Kat817

I agree with Jachut, I would do some gold drop earrings, nothing intricate, but more of a "solid" look, and a bracelet. I would make sure my nails were done, Clean and polish the rings you do wear, so they shine. And I would also make sure that my cleavage was shown to perfection in the dress. ( a bit of blush swept between the breasts up---blended well, will shadow, and show cleavage at it's best!) I too think the shoes are great! Maybe a thin gold ankle chain---show off the new thin legs!!!! I saw your pictures!!! Don't forget to take a picture of you all done up for us---some of us are living vicariously!!! Kat

Have you tried the prescription cream Vaniqua....I think is what it is called. It is supposed to help. Kat

Ok Laura---give us a list of foods you DO like, and we can see what our minds can concoct!!! Tracy---I loved---still do----Taco Bell refried beans---they were my first mushie food! I still eat a bowl of them and about half a taco when we go out there, or order a Nachos----umm not the ones with just chips and cheese sauce, but the small order of the Bell Grande ones. Eat about 1/2 of it. Actually one of those small nachos, feess myself and my 2 year old granddaughter perfectly. A buck fifty, and we are fed!!! I love mexican food----most any of it. I used to be that way with Italian too, but the pasta fills me so fast, and I get no nutrition with it---so don't eat it so often. Most anywhere else I go, I eat salad, I love salads---I used to before, but seldom ordered them, because I might get hungry before I had a chance to eat next. My mind was so warped! I too ate in the car, and got rid of evidence. I also bought candy, to hide----chocolate! The other day I saw marked down packages of Almond Joy eggs left over from Easter, and they were .50 cents a package of 6. BLB, I would have bought every package they had! And I would have ate them! Not all at once, but by and by I would have eaten them all! I would have shared with DH, but he never ventures into the big freezer---so he would have had no idea how many we had!!! I walked right on past them---feeling quite proud of myself!!! A man bought a package behind me in line---but ONE package. That would have never entered my mind, it didn't this time either---guess I am still an all or nothing girl....that is not good! DH better get well soon, our bank account may not survive him being home to cruise Ebay if he is off long! Jane---we all have our cake stories!!! I come dang close to having one with those Almond Joys!!! I have had many in the last year----and have always managed to get back up to a new day, and lose weight in spite of it! I actually think it is one of the perks of the band, you CAN splurge like that---and have the ability to move on the next day. We will be here to kick ya in the pants if you go order another red velvet cake too soon!!!!! psssssssst......unless you wanna share it with me!!! Kity---what kind of things can you pack for a full day like that? Do you have access to a fridge, or a microwave? That would be so hard! Today is May Day. My great grandma, would help my cousin and I make construction paper cones, with little handles, and we would fill them with Lilacs, and hang them on the neighbors doors, ring the bell and run! And in grade school, we always had a program, and we danced around the maypole. A tall pole, with multi colored pastel strips of fabric hanging down. Each of us kids would hold a strip of fabric, and walk around and weave around in a pattern...like half the group going clockwise, half counterclockwise, and we would weave in and out, kind of weaving the fabric around the pole. We sang songs as we did it. I mentioned it at my MIL's a bit ago, and no one had ever heard of such!!! I would say it is because I am old---but they are most of them older!!! Kat

Yea You!!!! I am so glad for you!!! Seems like once everything is approved, it moves pretty quick---you'll be a FULL fledged bandster before you know it!!! I am so happy for you! Kat

Wow---I had no idea there were beautiful shores like that----I didn't imagine anything horrible, I guess I never thought about it!!! I too would be there, in SHORTS even....working towards the swimming suit!!! Kat

Final April miles 35.5....if we are still counting....... Kat

I received an email alert on your message Mandy---is there a May thread yet? "May"be we should be somewhere else!!!! Kat

Good Morning! Ricks heart rate dropped into the 110 range this morning....I am feeling hopeful, that the meds are doing the work they are supposed to! We see the Dr. tomorrow. Christy--have you sat down and had a talk with your Dr. to see what options you have? I had several D&C's prior to my hysterectomy. It would eliminate some of the uterine lining, and maybe slow your bleeding. There are several intermediate measures that could be taken if you do not want the hysterectomy. Heck if it is just an ovarian cyst, you can have the entire ovary removed and still maintain fertility! I have also heard of them draining cysts. The hysterectomy will likely be the final step in the future to keep this from recurring. The cysts, even when removed, often return. But if you want more children, sit down across the desk from your Dr. and find a way. If they don't want to give you more options, or talk to you person to person, as opposed to looking at you through your knees as you are in the stirrups---it is time to find a new Dr!!! I know they don't recommend pregnancy in the first year of the band, but it has happened many a time! It would slow the ability for weight loss, but the band would still be there---waiting for you to be able to put it to work! I did several intermediate steps to my hysterectomy---not so much by choice, but for insurance reasons Dr.'s went through a stage where they avoided them at all costs (kind of like kids and tonsils). In my case a cancer diagnosis, ended the discussion. I think our family is being difficult now, you should have seen them then!!! I had a positive cancer diagnosis, and my GYN and my oncologist took a route, of putting me through 6 months of oral chemo PRIOR to surgery! Everyone wigged out! Then I had surgery, and did 6 sessions of infused therapy---and have not had any recurrance. This was done almost 5 years ago! I will say when you are ready---and comfortable with not wanting more children---it is a huge relief to finally have the surgery done! I really do love having the freedom from the problems I had been plagued with for years! I had endometriosis, and my periods, while extremely irregular, were horribly painful! At one point I was hospitalized with the pain from them, they used an internal probe --like they do to watch childbirth contractions, and the spasms I would have from cramps registered on it! I was glad to see it all GO AWAY!!! I have never had the issue of those organs making me the woman I am. I am no less of a woman now! It didn't affect my libido----I am still sexually active (ssshhhhh don't tell!). The only drawback to the surgery has been a ( I apologize in advance if this is TMI---but Christy needs info!) lack of natural lubrication. The feeling is there, the bodies natural response isn't always....but there are tons of options available, and it hasn't made a difference! I will be glad to PM you my # (any of you, for any reason!) if you want to talk about it. (((hugs))) While I know we can't dine on 900 calorie salads every day and lose weight, it is not going to hurt you on occasion. In fact as you reach a tight restriction, if you are one of the ones with a touchy band, and have trouble getting in adequate calories, it is good to know that you can bump them up every now and then, with something that works with your band. It is said to "shock" the metabolism, by pushing the calories on occasion. I do know there were days I expected to gain, after eating cake and ice cream at a party or something, and I would get on a losing streak....I have yet to figure this body out!!! Thanks so much for all the adivce on my in law fun. I know they love him, I know they are scared too. His sister that has been riding me so hard, is acting in fear, I have no doubt, she lost her husband to a brain tumor. I wish I had it in me right now to be their support too---I try. But my concern at that point was in projecting support for the decision my husband made concerning his own health! I called them all and updated them in the numbers dropping some. I got a chilly response, but am hoping as time goes on, and I keep them informed, as will he, that it thaws out again around here!!! Well off to see what we can do to entertain DH----he is not a happy housebound patient!!! Kat

Hi- Well health wise, there has not been much change. Rick is still running about 124 for a heart rate. BUT----he is now doing it at home! The Dr. said he wants to try to anticoagulate him with the drugs before resorting to more drastic measures, and he can kick back and swallow pills at home, and likely relax more than in the hospital. So we are HOME!!!! He is taking 2 anti-arythmia drugs, and his blood thinner. We see the Dr. again to have the levels in his blood checked on Wednesday. I will read up---today ended up longer in the hospital than originally hoped---and once again thank you all so much----you have no idea how much the understanding has meant. I know that I can say whatever I feel and you guys will take it the right way!!! Be back after I read up! Kat

I have signal here today---yea!!! We are sitting and waiting for the Dr. The nurse said it could be a long wait....lovely. Anyway, no change. Going to read up on everyone, hope you are all ok. I am not getting in enough exercise time wise, but I do leave the room every hour or so and go up and down the stairs---my thighs know it too!!! I figure, anything is better than nothing. They do have a good salad bar in the cafeteria, so I am living on salad. But I like that, so it isn't a hardship!!! There is a rehab room down the hall---I keep thinking I'll sneak in there and hit the bike, and the stair climber, and get my time in. But Rick is having exercise withdrawals too---he had been working really hard to get back in shape...we are just lucky he didn't stroke out on us! I will update my signature to show my last day if exercise....and I was doing so well.....maybe next month! I am off to read up.....will check in later. (((hugs))) Kat

Hi I have signal at the hospital---will check in to stave off my boredom as we wait for Dr.'s.....I will be reading up on all of you---man I have pages and pages to go through---I love this groups excitement, and support of one another!!! All too often, you find threads, where the participants think that just because they had a certain experience, or were on a certain diet, that that is the ONLY way it should be, and it feels argumentive, I like how you all are having different experiences, and simply provide support---you don't pick apart another Dr.'s way of doing things. I am thinking, maybe this is the way adults behave???!!!!! Ok, off to read up on everyone elses life, I have been living with blinders on. Kat

Hi everyone- Another day spent sitting, and walking the loop at the hospital! Rick is the same. Spends most of his time in A-fib....occasionally going into a normal rhythm. We did get a possible scenario today. When they cut down the size of his heart back in August at the original heart surgery, they did what is called a Maze procedure, it is like electro-cautery, they use to teach the blood pumping through the heart the new pathways. Often times patients are in A-fib for up to 6 months following the procedure, so they are kept on blood thinners, usually coumadin, during the 6 months. The second issue requiring the 6 months of Coumadin, was the valve surgery itself. Anytime a foreign body is introduced, madeof plastic, it needs an average of 6 months to cover with tissue. Covering in tissue is necessary to prevent blood clots---blood tends to clot, on the foreign body. Well 2 months out from his heart surgery, he had the Massive GI bleed, that come so close to killing him. In order to save him, they not only removed him from the Coumadin, they pumped him full of vitamin K (for clotting) and platelets for clotting. While it worked to save him at the time, it is now causing serious problems. His CAT scan, shows he has had minimally 2 strokes. So for right now...the plan is to continue to anticoagulate his blood, walking a fine line with the bleeding issue. He is also getting arythmia drugs, to try to slow and regulate the heart, they cannot get his heart rate to go below 121, and stay without super strong IV drugs, the oral meds, do nothing. He is also getting nitro through a patch type thing on his skin. They upped his Coumadin to 10 mg. tonight, as his PT/INR has not changed either---3 days and no changes to date. He received a Lovenox shot tonight as well. Hoping to see changes with the blood thinnning. Tomorrow we have our local Dr. who is the blood Dr. conferencing on a call with the local cardiologist (who has recinded his hospital privileges in a contract battle), and our cardiac surgeon in Albuquerque. They will be deciding whether he is a candidate for ablation ( further electro cautery surgery---either open heart, or through a catheter similar to angioplasty). Lots of big words---and unknowns still. The inlaws are barely speaking to me---tough sh#*!!! His sister trying to order me around about transfering him was more than I could take so I hung up on her!!! I do not call every hour on the hour---I call his Mom, 5-6 times a day---and it isn't satisfying her. I figure the phone lines go both ways, and she is 10 miles away. She doesn't like it, there is plenty she can do about it! I love his family, I just am not handling this the way they want. Rick is awake, aware, and able to make his own decisions on this, I will not use emotion to try to sway him, and that is what his Mom wants. Anyway------ain't family GRAND?!! Thanks so much-----your prayers and thoughts mean the world to me!!! (((((HUGS to ALL of you!!!))))) Kat <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->__________________

Hi everyone- Another day spent sitting, and walking the loop at the hospital! Rick is the same. Spends most of his time in A-fib....occasionally going into a normal rhythm. We did get a possible scenario today. When they cut down the size of his heart back in August at the original heart surgery, they did what is called a Maze procedure, it is like electro-cautery, they use to teach the blood pumping through the heart the new pathways. Often times patients are in A-fib for up to 6 months following the procedure, so they are kept on blood thinners, usually coumadin, during the 6 months. The second issue requiring the 6 months of Coumadin, was the valve surgery itself. Anytime a foreign body is introduced, madeof plastic, it needs an average of 6 months to cover with tissue. Covering in tissue is necessary to prevent blood clots---blood tends to clot, on the foreign body. Well 2 months out from his heart surgery, he had the Massive GI bleed, that come so close to killing him. In order to save him, they not only removed him from the Coumadin, they pumped him full of vitamin K (for clotting) and platelets for clotting. While it worked to save him at the time, it is now causing serious problems. His CAT scan, shows he has had minimally 2 strokes. So for right now...the plan is to continue to anticoagulate his blood, walking a fine line with the bleeding issue. He is also getting arythmia drugs, to try to slow and regulate the heart, they cannot get his heart rate to go below 121, and stay without super strong IV drugs, the oral meds, do nothing. He is also getting nitro through a patch type thing on his skin. They upped his Coumadin to 10 mg. tonight, as his PT/INR has not changed either---3 days and no changes to date. He received a Lovenox shot tonight as well. Hoping to see changes with the blood thinnning. Tomorrow we have our local Dr. who is the blood Dr. conferencing on a call with the local cardiologist (who has recinded his hospital privileges in a contract battle), and our cardiac surgeon in Albuquerque. They will be deciding whether he is a candidate for ablation ( further electro cautery surgery---either open heart, or through a catheter similar to angioplasty). Lots of big words---and unknowns still. The inlaws are barely speaking to me---tough sh#*!!! His sister trying to order me around about transfering him was more than I could take so I hung up on her!!! I do not call every hour on the hour---I call his Mom, 5-6 times a day---and it isn't satisfying her. I figure the phone lines go both ways, and she is 10 miles away. She doesn't like it, there is plenty she can do about it! I love his family, I just am not handling this the way they want. Rick is awake, aware, and able to make his own decisions on this, I will not use emotion to try to sway him, and that is what his Mom wants. Anyway------ain't family GRAND?!! Thanks so much-----your prayers and thoughts mean the world to me!!! (((((HUGS to ALL of you!!!))))) Kat <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->__________________ Laura---if you don't get a disk by the time I get back from ABQ (if we have to go) or when I get home to really be home, I will hunt up my old one, this computer is history as of this week I believe!

Hi everyone- Another day spent sitting, and walking the loop at the hospital! Rick is the same. Spends most of his time in A-fib....occasionally going into a normal rhythm. We did get a possible scenario today. When they cut down the size of his heart back in August at the original heart surgery, they did what is called a Maze procedure, it is like electro-cautery, they use to teach the blood pumping through the heart the new pathways. Often times patients are in A-fib for up to 6 months following the procedure, so they are kept on blood thinners, usually coumadin, during the 6 months. The second issue requiring the 6 months of Coumadin, was the valve surgery itself. Anytime a foreign body is introduced, madeof plastic, it needs an average of 6 months to cover with tissue. Covering in tissue is necessary to prevent blood clots---blood tends to clot, on the foreign body. Well 2 months out from his heart surgery, he had the Massive GI bleed, that come so close to killing him. In order to save him, they not only removed him from the Coumadin, they pumped him full of vitamin K (for clotting) and platelets for clotting. While it worked to save him at the time, it is now causing serious problems. His CAT scan, shows he has had minimally 2 strokes. So for right now...the plan is to continue to anticoagulate his blood, walking a fine line with the bleeding issue. He is also getting arythmia drugs, to try to slow and regulate the heart, they cannot get his heart rate to go below 121, and stay without super strong IV drugs, the oral meds, do nothing. He is also getting nitro through a patch type thing on his skin. They upped his Coumadin to 10 mg. tonight, as his PT/INR has not changed either---3 days and no changes to date. He received a Lovenox shot tonight as well. Hoping to see changes with the blood thinnning. Tomorrow we have our local Dr. who is the blood Dr. conferencing on a call with the local cardiologist (who has recinded his hospital privileges in a contract battle), and our cardiac surgeon in Albuquerque. They will be deciding whether he is a candidate for ablation ( further electro cautery surgery---either open heart, or through a catheter similar to angioplasty). Lots of big words---and unknowns still. The inlaws are barely speaking to me---tough sh#*!!! His sister trying to order me around about transfering him was more than I could take so I hung up on her!!! I do not call every hour on the hour---I call his Mom, 5-6 times a day---and it isn't satisfying her. I figure the phone lines go both ways, and she is 10 miles away. She doesn't like it, there is plenty she can do about it! I love his family, I just am not handling this the way they want. Rick is awake, aware, and able to make his own decisions on this, I will not use emotion to try to sway him, and that is what his Mom wants. Anyway------ain't family GRAND?!! Thanks so much-----your prayers and thoughts mean the world to me!!! (((((HUGS to ALL of you!!!))))) Kat

Hi all- Just home for a shower and clean clothes, going to try to catch a few hours sleep. Rick is still having problems, we are walking a tightrope, between treating the heart, and monitoring his bleeding issues. He is still in A fib/A flutter rhythm. The meds will bring it down, but it isn't staying down. I HATE INSURANCE!!!!! Since the meds are controlling it, they say he is non-emergent, so declined the weekend transport to the bigger hospital, so he is in ours, with no cardiologist with privileges. Monday he will be flown out I am told. Right now the only reason I am not throwing a fit every way but Sunday is that the Dr. who saved him with the bleed is here, and doing the anticoagulation, hoping when we get him to ABQ they can perform an ablution (SP?) on it. So on one hand the specialist with the blood is here, and on the other the specialist with the heart is there-----there is 290 miles between the 2. The Gastro here says there will be good gastros there----so looks like Monday we go. Will let you know as I can, of course I am not picking up a signal at the hospital! Thank you from the tip of my head to the soles of my feet for all the prayers---you are special to me! Kat <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

Hi all- Just home for a shower and clean clothes, going to try to catch a few hours sleep. Rick is still having problems, we are walking a tightrope, between treating the heart, and monitoring his bleeding issues. He is still in A fib/A flutter rhythm. The meds will bring it down, but it isn't staying down. I HATE INSURANCE!!!!! Since the meds are controlling it, they say he is non-emergent, so declined the weekend transport to the bigger hospital, so he is in ours, with no cardiologist with privileges. Monday he will be flown out I am told. Right now the only reason I am not throwing a fit every way but Sunday is that the Dr. who saved him with the bleed is here, and doing the anticoagulation, hoping when we get him to ABQ they can perform an ablution (SP?) on it. So on one hand the specialist with the blood is here, and on the other the specialist with the heart is there-----there is 290 miles between the 2. The Gastro here says there will be good gastros there----so looks like Monday we go. Will let you know as I can, of course I am not picking up a signal at the hospital! Thank you from the tip of my head to the soles of my feet for all the prayers---you are special to me! Kat

Hi all- Just home for a shower and clean clothes, going to try to catch a few hours sleep. Rick is still having problems, we are walking a tightrope, between treating the heart, and monitoring his bleeding issues. He is still in A fib/A flutter rhythm. The meds will bring it down, but it isn't staying down. I HATE INSURANCE!!!!! Since the meds are controlling it, they say he is non-emergent, so declined the weekend transport to the bigger hospital, so he is in ours, with no cardiologist with privileges. Monday he will be flown out I am told. Right now the only reason I am not throwing a fit every way but Sunday is that the Dr. who saved him with the bleed is here, and doing the anticoagulation, hoping when we get him to ABQ they can perform an ablution (SP?) on it. So on one hand the specialist with the blood is here, and on the other the specialist with the heart is there-----there is 290 miles between the 2. The Gastro here says there will be good gastros there----so looks like Monday we go. Will let you know as I can, of course I am not picking up a signal at the hospital! Thank you from the tip of my head to the soles of my feet for all the prayers---you are special to me! Kat

Quick note to let you know we are having more problems. I left today to take Rick to his cardiologist appointment at 2, and am just now getting home from the hospital---alone. He is having problems due to 2 different issues, caused by them having to cut down the size of the heart, back during his original valve surgery. He had been backwashing for so long his heart was dangerously enlarged. They cut it down, and now it is causing the signals to misfire. It is sending the wrong signals, and is bouncing from an Atrial Flutter to an Atrial Fibrulation. Opposite problems, treated opposite ways----so the best solution is to thin his blood, and let the heart settle down without strain. But for his issues,with the resulting GI bleed, thinning his blood could be deadly. He is in the hospital until some time next week. After they anticoagulate the heart, then they will sedate him, and shock him, hoping to restore normal rythm, or that it will stay with one or the other problems so they can treat him with meds for that issue. Now he is bouncing in and out of each, each lasting seconds, sometimes minutes, once almost an hour......he is depressed beyond belief. Without meds his heart rate will not go below 130 now. I don't know what to do at this point except pray..... Will take my laptop to the hospital, and hope they have a signal for me.....if not I'll check in when I can. Hugs to all! No personals---I am cut & pasting this to all of my daily threads---so if I chat with you on more than one, you'll get it both places---all of you take care! Kat

HI-- Quick note to let you know we are having more problems. I left today to take Rick to his cardiologist appointment at 2, and am just now getting home from the hospital---alone. He is having problems due to 2 different issues, caused bu them having to cut down the size of the heart. It is sending the wrong signals, and is bouncing from an Atrial Flutter to an Atrial Fibrulation. Opposite problems, treated opposite ways----so the best solution is to thin his blood, and let the heart settle down without strain. But for his issues, thinning his blood could be deadly. He is in until some time next week, after they anticoagulate the heart, then they will sedate him, and shock him, hoping to restore normal rythm, or that it will stay with one or the other problems so they can treat him with meds for that issue. Now he is bouncing in and out of each, each lasting seconds, sometimes minutes, once almost an hour......he is depressed beyond belief. Looks like we might not make TX. I don't know what to do at this point except pray..... Will take my laptop to the hospital, and hope they have a signal for me.....if not I'll check in when I can. Hugs to all! Kat

Hi Glad to see Tracy back, and doing well, hope everyone else is as well. We have a snag here---took DH to his cardiology appointment at 2 today, and I just come in from the hospital-----alone, looks like he will be here or possibly moved to Albuquerque and in until some time next week. Back when they did his open heart surgery, they had to cut down the size of his heart, the back flow of blood had enlarged it. Now it is sending faulty signals. He is bouncing from Atrial Flutter to Atrial Fibrulation---which require opposite treatment, and meds. So he is in, and also on blood thinners, which the gastro is wigging out over because he had a MASSIVE GI bleed following surgery. They hope to thin the blood, sedate him, and pop him with the paddles, and shock him into normal rythm. Until then----I am outta here. Will take my laptop and see if I can pick up a WIFI signal. Hugs and happy healing to all. All prayers appreciated! Kat

Alex, in regards to the issue of pain--we just lost my BIL not long ago to a glioblastoma brain tumor, and he had no pain. In the begining, before the diagnosis, he complained of sinus pain, and a strange smell all the time. But for the months he lived following the diagnosis, there was no pain. He remained concious for most of the time, and slowly lost his ability to do things for himself, but never grimaced, or moaned, nothing even towards the end to lead us to believe he ever had pain involved. The hospice nurse told us the brain has no pain receptors. It is a horrible thing, especially with a child. Prayers to the childs family, your friend, and for you to know how to comfort your friend. Kat

Good morning---yep I'm checking on the new bandsters too!!! Denise, DH is calmed down now, and ready to be supportive, you made it through surgery---probably his biggest objection to it was that he was afraid of losing you. Men often times can't say (or maybe don't realize?) what their fear is, so cover it with indifference or anger. Sad that they have been made to be that way....but now that you are out of surgery, and doing so well, he has relaxed and can be happy for you!! I think they are gradually changing some, but back in the day when women didn't work, and men were expected to "take care" of everything but the housework, all the emotion in them got buried I believe. Now it isn't nearly as bad as it used to be, thankfully!!! Our son is much more forthcoming in his emotions than even my DH. He'll talk to me, but to the outside world, he is not very demonstrative with his emotion at all! Too bad they don't know how much it helps to just let it out!!! We are much luckier in that I think!!! Glad you are feeling good! Christy---are you wanting more children, or would you be ok if they brought up hysterectomy? I love my hysterectomy as much as I love my band!!!! I have been where you are, and girl, I feel for you!!! Wish I could help. Ms jen----wooohooo losing those inches!!! That is exactly why I always encourage measurements. When the scale stops for me, the inches start dropping. Sure helps with the doldrums, of the scale being stubborn! Laura---don't bury those pants too far back in the closet, see!!!! Jenn--they put Kinsey (my granddaughter) on steroids for 2 days too---waiting to hear how she is. Mine had it on occasion, but not real often. Son used to have to walk him around outside in the COLD air. DD, the steam worked best. Go figure!!! Hugs to your son! Laura, I use the syrup, in hot chocolate in the winter, I use it to flavor shakes now, I use it in oatmeal, I use it (for those of you on diet restrictions---forgive me!) to flavor homemade ice cream, frosting for cakes, to make glazes to drizzle over desserts, I add it in place of some of the milk in vanilla SF pudding mix--to make all different flavors of either pudding or add it to a graham cracker pie crust to make a low cal pie for dessert. I make mixed drinks with them, either with or without alcohol. Add some to ice and whirl in the blender, makes for yummy treats! Since there is no alcohol, they freeze, so you can freeze the syrup, and use in iced tea, to flavor it as the ice melts----peach or raspberry for instance. Oh yeah----this Fudruckers IS in New Mexico---that's where I live!!! Also where I better get out and check on the cows.......if I miss the rest of our newbies----welcome to bandland!!! We missed you!!! Take care all---- You are doing SOOOOOO good!!! Kat

Hi everyone, sounds as if you are all doing well!!! Julie, your sounding back to yourself--ready to run! Glad Alan is doing well. Rick sees his cardiologist today (for all the good it does us---they opted to to afilliate with our hospital anymore....) he is also having something go on, sitting at rest, his pulse will not go down below 125. I imagine he will be put back on the Toprol. Sure hope it is an easy fix. We have had cows going AWOL on us...it has been chaos, the ditch company drained our ditch to do some repair work down from us, but now my cows are walking into the ditch, and under the cattle guard and off they go! I swear sometimes I HATE cows. Unlike some of you, right now what I really like about them is a ribeye steak...or a nice grilled hamburger! It has been a non stop efort with them, our field fronts a small but well used roadway on one end, so if they get out, and hit, I am in big trouble! We ran new electric line for the electric fence, hoping we can keep them in today. Will be gone all afternoon into evening, branding some of these escape artists, so we can sell them in 2 weeks. Rehabilitating the ones who try to get out is not worth it. They have 15 acres of fresh growing alfalfa, and are given grain morning and night----they have troughed water at all times, and usually a running ditch (8 foot wide---6 foot deep). If they are stupid enough to think they can get it better elsewhere, I'm willing to let them go! So my exercise will be branding today! I am not in on the calorie count----it just isn't for me. I guess I just lack the vision! I was thrilled to drop under 200, and am happy with the slow loss, it would be nice for it to just go as fast as the begining, but in the meantime, I am happy with life where it is. I am terrible at counting anything! Points, calories, none of it---I must be too lazy! Molly sorry you PB'd, but having a nice dinner with your DH is nothing to apologize for! That is the wonderful thing with this band, you get to enjoy life---and not go overboard! Oh! And for your frind with gout----get her some cherries---if you can't find fresh cherries, buy dried. They work wonders with my in laws. They now keep dried cherries on hand, and snack on about 10 little pieces a day, and have not had a gout attack in probably 2 years! Have her eat 10 or more cherries to start with---if she is like them, she will feel a difference in a day! Besides, it is not something that will hurt her! I grab them for my inlaws at Wild Oats, but have bought them in Safeway too. Both MIL & FIL are diabetic, non insulin dependent, but while the fresh cherries will sometimes cause a raise in their blood sugar, the dried, don't seem to affect it much, or they are medicating around it since it is a part of their daily diet now, but they would be in bed (or the recliner) for days, sometimes 2 weeks, and we were told to try the cherries, and have not had them down since. My best friends DH tried it, and while he doesn't do a daily does, he eats them when he flares up, with good results too. Something cheap, that can't hurt to try---and they tatse yummy! We are headed to TX the first week of May----I am meeting with about 4 band buddies there---I am so excited! Weather has been beautiful, and I have been trying to get my yard in shape. I am having a HUGE family gathering here the end of June. It will be for my parents 50th anniversary. Friday night, as all the family comes in, we are having a Luau in the back yard. Then Saturday morning we are all going to a local buffet breakfast place, then Saturday evening, they will be renewing their vows, and we will have a more formal type reception at the church. My folks think my brother and I are going to stand up with them at the church, so they won't be up there all alone, but in actuality, both couples who stood up with them on their original wedding day will be back to do it again---all 3 couples will be over 50 years together! My Mom and Dad met at one of the other couples weddings (my Dad was the grooms college roomate,and best man, and my Mom was the 1st cousin and maid of honor for the bride) they married a few months later! I am looking for any and all ideas for either the luau, or the reception. I have my best friend helping me is about it. My brother is not able. I don't know if I told you or not, he was injured about 25 years ago in a car accident, it left him mentally, and physically disabled. He is on a level of an 11 to 13 year old. He lives on his own, after extensive rehab, but he still has that mentality. He would find the same things "cool" for the party that a 12 year old boy would!!! Not a lot of help in that manner, but he will be a lot of help doing the physical getting ready. He is a good man. I need recipe ideas for the party----decorating ideas for the reception----HELP!!!!! ALL ideas and advice appreciated!!! TTYL----with the new layout, this will take up its own whole page!!! Kat

Hi! Just checking in to see if we heard from any of the newly bandeds---and I see we have---hope the rest are following along as well!!! WooHooo welcome to bandland!!!! Pamela, you can check out the syrups on the website www.davincigourmet.com they have tons of SF flavors---I have used several, and am hooked!!! They ship quickly, fairly inexpensively, and I have never had anything come in broken. I am a huge toffee addict, I love the English Toffee, and the Caramel. The Dulce Ce Leche is similar, but reminds me of the caramel used for caramel apples at Halloween. I too love Mexican food, and had enchiladas as my first food, refried beans as my first mushie....still it is the easiest of all food for me to eat. Sorry talking about those things to liquid dieters, is referred to as "food porn"----I'll behave! My 2 year old granddaughter has croup. Poor little darlin' sounds so horrible! When she coughs and makes that horrid barking sound she looks so confused as to why that sound is coming from her!!! Then she very meekly says "scuse me" she cracks me up!!! The best with her lately is when she wants to go to Fudruckers for a hamburger---do not ask a child who just turned 2 to say Fudruckers!!! Well ladies, I hope all of you are hanging in there---I am hoping the rest of our new banders are ok----will check on all of you in the morning. Sleep Well! Kat

OMG Carlen---how hilarious!!!! I am not sure if I would never need chapstick again, because damned if I'm licking my lips!!!! Or if I'd need something stronger from the scrubbing I'd have given them!!! Kat