Uplifting and Lively Messages. No holds barred..
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Michelle - I have been doing a major clean out to. There is a rescue mission thrift store close to my house and I have been there 4 times this week to drop things off. It feels wonderful to shed the unused items!
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Want to make sure that no one forgets flowers! I just refreshed mine, so have hyacinths on my dining table and in my living area window. The bloom and scent is heavenly. I need to add an Easter Lily.
Still go over to my Sac Muse to admire and dream about how I will rock it. But next step is Nordstrom for a refresh to the leather and to cover the minor imperfections.
I went for a run in the grey and gloom this evening and spied a drake chatting up his lady love. They took off after they spied me.
Dinner awaits. Major great news as the new fish truck enterprise means that we will have a much more reasonable and more splendid selection. Scallops are in the oven. Roasting a few veg and there is dinner! Life is good! - Claire
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I love reading the posts on here. They have been keeping me uplifted this week and I can't thank everyone enough for their support. I am staying focused on my trip, otherwise I will have issues. I worked on a jewelry piece that I will need to wear next week to the conference of jewelry designers. I have a couple more layering pieces to create, to showcase my bff's lampwork beads. I made her promise last year, that we would have something new this year to wear incorporating her lampwork. If I don't insist on new pieces, she will not turn on her torch, and she is so talented. I used my light again today, and can't wait for the day the doom, gray gloom lifts and the sun shines through. We have not had sun in several days. It was 85 in Vegas, and I can't wait to feel the sun on my shoulders.
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michelle, you are going to have so much fun!
Today I'm getting ready for Easter. Being a woman of Faith Easter means a lot to me. I feel bad because I haven't done a lot to prepare my heart this year. Seems like I always do so much to prepare for Christmas but Easter is just as meaningful if not more. I spent some time in the Book of Luke reading through some things. Family is planning on going to Good Friday services tonight. We met a Chinese student at the University of Iowa. We are inviting her over after church to dye eggs with our family and talk about the meaning of Easter. If anyone has any good ideas on how to keep those doggone eggs from cracking I sure would appreciate it! Seems like I lose about a quarter of my batch every year to the cracks! Any ideas are appreciated have a great day ladies!
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gkbuser - I start with cold water covering the eggs by an inch with a splash of white vinegar added, bring to a simmer, not a rolling boil, and cook for a minimum of 11 mins - I usually go a couple of mins longer because I like no uncooked center.
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I think that if you start the eggs in cold water, it will help greatly with the cracking problem. What fun!!
I figured out a super easy way to prepare sea scallops (the large ones) the other day.
Grease a baking dish with butter, put in scallops, sprinkle some tarragon on top and then some breadcrumbs. Dot with butter. Add a splash of amontillado sherry and one of tarragon (or white wine) vinegar. Put under the broiler and cook until a bit brown on top.
That's it. Super easy and amazing. Scallops were on sale, so wasn't ungodly expensive to make. I served with roasted veggies so the perfect spring meal.
The great news is that the supermarket next door is upping its fish selection game, so I should soon be eating more fish and less meat. But then again, the store in Fall City now has game, and they are also improving their selection of gourmet meats. What's a foodie to do???
Happy Easter everyone! I am making a rack of lamb I brought back from my ski trip. Yummy and super-easy. Love this time of year. - Claire
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Gkbuser - Easter is a big day for our family as well. I was raised Baptist and there are many opportunities at our church to celebrate. There was a service last night and one tonight to. On Sunday there is the sunrise service followed by a breakfast then the children flower the cross with fresh flowers. It is a beautiful celebration. All this is followed with worship. I will be able to attend half of the service Sunday. I will have 18 people at my house Easter Sunday. I'm doing most of the cooking. I'll bake a spiral cut ham, make potato salad, mac and cheese, baked beans, fruit salad, not yo' mommas banana pudding and a bunny cake for the grandkids. I got all the Easter baskets for the grandkids and my girlmade this morning. Half the house is spotless! I will do the living room and kitchen tomorrow night. I just dusted, did the floors and straighten up a little today. All the cleaning had gotten me 15,679 steps already. I'm heading out to an appointment with my RO at 3. Have great Friday!
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Can I come Vargadoll??? Sounds beyond fab. I went to get my YSL Sac Muse shined up and left it at Nordstrom. I stopped by Pike Place Market for some rhubarb (dessert) and a couple of other items. Ended up at the wine bar and bought a couple of bottles of Pinot Gris which are about to be history. Still delish, so want to make the most of it.
Banana pud sounds amazing, but will make do with stewed rhubarb with cream. Still noodling the appetizer.
My Gucci Boston Bag arrived today as did the Tse cashmere sweater. Both are fab and basically new. The Boston Bag is lined in suede!!! Talk about upping my game.
Having leftover steak with veggies for dinner tonight. Is life ever good! Especially since I snagged the most amazing strawberry jam ever at the market today. Happy Easter!!! - Claire
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Varga, put me down on the guest list too!!! We are going to a private dining club that my brother in law belongs to. Just not thinking about food right now, but everyone's sounds so good.
GK, you bring up a great point about the spiritual side of Easter. I have not really contemplated that this year, as I have been busy contemplating other things in my life. To me, Easter this year feels more like a Thanksgiving. I feel grateful for all the wonderful people in my life, for all the things I am able to do, for all of the things that I can do for others. Today, while driving along a busy street, there was a man carrying a 14 foot heavy duty cross. I stopped and took a video which I will try to upload. That man was a reminder of the sacrifices made for us, so that we can be here right now living our lives.
Claire, can't wait to see pics of your finds!!! Excited for your Boston bag. Here is a random online pic of the Boston Bag Aviatrix that I like....especially the gold emblem. I have the horsebit hobo that Jessica Simpson made famous for Gucci. Thinking of selling it on the realreal or ebay, because I usually carry a structured bag.
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You ladies are amazing! I hard boiled two dozen eggs with not a single one broken! I started with room-temperature eggs put them in cold water added salt and vinegar and just brought it to a high simmer for about 5 minutes then shut the heat off and just let him sit there. It worked perfectly and we had such a fun time dying are eggs. Today I'm going shopping with my younger daughter and doing some relaxation. Michelle I hope you can get that video uploaded that would be so cool. I'm just humbled by the fact that with all the suffering Jesus did for us he could have taken himself down from the cross. But he didn't he stayed up there because of his love for us. Happy Easter everyone!
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my Easter cupcakes!0 -
So glad I could help out with the eggs! Attached is a photo of the Boston Bag. I think so gorgeous and it's suede lined!!! BTW - another tip. The vase in the background is just the right size to slip cheap bulbs into. No need to even take out of the pot. So a constant source of fresh flowers, and my place smells heavenly. - Claire
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my previous comment edited due to I'm not sure what the heck happened. Sorry to those that had to endure my comments in double. LOL
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Happy Easter! He is risen!
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He is risen indeed!
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hey, girls..... just popping in to say hello from Vegas...
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Hey back Michelle!!! Hope you are having a blast and a respite from the other things going on in your life. I am enjoying my new items. Was looking into Airbnb as need to plan my trip to Boston/Vermont for early June. I have my airfare, but need places to stay as well.
Also lining up my summer cycling events to keep my girlish figure. Need that so I can rock all my eBay finds. Had a major win work-wise, so happy about that as well. More to come. I need these to fund things such as eBay and travel.
Have a splendid weekend everyone! - Claire
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Michelle - Hope you are enjoying Vegas!
Claire - I have had very good luck with Airbnb. If you have not already signed up, please let me know. I can do a "referral" and we will both get a discount.
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Had a date night last night with hubby. We went to see the movie Game Night. It was fun. Not Academy award winning but fun. Our daughter was on an overnight retreat at church so we had a rare night to ourselves. Having coffee in bed trying to decide what to do today. Do I want to be productive or lounge around? Have a good day everyone!
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Thank you Celia, but I have been a member for several years. Just the best for traveling! One of the great inventions of the past decade. It's bucketing down this morning so glad I got in a short ride yesterday. I will still get out there as need saddle time.
Airbnb is one of the things that benefits so many people. The hosts who make the extra income, and also people like me who are able to travel more frequently. I think the entire travel industry benefits from the additional business: airlines, restaurants, tourist attractions, shops.
My big news is that I paid off the remainder of my business loan yesterday, so entirely debt free!! It's been a number of years since I could say this, and I am elated. I celebrated with champagne. Dinner was scallops as they were on sale.
Yesterday was sunny and everything had the most delightful scent of spring. I walked by a jasmine which was almost gone by, but so wonderful fragrant. The cherry trees are still fragrant as are the dandelions with the sun on them. I will wait a bit as hopefully things will clear up a bit.
Loving, loving, loving my new handbags. One more to go, as want a cross body. The YSL Muse Bag looks brand new with all the attention.
Have the most fabulous weekend everyone! - Claire
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Happy Sunday! It was a busy week! The grandkids were on spring break. We took the 2 older kids to Dollywood. On Wednesday I keep the 2 little ones (1 & 3) and oldest granddaughter (11) DD had an appointment. We delivered Meals in Wheels then went to the mall. It was a busy day! Tuesday night DH and I went bowling! We haven't been in 20 years. It was so much fun! I was concerned about my LE (I hate that it's on my dominant side) I just used a 8lb ball instead of a 12lb. We only bowled 2 games. It was a much needed date! We are never alone and some how we ended up completely kid less!
I had an appointment with my oncologist mid March. She switched me from Tamoxifen to Anastrozole. The change has been uneventful so far. My nails are more brittle not sure it's related to the med change or weather. The next week I had an appointment with my RO. The LE is still a bit of a problem and after looking at all the scans (before surgery and the latest set) it seems pretty clear that my LE is due to only having one incision. The damage to my lymphatic system was from "the pull" to remove to do the SNB. I do get tired of all the compression gear and pumping for a hour every night. Just keep moving foward! My goals with moving forward are to keep cleaning out the clutter and be more active!
Hugs to all! Spring will be here eventually!
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varga, yikes I had one incision too. No LE yet. Can I ask how long it took for it to develop?
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gkbuser - immediately! Right after surgery my breast was what I thought swollen. It was so much bigger than non surgery side and was so heavy. I couldn't even take a shower without a bra on because it hurt so bad. I assumed it was just the healing process. Then the cording started. I popped a few my own self and ask for a referral for PT. This is where I feel stupid because I have a degree in occupational therapy you think I would have recognized it! I didn't get my referral for PT services until the end of March when I went for my radiation set up. My radiation oncologist took one look at my boob said we got to do something about that! It still didn't dawn on me that it was lymphedema! It wasn't until I got a phone call from the orthopedic appliance company to fit me for my compression garments that I realized I had lymphedema. No one had actually said you have lymphedema. From my understanding anybody who's had the SNB or any lymph node removal is at risk for the rest of their life. This is all a voice text because I can't type while I'm using my flexi touch pump and that's what I'm doing now. All part of the managing the LE.
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I returned from Vegas yesterday morning, after a night of catching the midnight flight. Our choice was either traveling with a one stop for 12 hours, or a direct flight for about 3 hours. Totally, the 2 hour and 26 minute ride was the way to go. Apparently, we caught a great tail wind out of the west. I was so pooped yesterday, that I slept the day away.
Vegas weather was really beautiful and much appreciated. We sat outside a couple of times at a Starbucks and a California Pizza Kitchen. Our first trip the day after arriving was to Whole Foods, to stock up on food we needed for the room. We fashioned a couple of coolers from the Whole Foods refrigerated bags, by putting large gallon bags of ice in with the food. I did not want to spend $25 a day just for a fridge. The coolers worked well, and most of our food was very nutritious.
Smoking, of course, was horrendous and we did our best to dodge it when possible. I carried a washcloth from the room, to use when we encountered smoke and heavy piped in fragrances. If I go again, I will stay at a Marriott facility that does not have smoking of any kind on its premises. We wanted to be on the strip, and the Luxor generally is okay. Its rooms are supposed to be non smoking, but our neighbors though cigars and weed were exempt. (eyeball roll)
We walked the shoppes of the Grand Canal, went to Fashion Show Mall (where I found an amazing Macy's Last Act), shopped the Premium North Outlets, where I found a really nice LeSportSac backpack, as an alternative to my Minkoff black one that makes me feel so hot. I start playing Bocce Ball this week, and thought this cute backpack could carry my essential items.
The design conference was great and gave me a few new ideas. It was for lampwork and glass artists, and I came up with some new ideas for my friend to make and me to design. I had her make black on black beads last week before we left, from which I designed a necklace that I wore to the conference and show. I will post pic later. Received a huge compliment from an internationally recognized lampwork beadmaker. I purchased a tool for a newer kind of simple textured glass bead, that will come in handy when presenting other showstopping beads. My friend and I have been collaborating for about 18 years, and through it all we have become BFFs. Our moms, even from different towns, worked together in the 1950s and recognized each other at a mother/daughter dinner 6 or so years ago. I am so grateful to have her as my friend.
I have been reading and following comments, but have been unable to update because I was on an I pad that is inconvenient for typing.
Hugs to all....
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Glad you're home safe, Michelle! I encountered the same thing in the way of layovers in booking my London flights for October. Why do I not think that a 21 hour layover is acceptable??? Silly me. I ended up just fine with 2 hours in Chicago on the way back, nonstop going out.
Your solution with cold-retaining containers for Las Vegas sounds just fab. I was amazed at how they want to make sure you have to leave your room (and spend money) for the most minor of items. But you cracked the code!! Brava. (I remember arriving at the conference a few years ago uncaffienated and grumpy. We survived.)
Would definitely suggest a totally nonsmoking hotel for next time. Blech!!!
More later, but have to say I'm enjoying my new handbags. Fabulousness awaits. Jazz is so good that I don't want to go to bed yet. But I must. - Claire
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The rooms at the Luxor were supposed to be smoke free, but the Casino was not. All of the hotels that we visited which had casinos smelled bad. The weather in Illinois is pretty today and tomorrow will hit 77 degrees. So excited to begin bocce ball league play at our club.
My ikea closet items came today and I am thrilled. Now I need a bit more push to get my closet finished and my new organizational pieces in there.
Claire, give us an updated pic on the muse and congrats on your fundraising efforts!!
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Snow last Sunday, 70s midweek, snow again on Sunday. Sounds about right! Lol
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I will get my nonprofit colleagues to help out with the Muse pic tomorrow at our luncheon. Right now, I am chilling after a brutal, but victorious day. Love the flowers in snow picture. Yes, spring is capricious. It can be snowy one day, and quite balmy the next. I am hoping for the latter when I do the daffodil ride on Sunday. Doing a ride in farmland on Saturday with one of my friends. Can't wait for local asparagus and rhubarb. There are literally fields of rhubarb where I am doing my Sunday ride. I was quite amazed the first time I saw this.
Saw the most glorious daffodils during my walk this evening. I have field daffodils on my dining table and stop by every once in a while for a sniff. Divine!
Tonight's walk was quite bracing as in the rain and wind. But totally refreshing and brain-cleansing.
Sweet dreams everyone! - Claire
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brain cleansing I like that! That's what I need.
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GK, you should be getting a brain cleansing with all the snowfall that is predicted, right? Today it is going to be near 70 and sunny.....yeah me!! I can't imagine a forecast for a blizzard. The flowers were a nice touch for Spring. I always say, "I want winter in winter and spring in spring." It seams people here want spring in the winter and complain about snow in April. The Queen had it right, "you can't have your cake and eat it too."
Claire, looking forward to pics of the "Muse."
Hugs to all my girls.....0
