how about drinking?

Oh NM......... I have been there.  I know how to take baths with the teakettle.  Not fun, but you do get clean.

Do you have a backup source of heat?  I used to have a wood stove, and looked at a large wood pile as a source of security.

Fiddleheads...................yum.  Just love 'em.

Stay warm!!!!  (If no wood stove, do you have a hot water bottle you can put under a thick comforter?) - Claire

Hi My Friends...I'm sick, creeping crud, went to doc this am, I have a fever so will be under the covers for a while. I read some of the posts this am and as always was delighted to hear wassup with you, AStorm glad yer back you look so fantastic...I will see ya when I'm better again. Love & hugs ~Beans

Oh Stanzie.  Didn't realize about the MS.  That changes everything.  I do know that symptoms come and go.

As for wells, I have been there too.  As in taking teakettle baths for almost six months.  Don't ask.

At least my ex and I had a wood stove.  Guess who stacked the wood?

Good luck with the well.  If a surface type, sometimes it's the foot valve.  Otherwise, I wish you luck.

On a bright note, the most glorious sunset on the Puget Sound tonight.  The Gewurtztramminer I had with dinner was just delish.  Still roasting beets.

That is what three days of substandard food will do to me.  On veggie overload.  (I didn't go to the good places, so ate pub/diner food. Think things are different in Yakima, but I was in Richland.)

I did have a taste of Moose Drool.  A brown ale, and much better for pot roast.  As I said, need to hit the wineries next time.

Sweet dreams. - Claire

Claire-I do have a little electric heater that works just fine for taking the chill off when it's damp and cold and I don't want to run the furnace. And I do have a heat source for under the covers, her name is Sadie! She will cuddly right under and keeps me toasty warm. Sadie plus a down comforter and I usually have to turn on a fan at night to fend off hot flashes! And I've already done a load of dishes the teakettle and stove way, will do the same for the bod when I get dressed in a bit. Like I said, INCONVENIENT. But only inconvenient.

Goldie-a wine tasting party? GREAT IDEA! It could be worse, running out of oil this time of year isn't the crisis it is in January. Maybe this will teach me to keep an eye on the little yellow floater thingy. And you are very right about the effect of estrogen on the female metabolism. I keep hoping that my good, ok better eating habits that are keeping the weight stable will result in a nice weight loss when I get done with arimidex. I can hope, right?

Beanie-I'm so sorry you caught what I had a couple weeks ago! It's miserable, I know. Stay cuddled up and drink lots and drop in when you feel up to it.

Poor Stanzie-it's hard to miss a pet. I still miss Snookie, Alex, Brandy and Shadow. But, I love Sadie and she is still such a silly dog that it makes it easier to miss the rest. Maybe Sadie will live as long as I do. . .

Junie-you may be surprised if your DH decides to get the daily paper on the Kindle, or starts playing games on it and you don't get it after 2 weeks! DD ex-MIL sounds like a wonderful person, so good she has stayed in your life! Have a wonderful visit with her.

DOTD:  The Warmer Upper

 1 1/2 oz Vodka
1/2 oz Aquavit
1/4 oz Lime Juice
1/2 oz Blueberry Syrup
1 oz Lemonade

Directions
Pour into an old-fashioned glass three-quarters filled with broken ice. Garnish with a speared cherry, and serve.

Junie - Love that your daughter's MIL is so lovely. My mom kept up with my Dad's parents long after they were divorced and would visit each other. It took a little while but not my ex's dad and Mom's partner are back on friendly terms/

Oh Junie, I did see there were more sever weather coming. Stay safe!!! And yes I remember that silly song. 

Beanie - feel better soon, we miss you!

Oh I had to ask my sister about her Kindle and she said it sometimes gives her fits but it is still going strong. As far as the share thing with Kindle do you have to have the machines together or is it something you log onto? 

Waiting for Well guys! Keeping fingers and toes crossed to won't be a fortune... but hope they actually show up - been waiting for 3 weeks now!

NM - love the funnies! I sure have missed you guys. Bet you're glad that test is over. When I walked into the testing office everyone there looked gray and pinched and I was smiling my silly head off. I smiled through the whole exam and yelped when I walked out the door. They probably thought I was crazy! Kind of sucks about your oil... I used to have propane and the only thing worse than running out was coming home to a leak. But then, it was not that cold where I lived and I did have heat (the kind you get when you rub 2 sticks together). WD is my hot water bottle.

Goldie - Thanks - you are too kind! Well if I ever get my pc back I will post a larger picture so everyone can tell me how cute I am LOL! I deleted the photo off DH's pc as soon as I uploaded it ... evidence of my infiltrating his security.

Stanzie - too much estrogen = weight gain... not enough estrogen = weight gain... tamoxifen = weight gain... approaching 50 (yikes!) = weight gain... I think the world is sending us a big fat message. Well I'm not listening! I've been really tired since the whole bc thing and blame it on the tamoxifen. I was also anemic but that is no longer the case. Every time I do get some exercise I crash but the next day I seem to have more energy. The hard thing about it is that I want to diet but I have to be careful cuz not enough calories and I'm just wiped out. I started studying at a park near our house and after staring at a book for an hour I would get up and walk/jog around the perimeter before studying again. I remember in my 20's (seems like only yesterday) I said that I hated exercise and if I gained a pound I would just skip a meal. Then in my 30's I joined the gym and worked out almost every day... mid 30's I started running. Still hated exercise though. I have always thought that if I could find something I like to do it would be easier but I like to sit on my butt. Yup, there it is. What motivates me in my 40's is the fear of recurrence. And it is a drag to feel tired all the time. Hope you figure it out and get some bounce back in your step.

 I have also discovered coffee... 

Beanie - well poooo! Hope you feel better soon. We need some nurses here at HTL!

 yu can haz dis wun al fur yu

Gail, so funny about getting on you DH's puter! I hope geek squad doesn't take you for a ride. While I was in MI, my laptop just quit on me. I needed to work while away, so took it to them. They wanted me to leave it, and said it would be like $250 just to look at it, or something outrageous like that. Anyways, I couldn't leave it, so I called a friend at home that helps us with computer stuff, he talked me through some button pushing, and wa la..........it worked. Took about 10 minutes. How sweet of you to give Beans her own nurse, and now I bet Kymn wishes she could have him too!

Kymn, I am so sorry this is all being so rough on you. I was sure hoping that the second cocktail would be kinder to you.

Junie, sure hope you are not getting pounded on. The weather all across the country has been so strange and horrid. We are SOOOOOO S L O W because of it.

My avatar pic is still pretty small... wonder what happens if I paste it?

Gail....your hair do is so cute....I cut my hair in a bob after I was Dx on the way to cutting it shorter before it fell out....I recently tried going with a bob, but my hair is too fine now, so it is layered, but similar length to your...

Junie.....hope you are doing okay with the horrible weather...It is so scary all the weather happening...so scary....

Husker....have you left yet on your music chaperonne trip?

Beans....how are you feeling?  any better

I'm sooo tired tonight....don't feel like being on the computer.....Tomorrow is my last day with kids...(next week, one work day and 2 day training) but I have a staffing after school so won't get home till after 5....then I have the local Komen affiliate volunteer appreciation from 6 -9....need to go for part of it....then I have to pack...my flight is at 8:30 on Thursday morning.....So much to do and not enough time.....Monday when I get home, I'm meeting with the neuropsych who has been doing testing....evidentally there are resultst to go over and we are going to look at the text book side effects of chemo and rads....so why do oncs dismiss the long term effects of chemo!!!!  sometimes I wonder if I knew all the changes that have happened to my body, if I would have done chemo...of course can't second guess, but I'm glad to be here on this earth, but so frustrated by all the cognitive, emotional and physical changes....and the lack of breasts is the least of the changes....The emotional is the hardest part along with the cognitive....Will let you know what I find out.....

Going to see what I want to take in clothes so not much to do tomorrow.....Then get in bed early (well early for me) and read....Sweet dreams... hugs to all...Karen

Gail--your new doo is adorable--looks terrific!!  Stanzie---you really got to see Stephen King????  So, he is a REAL person????   I have most of his books.    I think he would be a most interesting person to talk to...how does he continually come up with his ideas and write those books????   I met a lady about 2 yrs ago at a Christmas party; she was in the process of writing a book....well, we all think we have a best seller just waiting for us to sit down and write it!   I ran into her again at a friend's dinner a couple weeks ago and got a chance to talk to her for a long time......what a totally delightful person she is AND her book has been published.   So, I've ordered it and when it arrives, I want to give her a call and ask would she sign it for me!

Goldie--I would enjoy being pounded--been quite a long time......oh, wait!....you're talking weather!!!!!   I  am totally weathered out!   It is almost 1:30 a.m. and basis reports on tv, we are in the clear except for torrential rain/high winds/hail--but no tornaders!!   I have been glued to the tv for several hours as the news channel tracked two horrid storms that had the potential to merge and become a monster storm!   There are reports of a 1 - 2-mile wide tornader about an hour southwest (headed our way).  Reports of much damage but too recent to know if any fatalities.....  One of the towns destroyed is so small it isn't on my Ark map--------so far, we have just had heavy rain (ceiling is dripping but still have towels/pans out); much wind...........is calming down now, but more storms on the way.....GRRRRRRR!!

One good thing--this morning was just perfect.   DH had called his tree service guy to have some limbs removed from several trees of ours that branches hang over a neighbor's roof.   So, that got done early today and tonight, when the wind picked up, I was glad that I had one tiny less thing to worry about!   Make that two good things...........some of you will remember the story of my DH coming home  and finding me sitting at the computer with a bra OVER my sweater (during our declutter and pitch phase I'd found a bra I forgot I had so I just put in on over my sweater to see if it still might fit--and forgot about it)......THAT was a hard one to explain to him and I was worried then that he might commit me!!!!!!!!!      Had another close call today.......was so worried about the weather reports and it just felt totally weird outside......so, I decided that even though there is a skylight just outside in the formal living room, that tiny coat closet is the ONLY place in this house that does not have an outside wall.   So, DH was off with a friend, and I emptied the bottom of the closet--it is really tiny.......my thinking was to see if the 3 of us would fit..........so, of course, I had to sit down in the closet and draw my knees up and I'm sitting there, thinking where the dog could fit and DH, and we could reach up and pull the winter coats down to cover us.........and so, damn my luck--I'm sitting in this little closet when DH gets home-----"busted" again--The patience in his voice when he asked...."and, what are you doing, now?"    So, I'm sitting there on the floor in the closet and I say--"Hurry!   Get in here and sit down across from me so we can see if there is room for Pancho!"   Now, he knows my storm paranoia and he had heard all the weather reports, so he kind of understood where I was coming from.   He would not get in the closet with me but he didn't call for the white coats!    He did really fuss at me when, after dinner, I asked would he run up to the hardware store and see if they sold bike helmuts and to buy three.....he did put his foot down on THAT idea!

Currently, we are heavy rain/thunder/great lightning show but tv has gone back to normal programming--maybe I can take a deep breath and go to bed!       Just realized how LONG this ppost is so I bbet you all are praying that I do shut up..................

bottomzup, cHairs............hasta manana!!!!

Gail, that pic is better.....can see you better and your cut. Both are adorable (you and the cut)

Junie, as always.....you have the best stories. Never a dull moment over at your house.

Stanzie, so awesome about Stephen King and too funny about DorK and the cookie crumbs. Me thinks DorK is just working her little heiny off. Enjoy your luncheon.

Thanks about the hat Claire, but like I said before.........it's just photo shopped on. I do not own a hat like this.

Stanzie - Thanks! You live in such an interesting town. We get some celebs here too... and some secretly live here or have vacation homes here but they must blend pretty well cuz I never see them. Not sure what your yard crew looks like but maybe you should consider the reverse invitation... kidding.

Claire - my bike's been in a hammock for years!

Thanks everyone for the compliments. Yes, I was fishing! I love the cut but sometimes my friends don't tell me I look wacky until I change the style... you know, "oh, this style is so much better! I never really liked that last one..."  gee, is my slip showing? One of my friends is brutally honest... she told me once, "NEVER cut your hair above your shoulders... you just can't have short hair." Of course that was in my 30's and we didn't expect to get old, ever. Now we both have short hair and we laugh at her comment.

I'm sitting out on the patio having a breakfast Bob (Marley)

• 1 oz. Creme de Menthe, green
• 1/2 oz. Liqueur, banana
• 1/2 oz. Rum, overproof/151 proof
• 1 oz. Grenadine

The true Bob Marley is grenadine at the bottom, creme de menthe in the middle, and 151 plus creme de bananna, so it makes the red, green and yellow of the Jamaican flag. Light it on fire, stick a straw down to the bottom and finish it!

Might need the fire crew...

NM - was I supposed to pour my Computer Fixer on the keyboard or give it to the Geek?  

Hello goils,

Stopping in for some heavy duty drinks, whatta day, whoa. I nearly lost it at one point but was able to pull myself together. I have really forgotten the reality of end of month as I once knew it. I am exhausted. I had a kick arse day yesterday as everything seemed to go my way but today was the reverse. But I am here, drink in hand and already feel better.

So where to start?

Astorm, I love the pic of you, so cute.  I had to laugh at you hackinig DH PC. Sounds like something I would do. I hope you are able to get it bixed soon.

Beans, where are ya, come in for some drinks, I am drinking like a sailor tonight.  HOw ya feelingz? I hope better.

Junie, love your version of the name game, you silly gal. But loved the story about the closet better. I do recall the bra outside your clothes incident, glad DH did not call the white coats!  And fyi, I saw a clip on Good MOrning America where a child in the Butler tornado was saved by a bike helmet so tell you DH that you are buying to. I do not think it is crazy and got a chuckle out of your story. Gawd, wish we could party together, you are a hooting good time. I do feel for you.

Kymn, dear darling, I hope you start feeling better. I wish there was something we could do to make this all go away and have our old Kymn back. I hope the remaining treatment goes very fast for you and that things get better. I love ya girly. I miss ya too but understand. I sure hope your Canucks win the cup, congrats on making it to the finals and know I am rooting for your team.

Claire, I will be over for leftovers but ate too many cookies and am oh so stuffed and content.

Karen, have a wonderful time and a safe flight. I hope you find time to pop in the lounge. I need to buy you some drinks for your very kind deed. Thanks again, TH

Lori, was it you that said you saw cookie crums on me? How did you know? Both last night and tonight, I came home from work and the first thing I did was eat cookies...yum yum yum, me cookie monster and me loves cookies.  Sorry biz is slow for you. I feel bad since I contributed to the meltdown that began when Ameriquest Mortgage closed their doors. I had a big fight with Fat Fannie Mae just today, I hate her I hate her, she is the true culprit of this whole econimic mess, the beotch! Oh, what was I saying, oh yeah, cookies  :-) Yes, one of my dear breast friends sent me cookies. Was I talking shop, no way, dilligaf????? Pants, bring me anudder.

Stanzie, I mean Mitch, how freaking cool that you got to meet Steven King. Wasn't he run over by a car while biking years ago and nearly killed? I hope you got his autograph. I had to laugh about your lawn boys coming for lunch. I hope all went well at the luncheon today. 

NM, loved your pictures of today and yesterday. Super like the cute doggy pictures. I hope you get the hot water back soon, sux when things like that happen. It is not easy taking care of a home by yourself and these things do happen. Thankfully, it was not in the dead of winter.

oh, btw, I called that 800 number but they hung up on me, damn! Why can't I have a hot nurse? Oh well, the other gals need them more.

i AM sending this now cuz i lost one post already this morning and really do not feel like typing everything again. My darn numb fingers are pissing me off. I am going to wander to the hot tubby and see if any of the hot guys wanna join me for a drink. Pants? Since you are slacking, come slack with me.  And I promise not to pull down your pants while under the water. Hell, we all know what you got hehe! CHeeRs to all my fav breast friends in the whole wide world. Peace!

Last day of school for me with kids....spent the day try to do medicaid billing that I didn't do all semester...got a fair amount done...my SW was also doing it....NExt Tuesday is teacher work day, then I'm taking a class on next TH and F.  Leave early tomorrow morning for Toronto...still need to finish packing....went to a volunteer recognition for the local Komen affiliate...had 2 glasses of cabernet and got a headache....can't believe that 2 glasses were too much.....When I get home Monday, I meet with the neuropsych to get  test results, then a former friend/work partner for coffee....she moved to Ontario 5 1/2 years ago and I haven't seen her since she moved...we've known each over since before my son was born.....lots to catch up..she asked me about my health tonight as she had read on fb that I had had bc..I never told her when I was Dx...looking forward to seeing her...

Hubby is drinnking the last of the prep for his colonoscopy...sure doesn't make me want to have annother anytime soon....he's complaining about how awful the drink is and just said he can stomach about anything...not me...so wonder if I could even get it done...glad that I don't need one for atleast 1 1/2 years.....DS will take DH for his colonoscopy the appt is at 8....they need to be at the outpatient clinic at 7.....So I'll get to see them off in the morning also DD before she goes to school.

Well...best get off the computer and finish packing...I'll try to check in over the week-end.  Hugs, Karen

Goldie, Thanks I'm so glad she is alright!

It was me that said the thing about the cookie crumbs - I confess

No looked up online and still can't tell what kind of snake it is....When my cousin was visiting we put this plastic webbing over the pond to keep the Heron out and the snake is part way in part out of the netting so I'm assuming it is dead.... but.. oh Blech I don't know if I can pull it out.... I think I'd have a heart attack if it moved then I'd fall in the pond and break the webbing, scare the fish, get bitten by the snake, hit my head on a rock and well let's just say it wouldn't be the best outcome.....so not sure what to do. Fish are certain revved up about it.

So just got back from my Dr. apt. He has moved his office to another building to get more room. I was find till I got in the exam room, They said a nurse practioner would be in. My first thought was disappointment that the Dr. wouldn't be in. She came in and said he got three new cases of BC and the first one was late having gotten lose and she said you remember how it was that first apt. and I just burst into tears! Anyway, she was lovely and wonderful and I felt good about her answers to my questions. Basically I'm glad the Dr. was with those newly diagnosed as they need him more than I do which is such a good thing to be able to say. But I just got so emotional for all those other women.... just hate for them to have to go through what we all have..... 

So again Goldie thanks for good news on Kitty Cat (Heather). 

 Finally got my sprinklers going so hopefully won't lose all my plants and rain expected. Love rain - hate storms so will have to see what is actually coming. Speaking of storms.... Junie??? How are you?