WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR DECEMBER 2020
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PT coming in a bit..ugh... but i will do it..i dont have much of choice.. if i dont I wont build the stamina to get around.. which I have to do..
Dont think I can handle things alone yet. But getting stronger by the day..7 -
Sharon Near Seattle here!
I’m having a tremendous bout with the physical side of depression. Can’t cook (frozen meals work!), can’t do much housework (Emptying trash is satisfying and doable), can’t visit people whom I love (thank god for daughter who lives 600’ away - she helped me get a hot bath safely!), can’t think (hasn’t stopped me before, but makes it hard to read this, much less answer).
I’m physically well, but spend hours a day sleeping or hours a night not sleeping. It doesn’t alternate or have any pattern that I can see.
I’m seeing a psychiatrist once a month for meds supervision. We both agreed reluctantly that I needed to increase my dose of Abilify. That seems to help. I unpacked some dry goods grocery bags and cleaned out parr of my freezer. I gave myself a hearty “Yay me!” for that one.
I have a date across the mountains with a fellow I met online and have seen for coffee a couple of times. We’re going to see the solstice sunset and the Jupiter-Saturn conjunction and the Christmas lights in a little Let’s Pretend Bavarian Village snuggled in a valley in the mountains by the river. He’s gifted me with a luxe hotel room for the night. He’s very well-to-do, so it’s no real burden, and I’m treating it as that. I’m getting dinner as my gift to him. It makes it possible to have hours of conversation, which is just the stage our relationship is in. We might even sneak in a few more cheek kisses! I’m thrilled by that thought nowadays. Honestly! Who knew?
I am comfortable here in my house, terrified about money at the moment but having real trouble curbing my spending.
I either obsess over things or ignore them at my peril. I can’t respond to anyone’s situation right now. I can’t face going back and reading a month and a half of posts. I still just love all of you. I’ll try to read from here on, but can’t promise.
Sharon Near Catatonic Near Seattle15 -
Working on posting a photo of our tree. I have uploaded it and hope it will show. I am miserably unskilled with photos.
😳4 -
Hi Sharon!
So good to hear from you. Your post was very expressive and together, so you must be compos mentis at least. 
Nice to hear you have a beau.
I don't think anyone should underestimate the kind of surgery you had. It is a huge change to your whole system. Eating good quality frozen meals is a good way to go. Eat, sleep, repeat. A bit of moving when possible,.
I know what depression feels like. Well done for reaching out and keeping in touch. That is not easy. Your daughter is a blessing.
Sending much love to you at this time. Keep on trucking!
Heather UK xxxxxxxx4 -
Katla, is the photo of your tree in a file on your computer or on your phone? That is the first step in being able to post it on this thread. 1 -
Debbie: I will try to post a photo of our tree. We just finished putting the lights and ornaments on it a few hours ago. I will try to take a photo of it tomorrow. When I looked at it with my phone/camera just a moment ago, I couldn’t get a reasonable photo. I’ll try tomorrow in the daylight.
I can’t remember the last time I made fudge. DH can’t have it because he is on a gluten free diet. I don’t want to eat it in front of him. I have a recipe for chocolate cake that is gluten free, so I may make some of that. We can both enjoy it and it would be a rare treat.
Katla—awake in the middle of the night.
what ingredient has gluten in it? My recipe is just choc. chips(original called for candy melts,as it was from the cake decorating store and they sold candy melts,not choc. chips, but I am not a fan of them), sweetened condensed milk and butter- nuts,etc if you choose.
Debbie0 -
Greetings to all and to all a good day. 😊
It is Monday funday and I am not sure what awaits me at work. I have been reaching my small goal of not logging in during my days off. It has been a difficult task because it simply isn’t in my nature. I almost logged in when I had gotten up at 4am. I decided I needed to ease into the day.
Carol – Oh, that disagree over my orchid was months ago. I had posted a picture of the huge orchid I have outside. It had 10-12 flower stems on it and was in full bloom. Honestly, I do not have an objection to disagrees. And, most of the ones I have are to pleasant posts so I choose to think most are mistakes.
Debbie – The picture of your treat tray looks delicious! I believe if it was delivered to my house I would probably make myself sick because I would not be able to stop tasting everything. 😊
Feelings right now. Do not read if you are trying to remain positive. I am OK, just need to get this out of my system.I am trying to keep myself in a positive frame of mind as the year draws to an end. It is getting more difficult as lockdown continues. The lack of physical socialization is the number one culprit. I have spent more than one holiday alone which has never been an issue in the past. This year I find myself drifting to past memories of both Charlie, Greg and loved ones who have passed. Note here – yes, I have been reaching out to friends, most of which are far away. It really suc-s when I call, we catch up, there may be one or two exchanges, and then there is no follow up unless I reach out. I know people have lives, families, etc., but darn it. My friends know I am alone in the world. I go back and forth with my feelings. I am tiring of being the “understanding” one.
I am starting to think about 2021 goals. I did not meet half of my 2020 goals so some will roll over. My number one goal is to be more active with the gleaning season which starts mid-January. It will be good for me to be outside and soaking up the good feelings that come from helping others. It will also be a reminder of just how fortunate I am.
I must sign off for now. The work routine beckons.
Hugs to all and prayers for those in need.
SuziQ – SFL
HUGS!!! I hope you will find that one(or two) friends that will take time to respond to you like you do to them. I totally understand. I have been trying to connect with a few more people, better chance of hearing back from at least one that way. Some evenings I hear from no one and others I have three conversations going at the same time on FB(that doesn't happen very often)
Thanks for the compliment on the tray. I have only tried a couple tiny bits of maybe 4 fudge- and they are soo sweet. The ones that are harder to stay out of is the toffee bars, I have had one little piece about 1" square that broke off when I was packing it, and a couple small bowls of the caramel corn. Now, the dried fruit, that is another story- have tried each of them multiple times. Need to do more pineapple and the 4 mango that are now ripe.
Debbie
Napa Valley,CA1 -
OregonMother wrote: »Well, Michelle (and others) inspired me to try to make fudge this evening. Total disaster. Perhaps my candy thermometer isn't working? (It's the first time I used it) I don't even know if I'll be able to get the stuff out of the pan!
But I am undaunted and will try again tomorrow.
Flea
Willamette Valley, OR
I've always used the "soft ball" method ... dripping a bit into a glass of cold water.
I also make my fudge from scratch ... good quality cocoa etc.
But I haven't made fudge in about 5 years. Maybe I should try. And I do have a candy thermometer now.
M in Oz
You also have time now!
Enjoy the little things.
Tina1 -
I can't figure out how to post a photo of the Christmas tree that is currently in my house. Help!
As to fudge and gluten—I hoped to make brownies rather than fudge. Candy is generally off of our list for health reasons. DH has multiple heath issues.
Katla—feeling pretty frustrated due to lack of skill.
the only way I can figure out how to post pictures is if I post on FB first, then copy/paste from there.
I wish I knew how to upload and change size for profile picture. I guess I need to ask my son for help0 -
Hooray! My mincepies came out ok. Two got stuck in the tin, so DH ate them in pieces. He said they were the best he'd ever had. What a charmer! The rest are now safely frozen.
The marzipan involved some careful mathematics on DH's part. But all safely accomplished.
Two more elements of the present for Edie arrived today. I hope my son has got his act together and delivers the rest tomorrow.
I decided Bea would find the guinea pig pyjamas not completely exciting as she has already had a new Christmas pair, so I've bought her a light up whirring thing as well. She likes that kind of thing. It arrives tomorrow.
Love Heather UK xxxxxxxx2 -
Heather
What ingredients do you put in your minced pie? I love the mince meat pie I grew up with which is a lot of raisins and spices. I can buy a brand called "Non Such" to make it.
Carol in GA1 -
Flea- Thanks for a kind offer for your fudge recipe. I would love to have it for future use.
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I am incredibly behind in my reading, but just quickly wanted to say ...
Machka ... congratulations on the graduation! Love the photo of you and your husband and your new profile pic as well.
Fae ... I no longer read or contribute to any of the other message boards. I found the other boards to be too snarky, mean-spirited or perverted. Thanks to Barbie, this thread is consistently full of kind women who encourage and support one another.
Annie ... glad you got your Dad to talk to someone about the computer fraud. My parents 92/89 are constantly targets for scams and, fortunately, have not taken the bait yet. But they've been very close ...
I'll be back later...
Beth near Buffalo (Home of the AFC East Champions!! It's all the talk here! LOL)2 -
Flea- Thanks for a kind offer for your fudge recipe. I would love to have it for future use.
Beautiful tree! And you really are right on the river. Lovely view.
Two cups sugar
1/2 cup evaporated milk
2 tblsps of water
Mix the above ingredients over the stove, stirring constantly, bringing the mixture to 236 degrees. (This is where I messed up the first time, I think. The second time, I pulled it off when it got to about 230, and it turned out better.)
Let cool to room temperature without stirring.
Once at room temperature, mix in 1/3 cup peanut butter, 1 tblsp of butter, 1 tsp of vanilla.
Stir well until blended. -- I really beat this thing to make it as fluffy as possible.
Pour into a pan to set -- I ended up putting it on parchment paper, and it held its shape quite well, without a pan.
As I said before, I think if I substitute the peanut butter tonight with squares of chocolate, I can get a good chocolate fudge. My sense is that the sugar/milk/water mix could go with a number of different flavors to produce different kinds of fudge. I plan on experimenting. It doesn't make a ridiculous amount of candy, so no harm with five of us in the house.
Flea
Willamette Valley, OR2 -
Katla - Lovely tree and fabulous view!
I hadn’t realised you are right on the river. It must uplift your spirits every day. I do love a water view. We can just see the sea from our front garden gate and from my upstairs bedroom if I crane my neck.
In our previous house in Whitstable we had a very nice sea view from the bedroom.
Thanks for persevering with the photo.
Carol - There is no meat in the mincepies. They are dried fruit with sugar, alcohol and fat. (I bought a jar of posh mincemeat to put in them although I did make it once). I will find the recipe. I only made half quantities.
https://www.dairydiary.co.uk/sample-recipes/mince-pies-with-marzipan.html
I chose not to make the marzipan stars so in fact I made three quarters of the pastry and cut out pastry stars instead. I prefer that to too much pastry. Usually they have a closed top.
Commercial mincepies are everywhere at Christmas over here, the supermarkets are stacked with them. I don't like them at all, far too sweet. DH can tolerate them,though he liked mine much more.
Love Heather UK xxxxxxxx2 -
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Katla congrats on posting the picture of your awesome tree 2
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OregonMother wrote: »Flea- Thanks for a kind offer for your fudge recipe. I would love to have it for future use.
Beautiful tree! And you really are right on the river. Lovely view.
Two cups sugar
1/2 cup evaporated milk
2 tblsps of water
Mix the above ingredients over the stove, stirring constantly, bringing the mixture to 236 degrees. (This is where I messed up the first time, I think. The second time, I pulled it off when it got to about 230, and it turned out better.)
Let cool to room temperature without stirring.
Once at room temperature, mix in 1/3 cup peanut butter, 1 tblsp of butter, 1 tsp of vanilla.
Stir well until blended. -- I really beat this thing to make it as fluffy as possible.
Pour into a pan to set -- I ended up putting it on parchment paper, and it held its shape quite well, without a pan.
As I said before, I think if I substitute the peanut butter tonight with squares of chocolate, I can get a good chocolate fudge. My sense is that the sugar/milk/water mix could go with a number of different flavors to produce different kinds of fudge. I plan on experimenting. It doesn't make a ridiculous amount of candy, so no harm with five of us in the house.
Flea
Willamette Valley, OR
Oooohhh!!!
I wonder if you could use Nutella instead of the peanut butter...
Or coconut cream instead of the sugar and evaporated milk…and then chocolate squares…
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Machka: I have not made fudge, or even brownies, in many years. I avoid things that make DH’s blood-sugar go off the chart. I do not have blood sugar or gluten issues but he has both, so I’m always on guard. I have a chocolate cake recipe that tastes good and meets his requirements. I don’t make it very often. The last time was Thanksgiving a year ago. :flowerforyou:
Barbara: I went down stairs to feel the tree. The needles are relatively short, but they are not prickly. I have two Alberta Spruce trees, and the one that came first has a bug infestation. I talked to the county extension agent and he told me to look for a particular insecticide at Bi-Mart to kill mites. I haven’t had a chance to get there since he told me about it. :ohwell: I’ll get there a soon as it is convenient. The tree that is decorated & inside seems healthy and has no bug issues that I can see so far.
Lanette: Thank you for the YouTube program on cancer. It is still running and I’m still listening. It is very much worth the time to listen. I’m about half way through.
Pip: I hope the apartment you want is available soon. :flowerforyou:
Flea: You are a temptress! There are items on your list that are a challenge for one or both of us, but substitutes are readily available. I have been eating more and moving less. I need to fix that before I can try some treats.
Allie: I am glad that you are feeling stronger day by day.
(((Sharon))) I hope things improve and the depression slides away. Vitamin D3 helps me deal with wintertime blues. :flowerforyou:
Barbie: The photo is on my phone. It is my current “face” here in Women 50+.
Flea: DH would love your recipe for fudge AND I am copying your directions. Thank you for sharing.
Katla in Beautiful NW Oregon3 -
margaretturk wrote: »Lanette lately I have been reading books about the effect your microbes have on your immune system. This is partly why I have upped my fruits and veggies and try to eat a variety of them. They found when they transplanted microbes from obese mice into thin mice. The thin mice became obese too. There is still so much they do not know. The urge is to rush in and obliterate what we perceive are the bad guys of microbes. Unfortunately there are microbes that help us and they can get destroyed in the process. The trick is finding ways to get the good guys working for us. Is there a new catch phrase brewing ...Change your microbes change your life.
This is one area (microbes) I would like to see pursed in this gaining control over COVID. We are in a reactive phase against this virus. I would like to see our scientist work on becoming proactive because there will be future viruses that cause problems for human kind and the draconian measures we had to use against this one has created another whole hosts of problems.
Because everybody's system is unique onto them what may work for one person in terms of diet and exercise may not be as effective for the next person. A large part of gaining the most healthy you is finding what really works for you and that you can sustain over the long haul.
In the past I was one that jumped in with both feet and asked questions later. I now try to take changes slower. I change something and then see how that effects me. If I see positive results then I know it is safe to continue if not I do not continue the change. I do not always succeed. I do find I like being proactive rather than reactive.
I too have read that high insulin levels in the body can promote cancer.
I sometimes wonder what my mom would have made of all this about COVID. She was born in India during the 1918 pandemic. She traveled the world. She was not overly concerned about dust never took her shoes off coming into her home. She ate ice cream almost everyday. She lived with a raccoon in her attic for many years. She was on the heavy side most of her adult life but not obese. She lived to 98. I think the keys to her long life is she had an active social life, active reader, and a great sense of humor.
Margaret - Agree 100%! I too ran across the study regarding "fat" mouse gut microbes being placed in skinny mice who then got fat. Thought I posted about it on here, but it was months ago and I can't recall the source right now. I'll paw thru my bookcase when I get a chance.
Do you have a lot of snow at your house? I get notices from Weather nation on Facebook, saw a photo taken somewhere in Minnesota of snowfall at around 3' - halfway up the doorframe!
Lanette
Windy SW WA State
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KetoneKaren wrote: »Margaret
My thoughts on preventing transmission of COVID-19 (putting in spoiler because honestly it’s boring and tediously science-based, and few people are likely to want to read it).I believe there is an inexpensive, effective, user-friendly way to get through the next many months relatively safely. This method is available in some parts of the world, but not in the USA for reasons I cannot fathom.
It involves using simple test strips (cheap to produce and distribute) which are rapid antigen tests for home use.
The main value in using these home tests would be for asymptomatic people who are willing to test twice weekly ongoing. Use by individuals (or even pooled family tests) would alert people that they are infected before the symptoms start, enabling them to alter behavior to reduce transmission of the virus.
Many people are under the impression that rapid antigen tests are not reliable, but used in the manner I described, they would make a very big difference in driving down asymptomatic transmission, which is the biggest problem in spread of the virus.
The tests are very specific, but not nearly as sensitive, which means they will miss some cases (false negatives), but it also means that if you have a positive test, you can be quite certain you are infected. The idea is for people to voluntarily screen themselves twice a week until we achieve herd immunity through a combination of vaccination and natural immunity.
Of course, this type of screening does not replace handwashing, masks, distancing.
I believe it is the key to opening our economy back up while we are in the process of achieving herd immunity. I don’t know why this isn’t a thing in the USA.
Karen in Virginia
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Karen - from your lips to whoever is in charge of this stuff's ears. Brilliant.
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@Katla49 There are many GF brownie recipes, since brownies are more about the gooeyness and not so much about the rising.... Butter sugar chocolate fat and then other stuff...many options...2
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@trucker743 Sharon, nice to see you posting! I've been on and off the boards. It's nice that you have something to look forward to in meeting your online friend. Sending good thoughts your way.2
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HAPPY SOLSTICE
Suzi--- I do think people contacted and invited me way more when I was in a couple than when on my own. it stinks but that is how it is. I wonder if people are less good at staying in touch since the online thing is not so easy or motivating for eveyone. I love to meet people but I spend so much time online with students I don't always have it in me to spend yet another hour or so video-chat..;
I tried to assemble the trundle bed this evening but WAY too many pieces. I had bought sofas at another lowcost reputable chain but there re not nearly so many pieces for an order. For the trundle bed-sofa there are surely more than 100 pieces with screws. I have to screw on every slat! Even so there were some instructions that seemed erroneous; seemed to indicate I should at least 3 of one piece that there is a slightly different version of... (and it's a moving part, one that would not be forgiving if done incorrectly.
So I gave it a break for today and sunk my teeth into the tall bookshelves. No moving parts, so I managed to finish it. it took ages, but I stuck to my schedule of one piece per day. It looks nice.
Tomorrow is going to be some pressure.
I invited a friend round for a drink finally. I haven't had a friend over in ages!
I suggested Tuesday or Wednesday hoping she'd take me up on Wednesday, but she picked Tuesday at 6pm.
Not sure if I can get the sofa trundle-bed together before then.
Otherwise, there will undoubtedly be a good bit of stashing messy stuff, especially papers...
Got 15 min of cycling at about 115-125 HR plus a usual walk of about 30-45 minutes plus many hours pottering working on getting the furniture together. I got a take out asian food. I usually don't get it as it comes with a BIG serving of rice. an old ww online pal suggested tossing the rice but it's some spiced rice and I like it and so ate it. the rest was pretty low cal: shrimp with light sauce, fruit salad and Vietnamese fresh spring roll (salad-y).
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Iii0
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Worked today, work tomorrow. I feel so much better, I did my job inside until it the sun came out and it warmed up enough that I went outside. I had with me documentation that OSHA says that cold temps are different, that in an area that’s not used to cold temps (like NC) cold temps are above freezing.
I was talking to the gal who was handing out masks. She said that she was told by the night manager that if she asks someone if they’d like a mask and they say they can’t wear one for medical reasons, she was to ask for their documentation of the medical reason. I just said to her “you can’t ask that, HIPPA laws” Alls I know is that there is no way in h*** I would ask someone for that
When I got home from work Vince said that Denise called. She’s getting a two week paid vacation. Seems the daycare is shutting down for two weeks because there are so many children testing positive for C and so many staff. She said that PJ and she tested negative. But isn’t there an incubation period where you test negative but are subsequently positive? I guess now it’s really a blessing in disguise that she isn’t coming down here.
Debbie CA – you can deliver treats to my house any time. You can even mail them, I don’t have a problem with that…..
Made my first loaf of sourdough for the holiday. Actually, it’s rising right now. I think I’ll make one for Colby to take back, one for Amanda and andy who will be here Christmas Eve for dinner (last time she said that she liked it) and one for this guy from the Salvation Army who is usually at Food Lion. And if he isn’t there, we can have it
Had the dinner all planned for this week. Had dinners Jessica was going to make. Then last night Vince tells me that Jess is going to work today even tho they don’t have her (I think it is) I-9 form and she has no idea what time she’ll be back. So ma to the rescue. Made beef and potato patties for dinner tonight. I’ll have to talk to her when she comes home, if she’s going to work Wed. and Fri, I need to know how she makes the things.
Katla – what ingredient in fudge contains gluten? I didn’t think any of them did, so now I’m curious
KJ – glad you’re feeling better and that those parents were able to help you. You do so much for their children!
Flea – congrats on the successful fudge!!!
Mahjongg tonight
Michele NC
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Suzie-Totally get your point about always being the understanding one! It almost seems like people don’t know what to do with widows.
Karen in Va-interesting point about tests.
Sharon Near Seattle-sorry to hear you are in such a low spot. It does sound like you are making some steps forward. Credit yourself for what you do, don’t beat yourself up over what is not done. Your date sounds great!
Katia-love the tree.
Allie-glad you are noticing improvement in strength-give yourself time.
Masks and HIPPA-actually, if an individual gives you their medical record it is not HIPPA-the doctors can’t give it to anyone without the individual’s permission.
Only worked half day today. Had to go to gyn office for blood work-bone density test shows osteoporosis. No doubt due to thyroid suppression medicines since 1996 for thyroid cancer. Can’t quit the suppression therapy so I will see what the doctor has to say.
Went to credit union-house is paid for. Had nice work out at gym. Going to clean up kitchen and return call to brother (haven’t heard from him in months and he called while I was on work call this am). He lives about 15 minutes from me!
Take care all,
Ginny in Ohio
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Michele: As I have read in the cook books, fudge is usually made with butter, milk & sugar. I always choose chocolate fudge and substitute margarine for butter because of my picky digestive system. DH likes peanutbutter fudge best. Between us, DH & I both have digestive issues and we often have to make substitutions. When I first glanced at your post I was thinking of brownies, rather than fudge. I sometimes think of inlcluding peanutbutter in brownies. We have to make substitutions there because DH can’t digest wheat flour. :ohwell:
I hope you have a good time at Mahjongg.
Katla
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Worked today, work tomorrow. I feel so much better, I did my job inside until it the sun came out and it warmed up enough that I went outside. I had with me documentation that OSHA says that cold temps are different, that in an area that’s not used to cold temps (like NC) cold temps are above freezing.
I was talking to the gal who was handing out masks. She said that she was told by the night manager that if she asks someone if they’d like a mask and they say they can’t wear one for medical reasons, she was to ask for their documentation of the medical reason. I just said to her “you can’t ask that, HIPPA laws” Alls I know is that there is no way in h*** I would ask someone for that
When I got home from work Vince said that Denise called. She’s getting a two week paid vacation. Seems the daycare is shutting down for two weeks because there are so many children testing positive for C and so many staff. She said that PJ and she tested negative. But isn’t there an incubation period where you test negative but are subsequently positive? I guess now it’s really a blessing in disguise that she isn’t coming down here.
Debbie CA – you can deliver treats to my house any time. You can even mail them, I don’t have a problem with that…..
Made my first loaf of sourdough for the holiday. Actually, it’s rising right now. I think I’ll make one for Colby to take back, one for Amanda and andy who will be here Christmas Eve for dinner (last time she said that she liked it) and one for this guy from the Salvation Army who is usually at Food Lion. And if he isn’t there, we can have it
Had the dinner all planned for this week. Had dinners Jessica was going to make. Then last night Vince tells me that Jess is going to work today even tho they don’t have her (I think it is) I-9 form and she has no idea what time she’ll be back. So ma to the rescue. Made beef and potato patties for dinner tonight. I’ll have to talk to her when she comes home, if she’s going to work Wed. and Fri, I need to know how she makes the things.
Katla – what ingredient in fudge contains gluten? I didn’t think any of them did, so now I’m curious
KJ – glad you’re feeling better and that those parents were able to help you. You do so much for their children!
Flea – congrats on the successful fudge!!!
Mahjongg tonight
Michele NC
If shipping wasn't so expensive, I would love to ship to everyone- I paid over $65 just for shipping four boxes. Shipping cost more than the supplies to make the stuff inside.3
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