Illinois ladies facing bc
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Hello. I'm still here. I went back yesterday for 2 bags of IV fluids and a antinausea. I slept throught it all, Then came home and slept all night. I have been napping still all day. The hair is coming out like crazy. But I feel fine. just very tired.
I love bread pudding
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Wendy...thanks for the Easter visual. It reminds me that I still have to find a few more things for my Easter Baskets. They're so much fun to fill!
Blackjack...I love the Abbey...and won't it be nice to have him closer to home?
Lisa, sleep as much as you need to sleep. That's what helps heal our bodies. I'm glad that you're feeling O.K. Hang in there!
JanClare...so glad to see a post from you and glad to hear that all is going well. I bet you'll be jumping for joy when the renovation is finished!
Well I need to get going. Everyone have a nice weekend.
Rita
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If it calls for whiskey, use whiskey. I do not think there is a substute for whiskey, unless an extract. I know that when I made my sweet potatoe casserole, I could not find brandy extract so I used the real thing and it was good. I do not think there is such a thing as whiskey extract, tho, so throw in the real thing. Have fun!
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Wendy, I love the Peep spa! I love peeps! Not to eat, I just think they are so cute... lol
LauraGTO, I have more than just a "foot" in the door, I have a whole man, hahaha!! Oooh and bread pudding. Yummmo. I hope you enjoy that
Hi to everyone else!!
It's time to go downstairs & start getting dinner together. Just wanted to pop in so that I don't fall too far behind on everything.
Have a wonderful weekend. Tomorrow should be reasonably nice out, although I am not at all happy to hear the forecast for the days following. Blech, where is Spring? Weather making me crabby
. California dreamin.........
Peace.. Juliet
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Made a decision to have my hair stylist come by Monday at 11AM and getting my hair cut and ready for chemo. Just feel i want to take control before it happens on its own. A good friend helped me see my fear and it is true!! Gonna go for it and be proactive. Thanks for listening ladies!!!
Sister in Pink
Donna
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Donna are you just going to go very short for now. Because you still have time to keep your hair. I am on DD and it just started with the second treatment. Mine is long and curly and impossible it has to be cut. I know what you mean about taking control. Why put it off. It sure is messy when it starts to come out.
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Good for you ladies to take matters in your own hands and deal with the hair thing. Yes, it is so very messy. I am married to a neat freak and I know it was driving him crazy, but he was so sad about it all that he coped. I found the hair thing to be the hardest. I had a lovely wig but I hated wearing it. I realized just recently that I do not have one picture of me in that wig and I wore it for almost a year. When I would be in the bathroom at school, I avoided the mirror. It was not vanity as many told me I looked better in the wig than the real thing. It just was I hated that I had to wear it. You both sound so proactive and positive and will have very few issues, especially by tackling it before it tackles you! Good luck!
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Donna and Lisa - Not only is it less messy when it starts to fall out, but for me, it was less traumatic - JMO. I had my head shaved to a buzz cut, once it started falling out in large clumps. Best wishes to both of you...
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Donna and Lisa, What Susan said is right. Cancer sorts of wrecks your whole life....like so many, many before and I'm sure after us, it is not something you really believe is going to be a part of your life. So, you haven't made time for this, and in lots of cases it seems to show up just when you have reached some other good plateau's......so it is even more intrusive and not in the picture of the lifestyle you envisioned.....cancer is taking a lot out of you and away from you.....but one of the things we CAN do is take the upper hand with our hair. Yes, in most cases it definitely will go----but we get to say when and how and even how much at a time. It doesn't get to steal all our power....So good for you.
Anyway....I'm totally bushed. On Clariten ( that chemo just really knocked out all my immunities that I had built up and kept for years to Spring pollens and other irritants. I finally gave in and started medication for it....hope it kicks in soon. I'm off to pj land early tonight.
See you all tomorrow.
Hugs,
Jackie
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Hi all,
Just checking in and want to weigh in on the hair discussion.
I had really long hair before chemo. Before I started the chemo, I went with a girlfriend to a wig store and picked out a general style--a chin-length bob. The day after my chemo I got my hair cut in the style of the wig and the day after that I went to Naturally Yours in Willowbrook and picked out a wig. I know a couple others on this thread went there also. They are great. My wig was $425 and it was money well-spent! I had to deal with my hair coming out for three days before the store had a night appointment. That was the worst, I just have soooo much hair and it was all over. It was such a relief to go the store and have it shaved off. The first day I wore the wig to work, someone told I looked 20 years younger. Believe it or not, my goal now is to have the same style and color as my wig. I do have some pictures on my facebook page - Lisa Medley and my profile picture is my little guy and me with Mike and Sully from Monsters, Inc. I think that feeling like I looked good really help with my mood and disposition. I did not miss a day of work during chemo, except for the infusion day and some days I had scheduled off. Also, I gotta tell you that being a normally "hairy" woman (except my arms for some reason), being "hair free" in the summer was great for me. The money I saved from waxing and shaving basically paid for my wig. Also, I did get reimbursed from my medical flex spending accout for the wig.
What really bummed me out was losing eyebrows. I did use a product from Benefit cosmetics called Eyebrow Zings and people had no idea I did not have my own brows. Unfortunately, right now I am losing my eyelashes again, I think for the third time. I have heard you may lose them in cycles for a few times. Oh well, I can deal with it.
I am scheduled to have my exchange surgery on May 1. I have had the expanders for over a year now and am truly used to them so it will be weird to have the implants.
I still cannot seem to get a picture loaded on here. Hope everyone is doing well. I am really behind with reading and will try to catch up over the weekend.
Lisa
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It is late night or early in the morning (2am) I can't sleep so, I am here..
Wendy & Jackie - it is very exciting to see the hair again~ I still remember when my husband shaved my hair and my older son said, mommy looks clean... that was cute and sad..
Lisa- I totally understand how are you feeling about losing eyebrows and eyelashes because I did too and I also had very long hair too...
I think, for me, losing hair was the most traumatic and scary experience I ever had..
Wendy, thanks for the peep spa.. makes me smile and wanna be a one of the peep..
I got too many things on my mind and maybe that's why I can't sleep.. My husband wanna move to other state and he applied for it.. But I am middle of my treatment.. I really don't wanna move and start over again.. Since we got married we've been moving around TOO MUCH.. mn, sd, ia, ca, and il.. I like it here and I wanna stay.. What am I suppose to do ?? gosh... my head hurts to think about it~
I better get some sleep otherwise I'll be really tired in the morning..
Everybody, sweet dreams~~!!
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YES Lisa,Susan and jackie... Making the decision to have my hair all off is NOT goin to be easy but when chemo starts, dealing with se's and all that goes with the tx's, having hair all over would be too much to bear for me. Susan.. i can understand looking in the mirror part, as i do not think i will be so agreeable with the new look as it took me a year to get my hair grown in to what i have right now. Greiving over this loss will be done this weekend.
lisamed...i YES.. it is true the wig style and color i have sometimes looks like it willay better than my own hair!!FGood luck on your expanders being removed. Sounds like you have a good handle on it all and the eyebrow thing.. have no idea what will be done there. I will be goin to the Feel Good Seminar end of April and if i do loose by brows, i at least have that to help and my stylist may help also.?!
Well one thing is for sure.. you all have been thru this or goin thru it.. i am not alone in this and being able to express this fear of hair loss is at least bein validated and am goin to survive! Here;s to taking the power back on some level. Worrying is so easy to do, but it changes ver little. Peace will come just focus on you and your treatments right now.
Hugs to ALL!!
Donna
elf song..Has to be tough thinking of a move in midst of it all.. somehow it always works out and pray that this will be that way for you, Hope you got sleep!!!
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Donna FYI - My eyebrows did not fall out until two weeks after my last treatment. I started chemo on April 10 last year and my brows did not fall out until August. That pattern seems to be very common. It was very brief and they came back very quickly.
Lisa
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Morning all! I agree with Juliet...blech. Where is freakin' spring???? I wanna take the convertible out, with the top DOWN! But I see the weeds are growing nicely.....Ah....the hair thing. Everyone told me to shave it all off to take control. Well, my control was that I didn't shave it off. I had long hair and I had it cut right above my shoulders. Two weeks to the day after my first chemo it started coming out. I put one of those hair catchers in the drain in the shower and every morning for 3 mornngs in a row, I gently pulled all the hair that would come out - out. Made a nice little pile on the side of the tub, and then threw it away. It was all gone by the 4th morning. Well...except for those 10 little strands on top of my head that I have talked about....they stayed around and kept me company thru-out chemo. That was MY control...no one was going to tell me what to do about my hair. I never lost ALL my eyebrows/lashes at one time so I was lucky there...but my lashes kept doing the vanishing act FOUR times. I think Smerf's went 5 or 6 times! But they grow back so quickly....
In my avatar I am wearing a wig...I think it looks great. I actually loved my wigs...I had more than a few! It was fun, deciding every morning what style I wanted....
But.....I do remember how terribly sad it was to see the hair start to fall out. Cancer is just not a fair disease in so many ways. With the hair....it gives us our outer beauty. In addition to fighting this monster, it takes that away from us as well and labels us "cancer girl". It was so hard to find out that I had to so chemo....I cried for days an days. Silently and alone so no one would know. But we know Donna and Lisa, we know. And we are here for you. And we get it. And you will get thru this. And it will grow back. Elfsong's is coming back! Yay!
Elfsong...yep, sleeping sometimes eludes us. And your DH wanting to move in the middle of your treatment is hard but with the economy I guess we all have to go where the jobs are. I was given Ambien for sleep way inthe beginning but it only gave me 6 hours of sleep...so I had to stay awake until midnight or 1am to take it! Ask your doc if you can take tylenol pm. Or...just take benadryl (buy the generic walgreens or target brand....much cheaper). That's what they put in the tylenol pm anyway. I take 2 around 9- 9:30 and sleep like a baby for 7-8 hours. I don't do it every night but it's nice that it's around to take. BUT....ask if it's OK tho.
Laura....my rad onc checks my eyes, throat, nodal areas, abdomen after asking me lots of questions re my general health, exercise etc. Then he starts on the girls...checking skin (coloring and texture) and of course checking for any lumps. Also checks my range of motion to make sure my L arm is good. Also checks my breathing and heart very carefully for any decrease in function as my rad side is the L. He really does the best job of all my docs. How was the whiskey sauce by the way????
JanClare....glad your kitchen is almost done. Whew! What a project! Missed seeing posts from you...
Rita...now...why do you have to buy Easter Baskets???? Are you telling me that the Easter Bunny doesn't bring them??????? Next you will be telling me that Santa really doesn't come down my fireplace.......I am still a child at heart you know!
Jackie...stove come yet??????
Lisamed.....I will have to check out your pics on facebook! Nice to know that your friends told you that you looked 20 years younger. I think.
BJ.....how are you feeling BTW? Do you go back to have your counts checked?
Well....off to do something constructive like EAT now that it is an hour past my thyroid meds. I need to run back to the library as they have the new Maeve Binchey book on hold for me. I did look for the Screiber Anticancer book and it is marked as "between libraries". Hmmmm....I will put a hold on that one too! Everyone...have a wonderful day!
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Good morning to you all. I think I may be awake. I had chemo on Tue, shot on Wed (with no effects yet) and IV antinausea on Thurs. I have slept constant. Even on 5 days of steroids. Last time I got a little queezy on Sat and Sun. Hopefully not this time. I feel good. Just still tired. Donna I really think the Nexium is helping with the heartburn. Did they give you somthing like that. Also. Keep an eye out for any early signs of constipation. It can add to any nausia. My Onc said to take 2 Senna (walgreens generic form of Senakot) in a.m. and 2 in p.m.
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"Miracles: You do not have to look for them. They are there, 24-7, beaming like radio waves all around you. Put up the antenna, turn up the volume - snap... crackle... this just in, every person you talk to is a chance to change the world..."Hugh Elliott
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Wendrew - I LOVE the Peep Spa! How cute...did you make that? Very cute... And...the whiskey sauce turned out FAB. I used a bread pudding recipe from my Betty C cookbook and a sauce recipe from the FoodChannel - I think it was Emerald's. I served it in large long stemmed wine glasses... it was a delicious dessert and a lovely presentation! lol
JanC - Maybe some Saturday, we can walk and I can see the new addition. Also, if you ever want to go to the "Y" - let me know.
Elfsong - Moving is tough. Especially if you've done it quite a few times. I am so happy for you... your hair is growing back! Yay!
Lisa/Buddy (?) - Since we already have a Lisa, can we name you LisaD or WHATEVER you prefer? It would be less confusing. I will add your info to our IL addy list and send it to you and all the girls on the list.
Donna & Lisa - I felt "funny" going to a wig store and exposing my bald head to strangers and I was worried the lighting would be bad and didn't want to freak out when I looked in their mirror... I knew I'd be more comfortable in my own home with my own mirror. I'm sure that wouldn't bother most, but I was very self-conscious about it. So...I ordered 7 wigs from paulayoung.com. Tried them on, kept 3 and returned the others. They were only $39 - $59 each. I knew it would be temp - so I preferred several different ones, instead of a single expensive one. Everyone thought they looked very real. Just fyi...
Everyone - have a great Saturday... good day to make a pot of chili/mac and home-made corn bread! dh to the rescue! lol
Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeere's Paulie:
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Morning everyone
on this quite chilly morning which will warm up. Now then.....I chose the quote because we are all MIRACLES. We all spend a lot of time changing the world for each other.......trying ( and I think succeeding a lot ) to restore as much of the security as we can that we were robbed of with this rotten, lousy, horrid disease.
Even someone like me who is not much for vanity gets to look in the mirror after chemo when the hair is coming out in clumps so surprisingly upset thinking....this is 'fricken' lousy. So, Buddy/Lisa, Donna, Elfsong, Wendy, Rita, Pat, Susan.....well, you know who all of us here are....we are miracles......we got thorough it all.....and we did it together.....we changed each other's world and we are still doing it. We kill monsters and slay dragons because we know what they look like and how they feel.............and you'll never stop caring again that every day someone finds out they are going to do chemo and lose their hair ( all of it everywhere ) and go through who knows how many humiliations....but you ladies.....you are all hero's to your family, your friends, and to yourself. I have no vanity but I am proud. So all you ladies just finishing, or in the middle, or just beginning.....you are about to become miracles.....we want you with us and we want to help you with the metamorphosis.Whew...sorry, but now and then one of these quotes just grabs me. I hope you all have a fantastic Saturday.
Wendy....my stove is sitting out on my deck in a big box. Dh brought it home last night in the back of the truck....Hmmmm, forgot to tell you -- part of my good price was no delivery charge. They would not install here because I have propane --- some law or something, don't know, but as that was the case and Denny had his truck back on the road. By tonight I will be pulling out my not too old newly grown hair trying to figure out just how it all works.
Another foot note on that. People really adored my wig ( it looked in front somewhat frosted/highlighted here and there......and I think that aspect made it seemed more NOT like a wig. However; despite the compliments most people are liking my real hair---so much like it was before I lost it --- I'm still using volumizer shampoo and conditioner with a permanent now to increase the volume just a bit more and people are giving compliments on it as well.
So girls life really does go on.....not so much like it was....Lord knows the constant checking up after cancer will prove that, but even less than a year after.....when your hair is back and your eating well memories of "what that time was like" will continue to fade enough for you to feel eagerness about your forward progress. We will never be the same....we lived with a monster but we will go on because we are miracles I hope I am one of yours.....you most certainly are one of mine.
Hugs,
Jackie
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AMEN!
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ElfSong,I used to have troubles sleeping and those over the counter meds Wendy mentioned can work , You do have kids to care for and you need to sleep! It sounds like you have a lot on your mind. Moving would keep me awake for sure.
The worse part of having BC AFTER the treatments is the worry it will come back for some. Being 61, my body is not the same and I do have so many pains that pop up, stay, and then fortunately leave. I know I am the two-week rule girl, but frankly I am getting my two-weeks all screwed up for varied problems. This week it was the HIP and last weekit was the thigh. I never even knew what a femur or a scapula was until I got this damn thing. The hip now appears to be okay and the femur issue has moved to the other leg, so I guess it is not a cancer spread. I know I may sound flippant, but I am really having these odd things pop up and they are making me nutty. Just think, when I retire I will have all day to obsess. Only kidding.
I believe my problem is the arimidex or the lack of estrogen it causes. I won't give it up and I really need to do those supplements and get exercise like you symptom-free ladies!
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Oh Laura....I got so carried away I forgot to thank you for the so very sweet Paulie pictures...me a dyed-in-the-wool---almost no-holds-barred animal lover. How dare me !!!!!! He is such an adorable little mite....so easy to step on, but though I hate to say it....we still step on some of our more trusting cats that don't realize our eyes and responses are not as quick as we wished they were.....I'm sending major sized hugs and love to Paulie. Have a great day with your Mom & Dad Paulie Cuteheart.
Hugs,
Jackie
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Well......let's see what all I have to say now that it's Saturday and I am popping back in to write, as always I read all week but time is so challenged during the week....you all know that is my story......
Laura....I am totally and completely in love with Paulie....he is enough to make me consider getting a dog again....absolutely precious.
Jackie your quote moved me and your note made me cry.....Ive not had the experience of chemo but Ive had the experience of bc and everything else that goes with it.....and I love the way you are able to say what all of us are thinking. For those of you who are finishing, in the middle or or beginning your chemo know that you are solidly in my prayers and thoughts .
Susan....you and I are almost the same age , I am only on Arimidex 3 months but so far *knock on wood* I am symptom free now that I have conquered the potty issues....I am attributing it to getting on the right supplements and exercise. My BS examined my draining SNB incision yesterday (another story) and wasnt surprised at all that I am doing so well on the Arimidex....I hope I can continue to say that for years to come.....
Blackjack....Im really really happy for you and your son....that is great news all the way around.
We leave on vacation in just over 2 weeks and I am SO ready for it on so many levels.....the meditation classes and mindfulness course Im taking is starting to be a real benefit to me and Im planning on using it every day on my vacation to enjoy the ocean and all that is happening in the moment and not what could or might happen tomorrow.
We have our 3 little grandsons all week end, so we are off to Brookfield Zoo.....while the sun still shines. Happy week end to everyone !
With love
Jan
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Hi Ladies!
Our spring break cruise was fabulous, and oh-so needed. I have been really tired since returning though, I think I needed to vacation for at least another week.
I'm way too many pages behind to catch up, but in skimming posts I see that there are a few new babies to welcome - a grandbaby and a new puppy! Congratulations all around.
Re: wigs - I went to a place in Skokie that made custom wigs about a month before I figured I was going to lose my hair. They made a wig that almost perfectly matched my hair with natural hair. It was very expensive (just over $2000) BUT since it was natural hair my insurance paid 100%. Yeah, I was stunned too. I can't tell you how many of my daughter's friends were complimenting me on my new short "haircut" after I stopped wearing my wig. They never even knew I had lost my hair.
My eyelashes fell out for about 3 or 4 cycles. Each time I panicked that they wouldn't come back, but thankfully, they always did.
I don't think my eyelashes or my hair are as thick as they were before this cancer merry-go-round, but I'm not complaining.
Here's a picture that my husband took of one of the beaches we visited. This is Trunk Bay in St. John - one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever been to.
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Rene... TAKE me!!!!! i am a good traveler and won;t say a peep..lolol!!!Looks wonderful!!!!
Lisa/Buddy...Good you are resting! Sounds like you have it undercontrol with hair also!!!Constipation already started with my iron therapy!!! Taking a Dulcinex now. Cannot imagine how it is goin to be when the tx's start as i always have struggled with that area for me and manage it daily.
lisamed...eyebrows after tx;s.. had no idea that could still occur..sigh.
laura..PAULIE.. IS BEYOND ADORABLE.!!! Yelling for my husband to get in here and see this babe... we will eventually downsize and it will be like a Paulie!!!!Oh.. what a kissable baby.. Donna Dogs has always been my name since I was little and cannot ever imagine being with out one!!!having three goldens now, is something and they are so great but sooo darn needy..lolo.Love that though as i love to nuture . Please share some puppy antic stories.. that face, is trouble.. too cute not to be at some point!!
@!!!
Buddy.. Continue onward and keep me posted as you are my leader here too!!!!
Thanks and enjoy your weekend!!!!
Donna
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Just popping in real quick to let everyone know I am still here...Just havn't had time to keep up with everything. Everything is going good with me. I had an ultrasound on Friday and looks like my blood clots in my right leg are gone. I am finally off Lovenox and my belly is starting to look normal again. Monday, I have a pet scan. Hope that comes out okay.
Only 3 weeks til we go to Florida. My son is getting married on the 2nd of May. Cant wait to get out of this yucky weather..
Rita and WendyTy....we need to do lunch or dinner soon....
Ginny
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Morning there everyone. Dreary here a bit as we get rain this afternoon and them a temperature drop.....maybe slow flurries early in the morning on Monday. Not liking that, but April around here can be a bit tricky too.....drat, I say.
Stove is looking good but have to have someone out on Thurs. to adjust the oven. Flame is way too high...so high it shoots out right into the oven chamber at the sides. We paid for a 5 yr. protection agreement ( parts, labor -- anything and everything ) is covered and so they have to come and fix it. Boy, have I a lot to learn so that will give me more time with it.....and as the technician will be out Thurs. I will just have any look at everything and see if anything else might need a tweak......
Ginny...very good news about your leg and good vibes being started for your test on Monday. Here's to lots of joy on the 2nd. of May. Fla. sounds so nice....almost any place that is not still having "shades" of winter hanging on.
Will see you all later.
Hugs,
Jackie
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To acquire knowledge, one must study; but to acquire wisdom, one must observe.
- Marilyn Vos Savant0 -
Morning Girls.....I am soooooo happy that my dh and son are finally home. It was a two day drive home due to construction work on the highway. They are both very tired but happy to be back. It is hard when they move back home. It will be adjustment for me and him. Oh he did bring me so much laundry that I told him the laundry mat is around the corner. lol
Jackie..glad to see that you got your new stove just in time for that big Easter dinner. yum
Donna, Lisa,... hope your tx's go well for you. Remember we are here for you. There is life after all of this.
Wendy...peep spa is so funny...but we need a real spa day!!
Laura..how is your new baby doing? He is so cute. My dd called me and told me she wants to buy this golden puppy at school that is for sale. I told her absolutely not no more dogs for me. One is enough to handle. She will be coming home on Thurs and told me she has a surprise for me and I told her it better not be another dog!
Rita.. how is your new grandson doing? Any pics to share ? Are they coming to see you soon.
Jan..glad to see that you are feeling better and that your vac is coming really soon. Oh I miss the beach already and my beach chair too. lol Boating season is almost here so I will be happy again. Enjoy yourself. Have fun.
Ginny.. glad to see that your blood clots are gone. Happy healing to you.
Renne.. Oh the beach pic is wonderful...thanks for sharing.
Easter is right around the corner..does anyone have a good recipe for lamb cake. My aunt who had the stroke used to make one every year.... this year I am elected to make one but don't have a recipe that is yummy. Any suggestions are welcomed.
I hope everyone has a great Sunday. think spring..flowers and warm sun
Remember to be healthy..be happy. Hugs to all
BJ
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Here we go again....3-7 inches of freakin' snow in thre Elgin area by tomorrow am????? Already told DH that the snowblower is empty and I will not be filling it up....any snow that falls he willhave to shovel it...or quite frankly I will just drive right over it. I am done.
Laura...Paulie is so cute! But it's a boy dog, correct? Did you put a little bow on him??????
Blackjack...glad DS is home. When does he start at the Abbey? He will be living at home????? Won't that be a very looooong drive every day????? And I do have a lovely recipe for lamb cake - it's called drive to the bakery and buy one cake! Turns out perfect every time.....
Jackie...sorry that you still can't use the oven! And you would think that they could send someone out sooner than Thursday for a brand-new appliance!!!!
Rene23.....picture is beautiful! I so wish I was walking on that beach right now.
Ginny....congrats on the blood clots being GONE! Wishing you a perfect PET!
Everybody else....hope you are hanging in there. Have a wonderful Sunday....and if any snow comes your way, just ignore it. I plan to.
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Blackjack,
I think you can just use a pound cake recipe. My mom usually makes one, but she and my dad left yesterday to go to the Masters and will not be home until Saturday, so no lamb cake this year.
Lisa
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