Did you accomplish anything today?

[talker]

Well, overall I got the world by the tail and the wind at me back, on a straight road. 
Ha, I suppose I could find a small complaint or two if I dug hard enough. 
Regards complaining though, if a purchased product gives a problem, I will write that company, and generally am very successful getting responses.
.
Brought out the material to 'pack' some 'O' size gelatin capsules. Had run low on Burdock herb capsules, and Ginger capsules.
Another person uses the burdock to help control blood sugar, I use the ginger for vertigo related control, and the burdock for kidney related issues .

talker

 

[cariad]

Dyl and I have inhabited the painting The Flower Carrier, photos have been taken and printed out and will be handed in tomorrow. As usual, it was a family effort, and while we probably could have got the angle a bit truer to the original, all told, I am amazed at how close we got to Diego Rivera's vision. What's more, aside from a straw fedora for £3 at a charity shop, we were able to use all items and clothing that we already owned.

Oddly, I do feel like I have a special connection to that painting now, like I know what it feels like to be there, if only for a brief moment in time. Things like the weight of the basket and the discomfort of the pose will be on my mind whenever I look upon that artwork again.

[willowtreewren]

Dyl and I have inhabited the painting The Flower Carrier, photos have been taken and printed out and will be handed in tomorrow. As usual, it was a family effort, and while we probably could have got the angle a bit truer to the original, all told, I am amazed at how close we got to Diego Rivera's vision. What's more, aside from a straw fedora for £3 at a charity shop, we were able to use all items and clothing that we already owned.

Oddly, I do feel like I have a special connection to that painting now, like I know what it feels like to be there, if only for a brief moment in time. Things like the weight of the basket and the discomfort of the pose will be on my mind whenever I look upon that artwork again.

I think this was an awesome assignment!

I had a fruitful Mother's Day. We went to Lowes to buy flowers and returned home much poorer. Then had a wonderful chat with my daughter. Afterward I planted most of the aforesaid flowers and then showered off the traces of potting soil and grime. Then I went for a visit with my dad. After that it was into Knoxville for a book club meeting followed by dinner with friends. Yes, I'm feeling like it was a very good day.

Aleta

[cariad]

Wow, Aleta! Sounds more like a week of activities to me!

[cariad]

Rescued a baby bird today, requiring full family participation.

I was talking to Gwyn in the kitchen when he noticed Romeo zip by in the panicky way cats do when they suspect they're doing something wrong. Gwyn asked, 'Is that a bird?' and pulled a baby sparrow out of the corner. Showed the kids, put it in a box with a cloth from the garage. I researched wildlife rescues centres and the nearest one was over 30 minutes away and on the far side of Coventry. Bar none, Coventry has got to be the worst city in existence to drive. I can get instant sympathy from anyone here just by saying "I had to drive around Coventry today." My driving instructor told me it was home of the Suicide Roundabout but he couldn't tell me which one it was, and certainly any one of them could be a solid contender for the title. I really did not want to go bombing over to this remote town, and I had already had a glass of wine, but Gwyn was in no condition and the person at the wildlife rescue place said that the bird would die if it were left on its own because it was too young.

I've been to these sorts of places before, so I told the kids they were going to ask for a donation, so the boys each brought a few pounds (Dyl enthusiastically, and Aidan somewhat begrudgingly). Surprisingly, when we got there they showed us through to the back, the kids were delighted because they had baby foxes there, and they checked the bird over, said its leg was not broken but I think there was a bit of blood on its wings, and invited us to visit sometime in the future for a tour. The older man said "You'd be surprised what we have here." Since they were so polite and did not pressure us in the least for any funds, I gave them a few quid and let the boys keep their cash. The drive back was marginally easier but only because the roads were so empty. Boys are going to be knackered tomorrow but  at least they have an heroic story to tell their friends.

[cariad]

Made it through work. I am never supposed to be left alone in the shop, but I sort of was today, and I was not at all happy about it. The chef was there, but she doesn't know how to make the drinks, nor take orders (yes, that part is easy, it's just knowing what questions to ask without having to stand there for minutes at a time reading the menu). As annoyed as I was to have no backup in place, especially as I had about 5 tables walk in at once, I managed and now am enjoying that accomplished/exhausted feeling.

[Jean]

Found an awesome recipe for strawberry bread and a friend brought us strawberries yesterday, so, into the kitchen I go, SOON!! After all, it is only 2 PM and I just finished breakfast. Bob and I both had the flu and it was rather nasty, The Dr. sent us cough syrup with codeine in it and that works quite well, except that I cough for half an hour afterwards. So, from all the coughing, I have a terrible headache and the blood vessels in my nose are all leaking, so each nose blow produces, rather ugly stuff. Plus, of course, my back aches all the time. Wait, maybe I will go back to bed and make the bread tomorrow.

[Sugarlump]

Strawberry bread? I am intrigued... please share recipe and results with us 

[Jean]

Sugar, yes, strawberry bread.... awesome. So I use a large measuring cup and slice up 3 cups of strawberries. then add 4 beaten eggs and 3/4 cup of vegetable oil. In a large bowl, it's 3 cups of flour, 2 cups sugar, 1tsp baking soda,2 tsp of cinnamon,  mix well, add the berries and stir to combine. Into 2 bread pans, which you have greased, and into the oven at 350 for 45 to 50 minutes, sometimes longer. I also add a couple of serving spoons of sugar to the berries. I have made this twice now and it is just amazingly delicious. I let it sit in the pan for about 15 minutes, take it out and let it cool. Well, unless my hubby manages to smell it and then it get cut and buttered almost immediately, hahaha.

[cariad]

Oooh, that bread does sound interesting. Wonder if it would work with raspberries as we have a cup of them in the fridge that are too soft to eat.

Went to work, strangely calm all day, did not get overwhelmed at all. Stood in the *pouring* rain waiting for Dyl at his school, got home and immediately changed into pyjamas and chucked soaked clothes in wash. Made crepe batter with our sour milk, had a glass of wine, called the Electoral Registration office to see if Gwyn had registered to vote (he had, so I sent him off to vote for our MEP). We had fried eggs in crepes for dinner, followed by melted chocolate with Kelly's clotted cream and strawberry ice cream (the best store-bought ice cream around) in crepes for the boys (only had enough batter for two crepes left).

About to sit down with family to watch Strange Hill High. Where is that thread about television that you don't want to admit that you adore....?

[cariad]

Survived my first day back at work after a week off. The day just refused to go smoothly and I didn't sleep terribly well last night. I am trying something new, only drinking wine at weekends (if I can pass it up - I just so look forward to my glass of red each night). I know alcohol is terrible for sleep, and I am so diabolically sensitive to everything that I know even my glass or two is largely responsible for my frequent inability to sleep through the night.

We are planning a joint birthday party for the boys in July, with an Independence Day theme. Aidan's best friend's mother offered to help me plan it. I hope she realises what she has just done: I almost always take people up on offers of help unless it's something ridiculous (like when my overworked, pregnant friend who already has 3 kids offered to come over and clean my house when I was ill. True story.) I'd like to get to know this boy's mother better as our kids are inseparable, and I'm always up for making a new friend.

[willowtreewren]

Ooooh, how I would love a glass of wine, or a margarita. It has been over two years now - drat that Lyme!

I had a busy day. After eating my own breakfast I went to my dad's nursing home to feed him his breakfast. He is unable to do so on his own and my brother and I are taking turns feeding him as we are far more successful in getting him to eat than the nursing staff. After leaving there, I swung by the Print Shop to pick up some printing for school. BUT, on the way, I cut  corner too closely and jumped a curb. When I got out of the car to inspect the situation (at the print shop) I found that I had not only scuffed up the rime, but chopped a chunk out of the tire!

I drove to school where Carl was working. He didn't want me driving the car as he was concerned that it might blow. So we went home for lunch in the truck. Then Carl drove me over to my dad's again so I could feed him lunch. After that, we went to school and picked up the car to take it in to have the tire replaced. Then it was back to school. We are having to pack up all our personal belongings (35 years of accumulation), before we sell the school on July 1. After a couple hours of work at school, we picked up the car, then went home for dinner. After dinner I went to feed my dad again (did I mention that my brother is our of town for a few days and I'm in charge of all the meals until his return?)

When I got back from feeding Dad, I made a bee line for the pool for some "relaxing" exercise. My Lyme disease has flared up and I can't get too strenuous, but it is lovely to exercise at a leisurely pace.

Tomorrow I have a meeting in Knoxville for lunch so Dad will just have to allow the nursing home staff to feed him. I'm sure he will be VERY hungry by dinner time.

Aleta

[cariad]

I cleared out my IHD inbox! Finally!

[MooseMom]

WTW, I'm really sorry to hear that your Lyme disease is still bedeviling you!  It's so hard for me to believe that you have been battling this for over two years.  I'm glad you were able to get in a swim; you certainly need some relaxation!

[willowtreewren]

WTW, I'm really sorry to hear that your Lyme disease is still bedeviling you!  It's so hard for me to believe that you have been battling this for over two years.  I'm glad you were able to get in a swim; you certainly need some relaxation!

Yes, MM, it has gotten quite bad lately. I knew that stress was a big no-no, and experienced the results first hand. When we were getting my dad transitioned into Hospice, I was really stressed and WHAM! That pesky Lyme came roaring back. My doctor had switched one of my antibiotics to penicillin back in February and I had noticed a gradual decline. Then I was knocked right off my feet by the stress. I couldn't walk from the family room to the bedroom without being totally winded.

I'm still very weak. I emailed my Lyme doctor and he switched me back to Ceftin, but I may have to go back on the IV in order to get back to where I was. I will probably never be rid of the Lyme.
Amazing what havoc a tiny little tick can wreak.

Aleta

[MooseMom]

I'll probably never be rid of the Lyme.

Really?    I mean, is it really a possibility that you'll never be rid of it?  I don't even want to imagine that.  Has your Lyme doctor ever mentioned that you may have to cope with this for years to come?  This combined with the stress of having to go and feed your dad must be really difficult.  I'm so sorry.  I hope you can engineer some stress free time for yourself. 

[Sugarlump]

I bought a lovely long lilac dress today, for Ladies Day at Newmarket (have a little lilac fascinator too) and a wedding a fortnight after.
It makes me feel like a million dollars which is all that matters! 

[willowtreewren]

I bought a lovely long lilac dress today, for Ladies Day at Newmarket (have a little lilac fascinator too) and a wedding a fortnight after.
It makes me feel like a million dollars which is all that matters! 

That sounds wonderful! I love getting a new frock that makes me feel beautiful! Good on you!

 

Really?    I mean, is it really a possibility that you'll never be rid of it?  I don't even want to imagine that.  Has your Lyme doctor ever mentioned that you may have to cope with this for years to come?

It is a very strong possibility, MM. Lyme spirochetes have a way of "hiding" in hard to reach crevices (bones, joints, organs like the brain, heart, etc.) where the antibiotics can't reach. Then when the immune system is under stress, they come out to play again. The hardest thing has been going fro a basically VERY healthy person one day, to someone who is chronically "ill." I'm still fighting the little buggers and I may get lucky. But truthfully, many people with chronic Lyme just have to keep it in remission as best they can. I would be very happy to have my energy back and lose the headache. But, if August gets here when I see my Lyme doctor again, and I haven't reached those goals, I'll be going back on the IV antibiotics.

Even so, I try to stay positive. That sure beats the alternative. 

Aleta

[Sugarlump]

Have had my three year old granddaughter to stay all week!
Just keeping up with her is hard work, especially as she awakens at 5.30am most days!!! 
But we have managed horse riding,bike and clothes shopping,zoo,more horse riding and baking cakes so far!!!
Wish I was three again!!! 

[cariad]

I worked a closing shift at work. Arrived at my usual time and my coworker was feeling rough so I offered to stay later so that he could go home early. He was extremely grateful even though I told him that it benefits me since I was forced to take the past 5 days off, it's nice to have the chance to recoup a bit of salary. It was really slow today until he left, then a party of 5, a party of 4, and a party of 3 all walked in at pretty much the same time. They all wanted coffees and cakes - this takes ages. Somehow I muddled through with a bit of help from the chef, and everyone was brilliantly understanding about it all. I also paid the baker £75 cash for a cake for my boys' party in mid-July, so one less expense to worry about.

[Sugarlump]

Baked a ham today in treacle, mustard and brown sugar. Absolutely scrummy! 

[willowtreewren]

Tell me about how much energy 3 year olds have! We had 14 of them in our class last year.....it wore me out!

I have managed to go to the nursing home twice today to feed my dad breakfast and lunch (I'll go again to feed him dinner), have done three loads of laundry and gone to the grocery store.

Uh, and took a long nap! 

 

Aleta

[Sugarlump]

Four hours of ok dialysis, coffee with a friend, made salad for dinner and read a chapter of my book...
I usually fall asleep after dialysis so feeling well impressed 

[Pod99966]

I peed in a cup. 

My urologist wanted a sample at the office the other day and I laughed at him. So he sent me home with a cup and said I have to have it back to his office within 1/2 hour of filling. So I got up this morning and held it while I got dressed, then I did the deed, got it the car and drove to his office as fast as I could. The receptionist looked at me and I said "Here, it's hot off the press".

I feel like I really got something big done today.   

[This story could only be appreciated on a forum full of dialysis patients]

[Sugarlump]

 

That would probably take me all week!