phyllser

LOL! We love your pictures...dirt included! I'm doing great. Finally got over the crud! LOL!! I'm glad I'm not the only one with CRS!!! Hope the little guy is okay now!! Sure its not anything you did or didn't do!! I love the new photo too, Julie!

Just popping in to say "HI" to all of you! Please forgive me.... its a challenge to keep up with all the posts! I thoroughly enjoy keeping up with all of you, but a bit overwhelming to respond to all. I am doing so much better. Still taking some antibiotics (left over from a UTI!) because my left ear is still hurting a little, and my lymph nodes in my neck. I gained 4 lb while DD & SIL were here!!! Probably a lot of it water, but nevertheless, 4 lb!! Too much dining out (sodium), too many "adult" beverages, and not enough exercise---- partly because I skipped a few times when I was feeling lousy, and when we were sightseeing with DD & SIL. We had a GREAT time, BTW... in Temecula-- wine tasting with ... now this is complicated.... step-granddaughter-in-law!! Get that??? She is tour guide at one of the best wineries in CA and she took DD & I (ladies' only afternoon) to her winery for VIP tasting and let us use her discount (50% on wine, 30% in gift shop) to buy whatever we wanted!! We stayed there in Hampton Inn that night. Next day we drove to San Diego where we stayed in the Hilton... thanks to another friend and her "family and friends" discount!! We went to the San Diego Zoo that day. Next day we drove over to Coronado Island where we walked on the beach and then explored the Del something hotel... very fancy place where all we could afford was coffee!! LOL! But we had great fun the whole time they were here. SIL is closer to our age than to DD's, so we are a very good "fit" and get along well. At that hotel... after we got our coffees, we sat out on the hotel patio to take in the beautiful beach and sunshine. A couple across the sidewalk from us came out to a table and set down their coffees and pastries and then went back inside for a minute (she forgot her purse). They no soooner turned their backs when we heard all this commotion and turned around to see two sea gulls fighting over their pastries! In a matter of seconds, the goodies were gone and so were the birds! The couple came back out to find only their coffee and an empty paper wrapper!! I thought my DH would never stop laughing! The couple was not amused and I saw the woman standing there muttering at one of the birds who'd come back to survey the damage while her hubby went back in for more pastries. Judging by the cost of our coffees, almost $10 for a large latte and a large coffee... I'm quite sure the seagulls devoured several dollars worth of sweets!

I'm just 5 ft tall and started at 327 lb, BMI of almost 64, so not far from where you are really. I know there are some who say if they had it to do over they'd go with the sleeve because that eliminates "fills". And I know of one who converted from band to sleeve after a year or so because of some complications.. I think she was having a lot of trouble with reflux. I'm happy with my band, but if problems developed, I'd probably convert to sleeve also. There are threads here for that, I think, so do some research on your way to making a decision. I was banded July 07. Slow looser... so I haven't reached goal yet, but down 130 lb. Knee problems impaired my ability to exercise for the first two years, but now I have a "new" left knee which has helped a lot. Exercise is an important part of this journey.

CONGRATS to the newly banded two!! You're on your way to a healthier you!! WOOHOO!! :thumbup::smile2::party::smile:

Very nice! I posted it to my Facebook Profile Page! Got me thinking.... don't know if we'd want to take up a whole day with this or not... but chew on it... We could drive to Bellingham in July... an hour or so.... and take a foot ferry to Victoria for the day if everyone brings their passport. Being July 4th weekend.... it might be crowded, and don't know what it would cost. This is NOT fair.... Tracy & Jim just went home Tuesday night. So... we all got weighed in the last day or two... Tracy lost 4 lb, Jim stayed the same, I gained 4 lb and Earl gained 9 1/2 lb!! HUH??????? What's up with that??? I ate way less than any of them... yes, too many adult beverages AGAIN, but no more than anyone else. We just got back from Walmart/Costco where we replenished our salad supplies!! I'll have it off in a week. It'll take Earl 2 weeks, but he'll do it.

Trying to catch up on all the posts since Saturday!! We were gone for a few days with our DD & SIL. Had a great time. Got back last night. Can't begin t respond to all the posts, but yours caught my eye, Julie!! Those are all the same shows I like to watch!! DH would watch Fox News 24/7 if I let him! I get tired of it pretty quickly!

So sorry, Karla. Peace and comfort for you and your family as you deal with your grief. Hugs!

Good news, Karri!! Trying to catch up on all the posts while I was gone! Good to be back but we had great fun! Tracy and Jim got home late last night and she's at work today!

Hi! In Temecula. Fish tacos for lunch. Decided to self medicate! Sinuses hurt so, Sudafed, Aleve, Keflex leftover from last UTI!

Feeling much better. Off to Temecula/San Diego with Tracy and Jim for a couple of days. They fly out Tues. afternoon.

I am feeling SO much better. Still a little coughing, esp in the morning, but so much better! Didn't get to the fair. SIL's DS and 2 grandchildren came over from Temecula and they just wantd to swim! Just as well. We stayed here all day yesterday, watched Olympics and just talked and visited. Very enjoyable! Today we are leaving for a couple of days. Temecula tonight, San Diego tomorrow night and we will do some sightseeing Mon/Tues before they fly home.

Thanks, Laura! I haven't had any fever. Nasal passages feel inflamed. Don't think sinuses are infected. Just so tired of feeling so yucky and run down!

Good Morning, Gang! Very little time this week to read posts, reply to posts! So just a quick "HELLO"! DD & SIL here for a few days and trying to make the most of our time together. Still feeling kind of sick, too! Two weeks tomorrow and I'm ready to be done! Sudafed this morning is helping a little. It's a beautiful day so far but I see clouds heading this way. Our step-grandson & 2 kids on their way over for a few hours visit... our SIL's oldest son so trying to think of some things to do that will keep the two grandkids occupied and entertained. Also, our son was thinking of flying down in his airplane today from the San Jose area. Waiting to hear from him if the weather is going to cooperate or not. Called on hour ago and DGD said they weren't out of bed yet at 10 a.m.!! Dr. Laura.... here are my symptoms.... started with sore throat 2 wks ago. Then a little queasy stomach, mild congestion, achy, especially back of my head and neck... that continues, lungs seem clear, cough up stuff on & off all day but mostly in the morning, two nights ago was awake during the night with excruciating pain in my back, right side, around my waist. It was better in the morning, and better today, but still hurts in that area when I move, when I cough or even clear my throat. Whadayathink??? Dr. Janet says pleurisy. Nurse Phyl says its just a virus and it'll pass but I can't figure out the back pain.

Have you ever been tested for sleep apnea?? I use a CPAP.. for about 5 yrs now, and no more snoring. DH however, sometimes keeps me awake with his! Weather changes will definitely make the joints/bones ache!!

Janet, wish I could tell you that puppy is cute, but it's NOT!! LOL!! Now, Tracy has a CUTE puppy!! That puppy is a "Shorkie".. Shitzu and yorkie. If she's sleeping on your lap and you want to get up, you just put her in her bed... and cover her up with her little blankie if you want to, and she never moves or wakes up! She is so cute! I want a SHORKIE!! I am still sick. I may have to go to urgent care tomorrow. I had such severe back pain... right side around my waist, that I was near tears in the middle of the night and almost went looking for my pain pills!! Excruciating pain just trying to turn over in bed. Not very congested, but cough up a lot of junk in the mornings. Still feeling achy all over, especially around the back of my head/neck. I hate to disrupt Tracy & Jim's visit with going to the dr! Today we took a ride to Salton Sea, Salvation Mountain and Slab City. Won't take the time to elaborate, but google Salvation Mountain and Slab City... quite interesting and unique.

Went to the doctor last week in Seattle. No fever now, cough in the morning mostly, aches are back tonight but we had a very busy day today with DD & SIL here now. Yeah, I definitely could use a break... just stay on th couch and rest for a few days!!! Not in the near future though! I think we're going to the fair tomorrow. Saturday Chris is hoping to fly his plane down and have lunch with us. Sunday we go to Temecula and visit Jim's son and family. We have hotel reservation for that night. Monday we're driving over to San Diego and have hotel reservations for there Monday night so we can do some sightseeing Mon/Tues. They fly back to Seattle Tuesday night about 6pm. Makes me tired just thinking about the next four days!!! Good for you!!! Congrats!

Yeah... I was almost disappointed that they didn't make Kurtis stay in juvie a few more days. I hope he follows through with going to school. i have my doubts about the military school thing working because he will have to be away from his girlfriend for 5 months! But, I've reminded him that if he goes in the Marines, you can't take your girlfriend to basic training!! Earl refuses to let me be sick! Yesterday he was upset that I didn't go to water aerobics. This morning I told him my bones were still aching... esp my back. He said, "well, when I get muscle aches it's because I need to exercise!" So... okay, I went to water aerobics. I coughed crap up for 2 hrs before that! First 20 minutes are very strenuous for legs and arms and I ended up sitting on the steps resting before that part was over because my arms and legs felt like jello! But then I did the other 40 minutes without any problem. But, my favorite hot tub was really hot again today... and I might still have a slight fever, so I didn't stay in my whole 30 minutes that I usually do. Felt a little light headed after that. Just had some soup for lunch and I do feel quite a bit better now. Yeah, you need some catch up time, too! That's quite a crowd to be having for dinner on a work night!! Tracy and Jim fly in to San Diego late tonight and then are driving over here. We arranged for them to rent a double wide mobile for 4 nights. Then we're spending Sunday night in Temecula and Monday night in San Diego. Planning to do sightseeing in SD on Monday/Tuesday and don't you know those are the two days it's supposed to RAIN!!

EXCELLENT!! Hope the upper GI news is GOOD and all is well! Everything with DGS turned out good...he called me as soon as proceedings were over. His mother showed up at court sober and agreed to let him continue to live with his girlfriend and her parents and he promised he would enroll in school this morning. So they canceled the warrant for his arrest. He spent one night in Juvie, but Tracy and I thought it would be a week since that's the usual "punishment" for truancy. Also, prosecuting attorney is helping him to get in to a military school in western WA... our part of the world--when we're home, July 19 for 5 mos.. They will help him continue with school... hopefully get his GED, and he'll be 18 when he finishes that and then he can enlist. He wants to go in the Marines. As for my crazy Mom, after the dr. appt, her and Uncle Ed went out for dinner!! Typical for those two! It WAS his birthday yesterday, so I suppose that's why. I really intended to call him and wish him a happy birthday since I neglected to send a card... my life has been too crazy to remember... but I didn't call either so I better do that today and then I can check on how she is doing! FAKE IT TIL YOU MAKE IT!! So sorry to hear the house deal fell through! Was so hoping things were going to turn around for you!! Spring is on the horizon... people will start getting in to the house hunting mood! Prayers for you Dad... and for you! So much to deal with! I keep saying... I feel better, I feel better! But, still coughing up crud and bones aching! Going to water aerobics... we'll see if I have the energy. Yesterday just ended up sitting in the hot tub for a little while. Then took a shower and went to beading. Made a pretty gold bracelet, but it's too big so it will probably be a gift to someone because I'm NOT going to take it apart to make it smaller! I'd rather give it away and make another one that fits better. This one falls off my wrist. I almost stopped one motif earlier, and I should have. It didn't seem big enough then so I did one more. But... when you add the clasp, it adds 1/2 - 1 inch. I have like about a 6 inch wrist! Like the ortho guy told me last week... "you have a very small frame!" Then he told me I was carrying WAY TOO MUCH weight for the small sized hardware he had to install in my knee which would increase the risk of failure! Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my ortho doctor, but you have to wince a little when he tells it like it is without any effort to soften it!! Too bad I can't tell him I lost 10 lb this week! Of course, I wouldn't tell him what I gaind on the cruise!! LOL! But I'm still down 2 lb since my before cruise weight so there IS progress!!

That is pretty funny!! Smart kid!! LOL! Glad to have you join us, Joyce! I see we are the same age. Meds can be a challenge. I find I am able to swallow all of those i have to take. I would like to be able to take a fish oil supplement, but can't find anything small enough to swallow. I used to buy these things that I think were called Cor-Omega and they were little packets of fish oil that you could squeeze out in to pudding or something. But I can no longer find them anywhere. They had them ONCE at costco, and Riteaid used to sell them, but now I can't find them anywhere. Heard from DGS a few minutes ago. Court appearance is over.. they dismissed the warrant for his arrest and his mother agreed to let him go back and stay with his girlfriend and her parents! He will enroll in the school in their area tomorrow. And the prosecuting attorney is setting it up for him to go to a military school July 19 that will help him finish high school. He said he will be there for 5 months. Then he'll be 18 and he can enlist... which is what he really wants to do. So lets hope he follows through with all of this! DH did get the Wii out this morning, so I got on it... lost 10 lb since last Monday! Some of the cruise weight must have been Fluid, but I haven't been eating much since I've been sick. So I'm at 196, which is a new low for me. Was nice to be able to finally change my ticker again!!

This has got to be the most miserable virus I've had in a very long time. Feel better as far as congestion, etc., but aches and pains.. Went to beading and could barely stand sitting there.. back, ribs, etc. hurting, no energy. Finished my bracelet ASAP. It turned out to big. Think I will give it to someone. Kurtis' court appearance was at 1:30 this afternoon. Will probably hear something soon. Tracy talked to his attorney and he's apparently fed up with him. He missed several court dates, and the times he did show up he said Kurtis told so many stories he no longer has any credibility. He has it great where he's at.. living with his 19 yr old girlfriend and her parents, not going to school, not working... what more could a 17 yr old kid want! He won't be 18 until December. Tracy thinks he will end up in the state system.. group home or foster home, but not before spending some time in jail. She said typically 7 days for truancy. In the meantime, just had a text from my youngest sister and my Mom is sick and at the doctor... coughing up blood. Isn't it a GREAT day!??? One positive note today... Earl got the Wii out so I decided to get weighed... 196!! I lost 10 lb in 8 days! HUH??? Yeah, that's what it said. Haven't been eating much because I feel like shxxxxx!! Hope your sister is better by now! Out of the hospital yet??

Apples.... Eva DOES make the BEST salsa!! She brought us some when she was here in Nov and DH and I fought over it!! :tt1: And would love to have sampled Julie's salsa! Nothing better than homemade salsa! Feeling a little better this morning. Still a few aches and pains, and juicy cough... sorry! But I am going to the pool and at least sit in the hot tub for a while. Don't know if I'll do water aerobics or not. And I want to go to beading at 11 a.m.!! I went last week not feeling good and now I'm getting blamed for making some of them sick!!:biggrin::tongue::thumbup: Family issues this morning... too much to go in to, but DGS.. 17 yrs old... arrested and in juvie for truancy. His mother is a hopeless drunk and our son is barely able to support himself and in OK. DGS is in WA. Big mess! Have phone calls to make. Hope everyone has a great day. Safe travels, Eva!

Karri - So sorry for your "parent issues". I feel so blessed to have had two parents who loved each other and who loved us. I can't relate to how it must have been for so many of you and my heart goes out to all of you for what you've been through. I'm so glad you now have a "mom" who loves you very much. Too bad you can't see each other more often. This summer will be fun! You've had a tough winter with your surgery and recovery. So glad you've been released to "normal"! Hugs on the depression issue. I just started on antidepressants last summer - Sertraline... which I believe is generic zoloft. First it was 25 mg... that wasn't enough, so Doc upped it to 100... then I was having sleep issues that I thought were related so we cut back to 50 mg and that seems to be a good fit. But as the gals said.... there are lots of them out there and hopefully your doc can find something that works for you and doesn't disrupt other parts of our life! Yep.. I agree, Karla. Good advice. Karla - hugs on the Dad situation! Hang in there. Glad you're back on track. I think I am too... pretty sure all the "cruise" weight is gone and maybe another pound or two. Too much hassle to get out the Wii and weigh so I will wait for Thurs and the "official" TOPS scale. Feeling a little better this morning but still have a deep, productive cough and some head congestion. But I'm going to the pool. Just want to sit in the hot tub. But I'll try to do some of the water aerobics. I'm not going to wear myself out though. Upsetting news this morning. DGS, Kurtis... 17 yrs old... his girlfriend's mom called me a short time ago to tell me he was arrested last night and is in juvie.... truancy... which is a FELONY! Did you know that? Anyways.... long story, so I'll spare you, but suffice to say... his mother is a drunk.. is wasted every time she calls me. Called me in WA last week threatening to have me arrested for "aiding and abetting" because I'd been talking to Kurtis on the phone and not letting her know! I had to hang up on her. She was so drunk she wouldn't let me say a word and she was just ranting and raving and threatening etc. DS is not much help. He's in OK and barely able to support himself let alone a teenager. And Kurtis wanted to bring his girlfriend with him if he went down there! So... don't know what will happen. Jim & Tracy still have a foster license and are willing to take him, but they're on the other side of the state and he doesn't want to leave the girlfriend! What a mess! Cute joke, Candice!! :biggrin::tt1::thumbup::tt1::tongue:

CONGRATS!! I reached that milestone not too long ago so I know what a thrill that is! Hope the port issue doesn't continue to be a problem!

Yeah, I'm sad that I couldn't go, too! Sounds like they had a wonderful time! Good explanation of how/why the cancel flights. Thanks! Joyce, Welcome! You are not CRAZY!! You won't be sorry! I'd do it again in a heartbeat! TOO FUNNY!! Great synopsis in a few words!! Congrats on the 3 lb! I think I've dropped all my "cruise" gain. Feeling cruddy for the last week has helped somewhat!! So sweet of your DH!! I came back last night to 3 beautiful roses! My daughter got 3 DOZEN yesterday morning! But I'm happy with 3! LOL! No room in the RV for 3 dozen anyway! So glad you all had such a wonderful time and so sad I couldn't be with you! Amen, New York!! Really enjoying reading everyone's reflections on your weekend together in Florida. So wish I had been there. Hope Nels is feeling better this morning. That's a good system! I called DH on Saturday from Seattle and asked "permission" to buy a camera I've been wanting because I saw it on sale at Target. I told him I'd use my "mad money" account but didn't want to do it unless he concurred. He told me "fine" and that I should put a red ribbon on it and tell myself "happy Valentine's Day"! So I thanked him for giving me permission to buy my Valentine's gift with MY money!! LOL! We've been in Indiana in heavy snow!! Not fun to drive in! Congrats on the victories! I am loving ALL the pictures, even the dups! Oh, goodness!! Trying to remember all the things I wanted to respond to!! I'm back in the desert and NOW maybe I can concentrate on getting over this crud! Ears hurting a little after that flight yesterday! Still achy in my head and neck and still coughing and congested!! YUCK! Anyway... loved your recap, Julie! Each one of you has almost made me feel like I was there, too.... ALMOST!! Yes, I did enjoy the visit with my grandchildren.. but probably would have enjoyed it MUCH more if I'd felt better. They are adorable and fun. OH....and I fell in LOVE with DD#1's new puppy!! Oh, my! What a sweetheart! Every time I sat down in the recliner she wanted to be on my lap and snuggle! After washing my face!! She is a tiny little shitzu mix... less than 5 lb and about 5 mos old. Never barks.. unless you forget to say "Good Morning" to her and give her some love when you get up! DD & I took her in the car with us on Thurs.... FIVE hours!! I had Dr. appt, then we ran some errands, out to lunch, etc. She sat quietly in her carrier in the back seat the whole time. Tracy got her out for a potty break once. Every time I thought she was sleeping because she was so quiet, I'd look back and she'd be sitting up looking out the front window! She is just a sweetie and I want one JUST LIKE HER!! Pretty sad when you gush more about your "grandpuppy" than your grandchildren, huh??!! LOL! Great job on the flying experience, Julie! Ain't it GREAT not to need a seat belt extender??!! I sat in a bulkhead seat yesterday, middle one, too! So I was a little worried that the table wouldn't fit, but NO PROBLEM!! I was delighted.

Great pics! Sounds like you all had a great time! Landed a little after 6pm last night. Exhausted! Still fighting off this cold. Skipping water aerobics this morning and Earl is not happy about that. Heck, I've gone through half a box of kleenex already this morning I think! Still have aches and pains. No energy! Need to rest and get over ths. Tracy and Jim are flying in Wed. night for a few days. It was sure nice to get back to the warm temps and I am loving the sunshine this morning.