Geriatric mm warriors (12/30/09)

[Wisteria1956]

Carol: Bonnie's trainer believes in finding a really scrumptuous treat to use as the reward to the "Come" command. Something like pieces of hot dog or something the dog is crazy for. He said to make a party out of your voice for them to come and to call "Come" only once with their name, but then to keep up chattering very happily until they reach you. We did this on leashes with one holding and one of us at the end point. The first person drops the leash and the second one leans down and holds the treat and yells Bonnie, Coooooommmmme and then like Here, girl, or whatever, over and over until she reaches that person. If the dog knows the only time they get the best treat in the world is for a successful "Come", he claims they will obey. All I can say is that it got Bonnie to ignore a bloody dead squirrel that was dropped on a beach nearly in front of her. Can you imagine dead squirrels raining down from the sky? Freaked me out!!! Maybe if you practiced this routine, it might work to get Lobster to drop the shoe. Worth a try??

Nell: Welcome back and I hope you get what you need from the doctor. Be kind to yourself. We love you.

Kathy: My BIL uses sleep deprivation as a way to reach a quiet zone in his ADD mind. It's pretty unhealthy. He has medication and has in the past used sugar, caffeine and alcohol to affect highs and lows he craves. I think he likes to overstimulate himself and then to finally reach a dark cave when his body can't take it anymore. It's the only time he's really at peace. If you think Mike has this condition, do what you can to help him because he doesn't have to live this way.

 

[Carol-Fish]

Thanks Lisa for the suggestion. He comes home when I call "home" and comes when I call his name, but with a shoe or something in his mouth, he is deaf. We think he is on some kind of mission that only he knows about....my DD25 says that she thinks he has to go and check the property for intruders since he has been cooped up in the house while we were gone. He does this even when we get the shoe out of his mouth before he scoots out the door. The shoes are really just "greeting shoes" that get carried along on his reconnaissance mission.
He is a very silly guy!

 

[gettinhealthy]

Carol: Bonnie's trainer believes in finding a really scrumptuous treat to use as the reward to the "Come" command. Something like pieces of hot dog or something the dog is crazy for. He said to make a party out of your voice for them to come and to call "Come" only once with their name, but then to keep up chattering very happily until they reach you. We did this on leashes with one holding and one of us at the end point. The first person drops the leash and the second one leans down and holds the treat and yells Bonnie, Coooooommmmme and then like Here, girl, or whatever, over and over until she reaches that person. If the dog knows the only time they get the best treat in the world is for a successful "Come", he claims they will obey. All I can say is that it got Bonnie to ignore a bloody dead squirrel that was dropped on a beach nearly in front of her. Can you imagine dead squirrels raining down from the sky? Freaked me out!!! Maybe if you practiced this routine, it might work to get Lobster to drop the shoe. Worth a try??

Nell: Welcome back and I hope you get what you need from the doctor. Be kind to yourself. We love you.

Kathy: My BIL uses sleep deprivation as a way to reach a quiet zone in his ADD mind. It's pretty unhealthy. He has medication and has in the past used sugar, caffeine and alcohol to affect highs and lows he craves. I think he likes to overstimulate himself and then to finally reach a dark cave when his body can't take it anymore. It's the only time he's really at peace. If you think Mike has this condition, do what you can to help him because he doesn't have to live this way.

Lisa, this is how we trained Tyson also to walk without the leash and to listen to us. Personally we used cooked chicken and liver treats. We do make our own freeze dried liver, and he will do ANYTHING to get some of that. We use it only for training purposes. To do the liver, just boil it, then cut into hunks and put on a tray and put in freezer for at least 30 days uncovered then put into baggies. I keep it in the freezer and just get out what I want. Slowly work your way to him only getting a treat every so often. Make sure his attention is on you at all times. Make it a game. You'll sound silly as heck, but it works. Dogs also love to play "chase." If he has something and won't come, yell your command, do your silly voice as you run away from him. He will want to chase you then. Only when he comes do you give a treat with TONS of praise. If you can watch It's Me or the Dog, she shows how this works.
Lisa, thank you for the info on your BIL. I need to research ADD so I can relate to Mike and the kids better. When I tell them to do something, it is always put off, or doesn't get done at all. Michael has clothes in the basement he was going to wash yesterday morning, but they aren't anywhere near being washed. Mike reminded him last night, but they never got done. Michael had gotten a mouse for his computer. He hadn't been home 10 minutes and didn't know where he put it. He thought he left it at the store. It was on the kitchen counter. Mike was "hunting" taco shells earlier, and asked me where they were. I told him in the cupboard where they always are. He didn't think to look there. I had always thought it was just them being "lazy" or something. I am coming to realize that they just can't process what they are need to do too far into the future. Yesterday at 10 I called Mike and asked him to go to the butcher shop to get 5# of hamburger for supper. I got home from work around 2:30, he never made it. I asked him what he did all day (I was nice about it) and he said he forgot to go. Ok, rambling again. Sorry.

 

[gettinhealthy]

Kathy,

I was wondering about the ADD issue with Michael. So many of the people suffering with it make really bad choices like he has. They tend to "self medicate" with whatever they can...booze, drugs, caffeine, nicotine, food, or sex. I've been dealing with this for 31 years with my husband and it is so frustrating. What I'm learning lately is that they need to get medicated with the proper ADD medication first...this helps their minds slow down and work regularly so that then they can change their behavior ( if they want to ). Here's a website I found a few weeks ago that has been very helpful for me. It has to do with dealing with ADD in a marriage, but the issues are still the same. I hope you find something there that helps you and your family.

http://www.adhdmarriage.com/


Robin, Have fun working today!Yes, Lisa's suggestion of a story about Lobster would be good but rather repetitious.......pick up shoe when someone comes home...take shoe to greet them at the door...try to get by them as they open the door...run as fast as you can through the door and onto your path down the hillside...do not pay ANY attention to the ridiculous humans that are yelling at you to "come home", "drop that shoe" or try to con you with saying "cookies" or "go for a ride".........drop shoe whenever and wherever the heck you feel like it. The type of shoe ( or possibly stuffed animal if no shoes are available) is the only thing that changes. Some of the words that are yelled at him as he goes bounding off would not be appropriate for a kids book.LOL

Carol, he has told us from day one that is what he was/is doing. He won't lie at all about his problem. If you flat out ask him if he's had Robitussin, he will admit it. That's how they found out about it this last time. The lady found the empty bottle in the garbage. She asked if he had been doing it, and he said yes. Michael then proceeded to go up to his PO to tell him. The problem is he can't get treatment until he's off the Robitussin. He says it is a preventive for Alezhimers. Today Mike and I were "fighting" each other and Mike just tapped me on the arm. It hurt, and I told Mike. It wasn't a hard hit honest, just a tap. Mike said there was no way that hurt (he was kidding). Michael said, well, maybe she has Fibromyalga (sp?). He then proceeded to tell us that dextromathorphan is good for helping with the pain associated with it. I told him that's find for the test subjects, but I didn't want anything to do with it. He is just so stubborn headed when it comes to this stuff. Thank you for the link. I will be reading it for sure tonight. I want to learn all I can about this so I know how they think and why they think the way they do.

As for Lobster, refer to my reply to Lisa LOL.

 

[Wisteria1956]

Kathy: I forgot to mention the tapering off of treats. We really don't need them much anymore, but the trainer said for stubborn dogs you might always need the treats for "Come". Tyson is a lucky doggie!

Bonnie has a Kong bone that holds a treat in each end. At night she gets it filled up to keep her busy for a few minutes. It's kind of like her desert at the end of the day. She brings it to me and drops it on me, stares at me. I'm supposed to tell Tom to go fill it up. She knows I boss hiim, LOL! One night last week she was looking around for it. Tom said she left it in our room. She came up and looked so hard at me, like "Where is it?" I said, "Bonnie, your bone is in Mommy's room. Go upstairs and get it so Daddy can put treats in it for you." She looked at us for a second and then trotted off upstairs. Sure enough, here she comes with it! I have never seen a dog think into the future like that about something she couldn't see! We were amazed.

I don't know how you cope with a houseful of ADD people! J-P is distracted a lot, too. His mind is always off creating something and he doesn't pay attention to the average things. He has systems in place with checklists and alarms to himself. Now, if he doesn't have his computer or iPhone he's a mess, lol!

 

[Wisteria1956]

Kathy: I was going to email you this because it's a bit TMI, but someone else might benefit so here goes: For some reason, I used to get frequent yeast infections. The medicines would seem to work and then it would come right back. There are two things I did to stop it. One is to take AZO Yeast, which is a homeopathic rememdy. Take one pill in the am all the time until you don't get them any more. You can find it at any pharmacy over the counter. The other is fantastic. Grapefruit seed extract. Not grape seed, grapefruit seed. You have to be really careful the clerk in the health food store doesn't give you grape seed. It will purify water if you are going abroad, etc. You can take the drops in water or take the pills. I use both. It doesn't taste good in the water, but if you keep the drops on hand you can put about 30 drops in 2 cups of warm water and douche with it. Twice a day or at least at night. I swear it will be gone in no time. I never, ever get this problem any more, but I have the stuff on hand just in case. The drops will last a really long time because they come out very tiny. If you use the drops as a douche, also take the pills or swallow the drops in water.

 

[gettinhealthy]

Kathy: I forgot to mention the tapering off of treats. We really don't need them much anymore, but the trainer said for stubborn dogs you might always need the treats for "Come". Tyson is a lucky doggie!

Bonnie has a Kong bone that holds a treat in each end. At night she gets it filled up to keep her busy for a few minutes. It's kind of like her desert at the end of the day. She brings it to me and drops it on me, stares at me. I'm supposed to tell Tom to go fill it up. She knows I boss hiim, LOL! One night last week she was looking around for it. Tom said she left it in our room. She came up and looked so hard at me, like "Where is it?" I said, "Bonnie, your bone is in Mommy's room. Go upstairs and get it so Daddy can put treats in it for you." She looked at us for a second and then trotted off upstairs. Sure enough, here she comes with it! I have never seen a dog think into the future like that about something she couldn't see! We were amazed.

I don't know how you cope with a houseful of ADD people! J-P is distracted a lot, too. His mind is always off creating something and he doesn't pay attention to the average things. He has systems in place with checklists and alarms to himself. Now, if he doesn't have his computer or iPhone he's a mess, lol!

That is too funny about Bonnie. I have a kong for Tyson also. I have put all different kinds of stuff in it. I have put some peanut butter and bananas in it then froze it, canned dog food, in the summer, cantelope, watermelon, strawberries, pretty much anything I can think of. He also likes yogurt in it. I did get him some kong treats for it, but he goes through them in about 5 minutes. I thought I'd buy some milkbones to fit in it. Well, the end it a bit too big and I have to shove it in. He eats the part that sticks out, but the rest is stuck in there. He will throw it all over the place trying to dislodge it. He then will bring it to Mike or me to dislodge it. If we don't he just gives us a look like, "what do you want me to do with it?" This will usually entertain him for a good 1/2 hour or so. Then I feel bad and manage to get it pulled out for him. They are just too smart!!

 

[Wisteria1956]

That is too funny about Bonnie. I have a kong for Tyson also. I have put all different kinds of stuff in it. I have put some peanut butter and bananas in it then froze it, canned dog food, in the summer, cantelope, watermelon, strawberries, pretty much anything I can think of. He also likes yogurt in it. I did get him some kong treats for it, but he goes through them in about 5 minutes. I thought I'd buy some milkbones to fit in it. Well, the end it a bit too big and I have to shove it in. He eats the part that sticks out, but the rest is stuck in there. He will throw it all over the place trying to dislodge it. He then will bring it to Mike or me to dislodge it. If we don't he just gives us a look like, "what do you want me to do with it?" This will usually entertain him for a good 1/2 hour or so. Then I feel bad and manage to get it pulled out for him. They are just too smart!!

Do you have the Kong bone or the Kong ball? She had a ball, but she chewed the opening too big. She loves the bone and figures out how to crunch up the treats so they fall out. She's pretty good about cleaning up the crumbs, too. They are so cute! Keep us entertained, huh? I wonder who the pets are?

 

[Diane W.]

Good evening all!
Thank you very much for all the prayers and good wishes regarding that job that I want. I will let you know as soon as I hear anything.

I had a good day with my sister. (not the one with the troubled son) We went to the mall, had lunch at Applebees and then went to Michael's Craft store, Marshall's and WalMart! I'm exhausted. I did get a great suit at Macy's for 50% off (for my new job ) I was trying to find shoes to go with it and every pair I tried on either were too small or terribly uncomfortable. I'm going to try Famous Footwear tomorrow.

Good to hear from you Nell! I hope the doctor is able to give you something to help with your symptoms. How's school going? I know I am on some email lists and not on others - my email is diwar722@aol.com. I hope you're settling into your new home. Sometimes it takes awhile to get everything where you want it. We moved here last January and I remember walking to the kitchen to use the phone. Then I would remember we have the phone in the living room at this place.

I hope everyone has a special Valentine's day tomorrow!

 

[Diane W.]

This is a recipe from one of the websites that I have been spending way too much time on. (http://oceansofjoy.wordpress.com/2010/01/28/too-good-to-be-healthy-peanut-butter-cups) The notes are the author's, not mine.
They have a bit of honey in them, but you could probably substitute it out. I haven't made them yet - but if you have the ingredients in the house they would make a nice Valentine's post dinner treat.

Too Good to Be Healthy Peanut Butter Cups

Chocolate layer: (some of you will recognize this as my healthy chocolate recipe)


1/2 c. cocoa powder
1/4 c. coconut oil
1 t. vanilla
1/8 – 1/4 c. honey
Melt the coconut oil and stir the other ingredients in; mix until smooth. Pour the chocolate into the bottom of the pan or fill the molds with a thin layer, leaving half of the chocolate for the topping. Let cool while you prepare the peanut butter filling. (The chocolate will have the taste of semi sweet dark chocolate, not milk chocolate. I experimented using coconut milk to see if I could make it more similar to milk chocolate, but wasn’t satisfied with the consistency.)

filling:

3/4 c. creamy peanut butter (I use organic, with only sea salt added)
2 T. honey
1 t. vanilla
1/4 c. coconut oil
1/3 c. ground nuts (I used pecan meal)
Melt the coconut oil, stir in honey, vanilla, and then the peanut butter. When smooth, stir in the ground nuts. Spread the peanut butter filling on top of the chocolate, whether it’s in a mold or a pan. Finally, take the remaining chocolate mixture (if it’s started to solidify, heat it gently for a couple of minutes until it’s liquidy and easy to pour) and pour it on top of the peanut butter layer, smoothing it so that the top is even. Refrigerate or freeze.

 

[Diane W.]

Does anyone cook with grapeseed oil? I found a recipe for zucchini bread that uses it and agave nectar. It says to grease the pan with grapeseed oil and then the recipe adds in 1/4 cup. I've never had it. What does it taste like, if anything. (http://stewardshipdiaries.wordpress.com/2009/12/04/zucchini-bread-gluten-free/)
Thanks!

 

[gettinhealthy]

Kathy: I was going to email you this because it's a bit TMI, but someone else might benefit so here goes: For some reason, I used to get frequent yeast infections. The medicines would seem to work and then it would come right back. There are two things I did to stop it. One is to take AZO Yeast, which is a homeopathic rememdy. Take one pill in the am all the time until you don't get them any more. You can find it at any pharmacy over the counter. The other is fantastic. Grapefruit seed extract. Not grape seed, grapefruit seed. You have to be really careful the clerk in the health food store doesn't give you grape seed. It will purify water if you are going abroad, etc. You can take the drops in water or take the pills. I use both. It doesn't taste good in the water, but if you keep the drops on hand you can put about 30 drops in 2 cups of warm water and douche with it. Twice a day or at least at night. I swear it will be gone in no time. I never, ever get this problem any more, but I have the stuff on hand just in case. The drops will last a really long time because they come out very tiny. If you use the drops as a douche, also take the pills or swallow the drops in water.

Lisa, thank you sooo much. I never thought of taking the Azo. I have used their UTI products and absolutely love them! I will pick some up today, I know Walmart also has them. Guys, if this gets to be TMI, please tell me and I will PM Lisa instead. I remember years ago I had read somewhere to douche with yogurt. I tried that, but it didn't really work. I haven't had symptoms for a few years (I probably just jinxed myself) but when it strikes, it's really bad. I usually end up using a couple boxes of Monistat and almost 3 Diflucan pills. It takes me almost 2 weeks to get rid of it. I avoid antibiotics at all costs. I have to be on death's door before I'll take them. I'll stop at the health food store on Monday and get the grapefruit seed. I love grapefruit, so hopefully this won't be too bad LOL. I am going to make an appointment with the nutritionist Monday. This is pay week, so I'll be good to go.

 

[gettinhealthy]

Do you have the Kong bone or the Kong ball? She had a ball, but she chewed the opening too big. She loves the bone and figures out how to crunch up the treats so they fall out. She's pretty good about cleaning up the crumbs, too. They are so cute! Keep us entertained, huh? I wonder who the pets are?

We have the one that I say looks like a bee hive. Here is a link to the one he has.
http://www.petco.com/product/2324/KONG-Dog-Toy.aspx?CoreCat=IO-_-ProductList_1-_-KONG Dog Toy-2324

He has a Cuz toy he absolutely loves. The Kong brand is the only kind we have found that he can't chew apart. He can be a huge chewer and does have powerful jaws. We gave him a softball one day and he had it chewed apart in 10 minutes!

http://www.petco.com/product/106635...bber-Squeaky-Dog-Toy.aspx?CoreCat=DogSFC_Toys

He also has a treat ball that you put small treats in and he has to roll it around to get them out. If he is being a picky eater that day, I will put his kibble in it and he will eat his 2 cups of food that way. Silly dog

http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2753808 (the one we have is round, but other that it is like this one)

We can't get him to play frisbee or ball outside. He won't bring it back to us. Playing ball inside, he has no problem bringing it back. Makes no sense to me

 

[gettinhealthy]

Hi everyone. Another early morning
Not too much going on now. Just enjoying the peace and quiet before all the kids decide to come down and make noise
Today is Alyssa's birthday, and we need to go to the Y to join. Never got to it yesterday. I wasn't a happy camper to say the least. We HAVE to go today, as this is the last day that they waive the $50 sign up fee. I know they close around 8 pm or so. But I want to take care of it this morning if at all possible. I do need to go to work also.
Ok, question for you all, or more or less some wisdom. The one probiotic I am taking I have to take on an empty stomach. How long after I take them do you think I can eat something? Even if it's just a mozzy stick? I was thinking maybe 1/2 hour. The other pill I take I have to take with meals, so that's not a problem.
Ok, going to watch a bit of tv. It's Me or the Dog is coming on. After it's over, off to work I go.
I'll catch up later.
Oh, Nell, I really like that yogurt machine. I found one on ebay for around $30-$35. I will have to wait until next pay, but really thinking of getting it. I am in the process of reading the site you posted as well as the site Carol posted. You all are keeping me bouncing with all this reading LOL.

 

[gettinhealthy]

I know we discussed this at length a couple times, but I completely forget. Step 1, no beans at all? Are black beans ok or is that on step 2 only or not at all? I found a recipe I'd like to try that calls for black beans. I am thinking a no go, but I could always pick them out LOL.
Thanks guys. Maybe I have ADD and everyone else is ok. LOL

 

[gettinhealthy]

Ok, another question. I think I've been on the computer too much this morning!!
I know on step 1 we can't have puddings. I found a recipe forum that has tons of low carb recipes. Here is a recipe I'd LOVE to try if I can do it on step 1

This is the site I got it from also:
http://www.recipesecrets.net/forums/gi-diet-low-carb-recipes/13281-vanilla-egg-custard.html

VANILLA EGG CUSTARD

4 eggs, beaten
pinch of salt
1 c. milk
1 can evaporated milk
2 t. vanilla
1/2 c. Splenda Granular

Whisk all together very well. Pour through a sieve into 6 (4oz) custard cups sitting in a 9x13 pan. Pour hot water to a 1-inch depth in large pan. Bake in a 325 oven for 25-27 minutes. (Just until set, centers will still be jiggly). Remove to wire rack to cool. Like velvet!!
The Custard has 110 calories and 9 grams protein per serving. Don't know carbs, sorry.

 

[kater]

I was wondering about the ADD issue with Michael. So many of the people suffering with it make really bad choices like he has. They tend to "self medicate" with whatever they can...booze, drugs, caffeine, nicotine, food, or sex. I've been dealing with this for 31 years with my husband and it is so frustrating. What I'm learning lately is that they need to get medicated with the proper ADD medication first...this helps their minds slow down and work regularly so that then they can change their behavior ( if they want to ). Here's a website I found a few weeks ago that has been very helpful for me. It has to do with dealing with ADD in a marriage, but the issues are still the same. I hope you find something there that helps you and your family.

http://www.adhdmarriage.com/

Carol - thanks for another reminder of Lobster and his episodes! You painted a very good picture of what they look like!

I am going to definitely send this link to my sister. I know that I have mentioned that both she and her sister are ADD. My sister has always had to deal with the depression issues. Right now they don't have any insurance and she has really lowered the dose of her antidepressants because she can only afford to buy so many. Her husband is bi-polar too and has to have his medication or he spins out of control so they have to make some choices on what medications fit in the budget. It is sad - they can't afford the medication they need but because they own their house, they don't qualify for any assistance.....

 

[kater]

Lisa - so right about about wondering who are the pets? Halle got a braided kangaroo (Kong brand) last week as a treat after her bath - our pet store has one of the those places where you can wash your dog yourself (l love it - no mess at home and I don't have to bend over to get the job done). She carries it around with her and then goes to sleep with under her paw or chin!

I better get up. Brad already went to work for awhile and I want to get some stuff done before watching the Olympics.

Have a good Sunday everyone!

 

[Carol-Fish]

Kathy,

It's a no on the black beans with step 1....or any beans except the black soy beans. I found a can of Eden Farms black soy beans at my local health food store. They are good and don't taste like soy. They will pick up the flavor of whatever you put them in.

It's also a no on the milk and canned milk...to much lactose and carbs. You could use cream instead and mix it with part water for the milk and straight for the canned milk substitution.

I've used the grapefruit seed extract also and had good results with it but it is very bitter tasting. I would put the drops in the least amount of water as possible so I could chug it down quickly.

Off to get ready for church and then go pick up the kids. I hope we have a better time this week, as the boy had a melt-down last week and started hitting people and trying to run away. They've adjusted his meds some and he will be a little subdued until he gets used to them. Sad, but in the long run we're hoping it makes him more even-keeled and not prone to violent outbursts. It's so hard to see a little boy who I've known all his life start to have psychotic tendencies. It breaks my heart. And yet I know that God is aware of him and loves him and will provide for him. His mom is very in tune to the Lord and very strong in following the promptings she receives for her son's care. Thanks for all your prayers for them.

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

Carol
Step 1

Feast upon the Words of Christ

 

[kater]

This is a recipe from one of the websites that I have been spending way too much time on. (http://oceansofjoy.wordpress.com/2010/01/28/too-good-to-be-healthy-peanut-butter-cups) The notes are the author's, not mine.
They have a bit of honey in them, but you could probably substitute it out. I haven't made them yet - but if you have the ingredients in the house they would make a nice Valentine's post dinner treat.

Too Good to Be Healthy Peanut Butter Cups

Chocolate layer: (some of you will recognize this as my healthy chocolate recipe)


1/2 c. cocoa powder
1/4 c. coconut oil
1 t. vanilla
1/8 – 1/4 c. honey
Melt the coconut oil and stir the other ingredients in; mix until smooth. Pour the chocolate into the bottom of the pan or fill the molds with a thin layer, leaving half of the chocolate for the topping. Let cool while you prepare the peanut butter filling. (The chocolate will have the taste of semi sweet dark chocolate, not milk chocolate. I experimented using coconut milk to see if I could make it more similar to milk chocolate, but wasn’t satisfied with the consistency.)

filling:

3/4 c. creamy peanut butter (I use organic, with only sea salt added)
2 T. honey
1 t. vanilla
1/4 c. coconut oil
1/3 c. ground nuts (I used pecan meal)
Melt the coconut oil, stir in honey, vanilla, and then the peanut butter. When smooth, stir in the ground nuts. Spread the peanut butter filling on top of the chocolate, whether it’s in a mold or a pan. Finally, take the remaining chocolate mixture (if it’s started to solidify, heat it gently for a couple of minutes until it’s liquidy and easy to pour) and pour it on top of the peanut butter layer, smoothing it so that the top is even. Refrigerate or freeze.

Diane - I have every ingredient and will be trying this recipe today (omitting the honey)! YUMMMMM. I will report later.