phyllser

Good Morning! Gloomy, cloudy morning so far but hopefully the sun will come out, in more ways than one, and it'll be a GOOD day!! Off to a frustrating start, though! Earl left very early to take the RV in for our pre-trip oil change. So, it's at Tracy & Jim's, so he drives the car over and leaves with the RV leaving his fanny pack in the car, complete with wallet, cell phone, etc. So he calls me THREE TIMES while I'm sitting on the throne and can't get to the phone. When I finally talk to him he tells me I have to go get his fanny pack and bring it to him because he has no money to go buy breakfast, no credit cards to pay bill. Okay... how do you suggest I get there since the car is at Tracy's!! And Tracy is to pick me up in less than an hour to take me to the doctor! So now I'm supposed to take it to him after Tracy and I get back from the doctor! Sure! I gave him a credit card number so he can pay the bill. I can barely walk. Don't know if I can even drive!

Hangin'. Pain not gone... left foot tingly... going back to primary care clinic in the morning. Must be pressure on a nerve. Zoey's busy time and she is getting in trouble. Earl told her she was dumber than a box of rocks because he was trying to play catch with her outside and she wouldn't bring the ball back! I am trying to teach her "bring it back", but he doesn't use the right words so she's not getting it when he plays with her. He's giving me a break because of my back. But he says when I'm better he gets comp time! I have to pick up all the poop, etc., for a LONG time, I suspect! Grandson pretty sore after bad accident last night but so thankful that's all and everyone walked away. He was rear-ended and his car, which he worshipped, totaled! But Tracy said he stayed very cool and calm... good qualities for a guy who just finished EMT/fireman certification. He's worried that accident might hurt his job hunting because you're not suposed to have any accidents on your record. But this was TOTALLY not his fault! He was standing still waiting for lady in front of him to make a left turn when kid slammed in to him doing about 40 mph. Not a good week. Friend Jacki's cancer back. Just got an email from folks we've hung out with a lot at Sky Valley and wife died yesterday of some weird blood infection. Not very old. Maybe a few years older than me, but not much. They live here in WA, but not very close to us. Need some GOOD news!!

So sorry Laura! Hope everything is okay! Will definitely keep your Mom in my prayers! Sure can relate to the pain! HUGS!

Julie..... I've never been to a chiropractor but giving it serious consideration as it's been almost a week and I can't seem to get any relief from this back/hip pain even with tylenol/codeine and muscle relaxant. Saw my knee surgeon today and told him about it.He was all ready to order an MRI but when I told him we were heading out in the RV in 10 days he decided there was no point because if they see something, no time for treatment. But he says I DO need an MRI to see what's going on in my back. Pain is now going down the left butt and left foot is tingly since last night. Have ice on it now. There are definitely times when I WISH I were single, but to be honest, I think I'd be too depressed living alone. And I have a pretty good DH, even if he is a control freak!!! LOL! But I don't think I could put up with what Jodi is experiencing with matchmakers getting in the middle of it and constant calls for dates!! Nice to get all that attention, but it would be pretty annoying after a while. I can't get on my knees either. One night a couple of weeks ago, when I was home alone, I decided I needed to do some of my PT exercises on the living room floor. Boy was that a dumb idea!! I seriously thought I'd have no trouble getting back up! But almost ended up staying there until DH got home. I think he was down at the hot tub. But finally just had to grin and bear it and turn over on my knees. Every time I tried, it'd start hurting too much and I'd chicken out! I am very frustrated right now because I can't walk or exercise. I will go to PT in the morning, but dr. said to "go easy" this week, so they'll probably just do some massage, etc. again. Buying baby stuff is FUN!! Water aerobics is GREAT! Opted out this week, though, because of my back. Steps are very steep, and always hurts my back going up the very last step. Don't want to aggravate it any worse than it already is. Too much junk going on in my life! Whine! Whine! Whine! Grandson, almost 22 yrs old, got rear-ended on his way home from work last night. He was stopped behind a lady who was waiting to make a left turn when a young kid, barely old enough to drive, slammed in to him going about 40 mph! Kid had just pulled out of his driveway a block up the road, and said his brakes "failed". But, consensus of opinion is that HE failed to use his brakes because he was distracted.. probably using his phone. At any rate, DGS's car is totaled. He walked away with head, neck and leg hurting but refused treatment. SIL was going to take him to dr. today but haven't had any feedback on that yet. He apparently blacked out briefly, but then jumped out of his car and ran back to the kid to see if he was okay. DGS is a trained EMT and fireman, trying to find a job. Recently certified. Anyways, praise God he wasn't hurt badly. Scary stuff! Enough accidents for one family!! And our very good friend in Three Rivers CA was just diagnosed with recurrence of cancer. Double mastectomy 5 years ago and doing great ever since until she recently found a lump in her right armpit. Tests have shown she now has a tumor in her right pectoral muscle. Starting treatment all over again! A discouraging week!!

HAPPY DOUBLE BIRTHDAY!!!!! :party::tongue2::party::thumbup:

Insured with USAA. Loomis is Marsh Risk something or other... out of Texas, I think. Only been up an hour, but pain is no better this morning. Could barely walk from the bedroom to my chair. Not going to Primetimers... I would be miserable trying to sit in those hard chairs. And today's program.. someone from one of the hospitals is coming to speak on how to improve our sleep, I think. I think I've heard all that before. I don't know what to do... go back to doctor, go see the physiatrist guy I saw in June or maybe just shoot myself and be out of my misery!! :thumbup::eek::thumbup: I couldn't even walk my puppy last night. I made it as far as the end of the sidewalk and had to come back. I was going to walk to the dumpster and the mailbox at least. Figured I couldn't make it all the way around but thought I could make it that far. I already told you guys about the frustrating dental appt., right?? Things aren't going so great at the moment!! You're really doing GREAT!! Calories, exercise, etc.! Good for you! I know you said chiropractor, and use ice. I have NEVER been to a chiropractor so I guess I'm a little afraid. And starting to wonder what is going on because this pain is radiating around to the front.. my left hip, waist, is where it is hurting most. TMI.... but.... it even hurts to fart!! :biggrin::tongue2: I haven't tried the ice.... I know, my BAD, but.... I'm always cold... and can't stand the idea of ice. I keep thinking I need to freeze some ice bags... but haven't done it yet.

Was told we could go directly to their insurance, or let our insurance manage the claims and then get reimbursed by Loomis' insurance. Advice from others was to let our insurance handle it as things would happen quicker. That must have been right because I called their insurance on Friday and they have yet to call me back except for the personal injury inquiry today. Also called their "How's My Driving" number and they took all the info and said someone would call me back but no call back on that either. But our insurance has already taken care of the body work bill even though the work hasn't been done yet, and they waived the deductible in lieu of getting reimbursed by the other insurance. And when Earl went in to Enterprise for a rental today, we'd already been put in to their computer system by our insurance. I just wish he would have he would have held out for an SUV because they should pay for us to rent a comparable vehicle!! One medical bill... from yesterday, already submitted, too. And maybe my insurance can get me some $$$ for pain and suffering!! Sure has been a miserable few days. Don't feel like moving. But know I need to so will probably try to take a short walk in a little while.

You can do it!!

I LOVE my lady dentist... her two associates... so-so. My appointment was with her today and I like her and her asst. so much better. And they are very chatty besides very efficient. I told them, they work together so smoothly that I can hardly tell whose hands are whose! They've got like 3 hands in my mouth at one time and I'm not the least bit uncomfortable. They just did the one small filling in the front today. The story on the crowns... one is a crown that the guy in CA did 3/09 and he didn't do a great job, but she said it was okay to just watch it for now. The other tooth... not a crown, but he put an "inlay" on it at the same time. It is apparently not sealed around the edges.. again.. a poor job and so it needs a crown now. BUT.. since he billed it as an "inlay", insurance will not pay on that tooth for 5 years... 3/14!! Out of pocket..... $1322~~!!! They said they could just watch that one for now, too, but... if it needs a crown, I think I might go down to Mexico to have it done this winter. So.....since things have been a little "heavy" around here, I'd like to offer this little "blond joke" for a moment of levity!! A girl was visiting her blond friend, who had acquired two new dogs, and asked her what their names were. The blond responded by saying that one was named Rolex and one was named Timex. Her friend said, 'Whoever heard of someone naming dogs like that?' 'HELLLOOOOOOO......,' answered the blond. 'They're watch dogs'!

Been away nursing my back.... well.... here but just not motivated. Seems a little better this afternoon, though, so just "speed read" through several pages of posts and now just have a few minutes before I have to leave for dental appt.!! But that's another story.. I don't think I told it yet, but it's pretty frustrating!! Well, you could just go all the way with us.... 6 weeks on the road... and we'll get to Desert Hot Springs just about in time to drive to Vegas for the Oct.1 weekend!!! LOL! Only requirement..... you do the cooking!! HAHAHA!! No problem! Glad you're back online now!! Lady Gaga.... you are one BRAVE woman!! Glad the unfill is working out for you! OK.... time to leave for dentist. CBL

Well, we're about to embark on our "winter trip" in about 10 days. We'll be taking the RV... first home to Buffalo NY for a family wedding and to see my Mom and other family on both sides. Then we'll go on to OK to visit friends there and finally on to CA for the winter. We'll be there sometime near the end of Sept. So... it's going to be a looooooonnnnggg winter!! Don't know how I'm going to like being away that long! But, it's so cold here when we come home too early in the spring.

Pain is less today. Might be meds. Took 2 muscle relaxers before bed and 2 tylenol/codeine. Still feel a little loopy from them so thinking they didn't go down right away. Will probably take 2 more muscle relaxers in a little while... when I take my Antiboitics for dental appt in about 45 minutes. Agree with Steph's advice, but I probably would give each couple a "heads up" that the other is coming. Don't think there will be any problem with claims being paid. Were notified this morning that car has already been paid for and deductible waived... being paid by Loomis' insurance. And had a phone call from them, as well, regarding my back and they assured they would pay for any related bills.

PT appt in the morning but I went over this afternoon instead to see if they could work on me. So they put a "TENS" unit on my back and left side for about 15 minutes, then one of the techs did massage with ultrasound for about another 15-20 minutes. Seemed to help a little. When I got back Zoey "demanded" a scooter ride and I didn't have the energy to fight with her. Earl let her out to greet me and she went straight to the scooter. I came in and ignored her. She sat there on the scooter barking at me. I tried to get her to come in but she wouldn't so I finally gave in and rode over to Surf Shack.. but they were already closed. But she got her ride.. spoiled little brat. Have neighbor's heating pad on me now, and I took 2 of the muscle relaxers. Seem to be getting a little relief. And I will take the tylenol/codeien in a little while. This is the pits!! Earl takes the car in tomorrow morning and they will start working on it.. first step is ordering the parts. There is an Enterprise Rental Car right in the same building. How convenient!

Good Morning. Didn't think I'd have time to post until much later so I sent Janet a short email. But... now here I am! Just got back from church. We have a church picnic at noon, so leaving in a few minutes. Back pain is terrible today... back to the intensity it was last March when I went to urgent care. Took a pain pill before church and all it did was make me light headed! Don't know what to do. Yes, Candice... I should go to the Dr! But.. it's Sunday and I don't want to sit around in ER half the day. Tomorrow is super busy. Sky Valley WA state reunion picnic up towards Camano Island. Could go to walk in before that except we are supposed to get there early to help set up because we agreed to take over organizing it next year. Lady who has been doing wanted off the hook. In a weak moment I said we'd take over. So she wants to teach us what is involved. But... I might skip TOPS weigh in and go early to Dr. office as walk-in. Not that I think they can do anything... but to document that the back pain was intensified, apparently by the accident. Because I told the insurance people.. no physical injury. Zoey is so funny... crate her while we are at church. But whenever we get home from somewhere, and she's been in the crate... Earl is the first one in the door so he opens the gate on the crate. He always puts the crate up on his chair. So... she just sits in there until she sees me come in the door. Then she comes FLYING out and runs to greet me! Of course, there is a reason for that besides she loves me!! LOL! Usually when she's had to stay home, then I take her for a scooter ride when we get home... usually to Surf Shack. And now "Daddy" says she has to have her harness taken off before bed so she can sleep more comfortably!!?? HUH?? What a riot he is! Well, guess we better leave. Earl loaded a lawn chair for me because I don't think I can handle picnic benches today. Probably won't stay long, but this is first opportunity to socialize with these people... we're going to a new church the past couple of months. Hydocodone...nice buzz... too bad no relief from the pain! Hugs to all!! Sorry this was all about me but not thinking clearly!! LOL! Don't remember any of your posts except Candice didn't get to dance!

Oh, my goodness!! Sorry about the drama with Andrew over Ryder. Was hoping the new puppy would help fill the gap. Hope he gets over it soon! Is Ryder somewhere that he can visit him?? Funny story about Bella.... but not at the time! I can only imagine your anguish!! Like I felt yesterday morning when zoey was so sick! I wasn't sure she was going to make it but she was back to normal by last night! Earl was so frustrated today because there was absolutely nothing he could do about getting the car fixed... nothing open until Monday morning and we have a VERY busy day on Monday... Agreed to help with the WA state Sky Valley reunion picnic. In fact, we agreed to take it over starting next year, so were asked to get there early on Monday to help set up and learn what is involved so we can be ready to do it next year. So... will weigh in on Monday at TOPS and then go pick up this old lady at a nearby nursing home and head out to the picnic. I think it's going to take up most of our day which will further frustrate him! Sorry about your frustration with Mel. He doesn't know what he's missing!! Earl has always been a very "hands on" grandpa! From tiny baby on, he's enjoyed spending time with them and helping to take care of them. I have photos of several of them sound asleep on his lap, in his recliner, with him sound asleep too!! Very cute! Maybe he'll get it when they are a little older. Such a precious time for us as grandparents! He shouldn't miss out on that! No, I probably shouldn't be taking Ibuprofen... didn't take any Aleve... but I was in so much pain. I think I've taken it several times lately because of back pain, headache or pain in my rt. foot from an old fracture. If I take it, I just try to drink a lot of liquid so it doesn't sit in my pouch!

That sounds like a GREAT Christmas celebration!! I think I'll come, too!! LOL! I had to go outside and pick up puppy poop that I almost forgot about so now I forgot what I was going to say! Ah... candice... headache yesterday, backache today. Had to take some Ibuprofen. That took the edge off. Glass of wine made me feel a LOT better! Don't think any physical injury from the accident, but a lot of tension and stress is probably causing the increased pain. It's worse than it has been since March when I had that bad episode. Will try to walk tonight, but only made it as far as the dumpster last night.... 2 buildings down. I went to bed 2 hrs earlier than normal last night.. 10 pm.. when Earl went. You may have already read this story on the other thread, but.... Earl was coming right behind me so I told him to bring the crate. So he gets to the bedroom and he's carrying Zoey but no crate. I said, "You forgot the crate." He says, "We don't need it anymore!" HAHAHAHA!! The Dog Rules completed. She slept on the bed with us AND... the cat didn't run away. She stayed too!! Amazing!! So... we're lying in bed facing each other, the light is still on, Zoey is curled up under Earl's chin, and all of a sudden he gets all choked up and starts telling me how much he loves our little puppy! Do you believe this is the same man who insisted I could NOT have a dog!!???? LOL!! Food today.... eggbeaters omelet in the morning with a VERY small, VERY thin pancake.. Then Zoey and I went for our latte, her treats. Then we went to Costco and Walmart. So lunch was Costco snacks. I had a couple of bites of pork loin with Yoshida sauce on it. Didn't know I dropped a spot of sauce on my shirt until I got in the car and Zoey started licking it! She licked it until I had a silver dollar size wet spot on my shirt! But... guess what... stain is completely gone!! Also had a little chicken & rice, corner of a ham and cheese sandwich, and that's about all. Dinner... small piece of BBQ steak w/mushrooms, onions and garlic cooked on the grill, 1 ear of white corn. Had a SF, FF latte this morning, glass of wine this afternoon. I hope to take a walk in about an hour if my back doesn't hurt too bad. that's all for now, folks!

I think your nickname is all wrong!! Cuz.... You're a PEACH!! You are handling this unexpected family crisis so graciously! Eva, I've always thought of "vespers" as evening prayers. I found this definition on the internet though: ves·pers also Ves·pers (vsprz) pl.n. (used with a sing. or pl. verb) 1. Ecclesiastical a. The sixth of the seven canonical hours. b. A worship service held in the late afternoon or evening in many Western Christian churches. c. The time of day appointed for this service. 2. Evensong. 3. Roman Catholic Church A service held on Sundays or holy days that includes the office of vespers. Here's another Zoey story..... two nights ago when I came to bed, Zoey was still snuggled up at the foot of the bed. I'm supposed to put her in her crate when I come to bed. DH goes to bed usually about 2 hrs before me and gets up about 2 hrs before me. Zoey has that time on the bed and not in the crate. So.... I didn't put her in the crate 2 nights ago. DH woke up and said, "she needs to go in the crate." I said, "why? she's okay." So he left her there. Last night... I was exhausted from the turmoil of the day... car accident, sick puppy in the morning, 3 hrs chasing the grandkids around Seattle Science Center... so I went to bed when DH went. Had an awful headache and couldn't keep my eyes open. So, I headed back, told DH to bring the crate with him when he came. He follows me back... no crate. I said, "you forgot the crate." He says, "We don't need it anymore!!" LOL!! The Dog Rules... puppy has worked her way through to sleeping on the bed. And the cat is tolerating it just fine! She used to leave the bed and the room when I brought Zoey back and put her in the crate. Gradually she started staying. Now they are sharing the bed!! HAHAHA!!

My husband is retired military also. We are originally from NY state, then settled in WA state, but Boeing transfer took us to OK for 15 years, now we're back in WA. We have 2 sons, 2 daughters, 10 grandkids, 2 step-grandkids and 4 step-great grandkids! Truly BLESSED!! We are both retired and we're "Snowbirds", so we spend 6 months at home in our condo, and 6 months in CA in our motor home. You're doing GREAT!! Congrats on your success!! My doc's office is very encouraging about my success, too.

Well put, Julie. I couldn't agree more!! Don't they usually give the victim an opportunity to speak... like about how the crime has impacted his life, at the sentencing phase?? I think I missed your posts regarding this, too. I've just caught up on more than 2 days of postings, so everything is all jumbled up in my head and I skimmed through a lot!! At any rate, hope this works out for you. If not... like you say, you have a walking partner! I am enjoying MY walking partner!! You're doing GREAT!! I'm copping out again.... by saying, I couldn't agree more with what Linda says here, Laura!! Nels will be fine! I can relate to much of what you say because our 4th child is adopted. He turned 38 a few weeks ago! This too will pass, Gwen!! You are getting enough protein, right?? Hang in there with the meds, Kiddo! You are about to embark on a great journey and you need all your resources and that includes your Rx! You have a lot on your plate right now, but you've already proved..... YOU CAN DO IT!! Gwen.... Wait until all these "young" gals get to be our age! They'll understand... we still feel like 16!! Contrary to popular opinion, :biggrin: I don't think what you are feeling is all that connected to age! :w00t::w00t: Why don't they want you to drink coffee?? I'll tell you a story about that. When I had my nutrition consult prior to surgery I was told that, too. So I quit both coffee and diet coke.... which had been two STAPLES in my diet!! So, when I went for my first POST-OP appointment, my question to the doc's P.A. was "why can't I have coffee??" She says, "Who told you that?? That's not one of Dr. Hunter's rules!!" So I started drinking coffee again. I have about 2 cups every morning and later in the day I go to my favorite Espresso stand (Surf Shack) for a QUAD SF, FF latte! So.... I recommend you beg and plead to be allowed your caffeine!! Have you checked out the 60+ thread yet??? Lots of folks our age there. But its not as active as this thread.

You didn't offend me at all! Glad you got some insight from your friend Michelle! I know all about living with a control freak!! I do really value the bond of friendship we have with one another, too!! Don't know what I'd do without all of you! We "get" each other!! Yeah, quite often Zoey is calling the shots. We're learning! She was quite sick this morning. We suspect that I may have dropped a pill yesterday.. we were setting up our plastic stacking containers for the next six weeks. I was being so careful, but Earl found a cranberry tab and a Nexium under the table this morning with little teeth marks in them and one little piece of dry dog food next to them. So afraid she found one and ate it. At any rate... Earl put her in bed with me at 6 a.m., after she'd had her Breakfast and gone outside. We slept until almost 7:30 a.m. Then I usually go in the bathroom, then come back and get her and carry her in to the living room to sit on my lap while I have my coffee. But she started spinning in circles on the bed. She finally stopped and I took her in the LR, but she was acting real weird... like disoriented. She wouldn't sit on my lap and was wandering around. Earl thought she might need to go outside again, so he opened the door and she ran out and ran down the sidewalk before he had a chance to put the leash on her. When he caught her and picked her up she threw up all over herself and him... clear liquid. Then she was shivering for about an hour. She finally settled down and quit shivering and she's been fine ever since. Strange. Really scared us. So that was the start of a really crappy day! When she settled down, we left to go to Seattle. Met our daughter at the Science Center and went straight to the IMAX thater when we got there, to see a Boeing 3D movie, legends of flight, I think was the name. We took Zoey's little red carrier and no one even knew she was there! So... 3 hrs of fun with the grandkids, movie and exhibits... dinosaurs, Butterfly Room, BUGS, etc! But... I forgot that we needed to bring a lunch with us. So... I was already hungry when we got there at 10 a.m., so by the time we left at 1 p.m., I was REALLY hungry!! I wanted to just go down to the waterfront and stop at one of the walk up places for clam chowder, shrimp cocktail or something quick and easy and go home. Earl thought it would be too hard to find a place to park! I finally gave up arguing with him and he decided we'd go to Ivar's seafood restaurant on Lake Union near the U of WA. So we headed over there and decided to eat outside at the fish bar instead of going in to the restaurant. Had oysters and chips and we split a small cup of chowder. Then we get in the car to leave.... Waiting at the curb for a break in traffic and this big huge Loomis Armoured truck pulls in and smashes in to the reaer end of our pretty new car!! What an idiot!! We're NOT invisible! Wonder if he was on his cell phone. He cut the corner short! Tore off the whole rear bumper and panels and bent the steel frame in one place. So now I have a BIG headache, Earl is completely stressed out.. worried that we can't get the repairs done before we leave in 2 weeks, and afraid of what this is going to cost us. We have $500 deductible, but that should be reimbursed by Loomis insurance... they will have to find us not responsible since we were standing still!! And we'll have to get a rental car since that is our only car! That came right on top of an equally frustrating dental appt. yesterday...Two crowns that the idiot dentist in Palm Desert did in Feb 09 have to be replaced and my insurance won't pay for crown on those two teeth within 5 yrs! So those will cost me well over $1000. Thinking of going to Mexico to get them fixed when we get down to CA!! So... whine, whine, whine!! A couple of really crappy days!! Sorry! Yeah.... different versions of the same guy!!! You got that right! AMEN!! Hugs, Karla... just saw your post after I posted mine!

Not crude at all!! You are a paragon of strength!! You are both amazing!! Gracious, secure in who you are, exercising tremendous restraint! Amen!! Preach it sis!! I agree completely!! GREAT NEWS, GREAT!!!! LOL CONGRATS, LORI, to you and DH!!

Yeah... stupid... because they carry "food items!!" Give me a break! I take her in the grocery stores and they are falling all over her.... "Hi, Zoey"!! and talking baby talk to her, etc. And today the dentist receptionist wanted to know why I didn't bring my puppy... said she would watch her while I was getting my teeth cleaned!! LOL!! She has the "shake" thing down, but... she is now begging for treats all the time by doing all her tricks! Then she looks up at me, head cocked sideways, looking sweetly, like... "I did all my tricks! Now I want a treat!" And if she doesn't get it... then she barks a little demanding "NOW!" This is getting out of hand. She goes out with Earl to go potty... she comes in and wants a treat. She "sits" at my feet... she wants a treat! She's too smart! Geez, Candice... don't hold back!!! Just let it all out!! HAHAHA!! I can relate to a LOT of that. As you well know, I live with a control freak too!! She didn't get to go far today! I had PT this morning--1 hr of floor exercise today, no pool. Slight drizzle so she didn't get to go. Earl walked while I was gone. When I got back, I took her to Surf Shack and Safeway, but can't go to Target anymore. And it was pretty chilly outside and we were both cold. She was shivering. NOt sure if it was because she was cold or because she was scared because I changed my route a little. Coming back from Safeway I crossed HWY 9 there instead of down a block by Target. More traffic and we had to ride on the shoulder for 1 block w/lots of traffic. The big noisy trucks make her very nervous. So then we cut through the shopping center. I keep stopping at the vet's office because she wants me to bring her by to meet her but she's always busy. Today she was in surgery when I stopped! Then I had to take her home because I needed to have a bowl of soup before dental appt at noon. BUT... I forgot that I have to pre-medicate because of my knee replacement!! So< they sent me back home to take my meds. Hygenist went to lunch at noon instead of 1pm, and told me to come back at 1pm. So that worked fine. Frustrating appt, though, because they told me I had to have 2 crowns replaced!! They are the two crowns that YAHOO in CA put in last year!! My insurance won't pay to replace them AGAIN unless it's been 5 years!! And they said one is not properly sealed and food is getting in all around the edges. Something is wrong with the other one, too! So it will cost me something like $1200 each to fix them!! Will talk to my dentist here about it again on Tuesday, but, right now leaning towards making the guy in CA fix them, or go to Mexico!! Anyways, after 1 trip to the gym, 1 trip to Surf Shack and Safeway and 2 trips to the dentist, the scooter battery was DEAD!! Or almost! So... no more rides for Zoey today. Earl walked her around once, and I will walk her around a couple of times soon. Right now she is all mellow and sacked out, so waiting for her hyper time and then we will walk! Mug of my homemade white chicken chili for lunch... it is SO good! Had a few shrimp w/cocktail sauce this afternoon, followed by my red wine. For dinner.... another piece of that Rock Cod, and some veggies. Unfortunately, Earl made whole wheat bread in the bread machine!! So... dessert was a slice of bread w/low sugar strawberry preserves that my neighbor made the other day. She is diabetic so she found a recipe using very little sugar. I am glad that is behind you. And so glad for the meaningful conversation with your sister. Very good for "closure", too.... whatever that is!! We missed you!!! HUGS!!

Peek-a-boo!! Here I am!! LOL!!! Busy day yesterday! Went to Primetimers in the morning... first time in about a month. I didn't want to miss because the last Wed. of the month the "Stampin' Up" gal comes and we make greeting cards. I love it! Just sent you one that I made, Janet. I made three yesterday. She always has a different pattern for us to do. Yesterday's was really simple and I quickly made three of them. We took Zoey with us to church!! Everyone LOVED her. Earl was so nervous about it he kept taking her away! All the ladies wanted to hold her. One lady said, "OH!!! I've been wanting a little dog for SO long!!" Sound familiar. Guys always sit at a different table... so when we got to her hubby's table he says, "Well, I guess I'm going to be going dog shopping now!" HAHAHA!! When Zoey got all wiggly, Earl brought her crate in and put her in it. Then when we were almost ready for lunch she smelled the food and started barking.. but just an occassional little quiet bark. But he put her in the car! When we got home, we had our scooter ride over to Surf Shack. Then we went to Target. I was politely told by the cashier that I can't bring my dog in anymore because "corporate" told them they have to enforce the "no dogs" rule because they sell some "food items"! Give me a break! I said, "that's too bad because we come in every day and I almost always buy something!" Oh, well... we have lots of other stores we haven't been kicked out of yet! Later we walked and played ball outside until we were both tired. Couldn't rent the 4 yr old upstairs... he must have been at his dad's!! LOL! He loves the dog and it is so fun to sit outside and watch them play... rolling down the hill, chasing each other, playing with the ball! But, alas, he wasn't home. Later in the evening, I worked on teaching Zoey how to "shake" hands! She is starting to get it. I ended the day playing "Mah Jong" online!

I was fortunate... no hot flashes, just depression and it probably had nothing to do with menopause. I was on HRT for 10 yrs when I probably just needed an antidepressant. Then my gyn switched me to Evista. Wonder if that would help. Oh, my!! Hugs, Apples!! So sorry to hear about your MIL's sudden death. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Welcome. Lisa!