Geriatric MM Warriors June 13, 2010

[Diane W.]

Lisa - At least the hospital is within driving distance - I hope you can stay with him the first night. How long of a hospital stay will he have? You all are in my prayers.

Kathy - Tris will be in my prayers also. I hope she's alright. Did she have a sonogram since she found out she was pregnant?

Nothing new here. It's a chilly, sunny day and I'm headed to Vinnie's house for a trip to the health store. I went for a walk this morning and it was actually very cold - not complaining, I love it.

Talk to you all later. Hugs to you all!

 

[Simpleone]

Just a quick hello, just to let you all know I'm still breath'n

Kathy, will for sure keep Tris and you in my thoughts and prayers. No tiles yet! I paid her a hundred bucks to pour them and for my paints, which was more than my actual bill was at that point and I've not heard a word back from her yet. I figured I'd give her until the middle of this coming week, then I'll either stop by or call her. I'm in no hurry really. I'm going to Kentucky this weekend. It's a trip I usually make each fall. Two of my daughters want to go down to shop and ride quads around my parents mountain. I keep telling them it's too soon for all the fall colors but this is the only weekend everyone could get off work, not complaining but will surely miss the fall color change on all the mountain sides.

I'm sitting here completely tickled at my overly predictable DH. Yesterday I decided to get ready to move back into our old master bdrm. We're letting Millie and Chris have the new one at the end of next month when they move in. This entailed pulling the carpet out, (only room in the house without hardwoods) painting ceiling and walls in bdrm and bath, clean out the closet, and give everything a very deep cleaning. I started with cleaning out the closet and tossing just about everything in it. This morning I started removing the woodwork and after asking my husband for a carpet knife, he comes up to inspect what I'm doing. He ends up taking my place and I end up being his go'fer for the day. That tiny little move on his part to help... is landing me an entirely new master bath (very tiny) and my hardwood floors! He's at Lowes as I type this! Yahoo!!! It is so funny, he can't stand to see me do anything around here, he has to jump in and help and I always end up with more than I originally planed. Of course I let him think it's all his idea as he mumbles.."Well now that you have this mess, I guess I'll just go ahead and finish it all right now." Me.."No, you don't have to! Paint and cleaning is all it needs for right now".. Him.."Nah, I'll start in the bathroom, empty it and I'll be back in a little bit" Baahaaha!

Lisa, I know you said JP was on his way, I hope he arrived safely. My thoughts and prayers continue to be with you all.

Okay, I have some carpet pieces to pick up off my lawn before it gets any colder outside... hummm..he really could have moved the dumpster over under the upstairs windows and saved me all this trouble.

 

[gettinhealthy]

Hi guys. Just a quick hello. Mike and I went over to Tris and Levi's for a while this afternoon. It isn't looking too good. She told me this morning she was passing pretty big blood clots. She isn't looking well either. She just looks like someone decided to run her over with an 18 wheeler. I am taking tomorrow off to be with her all day. Not sure if she wants me to be with her that long or not, so I'll play it by ear.
I am here on the computer looking up designs for dried gourds. We got some from Levi's mom and I also got a pumpkin to carve. I downloaded a boxer stencil for that one. I am thinking I may need to get another one, since I have 2 boxers LOL.
My heart isn't really into doing much of anything, but I feel like I need to do something, so decorating a gourd it will be. I have a tall one, and a smaller one that will work really nice for a vase. I think the tall one I'll use for kitchen utensils. When the gourds are dried, the skin is like wood, so you can paint them, varnish them, even wood burn them. Not sure what I'll do with them yet decoration wise. I did get them washed, so I need to get the tops cut off and seeds and pulp dug out of them. Then need to find my sandpaper and sand the inside out outsides.
Ok, off I go. Thanks again guys. I'll keep you all in the loop.

 

[Wisteria1956]

Kathy: I am so terribly sorry to hear Tris isn't doing very well. Bless her heart. I was with my sister when she lost a baby on her 30th birthday. It was the one of the hardest things I've had to do to hold her while that happened, but I am so glad she wasn't alone. I'm not trying to scare you but she shouldn't be alone at all because my sister later that day lost a lot of blood suddenly and had to be rushed to the hospital. Thankfully her husband was home by then. Three months later she was pregnant with Olivia so we all know it was meant to be because our precious Olivia woulndn't be here otherwise.

I will pray for Tris and Levi and hope to hear good news from you next time you can check in. I sure hope she doesn't have to experience a loss. It is always a terrible sadness.

Pam: Have fun in KY! That's where I am from - Lexington, although I also lived a short time on one of my grandparents' farms in Valley View. Have you ever seen the ferry that carries cars across the KY river? It was the oldest licensed business in the state and the paper were drawn up by Henry Clay. That ferry was my grandfather's until he donated it to the state. We lived right there for an idyllic time away from the city when my sis was a baby.

You are very lucky to have such an industrious DH! Good for him! Your house will look amazing!

Kathy, you asked about the surgery. We don't have a date yet but I will let you know exactly when we know. Thursday at 12:45 is when we have our consultation in San Francisco. If you could pray for wisdom for the doctor and strength for us that would be wonderful. I am counting the hours until we can get going after this thing. The waiting is awful. Yesterday we had a really nice day for a change. We went to church and then to lunch at Mom and Dad's. Mom has been making Tom these big pots of healthy soups so we went to eat some and for a refill, lol! Tom grabbed my Dad and hugged him when we left. It was the first time they have ever done that. Not that they don't like each other; my Dad isn't very touchy feely. It made me cry. Tom told me in the car that he needed to do that. Sweet.

Then two couples showed up at nearly the same time at our house. One old neighbors to visit and my best friend and her husband with a huge basket of dinner. She made cilantro pesto from scratch and gave us appetizers, wine, pasta, sauce and chocolate covered strawberries. No we are not counting carbs this week, lol! We had a blast eating it all, lol! I was on the phone with her the other day while I was grocery shopping. Usually if I want flowers I buy them without a second thought, but I said to her something about not being the person who can buy flowers at the store anymore. (I'm scared about money.) So she put a huge bouquet in the basket too. All in our colors. Gorgeous. We are very blessed to have such friends. Visiting with them made us feel almost normal.

Kathy: Check back in when you can. I will have Tris on my mind all day. It's good to keep yourself busy with a project. I have been cleaning, although I'm not getting my usual pleasure out of it. Everything I touch scares me about how I would take care of it all alone. I used to care so much about the house and now it feels like a big object. None of it matters much. I console myself with thoughts that we will need it to look nice when the kids come home for the holidays. J-P's girlfriend and her daughter are coming right after Christmas. It will be a really special time. J-P is on hold with his plane ticket now that we have been transferred to San Francisco. He'll change his ticket based on the new surgery date. Maybe he will fly into SF instead and meet us there. Oh, I forgot to tell you: my SIL, her son and his wife live there so they can help me. Also, my sister is going to come home to be with me. My Mom isn't a good traveler and they are afraid to drive down there. I think my sis might drive them up and back one day. We don't know how long he will be in the hospital. I think a few days. The incision will be very large in his right groin area, which is difficult to heal. I sure hope they keep him long enough because he is too big for me to handle, lol! When they release him I would like to spend an extra night at the hotel just to make sure he doesn't go home too soon, but he will want to see his silly dog so that will be a fight, lol!

Try to have a good day and come back when you can.

Hugs!

 

[Diane W.]

Kathy - Any word on Tris yet? I hope everything is fine.

Pam - Have a wonderful time in Kentucky with your girls. Sounds like a lot of fun! Your husband sounds like a doll and you've got his number, which makes it even better!

Lisa - You're lucky to have such nice friends. I know that this waiting must be driving you crazy. It made me cry when you said you wonder what it would be like to take care of things alone. Try not to think like that. Once he has the surgery, you can focus on helping him to recover. It's so much better when you have a plan and work to do. Otherwise you can drive yourself nuts.

Is Jocelyn in California?

It's been raining on and off for the past couple of days. Yesterday I went for a walk during a break in the rain and it started to drizzle while I was there. But because I was on the path under the trees it didn't reach me - I heard it though. It was actually very nice.

I've started to do counted cross stitch again. I haven't done anything in years. I bought a coaster set. Each coaster has a leaf pattern. They'll look cute on my coffee table during the fall. I now use the two coasters I made a long time ago. They're lucite octagons that hold the design inside. One has a cross-stitch heart in a patchwork pattern and the other is actually a mini-quilt that I quilted when I was into that.

Nothing new on the job front. I got a 'no' from the job I was really interested in. I applied for another that is pretty close to my house - gotta keep on pluggin' away. Something's gotta give!!

Hugs to all of you!

 

[Wisteria1956]

Diane: Good advice! I've been setting goals every day for some project or another. Tom asked me out to dinner tonight. He said I've been distracting him so he wants to distract me. Phooey! I didn't know he could see through my plan, lol! I had made a decision to try and reflect to him what I thought he would need to enjoy life at each moment - to feel comforted, happier and content, instead of thinking about my own fears. I wanted him to see in my eyes what he needs. It's really working out great for both of us since I made that switch in consciousness. Guess he's on to my method, but I know he appreciates it.

Kathy: I'm worried about Tris. I know you will post when you can. Still praying for her and the baby.

 

[gettinhealthy]

Sorry I am just getting back to you all. I am afraid to report that she did lose the baby. I spent all day Monday with her going to the doctor, blood tests, ultrasounds, etc. I know in my heart that God only wants her to have a healthy baby, but it's still difficult all the same.
Tris and Levi are doing well and are on the road to the emotional healing. She had her D&E done today, so spent the whole day at the hospital. She was so afraid and worried about being put under. But she did really well. She is now at home recovering. Her MIL and SIL have been checking up on them and keeping me in the loop. I had to call her dad on Monday to let him know. One of the hardest things I've ever done.
She has given the go ahead to let a few family members know what happened as they have been wondering if she was pregnant. I called my mom a while ago to let her know. She also had a miscarriage, so Tris will be able to talk to her about it and she will know how Tris feels.

I will try to get back here tomorrow morning.

Lisa, I will be keeping you and Tom in my prayers for sure. I am glad J-P will be able to come and be with you.
Sending you all hugs and love

 

[Wisteria1956]

Kathy: I'm so so sorry to hear about Tris and the baby. It sounds like with you and your Mom she will have a wonderful support network. I've read it's important to allow her to feel the loss because it's very traumatic and sad. My sister still dreams about her other baby sometimes. We will continue to pray for Tris and Levi to be comforted, as well as the rest of the family.

We are leaving early in the am to go to SF. We'll have brunch first so we can settle our nerves and not be driving too close to the appt. time. We can walk to a tea and crepe place close to the hospital. At least we know where we are going, etc.

I'll try to come back here on Friday.

 

[Simpleone]

Hello everyone!

Kathy, So very sorry about Tris. That has got to be so very hard on you guys. You all will remain in my thoughts. Letting her grieve freely is the right thing to do. Again, so sorry.

Lisa, safe travels tomorrow. Nice idea to get there early. I know this has to be nearly unbearable for you both, but please take care of yourself. I love this post......Tom asked me out to dinner tonight. He said I've been distracting him so he wants to distract me. Phooey! I didn't know he could see through my plan, lol! I had made a decision to try and reflect to him what I thought he would need to enjoy life at each moment - to feel comforted, happier and content, instead of thinking about my own fears. I wanted him to see in my eyes what he needs. It's really working out great for both of us since I made that switch in consciousness. Guess he's on to my method, but I know he appreciates it. Lady, you're golden!

We've put off our trip to KY until Friday, my youngest ended up having to work Thursday night. Lisa I do remember you're from KY. I love Lexington, I loved spending summers with my favorite aunt and cousins in Mt. Healthy when I was growing up. Now we go down to just below Corbin, love the mountains. And what an awesome story about your grandfather and the ferry, I will have to remember to tell my mom about it. I haven't seen it but I'm sure my mom would know all about it. Thanks for sharing it!

Off for dinner, you all have a great rest of your week and weekend.

 

[Wisteria1956]

Pam: You made me cry, but in a good way.

 

[Virginiaponygirl]

Testing 123 testing 123...Pony is trying to get back to you guys!

 

[Virginiaponygirl]

Oh wow, looks like it worked! I finally had my computer flushed out and reloaded everything, so maybe now I can actually stay here with you guys and quit getting told my passwords are no good and my user name doesnt exist!

I admit things have been crazy and I now need to go back and read for days and days to see what is going on with you all...I am SO SORRY to have been out of touch...I think of you all the time and as always LOVE YOU GUYS SO MUCH...

 

[Virginiaponygirl]

Thanks Lisa for dragging me back and for keeping me somewhat in touch...

Kathy, so sorry to hear about the baby...I went through many miscarriages and my heart bleeds for them as they go through this. Prayers for everyone, and know that Faith in the Lord will get you all through this.

Love you guys!

 

[Simpleone]

Good morning everyone!!

Woohoo!! There's Robin!! How the heck have you been? So great to see you! Still biking along? I have heard lots and lots of success stories with Weight Watchers, but I've never done it myself. Tell us all about it, I'm curious, and good luck with it! Thanks for dragging her back Lisa! Anyone keeping in touch with Nell? I'd love to know how she's doing.

Okay, gone for now, I'll see you all early next week!

 

[Diane W.]

Robin!! Holey moley - I've been thinking about you for the past couple of days. I'm so happy to see you.

Lisa - My thoughts are with you and Tom today.

Kathy - So very sorry to hear about the baby. I had a miscarriage with my first pregnancy. The worst part was people dismissing it like it wasn't a child. I will keep her and your family in my prayers.

It's beautiful out today. Fall has definitely arrived!

 

[Seabreezes]

I am in Tucson Arizona at the moment. We are attending a bridge tournament so it means playing hours everyday!! I'm not sure it is my most favorite thing, but Bob loves it and we have a great network of friends because of it. We did get some gold points this week - for those of you who know duplicate bridge terminology, this is a BIG deal!!!

It also means we are eating all our meals in restaurants. Not great for the weight - no matter how careful we are.

I am so sorry to hear about your daughter, Kathy. I know you are all there to support her.

Pony - how great to see you.

Lisa, I can only imagine what you are going through. I know you trust the doctor you are going to see. A big hug for you. We are all praying for a successful outcome.

Hugs for Everyone

 

[Virginiaponygirl]

Great to be back here, and to see you guys too!

Pam - yeah, still riding the bike, although not as much as I would like, as I still have the occasional crazy weekend schedule...12-13 hour Saturdays, then so much to do on sunday after church...try to get out for at least a spin around the countryside every couple weeks. Its great for my stress level and its so nice this time of year!

Never did weight watchers myself either, so this should be interesting. MM just never got me past the 30 pound mark...stalled out and never lost another pound...like most other diets and plans! We have a girl at work who was almost 400 pounds and has lost 115 on ww in the past 8 months, so she convinced our company nurse to start a ww meeting at work, since so many others are interested in losing weight. It appears our company health insurance is even going to pay 75% of the cost, so I figured why not try it out! I have come to the conclusion that the safest and most healthy way to lose is probably to eat as natural and raw as possible, and that is so difficult when you have a crazy work schedule and are away from home as much as I am, so I am going to try hard to make the most of my ww "points" and still stay away from the processed stuff and white sugars and flours. I think with MM I was eating so low carb that I wasnt getting enough fiber, so hopefully will be able to combine those fiber carbs with things like vegetable soups and veggie based meals, with meat and dairy as a side instead of a main focus. As always I will let you guys know how its working out! We have a meeting on Tuesdays at 4:30 at work, so it will be so easy for me to stay focused, and no excuses for not going! Have several girls in the office who have had success with WW, losing 40-60 pounds and then being able to keep it off, so we shall see.

Lisa - There is not too much I can say, other than you know we all love you and Tom and that I for one have complete faith in the power of prayer, so as many as possible going out to you both...you are both so strong and determined, that the devil might as well just take his cancer and move along, because you WILL beat this!

Hi Diane and Jocelyn, its great to be back and I missed you guys alot!


Decided to reward myself for no reason other than making it to age 52 on Sept 18, so went yesterday and got a new tattoo! LOL, have several others, but always got them where they could be hidden with clothing...mostly so they didnt show when I was in police uniform (who needs that hassle) so now that isnt an issue and I had the new one put right on my right forearm!

6 months yesterday since Dennis passed away, and Rick and I were actually able to make it through the day without the tears...Rick is doing well and looking forward to each day again as a new blessing and open to all the possibilities.

Jim and I are a little uncertain these days...I believe he is a bit overwhelmed by what he calls my "busy life"....after all he was with the same woman for 37 years and never spent a single night without her...I have so many friends in so many places, and have been and done so much in my life that he gets a little insecure and then feels like he needs to run back to West Virginia (a couple hours away) and "think" about things....so of course that is just not working well for me, I try to be understanding of his feelings, and I wonder if perhaps he is just not ready for a new relationship yet...he says he has put her death in perspective and is ready to move on, but Im not so sure! We get along great when we are together, just the two of us, and we have taken a number of vacations and spent quite a bit of time together, but it seems he gets uncomfortable when we are with my friends, or somewhere I have been before and am familiar with...he says he is "old school" but I dont see how me having friends and a life challenges that for him! I guess he wants to be the "man" and wear the pants, LOL, and thats fine, but Im not sure he can deal with someone as independent, strong, and outgoing as I am...OMG I am too strong? NO WAY!

 

[Diane W.]

Jocelyn - congratulations on your gold points. I have not idea what that is . Sounds like a good time though. I've never played bridge. I should look into it. They have classes in the adult ed brochure. Last time I took tennis. Do you stay in a hotel the whole time you're in Arizona or do you have family there?

Robin - My niece lost 40 lbs. with WW when she was a teenager 20 years ago. She still follows the program and loves it. She's a 'lifetime' member since she reached goal and kept it off. She is always keeping track of her points. She takes her 7 yr. old daughter with her to her Saturday morning weigh-ins. When her daughter was about 3 I pointed to the words 'Weight Watchers' on the cover of the magazine and said what does this say and she said it. Pretty funny. She likes the Progress 0 point soups and if you have 1.5 pieces of Wh. Grain Melba toast, salad and lowfat dressing it can be a 0 point meal. I've learned from listening to her all these years.
Sounds like Jim is threatened by you. Just play it by ear. If you enjoy time together, maybe that's all that it will be.
I can't believe it's been 6 months since Dennis passed away. Time really does fly. I'm glad that Rick is celebrating life again.

Tomorrow I'm going on an 8 mile hike with the ADK club. It's rated B, so it shouldn't be too bad. The weather is supposed to be gorgeous.

Enjoy the weekend!

 

[Wisteria1956]

What a difference a day makes! I feel like we are back where we belong!

Robin: We missed you so much. It's a delight to hear what's going on with you. Jim needs to learn what his 'new normal' is after those 37 years. I can kind of relate when I let my mind wander to that possibility (which I promise isn't often) I can't imagine how I would live alone or with anyone else. Tom and I know with every word, every touch, every song what the other is thinking. We have our favorite things to do, to eat, to say, you get the picture. It would be a huge adjustment. I hope I don't have to learn what that feels like for a very, very long time. That said, I hope Jim sees that he can have a new chapter that is the new normal and that new experiences will only enhance his life.

Jocelyn: Have you ever been to Kartchner Caverns? It's not far outside Tucson and was one of the major reasons we went there in April. It was a spiritual experience for all 3 of us. It's completely paved and even wheelchair accessible if you didn't want to walk the tour. Visit the website if you get a chance. We'd go back there in a heartbeat. I put the book I bought at the giftshop where Tom can reach it from his chair so he can feel uplifted from time to time by looking at the pictures. He loves it.

Catching you up on yesterday the best I can: The surgery will be Oct. 29. We'll go in a day early. In the meantime we will have appointments with oncologists and again with the surgeon. We know the plan, we're satisfied with his answers and that's the first step. This cancer doesn't respond well to chemo or radiation, but both of those things will probably also be employed in the fight. Tom will be in the hospital for about a week. J-P is flying down to SF to meet me the day of the surgery. I'll have our other nephew pick him up at the airport. He'll stay with me for a long 4 day weekend. He'll then be back at Thanksgiving while his Dad is still recovering at home. Tom will be home for about a month.

Mom's making the best soup and we have volunteers coming to walk the dog, etc. while we are gone so we feel very supported. We're eating lots of veggies and fresh organic food.

Have a great day everyone and come back when you can!

 

[gettinhealthy]

Hi everyone!
Robin, so good to see you!! I was thinking you had left us!! So happy to have you back here. My friends have done WW with good results. I don't think it's too complicated. I have to agree with eating as close to natural/raw as you can.
As for Jim, he may feel set in his ways, and new experiences may be a bit difficult for him. Maybe he just doesn't do well with "crowds." I personally can talk with 2 or 3 of Mike's friends, but when there are a bunch, I pretty much just fall into the background.
I also can't believe it's been 6 months since Dennis passed. I am glad to hear Rick is doing ok.

Lisa, so happy that you are comfortable with this surgeon. I think of you guys each day and I am still praying. It is such a relief to know J-P will be able to be with you for those 4 days and again at Thanksgiving.
Your mom's soup sounds so good too!!

Jocelyn, good to hear from you as well. Good luck with your bridge tournament!! Sounds like it's a fun time. Enjoy yourself!!

Diane, hope you're having the same great weather we are!! Beautiful fall days and evenings!! The leaves are starting to look so pretty. May head up to camp and get some pictures of the elk and the leaves.

Tris has been doing well. A little pain from the D&E, but she is healing emotionally very well. I honestly think she knew from day 1 she was going to miscarry and prepared herself for it. Carrie went up last night to check on her. I will be calling her today also.

Today is IUP's homecoming, so getting ready to head to the parade. Bailey did very well last night with all the police around. Even the horse mounted policemen/women. She did do a quick bark as to say hello LOL. Tyson seemed to keep reassuring her that everything was ok. He is a seasoned pro now as this is his 3rd homecoming.