“DEAR READERS AND FRIENDS, I WISH EACH OF YOU THE JOYS OF CHRISTMAS AND WILL BE BACK AFTER THE NEW YEAR. MY OWN HEALTH PROBLEMS ARE SUCH RIGHT NOW THEY FORCE ME TO RESERVE ENERGY FOR THE HOLIDAY PREPARATIONS AND FESTIVITIES. I TRUST I WILL FEEL BETTER BY 2014. I HOPE EACH OF YOU FIND THAT EQUAL MIX OF REST AND WORK WHILE ENJOYING THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON. THE CURRENT BLOG WILL BE THERE AND WE CAN CHAT ON IT OR ON FB. LOVE TO ALL, SUE.”
Weekly Dose of Sue 
Sue~~
here is my special wish for a peace-filled Christmas to wrap all around you and fill you up with Joy. I also send prayers for your health-hoping 2014 is a better year and will help lift you up!! I especially want to thank you so much for the simple pleasure of getting to know you and so many dear people through your wonderful blog! It helps to know we are not alone and can offer words of hope for each other. Its also great to know there are so many things we can share with each other that have nothing to do with Pain~~~which if even for a few moments–helps us to feel normal again….
God bless you Sue and your family.
love, martha
MARTHA, ONE THING ABOUT THIS LIFE OF PAIN IS THAT WE FIND OUT WE HAVE SO MUCH IN COMMON WITH SO MANY OTHERS WHO ALSO LIVE THIS WAY. SURELY, AS SISTER AND BROTHERS IN THIS WAR WE CAN HELP OUT EACH OTHER IN ANY WAY WE CAN. THAT SOMEHOW MAKES LOVELY LEMON CAKE OUT OF ALL THESE SOUR LEMONS IN OUR LIVES. HAVE A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS, OKAY? FONDLY, SUE
Sue
I hope you do more rest than work this Christmas .also you feel well enough to enjoy the time.please look after yourself .
I think that applies to all of us too
Be back later. Chris
CHRIS, I DON’T HAVE MUCH CHOICE. FEEL SO POORLY I MUST REST AND CUT BACK. NEED TO GET TO THE HEART OF THE PROBLEMS SOON. ENJOY YOUR FAMILY AND BE GOOD TO YOURSELF DEAR LADY, LOVE, SUE
Sue, I wish you, and all our blog family a wonderful Merry Christmas and a Happy and healthy New Year. I know that you know to pace yourself and get all the help you can. I know what it’s like to yearn so much for a “normal” holiday, and that makes it hard not to overdo.
Oh, I imagine a lot of you already get the everyday health newsletter, but I found an interesting article that we all should read. http://www.everydayhealth.com/pain-management-pictures/7-foods-that-help-fight-pain.aspx?xid=nl_EverydayHealthLivingWithChronicPain_20131219#/slide-1 A lot of the foods listed I already knew were supposed to be helpful for pain control, but I need to be better about incorporating them into my diet.
I decided today that I need to fire myself from my medical practice, I make a better nurse than doctor! The problem with the bleeding and hoarseness is not reflux at all. I am infected, literally from my nasal passages, to my sinus cavities, to my throat and vocal cords. She said she couldn’t believe I could talk at all, hoarse or not. I had a low grade temp; she said all these areas were full of infection, blood and “crud”. So, it’s back to antibiotics again. I do believe, with this humira, as much as it helps my Crohn’s, is leaving me with absolutely no defense against infections. Maybe I can take my injection, then take antibiotics for 10 days??? But guess that would be defeating the purpose of the Humira. I do need to see my gastroenterologist and talk to him about all these infections I’m getting. Since the sinus wash hurts, she told me to hold off on it a while but to use a LOT of nasal saline spray to keep everything moist. She said the hard globs of phlegm, when I get them out, leaves sores on my vocal cords and larynx. Happily, I did not have to be scoped. I have dreaded that so much. In fact, that’s one of the reasons I put off seeing the doctor for so long. It’s awful when you know the testing for a diagnosis is going to be worse than the problem you’re being tested for.
So, Merry Christmas, everyone, and if we have any non-Christians here, have a wonderful whatever you celebrate. I pray for all of us to have better health, less pain, and much love and happiness in the coming year..
Linda
LINDA, WELL AT LEAST YOU NOW KNOW WHAT YOU’RE UP AGAINST. PLEASE BE GOOD AND RECOVER QUICKLY AS A SPECIAL GIFT TO ALL OF US, ESPECIALLY YOURSELF. WHAT A WOWSER OF AN INFECTION. SOUNDS AWFUL BUT NOW YOU KNOW THE ENEMY. GLAD YOU DIDN’T HAVE TO BE SCOPED. REST AS MUCH AS YOU CAN AID YOUR RECOVERY, EAT RIGHT AND STAY WARM. LOVE, SUE
Hi Linda, so happy for you also that you didn’t have to be scoped. You be good to yourself sweetpea. Hope it all works out for the best. REST, REST, REST…. Love ya
Suzanne XXX
thank you sue – hope you can make it through Christmas , enjoy ! Merry Christmas
SUE DARLING…….WE HAVE SPOKEN, AND YOU KNOW WHAT I WISH YOU FOR CHRISTMAS, I HOPE MY WISH COMES TRUE, AND YOU CAN SIT BACK AND LET OTHERS LOOK AFTER YOU, YOU DO SUCH A LOT FOR US AND YOUR FAMILY, ITS TIME FOR YOU TO REST NOW, AND ENJOY AS MUCH AS YOU CAN…………..MY LOVE AND THAT OF MY DH GOES OUT TO YOU ACROSS THE POND….WHO KNOWS ONE DAY I MIGHT CROSS IT……………BIG HUGS TO YOU AND YOURS, …….JENNIE XX
JENNIE DEAR, NOW WOULDN’T THAT BE A WONDERFUL THING IF YOU CAME TO SEE US…ROW, STEAM, FLY…ANYWAY YOU COULD WOULD BE MARVELOUS. KNOW YOU AND DH WILL HAVE A GOOD CHRISTMAS..SO GLAD HE’S DONE SO WELL AFTER HIS SURGERY. MUCH LOVE, SUE
Hi Jennie poo, love the pictures you posted on FB. You & your DH certainly have a beautiful cozy home.
Merry Christmas and I hope 2014 will be a good and HEALTHY one for you my dear. Love you big!
Suzanne XXX
RIGHT BACK AT YOU DEAR FRIEND, I HOPE EVERYTHING GOOD COMES YOUR WAY……LOVE JENNIE XX
Sue:
All my prayers and wishes for a pain free and Merry Christmas to you and all your family this year. And to all of us on the blog, a VERY Merry Christmas. May we all use the sense we have to take it easy, rest when we can so we can enjoy all our festivities wherever and with whomever they be. God bless you all and know that you are ever in my prayers and thoughts during the day. I treasure our blog and all the discussions we share. They literally make my day. Sue, take care and rest often. Remember you are the hub of that Christmas, so let them revolve around you !! Love to one and all
Tonie
TONIE DEAR, SAFE TRAVELS FOR THE VISIT WITH THE KIDS AND HAVE A BIT OF TIME FOR YOURSELF IN THE MIDST OF ALL THOSE MERRY CHILDREN. TAKE LOTS OF PICTURES. BLESSINGS TO YOU DEAR LADY, SUE
Sue, feeling pretty much like crap today, this weather changing is for the birds ! But today is a total rest day ! Tonight we have play practice, in which I may end up playing the man:) Our Paw is in the hospital with surgery complications. Pray for Mike. But I need to get in shape for them young’uns on Monday. They will wear me out, so I know I need to be in better shape. So quickly we get run down huh ?? Not even coffee for me today. Rarely I am in that mood. Oh well, got a good book and lots of DVD’s to watch !! š Ya know that camera will be clicking away ! Love you much
Tonie
Hey Tonie, Ditto! Sometimes it is easier said than done, of course our bodies usually tell us quite loudly when we have done to much. Merry Christmas to you and your love ones.
Love you big!
XXX
Suzanne, You take care as well. Today I am resting up as the bottom has dropped , literally š Merry Christmas to you and yours as well.
Love
Tonie
Once again, beautiful artwork – thanks, Natalie!
Sue, you know the drill… Let others do what they can so you can recoup. š
Christmas blessings to one and all!
LYN DEAR, I SURELY DO. BEEN THROUGH SIMILAR TIMES OFTEN BUT THIS IS A BIT DIFFERENT WITH EYE TROUBLE AND HEADACHES. CHANGING A FEW THINGS AROUND WITH THE DOCTOR’S VALUABLE DIRECTION. CUTTING WAY BACK ON EVERYTHING..WEATHER HERE COLD AS WELL…CHANCE OF SNOW TONIGHT. THIS MORNING WAS VERY FROSTY. STAYING A GREAT DEAL THESE DAYS…WEATHER BEAUTIFUL FROM THE WINDOWS WITH THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS AND WREATHS. LOVE THIS SEASON, HATE MY HEALTH RIGHT NOW. LOVE YOU GIRL, SUE
AND TO YOU LYN, I HOPE ITWILL BE A VERY HAPPY ONE FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY…..LOVE JENNIE X
A very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year! Thank you Sue for a fabulous year of sharing and caring. Let’s pray that 2014 will be a better one for all of us. Enjoy every moment with your family and friends and your RESTING moments (which will be very important for all of us). Gentle hugs and kisses to all.
I feel blessed to have such a variety of friends who care on this blog. THANK YOU ALL.
Suzanne
XXX
SUZANNE, HAVE A RESTFUL, PEACEFUL HOLIDAY SEASON AND A MOST JOYFUL CHRISTMAS. LIFE LIKE THIS IS DIFFERENT AND WE ALL LEARN IN OUR OWN WAY TO BOUNCE BACK AND RECOVER BUT KNOW THERE IS A CERTAIN LEVEL WE ALWAYS HAVE WITH US. YOU’VE BEEN A SWEET ADDITION TO THIS LARGE GROUP OF READERS AND COMMENTATORS. PEACE DEAR LADY. SUE
Hey there, everyone….
Been reading Sue for a couple of years, and hoping that 2014 will finally allow me some time to chat with the group on the blog, and get to know everyone. For now, though, I hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I am hoping that the New Year will bring new and fresh hope to us, so that we can live abundantly even in the midst of continuing suffering, pain or trials. May God give us strength — I know I need it, as I am beyond exhaustion lately, and will be working every day until Christmas.
Anyhow, Christmas greetings from North Carolina! š
Trish
Welcome, Trish! Pipe up whenever you feel up to it. May God grant you strength and may the joy of the Christmas season infuse you with much needed energy.
Hi Trish ! Merry Christmas from up over the Mtn in Va ! Welcome to the blog and we hope you will find the time to post some more.
Tonie
Welcome aboard Trish. I have not been with the group for that long but it is a great place for information, kindness, caring and sharing. I live in 30 mins north of Quebec, Canada. So needless to say we now have lots of snow and it has been very cold around here lately. Not great ! Hope to have more chats. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
God Bless
Suzanne XXX
TRISH, GOOD TO HEAR FROM YOU AGAIN. SORRY YOU’RE SO EXHAUSTED BUT SURE DO UNDERSTAND. MAY YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL, PEACEFUL HOLIDAY THIS YEAR. I KNOW THAT IS MY GOAL…BLESSINGS. SUE
SAME TO YOU TRISH, I HOPE YOU ARE ABLE TO RELAX AND REST UP, AND LOOK FORWARD TO CHATTING IN THE NEW YEAR…GOD BLESS……JENNIE X
Hi Trish,Welcome to our odd little village. Where in NC are you? I’m in Danville, VA, right smack dab in the middle of the southern border of VA. I’m very near Greensboro, and in some places, the city limit and the state signs are in the same place. I have family in High Point and friends in Hickory. Small world, isn’t it! We’re glad to have you here and hope you keep commenting. All input is welcome.
My cooking is cut back so much it’s almost funny. I’m putting a turkey breast in the crock pot (very moist and tender, especially when you turn it upside down, thanks Sue for that tip. When it’s done, I make gravy, cut the meat off the bone, and keep the meat and gravy warm in the crock pot. I’m going the instant potato route, too. If I can get Keith to make a pan of cornbread today, I’ll make us a little dressing. Ed won’t eat cornbread dressing, but he loves stove top, so that’s what he’ll get.
This has been a rough month. The gutters fell off the back of the house. One of Keith’s friends came over and put it back up for us. The sink in the bathroom is leading, another of his friends fixed that. Something went wrong with the brakes on the car, is there “brushes” in the breaks? My knowledge of cars goes like this, you turn it on, you put it in gear,, push the gas, and go. You need the brakes to stop. Now, I can change your light fixtures, ground all your appliances, change a light switch, do a little plumbing if I can get down to it change electric cords on appliances, i’ve even fixed a few small appliances. But my knowledge is flat when it comes to cars. I guess I’m kind of typical for a female who’s lived alone much of her life, but didn’t have a man around to teach me about cars. I’ve always been lucky about my cars, though. When I was young, a cousin would get my car, change the oil, check the settings on the spark plugs, that sort of thing. Then I found this wonderful man to work on my car. He would always put a part he replaced in a bag and insist I take it home and show it to an uncle or neighbor, so they could verify it needed replacing. I trusted this guy with my soul, believe me.
BSL. Hon, my heart is aching for you and your Pow. What always comforts me about your dogs is that I know what a wonderful home they had on earth and how much love they received. We are blessed to have our furry friends, but it’s wonderful when they are blessed with their two legged friends. Your dogs are truly blessed.
Sue, your story about little George made me think of my Sammy when she was a pup. Yorkies have so much energy and want to be in the middle of everything that’s going on. There’s just something very special about them, isn’t there? Hard to believe they were bred to catch mice in the mines, isn’t it? I don’t think Sammy would be bothered catching a mouse if it were on her head! Just way beneath her dignity. It took her a long time to take to snow. Even now she tests each place she steps to make sure it isn’t slick. If she find slick, that’s it for her excursion! My tiny one loves to play in the snow. But, she makes the big guy run and make a path for her. If the snow is very deep, she gets buried in it. It’s his official job to see that doesn’t happen!
Tonie, have a wonderful time, but be safe. Now these grand kids will have some great memories of Christmas with Grandma. I can’t believe, as matriarch, you’d let your son dictate what you can bring! My grandma would fight tooth and nail for what she thought was right. One of my uncles got after her for giving Keith a doll. She said “all kids need something to love on, girls and boys” She kept it at her house to make sure he got to play with it. I agreed with her, but she wasn’t taking any chances! Oh, the memories of my grandma are just flooding in right now. I’m glad when we get older we keep our long term memory, to me, that’s the part that’s important.
My throat is much better. I can talk most of the time now. My face still hurts around the sinus cavities, but the drainage is much less. I want to sleep all the time. I even fell asleep sitting at my keyboard the other night. I wouldn’t mind that so much, but I’ll rouse up, light a cigarette, then fall back asleep. So, I’ve got a few little burns, as does my best (favorite) robe. So, I’m trying hard not to do that again. Keeping my legs down isn’t a great idea, either.
It’s been very warm here lately. I think it’s supposed to rain today and tomorrow. I think it’s to get a little colder for Christmas. I hope everyone’s weather is being good! Weird how weather affects are bodies so much, isn’t it?
Sue, I used to make Chocolate Pecan pies a lot, i love them, but Ed won’t eat nuts, and it would end up with me and Keith dividing a pie, which is not a good thing. He got the ingredients to make a sweet potato pie. I never cared much for them, but his are great. My younger cousins still talk about the great pumpkin pies grandma used to make. I’ll never tell them, but she hated pumpkin pies and hated dealing with pumpkins, so they were always sweet potato. When they got to the house, the first thing they’d all do was run to the kitchen to look at their pumpkin pies. Another matriarch thing!
Sometimes, the posts are so wonderful, I go back and read them again and again. This is one of those times. I’m reminded again and again how wonderful all of you are and what an inspiration you are to me. I’ll never forget, before Rosa died, I showed her one blog where everyone had messages for her. When our other sister came in, Rosa started crying and said “Linda has these wonderful friends all over the world who are praying for me, Canada, France, England, Arizona, Washington, Michigan…heck, she could remember where all of you lived and I still can’t do that. Her heart was so touched by all of you. Thank you all for that, for that sweet memory, and for the part you played in making her last days happier. And thank you for all the support you’ve given me. I have some wonderful friends here, but I can’t get up at 3 am and call them just because I need to talk. But I can do that here; it may not be read for hours, but I feel your spirit and love when I write. And, there are some aspects of my life that not even they can understand. I know they try and they want to, but those who don’t walk (or stumble, whatever), in our shoes can never quite get it. They do accept, and that’s the best I can ask of them. Y’all understand. I daily thank God for each and every one of you.
Linda
Linda:
I remember when we had all those messages for Rosa, and you told us about her reading them. That is a precious memory to me. Oh and trust me I have a LOAD of candy I am taking down with me ! He just makes ‘suggestions” but the clincher was when there was a post on FB about all the cookies they were making ?? So all is fair right ?? If they were going to do good and not eat sweets, I was cool with that. But all bets are off now ! š I spoke with my grands in Az last night, and also my daughter. Keep things on an even keel, and came away feeling ok.
I didn’t know you still had the doggies !! You will have ot show us some pics of them !!
Have a wonderful Christmas !! Your dinner sounds great ! Pray for me to make it safely in all this rain we are having.
Love ya
Tonie
Linda, what a wonderful post. Sweet memories of Rosa. š What a dear. Do have a most blessed Christmas!
Hi Trish
Good to hear from you
Best wishes for Christmas and a peaceful New Year
And the same to all on the blog…..and our Sue
Look after yourselves get some rest up to Christmas
Chris
CHRIS MY FRIEND……WE HAVE SPOKEN OFTEN, BUT I STILL WANT WISH YOU A LOVELY HAPPY AND RESTFUL CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR, YOU DESERVE IT……WILL TALK SOON…LOVE JENNIE X
Linda
This all sounds so painful. I do hope there is some improvement now for Christmas.
Sue
I wish you could get one complete day to yourself to rest in bed. Just nothing at all to do..also nothing to think about except sleep or just nowt. .i believe our weather for Christmas is wind and rain
Tonie
Look after yourself and go careful over the time away.
Be back tonite Chris
Chris, just wanted to let you know I’m praying for you to feel better. I also hope you have a chance to rest during the holiday season cause you seem pretty busy yourself taking care of everyone. Stay strong and warm.
love ya
Suzanne XXX
Merry Christmas to all and may the New Year bring you happiness. Janet
THINKING OF YOU JANET, HEALTH AND HAPPINESS TO YOU AND YOURS……LOVE JENNIE XX
TONIE SWEETPEA………I HOPE YOU MANAGE TO SLOW DOWN AND ENJOY THE CHILDREN AND ALL THE FESTIVITIES, I PRAY FOR BETTER HEALTH FOR YOU DEAREST FRIEND, AND I HOPE THAT FATHER CHRISTMAS LANDS GENTLY ON YOUR ROOF, I DON’T LIKE TO PICTURE FOUR LEGS STICKING THROUGH IT, HA HA!! TAKE CARE LOVELY LADY, YOU KNOW HOW MUCH I CARE………….LOVE JENNIE POO XX
Oh Jennie !! He would probably have fallen through !! As frail as my little home is !! But he will come and visit me at my son’s home and he has a chimney š Been taking er easy the last two days, doing a bit of this n that but mostly resting. I feel better tonight. I have a long day to get thru tomorrow, the church program. And the lead man in my play is in the hospital and I am gonna have to dress as guy and do his part. Oh well, at least I know the lines. Poor guy, he had a simply surgery for a heel spur, and they thought he had a stroke. Turns out he has a hole in his heart. It explains why they have been having trouble with his BP being so high of late. God works in strange ways don’t He ?? Take care dear, keep us in your prayers and have a wonderful blessed Christmas.
Love you
Tonie
SUE LOVE……….I HOPE THAT BY NOW YOU HAVE DELEGATED AS MANY CHORES AS POSSIBLE TO OTHER FOLKS, AND ARE NOT TAKING ON TOO MUCH YOURSELF, I, AND THE REST OF US NEED TO KNOW YOU WILL COME OUT THE OTHER SIDE OF XMAS STILL INTACT, HAPPY AND RESTED. ITS BEEN A ROTTEN YEAR FOR YOU, BUT YOU KEEP GOING AND GIVING, AND DOES NOT GO UNNOTICED BY ANY OF US. THIS IS YOUR TIME TO ENJOY TIME WITH YOUR FAMILY NOW, WE WILL ALL STILL BE HERE WHENEVER…….SO GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU SAFE, AND MUCH LOVE TO YOU AND JIM, JAKE AND WEE GEORGE……..LOVE, AND A HEAP OF HUGS……JEN X
Well spoken Jen and I agree with it all for Sue
Yea you have a good time with your family. All the best for 2014 Jen ,and you rest as much as you can eh!
Best to all Chris
Dear Friends, spent a great deal of time today wrapping. Jim helped with climbing a ladder and washing some light fixtures…let there be light. I forget how much I love a couple of our ceiling fans with pretty lights until they’re washed and freshened up. There is one of them we’ve moved from house to house and I love it. No cooking as yet but Beth went to the market yesterday and we talked on the phone twice and we chose a gorgeous prime rib roast..and I got to stay in but she is having a miserable cold right now, but better.
Cutting back a lot. She’s making potato squares roasted with rosemary and olive oil, I bought the premixed mashed potatoes and find them truly good from using them previously. I’m also going to roast a small chicken with stuffing for those of us who can’t eat much beef. Salads..green and mixed bean salad, jello with marshmallows, vegies, crescent rolls, etc. Beth wants to learn how to make my marvelous cinnamon rolls this years that I roll out late every Christmas Eve and then let rise overnight. They are to die for..
She’s doing a lot of cookies, and I’ll make a chocolate pecan pie. We each bought some good candies like locally made fudge and I bought some delicious little fruit jells candy and chocolate candies with liqueur filling from Finland from a local shop…have to keep the latter from the little kids.
Those my dears are just the highlights. I’ve changed three medications and hope and think I do feel a bit better. No bad headache for two days but I haven’t been on the computer to strain my eyes. Changed dose of cardiac drug, stopped Plaquenil which I had been on for many years but can greatly affect the eyes and started a new med for the gut. I’m in a lot of pain in joints, miss the Plaquenil but have pushed it today but in general being more layed back. I’m proud of my DD and I for the cuts we’ve made in the cooking department. My little GD had a letter to Santa in the newspaper with a few of her second grade classmates..so cute.After Christmas I’ll share with you what the grands and I are making for their Mom, my DD for Christmas. Can’t spoil the surprise for now.
I’m loving all the Christmas movies on TV, aren’t you?… and have dragged out all of the oldies we own. Watched GOING MY WAY today. Of course there are all the SANTA CLAUSE movies, WHITE CHRISTMAS, MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS, IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE and POLAR EXPRESS. There are more but don’t want to bore you all. I’ve done about 95% of my shopping for gifts online this year. I’ve also learned it is impossible to wrap with baby Yorkie George running away with the ribbon, tape and even the scissors. He has eye like an eagle and can find all this nasty stuff, like nails, ornament hooks and things that end up on the floor so I’m running the Roomba a lot just to keep him safe as well as being very careful. Trying not to lift but it is almost impossible..I’m trying to keep from bending the back as it is still healing but it seems everything is heavier than it used to be.
A few days ago a sad event happened to two of our road crew. For those of you who have followed my life all summer since spring, you know we were without a road, etc. It was loud and inconvenient but now looks terrific but truthfully, the guys who worked out there were always gentlemen, spotted it when the painters caught the house on fire and called 911, etc. Well, somehow during some finishing up work just about a hundred yards up the road one of their pieces of equipment got lose and hit two of the guys. It’s a miracle they weren’t hit and the most seriously wounded got smacked by this huge, heavy piece of metal hit him smack in the face breaking both of his cheek bones. I feel so badly after all the work they’ve put in all summer long. Poor man, had to fly him up to Portland. Thankfully, no concussion and his eyes are okay. It’s truly a miracle.
Prayers for one of our own today, Laura (Bobsled) who lost her beloved Pow from old age and other complications. She was a dear dog and family to Laura. Bad time of year to grieve. Well my dears, the screen is blurring so must stop for tonight. I pray each of you who are so dear to me will have a wonderful, restful as possible, blessed Christmas. Love by the tree full. Sue
Sue
What things to happen over Christmas. ….
my best love to you and your family…..and you have some improvement ,so good to hear, you keep on top of it all to allow it to come ..ok?
We are taking all cold buffet stuff over to my dads. DD cooking a turkey and bringing it……however my dad has asked for a McDonald’s !! That’s what he wants.there is one of them open on the day ..so I may have to go there …what a carry on!!! Why want one..there we go that’s what I shall get ! Good to have a laugh on the day ! I bet when I get it he will eat the other food instead…I know all the tricks!
Laura
What can I say ,I’m at a loss at what to put in words,but know that I’m thinking of you
Hi to all and Tonie be careful driving.i saw some reports of bad weather storms over there
We have winds to come and warnings are out .
All best chrisn
Chris dear, your dinner sounds wonderful, hamburger and all. You are such a good daughter. Hope the winds don’t cause too much danger for you. We just have rain right now. Hope you and the family enjoy food, family and make those memories. Merry Christmas dear lady, Sue
Sue:
So glad to hear that you are taking it more easy this year. Kudos to DD for helping you out in all this and cutting back. So you went shopping with her by phone huh ?? That works ! Would love to try your cinnamon rolls and coffee Christmas morning ! š It sounds so cozy and nice with all the family things you do. I have all my pressies wrapped and waiting. I finished making the boys hats yesterday and got them wrapped and ready. I made a couple of cheese balls (my first) and they were quite good. I am giving one to my sister and saving the other for me ! š I have a platter of goodies for her to serve on Christmas eve, since I am forbidden to take it to my son’s home. I am taking sugar cookies for me n the kids to bake and decorate at least. He can choose not to eat them and I am making goodie bags to put in their stockings. I have no idea what we are going to fix for dinner, so I will be (I hope) pleasantly surprised. I won’t care cause just being with the babies will be a treat. They called and all talked to me yesterday, of course with India you can never tell what she is saying she talks so fast and so much ! Have a Merry Christmas dear and please continue to take care. Love you so much
Tonie
Tonie, do have a safe trip and you just take that sugary stuff with you. You’re still the matriarch and it is Christmas! Hope all is well down there with the family and that it is a blessed time. Love you too dear friend. Glad you made the cheese ball. Think I’ll wait and make one for the New Year. Trying to stagger my chores, wrapping and cooking. Lots of Christmas movies thrown in while resting. Hope you receive a special gift for Christmas by way of getting your disability finally straightened out. Joy. Sue
Oh man !! It is all over and done and I can sit here and relax until tomorrow ! I sat my treat bag (from Sunday School) on the couch and when I got home, it was all over the floor, with empty candy wrappers ! Bad Doggies !1 A peppermint patty and a bag of peanut M&M’s ! They have never done that before ! I am upset with them and they know it. AWWW well, I know for a fact chocolate doesn’t kill my dogs š
My hips are killing me. Not sure what is going on, probably will get them xrayed if still hurting when I go to Dr.
Sue, got a big bag of sugary stuff to take to the kids, so move over mama !! I won this beautiful snowman from church today and it has revolving snow and changes colors. So relaxing. We had a good turnout tonight and all went well. Next is cleanup, but that can wait !
Chris, I will be careful, it is supposed to drizzle rain and the mountain down to Carolina will be foggy, so I will wait til afternoon to go. I have to pack up the doggie cage, and all their bedding, my pillows and bag (which I haven[t packed up yet) Take care and have a great time with Dad and the family, and yeah, give him that Big Mac !1
Love to everyone of you. God bless you all and have a wonderful blessed Christmas ! Love your family and all who will be with you, You never know when you will see them or if you will see them again !!
Tonie
ALL THE BEST OF EVERYTHING TO ALL MY FRIENDS ON THE BLOG…………MAY GOD TAKE CARE OF YOU ALL AND I HOPE SANTA IS KIND TO YOU. IT HAS BEEN QUITE A YEAR FOR ALL OF US IT SEEMS, WE HAVE ALL ENDURED SOME FORM OF HARDSHIPS, BE IT FINANCE, LOSS OF A LOVED ONE, OR ROTTEN BLOODY HEALTH, SOME ALL THREE. THE PRAYERS WILL BE FLYING ACROSS THE POND OVER THE HOLIDAYS AND ALWAYS……….MY LOVE AND HUGS TO YOU ALL AND I WILL BE HOLDING YOU ALL CLOSE BY……………………..JENNIE XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Jennie, hope you and DH have a wonderful, delicious, bright and healthy Christmas together. Much love..Sue
HI SUE………ALL WENT WELL, EXCEPT FOR A RAGING STORM THE DAY AFTER THE KIDS GOT HERE, WE COULDN’T GET OUT TO GO ANYWHERE, BUT WE WERE THE LUCKY ONES, HALF THE VILLAGE LOST POWER, OUR GARDEN IS A MESS BUT NOTHING THAT CAN’T BE FIXED. MISSING THE KIDS BIGTIME, AND BARRY AND I ARE GOING TO DO OUR BEST TO FLY TO THE UK IN THE SPRING, BUT ONCE AGAIN IT WILL DEPEND ON LIZ AND IF SHE CAN HAVE SACHA FOR THREE DAYS OR SO. I HATE TO ASK AS HE WOULD HAVE TO LIVE WITH HER AND HER CATS RETIRE TO THE BARN. ANYWAY EARLY DAYS YET, BUT I WAS THINKING OF YOU OVER CHRISTMAS, AND EVERYONE ELSE TOO, HOPING AND PRAYING ALL WOULD BE WELL FOR YOU ALL, THEN I JUST READ ABOUT TONIE’S GRANDS DOG, AND THAT IS SO UPSETTING…POOR KIDS, AND POOR DOG.
WELL THATS ME DONE FOR NOW, SO ONCE AGAIN, PLEASE GOD EVERYONE IS SAFE AND NO MAJOR DISASTERS……….LOVE YOU SUE, AND EVERYONE………….JENNIE XXXXXXXXXX
Jennie and all… Sorry to hear about the big storm. We had soft rain and fog. We finished up two great days by going to SIL’s brothers home for leftovers and crab. We hadn’t even cut into the pecan pie I made. Finally ate it along with many wonderful cookies DD and kids made. She also made the strudel we’ve made every year..forever..so good. Our cinnamon rolls were excellent. Today my gut has been telling me I’ve had quite enough and plain food sounds so good. Jennie hope you do make that trip to England in the spring. Hope your visit with your son and his girl was enjoyable in spite of the weather.
I was awakened last night..Christmas night to the sound of George howling..never heard him do that…then flashing lights. Scared me at first and I grabbed my robe and work up Jim. The house across the street was on fire. There were seven huge firetrucks out side in the street.As far as I could see there were flashing yellow and red lights with huge rumbling sounds from those huge engines. It was so foggy it was hard to see the smoke. Neighbors got out okay but two cats died. Poor little things.
I’ve received the approval of our insurance company for the new bone building drug to inject every day. Should start in January. I’ll go into it more later when I’m not so exhausted. Love you and will be back tomorrow. Sue
Sue:
So sorry to hear about your neighbors. It is so hard when that sort of thing happens on the holidays. George heard the sirens ! Mine will howl when they hear them sometimes. Glad you had a good Christmas. I am feeling much better today. Yes up and down all day yesterday. So I will be off to work this am and earn my keep. You keep resting up, It is a long way back when we expend all that energy huh ?>
Love ya
Tonie
As much as I read over, I always forget something important. Sue, I am so sorry for your road workers. Praise God that the injuries weren’t worse…this could have been a horrible catastrophe.My first thought was for the tiny little fragile bones around the orbit; that can be quite horrible when they’re broken. I’ll keep them and their families in my prayers.
I’m also glad you’re feeling a bit better. With us, the least little thing can throw all we know about taking care of ourselves right out the window. I’m so glad you have Beth and she is such a wonderful daughter. Christmas doesn’t have to be ‘too much” to be good. But, I’m preaching to the choir. I’m thankful for what I do have, what I can do. This year I am finally giving up and old tradition. My folks always had oyster stew for breakfast Christmas morning. One year i made it and Keith wouldn’t touch it, said ‘I haven’t had time to get used to that yet” I said, you’ve had 30 years, how many more do you need? Ed thinks it’s silly and won’t touch it. It’s expensive, and with the hot milk, you have to stand there with it all through the cooking. I don’t have it the other 364 days a year, so I can do without it this one day. it’s so expensive now. For years, my family owned a seafood shop, so the “daddy discount” made it very cheap to make. I don’t think I want to spend $15 for my breakfast. We also put oysters in our dressing. Ed won’t touch that, either. But Keith will pick out all the oysters, and if anybody else gets one, it’s an accident.
Transitions with our meds are always hard. Sometimes it’s such a tough decision, heal one thing but suffer the side effects? We’ll pray that you and your doctors make the right decisions.
I love you, and I thank you for creating this community!
Linda
Linda dear, too bad you’re not out here in fish country. We had crab Christmas night along with other leftovers. Plenty of food is such a blessing isn’t it? I’m ready to put it all away or freeze it now. We’ll chat later when I’m more rested. Hope you are okay as can be. Love you, Sue
Getting ready to leave. i drive into Arlington, then join my son and his family to drive down to Houston for Christmas. My son and his wife in Houston are having it this year. Her Mother is in the advanced stages of Alzheimers and doesn’t travel well, so we are all going down there. 28 degrees right now, but dry so should be okay.
I am thinking of all of you and what a blessing this blog is. Take care of yourselves and have a a great holiday season. Will be back Thursday night if all goes well. Janet
Janet, hope you had a wonderful and happy holiday and Christmas with your family. Hope the icy roads weren’t too bad and food and company were great. We’ll chat later after we’ve all recovered. Love, Sue
Hi all
Merry Christmas and a happy healthy new year…..if wishes were to come true
Lve Chris x
Chris dear, hope you and your family are hanging in there and enjoying the season. We’ve had a great time but I’ve been dragging my body along. Chat later, love you, Sue
Hey all:
Well, we made it through another one. Happy, sad, painful and joyous ! My grands were a lot of fun, we made cookies together and tried to put the kitchen back to rights š They loved all the fudge and candies I brought. And the beanies I made were the hit ! I can’t believe it. But they all got good things and are happy. Had a wonderful time with my son and DIL. When around 12:30 am Christmas Day, it all broke loose ! India started throwing up, then Sammy, then Levi. We were up all night off and on with kids (I was sleeping in the living room ) And so you can guess what I brought home with me. YEP ! THe gift that keeps on giving ! Up most of the night, and not working today because of it. (and don’t wanta get them sick) SO ! Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. Oh yeah and about 3:30 am I get a call from my GD in AZ that her dog just up and died. Broke my heart. I just stayed on the phone with her trying to console her. THey have 2 dogs so they will not be petless, but it is still heartbreaking that way. Pray for them. Love to you all
Tonie
Hey you all ~
Well, it’s the “day after” and now comes the attempt to return to normal life. I have two days off (I had worked seven days straight leading up to Christmas!), and lots to do around the apartment like cleaning out the ‘fridge, laundry, paperwork, etc…. Back to real life! Had an enjoyable time at my in-law’s house, where we gathered for Christmas lunch and time together. Was so excited when my mother-in-law announced her surprise, unconventional dessert: Tiramasu! Love that stuff, favorite dessert ever…and I’m sure I misspelled it’s wonderful name….
Tonie ~ Sounds like you had a crazy holiday! Sorry that so many got sick, including you, and it’s sad about your granddaughter’s dog. š¦ (I’m assuming that is what “GD” means…) So sad when our little ones pass on. I had a shepard mix, Sunny, for 12 years, but last November I had to put him down. Poor guy was just so debilitated and old and weak. I still miss him so much. I rescued him from the streets of Fort Lauderdale, FL, where his previous owner had apparently just left him to fend for himself. Anyhow, I should focus on the positive – the long, wonderful time that I had him, and all the joy he brought me. š I love dogs!!
Ok, enough rambling. Ya’ll don’t even know me yet, so you’re probably wondering at my going on and on and on….
Have a great Thursday!
Trish, Hey girl…have you ever come to the right place. Rambling is what we’re all about…Glad you had a good holiday and the Tiramasu does sound great. Here in the NW we hear about it all the time but I’ve never made it..must do that someday soon. Recovering her after several very busy days. It was worth any of the fatigue I now feel. Later my dear…Sue
Hi, there, Trish! Looking forward to knowing you better – rambling or not!
Trish, not to worry. You had Tonie and me here before you as trailblazers, teaching the others about southern ramblings. They’re all quite used to us now! So, ramble away with us!
Linda
Hey Trish:
Glad you had a good day with the inlaws. I love tiramisu as well ! GOod stuff. Right now food is far from my thoughts. Hot Jello and ginger ale. Had a couple of crackers but am afraid to do much. I feel really lousy, I hate the stomach flu, it is the worst sick huh ?
Well your doggie had a good long life with someone who loved him. That is what I told gd (yes that is what it means) Ali had the time and love of all the kids. And she got to spend Christmas with her one last time. Poor kid, she is going thru and has gone thru a lot. I too have a lot to do, but it will still be here when I am ready to handle it. Ramble on all you like, this is how we get to know each other.
Have a good weekend.
Tonie
Tonie, Oh dear. I am so sorry to hear you’re down with stomach flu or should I say up and down. I know what you mean. It is hideous. Hope it’s short lived. How are the grands today; maybe that can give you a clue as to how long it is going to last.Sounds like you all had a wonderful Christmas until you weren’t..due to the virus. Take care and I’ll write more when I’m more rested. Prayers for recovery…quickly and also…DISABILITY. Love ya, Sue
Well folks
Christmas Day all started off good .
DD bought the turkey and ham she baked.i bought all the cold stuff and mashed potato fo my dad to swallow easy
Well after a couple of mouthfuls of a tomato..he decided not to have a macdonalds …stuff got stuck he couldn’t swallow . It happens a lot and he has to make himself sick,but it lasts for hours and it did..so no one ate anything and his catheter leaked and the district nurse had to come.all his clothes were wet etc……so that was our day!! Felt so sorry for my dad..all the food got packed up
Today I think I’ve got thrush or something ,I’ve been on augmentum recently,and I’m to the drs. To sort it out as I want it cleared before I have the hystoscopy next Friday …it was bought forward as started bleeding . All good innit!
Hope you are feeling better by now Tonie. And Sue you’re rested
Hi Trish…good to hear you
Be back later Chris
Chris..OMG, it sounds like a bad movie. I’m sorry you are woven into it because it isn’t funny to you when your Christmas is spoiled like that. Maybe one day you will see the humor in it. I do hope you all eventually had him resting and had a chance to eat in peace. Your dear Dad is so self involved and frightened, he can’t face what is going on and when it hits him…POW. I feel so very sorry for him in this but I’m afraid he is so typical of elderly men as the clock ticks on. I’ll write late dear girl..must go for now. Love, Sue
Chris, what a nightmare. I do hope all settles down closer to normalcy now.
Chris:
So sorry for the Christmas fiasco. Sometimes things deifintely do not go the way we planned. I Pray your dad is doing better. And that you don’t have thrush. Will be thinking and praying for you this week that all goes well. It is 6 of one thing and half a dozen of another, what my mother used to say !.
Love and hugs
Tonie
HELLO FLKS……..THIS IS NOT ABOUT ME, ITS A PLEA FOR PRAYER FOR MY ADOPTED SISTER IN ARIZONA…..JO BADLY NEEDS OUR PRAYERS FOR HE DAD, WHO IN HIS WEAKENED STATE, MAY HAVE TO GO ON DIALYSIS, AND THE CHANCES ARE AT HIS AGE AND POOR HEALTH, HE WILL NOT SURVIVE THIS ORDEAL……SO IF YOU WOULD DO THAT FOR HER IT WOULD BE WONDERFUL, I WILL POST TOMORROW TO EVERYONE…..GOD BLESS….JENNIE XXXXXXX
Jennie, of course, we all love Jo, also and will pray for her Dad. Sad time of year but it seems to happen so often, doesn’t it? Hope you are doing okay….I’ll write Jo S. also. Love, Sue
Oh, dear, so sorry to hear, Jennie. Prayers, of course!
Jennie:
I have been praying for him, but wil join all of you here to prayer together. God bless you Jo !!
Sue, so sorry to hear about your neighbors’ fire! Never a good time for such, but the holidays seem particularly awful. Your holiday sounds good. Mmm, crab! I’m looking forward to my mother-in-law’s hot crab dip for our Christmas celebration which will take place New Year’s Day – at our house. I know DH will help with the preps and cooking and cleaning. Thank goodness. Poor DD has to work that day as well as tomorrow when we have Christmas with my Mom. Poor kid. SB (sonny boy, for those who are new) is off both days. Our Christmas day was quite nice and relaxing. Just DH and me in the am. SB had to work and DD had stayed over at a friend’s house. They had had a party the night before. Both kids were home about 12:30 and we were able to commence with our Christmas. Gifts were exchanged and appreciated and we enjoyed a nice relaxing afternoon together. I kept dinner simple – I made chili. DD went to visit her boyfriend’s family and SB, DH and I watched a movie together. Nice day. I stopped taking the new med on Christmas day and will not be taking any more. The side effects were not acceptable and I didn’t really notice any relief yet. I did give it time for the side effects to lessen. I think by 2 weeks they should have waned a bit. I was nauseous, kept awake many nights, even felt like I’d had too much caffeine a few nights (but hadn’t), it affected my apatite and I was losing weight and having a hard time trying to gain it back when feeling so bad. On top of that, if gave me dry mouth so I was drinking water constantly. None of that good. Rest up, dear Sue!
Tonie, are you feeling any better? So sorry you came home sick. š¦
Lyn, it sounds like you made the right decision about the new med. You know yourself better than anyone and I know you are an informed patient. At least you tried. I’m trying life off of one of my meds I’ve been on for 20 years, the antimalarial and my joints are worse but in general I am losing some of the toxic affects of that drug. Darned if you do…darned if you don’t. Sometimes these chemicals are such a God send and at other times they can cause so many problems, one wonders. One of Jim’s good friends in CO is a physician who runs a marijuana clinic for folks with chronic and acute pain and he really believes in it but I’m not agreeing with that nor will I ever be.
I am sorry DD had to miss some family time but it is a painful part of so many jobs. As nurses we sure know about that and it is hard to take.
Indeed out here we have salmon all year long but I’m not a big fan. We do have wonderful Albacore tuna and it’s fab. We also get a lot of shrimp. The Chinese and Mexican restaurants usually carry shrimp dishes, etc. Enjoy your crab dip. Nice to space your celebrations. Enjoy my dear and be true to yourself. Love, Sue
Lyn what were you taking ?
Tonie, doc wanted me to try Cymbalta, I think, but insurance wouldn’t go for it, so it was Effexor. He started me on a very low dose. I’d hate to see what the higher dose would have been like!
HELLO EVERYONE…………THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR PRAYERS FOR JO’S DAD, AND THANKS SUE FOR BEING THERE WITH THE HELP SHE NEEDS ALSO. NOT TOO GREAT TODAY, PUSHED MYSELF TO THE LIMITS, SO JUST WANTED TO SAY HI, THANKS, AND IF I DON’T GET TO POST BEFORE THE NEW YEAR, WELL YOU KNOW HOW I FEEL ABOUT YOU ALL, AND ALL THAT I WISH FOR YOU….GOT TO GET MYSELF BETTER AND REST NOW….MY LOVE TO YOU ALL……..GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU ALL SAFE……..JENNIE XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Jennie, I will say to you what you would say to me…take care of yourself above all. Enjoy your leisure if you can. I know it’s hard for us because some things like meals, laundry and pets just keep on needing us; but maybe that’s a good thing. As I’ve said so often, life keep dragging us on.
I know Jo is in a difficult spot with her Dad so far away. That’s one predicament I know very well.It’s such a heartbreaking spot to be in because others simply don’t see us and know what we feel. If we were walking around like mummy’s with bandages all over us it would be obvious to all. Our problems are so often hidden from view and therefore subject to judgment. Jo is one of us as a reader and contributor and as you know we’re a loyal bunch. Rest now dear lady. I’m trying to do the same and take care of a dozen health problems. Time will help. Love you, Sue
Good evening ! (shades of Hitchcock !)
Lyn, I am feeling better, not great yet, but better. THanks for asking. Your Christmas sounds nice and comfy. I remember those days before all the grands came along. Working in the medical field it is always rough over the holidays. Hopefully she will work her way up where she will have them off .
Jennie, please rest up dear and take care. This is the time for us all to rest and recuperate all the energy we expended.
Sue, I had to take care of laundry today as a fact. A couple weeks worth of washed and dried but not put away. Actually it is all folded and ready to be put away. Vacuuming, had to fax some documents down to the hospital, washing up, tidying up and reading. I haven’t even turned on the telly at all today. I have this sweet snowman I won at church. He is glass and about 8 inches tall, you turn on a switch and his body glows different colors and swirls glitter all around, It is so relaxing to sit and watch.
Well, do take care. All that fresh seafood sounds yummy. I love fresh shrimp, boiled, broiled, fried, basted, scampied, teriyaked , (do I sound like Buba Gump ??) And yes even coconut shrimp ! One of my fav meals at the beach is a fresh pile of boiled shrimp, sharp cheddar cheese, crackers and hot fresh cocktail sauce ! Oh well, not tonight
Love to all
Tonie
Tonie, Okay…sounds like you like shrimp. I love it , also. The little Mexican restaurant we often use has two soft shell tacos dinner when the baby shrimp is just stuffed into the tortillas. And the Chinese restaurants use them in abundance and both places are inexpensive. It’s humorous because some of the Italian restaurants put it in a sauce with a bit of pasta, one piece of bread and charge a fortune for five scampi. Go figure. When I was younger down in CA we had an Italian restaurant that brought all the bread you could eat, by the basket and enough spaghetti to choke a horse. Wish we had one up here. Speaking of pasta, it’s something I often turn to to fill a sensitive gut and it’s so cheap. We can buy a package of eight types of pasta made in Italy up here at Costco and it’s so good. I also like the Barilla brand at the market and my fav. sauce is Prego, next to my own. Jim used to pick out the peppers and onions in my sauce so now I put it in the blender with the tomatoes and voila.
Sounds like many of us are good cooks on here but no longer have the energy we once had. Another thing gone to be adjusted. No more apologies for an easier way to do something. Funny, I think some of that change comes with age.
Hope you’re getting your gut back to normal and feeling more strength. I’ve always like this week to reflect, recover and relax. Unfortunately some duties march on. Love, Sue
Lyn”
I remember now, sorry. I was on Cymbalta for a couple of years. It did seem to help me at first and then not so much so we went on to something else. Weight gain is bad with Cymbalta. I hated that and still haven’t gotten it off. Good luck on your search to another helper.
hugs
Tonie
Thanks, Tonie, and no worries. I know doc is just trying to help, but I’d rather put up with pain than some of the side effects. š I guess we’ll see what he says in a couple of weeks.
Hi all:
Okay ladies 2 things !
1) I have an idea ! Let’s us put together a cookbook for us ! The Sue’s Bunch Cookbook ! Send me all your fav recipes, and I will put them all together in pages and I will email them around. You can print them out and put them in a folder (loose leaf notebook) Whatdya think ?? Just a couple of em/
2) I got Downton Abbey as a Christmas Pressie !! WONDERFUL series. I am hooked ! LOVE the costumes (I should love to dress that way) and of course the hats ! š What a cut throat bunch ! I thought the bunch I worked with was bad ! Bates looks like a younger version of Doc, the man I work for. (more handsome version:) I am on the 3rd season. Love it ! Love Shirley McClain ! I have to smile, the American Aristocracy (so they thought) were just as much sticklers as the Brits, maybe even more so because they wanted to be accepted by the Brits as equals. But still a good show.
Okay, have a great day all
Tonie
Tonie dear, I love the idea of a cookbook. Let me think about it and I might have more thoughts to add. Glad to have you in the Downton Abbey group. It is so well done and so entertaining. I’m falling asleep and have the kids coming at 8:30AM so will write more then. Love and sleep well, Sue
Sue, I have fallen in love with this Downton ! Such a beautifully written work and a visual pleasure to watch,. Not to mention the lack of overtly avid sex scenes and profanity spouting people. I am so glad Santa got it for me . I am enjoying the “behind the scenes” as well.
I have had a bit of a backset on the virus today and have rested and done a bit here and there. I also just finished a rather good book “A DIscovery of Witches” by Deborah Harkness. Not really into all the modern vamps and witches thing, but this is a rather Victorian type modern day romance and mystery setting. Very enjoyable, but of course there is a series so it is more to read.
Such a gloomy day here today as well. So gray and only 40″ We have enjoyed our solitude though. Wed, Carol and I are taking one of the young girls from church to a city nearby to shop for the day. We need ot get away and poor kid never goes anywhere except the local town. So …. Thought we would look over the shops and grab a bite to eat.
Hope everyone rings in a wonderful and Happy New Year. I pray we all have somethings fixed in our lives to bring us more Joy. Life is bad enough with all our ailments, but add the other things in life and it gets a bit much.
BUt Love to you all
Tonie
Lyn, I agree that you have to be the ultimate judge of how you are reacting to a particular medication. With your history of so many adverse reactions in the past, I have a feeling you are not all that surprised but it’s good that you tried the med. One should always hope.
I’m trying to remember if I told all of you that that bone building drug the rheumy ordered for me has been finally approved by the insurance company BUT since we have to go with the new insurance on Jan. 1..we will once again have to wait and see. I believe all will work out well, whichever way it is to go.
Hope you had a lovely weekend and are feeling back to usual. Love, Sue
Sue, I believe you may have mentioned your med approval – finally – but I think it may have been in a longer missive and so not sure all may have taken note. And, of course, finally approved only to have to wait and see again. Geez. Yes, I’m slowly returning to “normal” I think. Starting my day off today with green tea to be safe. š So far tummy is ok. I’ll have to give it a little food soon, though. I also need to start cleaning and prepping today, too. We’re having DH’s side of the family for Christmas/New Year’s on New Year’s Day. We need to do the shopping today, too. Luckily, DH has decided to do a lot of the cooking and has started a list for shopping. He’s going to pick up tables and chairs this morning. He and SB will move necessary furniture closer to the time. That reminds me. I need to email my mom and ask her to borrow a crock pot. Time to start list making! Can’t rely on the old memory. š
Lyn, sounds like the side effects are dwindling. Good. I’ve learned an empty tummy isn’t good with all the meds I take but do be careful. You, like me, don’t need to lose any more weight…especially in flu season. Your DH sounds like a jewel to offer to take some of the cooking burden/pleasure for your NY Day celebration. Oh, by the way, I found some wonderful folding chairs on line, upholstered, etc. to help with the spill over seating for our dining room table. Love them. They were $99 each and very pretty, not at all like the old aluminum or metal folding chairs.
Hope you improve as the day goes by. Pace yourself dear girl…Love, Sue
Hi all
Well busy time with problems and health
Got some stuff for thrush..it burnt me had to go back for other stuff
DH pacemaker pocket in chest is irritating him.had to arrange appt at hosp.
My dad lost his scooter ins cert.and the big scooter he bought I arranged to go back,well they said ins was due but couldn’t trace what was what so anyway have it sorted now fr the scooter he has
Had to talk to dads dr for referal to urologist
Fence in back down with gales
And shopping for my dad.
Oh yes we are both not too good!!
And it’s only Monday !
Another day nearer the hystoscopy …….
Yea goodidea with the recipe book Tonie ….we could have flavours from the old world section !
Well got to watching Downton ,not sure about this Christmas one..it was ok.ish
New series in autumn starting….oh yes where the abbey is filmed in a village called Highclere,well Andrew Lloyb Webber lives there and he is in an argument between the abbey and the village …sounds like the drama!
Oh well had a fed up day and trying to get calm
Be back Chris
Chris, you’re sounding so negative lately. Small wonder life is getting you worn down. I was hoping Christmas would give you a pleasant break but instead you had a nightmare. You and DH need to get away to the shore for one of your lovely days. I’m so sorry you’re having to face so much with your Dad and his problems on top of your own and DH’s health concerns. I pray the new year brings some answers for you.
Over here we’re getting excited about the season of Downton starting in Jan. and I’ve already preordered it from Amazon.
I think any cookbook should, of course, list the country of origin. I’m sure we make many things the same but from our sharing I know we don’t. Think part of it is the names of the groceries are so different.
I hope you get relief with the new med for the thrush..oh my. Love. Sue
Chris:
Darling dear. You are having a time of it for sure.. I am so sorry and agree with Sue, you and Dh need to get away to the shore again soon. You have had so much heaped upon you of late. You are due for a break soon. Prayers for the New Year that it brings with it some peace and joy.
I have just finished the 3rd season of Downton. Oh my, why did they kill off Matthew !! š¦ ! Anywho ! Love the country, the Scottish highlands (no wonder they settled here in the Mtns, looks so much like it ) and of course all the horses ! My , the beautiful Standard breds for the carriages, and the Fresias ridden in the Scotland scenes. Not to mention the old cars ! I would love to work on set of that production ! I am looking forward to the new season. We will really get together on the cookbook , who knows maybe we will publish it !!
Have a rest and prayers for your appt.
Love
Tonie
Sending prayers for you, Chris.
Tonie, I like the cookbook idea. At one time I used to say I was going to contact the food network and talk them into letting me do a show”cooking for the handicapped”. I thought one whole show could be devoted to collecting menus and calling restaurants for take out. Whatever works best.
Thankyou Sue Tonie and Lyn
Yea Tonie sad ending for Matthew .i believe he’s trying to make it in the USA now. He has lost a lot of weight..also what would we call the cook book???
Just get Friday past will be better for me
Anyway all best to all for new year and what we would wish for all of us Heath .happiness and freedom from worry
Be back in 2014 Chris
I’m so sorry for all the upsets over Christmas. It was very quiet here. I think my men are tired of me complaining about being cold. They got me covered head to toe in warm, soft, light weight stuff. Love it! I know no one will believe this, but, my son, ate an entire 13 pound turkey except one slice of white meat. I went to the fridge, gonna make turkey noodle soup, and low and behold, I could find no turkey. In all fairness, I have to say it took him a couple of days. I was looking forward to left over turkey dishes…but the best laid plans of mice and men…
I ran out of antibiotics Friday evening and didn’t get a call into the doctor in time, so didn’t get a refill until this morning. It’s amazing, how far backwards one can go in a couple of days. All hoarse again, coughing all night. My legs ached something fierce last night, and I was grumpy as hell when I woke up this morning. I had to make amends to the household for that. Our weather is holding out down this end of VA for now, I think the week-end may bring a bit of winter weather.
Tonie, hope you’re feeling better now. I’m not making the traditional New Year food for us. I can’t eat the greens (blood thinners means no green leafy veggies) and the antibiotic I’m on now tends to thin the blood even more. No one will eat the black eyed peas but me, so no point. I did get a small ham (If Keith lets us get any!) and going to make potato salad. Enough for me.
Sue, I would have loved to get in the middle of that crab feast. Crabs are just a lot of work for the food you get! I do make a “crab” dish out of the artificial crab that we all love. A local buffet carries it, I tried to copy it and we all think mine is better. I run the crab meat through the grater on my mixer, chop celery hearts really fine, add mayo and a touch of dill. Wow, is that good. I used to just chop up the crab But Ed wanted it finer, and the mincer attachment works great. I use it to grate cheese for pimiento cheese, too. That’s one food I only like home made. Men are so funny. Ed swears he can’t stand pimiento cheese but if I make it and put out crackers, he eats it like mad, saying my cheese dip is really good. Sometimes it’s better if you just don’t give food a name.
I wish each and every one of you a joyous,happy, healthy, and pain free new year.
much love, hugs, & prayers
Linda
Wow, that’s a lot of turkey down, Linda! I have found that if I want to save leftovers for another meal I have to put a note on it or tell everyone, otherwise next time I look, some or all is gone. Occasionally they will ask first, but I can’t count on it. š I’m sorry you ran out of antibiotics and hope you are feeling better soon. We will be preparing the local “good luck” foods tomorrow. Pork and sauerkraut and molasses bread. š I think the house is as prepared as it can be until the guys move the furniture tomorrow. DH is looking forward to doing the cooking. I’ll help him get it started, but he wants to do the rest. All right with me. š I already did more than my share. I overdid it yesterday and wisely took it a little more easy today. And, yes, I have often not disclosed the name or ingredients in a dish so it will be eaten without question. š They are getting a bit wise to it, though…
Wishing all as happy and healthy a new year as is possible!
Linda:
I made some homemade pimento cheese over Christmas, made it with very sharp cheddar, Oh yum ! I just grate it with a reg grater as I don’t have the mincer. It is supposed to get VERY cold here on Fri. Not looking forward to that. Take care dear ! Glad you got warm !
Tonie
Tonie, Glad to have you join those of us who love Downton Abbey. Oh my yes the sets are amazing as well as the horses, cars, costumes. The actor who play Matthew, according to the internet, wanted to broaden out his career and as Chris said, came to America. I fear he may regret that decision but don’t have a clue how he feels. They say fiction is conflict and they certainly have plenty of that on there. The writing is splendid, isn’t it? There is an honesty about the class difference and a human quality I enjoy so much. I’m anxious for the new season.
It would be fun to put together a cookbook…easily online…no work. I do hope your gut is getting better. Such a virulent bug you’ve had. DO take care. Love, Sue
Hey Sue:
I did notice that “Matthew” had put on a bit of weight in the 3rd season. Chris said he lost it. I have seen him in some Hollywood film, but can’t remember which one. I will have to look him up on Imd. Well we had our girls trip today to Greensboro, NC. Down off the mountain š I am SOOOO exhausted ! But it was a good day to shop. NO ONE was out ! Went to several stores looking and getting a few things. THen to lunch, then a quick stop at a Bath and Body Works in Mt Airy (the town that formed “Mayberry” for Andy Griffith) and home. I was supposed to have church tonight, but when I sat down, the bottom quickly fell out and my wheels dropped š Was a lot of fun though.
I even had coffee today so getting better. Take care
Love
Tonie
Hi my peeps and sorry for being away for so long!
I thought I was prepared for Christmas but the few gifts that were left were the difficult ones, and not feeling well, I tried to do my shopping close to home. The little ones gave DH and I a virus from Daycare and we both ended up on antibiotics and missed our four month old Grandson’s christening on December 22. Even though we were pronounced no longer contagious by our FP, our DIL refused to bring their kids over on Christmas Day, but thankfully decided they could visit on Boxing Day!
For Christmas we cooked a fresh grain feed turkey (it is not Christmas for most Canadian families without turkey) which was delicious with the compulsory cranberries and mashed potatoes and an assortment of vegetables and salads. As well as DH and I, we had our youngest son, DIL, Connor and Neve for dinner …. with lot of leftovers! I was hurting so much I crawled into bed when they left without completing any of the chores on my to do list for the next day … but Boxing Day arrived whether I was ready or not! We had 25 of my in-laws coming for dinner (including our own family) and although we had lasagna prepared and in the freezer, it turned out to be a much larger task than I had anticipated! This was something I would have done and enjoyed in the past no problem, but was the largest gathering we had had in the past thirteen years. In Dec/99, just before I had a big flare, I offered at work to have the staff Christmas party at my home. The theme was ” Victorian Christmas” and many dressed in vintage clothes and we had a sit down turkey dinner for forty with plum pudding for dessert. Guess I was thinking lasagna for twenty five should be easy!!!. Although everyone had a great time, my body was not at all happy. I sat in a chair by the front door when our guests were saying their goodbyes and my body totally seized up, with my hands and feet feeling like they were on fire and DH and my son had to help me into bed! Once I got to sleep, I slept all the next day! My mobility has gradually returned this week, but many joints have remained painful! Last night, New Years Eve., our eldest son Brad and his family dropped by for dinner and we enjoyed tasty frozen things from Costco that you pop in the oven, and we all sat around the island!. The little girls are very fond of the mini quiche and their parents enjoyed smoked salmon on skewers!
We are invited out tonight for dinner by our youngest son Ryan and DIL, whose parents are visiting from the east coast, and this will be my first outing since church on Christmas Eve.
Baby grandson is a sweetheart, all smiles and giggles and loves to watch his little sisters play, but I hate to see our son perpetually tired, but they do have three children four years and under.
Our four year old grandson is still non verbal and attending a special JK, but is now on the waiting list for therapy at the Children’s Hospital four days a week. DH will be providing the transportation, so this will keep our days busy and away from the cottage, but it is very important for this dear little boy . I will go along to help, but I am unable to take the little ones anywhere by myself as my hands can’t work the seat belts on their car seats. Connor got an IPod from Santa and it is amazing what he can do with it, but he just doesn’t have or doesn’t use language. His two year old sister is a chatter box and they were all laughing at daycare one afternoon I was told, when she decided she was going to teach her brother how to talk! She is the sweetest little girl, a little mother hen, and it seems she has inherited the teaching gene from her dad.
I didn’t mean to write so much, just trying to get everyone caught up! For many of “Sue’s gang” it seems the holidays didn’t go as well as planned, and as for me, guess I was attempting to do what I could do before. For the future I will be very happy to have my own little family on Christmas Day, but glad we did have the dinner this year when both of DH’s parents are still with us!
Wishing you all the best in 2014! Love and Hugs … Brenda
Nana B !
SO glad you had a good Christmas in between all the sick and yukkiness !! Sounds like you had a wonderful time with all the family ! Connor will have a great time with games and such. The more hand and eye things you can give him to do the happier he will be. DOn’t worry, he will learn, especially if he is using games and such. Music might help as well. Nathan always loved music and anything in games that had music and colors he loved. THey learn so much form that stuff , it is amazing. Glad you are feeling bett er and that you went out for dinner. God bless you and have a wonderful 2014 !
Love
Tonie
OH my, here to add my doom and gloom. I think I’m sicker now than I was first time I went to the doctor. I don’t know why I can’t make them understand that with the biologics, just a normal course of antibiotics do me no good. Woke this morning actually choking on a glob of phlegm and blood. Couldn’t get out enough sound to make anyone hear me. I didn’t eat yesterday, just couldn’t swallow food. I’m hungry today, but still can’t swallow more than liquids. I also have chills, so think I may have a bit of an elevation. I’m sorry, to all my non nursing friends, we old nurses hold nothing sacred when it comes to talking about our bodies and excretions. I know not all can handle that. It’s in the low 40’s today, but my legs ache horrible, so the weather is up to something. Then again, my pain threshold drops when I’m ill. Add it all together, and it makes it harder for me to know exactly what’s going on with me.
Tonie, I love the Downton Abbey series. Isn’t it just wonderful? I’ve only got to see the first season so far, but I’ll catch the rest. About the actor who moved to the states..truth is, folks, stars just don’t make the money in other countries that we see fit to bestow on them here. I often think we give these young kids far too much money with which to ruin their lives.One of the doctors I used to work with, in defending Michael Jackson, said “he’s just a child, pure and simple”. You give my 10 year old that kind of money, and she’d buy a zoo and an amusement park. He never had the chance to grow up normally, so now he’s a child in a man’s body. There’s so much good that could be done with that excess of money, but many of them instead choose drugs, booze, and other not so smart choices. Designer dresses and mink coats for a 5 year old? Boggles my mind, or what’s left of it. It’s a strange world we’re muddling through.
Hope everybody is feeling better. I’m debating whether to go to the ER or to give the antibiotics another day or so.
Tonie, your trip to Greensboro sounds fun, wish I had felt up to meeting you there. What’s the name of that little village down near Mt Airy that caters to artists? That’s such a neat place to go shopping and browsing.
I think I’ll take me back to bed.
Love you all,
Linda
Liinda, SInce you are not better and almost choked to death, I think the ER or the doctor’s office sounds like a likely and sensible choice. Yep. You are a bit graphic sometimes for the lay person but we nurses do understand.
I agree with your remarks about Jackson but sometimes actors just get tired of doing a series or get a better artistic offer. Please be wise and do what your little nurse’s heart tell you to do about your health, okay? Sue
Thanks, Sue. I’m tending towards the er, since they can actually do more than can be done in an office. I think I’ll wait until later this evening and see how it goes. Ed heated me some chicken noodle soup and I did manage to eat a bowl of that. The choking thing did scare me, and if I could have got one of them to hear me, I would have gone this morning. I did get some Tylenol down too, so my chills are gone.
Sue, I would hate to be an actor in a series, even with the steady job. People think it’s a glamorous life, but the hours are ungodly. And for those with families, it’s got to be very rough. I think Kevin Bacon and his wife have strict rules about their jobs, one of them has to be with the children at all times, and ideally, they only take jobs where they can take their family. This was one of her reasons for leaving The Closer, he and the kids stayed in their home on the east coast, but by the time she got off work on Fridays, she often couldn’t make it home. They found this unacceptable. And, as much as they make for one job, think of the long periods of unemployment they may have. I have a cousin who is an aspiring actress. She got a degree here then went to London to study. Fortunately, she is very good with lighting, so she has a lot of work. But, acting, she was on one season of Chuck, one episode of Lie to Me, a lifetime movie and an indie movie. Her Dad, had to work until about 70 to support her while she could get on solid footing. So, it’s no easy life and it’s very “iffy”. Not so easy on the families, either. So, there are numerous reasons why an actor may move, not just money as I implied.
I’m sorry I get too graphic. Ed fusses at me all the time about that. When he meets an old friend, if it’s a nurse, he immediately excuses himself. He says we, as a group, just don’t know how to talk in polite company (or is that queasy stomach company?) He also leaves when the first woman says “when I was pregnant”.
My heart at the moment is telling me I need to go get into fetal position, in a dark, quiet place, and stay there until this is over! If only that would work.
Linda
Linda, are you talking above Mt Airy or below ? Cana is above, but it is mostly Fruit groves. Below is a lot of others, Thomasville, Pilot Mtn, …..My cousin got on FB this am and tokld me about this woman she saw in Greensboro yesterday that looked JUST LIKE ME ! Even had on a jacket with horses on it , in Micheals. I told her it WAS me !! š She didn’t come up to me in case it wasn’t, cause she hadn’t seen me in a long time in person š so funny ! I pray you get better woman. Get thee to the DR !!
Linda, are you better this evening? Tonie, That’s hilarious but a relief to know there is only one you…I mean that in a good way, of course…Love to both of you. Sue
Tonie, what a funny story. Sometimes we forget how small the world actually is. I love that Micheal’s in Greensboro. I know that town isn’t as far north as Thomasville, but not sure exactly where. They have street vendors daily, selling everything from quilts to hand crafted glass and wood workings, both furniture and fun stuff. Painters are busy painting and selling their wares. It’s really an exciting little place. I’ve got to find somebody who remembers the name, it’s been so long since I’ve been.
I do feel some better after getting the soup down and I have kept saline spray going full blast all day and evening. I only took my absolutely essential meds today, just too rough to swallow. I’m taking my cell phone to bed with me, I’ll get help one way or the other if I need it!
The barometer has dropped, and the temp is to dip into the teens tonight and I think it’s to stay that cold a while. So, mystery of my leg pain is solved. Keith hit a deer last night. He said there’s no damage to the car, but we have so many dings and dents, I’m not even sure if one could tell. I was just happy neither he nor Stacey were hurt. He said it knocked the deer down, but it got up and ran off. Just scared Keith. Deer’s cause a big problem in this area. They can cause terrible accidents and ruin a car. One year, a nurse at work had to get all 4 doors on her vehicle replaced along with both fenders and the hood. Somebody suggested she chase a deer going backwards so she could get the back of the car replaced, too. WE had a deer jump over our car once. He misjudged his jump and had to use the roof to land and take another leap. Try explaining hoof prints on the roof of your car!
Sleepy time again. Sure hope I feel better tomorrow.
Barb, loved the story of your granddaughter planning to teach her brother to talk.Kids can be so sweet sometimes. When we were very young 6 or so, Rosa was sent for speech therapy. She hated to go, and I would fight with Mom for her making Rosa go. I never heard a problem with her speech. I would get so angry at adults who would ask me ‘what did she say”, I told Mom once that if people would just listen, they’d know what she said. That young, I had no idea that my ears had just grown accustomed to the way she spoke.But, to this day, I couldn’t tell you one single thing she said oddly. Nothing like the love we have for our siblings. I’m so sorry you overdid it over the holidays, but glad you’re recovering. Please enlighten an ignorant American, what is Boxing Day? You and my grandma, I couldn’t imagine trying to feed 40 people. My hats off to you!
Love to all,
Linda
Linda, you mean Brenda ? š Just remember she rhymes with you . Dear Barb, we haven’t heard from her is a long time.
I cannot figure out where you are speaking of, Not Old Salem, for sure cause that is strictly private. I will be interested to know where it is. Deer are all over here as well. Whitetails are not small deer either. Glad no one was hurt. THe wind is up here and the temps are down. Yes it is going to be cold for a while. Highs of 20’s several days. I am not going to be happy !
Sue, hope you are feeling better, getting rested up. I still have to put away all my Christmas stuff. I have so much stuff sitting on the couch waiting, there is no where to sit ! Maybe tomorrow ! Lots of put away stuff. Boy that wind is something out there. Hope it really really blows thru quickly. Well here it is 1 am and I am still struggling to stay awake, I need to put the day to bed.
Love
Tonie
Hi, all! It is COLD today! We got over 6 inches of snow last night. I’m not sure exactly how many, but I know it was about 5 inches last night around 10 with more doing down. Maybe 7 or 8? Anyway, now it is very cold. I plan on staying in if at all possible. I was to have a performance this evening, but it was canceled due to the snow. Suits me. I wasn’t looking forward to going out in this cold in a sleeveless long ivory gown! I do have a different performance on Sunday, but can dress warmer for that one. š And, I’m soloing for this concert so I only have to sing the pieces I’m in, so don’t have to stand long. That works. The cold is playing havoc with my joints, too. Doing my best to keep them warm. Enough catch up of goings on here.
Tonie, I put away the tree and a few items yesterday. Think I’ll slowly de-Christmas. I had to laugh. I asked SB to carry the box with the tree in it downstairs. He said he couldn’t do it himself. I laughed to myself and then informed him that I had pretty much always gotten the tree up and down all by myself by sliding it up and down the steps. I did help him by guiding it from below while he held it back so it didn’t careen down wildly! I think all the heavies are down now. Except the sled I have outside on the porch. I keep that out until winter is over.
Linda, I do hope you have gotten some relief or help by now. Oh my, dear. Speaking of dear… deer… Yes, deer can be an issue here as well. A few years ago my in-laws hit one on the way home from a family gathering. They can appear out of nowhere and usually don’t travel alone. I recall when the kids were small, we were on our way home and almost to our house when we saw 4 or 5 of them in the field along the road about ready to cross. The kids were so excited and talked about them for some time. I was just happy they stayed in the field until we were by!
Brenda, I thought we had a houseful here with 18! I’d be hard pressed to seat 40 here in our house. Outside, yes, but not in. I was impressed we seated 18 in our kitchen/family room. We do have two more rooms, so I guess technically we could seat 40 or close to it, but they’d be in 3 rooms rather than all together. Lasagna was a good choice. I hope you have two ovens to aid the reheating process. Rest now!
Brenda’s holiday reminded me of two holiday occurrences here. One of the kids’ presents to us was a lasagna meal they would make for us. They invited my parents, too, so it was a real family affair. I felt bad because DD thought she ruined the lasagna, but she hadn’t and it was a very tasty meal. The other remembrance was one you will all appreciate. I was overdoing it on New Year’s Day and had to sit for a bit. I was moving slowly and pain must have shown on my face. Very quietly my niece asked if I was hurting and did I have any pain medication I could take. I briefly explained why I didn’t and reassured her it was ok. I’d rest and feel a bit better. So sweet of her to notice and quietly inquire. She’s not one you might expect to notice and say something. No one else seemed to notice a thing that day.
Well, time for a hot cup of coffee. Maybe gaze out the window a bit more again. The sun shining on the blowing and glistening snow really is beautiful.
Hello all ~ I was recovering from the holidays, but that took a nosedive when I developed an upper respiratory infection with asthma involvement. I actually had an asthma attack last Saturday at work, which hasn’t happened to me in years. Then, one day later, I was down with this throat and chest infection. So grateful that today I am feeling somewhat better. Now, I’ve really got much to catch up on! I am perpetually behind the 8 – ball. (does anyone use that phrase anymore?)
Sue ~ Wondering how you are, and when you will write a new blog. I think many need some word for the New Year, some type of encouragement to keep hope alive. Not to put too much of a burden or high expectations on you! š Hey ~ maybe there’s your thesis: “How to create realistic yet positive expectations for 2014.” There ya’ go!
Thought I might introduce myself briefly, and then log off for my nap: I am 46, a white, brunette girl from Southeast Florida. Grew up on the beach and on my bike, and then attended college, earning a BA degree in English. I am a Christian, although I did not grow up in a Christian home. I have worked in the Christian booksellers arena as a buyer and manager, and then at an evangelical association as a certification specialist. My loves are reading, creativity and crafts, horses & dogs, my faith and church, learning and discovery, and currently, watching these adorable Carolina wrens hop around my outside porch. I am sensitive, curious, playful….and on the other hand, I tend toward pessimism, worry and introvertedness.
Married a wonderful man 10 years ago, but the recession hit us hard when he was laid off in 2010. I had stopped working in 2006 because of my Fibromyalgia (had this for 13 years now). So, my husband faithfully and daily sought for work to no avail. About a year later, we had used much of our savings, and were offered a chance to stay with his parents for a time. That’s when we came to the Charlotte/Lake Wylie area, and began life with the in-laws. š Now, we had HIGH hopes that this new environment would have teaming job opportunities but that has not yet come to reality. He has had 4-5 temporary, contract jobs, but so far cannot find permanent, stable work. We moved out a year ago, into a very tiny apartment, and it’s been beneficial to be on our own as a married couple again. But of course, that has used much of our income. And, don’t even get me started on health insurance. :-{
Last year, I decided to try and work part-time, to help with medical bills and other expenses. I was hired at Cracker Barrel Ole’ Country Store, where I work in the retail department. It’s been a bittersweet experience, let me tell you. First off, I was amazed that I was able to do this, being on my feet for hours and all. However, it has taken it’s toll on my health by creating some additional pain in hip/leg/feet…Plus that “normal” experience of exhaustion after a long work day, and then resting, and then going at it again. A rollercoaster ride of chronicity. (is that a word, Sue?)
Now, another challenge has entered our lives, and this will be a major, continual prayer request. My husband, always healthy, has been diagnosed with a serious, chronic disease: Systemic Sarcoidosis. Poor guy went through much last year (two surgeries) with kidney stones, and they discovered multiple granulomas scattered throughout his abdominal, pelvis and groin area. Now, after evaluation with pulmonologist, we find that it is also in his lungs and throat. He has lost lung function, and has been on Prednisone for about 4 months. They are hoping to halt any active disease, so that the lung scarring will stop. I am in research mode, and trying to learn all I can about this, so that we can fight it hard. Unfortunately, this has also tossed me into worry mode.
Well, that’s the short version of it! š I rambled again, but trust that you don’t mind. I am really hoping to get to know each of you, but at this point am still trying to figure out who’s who. I know it takes time. And self-disclosure…which you just got a heap of from me. š I’m off to rest, and will talk with you all soon.
Blessings ~ Trish
Trish~~~
I see you on Sue’s blog often and try to stay caught up with everyone’s postings! Without question, I am thrilled to have “tapped”into Sue’s site as I keep meeting so many interesting people! Today I flipped open my mail site and for whatever reason–landed on your posting! I could not stop reading it–you flung the door open and shared this “Rolller Coaster Ride” life has you on and my heart goes out to you. So please let me just throw a few words into the mix–My knowledge of Chronic Pain is almost into 18 years now (fell out of tree, landed on my butt-damaged my Sciatic NERVE, lots of surgeries, tons of Scar Tissue and non-stop PAIN. I am always in humble awe of the tremendous courage people have who are walking this Path–without question you are loaded with Courage! As to the expression, “Behind the 8 ball” yep I still hear it, and gain a better perspective of it as I age.
My heart hurt as I read about your husband—we NEVER know what life is going to throw our way and all we can do at times is to struggle putting One Foot in Front of the Other and keep on keeping on! I can’t begin to share with you how many “Life Lessons” I have experienced while walking through the doors of Cracker Barrel~~ and I can’t imagine the struggle you must go through while being on your feet all day, and doing your best to SMILE, SMILE,SMILE!!! Please know Trish that you and your husband will be in my prayers. I thank you SUE for allowing me to step in for a visit with TRISH!!! Blessings, martha
Hey Trish ! So sorry for what has brought you to us, but glad you are here. I lived in Lake Wylie for over 8 years, and my son lives in Clover. So I know the area well. Nice place to live and work and not so cold in the winter usually. Many prayers for you and your hubby. So much to bring down on you so fast. I moved to Az from SC in the 90’s and then back here in 2012. I have been trying for my disability, and living on God’s good graces since then. He has supplied my every need thru different avenues and I thank Him so. I am still waiting on the government to let go of my $$ !! But I feel it is coming soon, all in His time. SOmetimes it is hard to wait. Rest and take care, and remember to keep us up to date on the goings on so we can pray.
hugs
Tonie
Trish, What a wonderful entry. First of all, your question. New blog went up today. Unusual for me not to be there every week but Natalie and I needed some time off during the holidays. I hope you find some of those answers you seek in the new entry. I am so sorry to hear your dear man is experiencing such a crappy, challenging event as having sarcoidosis. It can be controlled and I pray he finds a wonderful internist or rheumy to do just that. I hate it when life piles up like that.
Your story of your life thus far is a fascinating one. We each have a story to tell and the ups and downs for each of us are infinite. It sounds to me that your strength is shining through. I know working retail must be so difficult for you; albeit exercise is good for us but there is a point when you want to scream when it is too much. You know, I have found that whatever size our home we live in…we stuff it. Maybe you’re not a clutter bug, but I do love things and the only way I can get anything cleared out is if it wears out, I outgrow it or it dies.
I can imagine it has been so hard starting over. Many years ago, in my first marriage, finances were a huge problem. That really sucks. I pray you’ll be able to work out the insurance issue. Right now I think we are all up in the air about that particular subject.
You definitely sound like someone all of us can love and share many interests with. I see you on FB and saw your remarks about how to see DOWNTON ABBEY this weekend since you have to work. Ask around and maybe you can find a friend with a DVD recorder. We have DVR and it’s only 4.95 per mo. with cable. Do you belong to Amazon?
My dear, it’s very important to me that you realize all of us have had hard times and many are still barely making it. Chronic illness is hideous but there is also life with it. That is why I write this blog and have for eight years. If you ever want to read the others I’ve written, they may still be available through everydayhealth.com but for certain are on the internet. Just Google me or try another search engine. I’m here…always until I’m not. Love and prayers to both of you for your health, jobs and insurance. Life can get so complicated, we do understand. Fondly, Sue
Hi all
Trish I’d like to respond to your story and will later……see below for reason,but good to know you
Well had the hystoscopy ….ugh. Came home about 3 hrs ago
He found a polyp as long as his forefinger ,which he said would cause all the pain…and he also did a d and c .
So they are off for testing..and I’m a bit sore! So short note for now
Love to all Chris
Chris:
GLad you are done and the cause was found. Yes they sure can cause the pain. Thank God it is over and you will be feeling better soon. Rest up !
Love
Tonie
Chris dear, may I be glad they found something? I know you understand what I mean. Perhaps at long last you can find some relief. Hope you’re okay..sore, of course. Did he say you could take a hot soak? Stay off your feet dear lady and let your family fend for themselves, okay? Today and tomorrow can be “Chris” days. Much prayer and hugs to you and please write if iyou have any concerns. Love, Sue