What Did You Do Today?

[judy]

I am glad to hear that Glen has calmed down a bit, Diana. It's hard to watch your little girl suffer for a Dad!

And, it is great that he has a job!!!It may not be what you want for him, but it is a beginning.

Brandon is feeling better today. Jessie thinks he is milking it a bit. It's good to be the Grandma....I don't live there!:D We have not gotten his tests back yet.

He also had the rash he has been getting again. It may not be related to the appendix. I sure hope it is! There is a test they are waiting for to see if the rashes are some other syndrome. There is medication for that, so I am not all that worried. Again, it is good to be the Grandma! I do not worry so much. I also know, from having lived through all of these crises, that they get solved, go away, or you just learn how to live with them.

[judy]

Janet, I was just reading back posts and see that Ricky is moving soon. Gosh, I remember when Jessie moved to her own apaartment. It was actually nice, but I have never seen anyone live in such a mess! Half of her bed was filled with clean laundry that had never been put away. Then, clean clothes would end up in there, and she would forever be doing pounds of laundry. I doubt if she ever washed the dishes. She probably threw them away when the sink got full, and bought paper plate.

Thank goodness she learned how to keep house! She would have lost the children somewhere in the laundry if she kept her house like she kept that apartment.

She did move back home for a while, and then met and moved in with Steve. I left her room as is for a full year just in case she came back again. Just as I was getting off the step ladder I was using to clean the shelves off, the phone rang. "I'm moving back home, Mom! I can't stand Steve!" She did not come back home, but I laughed at that for a long time!

Don't worry about Ricky's living conditions too much. It is his problem, and he will figure it out. You raised him well, and you just have to have faith in him. I found prayer helped a lot too!

It all works itself out!

[Blueyes]

Thanks for your concern for Dustin, everybody. The doc told him it won't get any better until somebody figures out what is going on with his lungs. He is now going to a doc at the University of Washington that specializes in lung disorders. He has been having tons of tests, and last week the doc told him he may have Mitrochondrial Disease. Of course there will have to be more tests to determine that for sure. Dustin hasn't been able to work for a while, but Joy is an ICU nurse and they get by on her salary. She is a good nurse, but she is really freaked out by the fact that Dustin is sick. She's having a hard time handling it. They are just too young to have to deal with this.

This morning I finished my shutters, and the house looks so much better. I didn't really want a metal roof, but Mike did and now I like it a lot, lol! Then we got in my car, put the top down and just took off:p We ended up in Shreveport...it's just about 45 minutes NE of us...and ate Italian food. The we rode through some car lots just looking. Mike's Expedition has 140,000 miles on it, and we have to take it in on Monday to have the transmission worked on. We are thinking of a smaller SUV that gets better gas mileage. Any ideas, anybody?

[judy]

Poor Dustin! His wife will get used to it soon, I hope.

[Janet]

Judy, I think...and think is the magic word here, that Ricky may be putting off the moving in with a friend thing for awhile. We found a really nice place that Ricky may be able to buy. It's everything that he would need and he loves it. Here is a link.... http://tours.tourfactory.com/tours/tour.asp?r=ClickableCityDirectory.com&t=834478

He loves everything about it, hard wood flooring and 2 garages, plus another small outbuilding with heat and air. It's about all he can think about. If he has a friend move in with him it would be even better.

If it doesn't work out for Ricky to get it, then we may purchase it. I know... I know...but everything we have will be completely paid off in June of next year. Right now,the two rental homes pay the mortgage on the one rental, our home is paid off. Now we are getting a bit more money in our account so things are easing up a bit, finally. As long as Ricky makes his payments (if we buy it) then everything is good. So far he loves his new job. Comes home and talks about all the oil changes, tire changes, brakes,etc. that he did. He loves working on vehicles and working with his hands.

It's all in the thinking stages right now...so hopefully it can work out some way. He doesn't want to live in a town, he's use to the country with not so close neighbors...lol so this would be perfect. Plus, it's on the road just to the south of us (which he uses to drive to work) only it's 4 miles east of us.

[DIANE W]

Oh Janet....... I love it, can i move in instead please?????????????

I think it is a brilliant idea, it looks just perfect for him, he will be able to do all his tinkering with cars etc, that he enjoys doing in those outbuildings, what a fantastic price too.

I hope it all works out to suit everyone. In an ideal world it would work out if he could afford to get it himself, and get a start on the property ladder, however if he cant get mortgage himself, and he is sure about living there and you can buy it yourself, then let him rent from you, that could work out well for all concerned.

Also it isnt too far away from home..... and there looks like plenty of room for him to take his dogs too:D

He is very lucky to have a good Mum and Dad, that are prepared to do such a thing for him.... make sure he understands that wont you:)

[DianaB]

Judy, I'm so sorry to hear that Brandon's dealing with the rash again. I hope that it's just a residual effect from the appendix or something easily fixed.

Betsi, Your son is so young to have these problems. I hope your daughter-in-law can help him with his medical care......like Gayle. There is so much that she knows that will be so useful for him. I do hope that they find that things are better than is expected. Poor Dustin.

What a cute house, Janet!! Perfect for Ricky and so close to you!!!......Well, when you live in the country four miles IS close!! I'm sure that he's excited about it!! Of course, finding a friend to help out with utilities and pay some rent would be perfect!! Fingers are crossed!!

We're having a nice slow day!! Glen took some church kids fishing so he's not around......Dae Lynn, Damon, and the kids went for a walk.......Jaci's here but she's out doing something with Kera......so I have the whole house to myself!! Yay!! I'm enjoying the peace and quiet.

Glen and I went out to eat last night and we talked about the situation with Damon. We have such different points of view. He is so against Damon. I don't understand him. Glen has changed so much. Did anyone have an answer about male menopause? Guess I'll have to look it up on the internet and see if I can find anything about it.

[gja1000]

Judy, I hope Brandon gets better every day!

Diana, I'm sorry that Glen is not doing well with Damon - I don't think I would either. It would be so hard for me to give him another chance. But I hope for your sake that Glen comes around.

Janet, it is so great that Ricky may get to buy that house (or live there). Yes, it is wonderful and I know you are excited!

Betsi, I'm so sorry that Dustin has so many health problems. And they are so right, having lung problems really complicates the heart problems and visa versa. Gary is fighting heart and lung problems too. Gary will never qualify for a heart transplant because of his diabetes and kidney problems, but if he did, he'd have to have a heart and lung transplant. It just boggles my mind. I sure hope they find out what is wrong with him and I hope they can find a solution so that he can have better health. I know his wife is freaked out, but she will come around and be able to deal with it. I know she will.

I'm home from the lake and Gary is feeling better. He is going to come home tomorrow and stay till Wednesday. He has a doctor's appt on Wed. and it is supposed to rain tomorrow and Tuesday, so he's just going to come home for a couple of days. I feel better when I am with him. He'll go back to the lake Wednesday afternoon, and I'll go out Friday afternoon.

[DIANE W]

Diana... I feel for you all going through this difficult time. Please dont let Damon come between you, You are obviously a very kind and forgiving person, we are all different and obviously Glenn is a little less so, but i have to say i would find it quite hard too.

Glenn probably sees all the problems from a Dad point of view and would think his little girl deserves so much better. I think men generally think very differently than us women.... he maybe can turn off his feelings for Damon, where as you are trying to understand him, forgive him, and give him another chance, for Dae Lynn's sake too.

Imagine if you can that you are advising a friend, and were not personally involved - What would you advise your best friend if she were in your shoes????????

[judy]

That house is fantastic, Janet! What a great deal for Ricky, and only 4 miles from you! It looks brand new....? I hope it works out!

I am glad to hear that Gary is feeling better, Gayle. I would also feel better when he is around! Then, you don't have to worry so much.

Betsi, I am so sad about Dustin. It is very hard when your child is ill....I know how I worry about Jessie's MS. He is in my prayers.

Diana, I went to Alanon years ago because I could not deal with my SIL's alcoholism. It helped me a great deal. I can understand Glen's feelings, especially since Damon is living there. Would Glen consider going to Alanon? Probably not, since men are more resistant than women to these types of things. They have some very good publications. Maybe you can read some, and it might help you talk to Glen. One thing I did learn there was to detach from the problem, but not from the person. There are other things to love about Damon, I am sure. Steve is not drinking now, but he does fall back every so often. It is disruptive to himself, Jessie, the children, and me, but I have learned to love him around that problem. I do keep away a lot when he is drinking though. He is not a nice drunk, like many alcoholics. Another thing I learned was "one day at a time." I am so sorry for all of you.

Brandon was not feeling better yesterday. I can't get Jessie on the phone, so I don't know what is going on. For all I know, they went to the doctor, or he feels better. I hate when she does that!

[DianaB]

Thanks so much for all of your support. Dae Lynn and I have talked many times and I don't know how much longer she's going to deal with Damon. Things are very stressful. I guess he threatened to leave the other day and was not only packing his clothes but Karlie's too. He knows that taking Karlie would hurt Dae Lynn so much and is a threat to hang over her head. We talked to Glen about it this morning and before she tells Damon to leave....if things should ever come to that.....she's to call Glen, Feyn, or Jason, first so they can be here. She actually doesn't have a legal claim to her but we won't have her used as a pawn in all of this. Once Damon is settled then he can have her but he's not going to uproot her in anger.......unless we can find a legal way to keep her.

Glen and I are going to leave in the morning with Jaci and Nate and go to Glen's sister's in Nebraska. He bought some equipment up there and we need to go and get it. Not sure that I really want to go but it will be fun with Jaci and Nate. I still have some hurt feelings about Glen's Mother's things and how they were left to ONLY her daughters. Nothing has still been done with her house OR her things.......they are still the way they were when she died......and it's been over a year ago. It still hurts that my kids were not considered or my brother-in-laws kids......so they are completely left out. Oh well.......

We've got rain! It's so nice to know that we won't be going into spring dry especially after a fairly warm winter. In fact we may have some light flooding. It's also cooled off so I turned a heater on in the greenhouse. I'm enjoying the greenhouse. It's a nice place to just get away from all that's going on in the house. So far I have some geraniums started and tomatoes. I have some other things as well but for some reason they're not coming up......I may have to replant. I have some long planters and have lettuce and radishes started as well and they're getting bigger!! Next I'm going to start dividing my ferns and get them ready to set out for the summer. Fun.....fun......

[Janet]

We have been having the most warmest weather for March. I'm not complaining (yet) but it's been in the 80's. So nice, because it hasn't been humid. This weekend it's going to drop to the 60's, but then head back up on Monday. We haven't had spring yet...lol.

I've got most areas cleaned up so I can plant. I'm so afraid to plant anything yet because, after all, it's still March and we've had blizzards in March. I'm really anxious to plant some flowers this year. Ricky is even wanting to plant a garden. So, I hope we can. Once he moves, if and when he moves, I'll have something to help keep me busy. We found another house $30,000 cheaper and it's really nice with a 3 car garage. Here is a link: http://listings.listhub.net/pages/LRAORIN/9954010/?channel=nationsinfocorp

It's farther from us, but he would only have to drive about 15-20 minutes to work. So we are still talking to realtors and looking. The one before and this one are his favorites. He especially likes the first one I posted a link to, but likes that this one is $30,000 cheaper. He knows it's a first home and as he gets older, married etc. he'll probably want something else later on in his life. The are both great starter homes and long term homes.

Not really a whole lot going on here beside looking a different houses. I did post that I had a pedicure...loved it and just plain decided it was time for me for a change.

Diana, I wish I could make things easier for Dae Lynn. I can't believe he's already threatened to leave and take Karley. As for myself....that would be the only threat I'd allow, next one he can follow through on it.
Wish I had a bit more to tell you.

[Lindsey]

I have been reading but not posting much lately!

Betsi, I am so sorry about your son. I hope they get things figured out with his lungs soon.

Judy, let us know when you find out if Brandon is feeling better! He's been going through so much. Poor kid!

Diana... I think if I were in the same situation, I'd be acting like Glen as well. I'm sure he feels protective of Dae Lynn and he probably thinks she is not being treated how she should be treated, and I agree there. I know Damon has problems, and you are a saint for looking through those problems! I don't think I could. With him threatening to leave with Karlie, that is just wrong. He is trying to hurt Dae Lynn. Maybe at this point he feels like he can do anything, and she will always be there, because she has been through everything so far.

Janet, those houses are very nice!! The prices I think are much different than here, because you can not even buy a small empty lot in town for that much :eek: So they seem like fantastic deals to me!

We had spring last week, I didn't have to wear a jacket outside and almost everything had melted, and now we're back to winter. It has snowed for a couple of days and it's getting worse now because the temperatures are warm enough for rain too. Monday night we had a rain storm, followed by hail and then snow overnight. The roads were so bad in the morning we almost didn't come to work. It has been one of the warmest winters on record but it still just drags on lol... I am ready for spring!!!

[DianaB]

Nice house, Janet!! I love the big garage and I'm sure that Ricky would just love having that!! It looks so nice and clean and ready to move into!! I also like that the price is lower and will be better on Ricky's budget!!

Thanks so much for your phone call this morning!! It's always so nice to chat with you......even if you woke me up and I had a terrible raspy voice!! I know.....I know.....I should have been up anyway!!!

Lindsey, thanks for your concern for Dae Lynn and our situation. It is so stressful but I know that one way or another it's going to work out. If nothing else it's a lesson on being careful about who you date because you never know when they can become the one you love. I also know that if this marriage fails that she will be much more careful in the future in who she dates.

We made it to Glen's sister's house yesterday evening. It's quite a drive!! Eight hours!! Besides Jaci and Nate we also brought Daya......and Jaci and Daya together......well.....let's just say that by the time we got here I was ready to get out of the car!! They both ate candy and you could really tell it!!! They are so goofy!! Daya doesn't have a lot of friends because she's so quiet and content to just be by herself so it's nice to see her having fun......and Jaci always acts younger than she really is!!

All of them are outside and I'm enjoying the peace and quiet here in the house. Brenda's farm is full of animals and I wish that you could meet all of them!! She has an African Grey Parrot? and he talks alot. He hasn't started yet but I did hear him ask for a cracker!! He'll start talking when he gets used to us. She has two shiztus (?) and two Australian shepherds, I think, two Irish wolfhounds, miniature donkeys, ducks, geese, cats, horses.......and probably even more!!! It's an interesting place to be! I brought my kindle so I'm planning on sitting down and doing some reading!! Oh.....and I have a bag of sunflower seeds......Ah.......I'm set!!!!

[Janet]

I always love chatting with you too girl!!

After the afternoon route, Ricky and I went to look at the other house. Without beating around the bush....the place was a dump. Cigarette burns all over the carpet, plumbing problems and who know what else. I thought in the pictures the grain bins were a little farther back behind the house and that was not the case. Ricky was not impressed at all. So...we are definitely marking that one off the list. We all still like the one closer to us the best.

Tomorrow will be my last day before Spring Break. I'm so glad. Even though I was off so much for my neck, I couldn't do much without being in pain. This time I can do what I want...for the most part. So I'm anxious to get started deep cleaning and cleaning the carpet. So many stains, it's too embarassing to let anyone come in so if someone pulls in the drive...we go out before they get to the door if we know them. Hope I can get alot done.

[gja1000]

I'm glad you will be on spring break, but PLEASE, don't overdo it!!! Your neck issues are not cured, they are just calmed down!!! You could cause a re-injury or aggravate the problem. I know getting things neat and clean is really important to you, but I don't want that pain to return!

One of my Yorkies, Rex, brought in a dead baby bunny last night and laid it on my bed :(. Oh thank you so much for the present, Rex! It was very very small so I think it wasn't very old and am wondering why it was out of the nest. I shut off the doggie door so they couldn't go out till this morning and I went out with them. They ran directly to a hedge row we have at the back of the yard, and that is not where a bunny nest would be so I'm not sure how the baby bunny got there, if that is where he found it.

I'll be going back to the lake with Gary this afternoon. He had his followup with the heart doc Wednesday and he had to get some more IV lasix but not as much as he had to get the week before. His kidney function was better this week. Whew!

[gja1000]

Oh and I forgot to say that I mowed the lawn last night, and now I have a rash on the side of my face. I do not think we have poison ivy anywhere in the yard, but I did use my hand to brush off some grass clippings, and of course, there are some weeds in the yard right now, so maybe there was some weed oils that I transferred from my hand to my face. :mad: If it doesn't get any worse, it will be OK. I washed it with some of my poison ivy wash and rubbed it with vinegar (a poison ivy home remedy). I sure hope it goes away.

[JJJ]

I'm sick and tired of doing power points and essays :fainted:

[DIANE W]

I always love chatting with you too girl!!

After the afternoon route, Ricky and I went to look at the other house. Without beating around the bush....the place was a dump. Cigarette burns all over the carpet, plumbing problems and who know what else. I thought in the pictures the grain bins were a little farther back behind the house and that was not the case. Ricky was not impressed at all. So...we are definitely marking that one off the list. We all still like the one closer to us the best.

Tomorrow will be my last day before Spring Break. I'm so glad. Even though I was off so much for my neck, I couldn't do much without being in pain. This time I can do what I want...for the most part. So I'm anxious to get started deep cleaning and cleaning the carpet. So many stains, it's too embarassing to let anyone come in so if someone pulls in the drive...we go out before they get to the door if we know them. Hope I can get alot done.

Janet.... sorry about the condition of the second house, if i am honest though i really didnt like it as much as the first one - you know the one i am moving into!!!!!!!!!:D

Sometimes paying extra gets you a whole lot more, even though he could have fixed the house up, i like the layout of the first house better. You never know you may find something else.

I come here every day and read up on everyone..... dont post much though, but i will try to do more, i feel i know everyone, and it is just great to be part of such a friendly group.

[Janet]

I'm glad you're here. Things are kind of slow, but with summer and FB, I sure hope everyone remembers to come here.

I liked the first house better too. All three of us do. As soon as he finishes the loan app and sees what kind of credit score he has we'll know more.

[gja1000]

I am so glad you are here too Diane. I hope you do post more, it's wonderful to have your perspective from across the pond! I mean that very affectionately too!

I am back at the lake with Gary for the weekend. The weather is just glorious. We roasted weenies and made s'mores over the campfire last night. The weather was just perfect. I posted some pics on FB, I can't post pics here from my iPad. Hopefully I will remember to post them from my computer when I get home. The wildflowers are absolutely glorious this year. The only problem is that the tall grasses are so tall that sometimes you can't see the wildflowers. I will try to take some pics and post them next week.

We had to move the trailer and dump our holding tanks this morning. That is usually an adventure, but everything went smoothly. We don't have sewer hookups at our campsite. Gary has been here for three weeks and so the tanks were full. We have this little blue 20 gallon tank on wheels that you can dump your holding tank into and then pull it tot the dump station with the pickup (so you dont actually have to move the trailer like we did) We didn't bring it out here so we had to move the whole trailer which is almost as easy. We always have trouble with the portable dump tank. Some of our funniest trailer camping stories invole the little blue portable dump.

We talked awhile this morning with a couple who just bought their trailer and they are on their maiden trip. Yhey were fretting about making mistakes. We were telling them that we have been camping for 13 years and we still do silly things sometimes, :D. Everyone does silly things when pulling, setting up, and camping in a trailer. It just happens.

[DIANE W]

Thank you Gayle...... I love rading how everyone is, and i will promise to post more.

Janet, i will keep my fingers crossed that all goes well with the house for Ricky, please keep us updated.

Well this weekend we are at our holiday home, (we call it a static caravan its 40ft x 14ft, it remains on its permaneant site, which we love as all the people are so friendly,and chat when passing).It is located in a lovely quaint little villiage, right by the river, we are also about 7 miles to the seaside, as well as other lovely places to visit. We came yesterday, and will be here until tomorrow night.... then its home to get ready for work:(
The weather here is just lovely, we went to the seaside today and took Harvey for a walk on the sea front, ate some fish and chips on a bench, then had the car washed.

I am thinking about planting out my baskets, we have 6 around the decking of our caravan, last year they were lovely, so i am going to choose the plants wisely again, they got lots of admiring glances. I am relaxing now, with a lovely glass of wine, but i have just eated a naughty cream cake:eek:

[gja1000]

Diane, that sounds just lovely and so relaxing! Our little get away home (that we pull around) is 8X22, so your place sounds like a mansion! You're location sounds so nice , cozy, friendly and homey. The weather has been very good in the states too. Let's keep our fingers crossed that this nice winter/spring is not just lulling us into a false sense of security about the coming summer. Last summer was the worst I can ever remember, so I'm hoping this summer does NOT match it.

[Janet]

Saw this on FB posted from Indiana Weather Online. Sure hope it's not going to be an awful summer.

IndianaWeatherOnline

Closely watching the potential for what could be an agricultural disaster in the making. Some of our medium range forecast models are indicating a shot of Arctic Air penetrating into the Ohio Valley by the end of March and beginning of April. It is possible that we could get several nights of a "hard freeze" which would severely damage the vegetation that is already in full bloom thanks to the record breaking temperatures we have seen the past several weeks.

[gja1000]

Janet, my grandad used to tell me the biggest snow storm at his farm in Oklahoma was May 5. I always sorta thought he was pulling my leg or remembering incorrectly. But I was looking at some weather archives for OK, and lo and behold, there was a recording of 14 inches of snow on May 5th, in the 1940's. So, it could happen. We sometimes have a freeze after things are bloomed out. The leaves or flowers just fall off and usually come back later. But we never have a "hard" freeze, nor several days in a row, that late. I sure hope it doesn't happen in IN.

[judy]

I feel old!!! I know it's just a number, but 65 is not comfortable to me! Some birthdays are like that...my 40th hit me that way too.

Brandon was back in the hospital until 2 days ago. All of his tests were negative, except for a lot of gas from the surgery. That doctor told Jessie that if it doesn't get better in a few weeks, there is a hospital in Boston where they take children with difficult to diagnose things. She said that he does seem to be getting better slowly. I am praying! A couple of doctors are talking about him seeing a psychiatrist, but Jessie does not want any part of that. I don't blame her, until every physical cause is eliminated. He may have school phobia though. She does think about it. Time will tell. I just hope he feels better!

Diana, have you explored legal ways to adopt Karlie? Even if you never need it, it might be goof to have all of the info.

I am doing nothing much today. I have pottery tonight, and I am exhausted from the running back and forth to Jessie's. I might make a pair of earrings.

[gja1000]

I'm so sorry that Brandon is still having problems. I hope he gets to go to the hospital that specializes in difficult diagnoses. Regarding the mental health issue, often a traumatic experience in children manifests as physical symptoms, so it may have nothing to do with mental illness, but more to do with some traumatic experience.

[judy]

He may have school phobia. His teacher is a witch, but I think he has underlying physical issues, made worse by stress.

Rashes and stomach pains are made worse by stress. I really hope his system is not that delicate. He has a whole life to live, and plenty of stress to face.

I can't think of anything traumatic that has happened now. Jessie's MS was very bad for 3 years when he was younger. Could he be reacting to that now?

[DianaB]

Poor Brandon......I hope the doctors find out what his problem is soon. I'm sure it's hard on all of you.

Judy, some birthdays are harder than others. I think that you're very young and beautiful 65 year old!!! Ignore the number and just enjoy life!!! That's what we all have to do!!

Janet, it's too bad that the second house was a wreck. Is it something that Ricky might be interested in fixing up? After all carpet can be replaced and walls painted but if he didn't like it in the first place then it's not worth the effort.

Diane......I'm so glad that you're on more!! It's so nice to have another person's opinion on things!! I love hearing about how things are where you're at. Sometime you'll have to post some pictures!!

Your vacation home sounds wonderful!! I would love to be so close to the ocean for a weekend!!

I sure hope that the weather is wrong. It would really hurt the fruit trees and so much other stuff for it to get that cold. We too have been so warm.......irises are blooming in some places......and trees are blooming.......but.....it IS way too early! I know that we can still have a late snow or a cold snap. Fingers are crossed that it doesn't happen!!!

Gayle, I hope that you don't have poison ivy again! That's NOT fun! And.......I'm sure that you have many camping stories you could tell and keep us in stitches for some time!! I don't even want to think about dumping holding tanks!! I will say though that it is better than running up a hill.......a quarter mille away to go to the bathroom like we usually have to do!!! LOL

As you can see.....we're home from Nebraska! It was a nice trip. I mostly stayed in the house and read and watched tv. Brenda always has so much going on and it's hard to keep up. I really just needed some quiet time and that's what I had. Our schedules were completely off. We woke up at 9:30.....at lunch at 4:00......went to bed at midnight OR later!!! It's nice to be home!! I really missed Dean and I think that he missed his "Gamma" too!!

[judy]

Jessie left me a message yesterday that Brandon is slowly feeling better. He is getting the pains les frequently. Thank you God!

I went to pottery last night, and had fun glazing some pieces. Next week is our last week. I have somebody else to do my glazing, so I can work at home. A friend from pottery also likes to work at home, so maybe we can get together at her store, chat and potter (???).

I have a meeting tonight, but lots of clean-up to do here today. I also want to make a pair of earrings. I have 3 lenghty phone calls to make, so I better hustle my bustle! The days get away from me so easily!

I watched Wayne Dyer on Oprah yesterday. I see things a lot like he does, and maybe I will read is latest book.

[DianaB]

Jewelry making sounds like fun, Judy! We made a ring with beads all over it once and it was pretty simple but really nice.

I'm glad to hear that Brandon is doing better. I'm sure you're all relieved. Hopefully the problem is solved.

I used to go to a pottery class years ago. Are you making your own pottery or are you glazing what is already formed? I did the already formed. I did a lot of dry brushing and some glazing......it depended on what I was making. I still have a lot of things around that I did.

It is so nice outside!! Since it's so early AND nice outside I'm moving my iris around the yard. My plants have gotten so big so it's time to divide them. I have some other things that I'm going to divide as well. I might as well make good use of this wonderful weather!!

When we got home from Nebraska there was a large wooden swing set in the yard. We knew that one had been bought but wasn't sure how it came about. It was in the sale ad here at Alco and I knew that Dae Lynn was interested because she's been wanting one for the kids but didn't feel like she could afford it. I asked her about it and I guess that Damon had Mark take him to town and they purchased it without Dae Lynn knowing. He also ordered her a half dozen roses from the flower shop. I guess Dae Lynn wasn't happy about the money being spent and I don't blame her. How are they ever going to be able to have anything if he keeps doing things like that???

[Janet]

It sounds like he was just trying to do good. I hope no one reprimands him for it. The kids will enjoy it so much.

Judy, I'm so happy to read that Brandon is doing better. School here is almost over...only 39 school days left...yay!!! Still seems longer when you say it will be over in May...lol

Today I went to Lebanon to the pee dr. Don't know why I had to drive all the way over there. We talked for about 10 minutes and a phone call could have done the same thing and not used gas. Oh well. He wants to do a bladder study so will set that up and call in a week to let me know when. Then whatever procedure needs done will be done after school is out.

On the way home I stopped at the cemetary to put some flowers on my parents grave and then went to Wal Mart. I saw a few people I hadn't seen in quite some time. It's been a really great day. Tommorrow I'm taking a friends Mom to the dentist and then I'm coming to clean.

[DianaB]

Yes, Damon was trying to do good.......but Dae Lynn has worked hard to save her money and he spent his whole first paycheck on the swing set. We didn't say a thing but it's hard when we're paying for so much for them. If Damon has money he spends it. He doesn't care if the bills are paid or not and that's not how Dae Lynn has been raised.

Dae Lynn's going to be home late from work. She's going to go and talk to the school counselor about things going on with Damon. He's the one that they talked to the other day. It's been really hard for Dae Lynn. There's just no trust for Damon........and I can understand it because we all feel that way.

I worked in the yard again yesterday moving irises and day lillies around. The weather has just been so beautiful and is so nice to be outside! The greenhouse is full.......some seeds started and some didn't. The tomatoes look so-so. I'm having trouble with it getting too hot so I'm looking for a greenhouse shade cloth. It seems like there's always one more thing that I need for the greenhouse......then another.......then another!!! LOL

Janet, I hope the doctor is able to help you with your problem. Enjoy your spring break!! Ours was last week.......it used to be the last week in March but for some reason it moved.

[Janet]

I feel so bad for you all. Damon was trying to do good for his kids, but you're right, he should have waiting and spoke with Dae Lynn about it first to decide if it was the right thing to do. If there is no trust in a relationship, there's not much hope for it. I will continue to keep her in my prayers.

It would probably help if you had some fans in the greenhouse. I know when it got to hot, my FIL would turn on his big fans to have some air moving through the greenhouses.

I was suppose to take my friends Mom to the dentist today, but they cancelled the appt. Marion's blood pressure went way up. Can't remember the top number, but high and the botton number was 120. She's 93 years young so I was afraid she would have a stroke. She seems better today, but they are still keeping an eye on her.

Since I didn't have to take her this morning I was going to start really cleaning out closets and getting rid of things. But.....it didn't happen. By the time I was ready to get started I was out of the mood. I did clean up the kitchen and other small odds and ends, but that 's been it. I have some sewing to do also. Hopefully I'll be ready to start tomorrow or even later today.

[gja1000]

I'm so sorry about Damon. It sounds like he lacks self control and judgement. I've just never understood people who will spend thir money on frivolous things before paying the bills. That makes no sense to me but I have known others like that. I could not live that way. I've always gotten paid once a month at the first of the month and I pay all my bills then. If we ran out of money before the end of the month, oh well, at least the bills were paid.

Diana, I agree with Janet that fans will help and I think shade cloth will too. You will figure it out. I'm sure there is a knack to greenhouse growing.

Janet, quite frankly young lady, I'm glad you haven't been able to clean yet. I still think you need to be careful with your neck

Gary is home today. He came to get some lights to fish at night. They are fishing for crappie and sometimes, they bite best after dark. He'll go back tomorrow. It's good to have him home, he's feeling better, finally.

[Janet]

I've decided not to do the heavy cleaning until later. Tomorrow I'm going to meet a friend for lunch so my cleaning schedule just isn't working out. I am going to clean my carpets though, it looks horrible thanks to the dogs. I'll probably do that Wed. or Thurs. I am going to try and clean out a few drawers.


Judy, I just read your post again.....YOU ARE NOT OLD!!! You hear me???? I think you are so beautiful and no one would ever guess you were in your 60's. You may feel old at times, but you sure as heck don't look it. I wish I looked as good as you do.

[DianaB]

My computer is acting awful!! The cord that plugs into the computer won't stay in and my battery isn't working so when the cord comes out my computer shuts down. I can't tell you how many times I've tried to post something lately only to have my computer turn off. So fustrating!! I have a new battery ordered so just a few more days!!

I lost Dean yesterday. He went outside while I was on the computer and when I went to check on him he was gone!! He had gone down the valley behind the house and up the next hill!! I could hear him crying but it took me awhile to figure out just where he was at. He was further away than what I was expecting. Scared the day-lights out of me!!!

Not much went on today. Dae Lynn and I went and got her a new phone and went to Wal-mart. I bought a bunch of bulbs of different flowers to plant in the yard. My fingers are crossed that our ONE chicken doesn't kill them!! She's doing quite a number on the front yard.......I don't think that we'll have anything grow there because she scratches everything out!!

[Janet]

I can't imagine the feeling you had not knowing where he was. Time to fix the doors so he can't get out. The thought of him realizing he was lost breaks my heart. So happy to know you both are alright.

If there is only one chicken destroying your plants, I think it's time for a nice chicken dinner...lol. I wouldn't want it ruining all my hard work.

Planning on cleaning the carpets today. Not moving the furniture since I'm here alone and have no help. I'll do it all once the weather gets warmer and stays warmer and gives me more time to rest my neck. I've just got to get rid of the ugliness that shows. Others have told me they do the same thing so I won't feel like a slacker...lol

[DianaB]

I knew that Dean had gone out......I watched him go. We leave the front door open so he's easier to hear and watch. He's been playing in the dirt by the greenhouse so I figured he was either there or by the swingset. At first I wasn't worried but when I couldn't hear him answer me at first I got pretty worried. After I yelled a few times I could finally hear him and knew that he was around.

Feyn did that a couple of times to me when he was just a little older than Dean. The second time he had crossed two fences and the fence had changed so he couldn't come back.......he had the dog and a cat with him as well. Glen had to go and look for him. The next time he ran off I had gone outside to check on him and he was across the field......dog right along with him again......at that time Glen was pulling in and I pointed to where Feyn was at.......Glen drove out and picked up the dog and came back to the house. Feyn turned around and walked back to the house and never did that again!! Hmmmm........maybe I should try that on Dean......he DID have Reuger and Jazzi with him!!!

[Janet]

Today I went to an auction in town. Once I got there I found quite a few things I wouldn't mind bidding on. All went for more than what I was willing to pay, except for one item...a beautiful solid oak TV stand. I was planning on bidding on it when a guy I graduated with came to me to talk. Well....I missed being able to bid and my witch sister-in-law got it....for $30. I was so disappointed. Seems she always has the best luck with great deals. Guess all I can do is move on.........and hope it has dry rot...lolol poll

[gja1000]

I've been cleaning the trailer and getting ready to go home later today. Gary is really tired, and they haven't caught as many fish as they would have liked, but they've had a good time. We have the campsite till Tuesday, but Gary is ready to pack up and go home today. H's so tired, I bet he will sit in his recliner and hold his dogs for a week! Lol!

[Janet]

I haven't done much at all today. Ricky had to work so I updated his computer and tried updating his iPod Touch to iOS 5. I finally had to call an Apple store and since his is one of the first versions, 2.2.1 it will not be able to update to the iOS 5, very disappointing. I wanted him to be able to play the Draw Something game too.

My sweeper is a bagless and I usually have to go to the garage and use the air hose to blow it clean. When I plug it in again, it will be hard to push because of so much suction so I always know when to blow it out.

Did get the carpet areas cleaned that I wanted....first dog that messes on it is gonna be in big trouble. Also the first man that comes in with dirty work shoes! They usually don't like me much after I've cleaned carpets.... :)

Tomorrow is back to bus driving day, lol. I'm anxious to see most the kids, but I've also enjoyed not driving the bus. May will be here soon enough and we have less than 35 actual school days....can't wait!

[gja1000]

We got home a little after noon today. I mowed the yard when I got here. I can't get my yard guy to return my call. That probably means I'm gonna have to find a new one :mad: oh well, it looks good from the front, LOL! The back needs to be weed eated (is that a word LOL!). But it will be OK till I can track him down or find a new one.

[Janet]

Did my usual bank trip to town this morning. Most times I have other things to get done but not today, so I came back home. Have alot on my mind so I didn't get a lot done today either. I really need to get busy and get some cleaning done. My heart just isn't in it and it should be. Wish it was just my house, I'm sure that would motivateme more. Oh well, I still want it to look nice if some one would ever visit, so I just need to get my rear end in gear and get it done.

Tomorrow Ricky and I will be going to another bank in town and fill out another loan app.the other bank is willing to loan the money if Ricky decides to buy that house, but we want to see what another bank could offer. Right now, we're really not sure if he'll be able to afford everything or not. He'd be on a really tight budget, with not a whole lot left over....so maybe if we can get it at a lower price it would be doable.

[DianaB]

It hasn't been a good day. We have found out that Damon's been lying about some things.......nothing big......but lies. Dae Lynn has asked him to leave so we're waiting for him to come home and get his things. She has his clothes all packed and sitting outside. Karlie is at Amy's in case there is any trouble. Glen said that he'll have to bring the sheriff out with him in order to get Karlie. He has a right to her but we're not letting her go easily. I'm sure that he'll do whatever will hurt Dae Lynn the worst. We don't know what he's going to be like when he gets home so we're all kinda' nervous about him coming home. Dae Lynn talked to his sister and she's not interested in coming and getting him......besides if he leaves town with no way to get back then he won't have his job with Glen's brother. I'll explain more later. Be praying.

[gja1000]

Oh dear Diana, I was afraid something like this would happen. I'm so sorry, things like this are so stressful for everyone. It's such a shame that Karlie is in the middle of this. What a good idea to remove her from this situation for now. It's all just so so sad. I truly think Damon leaving is best for everyone. I hope things stay calm and rationale.

[Lindsey]

Diana, I agree with Gayle and I'm so sorry your family is going through this again!

I have been busy as usual. I worked a ton of overtime last week. All I've been doing is working!

I also tried getting a friend a job at my company and her interview did not go well. She was pretty upset about it and I felt so bad for her. It would have been a great opportunity though, because she's kind of stuck in a rut right now and I know she can do so much more with her life. I wish she would have set up more interviews than just this one though, because something would have worked out and this one wouldn't have been such a big blow. Oh well... she thinks she might try applying again for other jobs this fall, but her background is landscaping and now is the time of year to get hired. I really hope things work out for her because she's such a great person. It's not even that she didn't do well with the interview, the guys loved her and told her she'd have no problem getting a job in another area (as in more residential type work), but she still took it pretty hard.

We went to the lake on the weekend for the last day of ice fishing. We were on the lake for probably 4 or 5 hours and didn't get a thing! Oh well... that's good enough for me for this year!

[Lindsey]

Oh I forgot to mention, Scott sold his motorcycle tonight!!! We've had both up for sale for a couple of weeks. There has been a lot of interest in his, and not so much in mine. I'm sure he could have easily gotten full price for his. He was asking $5500, and one kid came out today (the first person who has looked at it) and we had a couple others lined up for later this week. The kid offered $4700, and Scott said he didn't want to go that low... he said $4900 and Scott took it. He had all the cash right in his car... I'm sure he had the full price there. Anyways, when Scott told me how much it was, I said "Only that much?" and he felt pretty bad because he thinks he screwed up :( So then I felt bad too! But it's okay, any money is good money! It was for sale all of last summer and didn't sell. He bought it a few years ago for $8000 and didn't even ride it that much, so he did lose quite a bit on it. The money we did make we will put in an account to save for our next planned trip... Australia and New Zealand!!! :D

Anyways, now we just need to sell mine! I've already reduced the price... I guess we'll see what happens.

[DianaB]

Lindsey, With two other people coming to look at the motorcycle Scott should have held out for full price or gotten his number to call back after the others had looked at it. Oh well, it's done. Just remember that for next time.

Gayle, It's too bad that your lawn guy doesn't call back. At least he should tell you that he's not going to make it this summer so you're not left hanging. I hope you're able to find someone that does a good job.

Janet, I forgot that you were on Spring Break! I hope you were able to do something fun or relaxing.

Has Ricky checked into an FHA loan? They are for people just starting out and his payments would be low. They have a lot of paperwork to fill out and the homeowners have to have everything just so but it would be good for him on a limited budget.

We're all in shock especially Dae Lynn. She and Damon had gone on a date night Saturday.....out to eat and a movie and she said that it was one of the best nights that they've ever had......then to come home yesterday and have all of this happen. It just hasn't soaked in. She said that she knew that the next time something came up that she was just going to do what she knew she needed to do......not go on emotions and this morning she was really struggling with her decision even though she knows that she's finished. Glen and I decided that we're not allowing him to live here again. If she wants to stay with him....that's her decision but we don't have to live where we're always trying to figure out whether he's lying or not.......or hiding things.

I guess that Sunday after church Damon was snippy......like when he was chewing before.....he needed to get right home after church to get a dip and Dae Lynn asked him if he was chewing. She said that she'd rather know than find out he was lying and he denied that he was but she had her suspicions. After we were talking yesterday she realized that right after they got home from church Damon went to the basement then went on a 4-wheeler ride. Even after she had the evidence in hand he tried to tell her that it was old......it had a lot of juice in the cup.......and that the can of chew she found was an old can. She said that they had cleaned out the desk before they moved it here. He just told lie on top of lie. Let me repeat......it's not the chew.....or smoking....which he's been doing as well......it's the lies.

There's also a bottle of Hydoxycut that I found in the Tahoe before we went to Brenda's. I brought it in to Dae Lynn because she and Damon had been the last ones to use the Tahoe and Damon denied that they were his. When I got home I asked around and couldn't find anyone they belonged too and couldn't figure out why they were in my vehicle. Dae Lynn and I discussed what to do with them and decided to throw them away but ended up setting them on the counter. Before that we had counted the pills and wrote the number on the bottom of the bottle. Well......yesterday I checked and there were 4 pills missing. I checked on the internet and they are high in caffeine.....which Damon uses in large amounts.....Cokes......Coffee......Energy drinks......etc. He told Dae Lynn that he just couldn't see them going to waste by throwing them away and that, yes, he had taken some.......but that they weren't his!!! Lie after lie!! If he can lie about such small stuff then what happens when there's big stuff. You just can't trust him and what do you have in a marriage that doesn't have trust?

I do care for Damon but I'm not supporting him anymore. As for Karlie he has said that she can stay with Dae Lynn until school is out but he wants her on the weekends. No mention of wanting Dean.......just Karlie because he knows how much it would hurt Dae Lynn to have her taken away. We talked to Glen's Aunt who works for a lawyer and there's a card we can play in court......and that's that we're are acting as her Grandparents and she lives with us. It's not much but the judge here in town knows Damon and his problems. We hate to involve SRS because it could get Karlie's real mother involved and we don't want that. Sigh.......what a day!!!

Dae Lynn went to work today but she has some things to take care of at the bank. Damon spent last night with Glen's brother who employs him but it was only for last night. Today he'll be looking for a place to stay and his sister and Dad aren't involved at this point. If he leaves town he can't drive back because he doesn't have a license (hasn't had one since they've been married for 3 1/2 years) to drive back to work.

Keep us in your prayers!!!

[gja1000]

OH Diana, again, I'm so sorry all this has to happen to your family. You are such good people and you have tried so hard to help Damon, but he has to want help before it will do any good. Such realization is often very difficult for some people - and many never come to that conclusion. You have done so much for him and Karlie, now it's time for him to figure out things on his own. I'm sorry it has to be this way, but I don't see any other way.

Gary is down again with fluid overload. We had to go to the heart failure clinic and get more IV Lasix today. This can't continue, so they will be running some tests to see if they can figure out what is going on. I feel so sorry for him. He feels so badly. When I was going to bed last night, (he had to sit up in the chair all night to be able to breathe), he asked if I could stay home with him today. I knew then, that he was really scared. Fortunately, I could stay home today. I called the heart clinic at 8:30 and we were there by 10:00. He's feeling much better already.

[Janet]

Diana...I know it's horrible what's happening between Dae Lynn and Damon, but she shouldn't have to put up with a liar. I do...and it's no fun at all. She is better off going it on her own and making a wonderful life for herself and Dean and hopefully Karley. I think of her at least once everyday....please tell her...will you?

Gayle, I'm so glad Gary is feeling better. He must have been really frightened to want you to stay with him. What an awful feeling...not being able to breath. You are his angel!

[gja1000]

Gary is breathing better this evening, but he is so so so tired. He doesn't want to go to bed yet. He's not a very good sleeper and he's afraid if he goes too early, he'll wake up in the middle of the night and not be able to go back to sleep. There's something amiss with heart, hopefully it's just a blip in the road.

[DianaB]

Gayle, I'm sorry to hear that Gary's not feeling well. I'm sure that it's scary when your lungs fill with water and then to think of being home alone. You take good care of him and stay on top of what ever is wrong. I hope he continues to get this problem behind him.

It's been pretty calm today except for a text to Dae Lynn about how Karlie was doing.....no mention of Dean. We had to tell Karlie what was going on and explained that her Daddy was telling lies. She understands that and the questions that she asked Dae Lynn were heart breaking. She is so grown-up in her thinking.

Damon is staying with Glen's brother, Mark, who lives close by. I'm not happy that he's so close but oh well. I don't think that he'll be a problem.

[Janet]

I wonder why he doesn't ask about his son? That is so strange to me. I'm also baffled why Mark is letting him stay with him. I know he needs some place to go and it's the Christian thing to do, but his track record isn't anything to brag about. I do pray that Dae Lynn finds peace in her decisions and the strength to follow through, she's young and has her whole life ahead of her.

[DianaB]

He only asks about Karlie because he knows that losing her is what will hurt Dae Lynn the most. He's using her as a pawn and believe me, Dae Lynn has considered taking him back because of her. He knows that he he can't take Dean away from Dae Lynn. He's being mean.

The reason that he's staying at Mark's is because he works for Mark. Right now the guys are busy planting corn and Mark needs the help. It's easier to have Damon live with him than to run him around to where ever Damon is staying and Damon can't drive himself.......no license.

Glen heard that Damon is blaming us for spying on him all the time he was living here. That's not true! It was only when things started looking suspicious that we starting checking into things.

Dae Lynn's being wishy-washy. She really hates to lose him but really can't live with the lies anymore. Even yet he's still lying about everything. It just proves who and what he really is. At least now Glen and I are on the same page concerning Damon and the tension is easing between us.

Damon said that he wanted Karlie this weekend and he knows that it's Easter. Glen's family has a huge Easter picnic on Saturday and we have family coming for lunch on Sunday. I guess we'll see what he does. Mark may invite him to go to the picnic so Karlie won't be left out.

I woke up this morning with pink eye! I had trouble yesterday with having gunk in one eye and thought maybe it was from being outside and maybe some allergies......but my eye was sealed shut this morning and swollen. I have a doctor's appointment in a little while. Gotta' work it all around because Glen also needs some rides and getting equipment to the field and Dean's nap time. Then we have the Alley tonight. It's a very busy day!!

[gja1000]

Diana, I hope Dae Lynn stays strong.mI know she wants it to work out, but there is nothing she can do to change the situation, Damon must change and that is not going to happen without intensive intervention. And that won't happen until Damon decides he has a problem and wants to get help.

Gary is better this evening, he wanted to get out of the house, so that is a good sign. The hospital called to schedule his heart tests on Friday. Hopefully, we will find out what is wrong.

Oh and the yard man called yesterday and he is going to start mowing next week. YAY!

[Janet]

Since I didn't have to drive the bus today I had an appointment to get my hair cut. So I did that and then went to town to pick up the rent from the people renting Mom's house. I just love talking with them, trouble is I end up being there so long because they just keep talking...lolol.

When I left there I ran by the other house rental house. No one was home. One of them has been off work and may have to have surgery, so they've gotten behing on a few of their bills (not us) and said they may have to move. We lowered the rent by $100 to help them out. They are good renters and take great care of the house. They do know that in a few months the rent will go back up.

There is a new shop that opened up that is kind of like a flea market. There are booths or you can just take things up there and they will buy them or let you sell them. They have so many neat things there. I bought this cute little 3 tier motive candle holder and a necklace that the owner crocheted or something and it's so pretty.

Just been a nice busy day. I also spoke with a realtor and we are going to go look at a house for Ricky. We still want the one with the beautiful hardwood floors, but just not sure Ricky can afford it without a roommate. So we are looking at a couple tomorrow.

Whenever I've seen something fun like flea markets or other things, I've been putting them on the calendar so if I want to do something I can look to see if there is anything going on.

[gja1000]

Gary had his echocardiogram this morning, well at 11:00. We ran some errands on the way to the hospital and then we went out for lunch afterward. By the time we got home we were both tired and so we took a nap. I slept too long, I'll be up half the night, I'm afraid.

After our nap, Gary changed the oil in my John Deere and then I hauled stuff that had accumulated in the garage that needed to go in the shop or shed. Gary helped me load it in my little trailer and then I unloaded it. We were both pretty pooped out when I got finished.

Now, I'm just chilling, watching some TV

[gja1000]

Well, it's 8:30AM, Gary is still in bed and I've been up since 6:30. I told you I wouldn't be able to sleep all night since I took that nap yesterday. Actually I went to bed at midnight and slept till a couple of little furbutts woke me up at 6:30. I was really surprised I slept so well. Guess I needed that nap.

So, I got up and finished unloading the trailer. There wasn't a whole lot of things, but took me about 6 trips back and forth. Thankfully it is parked about 20 feet from my backdoor! :D Then I found some more things in the garage to take down to the shop. They are just sitting out as I didn't want to fire up the John Deere this early. Our neighbors houses are not close, but they could hear my John Deere and I didn't think that was the neighborly thing to do at 6:30 on a Saturday. :D

Then I cleaned out the refridg - I didn't wipe it down (my housekeeper will do that if I ask her) but just got out all the old and expired things. Then I unloaded the dishwasher and after that I started shredding some accumulated mail, until the shredder overheated :mad:. Hope it will start up again after it cools off.

I'm going to put some fertilizer on the yard later, I use alfalfa pellets and dry molasses I get at the feed store. It is quite inexpensive for lawn fertilizer and it works great! My yard looks so beautiful this year. If you remember, last year when we moved here the yard was in really bad shape. So, I spent a lot of money getting compost spread all over the yard. I had to have the lawn company do that since my yard is so big. Then I had to water like crazy all summer due to the drought (more money spent). But this year the lawn looks absolutely gorgeous. So, I'll pop on my alfalfa and molasses and water that in. I'm sure the wonderful rains we've been having will stop soon and I'll have to start back up watering. But the grass trees such have enjoyed this wet winter/spring.

Oh and my beneficial nematodes. They are microscopic organisms that you spray on your yard and they will eat flea eggs and fire ant eggs, both of which live in the soil. i didn't use any last year because of the drought - the nematodes will die in extreme drought. But it is moist enough now to put them on and if I water the yard normally during the summer, they will survive. I hate to battle fleas on the dogs in the summer. And we have a lot of fire ants out here. I've gotten bitten so many times in the past year.

Well I hear Gary rustling around in the bedroom, better go check on him.

[judy]

I have been taking some time to relax and keep to myself the past week or so. I had been so busy running back and forth when Brandon was in the hospital, that I needed to unwind. I got my taxes done, I put an insurance claim in for my car. Remember when I drove it into a ditch a few weeks ago? I got $3600 from my insurance company!! I have never had collision, so have never put a claim in before. I paid myself back for the new clutch, and pout the rest in the bank. I don't need to have the body fixed. It's really only a dented fender, and it's a 2004, so I am just fine with it as is!

Jessie is mad at me because I haven't been coming around to help out since Brandon came home. I hate when she is mad at me, but I really don't need to be there. Steve is home, the girls are in school, and she is there for Brandon. I think she is really doing him a lot of harm actually, by enabling him. She babies him, spends all night awake with him, for his "pain," which nobody believes is real anymore. He hasn't been in school consistently since January. He has the whole family captive with all of this. I do think he had something wrong, but he had the appendectomy, which seems to have helped his stomach pain. His rash.....who knows? He hasn't had it in a few weeks. Jessie is exhaused, and her thinking is not clear. Her MS plus her exhaustion are clouding her brain. She is being nasty and short with everyone. Steve is keeping to himself, doing physical things around the house, and sleeping with Brandon from time to time, but Brandon wants his mother. It sounds terrible, but I just do not feel bad for the 3 of them. They are creating a crisis! I do feel sorry for the girls! They slept over Thursday, and I will have them over again.

They may expect me to help him with his school work that he has missed, but he does not do his work with me. I'm going to have to mention this somehow to them, to set them straight. It would just be a waste of time for me to even try.
I have tried many times before!

On the up side, I am getting a new puppy!!! One of Jessie's Japanes Chins had a litter, and I am taking the female. Her name is Sophie, and she is just so cute! She is a tiny one. There were 6 puppies, and the mommy is a small dog, so there are 2 runts, Sophie being one of them. I am hoping Max and Annie take to her. I think Annie will be jealous, but am hoping she loves having another dog to love. She sure loves Max.

Max really is limping, so he has to go to the vet Tuesday. He hurt his leg a few weeks ago, and must have reinjured it. Poor litttle guy!

Here are some pix of Sophie:

[Janet]

I hope Jessie doesn't stay mad at you for very long. It's tough to wait and let it run it's course isn't it. Little Sophie is adorable. I think Japanese Chins are so cute.

Today I paid bills and then cleaned out my van and washed it. I was on a roll so I cleaned Ricky's truck and washed it too. I am exhausted. Took my shower and now I'm just catching up on the computer.

Ricky isn't feeling the best, I think it's allergies, sinuses are draining so I gave him something to help relieve some of the symptoms. He said something was going around work and wasn't lasting very long so I hope it goes away quickly.

[gja1000]

Hi Judy, I've missed you! Sophie is absolutely adorable! She just looks like a little puff ball. I've always heard that female dogs sometimes have a hard time getting used to another female. I hope it all goes well, I'm sure it will in time.

Oh dear, you are caught in the middle with Brandon, aren't you. I think you have it pegged, with what is going on. He's got a good thing going and he knows it. I think it is called "secondary gain" and there is a fancy word for it, but I can't remember what it is. The illness creates attention and after awhile the "patient" can't stop being the "patient" because the secondary gain for being the "patient" is so good. You are right, the crisis is being "created" and you are wise to not be a part of it. He does need to catch up in school, but like you said, he doesn't do his work for you, so it's best for you to not even try. Jesse needs to do something though, if not he'll have to repeat the grade. Wait, does she home school them? I can't remember - but anyway, it is her issue.

I worked out in the yard all weekend. I had been gone for the past 5 weekends with Gary and my yard was looking pretty shaggy. Also, we had accumulated a lot of "stuff" in the garage and back yard that needed to be put away or thrown away and I did a lot of that. I cleaned out some plants in my garden from last year, and it looks good now. I only have tomatoes planted, I'm not sure if I'm going to plant anything else. We'll see.

My backyard is absolutely teeming with birds and squirrels. I'd rather not have the squirrels eating from the bird feeders, so I got a couple of squirrel feeders. I hope they take to them and leave the bird feeders alone.

I fixed beans and cornbread for Easter lunch (Gary's request) and mom came over to eat with us. After lunch mom and I sat on the back porch and watched the birds, then I took her to Walmart for a bit of shopping, then I took her on home. She is doing so well in the assisting living place. She has friends and I think she is finally adjusting to life there and I think she likes it. She asked me to come in and go out in their courtyard to see the roses. They were gorgeous! A lady at the center made her a little cloth thing to go on her walker to carry stuff in. It is so cute and she embroidered her name on it. Mom is still using her walker, but she pushes it ahead of her like a shopping cart, rather than actually leaning on the walker. I think she could go back to using her cane, but I think she feels more secure with the walker, so that's fine with me.

Well, it's back to the busy work life. I have a very long day tomorrow, but the rest of the week doesn't look too bad!

[Lindsey]

Sophie is adorable!!!!!!!!!!!!

We were at Scott's parents' house for Easter. Both of his sisters were around, and all the little kids. They think one of the babies is allergic to dogs, so they are getting rid of their dog, and when the baby was coughing at the house, they said they might have to leave if he gets worse, because our dogs were all there. When we were leaving, the 2 year old gave us hugs and told us he won't be able to come stay at our house anymore because of his little brother. I felt really awkward. It almost felt like they were hinting we need to leave our dogs at home if we want to see them.

Anyways, speaking of dogs, we got there on Friday and on Saturday morning I noticed Lucy had tons of yellow-green goop coming out of one eye, and it was really red and irritated. I was worried it was an infection. Scott didn't seem too concerned. He thought it could wait until we got home. I said no, I don't want it spreading to the other dogs, or the babies or other people. So we made an appointment with a vet there. It turns out Lucy had a scratch on her eye, so it's not contagious, but I think the two year old must have done it. I have never seen her scratch herself, just rub her face on something if it's itchy. He was running after her though and trying to get into her kennel. I know he ran over there when we were eating the night before, and he said he had to go to the bathroom. So I'm pretty sure that's when something happened. He was just acting like a little terror that night. But $100 later and 3-times-daily eye drops for a week, and Lucy should be better. Scott was very quiet about it all and wouldn't tell anyone we even needed to take her to the vet. He just told his mom "we need to go out"

Anyways, we also got to "go out" and have supper with my cousin and her boyfriend and her youngest daughter and his daughter (lol). I hadn't really talked to him much before but he seems like a good guy and I like him. The kids were okay at the start but got pretty grouchy and started screaming and running around the restaurant.

So basically what I got out of the weekend was this: birth control :thumbup: LOL... I am just not ready for all that! I have had my share of kids for awhile. I like adult conversation without screaming and crying and whining in the background because the kids are not the center of attention. I just couldn't deal!

[DianaB]

Judy, it sounds like you've done a good job of figuring out what's going on with Brandon. The family needs to "wise-up" before it gets any worse. I do hope that he can get caught up on his schoolwork before the end of the year.......and the puppy is just adorable!!

Gayle, you are such a busy woman!! I bet your yard is beautiful! Mine is a wreck! The chickens and ducks did a real number on mine last year and I don't hardly even have grass......just weeks!

Lindsey, Glad to hear that Lucy is all right. It sounds like you had a pretty good Easter with family.

Dae Lynn and I cleaned on Friday. Saturday Glen's family had their family Easter Picnic. It was rainy so we had it in a big metal shop. Dae Lynn and I went after Dean's nap and just stayed for a little while. I still had things to do to get ready for Sunday.

On Sunday after church the whole family was here. Mom and my step-dad, Art, were here as well. My brother and one of his daughters were suppose to come but called about the time we were getting ready to eat and said that they weren't coming. My poor Mom looked so disappointed. I don't care whether they come or not but to wait until the last minute to tell her and us is rude!!

I'm still dealing with pink eye. It's in my right eye now pretty good. It's so red and aches. I'll be glad when this is gone!!!

[judy]

OOH! Pink eye hurts! I hope your eyes and Lucy's eye heal up fast!

I am sitting here with Annie on my lap. I had Sophie on my lap before. Annie is afraid of Sophie, so she barks at her and runs away. Max comes in, and they corner Sophie. I put an end to it by lifting one of the girls. This will take some time, I think. Sophie is not afraid of either of them, but that's a puppy for you. I don't think there will be any attempts to bite, but I cannot leave the girls out of my sight.
On the plus side, Sophie seems to be trained!

Gayle, how does Gary feel?

Janet, how is your neck? I know you had to wash the carpet, but take it easy!

Linds, kids can be a real pain in the neck! You have to be ready for them.

[DianaB]

It will take a while but the dogs will get used to each other soon. I hope they learn to get along soon for your sake!

I still have pink eye.......and yes, it hurts. My eyes are watery and achy. I can't tell if the meds are helping or not. I'm glad that I have it instead of the kids because then we'd ALL have it. I'm being very careful about touching my eyes and washing my hands a lot!! I even put out the hand sanitizer today to start using it too. I'm so ready for it to go away!!!

[Lindsey]

Diana, I think you should go back to the doctor with your pink eye! Whenever I've had it, it is noticeably clearing up after a couple of days. Do you have any goop coming out of your eyes? If not, and they're just red and watery, it could be a viral infection and meds won't help - it will just have to run its course :( Scott had viral pink eye caused by allergies and taking allergy meds every day helped him feel a little more comfortable!

Last night I got back on my treadmill. I am going to try to make that a daily thing. I used to run and I'd dread doing it because I'd get so hot and sweaty and uncomfortable and I always get stomach cramps when I run for over 10 minutes! I would end up coming up with excuses not to do it :rolleyes: I think I'm just going to stick with walking for now. I still break a sweat with a brisk walk, but I stay a little more comfortable!

[DianaB]

Good luck on the treadmill, Lindsey!!

Yes, I have goop and water coming out. My eyes are sealed shut in the morning. I missed a couple of pills and I wondered if that made a difference.....whatever it is it's not getting better. I'm taking antibiotics and have drops to put in. I may just have to let it run it's course. It's just so hard to keep my hands clean but I'm trying!!!

[judy]

The pink eye takes about a week usually. I hope it's gone soon!

It's a beautiful day here! I saw little blue thistles and yellow flowers already!!! I am so excited!

I took Max to the vet. His knee is slipping out of its' joint. I got a non steroid anti inflammatory for him. If this doesn't work, he may need surgery. Poor little Max! He shouldn't jump or run around. Since he is in pain, he doesn't jump much, but how do you keep a yorkie from running around?

Annie is a bit better around Sophie today. I think they convinced Sophie not to run after her so much! Who knows? I want them to love each other.

[Lindsey]

Poor Max!! I hope things get better without surgery. I hope Annie and Sophie get along soon. I still have the same problem with Kash and Layla! Lucy and Layla are good with each other, Lucy and Kash are great with each other, but Kash and Layla just rub each other the wrong way!

We had snow on the weekend again... no flowers for us yet!

I got an offer on my bike today.... $1000 less than I am asking ($1500 less than I was originally asking). I might just take it though... it's better than nothing. Together with Scott's bike sale, we'd make enough to cover our next vacation (AFTER the honeymoon vacation!) lol. I just want to keep going places!

[judy]

I just brought Annie and Sophie upstairs, leaving Max doiwnstairs. We all snuggled on the bed, but Annie won't let Sophie near her. I think it has something to do with allowing Sophie to sniff Annie, which has something to do with submitting???????? Anyway, that's what Jessie said.

As cute as she is, I'm not sure I'm going to keep Sophie if Annie is not going to bond with her. There is a buyer who wants a female, and Sophie is a happy little girl. She would be happy anywhere. What's the point of one out of three unhappy dogs?

I'll give it some time, and see.

[Janet]

This morning I was suppose to take my friends Mom to the dentist. We were just about to get in the car with my friend called and said the dentist was sick and had to cancel the appointment so we turned around and went back inside. We visited for a few minutes and then I came home to get some odds and ends done in the house.

Sure wish it would warm up outside. I need to get some shrubs trimmed and I want to transplant a tree. I have a real nice one growing in one of the flower pots on my porch so since we are going to have the willow tree cut down, I want to plant this one in the yard.

I also want to trim the shrubs in at Mom's house and power wash under the carport. It just needs to be a bit warmer and not so much wind.

[DianaB]

Judy, I hope that things straighten out with the dogs soon. I know that Jazzi doesn't get along with one of our outside dogs but it's not a big worry because they're not together often.

I also hope that the meds help Max's leg. What a worry that would be. Poor little guy.

Well, today one eye seems better.......slightly. I'm so ready for this to be over. The goop.....the achy-ness......the redness.......and sometimes a headache. I'm going to feel so bad if Dean or anyone else gets this and I'm trying so hard to keep my hands clean.

Glen's been working on bills this morning......and he's growling!! Time for him to go back to work in the field, I'm thinking!!!

[Lindsey]

Judy I hope things get better soon with Sophie and Annie! Layla has changed a little since Kash came, but I make sure to still give her special time on her own and she goes right back to her old self! I think she just has her guard up when Kash is around. It will take time but they have gotten heaps better than when he first came, so I think eventually they will be okay. At least he doesn't do anything back. She will bark and snap at him, and he just walks on by!

Diana - I wonder if another antibiotic might work better for you? Maybe you have a resistance to the one you've been using and that's why things aren't getting much better yet! From all the times (a lot!) that I've bad pink eye, the goop stops within the first day antibiotic eye drops, the watering and pain stops by the second day or so, and it's not contagious anymore after 24 hours... and after about a week the bacteria should be gone completely.

[Blueyes]

Hi Everybody! We have been so busy the last couple of weeks. Last week we went to look at Bluebonnets with some old friends. They were actually friends with Mike's parents for many years, and are both 80 years old although they don't act like it! We saw tons of beautiful wildflowers, and ate German food in the little town we were in, Fredericksburg. Gayle, I'm sure you've been there.

We are flying out of Houston Friday afternoon headed to Paris! We decided to drive to Houston tomorrow..it's about 3 hours..spend the night at a hotel so we can leave our car there and take their shuttle to the airport. I'm still putting things in my suitcase but I'll be ready in the morning! I went to the doc yesterday to get meds for a sinus infection. I got antibiotics and a steroid shot and more allergy medicine. I couldn't stand the thought of getting on the plane the way my head was feeling, but it's a little better today. I'll be well by Friday:D

I have a suitcase full of things for Michael, Rachel and the kids. From corn meal to measuring cups to a bra from Dillards, lol! Also Mucinex, allegra, airborne, melatonin, etc..etc.. I also bought Mikey a Kindle Fire for his 13th birthday, which isn't until June, lol!

Y'all try to behave without me. I'll check in when I can. Watch FB for pictures:p

[gja1000]

Judy, I hope the situation improves and if not, that Sophie goes to a wonderful family. I'm sure she will be fine anywhere, if she is unmiffed by Annie's aggression. We once had a female dog who didn't get along with ANYONE, dog or human (other than my husband). We tolerated the situation until Abigail came along, then we found another home for her. I wouldn't want a new pet to upset things with Rex and Rowdy either.

Diana, I hope your eye is better soon. I think Lindsey may be right, you may need a different med - or you may just have to wait it out.

Betsi, have a wonderful trip! Please walk through the Louvre and think of me when you look at the Monets.

[judy]

How exciting Betsi! I think a Kindle fire is going to make a big hit! Take lots of pictures and have a safe trip!

[Blueyes]

Thanks! Mike and I are piled up in the bed at a Hamilton Inn very close to the airport. I am making myself crazy trying to make sure everything is in the proper bag. I have my "purse stuff" in a backpack along with electronics and snacks and passports. All shoes are in a carry on that will stow above the seats, and my checked bag weighs less than 50 lbs, which is the limit. See Janet... Traveling is a pain in the neck:eek:

Gayle, if I could only pick one thing to do, it would be the Louve! I'll speak your name out loud while I am inside, I promise!

[gja1000]

LOL! Thanks so much Betsi. How long is the flight? I just hate long flights, but it would be OK if I were going to see my babies. Be sure Mike gets up and walks the aisles every hour or so to prevent blood clots, oh and you too!

[DianaB]

Betsi, I am sooo jealous!! I would love to travel but I married a homebody!! I hope you have such a wonderful trip and that everything goes well!! Enjoy seeing your family, I know that that's the most important thing and I hope all the scenery is just frosting on the cake!! Enjoy!!

I called the doctor yesterday about my pink eye and I'm suppose to go in today and have it cultured. I hope we can figure out what's going on. They are still oozy and now they're runny too. It's hard to be on the computer because my eyes are blurry and it's hard to read sometimes.

Dean's been so cute!! While I sit in the chair on the computer he's getting out a little play computer and sits right beside me!! It's a little thing that plays music and it's VERY annoying!!! There's really not room but he squeezes his little bottom in and makes room!!

Also, he's been telling me that he loves me without being prompted to!! It's so sweet to hear it just come from him. He's talking so much and putting three and four word together in sentences! He's growing so fast!!

[Blueyes]

Diana, I'm glad you're enjoying Dean! I hope your eye gets been better soon:)

The flight over is almost 10 hours, and the flight back is a little over 11 hours. We will walk the aisles and drink plenty of water.

[DianaB]

Oh Betsi, I bet you are so excited!! I'm excited for you!!

[Janet]

Betsi.....I am so happy that you are going to Paris...bumbed out you're leaving me behind...lol...but you are going to have such a great time with your family. The anticipation is almost over and they will be in your arms. I'm going to wish that time will slow down for you so you can enjoy it even longer. Stay safe.

[Janet]

This morning after my route I drove south to the other end of the county. On FB we have some pages with local people selling things and one of the things was this cute adorable riding toy that can be rode on or can be set up to use as a walker. Here is a picture of it.... 6974


The young couple renting my Mom's house,, their little girl will be one on May 2nd and I was able to get this for $10. I don't know how much it's really worth, but the very nice lady said she paid $29.99 for it.

I was only going to go pick up this item and go do some other errands and ended up there for almost 2 hours. She had Chinese Crested dogs and we just got to talking about anything and everything. She went through basically the same thing with her mother as I did and same situation with two siblings. We both ended up crying and by the time I left, laughing our heads off. Her name is Lewana and she is so nice. We hit it off immediately.

Now....I don't know how I'm ever going to wait until May 2nd to give this to Danica. It's all I can do to keep from going to town now...lol. Truth be told....I probably won't wait. I'd bring her home with me in a second...just too cute for words.

[Lindsey]

Betsi, you will have the best time in Paris!!!!!!

Janet, that is so sweet you thought to get a present for their little girl!!! And it's great that you were able to hit it off with the person you bought it from!!!

We might be selling my motorcycle today. I have an offer a thousand less than I'm asking but it's really the only interest so far. She is coming out tonight with her husband to see it, and will bring a deposit in case she likes it. I am torn. Scott's is already gone and I need to sell mine, but I'm a little sad! I know I haven't even used it in the past couple of years, but I still like knowing it's there! I probably will not ride it again though. A 19 year old was just killed in my city two nights ago by slipping on gravel around a corner, losing control, and hitting a guard rail. Even with full gear (I never rode without full gear!) I just don't feel safe riding anymore.

Besides that, I hope to relax a little this weekend! I'm getting a hair cut tomorrow and doing some shopping, and maybe I'll try some more string balls on Sunday! I am registering Kash and Lucy for obedience classes starting Monday evening. A trainer from the city is offering 7 weeks of classes in my town :) It will give us something to do and help us meet other people with dogs! And hopefully Kash and Lucy will learn something lol! Scott wasn't too happy with the idea (because of the money - $160 per dog) but I know classes did amazing things for Layla back when she was younger, and these two are worse behaved than she ever was lol!

[Janet]

Today I'm enjoying a nice lazy morning so far. Rick has a Cowboy Shoot and Ricky has to work so it's just me and the dogs. I've been doing laundry and I dusted. It's so stormy looking outside, but no dangerous storms are suppose to come our way, just mostly rain. I'm very thankful for that. Feeling bad for the one in the path of some of these dangerous storms popping up.

I'm sitting here with my laptop, music playing on the radio and dogs napping. So nice. Here in a bit I'm going to do some exercises. I have a couple of apps on my iPad that I really enjoy doing. I'd much rather walk, but the weather is just not cooperating.

Diana, how are your eyes doing? Better? I feel so bad for you I know it has to be uncomfortable and annoying at the same time.

Judy, what about the doggies? Are Annie and Sophie getting along any better?

[DianaB]

I went to the doctor yesterday and she took a culture but it will be three days before they know anything on that. She gave me some stronger eye drops and I think that I can tell that they're working. If it's not better by Monday then I'm suppose to contact my eye doctor. I probably should have contacted him anyway but he is in another town and not convient to go to.

We've got an eye on the weather. We're really concerned about it! I hate days where we have to keep such a close eye on the sky! You know......next time it could be MY community that is hit. Always a worry!

We had a baby shower this morning. The couple is a new couple at church and Glen and I have made friends with them. The baby is a doll!! I didn't hold her because of my pink-eye. I don't think that I would pass it on but I don't want to cause anyone to worry. I'll hold the baby later!

Now I'm home. Dae Lynn and Amy went to Wal-mart and Kera and Daya are watching the kids. I really wanted a break from the kids but if the weather gets bad then they'll all be over here. The girls can ride their 4-wheelers here in a flash!!

[Lindsey]

Diana, I hope you don't get bad weather!!

We are having a snow day again!!! This is just life in Saskatchewan - you never know what you'll get! Yesterday was so warm, I was in the mall and almost everyone was wearing shorts or dresses and sandals! I talked to my mom last night and she said it had rained all day and in the evening it turned to snow, and it was still snowing when we talked. We were outside playing with the pups yesterday evening, and this morning I woke up to a blanket of white! I think it may have stopped snowing now though.

As I mentioned, we went to the city yesterday. I got my hair cut at the mall and Scott went to a doctor because he has no voice lol! He got some medication for that so hopefully he's feeling better soon. We went to my aunt and uncle's house to pick up a laptop with a tax program on it so we could do our taxes this weekend. Then we went to Costco for groceries. Since we've been away the last two weekends, we haven't bought groceries in 3 weeks. Our fridge was completely empty and our pantry and freezer were getting pretty low. We ended up spending $575 on groceries :eek::eek::eek: BUT at least now we won't need to do a big shop for a long time!!!!

We did our taxes last night and I will be getting back a lot more than I expected! I guess with changing jobs twice last year, I overpaid into Canadian Pension Plan and Employment Insurance, which means I get all that money back now! I also still get to claim a graduate tax credit for my schooling (it came into effect the year I graduated, so Scott got missed by one year!). I think this is the last year I can claim it, but I didn't think I still could this year so it was a nice surprise lol!

Oh yeah and the woman who came to look at my bike on Friday night, I don't think will be back. I was surprised when she came because she's probably 50-something, and this is her first bike. She has never rode before, and she doesn't even have a learners license yet. A 636 cc sport bike is not what I'd picture someone like her on! She seemed a little nervous about it and was more interested in playing with the dogs while her husband checked out the bike. He doesn't know much about them either. They had to ask how to shift, where the clutch is, how to brake, etc. Their son who seemed to be about 17 or 18 came out too and laughed when his dad asked if he could imagine his mom on it. She told me previously she was bringing out a deposit if it all checked out, and they didn't find a thing wrong with it, but said they would think about it and left with the money.

[judy]

Why does she want to buy a bike? Wierd!!!

We had snow this week too, with intermittent flip flop weather! It is chilly and damp today. I wore a jacket and flip flops!

I just ran out to get some veggies. I was thinking of going to Jessie's, but she wasn't home. I have been home with the dogs for the most part, and I am bored!!! I have to go to the dermatologist tomorrow. There is a TJMaxx right there, so mama's gonna buy new stuff!

I can't leave the dogs for too long, so I can't really shop a lot, but I can do TJ Maxx fast! I also have 2 things to return, so I have some credit!!!

The dogs are slowly getting along much better. Annie doesn't really want Sophie near her, but she is getting braver. Max is fine with her. He's a good boy. He will just walk away if she annoys him too much. If she annoys Annie though, he has got her back! I like that, but I don't allow them both to gang up on her.

[Janet]

It's great that the dogs are doing better. Who knows...they may end up the best of friends.

This morning my husband and I went to Mom's house to trim a large shrub. There is also a hedge type thing on the neighbors property and it was all in our property making it difficult to mow. So...I took the hedge trimmers to them too...lol. The neighbor (he rents) thought it was ours instead of his landlord's so I asked him if he wanted us to do his side too. He did and ended up using the hedge trimmers (my arms got sooo tired) and then we cleaned it all up. Looks really nice.

Our renters were not home when we got there, but did arrive just as we were getting done. I didn't wait to give their daughter the little riding toy I bought...I just had to give it too her. I did take a picture so I'll have to get it posted. She is just so darn cute and just grinned from ear to ear when she saw me.

All that work wore me out, don't know if it's old age or being to overweight. I had a hard time taking a big deep breath and when I would look up things went black but then came right back. It made me very light headed.

Once we got home and things unloaded I fell asleep in the recliner. When I woke up I took a shower and then took another nap in the recliner and feel as though I could take another...lol.

I'm pretty much done for the day...I think.

[gja1000]

All that work wore me out, don't know if it's old age or being to overweight. I had a hard time taking a big deep breath and when I would look up things went black but then came right back. It made me very light headed.

Once we got home and things unloaded I fell asleep in the recliner. When I woke up I took a shower and then took another nap in the recliner and feel as though I could take another...lol.

I'm pretty much done for the day...I think.

Finding it hard to take a deep breath is probably from being out of shape - and how many years did you smoke? There may be a bit of residual damage from that.

Seeing black when you look up is because you are restricting the carotid artery in your neck. This is the artery (well there are actually two arteries, one on each side of the neck) that take oxygenated blood to your brain. When you look up and twist your neck a bit, it can compromise the carotid artery, thus, decreasing the blood flow to the brain and viola! you see black. Remember last fall when Gary went to Colorado and couldn't see the elk well enough to shoot them? It is the same principle, he wasn't getting enough oxygen to his eyes because of his lung problems and his heart failure, so everything was brown. In your case your eyes were even more oxygen deprived because you could only see black.

This is very common, especially as we get older because the carotid artery does get a bit of plaque in it which causes narrowing and less blood flow to the brain, so if it gets twisted where there is a bit of plaque, it can restrict the blood flow and remember your eyes are the first to go when your body is oxygen deprived; thus you see black - if you don't adjust your neck and let the blood flow return, you can and WILL pass out.

[Janet]

Wow....I had no idea. Kind of scary. Whenever I saw black I would just close my eyes and look down or at least lower and it would go away, but a little dizziness remained. If I keep doing well on the diet type thing I'm doing, then one of these days I'll be in better shape.

Thank you for all the information Gayle.


Here is the picture of little Danica....she is just adorable!

6975

[gja1000]

Oh. My. Gosh. Janet, isn't she just adorable!! Look at those cute little cheeks. She looks so cute on the little colorful car you got her. I bet she'll have so much fun.

Janet, next time don't look up till you see black - you could actually pass out, fall and break something. Now that you know you have these symptoms when you look up, pay close attention when you look up and try not to do it so long, or try to change positions so that your neck is in a better position. Also, being a little dizzy for a while afterward is normal.

[Janet]

I only see black and get dizzy when I'm doing physical labor. I'm just like my Mom when it comes to working. We can't take our time, we go at a fast pace....absolutely crazy to do that. I need to slow down.

She is a little cutie for sure. I wish she would have been smiling real big for the camera....her smile is just so precious with those cute cheeks.

[judy]

That sounds scary, Janet! Don't put your head back!!! I get dizzy when I tilt my head a certain way. It might be a similar thing, or sinuses, or whatever. I try to not turn my head that way!

We are like used cars!!! Something is always wrong!

She is a cutie patootie! How nice that you are close snough to buy her a gift!

It is Max's birthday!!! My boy is 6 years old today! I am quite proud of the dog he has become. He really is quite special! I think I will give him hamburger for dinner.

Annie's birthday is next month.

[DianaB]

Janet, the little girl is a doll!!! Dean has a little car like that and it also fold up and is something that can be pushed. It's a neat little toy!!

Judy, I'm so glad that the dogs are getting along better! How is Brandon doing? Is he going to school and caught up yet?

Gayle, I so appreciate your medical wisdom!!

Lindsey, Our weather has been so different this year!! We were so hot for awhile but it's cooled off now and is more seasonal. My irises are blooming and I think that it's a whole month early for them!! The winter was so mild that ticks are really, really bad! Yuck!!! At least the snow will kill some of your bugs!!

Today's just been same-ol'.....same-ol'!! Nothing much going on. Dae Lynn picked up her tax return and she's getting a lot of money back.....it must be nice!! Her lawyer told her that she wouldn't have to share with Damon but she doesn't feel right about that so she's going to talk to him about applying it to bills. He can say no but the money will be transfered into her account and she can do what she wants with it anyway!! She also picked up her divorce papers and decided to just wait on filing. She's so unsure. I can understand......it's a hard decision. Damon's gong to have to prove that he's doing better in the next few months.

[judy]

It is such beautiful day!!! I have nothing I have to do.

I think I am going to clean up the deck......Yuck!!! Max pooped out there all winter.

Then I just have to gather the furniture covers and put them in the basement. I'm not ready to plant yet. It could snow again, or frost overnight.

How nice! I love spring!!!


Brandon went to school yesterday and today. He has been making Jessie crazy, but she doesn't care. He has to go to school. I only hope Steve doesn't give in and tell him he can stay home. Jessie feels that this is a time where he could go either way, and she wants to steer him along the way he should go. Suck it up, and do what you have to do. He only has 38 more days anmyway.

[DianaB]

I hope that Brandon's able to catch up in all of his classes. I think that Jessie's making the right choice in making him go.

Today's just another so-so day. Glen's home paying bills and doing computer work since it's muddy. I'm trying to get things straightened up because we've invited one of Glen's cousins and his wife and kids over tonight. They're going to pick up pizza so I don't have to cook.......hmmmm......maybe I should make some browniies or something. Anyway, I'm not sure what we'll do but it will be fun.

I wish that you could see Dean......he is growing so much and talking alot! He's into playing with his toys! Glen and I are enjoying having him here with us during the day!! We're teaching him to spread his arms out wide when we ask him how much he loves Grandma/Grandpa and to say "This much" and then when we ask how much he loves Mama.....we've taught him to use his fingers and say "This much!" We think it's funny and he's about got it down good enough for us to show Dae Lynn!!!

I can tell that I have a LOT to learn about using a greenhouse. My tomatoes haven't grown hardly at all since they've come up. I don't know if it's too much water.....not enough water.....too cool.......too hot.....or a combination of all of these. Oh well.....I'm learing!!!

[DianaB]

We had a good time with Glen's cousin and his family last night. They brought pizza so it wasn't like I had to cook.....just clean. Their boys are at that in-between age.....you know.........they want to be an adult but their comments just aren't up to adult conversation so it was interesting at times. The oldest is the same age as the twins and Kera......15 years old. We visited and ate then went to the basement where they played ping-pong and pool. I watched. My lower back's been hurting and the cement is just too hard on it. Before they left we set up another date for next month to get together again.

I've started setting dates with people who say "We should get together sometime". It seems like we never do so I've just been saying "Let's set a date not". In fact, the friend that I ate lunch with a few weeks ago is meeting me for lunch again today. We both have a lot going on in our families so it's nice to have some one-on-one time to visit.

[gja1000]

Diana, I have a group of friends I went to graduate school with in the early 90's. We meet about once a month or so for dinner. At the end of the dinner, we set the date/time/place for the next dinner. Sometimes we have to change it by the time it rolls around, but it keeps us connected and we always have a "date" set.

Busy busy busy week at school! Lots going on and I've hardly had time to look up! School will be over in 3 weeks, hard to believe.

Gary had an appointment at the heart failure clinic today and his heart tests were all stable since last fall and actually his heart function is better than it was 5 years ago. I don't know what is going on with him, but something is amiss because he is not himself. I hope whatever is causing this extreme fatigue passes, because he flat doesn't feel good.

He saw his diabetes nurse last Monday and his blood sugars seem to be doing pretty good. His kidney function is stable also - he only has about 22% function, but that is plenty to get by.

So, whatever is going on with him is a mystery right now. IDK?????

[DianaB]

Hmmmm........that's not good.....that Gary's systems seem stable but he's not feeling good. I'm sure that you're keeping close tabs on him and doing all that you can to get him up and going again. It has to be a huge worry when he's not feeling the best.

Janet, WHERE ARE YOU???? You haven't been on for a couple of days!!

I am still kinda' fighting this pink eye. It's much, much better.....not matting, not hurting but still kinda' pink. It is a lot better than it was. I have some refills on the antibiotic so I think that I'll get it refilled and see if it helps. If not then I'll go to the eye doctor.

Glen left this morning to go scuba diving at Beaver Lake with his buddy, Logan. They're just going for the day but it will be a long day......Beaver Lake is several hours away......they are just so excited about this new hobby!!

Logan's wife, Teresa, called the other night after the guys made plans and we're going out to eat tonight and go to Wal-mart. I really don't need to go to Wal-mart but it will be nice to get out of the house for awhile. Wal-mart is just a place that's open after 5 pm that you can go to around here. There are a few other places but usually Wal-mart's where people go........the joys of small town living!!

I had a good time at lunch yesterday with Rita. I ended up inviting my Mom and Amy since it was both of their birthdays. Rita stayed around after they left so she and I could visit alone. Rita deals with a lot of family problems too so we just share with each other about what's going on.

The weather here has been so nice. Much more seasonal than it was. The nights are cool while the days are a little warmer but not hot. And we're getting a little rain here and there......which is important when you farm.

[Janet]

Gayle, I know you're keeping an eye on Gary. Whatever it is, I hope it passes and quickly. It has to worry you.

Diana....I'm right here. Just been a little busy. I check in and read posts and then I'm done...lol.

I wish I had someone to go to lunch with, but everyone works or are too busy. Don't really need to spend money anyway, I guess.

It's been really pretty here too. I just love this time of year, makes me feel so at peace. I can work outside or just sit and watch the dogs and be happy. Sunday Rick and I went to Mom's house and I trimmed the shrub under the kitchen window and the line of divider shrubs out back that divide the properties. The neighbor came out and helped too so it was a really nice day...windy, but nice. I got sunburned a little bit and a blister on the palm of my hand. Just not use to raking.

Yesterday I trimmed the shrubs here at home and put out some of the lawn decorations that once belonged to my Mom. I wish it was time to plant some flowers, but I'm still a little nervous about it. Still going to work up the ground and have to go buy some dirt for my yard planters. I've not been excited about it for a couple years, but this year...for some reason, I'm ready and excited.

We've also put on hold looking for a house for Ricky. He has finally realized what it takes to live alone and it's not easy. So he is saving more and waiting until the right home that he can afford comes along. His truck is needing a little bit of work, nothing major, but it just kind of hit home that these things will pop up now and then and he really needs to have more money in savings. I'm so glad he realizes it now instead of later and then lose a house. I think we did a good job with him, just takes that independent mind of his time to realize what it takes to live on his own.

I'm hoping to go to an auction tomorrow evening. They have some Sheffeld Strawberry and Creme enamalware that I'm interested in. Not sure why....lolol, but Mom had some beautiful pots and I would just like to had to the collection. Here is a link to show you what they look like: http://www.etsy.com/listing/95085754/sheffield-strawberries-and-cream I have 4 different size pans with lids, but don't have any pots. So I've been looking. What a thing to collect...takes up room, but I think they are lovely. This is a picture of what is at the auction: http://www.auctionzip.com/Full-Image/1424591/fp25.cgi

[gja1000]

I love that enamel ware! If I were there, I'd go with you and bid you up! LOL! Not really, we could decide before hand who would bid on what. I don't have any place to store it either, but I do really like it.

[Shada]

Janet those are beautiful. I wish you luck in adding more to your and your Mom's collection! Also wish you were closer.. I love auctions! Going to one Saturday. Spring is here!!!! :) I will keep an eye out for your pattern. Go to many auctions and antique shows thru out the summer. :)
I collect enamelware also. Mine is the basic.. white with red trim.

Today I worked. Eight hours of yuck. Pays the bills, but oh how I hate it.
Afterwards stopped at Goodwill because I am looking for a dark basket to put on my coffee table to hold my remote and 'stuff'. Has to be older. Vintage dark 'this is exactly what I am looking for basket'. No luck.. this time. But while there ran into a old friend. Had a nice visit carried over to my home. Caught up on the past months... when he left, I attacked my kitchen.

I have bugs!!!! Small little bitty beetles. Very teenie. In my kitchen. Hang out in my sink and windowsill. Which is odd. Because when water touches them they die. Or appear to. Hopefully tonight they will be gone. For good. Brought out the big boys. Sprayed bug killer poison after cleaning. Last resort. Hate to use that stuff. But... darn it!!! I asked them kindly to leave.. gave them a week.. nope. They made their choice. I made mine. Now I can only hope that tomorrow when I get home from work my sink is beetle free. They seem to like the daytime more than the dark..strange nasty hope they are gone from my home beetles!!!

[judy]

Are those bugs gone Shada? Sometimes, you just have to get rid of them.

How is Gary, Gayle? I wonder what is wrong?

Janet, I love that enamel ware! How nice to add to your Mom's collection too! I couldn't get onto the auction page, but good luck!

Diana, if only we had a Walmart in this small town! They haven't given in yet because it would spoil the ruralness of the area. They are in the bigger towns, all of which are at least an hour away. It's fun to go, but gas is so expensive that I don't just take a ride anymore.

I just looked up and saw Sophie hanging onto Annie's tail. Annie was running away and Sophie was following. I think she actually got her tooth caught in there. She likes to grab Annie by her beard. I don't let her if I am around. She is a rascal!!! She is curled up in her little bed, sleeping off her playtime.

I tried cleaning up my deck floor, but there is so much debris from the winter. I called the guy who power washes, but he said it would be around $100 to $150 to power wash and bleach. I told him I didn't want to spend that much.

I'm going to attach the hose to my kitchen sink and see how well I can wash it down myself. Bleaching is easy enough. I can spray diluted bleach out there, and then rinse it. I just have to be careful that the dogs don't get out there while I'm doing this. It is going to snow Monday, so I think I might do it today. The snow and rain will help wash away more dirt.

Brandon's teacher gave him all zeros in his report card! I don't know if there is such a grade! 50 was the lowest when I taught. Jessie is working it out with the Superintendent. I don't trust her, or anyone else at the school. I told her to make a list of questions she has, and to call the NYS Dept., of Education, Student Support division. I called there a couple of weeks ago, and they are great. She needs to have all of the info at her fingertips in case the school does anything underhanded. She was not thrilled with that idea. She is more stubborn than even I am! I know that she is so tired from everything to do with Brandon lately, that talking to somebody new sounds overwhelming. She might do it. I tried!

[Janet]

I did make it to the auction but the items I was interested in we're pure junk. There are some on eBay so I may do a little shopping there.

[gja1000]

Judy, i hope Jessie is able to get Brandon's school straightened out. It must be frustrating. I'm also glad the doggies are getting along better! I just hate to clean patios or anything like that after winter. Yuk, but I know it has to be done and I wouldn't pay someone $100-150 either.

Janet, I'm sorry the enamelware was junk. I like to look at stuff like that on ebay too. I don't buy much, but it's fun to look.

I am so glad this week is over, it has been so stressful! Just a million things to do and not enough time to do it.

I think Gary is better, but he is still acting weird. Today he asked me to call the doctor because he needed another shot in his neck. I didn't do it because I was so busy at work and I wanted to talk to him about it. Well, turns out he is not having pain, his neck is stiff (which of course the shot won't help). When I told him the shot wouldn't help that, he was very pouty, in fact he still seems pouty. I'm not sure what is up, but physically he seems better, just acting weird. LOL!

[Blueyes]

Hi Everybody! I just had a free minute so I wanted to check in. Mikey, the 12 yr old , is in his room reading. Rachel is lying down with Raelyn, and I bet they both take a nap. Mike and Michael are gone to see a Rugby match. Caleb and I are about to go to the park that is right here behind the apartments. It is huge!

So far we have seen The Notre Dame Cathedral, the Arch de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and strolled along the Champs Elyssee. I did get to go in the House of Guerlain and by my perfume:D

We have to take a bus or train everywhere we want to go. I can't imagine living without a car, but so many people do it here. Of course the traffic is horrible, and gas is equivalent to about 8 dollars a gallon:eek:

Gotta go...Caleb is begging for the park, lol! I don't know how I'll ever say goodbye when it comes time to leave.

[DianaB]

Betsi, it's so good to hear all that you're doing! What a special trip! I know that we'll never go so it's nice to see all the pictures that you're taking!! I can't imagine how hard it will be to leave all the kids when it's time to go. I'd probably cry all the way home!

Gayle, i hope that Gary's better soon with the weirdness.

Janet, the strawberry pans were nice. Too bad that they weren't as nice as you'd like.

Judy, I hope that Jessie can get everything straightened out with Brandon's school. Maybe he can finish the year in summer school.

We went to Jaci and Nate's last night. They have a new restaurant that just opened up near them so we went and tried it out. It wasn't bad and will be really handy for them to go and get a hamburer sometimes. Then we went back and played cards. Jaci and I lost but we played hard! She's so much fun to play with!! We laughed the whole evening!

This morning I ran into town and went to a few garage sales. I hit a great one that had clothes for Dean!! I bought two big trash bags of clothes through size 2 to 4. They were so nice and clean and some name brand. I spent $35 and it was mostly all priced 24 cents to 50 cents!! I don't mind buying clothes and saving them if they're not too expensive because we have the basement to store them in.

Amy and Dae Lynn are working at the garden and I need to go out to the greenhouse. It got really cold last night so I need to go and check on things. The irises are blooming and sooo pretty!! I think that they're a month early this year.

[judy]

It is such a good time for thrift shop buying, what with people doing spring cleaning! Jessie used to have bins of kids' clothes to give away. She and her friends did a lot of trading too.

I have been planning to go through my closets for months now, and bring it over to our Thrift Shop. Maybe I'll do it one of these years! So me of my jeans are a good twenty years old, and they don't fit anymore for sure.

It's a rainy day, and it may snow tomorrow. I took my carpet sweeper out on the deck and did some of it yesterday. It's more of a dust buster with a handle. I also got out the hose, and as soon as I figure out how to get the right parets, I willl attach it to the kitchen faucet, and wash down the deck. I may bleach, but I doubt it. The puppy is too little, and can get out too quickly for me to feel safe about bleach. I think vinegar will do just fine.

I might go over to Jessie's for a bit.

[DIANE W]

We came up to our holiday home on Friday and the weather has been lovely, it is a little breezy but beautiful sunshine, i was going to do my flower pots and baskets, but think i will leave it a few more weeks.

We are going home later:( as we both have work tomorrow, i just hate going home when the weather is so nice.
Yesterday i gave Harvey a cut and bath.... he is so funny, i have to put him outside whilst getting the sissors, towel, and water ready, because if he sees any of that, he hides under the bed and wont come out for anything, he is too clever for his own good that dog is. I gave him a real good trim, personally i like him better shorter, and he is much easier to keep looking nice.

He was not impressed with his makeover....... but he looks nice now. At the moment he is sat behind me in the window, watching anyone that goes past, he gets lots of attention from passers by, but he is not at all interested (unless they too have 4 legs).

I am going to make myself a nice cup of tea, and i have got a naughty cream cake too.

[gja1000]

Hey everyone, I typed a reaaaaaly long reply, hit the wrong button (earlier today) and poof it was gone. :confused:

Betsi, thanks for stopping by. I know you are having such a wonderful time. Wish I were there too!

Diane, your holiday home sounds so peaceful and fun. Your stories of Harvey are so delightful. I can just hear your English accent when you are writing. Don't stop!

Judy, why don't you get Mackenzie to help you clean the deck and then get her a pretty pretty in return.

Janet, hope your weekend is going well and that you feel rested, peaceful and happy.

Diana, the garage sales sound like so much fun, wish I were there.

Well, I'm still working in the yard. It looks really good, but I neglected it for far too long whilst (that's for you Diane) frolicking at the lake with Gary. With all the rain we've had this winter/spring (although, I fear it has stopped for the rest of the summer), I can't keep this invasive grass out of the bed right up next to the back of the house. I planted okra and tomatoes there last year, but was planning to do only flowers this year. Well, I can do neither due to this damnable invasive grass. So, I'm just going to let it take over and get this http://www.gardeners.com/Vegtrug-%238482%3B-Patio-Garden/40-331,default,pd.html to put right in the middle of the bed. I will have room to walk all the way around it AND the invasive grass can't get into it. So there, harumph!

Gary is still acting weird - but some of it is due to the fact that his neck is hurting, well not really hurting, but is stiff, for some reason and he's been taking muscie relaxers. Of course, he didn't tell me that. However, I don't think that is the whole story of his "weirdness". Today he worked out in the shop (just sat there fiddling with some fishing things) and when he came in he said he was having trouble walking and felt really cold, and had the chills. No fever, so I turned on the electric blanket (it is NOT cold in here) and he is still in bed. I just simply don't know what is going on with him. I guess it will pass or identify itself, one way or the other.

I'm going to have a very busy month coming up at work. Not looking forward to it but hey, that's the way the ball bounces, I guess. And if that were not enough, I got a $245 bill from the pathologist from my colonscopy saying my insurance didn't pay, so I need to pay. My insurance is supposed to pay 100% for a screening colonscopy, but you know sometimes the fine print says "100% except for pathology" I guess now I have to call MY insurance company to see WHAT THE HECK IS GOING ON!!!!

We tried to go to a little farmers market, craft fair that is held every Sunday but I guess they have closed down as the place was empty :(. I was looking forward to looking around. Oh well, we have tons of farmers markets on Saturdays, and most have a few crafty things, guess I'll just have to get my fix there.

[Janet]

I had such a wonderful weekend. I did some odds and ends here Saturday morning and then went to Lafayette. I needed some new walking shoes so that's what I went for to begin with, I usually only buy my shoes at Kohl's. I ended up getting a great deal too. The shoes were orginally $54 and were on sale. So when I got to the register, the lady in front of me gave me a coupon for 30% off if I used my charge. My shoes ended up costing me $29.

From Kohl's I went to a hair product supply store. I needed new clippers for grooming the dogs. Got a great deal there too. They were $69 and I got them for $52. There was also a trimmer that came with it.

I then went to JoAnn Fabics. Mom had some white wrought iron chairs in Florida. Rick brought them home, but they needed new covering for the seats. So I bought some fabric there for outdoors. It was $19.99 a yard. It just happened to be on sale and then another 30% off of the sale price. I ended up getting it for $9.00 a yard (two yards).

After that...I went to a couple flea market type shops and just looked around. One looked like just garage sale type items and the other was much nicer antiques and well...I could've bought a lot of things there, but didn't. I am going to go back there for sure.

Then at 5:00, I met my friend and her mother for supper at the Olive Garden. I had soup and salad so I did quite well with calories. It was all so good. By the time we finished I was so tired, so headed home.

Sunday, I painted the white chairs I wrote about above, painted some other items that Rick brought back from Florida and then displayed them in the yard. While at JoAnn Fabrics, I also bought a wrought iron piece that has hummingbirds on it. It was a really productive day for me. I was wanting to take pictures to show you, but it's so cold and windy, gusts up to 35 and 40 mph so it will have to wait. They'd probably all be blurry.

Well, I'm getting hungry so I'd better get me some lunch.

[DianaB]

Diane, your weekend home sounds so nice!! It would be so relaxing to get away on the weekends!! I laughed about you getting things ready for Harvey's haircut!! My dogs are the same way.....if I'm going to bathe them I have to pick them up before I start getting things out or they hide under the couch!!

Gayle, I'm worried about Gary. Maybe it's a medicine that's causing him to act funny. I hope it's nothing serious.

Janet, I bet your chairs look nice. I need to find some cushions for my outdoor chairs. Amy's dog has chewed up the ones that I had and they're so expensive to buy new.

The weekend flew by!! It seemed like I didn't get much done! Oh well!!

I have an older friend who lost her husband to cancer last week. I guess he had been bad for awhile but I hadn't heard anything until right before he died. Anyway, yesterday I took a casserole to her house and visited awhile with her. I'm going to have to remember to check on her once in a while because her family all lives out of town.

[judy]

What a great day, Janet! It sounds like you were having good sales karma! I love Kohl's for shoes! Their discounts always add up to so much.

What's up with JC Penney? I don't go through their catalog anymore. I don't understand it, and I don't like the layout. I haven't been to the store. Is it still the same?

Betsi, Paris sounds wonderful! It is so good that you are sightseeing, and are with the family! Enjoy every second!!!

I'm going to the doctor today. It's just for prescription renewal. I get intermittent dizziness, but I'm not sure I'm going to share that with him. I don't want to go for tests, and he will tell me to use a neti pot if he thinks it's sinuses. Yuck! I have had this for years, so I would say it's not likely to be serious.

Gayle, how is Gary? I hope he has his mojo back!

I went to a Womens' Network meeting last night. What good food. Pot lucks are the best! Maybe I will start my diet soon though. I do not need to lose that much. I just don't want to be so careful of everything that I eat. Of course, if I give up the candy.....

Sophie and Annie spent most of yesterday tussling around the house, but no barking or growling. They reminded me of little 3rd grade boys, who are always wrestling and rolling around the floor! She got her butt whipped in the morning by both the big ones. I have to say, she deserved it, and needed to be put in her place. I rescued the little sassy miss though. She is really tiny!

Today, they seem to have reached an agreement of some sort. I hope so anyway. They need to get their pack order straight. Don't they know that I am really the pack leader? Hmm!

[judy]

It's snowing!!

[gja1000]

Hi Judy, sorry it's snowing! It's gorgeous here, not too hot yet which is great because mega heat is just around the corner!

Gary is not good at all. We were up all night last night with fluid retention and so he couldn't breathe. We are going to the heart failure clinic here in just a little bit. He needs to be admitted to the hospital so the doc can run some heart tests, something is not right and he can't keep going this way. He just feels awful, plus he can't do anything since he can't breathe. So terrible. I'll update when we get out of the clinic.

[Lindsey]

Gayle I'm so sorry you two are going through this. I hope the doctors can figure it out fast!

Betsi, I'm not sure if you'll get a chance to see this but I hope you can get to Montmartre! I loved the Basilica up on the hill!

It was a GORGEOUS weekend here! On Saturday we had to come to the city and do some running around. I am eligible to upgrade my cell phone so we looked at a few but I still have to make the decision! I met with a girl friend for lunch while Scott delivered some wedding invitations. We sat out on the patio at the restaurant for the first time this year!

Saturday night, Scott planned a date night. We went back to the city for the evening and had a fancy supper at a really nice place. Scott made me try escargot... he couldn't even get me to try that in Paris when I was trying to be adventurous! But it turns out I hate it anyway :D But I did have an amazing crab-parmesan-spinach dip and some delicious ribs with roasted garlic mashed potatos... MMMM!

After that, we drove around for a bit and then went to a movie. Then we went to his friend's going-away party at a bar. He is moving to Vancouver. Finally we headed home!

Sunday was so hot! We all stayed outside all day. The pups were exhausted from all the fresh air! I got all the patio furniture out, cleaned off, and set up on the deck. Scott got the lawn mowed and power-raked and ready for reseeding and fertilizing in the next couple of weeks. We dreamed a little and planned out what we want to do in the yard for the next few years.

Anyways, it turned out to be hotter than I thought because I got a sunburn on my chest, arms, shouldders, and back!! Luckily I wore a tube top all day - no tank top tan lines!!! I need to be careful with that before the wedding lol!

[DianaB]

Judy, I read somewhere that you were suppose to get snow!! At least it won't last long. We didn't have very much this year and I really missed it.

Gayle, I'm glad that you're taking Gary to the hospital. I hope that you find out that what's wrong is a simple fix. I'll be praying. Keep us updated on what's going on.

Lindsey, what a nice date night!! Scott is definitely a keeper!!

Nothing much going on here. Eyes are still red so I'm still putting the drops in and I'm refilling my anitbiotics. If it's not gone by next Monday I'll go to the eye doctor. The culture that was taken showed no bacteria. I guess that pink eye is going around the schools.

It's suppose to be really warm today and tomorrow so I'm planning on getting some stuff done in the yard. The irises are blooming and so pretty!! I have some new ones that I got last year that are blooming so I have some new colors.

[gja1000]

Well, they didn't admit Gary because his doctor is in Prague at a conference! So, they gave him IV Lasix to get rid of the water, did lab work, got a chest x-ray, and did an EKG. The first appointment with his doctor we could get is May 16th, but they are going to try to get him in sooner. Hope they do or we will likely have another "episode" before the 16th. The nurse said the doc would likely put him in the hospital and do a heart cath and maybe a nuclear study. I kinda hope he can hold out till the 16th because my school will be out and many of my obligations will be done.

He's resting in the easy chair and he felt good enough to stop and eat lunch at one of our favorite places on the way home - so I think he's a little better. He does get a little dramatic sometimes. I know he is way over the top tired of feeling badly - yet, he does sometimes exaggerate a little bit.

[Lindsey]

Diana, if there was no bacteria in the culture, the antibiotics will not do anything. You just have to wait for it to work itself out on its own. I would see your eye doctor if it's bothering you still. Nobody else has caught it form you, right? When I was having issues for ages my eye doctor reffered me to an ophthalmologist and they ran all sorts of tests and found my eyes to be very dry. It seems to have just been an allergy that was mimicking pink eye, and it eventually went away.

Gayle, is there no other doctor he could see, or who could admit him?? Is that normal, that when the doctor is away there is no other doctor who will take their patients? It seems so serious to me! But I suppose you know better than I do about what he might be going through and how to handle it. I just can't believe even when you thought he would be admitted, and the nurse there said he would be admitted, but still he was just sent home!

[Janet]

Lindsey you had a wonderful date nite with Scott!! Wow...it's nice that he planned it, I don't know too many guys that do.

Judy, I saw on the news that you were suppose to get some snow. Unless you like it...I hope it doesn't stick around long. Such a pain to drive in. What does little Sophie think of it?

Diana, I'm not sure what to think of your eye problems. Maybe Lindsey is right and it's an allergy mimicking pink eye. I think I would head to the eye dr. sooner, maybe there is an eye wash that will help.

Gayle, I'm glad Gary is feeling a bit better. Not being able to breath well is so scary. Hopefully it can wait until you are done with your obligations.

This morning I took my friends mother to the dentist finally. Her partial was really lose and he was able to fix it without sending it away. She didn't want to be without it. It was really nice being with her and I'm glad I was able to help Diane out. She would have had to take a morning off from work and drive over 30 minutes just to get Mom to the dentist.

Didn't do much else today...picked up and cleaned the kitchen a bit. I'm just feeling bit tired...staying up late watching TV is getting to me...lol.

[gja1000]

Lindsey, thanks for being so concerned. Yes, another doctor could admit him, but I think it will be OK to wait. If he gets bad again, we will definitely go with another doctor. Gary is a very difficult patient because he has so many complicating illness. Heart failure medications aggravate kidney failure and asthma. And asthma meds aggravate heart failure. It's really hard to balance everything. His doctor knows what she can do and what she can't, so I'm more comfortable with her, but we will definitely go with another doctor if we need to.

[DianaB]

Gayle, I know that if you thought that Gary was bad enough you would have insisted that he be admitted to the hospital. You're so good at keeping an eye on him that you'll get him help if he gets worse.

Judy, Thanks for the advice about my eyes. I've wondered about dry eye too but I'm just not sure. The pink eye is pretty much gone......I think.....but my eyes are still bloodshot. The drops or the pink eye seem to help some. I really don't have trouble with allergies so I don't think that's what it is.

Janet, you're a good friend to help out a friend's mother!! You deserve a pat on the back!!!

The weather is suppose to be in the mid 80's today!! I'm going to go outside and TRY to get some stuff done out there. I tried yesterday but nothing worked. It didn't help that Glen had MY shovel!!! I've got it today and I'm ready to move dirt!!!

We have the Alley tonight. I'm playing a part in the skit.....where I'm an old lady walking by and the kids are going to be mean to me......I get to say some mean things back.......I'm not sure where this is going but it will be interesting. The skits are soooo cute!!

[gja1000]

Hi Guys, I didn't post last night because I was afraid I would cry. I did break down and cry when my daughter called me. Gary just looked awful last night, but I'm relieved to say he's a little better today. He's still using his oxygen 24/7 and this is so NOT like him - at all. He seems to have little energy, but he looks a lot better today. I got him up and dressed and out of the house this morning for breakfast and while I could tell it was hard for him to get around and walk from the car to the restaurant, I knew he felt better. He looks even better this evening. His doctor is still out of town and she will be back next week. We have an appointment with her on Wednesday, but the nurses told us to go straight to the ER if he gets worse. I'm very relieved that his doctor will be back. It's not that I don't want another doctor, it's just that his case is so complicated and he can get in trouble, even with proper medical treatment in the hospital. His doctor knows all of that and I trust her. However, I certainly will not delay taking him to the ER if he gets worse.

We have his oxygen concentrator in the living room with a 50 foot hose on it so he can go to the kitchen, bathroom and bedroom without having to unhook his oxygen. We have portable bottles to use when we go out but they have to be changed every 2 hours, and the concentrator makes continuous oxygen, so that is better for at home.

I'm so glad that tomorrow is Friday!!!!!

[Janet]

Oh Gayle....I wish I was there to hug you. I know it has to be hard on you. It's good you were able to let go and cry to your daughter...you shouldn't hold it in. We all know you'd do what ever you had to do to take care of Gary, you are such a loving wife. It will be good so you can relax a bit to have Gary's doctor back on Wednesday. Don't forget to take care of you...we love you!

[gja1000]

Thanks so much Janet! I feel so much better this evening and your words really help!

[DIANE W]

Gayle..... I am so sorry Gary is feeling unwell, he is really going through it, poor thing.

I think you are doing really well, keep strong, not long now until Wednesday, just take each day at a time and rest up a little.

[DianaB]

Gayle, I wish that I was there to give you a big hug. You have to be so worried about Gary. I know that you feel some relief that's he's looking better but I know that you'll feel better when he's been checked out by his own doctor. We're all here for you if you need us. You have my number so don't hesitate to call if you need me!!

Whew!!! I had BOTH kids yesterday.....and today......because the school is doing kindergarten round-up and the teachers are needed for that. Having Karlie here makes so much more work for me. I don't understand why but it does. And getting ANYTHING done is so hard because of all of the interruptions. At least today I only have them until noon.......Dae Lynn gets off of work at that time today.......then Jaci and I (and maybe Jaci's MIL, Jan) are going to a greenhouse that's a ways away. They have such wonderful plants there and it's always fun to go. I'm looking forward to getting away for awhile.

After Dae Lynn got home I left the care of the kids in her hands. She allowed Karlie to ride her bike to Amy's house......and I'm not sure how it happened....but after a little while Kera came bringing Dean home.......he had walked over to Amy's all by himself!!! We didn't even know that he was gone!!! We have two ways to Amy's house and I know that Karlie would have ridden her bike the smooth way which is through the meadow......the other way is down the hill, by the pond, then back up the hill......which is a BIG worry for us with the pond!! He may be playing outside this summer with a life jacket on this summer!!!! Sigh........

[gja1000]

Gary was ready to get out of the house when I got home, so we went out for a steak. He did great but was very tired when we got home so he laid down for a while. Now he's up and teasing me, so I'm sure he's feeling better! :)

[gja1000]

I spent most of the day watering the yard! It is really pretty this time of year because we've had rain all winter, but sadly, we've not had any in a couple of weeks and there's none in the forecast. It was beautiful in the yard today though, the birds were chirping and singing so beautifully. I just love it. And Gary is feeling better, he really is!!! I'm so happy and relieved.

And my kids are coming up next week. Life is good!

[Lindsey]

Gayle, I am so relieved to hear Gary is feeling better!!! And I wish I could say it was nice in the yard today....

I woke up to SNOW!!!!!!!! It wasn't much but it was there, enough to cover everything in white! It rained all day so the snow is gone. Good day to go car shopping though, the salesmen would rather stay inside :D

I knowwwwwww we just sold a bunch of vehicles, but this having one car thing really sucks :rolleyes: I really want an SUV. It's even tough now going somewhere for the weekend with the dogs, their crates, their stuff and our luggage! So I have been toying with the idea of having a small SUV for now and getting something we really want later. But, after talking it over we thought why not get what we really want now and have the room when we need it, instead of buying something now, losing money by selling it for way less in a few years, and then buying something again. Plus, if we bought something now and had it paid off in a couple of years, we wouldn't have to worry about extra car payments when we have a family (and when I'm only getting 66% of my salary on maternity leave!)

So today we browsed a lot and we ended up test driving a 2008 Buick Enclave and a brand spanking new Toyota Highlander. We can't afford the new one of course lol... but they had no used ones and we told the dealership we wanted to compare to the Buick, so they rolled out a brand new one for us to try :D The Buick was a nicer ride and wayyyyyy more luxurious inside, for about the same price when they're both pre-owned. But we have to look into issues and cost to fix things, and insurance, etc! So it's something to think about for sure! I don't think it will be something we'll get right away but it was lots of fun and nice to narrow down our choices!

Besides that, I've done NOTHING exciting!!! Scott went back to the city to hang out with his friends this evening and I've been hanging out on the couch with the doggies watching old reruns of Sex and the City :D I love having girly nights to myself sometimes!

[Janet]

Gayle I'm so glad Gary is feeling better. I know it worries you. I'm like Lindsey, can't really enjoy the yard right now, not because of snow, but because of rain and cold. Seems I just can't get warm to the bone the last couple of days.

Didn't go anywhere yesterday. Paid bills, did some laundry, did nails on hands and feet. Need to get another pedicure, loved it and it lasts for soooo long. Going to make an appointment this week I think or wait until it's just a tad warmer. My nails keep breaking so they are really too short for a manicure although I would like to have one. I did them myself yesterday and today I'm going to do some polish I think. Just a lazy girl day yesterday, but still getting things done.

Rick brought home some wrought iron chairs from Mom's place in Florida. They are all painted and Rick cut new seats out of plywood for them. The old ones were rotted so bad. He is out putting sealer on them now and in a few days I will cover them with some material I bought. Can't wait to show them to you all once they are done.

Not sure what I'm going to do today...didn't get myself moving in time for church. I do need to clean out a small hall closet so I may do that in a bit.

Lindsey, I would love to have a newer car/vehicle, but it doesn't look like it will happen since I don't want payments..lol. I'm a little tired of my van and would like either a newer one or a small car with great gas mileage. Maybe if a good deal comes my way I'll change my mind about payments, but for now...I'll just have to wait.

[Shada]

Yesterday I helped my sister move.. thankfully my two neices and two nephews helped also!! What a job that was. We got her moved and unpacked too. The only thing she has to do is put her pictures back up. Not bad!!!

Today I cleaned house, then went to see my Dad and Step-Mom who just returned from their winter home in Florida. Had a good visit until they both decided to 'educate me' about President Obama. I have never lied about my commitment to our President. I told them tonight, 'I voted for him once proudly and will do it again gladly'.... boy was that the wrong thing to admit to.
It turned into a pretty heated discussion.

Then somehow it turned into a arguement between my Dad and Step-Mom.. about other things!!! Calmed that down, then quietly left.....

Now.... I am home and getting ready to eat a meatball sub for a late dinner.

[Janet]

You had a busy weekend. Moving is no fun whether it's us or helping someone...lol. Hope your sister enjoys her new home.

Sorry your visit turned a little bad, that's exactly why I won't discuss politics with anyone.

[Blueyes]

Hi everybody, I'm home:D Boy, was it ever nice to sleep in my own bed last night, lol!! We had a longgg day of traveling, and with the time difference we are really tired! The goodbyes were hard, but not horrible. We comforted each other with promises of Skype:rolleyes: I'll write more later when the fog in my brain lifts. I just wanted my girls to know that I'm home:p

[Janet]

Yay!!! You made it home safe and sound. I know you had a great time with your kids, but there is just no place like home and being in our own bed. Get some much needed rest and we'll be anxiously waiting to read all about your trip and of course...pictures!

Happy you're back Betsi!

[DianaB]

Gayle, what a relief to hear that Gary's feeling better. I was so worried! As for rain.....we've had rain over the weekend and more is coming......wish we could share!

Shada......you're so sweet to help your sister move. I'm sure the kids helped a lot......and their energy is always appreciated!! Sorry about the argument with your parents. It's hard when you have a difference in opinion in politics.....do like Janet and just avoid talking about it!

Lindsey, My Aunt Marva wanted an Enclave. She really loved it but her son-in-law sells vehicles for a Ford dealership so she ended up getting something similiar in a Ford. I want to say that it was voted for something special or was a "best" in consumer reports......I can't remember. Good luck on your decision!!

Betsi, I'm so glad that you're home.....safe and sound!! I can't wait to hear all about your trip and see pictures!!

It was a so-so weekend. Not much went on. After church we took a young couple with a new baby out to eat. They're a really sweet couple and the baby is a doll!!

Dae Lynn was gone all afternoon on Sunday so I ended up falling asleep!! Then Glen and I went to his sister, Dana's church. They are a small church and they share a pastor with two other churches and we having a get-together with all of them to sing and visit and they invited us. Dana's boys are so cute.....Austin played the piano.....I didn't know that he was even taking lessons......and did such a good job!! Then the two of them.....the other is Camden......with another little boy sung a song!! I have some family that goes to their church as well so I got to visit with them. It was a good time!!

Today Dean's running a fever. There's something going around town and I suppose he's got it. Other than that he seems fine. The Tylenol is helping to keep the fever down. He ended up sleeping in when Dae Lynn left for work so Glen and I slept in too......we awoke to the sound of little footsteps coming to our room and Dean yelling......Morning Dama!!......I found you!!!! He's so cute!!!

[gja1000]

I'll write more later, but I wanted to tell Lindsey that I have a 2007 Buick Rendezvous . They stopped making it in 2007 and then started making the Enclave in 2008. The Rendezvous is smaller than the Enclave but the Rendezvous has three rows of seats so it seats 7. I keep the 3rd row down and there is LOTS of cargo space. I really love this car. Mine has 60,000 and I've had no problems with it.

That said, I think for the long run, the Toyota is a better car. I know so many people with Toyotas with way over 1,000,000 miles and they are still perking right along. My cousin really likes the Toyota 4 Runner and thinks it is a great car. We have a Toyota FJ Cruiser with 60,000 miles and it is a great car, not what you're looking for, but it's a great running car. Same for our Toyota pickup, great vehicle.

[gja1000]

Back now after dinner. Betsi, I'm so glad you are home, so sorry you have to leave your babies behind, but the work they are doing is important and there's a reason they are far away right now. It may not always be like this. I know your bed felt good, there's no place like home! LOL! And you don't even live in Kansas!!! :D

Diana, Dean is growing up so much and he sounds like he is such a little darling. He's so daring too, I don't know how you keep up with him! I'm sorry he's feeling badly, I hope he is better soon.

Shada, since I moved last year, I don't ever want to move again, nor do I want to help anyone move. LOL! You are a good sister!

Lindsey, I can't believe you have snow, and Janet and Diana, it sounds like it has been cold up there. It's just warm and dry here. I'm so afraid we aren't going to get any more rain for a long long time. It's so hard thinking about going back into such a long hot dry summer. I sure hope we get some rain soon.

This is my last week of school and thankfully, it is a little quieter. I can hardly believe it but I actually had some time today to work on my summer class. I would like to get it finished up pretty soon so I could actually take a few days BREAK before school starts up again May 31st.

Gary is about the same, he has not recovered to his status before all this started. He's still using his oxygen during the day some and his resting oxygen levels are not up where they should be. They are not terrible, but not good. Sigh. We see the doctor on Wed. Can't wait.

[Janet]

We had heavy rain storms today and it looks like we may have some more this evening. We really needed it so I'm not going to complain.

I'm missing my Mom today (and everyday). It's really not getting easier at all. I want to hug her again, I want to feel her touch. I kept her answering machine, so I played it today...just to hear her voice.

I can't remember if I mentioned this or not, but the Florida attorney has finally sent the closing paperwork to the attorney here. When I got there I was able to sign a few things, but didn't get to close everything out here. The secretary here didn't realize that the Florida attorney sent the money from the sale of Mom's place up here. I'm sure she knew it, but just forgot. So she wanted to go through all the paperwork they sent up better. I go back on Friday. As much as I wanted this to be over with....it's making me so sad at the same time. Maybe once it is really over, I'll start feeling better about things, I don't know.

[Lindsey]

Thanks for the info Gayle and Diana! Scott drives a Toyota too, and he loves it. He has a Camry which he bought brand new a few years ago. He had another Camry before that and it had 575,000 kms on it when he "put it down" lol. I will figure that out in miles for you guys... that's just over 357,000 miles. So I know they are definitely reliable!

But now that I am looking into it more, the used Highlanders seem to be more expensive than used Buicks! Scott's aunt and uncle also drive an Enclave so he is going to call them tonight and ask what they think of it :)

There is one Enclave we really like in a town about 3 hours from us. It's loaded with all the extras, but it is about $3,000 more than we want to spend. I was looking online today and found another in Calgary (about 5 hours away, and in another province), with the same amount of kms on it, same features, for $3,000 less. I think if we do get serious about buying this one, we will take in the quote from the Calgary dealership and see if they will match or even do better! I like the color better on the local one, plus we'd pay one less tax by staying in province!

It has been so cold and rainy here! It's supposed to rain all week. At least it forces me to get stuff done inside!

Tonight I will give Layla a haircut, and tomorrow the other two are going on their first trip to the groomer! I don't know how they will do but they are terrified of clippers at home! They are so matted though. They had mats when they came to us and they have just gotten worse and worse. Plus I'm sure they'll feel so much better without all that bulky hair!

Oh did I mention they are going to obedience classes now? They are amazing me with their brains! I guess most of the time they just choose not to listen lol... but when we are there they are so good! They aren't so good at sitting or laying down without us forcing them into position, but boy can they stay! They will hold position for 3 minutes and let us walk in circles around them while doing it!

Janet, I'm so sorry you're still feeling so sad. I wish I could give you hugs in real life!

Gayle, I hope you get answers tomorrow about Gary.

[gja1000]

Home with Gary this morning. His appointment with the doctor is at noon. He just doesn't feel like driving, so there was no point in going to work, coming home to get him, back to the doctor then back home. Lots of driving, lots of gas. It is pretty quiet at school today, I didn't have any appointments or meetings, so I just stayed home. The kids are coming on Friday so I needed to hook up the electricity and water to the trailer and make the bed. Also, we hadn't dumped the sewer tank when we came home from the lake last month and normally that is OK, but it was really stinky, :o, so I dumped that and burned the oil lamp (a scented oil lamp that removes odors really well). Oh and I've been playing Draw Something with Janet too. :D

Gary didn't feel very good yesterday, he's still in bed so don't know how he feels today. I sure home the doctor has some good ideas! His spirits are OK though, he went out with a friend for a while yesterday (just rode in the truck while they ran errands) and he worked on his wood carving last night, so he's not feeling down in the dumps which is good.

[DianaB]

Gayle, I so hope the doctor can get Gary tuned up and running again!! Hugs to both of you!!

Dean's still sick. He's on meds right now but I think that he's still running a fever. Yesterday he was sick at his stomach. Poor little guy! I heard Dae Lynn complaining to Glen that I didn't call her to come home because he was sick. I thought that I was helping her out so she could work.....so I'm more than a little upset! I would have much rather been outside planting flowers than to have been stuck in the house with a sick little boy!!!!!!!!!! Oh well.....

Lindsey, I wasn't even thinking about the Toyota......they also have great resell value even when they've got a lot of miles on them and they do last a lot longer than most vehicles. Of course, the gas mileage might be something that you might want to look at too. I don't know which one would do best in that area.

Janet, I know that you miss your Mom. Hugs!! The first year is the hardest. Maybe for Mother's Day you should plan something special for her......like plant some flowers around her stone or make a donation in her name with something she would approve of or take one of her best friends out to eat and reminisce!!

[gja1000]

Diana, I'm sorry that Dean is still sick. Of course you were trying to help Dae Lynn- she's just stressed out over everything.

Janet, Diana has some great suggestions about your mom. Of course you are still missing her so much. The first year is hard.

Well, we had a good visit at the doctor. She spent so much time with us. She just doesn't know what is going on - but - she's going to put him in the hospital next week and run some tests. It was so cool - she texted his pulmonary doc while we were in the office. They couldn't talk because he was at a seminar, but he must have called her back after lunch because his office called us shortly after we got home to have us come in to see him this Friday. They just aren't sure what is causing all these problems, but if they have him in the hospital they can confer with each other about the test results and hopefully come up with something that will help him. At least we feel hopeful about getting some answers and some help. And if there is nothing they can do, then at least we will know they tried to help and this is just the way things are going to be. Right now, it's not know what is wrong that is hard.

[Janet]

Those are great ideas for Mother's Day, thank you.

I am so glad Gayle that his Dr is determinded to find out what is going on with Gary's health. I wish all Dr's were like that. Hopefully he's be feeling much better soon.

This morning after my route I finished the chairs from Mom's place in Florida. For my first time....I don't think I did too bad at all...lol.

6993 6994

I am also do laundry, I like to have it all done before the weekend. I got a little warm here in the house getting things done so I put on a pair of capris. They are too big. I have to wear them anyway, because I just can't and don't want to go buy new clothes yet. So I'm hoping they will shrink some in the dryer (I usually hang my clothes on an indoor clothes rack). If not, maybe I can take them up without making them look too bad.

My older brother Jerry called yesterday saying he recieved some papers from Florida to sign and send back, one being a waiver of some kind. Well...he wasn't sure about signing it because he hasn't seen anything to sign a waiver. So I told him he should just call the attorney and ask them, because they have all the paperwork that I took up there on Tuesday.

He called my other brother Brad and I guess he recieved them too, signed them and sent them back. Then he called the attorney and asked all kinds of questions and especially wanted to know how much he was getting. Can you believe that? I haven't even asked. He called me back to tell me everything and said that the estate will be completely closed on Friday.

I just don't understand the logic or the feelings in not being sure about signing the waiver. I told him there was no way I would ever cheat him or Brad and that I'm doing everything the attorney guides me to do. He said he didnt' think that, but I'm sure he did. So...if it's true....Friday...everything will be done.

[DianaB]

Oh.....I really like the chairs, Janet!! How pretty!! I sure wish that I had a front porch to decorate......well, I do but it's very, very small!!!

Dean's finally better!! His fever was going so high that we were just keeping him on the ibuprophen. Since he was feeling better we went to town this morning and bought some more flowers for the yard and some potting soil. Then we called Glen and Feyn to come and eat Mexican food with us. Dean was asleep by the time we drove home.

It's getting pretty warm outside and is suppose to be that way all week so I closed up the house and turned on the air conditioning. I hate to but I also hate being hot and miserable!!

Oh.....and my eyes are better. They're still a little bloodshot but not bad. I've been putting some eye drops in them and it's helping.

Dae Lynn's started cleaning the church again this week. They found out that it didn't work very well with volunteers so they've hired her back and she's planning on working there after school tonight. It will work out good when school's out. She'll be able to go in and work her own hours......won't make much but that's alright. She is looking for something better though and she's getting everything set up for school......not sure if it's summer school or if it starts in the fall.

I'm so ready for the pond to warm up so I can swim!!!!

[DianaB]

I am so stressed right now!! I'm so tired of kids!! Everything I do is done with kids getting into things.....kids picking up what I need......kids asking questions........UGH......I could SCREAM right now!!

I was outside in the greenhouse trying to do something and it's been like this ALL week!!! My patience is GONE!! That's why I'm back in the house on the computer.....to calm down and get myself under control and try not to cry. Karlie knows that I'm upset so maybe she'll keep Dean outside with her for awhile and give me a break.

[gja1000]

Oh Diana, I would be just like you, only I couldn't keep the kids everyday like you do. I'm just not made to take care of kids, I wish I were, but I'm not. So, I can completely understand your feelings. However, I think you do a wonderful job with them and I so admire you for how you help out your family. But you DO NEED A BREAK every now and then. Maybe even now and now! LOL!

Janet, I LOVE LOVE LOVE the chair seat covers, they are just great!!! Your front porch is so pretty, I just love all the decorations.

My kids are here this evening, so my house is a chaotic madhouse right now. It's OK, but it is fun to have them here!

[DianaB]

Enjoy having your family home!! You'll all have such a good time!!

Thanks so much for your kind remarks! As soon as Dae Lynn got home I told her that I was leaving. I told her that I wasn't mad at her but that I needed a break from the kids and I got ready to leave on the 4-wheeler.......but it was almost out of gas so I asked Glen to fill it for me and while he was doing that he asked me if I was alright......then I started crying. I was just so stressed. I'm not normally a crier but today was just hard. Dean's in the terrible two's really bad so everything is a battle of the wills!!! I ended up going for a ride around the pasture and then I decided to go and look for arrowheads at the old house. I didn't find anything but I will definitely be going back to look. It was nice and quiet with NO interruptions!!!

Dae Lynn ended up leaving soon after I did and went to Damon's so I could "have time away from the kids".......Hmmmmm.........not sure what's going on with her!!

[judy]

I'm glad you got away from the kids for a while, Diana. You really need to get away over the summer, maybe in the evenings, when Dae Lyn comes home. Karlie will be out of school, and that is a lot to handle! Maybe some of the other kids can "babysit" for a small amount of money, like a summer job.

[DianaB]

We've already talked about that, Judy. I don't want to babysit full time during the summer. I agree.....the younger girls can make a little money babysitting.

I'm doing better today......was still teary this morning for some reason. Dean and I went outside and got some flowers planted and I feel better about working on it.

I've been on the computer this afternoon looking for cushions for my swing and chairs. Amy's dog has destroyed my cushions but they were getting old and needed replaced. I'm really excited about what I found.....they're so pretty!!

http://www.lowes.com/pd_332427-11822-AA13590A_4294781262_4294937087_?productId=3332896&Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&pl=1&currentURL=%2Fpl_Patio%2BCushions_4294781262_42949 37087_%3FNs%3Dp_product_qty_sales_dollar%7C1&facetInfo=

Now to get a few dishes done and get back outside!!!

[Janet]

I really love the cushions you've picked out...the design is so pretty. I'm glad you're feeling better. You were so use to having your time be YOUR time that when it was gone...things kind of piled up on you. It's good that maybe the younger girls can make some extra money and good for you too. Don't forget to take care of yourself.

You do know that if you need to get away....you can always come here...especially after school is out (May 23rd) ...we could have a great time.


This morning I headed to town right after the bus route to pay the property taxes. My appointment for the attorney was at 10 so I had some time to kill. I went to a second hand shop to look around. They have the neatest finds there.

I finally made it to the attorney to write all the checks and sign the final closing statement. It was really hard and I cried most the way through it all. She called my brothers to tell them their checks were ready to be picked up, but they needed to sign for them first. Jerry was up there in a matter of minutes, Brad is out of town fishing, so he'll get his next week.

I went back to town after the afternoon route to deposit the money (some of the money) to pay off the five thousand I borrowed to buy Mom's house and paid my medical for my neck. I kept almost six thousand out to keep for myself. That may sound selfish, but if Rick knew how much, he'd be wanting to spend it on things for him, but using words to make me think it would be for us....not going to happen. Mom would get so mad at me when she gave me birthday money and I used it to pay bills, so I'm not going to use it for that....I'm using it for me. I'm going to hang on to it for awhile and not make any rash decisions on what to do with it. I think I'm just going to save it for quite some time.

So everything is done.......

[gja1000]

Diana, I love your cushions too! They will look so pretty!!! I'm so sorry you've had some bad days. I feel sorta stressed today too and I really shouldn't because I love having the kids here. But all the chaos really makes me feel a lot of stress sometimes. I know I couldn't take the stress that you are under right now. And I'm equally sure I couldn't keep the kids full-time in the summer and I really don't think it is right for you to have to do that. I think it is a great idea for some of the other kids to babysit. It will be a good way for them to earn some money and also learn some responsibility. We have kids when we are young for a reason! LOL!!!

Janet, I'm so glad everything is settled now. AND FOR SURE, you should squirrel that money away for something you really want. I would not share it with anyone! LOL!

We had a good visit with Gary's lung doctor today. When he and the heart doc talked on Wednesday, he thought Gary's problems might be with his lungs, but today the lung tests did not show any problems, other than the usual lung problems Gary has had for years. So, we are definitely on for going to the hospital on Monday and doing some heart tests. I hope they can figure out what is wrong, or at least figure out something so that Gary feels a little better. He is OK at complete rest, but it is no fun only being able to do things at rest with little to no activity. We had a really neat experience though. After we saw the lung doctor, he called the heart doctor to tell her what he found and then she called us on my cell phone (she had taken our number on Wed when we were in her office) before we even got out of the lung doc's office. She told us she had talked to the lung doc and they were in agreement that these new problems were probably his heart so she would be doing the heart tests on Monday. She also said that she was not on call this weekend, but she gave us her private cell number and told me to call her if Gary needed anything this weekend. That made Gary feel really special!

[DianaB]

Oooooo........I like your heart doctor!!! She is really keeping tabs on Gary!! I hope that she can figure out what's going on.

Janet, I know that it's bittersweet to finally have things finished with your Mom's estate. I don't blame you for keeping the money to yourself. Maybe in the future you'll find something that will be really special to spend the money on!!

I do know that I'm welcome at your house any time......I just wish that you lived closer!! I'd for sure have been there this weekend!!! I think that Glen's going to Mermot Springs, which is in Illinois so I may just drive on over and see you!! We'll see!!!

I am so excited about the cushions!! They will look so nice on my outdoor furniture!! I can't wait for them to get here!!

I went to garage sales this morning with Dae Lynn. Damon watched the kids......then he kept Karlie because this is his weekend. I found a few buys.....nothing much to brag about! It was nice to get out. I actually had a Mother/Daughter Banquet at church but decided that I didn't want to go.......I'm de-stressing!! However, I remembered that my neice is graduating and they're having a party this afternoon so I probably need to make an apearance. Glen's probably too busy to go so I'll just go myself.

It's getting hot here! Airconditioning has been on for a few days now. Bummer!!!

[gja1000]

Gary goes for his first heart test tomorrow (well today I guess since its after midnight). I'm having a hard time falling asleep. I'm a little worried about what they might find.

[lynne b]

Gary goes for his first heart test tomorrow (well today I guess since its after midnight). I'm having a hard time falling asleep. I'm a little worried about what they might find.

Gayle, I will be praying that all goes well today. Hugs to both of you.

[Janet]

Praying that everything is going great with Gary.

[gja1000]

They are starting his IV and will be taking him back soon. We are all ready for it to be over! He sleepy though, neither one of us slept very well last night. At least he's going to get some "happy meds" pretty soon while I just have to tough it out!

[DianaB]

My prayers are with both of you!!

[gja1000]

The doctor came in right before they took him down - she always cheers him up. So he's gone and now I'm freezing in the waiting room. :mad: it shouldn't take too long.

[Janet]

Glad I was able to help keep you company with Draw Something. Praying everything goes great for Gary.

Woke up this morning with more storms. Lots of thunder and lightning and heavey rain. I wanted so badly to stay in bed...I love being in bed during morning storms, but duty called and I had to go out in it to pick up my lovely children...lol. ONLY 13 SCHOOLS DAYS LEFT!!!!!! I am counting down the days.

After the route I had to do my normal Monday morning routine and head to town. Did my banking, paid insurance and then went to Wal Mart. Got a few groceries and came home...still raining. It finally quit right before noon and then it got hot and muggy...yuk.

[Blueyes]

Gayle, I'm anxious to hear about Gary. What tests are they doing today? Heart cath? It's so unfair that only the patients get the good drugs, lol!

[gja1000]

Gary is finished with his first heart test. The findings werent too bad, they could have been a lot worse. His heart is not relaxing between beats like it should. This is probably from having to take him off some of his heart meds during the winter due to his asthma. Heart meds are really bad about making asthma worse.

So they are going to try him on some new heart meds to see if they help. They may try to start him back on a lower dose of one of the meds they stopped in the winter, but they will wait to see how the new med does. It won't bother the asthma, but they aren't surebit will help his heart.

They are going to do a chemical stress test tomorrow, no treadmill, but they give him a drug to simulate exercise. I have to go to school for a couple of hours tomorrow, and his doctor told him she would take care of him. Awwww, wasn't that sweet.

[DianaB]

Gayle, I'm waiting to hear how Gary's doing. I hope everything's going alright.

Glen's taken Daya and Elijah fishing the last couple of days......setting lines in the river. They caught a few Sunday morning so we had some friends over last night and fried fish.....Yummm.......!!!

It's been rainy here too so today I haven't felt like doing anything. I finally got the dishes done from last night!!

Saturday was Jaci's 20th birthday!! It's so hard to believe that she's 20 already!! She has always had the sweetest personality and has been such a joy to have. I hear so many compliments from customers from where she works!!

Dean got a little bicycle with training wheels over the weekend! He's so cute riding it around.......but starts screaming as soon as he's stuck. I've been making him get off and figure out for himself how to get it unstuck!! He's got a little temper in him!! I'll be glad when the bike goes outside FOR GOOD!!!

[gja1000]

Diana, you and I must have posted at the same time, see the post above yours. Garybis doing OK, getting cranky, ready to get out of bed, he has 5 more minutes of bed rest. They won't let him up a minute early!

[gja1000]

He just got up, he's so happy!

[DianaB]

I'm glad to hear that he's up and around. I was worried that you hadn't posted. I'm sure that his medicine is a tricky thing to get just right but it sounds like he has a great doctor!!! Too bad there aren't more like her!!

[judy]

Gary's doctor sounds wonderful, Gayle! Now to find the right meds....which they will! My prayers are with you both. My mom had an amazing doctor like that. I can understand how reassuring that can be.

Today is Annie's 4th birthday! She will always be my little baby though. Right now she is sitting on my lap so that Sophie leaves her alone. It is her birthday, after all! Later, she will have a special dinner. I did sing "Happy Birthday" to her, but I doubt that she had any clue what that was about.

Poor little Sophie curled up and is taking a nap. Nobody wants to play with her today. She is such an active little puppy!!! She is really cute, but she growls. Two of my daughter's Chins do that. I'm not crazy about it! I'm used to sweet little yorkies. I growl back at her.

I have been busy in the house. Summer is near, and I will be at the pool and with my friends, so I am getting things done before. I listed a lot of stuff on Ebay yesterday. So far, I sold one dress. I also packed up a big bag to take to the thrift shop. My pants and dresses are cleaned out. Next, I have to do shoes and tops. The drawers can wait. I realized that if I do a little bit at a time, it works better for me.

Jessie has not been feeling well for a while now. I wrote a long post about it last week, but it got deleted, and I didn't want to rewrite it. Her neck hurts, she has a weird rash, and just does not feel good. She also has a blockage in the carotid artery, which they told her not to worry about last year, unless it got worse. Her doctor sent her for another test. Her bp is very high also.

She has slowed down a bit, but not enough. She doesn't want to rest. She wants to take care of her 3 children. I really don't blame her, but at some point, she has to realize that if she gets really sick, she will be useless to the kids. Steve helps, but she doesn't want to turn it all over to him. The kids certainly don't want him to take care of them either! He has become a depressed, negative, cranky person. He needs a shrink badly, and probably some anti-depressants!

When she called me last week to tell me all about her health, I got so stressed out! We just finished with Brandon, and then this came up. Her life is just chaos central!!! I HATE drama! I called my friend Gail, who was sympathetic, but then reminded me that she has spent the last 3 or 4 years tending to her brother, who died of cancer, then his wife died, so now, she watches out for her mentally retarded niece. Allison lives in a group home and is in and out of the hospital for various things. Gail's sister went through breast cancer a couple of years ago, stayed with Gail,and has never gone back to here own house! Then, there is her mom, who is 96, and has dementia and CHD. She is finally in a home, and Gail tells me stories about her mom's antics which have us laughing till tears run down our faces! She is still a worry though for Gail.

So, I realized that nobody's life is calm or easy, and stopped feeling so sorry for myself! I am worried about Jessie, but she is going to all of the doctors she needs to see. This is unlike her, so I am relieved about that.

[gja1000]

Judy, you are right, just when we think things are too terrible, something else happens to us or someone else. We just have to keep plugging along.

Gary had his stress test and his doc has been in twice but still doesn't have the results. Soon hopefully. He looks better today! Oh the psychiatrist came in to see him (standard protocol) and Gary is definitely not depressed. He has been on a low dose anti-depressant for several years (also standard protocol for heart failure), and the psychiatrist said to continue that.

So we are just waiting on the results of the stress test which will tell us what comes next. His doc said it would take about a week to tell if the new med was working and after that she may try a second new med. we shall see, but as I mentioned before, he already looks better.

[gja1000]

His stress test was normal. I am very grateful as this means they won't have to do the heart cath tomorrow. It also means that his coronary arteries are functioning well and that he has not had a heart attack.

He's a little upset though because they still do not know for sure what is wrong. They think it is that the heart is not relaxing enough between beats and that it is beating too fast, and they think that the new medicine will help, but they won't be sure until the med has a chance to work. He is impatient and wants answers NOW! Lol!

He should get to come home tomorrow or Thurs. YAY!

[judy]

It sounds good, Gayle! Praying that this medication works, and you two can get back to your day to day life!

[DianaB]

I would think that if the heart was beating too fast that would make him tired. (With my MVP my heart beats irregularly once in a great while and it makes it hard to breathe and do much. Thank goodness it doesn't last long or happen often!) I hope the meds help Gary feel much better without a lot of trips to the doctor.

Judy, I'm so sorry to hear that Jessie's not feeling well. I know that that is a real concern for you. She really needs to take care of herself.......her kids are old enought to help her out and not be a big burden on her. Do they realize how sick she is? Or how much she hides it? They should all know what's going on with their Mom.....including Steve!!

Happy birthday to Little Annie!!! Wow.....4 years old!!! I hope she has a very special day!!

Last night Glen and I took Karley, Kiley, Elijah, a friend, and Glen's diving buddy, Logan, to another town for the kids to complete their diving training. While they were doing that I ran to Wal-mart and got a few things then I came back and swam. By the time I got there the kids were finished up with their training and since the water was cool they were getting out but I got in and swam anyway (had to keep moving or it was COLD). Glen and Logan were trying out some different scuba masks (Glen's about to drive me CRAZY with trying to find just the RIGHT mask!!!). Anyway, I was introduced to one of the instructors and he was determined to get me started in diving too. Before long I had a mask on and was breathing out of Glen's tank and was shoved under the water! It was pretty cool!! I may just have to give this scuba diving thing a try!!! The instructor invited us to come to Joplin and do some swimming with the tanks sometime! I may have to do just that!!

I got my new outdoor cushions in yesterday! They are soooo pretty!! They were a little more green than the picture showed but I still love them!! They look so nice on the swing!! Now I'm going to have to paint the swing though!!

[judy]

Wow Diana! Diving! You are a brave woman! How is it down under the water for a long time? It's nice that you and Glen might share a fun adventure!

Jessie tries to keep her illness from the kids. Mackenzie panics because she remembers when her Mom was really sick, in and out of the hospital, and so on. The younger kids are aware, but I don't know if they get it. Mackenzie is a big help to Jessie, and Kass loves to help. Brandon, not so much. Steve helps a lot, I have to say. He doesn't work so what else does he have to do?

[DianaB]

It's good to know that everyone is aware that Jessie is sick. I hope she's not hiding how badly she feels at times from them......that's when she needs their help.

I wasn't under the water for long. First I got talked into putting on the mask and going under for a short time.....then I was convinced that I needed to add the air. I didn't put on the tanks I just used Glen's air. I have always floated well in the water......even before I was heavy so Glen and the instructor had to hold me under the water!!! I stayed under for awhile and just breathed. It was so weird to breathe under the water!!!

[gja1000]

Well, in the past few days we have learned that Gary's heart function has definitely declined in the past month. The doctor thinks its due to taking him off one of his medicines that was causing his asthma to act up. So she is trying him on another new medicine and will try to put him back on the medicine he really needs. He may have to tolerate some asthma symptoms and use his inhalers and the nebulizer to get through it. They also talked with him about a left ventricular assist device and he's not too keen on that. She's very evasive when he asks about going home, so I think he'll be here for a couple more days.

[judy]

Poor Gary! What would the ventricular assist involve?

I hope they straighten out his meds very quickly!

One day at a time, Gayle! My prayers are with you.

[gja1000]

If you google left ventricular assist device and there are some great websites. It would probably make him feel better, but he would have a tube coming out his side, always have to wear the battery pack, change the batteries every 12 hours and always be near electricity. Since he has experience always being connected to an insulin pump, he's not too keen on being connected to something else.

[judy]

And, always being near electricity would limit his fishing, hunting, etc.

Can't blame him!

[Janet]

I feel so bad for Gary. What a decision to have to make. Are you going to leave the decision totally up to him? It would probably drive him crazy to not be able to go on fishing trips or hunting.

I already know that if I should ever need kidney dialysis..after seeing what Mom went through...I won't do it. Having to be hooked up everyday or going to a diaylsis center 3-4 times a week, just wouldn't be something I would want to do.

[DianaB]

That's not good news about Gary's heart. I'm glad that his doctor is keeping a good eye on him......and you too! I can't blame him for not wanting to be hooked up to another thing......it would really limit his going out to hunt and fish.....unless he had a huge supply of batteries with him. Hopefully at this point he has a choice but I can see in the future he probably won't. Poor Gary.

How are you doing, Gayle? It has to be such a worry for you. You know that I'm just a phone call away anytime you need me.

I have one fustrated little boy this mornng!! He got a new bike with training wheels last week and it doesn't work well on the carpet or in the grass!! And boy does he get mad!!! The pedal has to be in just the right spot for him to get started and it's not always where it should be!! He is amazing driving it around the house......I can't believe the control he has for a two year old!! He's too short to touch the ground so it's all in the pedaling!! He doesn't run into much either......just goes around and around!!

School will be out the end of next week. Dae Lynn will be home except for cleaning at the church a couple of days a week so she'll have to watch the kids. I sure hope that things are better than they've been the last few days!! Dean AND Karlie both do a lot of screaming and yelling at each other whenever Karlie's home......don't know if my nerves can take too much of it!! Hopefully it will get better as they both get used to being around each other more.

I invited my Mom and step-Dad over for lunch on Sunday since it's Mother's Day. My Mom collects little pastel colored figurines and I found one that I'm hoping she doesn't have!! I'm also going to run to town here in a little bit and look at some Miche purse covers and see about getting one for Mom. We both have the purses and love them!! That will make her a good gift. Now I just need to figure out what we're going to eat on Sunday!!!

[Lindsey]

I feel bad for Gary too. I know that betwen the two of you, you will figure out the best thing to do for him.

Dean sounds so cute on his bike!!! You should take a picture for us Diana!

Our town is having it's annual garage sale tomorrow so we've decided to sell a few things again. We didn't even know about it so our name and address is not on the map, but we realized last year that most people aren't on the map! We're going to try to sell whatever didn't sell last year, plus some outside Christmas decor (we've decided to change it up this year!) and my last cell phone, a car navigation unit, and a few other things we've found that we don't need.

I'm also going to try to get rid of our ants!!!!! We are overrun right now. I don't know where they all came from, but our back yard is all patchy and FULL of ant hills now. Last night I used 17 pots of boiling water on them and didn't even cover half. I also spilled some on my leg while I was wearing yoga pants :( I've got a good welt on my thigh from that now. Anyways, hopefully we can figure out something :( We were hoping to seed the lawn this weekend but now that we know there's that many ants causing the patchy grass, there's no point until we get rid of the ants first.

[DianaB]

There's some stuff called Terro that I use. They have some outside baits that you place in your yard. It's not an automatic fix.....it takes a few weeks but it does work.

http://www.terro.com/products.php?product=perimeter_ant_bait

I'm having quite a time with ants in the house. I've gotten rid of most of them but I must still have some coming in somewhere and I can't figure out where to put the bait!!

[Lindsey]

Is that safe for pets Diana? Kash things anything on the ground is fair game to play with! We have a tree smack in the middle of the yard and there were a few ants there a couple of years ago and they seem to be radiating from that spot now. I hope they won't kill our tree!

[judy]

My father used to use chinese chalk in the house in Florida to keep the ants out. I don't know if it's pet safe, or even where he got it. He would draw a line with the chalk and the ants would not go over it.

Take a Dean video Diana!

Good luck with the garage sale Linds! I have some stuff on Ebay right now. I sold 3 things so far. It's fun, and the money does add up.

What a gorgeous day we are having! I went to get my nails done, popped into the tanning machine, and then went over to Walmart for food. They have the best prices around here!

I went into the tanning machine because I have eczema, and that is supposed to halp get rid of it. I have had it on my left arm for almost a year now! The first rash went away, but another came up not long after. I called the dermatologist last month, and my appt. is June 23rd!

[gja1000]

I use terro too but only in the house up on the cabinets. I don't know if it's safe for dogs. I have heard about sugar and grits and some of the remedies in the FB thread. You can also sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the mounds. This is the crushed seashells that cuts their legs when they walk through it. It's a powder and won't hurt the dogs, but don't put it down when it's windy and don't breathe in the dust. You can find it at nurseries in the states. I use it for ant and pest control in the yard and garden. I sprinkle on any ant mounds I find and around the perimeter of my yard to keep the ants and fleas from crawling in

[gja1000]

Gary feels much better today. He walked up and down the entire hall twice and was much less short of breath. He is still on the IV med that is helping his heart be stronger. The trick will be if they can get him off the med and transferred to an oral med and he still feels OK. I'm a little worried that he will not feel good when they take him off the IV med, but I guess we'll cross that bridge when we get to it.

We've played MANY games of gin rummy, he usually beats me, but I've beat him a few times.

[judy]

Thank goodness he is feeling better! Do you have any idea when he can go home? I hope he feels as well without the IV meds.

[gja1000]

Doc was just in and said they will try to stop the IV med tomorrow, but he will have to stay a few more days to see how the oral meds work. Gary's numbers (oxygen, blood pressure pulse, kidney function, etc) all look much better today, so we are making progress.

[Janet]

That's great news Gayle! So glad things are looking better. Now...just getting him off the IV and onto the meds. You both are in my prayers.

Today...I didn't do anything...lol. I had no ambition whatsoever! Ricky told me he'd like to take me to Buffalo Wild Wings for supper. I had never been and he knew I wanted to try it sometime. Let me tell you....those wings were hot and soooo good and the beer was soooo cold. We also got the sampler tray with onion rings, fried cheese thingys and nachos. I wish I could live there....LOLOLOL

I loved everything about the place. Looking forward to going there again real soon. Probably won't get on the scales tomorrow...I know I blew my diet to smitherines!!! But...back on it again tomorrow.

Tomorrow will be bittersweet for me. Mom won't be here and Ricky has to work. So..planning on going to the cemetary with some flowers and to tell Mom how much I miss her.

[gja1000]

Glad you had a good day, Janet. Buffalo wild wings sounds good! I'm glad you all had a good time.

Last week when the kids were here, Gary had Brooke get me one of those Keurig coffee makers for mothers day. I drink coffee for breakfast when we go out, but don't have a coffee maker at home. His sister had one and I thought it was cool. It makes one cup at a time. I mentioned that I really liked her Keurig. So now I have one. It is the smallest one. You can make hot tea, hot chocolate, decaf, and the like in it too. The coffee, tea, etc is more expensive than a regular coffee maker but since I don't drink that much anyway, it's OK.

[DianaB]

Sorry I haven't been on today......I'm cleaning, cooking, and doing yard work to get ready for Mother's day tomorrow.......actually that's what I DID do today!! Right now I'm about to head for bed because I'm beat!!

I wanted to post this. This happened in our county. So sad that all of these young lives were lost.

http://www.fox23.com/news/local/story/Four-die-in-plane-crash-in-Kansas-plane-left-from/9DWKowp1EUS5NpNylQyp6w.cspx

[judy]

That is so sad, Diana!

I ended up doing things around the house yesterday. It was gorgeous out, and I should have gone someplace, but didn't know if anything was going on around town. I should check during the week. We have a TV channel that lists local events all day long, and it would be a good thing for me to find someplace to go on a sunny day. I don't "hang out" with the girls, unless we have something planned. I end up feeling lonesome once in a while though, like yesterday. I am a loner by nature, although I do love my friends. Sometimes though, I pay a price for my freedom.

I'm going to see Jessie today for a little while. She said something about coming here, but I doubt if Steve will want to. I'll call her soon, and I will call my aunt and my cousin to wish them a Happy Mother's Day.

I'm sorry this will be a sad Mother's Day for you Janet. My first without my Mother was awful since she died the end of April. One day at a time, my friend.

[Janet]

Can you use regular coffee in your new coffee maker or have to use specialty coffee? I've seen those and they are expensive machines.

Oh Diana, what a horrible thing to have happen anytime, but so close to Mother's Day...their poor families, such a tragedy.

Thanks Judy. It was sad, but I kept busy. Since Ricky had to work, Rick and I visited the gravesites of his Mom, Step-Mom, my Mom and my Sister. We put newer flowers on them and basicially just talked about how much we missed them.

Then we went to Wal Mart and bought some flowers and soil. Finally....have a few years of no flowers I have some planted. I also had a tree growing in one of the pots that I keep on the front porch so before I could plant the flowers....I planted the tree... :) The weather couldn't have been better. I miss Mom, but today...there were so many things reminding me of her...including my own voice. For those of you who have Mother's in Heaven... I hope the sadness was light, knowing you're a Mother yourself. It was a good day.

I think that just about sums up my day.

[judy]

Yesterday was very nice. I went over to Jessie's house. They were gardening, and we sat outside. The girls went inside to make us cards. Mackenzie's were just what you would expect from a 15 year old. Short and sassy! Kassidy's were perfectly written, with hearts and flowers, all sides covered, and a poem (she got online) for Mommy. She also stood up and read them. Little diva!

I never saw Brandon. He was up in his room, so I went inside and yelled up to him. He yelled back down, and that was that. I know he is a boy, but I really don't think they are raising him right! I hate to say it, but I really don't understand what they are doing. I am worried that they are creating a bunch of problems for him when he grows up, or even for now.

I finally got my credit card back from Jessie! Talk about creating problems for yourself! I sure did! I do want her to have some extra spending money for when the kids want something, and right now I can do that, but not to the extent that she was using the card. I got her a prepaid Visa for $500, and told her I will refill it mid September. I can afford $1500 per year. She thought it was so great because I have been telling her not to use the card a lot lately. She was very happy, and so am I.

Today, I am going to a womens' network meeting. I bought stuffed mushrooms that just have to be heated up, so that will be nice and easy. We're having elections and I am running for Secretary again. Since nobody is running against any of us, for any job, we will all be winners!

[Janet]

Judy, your day sounds really nice and relaxing. What a great thing for you do to for Jessie..a prepaid card. I'm going to have to remember that one.

I did not want to get out of bed this morning. I ran my route and then came home and sat in the recliner checking FB. I made a comment about wanting people to leave the flowers I put on graves alone. We had some wind last night so while I was in town I ran by the cemetary to make sure the flowers were okay. There were some flowers added which were nice, but the vase was really full and so some of mine are missing. Plus the bow is missing. I can tell Jerry took offense so I explained myself in a private message to him. Learned my lesson....no personal stuff on FB. So sick of having to walk on egg shells around my brothers. Sucks! Wish I could move out of state and be on my own.

After FB, I went out and watered the tree I planted and all the flowers. Also washed off the front and back porch. Now...I'm back in the recliner...not really feeling the best. Nerves I think...a little on the shaky side and upset stomach.

This site is the only place and you are the only people I can say how I really feel and not be damned for it. Oh well....I'm still a work in progress.

[gja1000]

Sounds like a nice day, Judy. I agree about Brandon, something is not quite right there. Getting Jessie a prepaid Visa sounds like a great idea!

They started weaning Gary off the IV heart med this morning. They will wean him all day. I hope he can be OK without it. They will add back some oral heart meds today and then tomorrow when he's off the IV med, they will add back the last heart med, but this last one is one that may cause his asthma to get worse, so I hope all goes well. It's the last one that he really needs the most. He's so tired of the hospital and tired of the food.

[Janet]

When will he get to come home? After the IV ?

[DianaB]

Gayle, what a nice gift!! A coffee pot!! I looked at those once and they are really nice!!.........I'm glad to hear that Gary's better.......I'm hoping the oral meds do just as good for him. You've both been in my prayers too.

Judy, You're such a sweet Mom to help Jessie out like you do. I can understand about the credit card use though. I loan mine to Dae Lynn and she's abused the priviledge a couple of times too but it's hard to control because there's times she really needs it. I can see where one with a limit would work really well.

Are Brandon's problems still related to his sickness? They really need to get that straightened out if that's what it is. Easy to say.....hard to do!!

Janet, it sounds like you had a good Mother's Day! How special that Ricky took you out to eat! He's a sweetheart!! I'm sure the flowers look really nice......too bad that people can't leave things alone that aren't theirs!! Your family is really sensitve to anything you say on FB so I can see where you have to be careful. Sorry.

I had a good Mother's Day.....beside being so tired!! I actually fell asleep in church when the pastor said a prayer!!! Mom and Art came over for lunch. I fixed a roast, potatoes, and carrots in the crockpot and a jello salad.....with a pudding type dessert. It was so good and simple. Since it was MY Mother's Day as well I wanted to make things simple. Dae Lynn got me a hanging plant that I wanted.......so pretty!! Jaci painted "Baker" on a rock to sit in the flower bed. She had made one for herself and it was so cute!! Amy gave me a huge hug and told me how much she loved me and appreciated me.......and how much she understands now about her teen age years. She's going through so much now with Kera. It was my most favorite thing for Mother's Day......I just wish that it was written down so I could read it again. She also gave me a Honeysuckle candle.....Ummmmm!!! Then Feyn came over last night with a gift that was a lamp that looks like little flowers from Kirklands. It's so pretty but I'm not sure where I'll put it. I love lights and love to put them on timers so they can be enjoyed.

Mom and Art stayed pretty late in the day but we had a really good visit. They've been pretty lost lately since their best friend passed away. They spent a lot of time at his house rather than drive home on Sundays. I got Mom a little Avon figurine with a mother reading to a little boy and girl and a cover to go on her Mische purse.

I gotta' tell you what Dean said this morning!!! He squated down and let off a little toot.....he looked at me....surprised.......and said "What's that?" and I said "What WAS that?" He said, "Dean" I said "Do it again." So he grunted hard and tooted again!! He thought that was funny and I said "Do it again." but he couldn't . He looked at me and said "Broken!" I died laughing!! I don't usually make much of it when someone toots but this was the first time I'd ever noticed it with him........but to say that his Tooter was broken was just priceless!!!

[judy]

How cute he is!!! This is a great age, except for all of the energy!

I don't think Brandon's health is the real reason for his being spoiled. It is some, but truthfully, when your father sits at home all day and is negative and moody over everything, what kind of role model is that for a little boy? He is learning how to not cope, how to withdraw, how to take the easy way out, and who knows what else! He is a sweet little boy....what a shame!

As Dr. Phil says, "You live what you learn."

Diana, this is another reason I hope Dae Lynn stays away from Damon. Steve is an alcoholic, although he has been sober. There are certain traits though, that stay with some alcoholics.

[DianaB]

That's too bad. Steve should be setting a good example for Brandon on what being a man is all about. I do understand because we do have the same problem with Damon somewhat. He DOES work but seems to take off a lot because of "sickness" and such. Right now he doesn't have much to do with Dean......it's actually his Papa and Uncles that he enjoys being around the most. Dean cries almost every day to go with his Papa!! It's sad that it's not his Daddy that he cries for. I do understand about their being certain traits that go with being an alcholic......even if Damon was to give up his binge drinking things would still not be perfect in his marriage. As for Dae Lynn.....I'm not sure what she's thinking as far as Damon goes. I'm hoping that she's giving this separation time so she can figure things out.

Janet, I never did thank you for your text on Mother's Day!! I meant to respond or call but my Mom was here so long and I was so tired when she left. I also had a niece that texted me and another niece that called.......I didn't know that I was so special to them!! I have spent some time with them on the phone lately!

Nothing much going on here......I'm trying to get my flower beds all taken care of. I lost so many hostas last year and this year so I'm trying to get those all cleaned up and taken care of. I took a shovel and completely worked one up and turned the soil.....I thought that I'd be sore today but it's not too bad. I hoping today to get something planted in it.....then I just have one more flower bed to take care of. After that I want to pick up some rocks and use them to make a border around one or two of the beds. We'll see how far I get before it gets terribly hot.

I'm also wanting to make a water fountain out of an old bathtub. I need to go and see what we have in the junk yard.......we have our own just out from the house where Baker's have "stored" so many things that they haven't wanted. It's mostly cars and old farm equipment but a few other things are there too so I need to go and see if I can find an old bathtub. I think it would be cute with some gold fish and a little lilly pad in it with an old garden watering can pouring water in it. We'll see what I can come up with and IF I can get it done!!! Of course, I have to figure out too if Dean will stay OUT of it too!!!

School's almost out here. Graduation was on Sunday......Glen had a niece that graduated but we didn't go......I forgot that Feyn's on the school board and had to pass out diplomas. This week is the last week of school.......then Dae Lynn and Karlie will be home. I'm not too sure about that!!!

[gja1000]

Diana, kids say the cutest things don't they. I bet you bout split a gut!!!

Just a quick update on Gary. He is not doing well at all - he's feeling better, but not able to get off the IV medication. He is in the end stage of heart failure now and has probably a year or less to live. They are talking to him about the ventricular assist device, as I mentioned before, but he is still unsure whether or not he wants that. It is very hard. I spend most of the day at the hospital with him. He doesn't feel badly, he feels better than he did when he came in but only because of his IV medication running all the time. I'm not sure what they will do - so I'll update you when I can.

[Blueyes]

Gayle... I'm so sorry. What is the IV med they are running? Does it run all the time? I'm just so heartsick for you both. What percent is his heart working? Sorry for all the questions, my mind is just whirling. I wish there was something I could do to help you:o

[lynne b]

Gayle, I am so sorry to hear this news, I know you both will decide what is the right path for you to take. You both are in my prayers and thoughts! Big hugs to you!

[Janet]

Gayle I'm so sorry for you both to hear this news. You must be going crazy not being able to have some control. I feel like Betsi..just whirling and wishing there was something I could do. You know if you need anything, we're here for you. You both are in my thoughts and prayers daily.

[DianaB]

Oh no. That's not what we want to hear, Gayle. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Gary. I hope the doctors can find something to help Gary out. We're all here for you........and as I said before......I'm only a phone call away!! If you need me I can be on a plane in a few hours!!! Or drive there in a day!!

[Lindsey]

Gayle I'm so sorry. I read this last night and didn't know how to respond. The other ladies have said everything I could have. I am so sorry you are both going through this.

[Blueyes]

Gayle, I can be there in 6 hours. Like Diana, just say the word and I am on my way. I'm great at sitting at the hospital :/

[gja1000]

You all are just so so sweet, I don't know what I'd do without you!

OK, here's what happening. And I want you all to know that both Gary and I felt much better today, I'm not sure why, but we did and we had a really good day together.

Gary's kidneys are not happy at all now, his kidney numbers are pretty bad. He's just above having to have dialysis, but thankfully not yet. They are going to put an aortic balloon pump in his heart tomorrow. This is sort of a test run for the ventricular assist device (which he has not yet decided if he wants or not). This balloon pump will assist his heart to pump and it will tell them whether or not the ventricular assist device will help him or not. He should feel much much better and be able to walk much more with the balloon pump. But it might not help him feel better at all. That is the test part. If the balloon pump doesnt make him feel better, the ventricular assist device probably won't either, so they won't even consider doing it anymore. It should also help his kidneys a lot since his cardiac output will be much better. They can only leave the balloon pump in a few days, but that may be enough to get his kidneys in better shape, hopefully. If his kidneys don't get better, then he can't have the ventricular assist device. The balloon pump is just a test of how he responds, so they will know whether or not he is a candidate for the ventricular assist device.

The procedure is an introduction of a catheter into his heart - just like he had last week. It is not surgery so he will feel find after the procedure. He will have to be in ICU simply because the nurses there know how to run the balloon pump. Of course there are risks, but no major risks and he should be fine. But we all know anytime they do anything inside the body, bad things can happen, but I don't think anything will happen tomorrow.

I probably won't get to sit with him all day for the next few days since he will be in ICU and they have set visiting times. That will be the hard part, not being able to sit and play cards with him all day.

Betsi, his ejection fraction on echo cardiogram is 20-25% (60% is normal). The medicine they are giving him is Dobutamine.

Once again Ladies, you all are so very very dear to me and I know you would hop in the car or on plane to be with me. I might need you later, but right now I'm OK. Just knowing you are with me in spirit is so so so very comforting.

[DianaB]

Here's a big hug, Gayle!! :hug:

Today is our last day of school. Karlie was so excited because she's having a field day.....where they go play at a park.....and she got to take a sack lunch!!! I'm ready for school to be out but not sure that I want Dae Lynn and Karlie around all the time. Dae Lynn won't have a job except for cleaning the church which only takes a few hours a week. She's been in a bad mood so much lately that I'm tired of it. Plus she's not cleaning up after herself or the kids. If it keeps up I'll have to say something. It will be nice to just go to town without having to take Dean though. I tend to stay home more because of him and his naps so I'll have more freedom!! Yay!!!

[gja1000]

They just took Gary to the cath lab for the balloon pump. He feels better today, but his weight is up so he will start getting more short of breath. However if the balloon pump does its job, he should be able to get some of that fluid off. His kidney numbers still look terrible so they are really worried about that. One day at a time, one day at a time.

[DIANE W]

Gayle... I am popping on here everyday to read your updates on poor Gary, he must be so fed up with hospitals and all.

I just wanted you to know i am thinking of you and praying all goes well, with Gary's procedure and everything else too.

You are doing a great job, keep strong.

Lots of love to you both.

Diane.

[Janet]

Praying all goes well with the ballooon pump. I hate being so far away, wish I could be there with you to hold your hand and give hugs. I'll keep checking for updates Gayle....love you!!

[judy]

Oh Gayle, that is not good news! I am so sorry you and Gary had to be told that. You are both so much in love, and that will get you through. I wish you didn't have to go through this though.

My heart is heavy for you, but I will keep you both in my heart and in my prayers. I am also just a phone call away.

[gja1000]

Gary is out of the cath lab and in ICU. He is perfectly fine, no problems. He has pink cheeks now, I don't know if that is due to the pump or some medicine. He's in great spirits, but I know he's going to get really tired of the bed this weekend. They had to go in through the groin, so he'll have to be in bed flat on his back till at least Monday. They may move the balloon pump to go in through his shoulder then, so he can get up and around. They were going to wait till Monday so they could put it in through his shoulder, but they were afraid they'd lose his kidneys if they didn't go ahead and do it today.

[Blueyes]

WORK balloon pump, WORK!!! Gayle, just take an hour or even a minute at a time if you need to. Tell Gary we all love him, too!

[Blueyes]

Ohhh, it's gonna be a long weekend! Mike has had soooo many heart cath's and several times the sheath has been left in for a while in case they had to go back in. It's so hard to be flat in bed for any length of time. Praying for increased EF and improved kidneys for Gary!! Love y'all!

[gja1000]

Oh Betsy, you know what he's going through. He's just going to be miserable, BUT, his heart numbers all look better already. Howver his kidneys do not look better yet. They did say they take much more time to improve. He had TWO nurses after he came back from the cath lab into ICU, so I feel very sure he is well cared for.

[Blueyes]

Will they let you stay in there with him other than just the visiting hours? Maybe they will by tomorrow. Glad his heart function is improving some. That's bound to help his kidneys.

Mike and I have been dealing with his health issues for 19 years, since he had his first MI. Medicine has improved by leaps and bounds since then, and I'm praying that some of these wonders can help Gary. Sleep when you can, Gayle, and don't forget to eat something. Love you!

[gja1000]

Thanks so much Betsi. They ask that you not come in between 6:30-8:00 AM and PM. They also ask that you let the patient sleep between 10:00PM - 8:00AM. I came home about 7:30 tonight. I only live about 20 mins from the hospital and I cannot sleep in a chair so I will get absolutely worn out if I don't get some good sleep. I do hate to leave him, but I know he is being watched very closely.

[Blueyes]

He IS being watched closely, and it's so, so important that you take care of yourself so you can take care of him. I'm finding that the older I get, the more of a toll these hospital stays take on me, in more ways than one. I hope your school is out soon!

[DianaB]

Gayle, I hope that you got some good rest. Make sure you take care of yourself during all of this. We're all here for you!

I'm glad to hear that Gary's doing a little better and I hope his kidney function improves with his heart doing better. I'm praying!!!

[judy]

How is Gary doing today? Hopefully, his kidney function is getting better.

[Janet]

Have you both in my thoughts today. Hoping Gary is feeling better and that his kidney function improves. Also hope you were able to get a good nights sleep last night.

[gja1000]

Hi Ladies, I got some good rest last night! Gary's heart continues to be stronger and his kidney function did not improve last night, but it's a little better today. A small progress, but a progress nonetheless. They are giving him plenty of medications to help his back pain. So, he's mostly sleeping, which is good. He is easily arousable and is lucid and even joking some, when they wake him, so he's OK.

[DIANE W]

That is really good news, small steps each day, and i am still praying for you both, to get some rest and for Gary to continue to do well in his treatment.

[gja1000]

Unfortunately, Gary has become a little short of breath this afternoon. They had to turn up his oxygen. This is not a good turn of events, but hopefully it won't get any worse, and then he will get better. However, if he does not get better, then the doctors will know what needs to be done or not done for Gary. He and I both know that all these technological things may not work out for him, but at least we will have all the information to make good decisions.

[gja1000]

I'm happy to report Gary's breathing is better this evening.

[Janet]

That is great news!! Praying he continues to improve with a noticeable improvement by morning.

[gja1000]

The night nurse figured out that it was probably the pain med they gave him earlier in the afternoon that caused the oxygen to drop. The oxygen drop happened after the pain med and then his oxygen was back up about the time the pain med wore off. I'm sure that's what happened. I'm so relieved.

[gja1000]

Yay! 4WT is back! But I really like our Best Friends site on FB

Gary had no urine output last night. NOT GOOD but it was better during the morning, but not very good this afternoon. Sigh, just one up-and-down after another.

[Janet]

I am so glad 4WT is back....wow. At least now we have a place to go in case this site goes down again.

Does Gary know you're speaking of his urine output to a bunch of women? Soon as we meet him we'll be asking.."Gary....how ya pee'n today?"

So glad we're 'home'.

[gja1000]

LOL! Janet, Gary would KILL me if he knew I was talking about his PEE! :D

I'm glad we have 4WT back, but I like our FB Best Friends site too! Thanks for setting it up.

[Janet]

You're welcome! There is suppose to be a way to set it up as a forum too, but I haven't figured it out yet. As long as we have a place to go if something happens here, I'm happy. I honestly can't stand the thought of not being able to communicate with all of you like we do everyday.

Let's see...what's been happening.... Oh...Saturday I went to the monthly flea market in town at the park. There wasn't much there at all. I was going to take some things in there, but wanted to check it out first. I still may have a booth in June. I know my stuff was a lot nicer and cleaner than what was there except for a booth selling candles. So I may as well give it a try.

Then Saturday evening we went to Rossville and had supper. Of course, I ended up paying the most as usual. I have got to remember to say 'separate checks'. I'm really getting tired of it, but I do love going out to eat.

Sunday...I didn't do a darn thing except panic over 4WT...lol Took me awhile to figure out what to do, but now we have a back-up plan.

This is the last week of school, our last day is Thursday...YAY!!! Friday, I go to the pee Dr. Not looking forward to it, but they are going to 'test' my bladder and then decide what is best. I'm so afraid of the mesh thing, heard alot of negative and there is a lawyers ad on TV offering services for anyone with a problem with it. The Dr. said there is something else, but may have to be done a few times....not nearly as successful. Since I've lost weight, it's not near as bad, so maybe that is what I need to continue doing. I won't have anything done until I've lost more weight, but it will be good to have this 'test' and then research options. Maybe I won't need to have anything done if I can get this weight off.

[judy]

How is Gary doing, Gayle? I sure hope he is peeing!

Janet, you are the best! Thank you so much for setting us up on fb! You are so organized and bright! You should be a CEO....maybe a headhunter will find you! That separate check thing is so wierd! Rick needs to come on here for an hour and be set straight by all of us!

They opened the pool yesterday! It was wonderful! Saturday, I set up the baby pool on my deck and sat in it! Actually, it wasn't bad. I listened to the end of an audiobook while the dogs hung out with me. Luckily, nobody can see onto my deck! Not only do I look like a crazy woman, but I was topless! Why not?

There is almost nothing better than gliding in the water in the pool when it is hot out! I love summer! It's going to rain today, so no pool.

Jessie and the kids didn't come over. They had homework, etc. She is on a mission to get the school to do the right things for Brandon. She is about to learn how to take control of a situation, I hope! I am very good at it, but she is not comfortable with confrontation. She certainly is getting better at it! When somebody messes with your kids, I guess you learn fast! Jessie's elementary school principal knew how I liked my coffee, I was there so often. She had a witch for a teacher in second and third grades. I hope she learned from watching me. Once you get the knack, people usually just fall into place. That school, and her next door crazy neighbor are all lucky they don't have to deal with me. I used to get annoyed at Jessie for the way she let people treat her, but I think it is something you have to learn.

I have a women's group meeting tonight, and a skin dr. appt. tomorrow. I might have shingles. If I do, it is such a mild case! I have to get this rash diagnosed. It has been on my arm for about a year, on and off. I have eczema, but this is different. I feel nerve pain a couple of times a week, which is why I think it might be shingles.

[DianaB]

Oh Gayle, things are so up and down with Gary. My heart goes out to both of you. I'm praying that he continues to get better. What a weekend you've had!

Janet, that's a good idea to put a few things in your local flea market. Hopefully you can get rid of some stuff and have fun in the process!! We went to a little flea market when I was there. Is that the one that you're talking about?

I was wondering the other day about how you were doing with your bladder because you haven't mentioned it lately and I knew you were going to the doctor. I'm glad to hear that you're going to check it out still. I've found that losing weight has helped with my "little leaks" too.

Yesterday we didn't do much......church, ate out, came home, napped, Mom and Art came over and napped too, then church again.......actually it was our annual business meeting. Glen's back on the board at church which is really hard with Amy working there and Dae Lynn working there as well. We hear too many things about what goes on at the church. Much of it's not very good. We have a pastor that we really like.....he preaches the most wonderful sermons but that's about all that he does. The church basically has to run itself which causes problems.......there's no leader. Oh well.......it's will get straightened out one of these days!!

I'm more than a little upset this morning......Dae Lynn went to clean the church and I'm left with the kids :( I think that I'm going to have to tell her that I'm only gong to babysit a couple of days a week and then she'll have to get Amy's girls to fill in. I do know that the girls weren't going to be home today so maybe she did check. I'm just wanting to NOT be so tied down this summer. Oh well......that's life!! At least they're outside playing.......and screaming!! UGH!!!

So....what went on with 4WT? Were we off-line or something? What went on?

[DianaB]

Judy....nothing brings out the protective side of us like someone messing with our kids!! I'm sure that Jessie will take the bull by the horns and surprise you with how she won't let them run over her kids!! Go Jessie!!!!

I think that it's funny that you're topless!!!! Oh Judy!!!! :) You make me laugh!!! I've done that a time or two when I was younger.......in my back yard......in the country......and still felt so odd about it!!!! Go Judy!!!

Yes, you need to check your rash out if you've had it that long. I hope the doctor can give you something to help you out! I've never had shingles but I've heard it's not fun.

[Janet]

Judy!! You just crack me up!! :D I could never do anything like that now. I did skinny dip a few times when I was younger, but wouldn't think of it now. You go girl!!

When the site came up Diana, 4WT wasn't there, just a page saying the domain name needed to be renewed. I sent a note to the Admin. at YT, but he wasn't online. Finally came back on last night, but I never did hear from Admin. I just glad it's back...we were all in a panic and especially worried about Gary. Now we have a place on FB if it ever happens again or just whenever.

[gja1000]

Gary is fine today, so tired of the bed and his leg and back hurt so much. I sure hope they take the balloon pump out or move it to his chest if they want to leave it in a while longer. He is "peeing" pretty good now. But they are giving him lots of medication to make him pee. Actually he has a catheter in so he doesn't actually have to "pee" :D

[gja1000]

OK, here's the final poop (:D) on Gary. Although he is "peeing" more, he is going to have to go on dialysis. Now this sounds bad, but as the heart doctor explained, it might turn out to be really good. Because it will pull off his fluid, he won't be overloaded and will be able to breathe much better. She also thinks that the fluid overload may have been started by poor kidney function, rather than a weak heart. She is very hopeful that he will feel much much better on dialysis.

Now, I know it won't be fun or convenient for him to go to dialysis 3 times a week, but there is a center close to our house and he'll go sit in a lazy boy chair for 4 hours and sleep, watch TV, or read. He already does that most everyday anyway. :D You can go for dialysis anywhere in the country. His nurses' brother was a truck driver and he was on dialysis and had it all over the country, wherever he was driving. I know it won't be all rosey but I think it will work out for Gary. And if he can feel better, I think he will ultimately be OK with it.

[Janet]

Saw this on Best Friends. I'm sorry Gary has to go on to dialysis. It's not always a fun thing. Was doing peritoneal not an option for Gary? Mom had to do what Gary will be doing when she had the cath removed. She did not like it, because she was just exhausted afterwards. I know there were a lot of people there when Mom was. She had fluid overload once in awhile too and we would just have to adjust the fluid for her overnight. Going to a center will be easier, just inconvenient. Mom wanted nothing to do with inconvenience...lolol. She did hers while she slept.

When will Gary start? I will pray that it all goes well for him and that he'll be feeling better in no time. I'll be praying for you too my dear friend.

[judy]

That's an idea! If Gary hates going for dialysis, can he do it at home?

[gja1000]

Yes Judy, I think he can do dialysis at home.

The balloon pump comes out about mid morning today, then he'll have to lie flat for a few more hours. They say he should be out of bed by dinner time. YAY!

He's getting a little squirrelly being in ICU so long. There is always something going on, always lights, beeps and bells. People who have to be here several days usually begin to hallucinate a bit, see or hear things that are not there. I think when he can get up and around a bit, the better he will be. Still don't know when they will start dialysis though.

[gja1000]

Another Gary update. They are going to place a catheter in his chest tomorrow morning for dialysis access. Then they will start with a 2 hour treatment in the afternoon. On thurs they'll do a 3 hour treatment and then go up to 4 hours on Friday, if all goes well. After that he will go to dialysis three times a week. I'm sure hoping we can get out of this danged hospital by the weekend or early next week!

[DianaB]

I do hope that all of this helps Gary to feel better. Dialysis is a big step but a must-do for his health. You're so good to keep on top of everything with Gary!! Will you take care of me when I get old and have problems? LOL

Well......we had an interesting development last night!! Amy works with all of the kids at the Alley and hugs so many of them.......and now she's got head lice!!! She was itching so bad and had some others check her but she came over last night for me to look.......and sure enough there they were! The girls have it too and they're NOT happy about it. So.....we're all feeling itchy now!!! I told Dae Lynn that I would feel better if we were all treated but she hesitated with Dean. But.....in talking to Glen this morning we have some of the Diatomaceous earth stuff that he had bought.....in checking on the internet Dae Lynn found out that it can be used to treat head lice!! So we're trying it. There are different grades of the stuff and Glen has a food grade quality so there's no risk to people. So we're all treating our hair with the stuff!!! And the girls are going to be taking some to the garden for the squash bugs. Also, the quality that we have is such that we don't have to worry about breathing it either. Glen sells grain that is organic and where he sells it to uses it to control insects around the plant and in the grain. Very interesting.

My Brother, Delaine, just called and is wanting to come out this afternoon. I wonder what this is about? I'm not looking forward to it. My brother's on drugs and has a drugy girlfriend that I REALLY don't like so I haven't had much contact with him lately. I guess we'll see!!

[Lindsey]

Gayle I hope dialysis works out for Gary and it's not too inconvenient. I'm sure it would be nice if he can do it at home!

Diana, I feel badly for your family having to deal with lice now!!! I'm lucky I never had it even as a kid when it was going through school. I remember the health nurse would come in and teach us about lice and then comb through our hair and inspect our scalps. I would just be PRAYING that they wouldn't find lice in my hair! Not only because it would be lice, but mostly because it would be so embarassing in front of everyone!!

I had my shower and stagette this weekend. On our way home we picked up my friend Stacey and she decided to buy our supper halfway home as we drove through a city, so we went to a drive through at Burger King. I don't like Burger King to begin with, but she was buying so I said sure! We both ended up with food poisoning that night. We both had a chicken sandwich while Scott had chicken nugget things... he was fine. Stacey and I were both up all night, as I found out the next day at my shower. I fought my way through the day and the night and was feeling quite a bit better near the end of Sunday. Monday I felt fine until we were driving home in the evening. This morning I've been feeling queasy again, but who knows if it's from that or anything else!

So yes, back to the shower and stagette. The shower was great and I got so many awesome gifts!! We didn't play anything too embarassing lol. My best friend (matron of honor) came over earlier in the day to ask me some questions. It turns out she asked me the same questions in 1999!!! Who knew they'd come in handy?? LOL! So at the shower everyone got these sheets and had to fill out information about me, and give themselves points if that answers were right. Then, just for fun, she would read my answers from 1999!!!! Lol! So right now, what I want to be "when I grow up" is what I do now, an engineering designer. However, when I was 15 years old in 1999, I thought I could get through life just fine being "Josh Hartnett's wife" hahahaah... he is an actor I used to love! My friend gave me a nice printed picture of him from some teen magazine as she read out the answer. I also learned I had "considerably more hobbies" when I was 15 lol!

That night, we went to the bar in my town and it was pretty much dead lol. There were only 4 of us for most of the night. I was feeling quite sick still so we didn't do much but sit around and talk! The girls have decided they want to have a do-over here in my city maybe next month.

Sunday we headed out to the lake when all of the company left. We didn't do much that night because we were so exhausted! Monday we spent most of the day on the boat and I have a terrible sunburn on my face from it! I was freezing so I didn't really think of the sun being so strong, but we were on the water so it makes sense. Scott and I bought caught one fish (well I had another but it broke my line just as my dad grabbed it from the water!).

Now I am needing another weekend because I feel like I've had no time to relax!

[DianaB]

Head lice is just something that can happen when you're around kids. I personally give each of my kids a BIG hug every Sunday when they leave my Sunday school class......and I know that 2 little girls have a problem at home with it......always so I know that it's always a possibility. Amy works with the same kids. We don't actually know that we have it but are treating ourselves anyway. We spend a lot of time with Amy and the girls and they hug on Dean a lot so it's just a precaution. I have had it before and I just feel crawly with it.

Food poisioning? Wow.....that's a bad break!! Was your meat undercoked? Did you have mayonaise on your sandwich? We ate at Red Lobster once when the girls and I were out for the weekend once. Dae Lynn and Amy ate the same thing and they both woke up in the night really, really sick. It ended up ruining our weekend because they were so sick. That had to be what it was because no one else got sick and they both got sick at about the same time. They had shrimp. That is such a bummer that you didn't feel good during your shower......but I'm glad that otherwise it was fun.

I hope you didn't get any sun burn stripes anywhere on your body.....because that will make tan lines and you don't want that with your wedding dress. Good thing that the wedding isn't soon......you'll have time to get over the redness......you'll have to be more careful!!!

[Blueyes]

Mike left for the ranch yesterday, so I have a week to myself. Of course he calls about 3 times a day to let me know he's ok, so I really don't have time to miss him, lol! I haven't got much accomplished, so I need to get with it.

I spent a couple of days last week just riding around with my friend Jan, and we had the top down on my car. We wore tank tops so we could tan. Judy, I WISH I could have taken my top off, I would do it in a heartbeat as long as nobody could see, lolol!!

[DianaB]

A whole week to myself sounds like so much fun!! I hope you enjoy it!! I'd love to be there with you to drive around as well!!! Cool!!!!

[Janet]

A week to yourself....sounds wonderful. :)