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how about drinking?

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Comments

  • Suzyshacklechick
    Suzyshacklechick Member Posts: 27
    edited April 2019

    Thank you Native Mainer. I was told 4 a week by my Dr. Now, I can handle that! Just was so excited there is a thread for us winos, and I don’t want to be looked down upon by those people that know I had cancer and am still enjoying my glass or two of wine. Thank you for getting back to me. It makes me feel better

  • Suzyshacklechick
    Suzyshacklechick Member Posts: 27
    edited April 2019

    And thank you Cami. It’s nice to get a little positivity. I’m originally from Park Forest I’ll. Moved to Southern Cal years ago but family still in Chicago area. Love to all and Cheers

  • MuddlingThrough
    MuddlingThrough Member Posts: 655
    edited April 2019

    Thank you for the birthday wishes everyone. Mae, I love that birthday picture of the balloons and your avi. Cami, thanks for that kitty cat birthday video. You didn't forget - I plan to celebrate for at least a week, maybe the rest of the month!

    I love to read about everyone's activities. I hardly do anything.😠

  • JCSLibrarian
    JCSLibrarian Member Posts: 548
    edited April 2019

    NativeMainer - here is a pic of the Rocky Shoals Spider Lily. It must still be a little early for them, but saw a few in bloom. Besides hiking today, I got to use my brain to figure how to get pics off my phone, onto my IPad and converted to a jpg. Must not have chemo brain yet

    image

  • chisandy
    chisandy Member Posts: 11,408
    edited April 2019

    Catching up here. Yesterday, I went to get my keratin treatment renewed (now that floating in extreme saltwater is off my calendar for the foreseeable future). We tried a new version called "Brazilian Blowout Zero," which is supposed to be safer for both client and stylist as no aldehydes are produced when heated. Stylist & I noticed that my hair has more "texture" than with the regular BB, though not frizz. It did eventually develop an overly perfumed smell like fabric softener (which I abhor). But it dissipated overnight. Unfortunately, I woke up with one side of my hair wavy (the side on which I slept) though not frizzy. It's something that's happened with every version of keratin treatment (including the ones that warn not to get the hair wet, tie it back or clip it up for the first 72 hrs.) except the very first, original formula (high-formaldehyde) Brazilian Blowout I got from a different salon back in 2011. Anyway, a brief pass with my flatiron took care of that. But the other versions did make my hair straight but limp. We shall see what happens with this one, and whether twisting & clipping my hair up for sleep will produce an annoying "bump" wave at the back like when the keratin begins to grow out.

    Today I saw my primary's P.A., and she was quite pleased at the state of my ankles, feet & lower legs (and the 9 lbs. of water weight I've lost since I weighed myself in my Jerusalem hotel room). She's cut my Lasix down to one a day, to end Monday; if I notice swelling again, to resume taking it and regardless, continue sodium restriction.

    This afternoon I got my Invisalign (singular, as we're straightening only the top front teeth so that the lower ones don't form a "wedge" to further loosen them; I have one front incisor that protrudes, and has done so ever since I fell on my face as a 10-yr-old. We're not looking for perfection, just regularity. (Not messing with the lower teeth--too much going on down there, especially a Maryland bridge and a few crowns). First orthodontia attempt (8 yrs) never did work (our family dentist applied the braces, the bands & brackets of which constantly broke or fell off and the rubber bands were excruciating (and tricky to apply). Second round, from age 28-32, worked--until I barfed up my retainer after a beer-fueled bacchanal in Nova Scotia, and never did find it. I was too ashamed to go back to the orthodontist, and by the time Gordy was born my teeth had reverted. So hoping third time's the charm. I'm scheduled for 7 trays, to be changed ecery two weeks. But it could take a little longer due to Prolia inhibiting bone remodeling.

    Unfortunately, this is going to put quite the damper on my eating & drinking. Though, unlike various YouTube videos I've watched, my orthodontist isn't restricting my beverage intake to cold clear water or seltzer; but I do have to take the aligner out every time I eat, and then brush and floss (or use proxibrushes) and rinse out the aligner before I put it back. Except for eating & tooth care, I have to wear it 24/7, preferably no more than 4 hrs. total for eating & drinking. This is going to make banquets, Seders and Easter brunch a challenge but on the bright side, snacking will be such a pain in the butt that I'll probably lose weight. Eating on planes will be a major hassle, as I would have to go to the toilet to pop the thing out and put it in its carrying case (taking it out in public is truly gross) and then go back to the loo afterwards to brush, floss and put pop it back in. So I guess I'll have to get only liquid nourishment in-flight.

    Fully expecting sore teeth by tomorrow, I decided to make my dinner tonight a pastrami sandwich on pumpernickel--and biting down on the crust caused one of the little glued-on plastic "attachment" anchors to fall off. I almost swallowed it!

    DOTD was an iced mocha latte when I got home (sipped through a reusable straw), strawberry Bubly, and a few sips of that 2015 Bogle Pinot Noir to steady my nerves after the "attachment" fell off (but a call to my orthodontist was reassuring).

    Happy is bummed out. He caught a mouse in the mud room and was playing with it, but it ran away into the den and he can't find it. (He tends to kill pests only inadvertently, preferring to consider them live toys). 40 years ago, before we had our first cat, seeing a mouse was a terrifying experience. Now, I just feel bad for Happy. (Not about to try to post a cat-shaming photo, though). I bet Heidi, who actually lived on the streets before being rescued, can finish the critter off. She's a great mouser.

  • nativemainer
    nativemainer Member Posts: 7,911
    edited April 2019

    Good Morning, Loungettes!Happy Thirsty Thursday! The sun is finally getting up before me again! So much easier to get up when it's not pitch dark out. Temps getting nice during the day, still chilly at night. More rain coming tonight. Sigh. I knew we need the rain to melt off all the snow in the places that don't get sun, and mud season is a fact of life, but I want to play in the garden and in the yard!Still too wet and cold to do any of that just yet.Sadie is confused, some days I let her have the run of the house and yard, others she's still stuck in the crate, depending on the temp and weather. She's always happy to see me when I get home, though!

    Cammy--love the hula hoop kitty!I do love waking up with Sadie cuddled up to me. Not so much fun when I wake up cuz she's scratching her snout on my face or poking her toenails into my side! It's so funny to wake up like that and look at her and ask her what she's doing and she just looks at me and wags her tail, usually it's under the covers and it creates a very chilly breeze on my nice warm body! I swear she's smiling when she does that!

    Janky--One week a month the schedule gets wonky, but it's worth it. Isn't it nice to hear the birds? I'm starting to hear them around here.I did see Robin the other day, too.

    Suzy--YW. I figure there's no point in saving my life if I don't get to enjoy it! You certainly won't be looked down upon for having a drink or two here. People who haven't experienced cancer don't understand how we have to fight to keep it from totally taking over our lives, and how much we need something in our lives besides cancer and treatment.

    Happy Ongoing Birthday Celebration, Muddling!

    Librarian--the lilies are beautiful!

    Chi--That Invisalign sounds pretty interesting. Sounds like a lot of care and work, but that may be a good thing. Snookie used to occasionally catch a mouse and play with it, odd trait for a German Shepherd. I can picture your Happy having fun with the live play toy, much more interesting to chase, I am sure.

    GREY MOUSE COCKTAIL

    Ingredients:

    1 oz Baileys Original Irish Cream liqueur

    1/2 oz Black Sambuca Liqueur

    Directions:

    Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled shot glass

  • camillegal
    camillegal Member Posts: 15,711
    edited April 2019

    Image result for happy thursday funny gifsU think I might like cats or something.

  • camillegal
    camillegal Member Posts: 15,711
    edited April 2019

    Mornin ladies,

    Kim u couldn't have gotten a better Sadie than u have now. Sheknows how to push ur buttons, how to make u happy and loves the mud LOLThat alone has to make u happy. And now u have better things going on in ur life and it's about time.

    JC it's a beautiful Lily and on top of that u learned how to put the pic on here. whoa another genius in my mind.

    Susy u really weren't far from Sandy or me when u lived in IL. Sandy is on the outskirts of Downtown and I live near Wheaton so u have an idea where we are. What made u move??? And how far along r u with treatment.

    Muddling don't feel bad I live thru everyone her myself, usually what goes on kis not so good, so it's better to be boring that goofy stuff happens.

    Janky we have a close family wedding to go to in May so Leslie <my DD> has planned her next operation right after the wedding. So another operation for her.in 6 months now that'll be her 5th or 6th one. She's having a hellofa time 2 of the Drs. told her she''ll never be able to go back to her job again cuz she needs 2 strong arms and one will never be the same---so she's really down about that. I told her who knows Dr. are wrong all the time, downs't sound so good for all the other stuff she has going on . LOL

    Sandy ur unrel, ur mind retains everything the Docs tell u and wat u read so u know exactly what to do or not do. But this sounds like a huge deal to care for, but I think u won't have problem doing all the right things. Ur drs. must really find u interesting cuz u really understand all of it. My Drs. say things like "r u .listening???> and when I see their lips completely stop I usually say OK. that's it.

    Joey';s off of school tomorrow, I really didn't know that was a holiday now. Years ago it was just for Catholics.Last nite i explained all of lent and what Holy Thursday was and Good friday and why we have Easter. Jeez I hope I had my stories straight---there was so many, oh well it had to be some story from the Bible. Better than nothing.

    U know how I like to talk, I have what they used to call a "whiskey voice" but customers just refer to me as "Sir" I think I'm fooling myself.

    Hello to anyone I missed I never mean to Have a wonderful day.

    LUBS U ALL

  • jazzygirl
    jazzygirl Member Posts: 11,972
    edited April 2019

    Hi ladies- the week is going quickly! Finally getting the jist of the work I am doing and some strategy discussions I need to have with a few people to get this project I am working on where it needs to be. I have a doctor friend there I have worked with who has given me so much good insight on a couple things. Still some warm welcomes but also have a few there I know are not a fan of this girl. You know, that minority that can feel like the majority? Anyways, never a popularity contest, always just there to do the work.

    Janky- you are right, once the money gets flowing, it all gets mo betta!

    JCS- oh that lily is so pretty. I have some things blooming and we got some soaking rain yesterday that will only help the trees coming out now. My yard is happy on this fresh morning!

    Cami- you didn't get the "blue screen of death" on your computer did you? I love how the computer goes down so that is it for you, lol girlfriend.

    NM- I bet you will enjoy this coming weekend after your CPR course work last weekend. You and Sadie have any special plans?

    Chi- a friend of mine does those keratin treatments and loves them. I am so glad your swelling is down and hope the dental work goes okay. Dental work is both expensive and painful!

    Suzy- welcome to our thread. We are a judgement free zone here so drink, don't drink, drink some or drink a lot, we don't mind!

    Muddling- we like having you here whether you are just reading, lurking or hanging out with us!

    Attached is a sunset photo in between the series of storms yesterday. Enjoy the slide in to the weekend and for those of you who will have a three day weekend with Good Friday tomorrow, today is your friday!

    image


  • goldie0827
    goldie0827 Member Posts: 6,835
    edited April 2019

    JCS, there you are! So nice to have a face to the name. These insurance companies just don't give a rats patootie. Yay for no chemo brain, cuz let me tell ya....it's REAL.

    Janky, stable scans...we can't ask for any better than that, right! I hate the idea of so much blood work. Xeloda has not been too bad either, main issue is the HFS and when it gets too bad, I just take an extra week off. Happy Dance for you! Good come back to Suzy about drinking causing doubles...as in posting! Not as much in the garden this year, as I overloaded last year. I had rhubarb when I lived in Michigan, so many yummy recipes for it. One of my favs was a rhubarb crisp. I bet you could "pair" that with some raspberries!

    And Suzy, you weren't even drinking. Maybe you should have been. BTW, welcome!

    Cami, Be careful when you get notices on your computer that something is wrong. Scams come in that way as well. Always best to call Dan and let him check it before you do ANYTHING! I'm sorry you have all of those horrible images in your mind, Leslie, Dara and my DD, maybe this will help?

    image

    Mud, Happy Belated Birthday my friend, hope you enjoyed your special day!

    image

    Jazzy, good luck on that new gig and especially with the doctors! Pretty sunset, no precip here.

    NM, I wish I could fall asleep that easily when I'm tired. It just doesn't happen. You sure are dealing with crazy start times at work, will this taper off or be an on going thing!

    Sandy, glad your PA was happy with your lower extremities. Sorry about the teeth issues, that sure sounds like PITA.

    Well, my DD got her reports from the hospital and it appears that the only thing the surgeon did was remove the ruptured falopian tube and suck out the blood in abdomen, almost 6 cups worth! It also noted that she passed out twice. She said no one told her that and she doesn't remember it. Both of us could have sworn that the surgeon said he removed the two large fibroids. The left side of her incision is swollen and sore to the touch. I will be so happy when she gets that next surgery. I believe she has a ticket for June 1st but needs to get some sort of insurance as well. Oy Vey!

  • Suzyshacklechick
    Suzyshacklechick Member Posts: 27
    edited April 2019

    You ladies are adorable. Thank you for the warm welcome and the giggles. I was diagnosed Oct. 2nd 2018 and had lumpectomy 12/27. On Arimidex and it makes me a little spacey, or maybe it’s being 65. And it makes me impatient sometimes. That’s my story and i’m Sticking to it. It’s only been 2 months. I left Chicago because it was too darn cold for me, but go back once a year to visit. But I love being from Chicago! Wishing you all a happy holiday! I will get better with names

  • nativemainer
    nativemainer Member Posts: 7,911
    edited April 2019

    Good Morning, Loungettes!Happy TGIF day! Waking up to rain and fog this ayem. But at least it's warmer. Had a nice breeze yesterday, but the drying got offset by the overnight rain. Ah well, it will dry out eventually. In the meantime, Sadie has lots of MUD to play in!

    Cammy--I love cat licks and cocktails!You are right, Sadie can really push my buttons.I tell everyone she has me well trained. When I was growing up the school spring vacation was always called Easter vacation, cuz it always fell right around Easter.Can't call it Easter vacation anymore, someone might get offended. Such a crazy world we live in these days.

    Jazzy--It's funny how a few negatives can feel so much bigger than they really are, isn't it? I wonder why we don't dwell on the positives as much as we do the negatives? The only special plans for this weekend is catching up on the housework that I've been ignoring for the last couple of weeks. The house is a disgrace and I don't like the way it looks or how it's making me feel, so time to fix it! Hopefully a bean dinner with Mom & Dick for some socializing, but being Easter weekend that may not be happening. Beautiful sunset pic!

    Goldie--Oh MY Gosh that cake is FANTASTIC!!!The crazy work hours are only one week a month, and really only a couple of days that week, so it's really not so bad. I am, however, going to be sure I don't have plans the weekend before the crazy hours week going forward! I bet your DD is sore. I wonder why the surgeon talked about the fibroids if he didn't take them out? Ah, well, who knows and DD's life is no longer in danger so that's a good thing.

    Suzy--you may have noticed but we all have some trouble remembering details and keeping things straight, but it's ok, we just set the record straight and move on! Glad to have you here!

    Gin Lemonade

    One of the most refreshing drinks ever – gin mixed with fresh lemonade and mint!

    Ingredients

    2 Cups simple syrup (make syrup with 1 part water and one part sugar)

    2 Cups lemon juice, freshly squeezed (about 12-14 small lemons)

    1 1/2 Cups gin

    15 fresh mint leaves

    Directions

    1) Add sugar and water to a pot over medium heat. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Cool completely.

    2) Juice lemons and add syrup to lemon juice.

    3) Wash mint and smack them a few times to release oils.

    4) Add mint to a large pitcher with gin and lemonade.

    5) Add ice and serve!

  • camillegal
    camillegal Member Posts: 15,711
    edited April 2019

    Image result for happy friday funny gifs

  • camillegal
    camillegal Member Posts: 15,711
    edited April 2019

    Mornin' Ladies,

    Kim that DOTD does sound good. I bet when it's warm it's really easy to drink too. I has been warmer here but with plenty of rain <better than snow> Yep they don't call it Easter break now, it's just called spring break, until someone finds that offensive---maybe mattress people.

    OMG Lori that's a whole lot of blood. Thank God she's doing better but another surgery blah. That's a lot of stress on ur body, so I guess she should wait for a while. BTW u did so much with last years garden u can't possibly keep that up. How is it going with the sale tho. Jazzy beautiful pic. I know we share the same sky but I don't see many beautiful skies here. Only 1 week and ur all into ur job, Wow. And of course there has to be one that has to be some kind of problem. Why is that. I once worked in an office where I really thought one was stupid when I'd overlook work, of course then I realized since it was a one girl office <Me> I was more forgiving. But I did wonder what I was thinking to do those silly things. <I put 2 paragraphs together>

    Muddling this is such a judge fee one whatever u feel like sharing please do. And Susy altho u really new I hope u get comfortable with us cuz this is where I come to moan , complain and whatever I do.

    Thanks Lori for that beautiful pic. that I can now keep in my mind, oh the guys good too.

    GRRRR I can't tell u how many times I had to stop this post to work. OK I can 4x. I'm all confused when I come back.

    LUBS U ALL



  • MuddlingThrough
    MuddlingThrough Member Posts: 655
    edited April 2019

    Goldie, thanks for that cake. Look at the piggies and little piggie butts!

    It's Good Friday and I'm trying to keep that in my mind today. Have a good weekend everyone whether celebrating Easter or just enjoying spring time!

  • janky
    janky Member Posts: 478
    edited April 2019

    Good morning everyone - my this forum has been busy! I love all the humour and support! I have been watching my 4 year old grandson the last 3 days, off and on (more on) so am so far behind in my week plans that I am starting to be first! It is a gray kind of day, maybe make a pot of soup. I saw my MO yesterday and had a really good session - I inquired about alcohol and sugar and he says moderation in all, then I explained I have been way over moderate in recent times, and plan to be over moderate for 10 days in May and he said not to worry! So I will enjoy Florida sunshine, family, and friends! Life is good...

    NM - fog but warm is okay - Sadie can roll around in her mud bath enjoying warmer temps! She will be glad to have you around all weekend I am sure,

    goldie - I love your images for refocusing on ;) Gotta love those 'sixpacks!!! '

    Chi - I do hope everything settles down for Leslie - seems like it has been quite the roller coaster ride and who likes roller coasters??! Not me!

    Suzy, muddling, cami, Jazzy, JCS, and everyone else - I am off to visit with a friend so am cutting this short. Enjoy your weekend no matter what anyone wants it called, relax and regroup and do whatever makes you feel good! Cheers! Janice

  • chisandy
    chisandy Member Posts: 11,408
    edited April 2019

    Leslie can't join us for Easter brunch: she has a student in a different time zone whom she tutors online, and I don't think the kid celebrates Easter.

    My orthodontist says it's ok for me to drink white wine & bubbles ("leaded" or not), as well as red wine, dairy, non-boiling coffee & tea.

    Tonight's DOTD, since it's the first night of Passover, will be a dry white Bianco di Falanghina from Italy (4 symbolic "cups") to go with the gefilte fish. No meat--Bob's Catholic, it's Good Friday and it's just the two of us. The real big Seder is tomorrow night at temple.

  • nativemainer
    nativemainer Member Posts: 7,911
    edited April 2019

    Good Morning, Loungettes!Happy Saturday! Sadie and I had a lovely sleep in this ayem. It was so nice to wake up to Sadie's warmness against my side, even if I was looking at the butt end and not the snout end when I opened my eyes!Raining again today, but much warmer than it has been recently, yesterday was downright sultry with the warmth and humidity. Meeting Mom and Dick for lunch at a local restaurant this peeyem, going to have Lobstah rolls, I think.

    Cammy--wish I had that little girl's energy! I'm thinking that will be a nice summer drink, too.I need to get some gin into the house to be ready.

    Joyous Easter, Muddling!

    Janky--I like your MO, sounds like he isn't totally numbers and research minded but is human, too. Warm and fog is okay, and Sadie was VERY muddy when I got home, but very happy and very tired! Enjoy your visit!

    Chi--Do the Jewish and Catholic holidays often line up like this?I think it's pretty cool.

    Jelly Bean Martini

    Jelly Bean Martini

    Ingredients

    Cocktail

    3 oz (6 tablespoons) cotton candy-flavored vodka

    1/4 cup red and pink jelly beans

    Ice

    2 oz (1/4 cup) orange-flavored liqueur (or your favorite flavor)

    Garnishes

    6 red or pink jelly beans

    2 lemon slices

    Steps

    • 1
      One hour before serving, place 2 martini glasses in refrigerator. In small bowl, pour vodka over 1/4 cup jelly beans. Cover; refrigerate.
    • 2
      At serving time, fill martini shaker with ice. Shake bowl with cold vodka and jelly beans. Strain vodka into shaker; discard jelly beans. Add liqueur; shake well. Strain into 2 chilled martini glasses. To garnish, add 3 jelly beans to bottom of each glass. Garnish each with lemon slice. Serve immediately.
  • camillegal
    camillegal Member Posts: 15,711
    edited April 2019

    Image result for happy Saturday funny gifs

  • jazzygirl
    jazzygirl Member Posts: 11,972
    edited April 2019

    Good afternoon friends- beautiful day here in NM. I was out early to work on the yard and gardens and have more of my perennials in the ground. The front rock garden is about done, just a bit more work to do out there and do need to get the drip people over here to install a few more stations out there. Once I finish planting everything, and check the system, will call them to get them here some time when I know I can be home.

    First week of work finished up well. I sat in a "snake pit" meeting yesterday with people I know don't like me or each other. Just stayed neutral and listened to determine current state and where the line is between my project and others activities. One of the docs I worked with last time who was not easy was there but does not seem to remember me (a good thing?) Another I sort of worked with and I are going to sit down and talk about one of the initiatives I am doing as part of this program. I will enjoy the first few weeks of re-entry until it all becomes impossible again (lol)

    Chi- too bad about Leslie missing Easter with you all. I have worked on plenty of things where clients could care less about a holiday and people's personal time. I hope she and Gordie are doing well together.

    NM- I had to laugh thinking of you waking up to Sadie's butt in your face. Whenever I visit my sister, her golden retriever leans in next to me and love her warmth. I hope you enjoy your weekend time this weekend as you lost last weekend with the CPR training. At least it's done!

    Cami- your gifs are the best. The kid and the trampoline with the cat made me lol, but so does the one above.

    image

  • MemaSue56
    MemaSue56 Member Posts: 2,061
    edited April 2019

    Good afternoon DahhhhLinks,

    I have been away seems like forever. I won't go into all the stuff going on in my life. But, such things keep me going and I've been smiling a lot lately. Good for my temperment n for hubs.

    We had some horrible rains and winds earlier in the week. And of course,pouring rain as I walked out of the treatment pod and to the car. Wore sandals so of course my feet were soaked. Drive home to Mesquite was very hairy…am glad hubs was driving.

    Been on the Nurti-sys diet for 20 days…think I've lost 2 pounds. This 1st round is 28 days, will be getting new foods by weeks end. I will go those next 28 days and if not much in weight loss, I will cancel future deliveries. My opin is good, liked all of the food except 1 stuffed chicken meal.

    Yes yes let's all do a happy dance for good test results. WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

    Love all the pic/video posts…some are jes too funny.

    Well I have to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY Muddle…I had 2 drinks last night and fish. Every Fri afternoon we go the the Golden West here in town. Clam chowder also excellent, cept I can't have any while on Nu-sys, too much fat, so I get along with jes 1 piece of fish and lots of carrots. Muddle hope u did do some imbibing last night.

    Sandy ur trip sounds INCREDIBLE. So glad you got to go and are having a gr8 time.

    JCS - OMG so sorry to hear about all the hell ur family is going thru. I will put u all on my prayer list.

    Jazz - Had to LOL over the signs for clothing or not and especially that u went to both…ur my hero!

    Illi - Those drinks look marvelous. Glad u had a good time. I will continue with the prayers for all the ladies on and off this thread.

    Cami - loving all ur posts. Hope the oldman winter takes a break in your area soon. Here is Mesq has been upper 70's for the most part. I can't complain, I'll safe my bitchen til it get into triple digest.

    We've been w/out TV for 10 days now, we are switching from Direct TV to Dish….tech was supposed to be here btwn 10-12, they've called twice to say they'll be delayed…hubs went off on the gal who called to tell us. Thank goodness the blu-ray works…I've watched some DVD's that we've had for years. I was a happy as a lark…LOL

    Ok nuf of my bs. Hope those I didn't ack kno that you're all in my prayers and am sending positive energy and hopefully lots of smiles.

    LUBSLUBSLUBSLUBS!!!

  • JCSLibrarian
    JCSLibrarian Member Posts: 548
    edited April 2019

    I had my chemo infusion yesterday so I am still on the steroid high. Have all the casseroles made for tomorrow. Eggs boiled for the brunch meal and other sides ready to go. While I can have family events I really want to do it. There is work involved, but it is fun work knowing people enjoy the food. I enjoy the visiting and watching people clean up my mess! Trade offs are good.

    We had some storms yesterday. They were not that bad. The TV weather people really want you to think it is the end of the world or something close. It was windy enough to knock down some large branches and millions of gumballs. Should have cut down that tree while I could.

    Quiet time is almost over for today. Wishing everyone a Happy Easter, Passover, scans, or whatever is in your future. Thanks for all your happy cat videos and support. You are a great group!

  • chisandy
    chisandy Member Posts: 11,408
    edited April 2019

    Kim, about half the time Easter & Passover do coincide, per the Jewish and the ancient Roman (Julian) lunar calendars. On very rare occasions, the first Seder night falls on Holy Thursday--the Last Supper was a Seder. No "first" or "second" Seder night back then: all Jews lived in the Holy Land so there was no Diaspora. To explain further:

    Passover is one of the ancient "pilgrimage festivals," the others being Sukkot (the harvest Feast of Tabernacles), Shavuot (Pentecost, celebrating the delivery of the Ten Commandments) and the High Holy Days (the New Year--Rosh Hashonah, and Day of Atonement--Yom Kippur). During these holidays, pilgrims from all over Judea came to Jerusalem, bringing various animal and agricultural sacrifices for the High Priest to offer on the altar of the "Holy of Holies" chamber (containing the famous "Lost Ark" of the Covenant) in the First and then Second Temples. All "pilgrimage festival" holidays--remember, the Second Temple in Jerusalem still existed--were originally only a week long instead of eight days (ten for High Holy Days). The 8-day custom (and first/second Seder nights, as well as two days of Rosh Hashonah*) began with the destruction of the Second Temple (nowhere for pilgrims to visit or High Priests to make sacrifices), the beginning of "rabbinic" sacrifice-free synagogue-based Judaism, leading to the Diaspora, the dispersal of Jews (both voluntary & forced) into Europe and the New World. ("Mizrahi" Jews--Sephardim who lived in the Middle East and NE Africa--still celebrate seven nights). The rationale was that the time of sunset (the appearance of the first three stars in the sky, when holidays begin & end) varied with longitude--a principle that evolved into modern time zones--so if all Jews in the world had to celebrate at the time of sunset in Jerusalem, people would be eating supper or holding services in the middle of the night, the morning, or afternoon. This varied so much that the festivals ("pilgrimage" now historic & symbolic) were extended to 8 days so that everyone could observe & dine at a time natural for their locales.

    *The "10 Days of Penitence"--from the onset of Rosh Hashonah through the end of Yom Kippur--are the only longer pilgrimage festival. The High Priest made three offers of atonement: first for himself, then for his family and acolytes, and then for all the people. Of course, now that there is no Temple, no priests (high or otherwise, but replaced by rabbis, who are technically teachers & leaders but any Jew of age can lead services) and no sacrifices, everyone atones communally in synagogue. In the Diaspora, it's technically 11 days, because of the extra day of Rosh Hashonah.

    Sometimes Easter & Passover can be as much as 4 weeks apart when the different calendars diverge--the Julian lunar months are always 4 weeks long, the Gregorian--our modern calendar--has only one leap day every 4 years, and the Jewish deals with astronomical discrepancies by adding a second month of Adar--"Adar II"--every 7 years. As a result, Passover can occur anywhere from late March to mid-to-late April; and the High Holy Days can start as early as a week after Labor Day or as late as early October.

    Confused yet? Me too--we need a drink!

    Heading to the temple Seder in an hour. My orthodontist says don't sweat it--wearing time averages out. DOTD will be whatever wine they're pouring (usually a kosher red or rosé from Israel, and grape juice for the teetotalers). None of the traditional sweet Concord stuff poured at the Seders of our youth--nobody really likes it and it doesn't go well with any food other than dessert. (Neither does grape juice, for that matter).

    What makes a wine "kosher?" Well, Talmudically it has to be handled and supervised--from harvest of the grapes to bottling (ultra-Orthodox insist the supervision extend to serving it)--by an observant male Jew. This has of course become insanely impractical, so the concept of "mevushal" was instituted. This is flash-pasteurization (under rabbinic supervision, with a blessing recited before & after) immediately before bottling. The average drinker, especially one who imbibes only during holidays, can't taste the difference--but winos like me notice a certain "flatness" of flavor (highs & lows are missing, sort of like over-compressed recordings) and muted bouquet. At my home Seders we drink the best wines, regardless of whether they're mevushal or kosher, we can find that go with the appetizers (soup & gefilte fish) and entree (usually roast chicken, beef brisket or turkey). If you're going to follow the Haggadah (the ritual prayer-and-songbook for Passover) and drink four "cups," it ought to be good stuff!

  • chisandy
    chisandy Member Posts: 11,408
    edited April 2019

    Jazzy, re your mad mama hen & eggs meme: blame it on hanging out with that "wascally wabbit!"

  • camillegal
    camillegal Member Posts: 15,711
    edited April 2019

    Mornin' Ladies.

    I wish everyone a special Sunday whatever or however u celebrate this Sunday.

    Janky u sound happy. I wonder why.

    I think we're just staying home tomorrow, I haven't been feeling that good and Leslie hasn't been he best, but she's plugging along.I can tell cuz she tries to sleep in bed but most of the time she's in thechair, like me LOL--- except I feel bad for her, she has a problem with certain movements and she does go to PT. Jodie should be here soon to help me with my shower, I just like to get it over with, then I feel comfy. So I might have to close quickly.

    Kim no more snow for any of us, right??? Ur our weather forecast person so I wait to hear what's going on by you.

    OMG I had my shower and got comfy,,,I just woke up. I'm so exciting. Jeez

    LUBS U ALL

  • jazzygirl
    jazzygirl Member Posts: 11,972
    edited April 2019

    This bevy of quail visits my back yard often these days. Was able to sneak in and get the good camera for some close ups today!

    image

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  • chisandy
    chisandy Member Posts: 11,408
    edited April 2019

    Great quail photos, Jazzy!

    Cami, I hope you and Leslie feel better and can celebrate Easter in some fashion tomorrow. Certainly no more snow here---they're talking 70+ even by the lake, no rain till evening. Great weather for walking to brunch!

    Tonight's wine was a bizarrely semi-sweet red from the Central Valley (it was mevushal). Quite a long Seder (3 hrs.), but fun.

  • goldie0827
    goldie0827 Member Posts: 6,835
    edited April 2019

    I'll be back tomorrow morning. Super busy painting the house and planting...all back breaking work!

    Happy Easter All

    image


  • jazzygirl
    jazzygirl Member Posts: 11,972
    edited April 2019

    Goldie- oh lordy that picture girlfriend! That must be for Cami.....

  • janky
    janky Member Posts: 478
    edited April 2019

    Goldie - That photo is enough to get us eating carrots, if we don't already!

    cami - I wish you and yours a very, happy weekend, and praying for relief for Leslie.

    Jazzy - Sounds like you are settling in after the first week - yayy! I love the quails, so very picturesque! and Mama chicken pulling her kids - super cute!!!

    JCS - I hope things are getting better for you and yours.

    Mema - Total happy dance for everyone with great scans!! I am still dancing for sure ;)

    NM - Sadie sure makes us giggle - what a super sweetie she is:)

    chi - That is a lot of information - whew!!

    Well, I wish everyone a very happy end of weekend no matter how you spent it - hopefully filled with family, friends, good health and good cheer! Cheers!