ocotillo

Still having internet problems...here is my post from last night...want to get it in, then I'll try and do catch up....if it works....sorry. I still don't think it's working...I'm trying to read one thread and post on another and I can't load the 2nd brower. Dang, It makes it really hard to write comments back. Laura, I think Tucson has one of those pipe bars on 4th Ave. Of course that is close to the university and you can find just about everything. Apples, welcome back. Glad to hear your parts are healing, including your teeth. How many more appointments on that? You have more b**ls than any man I know dealing with the pain like you do. But you said pain meds make you hurl, didn't you? That might stop me too....hurling is bad, very bad. Off to the lake again tomorrow? Lori, Maui is really nice and very diversified. It has desert and rain forest. There are some very nice restaurants in town. We spent Thanksgiving there one year (two of the people I'm going to Argentina with) and another person that we didn't like. But the island was wonderful. You have to go to Hana. Julie, you do a great job of posting to everyone. Your appointment is getting closer. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you. Sounds like your daughter is doing the right thing even if it does mean she doesn't need you as much. She does still need you but not in the same way. I hope she is happy with her family addition and it adds to your life, not subtracts from it. Jessica, I'm so excited for you and the start of your school. As busy as you'll be, it will help you grow and your confidence will grow too. When I job search, I see lots of nursing jobs so you'll know you can always take care of yourself with this education. Linda, you do write wonderful posts and it is always so nice that you take time to address each one of us. I know you have long days too and a lot on your plate, but seem to make time for us. Charlene, how's the walking going? You are doing better than me. I just can't get out and walk in 104 deg. weather. I also think I need another pair of walking shoes. They seem to wear out so fast. I have my eye on a pair at one of the stores close to work, so maybe tomorrow I'll go try them on. Janet, how's the workout going? Are you exercising 5 days a week? You must have a ton of energy. Hello to everyone else I missed. This is from memory and those on this page only, it's all I can see. Dang computer. Cheri, has class started yet? Judy, how was your trip? Have a good night!

Quick middle of the night post. Maybe the internet is fixed. DH can make computers work....yeah. I think I got a virus because I could get email on one account but not on the other. I got both tonight (this morning?) Up because the foot/back issue again but I did 45 minutes in the pool. Janet so sorry about Andrew. He must be feeling his independence too. They want to grow up sometimes. Laurua, beautiful story thanks for sharing it. Nels's baby picture is so cute. Phyl and Apples, glad you guys got to meet up. Melissa, good luck at the job fair. Hi Charlene, Lori, Kurby,, Joyce, Judy, Laurka, Julie, and everyone else I've missed. Hopefully I'll get to sleep soon and my internet will keep working. Later. Eva

Hey ladies, I'm not lost...... My internet has been going down at night. Not sure if it's the DSL or my computer, but I'll check email and start to read posts and then nothing will load. So I'm writing now and will read later and comment if I can. I am around. I've been exercising but my back is giving me trouble again, so I'm going to have to modify it again. Can't have too many sleepless nights yet. The memorial service for our friend will be Saturday at his parents house. Seems everything is falling into place and we'll be able to say good bye in a Wookie (his nickname) manner. DH's procedure last Tuesday caused him to have a nasty case of shingles. He is finally starting to recover, but it was an unfortunate surprise to find out he is subject to them. His grandma had them pretty bad. 29 working days left. Yahoo!!! Okay, I'm hitting enter and hopefully this will post and I'll catch up with all of you soon. Eva

There is so much to comment on and I will probably miss people and stuff. Linda, what a sweet baby, both of them, your DGD and Merry. You two are so cute in your matching aprons. Looks like you are having fun. That is an ugly tumor...hugs to you and to Merry. I hope for the best outcome for both of you. Laura, really glad to hear your Mom is doing better. My sister swears by those epidurals. She's on other drugs that have contributed to her weight gain, but I don't know which ones. It doesn't help with her arthritis either, but then I guess it's a balancing act. Sorry your Dad is feeling poorly. Hope he gets some relief. Lots of work with that party, but your parents will really appreciate it. Hi Dee, nice to see you again. How's NO treating you? Joyce, sorry to hear about your DD. I hope she gets the help she needs, unfortunately its tough to do. Phone ringing...bbl

So we got a call tonight from a friend to tell us her boyfriend, another friend, died today. She asked us to drive her to Mark's parents house because his parents hadn't been told yet. We got there and the Sheriff's office was there. It makes the Wal-Mart episode pale to nothing. Our friend Cheryl was the happiest I've ever seen her. She is being laid off effective next Monday, was packing up her house and life and moving to Colorado to live with Mark, someone she loved. Mark was happier than he had been in a very long time, he had lost weight, was taking care of himself and they were buying a house. In fact they just heard today that the offer was accepted. Now their world is shattered and one of them is dead. My heart is breaking for Cheryl. She is a good person and deserved a little happiness. So sad. Sorry folks, but I'm pretty bummed out about this. Mark was a very happy guy and we saw him most times he came to town. He will be missed. Later, Eva

Afternoon, I need to vent a little. I went to Wal-Mart today which is the building next door to where I work…I walk there. I get my stuff and I’m using a basket and am politely standing in line in the proper place waiting my turn. The lady at the checkout counter is complaining because the 30 boxes of crayons she bought were 25 cents and someone told her they were 20 cents. It became a very big deal and she and an associate walk off to check the price, etc. Another lady gets in line behind me and is wondering why I’m standing there and not going up to the register. I explain that another lady is complaining about the price of crayons and I can’t go up there yet. The lady behind me starts bitching at me…she’s going to be late for her doctor’s appointment, she only has two items, etc. Why don’t I go up there and finish checking out. The other people come back, then the lady behind me complains because the crayon lady goes up to the cash register and she thinks she’s cutting in line. I explain again that she is the person who is checking out. At this point, I left the line and went to another register because the lady behind me is still complaining. After people expect miracles at work because they don’t plan well and get all huffy when they can’t have what they want that same day, I really don’t need crotchety old women bitching at me about something that had absolutely nothing to do with me. I’m sorry she’s going to be late, but hey, it wasn’t my fault. I probably would have let her go in front of me except she was nasty. Well she got to go anyway because I left, but geez people have unreasonable expectations sometimes. Okay, that’s my vent. I had a meeting this afternoon and didn’t go back to work afterwards. I went grocery shopping (tortoise food) and that check out person was very pleasant. So I’ll go do the pool in a little while and work out my frustrations again. CBL, Eva

Jodi, I love your posts. I can just "hear" you. Went to bed early and woke up with a leg cramp. It's over now and I'm going back to bed. Hugs to Apples. It's not what you are supposed to do to relax...break an arm that is. Judy, have fun on your trip. Ended up working late and didn't do pool, but I did walk after work in 100 deg weather. Kicked my butt. Okay, off to bed. Greetings to everyone. Eva

Linda, amazing with all that rain. We don't get that much in a month let alone one day. I can't imagine. I hope they can do a good job with Merry. Sounds like she has a lot of quality life left. Laura, hugs to you and your parents. I'm sure your sister is feeling "put out" and I doubt there's much you can do. If she is there every day, but they still want you, she might be feeling liked chopped liver. I don't think our parents realize how they can hurt us sometimes. You know they love you both, but sometimes it doesn't feel like that. ANSWER: I want a new Mercedes....sorry, but it's one of my favorite jokes. I have a good JAP friend and it's something she says. Tough stuff there with the ex. I guess you have the right attitude and enjoy his company while he is here. Great job with the walking too. That's the way to do it. Julie, the cookie salad sounds like dessert. I bet it is good. Now I'd volunteer to do the potato salad, but everyone likes something different and I'm not sure if they would like the "kitchen sink" type I make. LOL Good luck with the docs! Janet, did I tell you I like your bangs? If not, I do. Pilates today. Pool tomorrow. See I'm trying to plan. Apples is having a little more than her share. Sending her healing love through the web! Work is crazy busy again...or should I say still. I'll be working like crazy up until my last day. Have to do a site walk tomorrow (it's supposed to be over 100 deg) because a developer ripped all our cable out that was just put in (the ground) in 2004...a lot of cable. It's going to be hard to explain that one. Jodi, the wedding sounded really nice. Glad you had a good time and I bet men are looking at you. But I bet it's your vibrant personality that is really attractive. DH's proceedure went well today and didn't take too long. No problems found. I'm very happy about that and I think he is too. He's just disgusted he had to go through this for nothing, but it's a base line so now they know in case anything else happens. Have a great night ladies. Eva

Jodi, I'm curious about the Monday wedding too. Oh my, not a camping girl huh? You can make it for a couple of days. Who is providing the sleeping gear? Make sure you take good padding and depending on your weather, a way to stay dry. You should have lots of fun. The mother/daughter thing with mani/pedi sounds so cool. I never did anything like that with my mom. Julie, just 300 people, no big deal....yeah right. You deserve the credit you are getting. Are you going to look for a MOB dress? Or is this going to be casual and only the bride be all fancied up? Charlene, I'm trying all sorts of products to keep the frizz down, but have only found a couple that work. So you are happy with Garnier stuff? I might have to try it. I've used Pantene restoratives but they work so so. Linda, I'm sorry to hear that your SD takes advantage of you. As much as you love your DGD, you still need time for you. You work full time and I really understand about needing the weekends to recoup sometimes. From the sounds of it, your SD isn't interested in taking care of herself. She knows you take care of DGD no matter what. I'm sorry to hear about your little dog. It's a very hard decision and I'd check with another vet. Surgery at that age is hard on them. Merry knows you will make the best decision for her. My friend has a 3 legged dog, but it's a young dog and is doing just fine. Phyl, that bad purse decision....the Miche bags are very cool with the exchangeable covers, but they are stiff and it's hard for me to get my stuff in it...or rather to get stuff out of them, so I'm back to my old bag. We do have our favorites and finding a new seems to be a crap shoot to me. Jessica, sounds like a lot is going on. The party in a museum sounds like fun if it isn't too expensive. And maybe your Dad would really like to host a party. It can't hurt to ask. Men don't plan parties too well, there are exceptions out there, but for the most part, they aren't the best party planners. Sounds like you are getting excited about starting school. Lori, I have a stock tank about 28 inches deep (of course it doesn't freeze that hard here) and have a little pump that recirculates the water. It is a nice sound, but sometimes I have to go check to make sure I didn't leave something running when I hear that sound. I've flooded more than one thing out. Judy, thanks for the encouragement and the laughs. Retirement at 52 is great. I'll be good with 54. Your post is not long...no restroom break. Congrats on getting off the plateau....nice view on the down side. Joyce, what are you up to. You're posting but not saying much. Janet, yes Andrew is a good kid. It's hard for them to grow up, but at least you know he loves you. How's Bella? Glimmer had a hernia too but they took care of it when they spayed her. What will I do when I retire? Figure out a way to make more money. I do need a little time to chill, but I'm going to have to earn some money if I want to travel at all, so I'm trying to work on some stuff. We'll see how it plays out. I may just look for some part time work. Cheri, I have to do the drugs and soak after my marathon yard episodes. I'm really glad your neighbors appreciated what you did for them. It's nice for you and for them. So no formal exercise for me today, but I did get a brief workout this morning. I had to inspect one of the T-mobile sites and we put in a "Handhole". It's like a manhole except it is a lot smaller, 30 inches by 48 inches by maybe 2 feet deep. It has a large lid that covers then entire thing which is rectangular. The lid is made of fiberglass and concrete. I decided to be macho woman and look inside (checking to make sure the pull tape was in there). I got the lid off but moved it 2 inches too far and it fell in the hole and I couldn't get it out. It's heavy, really heavy....maybe 100 pounds. I was embarrassed because I had to call someone to help pull the darn thing out and set it back up. So that was the start of my day and it went down hill from there. Anyway, I'm still very tired from the previous days exercise so today is a day off and I'll resume again tomorrow. Picked up my retirement papers but it's going to take a while to read everything and decide what I want to do. I have a little time before they have to be in. DH is having a colonoscopy (sp?) in the morning, so tonight is going to be all sorts of fun for him and I have to take him tomorrow. It will be over with soon and life will get back to normal, we hope. I'm going to bed early, didn't sleep well last night. Have a great evening! Eva

Evening ladies, Janet, got back from an hour in the pool today. I can really feel it in my legs. Yesterday, after the nap, I was still tired. Took 3 ibuprofen and went to bed early. Slept really well and felt fairly good today. Great job on the shopping, as usual, you always get good deals. We went to REI to see what they had. They just opened a store here and DH and I haven't been there yet. DH got a North Face fleece jacket with all the stuff he likes on it for $60 less than marked and a bike shirt and a hat. I got a wind fleece which is a light weight jacket for $30 less. It was a North Face too. We also went to Borders and bought Argentina books. We don't shop much and don't shop together very often, so this was a big deal. Laruak, walking on sand is always hard, but such good exercise. You certainly have me beat for distance, but I'll catch up. Cheri, good for you and the gardening. It's a lot exercise than a lot of people think. I always get carried away to do too much, then I'm sore afterwards. It's really nice of you to clear out your neighbors beds too...LOL they are just waiting for you to do it. Gwendolyn, glad you are going to do something about the fatigue. It's only been two weeks you said, so be patient, the energy will come back. I've got a chicken in the oven and will be cooking cauliflower to go with it for dinner. I also have a pile of bills (for the house in Colorado) to pay and don't want to do it. There's always something. Tomorrow is work too, yuck...only 36 more working days....must have mis-counted the other day. Laura, have a good and safe flight. Okay, later...I'm distracted. Eva

Sorry about the bruise, but I am glad to hear you are doing well. It's good to hear you up beat. Hope the movie was really good! Phyl, I'm sorry to hear you are still having trouble with your back. Hope that improves soon. Sounds like the therapy is helping. Zoey is young one and they do tend to act up now and then. She is so cute, it's hard to resist letting them get away with everything. Do you harness her in the basket? Lori, I've been to Park City and yep, it's hilly. It's very pretty there and I really liked it better than SLC becauce SLC was socked in and had snow and fog. Park City was sunny and clear. It was one of those inversion things. Yes, I will be in Vegas. Laura, why don't you ship the bulky stuff to your mom. It will get there and you won't have to worry about stuffing it all in a small place. Your mom will really appreciate you being there and helping out. And I agree, most men don't get how much work we do to make their lives easier. Some days I want to rebel and just lay around all day. Of course, then nothing gets done. Julie, is this your DD's wedding? I forgot what date it was. I can't even imagine 300 people at a wedding let along trying to make that amount of food for them. If I was already retired, I'd come help. You talk about me being busy, you stay pretty busy yourself. Jessica, a test on the first day? Is that so they can judge what levels you are already? Janet, or should I say coach Janet. Didn't do formal exercise on Thursday, but I worked with some hand weights while I was reading posts, Friday I did my pilates machine (can't do a full session yet, but did get on it and worked out about 20 minutes). I also did 6 flights of stairs at work and thought my legs had turned to spaghetti. Today DH and I walked 3 miles (1 hours) over to my sisters. All of my muscles are sore from the work outs to various parts. I guess I'm finally getting started on getting off my butt and doing something. But as usual, the tingly foot thing has started but I'm not going to let it stop me. I have to be in better shape for Argentina and I've got 2 months to get there. I think I need a nap...it is Saturday and I can nap if I want, right? Laundry is started and watering is happening. I need to go to the store, but that can wait a while. Okay, nap sounds good. See Julie, I do take it easy now and then. Later Eva

If you get purple streaks in your hair you will have to post a picture!! Good for you and the walking...as Joyce said, you burn more calories when you complain...LOL (if that was true, I'd be thin LOL) Pilates are great for core strength...but the pilates DVD I have are mostly done from your back or I do have my Pilates machine and that does several different positions. I agree about the humidity...yuck. Yes, I am going to Argentina. I have a ticket for October 5th. I am excited. Good for you on the new goal especially with the possibility of RA. I hope you don't develop that, it's bad enough with the regular arthritis. I still haven't bought an inversion table. I haven't had the foot tingly thing too bad lately, so I'm putting that off for as long as possible. Just more equipment to junk up my house. I don't have a basement. Cool stuff with the baby girl. I bet you are excited. Water workouts are great because you do get a workout if you put effort into it and you don't sweat (or you don't feel like you are sweating.) I'm posting this now and will do more later. I'm afraid I'll get distracted and delete this.

Laura, funny about washing the swamp bugs from your boy. I don't have to worry about swamp bugs, just grease and dirt from my boy. When I met him 30+ years ago...he was greasy then too. I should have known. Joyce, it's so cool you went to see Lady Gaga. Yep, I agree some of the concerts are a little too enthusiastic for me too, but then again, how else do you stay young. Linda, I think Sylvia Brown would be interesting to see too. I've seen her a few times on TV and my MIL really likes her and has a couple of her books. If I was close, I'd go with you. Charlene, Glad your GD is okay...those bug bites can be wicked. Jodi, I'll have to catch up on your post later. Hope all is well with you! Off to work for me. Think I said this in my last post, but my sister is here (the one from Phoenix) and my nephew should arrive today, so not sure what's happening tonight. Everyone have a great day

I know I'm behind but better late than never, right? Phyl, do you have a dentist you go to in Mexico? After lap-band down there, I bet you would be able to find a good one. And the "watch dogs" joke was very cute. Charlene, the pool is a great way to exercise. I got 45 minutes in today and I really can feel it. That's nice of you to cook for your Mom. Glad she appreciates it too. You are quite inspiring walking in all that heat and humidity. Great/Charlene I must have missed the post about the epidurals and weight gain, but my sister gets those and she's gained quite a bit of weight. I think there are more factors involved than the epidurals. Those shots have helped her a lot...she's able to move and do thing and she's not just sitting around. Lori, congrats to your DS!!! And yes, we have monsoons every summer...humidity and heat this year but very little actual rain. We are a desert, we get most of our rainfall in the winter and summer. Winter rains and monsoons. It's usually humind (30% or so) July and August. Jessica, you can do it...it will not be easy, but it's totally up to you and there is no reason not to get through school. I think your pink hair is cute, but yes, it may not be the right impression to start with. Don't let your MIL put you down in any way. Smile and say, "I'm capable of this, it may be hard, but I will do it". And you will. Laurak, I want to work up to 5 miles. Not there yet, but I will be by the end of September. That's cool you have the rail trail. I love those. Janet, you are lucky to color your own...my always looks like crap when I do it, that's why I have a professional do it now. I may have to go back and have him fix the color. I really don't like it right now. Hope it fades. For electrolites, one product that I like a lot is Electro Mix byAlacer Corp. They make Emergen-C. The Electro mix is sugar free, calorie free, sodium free but has potassium, magnesium, manganese, calcium, chromium and is lemon-lime flavored. Julie, good for you in throwing away the sweets and the exercise. It's going to help in so many ways. So the trip to Bismark really does take some time. You are a good mom and grandmom. Okay it's 11 and I have to sleep. Hopefully more tomorrow. Sister is here from Phoenix and is expecting her son to arrive with moving truck, so no promises. Her son is going to graduate school here in Tucson. Janet, 45 minutes pool today. More work tomorrow. 37 working days. Eva

Just had my hair appointment too, but I think it's a little too red. I really don't want red hair, but we'll see in a day or two. I have Verizon too. You can call my cell for free!! You can call any Verizon mobile for free...it's a deal. Let me know how you like the DroidX...DH is thinking of changing when our two years are up in September. No regular exercise today, but I walked this morning quite a bit for work. Too much stopping and starting, but lots of out in the heat and sweating time, no sitting. Had hair appointment after work then date night. Now I'm tired and it's time to sleep again. Sorry to hear about Apples. Dang, she's on a negative cycle right now but we know she will bounce back. Okay, off to sleep. I really hoping for some down time again this weekend. Ugg. Eva

Sorry, short post again. Doing research on Argentina. You know if it isn't one thing it's another. Janet, 40 minutes walking...I know it's not an hour yet, but I'll be there within two weeks. My eyes are going to fall out of my head today...been on the computer all day. Take care everyone. Eva

Apples, I think you are getting more than your fair share of grief. HUGS to you. This is a fly by, have to go to work. Had a nice visit with my company last night. They drove down from Phoenix just for dinner. That was really nice. Of of the ladies is living in Texas and the other is from San Francisco. Marji's son lives in Phoenix so she was visiting him and her grand kids and her friend (whom we've met and visited in SF) came to Phoenix to visit Marji. It was cool. Okay I really have to go. Have a great day. Eva

So much emotion with the last few posts. LauraK, Laura, Janet, Apples, Lori, Jessica....I wish you all peace and love and the blessings of the universe. I believe it's part of life to go through the adversity because we grow from it. You guys are all loved and cherished, remember that. Just finished breakfast (10:59am) really on time today. We got up a little late today and I worked outside again for a while. Moved more rocks and cleaned up by the back door. When we had the electric transferred, they dug another trench to the right of the back door and of course that area was a mess, had sunk and needed to be fixed again, so that's what I did today. It looks so much better. Eventually I'll build a screen to block my view of all the pipes and the air conditioning unit back there, but that is a project for another day. I also got a couple of plugs of grass planted. Hopefully they will root and take off and my tortoises will have food. Need some down time, didn't sleep well. We are having DirectV installed right now, so no sleeping for me for a while. I'll have real TV soon....not that I watch much, but I do like a couple of things and True Blood on HBO...yeah. I'll try and check in later to report my additonal exercise Janet. We will be having company for dinner, so that will keep me busy this evening. Talk to you all later. Eva

I agree with Applies. Lori, we hope he gets everything he deserves in prison. Although I'm not sure men think about toilet paper the same way women do. My DH and I were apart for 13 years before we got back together. Part of my stipulation to even a date was monogamy and that we become friends. It worked because it's 13 years later and we are friends and married three years and there hasn't been anyone else in our lives. So talking and working through the crap is important. Laura, I'm adopted too. My adopted parents never hid the fact from me (at least I seemed to always have known I was adopted). What my parents told me was my "real" mother loved me but wasn't able to take care of me. I do think it is an individual thing, but I never felt abandoned or weird about it. I was loved and that was the important thing. I think Nelson will do just fine and so will you. I loved the prayer you posted. You and Nael are wonderful people. Take care of those Vespers (I thought those were prayers that nuns did). Trust me the energy will come back, but it does take time. It will creep up on you and you will be running around like crazy and not even realize how wonderful you feel. Janet, so sorry for the drama. Andrew knows you love him and eventually he'll realize Ryder is in a place where they will love him and take care of him. It's not only better for you, it's probably better for the dog. Phyl, I've become more of a coffee addict since banding. I like my coffee and don't want to give it up either. I still usually limit my consumption to 2 cups in the morning, but sometimes I'll sneak that 3rd cup in there on the weekends. Then I get motor mouth. LOL Yeah Julie, Mom to the rescue. I'm sure your daughter's wedding will be wonderful especially with you helping her. I hope this man continues to treat her well and that they can build a life together that is the best for both of them. How far away is Bismark? Linda, are you finally recovering from vacation? It's always hard to go back to work after being off and having fun for a while. Arlene, I know a couple of Arlene's. No it's not a popular name these days but it's a nice name. Eventually, I think the names come back around and will be used again. Look at the name Emma, it has had a resurgence. You have been doing a lot of walking. I'm proud of you. You will be ready for Vegas!! Apples, thoughts are with you right now, not only for your poor mouth but the family stuff. Don't work too hard. They can pitch in too. Lori, there will be one episode of your life that will be over with soon and hopefully your DH and you can put it behind you. And you have a GB (grandbaby) to look forward to. What fun!! I know I've missed more people. Sorry...HI I got up and walked before 6am this morning. It was cool (73 degrees and 75% humidity) but I did it and I'm glad. I also planted the other two cannas and finished getting the dirt around the new tree. I have a few other little projects, but that was what I mostly wanted to get done this weekend. My girl friend called a few days ago and said she and another friend are scamming a trip to Argentina using frequent flyer miles and a time share he has. Now I want to go too, so I'm trying to figure out how to do a 2 1/2 week trip in October right after Vegas. It's one of the reasons I walked today. If I do go on this trip there will be lots of walking and hiking and I want to be able to do that too. So, Janet, exercise cop, you can play cop with me. I am going to need it. Well my sister is due any minute so I'd better run. Take care and I'll check in later. Eva

Fly by....will catch up with everyone tonight or tomorrow. Apples, hugs to you and your DH. Hang in there, let the in-laws duke it out...shake your head and see how childish some people are. Lori, congrats on the conviction. Hopefully that will give you and your DH some peace. Laura, been there done that....not fun, but you'll survive...not so sure about DH. Okay, have to run...yeah it's FRIDAY!! Eva

Linda, I forget to tell you yesterday how nice your pictures were. You looked fabulous, bruise and all! Jessica, congrats on the nursing school. You know you will excel at it but girl you have to stay on your meds. I know it's tough, but you can do it. Charlene, I have closet envy...I really want to go through all my drawers and closets and organize everything, but it's just going to have to wait. Sorry your kids are struggling, hope DD finds a roommate. It's tough to do that when you are an adult. Hope everything works out alright with DS too. Laura...good for you on the exercise. It's funny you jumping in the pool with your clothes on. Not so funny with wet litter in the bed...it's bad enough when it's dry litter. Different little tracks. I just tried one and there were piles of it outside the litter box that I had to clean this morning so I'm trying a different kind. I did 30 minutes in the pool tonight and actually feel like I did something. I am determined to either shovel, swim or do something 4 days a week. Janet, you can hold me accountable too. Linda, I would rather move rocks than exercise. Cement work, tree trimming, anything that actually shows progress is preferable to running in place or pushing weights. I've done all of that but get so much more satisfaction out of doing something. Although I know I feel better when I'm doing something regularly. I think the tree thing this weekend triggered the desire to move and I feel better already. Jodi, good luck with the Vegas trip and I agree with Janet, it's fun to get away, but please keep things in perspective. Don't want your heart broken. Okay I need to work on my email. Hope everyone has a great night. Eva

Apples, check to see if Hughes net is up there. They are a satellite service offered in a lot of places that regular internet is not. I emailed you a link. Good luck with the dental appointment and we'll miss you. Gwendolyn, glad you had good news from the doc. It does take a while. I was good the first week out and then crashed big time the second and by the third week, I was starting to come back. Phyl, I want to go on the lake run with you. Sounds wonderful. Great, keeping my fingers crossed that the bad man goes to jail for a long time. Glad the doggies are home safe and sound. And I love your travel plans. I'm going to Baltimore the end of August and the Vegas in October and Ohio in November...Paris sounds better. Laura, that tree got more dirt tonight. I still have more shoveling to do, but the roots are protected now. I know there are so many more posts to respond to but I am majorly burned out tonight. The in-laws left today and I'm sad, but glad to have my house back. I walked all over the U of A this morning for work and work has been very busy and stressful. Everyone wants everything now and I'm just not willing to work 12-14 hours a day to get it done. One of the things I'm working on is a repair to a cut cable. I'm replacing a section of cable , around 700 feet and the job costs are already around $65,000 and I'm not done pricing it yet. Blows me away when stuff costs this much. I also got the go ahead on another job that will probably be twice that much. Is the weekend here yet? Gotta finish my dinner and chill. Hope you guys have a wonderful night. Eva

I went to Sierra Vista to share in my MIL's receiving a 40 year chip from AA. It was a moving experience because it showed how much love a person can give and receive. There were people there that had traveled for hours to be at this meeting. There were people that had known my MIL for 30 years. There was talk of the community they had with each other and how they each helped one another through their rough spots and how their group was like no other because of their sense of love and community. I had to share that with you because that is what is happening here. Not every group can sustain life over the years and you don't realize how special it is until you don't have it. The help and support is very important because we share something that can't be understood by just anyone. Thanks for being here. Eva

Judy...I was really wondering about that piece of fist...LOL. Darn fridge...hate it when that happens. Jodi, being stuck is not fun, it is supposed to help you remember to chew enough. Doesn't always work with me, but I am trying much harder lately. Julie, love the red walls. How vibrant that is. I love red and in a kitchen, it really pops. So interesting about your doctor, you may never find out why, but it must be what you need to do, find a new doctor. New eyes may be the ticket. And I love your synopsis, you did a great job. Janet, how's the new puppy? Phyl, thanks for posting for Joyce. Laura, glad you are back and the tooth issue is over. Sounds like you really did have a nice anniversary dinner. It's who you spend it with that's important. Hope you start feeling better soon. Too many sick people on planes. Lori, you are quite the travel bug. I haven't done the Riverwalk either but would like to. It may be in my future especially if I drive to Florida sometime. Gwen, I hate to exercise too and won't join another gym. But, I do like to work in my yard and walk. It's too hot here (Southern Arizona) now and I make excuses too. I'll be in my friends pool tomorrow night unless my in-laws make other plans for me. Cheri, sounds like you have a fun day planned. Sing well! Charlene, stay dry if you are in that storm. Your dessert sounds wonderful. I do FF vanilla yogurt with fresh fruit sometimes. I guess I get enough vitamin D here. I love being outside although not always in the heat. Jodi, so you are joining us in Vegas? How cool is that!! Sorry to those of you I missed, hope all is well! The in-laws are in Sierra Vista, they left yesterday and will be back tomorrow, then they go home on Tuesday. I have to go to Sierra Vista this afternoon for the evening and then get back really late and go to work tomorrow. Yeah! What I accomplished yesterday and today is buying my replacement tree, unloading it and planting (75% planted) it by myself. It was a 24" box tree (pretty heavy) and is quite a bit taller than me. I got it home last night and dropped it into it's hole yesterday and started putting dirt around it today. I still need some more good soil, but have the roots covered with burlap and I am dumping 140 gallons of water on it right now, so it should be okay for the next few days until I can finish filling up the hole. This is the sort of exercise I like. I also reset some of the flagstone that was torn up when we pulled out the old tree, so all in all, life is good. I'm tired and sore, but it feels good. I need to get a couple of more chores done before I head out of here. Hope everyone is having a great weekend. Eva

None of you are saps....you all have great hearts. Julie, weird with your doctor. Quick fly by as my computer room is fulled with other people. I'll try and catch up later. Eva