I should go to the gym today! Other than that, I have nothing planned. It is sunny and cold out....a good day to get out.

As soon as the kids left yesterday, I missed them. They are getting older, and are pretty easy to have over. Brandon was on my computer all day, which I don't like, but it was too cold to go outside for a walk or something.

GOOD NEWS! Mike is cancer free!! Thank you Jesus!! I was so worried about him. I truly believe a cancer diagnosis would have been a death sentence for him with all his other issues. Now we can make plans to go see the kids :)

Oh Betsi!!!! Wonderful news!!! I am so happy for you both!!!!!!

Thank the good Lord for blessing Mike and keeping him cancer free. I'm so happy for the both of you and it's wonderful you both can continue with your plans to visit your kids. God is so good.

Yesterday my son was sweet enough to drive me around getting some errands done. I needed to take paperwork to the school for proof of needing off, also took copies to my regular Dr. to make sure he got them, and then to the hospital for my phyical therapy which starts on Wednesday.
We also stopped by the bank window to make a deposit and to Mom's to drop off some more painting supplies.

After we got home I rec'd a call that the plumber could come to look at a small leak we found. They didn't think they could make it until Tuesday or Wednesday but called so I had to drive back to town (Ricky wasn't here). I can drive, but if I drive for too long, maybe it's the positioning of my arm/neck, but it ends up hurting really bad.

Anyway, the plumber came and was able to get everything fixed in spite of the old pipe fixtures. He was finished right at 5:00 so on the way home I had to stop at the funeral home. A friend/neighbors' mother had passed and her viewing was that evening. I just didn't think I could stand the drive all the way home and then back to town again with Rick. I hadn't taken any pain pills with me and I was at the house with the plumber from 1:45 until 5:00. Then to top that off, I had to stand for darn near an hour at the funeral home in line.

I slept very well last night, feel so rested. Today I'm meeting the new renters in town at 10:00 so they can sign the lease agreement, give them the keys and they are ready to start taping so they can begin painting. They have the cutest little 9 month old baby girl that I would love to bring home. So sweet. They said she is usually shy around others and were shocked how she took to me. It shouldn't take me too long in town and then I will be coming home to rest like I'm suppose to be doing and taking my muscle relaxants. I don't like to take them if I'm going to be driving.

Hope you all have a wonderful day.

Thank God Betsi! Take a deep breath now and plan your visit! I don't know how you do it. I am sending you lots of love so you can shake off the stress from the biopsy.

Janet, the new tenants sound wonderful! Do you have any idea of what "taking it easy" means? Nope! Mail those papers in, skip the viewing, and have the new tenants come to your house!

By the way, I found this on fb. I don't know if it will help your neck and shoulder, but everbody should take it into account. It's about shoulder pain from using your iPad on your lap.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases...0125091055.htm

I was supposed to go to my writers workshop this morning, but didn't finish writing the piece I wanted to bring. I stayed home and am going to finish it. I think I might set aside some time every morning to write. I don't like "writing on the run."

Linds, how is Layla's infection? I hope the new food works. I had a male cat with calcifications, and I kept him going for years on Science Diet.

How is she doing with her water at night and Kash? Maybe you can keep her separate at night from Kash, or give her water close to her.

Gayle, your granddaughter does have beautiful eyes.......nice and open with lush eye lashes!!! Jaci has eyes like that except not quite as wide open. She doesn't have to wear mascara because her lashes are so thick. Abi is a very beautiful girl and you have reason to be proud of her!!!

Betsi, I am so thrilled to hear that Mike is cancer-free!!! I know that you are so relieved to hear the news and excited to go ahead and plan your trip to France!!! What a wonderful answer to prayer!!!! Give Mike a BIG hug from me!!!

Judy, your writing class sounds interesting. Do you just write something or do you have assignments? I just found out that a woman at our church is writing a book. I think that's so interesting!! I guess that she's been working on it for some time but hadn't said anything. I hope I'll get a copy once it's published!!

Dae Lynn has started potty training Dean because he's been interested.......and he does go when you put him on the toilet. She gives him a couple of Skittles as a reward. She hasn't been pushing him too hard because he's not quite two yet and that seems a little early.......Anyway......this morning I was changing his diaper and asked him if he wanted to go potty and he said yes and ran in and went so I gave hime a couple of Skittles........In a little bit......like AFTER the Skittles were gone he came back for more and I told him that they were for when he went potty. He started saying "Potty" so I took his diaper off again and in he ran to the bathroom........and sure enough.....he went!!!! And got two more Skittles!!!! I had to laugh at him figuring this out!!! He's so cute......and too smart for his own good!!!!

Well crap....I'm screwed!!!

I usually have it tilted on my lap or hold it in my hand, tilted and with my head leaning forward abit. With my laptop I can lean back in the recliner and feel very comfortable with no straining or pain. Guess I'll have to put the iPad down for a little while....huh? or just for a quickie!

Thank God, good news for mike/Besti.

Well, nothing can be easy with Layla. As soon as we think things are going well and we can handle things, it gets worse. I will write about this a little more after I eat some pizza.

Betsi, I'm so thrilled to hear such good news about Mike!!! I know how relieved you are. We've been told twice that Gary had lung cancer, but of course, both times it was true.

Janet, Judy is right, take life easier, at least for the time being!

Judy, I admire your drive for writing. I hate to write and I know how difficult it can be.

Diana, it sounds like Dean really has figured things out. And he likes skittles, for sure!

Lindsey, it sounds like Layla is still having problems, I hope they are solved quickly.

Long busy day, busier day tomorrow and the rest of the week doesn't look much better. I'm looking forward to the weekend!

Layla is drinking more with her new food, which the vet warned would probably happen. Now she is drinking so much her bladder is overflowing while we're at work :( The vet is calling back soon to let us know how much it will cost to board her there every day. It is getting really hard. She is costing us as much as putting a kid through college :(

Poor Layla, she has had to endure so much. She's a tough girl:)

Thanks everybody for all your prayers and well wishes! Mike and I are so relieved it's unreal!
I haven't done much today.. Physical therapy, laundry, bank. The usual!

Lindsey, I can't remember for sure but I think I remember that Layla is at risk for bladder stones. If so, there are other ways to acidify her urine without changing her food. I'll have to ask my friend about it. She has a dog with the same problem and she took him to my country vet who is famous for home remedies. The only thing I can remember is to offer him cranberry juice. There were about 3 other things she could use to acidify his urine. She didn't want to buy the expensive food and my vet told her she didn't have to. Maybe it would work for Layla and you wouldn't have to use the special food and so she wouldn't drink so much water. I'll find out tomorrow.

Thanks Gayle. I thought the vet said the ph of her urine was TOO acidic :confused:

Well, maybe I have it backwards, but my friend's dog has already had bladder stones. Is that what Layla is at risk for, developing bladder stones? If so, then whatever the vet told my friend was to prevent bladder stones. I'll find out tomorrow

Oh my! What would it cost to board her at the vet ever day? Are there any dog sitters around who could go in and express her once during the day? My cousin took care of dogs for about 3 years.

I am going to the gym today. I was going to go on Monday, but I want to learn the machines a little better before I go on my own.

I'm back on the Medifast diet, and am not losing as quickly as the first time. My body is probably used to this amount of calories. I hope the exercise jumps up my metabolism.

Thanks Gayle. Yes, she is at risk for developing bladder stones.

The vet never called back :( Hopefully we can get ahold of her today.

I got in touch with a few pet sitters from the city, and they want to charge $40 PER DAY just for driving 20 minutes out of the city. Then the charge for taking care of Layla on top of that. We can't afford that. There are no pet sitters in our town.

I just sent a message to a 19 year old girl who is new in town and advertising she's looking for babysitting jobs for extra cash. Maybe she's an animal lover. It's a long shot but worth a try.

Poor Layla. I feel so sorry for her and I know that her care is a huge worry for you!! I hope that you're able to find a solution that works for both of you soon!! Give Layla hugs and kisses from me!!!

Good luck on your diet and workout, Judy!!!

Lindsey, I would ask your vet about Layla's condition. My friends chi has already had surgery for bladder stones and it looks like he is developing them again. She was told by her vet he'd have to eat this expensive food, and she really didnt have the money for that, so my vet (a different vet) told her to give him cranberry juice, cranberry fruit pills or vitamin C pills or there is also vitamin C granules. I need to ask her again how much per day - I can't find the email that says how much. Your vet may not agree with this approach, but it might be worth a try if she doesn't have to eat special food and drink more water.

Good work day, still no motivation at home. Got my new eye glasses today so I'm not squinting to see. Jeff and Emily are dropping the girls off Friday night and going deep water fishing out of Galveston with some friends. I'll be tea partying for sure. Katey is 7 months old, crawling and pulling up, not to be left alone for 1 second. She'll be walking within the month and is the first one of Jeff's girls to be playpenned. Em was getting nothing else done and was slighting Abby and Sarah.

My name got put in the hat for a vp admin job and I'm not sure I want it. I like being busy and not bored. But, as with most things ... It's more money. I'm not stressing about it. I'm not even stressing about the chest ct scan. My neck is better as long as I'm taking the muscle relaxers.

Life is good.

Sounds like things are going well, Sandy. Have fun with the girls.....even if all you get done is chasing them around!!! I can understand that one!!

Today is my favorite day of the WHOLE year.......We went to the dentist!!! Now I have a whole year before I have to go back!! Yay!!! Actually today the dentist's assistant did all of the work and she is so much gentle than the doctor is. I told her to sign up to work with me again next year!!!

Feyn was here for a little while this morning......I always love when he's here!! Dean thinks that he's great!! It's so cute!!

Sandy I'm so glad you don't have to squint anymore....squinting always gives me a headache if I do it for too long. I know you'll have fun with the kiddies, but I bet you'll sleep like a baby when they go home...lol.

Would it be boring with the new position? I always like the more money idea... :). I'm glad you're not going to stress over it. You'll know what you want to do in due time. Sending good thoughts your way!

This morning I got my hair cut. I felt so bad because I was suppose to get it cut yesterday, but forgot and I was a PT. When I got home there was a message on my machine so they had an opening for this morning.

The people paid for the house and had the closing today so I went through and called all the insurance people and had it all cancelled. They will have everything put in their names now. Made me sad calling all the different places and explaining again, that mom had passed. The business part is almost over. I can't believe the phone calls took so much time. Still have found a homeowners policy for Florida yet, but a lady down there offered to help me. I'm so grateful for all the help.

Also had to have the house here (insurance) added to our other rental policy....I forgot. Oh well...it's done now so everything is safe and secure. Just been a busy day. Don't worry ladies, I did quite a bit from my comfy recliner...I'm not taking any chances of over doing it...I promise.

Tomorrow I go for PT again. I haven't been in much pain at all today...I'm so surprised and relieved. Only had a tingle in my arm a couple of times today so that is good too. It tingled when I gave Ricky a haircut. I just did a trim so I wouldn't have my arm up too high and it only took about 10 minutes....I swear. This evening I'm hoping to go out and get something to eat. Don't have much here at the moment and I don't feel like cooking if we did have.

We are suppose to be getting some snow (up to 3 inches) and frigid temps starting after rush hour in the morning. I so wish spring would hurry!!!!

Janet, glad you're getting some relief. Diana, I lovable with you on the dental stuff.

I just can't seem to get a break lately. I spent most of the day in the ER with kidney stones. It woke me up about 4 this morning and got gradually worse. By 10 I went to the cvs minute clinic and she sent me straight to the ER. They zapped me with morphine, so after all the labs and imaging, they found a place and let me sleep for 4 hours until I could drive home. There's one big stone that's lodged so I need to go to my doc to figure what to do. This is not fun.

Oh Sandy! No wonder you don't have any motivation. I think you have been sick for so long you are just used to feeling bad:o You need to take a week off, get in bed and stay there young lady! :getwell:

Oh no Sandy! You poor thing. Betsi is right, you need some rest and recuperation. Hopefully they can break up the kidney stone. I know it is very painful - I've never had one but have seen people in terrible pain and I don't want that to happen to you.

Please take care of yourself, you've had too many things going on and too many illnesses lately. You need to de-stress, relax and heal.

Thanks Gayle. I guess it depends on what kind of crystals they are, from some research I did yesterday. There are two types and they have totally different treatments. One needs you to make the urine more alkaline and one needs you to make it more acidic. I'm confused because the vet did not specify the type of crystals, and the food Layla is eating specifies it gets rid of both! :confused:

I just emailed Layla's old vet from the university and hopefully she gets back to me. She knows more about nutrition than the vet here, I think. Actually the vet here did call Scott briefly yesterday (finally) and talked about getting xrays and Scott wondered why. She said she thought we were having troubles expressing Layla and that she was peeing blood. Scott said no not at all! She's peeing too much pee, all the time! But besides that, she thought Layla was peeing blood and she took TWO DAYS to call us back???!!!! So we are hoping the other vet can refer us somewhere or look into it herself for a second opinion.

I am working from home today, which is nice. The doggies are all curled up asleep, and I'm drinking tea with my laptop at the dining room table. I've decided when we finish the basement, I want a real office with a real office desk so I can lay out plans and really get more work done. Scott drove in today by himself, and had to park in my parking spot at my office and walk 15 minutes to his office. It's -30 degrees Celsius. I kind of feel sorry for him, but I have to get into that cold car every day and go pick him up (by then it's a little warmer!), so it's about time he gets cold for once!

This weekend we should be meeting with that girl about looking after Layla. She just hasn't emailed me back yet. Tomorrow we are also heading into the city to volunteer for 4 hours at an adoption day for the dog rescue we got Kash and Lucy from :) I hope it goes well! And on Sunday night we are having a playdate with Kash and Lucy's old foster mom and her little dog (and maybe some more fosters!). Can you tell I'm a dog person?

Today...I went to physical therapy. I liked the first guy better, but he's on vacation now so I have a new guy. He's okay, just not as chipper as the first guy. Still not having much pain at all, only now and then and not bad. I was told to do normal things around the house as usual, just no heavy lifting, quick jerking of my head and neck. Something about needing to keep the muscles in motion "because motion is healing".


Spent the rest of the day at home, not doing much, until Rick got off work and then met him at Mom's house to repair the front door knob. I thought I had it fixed, but it's stripped so tomorrow Rick is going to install a new one. The renters are done painting and when I saw how nice it looked, I just about cried. I wish Mom could see how pretty the walls look, she'd be so happy. The young lady decided she would rather pick out some different curtains which is just fine, but told her I could go ahead and take them to get them out of her way. She said she wished I would let her wash them for me and said she'd really be pleased if I let her. So...I'll let her. They are so nice and I really feel happy to have them there.

Sandy, how do you feel? You poor thing!

Betsi, when are you going to see the kids?

Gayle, it sounds quiet at your house this week! Thank God!

Linds, don't adopt another dog!! I hope your old vet gets back to you. This doesn't sound like such a major problem, if it can be handled nutritionally. Sweet little Layla! Give her a big kiss from me!

Janet, moving around does not mean emptying the garage, cleaning out the attic, or who knows what you have on you to do list!!! Just saying! How lovely that such sweet people are living in Mom's house. I just know that she is happy about it!

I'm going to the gym today. I reallly do not want to go out because it's 14 degrees! I am going to force myself to go though.

I ordered belly bands for Max. I hate to do it, but his marking is getting me angry.

Should I just put it on him, and let him get used to it, or slowly let him get used to it with treats, etc.?

Lol I was so close to adopting another dog yesterday! The dog assigned to us, Mackenzie, is a shepherd cross who came from a reserve up north. She was pregnant and had been shot, but not killed. The humane society took her, and then the rescue took her from them. She had her babies, which went to another rescue, and she has been looking for a home. She limps on her front leg because there is still a bullet lodged in her shoulder :( People just make me so sick. She is still waiting to find out whether she will have surgery to remove the bullet and fuse the bone together.

She was just such a sweetheart. She immediately took to us like we were her new people. She walked so well on leash and when we were sitting down she'd always try to lay on my lap and look up at me with her big brown eyes. Everyone was amazed at how much she loved us immediately! Anyways, one older couple filled out an adoption application for her and another shepherd cross, and another famly seemed interested later in the day and Scott gave them a card for more information on adopting. I really hope she finds her forever home soon! She is just too sweet to not have a loving family.

My parents got back from Cuba so we visited with them for a little while, and then we took Kash and Lucy and Layla to Kash and Lucy's foster mom's house for a playdate, since we were already in the city! :) She and her boyfriend were in awe in how much Lucy has changed! There was one bad moment though, as soon as we came in. I guess it was just the excitement level, but Kash got in a barking match which turned into a scuffle with one of her dogs (they were best friends when Kash lived there!) and Scott grabbed Kash and pulled his face towards him, and Kash lunged at Scott's face and next thing we know, Scott's nose is dripping blood. Kash snapped at his nose and there was a big cut down one side and a little gash in the other side. Scott said he also got some teeth under his lip. It was just so not like Kash at all. We put the other dog in a bedroom and Kash calmed right down and he seemed so ashamed to even go near Scott. I don't know where that came from because he is so laid back and loving.

We also won tickets to a comedy show last night, because we put our names in a draw while we were there last weekend! We invited Scott's cousin and his wife to come with us, and it was a lot of fun.

Judy: I won't...believe me. I've just done laundry, some light dusting, keeping the kitchen counters/table clean. I won't even run the sweeper as I've heard that is one of the worst things someone can do with an injury...not sure if it's true, but not taking any chances. I sure love ya Judy!!

Today I bought plane tickets for PARIS!!! WooHoo!! We are going in April for 2 weeks. Everybody is out of school for Spring Break! I don't care if we do one single thing.. I just want to see my babies! Now if I can manage to only pack a 50 lb suitcase, I'll be doing great, lol!

How wonderful for you Betsi!!! I know how excited you are and I bet the kids are just as excited!

That is awesome Betsi!!!

How exciting, Betsi!! You're going to need a MUCH larger suitcase if I'm to hitch a ride!!!! LOL

Lindsey, your help at the dog kennel sounds like it was interesting. I'd have trouble getting attached to the dogs as well!! I hope that Layla gets to feeling better. I worry about her.

Sandy, how are you feeling today? It sure sounds like you had a tough weekend. I hope your stone has passed easily. Hugs!!!

Janet, I'm so glad to hear about your new renters!! They sound like really nice people and will take good care of things!! How sweet that she wanted to wash the curtains before she gave them back.

I'm glad that your pt seems to be working and your pain is getting better!!

Judy, I would just put the belly bands on Max and see how he does. If he acts bothered by them then I would just put them on for awhile but making it a longer time each time. It shouldn't take too long for him to get used to them. Make sure you put half of a women's pad inside then you don't have to change the bands every time he marks. Sometimes I even use a third of a pad.

We got SNOW!!! Ok.....it's not much but I'll take it!!! It's so nice and white outside!!! It snowed during the night so we didn't get to watch it but that's alright.....I guess!! I sure hope that this isn't all that we have for the year!!!

Amy called Dae Lynn last night because she found a mobile home on Craigslist for $3,500 so Dae Lynn called about it and we're going to go and look at it tonight. Damon is getting out of jail soon and I'm really not too sure how welcome he'll be at the house from Glen. This will be a really inexpensive way for Dae Lynn and Damon to be out on their own and eventually own their own place. We have places where they can set the home.....the down-fall is that the home isn't very big.....14' X 60'. We lived in one that size when Feyn and Amy were little. We did it but we were cramped.......and we had an old house beside us to store things in......but it wasn't in any shape to be lived in. It will cost to have it move here and have it set up but they should be able to have it paid off in a couple of years. Sigh......I hate to see Dae Lynn and the kids move out......but not sure what's going to happen if and when Damon moves in.

I hope that the trailer works out for them Diana. Even if it is small and cramped, it's still a place of their own. And if they can own it in a couple of years, it beats throwing money away on rent.

I think I am getting the flu. It it has gone through my whole department at work except me and one other guy so far. Last week a couple of people came in and weren't feeling well. This morning I am very tired and my body feels like rubber. I just started feeling a little nauseous after being at work for about an hour. Then I was getting another part added on to my desk and one of the guys working on it wore REALLY strong cologne. My stomach was churning and I had to run to the washroom, just in case. I didn't throw up but I was so hot and sweaty and I had to sit on the floor for a little while before getting myself back together. Now that he's gone I'm feeling a bit better, but it still hits me every once in awhile. I think I may be staying home tomorrow. Smells normally don't bother me that much so I think there's something going on. Oh and I'm NOT pregnant lol!

Ha!! Ha!! Ha!! You knew what I was going to ask!!! It sounds like perfect pregnancy symptoms!!

I hope you're not coming down with the flu. That's not fun. So far I've managed to avoid it but it's sure going around here too. Take care of yourself.

Oh, a baby ... I love babies! Ha

Great weekend with Jeff and his family. They didn't want to leave me and I didn't want them to go. Didnt do anything outside because the ground is good and wet, so we had quality inside time. Jeff and Emily went on a date, so I took the 3 little girls to the mall to meet Laura, Christian, and Andrew. I wanted to get Chrissy a few outfits for her Europe trip and we ate lunch. Then, Andrew started having a seizure, so we got him in the car and they took off home. I took the babies to Toys R Us and we came home.

Today started out like a regular work day ... Carol texting me at 6 to see how I felt and if I was going to work today. I left work at 12:45 for the chest CT scan and came on home. I need to get groceries, but didn't want to be out in the rain. My cough is coming back, so I'm really anxious to find out what's going on with my lungs.

The kidney stones haven't bothered me again and I have a doc appt this Thursday to get some results on my ailments. Not much sleeping until I get some results ... good or bad!

Love ya'll