Kat817

I cannot take morphine, or anything like the Viocodan, that is a derivative of codeine, I am allergic to it as well. I can take demoral, and have without issue---and hope it stays that way! Sounds like something you might want to discuss with your Dr. to try to find something that will work with you. And maybe begin exploring other pain management techniques---bio feedback, hypnosis----to help you cope if and when you need them. Good Luck! Kat

Yep...mine did!!! Narrower---and somehow shorter!!! As the seasons changed, and I got out my heavier shoes, last winter---they were ALL too big!!! Kat

Your ability to eat will increase, or decrease, without warning usually when there is a problem. A surface hematoma, should have no direct effect on the band I wouldn't think. I have had to have fluid drained off of my knee following surgery---it didn't affect the knee surgery itself. You are very newly banded, and experiencing a lot of emotional chaos right now---relax---it WILL get better!!!! Kat

I wanted to get healthy---when I was banded I was on 2 meds for high blood pressure and one for blood sugar---now I take none of them---my #'s are all excellent! I began as morbidly obese, and am now overweight. to buy "normal" clothes, not plus size----I began ins a size 22/24 pants, and am now a size 14...comfortably. to feel comfortable in crowds---I used to feel like I was the biggest person around ALWAYS!!! I not only don't feel that way anymore, I can actually see it for myself. to feel less self concious eating in public---now not only do I not feel everyone is looking at my size...I eat a bandster size meal---nothing for ANYONE to freak out over!! to be able to run and play with my grandkids---my 2 year old granddaughter now runs from me in the yard, screeching "get me Granny!!!" to be more comfortable in intimate situations with my husband---suffice it to say---I conquered this one too!!!! to be able to ride again without someone calling the animal cruelty people---rode for several hours today! to feel "fit"---I exercise now, and enjoy it!!! I go to Curves--and I life light weights---I actually have toned muscles! It totally impresses my 6 year old grandson!!! still to come..... to ride amusement park rides again---especially the roller coasters. to ride to Sturgis again---on the bike, not drive the follow car. to swim in public. to learn to not hide from cameras---I realize regardless of weight I want pics with my DH & kids & grandkids! Most of these I intend to deal with this summer!!! By the rally in August, I hope all of them are behind me! Kat

My Dr. has filled me both ways, with fluoroscopy and without. Without it, he didn't just fish around blindly---he physically located my port by feel. He had seen it before in the first fill under fluoro- when he located it, he marked the place. Then he draped me, then swabbed the betadine or whatever it is on me, and inserted the needle, he then withdrew all my fill....made sure we were within a reasonable amount close to what we knew my previous fill to be. Then he re-filled me adding a half a cc. We made sure I could drink without issue, and I was on my way. On liquids for 3 days. I have the option of requesting all fills be done with fluoro---but since I am self pay as well, and using a different surgeon for fills than did my surgery, they DO cost more. He did my SIL's without issue without fluoro, so I opted to try it. I don't think I would have done it the first time---nor would I do it every time, I like seeing that all is well!!! In fact those are the only 2 fills I have had, and since it has been over 7 months, and I still don't need another, when I do decide to get another, I will request flouro, just because it has been so long! Your story is one of the great things about banding. If you find out that all is well, you can begin the fill process as needed, and jump back on the bandwagon---it is in there waiting! If you need it unfilled for awhile, you can do that---and work harder at remembering your band eating rules, and control the amount of weight you may regain. Plus it is going to be much easier to get some exercise in, with the 100 pounds you lost gone! All hope is not lost----you are doing exactly what I would, see the Dr. be totally honest with him. Finding someone to talk to---and coming here for support, and someone to vent to that knows all about the highs and lows of banded life! We are glad you found the site, and hope we can help you as you work through these issues!!! Welcome!!! Kat

Right now you are dealing with A LOT of swelling! As your swelling goes down, and the weight loss begins (from the forced liquid diet) your stomach will go down in size. Both in swelling reduction, and loss of fat from around the stomach itself. Then you will feel much less restriction. As long as you need to sip slow---I would stick to the liquids. Slowly making the liquids heavier. The surgeon doing the seminar I originally went to- went into detail, that your exterior size has little to do with your actual stomach size. That the apple/pear shape is more of an indicator. But even then he said he has had to put the larger band in patients with low BMI, and the smaller band in the largest patients, he said it is something they decide once they are in with the instruments. I am sure you will feel less restriction, as time goes on. I was on clear liquids for 10 days after returning home---2 weeks of clear liquids, then another 2 weeks of full liquids---anything that would pass through a straw. So I was on the liquids for awhile. It wasn't until the very end, that I felt anything near hunger---I had a lot of restriction in the beginning. Then it felt like suddenly I could eat a horse! I was hungry through the mushie stage---and fought to eat healthy. Then when I began to really EAT food, it was not a problem. I have had 2 fills, and am back to being in a good place with restriction. I am not hungry---eat a small amount, but can eat most anything if I am careful. I would relax, sip slowly, and let yourself heal. You may not be able to "gulp" anything for awhile---I don't gulp now!! But it is a habit that is broke pretty easy!!! Welcome to Bandland!!!! Kat

I too explored both options. I chose the band, based mainly on future health issues. I am a cancer survivor. I felt that if I were to have similar health issues in the future, I could better handle them with the band than I could with RNY. With the band, I will not have malnourishment issues, if I maintain a good restriction, and eat appropriately. Also, if I were to need additional nutrition during treatment, an unfill is possible. If I should need to for any health reason, my band could even be removed. Once you make the decision for RNY---that is IT! No second chances, regardless what life hands you! I agree with the poster that suggested another seminar, with a more open minded Dr. She needs to be given honest, up to date information, and if she chooses banding, she needs a Dr. who will support that, not be there to belittle her decision. Glad she has you to help her along---good luck on your journey as well! Kat

I just had to say, about 6 or so this evening, we were waiting for friends to show up so we could go to dinner, and the Disney commercial with the Dad and the boy come on. I told Rick, I love the new ads---someone nailed that! We were discussing it when our friends come in, she agreed with me ---then I come here, and Sherry said the same thing, and the post was done about the time we were discussing it!!! Well I don't want to make Betty feel bad, because I am so sorry you hurt your back---but we did get a ride in today---it was sooooooo nice!!! We did about 70 miles---my first for the season. It is supposed to cool off next week- but I enjoyed it today. We also went riding at a friends farm today---she had 8 head she needed culled for banding/branding. I am telling you, I have not rode in a working fashion in so long, I forgot what an awesome core exercise it is! It is nonstop balance, and muscle control. Especially with the quick turning, reining, etc involved in herding. I have full intentions of doing more of it. I have massive sore obliques tonight from it---so obviously they need work!!! Well I am off to "shop" for bar stools! Talk to you tomorrow! Kat

Hi everyone--- Betty---I will be thinking of you and Alan and your family---and saying prayers for you all. I am confident all will be well, but it is so stressful anyway!!! I think you are VERY wise to postpone the fill, you will have enough to worry with for a few weeks. Please let him know there will be prayers coming from all over for him through this ordeal. They will be there for you too---I know exactly where you are. And fully understand the fear that "this may be IT". I had faith in the heart surgery, I truly was afraid with the GI bleed, that I might lose Rick, and it was terrifying. We have many independent interests, and I don't feel like I under estimate my own value, but at the same time, I don't know really WHO I am without him---I don't want to know! It was a scary time. As was your experience Amourette---so glad you are ok, physically, and I hope emotionally you are recovering as well. I have never been real comfortable flying, but not phobic. I appreciate its convenience!! I have never had a bad experience in a large plane--I have been on little ones, that bounced and jostled me til i thought I would never make it through!! That is what you get from our little rural area!! Boo--Hope you are doing well, and recovering. Does your stomach seem sensitive to anything? I am just the opposite, everyone knows I had surgery!!! In many ways it was a decision based on necessity---my SIL and I went together to be banded, and I know her well---while she hid hers for awhile, I know she would have broke her neck getting back here and outing me if I had attempted a quiet surgery. So I just took the wind out of her sails, and told everyone!! Has not been an issue. It is far enough out that most don't even mention it anymore---I have even had a couple of people freak out when I say I want to lose 35-40 more pounds. They insist I will look unhealthy. Keep in mind I am over 5'9"!!! Julie get busy on that poem---I am stuck at 202 as well!!! But I dropped another 2% body fat in the last month---and lost another 1 3/4 inches. So I refuse to worry too much. My size 14's are fitting with ease, I might be able to squeeze a 12---but refuse to disappoint myself by trying unsuccessfully---will wait until I know I can fit! I went to physical therapy with my Mom yesterday, and she is going to the guy I used when I had knee surgery. He ask me how I lost the weight, and we chatted, then he ask if I remembered how to use the one weight machine---so I could show my Mom---I shocked us all at how much I could push with my legs!!! My core is weaker than the rest, I gave it a work out today! I went riding, and we were herding, so it works you A LOT!!! My sides and lower back are soooo sore already tonight!!! Dawn---I thought of you today as we rode in tshirts!!! It was into the 70's today, and beautiful blue skies, it was wonderful!!! I decided I should save you some warm weather! It is supposed to cool WAY down the end of next week, but I am enjoying this weather while we have it! Blue---how you healing??? Been wondering about you!!! Well I am going to go get me a glass of tea, and get some liquids in, I spent a lot of time in the sun, and feel dried out. Everyone take care, I hope you had a great Saint Patricks Day---we went to dinner---did NOT have corned beef and cabbage (ick), nor did we have green beer. I did however have mexican food with green chile---does that count???!!! Betty will be praying for you and Alan. Also you Amourette. Hugs to all! Kat

I have actually heard of several bandsters having stuck episodes, or full blown PB's without a fill. Some have gone on to lose their entire excess weight, and get to goal without a fill! It is not that way for most, but it is not uncommon to have restriction without a fill. I had fairly good restriction for awhile, I am sure do to both excess fat, and swelling. As both reduced, I needed a fill---but not immediately! I would say if you can eat over 1 cup of food at a sitting, if you are hungry within a couple of hours of eating, and you are not "sticking" on food eaten the right way (small bites, chewed well) then a fill may be necessary. I would start small...... And I agree I would mention the $$$$ aspect to the office, they may be willing to work closer with you during that time period! Besides it can't hurt to try!!! Hang in there!!! Kat

I would wonder about swelling being your issue. Some people swell intensley! It is enough to provide plenty of restriction for quite some time for some bandsters. If it is working for you the way it is now---ride it out! I would never suggest a fill unless ALL indicators say it is time. I had my 2nd fill, over 7 months ago---and am still not ready for more. and my last fill was .50cc. Enough to make a difference, yes! Good Luck, hope all continues to go well for you!!! Kat

Good morning everyone! Happy St. Patricks Day!!! Thanks so much for all the kindness over my losing Bailey. Some people get it, some don't. He was part of my daily life, and in my heart for over 16 years---it was hard to let that go. I am feeling better about it now, for several weeks, when I would pet him, and feel his bones, and try to doctor his ear, I felt like it was hurting him, and I never wanted him to hurt...so it was right, hard but right. Dianne---so good to see you up and posting! Wow---15 year old boobies!!! Right now, my belly WOULD stick out further, so they have to wait!!! I would love to have them done, but the TT has to come first. I have a muscle that needs repaired in my belly---so that is first. Besides, mine are sagging so much now, I am afraid if I "fixed" them, and releived the pressure, my face may wrinkle up like an 80 year old womans!!! Mandy---good luck finding the fridge you want!!! Glad Abi is getting started in her classes, and that you are going on like it is an everyday occurance, by letting her go with you Mom....keeps her calmer I bet feeling like things are all as usual. Beannie---I can see your dilemma, as far as the jobs go. I have no doubt, I would look to the same field. I am old and set in my ways!!! Plus the market you are in will always be full of highs and lows---and if you can make it through the lows---you will be right there to rake it in during the next high!!! I think you would make a great teacher---I really do, but I also think if I needed to finance a house, someone with experience, in all aspects would be a blessing as well. We had such a wonderful lady help us when we did our housing finance years ago---I can't help but wonder if we had gotten some new girl who wasn't well trained what we would have ended up with! Good Luck in making the tough decisions!----Hope DH is feeling better!!! Mary---I too would have had the PC repaired! We are considering a new one. Sherry offered her DH's help in deciding what I need. Besides the obvious lobotomy!!! Eileenie---poor you!!! More snow! We have had beautiful weather---I'll save some for you! It has been up to 70 already! Grass is begining to green, some trees are showing signs of buds forming--I actually have a crocus bloomed out, and several others ready. The iris, and daffodils, hyacinths, and tulips are up, but just the leaves so far. Spring is coming to NM and I am SOOOOOO glad!!! Now, we are supposed to have another storm move through the end of next week---so we are not done with winter yet, but I am getting so anxious!!! Cindy---when you say Disney trip----which one? DH and I were talking about taking the granddaughter to CA, this year, but decided to give it another year---then maybe we can take the grandson too! Will settle for 6 flags with her this year! I cannot believe I will be able to ride anything I want to as well!!! That was one of my big goals with this surgery! Look out roller coasters here I come! Deb---all well in your house yet? My DD is sick, they sent her for a flu test, but she "just" has a stomach virus of some kind, her test was negative thankfully. She of course got the shot (she is a nurse), but had all the syptoms, so the Dr, made her get tested!!! Hope y'all are well again! Betty---what's on the agenda for the weekend? What's cooking? We are meeting the family for breakfast here in a couple of hours. Once a month or so we all meet at a local buffet. That way we can all pay our own way as we go in. We all get together, visit, catch up, none of us have to cook, none of us have to clean. Then it frees up the weekend for everyone to do their own thing, without trying to find time to check in with all the family! After breakfast my DD's soon to be step daughter, has a soccer game we are going to. Our first "grandchild" sporting event!!! After that, Rick is going to work on the van---and I the laundry. We want to get all our work done, tomorrow we want to go to a movie, do some shopping---fun time! Sherry---what's going on girl---you are not around much. You did read where Cindy sent the Monkeys home---so they are available for dispatch anytime....you better be careful.....you and Chris, both...y'all living close enough we could get double duty out of one swoop of the flying monkeys!!! Don't think we won't do it!!!! Darcy---what kind of job are you looking into? Something nursing? We wanna know!!! Well I need to get in the shower. I was so tired lastnight, I showered, and went to bed with wet hair----omg----my hair, needs to be dried!!! It is so thin----at least I can't blame my hair for lack of weight loss! Talk to y'all later. Like eileenie said, take it easy on the green beer---or green whatever!!! I am like you =no corned beef and cabbage for me!!! Kat

By the time my 11 mont anniversary rolls around, I will likely have lost 90 pounds. Now a friend on line here who was banded the same month I was (april 06) has lost over 150 pounds! She works out daily, and runs, and is very careful with her food intake. I am not so gung ho!!! I wanted a "way of life" as opposed to another diet. I eat normal foods, I do not count calories. I do keep my protein intake up---I watch that---for reasons other than just my band, but I do keep it in the right range. I eat sweets if I want them, I just do everything in moderation now, the band allows me to do that. I do exercise now----I have list enough weight that I enjoy how I feel when I DO something. Some days it is just walking---others, I do more. This is how I intend to live the rest of my life---I hit a plateau, and didn't lose any weight for a month!!! BUT I was eating as I pleased, and I did not gain anything either---so that is exactly what I was wanting--something to help me maintain. It IS possible to help the weight loss along with the band---and MANY do---losing well over 100 pounds in the first year. Many of us, just "go with the flow" and let it help us more. YOU decide how to work your band----you will get out of it no more than you put into it---in a way of speaking. If you choose to drink milkshakes non stop during liquids, and to eat soft easy foods following, no it won't work great---but if you work with your Dr. to monitor your fill levels, and pay attention to the food you take in---it can be done, barring any medical disorders that can happen. You make the ultimate decisions about how fast this is going to work. The band does need to be worked with until you have proper restriction, now that does not mean so tight you cannot eat! Doing that will stall weight loss as fast as eating too much! It has shown it to be true post after post! Eating solid proteins, and healthy vegetables with fiber---keep you feeling full, and away from the snacks, and the grazing issues---plus they feed your body the nutrients it needs to operate. I mean, I realize we all want to get the weight off---but our first goal should always be health....the vanity side of it will follow---but if you starve it off your body, you will lose weight, but you will also lose your health. Your hair and skin look dull, your resistance is low---you lose muscle so your body works less efficiently. By exercising along with watching what you eat with the band, you can really up your weight loss. Muscle burns 50 times more calories at rest than fat does, so if you work and develop muscle, your body will be burning those calories, even as you sleep! You will end up with less back problems----many things! So don't be discouraged---be prepared to be proactive in your goals. Plan how you will exercise to help the weight loss. If all you can do now is walk---then WALK!!! Soon, as the weight comes off, you will find yourself able to do more---and more----and more! Plan on what foods you can have at each stage, and stock up. If you find a food is causing you problems staying away from it ( cookies for instance) get rid of them! Break the habit. This CAN be done! It takes a little common sense, and work---but most things worth having do! If it is not working for you---and you can honestly say you are doing your share of the work---then it is time for a sit down with your Dr. Hang in there---you will start the fill process soon---and away you go!!!! Kat

I was riding as a passenger within 10 days----but not alone. If my recovery was anything like yours will be, it shouldn't be a problem. Within a month I felt 100% normal---and several pounds lighter! That is one of the first ways my DH said the weight loss really made itself evident, was we had space between us when we went for a ride!!! Good luck!! Kat

Some people find it very barren here---but just drive a little ways---it will change!!! I'm like you---I sometimes dream of rolling green hills---and less (trying to be PC here) issues with our land vs. their land in regards to reservations.....we border the Navajo reservation, one of the largest in the country. But my family keeps me here!!! Consider yourself invited to visit anytime! Kat

WOOOhooo---sounds like the ball is rolling now!!! Welcome to LBT!! It is an awesome place to be when even thinking about being banded! When you are going through the surgery and the aftercare, it is even better!! I bet your knees will be sooo much better. I have had both of mine operated on but not repalced, although they tell me that is in my future. I am so glad that when it happens, I will have less weight to support following it. I know my knees already appreciate the loss! I carried in my sleeping grandson yesterday, and he weighs like 22 pounds, and I was panting---I cannot believe I walked around every day with like 3 1/2 of him on me!!! Amazing difference---and I know you will feel it too!!! We are so glad you are here--- If you don't mind I can PM you with ticker instructions. Kat

Hi SillyWilly--how lucky for you that it was discovered!!! My DH finally went to our PCP because he was having pretty severe palpitations, as well as shortness of breath. They found his mitral valve was not functioning in a normal manner. In his case the posterior leaflet, was not in rhythm. They set him up for several tests, to decide whether he may or may not need bypass while they were in. They also did a trans-esophageal echo, where they put a camera into his throat, and looked at his heart from the back! Who knew you could do that!!!??? In the end, he checked out that all was well with his heart except the mitral valve, and it couldn't have been much worse! He unfortunately developed a blood clot from the angiogram, and had to postpone surgery for 8 weeks, while it resolved. When they finally got him into the heart surgery, they found his heart extremely enlarged due to the wait for surgery, so they cut it back down to normal size! Amazing! They also worked and were able to reattach the leaflet, and repaired it, so he didn't have to have the valve replaced! He come walked the hall the next morning, and come home on day 4. He recovered wonderfully!!! Not even 2 months later, he had another medical emergency, and recovered from it as well---so I believe if you choose to be banded following heart surgery, it would not be an issue! I was shocked at how efficient they are, with the open heart procedures!!! He was taken care of so well, and up and around so quickly! His incision is only about 7 inches long! Back 20+ years ago when my Dad had bypass, his incision come all the way down the chest! My DH's is much smaller---and the Xrays all show his chest wires to be much smaller, and neater. They have come a long way!!! I am sorry you have the problem, but also thankful, that not only they found it, but that it can be fixed! Isn't it great we live in a day and age where they can actually go in and fix your heart!!! I tease my husband that he loves me less now. For years he said he loved me with all his heart---well they sized down his heart---so I rest my case!!! I will be anxious to read of your journey with all of this! Please hang out, and keep us updated....we will be pulling for you!!! WELCOME!!! Kat

Welcome Judi, and Deanna---you have indeed found the right place! This site is full of wonderful, knowledgeable people. I have never had an issue I did not get hlpe with right here! And Judi you are right, it is without a doubt a roller coaster ride!!! But it can be a glorious ride! If you need help with your ticker let me know--I can PM you some instructions. Welcome to LBT!!! Kat

Good Luck, hope your surgery goes well, and you get control of the infection. Let us know what your future plans are. Kat

I believe it is Wheetsin that is a scuba diver, and has mentioned this. Try searching for Scuba diving---see if you can bring up the old posts. Search key is top & center.... Hope it helps you find something, I will ask her if I see her on today. Welcome to LBT & good luck on your surgery! Kat

What are the reasons you chose Mexico? Was it a particular Dr. you researched on, or what led you to the choice you made? Kat

Just got back from having my Bailey cat put down. I buried him up on the hill with Chelsea, my dog. He had been having trouble eating for a couple of days, and we had taken him in for an ear infection, andhe had lost huge amounts of weight. He would fall over today trying to get into his bed, which is up on a bench on the porch. I found him this morning in the back of the shed in the back yard, and he seemed to be lost, so I took him up and put him in his bed. But this afternoon, he was staggering, trying to eat & drink. And he couldn't swallow, he just cried. He was 16, so I knew it was the best for him. I know in my heart of hearts it was the right thing to do---but it seems so horrid to tell them "here Kitty Bailey come to Mama, so I can take you in to be put down...." he comes so trustingly...and I do that. It just feels rotten. He has kitty angel wings now. Kat

Nice and slwo laid back day here. Kinsey is running in and out---we had a bubble blowing contest---and I am proud to say I won---AND I ate way less bubbles than she did!!! Goofball, I keep telling her to keep it off her lips...but she doesn't get it! It is beautiful here, will be mid 70's today. And through the remainder of the week and weekend!!! And Rick is off---and the weather good--I feel a motorcycle ride a comin'!!! So if I am MIA over the next 4 days, remember he is off, and things may get crazy. Actually he is holding his breath, he is on jury duty and has to report in the morning, he is afraid he will get picked and destroy his days off. Last ones he spent in Colorado at a school.... Beannie--hope things pick up at work. I'm with you, I love an electrical storm, IF everyone I love is inside, safe and sound!!! My scale dropped the one pound, and promptly stuck again! What a special treat, a story for Abi!!! I needed to join Dorothy's crew in their visit to Oz---I need an imagination!!! Mandy--hope things are settling into a good pattern, and all is going well. Hang in there---and let us know how we can help. If she needs something, if YOU need something---we do not know what you are going through entails, and the only way we can help is if you let us know. As a group we can do many things---please do not hesitate to ask. Eileenie---2 jobs--hell we never saw you with one!!! Hope you get paid for both!!! Yeah I know, wishful thinking!! Darcy--hope your job hunt turns out the way you want. Way to go with getting back on the treadmill. I haven't done my elliptical yet today, and usually I do it early---gotta get it in gear. But right now Kinsey is asleep on the bed in there---she decided a nap in there was called for today! Dianne---hope today is better than yesterday, and that each day improves. We are thinking of you! Sherry---worrying about you being sick---hope you are ok. Deb--hope your little ones tummy is back to normal. I hate it when kids are sick. Yes it feels so helpless, and then the whining as they improve is enough to make me nutso!!!! Don't worry about names---heck for awhile I used a cheat sheet!!! Mary---sending you good computer vibes!!! Betty---our place is outside of a little town called Comanche. Past Abilene---near Brownwood. I checked with the cousin living on the land, and they got about 3/4 of an inch and are hoping for more. They said it didn't do much. Hope it comes a big, long lasting rain for them! My cows need it! Especially now, they are calving. Cindy---you working again---or did you wash away in the rain? Chris---you ok? Tattoo boy need his butt kicked????? Cassie, Pat, Patty--miss you~ hurry back. DH and I went to a musical production of Urban Cowboy last night at a local theater. The production was out of NYC. It was really good--but little things made me laugh!!! True Texans they were not!!! The accent takes years, not a coach! They modernized some of the music, but stayed with the story--cast it pretty well. We enjoyed it. My car began making a horrid noise on the way home, but it was 11 by the time we got in, so he is going to look at it tonight, and until then I am not driving it! Will check in on y'all later----hope your hump day is smooooth sailing! Kat

"My boyfriend is into all kinds of out door sports climbing, rafting, camping, motorcycling, 4-wheeling, etc. He's always on the go." He can do all of those almost out my front door!!!! We have a friend who runs river trips on the Animas, he owns a company that builds rafts, Water bladders, all kinds of plastic welded items. We motorcycle both tour bikes, and dirt bikes, and ride ATV's. We own 2 4WD vehicles. One we use for hauling wood, and use the 4WD that way, the other is only used on highway, and into 4WD if the weather demands it. We have access to many ancient Indian ruins, petroglyphs etc, that we ride close to and hike into, we are very careful, my DH being a tree hugger!!! We can snow ski/board in the winter, with a really nice ski park less than 40 miles away. And we can water ski in the summer with a huge lake less than 30 miles away. Boating is always fun---fishing if you like it in quality water. Excellent hunting around the area. Lots to do, if he is an outdoorsman!!! Now if you (me sometimes!!!!) like to shop while he does these things, it is possible, but less options than what he has!!!! Kat

This is not said to offend anyone---- When DH and I go out, if we get one of those waiters/waitresses who are at the table non stop checking to see if they can get me anything, if the food is fine, did I need drink? On and on and on---we now refer to them as "Jehovah Waitresses". They keep coming back, and refuse to take no for an answer!!!! It makes us laugh a bit as we repeat NO!!!! Kat