WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR DECEMBER 2015

barbiecat

I've done a lot of knitting today and I'd probably be almost finished with the hat I'm knitting for my great grandson but I dropped a stitch and didn't notice it for many rows in the cable pattern and I had to rip out ten rows, then I goofed on the row I just finished and I'll have to take that one out when I get back to it later.

about the shingles vaccine... my mother had shingles and suffered a lot so they day the doctor told Jake and me about the vaccine, we went right to the local pharmacy that had the vaccine and got the shot....our insurance didn't cover it and it was about $200.00 for each of us but my feeling was that I'd give anything to not get shingles and in this case, the anything turned out to be money.

Heather, I have traveled to other countries and enjoyed trying to find my way in a place where I don't speak the language, but I am truly happy in the company of English speakers just as you described.

Katla, I am happy to hear that you are feeling better.

Karen, sorry to hear that you are ill.....yes, enjoying a good book is a great way to cheer yourself up when you don't feel well.

KMB do not be discouraged.....just take it one day at a time and do what you can do and take baby steps toward changing your life.

Barbie

mollywhippet

Hello everyone! I'm feeling so much better today. The soreness in my gut has pretty much evaporated and even my arthritic hips are playing nice today. We went to swim laps this morning and the water was REALLY cold. I kept thinking I'd get used to it, but I didn't. But I stuck it out and finished my 30 minutes, goosebumps and all. Hubby said, oh, it's not that bad. Then when we were leaving I stopped at the desk to sign the kids up for classes and noticed a sign on the desk that said the pool heater was out of order. Gee, now you tell me!

I spent a couple of hours at the studio getting set up for another birthday party tomorrow, then hubby and I came out to the lake. We just finished walking the dogs across the dam and now I have pesto chicken in the oven for dinner. I'm surprised that hubby likes it too. Even though it has no salt in the pesto. He has to add his own, but that's ok. I really like not having to make two different meals.

Tomorrow there will be 10 kids in the studio making plates from 1-2:30, then I'm hoping to do some more Christmas shopping. The grandkids are coming to the studio on Monday. The oldest needs to make a 3D model of an Egyptian pyramid, so we are making it out of clay. That should be fun. Tuesday is our girls shopping day.

Monday my new studio friend, Kurt, is coming to work at the studio for the first time. He has some kind of disability (not a visible one) and has a service dog named Scrappy, who is half Jack Russell and half chihuahua. I can't wait to meet him!

My son has asked if we can come to his place on Christmas Eve to have presents with the kids. He is pretty much home bound now, and has to stay close to his oxygen concentrator. The kids go to their mom's on Christmas Day and stay a week. So, we will be hauling the whole party up to his apartment. That should be interesting.

Well, it's time to make the sweet potatoes for dinner. Gave a great evening!

Sylvia

GRITSandSLUTSandWINOS

Oh, I saw something yesterday on TV, part of some comical show; where a woman and her (male) OB got her husband to agree for her husband to be wired up with electrodes so that the OB could give him an electric shock that would actually make the same muscles contract when you have a baby. Starting off lightly and then getting harder. He asked how long women had to go through it and the OB told him, on an average, about 10 hours. It was hysterical. He had made some comment about her not doing anything insofar as dealing with the children. She finally told the OB to stop because her husband was near tears and cussing at both of them and saying he felt like he was going to $#*T all over himself. That was the end to it; and the OB said it got worse for (most) women.

cityjaneLondon - English is the hardest language to learn because of all the grammar that makes it correct. Like saying: "I seen so and so doing something." is incorrect when it is supposed to be: "I saw so and so doing something."; and, "I have seen so and so doing something." I used to ask her way it was 'good, better, best' and said, 'if you did your best; why couldn't you do better'? Used to drive her totally crazy. She was a HS English grammar/Literature teacher and would not hesitate to call us out whenever we said something incorrectly, in public. She said that our being able to speak correctly, or not, made a difference on how she was viewed as a teacher to other people. Words that sound alike; but, are spelled differently and have different meaning. Site - a location; sight - being able to see; and cite - a reference (usually associated with law). I'm glad that I grew up learning it; and, not having to learn it as an adult. Although we sometimes think that other languages are harder. Harder for us, maybe.

I think it is about time for us to replace our DVD player. We'll rent movies and they will hang up. I've noticed that sometimes even our TV programs do the same thing. I don't know how old our TV is; but, we bought them at the same time. It is so 'irritating'. Makes my DH use words that he doesn't ordinarily use.

GRITSandSLUTSandWINOS

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exermom

barbie - if you start to go crazy (from the non-exercising) remember that we're always here and that it isn't forever.

Lenora - tried the Nature's Miracle. The problem with the Pet Block that I found was that you had to reapply it daily. I'd like something that I can spray on and not have to reapply it daily, weekly wouldn't be so bad. It did work initially, I remember putting it on the bed and that day the cats woudn't even go near the bed. But eventually, they did (sigh). So now we just keep the doors to the extra bedrooms closed. I can't explain it, but for some reason they feel that it's their duty to go on the beds. Not on ours, mind you, but on the other beds. I've changed the mattress covers, everything. Eventually, they return

janet - sure hope you aren't going to be expected to do all the cooking for all those people! Did you put your cookies in the freezer?

Joyce - I used to get really bad sinus headaches, sometimes to the point where I needed to lay down in a dark room. Fortunately, they havaen't been that bad in quite a while, probably because I know when they are coming and immediately start taking Sudafed. Isn't it sad when you go somewhere and there isn't any decent food -- just food covered in sauces and junk?

I don't know why, but I couldn't sleep last night. I admit, I do have a suspicion. I had a piece of that fudge and it's quite chocolatey. Maybe it was the caffeine?

Anyway, this morning I did 50 minutes of Patrick Goudeau's Metabolic Training DVD. It's for the rebounder, which I didn't know at the time, but that's OK. the plan for tomorrow is to do a Karen Voit Pilates Abs and Back DVD. Then I plan to make two of the spinach/feta quiches to take to senior bowling the next day and an apple pie for Christmas Eve

We're supposed to go to an open house today at this one lady's house. She has like 200 nativity sets. I remembered that at the pool social she liked the spinach/feta so I'll take that to her instead of cookies. I'm also going to make some tomorrow to take to the senior bowling christmas party Monday. I may be the only one eating it, but that's OK, it's something that I won't mind bringing home and having myself.

Vince and I got the shingles vaccine. I remember the kids kindly shared the chickenpox with Vince....lol Interestingly...I never got them. I don't remember ever having them, I must have had them when I was very little and don't remember it. So just to be on the safe side, I got the vaccine. Vince said that he thinks his reaction to the vaccine was that he was really tired. I didn't have any reaction, at least none that I noticed.

This year, I'm happy to say, my weight has been pretty steady at around 130. Last christmas I went up to 140. Hopefully, I can keep to that weight. I'd really like to lose another 5lbs, but my body seems to be saying that it doesn't want to go below 130.

We usually do a lot of decorating for christmas outside, but this year with the landscaping we couldn't. And I don't think Vince was into it as much. I'm thinking that next year we'll have a blowout.

Alison - that is so thoughtful of you (well, of course!) to make some meals for Esther. Maybe (if this works into your schedule, and if you even can) you would stay with Harold so Esther could go to some of those outings.

janetr - I have a high threshold of pain, too. When they grind down the tooth for a crown, I never take novacane. Never take it for a filling, either. Vince on the other hand....he wants novacane. So if I'm hurting, you KNOW that it must be something. Still don't really know what's going on with my heel. Can't wait to get to the MD and see what he says. I'm putting the voltaren on it, don't know if it's helping but figure it can't hurt.

Lillian - (((BIG hugs)))). I remember doing that at MIL's place and my father's, no easy task. You find things that you never knew about and they bring back so may memories

Beth - do you make your fudge from scratch? What's your recipe. No matter what I do, I can't seem to get the consistency of the fudge that you purchase in the store. I THINK I'm getting close. A friend gave me a recipe for Sees fudge. To me, it's still not firm enough. Next time I'm going to use mini marshmallows instead of the marshmallow cream.

Carol/Peach - when my father passsed, I didn't now what to do with the furniture either. So I called the salvation Army and donated it all. I don't know what it is, but wrapping gifts is one of the things that I procrastinate about. Usually I don't, but that's something that I do.

About the shingles vaccine -- when we called the MD to make an appointment, they said to check with the insurance company to be sure that the vaccine is covered if it's given in a doctor's office. I thought it would be but she said they had one patient whose insurance didn't cover it in the office. So we figured it couldn't hurt to make a phone call.

KMB - welcome! You've come to a great place. We all go thru periods where we get discouraged, it really helps to talk about it. You're doing a great thing by logging your food, that should give you some good clues. Is your diary open? (I honestly didn't look and probably should have). If so, we can give you some input. If not, unlock it and let us take a peek. Sometimes someone else will see something that was right in front of you. That's certainly happened to me.

Went to an open house at a friend's house. She has like 200 nativities, some are really interesting. Why people make cookies so large is beyond me. I had one of her molasses cookies (at least that's what I thought they were) and one of her -- I really don't know what it was sort of like a butter cookie. Only they were so large, I would have been happy with 1/2 of one, but I felt that I should have one to make her feel good.

Selena - welcome back!

Becca - great calendar. I found me!!!!! So sorry about your fall, glad it wasn't worse. Yes, thank you for taking the time to do this and then to share it with us all.

Lenora - I've always said that if they wanted zero population growth, they should have men have children. Actually, one tells the other one what it's like, and not only will it be zero but there will be a decrease in population....lol. I remember years ago helping some kids write stories. They'd write them and I'd input them into the computer. How many times I've corrected "Mary and me" when it should have been "Mary and I". You know something? At the end of the year the kids wrote me a "thank you" note and thanked me for telling them when to use "me" and when to use "I". Sad thing is, you hear on the radio and other places "Mary and me" when you know it should be "Mary and I"

Michele in NC

Katla49

Selena: How wonderful to see that you're back. Welcome "home!" I am so sorry for your losses of family members. You've had some stressful and unhappy time since was last heard from you. (((Hugs.))) I hope things get better and better as time goes by. :flowerforyou:

Becca: I'm so sorry to hear about your fall. I hope you heal quickly and you don't have muscle strains or other discomfort. :flowerforyou:

Elaine: Shingles is caused by the same chickenpox illness that she had as a child. All of us who ever had chicken pox are at risk of developing shingles. The shingles shot reduces the risk but doesn't eliminate it entirely. :ohwell:

Pip: Love the photo of your dogs with the tree.

Barbie: I had the shingles shot, too, but DH can't risk it because of all of his autoimmune issues. :grumble:

Sylvia: I'm happy that you're feeling better. Your life seems very busy these days. I hope the new potter who will be using your studio with you turns out to be a pleasure to be around. :flowerforyou:



Our dog had to have his stomach pumped today because he stole some candy that was down at floor level and ate it. Unfortunately, it contained a bit of chocolate. It was in a package and looked like coal. I had no notion that it was wrapped candy, but I'm the one responsible for leaving it where he could get to it. Darn it. :embarassed: They think they got every bit of it out of him, but we have to be watchful the next few days anyway. He's on a chicken and rice diet, and loves it. He keeps begging for more. It will be too bad for him when he goes back to real dog food in a few days.


Katla in Beautiful NW Oregon

“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.” Thomas A. Edison

December Goals :
1. Log every bite and swallow.
2. Cardio exercise at least 3 days a week. Work on flexibility and back strength.
3. Have fun every day.
4. Drink at least three glasses of water daily, preferably more!
5. Eliminate alcohol.
6. Monitor sleep. Try to average 7 or more hours of sleep nightly.

janetr7476

Michele wrote - "janet sure hope you aren't going to be expected to do all the cooking for all those people! Did you put your cookies in the freezer"

Yes I'm doing all the cooking. A ham, turkey and dressing, gravy, O'Brien potato casserole, sweet potatoes, broccoli souffle, dinner rolls and relish tray. Baking two big pans of apple cobbler for desssert. I froze spritz cookies already baked. The rest are thumbprints, peanut butter blossoms and pecan balls all raw dough rolled into balls ready to be thawed and baked. For breakfasts I have made and frozen uncooked, two breakfast casseroles and a few dozen cream cheese sausage balls. Also bought a couple large boxes of frozen Jimmy Dean sausage egg biscuits. Breakfasts will only be 11 people. A couple of the grandkids won't eat any of that I'm sure. The grandkids range in age from 22 to 8. If any of them get hungry, there's always McDonalds. Ha!

Janetr OKC

GRITSandSLUTSandWINOS

exermom - I'm not sure that cats can be kept from where they want to go, no matter what you do. They have a mind all their own; and, we humans just have to accept that.

Sorry, Katla, that you dog had to have its stomach pumped. Cracker is bad to get into things (no candy yet, we don't keep it around); but, I knew it was poison to them. Also raisins, too. My DGD tells me all these things. I don't keep raisins, I think they taste nasty. Just what they are: dried grapes. But, surprisingly, I do like dates, stuffed with peanut butter or cream cheese (rolled in powdered sugar).

Janetr - I've never heard of 'cream cheese sausage balls' ... how do you fix them?

janetr7476

Grits wrote "Janetr - I've never heard of 'cream cheese sausage balls' ... how do you fix them?"

They are the bomb. 1 lb sausage uncooked (sausage of your preference); 8 oz cream cheese softened; 1 1/4 cups Bisquick; 4 oz shredded cheddar cheese. Mix together well. Roll into 1" balls. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until brown. If you freeze them you need to bake them a few minutes longer. Easy peezy.

Janetr OKC

janetr7476

Katla - Oh goodness, so sorry about your fur baby. Hopefully he will do fine now. At least he's getting a little special treat for his trouble.

Janetr

jmkmomm

Welcome KMB. My advice right now is to just eat what you think you should be and if you fail one day it's OK because it is still part of the 'test week'. Then look at your daily menus and see what made your calories, fat, protein, etc go way out of bounds. When you actually see in black and white and in the mirror it helps you to see what is going wrong and gives you that kick in the butt you need to make changes. Oh, DJ is real good in kicking us in the butt also.

I didn't realize that my symptoms do sound kind of like migraines. I have never taken anything but the 3 main drugs, Advil, Aleve and Tylenol. And of course a dark, quiet room. I have never been nauseated or anything. But they do either start at the base of the skull something terrible or in an eye.

My youngest, Michelle, had shingles when she was in about the 2nd or 3rd grade. I guess being a child, and being very active, the pain wasn't very bad. Also my husband had one spot right between his eyes. Now this is a man who has never taken a Tylenol for anything, his heart attack even didn't have any pain. So when he had to take tylenol I knew something was wrong. He did take Tylenol with his meningitis so I know he does have the ability to have pain.

We had to clean out Mom's apartment when she died. She went straight to the hospital with a painful hip, had surgery, went to rehab then hospice and died there so she never went back home. But when she died, all of my family, brothers and sister and grand kids everywhere were all here for about a week so we all worked at it. My Mom was so happy to join her loving husband of 64 years in Heaven and we were to. So even though we grieved, our family loves to have fun and laugh and there were so many happy memories that we shared in while we were cleaning that it wasn't to bad. Mom already had her will so everyone pretty much knew what was theirs. Some people didn't want what she had set for them but others did and they did equal trades. She lived in a wonderful independent/assisted living apartment complex where the staff was wonderful and we just left a whole lot of stuff in a corner and they knew it was theirs to distribute as needed. It was Mom's dream that they would keep an empty apartment and if some one had something they didn't want or when some one died and family didn't want something, all would go in this empty apartment to be given as needed. She had one lady move in across from her that her family from way across the country did a google search for assisted living and had her moved there directly from the hospital and all she had was a twin bed, sheet and blanket. This was for her 1 bedroom apartment. Mom felt so sorry for her. She was so lonely and then felt abandoned so that was when Mom came up with that idea. So we provided then with a lot of stuff. But we had a lot of fun and it helped that it was about 15 of us doing it.

Oh, there was so much more I had in my mind and it just left when Michelle texted me something funny. She looked our house up on Google street view and there is Charlie walking out to the car.

Joyce, Indiana. Cantata is tomorrow, can't wait!

janemartin02

sorry I have been mia.having a hard time missing my friend who died last jan.This was her favorite time of year.we baked cookies,went shopping.Sending hugs to all that need them.
hugs jane

janetr7476

Joyce - Wish I could "beam me up" right up to Indiana and hear your Cantata tomorrow. I haven't been attending church since we moved. I hate to go alone to a new church and have just put it off but I miss it so much and especially when special music will be presented. I don't want one too large where I feel lost, I don't want one too small where there are not special programs and good music, I don't want one that is all loud band music during service yet not one where the singing is slow and lifeless. Sigh, maybe I'm just too picky. Wish I had a good friend to go with me. I'd better get busy and just visit a few close by. Its not like there is not a church on every other corner in OK.

Janetr OKC

janetr7476

Jane (((big hugs))) I'm so sorry, I know its hard to be missing someone you were close to.

Janetr

drkatiebug

Popping in to say hi. Skimmed over 100 posts, now must get some sleep.

GodMomKim

Hi gals,

So I have been logging again, and really feel like I can find time to log or time to read and respond to all; so am choosing the logging and will read but respond in a more general fashion… I want to “hold up my side of the conversation” but the pages and pages are daunting coupled with my schedule.

So I am making a dent on the house hold; issues tree up check; cookies made check; Christmas letter written check; cards started check; cards finished NOPE; gift buying started check; gift buying finished NOPE; wrapping – tonight (and it is already 9:30); house cleaned – ½ way; grocery shopping for all non-perishables done; and some perishables – only need a couple of items on Tuesday.

Wanted to comment on taking on of the responsibility of grand-babies – as Miriam can attest it can be done, but I commend Miriam for reaching out and accepting help – it sounds trite but it takes a village – especially for the older mom and dad --- there are folks who would love to help if asked and if it is accepted --- My mom (87 years old) is raising her grandson who is almost 18 now.. and she never asks for help and if it is offered turns it down, so now it rarely gets offered – accepting gracefully even if you need to re-direct the help to something you need more (ie if a meal is offered and what you need is a pick up at school – ask if they could do that instead) Then while the buck stops with you there will be folks who can and will help out.

Also on the financial difficulties – there are a ton of things I have learned to do to stretch my cash flow – I’ll make a list and share if anyone is interested – I look at it as a game to see how much I can get for how little. But the other thing I have done that helps is I babysit – not day care; but for a couple of young families on my street I babysit in the evening, usually the kids are up for a couple of hours and we read books or play games, and then they are put to bed and I can read, watch tv, nap, bring my laptop and do my business paper work… and here at least babysitting pays between $10-15 an hour… sometimes they even provide dinner. Parents really appreciate a sitter they don’t have to take home and a real adult – not a teen.. I have made almost $100 this month, I got paid for writing Christmas cards, how cool is that! When it started I did approach them and told them I babysat, and just to let me know if they were interested.

I did great at the craft faire and have sold some more stuff via a small set up in my guest bed room. It was a ton of work, so for next year I am starting NOW! Christmas season is a very busy time, but that helps as it is a pricy time too.

Thinking of you all,
Love Kim in N. Cal

janetr7476

Kim - Wow, you go girl, sounds like you are marching forward with planning and determination. I am impressed and proud of you. Don't feel like we expect responses to everyone, blah blah blah. We love to know that you are ok and all is well with you. A quick note when you have time is terrific. Merry Christmas to you!!

Janetr

fanncy0626

Becca - I'm sorry to hear that you fell and cut your cheek. I hope you feel better. I saw my face amongst the others! Thanks for making Christmas so special!

Pip - so cute!



Mary from Minnesota

grandmallie

morning ladies~
I am trying to type with a dog curled up on me, it is sorta hard..
51 degrees here this morning,wont get to hot, but going back up into the 80's tomorrow.
found out I got a 200.00 bonus that went into the joint account, which I will never see.. thats depressing..
and we are here another week and a half and I have 20.00 spending money.. I hate to ask for more
I bought myself christmas present's as I wont get any .. I bought some adult coloring books and colored pencils and markers.. I used to color as a child, and maybe I can relax doing that...
I am going to try and talk to Tom about our future,,, sometimes men just go along thinking everything is hunky dory... but I get no hugs.no kisses. no I love you's ever anymore.. he dotes on the dogs..

Lilymay2

miriamwithcats wrote: »

Sylvia, love the photo! Definitely true.

Lillian, condolences. I have had to clean out three relatives houses after their deaths and it is not a fun job at all. Try to focus on the good memories, and take plenty of hankies!

Thanks you everyone... but I best clarify, my mom did not pass away. Remember she fell a month ago and broke her shoulder and her hip. She is 80 (81 in January) and she is currently in acute care and when she gets better she will then move to the nursing home (Long term care home)

BUT.... cleaning out houses when they are still alive is still a stressful chore. What is even worse is "who looks after mom's treasures that she cannot take with her to her room in the nursing home?" My DSIL is helping me and her opinions sometimes as to what is one of "mom's treasures" is a little different than mine..... sigh...

Before my dad passed away 3 years ago we tried to get some of the "stuff" out of the house. And this is a bad time to do that too because my dad's days were numbered so it was not a fun time, but at least he gave a lot of his "treasures" to the kids that he thought would treasure them.

Enough.... moving on... DGD is coming to visit while her parents go ice fishing so I best get a move on and finish some Christmas cards

Lillian in West Central Saskatchewan

Lilymay2

SelenaP63 wrote: »

Hello Menopals!!
I'm back because I pretty much am back...to square one. Several bizarro-world months with a couple of *deaths and still lingering in Canada have left me with relatively few options that don't include an elastic waist! And why wouldn't Christmas be the perfect time to heave my fluffy self back on to the wagon?
I think I'm hooped if I don't have y'all to check in with and so here I am.
Missed you and glad to be here,
Selena
In Alberta, Canada
*(Son-in-law, some of you will remember and then my step-father, leaving my mom with piles of debt and a junior hoarder's disaster to climb out of and requiring all my strength and patience in cleaning.)

Can you and I just hide somewhere for a week and veg?

Lilymay2

Pip - your tree and your puppy loves are very pretty and handsome!!

Lillian

Lilymay2

GRITSandSLUTS wrote: »

We divided up my Mother's stuff before we had to put her in an Assisted Living Facility. She got to see all that we got because we wanted it. Oldest sister divided up china and thins like that in sets of 4. She had lot of china and crystal.

I like that idea, we did try to do some of that before my mom fell but she wanted her stuff around her even if she couldn't see it. Some of it was even in boxes already up in the top of closets. Dad gave me his 8mm movie camera and pictures before he passed away because he knew I would cherish them and take care of them.

Lillian in West Central Saskatchewan

margaretturk

janetr7476 wrote: »

Grits wrote "Janetr - I've never heard of 'cream cheese sausage balls' ... how do you fix them?"

They are the bomb. 1 lb sausage uncooked (sausage of your preference); 8 oz cream cheese softened; 1 1/4 cups Bisquick; 4 oz shredded cheddar cheese. Mix together well. Roll into 1" balls. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until brown. If you freeze them you need to bake them a few minutes longer. Easy peezy.

Janetr OKC

What temperature to you bake them?

Lillian I found keeping things simple at the Nursing Home works best. It is best not to bring anything of value to the home. A few small knicknacks and photos to cover the walls works well. No expensive jewelry or money. I made another Shutterfly calendar for my mom for Christmas. They are always runninng special and Kohl's and other merchants also give you a discount to Shutterfly.

Margaret

Peach1948

Lillian ~ Hoping you are able to get your mom's house cleaned out quickly. My mom is in a nursing home also. I think that is why my sis and I are not able to really make ourselves take things out of the house. Mainly, because my mom loved all of her "things" so much. The furniture is too nice just to give away to any of the thrifts. There were 5 children in the family and we all have what we need. I would love to have one of the bedroom sets but that means I would have to get rid of one of my sets. I may give mine to my son if he has room for it. Mom did not like antiques so there are no treasures. She bought everything "new".

Had dinner with DH's small family (brother, BnL, and SnL) last night at LaParillo. Enjoyed my margarita and my dinner. Wish we lived closer but it's an hours drive to meet halfway somewhere.

Sis just messaged me that the nursing home called at 6 AM to say mom had fallen trying to go to the restroom. This is the 2nd time in a couple of weeks. I have no idea how they will end up handling that. She is cognizant enough to not want to be in the position of not being able to tend to her needs.

Carol

mollywhippet

janetr7476 wrote: »

Grits wrote "Janetr - I've never heard of 'cream cheese sausage balls' ... how do you fix them?"

They are the bomb. 1 lb sausage uncooked (sausage of your preference); 8 oz cream cheese softened; 1 1/4 cups Bisquick; 4 oz shredded cheddar cheese. Mix together well. Roll into 1" balls. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until brown. If you freeze them you need to bake them a few minutes longer. Easy peezy.

Janetr OKC

Oh, Janet! I'm going to try those this Christmas. Thanks for the recipe!

I googled it and found the recipe. It says 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes.

GRITSandSLUTSandWINOS

Janetr - Thanks for the recipe. I never thought about adding cream cheese to sausage balls.

Barbie - I had my shingles vaccine at my MD's office because I needed a Rx to have it done; and my insurance did pay for it.

Exermom - One of the things that drives me crazy is using the word "done" when "finish" is more appropriate. Like my younger 2 granddaughters saying: "I am done eating"; 'no you are not done; you need to bring me that knife and fork to let me check if you are done or not; "I am finished eating." But, listening to television (especially news) they use it ('done') all the time; and, these are people you'd think would have some formal education past being in HS. But, I have also heard it used by teachers because that is just how they learned it growing up and listening to their parents say it. Like using 'did' when you meant 'done'. Not I got my nails and hair did; you got your hair done.

LilyMay - Our Mother was able to bring her personal stuff to the ALF - such as her sofa and a chair; even her bed (or a bed that was smaller than he king-sized bed with steps up to it; so we opted to keep the bed in the room already; later moved to a hospital bed. Pictures and such hat made her feel like she was home to some degree.

GRITSandSLUTSandWINOS

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csofled

lhannon062709

Morning, all... up since 4:45, not unusual. Last day of my self-imposed week off of exercise, and it's been completely effective in clearing up the symptoms from the fissure. Thank goodness. Fingers crossed a week of traveling between Christmas and New Year's won't bring it back. Can't wait to go in and work out tomorrow!

If you don't see me posting much about Christmas plans, it's because my DH and I don't really do much, if anything, for the day, unless the kids are coming through. I love seeing y'all's plans and celebrations, but we just kind of ignore it. I will be going into town Wednesday night to a Christmas Carol jam with friends, a bunch of us getting together at the local coffeehouse to sing, and if it's reasonably decent weather, we'll all pile on a trailer and drive through town singing... trying to start a local tradition. The coffeehouse owner makes awesome cider--non-alcoholic, I might add--just a bunch of people enjoying themselves.

Makes me happy, and I'll be back here at the ranch on Christmas Eve, enjoying my husband's well-deserved days off with him. The DH's brother, SIL and niece will be here the day after Christmas, then leave the 27th--and of his 11 brothers and sisters, they're my favorite. The 28th, we'll take off for Missouri... or if the weather's too grim to drive that far north, we'll change the reservations and drive down the Gulf Coast. Pretty relaxed about where we go, just definitely going to get away. Hoped to see both grandkids, but the older one will be with the crapweasel sperm donor through January 4th, which is when we have to be back... and the less said about that the better.

Sad news last night, my sister's stepson committed suicide on Thursday, leaving behind two little girls ages 3 and 7 years old, and no insurance payout due to the circumstances. He was a Marine for 12 years, and suffered horribly from PTSD. He shot himself on his dad's (my sister's husband's), birthday. Tough times for my extended family. Spare a thought for them if you can, or a prayer if you bend that way.

Got to go write my Christmas column for the paper... hope yours is lovely. Your Christmas, that is. Unless you have a column, in which case I hope that's lovely, too!

Regards,
Lisa from sunny West Texas