how about drinking?

Morning ladies, didnt sleep to well with the steriod buzz but  thats ok last time doing it hehe. That drink sounds delicious NM i think I will start off the morning with one and shoot some coffee behind it . Have a great friday

Happy TGIF  and holiday weekend!!!!   Sounds like everyone is posting happy news--reason enough  for a super par-tay!

Only bummer, is that Kathy is off to Tunica, AGAIN!!!   waaaahhhhhhh!!!  I wanna go!!!!!   Thought the B&B was having company this weekend but plans are a little messed up, so planning to go to friends' house for bbq over the holiday.

Trying to learn more about my iPad--managed to download a coule books last night so have spent the afternoon enjoying "trying" to read one!   Amazing little gadget!

Question for all your wise minds and open to any input!!!! 

DH has decided our king bed needs to be replaced, so in the market for mattress.   So far, he has looked at Tempur-Pedic and the sleepnumber bed with dual controls.......SO--who has what mattress that you love and would recommend????

big hugggsssss to ALL.

Hello ladies Happy Canada Day to fellow Canadians and Happy 4th of July to our American girls.Just thought I would check in as I have not been on this thread for a while. There are so many different discussions going on on this site. Just came back from my neighbours pool party and had two drinks of Pimms. Never had that before apparently quite a popular drink in the U.K. Lots of fruit and almost like a sangria. Anyhow just wanted to ask you ladies do you get nervous when you have a few drinks. I love my wine and I am just trying to limit that to maybe one glass a week as I always feel I am playing with fire when ingesting alcohol. How do you get over that. I love to have a drink it is so relaxing but how do I get over the feeling that everytime I have a drink I feel I shoudn't. I guess I feel we also need to enjoy our lives and we cant keep looking over our shoulders being worried about everything we eat or drink. I guess the idea is moderation. Have a wonderful holiday weekend everyone. Weather is great here, sunny and hot. Cheers. Lois

Hi Lois,

I had three glasses of wine last night at the wine bar.  No, I don't worry.  I was able to walk home, so nothing to worry about that way either.

Love Pimm's BTW.

I take reasonable care of myself, but also allow myself the pleasures in life.  So yes, balance and moderation in (most) things. - Claire

Hi Lois - well everything in moderation but I don't think we need to beat ourselves up about anything. I don't think reality getting drunk is a good thing but some wine especially red wine has benefits as long as you don't drink a lot.

 Kathy- I think we will need to play a game of what job has Kathy NOT had! LOL!

Ok so totally annoyed - it is 4th of July weekend. Just got home and my AC is out again in my room! Just had the thermostat changed out for 135.00 less than 2 months ago! What on earth?? He said if that ever happens again switch the thermostat out with another room. Well tried that ---- dead as a doornail So obviously he didn't check anything out! Also it has been leaking freon for 2 years now. The unit will be 5 years old in October..... Aren't Trane's supposed to be good? This home repair will be the death of me. And of course another fight with SO. After all the repairs this past month : pool pump replacement, roof, all the mortar around the pool, mortar to fix the falling fireplace,well, and irrigation and outlet problems. With me having MS and not being able to tolerate the heat don't you think I deserve to let off some steam and be frustrated. He told me I was disrespectful of him??? Which I do not begin to understand. He doesn't pay any of these bills so Huh? His AC went out and he cried poor pitful me and his ex-wife let him stay with her. I'm thinking he might need to go back to her if she will do that for him! Ugh it is the 4th of July - no repair till Tuesday! I don't think I can do this.... It is 82 degrees! 

Pardon the rant...... so tired of allt this.....

Stanzie.....wish you could come here.  Will go down to the 50s tonight here plus good catered food and drink.

I think you are both crabby.  I am so sorry.

Can you immerse yourself in the pool????  All the repairs are the pits.

I have been there though.  My ex and I went without water for months.  Got much more efficient at bathing than I ever want to be again in my life.

I am very mellow after a lazy day (other than figuring what to put on LinkedIn) and rewarding myself with a fab dinner.

The most wonderful sunset tonight.

Back to training tomorrow. - Claire

I am beginning to understand why chemo wasn't so bad in retrospect.

Chrissy, I just lub when you get you get drunk!

NM, your sneaky little get away sounds fabulous. Hoping you get to see your mom too.

Karen, so sweet of you to share your trip with us. Have a GRAND time.

Gail, better for the coffee to go up your nose as opposed to be spewed all over your key board. Working until 1:30 in the morning? Hmmmmm.......have we taken on a second job? J/K! LOL

Stanzie, LMAO beer and ketchup. Big ole congrats for your daughter.

Junie, we have Tempur Pedic type mattress topper and I do like it. Slept on the sleep number, it's ok. They have hotel that have the sleep number, you go for a night or two and try one out. Radisson Hotels, that is what I slept on every time I came to Tulsa.

Lois, I say if it's going to worry you to death, then don't do it. Certainly isn't worth that, and besides, the worry and stress are not good for you either. Perhaps the further out you get as a survivor, the more comfortable you will get with it. I try not to worry about anything, and carry on with life and live for the day.

Stanzie, you have had your problems for sure, with your home. Would it be possible to go to an air conditioned hotel? If not I hope you have fans! Was 107 here yesterday. I couldn't not stay outside for anymore than about 15 minutes.

DorK, I am honored to be in your dream! Can't wait to hear about it. I can never remember dreams, in fact I would have to say "I don't dream" But I have heard that everyone dreams, almost every night......so I guess I don't remember. Hey, did we have a bon fire? If not, it you have another dream with me, can we have a bon fire, can we, can we huh?

Kathy, sure hope today is better for you $$$ wise. At least we know you are having fun. GAMBLING GODS, please show Kathy some LOVE!

Thanks guys! Rough night all around. I'm done with SO at least for a while as I keep saying. Lately it really hasn't been working well. He comes over and complains about everything. He has never had kids and I have three and no housekeeper and a big house that even though everything is newly renovated seems to be falling apart. Well, he comes over and critizes everything but never offers to help me in anyway. So had the fireplace mortar repaired yesterday as it was trying to come off the wall and lie on the floor. They built this whole tent thing to keep the dust down but the light fine white dust was everywhere - my furniture is all moved and knick knacks and such. In between going to the swim meets yesterday I had to feed my kids so when you walk in is a bar area which separated the den and kitchen. I had cleaned an are for my kids and my son with DS is messy - he probably always will be. So he had PB and J and we were in a hurry for them to eat and run. So there was still some sticky jelly left on the bar. So get the picture the whole area is in disary. He comes in a immediated starts compaining he doesn't have anywhere to put his stuff ( the sticky bar) and why can't my kids clean up after themselves. OK- he somehow doesn't even notice the whole den missing furniture, the dust and all? Later wonders why I have moved the coffee table closer to the sofas with towels but just assumes it is so he can put his feet up?

Anyway, comes into my office and wants to look something up on the computer. Now he can't understand how to work the mouse on my Mac lap top so I had connected the computer to a key board and monitor and I had been working on the computer when he arrives and comes in the complain about my messy kitchen. He then grunts and groans that he can't sit in my chair - I'm short- and throws the pillow I use on the sofa. Then starts going Uh, ummh uh. I ask what the matter is, he says my glasses are too dirty for him and give me a short lecture on how to clean glasses. Then he tries writing with the pen upside down ( an easy mistake as part of it broke off and so both ends look alike) so he is frustrated by this , then gets mad I don't have scratch paper lying at the computer like he does. Basically you get the picture how this whole evening starts off. It's just he is 13 years older, very fat and he is set in his ways and wants everything to be like he likes it. Well, with three kids and a Mom with MS plus everything else. I can't be the type of person he wants I don't think. I half the time am flying by the seat of my pants and most days I don't get to most everything I need to. I get very tired quickly and doing what I need to for my kids comes first. The house is sort of down the line. Now normally it isn't covered in dust like a haunted house and I really wanted to spend the evening cleaning as I have my friend coming into town but we had planned long before when the repairman was to come the week before an evening to go to the movies and dinner. Of course his plans cannot be changed. I would so adore to have someone who might actually be able to look at the situation and say Oh let me help you get your room back in order or what can I do to help with your friend coming into town. So the AC was just the last bit. It was late, I was so tired and knew I had so much to do today and he kept saying how he wanted me to go with him to pick up his cello way out in another part of town - like I had nothing to do. Anyway, he comes upstair and starts messing with the AC. Well don't get me started on how many things he has broken and never offered to pay for. He starts banging on the thing so I tell him to stop and then he starts yelling at me.. anyway.... if was just another bad day. Also hate how he is so judgemental over stranger (gets this from his EX who is a family psychologist?) anytime we see anyone out in public he makes loud comments. Like in the grocery store he says loudly look at that old woman over there she looks like a dwarf. I say no she is an elderly lady in a wheelchair! He thinks that is hilarious and I'm mortified. The worse is when he comment on overweight people - like he has room to talk... 

OK< sorry got that all out of my system. hope you all felt free to skim or skip over but whew that felt wonderful to get it all out! I'm hoping I'm done with him as he is just too much trouble and it is often like adding a 4th child.

 So my friend is coming!!!! So excited. She is a very talented singer and actress who moved back hom to SC and now she is a minister of music at her church. She is funny and direct and calls my SO "the Sadist" ! So will get everything cleaned up and then will have 4 days to actually play sooooo excited! She moved away when my kids were just babies so this will be fun. Wish my other son was here too. 

On the 4th our neighborhood has a very small and funny parade! I'll try and take some pictures. They have lots of kids, some bad and some good musicians and one year a guy dressed as Uncle Sam on stilts handing out fresh figs. Just plain goofy fun! There will be fireworks but Sean goes ballistic so we can't do that. But I can go out on the flat roof outside my bedroom and we can just see over the trees the fireworks from the country club. Somehow climbing out windows to view fireworks makes it more fun. I guess we could try going out my DD's window onto the roof but not good if someone fell so don't think we will try that one. Also don't need to give her any ideas on how to sneak out of the house.... 

NM - Oh have fun at the lake - I'm sure Sadie will be in heaven.

Lori- I heard from my cousin last night he was out in the heat working too much and he was in bad shape throwing up from the heat. very scary...

OH Kathy- I predict your winning streak will come in on this vacation so no fear play away and have fun!

Now Dork - try out the Beauty Rest pillow top - can't remember who make it Simmons or Sealy- it is heavenly! I;ve added pillowtops and fluffy pads to my kids beds and they all still want to lie on my bed!

Chrissy - great bonfire and fireworks.

Claire - seems like everythime I look at the paper or a magazing I see something about Seattle! Gosh it looks so beautiful and lovely and such fabulous food. I can see why living there is such a joy. I hope to visit again someday.... 

Ok off to clean - I'll be the one looking like a ghost with fine white dust....

Loved your pictures, Chrissy! Here are some more.

To all my breast friends here.....

And this is from Hunk.....

I can't believe its July already....Chrissy thanks for the fireworks...Stanzie vent away all you want...thats what gf are for....sorry that so much is on your plate at the moment....Kymn how are  you feeling?  Wahine...keep up the winning streak.....We have a pillow top mattress that is about15 years old and still pretty comfy....don't remember what brand...

Had an interesting, but  nice week-end (but strange) with my husband.....she is really a character...Lat night she had 2 couples over who both speak enlgish, but they kept talking in hebrew...talk about being left out of the conversation!!!  we took a long walk this morning...I'm so hot and sticky.....this afternoon we went to a study group and pot luck....again everyone spoke english, but someone would say something in hebrew and the conversation would be in hebrew till someone said, english please!!!!  awkward....and I'm not one to say much in this kind of situation.....no one was doing this on purpose, but just weird.....this evening after shabbat we went to a small movie documentary that was in hebrew with hebrew subtitles for my cousin translated for me.....its now 12:15 am and I'm not tired as I slept for over an hour this afternoon, but need to go to sleep soon as I'm getting up at 6:30.  Want to be sure I'm at the bus early...cousin said one time she had out of town company and her friend missed the bus because it left 10 minutes early!!!!! 

Registration for the learing program is tomorrow....it is from 9 - 3, but I probably won't get there till afternoon....will spend the day in the city....pick up a few things at the store and be sure to get a nice bottle of red wine....Israel wines are delicious.....I hope my gf has wireless at her house...never asked, but can't imagine anyone not having it in this day and age!  Hugs, Karen

Tomato Pie

You need paper towels pie crusts, tomatoes, pesto, chevre, and mozzarella cheese.

Slice tomatoes and drain on paper towels to absorb excess liquid.  Important to do this, because otherwise will be soupy.  Then put a layer of pesto in the bottom of each pie crust you are using.  After that, you put in a layer of dried-out tomatoes and dot with chunks of chevre.  Season with salt and pepper.

Repeat until pie dishes are filled. Then top with mozzarella.  Bake at 375 for about 25 minutes, and golden and bubbly.  Just delish and really simple.

If you are energetic, you can make the pie shells, but I think this is one time when frozen is a wonderful shortcut.

Plan on 1/4 pie per person.

I am back from my ride, and my ankle did just fine.  Will do a longer one tomorrow, and something Monday.  I should be just fine for the Seattle-to-Portland next week.  YAY!!!!

Got my groove back, and was quite shaky starting out.   So relieved I did OK.

Need the shower......really need it. - Claire

Stanzie, you need to try a red beer, but please dont put ketchup in it' Put tomato juice or bloody mary mix in it! Sounds like you need it today!

Whirling dervish, indeed--Stanzie, I'm  plumb wore out just thinking about all you are doing-----no wonder you're off to zzzzzzzzzz-land!  And yes--please just add tomato juice or V-8 or Bloody Mary mix to make your red beer!!!

Claire--the tomato pie recipe sounds yummy....I've heard of it but had never seen a recipe for it.   I just love real, fresh tomatoes--not the hot-house vine-ripened stuff we get at the grocery.    We keep thinking we'll set out a few plants but never do--would have to build some kind of fence around them to keep the critters out.   We'll stop at a farmer's market soon to see if they have  any.

This "bed quest" is getting interesting!!!   Thanks for your input, especially about the tempurpedic being hot.......that's got DH off on another track.    Story time!!!!   Years ago, when we bought our current bed, we had shopped around and had finally narrowed it down to two that we liked.   Now, in the store, DH would just lie down on it on his back for a few minutes and say, "this feels fine".   Not me!   I laid on my back; got into the fetal position; grabbed a pillow and tried side sleeping positions.......so, we're in this bed store with hundreds of beds and lots of customers and we're on this bed........DH on his back; I've gone through all my gyrations and am laying there next to him on my back and the salesman is hovering at the foot of the bed.....and, DH says, "I think I really like this one".    And, I'm on my back next to him and I say...."I do too--BUT, we haven't given it the real test yet!"   and I promptly rolled over and climbed on top of him!  It's a wonder he didn't have a stroke from embarrassment right then and there!   I was laughing so hard at the shock on his face, I didn't care that he pushed me off and jumped up and told the salesman, 'we'll take this one".   I giggled all the way home!   (I still love our bed and don't think there's anything wrong with it).

Really hot and humid here.   Had several surprise pop-up showers this afternoon.   The 2nd one cooled things off just a little.   Hope everyone is having a great week end.

Kathy--holding my breath and want to seriously hear you hit a BIG jackpot!!!!!  CHA-CHING!!!

 bottomzup and Super Sunday to ALL!!!!!

Chrissy, thank you so much for starting the bon fire, you're a doll! And we just have to have fireworks!

Stanzie, I am just shaking my head at you girl. You HAVE to let go of him. He is just more cancer in your life, and you have to get rid of it. You do not deserve to be treated like that, nor do your children. And you said it yourself, you need someone that will say "what can I do to help" etc. PLEASE, DO NOT TAKE HIM BACK. Enjoy your friends visit.

Kathy, I never thought about the mattress being hot, but now that you mention it! It does hold heat AND DH likes flannel or fleece sheets on the bed, even in the summer. So glad the Gambling God's paid you a visit. And SO much yummy food. You look absolutely adorable in your little patriotic outfit!

Karen, I can only imagine how left out you felt when everyone started speaking in Hebrew, and how nice that the one person said "English please". Perhaps you should try it.

OMG........LMAO at your story Junie. Another one of our chica's with balls! Who needs a kindle, we have YOU!

Well, we went into town again yesterday afternoon, DH got everything done and need more supplies to get more done today. Well, the other day I got a package, DH ordered me 5 pairs of shoes! Well I wore a pair, very cute wedge shoe.

But the heel end is rather narrow. Well, coming out of Home Depot I must have stepped with my foot not flat and DOWN I WENT. So I know not to try and stop the fall, rather than to fall into it. So I did, landing on all fours first, then because I was falling at an angle, fell over on my hip and then hitting my shoulder on the asphalt! Two employees (men) were standing there, I was so embarrassed! They helped me up and asked me if I was ok, which I was. Then they ask again "ARE YOU SURE you're ok" I assured them I was. DORK, I heard you laughing! I couldn't believe no one else was! I certainly would have.\

Goldie....how scarey....glad you are okay

Claire...tomatoe pie sounds yummy....kind of a modified quiche....may try it when I get home..that is if I can find the recipe again!!!

Junie....you are too funny with your bed story!!!!

Wahine....keep winning for all of us

Stanzie...have fun with your gf

Well...I almost missed the bus this morning!!!!  Not because I was late, but after I put my luggage underneath, gave my cousin a hug and driver starts driving off and shutting the door!!!  I banged on the door and he looked at me...thank goodness he opened up...Not sure what cousin then said to him!!!  The 2 hour bus ride cost less than the 10 min or so cab ride!!!!   took the bus to where I am going to be studying...its actually 2 buses...was worried about getting off to change at the correct place, but there are lots of stops along the way to connect....tomorrow will stay on the 1st bus longer as I think it will be faster....it is a 15 min walk uphill (big uphhill) to the bus stop.....This afternoon, I decided I wanted to see how far a walk it was from the "campus" to the little shopping mall (outside, lots of shops and lots of fun at night to people watch)....an hour uphill...I drank 2 liters of water!!!! And sweated bullets....I was dripping wet!!!  Its almost 6:30 and just getting hungry....Not sure what I want to do for dinner....I bought cheese and crackers to eat for breakfasts...but also have grapes and wine....Now that sounds like dinner to me.....but just don't know what I want!!!!!  Don't feel like cooking!!!  Wonder what I will do most nights....if I'll do any cooking or eat out or what!!!  To go out means the 15 min walk up hill to the bus (bought a monthly pass)....better decide soon or I'll really be hungry!!!

DH is having a nice time at DD and SIL. 

Going to try to loose the 10# I put on this winter and give up my habit of eating for the sake of eating!!!!  Best figure out dinner for tonight.....May be back later....Hugs, Karen