LittleOleMeinFL

Hi guys~ So much going on here with my parents visiting. They leave tomorrow around noon : ( I can't even explain how sad it will be to say goodbye to them. It has meant so much that Dad traveled all this way. I had my one year appt with my surgeon today. OMW they were so proud of my weight loss. 90 lbs since surgery scheduled and 80 since surgery. He said I have lost 48 % of excess weight and that our clinic average is 50% at one year. I have 50 more to go, or around there. So, I feel good. He asked me to come to his information sessions as an "example". Wow. Never thought that would be ME up there. They drew labs (major battery of tests like they do for gastric bypass- ONLY because I asked for it! Otherwise they don't do labs for bands) and did the metabolic test. He also did a fill- tiny one, only 0.2cc. It was "free" with this visit, (included in my surgery price and follow up for one year) and then $100 starting next one. I am on liquids today and feeling ok so far. Julie julie julie, I got the package yesterday and OMW... Nelson LOVED LOVED LOVED it!!! Thank you so much! The JD coat/hat rack (not sure what you call it) will look amazing in his play room, the t shirt fits GREAT, he loves the 4wheeler, pencil- everything!!! He even noticed that you took the time to alternate yellow and green in your letter! You did TOO much! Please tell Mimi that Nelson loved everything and we will have a thank you card out soon. : ) HUGS. OK guys, flyby- gotta make some dinner for everyone. (as I eat soup!) I am feeling motivated, proud, loved, blessed, healthy and surrounded by FRIENDS!!! (you guys rock!) Thanks for all the well wishes and happy bandiversary! I will respond to posts when the dust settles tomorrow- I promise. HUGS to you all! peasout... Laura

Hi guys~ Quick update: Dad saw the dr here (oncologist) and seems he has a kidney infection. He was already on antibiotics- so that's strange. We are waiting for the culture and sensitivity test so we can see what bacteria it is and which antibiotic it is sensitive to. They gave him IV fluids today and he is feeling a lot better. Tomorrow he will go for fluids again. He liked the dr we picked, but admitted he liked his dr at home better. We are ok with that. At least he has somebody down here for when he is visiting. Tomorrow is my bandiversary!!!! Can you believe it??? I was hoping for 100 down but will settle for 90 down. I didn't change my ticker but lost two more lbs. My appt is Wed with my dr. I might have to reschedule depending on what happens with my Dad. I feel the best I have felt in a LONG long time. I am so blessed and so thankful. I will update more tomorrow. HUGS> Laura

Yeah Joyce, I baked it sometime between the taekwondo testing ceremony, cleaning the house, having a party, recleaning the house for my parents and doing laundry! LOL. No, a local cake baker made it it. : ) I let Nelson drive his new clean cars on it before we ate. What's the use in having a road on a cake if you can't TEST the road?! He looked at me and said "Mom, you are so cool!" Melted my dang heart and nearly kilt me. : ) Today was his "birthday walk" / birthday celebration at his Montessori school. They "walk" around the sun (a candle) holding an earth (globe) for each year they have been alive. You then say a few sentences about what they did each year. It was really a sweet moment. I had hoped my parents could come but Dad really felt like shit today. DH took him to the local oncologist. His appt wasn't until tomorrow but they took him early. I was going to take them but then when DH got done with work, Dad asked if he would go instead. (and said he didn't want to hurt my feelings). None taken. I know he is proud that his son in law is a dr. And those Drs speak the same "language". I hope the appt goes ok. I am off to get the boy from school and then will have to figure out something to make for dinner. We would just go out for his birthday but my Dad just can't go out. I might order something- don't really feel like cooking. We'll see. Welcome back Janet. JB~ not necessarily. Even at "sweet spots" you will PB if you don't chew chew chew or if you eat too much. Hope everyone is ok. HUGS... peasout, Laura

Hi guys~ I should be in bed but I just HAD to know what you girls have been up to!!! My brain is only half working, so will say a few responses (Read quickly). Jewel~hope your son is feeling better. No way the night before caused his croup. It must have been "cooking" for a good 48-72 hours. Viruses are going around. Usually cool air helps those kinds of respiratory things. Did they put him on antibiotics too? I tend to like kids on them if they are on steroids. (even though chances are it is a virus and they don't work on that.) But if he is getting better without- prob ok. Cheri~ Glad you are ok after fall. What a doozy of a fall! Julie~ Love your pic too. You do look young and pretty in it. : ) Hope the pain is getting better. Apples~ My busy beaver! Have a GREAT trip back! Have fun seeing son and then have a safe drive! We will also look forward to hearing from you more often. : ) Eva~ Glad your trip to see cousins went well. I hope you are surviving the construction stuff. That makes me all nervous when dust is up and kicking around. : ) Janet~ How are you? I know you have been busy with family. HUGS LauraK, LadyK and Femme~ howdy, nice to hear from you. : ) My parents arrived from NC today. They flew down in their little plane. Dad was in the co pilot seat and Nelson ran up to him and said "Grandpa, I am so glad you are feeling better and flying again!" He hadn't flown really, but sat up front. But he smiled just hearing the excitement in Nelson's voice. As soon as we got home Nels gave a demo with his new bike that they gave him. Dad was really weak and tired and plopped on the lazy boy in DH's office. Dad has been smoking cigars since chemo (makes him feel better) and I gave him an ashtray and said he could smoke in the house. No one ever is allowed to smoke in my house... but would do anything for him right now. My mom looks exhausted. Dad stopped using his CPAP- says he feels worse with it on, but now is snoring and mom cant' sleep. B/c of the low turnout at the party, everyone at the cupcakes and I had the cake still intact. His school has an BAN against chocolate and icing for birthday celebrations. (It's a Montessori thing) I made pumpkin muffin tops (which have sugar, just no icing). Same difference in my opinion. But it was good to do the cake with my parents. I even let Nelson just DIG IN with a fork and eat whatever parts he wanted! I cut a couple big pieces and then threw the rest. I just can't have it in the house. OK girls, I will check back some time tomorrow. HUGS to all. peasout... Laura

Hi guys~ Read the last few posts~ you guys have been busy beavers! I am exhausted after the last few days being so busy. Nelson had a great day and is now sleeping! : ) Now I can have a little down time. The party was a hit. I was a little ticked off, about 10 kids (plus the adults), ~ so 20 or so, RSVPed and then didn't show. I ordered food/cake based on the numbers so we had a LOT extra. I sent whole pizzas home with people! Everyone had fun. It was chilly, high was 60. The kids rode their vehicles, colored the pavement with sidewalk chalk, chased bubbles, played horse shoes, painted sun catchers, ate pizza and had cake! I also made homemade hummus and black bean salad. I did VERY good today~ was too afraid of PBing in front of everyone. My folks are supposed to fly in tomorrow midday. I am so excited to see them! It's been almost a month. HUGS and hellos to everyone. I need to go get my feet up. peasout~ Laura

My Nelson got his yellow belt in taekwondo. So proud of the little stinker. Just in time for his birthday party tomorrow too! 25 little 5-6 year olds! I have been running around like a chicken with my head cut off. Didn't even get to read posts. I was sending some pics to my Dad and thought I would share while I was on real quick. Hugs to everyone. Tomorrow night I should have time to get caught up with the posts. peasout... Laura

Fly by~ sorry guys can't respond to posts. I glanced them but sooooo busy here. No school today so trying to get things done with DH and DS here. ughhh. party stuff, cleaning, laundry, stressing, etc. Also, TOM is finally here for a visit after ignoring me for 3 months! omw, what a visit too! tmi but I feel like a PMS bitch on steroids. I accidently opened a Sam's size jar of gourmet jelly beans that were meant for the party. I had one handful and then put them away. Thank God there is no chocolate in this house. I am so excited about my parents coming down for a few days. We set up an appt with a local oncologist just so dad has someone to see if anything happened while here. I feel bad that I can't give as much attention to the "prep" of their visit b/c I have the party going on. So now if I am not on for a while you guys will understand why. Hugs and hi to everyone. peasout... Laura

Good morning sunshines : ) DH is FINALLY better. It kinda blew all our plans to chill and do stuff while Nels was at school. And today is last day of school, Thur/Fri is "winter break". I swear these private schools invent days off. They have "care" on those days for working parents, but if you aren't signed up for that they charge $10 an hour! My parents are going to try and come down on Sunday! They didn't want to come for the party b/c Dad just doesn't have the stamina to handle it. But they wanted to be here for Nelson's actual birthday which is on Monday. That really means a lot to me. But now is adding a whole nother level of stress. I will have to clean AFTER the party before they come. Also, DH and I are going to offer our master BR. The bed is more comfortable and has a sep thermostat. He has been so cold with chemo. I am not sure they will accept, but I have a hunch they will. Janet~ recheck what you typed on FB. You wrote "I missed my cardio!" I read: I didn't go. So I was all set to give you a lecture~ LOL... yeah, me the one who hasn't been to the gym in a month! ; ) WTG on being an exercise girl. I wish it was catchy. Lori~ I LOVE donnie. I had a purple bike, coat and socks growing up. I woulda seen him. : ) You do have a busy schedule! I will write more later.. gotta go

good morning girls~ Joyce~ wtg, you did it! Glad no pain! This is the first day of the rest of your life!!! woohooo Apples~ enjoy your ds. Hugs. I know how much that time means to you. Rainy day today here too. Janet~ Good going on the good food day. Gym too. I will get there eventually. <sigh> So much going on with party, dh sick, last min stuff with Nelson's school. Next week I will take some deep breaths and get back on plan. I am doing ok with food. And I probably walked a mile in sam's and lifted all those cases of water/beer/etc. Last night's out to dinner did not go well AT ALL. I ordered soup first (french onion) and I never eat the top. (but I decided to take one bite of the cheese) Well, you can't chew that shit, not sure what they make it from, rubber? I chewed and chewed and should have spit it out. I felt like just air trapped but couldn't burp. I went to BR and PBed. Thought I would be ok, ordered appetizer crabcake. took only one bite No go. Back to BR. Couple sitting near the BR thought I was preggo..LOL. Then came back and wasn't going to eat, but just sitting I started sliming. Went to the car this time. PBed in the grass in front of restaurant! A car was just pulling in- saw me and decided to leave the restaurant! LMAO. Later when I got home, tried to drink some milk and same thing happened. Waited about 2 hours and was finally able to get a yoplait yogurt down. Had to take an extra prilosec and some tums. I keep wanting that last "free" fill. After March 2, they are $200. But with these stuck episodes just don't think I need it. I will write more later. I know I didn't respond to everyone. sorry. HUGS..... gotta get the boy ready for school! peasout...cbl....Laura

Just a fly by from the phone. Dh and I taking the boy to tkd and then out to eat. I spent the day buying stuff for the birthday party on sat. Weather guy is predicting 70 and partly cloudy. Crossing fingers for good weather as there is no plan B. I would likely die if I had 25 kids in my house! Omw just thinking about it gives me palpitations! Lol. Cbl....peasout! Laura

Good evening everyone! Joyce in KC~ Glad your husband is being so supportive. I remember the night before my surgery, like it was yesterday. My parents came down and watched my son, so DH could take me to the hospital and such. Do you have Popsicles? Also broth and low sugar apple juice. I couldn't handle the jello the first few days unless I swished them first. Can't remember if you told us- are you out patient or staying one night? Best of luck! Let us know how you do, when you can. JulieB~ oh hon, that damn pain! Please call your insurance company and start complaining. It's going to be the only way to get through to them. I would call every day and just be a BIT$#! I hope things improve soon. HUGS. Cheri~ I don't want you to think I don't like dancing. Hell, ask Janet, she will tell you I can dance! LOL ; ) I just don't like those two I mentioned. Maybe b/c they always played the hell out of those songs. I love just plain boogie/rock and roll, etc. I took dancing as a kid (age 3-9), jazz, tap and ballet. Will have to scan one of those pics.. funny stuff with my panties peaking out of my leotard. Phyl~ Glad you are feeling better and had a good day. : ) Eva~ Sounds like you had a good chill day. I need one of those. Your SD trip sounds nice. Even better to meet family now that you have lost and will feel more confident to see everyone. I took Nelson to the park today, so DH could rest. Not sure why but the bees were EVERYWHERE there! I guess b/c it's day #2 of warm weather? Even really far from garbage cans they were chasing us. We came home after an hour and played in the yard. I got some Vit D and feel better already. Ready for Nels to go back to school tomorrow morning, so DH and I can have some us time. (even though he is still sick). I might actually make him go to the dr. (or give in and start antibiotics). It sure is acting like a virus though. We'll see. I will CBL... peasout.. Laura

just noticed that apples and janet were posting at the same time I was! i guess we have ESPN...LOL

Good day to all my girls! Thanks thanks thanks for all the birthday wishes! I actually felt all the love coming from the screen. : ) Well, dinner plans were scratched last night. DH was overly ambitious with his day out and about. He was at Publix getting a tiny cake when he started running fever. I told him to grab some shrimp and scallops and come home. I canceled the reservations and put him to bed. Around 6 he was feeling a bit better and we ate some grilled seafood, blew out candles and just hung out at home. I was perfectly ok with that. It doesn't matter where you are~ as long as you are with people you love. I had so many phone calls/texts/emails/Facebook messages etc. with birthday wishes. So so sweet. My entire family called from NC and passed the phone around. Then they did a group birthday song. Oh goodness, none of my family can sing a note! LOL. At least I know where I get it! ; ) It's only 55 right now but supposed to get up in the 70s again today. LOVE the warmer weather. NY~ sorry you lost the post. I HATE when that happens! Cheri~ That's funny that you met DH with the electric slide. The band at my wedding was forbidden to play that or macarena. Not my cup of tea. Eva~ yeah for the bonus. Bummer is has to go to the powerline. And I hear ya with the house cleaning. I am spoiled that way too. My Brazilian girls come through like a tornado twice a month and I LOVE that. They came while I was in Orlando and it was the best Valentine gift to come home to a spotless abode. BIG aphrodisiac! ; ) Apples~ Your picnic/party sounds like so much fun! Go USA! Now that is dedication, baking even without a mixer or your pots! It would have been brownies if I had to do that. Let us know how it went. Judy~ How did the dance go? Any prospects???? How is the arm pain? Janet~ How's the weekend going? Family? Gym? Cleaning? Groomers? Such a busy girl! ok guys, off to enjoy the rest of the day. peasout...Laura

Ok Phyll: Your friendly neighborhood nurse practitioner at your service. I take MC/Visa and Amex. LOL. Disclaimer: is for informational purposes only and is not intended to act as a substitute for a professional health care practitioner advise. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, please consult your doctor. We will not be liable for any complications, injuries or other medical accidents arising from or in connection with the use of or reliance upon any information. That said, let's review your symptoms: Sore throat x 2 weeks, mild nausea, rhinitis, myalgia/aches esp of head and neck, intermittent cough. (Lots more questions I would ask: Fever? Color of nasal drainage? Blurred vision? Dizziness? Diarrhea? Urinary symptoms? Any rashes? History of tick bites? Chest pain? Shortness of breath? Facial swelling? Drooling?) Possible diagnosis: Viral Illness. (90-95% of all sore throats are caused by viruses, even influenza). BUT...Strep could be one. if it were untreated strep, an uncommon complication is post streptococcal glomerulonephritis. (Given your history of recurrent UTIs, it would cause me to want that checked out). The other thing that can cause all these things is Mono. (although the associated spleen enlargement usually causes left sided pain). It could be pleuritic chest wall pain, as Dr. Janet, suggested. But you said only off and on cough that is worse in morning. (the worse in morning party is usually b/c of post nasal drip causing a sort of "snot rot" in the back of the throat that can get into the bronchi). So, it sounds like a virus taking its course. BUT... I always advise people if after 10 days their symptoms persist then they should be checked out. The back and neck pain concern me the most. Also, if you had an untreated sinusitis (which can cause all these), it can migrate to the brain if left untreated. Go see a health care practitioner! And, I hope you feel better soon! Wow, wasn't planning on working on my birthday. ; ) Good luck Joyce on your upcoming surgery on Monday!!! You will do great! And know we are thinking about you!!!! CBL peeps.... Laura

Good morning girls! Thank you, thank you , thank you for all the birthday wishes! You guys are THE BEST! It actually is a good day. The weather is nice~ supposed to get up to 72 today! Next weekend (for the boy's party) is supposed to be sunny and 70! Perfect weather! DH is feeling a bit better. Fevers getting farther apart. He made reservations for tonight at The Capital Grille. (will load him up on advil) I know they have a few of those in other states. I just love it (used to when I could EAT eat). But they have great Soups and appetizers too. I am going to be "good" all day, so I can be "bad" tonight..LOL. Just got off the phone with my family~ one by one they passed the phone around. They are having the party/dinner without us. I insisted. Sis didn't Celebrate her bday on Valentine's b/c she was waiting on us AND mom already bought all the food. She bought a SF angel food cake (b/c of sis' RNY) and then has diff toppings, some SF and some regular. I thought that was a good idea for a bday party for two WLS gals. Missing my family really bad. Janet~ Thanks for the beautiful cards! I LOVE the charm and have already hung it in my car. Thank you for thinking of me. And Nels, well he did a BACK FLIP when he got his card!!! Not necessary, but totally appreciated! Cheri~ Happy Anniversary! Congrats on being under goal! Great~ Sorry about the PB. And I hear ya on things said. The one I heard for forever was "you'd be so pretty if you were thinner! Such a pretty face!" JeweI~ Hope you are feeling better. And wtg on hubby compliments. My DH is so good at saying just the right stuff to make me feel good. Smart husbands know the balance. Arlene~ I will have to try those pancakes- they sound great. Karen~ I could almost hear your sweet voice sing that bday song! Thanks for thinking of me. : ) How are you guys doing? DH is out with Nels right now. They went to get me "something". Also, DH wanted me to have some ME time. I was invited to go- but am enjoying the quiet house. I briefly thought about a pedicure, but will go on a week day when it's not so crowded. Ok girls. I will CBL... peasout! LAURA I was just looking at some pics from bdays past. holy cow, even I can see the change.

Linda~ We got married in 2001. July 21st. DH finished his residency the Saturday before! And he started his job 9 days after the wedding! We had no other choice on the day! : )

Hey guys~ Thanks for all the thoughts. DH is THE WORST patient ever! But men, in general, are bad patient and doctors are next on the list! ; ) He's had fever off and on and muscle aches. Nelson is better. I am fine compared to DH. I feel like I have a cold. No fever though. My parents were actually VERY thankful we didn't come. Mom feels bad that I will spend my birthday tomorrow taking care of a sicky. She wanted to send me flowers and I told her to please not! They really kick up my allergies and right now we have enough pollen around to do the job. So, b/c I thought we would be gone today- I have no groceries. (that might be a good thing). I will go to Publix in the morning for a few things. I have a pantry and freezer full, so no fear of starving..LOL. I hope everyone with pain- feels better soon. Lori, love the pink stuff idea. I adore weddings! In my next life I would love to be a wedding planner. Might post a few of mine- feeling nostalgic. : ) Oh, Eva, let me get past my birthday and maybe game on. : ) I hear someone yelling "mommy! mommy!" Wonder who that could be!? LOL TGIF. peasout.. Laura 1st one is of me and my dad (one of my most favs) 2nd is of us in front of my Dad's boat. We left from the reception on it. 3rd is where we got married (vizcaya museum and gardens in Miami) 4th is family pic.

Hi guys~ Well, DH woke up this a.m. with a fever 102, chills, muscle aches. He has never missed a day of work since I have known him (1999). He's on call today and this week with 2 docs on vacation- they are short staffed- so he went in. He didn't have to go in until 11am, but will likely be there until the morning. I am feeling iffy- but no fever. Another death in FL yesterday due to the H1N1. We've had our shots- so hopefully that's not an issue. We decided to call off the trip. My parents were so disappointed when we called. My mom had gone shopping and was planning a big birthday celebration for me and sis. (hers was 14th and mine the 20th). Ughhh... I feel so bad letting them down. But I would feel worse if we got him sick. My family runs on guilt and I am feeling it 10 fold today. Then they suggested we come after the weekend- but Nelson has his taekwondo testing on the 26th (supposed to go at least two lessons before testing) and his bday party 27th. I have sooo much stuff to do before the party! On a positive note...... 223 today!!!!!!!! OMG! Eva~ Glad you made it home safe and sound. Hope your back feels better. And yeah, that's cool that we are so close. Race is on! ; ) (kidding) Janet~ Hang in there with work/family/etc. Yeah, I do about the same speed as you. I can't imagine a 10 min mile walking. Dang that's fast. JulieB~ Hope your shoulder is feeling better. You need to slow down. So glad Mimi liked her squirt. Did you find out if your DD has Finding Nemo movie? Samc~ I agree with LauraK, the first few days are the hardest with the liquid. Are you allowed to have yogurts or soups? I found the greek yogurts with 15gm of protein per serving REALLY helped me. If you are sick of sweet you can add a tsp of olive oil, mint, onion powder and a little salt. Sounds weird but kinda tastes like sour cream and onion dip. I ate a lot of SF Popsicles during that time to. Hang in there. The motivation of getting to the surgery date and desire to have your liver in good shape should help you keep on track. Cassie~ Step away from the cookies! You can do this!!! hugs sndycnrd~ WTG on the running. I did the training for the couch25K back in Oct/Nov. but twisted my knee and never did the race in Dec. It is very motivating training with others. My husband jokes that the only way he would run is if someone had a shotgun at his back! (those of you that have met him can hear him saying that! LOL) Not sure what to do with myself today. Plan was to pack and now that I don't have to do that.. Hmmmm. Maybe I will chill. I haven't done that in a while.I should go to the gym but feeling too punky for that. I will CBL guys... have a good Thursday! peasout... Laura

Hi guys~ fly by post. I am such a doofus. I JUST realized I put the wrong year on Nelson's birthday party invitations!!! I proofed those several times too. duh. That's what I get for using the one saved on the computer from last year! I am sure no one will notice, but it just makes me feel silly. The boy went to school today. It was in the 40s too. I hope he does ok. I don't have time to respond to posts- will do it tonight. hugs. peasout~~~ Laura

Good morning guys~ Well, it FINALLY happened. After MONTHS of staying between 226-230, I finally broke the 225 barrier! Actually yesterday, and today it was 224!!! I haven't been under 225 in a long time (6 years or so). I haven't been exercising (to the gym- purposeful exercise/weights) in a while, but I have been walking a lot. This weekend I was pretty good. Not having snacks/food around really helped me. Maybe I should live in a hotel?! I so wanted the 100 off for my 1 year anniv. I don't think that will happen, but I will be closer. I kept Nelson out of school today. I was all set thinking he would go back today and 10 min before bed last night he spiked another 102 fever. I am just feeling guilty b/c I pulled him out of school 2 days last week (to meet everyone in Orlando)... and then he will miss next Monday b/c we are going to NC to see my Mom and Dad. He still has no appetite. I even bought him a choc. iced donut and vanilla milkshake from DD. He licked the icing off and said "no thanks, can you save them for me". What kid doesn't want a milkshake?! In between fevers he is 100% fine- playing and energy. Eva~ Wishing you safe travels. I hope your visit went well. Wow, you must have that Ft. Meyers to Orlando trip down pat! ; ) Karen~ Glad you got rid of all that food! You are the hostess with the mostess. You are amazing~ thought of every last detail for us this weekend! Thanks again for doing all that. Janet~ How is your sis? Sorry to hear about your power. Guess what- my @*&^%$# DVR didn't record Survivor! I had to watch it on the computer. I was p.o.ed. I am seriously thinking about applying for that show. Hell, at 300 I couldn't have done it- but I am feeling more and more capable. I could use the million dollars! JeweI~ Hope you feel better soon! I hate being sick. I hope your Dad does think about improving his life. You can't force him- just have to be supportive. ok guys, time to go get some work done. The house looks like a hurricane went through. (toys everywhere). Oh, today I had to take DH's car to the mechanic (check engine light) ugghh. I had called ahead to make sure they had a loaner. Well, they gave me the run around- said I had to wait. I said, ok- just so you know this kid is sick with fever of 102 and I don't know what he has. The loaner car appeared in 2 minutes! LOL. I will CBL... peasout.. Laura

Thanks Apples~ All day he has only wanted fluids. Preferring choc milk to apple juice/sprite/gatorade/water. I asked him if his throat was hurting- said no. He was complaining of his teeth hurting- when I went to look with the light- the space between the cheek and gums is one big ulcer/canker sore! Poor thing. No wonder he doesn't want to eat. The good news is this is almost always viral- and short lived. Phyll~ feel better soon!!! ~~~peas

Hi guys~ Janet~ WTG on the gym. I told myself tomorrow I am going to get back. (can't today with the little guy). But plan is to do it tomorrow!!! You have to tell everyone that the first two pics are from DFW! LOL.. it looks like they were Orlando! It felt cold enough to snow. All the crooked pics were NOT b/c the photographer was tipsy. (Nelson took most of the group pics before Eva's DH arrived!) I will email mine. J~ did you watch your Survivor episode yet? Nothing exciting here. Was building a lego car. woohoo! The excitment..LOL. Am making Beef Bourguignon for dinner. We opened a bottle of wine last night and I got a Julia Child type inspiration! Will CBL...L

Up with a sick boy! He has a 101.8 fever- just gave him some Motrin. : ( He has 5-6 bites on his torso, they look like ant bites. He has a terrible reaction to all stings. Even mosquitoes leave a golf ball size welt. They are going down with cortisone cream. No other symptoms, just feeling punky and no appetite. Just hope I don't get this one. We usually pass them around like footballs around here. I had a pretty darned good Valentine's myself. After we got home DH took some lamb out of the freezer and made the best Syrian Lamb Stew with spices, onion, tomato sauce, peas & carrots. It was just what I needed on a cold day, and even better that I didn't have to cook. Then we went to bed early~:hurray: since he has to get up at 5 or work. As far as gifts go- I got to go to Orlando to meet all my friends! PRICELESS. And my laptop died and he ordered a new one with a 10 hour battery life! Oh, and I got the coach bag (combine VD, birthday on the 20th, and bandiversary on March 2), and several shirts at Eddie Bauer. I scored. He got a Snoopy stuffed animal dressed in scrubs holding a heart box of chocolates from me and a box of Sponge Bob crabby patties from Nelson! Also got him a new coach wallet that he LOVES. He would get me flowers if I wanted them~ but lately they just make me sneeze more than I already am! No thanks : ) Judy~ Love the review! Hilarious. And that darn guard was asking for it! JulieB~ So glad you got home safely. Was your coat waiting for you? : ) Your DH sounds like a love. Hug his neck and thank him for sharing you with us! Janet~ So glad you had an uneventful return flight. Miss you already sister. HUGS. Karen~ It's too darn cold for a campfire in FL! But will warm up 10 degrees with you in a heart teddy! oooh la la! Eva~ <said in my best W-alle voice> How is it going in Ft. Meyers? Hope the drive went ok. Did you go main roads this time? ; ) I overheard DH talking to Julie and Eva (I think) thanking them ( & everyone) for being there for me at a time when no one else would understand. He really GETS IT how special this LBT thread is to me. I had never heard him say that, so that was really warming. And I will end on that note. Sweet dreams of love, health and happiness. peasout...Laura

Great~ You were so missed! I got a Coach Tote. (see attached pic) LauraK~ Thanks! It's the first one I ever bought myself. Got one for my 30th bday, one for my 40th birthday (both from my mom) and now this one for my one year bandiversary (will be on March 2). Meredith~ :hurray: HORRAY! Congrats you your new home! What a big life event. I am so happy for you! May you live a long and healthy life in your new home. xoxo sndycnrd~ Thanks for your kind words about our trip. AND WTG!!!! Congrats on onederland and Happy Birthday! Hi crzy~ It's off of Lake Buena Vista Rd. (which is near Intl I think)- I think it is the same. They have great stores. Thanks for thinking of us. : ) Linda~ We missed you too! We thought of everyone and even toasted those not there. Too funny that your scar was itching! LOL J~ We really enjoyed meeting you as well! Your DH is a sweetie. So glad you made it!!! It was an inspiration as well for me to meet people working their bands. HUGS. LadyKcusa/Joyce~ Nice meeting you. I don't remember your name, but I haven't been on this thread as long as some. Everyone else~ Hello, hugs and Happy VD day! LOL. Time to go enjoy being home with my boys. Gotta unpack and put things away. TTYL....peasout... Laura

The next few photos were from our dinner out on Saturday night.