. it's lovely... and I see how well it works.. Do you have any problems with punctures if you drop something heavy??? like a knife....... I'm very envious of your laundry room... so spacious and neat... mine is in the basement and is rather crowded... I'd like room to have my ironing board set up all the time.. Have to move it out to the rec room for that... Great, good going on the driving... you sound as though you are doing well and moving along at the right speed.. Hope your daughter is feeling better soon.. I worry about mine, too.... She's 25, but always tired... She is scheduled for a sleep apnea test in November.. They first thought she had diabetes, but that checked out okay, so they are on to this.. Well, my Mimi is awake so I'd better get going after her... Talk to you all again later tonight hopefully... Julie

OK how do I find this before and after site??? I've looked and can't find it.............

Apples, don't even think about calling me "skinny", skinny!!!!!LOL............. Anyway, did I understand that you have vinyl in kitchen/dining/room/living room???? I have wondered about doing that.... Just wasn't sure it works... I would like to do the same throughout.. Nice to know you are happy with that choice.. Makes me think I'm not crazy!!!! Great, I think I like your wood idea, too, but right now I don't think we want to go that expense... Sometime down the road....5 years or more.......I want a complete kitchen remodel and it would be best not to do that at this time I think.... Also, Great, I'm so understanding of your feelings about your family.... How old is your mother??? Mine is 77 and she is going through some rough times emotionally I think... And she takes it out on me... She isn't happy, but doesn't really know why... Her anger and bitterness come out in strange ways... She did have a stroke a couple years ago and has had a bit of a personality change since, but it's hard to have her act so weird all the time... I don't enjoy her like I used to... and I feel bad about that... Sometimes I just dread seeing her car drive up.... That's a terrible thing to have to admit, but it's the truth.... So, you give it some soul-searching.... Get where you are comfortable. Good luck with it... it's a big thing in you life.... I'm happy to hear that your knee is doing so well.... What a relief, huh??!!! Arlene, glad you are doing so well after your little fill.. Sure hope these vitamins do the trick for you.. I still have a perscription for Vit D that I haven't started as they really bothered my stomach... These are 50,000 unit meg shots to do for 3 weeks... Purses, well I have a few, but only because I just don't throw them... I have always carried a big purse that weighs a ton, but can't do that anymore... When I shop now I take only a little wallet that fits in my pocket... My shoulder just can't take the weight... I take the big one in the car in case I need something, but only carry the little one.. When we were traveling I took a small one with a long strap so I could put in across my neck and not use my shoulder.... I do not have anywhere near 24 purses and don't want to... You guys just go for it... I have an aunt that changes purses every time she changes clothes... not for me... I want a universal one that goes with everything.... I like mystery novels, but never tried Ann Rule... I like James Patterson and JD Robb/Nora Roberts... I have read some of Patricia Cornwell's Dr. Scarpetta but not all of them.. I never used to read much until after my cataract surgery a few years ago... Now I enjoy it, but go in spurts... I've never tried an audio book... Hear some of you talking about it and thought it sounded like something I might like.... Will have to keep a look out for them.... Linda, omg, I didn't even notice the 58 thing... no worries.. I'll be glad to be 58 next year... Eva, if I should decide to do tile, you're my girl!!!! I would like to do the tile backspash thing in my kitchen some day.. Mine are just plain now, but will wait until my complete remodel a few years from now....Thanks for the offer... Laura K, how are you doing... Haven't heard much about you lately... Well, Mimi is napping and I have been rather lazy today... Should go do something while I have time.. My 12 year old niece is here, too, as there is no school today for teacher's convention... Don't like her to be home alone while Dad is working.. She is no problem at all....hardly know she is here... TaTa.....Julie

Morning, how's everyone doing today? I'm okay, slept fairly well.... My shoulder has pain most of the time but it is getting a bit better... Haven't had any of the terrible times lately.... (crossed fingers!!) My birthday is over now and that is fine... Now to get this leftover cake out of my house... DH had cake and ice cream for some family last night here... Was nice to be remembered...liked the cake...... don't want to eat anymore... I need a new commitment to my band now... Vacation and birthdays are over and I need to get back to basics.... I did get a big compliment from my friend yesterday when we went to lunch... She sees me rather often, but not usually dressed up... I had on some new clothes that actually fit me and she really noticed... Was good to hear...... Got called "skinny" in church on Sunday... NOT...........but it was her way of commenting in a positive way and I accepted the compliment as graciously as I could.... Now to get moving on down the scale a bit... I need it for me.....I've been so much the same for quite a while......but am happy that I don't go back up..... Mimi comes at 10 today and DH is still home... Doesn't know if he will work or not.. Still wet here..... I don't mind having him home at all.... I don't have much planned for the day... Have to fold a load of sheets and towels and do a few dishes, but that's the end... Nice day to relax and enjoy Mimi... DH and I want to start a remodel in our house.. Remove a wall between kitchen and dining room... remove a sliding glass door and put in a regular one.. I have a terrible time finding things I want... Have looked at so many doors.. Will have to replace both doors as they are on the same side of the house.. They both need it, but I just hate the sliding one.... And flooring.... OMG, there is so much to choose from.. I'm thinking laminate, but worry about the main entrance door.. It opens right into my kitchen... I have no entry, so the snow comes in on boots and shoes.. I use rugs, but the floor does get wet.... Will that hurt the laminate???? It worries me... The flooring guy here in our town will not install ceramic tile as he hates it that much... doesn't reccommend it at all.... I've had carpet in the whole house (not the bathroom) for so long and I am really stuck on what to do.... Any suggestions girls???????? Eva, you sound like me when it comes to clothes.... Ya, DH has projects, but hates to start for just one day... He is out putzing right now..... Meredith, sure hope today will be a better day for you... keep plugging away.... Phyl, I hear you about getting back to your swimming... Now that DD has a new job I could actually go to my swim aerobic class, but Doc won't let me yet... My shoulder isn't strong enough to pull me up on the ladder to get out of the water... If they had the walk in kind I would be good, but not this one and it's the only one available to me close (30 miles)... Maybe sometime soon as I love the Water, too.... Enjoy.... Sorry about FL... Apples, so you like coffee, huh????? You sound like my DH.... he can't go very long without some.. Drives me crazy with his coffee messes... When he makes it, when he pours it, when he drinks it, ................. just a mess... It was the only thing about him I didn't miss when he was in Iraq for 15 months back in 12-03 to 3-05.... I don't drink the stuff......never could aquire a taste... Well, dear people, off to start my day... Thanks again for all the birthday wishes... I'm 57 now and plan to be 58 in a year...... The alternative isn't something I care to do......I'm certainly better now at 57 than I was at 55 or 50 or 45........ So, older is better in my case..... Bye now... Talk to you all later......... Julie

Morning shoppers!!!!!! I'm a terrible shopper..... I have always hated it.... Mostly because the stores never carried my big sizes years back and I either made or sent for clothes from a catalogue.... I wouldn't know a name brand if it bit me..... Never ordered from QVC but have ordered off a TV commercial..... Anyway, you all enjoy your shopping... Janet, sorry about the changes... Hope your adjustment goes smoothly and I'm glad you think you can still do FL.. Great, Sorry your trip may be falling through, but it would be nice to have you join us there, too.... Linda, hope all the medical isssues for your family clear up soon... Yes, I miss my little one, but she is coming today at noon..... Liliana, welcome and good luck..... everything is going to be fine... just wait and see... Eva, thanks for telling us what you do... I was a single mom for many years and had to work..... I was an accountant... After marrying DH we decided I didn't have to work anymore and it was great with me.. I have had a couple businesses since then and that is definitley work!!!! Sold them.... I still do take care of our rental business and I also do bookkeeping and bill paying for a mother and brother and all of ours.... I have like 8 checkbooks to handle... Keeps me happy without taking all my time... NO PAYCHECKS involved, though!!!! Benefits are questionable..... If, I was hoping you would have a little breather at your days away, but you sound as though you are dreading it... I will wish you a calm weekend.... Take the walks and just breath in some calm... enjoy what you can and leave the rest..... Apples, its cold and rainy here again too. DH didn't get to work yesterday or today... I don't mind but he goes a bit crazy.... Too much time on his hands... They still have 1500 acres of seeds to get in... Laura, I'm hoping you are doing okay.. I think of you very often as it is a bit of deja vue for me.... Stay strong... we're here backing you up in spirit...... Well, DH just came in to say I should go to lunch with friends for my birthday and he would keep Mimi, so guess I will.... One just called and we made plans for 11:30...... I need to get moving then I guess... My one brother just called me, too... Birthdays aren't a big deal to me, but am glad to keep having them.. I've been too close to not this past year so I'm happy to get older... Thanks for all the birthday wishes... I'm thankful for all you good friends.. Take care and I'll talk to you guys later..... Julie

Morning frineds......... once again you all have been so busy since I was on here last.... We had a full weekend and I'm glad to be having a quiet day to myself today.. All the parties are done and now I can just clean up my kitchen and go back to normal life... We took our Mimi and my nieces' little 18 month old to the pumpkin patch yesterday afternoon... there were 10 of us altogether, but it was fun... lots of walking and I handled it quite well... Now to get my house in order.. DD is done with her night job and starts a new one tomorrow so we will move into a new schedule with Mimi now, but no more nights unless we decide to have her... I have surprising news to tell... I was exhausted last evening and fell asleep in my chair and in my clothes at 8:30... DH just let me sleep and went to bed... I didn't do my hot pack or exercises or cold packs or pain pills... Woke up at 6:00 AM..... wow.... went down to bedroom an put on nightie and crawled in bed... DH got up at 7:00.... I fell asleep again and didn't wake until 9:00.............I'm amazed..... I can feel my shoulder some, but haven't done anything to it for quite some time... Will do my stretching exercises now, but I'm hoping this is a start of a new trend.... Wednesday is my 57th birthday and I'd like to start this year on a high note for a change..... Laura, cherish those times together... they are perfect memories for later....... I had the same conversation with my dad... he felt so useless because he couldn't work anymore.. I finally wrote him a letter to explain just how useful he was and it had nothing to do with work... He was better after that... broke my heart to see him cry.... but it's part of the mess that this damn cancer causes... I'm with you..........it sucks.... big time... You're doing all the right things... and you are strong... breaking down is part of that as it gives you renewed strength for the next day... keep up the good work... and take care of yourself..... Meredith, glad you are doing so well... hope your house deal comes through in time... it's very frustrating waiting for people who don't value your time.... Great and Phly, it's so good you have each other to get you through this after surgery time... My mother still gets those little sensations once in a while... I've had my own with different surgeries I've had... especially the panniculectomy when they cut off the big fatty roll that hung from my stomach back in 2004... It took a long time for some of those sensations to leave... glad you have each other to go through this... Lori, I have some of those same family things... Just don't get where they come from...and why they have to make such a big deal out of things... Don't they know how much of a waste it is to be difficult... guess not!!! I've finally had to just pull myself back a little and not let it get to me.... I've decided to not make any attempts to get them all together for Christmas this year... I'm done trying to make everyone happy... If they want me they can make the first moves this year... Apples, we shop at Wal-mart all the time, but I get very frustrated with them... We got 2 big Super Walmarts about 3 years about in Bismarck.. One is on the outskirts of town on my way home..so it's handy.. But it seems they are always out of things... Poor management I think..... One Day, I hear you about sizes..... I need a 1x in one style and a 3x in the next... there is no consistency... I choose to say I'm a 1x, just because I can!!!!! If, I like your thinking and you communicate in writing so well..... Have fun at your retreat and such... Nice to get refreshed.... Well, better go take advantage of my free day.... Hope all the rest of you folks are doing well and just to busy to post... Talk to you all later... Julie

My gosh, you all are a busy bunch today... Hard to keep up with everything... Just finishing all the cooking and baking I have to have ready for Harvest Mission Fest at church tomorrow... Also, my mother's birthday, so made a big cake to take for potluck....along with a salad and buns and dressing and gravy.(others are bringing turkey and potatoes.) Anyway, need to get ready to go to a 60th birthday party for my uncle now... Apples, I'm in awe..... You aren't TOO skinny, but boy are you long and lean!!!!!! Wow!!!! I feel very fat compared to you........... I'm still heavier than you were when you started.... Hard to get my head around all that, I'm afraid.... But I'm so happy for you.... Your husband has a beautiful wife.... Janet, congrats on the kudos that are long overdue from work... Lori, enjoy your little break from Mom.... My mother drives me crazy all the time, but I often stop myself and say, " what if she wasn't here anymore??" then I feel guilty for my feelings... Mine doesn't make me feel bad like yours doesn... Since her stroke mine is just so weird.......not at all like she used to be and it's hard to handle... And sibling problems are not fun... I have all brothers and some days they drive me crazy, too.. I don't know why I'm the only sane one!!!!?????? LOL............ Laura Honey, you take care.... I've been in your place and I remember all too well the emotions that are running wild in you.... Remember to take care of yourself, too.... God Bless you and yours.... I'd love to comment on everyone's posts but DH is hollering for me to get moving.... Know you are all in my thoughts and I'm hoping things are good for you.... tomorrow is another busy day so don't know when I'll get back... TTYL............. Julie

Hi all, I'm just back from my PT appt's and both said things are coming along... I can tell it's better, just not great yet.... But it was nice to hear that they concur.... Had brunch with a friend and then a little shopping.. Just necessities for the most part.. a little Halloween candy for DH and Mimi..... Of course I may have one of two myself, but it isn't a big problem for me... A nice fresh loaf of bread bothers me way more..... Anyway, gotta get stuff put up before Mimi comes and then we are having friends in for cards tonight... Have to pick up a bit before then and make some supper... Meatloaf, I think... I'm having probems with hard protein the last few days... Sliders go down just fine, but PB on most any meat.... so I'm going to do meatloaf and see what happens.... Hope all is well at work, Janet... Never fun to worry about what's happening... You all have a good night.... Julie

Hey there gals, I finally made it through the 10 pages of posts... Lots of news and conversation to comment on... I have a little time before Mimi comes... only 3 more nights and then DD starts a new job with daytime hours.. I'm glad of it.... anyway, our trip was pretty good... had lots of fun with grandsons... They are 16 and 10.... Got to see the oldest play football (in the drenching rain!!) He was happy we were there... the little guy just loves having us around... We did shopping and swimming and eating... carving pumpkins... playing games and cards... Was nice.... DIL acted like a jerk most of the time and made herself scarce.... But, oh well, her loss... At least she lets us see the boys... I managed to keep the pain to a minimum most of the time.. and I did sleep pretty well... motels are tough sometimes... I'm glad to be home again... Back to real life..... Laura, I'm so sorry to hear the news about your dad... You do what needs to be done.. Nelson and DH will be fine, don't worry... Maybe this is why the SIL is here now.... she can help.... Know you are in my prayers... take it easy..... Great, so glad you are doing so well... your LBT sisters are with you all the way... Sorry your real ones are being stupid.... Arlene, hope you are doing okay... Did I read fibromyalgia for you??? Not a fun thing... take care.. Meredith, our son lives in Loveland, near Cincinnati... 1225 miles from us... Glad things are going well on your house.. Hope you get it in under the deadline.. Phyl, sounds like you had fun with your grandkids, too... And now you are on the move... Safe travels.... Janet, sorry about your home invasion.. gotta be scary.. And saying good bye to the kitties must have been rough... Glad to see you are still giving out such good advice to all the new people.... JoannMarie, good to hear from you... the pic are great.. the baby is so big already... congrats on the loss... Nawlinz, don't worry about the bad day... just pick up and keep going.... Eva, good job on the exercise.... Wish I was there, but still don't have the okay to do much... How are the baby turtles???? Linda, good to hear from you... Melinda, we have very similar numbers and are in about the same place I think... hope to get to know you better. Welcome to all the new people... This is a great place... but if you leave for a week it takes all day to catch up!!! Apples, you are just such an amazement to me.. You and my DH must be related... He is a goer like you... Can't sit still.... I understand your uncertainty about taking the job, especially with the weather starting up already... Not fun driving that far on icy roads... You'll make the right decision... Sorry harvest is delayed... It is here, too... DH's boss didn't turn a wheel while we were gone... Great job on all the clothes... How do you get so lucky???? I never have that kind of luck... Did get a few things in OH... Actually bought a few shirts that are only a 1X.... This is a nice thing for me.... And I found a winter coat... just in the knick of time I think..... Sorry about your 4 pounds.. I know how much you wanted them to stay.....Hope your vertigo straightens out.... As for me, I'm up a few pounds... Didn't do a good job of keeping to the program while I was gone... A bit stressed out and I always go for the comfort food... Better today.... I'm not going to beat myself up at all... Had a good trip for the most part and now it's over and I'm home and will get back to normal...... Hope I didn't miss anyone... One day, I think I missed you... sorry... Glad all are doing so well..... time to go play with my baby... I missed her while we were gone.. Oh, and I found her a stuffed turtle in OH... she loves it.... Take care all............ Julie

Hey, I'm back........ late last night in a near blizzard!!!! Nothing like adding a little stress to an already tired body!! But we made it and are home safe.. Have a mess to deal with now and need to get at it... I managed to keep my pain to a minimum with the drugs so it could have been much worse.. but could certainly have been better... I'll write more on this later... Have to get moving... I thought I would catch up before posting but there are 10 pages to read.... Don't know how I'll get through them all..... Hope you are all doing well.... TTYL.............. Julie

Laura, dear, my heart is with you...........I've been where you are almost exactly......only with my dad it was leukemia... they did everything but the right thing until it was too late... The anger about that still gets me going and its been 13 years.... I'm praying for all of you... take care.......... Just a quick note to say goodbye and I'll be back sometime later next week..... I'm a bit better and have my fingers crossed that this will be a good experience... I love you all and wish you a wonderful week.... take care and God Bless........... Julie

Morning gang.... I'm up early to get a shower before Mimi gets up... I have to leave for Bismarck by 8:00 for my PT and etc.... Although I still have the ache in my shoulder, the gripping, horrible throbbing has left me alone for 2 nights now..... Of course I'm taking hydrocodone at night, too, but at least I have had some relief... I'm still planning my trip unless something horrible happens in the next 24 hours.... I have all the "stuff" ready to deal with the pain as best as I can while I'm gone... Ice bags, hot packs, creams, pills..... I've been getting the rest done a bit at a time to get ready for the trip, too... Last load of laundry is ready to go in and then just have to pack bags... I do need to bake a batch of chocolate chip cookies for my boys if I get a chance this afternoon... I'm hoping.... Apples, if a job makes you happy, go for it.... I wouldn't want one at this point.. I value my freedom too much now... DH's summer job has been a bit of an adjustment for us.... Would this be a permanent position or just temporary??? Eva thanks for thinking of Mimi... It just so happens that DD, Mimi and my mother are going to Minneapolis during the same time we will be gone to Ohio... DD has had tickets to see Metallica for months and its finally time for the concert.. They will be staying with a friend there (my goddaughter).... Will get home the same day as us...so it works out well for that... DD did take a new job that starts on 10-19 right here in our town... Isn't perfect but will get her off nights and hopefully get them back on a better schedule... DD is also scheduled for a sleep study about then.. She has something wrong that she is so tired all the time... Other tests show her to be fine, so maybe this will be the thing... Apples and Phyll, I just can't do seafood.... A fishburger at McDonald's is good and a tuna sandwich, but otherwise I'd be very skinny if there was only seafood in the world to eat.... I know Janet eats lots of it,too... Just can't do it... and never learned to cook it well, either... Give me a bologna sandwich and I'm happy...... Linda, glad you are doing okay... come back when you can... We miss you.. Others have been absent lately, too, so we'll hope it's all a good thing... Except Great, we know where she is..... Hope all is well with her... You all have a great day and a better week while I'm done... Thanks so much for listening to me complain about my aches and pains... It's hard to cope with pain and stay cheery all the time... I'm thankful for all of you LB buddies.... it makes it easier to cope when you know someone cares.... Bye now... Maybe be back later today if I get time, but then gone for a week... Take care... Julie

Hi gals, I've been keeping up with the reading but don't have the wherewithal to post much... I'm not much better, but trying to get ready to leave Thursday for Ohio... don't know yet if I'll get to go or not.... time will tell..... Janet, you look lovely on the pics.... Everyone have a good day.... Prayers for Lori that she is doing well..... TTYL.......... Julie

Hey everyone, I'm back............... but I'm still the complaining, miserable person I was when I left.. It was a very long weekend with lots of pain... The shot in my shoulder has evidently not worked... Had it last Tuesday.. Had PT on Friday again and he said I should get progressivly better!!!... Well, I've progressed alright... or digressed if you ask me... So much pain and throbbing... not much sleeping... too much crying.... Just don't know what to do anymore.. I think the pills are making my stomach upset...... What the heck do I do????? We are supposed to leave for Ohio on Thursday to see our grandsons, but I can't make a 1200 mile trip with this pain.... I have PT again in the morning, (if I make it to morning!!!). Maybe he will shed some light on this when he hears how bad it's been all weekend still........ so there is my big wail............Sorry, gotta tell someone..... Lori, good luck tomorrow.... I'm sure you will be just fine.... Apples, sorry you're sad, but we are the winnners here as we have you back full-time again.... Glad you have lots to occupy yourself with until you get adjusted again.. Meredith, congrats on the weight loss and the new house... You must be just feeling so foxy.... Good memory with you mom... that's nice... Sharon, things sound good with your daughter... she's headed in the right direction... great... Eva, just take a breather, you'll be fine... laura, hugs on the long visit.... sometimes a short stay is just so much better... How's the new furniture??? gotta go gang... sorry if I missed anyone... time to go scream or cry or something.... I'm throbbing again.... Somebody tell me this is going to get better..... I really need to know there is an end to this pain.... Thanks for listening to me wail............ Julie

Hi............. Janet, have a safe trip and a peaceful goodbye to your aunt... God bless you and your family.. It's raining here so DH didn't go to work and it is a blessing as I had no one else to watch Mimi today and DD has 2 interviews this afternoon.... Bye the way, she did not quit her job on the spot.... Took a couple "sick days" and then put her best foot forward and has stuck to it, with the idea that she is leaving asap...... Thank goodness her responsiblity values set in... I was very worried... Anyway she should have been here to get Mimi at noon, but with interviews it will be more like 4:00 and I would have been hurting... God works in mysterious ways they say... Sure did for me today.. Mimi is sleeping now and DH went outside and I'm trying to get some paperwork done... Everyone have a good day and I'll be back this evening when things settle down here.... TaTa......... Julie

Hi all, I'm going to try to post before going back to bed now that Mimi and DH are out the door.... I had a bad night again... Dr. said the shot doesn't really take hold for 2-3 days and he was right.... It wasn't the worst, but it ached plus I had a headache (don't know where that came from) and the rest was just plain insomnia I think.... I know I didn't sleep from 1:30am on....... going to try to lay down and crash a bit now... Laura, isn't it nice when something new is their idea!!!! If you had suggested it there probably would have been a whole different story!! good for you..... I get the bad food choices... I was so unsettled during the night that I got up and made myself a PB&J sandwich and at the whole thing without any restriction stopping me... HOWEVER, when I stepped on the scale this morning I was down a pound from my low.... I had been up since that barium x-ray had me plugged up.... So, I'm happy for more than one reason..........ahhhhhhh!!!! Eva, glad you got your computer up and running again.. can't be without that for very long... I hate long sleeves, so have very few... in the winter I can do sweat shirts and such for warmth, but they are usually pushed up while I'm wearing them... I do sleevless or short sleeve in the summer... My arms aren't my problem area so don't worry too much... they are getting some flabby now, but no worries.. It's my upper inner bubble legs that get me.... I can never exercise that away.....ever..... After my nap I will continue with my clothes project as I have piles on the bedroom floor to pick up... Then also have to do a cleaning project on all the altar brass from church.. It's my job to keep them buffed up and I have been slacking off over the last few months... a good sit-down project..... We have a weeding to go to on Saturday, one of DH's military girls..... will be an overnight in Fargo and home Sunday sometime... Then we leave again on Thursday for a week to see our kids in Ohio.... They finally agreed to us coming for a visit... They first told us not to come, but something must have changed their mind... I made our motel reservations yesterday so just have a few odd things to accomplish before leaving.. Must bake some cookies for my boys!!!! Grandma must bring treats!!! You all have a great day... I'm going to drink my breakfast this morning with a fresh strawberry/protein shake smoothie concoction I made and then try to rest a bit... TTYL............... Julie

Apples, thanks for the pants tips.... Is this Fashion Bug a store or on-line... I've never heard of it......but of course I'm not much of a shopper.... so it could be in Bismarck and I wouldn't know it.... Yes, farming is an unpredictable life... just when you think you have it figured out........... a breakdown!!!!! or for us when I was a kid......it was the cows were out or some such thing.... I miss it sometimes.... We just hit the fringes anymore.....DH's job is for a big farmer and he is mostly a gopher and truck driver.... He'd much prefer the actual farming.... down in the dirt..... But it has kept him busy this summer and the $$ has come in handy..... Enjoy the rest of the day... I'm sure your supper will be good, as usual.... I'm doing my closet as I thought.. Have a real mess right now.. A friend called and interrupted me to help her, so the mess is still there and Mimi will be here soon... Of course, messes and Mimi go hand in hand........lol................ Julie

Hi there friends, I'm just home from my trip to the orthopedic Dr. They did x-rays of my shoulder.. Said the mechanics are just fine.. a little arthritus in there, but not to cause the pain... No tears or damage to the rotator cuff..... Otherwise, he thinks I have a mild case of calcific (sp) bursitus and some rotator cuff tendonitis.... Both of these would cause the night pain... I got a shot that will take 2-3 days to kick in and started some therapy.....No miracle cures... Dr. also said to continue with the chiropratic and acupuncture since they give me some relief... And I did finally get a call saying that the upper gi shows my band to be just fine.... So, all in all, I'm still where I was, but now I know there is no serious problem, just have to get the inflammation to leave.... Man, you all were so busy posting since I was here last... so much to remember.... Meredith, the realtor sounds like a dud... I'm guessing Phyl is right... thinks you are too young and dumb to be a serious buyer..... Find someone who appreciates you... Great, I understand being nervous about your surgery.. I have a friend who had both done at this age and does quite well.... I think you'll be fine... Apples, you once said that you love harvest time, so hope you are enjoying all the activity... We are in beans and seeds here... DH didn't get home til 8:30 last night... black as night all over from the dirt.. They were having combine problems.... When do you leave for your last weekend at the lake then? Your trip to see Great sounds fun, wish I could join you... maybe we can think about a meeting sometime in Oct or Nov in Fargo.. How far is that for you???? 250 miles for me and I can see in happening pretty easy if you are still willing.... Janet, glad you are feeling back on track... a little fill after all this time might just be the ticket for you... I'm still just stuck here where I've been for quite some time... I tried the 5 day pouch test and lost a couple pounds but then had that dang barium x-ray and now I'm up 3... I think this problem is starting to exit, though, so maybe the weight will go again... Well, it's cold here.... 37 this morning.. I need to do inventory on my closet... long pants are back and I have so few... DH told me to buy some, but that isn't an easy task.... Think I may still send for some so I can get the length I need..... But time to put summer clothes up... I'll miss my capris...... you all have a great day...... TTYL..............Julie

Hi there, I've had another okay night... DH actually let me sleep in til 8:30, but it put me a bit behind with getting Mimi ready for the sitter... But she is off now and I'm home alone and need to get some chores done before she comes back at 3:30...... Gosh, Laura, I sure do understand the sleepless night.. Don't wish that on anyone, so hope you get it under control very soon... it's the pitts..... I've had knee problems, too, so be careful witht he running and such.. I'm sure your trainer will have ideas about what it right. If, congrats on the dynamite pants.... it must be you that looks dynamite!!!!!! Sharon, can I ever relate to the "kid" woes... It just seems like it is always something for one of them..... But what can we do??? Have to help when we can... My little Mimi sleeps with Grandpa, too.... She pushes me out and our spare room is in the basement so I don't want her down there yet.... This works as I need to sleep in my recliner a lot yet with all my aches and pains... My DH is very handy, too, and it's nice not to have to pay a contractor just to do a few touch up remodeling jobs.. I have one I'd like to have done before Christmas, but we'll see if he gets to it.... 1 Day, good to hear from you.... come back when you can. Meredith, you got lucky with all the shoes... Nice to have friends who share!!!! I have one who gives me clothes sometimes now during my weight loss... Comes in very handy cuz I hate shopping!!!! Great, you take care of yourself....don't need anything postponing that knee surgery... Hope the ribs are better real soon.... Well, I better get after my chores... Mostly just straightening up and dishes and planning some supper.. We have to be in Bismarck by 8:10 in the morning for my appointment with the orthopedist.... DH has one with ENT, too.... Has to have his ears cleaned well every 6 months or so after having a tumor in one.... So, anyway, won't get much done tomorrow..... You all have a great day.... TTYL............ Julie