Gary and I are at the second of FIVE doctor's appointments in THREE days. WHEW! Two today (then I have class this afternoon), one tomorrow, and two on Friday.

I hope the MRI goes well, Janet. Aren't they giving you a sedative too?

Gayle, wow! 5 visits! I hope they are just checkups, and that Gary is going well!

Yes...they are giving me a sedative....sure hope it's a good one... :)

For some reason I'm just really nervous and scared.....so not like me.

Gayle, I'm sure that Glen is stressed but the truth is.....that we don't get along as well as we used to. I truly believe that men learn from their father about how to be a husband and while Glen had a fantastic Dad....he was a lousy husband.....not that I could blame him with a hoarding wife. It will work out.....it's just getting past all of this.

Janet....I'll be so glad for you when your MRI is over. I know that you're not comfortable with the thought of it. I also hope that you can get great relief from what they find out from it. You're in my prayers!!!

Judy, staying away while the kids' other grandmother was there was very nice of you. I know exactly how you feel and try to be the same way when Damon's Mom is here. She doesn't get to see the kids nearly as much as I do so I try to let her have all the attention whenever she's around. She's been in the hospital lately with congestive heart failure. I'm also worried that she won't be around to enjoy the kids much longer. She is a nice lady though.

Gayle, I'm so sorry that you have so many doctor's appointments with Gary. Is he having problems or is he just in for checkups?

I've been swimming in the pond almost every day!!! I love it!!! It's so nice and handy to just walk (or ride the 4-wheeler) down the lane a ways and jump in!!!! I would absolutely love it if I could swim year round!!!!

I would like to swim everyday too!

Here's my fantasy....Either living right here, but having a clubhouse with a heated, indoor pool, sauna, and exercise room, movie night, discussions groups, and other fun things. Or...going to South Florida, on the beach, for 2 months every winter!

Dreams are fun!

Janet, I would be nervous too. You had a bad experience already, and you have been in pain for a while now. It will be okay, but I know you wish it was over and done with!

Jessie and a friend did her table centerpieces for her wedding. She used candles, and very inexpensive stuff. It was very pretty, but I just don't remember what they looked like.

I bet if you go into a craft store, you can find wonderful, inexpensive materials to put together to make beautiful centerpieces.

Y'all are all so busy. I feel like all I do is go to work and come home. My neck is hurting really bad. Can't tell you how disappointed I am that the surgery didn't help. I'm going in for another injection tomorrow.

Oh Sandy, I'm so sorry the surgery didn't work. Both my sister-in-law and her daughter (only 15 years old) had to have surgery for bulging disks in the neck. Both had successful outcomes too.

No, Gary isn't sick and these are all just followup appointments. They are grouped so close together because we were supposed to be gone until about July 7th, so all his routine, every three month appointments landed on this week. How lucky are we! :p

Actually, he has not been feeling very well, he gets quite short of breath of minimal exertion - which is not unusual for someone with heart failure, but he had been doing better before the past few weeks.

Well, I guess technology is good, sometimes. His pacemaker continually measures his fluid volume status and with a monitor the doctor can see a printout of how much fluid he has had during the past three months. People with heart failure get fluid volume overloaded because their heart can't pump blood well enough to go through the kidneys efficiently enough to get rid of all the water that those of us without heart failure get rid of every day. He takes 40 mg. of Lasix (water pill to get rid of fluid) every day, which is a lot and he still has problems with too much fluid. The fluid gets into his lungs and viola, he is short of breath on exertion.

So he started on a new water pill today. It is so powerful you only take it once a week! :eek: They started him on a very low dose because of his kidney problems, if he gets rid of too much water, he will go into kidney failure. Oh joy! So, he took a pill today and another one next Wednesday and then we go back to the doc so they can check his bloodwork to be sure his kidneys are OK. If they are OK and he still has too much fluid on board (they will look at his pacemaker readings again), they will up the dose of the super duper water pill. I hope it works!

His other doctor appointment today was with his neck doctor. He had a neck injection back in May and this was just the followup. He is completely pain free (Sandy, I hope your shot works as well), and he doesn't have to go back unless he has pain again. YAY!

His appointment tomorrow is with his urologist (we call her the pee doc). He has an enlarged prostate and his doctor changed his medication to help him pee more easily. IT IS WORKING GREAT! So this is just a routine followup and thankfully all is well on the pee front! :D

One of his appointments Friday is with his diabetes nurse. He has to go see the nurse (or doc) every three months, or Medicare will not send his diabetes supplies and his insulin. I guess that's OK, but I bet some people don't go and just go without their supplies and insulin! :eek: If you have diabetes, you absolutely 100% should go to the doctor every three months, but I"m not sure if I agree with "we won't send your medication and supplies if you don't go".

His other appointment on Friday is with his lung doctor. It's just routine every three month checkup and I think everything is OK on that front.

Oh yeah, after the two doc appointments I had class this afternoon from 1-5. YIKES. Thankfully, I had a guest speaker and I just sat and veged out!

Didn't really do too much today. I had an appt. for a haircut, but Mom had been complaining that she needed one so I let her take my appt. and I have another one for Friday. I spent most of the day in my bedroom. I did do some laundry, but that was about it. I can tell with Mom here that I'm not getting up and moving as much and I feel it. Usually I'm working in the yard or doing something, but I've been very lazy and doing just what needs to be done.

I am planning to walk when I get up of a morning, but I'm sure something will somehow screw that up too.

Tomorrow morning is the MRI...very nervous, but I've got to get it done no matter what. I'm tired of the pain and I need to find out what to do with whatever is found.

Wish me luck tomorrow in being able to be in that tight space. Hopefully the sedative will work wonders for me.

You will do fine! You will likely be so sleepy you won't know what is happening, or you will be so sleepy you won't care! :D

I think that once you get your sedative you'll be fine and hopefully the doctor will get right to you about getting some help for your shoulder.

Gayle, you have seen doctors, doctors, and more doctors!!!! At least Gary will be all tuned up and roaring to go!!!! LOL

Dae Lynn and the kids went to her house this afternoon to work on packing. It was a good thing because Dean spilled a whole cup of coffee on the carpet and broke one of my nice coasters. I'm getting really tired of things breaking and have several things sitting on the counter waiting for glue!! All of you should probably buy stock in Super Glue!!!!

This afternoon I went swimming before they got home. The water was so nice and cool!! Then I came home and worked on the hosta beds. They look soooo nice!!!

Diana...I know you're busy, but I would love to see the Hosta beds.

Janet, I hope the MRI goes well!

Judy, I think we will try to do our own centerpieces too. I found out we can get really cheap flowers from Costco and they're apparently really good quality, so we can either rent some vases or buy some cheap ones (dollar store) and put something together like that. We almost bought some vases from a woman online a couple of days ago but decided against it. The centerpieces my friend's mom was offering are BEAUTIFUL but very expensive and I don't want to inconvenience her that much. We can just use a vase with flowers and maybe some simple candles around it. If she'd like to supply the candles, that would be great!

I think a lot of people use mirrors, flower petals, floating candles in inexpensive glass containers, and flowers to put a really nice centerpiece together.

Gayle, it sounds like Gary will feel better if the water pill works. Here's hoping!

Sandy, how upsetting that the surgery didn't work! It would be great though if the shots do the trick!

Janet, I am praying for you that your MRI is over and that you are just fine!

Diana, it sounds like you cannot leave anything breakable out. Little Dean seems to be an ambitious little toddler, hunting for Grandma's things to break!

MRI is done!! Yay!! Ricky took me over and then my brother Jerry came to pick me up. It took them three stabs to get the IV in me. I know I drifted off, but I do remember hearing the machine. It only took 25 minutes. When they first took my blood pressure....they could tell how nervous I was.....my BP was 178/127. When I left....117/76.......big difference..lol

When they first took me in to where the machine was the first time....I didn't see that both ends were open and once I got in there besides the pain....the closeness got to me. This morning I noticed that both ends were open and I immediately felt better. Wish I would have noticed that the first time...maybe I could have gone through with it.

Anyway, the results will be sent to the Dr. in 2-3 days. My appt. with him is Aug.1 so I will be calling early to see if they will tell me the results.

Thank you all for being so supportive. Sometimes I just get myself so worked up over nothing.

I don't think you got worked up over nothing! What an awful feeling to be in there, and in pain!

As long as it is over! Whew! I bet your arm will feel better for today!

You should take it easy today. Adrenalin is probably still rushing around your arteries, and you need to settle your body down.

So glad it is over :D:D:D:D:D:D

Janet, glad you got rough it ok.

Diane, I know it's tough and having kids constantly moving in is part of what ended my marriage. Be patient and know that it's a lot like being in labor. It will be painful but it will be over.

Thanks, Sandy. I do know that this is just temporary and I am still putting things away......but it's finding where to put them so I can still enjoy them. They'll go to the basement if I can't find a spot. I do love having the kids around......just not when things get broken!!!

Janet, I'm glad that your MRI went well. It sounds a lot like the c-t scan that I had the other day. It was just a big circle that I went through.....not a tube like I was expecting!!! I guess that I've watched too much tv!!!

BTW.....I do have some pictures of my hosta beds but I'll see if I can get some better ones. You have to remember that they are a work in progress!!!! I'm not sure when I can get them on but I'll try soon.

Jaci had her wisdom teeth pulled this morning and wanted Glen and I to go with her and Nate. We drove a couple of hours away to get to the doctor's office and then she was in for an hour. We took Glen home then I went home with them to help take care of her today. Nate's not very good with people who are sick.....most guys aren't. Poor girl......her stomach was still queasy when I left and she was having trouble keeping anything down but she was still numb so she's not in much pain......yet. We did get a prescription for pain pills and antibiotics and I'm sure she'll be using them this evening. I was suppose to watch Karlie and Dean tomorrow but I'm going to beg off so I can be with Jaci. Right now she needs her Mama more......so that's where I'll be most of tomorrow.

We are at our last of five doctors appts since Wed. YAY! We just saw his diabetes nurse earlier this morning and his A1C was higher than we think it should be so she is running a special test to see if it is falsely high due to his low iron levels. The A1C will read falsely when the iron is low. Gary has low iron because of his bad kidneys.

Last night I set up another interview. A guy at Scott's office called me and I just missed the call (took Layla for a walk) so I had to call him back. I have to say, I am thrilled at the way they are handling things now. Every person who has contacted me for an interview this time has either emailed during work hours, or called after hours. I hate when they call me on my cell at work! I don't want to answer it in front of everyone, because I don't have a private office! Anyways, I will go and meet with him at Scott's office building downtown after work on Wednesday.

I got another email this morning from someone wanting to set up an interview next week, and he wants to know what I expect for a salary. I feel weird about that one so I think I will tell him what my current salary is and say it's negotiable. I am willing to take a pay cut, but not too much, and I just want to see what he offers. It's a junior position, and I have more experience than is needed. They know that already and they contacted me anyways, so they may be willing to be flexible.

I feel awkward at work today. Everyone is being really nice to me and I have to keep telling myself that I hate being here most of the time!

Oh yeah, we met some more people around town last night too! There was an older man who was so enthusiastic when he saw Layla, and he said he's seen a lot of things in his life but that dog in that cart is the best! We also met the man and little boy from across the street and they were super friendly too, and really interested in Layla! BUT these people are feuding with our neighbors and we are friends with our neighbors too so it's just weird. Personally I think it's very childish of all of them! Their two boys had a fight and now the families are fighting. The boy from across the street wanted to come over and the woman next door wouldn't let him in her house with the other kids. The boy's parents got mad about that. I guess while we were gone on holidays there were screaming matches and threats were made and cops were called... I don't know! The neighbor filled us in on it when we got back and she said the whole neighborhood just hates that family, but they seemed really nice to us last night. I will just stay out of it!

I have such a boring life. Up at 530, to work by 630, lunch at my desk, left at 400, prescriptions at cvs, nails done, two ritas and tacos, home on couch by 630. I really wanted to be bad, but all my buddies are married.

I think I'll go get my first pedicure tomorrow and find a couple of new work tops. What a highlight.

Sandy I can relate. My life is boring too. Taking care of Mom....marriage sucks.....can't do anything.....can't go anywhere........school will be starting soon and I haven't even had a break yet!

What should we do about it?

I hurried and straightened the house this morning then I went to Jaci's again. She wanted me to come back and be with her again today but when I got there she was doing really well. She said that she was afraid of being alone and not feeling well. So we ended up just watching movies, taking naps, and snacking around!!!.......a real tough day taking care of my daughter!!! LOL I did offer to wash her dishes but she said that she'd be up to taking care of them tomorrow. It was nice just relaxing with her and having it just be the two of us!!! I'm going to have to go up there and do it again!!!!

That sounds very nice Diana....quality time.....we all need it now and then. I'm glad Jaci is doing so well.

I'm glad too. Even her swelling is better than what we were expecting.

I had all four of my wisdom teeth pulled at the same time and didn't have anynproblems at all...no pain or swelling. I was very lucky I hear.

Diana, sounds like you had a great day and deserved it.

Janet, we'll think of something.

I didn't make it to the fabric store for quilting goodies. I decided to look for me some new work tops, stopped for lunch, had two ritas and came home. It was great to shop smaller and I ended up with five cute tops. Yeah me!

I didn't do anything today either. Well...I did run to Mom's and pick up her mail and bring her yard swing out so she can get some enjoyment out of it. Oh...I forgot....I also took my desktop in to be fixed finally. It still works, but the defragmentor is gone...just disappeared, it runs really slow and needs cleaned. It also makes a noise like a small airplane...lol. So I told them I was in no hurry, but I'm sure it will be ready sometime next week. It will be so nice to have it run good again.

The rest of the day I didn't do anything. Tomorrow....I'm going to try and get off my "you know what" and get some stuff done around here.

I spent the day helping with Kassidy's birthday party. It was fun, and it felt good to be such a help to Jessie. I went over yesterday for a while too, and we made some decorations.

I stayed late at Jessie's, then ran home, fed the dogs, and met my friends at a Creedance Clearwater Revisited oncert. It was wonderful!!! We sat on the lawn, which was really nice because it was such a beautiful night out. We danced and sang, and I really had fun! They sounded really terrific! They did all their famous songs.

I may not be able to move tomorrow! After running around for a good 5 hours at the party, and then going dancing, this body might be sore. I don't care. First of all, I should be in better shape, and second, all I have to do is drive the 2 minutes it takes to go to the pool and lie down!

I'm at the Riverwalk in San Antonio. Gary is at a hunting/fishing show nearby. I thought I'd skip the show and come to the riverwalk. It's not hot yet but will be soon. I'll migrate inside to the mall when that happens.

Doing laundry today. Fixed Mom some lunch and now she is napping. Way too hot too be outside. Don't know how people can stand this heat and humidity. I perspire so bad its embarrassing, wish there was something I could do about it. I literally get soaked.

I need to get some groceries, but will put it off until later this evening or tomorrow after Mom's appt. Hope you all are keeping cool.

I know you won't do it, but people are getting botox for perspiration problems!

I don't think I would go anywhere if I didn't have the pool. I love summer, but only because I have always spent it either at the beach, or in the country near a pool or a lake.

Who is in the midst of the heat wave?

I hope none of you! According to the weather map, almost the whole country from middle to the east coast are in the midst of it. I am honestly not sure if my town is included. I would say no. It cools down at night.

Anyone who wants, come to my house!!! A pool, cool nights, cool mornings, a pool and more pool!

ME ME ME!!! I want to come Judy!!! If only I could - but alas, summer school has me tagged right now.

We have been unbearably hot since the first of June. They said May temps were above normal, but it felt OK to me in May. June and July are another matter - we've been above 100 or close to it almost every day, sometimes 103, 104, 105.

I still get out every morning and evening, but usually wait till about 8:00PM. Mornings are only in the high 70's low 80's but the humidity is usually so high, I sweat more than in the afternoon!

Yesterday however, I was in and out all day as I was watering the yard. I have to work all day to get it all done - of course, we were gone for a few hours, so when I was here, I was in and out. I'm only out 15-20 minutes at a time, then I come in and cool off. If I had to be out all day, I couldn't do it. It's just too darned hot.

We're in a heat wave!! It's miserable outside!!!! I too have been going out in the morning or evening because mid-day is just too hot. The crops are really, really hurting and a lot of farmers aren't going to have corn to harvest unless we get some rain. It always worries me because that's how we earn our living and if we have a bad year then it means we have to be a lot more careful with our money.

Gayle, I'm so jealous!!! I've been to the Riverwalk once and would so love to go back!!! San Antonio is such a nice city!!!! We went to Sea World when we were there and rode the little boats down the Riverwalk!!!

We went to church this morning and then went out to eat in another town because we had to go and get Karlie (She spent the night with her other Grandma, Grandpa, and her Aunt.). I wasn't impressed with the mexican place we ate and I felt that for what I ordered I was shorted so I came home hungry. We also stopped at a flea market that I really like and I got some gardening things to go in my flower beds. When we got home we (Dae Lynn, the kids, and I) dropped Glen off at church and we came on home.......so here I am.....on the computer.......listening to Dae Lynn spank Karlie for lying.......and watching Dean yell "No...no....no" at whatever he can find!!! Can you tell what he's been hearing?!!! I'm headed to the pond here in a little bit. I've been swimming almost every day!!! I love it!!!

Oh Diana! I completely understand your pain regarding the rain, farming and crops. The farmer across the road from us just cut his corn and baled it for hay. There were hardly any ears on it because we just haven't had any rain - only about 3 inches since last October. We are about 12 inches in the deficit. It's the same in western Oklahoma, where the wheat harvest was just pitiful. It is very very bad out there, and they were saying we were going to come out of this drought in Sept/Oct. Now, they are saying they are not sure and the drought may continue into the winter. Oh. My. Goodness. This is NOT good. All we can hope for is a drenching tropical storm that does NOT do much damage or flooding at the coast, but gives us some much needed rain.

I know your house is chaotic right now - it's hard with the little ones. They feel the stress of the move too, but that doesn't make it any easier.

Yes, we need rain badly. My son sold all his cows except two because the grass wouldn't sustain them all and he couldn't find hay within decent driving distance. He put the money back to buy more later. He had just paid off his loan to buy the herd a couple months earlier.

I goofed off again today, after church upgraded my cell phone to one of the $49 iPhones to replace the one Delaney lost. She's on my account and wasn't due an upgrade. I'm very satisfied with my iphone4, even with a newer one coming out in a couple months. Worked on my list of things I'll need IF I get the little house. Plan to go see the lawyer and try to get this settled this month. Oh, and I rejoined weight watchers. I enjoyed going a couple years ago and can use he socializing too.

Sounds like a productive day Sandy, even though you called it lazy. I know lots who enjoy WW and I think it is great that you are going. You might make a new friend!

I have class tomorrow and so I should go to bed - but not quite ready to give it up.

We had a nice trip to San Antonio - it's about 80 miles from my house. Gary enjoyed the hunting show and I enjoyed the river walk and river mall.

After I got home I picked up my mom and we went to Luby's for dinner. It was GOOD!

Brooke and Emma are coming for one night this week. Abi is going to a volleyball camp at Texas State University, about 40 miles south of here. Brooke will drop her off on Thursday and then she and Emma will come up to our house and spend Thursday night with us. Camp is over at 9:00PM on Friday, so they will just drive back to Houston after that. It will be a short visit and I won't get to see Abi, but we are going down there the first of August, so that is OK.

I've heard of people doing it for perspiration....but you're right....I won't, UNLESS...lol...I ever lose enough weight then I would to help me look my best.


I have to take Mom to the kidney Dr and it's just going to be way too hot. We're going in the morning so hopefully we'll be back home before noon. I let the dogs outside and it just took my breath away. Only a couple of the dogs took off to go pee...the others turned around and went back in the house...lol.