how about drinking?

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  • chisandy
    chisandy Member Posts: 11,408
    edited April 2018

    Gonna try and post some wine pics. First, from the food tour:

    image

    A 2016 Nebbiolo from the Langhe region, with three cheeses (clockwise from top—grana Padano, goat, Pecorino Sardo

    From dinner tonight:

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    A white from Lazio. We also had a Primitivo, which is good old red Zinfandel. Finished with housemade limoncello—less sweet and much stronger. Too busy drinking the latter two to take pics

  • jazzygirl
    jazzygirl Member Posts: 11,972
    edited April 2018

    Chi- I love a good old zin. What is the pink stuff between the two cheeses?

    Janky- hopefully with a bit of time, those neutrophils will come back up sister. Your body knows the way, trust it. Hoping that you see signs of spring soon.


  • chisandy
    chisandy Member Posts: 11,408
    edited April 2018

    The pink stuff is crushed edible rose petals

  • nativemainer
    nativemainer Member Posts: 7,913
    edited April 2018

    Good Morning, Loungettes!Happy Hump day, which is TGIF day for me this week. The rain is finally moving out, and the wind is calming down. I am looking forward to a bit of a sleep in tomorrow ayem, especially since Sadie got me up twice to go out during the night. Silly dog would not go out at bedtime cuz it was raining. And she didn't want to go out the 2 times I got up to pee and asked her. I think it's a conspiracy to keep me from sleeping!

    Oh, my. I just heard that Barbara Bush has died. I pray it was peaceful and comfortable for her and her family.

    Chi--Please, can you bring back some of that sunshine and about 10 degrees of warmer temperatures when you come home?And when are you coming home? Kidding. Glad you are having a good time. Aperol Spritz sound yummy. And an upgrade for the flight home, yeah!

    Goldie--I enjoyed our chat, thank you so much for calling. I am so glad your Mom is getting attention to her comfort and quality of life. I hope she gets moved today.

    Janky--snow almost every month of the year?? That must make gardening hard! Do you live at an elevation?

    Jazzy--dust storms plus asthma does not sound like a fun combination. Be careful out there!

    Chi--love the too busy drinking to take pics!LOL!

    NM's DOTD:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlI0Uk6SpIg
  • goldie0827
    goldie0827 Member Posts: 6,835
    edited April 2018

    Janky, good luck with getting things started again on Friday. I would love to take a month off of drugs, but it's scary.

    LOL Sandy, too busy drinking to take pictures!

    NM, Sadie won't go out in the rain, but will play in mud puddles. Goofy girl. Aperol, never heard of it. Looks pretty tho. After watching the video, it comes up with other videos. On mine, one of them was of Claire Ryan, a little girl with an amazing voice. Have any of you heard her sing?

    I only talked to my mom yesterday morning, and haven't heard anymore about hospice, so not sure if she will get moved today or not. She is still in isolation for lung virus RSV. Didn't make it to Laughlin yesterday, had too many things go wrong. Wind blew some wooden planks out of our fence in the town, started to blow the roof off on the warehouse, popped some of the screws out and then my washer started leaking! Considering going to Moab next week for some camping.

  • chisandy
    chisandy Member Posts: 11,408
    edited April 2018

    DOTD: Prosecco at the reception at Museo di Roma (saw Canaletto exhibit)

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    Aperol spritz nightcap from minibar:

    image

    Was 77 and sunny today—despite taking cabs, another 10,000-step day.

  • nativemainer
    nativemainer Member Posts: 7,913
    edited April 2018

    Good Morning, Loungettes! Happy Thirsty Thursday! Already had one phone call from work this ayem asking about stuff that I made a point of making clear, detailed notes about in the patient chart, but nobody's bothered to read that yet. Sometimes I wonder about the whole thing. I try to always read the notes before I go see someone I don't know. Most of the time the notes don't help a lot but sometimes they do. Ah, well, not anything I can change. And no Hospice for 4 days! Got another project I need to be working on the rest of this week and will concentrate on that.

    Goldie--Yeah, Silly Sadie is a bit funny, she doesn't like to go out in the rain, loves mud puddles, loves swimming, not so crazy about baths, doesn't like getting sprayed with water but will play in a plastic pool of water for hours. Make me shake my head sometimes. Sorry you didn't make it to Laughlin, but it sounds like you needed to be at home to pick up the pieces, literally! And then the washer leaking? Wow. Moab camping sounds good. Hopefully your Mom got moved yesterday, or if not, will be moved very soon.

    Chi--I'm going to HAVE to find me some Aperol now!Hooray for the 10,000 step day!

  • goldie0827
    goldie0827 Member Posts: 6,835
    edited April 2018

    I continue to cry myself to sleep on so many nights. The doctor that she was assigned to at the home, denied signing her up for hospice. Says she doesn't need it. She called me last night, again sobbing and asking me, don't you kids want me any more? I'm so scared and so frightened. I'm down at the end of the hall, all by myself, it's hot, they have a holy gown on me".

    I got her calmed down, then my brother called her and she was fine. But he told her to quit calling me crying all the time. We may head down to Phoenix this weekend to get away. Not sure if we'll be able to make it to Moab either. If we do, we will just put the quad in the back of the pick up and hotel it.

  • chisandy
    chisandy Member Posts: 11,408
    edited April 2018

    Lori, I am so sorry for what your mom is going through. Is her doctor in a managed care plan that subtracts the cost of services or treatments from the doc’s “capitation bonus?” (Why Bob won’t join any HMOs or closed-panel PPOs).

    Here’s a drink to calm your nerves--Franciacorta brut at lunch:

    image

    And weed is legal here:

    image

  • chisandy
    chisandy Member Posts: 11,408
    edited April 2018

    So much wine, so little time! At the farewell dinner & reception tonight at the Casa Valadier in the Borghese Gardens, prosecco, a Bellini, Chardonnay and Merlot from the Alto Adige region (plus a limoncello toast with dessert).

  • nativemainer
    nativemainer Member Posts: 7,913
    edited April 2018

    Good Morning, Loungettes! Caught the gray gloomies from the weather yesterday, so Sadie and I cuddled up and watched Netflix all day. So, got to be productive today. But that's ok, the guy who plows the driveway stopped by and mentioned that his son does driveway work (mine needs work desperately) and to ask if I wanted an estimate. Of course I said yes. I don't really need a new big bill right now, but the driveway does need work and it may be that I need to do that this summer rather than a heat pump or on demand water heater. Anyway, I'll see what the estimate is and go from there. Never ends when you own a house! So far Sadie hasn't wanted to roll around in the mud in the yard, I think it's too cold out for her to enjoy it. While I don't mind not having the mud in the house to clean up, I don't want her missing out on her fun, either.

    Goldie--oh my goodness, what a wrinkle, and what a PITA doctor! Is it time for you to start calling that doctor and asking about pain control, quality of life, getting her out of that room, etc on a daily basis? You have the right to know what is being planned and what is being done, and the doc has a responsibility to respond to you. Ask that doc if he can guarantee your Mom will still be alive in 6 months. If he cannot guarantee that, he can't deny her access to her hospice benefit. Ask him flat out how much more money he and/or the nursing home is getting with you Mom not being on Hospice. And call the Hospice agency and ask for their help, too. Your Mom may need to change doctors--don't let the nursing home tell you she MUST have the assigned doc, that is not true, she still can choose her doc--maybe back to her previous primary doctor.Also, have your brother go to the nursing home and look for the contact information for the Ombudsman--it has to be posted in the facility where residents can easily see the info, he won't even have to ask for it. They work with facility residents to insure their rights are observed and services aren't denied inappropriately. I am so sorry your family is going through all this.

    Chi--what a pretty glass of wine! That would make my lunch, that's for sure. Legal pot? Sounds like fun. I'm still too chicken to try it even though it's legal here in Maine, cuz I can be randomly blood tested at work and I hear the evidence of marijuana use hangs around a long time. Anyway, I 've waited this long to try it, I can wait until I'm fully retired to try it. That's quite a wine list for the farewell dinner! And it seems like you just got there!

    NM's DOTD:

    image

  • illimae
    illimae Member Posts: 5,725
    edited April 2018

    Goldie, I’m sorry for your moms situation and for what she is doing to you specifically, she can lay that guilt trip at someone else’s door. (Apologies if I’ve misunderstood 😬). Please enjoy your getaway, you deserve it!

  • nativemainer
    nativemainer Member Posts: 7,913
    edited April 2018

    Good Morning, Loungettes! Happy Saturday! Mom got back home safely, and we're going to a bean suppah later tonight. I think Sadie and I will drive over and visit with them for a while before, since the suppah is out their way. I also need to run some errands today so that way Sadie will get a really nice ride. The sun is coming out, hopefully the yard will start drying out a bit now. I checked the pots on the deck the other day, the chives are coming up! I did not expect them to survive. Curious now to see if anything else survives.

    Sadie has been super busy the last few days, the neighbors are out working on their lawn and he's working on getting his mowers and trimmers up and running. His little boy is just big enough to toddle around outside with him and is such a cutie to watch. Sadie would just love to go over there and chase around that little guy. Closest she gets is barking at them from the yard. She prances around and barks and shakes her toys and generally goes nuts when the little guy is out playing.

    Morning, Illi!

    NM's DOTD:

    Mozz Stick Bloody Mary Shooters

    Never drink on an empty stomach again.

    Ingredients

    For Bloody Mary

    2 c. tomato juice

    8 oz. vodka

    2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

    1 tbsp. horseradish

    2 tsp. hot sauce (such as Tabasco)

    Juice of 1/2 a lemon, plus wedges for rimming

    Freshly ground black pepper

    1 box mozzarella sticks

    For rim

    1/4 c. Kosher salt

    1 tbsp. freshly ground black pepper

    1 box mozzarella sticks

    Directions

    1. Bake breaded mozzarella sticks according to package instructions.
    2. In a large pitcher, combine tomato juice, vodka, Worcestershire, horseradish, hot sauce, lemon juice, and pepper. Place in refrigerator to chill.
    3. Rim glasses: stir together salt and pepper on a small shallow plate. Wet rims of each glass with a wedge of lemon, then dip in salt and pepper.
    4. Fill glasses with Bloody Mary mixture and top each with a mozzarella stick.
  • goldie0827
    goldie0827 Member Posts: 6,835
    edited April 2018

    Thank you everyone for your concerns. I do think we have the doctor changed, this happened yesterday. So probably nothing now until next week. She is out of isolation. But I won't be happy until she is actually placed.

    NM, glad mom made it home safely and enjoyed her time away. Maybe that mud will dry up before Sadie gets in it? Enjoy the suppah. Hmmmm, a cocktail with mozzarella sticks? I have chives in my garden, can't hardly kill them and they come up everywhere!.

    Meeting some friends for lunch, need to get a baby gift for a friend.

  • nativemainer
    nativemainer Member Posts: 7,913
    edited April 2018

    Good Morning, Loungettes!Happy Sunday Funday! Got an e-mail from Clinical Manager #4 this ayem, she's not sure there will be any work for me this week. So I will be e-mailing my office Director and letting him know I'm applying for a per diem position in the other office ,and e-mailing the recruiter, who has called twice now cuz the other office wants to share me. And I got a contact through LinkedIn about a Director of Nursing Services at a local assisted living facility that I think I will look into, just out of curiosity.

    Sadie and I had a lovely visit with Mom and Dick yesterday, except for the moment when Dick took his handgun out to try to shoot a squirrel. He know gun safety very well, but his gait is so unsteady that watching him carrying the pistol was scary. And he has glaucoma in one eye and has been complaining about the vision declining in that eye, which makes me worry about his aim. At least if he's shooting at the squirrels he can be shooting towards the lake and doesn't have to worry about hitting something behind the critter when he misses.

    Goldie--out of isolation is one step forward for your Mom. Changing the doc should help, too. I know it's hard to wait through these processes. I am still praying for you and your Mom. I've grown chive for years and NEVER had it come back until now, and that in a pot on the deck! It does look like the mud may dry up before Sadie gets a total roll around in it, but all it will take is one little rain storm to change that. And as long as she does it when I have time get her cleaned up afterwards!

    Oh, look the Tenders have set out the Sunday Brunch!

    Image result for Sunday Brunch


    Image result for Sunday Brunch

    Related image

    NM's DOTD:

    Abbey Cocktail

    Classic Abbey Cocktail

    What You'll Need

    How to Make It

    1. Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
    2. Shake well.
    3. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
    4. Garnish with the cherry.
  • camillegal
    camillegal Member Posts: 15,711
    edited April 2018

    Mornin' Ladies,

    Again I've missed so much. I don't know how to manage my time to get here. I've tried a few times then my phone goes goofy and I loose all train of thought and think I'll be back later and then I'm so tired my eyes hurt and I miss everyone so much and everything that's going on.

    Oh Lori I hurt for you, u can't stop what's going on with ur mom but I'm sure talking to her gets u right in the heart. Ur always so caring and giving and have so much going on with u and then to be left in a crazy position. Ur poor mom just feels depressed cuz of what she's going thru and just says things anyway, Talking to Kim was a great decision for you too. Not just cuz she knows the system but she cares so much about u, I'm happy u did that. I think u can't really change what's put upon us, u can just change ur thinking about it. And u should never feel guilty, it just stresses u when u shouldn't be. And I thought of Hsant too and she was unbelievable staying away from her home for so long, but that doesn't mean u can do that <well not many of us could> U still have to get care and ur DH needs u now too. Ur one that has been amazing from the first time I met u, U haven't changed but circumstances around u have, and I certainly can't tell u how to feel, but I just pray u realize ur limits and accept them.

    Kim I'm so glad u talked to Lori she really needs ur advice and care and ur one to give that so well. Ur storry about the squirrel scared the chit our of me...Jeez just what u need. Ur mom must be home now and Dick will certainly be happier than being alone. An d loooove ur Sadie stories, each one cracks me up, she's more human than a lot of people. So this week ur kind of on ur own as far as work goes, but knowing u u'll still be busy working.

    OK here I go with my geography disability---Janky is Alberta in Canada??? So that's why u get so much snow, but even in the summer too.I hope ur doing better and getting things on the move.

    Sandy ur pics are great and when I look at them I think OMG this is coming from so far away, things like that still amaze me. But u sound like ur having a great time and ur going to need a good rest when u come home, I'm sure u know that.

    Jazzy the flowers are bootiful like crazy, I never liked gardening but when I look at what it produces I wish I had a liking for it.

    Lori I saw what happened with ur wind there---Holy chit I never knew there was such winds there, had to be scary. The weather here has been crazy too, snow one morning, then melts kind of nice then snow again, this is crazy April this year.

    I know I'm missing so many of u gals, and I am sorry. I don't mean to.

    Leslie is doing OK, she comes home and basically goes right to bed and stays there for a few hrs. But she's tired right now---she's 1/2 thru rads and her hair has that first kinda fuzzy look so what did she do??? It really came in so much gray so she died it mauve, yes pinky color--- remember when I wanted to get purple and my kids said I was crazy, yea well now she's pink---bitch. LOL But her mood is better at least. So that's good around here.

    Oh Lori I forgot to tell u, years ago when my sister and I looked up our last name and what it means, it did say "Rooster or Cock of the group" maybe that's why that word fascinates me so. hahaha. I remembered it cuz Joey and I were talking about all the family names last night, he gets so interest in that stuff---so I told him and of course a 13 yr. old would fall on the floor LOLing--but it's true so I figured I can tell him. Oh chit we talk about everything anyway so....

    My phone has been ringing now even tho he finally put up we're closed on Sunday, only meaning to me is I have more calls to return starting in the morning. And the worst part is I'm still having trouble learning this phone. I did just learn this week how to hang up from a call. As nice as Dan is he did say this week he couldn't figure out how I could not hang up...I told him move in my brain for 2 mins. and u can see why I'm so inept at the simplest things and he was warned a long time ago anyway. I don't think he believed me then, but he knows now. So it's his problem

    LUBS U ALL and always miss u.

  • janky
    janky Member Posts: 478
    edited April 2018

    camillegal - Good to have you 'back', fuzzy brain is such a tedious thing! Alberta is in western Canada, where I live is a four hour drive to get to Montana, so that part of the globe. And weird though it is we do get so cold that it snows 11 months in a year - if I go camping (not much at all) I bring a winter jacket at all times! I was able to start my 3rd cycle of Ibrance Friday after 2 weeks off and I go for contrast ct and bone scans Wednesday, so I am truly hoping to hear that there is no progression, though it may be too early to tell?!

    Cheers everyone, stay healthy, happy and full of good humor!! xoxoxoxox

  • jazzygirl
    jazzygirl Member Posts: 11,972
    edited April 2018

    Hi friends- happy funday Sunday. Busy today but will be back later. Some fun music for you for now with my friend, Ellis Hall, formerly of Tower of Power.



  • chisandy
    chisandy Member Posts: 11,408
    edited April 2018

    Cami, when you mentioned the origin of your surname, I immediately thought of the rooster-symbol neck labels on those straw-covered "fiasco" bottles of Chianti. Along Via del Corso in Rome (about a mile s. of my hotel) was a bar called "Gallo Nero," or "black rooster." So I gather "gallo" must be part of your surname.

    I used to be proud of my ability to bounce right back from jet lag after a trip. But not only must I admit that it's much tougher after traveiling westward (and having tried to cram as many experiences as possible after less than a week), I'm also not as young as I used to be--though I'm still comparatively healthy, just out of shape. The conventional wisdom of one day of adjustment per time zone crossed--at which I always scoffed--is beginning to get truer as I get older. I did get a lot of rest since coming home late Fri. night (had been up 27 hrs. straight!), and may finally trust myself behind the wheel again for a couple of errands today.

    I am gonna teetotal as much as I can this week, both to give my liver a rest and cut some calories. Had a near-sleepless night (hotter than blazes, no A/C) followed by a tough morning at the Rome airport: my flight was delayed and I had to run a gauntlet of TSA, exit-passport control, several wild goose chases, long walks, tram ride, just to find the right Alitalia lounge. Had a nice breakfast, cappuccino and a flute of Ferrari brut. (It made the Delta lounge at O'Hare look like a Waffle House by comparison).

    On the plane, in Magnifica Class (to which I'd been upgraded), had prosecco, an Aperol spritz, more brut, Calabrese wine pairings for my food, and espressos served in bone-china demitasse & saucer. On the crappy little flying-soda-straw Delta regional jet from JFK-ORD, half a paper cup of Starbuck's (I needed the caffeine, so I didn't start my boycott yet). It was my first American coffee in nearly a week!

    Had nothing at home but water & seltzer Fri. night, and seltzer, cappuccino & coffee yesterday.

  • jaybird627
    jaybird627 Member Posts: 1,227
    edited April 2018

    Hey Lori,

    I 'found' my old self on this site. Unfortunately, I think, but this is the place I need to be.

    This thread seems the 'safest' place for me right now as I, too, cry for the shit sandwich that life makes us eat.

    I'm SO sorry for all that you are dealing with.....

    I'm out of scotch, so tonight it's either red wine or vodka - haven't decided which yet. :-/


    Janis

  • jazzygirl
    jazzygirl Member Posts: 11,972
    edited April 2018

    Good evening friends- I hope you have had a nice weekend. It is very spring like here still, with periodic blasts of cooler air. But as of this weekend, we are now officially past the greatest risk of frost. It can still go down in to the upper 30s at night, but I cover my plants on the patio when that happens. Today I went and bought a couple new items to re-landscape my front rock garden to put in a few more native plants that will do better with the hotter weather and lack of rain we have. It's all about cactus and succulents and other low water plants out front this year. I will share pics when the rock garden has had it's spring face lift. The drip system got a small repair and new stations this week so we are ready to go!

    Chi- your trip sounded really great, food and drink too. I don't do well at all with jet lag, my last trip to Italy in 2009 was a nightmare returning (3 flights, multiple delays), etc. and it took FOREVER to feel better from that. I agree that going west is harder, experienced that both coming back from the EU as well as going to Hawaii in the past. I hope you settle in this week and get back to your eating routines. Lots of hydration after travel is such a plus too! Welcome home!

    NM- I like the visuals of Miss Sadie wanting to play with the little boy next door. Good to hear the other hospice office can use your help. Maybe it is not hospice per se, but that office that you need to get away from? I also think it is worth checking out some other opps in the area. There could be something better out there for you sister. You go girl.

    Goldie- I hope your camping trip went well. My heart goes out to you about the struggles with your mom. I know she is struggling and it is hard for those calls you get. You are trying to get her the best care for this time in her life and keep that in mind. No one can fix the aging process and all that goes with it. I hope she is stabilized and that the palliative care folks can make her comfortable.

    Jaybird- welcome to our thread. Life is difficult, no doubt about it. What kind of red wine do you like?

    Janky- you live in cold country, sister. I have friends who live in the northern tier (MT and Wyoming) and they often say that July is usually the only month where they don't get any snow. We are high desert here and have seen it snow here at late as Memorial Day. I always have my winter coat and fleece handy year round too.

    Cami- I am glad to hear Leslie is 1/2 way through rads. It is exhausting for sure, glad she is able to come home and sleep. Well, mauve hair is totally in and hopefully it makes her a bit happy. Good to hear her moods are better. Treatment is no fun. I hope you get the phone figured out and have a quieter week sister!

    Hi to everyone else here including Ill, the Karens, Mistyeyes, Dara, and more. I think about Hsant too and hope she is doing okay as well.

    Have a good week sisters!

  • nativemainer
    nativemainer Member Posts: 7,913
    edited April 2018

    Good Morning, Loungettes!Happy Monkey Day! Temps got up near 60 yesterday, supposed to get into the 60's today, so looking forward to the warmth! Sadie has been in and out all weekend, she's liking the warmer weather, too.

    Cammy--it was so sweet of Lori to call me the other day. I enjoyed the conversation, and wish I could do more to make things easier for her and her Mom. I did get an e-mail that there is work for me all 3 days this week after all. Funny how that e-mail came a while after I sent an e-mail to the director that I am applying for the per diem position in the other office as a backup. It will be what it will be and it will all work out eventually.I did get an e-mail from a recruiter asking me to look at a Director of Health Services position at a local assisted living center. I am going to give it a look, it seem interesting on the surface. Can't hurt to look, right? Leslie colored her hair mauve?? I bet that looks sweet on her! I so remember the radiation "fatigue", it was "fatigue" the way the burning was a "sunburn".Remind her to keep eating, especially proteins, and it will get better, eventually.

    Janky--praying for good scan resultsfor you!

    Hey, Jazzy!!

    Chi-It's is amazing how many things take longer as we get older, isn't it? At least as we age we can get smarter about the whole thing and plan recovery time into our travels. At least I do that now. My cousin and her husband still favor the "red-eye" flights, and volunteer to get bumped whenever possible to get free flight credits. She can, literally, get off work, get on a plane, fly overnight to a race site, get off the plane, book into a motel, go run a half marathon, go back to the motel, shower and change, go to the airport, fly home, get off the plane and go to work. Any part of that scenario would put me down for days! More power to her, though. It sounds like non-American based airlines have more comfortable accommodations, and certainly better amenities. I love hearing about your travels.

    Jaybird!! Welcome!!I'm thinking a shot of vodka, a couple ounces of fruit juice,a couple ice cubes, fill the glass with red wine and have a sort of sangria! Sounds like life has handed you some challenges, if you need/want to vent/share we're here.

    Jazzy--Ah, gardening and yard work! I can actually see the light at the end of the tunnel here, will be able to get into the yards very soon now. It is the specific Office that is the problem, not Hospice itself. I am thinking that the other office, much smaller than my current one (average census of 60 compared to current office's 140) may be a better fit, but it's an hour commute. On the other hand, it's an hour to an hour and a half from the current office to the patient locations. I did get an e-mail from a recruiter and will be looking at a Director of Health Services position at a local retirement community/assisted living facility that is well regarded in the area. Not something I would have thought about looking for, but I figure it's worth checking out.

    NM's DOTD:

    image

    Deep Cleanse

    Ingredients:

    1.5 oz Hendrick's Gin

    2 oz Aloe Vera Juice

    .5 oz simple syrup

    3 slices cucumber

    Squeeze of fresh lime

    Muddle cucumber and simple syrup. Add other ingredients and shake well. Strain and serve up in a cocktail glass. Garnish with a cucumber slice.

  • goldie0827
    goldie0827 Member Posts: 6,835
    edited April 2018

    NM, no hospice work this week and applying for another postition in the other office, are these good things? Good luck on the director of nursing, iffin you really want it. I'm afraid of how much time it will require of you. Shooting towards the lake would not be good if there were somebody out there, and he can't see them due to the glaucoma. Ha ha, so you got some work this week after all. They sure taunt you, first over load, then we have nothing, and now they do! Wow, your cousin is super woman!

    Cami, don't you worry your pretty lil head about not getting here as often as you would like. You have alot going on in your own life. Just so long as you at least keep coming back. It doesn't have to be every day. You are so kind to me. I'm doing way better. But yes, I have myself and my DH to take care of as well. I'm glad to hear Leslie is resting after her rads, that is soooo important. You should have her make your hair pink, so you can match! Funny about your story to Joey on the family names. Maybe you should be my "Scarecrow" buddy. You know, that is what my DH calls me, and when I forget something, or repeat, he asks me if I need more straw. So we could share our straw or switch it out when needed?

    Janky, my next treatment, when Xeloda fails me, will be Ibrance. I'm really afraid of it and the SE's that the gals are reporting! So please keep me updated on how you are doing with it. Are you stage IV?

    Welcome home Sandy, 27 hours with no sleep? I couldn't do it. Glad you found the Alitalia lounge, to get a little food and imbibe a tad.

    Jaybird, welcome back girl. I hear ya on the "shit sandwich". Hopefully you will stick around.

    Goils, Jaybird is one of the originals from this thread. I'll let her 'splain what is goind on.

    Jazzy, no camping this time around. We just went down to Phoenix for the weekend. Saw my step daughter and her hubs, also another friend who just had a baby, so I got to spend time with her, only 5 days old and soooooo precious. Saw a few other friends, went to Sam's club, and then stopped at a nursery on the way home. Your rock garden and new buy are looking awesome.

    Going with DH today, I know he has urologist appt, to see what to do about his kidney. Not sure if he has PT or chiro. Also hoping for good things to happen with my mom, if not today, then this week!

  • MemaSue56
    MemaSue56 Member Posts: 2,061
    edited April 2018

    Morning DahhhhhLinKs,

    OMG....it's been more than a month since I posted....my bad!!!SickTired

    Haven't read much either. Please forgibs mese!!

    Going for 4th chemo tomorrow...not going to wear my wig cuz it's too hot, I'll jes put a bb cap on. Hoping to find out when my PET scan will be to check whether the tumors have shrunk any.

    Starting smoking again...dh not at all happy with me, but I am very stubborn often. When the docs give me a better idea on time frame for surgery, I will quit at least 30 days prior. Maybe I'm way off, but I'd think 30 days is plenty time to clear my lungs.

    DH and I have been busy doing spring cleaning. Biggest chore was the garage. OMG, but it is done now and we are happy. Enuf about me. Ooops...about the wig, the is perfect, will post a pic soon.

    Lowee and Cami - been saying Xtra prayers for youse and yours. Try to hang in there, which I kno you will.

    Sending prayers and lots of love to everyone else.

    LUBSLUBSLUBS!!

  • janky
    janky Member Posts: 478
    edited April 2018

    Goldie0827 - I just started cycle 3, so far so good though my neutrophils and all that other stuff 'tank'. I feel fine apart from fatigue. Wednesday will tell me the tale, as I go for contrast CT & Bone scans and will speak to RO that same day. Hopefully Xeloda works for a long time yet!

    Cheers everyone!

    Yes I am stage IV - 1 year past my orginal meeting with my MO, I was back to be given the lousy news :(


  • jaybird627
    jaybird627 Member Posts: 1,227
    edited April 2018

    Hey Gals ~

    Stocked up on scotch! ;) I love me my red wine (French and Spanish) but scotch seems to be the drink of this 'season' I am in.

    Mom is flying in tomorrow night, will stay with me to "take care of me" until she gets on my nerves, then it's back to Phoenix for her. lol.

    My daughter is acting better tonight. Gonna have a more serious talk with her about the lopping off of the boobs and how I'm a gonna be alright - eventually. Haven't had the chemo talk yet. She's a very young/naïve 11.

    I want her to hang out with my mom day of surgery. It will be about 5 hours, my 2 surgeons work in tandem. Too much? Order her a kiddie cocktail? There IS a Starbucks in the hospital, and she can play with my Nook, and go to lunch with Grandma..... Or school?

    Welcome Janky. Sorry for your crappy news. Goldie may have some tips. Gawd knows I never thought I'd get a new primary - 13 years later. UGH!

    I am SO fricking glad that Spring has finally arrived in Chicagoland. Thank you Jeeezzzzuuuussss! (Atheist here.....)

    J~

  • chisandy
    chisandy Member Posts: 11,408
    edited April 2018

    Ah, another Chicagoan here, Jaybird! But since I'm just 4 blocks from the lake, the only "springlike" thing about today's weather was that it stayed above freezing. Rest of the city & 'burbs got up to 60, but in afternoon the wind came howling in off the lake and dropped us back into the 40s (which felt like 30s).

    Woke up this morning to find I had a very, very, very flat tire. In the words of Star Trek's "Bones" McCoy, "it's dead, Jim." The roadside assistance guy (no way I'm gonna try to use a flimsy little jack on an Outback to change a tire myself) found a brass screw (!) embedded horizontally in the tread--so deeply that it was impossible to tell which end of the screw did the dirty deed. $500 later, I had a couple of new Goodyears and a full alignment, and I then treated myself to a long-postponed car wash. I no longer have schmutz on my black leather jacket from brushing against a dirty car. Speaking of which, I noticed in Rome that after a rain, all the cars look like ours do after a bout with road salt. Besides the fact that car washes don't exist there within the city, it turns out that the rain comes up from the south across the Mediterranean; and the rain & wind are mixed with desert dust from N. Africa.

    Again, didn't feel like booze today. So had a Starbucks "blonde cappuccino" (which tasted like the normal cappuccino every other coffeehouse serves) as I killed time waiting for my tires to be done. And tonight, with Buffalo wings and yesterday's leftover quiche, seltzer with lime.

  • nativemainer
    nativemainer Member Posts: 7,913
    edited April 2018

    Good Morning, Loungettes!Happy Twofer Tuesday! The weather had finally definitively turned here, and Sadie and I are loving it! Still snow piles in some shady places, but at least any storms coming up will be rain and not sleet and snow. Boy did I have a typical Monday at work yesterday. Got a call about a problem early on, changed my route and went to see that patient. Got another call while there that a second patient was being sent to the hospital. Went to the hospital, no patient listed.Went to the nursing home, patient already left by ambulance. Went back to the hospital, patient now in the system. Got that crisis taken care of. Back to the first nursing home, finished with patient #1 (long story of its own), argued with the nurse about patient #3 needing pain medication. Drove an hour to see patient #4, met with family in person for the first time and had a lovely visit to end the day. I definitely enjoyed my glass of Zinfindel when I got home! Even better, it was warm enough to turn off the furnace and leave the kitchen door open so Sadie didn't have to be in the crate while I was working. She must have worked hard supervising the neighborhood, she was a tired pup last night!

    Goldie--I am going to look long and hard at that position, particularly what kind of hours are expected and some other details. I'm looking at it mostly for the ego boost of having someone coming to me for a job rather than the reverse. It's a job seeker's market in this area right now, I may be able to leverage that to my benefit. I did find out that I don't even need to apply for the per diem position in the other office, I can be a "shared" employee, and my office director made that change yesterday. I think that will cut down on the taunting with the hours, which is a power play by Clinical Manager #4.

    Mema!!!So good to hear from you! How's chemo going for you? Sounds like you are keeping really busy in between treatments.

    Janky--Praying for good scan results for you.

    Jaybird--Hard decision about your daughter. How do you think she will react to some of the stuff she could hear/see in the waiting room? How supportive and understanding is the staff at her school? Maybe ask her what she wants to do whenyou have the serious talk? So not fair to be doing this all over again after 13 years. Just not fair.

    Chi--So Rome gets dusty rain? That must look odd after a rain. Tires are incredibly expensive, aren't they? Seltzer with lime sound good!

    NM's DOTD:

    Related image

  • goldie0827
    goldie0827 Member Posts: 6,835
    edited April 2018

    LDB, so glad to see you pop in. Can't blame ya for smoking again. I guess as long as you quit before surgery, so you can heal. Otherwise….what's it gonna do? Give you cancer? (dat posta be a funny). How are you handling chemo?

    Janky, good luck on your scans. I have been on Xeloda for 3 years.

    Jaybird, will be thinking of you on Thursday and will sneak some scotch into your IV. Hopefully Avery will understand and perhaps get her hormones in check! Like that's gonna happen! And hopefully mom won't drive you nuts either.

    Bummer on the tire Sandy. Guess it's good that it happened whilst parked, instead of whilst driving.

    Wow NM, that was quite the day. Remember when that was how every day went!CM #4 can power play all she wants. You have her number and she won't be pulling any wool over your eyes.

    Mom got her waivers signed to D/C OT and PT. Hopefully will get moved today. Got one quote back on her yard, the company want $3000.00! But that included removing the tree completely. I don't think so! DH's appt with urologist went well. He does not think there is blockage in his kidney and what is there, he thinks is some sort of common cycst, but will do CT scan to be certain.

  • jaybird627
    jaybird627 Member Posts: 1,227
    edited April 2018

    Gals ~

    A quickie.

    Got my hair cut (it was long, past shoulders, and looking like crap) in anticipation of chemo starting in a month? This time I'll get a buzz at a salon instead of doing it myself. I clogged my drain last time!

    Fortified with scotch last night I explained to my daughter the mastectomy process, expanders, the not needing of breast glands/tissue, etc. I didn't want her wondering what was going to happen or getting bad/wrong information from someone else. She took it like a champ but I'm sure she was overwhelmed. Hey, I'm still overwhelmed and it's MY body!

    Anyone know anything about Camp Kesem? A friend recommended it for Avery. Hmmmm.....

    I'm trying to be 'normal' and not focus on this crappy situation, but maybe it would be good for her?

    Mom's coming in, we're going out to dinner, maybe I can not drink tonight. Hahaha.

    Gonna go get my Xanax today, Onco says whatever I need I can get. :) I like Xanax as it actually puts me to sleep. (insomniac here)

    ChiSandy, it's good to meet you! I'm enjoying my suburban warmth. Hope the wind off the lake isn't too bad today!

    Goldie, tree services are very expensive! Shop around for sure, but total tree removal may be costly. Tree trimming itself is costly! :(

    Well, it's 1PM and I haven't even showered yet (errands galore) so I must, then finish my day.

    Cheers!